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Spiritual Care in a Health Setting

"Today we observe more readily the close relationship between the spiritual, psychological, social and physical aspects of all life."

Sister Mary Carmen Maclean CSJ

What it is

Sisters of St. Joseph offer pastoral care and pastoral counseling to patients, families and staff. This ministry may include administering Holy Communion, visiting the sick, presiding at Memorial Services and ministering to the dying. A number of sisters are involved in this ministry in different settings.

Where it happens

Sister Mary Carmen MacLean's ministry takes place at St. Joseph's Health Centre. You can find her anywhere in the hospital, including in emergency services, the chapel, in the post operative recovery room, on the maternity and child care ward or in the pediatric or geriatric wards. The Sisters sometimes partner with the parishes and outside communities.

History of this ministry

Sisters of St. Joseph have been involved in this ministry at St. Joseph's Hospital since they established the hospital in 1921. Although the Sisters no longer operate the Health Centre, they continue to assist people through pastoral ministry.

"Today," explains Sr. Mary Carmen, " A number of Sisters have been prepared for a ministry which includes both pastoral care and pastoral counseling. In this manner we can respond more readily to the social and psychological needs as well as the spiritual."

This is yet another way in which the Sisters nurture community with the neighbour, especially with the homeless, the alienated, the economically poor and women at risk.

Volunteers

Volunteers are encouraged to visit on occasion and help with the memorial services as well as assist with Holy Communion.