When To Get In Touch With The
Church Office Or The Clergy

Before Going Into The Hospital -

It makes no difference whether you are going to the hospital for major surgery or for a routine checkup, notify the church office before you go. The clergy and lay visitors call on our parishioners at Morton Hospital to offer prayers or to bring the sacrament of Holy Communion. They also visit patients in hospitals in the Providence and Boston areas.

When A Baby Is Born -

The birth of a baby is one of God's greatest miracles, and we like to rejoice with the parents in the hospital after a child is born. We want to pray for God's blessings upon the child, as well as make preliminary arrangements for baptism.

When You Decide To Be Married -

Whether you are planning to be married at Saint Thomas or elsewhere, your clergy can help to enrich your engagement period by joining with you in conversations as you look ahead to your life together. It is also wise to talk over the plans for the wedding day as far ahead of time as possible.

When There Is A Death In The Family, Or If Death Is Imminent -

The church is thanked for its ministry to the dying and to mourners perhaps more than for any other service we render. The earlier the clergy are called in, the more helpful they can be in bringing a growing realization, or a renewed awareness, of God's love in one of life's more painful moments. It is good to have time to consider helpful thoughts for funeral arrangements.

When You Would Like To Talk Or Pray About A Difficult Decision -

The big decisions in life are so important that they should be "talked out and prayed through." Your work, getting married, a change of jobs, etc., are all included. God never intended us to make these decisions alone and often your clergy can bring new light to the problem. At any rate, they stand ready to discuss the matter with you in confidence, friendship and prayer.

When You Desire the Sacrament of Reconciliation -

The Confession, or "Reconciliation of a Penitent" (Book of Common Prayer, page 447) has been part of the Anglican tradition from the earliest days. Much strength for living comes by the unburdening of one's guilt to a fellow human being who can give you the wonderful assurance of God's love and forgiveness. You are guaranteed that whatever you say will never be repeated by the priest. The clergy are always available for appointment by calling the Church Office.

When Alcohol And Drugs Become A Problem For You Or Someone You Love -

The alcoholic or drug addict is a sick person who needs help just as a person who is to undergo surgery or who has a terminal illness. We can and want to be of help to the sick person and the family by assisting you in finding the best and right kind of help.

Before You Consult Your Lawyer -

If you are contemplating separating from your spouse, those who take the Christian view of marriage seriously would want to talk through the situation with one of the clergy staff. If you are about to make out your will, those who have been gladly supporting the church during their lifetime are usually grateful to be reminded of how they can continue to give after their death by means of a provision in their will.

When You Have A Question Of Faith or A Religious Experience -

Both doubt and mystical experiences can be equally unnerving. Spiritual direction is one of the skills of the clergy. Books, tapes and individual counseling are available when one has reached a crisis point in his or her relationship with God.