Hamilton Diocese hospital chaplains share experiences

The chaplains were invited to gather for a morning at the centre on June 18. Those present included Msgr Trevor Murray, Sr Marie Finn RNDM, Leanne Brooks and Barbara Marneth-Rust. The Lead Hospital and Prison Chaplain, Tony Lenton, was unable to attend due to illness. Rev. Matiu Best, regional manager for Manawa Taki Region, also attended.

The morning began with a Mass celebrated by Msgr Frank Eggleton, who is also a volunteer hospital chaplain.

After Mass, time was spent sharing various workplace experiences in the hospitals, which include Tauranga, Rotorua and Waikato. All the chaplains mentioned how blessed and privileged they feel to work in this environment – supporting patients, families and staff in a time of sickness and often vulnerability.

One chaplain spoke about some patients who have a beautiful faith, yet don’t attend Mass. The question was posed, what can the Church do to support these people and accompany them in their faith journey? Another chaplain spoke about patients who can no longer attend regular Mass. Often the chaplains connect these patients to their local parish to organise Communion at home.

At one of the hospitals, the chaplain offers a listening ear to weary, overworked staff as they share a cup of tea or coffee.

Bishop Richard Laurenson and Hamilton Diocese pastoral services manager Joanna Kearney thanked the chaplains for their work. The chaplains left Chanel Centre feeling spiritually and physically nourished, supported and appreciated.

FULL STORY

Hamilton hospital chaplains meet at Chanel Centre (By Barbara Marneth-Rust/Clearly/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)

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