Pastoral Care

St. Matthew’s is a caring community with a special interest in supporting members who are facing challenges and need our help – a card, a phone call, or a personal visit.  The Pastoral Care team calls / visits/ sends cards to members of our Parish to show them that they are remembered and loved by the community. While our main mission is to keep in touch, we have a number of other offerings designed to support people who are dealing with personal constraints. At Christmas time a little box of home made cookies is delivered. Flowers from the Altar are delivered to those who would like a little extra cheer; and frozen casseroles and other items are prepared to ensure that people arriving home from hospital can have a hot meal. All members are encouraged to take the 10-week Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program and all are expected to get an Ottawa Police Record Check before they begin visiting. Additional support is given by Canon Allen Box. New members are warmly welcomed. If you wish to learn more, speak with Mollie Spokes.

Healing Prayer at St. Matthew's

Are any among you suffering? They should pray.

Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

The Healing Prayer Team

Every Sunday at the 10 a.m. service, two parishioners — members of the Healing Prayer Team — stand near the pulpit. After they receive the Eucharist, they stand ready to offer prayers for healing and thanksgiving to any who wish to come.

How it works

After you receive the Eucharist at the 10 a.m. Sunday service, you are invited to approach the team (who will stand near the pulpit) to share anything that may be on your mind. You may sit or stand. The team members will listen to you and pray aloud. You are welcome to participate with your own words.

Although it may seem public, what is said cannot be heard except by the people involved. Healing prayer is confidential. It is never discussed amongst members, but you may choose to seek further support from the Rector.

Once all supplicants have come and gone, the two team members offer a closing prayer. Everything is left in God’s hands with faith that there will be an outcome.

What kind of prayers

People have asked prayers for themselves and loved ones who might be dealing with illness, grief, anxiety and the challenges of everyday life as well as joyful events. The Healing Prayer Team has offered prayers petitioning God for help, hope, strength, guidance and medical miracles.

The team has also given thanks when those prayers have been answered and also when wonderful things have happened, for example the birth of a child. Prayer is a powerful tool to help us through daily life. When it is shared, the prayer becomes stronger and more comforting.

If you or a loved one need help or support, or if you wish to give thanks, the Healing Prayer Team invites you to pray with them after the Eucharist during the 10 a.m. Sunday service.

Do not hesitate to approach the team members if you have any questions or comments, and speak to a member and/or the Rector if you are interested in joining the team.

St. Matthew's Prayer Chain

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:11-12

How the Prayer Chain works

The Prayer Chain receives prayer requests via written messages in the wooden prayer boxes at both entrances of the church; requests from the Rector; requests made through members of the Prayer Chain; and requests generated by members themselves.

The Prayer Chain supports those who are ill, healing, dying, facing challenges or suffering in any way.

The group also offers prayers of thanksgiving.

The Rector oversees both the Prayer Chain and the Healing Prayer Team, offering instruction and support as needed. The Prayer Chain treats all requests in confidence and with the utmost care and discretion just as the Healing Prayer Team commits all to God at the conclusion of each Sunday session.

Join the Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain welcomes new members.

 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering,

persevere in prayer.

Romans 12:12

 

Connect with us

217 First Avenue Ottawa,
ON K1S 2G5
Office: 613-234-4024

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Accessible parking and building access

Support Us

Visit St. Matthew's CanadaHelps profile to make a donation

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