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When one is faced with a hospital stay – long term or short term, expected or unexpected – anything that provides some sense of normalcy can be a welcome balm for the mind and heart. The presence of chaplains can help provide that.

Since 2018 the Rev. Bryan Rivers has been the chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), supported over the years by deacons and volunteers.  The chaplaincy is undergoing some staffing changes, but the commitment to providing spiritual care at Vancouver’s largest hospital.

 In 2024, Rev. Rivers decided to retire from the chaplaincy. He reflected on his time in the hospital chaplaincy ministry:

“In hospital, anxiety in many forms and to different degrees is perhaps the primary emotion experienced by patients, families and staff. Anxiety about the known; the unknown; the present; the future; loved ones (including pets); abandonment; loneliness; despair; loss of independence; end of life. Staff are anxious about making errors; liability; burnout; providing adequate care; lack of resources; time; and the ever-present possibility of being overwhelmed by the unexpected. They are also anxious for their patient’s wellbeing. By contrast, in the midst of this chaotic mix, one also encounters inspiring examples of courage; faith; fortitude; cheerfulness; humility; acceptance and love.

VGH Chaplaincy seeks to bring peace, reassurance and hope to those who are struggling; to be a listening ear, to speak words of affirmation and life, and to minister through prayer, the Word, the sacraments of communion and anointing; and simply being a silent pastoral presence at the bedside. Jesus is our role model; He is the ultimate Spiritual Care Chaplain to us all; we simply try to follow His example. Guided by the Holy Spirit we seek to bring the love and light of Christ to those who are struggling with the darkness of physical, emotional and spiritual suffering at what is often the most difficult moment of their lives, for themselves and their families.

 It is both a challenge and a privilege to do so. In the process we also grow in self-knowledge, faith and perseverance as we learn to appreciate the limits of our abilities, the frailty of the human condition, and the breathtaking nature of God’s abounding grace in all of life’s scenarios.”

While Rev. Rivers has moved on to a new chapter in his life, the Anglican ministry at VGH continues. Archbishop John Stephens has appointed Ms. Rejoice Anthony to take on the role of Anglican chaplain at VGH. In a letter announcing her appointment, Archbishop Stephens said, “Rejoice has years of experience in a variety of forms of ministry, and theological education. We welcome her to the position and give thanks for her skills and abilities in this important task”

At the same time, the VGH Chaplaincy says farewell and Thank You to long-time volunteer Kate Walker. Recalling his time working alongside Ms. Walker in the chaplaincy ministry, Rev. Rivers said:

"As a volunteer with Spiritual Care at VGH, Kate Walker embodied genuine, loving Christian servanthood. Her exuberant cheerfulness and enthusiasm were complemented by a gentle, calming pastoral presence at the bedside. Kate possessed wide knowledge and experience which she willingly shared with others; including neophyte Chaplains like me.

 At the height of the Covid-19 outbreak Kate also exhibited great courage; putting herself at risk by entering the quarantined ICU wards to support the sick and dying when their families were not allowed to visit.

On behalf of the Diocese, her VGH colleagues, and all whom she visited over the years, one can only echo the words of our Lord: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.