Reverend Palacious's Message

A Message from Reverend Angela Palacious

Director, Pastoral Care Ministries

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Welcome, beloved sisters and brothers in Christ.

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It gives me great joy to greet you and to share a few reflections on the heart of our work—Pastoral Care.

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At its root, Pastoral Care was once understood as the sacred responsibility of the priest—to extend the compassionate presence of Christ to members of the congregation. The pastor would tend to the sick, console the grieving, encourage the unemployed, and walk gently with all who faced life’s hardships. It was, and still is, a living expression of God’s love at work through human hands and hearts.

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Over time, however, we have come to embrace a broader vision. Today, Pastoral Care is no longer the work of the clergy alone. It is the calling of the entire Church—the Body of Christ—ministering to one another in love. Through the faithful care of lay persons, trained leaders, and compassionate volunteers, the embrace of Pastoral Care now extends far beyond the walls of our parishes and into the very heart of our communities.

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Whether through virtual parenting sessions, marriage enrichment retreats, mentoring programs, or counselling ministries, our goal is simple: to reflect the light of Christ to all who seek comfort, healing, and hope.

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I encourage you—yes, you—to find your place in this ministry. You don’t need a title. You need a willing heart. Whether it’s offering a quiet prayer, sitting with someone in grief, or lending a listening ear, your presence can be a powerful gift. Pastoral Care is, at its essence, friendship with compassion, rooted in faith, and guided by love.

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May you be blessed as you explore this ministry. And may God use your life to be a healing presence in the lives of others.​