It is said that the greatest dignity to be found in death is the dignity of the life that preceded it. The Chaplains at Catholic Hospice understand the struggles of their patients and families have in coming to terms with their lives whether from the past, present or what they perceive their future will be. The chaplains’ goal is to understand the reality of where the patients and families are at and help them work through the difficult questions they have about their lives. The chaplains strive to help with the story of transition, devotion and also to walk alongside with them through this journey.
As they help each patient understand that death is indeed a fact of our existence and that death is not our enemy, their time becomes more precious. The chaplains aim to enlighten and provide insight to resolve and understand the purpose the patients have served on this earth. Helping a patient face the enemies of life, pain, regrets, unfulfilled dreams and the suffering that may come with knowing they are not finished with their journey is the role of Hospice Chaplains.
Providing support for the patient and families using their own belief system, and helping them understand how their beliefs can give them the peace that they need to know that they are not alone in this journey is Catholic Hospice’s mission. The chaplain’s role is never to use their own personal tradition of belief but to offer support to the patients. Sometimes that support helps an anxious patient begin to relax and find peace with their destiny. Sometimes it is comforting a dying patient and allowing them to express their feelings and fears that they would not even share with their own family. Often chaplains just take the time to listen to their story and be present and offer that smile that they need. At times the chaplains sing with them or read them scriptures that help them find peace and comfort. Most often the chaplains simply pray with them as they request it when they need it the
most. The chaplains rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. They find that their presence is a ministry of companionship, comfort and assurance for the lonely patients and their families. They feel privileged to participate in the mystery of life with its joys and suffering and know that they are embracing the patients and their families with love.
Dale Williams, who is an ordained minister and has served as a Chaplain, recalls this particular experience that has always left a mark in his heart. “When I walked into the room the patient was surrounded by her sons who were comforting their mother. Their mother was no longer able to communicate and they expressed their intuition that she would be going home soon. The sons told me stories of their mother’s love not only for them, but for those she had ministered to during her life of 92 years. They told of the time she went to Calcutta just to see where Mother Teresa had helped those who were in true need of care. They told me of the time she smuggled Bibles into China to help others understand what was so dear to her heart. They spoke of her work with the homeless and the elderly, but the most important thing they told me was how wonderful it was to share the love of their mother with me. Being a chaplain is about listening to our patients and families remember the lives of their loved ones, to offer presence and comfort in this most sacred and precious time. “
