Pastoral Ministries
Also see Service Ministries & Guilds »
Pastoral care is the way in which we take care of one another, emotionally and spiritually. The clergy staff are leaders in this ministry, offering presence in time of grief and loss, sickness, need or any other adversity. At St. Alban’s our members engage in pastoral care by getting to know each other, by listening and sharing, and being mindful and attentive when someone is in need. This may 
mean taking a casserole to someone, visiting in the hospital or by being part of a group dedicated to pastoral ministries of prayer, healing or team care organized around a person’s specific needs.
Caring for one another is at the heart of our parish life.
Eucharistic Visitors (EVs)
One way to be the people of God outside our church as well as inside is by taking the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend services. EVs are trained at the parish level and licensed by the Diocese to bring Communion to people in their homes, in hospitals, and in nursing homes, making them a part of our Eucharistic fellowship and community. Consider sharing the joy of receiving the Eucharist with others. Contact: EV Coordinator Ann Ramsey-Moor, 410-750-7074, cadenzas@earthlink.net
Healing Ministers
This ministry grows from the belief that the Church exists to bring God’s healing and wholeness to all—personally, collectively and globally. The prayers and laying-on-of-hands for healing during worship services provide an “outward and visible sign” of what happens in our relationship with the Holy One and with each other. Healing ministers know it is God who creates healing moments and acts in them; it is the team’s calling to bear joyful witness to these moments and to be God’s hands. Discernment, a course of study, self-examination, prayer, collaboration with other team members, and a conversation with the Rector prepare parishioners for this ministry. Contact: Nancy Williams, 301-654-2447 (h) or n.u.williams@verizon.net
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a group of people committed to praying for those who have needs, concerns, joys and thanksgivings to bring before God. They commit to daily prayer for those who are remembered in the parish prayers and for any who desire prayers for themselves or for others. The group communicates (primarily) via e-mail and (occasionally by) telephone. The rewards of praying together daily are rich, even though we pray in separate places. This group is actively seeking new members. Contact: Nancy Williams, 301-654-2447 (h), n.u.williams@verizon.net
Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry is a 35-year-old success story for more than 9,000 North American congregations, and now it is part of St. Alban's pastoral care. Selected Stephen Ministers receive extensive training and supervision to provide spiritual and emotional support for parishioners facing difficult life changes. They express Christ’s care for others—listening and comforting, calling on the training they have received and employing the tools of faith. These caring relationships are strictly confidential. If you would like to know more about being a Stephen Minister, or if you think you might benefit from supportive home visits, contact the Stephen Leaders at 202-363-8286: David Johnson, x210, davidj@st-albans-parish.org; or Jo Turner, x219, jot@st-albans-parish.org.
Transportation Ministry
This is a ministry that matches parishioners in need of rides to and from worship services or critical appointments (e.g. doctor appointments) with parishioners available to help out by driving. If you’d like to be on the roster to receive occasional calls for help, contact the Reverend Scott Benhase, 202-363-8286 x201, scottb@st-albans-parish.org.