PAST AND ON-GOING EVENTS / ACHIEVEMENTS
A number of events have taken place at St James’ each year as part of our support to the community, one being hosting outside speakers to help us explore various pastoral issues.
Two memorial services are held each year. A service for bereaved parents is held during June or July and a memorial service is held in November for deceased relatives and friends.
In addition, members of the team support and assist Fr David at funerals.
A Dementia Café known as ‘St James the Great Memory Café’ takes place on the first and second Tuesday of each month from 2.00pm – 3.30pm providing music, refreshments and entertainment to the wider community in a safe and comfortable environment.
A list of helplines and counselling services are available in the church porch and on the Parish website enabling people to access these services should they so wish.
FUTURE EVENTS
- Training and support in various aspects of pastoral needs continue for the members of the Pastoral Care Team.
LINKS IN THE PARISH
Where appropriate, the team endeavours to work in conjunction with other parish groups and individuals when they are working in a pastoral role.
Epsom Mental Health and Well-Being Festival
St Mary’s University Mental Health Questionnaire
AIM
The aim of the Pastoral Care Team is to provide a ‘safe place’ for those in need providing relevant, effective and accessible Pastoral Care and support services within our community based on Christian insight and values. It’s about caring for and sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows of life. It is listening, responding, praying and giving practical support but always done with God’s love in the forefront. The very existence of the team, in common with other groups in the Parish underpins the bigger notion that as a Christian community we should all be active in caring and supporting one another.