In our baptismal covenant we commit ourselves to: "proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ" and "to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor, as yourself'. Lay pastoral visiting provides the opportunity to put this promise into action. The St. James' Lay Visitors make an important contribution to parish ministry.
They reach out to those members who are not able to attend regular services or be active in the life of the Cathedral. Through this contact, their faith is nurtured. Our shuts-ins receives regular telephone calls and visits.
At Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, the lay visitors also deliver flowers and plants from the Cathedral, to those who are homebound, living in long-term care facilities or in hospital. This ministry supplements the pastoral care and visits by the clergy for administering the sacraments. Recently the need for home visits has declined, but we are ready to respond if this changes. The emphasis now is on visiting at the Toronto Jail.
Our visits to the Toronto Jail occur on Monday afternoon, where we visit inmates on the special needs unit and those in protective custody.
Again, this year some of the inmates entered their artwork in the Art Exhibition. We supplied them with basics such as paper, pencils and pencil crayons. These small items provide some diversion from the boredom and harshness of prison life.
We provide support, offer hope, and encourage them to look to God for strength to change their lives. We acknowledge the harm they have caused to individuals and society and must be accountable. They also may be hurting and in need for caring and compassion.
Frequently we see how they discover their faith and grow spiritually. The devotional material and the Sunday service leaflets contribute to their knowledge. On their release, we can continue the support through our Drop-In, provide clothing and assist in their integration. We also receive letters, expressing their gratitude.
At this year's volunteer appreciation dinner, two of our volunteers received pins recognizing 5 years, one for 3 years and one for 1 year of service.
We welcome new volunteers and since this ministry is considered medium risk, an interview process is necessary. The work is demanding and challenging, therefore we have regular support meetings and debriefing sessions. We work under the supervision and support of the Chaplain, Volunteer Coordinator and Psychiatric Nurse of the jail, and Vicar of the Cathedral. The ministry is coordinated by the parish nurse.
In our baptismal covenant we commit ourselves to: "proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ" and "to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor, as yourself'. Lay pastoral visiting provides the opportunity to put this promise into action. The St. James' Lay Visitors make an important contribution to parish ministry.
They reach out to those members who are not able to attend regular services or be active in the life of the Cathedral. Through this contact, their faith is nurtured. Our shuts-ins receives regular telephone calls and visits.
At Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, the lay visitors also deliver flowers and plants from the Cathedral, to those who are homebound, living in long-term care facilities or in hospital. This ministry supplements the pastoral care and visits by the clergy for administering the sacraments. Recently the need for home visits has declined, but we are ready to respond if this changes. The emphasis now is on visiting at the Toronto Jail.
Our visits to the Toronto Jail occur on Monday afternoon, where we visit inmates on the special needs unit and those in protective custody.
Again, this year some of the inmates entered their artwork in the Art Exhibition. We supplied them with basics such as paper, pencils and pencil crayons. These small items provide some diversion from the boredom and harshness of prison life.
We provide support, offer hope, and encourage them to look to God for strength to change their lives. We acknowledge the harm they have caused to individuals and society and must be accountable. They also may be hurting and in need for caring and compassion.
Frequently we see how they discover their faith and grow spiritually. The devotional material and the Sunday service leaflets contribute to their knowledge. On their release, we can continue the support through our Drop-In, provide clothing and assist in their integration. We also receive letters, expressing their gratitude.
At this year's volunteer appreciation dinner, two of our volunteers received pins recognizing 5 years, one for 3 years and one for 1 year of service.
We welcome new volunteers and since this ministry is considered medium risk, an interview process is necessary. The work is demanding and challenging, therefore we have regular support meetings and debriefing sessions. We work under the supervision and support of the Chaplain, Volunteer Coordinator and Psychiatric Nurse of the jail, and Vicar of the Cathedral. The ministry is coordinated by the parish nurse.