The Department of Pastoral Services of The Christ Hospital directs and enhances the spiritual care of patients, families and hospital staff. The department’s mission is based in the Judeo-Christian faith and is designed to promote the healing process as part of a united effort with other professionals in the health care field. This common work is strengthened by the relationship established between the department and representatives of the religious community.
The Department of Pastoral Services offers to patients, families and hospital staff:
- Pastoral care
- Worship and sacraments
- Notification of their congregation at patient's request
- Religious literature, Bibles and devotional guides
- Assistance with living wills and durable power of attorney
- Special services for persons with handicap conditions
- End-of-life decision-making.
The chaplains in the department are ministers who are qualified through their training and experience to offer spiritual care to all people in The Christ Hospital. Their sensitivity to individual beliefs and knowledge of different religious practices enable these chaplains to meet people at the point of their need.
A chaplain is assigned to the area in which you are staying and is available to you upon request. Because a chaplain is on call 24 hours a day, a hospital associate can aid you in reaching a chaplain at any time.
What does a chaplain do?
- Comforts, counsels, cares
- Helps, hopes, honors
- Assists, acknowledges, advocates
- Prays, praises, pastors
- Listens, laments, laughs
- Accepts, acts, advises
- Invites, interprets, instructs
- Notices needs, nurtures
- Service to all
Questions? We provide answers…
- Spiritual concerns
- Prayer and conversation
- Crisis intervention
- End-of-life decisions
- Advance directives*
- Living will
- Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Limitation of treatment
- Religious resources
- Literature
- Sacraments
*Click on the link to download advance directives from the Ohio State Medical Association, or for more information on these topics.
Protestant and Catholic worship is observed in the chapel, which is always open for prayer and meditation. A prayer book is available in the chapel for individual prayer requests; these are lifted in prayer by our staff on a regular basis. The chapel is located on the first floor. A Catholic priest is available 24 hours a day and communion is distributed daily.
Inspirational music is available 24 hours a day on channel 15. Our worship services are also televised on this channel. All of this is free to our patients and their families. Major holy days are observed for Jews and Christians.
Offices of the Department of Pastoral Services are located on the first floor of the hospital, near the lobby. You are welcome to visit on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff, students and volunteers are available to assist you, your family and friends.
Schedule of Services
- Catholic Mass is observed everyday at 11 a.m. in the hospital chapel with the exception of Wednesdays.
- Catholic Eucharist is distributed daily by volunteer Eucharistic ministers.
- Weekly Protestant worship services begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.
- Protestant Communion is available upon request.
- An ecumenical Service of Prayer and Healing meets each Thursday evening from 7 – 9 p.m.
- All are welcome.
Services and inspirational music are telecast within the hospital throughout the week on Channel 15.
Religious Holidays and Observances
Coming soon: Wednesday, Aug. 15, is the Catholic Feast of the Assumption of Mary Into Heaven. This is a holy day of obligation. Mass will be observed at 11 a.m. in the hospital chapel.
Inspirational Stories
Is there an answer to prayer, a passage of scripture or reading that has been a source of encouragement or, an inspirational story about the kindness of another that you would like to share? We welcome the opportunity to join with you in reflection and praise.
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3
Prayer Requests
We invite you to share with us any prayer requests or special needs you may have that we may journey with you in prayer. Please call 513-585-2223 with all requests so that our staff may begin to lift your concerns in prayer.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:6
Opportunities in Pastoral Services
Volunteer Opportunities:
The Pastoral Services Volunteer Program at The Christ Hospital seeks to offer the opportunity for laity/clergy in the community to utilize their caring gifts and skills for ministering to patients and staff. Persons interested will receive training, on-going supervision, and various opportunities for continuing education and growth in the caring ministries.
Who can volunteer?
Laypersons and/or clergy in all faiths, Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish who feel a desire and/or special calling to minister to patients in a hospital setting are welcome. Those interested should also be a member of or affiliated with a local congregation.
When is volunteer training?
Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of four hours weekly. Initial training for a Chaplain Volunteer is scheduled at a time negotiable with the Director of Pastoral Services. The next training session is scheduled for September.
Who do I contact?
Reverend Doug Mitchell, Director of Pastoral Services, at 513-585-2265.
Those interested in volunteering for Catholic Eucharistic ministry should contact Father Simeon Cleves at 513-585-1236.
Clinical Pastoral Education Opportunities:
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a method of learning ministry through experiences and reflection. The process consists of actual ministry practice, qualified supervision, and peer group reflection.
The program is designed for clergy, seminarians and interested laypersons. For further information, please contact Rev. Marla Coulter-McDonald, Coordinator of Pastoral Education, at 513-585-2265.
Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund:
The Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund is a resource available to patients, family members, and associates who demonstrate need for special assistance. Gifts from friends of The Christ Hospital and Pastoral Services make possible: meals for patient families/guests, overnight guest rooms and the Associate Holiday Assistance Program. All contributions are welcome. Please contact the Development Office at 513-585-3394 for more information or to make a tax-deductible donation.
Additional Resources