“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
St. Gregory’s Pastoral Care Ministries
Loss and Healing Support Ministry with David Potter - The Rev. David Potter leads a Loss and Healing support group for people who are dealing with loss. The Loss and Healing Support Ministry with David Potter will meet next on March 28 at 5:30 PM in the Youth Room.
About David Potter: David Potter is a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has served a number of congregations. He has also been a chaplain for VA Medical Centers in Minnesota and a spiritual care counselor for Hazelden Betty Ford and the Hanley Center at Origins. He currently serves as a Family Support Specialist for Futures Recovery Healthcare in Tequesta, FL. David is a member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton.
Heart-to-heart - Though not an “official” ministry, this is nonetheless crucial. Heart-to-heart ministry happens in and through the generosity of our church family members caring for one another in a variety of ways: bringing meals, offering transportation, check-in calls, visits, and much more. We are all called to heed Jesus’ commandment in this way.
Clergy calls and visits — Our clergy team meets each week to review pastoral needs and assign visitations and calls. They regularly visit people in hospitals, homes, retirement communities, nursing homes, and wherever else is needed. To schedule a call or visit, please call the church office at 561-395-8285.
Staying in touch with youth and families — Our Youth Minister, Gena Vallee, regularly touches base with our youth and families for routine check-ins. Additional calls or visits are made with those youth or family members experiencing special pastoral needs. When appropriate, issues of concern are shared with clergy for additional follow-up if needed/requested. CURRENT: Gena has conducted a number of outdoor visits with youth and families at their homes for in-person check-in time and will continue with this. For more information or to share a need, contact Gena Vallee at gvallee@st-gregorys.com.
Talking with Children and Youth about Traumatic Events - Please speak with Fr. Andrew, Fr. Ben, or Gena Vallee about resources to guide and support you in conversations with your children about traumatic events.
Gena Vallee - gvallee@st-gregorys.com Fr. Ben Thomas - bthomas@st-gregorys.com Fr. Andrew Sherman - asherman@st-gregorys.com
Stephen Ministry — A team of 15 trained Stephen Ministers work with their care receivers (usually up to one year, meeting generally on a weekly basis) for compassionate, Christ-centered listening and care in total confidence. Presently, all our Stephen Ministers are matched with care receivers. We hope to train more caregivers in the future. Pre-COVID: The majority of meetings between care receivers and caregivers were in person. CURRENT: Meetings now for the most part take place via calls or digital formats. For more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Fr. Andrew by email at asherman@st-gregorys.com; or, contact Carol Watson at watson@rider.edu.
Counseling Services — Counseling sessions are offered by Fr. Andrew and Fr. Ben with associate clergy assisting as needed/appropriate. Counseling services are generally conducted in person. Clergy may also refer to licensed therapists in the area when more in-depth, long-term therapeutic approaches are needed.
The Gentle Giant Foundation - The Gentle Giant Foundation was established to offer assistance to people seeking mental health services. In celebration of the powerful life of Dr. Doyle Patton, a skilled and compassionate clinical neuropsychologist, Gentle Giant was established with a mission of providing Compassionate Mental Health Care for Children and Families Experiencing Financial Hardship. For more information visit: DoylesGentleGiant.com or contact St. Gregory’s clergy:
Gena Vallee - gvallee@st-gregorys.com Fr. Ben Thomas - bthomas@st-gregorys.com Fr. Andrew Sherman - asherman@st-gregorys.com
Caring Callers — A list of our homebound parishioners and those with certain special needs is maintained at the church office. Caring Callers (often front desk volunteers) call periodically to check in with people on the list and to see if there are any updates, needs, etc. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Nancy Brooks at the church office at 561-395-8285 or via email at nbrooks@st-gregorys.com. Or, contact Fr. Andrew at asherman@st-gregorys.com.
Parish prayer list — A perpetual list is maintained and shared with the congregation during services, in bulletins, and other means. People on the prayer list are prayed for during Sunday and weekday services. Anyone desiring prayer support can add him/herself to the list. Parishioners can also provide names on behalf of others. For more information or to be added to the church prayer list, contact Nancy Brooks at the church office at 561-395-8285 or via email at nbrooks@st-gregorys.com.
Daughters of the King prayer list — Our Daughters of the King ministry also maintains a prayer list; anyone can be added to this list by request as well. DOK members regularly pray for those on the DOK list; they also pray for those on the church-wide prayer list. For more information or to be added to the DOK prayer list, contact Nancy Brooks at the church office at 561-395-8285 or via email at nbrooks@st-gregorys.com.
Prayer Shawl Ministry — Our Knitters Group creates beautiful prayer shawls that are regularly offered to those in need or for special occasions. Each shawl is lovingly and prayerfully knitted by members of this dedicated group. For more information or to request a shawl, contact Susamma Cherian at anitasherman561@gmail.com.
Birthday and Anniversary cards — Volunteers regularly send birthday and anniversary cards to all members who have registered these special dates with the church. If you or someone you know would like to add these special dates to the list, please contact Nancy Brooks at the church office at 561-395-8285 or via email at nbrooks@st-gregorys.com.
Flower Delivery — Flowers from the Sunday altar arrangements are fashioned into small bouquets and delivered to those unable to attend church. Lay Eucharistic Visitors, clergy or anyone visiting a homebound person may deliver these bouquets.
Clergy Discretionary Fund — Some funds are available for parishioners with temporary, emergency needs. Clergy meet and pray with those requesting assistance to make determinations about distribution of funds. For more information, please contact Fr. Andrew by email at asherman@st-gregorys.com or Fr. Ben Thomas at bthomas@st-gregorys.com.
Order of St. Luke Healing Prayers — Every Sunday, members of the Order offer special prayers (laying on of hands) for anyone who desires them. Those requesting prayers simply need to come to the altar in the Chapel during the time of Communion.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors — Trained lay members visit homebound parishioners and those temporarily unable to attend church to bring them Holy Communion.
Visit to Boca Rehab nursing home — A team of visitors from St. Gregory’s conducts a regular service at Boca Rehab to worship and pray with residents.
Temporarily Suspended Pastoral Care Ministries
Cancer Support Group — Fr. Emilio Rosolen leads this support group for those facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, those coping with cancer treatment, or those who care for them.
For more information about any of the above ministries, please contact Nancy Brooks in the church office at 561-395-8285 or nbrooks@st-gregorys.com.
A final reminder…Fr. Andrew, Fr. Ben, our clergy team, and our pastoral care leaders are here to help. Please reach out to us and let us know — on behalf of yourself or others — whenever there is a pastoral care need. We are all called to share in this vital ministry!