Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 19
a genuine curiosity about human
nature and what gives people meaning
help participants grow and be
transformed by the programme.
5. What do students tend to find
most difficult when they first
begin working in a hospital
environment?
Many students initially struggle with
the intensity of patients’ suffering, the
unpredictability of crises and the
emotional demands of the setting.
Navigating hospital protocols and
interacting with diverse staff can also
be challenging. Most find that
confronting their own anxieties and
learning to support others in distress
takes time and courage.
6. How does the Mater Hospital
setting shape the experience of
CPE - what does it offer that a
classroom alone couldn’t?
The Mater Hospital provides real-life
encounters with patients and staff,
immersing students in unpredictable
and emotionally charged situations.
This environment fosters practical
learning and the development of
pastoral skills through direct
engagement, feedback and reflection offering growth that goes far beyond
what classroom theory alone can
provide.
One of the key strengths of the CPE
programme at the Mater is the
exceptional support provided by the
hospital staff. The Director of
Nursing, the Director of Mission and
Chaplaincy contact details:
chaplaincy@mater.ie.
Priest On-Call 24/7
087 383 9506
Sacred Space: An alter addressed by one of the CPE students
for morning prayer
the Chaplaincy team offer
encouragement to students and this
plays a crucial role in shaping a
positive learning environment.
7. At its core, what is CPE really
trying to form in a person—
beyond skills or knowledge?
CPE aims to cultivate self-awareness,
empathy and authenticity in its
participants. It helps build trusting
relationships with patients, families
and staff from diverse backgrounds.
It addresses existential questions with
sensitivity and depth.
8. Looking back over your years
with CPE here, what gives you the
greatest sense of encouragement
about its future?
CPE is both demanding and hugely
rewarding. Students confront their
own assumptions, face emotional
discomfort and receive constructive
feedback that can at times be
challenging to process but when
students are open to learn, this results
in growth and transformation. Most
students come away with a deeper
sense of vocation, increased pastoral
competence and professionalism.
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