Pastoral visiting
A friendly, prayerful visit at home, in hospital or in residential care—for conversation, prayer and, where arranged, Holy Communion.
About pastoral visitsChrist beside us
Care rooted in prayer and sacrament
Pastoral care is part of the ordinary life of our parish family. It means listening, praying and accompanying one another through the joys and difficulties of life, always respecting each person’s dignity and circumstances.
Our clergy and pastoral ministers visit those who are housebound, unwell, in hospital or residential care. Where appropriate, Holy Communion can be brought to those unable to come to Mass, keeping them visibly united with the worshipping Body of Christ.
“Lord, the one you love is sick.”John 11:3
How we can help
Pastoral and sacramental care
You do not need to wait until a situation becomes critical. Please contact us whenever you think the support of the Church would help.
Anointing of the Sick
Prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil for those who are ill in body, mind or spirit, facing treatment, frailty or death.
About holy anointing
Reconciliation
Also called Confession: a confidential encounter with Christ’s mercy, in which sins are confessed and God’s forgiveness is declared.
About Reconciliation
The parish gathered and sent
Holy Communion for the sick and housebound
When illness or frailty prevents someone from attending Mass, authorised ministers may bring the Blessed Sacrament from the parish’s celebration of the Eucharist. This is not merely a private devotion: it is a precious sign that the absent person remains part of our worshipping community.
- Visits can be arranged at home or, where permitted, in hospitals and care homes.
- A relative or friend may contact us on someone’s behalf, with their knowledge and agreement.
- Visits may include conversation, Scripture, prayer and Holy Communion according to need.
Is someone seriously ill or dying?
Please contact the parish as soon as possible and say clearly that the request is urgent. Anointing is not only for the final moments of life, and it is usually better not to leave the call until the last minute. In hospital, you can also ask ward staff to contact the chaplaincy.
Ask for support
Let us know
Hospitals and care homes do not always tell the parish that someone has been admitted. Please contact us directly if you—or someone who has agreed that you may ask on their behalf—would welcome a visit, prayer or Holy Communion.
Pastoral requests are handled discreetly and shared only with those who need the information in order to respond.
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