It was nice to meet many other volunteers from other churches. Two from St.John's and five of our group attended, (plus me as co-ordinator).
After welcoming all the patients listening on the hospital radio, Rev.Hilary Fife said she hoped that the sound system was going to be alright as they had another break-in and all the sound equipment was stolen. They were lucky in that someone had been able to make a temporary repair.
Bishop Baines then conducted the service. In his homily he made a point of thanking all the volunteers for giving up their time on Sunday mornings to enable people to attend the Services. There were about 8 Catholics present, and at Communion, Rose, a Eucharistic Minister from St. Mary's, gave the Catholics communion.
After the service there is coffee tea and biscuits for everyone and a chance to talk to the patients. I met a lady from St Andrew's who is also a Eucharistic Minister, she told me Rose visits two other wards taking communion every Sunday, this lady also visited seven other wards.
I am pleased to say we have seven volunteers now, Judy Freegard, Sue Gomes, Tina Lee, Mike and Jonathan Loftus and Phil and Mary Pond. All have busy lives - children and grandchildren and parents to visit etc as well as some going to work. In particular I would like to welcome our newest volunteer Jonathan who is a young man busy at school and I’m sure with a lot of other interests. As the late Pope John Paul II said we need more young people.
If you are interested in being a volunteer please ask me for more details
Maureen Sullivan