Joe McCarthy
Meet Joe McCarthy
Pastoral Care Manager
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.”
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 McCarthy
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.
“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.”