An overview
EDITOR’S NOTE: Fr Peter Helman oversees and manages Saint Philip’s Pastoral Care Ministry. Below, he offers an overview of this outreach and some important details.
Pastoral Care is the lifework of Christian community, the ministry of presence we each embody—of being with and alongside one another in times of crisis and celebration. Among the many informal ways we live daily into this shared ministry, the church—through its trained and licensed lay ministers, priests, and deacons—is always available to you in confidence regarding any matter and in a variety of life circumstances.
From prayer partners and Eucharistic Ministers, to home and hospital visitors, to grief recovery and mental health peer-support groups, your Saint Philip’s community is here to support you in body, mind, and spirit. Please never hesitate to reach out, regardless of the nature of your need.
Beginning the pastoral conversation (Non-Emergency)
If you need help in a non-emergency, call the office at 520-299-6421. It is open 8:30am-4:30pm Mondays-Thursdays.
When you call the office, ask to speak with one of the staff clergy. If no one is available when you call, someone will phone as soon as possible and work with you to identify how Saint Philip’s can be present to your needs. Some options include prayer, a visitation, or Holy Communion.
Crisis Pastoral Care (Emergency)
When faced with a pastoral emergency, call the Pastoral CareLine at 520-971-3551 at any time of the day or night. Some examples of an emergency are being near death or in the hospital, having a crisis of faith, experiencing significant loss, or having a mental health crisis.
This line is answered by staff clergy on a rotating basis at all hours of the day or night. Do not hesitate to call if you or someone you care about is having an emergency or crisis and needs to talk with someone.
Should you need immediate medical support or face another crisis that requires professional assistance, always call 9-1-1 first. There are also help lines that specialize in certain crises, such as mental health, suicide, domestic violence, substance abuse (listed below.) After contacting one of them, then call the Pastoral CareLine at 520-971-3551.
If you call the Pastoral CareLine regarding an emergency after hours, and no one answers, call again 5 minutes later.
NEVER try to communicate with us about a crisis or emergency through email or social media.
Should I call?
A situation may be important but not urgent. In that case, please call the office during business hours or the Pastoral CareLine at 520-971-3551. If you do not reach a member of the clergy, please leave a message that includes your name, your number, and the nature of your need.
If you are unsure if the situation you face is an emergency, please err on the side of necessity and call the Pastoral CareLine (520-971-3551). The priest on call will help find the best course of action.
Again, always remember to call 9-1-1 or one of the hotlines listed below to address a medical emergency or other crises that requires immediate professional assistance. These include suicide, domestic violence, or substance abuse.
Community-Wide Crisis Line 520-622-6000; 866-495-6735
Crisis Text—text “HOME” to 741741, anytime, any crisis, anywhere
Suicide Prevention (800-273-TALK)
LGBTQ Youth (Trevor Project) (866-488-7376) or text “START” to 678778
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault/Safety (520-795-4266; 888-428-0101)
National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE)
Circle of 6 Safety App (Free Download for IOS or Android) – This app lets you build a circle of six friends or trusted people to quickly call on when in danger and need help, in a bad situation with someone else, or when you need to reach the authorities. With one touch, the app pings your trusted friends or emergency services with your request for help, along with your current location so they can find you.