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Posted on 17/02/2023

Sharing the knowledge, sharing the load and caring for each other

Chaplains face many difficult scenarios in their school communities on a daily basis, so our Chaplaincy Formation was a great opportunity to learn from each other and for our organisation to place an emphasis on the role self-care and pastoral supervision plays as we serve the community.

Every year YouthCARE Chaplains come together from across the state for our annual formation to connect, share and develop their skills before starting the next school year. This year we were visited by Stuart Adamson, Morling College Associate Dean of Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Stuart has a wealth of knowledge and experiences he was able to share with us all. He has served as a chaplain, chaplain trainer and pastoral supervisor at Anglicare Sydney for 15 years, with his primary ordained role in chaplaincy leadership at the Prince of Wales and Randwick Hospital Campuses.

In his role supporting patients and families in hospitals who would often be experiencing very difficult moments in life, he realised that self-care was going to play a very important role in the longevity of his career.

“When I first explored the potential of becoming a chaplain, I noticed that there seemed to be either 3 year chaplains or 33 year chaplains with no in-between…So pastoral supervision and self-care is so important,” said Stuart.

Pastoral supervision is an opportunity to explore and unpack personal and work-related issues in a pastoral environment that will help guide problem-solving, facilitate reflective practice and explore holistic self-care practices.

It is important to encourage self-care to not only chaplains but anyone in the wellbeing industry as it enables them to give the best support they can be to students, staff and families in their community. This practice is not only something we talk about without chaplains but strongly encourage and support.