Over 20 years ago I answered a call for volunteers to assist with the meal service provided by Angels Kitchen for homeless and needy persons. This has been a most rewarding experience and has led to many lasting friendships.
It is so gratifying to see the appreciation of our recipients. Every Sunday we are told “that is the best meal I have ever had!”

We volunteers feel so blessed to have been gifted with not only food donations but other ways of showing folk less fortunate that someone cares. A young family comes each week with a supply of non-perishable food for the homeless and needy persons to have during the week. A group of hairdressers provide free haircuts every six weeks. Donations of clothing and toiletries are a regular occurrence.

Angels Kitchen is all about team effort – not only the team of volunteers who attend every Sunday, but also the team of benefactors without whose donations, large and small, we would not have managed to provide a meal every Sunday for the last 25 years.
~Noela~
Angel’s Kitchen Volunteer

Chaplaincy/Pastoral Care

My role as a Hospital Pastoral Care Worker (HPCW) is a personal response to God’s loving call. It requires special training and skills operating under a positive motivation and holistic approach. I call it the proper attachment of the heart and mind to do Jesus’ healing and companioning ministry. My work is a gift for it relates and journeys gently and skillfully with the inner world of patients/clients from all walks of life. My role, is to provide one-to-one bedside visitation, support and comfort to patients or clients and their families as required thus bringing the gift of listening, compassionate heart and non-judgmental presence. I operate on a referral basis and receives requests from Nursing staff, Physicians, Social Workers, Patient Representatives, Clergy/Priests, Sunday Special Ministers, Parishioners and outside the hospital needs. Part of my job is to respond to crisis and emergency calls, offer End-of-life support and Bereavement Care, do patient advocacy and liaise with other Allied Health workers by coordinating, organising, training, delegating and ministering in a calm and gentle manner.

My ministry as a HPCW is an art of facilitating and providing patients to find their way to worship through prayers and blessings and to reconcile and forgive oneself and others. It provides emotional and spiritual support to patient’s adjusting to illness or searching for meaning and purpose during difficult times.

Being a HPCW at the Gold Coast University Hospital, I also collaborate with our Parish Priest and his Associates for all Sacramental needs of patients and Liturgical program preparation. My role is open to other faiths and beliefs or none as part of the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care team.

In some cases, as a HPCW, I also provide spiritual care and support to medical staff and Colleagues. I am committed to respecting people’s privacy, maintaining confidentiality, respect for policies that apply to ministry and committed to self-care and professional developments. The life of a HPCW is also focused on personal and communal prayers and in the celebration of the Eucharist. I report, and I’m accountable to Centacare in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

~Selen Petrovic~
Hospital Pastoral Care Worker (HPCW)
Gold Coast University Hospital

For 16 years as a volunteer, I have enjoyed bringing hope and love of Christ to the sick and dying at the Gold Coast Hospital and then here at the new Gold Coast University Hospital. It really gives me a great feeling of satisfaction and blessings to serve the people of God.

~Sabina Sannen~
Catholic Chaplaincy Volunteer
Gold Coast University Hospital