The NIHCA recently hosted two training days at Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry.
On Tuesday 13th Sept 2016 Mrs Carolyn Patterson led us in thinking about "The Shepherd in pastoral care - a model for chaplaincy?" 22 chaplains attended.
Carolyn is a deaconess with the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, Belfast. She has been an honorary chaplain for two and a half years in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, working with the Methodists and Others. She has received a Pastoral Care Diploma with Belfast Bible College and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry with The Irish Baptist College.
Comments in the evaluations included - Inspired to be reminded that we are both shepherds & sheep. God cares for us all individually. Challenging & yet inspiring. Practical & grounded for hospital ministry. Thought provoking. Group sharing was very good. Powerful sessions. Loved opportunity to hear fellow chaplains share their stories. Very enjoyable day as well as practical. Very full & worthwhile day. Helpful for looking at models of chaplaincy. Very affirming for life & ministry.
On Wednesday 14th Sept Rev Norman Harrison led our thinking about "A Programme for arts-based reflection - Drawing alongside..." 19 chaplains attended.
Norman is into his second year as full time Presbyterian Chaplain in the Royal Hospitals, Belfast. He worked in pastoral ministry for 25 years prior to his appointment as Chaplain, and for four of those years was part of the Chaplaincy Team in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast. He has recently graduated with his Masters in Ministry specialising in Spiritual Care utilising the Arts.
Comments in the evaluations included -Very creative & reflective. An inspiring journey through God's eyes. Interesting to hear others' perceptions & ideas. Opportunity through challenges. Great freedom & creativity. Food for the soul. Inspiring with expectancy. Found Norman's work for the extension of multidisciplinary chaplaincy very interesting & helpful. Topic was different & asked for personal involvement & sharing. Inspired us all to be creative in a wide variety of ways.
