Sr. Ann Purcell is the Chaplain in the Blackrock Hospice, and is part of the Multidisciplinary and Psychosocial Teams that meet three times a week to discuss how the patients’ needs are cared for. As part of Ann’s pastoral ministry, she is available for staff when they are in need of a listening ear, either sharing their stories of family life, of their joys and sorrows, fears and anxieties.

Ann accompanies patients as they try to come to terms with fear of dying and death, and at other times asking the question the ‘Why of suffering’. For some patients the news of end of life when they ask the doctor can be quite traumatic for them. A listening ear, compassion, presence and prayer are most important at this time. Supporting the families and relatives and their request for prayers at the time of a loved one’s death is an integral part of the ministry.