Lay Pastoral Visitors

Lay Pastoral Visitors are trained parishioners who visit members of the parish or community, providing pastoral care and support to those who request it. Currently, several members of the St. James community are trained as Lay Pastoral Visitors.

Lay Pastoral Visitors Vision Statement: That every parishioner feels supported as a full member of the church community throughout their life.

Lay Pastoral Visitors Mission Statement: To offer confidential, competent, ongoing support and comfort to parishioners not able to participate in regular parish life by reason of distress in their lives.

Useful Links:

• The Diocese of Toronto – the Bishop’s Committee on Healing Ministries
• The Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (CAPNM)
• Faith Community Nursing Interest Group (FCNIG) of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Public Health Ontario
• Ontario Central Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN)
• Toronto Public Health
• The Toronto Central Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN)

Ontario 211 Services

• Visit the website: 211 Ontario which provides a gateway to community, social, non-clinical and related government services or call 2-1-1, e.g., COVID-19 Services and Support.

Toronto 211 Services

• Visit 211toronto.ca and select the service topic.

Mental Health

• COVID-19 Fact Sheet: Resources for Ontarians Experiencing Mental Health and Addictions Issues During the Pandemic
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
  • Main Switchboard from the GTA: 416-535-8501;  Toll-free: 1 800-463-2338
  • Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic;
• Ontario 211 – Mental Health / Addictions.

Distress lines

• • Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416-408-4357
  • Family Service Toronto – Counselling: 416-595-9618
  • Gerstein Centre: 416-929-5200
  • Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868 – a 24/7, national support service for children and youth.

Domestic Abuse

Social-distancing, travel restrictions and closures of schools and community organizations, are key actions announced by the government to stop the spread of the COVID-19.  However, such measures may not be feasible for individuals experiencing or at risk for violence in the home.  It is important to remember there is help and support available to anyone who feels at risk of abuse:

• Federal – Affected by gender-based violence?
• Ontario – Get help if you are experiencing violence.
• Toronto – Visit 211toronto.ca and select the service topic.Distress lines

• • Advocacy Centre for the Elderly: 1-855-598-2656 or 416-598-2656
  • Abrigo Centre – Violence against Women: 416-534-3434
  • Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: 416-323-9149
  • Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416-408-4357
  • Women’s College Hospital Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre: 416-323-6040
  • Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868 – a 24/7, national support service for children and youth.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or if you are in danger, call 9-1-1.

If you need to speak to one of the clergy, please email one of the following and someone will be in touch: Our Vicar sfields@stjamescathedral.ca or Beth Benson at bbenson@stjamescathedral.ca