Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Thanksgiving Service
As Ms Cathy Thorpe, Deputy-Director of Nursing at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, was due to retire at the end of November 2009, we, the Clinical Pastoral Education group together with the Chaplains from our Pastoral Care Department, invited her to a Thanksgiving Service in her honour. We, from the CPE programme, have always found Ms Thorpe very supportive and appreciative of the indispensible role Chaplaincy plays in the lives of the patients, their families and the staff.
So, on Thursday, 29 October, we gathered in the attractive Tafelberg Seminar room to celebrate and give thanks to a truly remarkable woman.
Sr. Isobel Africa, with the help of the CPE group, co-ordinated the Ritual. The Theme ‘Autumn Season of Surrender’ and the reflections were taken out of the book: ‘The circle of Life’ by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Weiderkehr. The Ritual further developed ‘The seasons of life’ meaning a time for everything; thus taking into account the challenges and experiences Ms Thorpe has encountered during her time as Deputy Director of Nursing. The celebration comprised of the Ritual/Morning Worship which was followed by a delicious, scrumptious finger-licking brunch.
Our gathering song ‘Turn Turn Turn’ complimented the reading of Eccs.3:1-8 – a season for everything.
Rev Clive Caesar, chair person of the Pastoral Care Department gave a tribute on behalf of the Department. Sr. Jacinta Bannon, co-ordinator of the CPE programme gave her message of appreciation to Ms Thorpe and also read a letter from Mrs. Kay Espley, retired CPE supervisor.
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The focal point was breathtaking with bright colours of fabric woven together symbolising the one season flowing into the other. The different coloured candles placed on the corners of the focal point represented the four different seasons i.e. Green (Spring), Orange (Summer), White (Winter) and Brown (Autumn). In the centre, a large candle was lit, symbolising Christ the Light of the world. Each candle was lit by four Chaplains and a reflection accompanied the lighting of the four seasons candles.
After the four blessings were prayed over Ms Thorpe, Rev Ferdie Groenewald, Chair person for ACPESA (Association of Clinical Pastoral Education in Southern Africa), handed her the large lit candle symbolising the Light leading her into her future.
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Contact details: CPE co-ordinator, P.O. Box 1277,
Strand 7139,
South Africa.