Licensed Eucharistic Ministers - distribute the Eucharist at the communion rail during Sunday service.
Licensed Eucharistic Visitors - bring the Eucharistic elements (bread and wine) to those who are incapacitated at home, hospital or extended care facility; make "house calls" to those who are new to the congregation, those who are ill in hospital or recovering at home, and any and all who are experiencing a transitional life event. The rector also blesses newborn babies in hospital or at home and all those who are ill, providing anointing for those who are dying, and blessing those who have died.
Laying on of hands, prayers for healing and anointing - after every service on Sunday, everyone is invited to the altar rail for the ancient ritual of laying on of hands and prayers for healing. Anointing with holy oils blessed by the bishop may also be used. There is also a Eucharistic healing service every Wednesday at 7 AM.
Young People - Tim Wong, Missioner for Youth and Young Families, is the first-line pastoral presence for our children and young people. Additionally, the members of the Middle and High School Youth Groups are given the cell phone numbers of the Missioner and Rector with the instructions to call if they are ever in a situation in which they feel uncomfortable or threatened, or have done something they fear may lead to adverse consequences and need a ride home - no questions asked.
Ministry of Prayer - As pastoral care is the heart of the church, prayer is its pulse. At St. Paul's we take prayer - in all of its various forms - very seriously.
- A parish prayer list is maintained and included in both Eucharistic services on Sunday and Wednesday, and the mid-week services of Evening Prayer. Our church is open Monday - Friday, 9 - 4, for prayer and meditation.
- We intentionally pray for those who have asked for our prayers, those we know to be in need of prayer in our faith community as well as those in the larger community.
- A prayer request book is kept in the Narthex of the church where everyone is invited to make their prayer requests.
- We pray for the spiritual leadership in our local, state and national government, the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church, and, on rotation, the churches in the Diocese of Newark as well as individual families in our congregation, those in our Prayer Shawl Ministry, and our Partnership with the Interfaith Food Pantry Network.
- We pray for national concerns and local, national and international crisis.
- We pray for those who are known to us who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and in thanksgiving for any other blessing.

When should I reach out to the church for Prayer or Pastoral Care?

If you or someone you know is . . .

about to have a diagnostic procedure, surgery or admission to hospital
gravely ill, or have a diagnosis with terminal implications
pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or about to have a baby
wishing your infant, toddler, child or self to be baptized or confirmed
feeling overwhelmed by the everyday demands of family life.
depressed, despondent or expressing violent or suicidal thoughts
feeling spiritually abused or neglected
curious about the Episcopal Church.
desirous of reception or confirmation into the Episcopal Church from another denomination.
questioning general or specific religious beliefs or values
experiencing marital discord, divorce or domestic violence.
newly widowed.
desiring marriage or remarriage.
addicted to food, drugs, alcohol or gambling.
the victim of sexual assault or rape.
the victim of incest or sexual abuse of any kind
concerned about gender identity or sexual orientation.
alone and lonely or find that there are needs that cannot be meet - a ride to a medical appointment, grocery shopping, managing your medical care, etc.
new to the congregation and have questions or concerns
about to move out of the area and want help finding another community of faith in another part of the country.
suddenly unemployed, underemployed, or in vocational transition.
seek discernment about your vocational ministry - as a member of the laity or as an ordained deacon, priest or bishop.
curious about the way in which you might be more involved and active in the church.
in need of prayer or a visit for any reason.

If you think you need prayer or pastoral care, you probably do.

In any case, please call the church 973 635 8085