Pastoral Care

Spiritual Direction is the Christian practice where one person seeks spiritual guidance and support from a trained and gifted listener. To learn more about spiritual direction and accompaniment, contact Cindy Wiley.

Centering Prayer is an ancient Christian form of silent prayer that is ideal for these pandemic times. St. Mary’s Centering Prayer group meets each Tuesday morning at 11:30 am. The group meets in a hybrid format. If you want to attend in person, please come to the new chapel at St. Mary’s. The chapel is on the 3rd floor of the Drennen House directly across from the elevator and stairs. For information and Zoom link, contact John Kennedy.

Contact Cissy Hartz to add yourself or a loved one to our parish prayer list or to receive a copy of the prayer list.

The Order of the Daughters of the King® (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We have made a commitment to Jesus as our Savior, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We are an Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. Today our membership includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches.

Stephen Ministers are trained to provide Christian caregiving to individuals in our church and the community, with the understanding that while they are the caregivers, God is the curegiver. It is a ministry of listening and presence, walking through life’s difficulties in a one-on-one relationship in complete confidentiality. Stephen Ministers are members of the congregation. They come from all walks of life and they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people in time of need. Stephen ministers offer care to people who are hurting. When paired with a care receiver, Stephen ministers typically meet with that person once a week for about an hour. Stephen ministers are available to help you walk through any crisis - job loss, divorce, illness, grief, or simply the world weariness of life’s current uncertainty to listen and to pray with you.

The Stephen Ministers of St. Mary’s-On-The-Highlands ask everyone to be aware of those around you. Someone may not share in the festive spirit of the holiday due to loss, stress, or depression. It might be someone close to you, or even yourself. 

As Christians, we should always be mindful of others. Here are a few behaviors that might signal the need for compassion.

Tiredness or lack of energy

No longer enjoying activities that you previously liked

Persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness

Change in personal relationships

Change in sleep patterns

Change in appetite, or weight loss or gain

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Difficulty working

General irritability

It’s never too early to help.

The simple act of presence could prove an enormous comfort to those in distress. Our trained Stephen Ministers are available with a listening heart. Just as importantly, all discussions are completely confidential.

To learn more, call St. Mary’s Pastoral Care Coordinator, Cindy Wiley, at 205-933-1140 or e-mail her at cindy@stmarysoth.org, and help those who might otherwise be forgotten this holiday season. 

We would like to add your name to a list of pastoral caregivers whom the church regularly contacts to respond to parishioner needs, including telephone calls, emails, meals, prayers, cards, transportation, and visits. You will also choose to participate in regular pastoral care meetings. To learn more about all of St. Mary’s caring ministries, speak with vestry member Emily Rushing or Cindy Wiley. To be added to a list of caregivers or to express a personal need, contact Cissy Hartz in the parish office.

Designed to welcome our youngest members, the Guild of the Christ Child visits families with newborns. On behalf of the entire parish, the Guild offers a small present for the child and a dinner for the family.