We value our contact with all the Rest Homes and Nursing Homes in our parish:
Since the 1970's members of St Mary's have maintained regular contact with our Rest Homes. We see this as part of our Christian responsibility to our community, and are glad to give our time and our personal commitment in this way.
Who are the church contacts? See Who's Who at St Mary's.
At each home it is our aim to:
All residents, staff and visitors to the Rest Homes are welcome to share in our short services. In some homes these are usually Communion services. Any person who receives Communion in another church is welcome to do so on these occasions. If the service is not normally Communion, we will be glad to bring the Sacrament to any resident who requests this. If requested, we will also see people individually who are unable to take part in these services.
We are well aware that Rest Home managers are expected to attend, among many other things, to the spiritual needs of their residents. We hope we can give that particular help to Rest Homes in meeting this expectation. Services and visiting in many cases are carried out by lay members of St Mary's.
If a resident falls ill, we will be happy to call and see them, and to remember them in our prayers. If someone is close to death, the clergy are ready to be called upon. Should a resident die, then we are willing to conduct the funeral, as for any resident in this parish, either in St Mary's Church or at the crematorium chapel. Has a resident any particular occasion to celebrate? We would be glad to know of this, and to share in the thanksgiving.
Staff and residents are always welcome to Sunday services at St Mary's Church. We value the links we have with Rest Homes in our parish. If there are people who cannot come to church, then the church is ready to come to them. We also have contact and conduct services at Oak View, Wake Green Road, and at sheltered accommodation complexes.