Pastoral Care Ministries

Clergy and laity share responsibility for pastoral care at St. Michael’s. We are a caring community of people ready to reach out to one another in times of adversity, and we encourage one another as we grow as the body of Christ. We provide pastoral care through Care Teams, one-on-one support, and walking beside one another during difficult times.

Our clergy are available for prayer and pastoral care for all sorts of situations. People who are experiencing a crisis, have been admitted to the hospital, or just need some Christian counsel and direction are always welcome to call or email and make arrangements to visit with a priest.

Prayer Shawls

Being comforted by the prayers of the people of St. Michael's is a sacred experience, and a Prayer Shawl can take that comfort even further. Knitters and crocheters provide warmth and peace through beautiful, cozy prayer shawls, which are blessed in prayer while being made and blessed by the congregation of St. Michael's before being distributed by our Care Teams to those in need of comfort and a warm embrace.
Click below to learn more about this ministry.

The Caring Freezer

The Caring Freezer provides meals to members of the St. Michael’s family who need a little help for various reasons. The need may be based on a temporary situation such as a family illness or death or an ongoing situation where a home cooked meal would be most welcomed. If you need a meal, please contact a member of the clergy. If you can help stock the freezer with meals such as casseroles, stews, and soups which can be easily defrosted and heated, we are most appreciative.

Meals can be: Frozen store-bought, home cooked/baked and then frozen, or pre-assembled. Serving sizes of 2-6 are most needed. If you would like to prepare a meal, please follow these 3 easy steps.

1. Package well to avoid freezer burn. Use either a well covered disposable casserole dish (8x8 or 9x13) or a freezer bag.

2. Label the meal with the following information: Printable Meal Labels or use a self-adhesive meal label that is located on the Caring Freezer.

3. Deliver the meal to the Caring Freezer in the main level kitchen.

Questions? Contact the Caring Freezer Coordinator, Bev Raider, at dbraidercolo@comcast.net.

Mental Health Resources

Do you need help? Does someone you know need help? St. Michael’s has curated a list of local and national resources for a wide variety of needs. Please remember that when you ask for help - it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Click below to be directed to our Mental Health webpage for resources and up-to-date information about getting mental health help.

Counseling

The clergy of St. Michael’s are able to walk beside parishioners during difficult and challenging times and provide spiritual support with up to three private sessions. After the third session, the clergy may refer you to a highly recommended professional counselor or therapist. If finances are prohibiting you from seeking professional help, please contact a clergy member who can provide financial assistance.

Grief Support & Resources

Are you experiencing grief and feeling hopeless? Our clergy are equipped to help and provide the resources you need. As a well resourced community, there is someone who has been in your shoes and walked the same road you are walking. Please contact the church office to speak to one of our clergy members.

Talking to children about grief and loss

• Resources to help talk to a child about grief.

• Supporting children (ages 3-6) experiencing grief.

• Books for children about death and loss.

• Supporting grieving preschoolers.

Need further assistance? Email support@stmikeschurch.com and someone will respond to you as soon as possible. Please include your contact information when sending an email.