There are four amazing women in our Diocese who work in hospitals in our region bringing an oasis of peace for patients who find themselves amid the very busy wards that typify a modern-day hospital.

Most Hospital patients are in a cloud of unknowing – awaiting a diagnosis or for their treatment plan to have effect or coping with the fact that what started as a stomach or headache has since been diagnosed as a life ending or at least life-limiting cancer. Other events they encounter include the elderly who have had a fall and/or who are disoriented and perhaps saddest of all, the unexpected death of an infant.

They spend time with people and their families in their final moments before they die and often support staff who are stressed by the demands of an overwrought health system. Chaplains will often give communion to Catholic patients at the end of their visit; they work in tandem with local priests, especially facilitating the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

They sit with the mentally distressed and make them tea, some sing hymns, and listen with kindness and without judgment as these dear people try to resolve the confusion in their minds.

They work in teams with non-Catholic colleagues who together form ICHC, the

InterChurch Council for Hospital Chaplains (of which the Catholic Bishops are

foundation members). ICHC are contracted to Te Whatu Ora to provide Chaplaincy Services.

Chaplains support each other and have a Supervisor who will review some of the patient encounters to help the chaplain process what they have experienced. This reflection keeps them safe and makes them better chaplains.

Chaplains are not counselors, or evangelists, they are friends, companions on the journey – they are patient and listen – they know when to keep silent and when a careful word can bring consolation. They can talk about many things – they talk not just with Catholics but with anyone who needs company and on any subject. They also, as good friends do, know when it’s time to go.

In some hospitals Chaplains are supported by Voluntary Chaplaincy Assistants (VCAs) – these good people support the work of the Chaplains by spending time in designated wards and identifying people who may want to see a chaplain. The Chaplaincy team is completed by Locums who stand in the place of chaplains and often cover weekend and overnight on-call.

Please remember the Hospital Chaplains in your prayers, they are on the front-line of the Church. If you or a loved one is going to hospital and would like the support or visit from a chaplain, please let the Parish know.

Tony Lenton Senior Catholic Hospital and Prison Chaplain, Tauranga