From Carinity:
For patients experiencing dark times in hospital, visiting chaplains are a shining beacon of hope.
Carinity’s volunteer chaplains provide spiritual care for patients, their family and friends and, on occasion, hospital staff members.
Reverend Don McPherson oversees the Carinity Hospital Chaplaincy program.
He started attending hospitals while a church pastor and has continued offering spiritual care to patients for almost two decades.
HOW CHAPLAINS HELP IN HOSPITALS
“Being in hospital is a challenging experience for anybody,” Don observed.
“We often receive a call from medical, nursing or social work staff requesting a chaplain visit a patient experiencing difficulties.”
“Folk talk about every topic under the sun – including spiritual matters.”
“A person who can give time to tune into a patients’ spiritual condition, or help people connect with spiritual resources for walking through such times, is deeply appreciated.”
WHAT PATIENTS WANT FROM CHAPLAINS
“Some people want to process spiritual issues during their time in hospital.”
“A small number will be told they are facing the end of their life and want to make their peace with God and others.”
“Finally, hospital can be just plain lonely and if someone can bring some personal, human contact, it is often greatly appreciated.”
THE WORK OF CARINITY HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS
Carinity chaplains presently visit eight south-east Queensland hospitals each week and provide call-out contacts for more than a dozen hospitals.
Additional relationships are being developed with other hospitals including one in north Queensland.
While the service receives no government funding, Carinity is committed to further expanding its hospital chaplaincy program.”
Reverend McPherson says: “Our 10-year vision is to place a minimum of two part-time chaplains in every major hospital across Queensland.”
CARINITY RELIES ON DONATIONS TO PROVIDE HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS
Donations to the Carinity Chaplains Appeal will allow emerging hospital chaplains to complete a Certificate IV in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care course, which costs around $4,000 per person.
They also assist with the cost of other training, travel, hospital parking fees, and administration.
“Chaplaincy copies what Jesus did: He came to where people were hurting and ministered His mercy.”
“Chaplains go to where people and those around them are suffering. Your donation helps us continue this vital service.”
“Any amount people may be able to contribute to the appeal would be greatly appreciated.”
ABOUT CARINITY
Carinity is an outreach of Queensland Baptists that has been providing comprehensive and integrated community services since 1949.
These include caring for the frail and aged in their homes or in integrated seniors’ communities; helping families and young people through difficult times; and supporting people with disability.
Carinity also provides shelters for homeless youth, alternative education for teenagers who struggle in traditional schools, and prison and hospital chaplaincy.
