The Church of the Holy Apostles

When to Contact the Clergy:

There are many occasions when clergy can be of enormous help to individuals and families, sharing joys and sorrows, and offering spiritual support during crises. Here are some of the times when you should contact either the Rector, The Rev. Katrina Grusell:

BEFORE GOING TO THE HOSPITAL:When we know about a hospitalization, clergy and lay visitors will call on parishioners to offer help, friendship, prayers and sacraments. Hospitals DO NOT notify churches of hospitalized parishioners. As soon as you know about a hospitalization please call the church office or have a family member call.

WHEN A PARISHIONERS BECOMES UNABLE TO ATTEND CHURCH: Whether due to illness, injury, or the infirmity of age, arrangements can be made for visits by clergy and Lay Eucharistic Ministers as part of our regular visitation program.

WHEN A BABY IS BORN: The birth of a baby is one of God’s greatest miracles. Prayers of thanksgiving and a blessing upon the child and the parents are appropriate immediately following a birth.

WHEN YOU DECIDE TO BE MARRIED: Whether you are planning to be married at Holy Apostles or elsewhere, your clergy can help enrich your preparation for marriage by joining with you in conversations as you look ahead to your life together. Also, you should start discussing 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 it renders. The sooner the clergy are called in, the more helpful they can be in bringing you, in one of life’s most painful moments, a growing realization or a renewed awareness of God’s love. It is also good to have time to consider helpful thoughts for funeral arrangements. Remember, too, that parishioners who wish to pre-plan arrangements are welcome to do so, and should talk with the rector.

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 about and prayed through. Your work, getting married or divorced, a change in jobs, are all included. Your clergy can bring new light to the situation, and the rector stands ready to discern the matter with you in confidence, friendship, and prayer.

WHEN YOU WISH TO MAKE A CONFESSION: You have an absolute guarantee that your confession, when given to a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, will not be repeated to anyone by the clergy. 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.

WHEN ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BECOME A PROBLEM FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE: The alcohol or drug dependent person is ill and needs help, just as a person with any illness needs help. Clergy can be of help to individuals and the family, finding the best and right kind of assistance.

WHEN YOU HAVE A QUESTION OF FAITH OR A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: Both doubt and mystical experience can be equally unnerving. Spiritual direction is one of the skills in which the clergy have been trained. Individual direction and recommendations for resource materials are available when one has reached a crisis point in his or her relationship with God.