What is Pastoral Care?
The ministry of caring resides at the heart of the church's life. At St. Michael's, pastoral care includes celebrating life’s joys and sharing life’s sorrows.
Pastoral care includes hospital visitation, counseling, and ministries of shared presence, listening, and support.
Pastoral care is coordinated by the clergy and also includes the ministries the whole community who respond to human need.
On this page you will learn about the ways we seek to serve through the ministry of Pastoral Care.
Prayer List
The Prayer List is published weekly in eNoticias, and read aloud each day during Morning Prayer on Facebook. Many of our members include the prayer list in their own practice of prayer as well.
You may request to add yourself, or a friend or family member at any time using a prayer card available at church or by contacting the parish office.
If you would like to list another parishioner, please know that we need their consent to have them on the prayer list. For any questions, reach out to a clergy member. To add or delete a name, contact Codey Morales.
Clergy Visits
At St. Michael's, the clergy are committed to visiting anyone who lets us know they need a visit. If you end up in the hospital, or unable to get to church, please let us know. One of us is always “on call." You can reach us in the parish office at 505-345-8147. After hours dial "8" to be connected to the clergy on call. If you don't reach us right away, do leave a message and we will get back to you quickly.
Additionally, clergy make time to meet with folks one on one. We’re happy to talk, to offer informal spiritual direction, and prayer. We can also offer the service of “Reconciliation of a Penitent” (popularly known as “Confession”).
The clergy at St. Michael's also have a great network of referrals. We, ourselves, are not trained Social Workers or Therapists; but we do often make referrals to trusted colleagues for that kind of help.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
St. Michael's has a team of trained lay Eucharistic Visitors to bring the sacrament of Eucharist to those who are hospitalized, homebound, or in nursing homes. Those engaged in this ministry are licensed by the bishop after completing special training. Lay Eucharistic Visitors ensure those who are home bound receive Communion once every four to six weeks. If someone you know would like to receive Communion regularly, reach out to the parish office (contact information below).
Meal Ministry
Did you know there is a group of people ready to make dinner if you’re unable to cook for yourself for a period of time? St. Michael's members who are sick, recovering from surgery (or the birth of a child) or homebound are invited to get in touch with the parish office, and we will alert the coordinators and our meal volunteers. You can also get in touch if you’d like to help cook.
House Blessing
Occupying a new home can be a joyous occasion. The clergy are available to help sanctify your new home by offering a blessing on behalf of the church.
Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child
The clergy are always delighted to come to the hospital the day of or after childbirth, or to a home soon after an adoption, to offer a brief service of thanksgiving. It is particularly appropriate to include any siblings and close family members in this joyous occasion.
Get in Touch
Contact a Member of the Clergy if you or someone you know is in need of pastoral care.
Any clergy member can connect you to the right ministry. We rely on you to let us know when you need a visit. Click here for the Clergy and Staff directory. In case of emergency, call the parish office 505-345-8147. After hours dial "8" to reach the priest on call.