Role of the Hospital Chaplain

Hospital chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and residents, their family members, and hospital staff.

The Pastoral Care Specialist is responsible for the pastoral care ministry to Roman Catholic patients and their families in the hospital.

This individual serves as the staff representative of the Archdiocese, collaborating with the pastoral/spiritual care and counselling/social work staff of the hospital, and liaising with outside religious communities.

Hospital chaplains strive to provide appropriate assistance to patients, families, and staff of the hospital in times of need.

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 assist patients and families in discussing and defining goals of care for individuals receiving health services, in ways 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 contact 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 nearing the time of death.

• Understanding the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
• Anointing of the Sick – The How and Why

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—indeed, for all of us—to better understand and prepare for health care decisions at the end of life.

This resource clarifies Church teaching in areas that often arise for families approaching end-of-life decisions: questions such as “Do we have a duty to prolong life at all costs?” and “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 often accompanied by emotions such as shock, sadness, anger, and guilt. While these feelings can be frightening or overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss.

There is no single “right” way to grieve, but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Grief that is expressed and experienced has the potential to heal and, in time, to 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, please contact Rev. Paul Kavanagh at 780-469-1010.