Sister Concepta Joerger, a chaplain for Mercy, describes herself as an instrument. The metaphor has double meaning. As a chaplain, she is an instrument for God in her work with patients and their families at St. Mary’s Hospital – there to hold a hand, say a prayer, encourage, listen, comfort and inspire. Her role as an instrument took on a new meaning five years ago when she started a hospital music program for patients to help in their healing process. Sister Concepta began collecting CDs and tapes of music ranging from classical and country to Christian selections, as well as radios, to take to the patient’s bedside. She gradually added books on tape and movie videos – all designed to soothe or relax patients.
Sister Concepta’s life of sacrifice began in her senior year of high school in Springfield, Ill., when she felt the Lord calling her to a religious life. She celebrates her year as a Dominican Sister in 2004.
"People know that Sisters give up a lot," she said. "We give up our families, yet we’re very close to them. Though some see that as a sacrifice, I see it as a commitment to God. As a result, I receive so many blessings from Him."
A teacher for 37 years, Sister Concepta said she was called away from teaching to do pastoral work 10 years ago. A certified chaplain, her day begins in prayer with other Sisters in their convent at 5:30 each morning. "My own prayer life and reflection keep me going," she said.
Her other responsibilities at the hospital include taking communion to the Catholic patients. She performs many other tasks to help patients and families – simple jobs such as getting a cup of coffee or helping to make a phone call to complicated tasks such as counseling a distraught family whose loved one has died. She works with patients on advance directives and talks with families about end-of-life issues.
Sister Concepta also is involved in The Compassionate Friends of Northwest Arkansas, a support group for families who have lost a child. Sister Concepta and the other Sisters at St. Mary’s take turns taking weekend call at the hospital.
"I’m on call for emergency and crisis situations," Sister Concepta said. "This is not always an easy job, yet to be at a patient’s bedside when the patient is sick or dying is a very profound moment. Every day you see miracles if you keep your eyes open."
"We truly care about our patients at St. Mary’s," added the Sister, who lays her hands on patients as she prays with them. "Our patients can feel the spiritual atmosphere here."
