The Care Ministry at All Saints’ is a quiet one, depending on volunteers and requires no fundraising. It consists of care given to members of the parish by members of the parish. Sometimes called “love on a plate” or “love on wheels,” this ministry might mean providing meals for a family in crisis or one with a new baby, driving someone to an appointment or to church, babysitting for a few hours, shoveling snow, picking up groceries or taking someone shopping, or just visiting. These are short-term needs, limited to a few weeks’ duration.
Volunteers are always needed to be a part of the Care Ministry.
When a need is identified, usually by one of the clergy, volunteers are contacted and invited to participate. Each volunteer can decide what fits their schedule. In many cases, a care calendar is set up that specifies what service is needed, alerts the volunteers to special conditions like dietary restrictions, and provides schedules, reminders, locations, and driving directions.
If your skills run to needlework, know that there is always need for prayer shawls—knitted, crocheted, woven, sewn. These are given as a gift from the parish to people who are hospitalized, housebound, or facing a hard time of some sort. A prayer shawl can provide literal warmth and comfort as well as a virtual hug of support and a reminder of the community that is holding its members in prayer. Shawls should be easy to care for, machine-washable and dryable.
Do you need care?
If you are in need of a hot meal or a ride, contact our Care Ministry at (773) 561‑0111 and we will help coordinate that assistance.
Our clergy are available to visit you and to be present with you and your family members during times of illness, surgery, and hospitalization. In addition, they are available for pastoral conversations, crisis intervention, and to hear individual confession. They can provide referrals for counseling and other resources as needed.
If you would like to add a name to our community prayer list, we welcome your prayer requests.