The Chaplaincy within Butterwick Hospice Care provides a non-denominational support service which exists to help those who are either patients or carers - whether that is family, friends, staff or volunteers.
The Chaplain is part of the Family Support Team and seeks to provide pastoral and spiritual support for those who request it. As part of the Family Support Team the Chaplain's primary role is to provide non-medical care and support. The Chaplaincy is for everybody, across the organisation and not just those who have a particular faith.
We do this through personal contact and the provision of opportunities for people to explore their questions and issues regarding spirituality and life. We seek to provide care, support, direction and guidance to all who ask for it.
We have held many types of services in the Hospice including weddings, wedding renewals, infant dedications, baptisms, bereavment services and blessings of all kinds. The Chaplaincy will try to accommodate any request for particular services within the Hospice.The Family Support Team communicate with patients and families about their spiritual needs and make sure opportunity is given to meet the Chaplain if they wish.
We allow each person to practice their faith, both privately and corporately and provide space for that expression.
We respond to whatever ministry is needed, whether it be prayer, the sacraments or other services, making them available to all who need them. And we encourage patients and others through personal contact to explore their hopes, fears, doubts and faith about what is happening and may happen to them and give them the time and opportunity to work through any questions.
Services:
Every Friday at 11.30am there is a communion service for all who are able to attend in our Chapel at the Bishop Auckland Hospice. It lasts 30 minutes and is taken by a visiting member of clergy from the local community. The service is non-denominational and is conducted in whatever way the visiting minister wishes. Communion is available to all who would like it.
Other services take place in the Stockton Chapel during the week depending on patient's needs. A communion service is usually taken by the Hospice Chaplain at 11.30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The first Wednesday of the month is held for a Catholic Mass in the Stockton Chapel at 11am. This lasts for about 30 minutes and is held by one of the local Catholic priests.
For more information about spiritual care within the Hospice please contact Paula Wood, the Registered Manager, on 01388 603003.
