Pastoral Care & Prayer
 "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die." John 6:51
Pastoral Care is at the heart of Saint Benedict's mission. As a community of faith, this ministry is concerned with nurturance and wholeness of all individuals in the congregation. Care may include hospital visitation, taking Communion to the infirmed, consultation with the Vicar or the ministry of support given by and between others in the parish, be that the clergy or trained laity, at a time of crisis or life change.
Currently, St. Benedict's is organized to provide the following care to congregants:
Eucharistic Visitation
Sometimes illness and injury keep individuals from church on Sunday. St. Benedict's Eucharistic Visitation program is designed to take Holy Communion to those who are not able to attend Eucharistic services.
We have a group of trained Eucharistic Visitors. These individuals are licensed by the Bishop to share Holy Communion with shut-ins, the infirmed and ill. Contact Lesley-Ann Drake if you, or someone you know, would like Holy Communion at home.
Contact the Lesley-Ann Drake if you are interested in becoming a Eucharistic Visitor.
Manna Meal Ministry
Significant life changes, both happy and sad, can throw everyday activities into chaos. While a good warm meal can be good for the soul, the preparation of one can be just too much to bear.
Whether it is recovery from surgery, the arrival of a child, illness, or just feeling overwhelmed with life, the Manna Meal Ministry at St. Benedict's provides meals to those in our parish who need some relief.
If you, or someone you know, would like a meal prepared and delivered, please contact Lesley-Ann Drake.
If you would be willing to prepare and/or deliver meals to other parish members from time-to-time, please contact Lesley-Ann Drake.
Pastoral Calling
Sometimes a friendly, caring voice and a listening ear can be balm for a troubled soul. Pastoral callers are lay and clergy persons who bring the gifts of presence and prayer to members of the church during times of need.
If you would like a visit, please contact the Lesley-Ann Drake.
Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent
The Episcopal Church has a Sacramental Rite called "Reconciliation of a Penitent". This private and confidential Rite offers a penitent (person with sin seeking forgiveness and reconciliation) a formal pastoral setting to confess and offer penance to God in the presence of a Priest. The Priest offers counsel and proclaims absolution. Such Rite often follows Pastoral counseling.
Contact the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham if you are interested in receiving this Sacrament.
Pastoral Counseling
The Episcopal Church offers counseling at time of need or crisis (e.g. marital, grief, anxiety, depression, spiritual, etc.) through professionally trained counselors. Most counselors are licensed in the State of Georgia as marriage and family therapists or in social work. Many are certified as members of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors ("AAPC") a professional association with standards for care and counseling. The counseling center is located in the Lanier House on the grounds of the Cathedral of Saint Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd., Atanta, GA. 30305. Counseling is offered on a fee basis yet many insurance policies may provide coverage. Your gift to the Vicar's Discretionary Fund can be used to offer assistance to those who need financial help.
Prayer
Prayer is like breathing for the soul. There are times in life when prayer feels like breathing, the most natural thing in the world - and there are times when even saying the Lord's Prayer is too difficult. At St. Benedict's we are happy to pray with you, in times of joy as well as in times of sorrow -and at all the times in-between. Our clergy and trained lay people welcome your request. You can contact us by phone (678-279-4308), by e-mail, or you can complete the online Prayer Request Form.
Daughters of the King
St. Benedict's has an active chapter of the Daughters of the King. This is an Episcopal ministry for women. To be a member of the Daughters of the King, a period of discernment is required, followed by life-long vows to follow the Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service.
To find out more about Daughters of the King click here for the national website. If you are a member of the Daughters of the King and wish to join the St, Benedict's chapter, please contact Tracy Efaw.
Assisted Living Communities
The Pastoral Care ministry of St. Benedict’s reaches out to three (3) different Assisted Living Communities. Each month we lead a short worship service, comprising hymns and prayers. All parishioners are welcome to attend! The residents are often hungry for interaction and conversation; a few minutes of your time can brighten their day. We also work with the St. Benedict’s Episcopal Day School to find meaningful ways to include the children in this outreach endeavor, from cookie decorating to singing to piano solos. The worship schedule is:
First Wednesday each month – 3:30PM at The Court at Vinings
Second Monday each month – 3:30PM at Woodland Ridge
Third Wednesday each month – 3:30PM at DelMar Gardens
Contact Lesley-Ann Drake if you have any questions.
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