The Chaplaincy Service at St Mary’s Hospital celebrated its 25th Anniversary earlier this month with a special service held at the Newport hospital.
The service, which coincided with Pentecost Sunday, was led by Kelvin Burke, Senior Chaplain and was attended by over 125 people from volunteers, staff and the Island’s faith community.
Interim Chief Executive, Maggie Oldham, read an extract from ‘A Walk in a Workhouse’ by Charles Dickens and the celebration concluded with a symbolic gesture by chaplaincy volunteer Doreen Britton, re-presenting a daily devotional book which was used when Whitecroft Hospital opened in 1896.
The service was a celebration of the work of Chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers who, over the past 25 years, have taken to the wards at St. Mary’s Hospital every day to comfort patients, reassure families and support staff. Last year Chaplains supported over 11,000 people, offering friendship, a listening ear and opportunities for prayer and spiritual guidance to any patient, including people from other faith communities and those with no faith at all.
Kelvin Burke, Hospital Chaplain, said:
“It was a special celebration that included contributions from previous chaplains, Gregory Clifton-Smith, Bob Rudd, Carol Smart and Grenda Hurt. Each brought a reflection on spiritual and pastoral care over the last 25 years. It is a privilege to follow on as Chaplain from such a good foundation. As a team we focus on being present with people in trauma and being sensitive to their faith perspective rather than our own.”
Maggie Oldham, Interim Chief Executive, said:
“The Chaplaincy Service at St. Mary’s Hospital embraces all faiths and beliefs and they really do play a vital role in comforting end-of-life patients and their families and supporting our staff through challenging times. The service was a lovely celebration of all that they do for us all.”
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A Sunday worship service is held in the hospital chapel every week as well as annual events such as the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for families who have lost a child which is being held on Sunday 25th June, 15:00, St Mary’s Hospital.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about chaplaincy or exploring the possibility of becoming a chaplaincy volunteer can email [email protected].
