Overview
The essence of pastoral care is getting to know people deeply; it is the practice of caring for the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of others.
Saint Philip’s has a variety of pastoral care offerings. Some activities are carried out remotely while others engage people face-to-face. A few offerings involve gathering with a group and some efforts are carried out individually.
There are one-time engagements and some commitments are on-going. A diverse range exists so that both volunteers and recipients can find what suits them best.
Contacts
Pastoral Care Commission Chair
Deacon Tom Lindell (tlindell@email.arizona.edu)
Pastoral Care Commission Vestry Liaison
Elizabeth Wood (lizwood1325@gmail.com)
Pastoral Care Staff Liaison
Fr Matthew Reese (matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org)
CareLine 520-971-3551
Need to speak with someone? Facing hospitalization/rehab? Have a loved one struggling mentally or physically? Want to discuss end of life /Last Rites? Feeling lost and alone or uncertain about what to do? Want help finding resources?
Call the CareLIne to speak with clergy who will listen confidentially and without judgment, provide spiritual guidance, offer pastoral visits and follow up, pray for and with you, and recommend help in the community.
Condolence Writers
Volunteers care for the bereaved by mailing a handwritten card and offering resources within the parish community, as well as beyond the church. If you know someone who would welcome a card, please contact Kiki Cheney (kiki.cheney@stphilipstucson.org).
Elder Care Ministry
Volunteers call or email parishioners who are 80+ years old and unable to attend in-person worship services. These check-ins help maintain a connection and let them know someone cares.
Contact John Koza (jdkoza007@gmail.com).
Fiber Guild—knit, pray, love
This group gathers at 10:30am on Saturdays in the Julian Room.
The Guild’s primary mission is to create prayer shawls for parishioners and their loved ones who are ill, bereaved, or going through a difficult time. Shawls are blessed by clergy throughout the year and then distributed during in-person pastoral visits.
This group also creates hats and scarves to donate to the Seaman’s Institute of New York’s Christmas at Sea project.
All levels of crafters are invited; seasoned pros are happy to teach newbies. Donated yarn and needles are available to those who need them.
Contact Helene Woodhams (helenewoodhams@comcast.net) or Linda Dewey (ldewey2020@gmail.com).
Health Cabinet
This group is comprised of health professionals and two clergy—all of whom are members of the parish. The group designs programs to promote the health, education, and well-being of Saint Philip’s parishioners.
Contact Molly Ettenger (mollye52@yahoo.com).
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
These volunteers minister to individuals at home and in hospitals. Contact Deacon Tom (tlindell@email.arizona.edu).
Safe Place
This group offers a confidential, non-judgmental space to discuss challenges associates with mental health. Participants offer each other strength, love, and support.
This group meets 12:00pm-1:30pm every Friday via Zoom.
Contact Cheryl Mason (cherylannemason@aol.com).
San Pasqual’s Cocina
Preparing a meal can be challenging when experiencing loss, illness, or just too much life! Volunteers help during these times and offer the blessing of food and prayers.
Contact Deacon Susan Erickson (susanerickson27@gmail.com).
Stephen Ministry
Trained volunteers offer non-emergency, confidential support for people going through life crises, such as the death of a spouse or child, grave illness, loss of a job, or other such challenges.
Contact stephenministry@stphilipstucson.org.