Chaplains

I am immensely grateful to the chaplains at the hospitals where any of my parishioners might be.  They are like an extension of myself.  Indeed they can be better than me, for they know the hospital systems better than I do. 

They are there longer than I can be and they know the nurses and doctors better than I do.  They can give the patients more time and more regular visits than I can.  They can leave messages for me on my answerphone about how my parishioners are getting on and help me know how best to deploy my available time.

They have a wealth of experience of dealing with people at difficult moments in their life.  Their pastoral antennae are well-tuned to the needs of patients.  They bring a different culture and relationship to the patient than the medical staff.  They can give more time and be in touch with relatives and families.  They are an additional source of care and healing.

Their help can be greater than you might imagine.  I was, for example, helped by two lay chaplains at a local hospital, in arranging the baptism of a parishioner.  They helped me to move the patient's bed into the chapel and made all the necessary adjustments for us to be able to have a joyous and memorable baptism.

As our PCC had passed a motion agreeing to the Measure allowing those baptised to be able to make their communion before confirmation, I was able to give my parishioner her communion before she died.  I shall be forever grateful to those chaplains for their time and most kind help. 

There are chaplains not only at hospitals, who are there for all the staff as well as the patients, but also to the Forces, Emergency Services, Prisons, Seafarers and cruise liners and at some schools and other institutions, all of whom help to bring Christ to those in need.  They too need our support, gratitude and recognition.

Please join me in keeping these chaplains in your prayers.