Spiritual Care

During times of stress or uncertainty, many people find that talking things over with a chaplain can be helpful. To speak with a chaplain,  arrange a visit or request a spiritual caregiver of a particular faith tradition, ask your nurse to contact a chaplain, or call our office at 443-481-5120. Chaplains are on campus Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.  At other times, ask your nurse to contact the on-call chaplain.  Your own clergyperson, faith community leader or spiritual counselor is always welcome in the hospital.

The Spiritual Care Department is comprised of ordained clergy from various denominations. Their goal is to listen to patients wherever they may be in their spiritual journey and to assist the healing process. Their holistic approach supports patients, families, and AAMC staff.

Spiritual Care Team members are Rev. David G. Berg, Rev. Chuck Braband, Rev. Dr. Kenan Habetler, Rev. Anne Herndon, Rev. Paulette Jones, and Rev. Dr. Nancy Kelly

A Steadfast Presence

• Spiritual Care is available 24/7. If there is a need please request through your nurse.
• Chaplains make regular rounds in the various departments.
• Spiritual care providers respond to requests, referrals, and crises.  

Emotional and Spiritual Support

• Chaplains listen with sensitivity and respect.
• Spiritual caregivers journey with patients, families, and staff through grief and loss.
• Spiritual caregivers provide partnership in prayer.

• Chaplains offer comfort in times of distress and despair.    

Religious Resources & Rituals

• Bibles and other religious resources are provided upon request.
• TV CARE channel (86) is free to all inpatients and features music and visuals perfect for relaxation, inspiration, meditation and prayer.
• Quiet places are available 24/7, including a Meditation Center on the main floor of the Acute Care Pavilion North and the Healing Garden just outside of that space.
• Baptisms, Blessings, Holy Communion, and Anointing of the Sick are available from our in-house staff of Protestant chaplains or in cooperation with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
• Chaplains can also facilitate arrangements for Jewish or Muslim patients or those of other faith traditions.
•  Other rituals are available for special occasions upon request.

The Therapeutic Music Program

• Provides live music at the bedside to promote an environment of healing and support for patients and families.   Available in certain units on certain days, this service will be expanding as funding allows. Please contact our office (443-481-5120) for current hours and availability of a Therapeutic Musician.

Cooperation with Other Hospital and Community Caregivers

• Spiritual Care staff can assist with the completion of an Advance Directive, which includes the selection of a health care agent and communication of treatment preferences at the end of life.  
• Chaplains consult with patients, families, and staff regarding spiritual goals of care.
• Spiritual caregivers are trained to lend insight into religious and cultural diversity.  
•  Chaplains participate in ethics consultations and Care Conferences.
• Staff members engage in partnerships with the local community and hold semiannual Clergy Breakfasts for clergy and lay ministers.

Department of Spiritual Care, Acute Care Pavilion North,
First Floor Adjacent to the Meditation Center and Healing Gardens
(443) 481-5120