Consistent with its faith-based mission and religious heritage, Lutheran HealthCare provides pastoral/spiritual care services anchored in the following beliefs:
- that all persons are created in the image of God
- that all share a special dignity and value as sons and daughters of God, and that we meet God in each human being
- that all persons are to be affirmed in their spiritual freedom and dignity
- that whole-person health encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, relational and vocational dimensions
- that spiritual practices and care are integral to wholistic health and well-being
Patients, families, visitors and staff at Lutheran are comprised of a fascinating mosaic of faith expressions and traditions, all of which speak to the universal yearning to grow in faith and meaning. In keeping with the social ministry practices of the ELCA, we are committed to practicing religiously informed cultural competence, support all persons to grow in faith, and relate that faith to all of life's realities.
Chaplains are an integral part of the health care team at Lutheran. Our professional chaplaincy staff is significantly augmented by clinical pastoral education interns and a large cadre of volunteer clergy from the community. Chaplains particularly assist in ways that help patients, residents, and all we serve to integrate their faith and spiritual values in treatment and recovery. Chaplains do a great deal of listening: an important way we at Lutheran endeavor to reflect the love we believe God has for all of us. Spiritual care at Lutheran is intended for all employees as well, and we encourage all staff to continually explore the significance of spirituality in the workplace and find renewal in the meaning of their vocations.
A chaplain is always available at Lutheran, and we encourage patients, families, visitors and staff to call upon us. While we try to initiate as many patient visits as possible, we also depend on patients and families to request a visit by informing any staff person, calling the pastoral care office at ext. 7505, or contacting the hospital operator and requesting that the on-call chaplain be paged.
Sacramental ministries are available to each patient in their room. Roman Catholic patients are regularly offered Holy Communion and can receive the Sacrament of the Sick and Reconciliation upon request. If a patient's pastor, imam, priest or rabbi cannot be reached for a particular ritual or religious ministry, please request a staff chaplain who will be happy to assist you.
Providing regular opportunities for worship goes to the heart of mission and spiritual care at Lutheran. Both the Sister Aasta Foreland Chapel at the Medical Center and the chapel at Lutheran Augustana Center are open to persons of all faith expressions for private meditation, reflection, prayer and worship. Festivals and observances of the major faith groups, as well as a variety of interfaith services, occur throughout the year in the chapels. A 15-minute intercessory prayer service is held each Wednesday at noon, and prayer request cards are available at various stations around the hospital and Augustana Center.
Jewish Bikur Cholim is available on the Sabbath for families who have a loved one in the hospital.
A mosque, dedicated in June, 2005, is available for Muslim prayer and observance. It is located on the first floor, adjacent to the chapel.
Pastoral Care Staff:
Rev. Melody Takken Meeter, Director of Pastoral Care Services
Sister Mary Ellen Vesey, Chaplain and Coordinator of Catholic Ministries
Rev. Mary Chang
Hilda Correa, Chaplain Associate
Rabbi Meyer Leifer, Liaison to Orthodox Jewish Community
Please visit us at Station 2-43, or call us at 718-630-7505.
