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Spiritual and Pastoral Care

Our organizational mission statement is, “To reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry.”

Patient in hospital bed and member of our spiritual care team hold hands

Your church or synagogue can be notified of your hospitalization if requested by a patient or their family. Caring for your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is a primary concern of HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the hospital embraces a holistic ministry to all dimensions of the human person: body, mind and spirit.

Being a patient can be stressful and profoundly affect you and your loved ones. During joyful times, your spirit soars. During times of crisis or illness, your spirit can become heavy. Often, questions and concerns arise when you are in the hospital. You may experience fear, anxiety or loneliness. Perhaps your faith is uncertain. Maybe you feel lost, confused or overwhelmed. These feelings are common and none of us are immune to them. St. Francis knew the importance of a healing touch and encouragement during these times.

The Spiritual/Pastoral Care Department includes Spiritual Care Ministers from the Catholic and Protestant traditions, volunteers, a priest who provides the sacraments and a Director. We can also contact ministers of other faith traditions. We provide hope, spiritual resources, pastoral and spiritual care throughout the day and are available 24/7 for emergency needs. If you or your family would like to see someone from Spiritual Care Services, ask you nurse to notify us or have the switchboard page the Spiritual Care Minister on call.

Mother and daughter walking down a sidewalk holding hands

Sacraments and Chapel Services

Mass is celebrated at HSHS St. Vincent chapel Monday - Friday at 7:30 am, at HSHS St. Mary’s chapel on Tuesday's and Thursday's at 7:30 am, at HSHS St. Nicholas chapel Monday's and Wednesday's at noon, and at HSHS St. Clare’s chapel on the fourth Wednesday of every month at noon.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of Sick is available upon request. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available upon request. Holy Communion is distributed each morning. Communion for Protestant patients can be requested from the patient’s pastor. Baptisms are done in case of danger of death.

All are welcome to our chapel, a place set apart for prayer and quiet. Our Chapel, located on the first floor, is a treasured gift. We are pleased to share it with you. We also have an outdoor prayer garden at each of our hospitals.