Pastoral Care of the Sick

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 12:12)

I have been privileged for the past ten years to be a special minister, from the Parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel and All Hallows, to bring the Eucharist to Catholics at the Baptcare Aged Care Facility, Hedley Sutton in Camberwell.  I began this ministry when I lived in the FCJ community in Kew, and when I was missioned to the Richmond community in 2016, I was very happy to continue visiting the Catholics at Hedley Sutton.  To spend time with each one, listening to them, sharing with them, praying with them and offering them Holy Communion or a blessing, is a sacred moment.  The appreciation and gratitude expressed by each person is a special grace for me.   

Over these ten years there have been many sad times when one or other of these people we have shared with, some for many years, have come to the end of a long and fruitful life.  Each one has left a mark on us, and we hold them in our hearts with great affection. 

Except during the lock-down during COVID, each year one of the priests from the Parish have celebrated the Eucharist at Hedley Sutton usually twice a year.  The Pastors always assist at these Masses and support the priest and the special ministers in every possible way.  At each Mass the presiding priest also gives the Sacrament of the Sick to all those who wished to receive it. 

Once or twice a year, a memorial service is held for all those who had died in the intervening months.  The special ministers from the Parish are always invited to this ceremony.  A short reflection and memories of each person are shared, and we often learn more about their gifts and how much their presence has been appreciated during their time at Hedley Sutton.  These times were also opportunities to meet some of the family members. 

We are always made to feel very welcome, and the staff are willing to help us in any way if necessary.  The Pastor and those responsible for volunteers express their gratitude and appreciation for our visits to the Catholics.  

By Anne Morrison FCJ

If you or someone you know would like to receive Communion or are interested in joining the Ministry of Communion to the Sick, please contact Tricia Norman at the Parish Office.  We are always in need of further assistance.  Taking Communion to the Sick is a most rewarding Ministry.

Published: 27 October 2023