Pastoral Visiting | Parish of St Mary's Stanwell and St Matthew's

A ministry of presence

Keeping us together in Christ

Illness, frailty, bereavement or a change in circumstances can leave us feeling separated from ordinary parish life. A pastoral visit is a simple way for the Church to draw near: to listen, to pray and to remind each person that they remain a cherished member of Christ’s Body.

Visits may be made by a member of the clergy or an authorised pastoral minister. Holy Communion can be brought by an authorised minister when this has been arranged.

“I was sick and you visited me.”Matthew 25:36

Who may ask?

Pastoral care wherever you are

Please contact us if you—or someone who has agreed that you may ask for them—would welcome support.

At home

For someone who is housebound, recovering from illness, living with frailty or simply passing through a difficult time.

In hospital

For prayer, conversation and sacramental care, subject to the hospital’s visiting arrangements. Ward staff can also contact the chaplaincy.

In residential care

For parishioners living temporarily or permanently in a care or nursing home, arranged with the person and the home.

A gentle encounter

What to expect

Every visit is shaped around the person’s wishes, health and circumstances.

ConversationTime to be heard without judgement and to speak about whatever is important to you.

PrayerSimple prayers, Scripture or silence, according to what would be helpful and welcome.

Holy CommunionFor those unable to attend Mass, the Blessed Sacrament may be brought by an authorised minister.

Further supportWhere appropriate, the visitor can help arrange a priest, Reconciliation or the Anointing of the Sick.

Arrange a visit

What should I tell you?

Only provide the information needed for us to respond safely and appropriately:

the person’s name and how to contact them
where the visit would take place
whether the person has agreed to the request
whether Holy Communion, Anointing or another urgent need is involved
any access, communication or health arrangements the visitor should know

Seriously ill or approaching the end of life?

Please telephone as soon as possible and explain that the request is urgent. Do not feel that you must wait until the final moments before asking for the Anointing of the Sick. If the person is in hospital, ward staff can also contact the hospital chaplaincy.