Assessment

Continuous Assessment 10% + Essay 90%

Module Aims

This semester long module provides a forum for learners to reflect on the Christian commitment to act in solidarity with those who are sick and dying. It will unpack fundamental theological assumptions and outline, in an introductory manner, the processes of loss and acceptance, and an articulation of hope through the resources of the Christian tradition. It will address ethical and professional issues, facilitating the learner to consider key pastoral and professional principles and practices in a healthcare setting, and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to pastoral care.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Articulating Meaning: Central Themes and Models of Spiritual Ministry and Pastoral Care to the Sick
• Understandings the Mystery of Suffering and Solidarity as a Community, made present in ministry/chaplaincy
• Theological Anthropology: Implications of the Patient as a Person, Free, Embodied, Relational and Transcendent
• Medical and Christian Values and Professional Principles: human dignity, human goods and common good, beneficence, autonomy, justice and advocacy
• Case studies including: decision making; confidentiality; at the beginning and end of life
• On the Experience of loss, death and bereavement
• Celebrating the Healing Process: on accompaniment, prayer and ritual.

Learning Outcomes

• — By the end of this module students should be able to:
• — LO 1: express a relevant theological anthropology fitting to the experience of illness, and medical and pastoral care
• — LO 2: explore the historical sources and contemporary challenges of the professional identity of Healthcare Chaplaincy, including purpose, professional boundaries, and team practice, and cultural diversity.
• — LO 3: examine with appropriate sources, approaches to the experience of vulnerability and suffering, especially at it relates to the illness
• — LO 4: Appraise fundamental principles in healthcare ethics as they related to personal autonomy and duty of care, social justice and human dignity
• — LO 5: Relate to the experience of illness and loss, and associated needs
• — LO 6: reflect on the models of accompaniment and the place of ritual in articulating meaning.

Bibliography

• — Corkery. Bioethics and the Catholic Moral Tradition. Dublin: Veritas Publications, 2010
• — O’Donovan, P. ‘Healthcare Chaplaincy,’ The Furrow, Vol. 59, No. 5 (May, 2008), 264-273.
• — Matthews, Pia. Ethical Questions in Healthcare Chaplaincy. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2018.
• — Gula, Richard. Just Ministry. New York: Paulist Press, 2010.
• — The Consultative Group on Bioethics & the Council for Healthcare of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Code of Ethical Standards for Healthcare. Dublin: Veritas Publications, 2018
• — Johnston Taylor, Elizabeth, What Do I Say?: Talking with Patients about Spirituality. Templeton Foundation Press, 2007
• — Pangrazzi, A. The Art of Caring for the Sick: Guidelines for Creative Ministry. St. Pauls 2013
• — Patton, J. Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide. Abingdon Press 2005
• — Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers, New Charter for Health Care Workers. The National Catholic Bioethics Centre, Philadelphia 2017
• — Journals available on Maynooth Library Online: Journal of Pastoral Care and Counselling; Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy; Chaplaincy Today