When to Call the Church Office


Too often clergy learn second-hand about illness, family problems, spiritual crises or personal trauma. To those who respond that they don't want to add to the burden of their clergy, let it be said that by alerting them you allow the clergy to exercise a particular ministry to which they have been called.

If you are experiencing any of the ten situations below,
PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH AND SPECIFICALLY ADVISE THE CLERGY OF YOUR NEED.

Before going to the hospital

When alcohol or drugs become a problem for you or someone you love

If you are having marital or family problems

When a baby is born

When you would like to talk or pray about a difficult decision

When you know of someone in need of spiritual help

When there is a death in the family

Before someone leaves for college or the armed services

When you are spiritually depressed

When you want to share a thanksgiving

 

There are, of course, other reasons to call your clergy. The important thing is to remember that they are here to serve you. They are never too busy or burdened to do that. But clergy are not mind readers, and will usually not "guess" what you are experiencing. You need to tell them.

 

 

Adapted from the newsletter of St Andrew's Cathedral Jackson, Mississippi and from St. John's of Lafayette, IN.