The Catholic Leader - 12 November - Issue 5477

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The Catholic Leader, November 12, 2017
ST RITA’S COLLEGE
YEAR OF
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FOR
YEAR 7, 2021
Thursday 8 February, 2018
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR
YEAR 7, 2022
Monday 15 January, 2018
4 11
Ph: 07 3862 1615
547 Ann Street Brisbane QLD 4000
| 07 3230 9586
Sh e will ach ievewhat th e world hasnot yet imagined
Safe in the shelter and
escaping in the music
WHEN a cancer diagnosis
causes a significant life change,
patients crave a safe and pro-
tected environment that offers
the stimulus required to address
their psychological, emotional,
social, physical and physiologi-
cal needs.
Mater Cancer Care Centre uses research-
based music therapy to provide a distrac-
tion from symptoms and side effects, and
to promote relaxation whilst improving
both emotional and physical well-being.
Mater music therapist Dr Jeanette Ken-
nelly said, “Music therapy provides a safe
space for patients to talk about other things
going on in their lives.
“Patients don’t always talk about their
treatment; sometimes just singing a song
or playing a favourite piece of music is
enough to help pull them out of an anxious
or low moment,” she said.
“It’s the music that provides the ac-
cess point to talking about their cancer
journey.”
Jenny is a patient benefitting from music
therapy at the Mater Cancer Care Centre.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer
in 2003, Jenny went into remission after
treatment, but sadly her cancer returned in
2014.
A professionally trained opera singer
who has performed in London, Jenny felt
empowered by music to get her through
some of the darker times while she was
receiving treatment.
“I know I can’t get through my cancer
without music therapy. It’s as simple as
that,” she said.
“It’s a huge thing that’s happening to
you when you have cancer.
“You have to make a ‘new’ way of life
around you, and music therapy is a part of
my new life and a holistic approach to my
treatment.”
Jenny credits music therapy for helping
her being able to work through her cancer
diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
“Music therapy is a breath of fresh air,
because I don’t have to think about my
cancer,” she said.
“It provides me with an outlet and it’s
a joy.”
Music therapy is just one part of Mater
Cancer Care Centre’s programs that offers
an integrated approach to cancer care for
any patient.
Integrated approach: “Music therapy provides a safe space for
patients to talk about other things going on in their lives.”
VILLAMcAuley Retirement Village,
Townsville, is situated in a quiet suburb
and surrounded by tropical gardens.
Originally established by the Sisters
of Mercy, it is now a ministry of Mercy
Community Services North Queensland
offering affordable independent living: A
place to call home.
Residents at Villa McAuley embrace
a sense of community through coming
together to celebrate special occasions
and participating in regular activities.
The community centre is often a hive
of activity with regular bowls sessions,
bingo and tai chi.
Recently, management and residents
joined in a Zumba session and it is hoped
that this will be a regular way of becom-
ing fit and having fun.
The annual variety concert is always a
wonderful occasion where a number of
locals, including residents showcase their
talents to entertain residents and friends.
Other special celebrations include
the annual Christmas function and our
barbecue lunches that are held through-
out the year.
The sense of community at Villa
McAuley Retirement Village is certainly
alive.
It provides an opportunity for valuable
friendships to be formed and nourished.
Celebrating
community
Stay close to work, learn, give, grow
TOWNSVILLE people considering
a career change to pastoral care don’t
need to travel down south for the train-
ing.
The Mater Hospital held an informa-
tion session recently where people from
all denominations and backgrounds
gathered to hear guest presenter Cathy
Brown, from Brisbane, present an
Introduction and Information session on
clinical pastoral education.
CPE is the professional training
course necessary for employment in the
pastoral care ministry.
Mater Hospital’s director of mission
Trudy Clarke said this training usually
was not available in North Queensland,
and people requiring this qualifica-
tion would have to travel to the capital
cities and complete it as a three-month
intensive course.
Ms Clarke will be facilitating this
course in Townsville from March 2018.
She said the course was only run
every two years and the number of
participants was capped at six.
There are no formal pre-requisites
however there is an extensive applica-
tion process to complete.
For more information contact Mater
Health Services North Queensland’s
director of mission Trudy Clarke by
emailing
or phoning (07) 4727 4105. Career change: Cathy Brown and Trudy Clarke.