The AECST | Pastoral Care

Hospital/Shut-In Visitation
The Clergy and Parish Office should be immediately informed of persons who have been hospitalized. Persons going into the hospital for tests, surgery or treatment should offer this at God's altar, the Sunday prior to entering, at the end of communion.

Lay persons trained in calling are available to minister and visit shut-in parishioners. These persons offer a continuing relationship of sharing and caring contact with the ill and the full body of Christ at St. Thomas. The clergy and Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMS) will provide the shut-in with the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMS) are chosen and trained and licensed by the Diocese to assist the clergy in taking communions out to shut-ins following the Sunday Eucharist. The LEM's may be accompanied by other members of the congregation who feel the spiritual call to participate in this ministry. Interested persons should speak to the Rector about the requirements for becoming a LEM.

Healing Service
A Healing Service is offered on fifth Sundays at the regular service of worship, which includes anointing with the oils of healing. A person may come to the altar rail following communion at any Eucharist for special prayer.

Funerals (Requiem Mass or Burial Office)
The death of a parishioner should be reported immediately to the St. Thomas clergy, who will meet and make all the necessary arrangements for the church. Recognizing that this is a Rite of Christian Passage that all of us will undergo, advanced preparation is recommended, i.e. the selection of service, music, lessons and/or other readings, in addition to the preparation of wills and arrangements with a funeral director. Assistance with this advance preparation can be obtained from the clergy.

No active member of the congregation will be denied a funeral from the church.

A Columbarium is available for ‘burial in the church. Niches are available for purchase by members of the congregation who are desirous of cremation. Inquiries should be directed to the Church Office for referral.