Pastoral care at Mater is music to Joe’s ears

From helping prison inmates and rescuing road crash victims to living in a monastery, Joe McCarthy brings a wide variety of experience to his new role as pastoral care manager at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

Born and bred in Townsville, Joe has returned to his hometown to take on the pastoral care position and hopes to bring a fresh approach to supporting patients and their families.

“I want people to understand that pastoral care is not about spreading Catholicism onto our patients,” Joe said.

“We see many people from different faiths and backgrounds.

“Our focus is to listen to our patients with no judgement or agenda. Some of our patients have never had anyone to simply sit and listen to them, it can be a lonely world for some.”

Joe began his career as a corrective services officer but felt called to do more for the rehabilitation of inmates.

“In 1994, I joined a unit that coordinated the sentence management of inmates with a focus on incentives and programs to help with their rehabilitation and positive development of relationships; thereby better preparing them for re-entering society,” he said.

“After ten years I left the correctional centre to follow a monastic vocation and joined the Cistercian Order at Tarrawarra Abbey in Victoria. I lived here for six years and was able to focus on my own spirituality in community with fellow monks.

“Shortly before I was to take my final vows, my father died and through this difficult time I felt my spiritual journey leading me out of the monastic life and on to engage at a deeper level with the wider community.”

Joe spent some time working with the road crash rescue unit in Emergency Services, assisting people who had been in serious vehicle accidents.

“My work gave me insight into the fragility of life but three years ago I returned to Townsville to be back with my family and to pursue Spiritual Director training at the House of Prayer. This program gave me a deeper awareness into the healing process of pastoral care," Joe said.

“I knew my focus had to be in Townsville, I grew up here and know so many people in the community. I found the Mater Mission and Values were in line with my own spiritual values.

“Being a pastoral carer is about supporting people during some of the most difficult days of their lives, there has been so much disruption and they are seeking emotional support.”

Joe said the global pandemic had impacted and disrupted people’s lives, increasing the need for emotional support.

“I’m looking forward to working with families, leading them through difficult times whether that’s performing rituals to help when someone passes or supporting them during a difficult phase of their life,” Joe said.

“Reflecting on my spiritual journey I have recently published a book titled “Our Eternal Relationship” that explores the spiritual connectedness between all people a topic I am very interesting in after studying philosophy and theology.

“Pastoral care is a great occupation and a very rewarding career. I would encourage anyone thinking of moving into this area to take the leap.”