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The older I get the more I realize what a great sense of humor God has. Over the years my desire to minister to the least among us led me not only out of higher education and into Church ministry, but then also out of that role and into hospital chaplaincy in an inner city location. A hospital chaplain! Me, who fainted in the hospital elevator when I visited an older cousin who had just given birth?! But now I work in a hospital founded by the Sisters of Charity, still nominally “Catholic” in nature, in a role that teeters on the edge of lay ecclesial ministry and often veers sharply toward something much more than that. Catholic hospital chaplains provide the opportunity for spiritual and emotional healing during what is often a time of distress. Every shift I sit with the lonely, hold lots of hands, receive plenty of hugs and regularly take part in rather amazing theological discussions. I’ve also baptized adults and babies, anointed the dying, presided at funeral services, and reaffirmed wedding vows. I regularly preach at ecumenical worship services in the hospital chapel. I’ve comforted hundreds of families at the death of a loved one. And I’ve seen the after effects of more overdoses, cardiac arrests and diabetic comas than I ever cared to. Our patients – and our staff - are Catholics, Christians of all hues, Jehovah Witnesses, Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Mormon, Wiccan and Nones. Whatever their faith, it becomes amplified in the hospital environment. I’ve noticed that very few atheists exist in the ICU. Landing unexpectedly in the hospital puts one in a vulnerable position, and suddenly the spiritual life becomes far more real and much more important. Relationships become what it’s all about. God is very close. I’d like to hope that after they leave former patients remember some of the wisdom we shared together and actually live it regularly. Working in this kind of environment can’t help but shape you in a new way. Life is so fragile. How often – even without meaning so – we take people and physical abilities for granted. And then, suddenly they are gone. I’ve also recognized anew the importance of team work. When the day is rough I am so grateful I can call on the rest of the pastoral care team to step in and help out. They also keep me balanced, and remind me that much as I might hope to save everyone myself, that’s not possible. That isn’t my role. Instead we learn to do what we can and turn the rest over to God. An eye-opener for me was realizing how very much I love working with a diversity of people. When I walk into a hospital room I seldom know much about the patient within beyond their name. In those rooms I have encountered college deans, homeless people, CEOs, recent immigrants, and drug addicts. Some of my most memorable conversations have taken place with the most unexpected people, most of whom weren’t Catholic. In fact, my experiences as a chaplain have given me cause to rethink what church is about. I see the gentleness with which my fellow Missionary Baptist chaplain approaches addicts and the fervor with which he approaches scripture, and I am in awe. When the non-denominational patient care tech responds to my daily question as to how he’s doing with “I’m blessed! I’m so blessed! Thank you God!” I can’t help but smile, and wish my fellow Catholics would praise their creator with such delight. When a Hindu husband stands and bows when I leave his dying wife’s room and asks God to walk with me, I have to admit the tears come. The oncology nurse calls me “Pastor Sue,” and I still get goosebumps. And when those young None new mothers beam with pride and ask me to bless their babies, I am absolutely thrilled. It’s not an easy job, by any means, but it is definitely an amazing one. In many ways, the hospital is now my church. The sick, the dying, the struggling, the homeless, they are my people. Christ is very much there – in the ones whose arms are bruised and battered by IVs and ports, in the faithful families who sit for weeks by bedsides, in the joy of new birth. Love is there. I am so blessed. Add your Comments below |