Hospital Ministries

The Church has always sought to embody our Savior's concern for the sick. The gospel accounts of Jesus' ministry draw special attention to his acts of healing: he cleansed a man with leprosy (Mt 8:1-4; Mk 1:40-42); he gave sight to two people who were blind (Mt 20:29-34; Mk 10:46-52); he enabled one who was mute to speak (Lk 11:14); he cured a woman who was hemorrhaging (Mt 9:20-22; Mk 5:25-34); and he brought a young girl back to life (Mt 9:18, 23-25; Mk 5:35-42). Indeed, the Gospels are replete with examples of how the Lord cured every kind of ailment and disease (Mt 9:35). In the account of Matthew, Jesus' mission fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: "He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases" (Mt 8:17; cf. Is 53:4).

Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
Fourth Edition
General Introduction

The Jefferson City Diocese has committed itself to following Jesus' example to minister to the sick. Through the ministry offered, patients are able to experience, as fully as possible, the love, justice, and presence of God through sacramental ministry and spiritual and emotional support.

Some hints for ensuring your spiritual needs will be addressed when you are going in the Hospital.

• If you are anticipating a hospitalization or surgery, whenever possible, please see your pastor ahead of time for the Sacrament of the Sick.

• Be sure that you or your family tells the clerk upon every admission that you are Catholic. If you want yourself or a loved one to be visited by a Catholic chaplain or lay hospital minister while you are in the hospital, you must list your religious preference. Otherwise those ministers will not know you are in the hospital and may be prevented from visiting you. This change in procedure is due to the implementation of federal regulations growing out of a 1996 law, the HIPAA (Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), intended to protect the privacy of patient records. If the patient is incapacitated or otherwise unable to speak for themselves in this matter, the person registering them can make the designation.

• In the larger hospitals, there are generally chaplains (both Catholic and Protestant) available to visit with you. If you or your family need general spiritual support or prayer, let your nurse know.

• Some hospitals have Eucharistic Ministry volunteers who will bring you Holy Communion. Communion is generally offered to all Catholics listed on the census as Catholic.

• If you need the Sacrament of the Sick or Confession in the evening, night or weekend but can wait until the next day, please say so. This will help the priest to arrange his schedule to meet your needs.

Most hospitals have a priest available for your sacramental needs. When your spiritual needs are not sacramental there are often qualified chaplains, who are professionally trained in spiritual care, to help you and your family through a health crisis.
 

Volunteer Opportunities

The Catholic Church uses trained Eucharistic Ministry volunteers to bring Holy Communion to the hospitalized. If you are interested in this volunteer ministry opportunity, contact your parish, or the Pastoral Care Department of the hospital.

Chaplaincies, Hospitals, and Institutions

Relevant Links

Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare
Advanced Healthcare Directive/MO