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Six
months after my ordination, I received a phone call one September
morning from my Superior, instructing me to contact our Diocesan
Chancery Office for an interview for a possible appointment as a
hospital Chaplain at Shore Memorial Hospital. The hospital is less
than a mile from our community house in Linwood. My previous work in
health care facilities during my Diaconate helped me to secure the
Chaplaincy. I wondered, at that time, how much actual pastoral
ministry would present itself to me in this new position at a
secular hospital. It has now been five years since my appointment
and I can truly say I thank the Lord for giving me this special
ministry, where I can bring the love of God to others and feel truly
blessed myself.
It is a ministry that allows me to be with people at a time of need,
a time when fear can overcome them and when they often look back on
their lives and reexamine their faith.
Fr. Peter offers prayers at a groundbreaking of a new
surgical wing at Shore Memorial Hospital, Somers Point, NJ |
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Fr. Peter counseling a family member in
the hospital chapel.
By reminding them of God's infinite love, they
are reassured that they are not alone and they can trust themselves
into the hands of God. It amazes me that after a short visit, they
open their hearts and share their stories...some are beautiful and
inspire me. Others have suffered and turned away from faith, often
for reasons they can hardly remember.
I remember one woman in her 80s, who had not gone to confession in
over 30 years. She had married a non-Catholic and been told she was
wrong to do so. She did not give up her faith, but drifted away. We
talked about the Sacrament of Confession and that the priest was an
instrument of God's forgiving love. She told me she would think on
it and could I come back the next day. Well, the next day I
revisited her and she was ready. During the confession she began to
cry, and she told me they were joyful tears for she had been
relieved to let go of the sins she carried.
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