Pastoral Care

St.Mary's offers pastoral care to church members and parishioners in a variety of ways. Much of the pastoral care is informal, as a church family we befriend, support, care and pray for one another. The Life Groups play an important role in caring for the needs of each other, as in this context relationships are strengthened and there is the opportunity to open up honestly in a safe environment and seek prayer support.

There is a Pastoral Team, comprising qualified and licensed ministers, that meets regularly to discuss wider church issues, ascertain needs and to arrange pastoral visits. The Pastoral Team is supported by a number of Pastoral Visitors who are trained to visit church members and those who request a visit in the wider community.

It is hoped that there is no-one who goes without support or drifts away from church without at least someone being concerned for them and following up.

We encourage mentoring, particularly of new and younger Christians who can meet up with a mature Christian for prayer, support and encouragement. We use the '4Life' material which was written by our former Curate, Rev Mark Powley, and is now published by Cell UK. Newly converted Christians are usually joined together in a newly formed Life Group, often following on from Alpha.

If you would like a visit, or to talk with someone, please contact the Vicar or the Parish Office.