The Church of St. Bartholomew

Southwark Pastoral Auxiliaries (SPAs) are lay men and women authorised by the Diocese to help develop caring and pastoral work on behalf of the church, in a voluntary capacity. At present there are about 19O active SPAs in the Diocese.

SPAs are called to help put God's caring concern for all people into practice. They do this:

*    through their own direct contact with people;
*    by encouraging and enabling others to exercise a caring ministry;
*    by raising awareness of pastoral care needs within their local church and neighbourhood.

No two SPAs have the same shape to their ministry. Some work mainly within their local church; others work mainly within the local community, based in a local caring agency or project. In many cases it is a mix of the two.

The focus of each SPA's ministry will vary with the needs within their church and local community, and their own gifts, experience, knowledge and interests. SPAs will vary in how much time they can commit to their ministry.

SPAs are commissioned to serve on behalf of the Diocese, but at the end of training a specific agreement is drawn up between the SPA, their local church and/or any caring agency where the SPA will be involved, outlining the focus of ministry and arrangements for support.

SPAs are entrusted as representatives of the Church in its task of building-up a society that is both caring, and just. They are to encourage and develop the pastoral care offered by the whole people of God.