Good Shepherd is a community that cares for her people. Over time, several groups have come into being because of the spiritual needs of our parishioners. We look after those who anticipate going into the hospital, who are infirmed, or may be experiencing grief. Listed below are some of the many ways we are involved and what one would think about when it comes to our pastoral care.

Prayer Group - Every month a dedicated group of what we call our "Prayer Warriors" gather in the library to address the prayer needs of our parishioners, their families or acquaintances. They celebrate in the miracles that occur when prayers are answered and ask for God's guidance and protection to be upon all those who show up on the monthly prayer requests.

Contact: E.K. Beall

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) - Every week we send out trained volunteers, two by two, who extend the love of God to the lives of parishioners and friends unable to worship with us in person on Sundays. They take with them the Blessed Sacrament, along with their smiles and caring attitudes in order to make those they visit feel connected with the life of the Church.

Contact: Maggie Buonarosa

Knit1, Pray2 - It is the tradition of Good Shepherd to bless the "Prayer Shawls", so delicately woven, on the altar, the first Sunday of every month. A team of dedicated volunteers will knit one shawl, but pray too, with the making of this touching gift. Shawls are taken to those parishioners and friends in the hospital, at times of need. Knowing that they have been blessed by the Priest and prayed upon stitch by stitch by the volunteer, they say there is a sense of hope that comes over them as they hold onto it.

Contact: Deloris Clowney

Holy Rollers - "Can't get to church", you ask. If finding transportation is problematic for you when desiring to come to church and worship, simply call the church and a volunteer will set up a time of convenience for your pick up and delivery.

Contact: Paul Buonarosa

Priest Visit - One of the most overlooked provisions of pastoral care, yet the one most assumed is the visit by the Priest. When a person is scheduled to go into the hospital for a procedure, too often the individual overlooks the need to call the Church and inform the Priest, yet the assumption is that they would somehow know about it, in some way. The Priest, the Prayer Team, LEVs, Knit1-Pray2, and Holy Rollers are all a team, working together. Calling the Priest for a pre-surgical procedure has been said to be a most comforting experience, soothing the soul prior to an anxious time of uncertainty. Whether it be the routine examination, a knee replacement, removal of a gall bladder, or anything else, it would benefit you to consider making this contact as soon as possible.

Contact: Fr. John Lawrence, Fr. Bob Miller, Fr. Len Brusso or Fr. Calvin Davis

BetteAnn Janes, Pastoral Care Chair

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 941-735-0506