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By Hospital Chaplain Cathy Brown

In essence hospital chaplaincy is being a compassionate, listening presence.

Patients may be struggling with fears of dying, remembering past hurts or regrets, worrying about the person/pet/garden at home who they can’t care for whilst in hospital and amongst other things, wondering where God is in their situation.

They may also be celebrating a new birth, recovery from sickness, eagerly anticipating their improved life with a new hip/knee or any one of a multitude of things.

A chaplain needs to approach each person without assumptions, listening for what the patient raises as their significant concern or joy they wish to discuss.

Prayer and talk of God may or may not be part of the visit. However, even in visiting as an LCAQD Chaplain, you are a physical manifestation of where God’s love comes to life.

You show the patient through your listening and compassionate care that God loves them and cares for them.

They are not forgotten or abandoned by the God of their baptism.

God has created us to be in relationship with God and with other people.

Secular research is overwhelmingly affirming that connection with others is essential for good mental health and human flourishing.

I have found the deep connection I have experienced with those in hospital has epitomised these words from St Francis’ prayer: “it is in giving that we receive.” I frequently complete a day of visiting feeling as though I have been ministered to also.

I would encourage anyone who has a passion for hearing other people’s stories and holding those stories with compassion and respect to consider becoming a hospital chaplain.

You may find that you are blessed beyond belief as you walk alongside another in this time of hospitalisation.

Cathy Brown is the Lead Chaplain of LCAQD Volunteer Hospital Chaplains for Lutheran Services. To find out more about hospital chaplaincy please contact her on 3858 3000 or email catherine.brown@lca.org.au.

Donate to the LCAQD Lutheran Service Lenten appeal – Hospital Chaplains here Hospital Chaplaincy | LCA Donations & Payments.

Women from all walks of life come to Mary & Martha’s domestic violence refuge to escape domestic and family violence.

The refuge offers help, security and support to women and children who come to the service at a time when there is nowhere safe for them to go.

Women find safety, emotional support and a non-judgemental welcome as they embark on their new path.

Donations to Mary and Martha’s go towards providing services and support such as:

We assist our clients to empower themselves with resilience and skills to actively work towards a better future for themselves and their children.

Our accommodation is safe, secure and modern offering:

Donate to the LCAQD Lutheran Service Lenten appeal – Mary and Martha’s Refuge here Mary & Martha’s refuge | LCA Donations & Payments.

Carolyn Bade is relishing her new volunteer role as Hospital Chaplain at Hervey Bay Hospital.

“It’s a way (to express) Christian service,” she said.

“I’ve always volunteered in some capacity whether in the church or in the community. I thought this is something I might be able to commit to – giving something back to the community and being of service to people.”

Lutheran hospital chaplaincy ministry is run by Lutheran Services for the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District. Your donation to the LCAQD Lutheran Services Lenten Appeal helps ensure hospital chaplains are trained and ready to enter service.

Lutheran Services Hospital Chaplains lend a listening ear, spiritual support and pastoral care to Queenslanders at major hospitals in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Mackay and other regional centres.

Hospital chaplains can provide comfort and reassurance, assist with spiritual guidance and help people to come to terms with the particular challenges they are facing while in hospital and also when they leave hospital. Our Lutheran hospital chaplains make a considerable difference to people’s experience of hospital and their work is highly valued.

Carolyn said hospital can be a lonely experience at times.

“The ward is very much medically focused … there’s not a lot of time for staff to chat to patients … hospital can be very daunting,” she said.

“(To approach people) I just say ‘Hi I’m Carolyn, the Hospital Chaplain. If you’d like to chat, I’m here to listen’.

Some of our chaplains operate as ward chaplains like Carolyn, providing pastoral care to anyone in their designated ward who requests a visit by a chaplain, irrespective of their religion.

Others operate as denominational chaplains, providing assistance to those in hospital who have identified themselves as Lutheran and have requested a visit by a Lutheran chaplain. Either way, the chaplain’s role is always responsive to the needs of the patient.

Want to know more about hospital chaplaincy? Contact Cathy Brown, Lead Chaplain of LCAQD Volunteer Hospital Chaplains for Lutheran Services. Phone 07 3858 3000 or email catherine.brown@lca.org.au

Donate to the LCAQD Lutheran Service Lenten appeal – Hospital Chaplains here Hospital Chaplaincy | LCA Donations & Payments.