When you hear the word chaplain, you might think of someone who offers religious services in a hospital or the military. While that’s partly true, the role of a chaplain is much broader — and far more personal.
A chaplain is trained to provide emotional, spiritual, and existential support to people of all faith backgrounds — and to those with no faith affiliation at all. The goal is not to convert or persuade, but to listen, accompany, and create a safe space for you to explore your own meaning, beliefs, and questions.
What Chaplains Do
- Offer Presence — We listen without judgment, holding space for your fears, hopes, and struggles.
- Support All Beliefs — Whether you draw from a specific religious tradition, multiple traditions, or none at all, a chaplain meets you where you are.
- Navigate Crisis — In moments of illness, grief, trauma, or transition, we can help you find grounding and clarity.
- Facilitate Rituals — From prayer and blessings to nonreligious readings or symbolic acts, chaplains help mark sacred moments in ways that fit your beliefs.
- Connect Resources — When appropriate, we connect you to community, counseling, or spiritual supports beyond our visit.
Training and Certification
Professional chaplains complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) — supervised, hands-on training in providing spiritual care in diverse settings, often in hospitals or hospices. Many go on to pursue the Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) designation through organizations such as the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC).
Board certification ensures:
- Extensive supervised experience
- Demonstrated competency in spiritual assessment, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity
- Endorsement from a recognized faith group or equivalent
- Ongoing education to keep skills current
Making the Most of Time with a Chaplain
Whether a chaplain visit is offered to you in a hospital, hospice, prison, or other setting, here are some ways to make it meaningful:
- Be Honest About What You Need
If you want prayer, say so. If you want silent presence, that’s okay too. There’s no “right” way to use your time. - Ask Questions
Chaplains are comfortable with life’s big topics — meaning, purpose, suffering, mortality. You can ask anything, even if it feels “too heavy.” - Share Your Story
Tell us about what’s most important to you: people you love, values you hold, experiences that have shaped you. - Invite Loved Ones
If you’d like family or friends to be part of the visit — for prayer, blessing, or simply conversation — they are welcome. - Use Us as a Bridge
We can help you communicate difficult feelings to your care team or family, especially around end-of-life wishes or spiritual concerns.
Why Chaplains Matter
Chaplains don’t replace your existing supports; we complement them. In times when life feels uncertain, we are a steady presence — a reminder that you are not alone, that your story matters, and that meaning can still be found, even here.
