Division of Pastoral Care

Through the office of the bishops with their charge at ordination “to be in all things a faithful pastor,” and working alongside lay and clergy leaders, the Diocese of Texas offers a wide range of pastoral services to clergy, laity and those in communities within the diocese.

 

Listed below are a number of these pastoral services available to those who reside in the diocese.

 

Recovery Ministries (the description is below, but would prefer it to be moved up to this spot)

 

Safe Church

Relationships among people are at the foundation of Christian ministry and as such are central to the life of the Church.  Offering training and education for healthy and safe relationships through policies allows the Church to more fully demonstrate its love and compassion for children, youth and adults.  Contact: The Rev. Cecilia Smith, phone 512.478.0580.

 

Senior Adult Ministry

This ministry addresses the challenges of this growing population in our churches and communities by partnering and sponsoring events promoting healthier living for seniors:  everything from lunchtime educational events to Abundant Living Conferences at Camp Allen, to assisting local congregations to establish their own senior group, to offering assistance for our older citizens.  Contact: The Rev. Margaret Williams, phone 713.859.1258.

 

Deaf Ministries

Contacts:  Spiritual Advisor, The Rev. Tom Rardin; Lay Missioner, Erika Anzoldua, phone 713.861.5596.

 

Chaplains to the Retired

The diocese has five chaplains who minister in behalf of our bishops to over 200 clergy and approximately 98 surviving spouses within our diocese.  Our chaplains are the Reverends Don Legge and Roland Timberlake, Greater Austin area; Jim Alcorn and Ben Shawhan, Greater Houston area; and Jack Russell, all of East Texas. They keep in touch with the retired through personal phone calls, birthday cards, area lunches, and an annual Retreat for the Retired at Camp Allen.

 

St. James’ House

St. James’ House, celebrating 50 years of service to the diocese and community, offers independent living quarters for seniors and nursing home facilities. Contact: Merrilee Hawk, Executive Director, 4800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, TX 77520, phone 281.425.1227.

  

Community of Hope

This ministry offers training in pastoral care to primarily the laity to do a variety of pastoral care: hospital calls, shut-ins, Hospice, nursing home and hom visits. There is a 14-week training session, plus on-the-job training and supervision.  Many congregations in the diocese have Community of Hope lay chaplains who assist clergy in pastoral care. Contact: The Rev. Patsy Barham, St. Matthew’s , 214 College, Ave., Henderson, Tx  75965-1975 903.657.3154, and Warren Medke, phone 281.861.8145.

 

St. Luke’s Hospital Chaplaincy Service

St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, an institution of the diocese, has at the core of its existence, the chaplaincy service. This is a resource spiritually and emotionally to the patients, family members of patients, staff and congregations of the diocese.  In addition to its excellent Episcopal chaplaincy staff, this department offers continuing education for clergy and laity who wish to pursue full-time hospital chaplaincy.  Contact: The Rev. Gary Jones, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, phone 832.355.3258.

 

Episcopal Recovery Ministries

Recovery Ministries is focused on helping all who suffer from addiction find a healing path to recovery. The ministry is presently directing its resources toward men and women already in recovery but seeking a deeper knowledge and experience of God through the practice of prayer and meditation. A new alliance with Faith Partners can help parishes establish support teams to address addiction among their members and families. The ministry can also help direct clergy and family members seeking help. Contact: The Rev. Bill Wigmore at 512.422.6208.

 

Division of Spiritual Foundation

The mission of this service is “to promote spiritual growth across the diocese of offering educational and experiential opportunities in Christian spirituality through which we may personally and communally come to maturity, to the full stature of Christ, thus being equipped to discern and do God’s will on earth, as in heaven.”  There is a diocesan school for spiritual direction, and members of the commission are available to visit congregations within the diocese to do workshops and assist the clergy in this area.  Contact: The Rev. Stacy Stringer, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Dickinson, phone 281.337.1833.