The staff of Spiritual Care would like to take this opportunity
to educate you about the many services we provide, not only to our
patients, but to our employees as well. Spiritual Care is
based on the belief in God, the dignity of all as created by God in
His likeness, and therefore, deserving of respect from conception
to death, regardless of race, color, creed, or social/economic
status.
We believe in holistic care that
embraces the physical, emotional, and the spiritual needs of each
patient. We are all called to witness to the healing ministry
of Jesus Christ in the hospital and out into the community, with a
respect for other religious traditions and beliefs of every
person. Our services are available to all inpatients, ER,
Ambulatory Surgery, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology
patients, and St. Louise Manor residents.
The Chaplains are available 24/7 to respond immediately to the
Operator's calls through individual pagers. Chaplains are
available to all who are in need of spiritual care.
We provide prayer aides such as Bibles, the
Koran, Sabbath Candles (electric), Rosaries, Medals, Scapulars,
Prayer Cards, or whatever a patient or staff
person requests to enhance prayer or bring comfort. The Bible
is also
available on audio cassette in English and Spanish. Holy
Communion is
taken daily to our Roman Catholic patients.
We conduct Bereavement Services in our Chapel for the families
and friends of patients and staff who have lost loved ones. A
candle is lighted by a member of each family in remembrance.
Refreshments are served afterward in the DePaul Conference Room to
informally meet with one another again and to connect with others
grieving. Reading material is available and support groups
offered if needed.
We extend outreach into the community by attending wakes,
funerals, and various services. Presentations in the health
care or spiritual ministry are given when requested. Staff
retreats have also been facilitated when requested.
Mass is offered weekdays in our Chapel at 11:30 AM and televised
on Channel 4 for our patients. A priest is also available for
daily Anointings and Confessions. Any Chaplain may be called
for emergency Baptisms. Prayers are said over the hospital PA
system to begin and end each day in the presence of God.
Various services are prepared and hosted with and by Spiritual
Care throughout the year such as World Day of the Sick, National
Day of Praye,r and special Feast Days. Patients are invited
to view various films throughout the year that are televised on
Channel 4 about the significance of special Feasts. Prayer
cards with the Miraculous Medal for babies are given to our mothers
in Maternity.
- Mary Alice Westerlund, MA, Director
- Brother James Bagans, CSC
- Father Kris Boretto, CHS
- Sister Kathleen Haley, DC
- Sister Pat Noble, DC
- Rev. David Seaver,
MDiv.
- Judy Keuhner, Coordinator
You can reach us by calling 607-798-5596
Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Chaplains can be
reached at all times after hours and on weekends through the
hospital operator.
