All of us have times in life when we need a bit of extra support – a listening ear, a friendly face at the door, someone to pray with us or Holy Communion brought to you.

The Pastoral Team is here to offer gentle, confidential support to anyone in the parish who would find it helpful. We work alongside the vicar and ministry team to help make sure that people know they are not forgotten or left feeling alone if they are unable to come to church or take part in church events.

Who is the Pastoral Team for?

Our pastoral care is for anyone in the parish or connected with St. Mary’s, whether or not you are a regular churchgoer.

People often ask for support when:

• finding it hard to get to church
• feeling isolated or lonely
• living with illness, frailty or disability
• going through a bereavement or other loss
• getting older or less mobile
• facing changes in family or work life

You do not need to be in a “crisis” to ask for support. Sometimes a simple visit, phone call or prayer can make a real difference. 

What the Pastoral Team does

Depending on your needs and preferences, the team may be able to offer:

• Home visits – a friendly visit at home or in a care home
• Telephone support – call to check in and offer encouragement
• Listening and prayer – time simply to talk, with the offer of prayer
• Home communion – for those unable to attend church

We always try to work alongside your own support networks, not instead of them. Our aim is to complement the everyday care offered by family, friends and neighbours. 

How to ask for a visit or support

If you, or someone you know, would value a visit or other support from the Pastoral Team, please:

• email the team at pastoral@stmarysgoldington.uk
• or speak to a member of the ministry team

Safeguarding, training and confidentiality

Pastoral care is a privilege and a responsibility. To help keep everyone safe:

• Team members are appointed by the parish and work under the oversight of the Vicar 
• All team members are DBS-checked and complete appropriate Church of England safeguarding training. 
• Some members have undertaken additional training in listening skills, boundaries and confidentiality, or come from professional caring backgrounds. 
• The team holds to high standards of confidentiality; things will only be shared within the team where it is necessary to arrange the appropriate support you need. Your needs or matters discussed will not be shared outside of the team unless there is a concern about your safety or someone else’s, or you ask us too.

For more information, please see our Safeguarding Page

Could you join the Pastoral Team?

We are always glad to hear from people who feel called to this quiet, behind-the-scenes ministry of visiting, listening and prayer.

Team members:

• are people of steady faith and compassion
• are willing to listen more than they speak
• are happy to work within the parish’s safeguarding and supervision arrangements
• receive initial training and ongoing support

If you would like to explore whether this might be for you, please speak to the vicar or Susan Lane in the first instance. 

Pastoral Team – Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as counselling or therapy?

No. Our team offers friendly, prayerful support and a listening ear. We are not trained counsellors or therapists, and we’re not a crisis service. If it seems that you might need specialist support, we can help signpost you to other organisations.

Is there a charge for a visit?

No. Pastoral care is part of the ministry of the church and is completely free.

Can I ask for home communion?

Yes. If you are not able to come to church and would like to receive Holy Communion at home or in a care home, please let us know.

Can I refer someone else to the Pastoral Team?

Yes – with their permission. It’s always best if the person knows and is happy for us to get in touch. In some situations (for example if someone is very frail or unwell), we may first speak to a close relative or carer.

Will what I say be kept confidential?

Yes, as far as possible. Team members take confidentiality seriously, but there are limits to this, for example, if there is a serious concern about your safety or someone else’s.