The Bishop’s Lenten Appeal supports many offices and programs for the Arlington Diocese. Two of these are the Chaplain Program at INOVA Fairfax Hospital and the televised Sunday Mass for the homebound.

Missionhurst Father Paul Wynants has served as full-time Catholic chaplain at Fairfax Hospital, the largest hospital in the diocese, for nearly 20 years. He has been appointed to his position by each of the three Arlington bishops. At other medical facilities around the area, personnel from nearby parishes minister to patients.

Currently recuperating from a stroke, Father Wynants is on medical leave from his chaplaincy duties. He spoke to the Herald from Mt. Tabor House in Vienna, where he is in residence.

Father Wynants celebrated Mass at the hospital before his taking leave, for patients, family and staff on Saturday evenings, First Fridays and twice each holy day. A group of volunteers, usually about 36 lay people, help with the hospital ministry for two hours once every other week.

"We visit all the Catholics known to us" in the hospital, Father Wynants said. At admission, patients have the option of listing their religious denomination on the paperwork. "As a priest, I give special attention to the crisis areas," he said, citing patients with cancer and in critical and intensive care units and psychiatric wards.

Previously in residence at St. Ambrose Parish in Annandale, Father Wynants is assisted at the hospital two days a week by their priests. The parish Knights of Columbus Council No. 8403 sponsors two hospital ministry programs for Catholic patients, Christmas gifts and a Lenten reflection booklet, distributed on Ash Wednesday.

During their stay, patients may view a closed-circuit chaplaincy channel, donated by the hospital. On Channel 6 Mass comes on twice a day as well as several daily programs sponsored by other ecumenical denominations.

The monthly Catholic hospital newsletter, "Always and All Ways" is "inspirational, informational and recreational," said Father Wynants. There is also tele-prayer, which patients may dial up for a prayer, reflection, meditation or meaningful thought for the day. Eucharist is brought daily to those who request it.

"We call ourselves the Cyrenians," said Father Wynants. The group’s name comes from the Biblical Simon of Cyrene who assisted Jesus on His way to Calvary. "We help carry the cross of the ones whom Jesus has identified Himself with. We share with them that the Lord has not forgotten them."

The Cyrenians first visit with a patient, and if they request it, give them Communion, which is not automatic or pressed upon the patient, said Father Wynants.

"We hope that the parish priest will visit them once during their hospital stay and continue to do so when the parishioners are back home," he said.

Sister of Our Lady of La Salette Sister Maria Josephine Valenton, who has served in the ministry since early February 2001, assists Father Wynants in the ministry. At any given time there are up to 200 patients who declared themselves as Catholic on their admission forms, she said.

With Father Wynants out on leave now, other priests come in only on an emergency basis from four surrounding parishes.

"Father Wynants’ presence really means a lot," at INOVA, Sister Valenton said. Doctors and nurses ask about his return. "Having the Catholic team in the hospital is very valuable" to staff and patients, especially to those "when they know that their illness is not curable," she said.

The team helps them "deal with their anger" and in finding "peace, the meaning of their life," and answering concerns about "what happens after death and can God forgive them," Sister Valenton said.

This brings the family "joy, because even though they’re losing their loved one, we help them to accept the difficulties that are occurring and assure them of God’s love," she said. "We minister not only to the patients and families, but to staff members also. They ask for blessings and prayers too for strengthening," especially if they had gotten to know the patient well. Since "the spiritual side is the only thing they have, they cling to that and what we are giving them."

She said the ministry has a need for volunteers who can help on the weekends and also for priests who can assist with the chaplaincy on a regular basis.

"Father Paul (Wynants) is there not only to minister the sacraments but to walk, and talk and spend time with the patients. That’s why they love him," Sister Valenton said.

Father Wynants will celebrate a Mass and healing service, which is open to the public, on May 6 at Mount Tabor House, 2363 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna, at 8 p.m. For information call 703/938-2564.

According to Father Daniel Maher, diocesan episcopal vicar for finance, the Arlington Diocese supplies slightly over $60,000 per year for the chaplaincy ministry, primarily for personnel costs.

The weekly Sunday morning Mass is aired on WHUT, the television network of Howard University in Washington. It is taped every two weeks at the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Last month, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde celebrated Easter Mass, with music by the Cathedral of St. Thomas More choir, directed by Rick Gibala. It was shown on March 31.

"We share responsibility with the Archdiocese of Washington," said Father Maher. "Our portion is $22,500, which assists in the annual production costs of the event." He said the figure is determined by the area’s Catholic population, and is split accordingly, with the Arlington Diocese contributing one-third of the cost and the Washington Archdiocese two-thirds.