Shepherds and Eucharistic Visitors
Our Shepherds and our Eucharistic Visitors carry one promise to parishioners who cannot be with us on a Sunday, so that illness, distance or circumstance never separates anyone from the life of this parish.
You are not forgotten
St. Francis Cares takes its inspiration from Saint Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he urges us to do good to everyone, and especially to those of the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
About St. Francis Cares
Two companion ministries, working alongside the clergy
St. Francis Cares exists to offer spiritual, emotional and practical support to members of this parish during any season when they are unable to come to church.
It is carried out by two ministries that work alongside one another and alongside the clergy. One keeps a person company. The other brings them the Sacrament. Many parishioners serve in both.
The first
A Shepherd
In touch at least twice a month
A Shepherd is a lay member of the parish who keeps in regular touch with someone who cannot attend worship, whether by telephone or by visiting them at home.
The work is unhurried and consists mostly of listening. Shepherds let the parish office know about each call or visit, so that the clergy are kept informed.
The second
A Eucharistic Visitor
A visit at least once a month
A Eucharistic Visitor, whom we call an EV, is a lay member licensed by the Diocese of Florida to carry the Sacrament from the Sunday liturgy to those who could not be present.
This is a sacramental ministry before it is anything else. The bread and wine consecrated at the altar on Sunday morning are taken that same day to a bedside or a sitting room, so that the person receiving them is folded back into the worship of the whole congregation.
Worth saying plainly
An EV does not replace the pastoral visits of the clergy, and an EV is not there to counsel, to solve problems or to give advice. What is carried is the Sacrament and the presence of the community. Where a conversation turns toward matters that need a priest or a deacon, an EV will gladly help make that connection.
Who receives these visits
Three groups, all of them assigned by the clergy
The clergy assign a Shepherd, and where it is appropriate a Eucharistic Visitor, and they let the parishioner know that someone has been asked to keep in touch.
Those who are unable to attend for a set period, because of illness or another reason.
Those who are not able to attend at all.
Those who do come to church, but who would welcome regular contact between Sundays.
Serving in these ministries
What is asked, and what is provided
Who may serve
You should be at least twenty-one years old, a communicant of St. Francis in-the-Field, and approved by the clergy, having completed Safeguarding training and attended the ministry training.
The training
Shepherds are trained in one morning session each year, covering how to make a first telephone call, how to listen well, and how to walk alongside a person over time. Eucharistic Visitors are licensed through a one-day instruction offered by the Diocese of Florida, and the licence lasts five years.
Nobody serves alone
Many people serve in both ministries. No previous experience is needed, and you will never be sent out on your own without preparation or support.
To ask, or to offer
To request a Shepherd or a Eucharistic Visitor, for yourself or for someone you love, please use the St. Francis Cares request form. If the need is urgent, telephone the parish office on 904.615.2130 rather than waiting on a form.
Request a Shepherd or Eucharistic VisitorIf you would like to serve in either ministry, please email the parish office.
I was sick and you visited me.Matthew 25:36