When to Call on Parish Clergy

The clergy of Trinity Church consider it a privilege to be involved in the events of parishioners' lives and to minister in any way to them. However, the clergy do not always know when they are needed or wanted, so you are urged to call the parish office if you have any concerns. In addition to the contacts made before deciding to marry and around the time of death, we offer the following suggestions for when to get in touch with the clergy. These are meant only as suggestions and not as limiting categories; a way to get to know your clergy. The clergy appreciate the opportunity to get to know parishioners in their homes or workplaces. Invitations are welcome!

Call on parish clergy for any of the following reasons:

When you have spiritual or moral questions, or questions about the Church and its teaching, or when you are faced with a difficult decision. The Church stands as a source of guidance, friendship and prayer.

If you wish to make a private confession. The Prayer Book provides an opportunity if you are troubled in conscience to confess your sins privately to "a discrete and understanding priest" that you "may receive the benefit of absolution, and spiritual counsel and advice ... the removal of scruple and doubt, the assurance of pardon, and the strengthening of your faith."

If you seek sacramental forgiveness, you are urged to meet with the clergy. The seal of the confessional ensures confidentiality.

At the birth or adoption of a child. We want to rejoice with parents for the gift of creation. Plans for the child's baptism can be discussed, and if desired, arrangements can be made for a special rite of Thanksgiving for a Child.

When you are prevented from worshipping at church and would like to have Holy Communion brought to your home. Please call the parish office with your request. Licensed Lay Eucharistic Ministers as well as the clergy respond to these requests.

When burdened by chronic illness, physical or mental. The clergy can be supportive and can also recommend other resources to you. Chronic illness includes dependence on alcohol and drugs.

Before going to the hospital. When notified, the clergy visit area hospitals to offer prayers and bring Holy Communion. Those parishioners in the hospital are mentioned in the intercessions during the Holy Eucharist unless privacy is requested. If you are admitted to the hospital, please register as an Episcopalian from Trinity Church, Hartford, and ask a friend or family member to call the parish office as soon as possible.

If you have an outstanding bill for inpatient services at Hartford Hospital after all insurance payments have been made. Each year, the clergy of Trinity Church have access to substantial funds from the Hartford Hospital bed accounts to cover inpatient service charges at the hospital. These funds are readily available to any member of the parish, regardless of income, with a Hartford Hospital inpatient bill to pay. The Discretionary Fund also has limited funds available to cover other medical expenses.

When contemplating divorce. If you are considering separation from your spouse, please talk with the clergy before taking any action. The vows and promises made in a Christian marriage are serious ones, and therefore consultation and prayer are important before making a decision to seek divorce. Additionally, the Church can be of support and comfort to the whole family during this time of crisis.

If you know of someone in need of pastoral care. Please notify the clergy if you know of anyone in the parish who is ill, has had a death in the family, or is otherwise experiencing loss or difficulty. Please do not hesitate to call. It is much better for the clergy to be told many times of the same problem than for them never to know that someone in the parish is going through difficult times.

When you are making decisions regarding death and funeral arrangements. You may also wish to discuss continuing your support of the Church through your estate. Samples of living wills, that state a person's wishes concerning medical decisions surrounding his or her death and forms for funeral instructions are available from the parish office.

If you need financial help, the clergy have discretionary funds available to help meet a variety of needs.