Spiritual Care

The Department of Spiritual Care & Mission at St. Mary's recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of each person as we offer emotional support and spiritual aid, comfort and encouragement to patients, families of patients and hospital staff.

The Department of Spiritual Care & Mission is committed to maintaining the highest standard and quality of spiritual care and services for patients, families and staff. 

Catholic Sacraments

A Catholic priest is available to administer the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and the Anointing of the Sick to members of the Roman Catholic faith as needed by patients, families and staff.

Chapels

Two chapels are available within the medical center for quiet solitude or prayer. The Chapel of the Risen Christ is located on the second floor and can be accessed by taking the main lobby elevator. It is always open and people of all faiths are welcome.

The Convent Chapel is located on the first floor of the original East building. Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) is offered daily and is televised within the hospital on Channel 2.

Chaplain visits

Chaplains visit with patients and visitors throughout the medical center on a regular basis. You can request a chaplain visit through any staff member at any time.

Eucharistic minister volunteers

Volunteers distribute Communion to Catholic patients daily. Protestant sacraments and rituals are also available upon request.

24/7 In-house ministry

The department is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our chaplain residents and local clergy who volunteer their time between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to provide pastoral care and support to staff, patients and families enhance the work and ministry of the department. The on-call chaplain will answer pagers and phones for emergency and pastoral care issues.

Prayer/reflection

Morning and evening prayer is said each day over the medical center’s intercom system. The morning prayer can also be accessed through the phone by dialing extension 1800. 

Noe One Dies Alone (NODA) is an in-house volunteer program that offers the gift of presence, comfort, music, reading of poems and scripture, etc., to those approaching the end of life and have no family or support present for them.

Support Groups

The Support group “Navigating Grief” is offered four times throughout the year. This free course will consist of four classes covering various topics, including: the definition of grief, stages and expressions of grief, how to deal with grief and practical responses to grief. This is a great way to grow in a time of suffering and loss and to receive support from others going through the same difficult period.

Employee Assistance Program

The department offers a free service to all employees to help deal with life's difficult circumstances. The EAP offers short term, solution focused counseling to assist each employee. For more information please contact the EAP Coordinator at 304.526.6675.

Clinical Pastoral Education Center

St. Mary's Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Center is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The center provides Level I and Level II training CPE. To learn more please click here.

For more information about the services listed above, call Spiritual Care at 304.526.1188.