Our chaplains provide vital support to both patients and their loved ones during their time with us. As we approach Spiritual Care Week, we took a moment to ask our chaplain team what this work meant to them.

Bill Myers of our Nashville office shared, “Being a Hospice Chaplain, to me, is a calling more than a career. It is an opportunity to comfort patients, and their loved ones, who are going through the tremendous emotional and physical stresses associated with the end of life. Sometimes I serve as a facilitator to connect a patient and their loved ones with a Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Imam, or other spiritual leader to meet the specific needs of a particular patient. Sometimes I officiate at a funeral or memorial service. Sometimes I offer Holy Communion to a patient and other family members present. Sometimes I’ve been asked to baptize patients. The work can be heavy at times, but it is very meaningful! It is always an opportunity to listen, to offer hope, peace, and sometimes just to be present with a non-responsive patient, who has no loved ones or family.”

Diana Puckett, Family Services Coordinator reflected on what it means to guide our team of chaplains, “I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such passionate and dedicated hospice chaplains. Our ability to provide exceptional spiritual support to our patients and their loved ones is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration. Witnessing the positive impacts that spiritual care has on the lives of our patients is incredibly rewarding and reinforces my own passion for the important work of end-of-life care. As we walk alongside our patients during this sacred journey, our shared commitment to providing compassionate spiritual care makes a profound and lasting difference.  It is an honor and a privilege to lead such an incredible team of spiritual care leaders.”

Finally, Rossville, Georgia chaplain, Bryan Austin provided the following sentiment, “To be a Caris chaplain is to be afforded the privilege to show compassion to our patients and their families at a unique season in life.  It is a privilege to celebrate the kaleidoscope of patient/loved one’s stories.  It is my hope to offer sympathy in a plethora of ways.  It is my honor to bring hope amidst the swirling pool of emotions experienced in the last days of life.  It is my calling, duty, and pleasure to protect and cultivate this privilege to its fullest.” 

Thank you, Caris chaplains for all you do each day to provide spiritual support to our patients and their families. We recognize your passion and hard work and appreciate your dedication to this calling.