Professional Interfaith Chaplains provide spiritual, religious and/or emotional support to UVM Health patients, their families and caregivers, and health care staff.
Spiritual Care at UVM Health
At University of Vermont Health, we know that well-being goes beyond physical health. As part of our commitment to high quality, person-centered care, we offer spiritual care and emotional support to patients, their families and caregivers and our staff.
We are keenly aware of the diverse religious, spiritual and cultural needs of our community. We treat all people with respect, dignity and compassion, attending to and honoring the ways they make meaning.
Our team of interfaith chaplains serve people of all faiths and spiritual traditions, including those who have no religious, faith or spiritual affiliation. We are committed to honoring that which is most sacred and precious to you.
Spiritual Care Services
Spiritual care will look different for every person. Spiritual care can include, but is not limited to:
- Assessing the spiritual and emotional needs of patients, families and staff
- Understanding the values of patients and families, and communicating these to team members
- Providing effective spiritual and emotional support during routine and emergent health challenges
- Fostering forgiveness and reconciliation
- Providing bereavement support
- Assisting people in considering and making important decisions
- Sharing in blessing, prayer, rituals or guided meditation when requested
- Networking with community clergy
- Coordinating and supporting volunteers who assist the staff in bringing Holy Communion and visiting patients
- Leading educational events and workshops
- Providing religious and spiritual literature, including Bibles, Qur’ans, and religious objects such as rosaries, meditation bracelets, Shabbat candles, mini-menorahs during Chanukah and prayer rugs
- Creating, coordinating and leading public worship services
- Commemorating life transitions through rituals, particularly at end of life. These may include Roman Catholic sacramental ministry (Anointing of the Sick, Holy Communion, and Confession) and other faith-specific rites and rituals.
- Many people take great comfort in talking with someone who is an expert in the art of listening
Chaplaincy at UVM Health
Please select the organization from which you are receiving care to learn more.
An essential part of University of Vermont Medical Center’s commitment to providing whole-person patient care, our interfaith chaplains are fully integrated members of UVM Medical Center's treatment teams. The department's spiritual care staff is comprised of board-certified chaplains and chaplain interns training in our nationally accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) center.
Chaplains
Interfaith chaplains are routinely available between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm daily, and at other times for emergencies. To request a visit from a chaplain, please call the Spiritual Care Department at 802-847-2775. For emergency needs, please call the hospital operator at 802-847-0000 and ask for the chaplain on call.
Prayer and Meditation Room
The prayer and meditation room is located on the Main Campus, Patrick Level 1 (the hall heading to the McClure building).
Our prayer and meditation room is open for private prayer and meditation at all times, except when services are being held. You are welcome to come to pray, meditate or simply seek peace, day or night.
We welcome patients, families and staff to attend the following services:
- Catholic mass: Wednesdays, 11:30 am
- Muslim prayer: Fridays, 12:45 pm
An essential part of University of Vermont Medical Center’s commitment to providing whole-person patient care, our interfaith chaplains are fully integrated members of UVM Medical Center's treatment teams. The department's spiritual care staff is comprised of board-certified chaplains and chaplain interns training in our nationally accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) center.
Chaplains
Interfaith chaplains are routinely available between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm daily, and at other times for emergencies. To request a visit from a chaplain, please call the Spiritual Care Department at 802-847-2775. For emergency needs, please call the hospital operator at 802-847-0000 and ask for the chaplain on call.
Prayer and Meditation Room
The prayer and meditation room is located on the Main Campus, Patrick Level 1 (the hall heading to the McClure building).
Our prayer and meditation room is open for private prayer and meditation at all times, except when services are being held. You are welcome to come to pray, meditate or simply seek peace, day or night.
We welcome patients, families and staff to attend the following services:
- Catholic mass: Wednesdays, 11:30 am
- Muslim prayer: Fridays, 12:45 pm
Chaplains
Our chaplain is available to meet with patients and their families on weekdays. Ask your nurse or contact the chaplain at 802-371-4376 to arrange a visit with clergy and other faith leaders.
Chapel
The chapel is located on the second floor of the hospital, near the elevators.
The chapel is open for private prayer and meditation at all times. You are welcome to come to pray, meditate or simply seek peace, day or night.
The chapel is located on the second floor, adjacent to the FitzPatrick Cancer Treatment Center and near the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Surgery and the Catheterization Labs.
The chapel is open for private prayer and meditation at all times. You are welcome to come to pray, meditate or simply seek peace, day or night.
The following services may be viewed from patient rooms on television (channel 89):
- Christian prayer time for Protestants and Catholics: Thursdays, 1:30–1:50 pm
- Roman Catholic mass: Fridays, 1:30-2:00 pm
On-call clergy are available Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–3:30 pm. Please call the Patient and Family Experience Department at 518-481-2619. Outside those hours, please call the main hospital switchboard number at 518-483-3000.
As an essential part of our commitment to providing whole-person patient care, our chaplain and spiritual care volunteers are available to meet with patients and their families. Please reach out at 802-443-8125.
Spiritual care is offered as part of our hospice services. To inquire about hospice services, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan and how it matches your goals and wishes. Your doctor can help you decide if it is time for hospice.
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an experiential theological education designed to increase self-awareness and develop one’s ability to provide spiritual care for patients, families and staff.
