An ecumenical service of celebration and affirmation for voluntary chaplaincy members in the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, was held in the hospital Chapel of the Good Samaritan on 1st June.

The idea for the service was put forward and organised by the hospital Methodist chaplain, Sarah Ramsden, who suggested that it would be good for all full time chaplains to meet voluntary chaplaincy visitors. Hospital chaplains of all different faiths attended the service and the majority of the 42 special ministers of the Eucharist and 13 SVP members were present at the service. All commented on what a lovely atmosphere there was in the chapel during the service and in the hospital volunteers coffee lounge where we were invited to attend a buffet after the service. It is hoped that this service will become an annual celebration.

Father Paul Dowling, Roman Catholic hospital chaplain, Father Simon Broughton, Deacon Pat Thomas, chaplain to St Luke’s Hospital and Sister Ann, and Sister Dymphna, Daughters of Mary and Joseph, St Thomas More’s Convent, Middlesbrough, also attended the service. It was Sister Dymphna who organised the first special ministers of the Eucharist to the Roman Catholic patients in what was then the South Cleveland Hospital. The James Cook Hospital is the largest single site hospital in Europe with 1,030 beds and a rota ensures that every Roman Catholic patient has the opportunity to receive Holy Communion on a weekend and during the week from a special minister of the Eucharist. In October 2005 when Bishop John visited the hospital he made a comment about the hospital being our huge parish and how well it is served by the Roman Catholic voluntary chaplaincy visitors.

We would very much appreciate any special minister of the Eucharist who would be willing to undertake this very privileged and rewarding ministry. If interested can you please ring 01642 277096 – Kevin McBride.