Pastoral Care    (Author unknown)                                                             

Perceptiveness of people and the issues that they bear

Attention to the trappings and the wrappings present there,

Sincerity in listening and reflecting what we hear

Tenderness of presence to those hurting and in fear.

Openness in hearing what is different from our view

Reverence for the treasure of a life which seems askew,

Affection for the beauty beneath the surface of the skin

Love to dare and time to share for the soul alive within.

Compassion in the presence of a badly mangled life

Acceptance of the anger, the depression born of strife,

Respect for all humanity and the baggage it must bear

Enable us to share the journey as we offer Pastoral Care.