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The intent of pastoral care at St. Andrew's is to celebrate life's triumphs and joys while also sharing one another's burdens and sorrows. We do this to fulfill God's command to love one another as God loves us. People in our parish are all part of one large parish family. We seek to connect parishioners within the St. Andrew's community to provide a network of care and concern in times of need. Pastoral care of the parish is a central focus of the clergy and staff at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Pastoral care includes leading the congregation during worship, administering the sacraments, providing pastoral presence and spiritual direction during times of crisis or joy, and visiting parishioners who might be home bound or hospitalized.
Here at St. Andrew's we have a Support Committee that does exactly what the name implies: provide a helping hand in times of need due to illness, hospitalization, or grief. Prayers, thoughtful notes, meals, and transportation are some of the ways in which support is offered by a large number of dedicated lay people. If you are in special need, please alert the parish office at (703)-455-2500 so that we can reach out to you. In case of a pastoral emergency during non-office hours, please call (703)-231-4050.
We want to know how we can help. Do know that our clergy are always available to listen, offer support and comfort, and spiritual direction. In the time of illness, injury or death, our clergy can be by your side to administer the sacraments of the Church. We also have Lay Eucharist Ministers who bring communion following a Sunday service to those who are known to be homebound or unable to attend Sunday services. Every Sunday at both services we pray by name for those who are known to us who are sick, or in any sort of need.
Please contact the church office to place your name or the name of someone you care for on the prayers of the people list. If you are giving the name of someone other than yourself, you should make sure that person wants to be included on the prayer list. Prayer request cards may be placed in the offering basin, given to the church office, or submitted online. The St. Andrew's Prayer Guild also pays close attention to the names on the parish prayer list and responds to requests for prayers for individual needs and concerns. |