The clergy of St. Mary’s share the responsibility of providing pastoral care for the people of our parish. Listed below are several of the most requested pastoral ministries, along with a brief summary of each item. If you would like more information about these ministries, or to make a special request for pastoral care, please contact the parish office (telephone: 804-784-5678; email: info@stmarysgoochland.org), and a member of the pastoral staff will contact you.
Holy Baptism – Membership in the Church is through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. A person of any age is eligible for this ministry. Godparents (sponsors) for young children are required. A member of the clergy will prepare the candidate (and/or parents and godparents) for the sacrament. St. Mary’s observes the appropriate liturgical days and seasons set aside for Holy Baptism.
Confirmation – Church members who were baptized in infancy and who wish to make an adult confirmation of their baptismal vows are invited to join an age-appropriate class led by the Rector and the Minister to Youth. The confirmation process for youth begins in grade eight and concludes with the Bishop’s visit in their ninth-grade year. Adult confirmands will be included in the Rector’s Inquirer’s Class, which is offered each year in the fall.
Reception – Members who have been baptized as adults, or who have been baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition, are received by the Bishop during the annual Episcopal visit for confirmation. Those who desire to be received are invited to join the Rector’s Inquirer’s Class during the fall.
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows – Members of the Episcopal Church who wish to reaffirm their baptismal covenant during the Bishop’s annual visit are invited to join the Inquirer’s Class. This ministry is offered to those members who have returned to the Episcopal Church after a period of absence or membership in another Christian Church, or to those who sense a need to make this form of reaffirmation.
Marriage – The sacramental rite of Holy Matrimony is a pastoral ministry to the members of the Church. Those desiring to be married at St. Mary’s should make their request known to the Parish Secretary, who will schedule the wedding (and rehearsal) date and make appointments with the clergy for the couple’s premarital counseling. The parish office will send a wedding policy statement and information forms to those who plan to be married. A minimum of one year as an active member of St. Mary’s is required prior to scheduling a wedding in the parish.
Burial – The clergy of St. Mary’s provide counsel and support for families of deceased members of the parish. Burial from the Church is encouraged, and the burial office may take place in either Little St. Mary’s or New St. Mary’s. Parish clergy will secure the services of an organist, and they will help the bereaved select hymns, readings, prayers, and other features of the service. Burial plots in the St. Mary’s churchyard are available for sale to members of the parish. Inquiries should be directed to the Parish Office.
Hospital Visits – The clergy of St. Mary’s regularly visit members of the parish who have been hospitalized. If you would like a visit for yourself or a member of your family please contact the Parish Office.
Home Visitation – Pastoral visits to homebound members of the parish is a ministry provided by St. Mary’s clergy. Please notify the Parish Office if you would like to receive a home visit.
Pastoral Counseling – The clergy of St. Mary’s Church offer pastoral care in the form of counseling to members of the parish. In addition, each member of the clergy staff is trained to refer members to qualified professional counselors in situations requiring further attention. Pastoral counseling visits take place during office hours at St. Mary’s, between 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Please contact the Parish Secretary or a member of the clergy for an appointment.
