Pastoral care team reflects on ministry to the sick

By Lyn Keane
Members of the pastoral care team at Westmead Hospital came together at Kellyville last month.

Members of the pastoral care team at Westmead Hospital held their annual meeting at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents at Kellyville last month. The shrine is a place of pilgrimage in this Year of Consecrated Life.

Some 30 extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist came together for the meeting on 10 October 2015. The program was organised by chaplain Deacon Nicephorus Tan.

A highlight of the day was a talk by Dr Frank Lah on the many forms of pain relief and pain control that are now available.

We then walked through the grounds, praying the Stations of the Cross, which are set in the landscaped gardens that surround the chapel.

Fr Dado Haber MI is a Minister of the Infirm (Order of St Camillus). The Camillians provide pastoral care at Westmead Hospital and other hospitals around the Diocese.

Fr Dado spoke about the emotional and spiritual care of the patients to whom we offer Communion, and the honour it is to serve those who can often no longer participate at parish Masses and who will continue to need visitation when they go home.

In the early evening, Fr Dado celebrated Mass, which was followed by a shared meal.

Anyone who is interested in this ministry to the sick is invited to contact the Catholic Chaplain’s Office at Westmead Hospital. Ministers are rostered every few weeks on a Sunday morning.

Inquiries to Deacon Tan, Chaplain, tel 0407 270 782, nwht@yahoo.com.uk

Save the date: 11 February 2016

Mass for World Day of the Sick

The annual diocesan Mass for World Day of the Sick will be celebrated on 11 February 2016. This will be an acknowledgment of carers and those for whom they care.

The Mass at 10.30am in St Patrick’s Church, 51 Allawah Street, Blacktown, will include the Sacramental Rite of Anointing of the Sick and Prayers for Healing.

All welcome – a light luncheon will follow.

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