Revd Canon Darren Thornton has been in ministry in the Diocese of Norwich for over thirty years, and most of that time in various Chaplaincies.
During Covid, while Rector at St Giles on the Hill in Norwich, he responded to a call to return back to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to work alongside the Chaplaincy team in providing support and End of Life Ministry to those suffering with Covid.
“A chaplain needs to be able to listen, care, empathise, understand, maintain confidentiality and seek to be available to those in need. It is a real honour and brings profound satistfaction to help people in difficult times, seeking to bring some Peace, Comfort and Hope! Much Hope!
Spiritual care doesn’t have to be religious. It is about valuing and respecting who people are, whatever their religion, culture, background, gender or sexuality. Chaplains have no agenda or tick list. Instead, we are to simply be there, to support patients, relatives and staff alike through both the extraordinary and the ordinary.
When I ask if I may pray with a patient at the hospital, I always use those words from Mother Julian of Norwich…and all shall be well. Whatever we face and whatever comes our way, with God holding us, sustaining us and loving us, those words are so important. With God with us, all will be well!
Chaplaincy also allows the chance to work in diverse environments with people from all walks of life. The N&N Chaplaincy spent a lot of time offering staff support and wellbeing. Seeking to make someone’s day a little brighter with a friendly smile and asking them how they are and waiting for the response.
I remember once going on a Chaplaincy course and someone asked..How do you do Chaplaincy? The response back was one I was surprised about at the time, but now after thrity years, I get it… you walk slowly! If you are rushing around your hospital and even worse, holding a piece of paper that makes you look like you are in a rush, then you are not going to pick up those unexpected opportunities for pastoral encounters.
My Spiritual Director calls it the ‘ministry of interruption’. Those moments of interruption are often the very thing that God has called you to and wants you to do that day! What a privilege to have a ministry in which one can try and walk slowly to see what might be the things that God wants me to be part of or not!
Chaplains find fulfilment in providing support and guidance, which fosters a sense of purpose and allows them to be a positive force in their communities. Within the Norwich and Norwich University Trust, the Chaplaincy team also provide support to Cromer Hospital, Bowthorpe Dialysis, The Eye Clinic team, the Breast Screening team, The Pain Clinc on Adelaide St, Endoscopy Quadrum and the Rouen Road staff support networks. “