Rochester
Diocese was the second diocese in the country to initiate the ministry of Pastoral
Assistants (PAs). The original four PAs has now grown to nearly 300.
Why PAs when lots of people are involved in pastoral care in the parish?
PAs are not there to do all the pastoral work – nor are they there to
do the vicar out of a job! Their three-year training builds on the experience
and gifts they have already shown in caring for people, to enable them to exercise
a wider ministry in the community as well as the church, bringing that all-important
spiritual dimension of prayer, sharing faith and walking alongside people.
A popular concept of pastoral care is that it is something which is done to
you if you are ill or facing a crisis! PAs are trained to be alongside everyone
and to be as concerned about the care of the well as of the sick; to work with
all age groups; to be involved in teaching, listening, enabling, nurture and
prayer, as much as the more practical roles traditionally associated with care.
Contact details
Warden of Pastoral Assistants - The Rev Canon Penny Avann T: 01689 861742 E:
Penny
Avann
