Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is the loving presence of Christ made real through the care of his people. It means offering listening, support, encouragement, and prayer to those in need, trusting that God meets us in our joys and challenges. One writer describes pastoral care as “Christians offering help and caring to others in their church or wider community through listening, supporting, encouraging, and befriending.”
While pastoral care often includes visiting those who are ill or homebound, it is not limited to moments of sickness. At times in life such as grief, transition, stress, spiritual questioning, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we all benefit from prayer, presence, and compassionate conversation. Everyone is in need of pastoral care at some point, and St. Mary Magdalene is here to walk with you through those moments.
Visits, Home Communion, and Presence
Our Rector and pastoral team regularly visit parishioners in hospitals, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private homes. For those who are unable to attend Sunday worship, Home Communion is offered so that you may remain connected to the Eucharistic life of the Church even when you cannot be physically present at the altar.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacramental rite through which God’s grace is given for healing of body, mind, and spirit. This sacrament is available to all who are experiencing illness, facing surgery, dealing with chronic conditions, or nearing the end of life. It is not limited to imminent death but is appropriate at any time of serious need.
At St. Mary Magdalene, Anointing of the Sick may be requested individually and is also offered publicly during worship on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent. These seasons provide particular opportunities for the community to pray together for healing, strength, and comfort.
Private Confession and Reconciliation
The Reconciliation of a Penitent, commonly called confession, is offered as a meaningful spiritual practice to help individuals experience God’s mercy and forgiveness. In the Episcopal tradition, confession is a gift, not an obligation, and can be especially helpful for those seeking spiritual renewal, struggling with sin, or returning to the Church after time away.
At St. Mary Magdalene, opportunities for confession are offered seasonally in the church, typically during penitential times like Lent and Advent, and may also be arranged by appointment.
Pastoral Conversation and Prayer
Sometimes what we need most is a listening ear, thoughtful conversation, and focused prayer. Our Rector and pastoral team are available for confidential conversation about life’s challenges, faith questions, and spiritual concerns. When you feel the need for prayer, please let us know. We are glad to spend time with you, seeking God’s presence and grace together.
Intercessory prayer is a vital part of our shared life at St. Mary Magdalene. When you or a loved one is in need of prayer, we invite you to share those concerns. Prayer can take place privately, during a pastoral visit, or within the prayer life of the parish.
How to Reach Us
As a loving and caring community, we encourage parishioners to be attentive to the needs of others. If you or a member of your family is hospitalized, recovering at home or in a care facility, or simply in need of pastoral support, please notify the church.
To request a visit, Home Communion, anointing, confession, pastoral conversation, or prayer, please contact:
Church Office:
📧 office@marymag.com
📞 816-331-2222
Rector:
📧 frdavidwilcox@gmail.com
We are here to walk with you in all seasons of life, trusting that Christ’s compassion and grace sustain us always.
Remembrance Garden
The Graden provides a place of peace and focus for loving remembrance and prayer. It is a beautiful place of peace, not only for for those who may come to walk the labyrinth or who may come to remember departed loved ones, but also for anoyone in search of a place to reflect and pray.
- The Labyrinth: The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness and is a metaphor for our spiritual journey. The Labyrinth can be used in many ways–for meditation, reflection, prayer, centering, healing, and simply enjoyment.
- The Columbarium: The columbaruim is a consecrated structure within the Remembrance Garden containing niches for the placement of beloved ones’ cremated remains.
- Granite Engraved Memorial Blocks: The Memorial Blocks honor those in our lives who showed us the way–spiritual friends, pastors, godparents, grandparents, family members and others. The blocks are permanent markers, reflecting the impact they made on our lives.
Growing Our Church for God’s Work
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