Two dedicated Carinity chaplains, who collectively served as pastoral carers for 67 years, have retired.
Lynne Williams was inspired to become a chaplain after visiting a friend with cancer in hospital. She would go on to support patients in Brisbane hospitals for 30 years.
Lynne said she felt "so blessed to have the opportunity to fly the flag of Jesus".
"My goal as a chaplain was to represent Jesus, to listen attentively and actively, and to be sensitive to the needs of patients," she said.
"People in hospital are often facing major decisions, coming to terms with bad news, or are in shock. We can be a listening ear, just allowing patients to offload."
Lynne said her interactions with hospital patients - and hearing about their life journeys and differing points of view - was "a real privilege".
"I have found the ministry wonderfully fulfilling. If you love people, are happy to listen and care about the 'souls' of people, being a chaplain is wonderful," Lynne said.
Jack Teepa has retired following a 37-year career as a pastoral carer, including ten years as chaplain at the Carinity Colthup Manor aged care community in Ipswich.
He is known for his dedication to supporting seniors, friendly smile, infectious personality, distinctive moustache, and brightly coloured clothes.
Jack's extensive career in pastoral care began in New Zealand and included chaplaincy roles in schools, hospitals, private business, government departments, prisons, and the defence force.
This included a two-year rotation to Bosnia in the mid-1990s with a United Nations peacekeeping force.
"All chaplaincy is important. Aged care chaplaincy, for me, is particularly important because older people need to be heard, listened to, acknowledged, respected and valued," Jack said.
"The thing I most enjoy about the role is contributing to making Colthup Manor a happy and safe place."
As well as chaplains in hospitals and aged care communities, Carinity has pastoral carers who support people in schools and correctional centres around Queensland.
