Any time a child is admitted to the hospital, it can bring many thoughts, concerns, strong emotions, and difficult questions. At St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, we recognize that many of our patients and families have a need for emotional, spiritual, or religious support. To best serve you, our Pastoral Care program offers you the opportunity to meet with our chaplains or to connect with community clergy of various faith traditions.
Pastoral Care Services We Offer
Our chaplains provide support by helping people of all faiths to create a sacred space during difficult, transitional, or life-changing circumstances. Chaplains help people find comfort, hope, meaning, and connection by supporting them to draw upon their own sources of inner strength. This can be through:
- Prayer
- Supportive conversation
- Ritual
- Sacramental assistance such as:
- Baptism
- Anointing
- Communion
- Serving as a calming presence
Chaplains also advocate for the religious needs of patients and families.
When to Use Pastoral Care Services
Our chaplains are available to provide prayer, thoughtful guidance, comfort, and support when your child, yourself, or your family are faced with:
- A new or difficult prognosis
- Feelings of homesickness, depression, guilt, anxiety, apprehension, or fear
- Emotional trauma
- Family and relationship issues
- Life situations that contribute to an illness or complicate recovery
- Ethical decisions about treatment
- Religious needs, observances, or accommodations
About our Interfaith Chapel
Understanding that people often need a quiet place to reflect and pray, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children has an interfaith chapel located on the first floor next to the gift shop with sacred texts and prayer resources. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.