What is spiritual care?
Care of the human spirit is critical to health. It is the work of our entire care team. Chaplains, however, are specially-trained in human understanding, pastoral counseling, and religious and cultural traditions. Chaplains are available to all patients and their loved ones. We provide a listening presence, guidance in mindfulness and prayer, decision-making support, and help finding purpose and meaning.
What can I expect from a chaplain?
Our chaplains provide emotional support and gentle spiritual guidance when people are:
- Feeling anxious, afraid or upset
- Struggling with emotional, spiritual or religious questions or with the meaning of an illness
- Wrestling with difficult treatment choices or ethical dilemmas
- Observing spiritual practices or religious rites
- Inviting their faith community leader
- Grieving
- Dealing with difficult news
- Preparing mindfully for surgery
Pen Bay Medical Center’s chapel/quiet room is located on the first floor of the main building near the gift shop. The chapel is open 24 hours a day for reflection and prayer. There is a book in both chapels to make prayer requests that is read regularly by the Chaplain. At times when the Chaplain is not available, local clergy may be contacted by the hospital staff to provide support.
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.
- Rabindranath Tagore -
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.
- Rabindranath Tagore -
