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Chaplaincy Recognized by the Ministry
by Paul Chidwick
On November 29, 2001 the Huronia Regional Centre held a ceremony to mark the "Make a Difference" Recognition Program honoring excellence to employees at the Centre. At this ceremony the Deputy Minister John Fleming of the Ministry of Community and Social Services, together with Regional Director Valerie Beckett, presented an award to Chaplain John Blyth for excellence in customer Service.
John has provided spiritual and pastoral care at the Centre for the past three years. He came to the Centre with a unique personal background for those who are mentally handicapped. For many years John grew up with an uncle who had downs syndrome and learned from personal experience both the challenge and the joy of providing a caring environment for these people. John also spent time working at Daybreak under the direction of Henri Nouwen. John went to the Centre well prepared for this special ministry.
The Centre has a long history dating back to 1861. In these early years it was called (if you can believe it) an "Asylum for Idiots". The nomenclature and the provision of care has greatly changed over the years with improved medical care, spiritual care, and a social atmosphere that has allowed it to become a real community.
In the 50's the residential population was about 2916. During the 70's the process of downsizing began and the population now stands at 351. This was a very important factor for John in the provision of pastoral care. The decrease in population has enabled him to spend less time in administration and more time in individual pastoral care. It has also enabled him to achieve a greater degree of visibility for both clients and staff with the result that they are able to appreciate the significance of spiritual care.
The importance of building community at the Centre stood out for me when John mentioned that he had only taken two funeral services for clients outside of the facility. People came, lived out their lives, and ended their lives at the Centre. When this happened the community would gather in the chapel, along with family members, to mourn the loss of a friend and provide support for each other.
John's ministry often involves counselling with clients, staff and family members. He is a regular visitor at the hospital and is responsible for a number of worship services. There is always an atmosphere of friendliness and informality during the services. Music and story-telling play an important part in the liturgy. Often John will spend time with individual participants during the service. At all times personal interaction is a highlight in his ministry.
We are very glad that John was given this award and certainly indicates how the facility values spiritual and religious care.
Paul Chidwick is the Editor of OMNI.
Posted by editor on September 30, 2003 10:38 AM