Spiritual & Pastoral Care

Spiritual and pastoral care is provided through local churches, the hospice chaplain and volunteers.

In addition to a dedicated Hospice Chaplain on staff, we also have various books and brochures that may be accessed through our main community office.

"I am a traveller on the journey from one life to the next,
and I need a place where I can be myself on that journey."

Comment from a dying patient to Dr. Cecily Saunders, founder of St. Christopher's Hospice in London, England

What is Spiritual Care?

Spiritual Care is the emotional support by an individual of faith in such a manner that the recipient feels accepted, understood and supported.

Spiritual Care Services are provided by our Hospice Chaplain, who is an integral part of the Hospice Care Team.
Professional chaplains reach across faith group boundaries without imposing his or her personal religious or denominational beliefs.

What Support Does the Chaplain Offer?

• provides spiritual, emotional and religious counsel and direction
  
• provides grief support
  
• listens in a nonjudgemental manner
  
• offers a compassionate presence
  
• provides words of encouragement, comfort and hope, especially when struggling with meaning of life and death
  
• is respectful of your confidentiality
  
• will pray with you, with your permission
  
• can help connect you with your faith community
  
• respects your culture, traditions, and beliefs
  
• facilitates religious rites e.g.  Communion, Eucharist, Anointing  of the Sick
  
• will officiate at funerals, memorial services, celebrations of life, upon request
  

Who Does the Chaplain Serve?

The Chaplain's services are available to Ty Watson House residents,  families, friends, staff and volunteers, as well as anyone in the community receiving hospice care.

Chaplains serve people of all faiths, and people who do not have a religious affiliation. We are all spiritual beings and need care for the spirit.