Fifteen years ago when I started hospital ministry, it was parish-based. Hospitals used to give the chaplain a list of the Catholics there. From that list, I would go around and visit the sick, while also bringing them Holy Communion. Now, however, my work is more inclusive. Queen’s Medical Center has a non-denominational chaplaincy program through which we respond to all patients.
The other night, for example, there were 552 patients counted. At any hour, even in the middle of the night, any of them could need something spiritually. Say they were to go into cardiac arrest, we are there for them and their families. If there is a true emergency where a patient will not make it through the night, we have two priests we can page for the anointing of the sick, the last rites before they die.
Before becoming a hospital chaplain, I was an elementary school music teacher and choral director. I enjoyed preparing the children for musical plays, graduation and other school events. I love making a joyful sound. I was moved when I recently heard that Father Khanh Hoang, pastor of St. Jude Parish, Makakilo, said that he remembers a nun that used to play guitar and sing songs with the CCD students. He said that was a good way to promote vocations. That nun was me!
In the morning I like to spend time in prayer and reading the Scriptures, in like a holy hour. Sometimes the Scriptures I read will cause me to burst into song. Many of the hymns we sing at Immaculate Conception Church (my parish in Ewa) are from the “Glory and Praise” series. Those songs are scripturally-based — word for word. I also enjoy reading the Hawaii Catholic Herald. I read it from cover to cover as it keeps me abreast of other happenings and events in our diocese and the world.
With my work and hospital shifts that can run from any combination of eight, 16 or 24 hours, or a “split 40” entailing going in for 24 hours, off for eight, and then back again for 16, there isn’t really any time for me to see other religious as often as I would like to, unless they are in the hospital. But, I have many good memories of the past, and as I plan for the future, I am learning to slow down. A daily bike ride and swim helps me to stay healthy so I can keep ministering to others and praising the Lord with song.
Sister Judy Resta is a Sister for Christian Community, 18 years professed. She had been active in the Association of Religious Congregations in Hawaii and in the Leadership Association of Religious Congregations. She lives at Franciscan Vistas in Ewa. For the Year of Consecrated Life, her pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, Capuchin Franciscan Father Mike Dalton celebrated her contributions in the church bulletin, “Sister Judy is a familiar sight not only attending our church but also riding her bicycle around Ewa. She not only ministers to our sick brothers and sisters but she is a great example of someone trying to stay healthy herself.”
