The Pastoral Care Department includes Protestant Ministers, Roman Catholic Priests, an Episcopal Priest, and others who can be contacted upon request, including a Jewish Rabbi, Buddhist Priest, Muslim Imam, and Hindu Pandit. These Chaplains provide spiritual support, which includes:
- Respect for your religious tradition and spiritual practices
Your observance of the rituals and sacraments of your faith will be respected, and your religious needs will be accommodated as fully as possible. For example, Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick can be provided during your hospital stay.
- Comfort in times of spiritual distress and anxiety
Chaplains will provide emotional and spiritual support while you are in the hospital. Listening to your concerns is at the heart of the Chaplain’s practice.
- Partnership in prayer
People often turn to a Higher Power for comfort and support during treatment. When you are ill, you may want to pray with a Chaplain.
- Support for your family and friends
Chaplains are available to support those who support you during your illness. They will also participate in family conferences with the medical team upon request.
- Conversation about end-of-life decisions
Chaplains can assist you in completing Advance Directives, including selection of a health care agent, treatment preferences (often called a "living will"), and decisions about organ donation.
