PASTORAL PORTFOLIO

The overall purpose and goal of the Pastoral Groups is to provide a more immediate, personal and intimate care for all those in our Parish. With such a large congregation, the priests and lay ministers cannot possibly have a meaningful ministry to each parishioner, but the Pastoral Area Leaders or Co-ordinators are able to share the important pastoral care of parishioners with them in the following ways:

• Organize the circulation of the Pastoral Cross among the families in the Pastoral area,
• Make contact with parishioners in their areas via telephone, sms, email or personally at least once a quarter,
• Report generally on people and events in the Pastoral Area once a quarter, at a Co-ordinator’s meeting,
• Liaise with the Parish Office regarding family/individual needs and ministry requirements, e.g. hospital visit, prayers, grief counseling,
• Deliver post not collected from the Church after three weeks,
• Send birthday, anniversary, Christmas, sympathy wishes from the Parish,
• Drop off a card if not seen at church for a while,
• Co-ordinator to notify LM if communion requested or Counsellor if needed
• Establish a home cell or home communion group if possible

Please be aware that some families may not want to take part in the activities of the Pastoral Areas, for various reasons. This should be lovingly respected. Also cultural expectations should be taken into consideration. Notice should be given of visiting where possible.

Pastoral groups should ideally be no more than 22 families to preserve the personal contact.

Name and address lists are being revised and will be distributed to all so that you know which Area you belong to. An appeal is made to all in the Parish to embrace this way of ministry.

This does not mean that you cannot contact or approach the clergy, lay ministers, counsellors, Church Office or Church Council members directly if you wish to. You will always be heard and taken care of as best possible.

 PASTORAL MINISTRY TEAMS

The following persons at St Francis of Assisi may be contacted for more information on this ministry: