Role of the Hospital Chaplain
Hospital Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support to patients/residents, family members, and staff.
The Pastoral Care Specialist is responsible for the pastoral care ministry to the Roman Catholic patients and their families in the hospital.
The individual acts as the staff representative of the Archdiocese, collaborating with the pastoral/spiritual care and counselling/social work staff of the hospital, and liaises with outside religious communities.
They strive to provide appropriate assistance to patients, families and staff of the hospital.
The Prayer of Faith
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
– James 5:13-14
Advance Care Planning
Advance Care Planning and Goals of Care Designation assists patients and families with discussing and defining goals of care for individuals receiving health services that are both clinically appropriate and respectful of each person’s values and beliefs.
- Advance Care Planning Brochure
- Article on Advance Directives by AMERICA – The National Catholic Weekly
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
If you or someone in your family is sick or in hospital and would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, please call your parish priest.
The Sacrament of the Sick is administered by a priest and is intended to strengthen and comfort those who are suffering serious illness, the elderly and frail, or those near the time of death.
Celebration of a Liturgy of the Word with Communion in a Care Facility
This resource is for chaplains and pastoral care teams in Care Centres, Seniors’ Lodges, Nursing Homes and similar pastoral care facilities. If you have questions regarding this resource, please contact Rev. Paul Kavanagh at 780-469-1010.
Download: Liturgy of the Word in Care Facilities (PDF, 3 pages – Booklet Format)
Health Decisions and Care at the End of Life
The Catholic Health Alliance of Canada has published a helpful reflection and education document for pastors, parishioners, patients, family members….all of us…to better understand and prepare for health care decisions at the end of life. It also clarifies Church teachings in areas that often arise as questions with families approaching end-of-life decisions: Do we have a duty to prolong life at all costs? Is deciding to stop treatment acceptable?
Download: A Catholic Perspective on Health Decisions and Care at the End of Life (PDF, 12 pages)
Grief and Bereavement Support
Losing someone or something you love is very painful and is often accompanied by all kinds of emotions such as shock, sadness, anger and guilt. While these feelings can be frightening and even overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve — but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich life. Many of our parishes offer Grief as a Journey, a support group program for anyone who is grieving the loss of someone close. To learn more about Grief as a Journey, contact Rev. Paul Kavanagh at 780-469-1010.
Resources
- Edmonton Bereavement Centre
- Pilgrims Hospice
- St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship
- Cornerstone Counselling Centre
- Alberta Caregivers Association
- Edmonton Catholic Cemeteries
- Catholic Funerals And Eulogies, The Pall And The Flag
- Catholics And Cremation
- Understanding Personal Directives
- Spiritual Care Contacts for Alberta Health Services & Covenant Health