Pastoral Care
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Pastoral care emergency line: 404-365-1003
Exploring Grief and Loss
Grief is our natural response to loss; and many of us have experienced loss recently, from the death of a loved one to the loss of a relationship, job, health, way of life, or sense of identity or purpose. There is no timeline to grief! In fact, misconceptions and anxieties around grief, loss, and death can become barriers to tending to grief, whether the grief is our own or someone else’s. In this class, we will explore together the landscapes of grief and loss, with the aim of better understanding and caring for those (ourselves and others) who are experiencing grief.
Interactive and in-depth classes will be held on the following Tuesdays from 12 – 1:30 p.m.:
October 19, October 26, November 2, and November 9
An overview of the class will be held on the following Sundays at 10:10 a.m.:
October 31, November 7, November 14, and November 21
You can join the class using this Zoom link. For more information, contact Canon Cathy Zappa.
Prayer Shawls and Blankets
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of creative and prayer-filled knitters who minister directly to fellow parish members, friends, and neighbors. The St. Anne’s Guild has a Prayer Blanket ministry, also, and would love to share the blankets they have blessed and prayed over with anyone who is suffering or grieving. Prayer shawls and blankets are distributed personally by parishioners and clergy and are available by request. For further information regarding participation or to request a shawl or blanket, please contact Canon Cathy Zappa.
Grief Support Group
The Cathedral hosts a grief support group, facilitated by Hospice Atlanta and open to all who are grieving the death of a loved one. The group meets in the Lanier House on second and fourth Sundays, from 2–3:30 p.m. Feel free to come as you can, and plan to wear a mask. For more information, contact Canon Cathy Zappa.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Thursdays, 1 – 2 p.m.
This group offers emotional support, practical information, and supportive companionship for dementia caregivers. It is led by an experienced facilitator and dementia caregiver, Roy Kerfoot, and sponsored by Piedmont Sixty Plus. The group usually meets at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church (across the street from the Cathedral); however, for the time being, it is meeting online. For more information and for the Zoom link, contact Canon Cathy Zappa, or Roy Kerfoot at roy.kerfoot@gmail.com.
Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. —Acts 8:29-31
The Cathedral offers the values of Philip the Deacon—grace, excellence, and hospitality—in the midst of difficulty and transition. Philip had the grace to baptize the eunuch. He had the excellence to explain the gospel. Philip had the hospitality to join the Ethiopian eunuch; he got up into the chariot with him (Acts 8:26–40).
After Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, scripture says he is “snatched up” and disappears. This serves as a reminder that our mission is to offer care during transitions. The pastoral care department does not have the experience, personnel, or resources to provide long-term care, case management, or financial assistance. However, we do have the ability to connect you with agencies whose mission is to provide such care.
Grace
We believe that pastoral care is rooted in the grace of Christ, so we draw upon the sacraments and sacramental rites in the Book of Common Prayer.
Excellence
We will offer excellent care and guidance through counseling sessions, classes, programs, pastoral visits, workshops, and worship.
Hospitality
Clergy, counselors, staff, and volunteers will be present with you during life’s difficulties and transitions.
We hope that you will participate our pastoral offerings and experience the grace, excellence, and hospitality of the Cathedral.
Pastoral Care Team
Congregational Care
The pastoral care department offers many ways to be involved in congregational care. In addition to volunteers, we are always looking for names of parishioners to call or visit. To reach the on-call clergy person, call the Pastoral Care Emergency Line by dialing the main Cathedral line (404-365-1000) and following the prompt.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
These volunteers participate in the Sunday Eucharist when they are sent out to take the sacraments to those who are sick or unable to attend church. This group of volunteers is also invited to participate in the monthly Pastoral Care Guild meetings. In addition to volunteers, we are looking for names of parishioners to visit.
Senior Community
Clergy and other volunteers regularly visit the Cathedral Towers, Canterbury Court, and Lenbrook Square.
Prayer List
The Cathedral has an active prayer list that is prayed by many different groups. We also include the list in our Sunday services. We encourage parishioners to add their names or the name of someone else (with their permission) to the prayer list.
All Saints Requiem
On the first Sunday in November at 4 p.m., the Cathedral Choir and Schola will sing at our annual Requiem Eucharist for all those who have died this past year. During that Eucharist, we will read the names of those members, family, and friends who have died in the past year. It is a great way to remember a loved one as the holiday season approaches.