We all know that life can be difficult at times, whether as a result of illness, isolation, bereavement, or other difficulties. If you are struggling with any difficulty, please don’t feel that you are alone. The Church of Holy Rood has a mission to serve all who live in the parish, whether they are regular worshippers or not, and the clergy will do their best to respond quickly to any request for help or support.

Prayer for healing

Prayers for those who are sick are regularly offered in all of our services, and a list of those who have requested prayer is maintained in the church. To add names to this list, please contact the Vicar or the PCC secretary. Every Wednesday morning at 10 am, there is also a short Eucharist with a special litany for healing, to which all are welcome. From time to time, special healing services which include anointing with oil may be offered. For further details of these, click here.

In addition, the clergy will be happy to visit those who are housebound or in hospital, and to offer specific prayers for healing with them, including the laying on of hands, and the Sacrament of Anointing with oil. For those who are close to death, the priest will also visit to pray and to offer the last rites if appropriate. If you would like to receive this sacrament, please contact one of the clergy.

Home Communion

Where parishioners are unable for reasons of sickness or disability to come to church, the clergy or an authorised lay minister of the church are able to bring Holy Communion to them, in their own home or in hospital. Usually, this is done roughly once a month.

Counselling

For those who would appreciate it, the clergy at Holy Rood will always endeavour to make themselves available to talk in confidence with any who request it, whether they are regular worshippers or not. Holy Rood also provides a confidential listening service, with two trained counsellors who are happy to meet with you to help you talk through whatever issues you may wish.

Confession

For those who are struggling with matters of conscience or other unresolved issues, you made find it helpful to make an appointment with the priest for the Sacrament of Confession (sometimes called Reconciliation.) This is an opportunity to talk with a priest in the strictest confidence about any issue with which you have been wrestling, and, if appropriate, to receive the assurance of God’s forgiveness (the Absolution). The priest may also suggest a particular prayer or spiritual exercise (sometimes known as the Penance) as part of the process of reconciliation.

Bereavement

Following a funeral, the clergy will normally endeavour to visit those who are bereaved by way of offering support. Every year in early November, on or around All Souls Day, there is also a special service for those who have lost loved ones during the year, to which all are welcome.