Priests and lay chaplains in the Archdiocese of Dublin have recounted some of their experiences in ministering to the sick and the bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic.

36 ordained and 40 lay chaplains provide this service across a wide range of healthcare facilities.

Fr. Damian O Reilly at St. Vincent’s Hospital called it one of the most challenging experiences of his priestly life. “To be working alongside health care professionals and all the staff of the hospital is truly a very humbling experience – one of care, kindness and compassion from all the staff and departments who are working very closely together to ensure that the best possible patient care of the highest standard is provided to each patient”.

The hospital chaplaincy team is made up of two ordained chaplains and four lay chaplains who provide a 24/7 chaplaincy service to the patients their families and to staff.

“Trained for the use of PPE we attend to the pastoral and sacramental needs of each patient when requested by either the patient themselves or by a member of the family or next of kin. We are available to support the families for whom this a particularly difficult time – because of the restrictions, families are unable to be with their loved ones and this is particularly difficult if the loved one is dying. To be a pastoral and spiritual support especially to the family is vital,” he said.