Spiritual Care is a ministry of healing that provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, their families, hospital staff, and volunteers. The Chaplains work as part of the healing team in conjunction with physicians, nurses, and other caregivers.  Spiritual Care may include responding to crises, assisting persons in the resolution of ethical questions regarding patient care, contacting pastors, priests, rabbis, or other religious representatives as requested, and providing ongoing spiritual support.

The following are examples of when Pastoral Care should be notified:

• When a patient or family is concerned about impending surgery.
• When a patient or family is fearful, anxious or depressed.
• When a patient wishes to receive Communion, the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of the Sick.
• When a patient or family is having difficulty dealing with the diagnosis, prolonged illness or deterioration of the patient's condition.
• When the patient or family wishes spiritual support.
• When a patient's age or illness raises ethical concerns, such as determination or clarification of code status; use of the respirator; or insertion of a feeding tub.
• When a patient is near death, or has died.
• When miscarriage or stillbirth occurs.
• When Hospital personnel need pastoral guidance.

Pastoral Care Staff

Patients and their families, as well as staff, who need spiritual and emotional support, can turn to the Providence Pastoral Care team. The men and women of our Pastoral Care team are a diverse group of professionals - clergy, lay and religious; Catholic, Protestant and Jewish - who complement the diversity of our patients.

Chaplains try to visit all patients at some time during their hospital stay, but it isn't necessary to wait for a routine visit. Patients who feel the need for pastoral support at any time should call the Pastoral Care office (248-849-3209), or ask their nurse to do so. Pastoral Care services are also available to those who come to the hospital for outpatient care.

Requests and Referrals

Patients and families of all faiths can request a visit with a Chaplain. Any member of the health team can assist with making a referral. People call on chaplains for a number of reasons. A list of spiritual care services offered through SJ Providence Hospital include:

• Apprehension about surgery
• Overwhelming illness
• Loneliness and isolation
• Discouragement and despair
• Helplessness and hopelessness
• Loss of meaning and purpose
• Fear and anxiety
• Conflict with others
• Facing change and loss
• Struggling with the meaning of life
• Feeling cut off from God
• Grappling with questions about life and death
• Prenatal and Perinatal Loss support
• When a patient is near death, or has died
• Needing the comfort of prayer or spiritual support
• Support for changes in code status
• Decisions regarding a living will and advance directives
• Working through the loss of a loved one
• Facing ethical dilemmas
• Wishing to receive Communion, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Sacrament of the Sick
• When there is a miscarriage or stillbirth
• When hospital personnel need pastoral guidance or counsel
• Family members wishing a visit from spiritual care and
• Other types of spiritual care as needed.

Chapel and Mass Schedule

If you need a quiet, meditative space, or are looking for an opportunity to worship, on the Southfield campus, the Chapel is located on the first floor of the DePaul Center.

The Catholic Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass (anticipated) is celebrated Saturday at 4 p.m. The Chapel is open at all times for your private prayer, meditation or reflection.

Providence Park in Novi recently added a full-time chaplain who is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and who is also part of the Healing Arts Team at the Assarian Cancer Center. You can reach her by using a house phone and asking the operator to page the chaplain. The Chapel at Providence Park is located on the second floor at the front entrance of the building.

Providence respects the religious diversity of our patients. We will try to accommodate any requests related to your religious beliefs to make your experience with us as comfortable as possible.