Pastoral Care: providing emotional and spiritual support

Pastoral Care Week (also known as Spiritual Care Week) is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the important work our spiritual caregivers do for the VMCH community.

This year’s theme is Chaplaincy and Mental Health: It's Healthy to Get Help, suggesting the condition of one’s spiritual worldview has a direct impact on one’s mental well-being.

This week we sat down with Sharon Burleigh, who has been working as a Pastoral Care Practitioner at Corpus Christi Aged Care Residence for three and a half years. Below, she shares her thoughts on the profession and why it means so much to her.

Why did you choose to become a Pastoral Care Practitioner?

It was perfect step from my previous role of working in a Parish community.

What does your role entail?

I support the residents of Corpus Christi Aged Care emotionally and spiritually. My role comprises of organising religious services such as Mass, Rosary, Adoration, Prayer service for various liturgical feast days.

I support residents in Palliative Care and their families, especially in the End of Life Pathway.  This extends to supporting residents who have lost friends at the residence; when they have lived together for many years, this support makes a huge difference.

Most of all, I'm just trying my best to be there for as many people as I can.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the interaction with the residents, their stories are absolutely incredible - filled with accolades and milestones graced from the past. The journey of many throughout the years are incredibly admirable to listen to. And of course to support some through grief and loss is very humbling and grounding for myself.

Do you think there are any misconceptions about pastoral care?

Occasionally, but nothing to deter me from my purpose.

What is the most important thing you would like people to know about pastoral care?

Pastoral Care is support not just spiritually, but emotionally. Sometimes you don’t need to say anything but just be there in person. Sometimes that brings so much comfort to the individual or their family.

Can you think of any particular moments as a PCP that have been particularly rewarding?

Acknowledging someone’s birthday is priceless, especially for those who have no immediate family, or those with family living overseas. The joy on their face is absolutely rewarding and humbling.

I feel blessed to be part of this Ministry as a Pastoral Care Practitioner, it is made me grow more in my faith just journeying with others daily. Every day is a learning experience… each day is different and there is something to look forward to.