"To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ." — Ephesians 4:112-113
This ministry coordinates the pastoral care needs of parishioners. If you, a family member, or if you know of a parishioner in need of pastoral care, contact one of our pastoral care coordinators Cathy Sullivant, Mary Ann Cole. You can also call the church office at 281-440-1600 during office hours or email us.
Pastoral care is offered to parishioners in hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, as well as those at home needing a pastoral visit by people trained to be sensitive and compassionate, and offering a calming, listening presence during a difficult time.
The pastoral Care team will contact the following ministries as needed.
Stephen Ministry
This one-on-one pastoral care ministry is offered by trained and supervised, caring lay people to help those experiencing grief, illness, separation, divorce, unemployment, hospitalization, loneliness, or other stressful changes that life can bring. The confidential care-giver and care-receiver relationship, usually conducted by weekly visits, is a witness to God's love in times of difficulty. If you or someone you know might benefit by meeting with a Stephen Minister, or if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact one of our Ministry Leaders: Tracy Santoro: 281-728-5005, Sandra Jamison: 832-419-9248, and Kelley Helmick: 713-899-1746
To order "The Gift of Empathy" please visit https://www.stephenministries.org/On_Line_Store/viewitem.cfm?mnbtgoe=1&ItemID=1035
Caring Friends Ministry
Caring Friends Ministry is exactly as the name suggests! Veteran parishioners volunteer to be a friend to other parishioners by making contact with them once a week; by texts, phone calls, handwritten notes, and at least one face to face visit a month. Friends may be homebound, new to St. Dunstan’s, facing changes in their life circumstances, or just needing a friend to care about them. There is no formal training, and no time limit on being a Caring Friend. If you feel drawn to participate in this ministry, contact Evelyn Stokes (281-787-7898 ) or Marsi Thomas (281-844-2809 )
Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God's presence. Proverbs 27:9
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Trained and commissioned lay persons take communion to parishioners who are not able to attend services, providing this sacramental ministry to keep them connected to the church family. Recipients receive communion once a month. LEVs visit with recipients before providing communion, enriching the experience for both members. If you are interested in becoming an LEV, contact Cathy Sullivant (713-725-5844 ) or Claire Browning ( 615-788-6172 )
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
Intercessory Prayer
Every weekday evening, members of the Pastoral Care team gather prayer requests, and email them to the clergy, Daughters of the King and Brotherhood of Saint Andrew to add their powerful voices to our prayers. Prayer requests are gathered in several ways; through direct contact with members of the parish, by checking with our St. Dunstan’s clergy, via the Saint Dunstan’s website, and by checking in with one another. We often add prayers for the greater community and the world. If you would like to have us add your personal petition to evening prayers, submit your request through the link on the website, talk to a prayer team member in the Chapel during the 9am worship service, or contact Cathy Sullivant (713-725-5844 ) or Suzanne Montgomery (513-259-4722 )
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Petal Pushers
Volunteers arrange and deliver flowers taken from the altar each week to parishioners needing a little floral beauty and a caring visit. Petal Pushers are divided into 2 teams, Arrangers and Deliverers, so whatever your skill set, there’s a place for you in this popular ministry. If you’re interested in becoming a Petal Pusher, Contact Kathy Bell (281-455-9907 ), Cathy Sullivant (713-725-5844 ), or Suzanne Montgomery (513-259-4722 )
The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice if the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12
Feed My Flock
Parishioners in this ministry bring love and comfort with meals delivered to others in need. Meals to be delivered may be purchased or prepared at home. If you are drawn to this ministry, know of someone who would benefit from having a meal delivered, or desire more information, contact Kayle Landry (832-771-5428 ) or Cathy Sullivant (713-725-5844 )
If you spend yourselves in the light of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your light will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58:10
Dove Notes
Volunteers with a love of writing send personalized cards to the whole parish at the request of the clergy (such as during COVID), and individual cards throughout the year to members, for both challenging and happy occasions. If you love to write and receive handwritten cards, this is the ministry for you. Mary Ann Cole (281-468-3907
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are to love one another. John 13:34