Since its establishment in 1971, over 500 area pastors have helped to make the Volunteer Chaplaincy Program at Blessing Hospital a ministry of encouragement. Blessing Hospital’s Chaplaincy Program serves as a model nationwide for other hospitals initiating a volunteer ministry. The Chaplaincy Program is comprised of clergy and lay members
from the Quincy community. Volunteers come from a number of backgrounds and religious faith groups; and are blessed with a variety of gifts and professional expertise.

On average, our volunteer chaplains minister to over 30,000 people per year. Whether it is an automobile accident, unexpected diagnosis, heart attack or crisis event, chaplains respond to any and all calls prepared to offer pastoral and emotional support. Chaplains serve as a member of the healing team, working closely with nurses, physicians and staff. They are available to patients 24 hours a day.

Who We Are

Chaplains are professionally trained individuals, uniquely prepared to provide spiritual care. As members of the interdisciplinary healing team, chaplains are called upon to provide spiritual care to patients, families and staff, whatever their religious tradition. Working collaboratively with staff, volunteers and local clergy, chaplains ensure the spiritual needs of the health system are met.

Volunteer Chaplain Typical Duties

  • Spiritual care and support to patients and families
  • Serve on hospital committees
  • Support with Advanced Directives
  • Spiritual Care Visit Before Surgery or Procedure
  • Minister to new patients and family members in the hospital
  • Respond to emergencies
  • Facilitate support groups
  • Make area clergy referrals
  • Lead chapel prayer services
  • Lead morning and evening hospital prayer
  • Serve on a hospital ministry team available for disasters within the Quincy area
  • Provide patients with spiritual discussion and resources such as Bibles, devotional literature, communion, crosses, crucifixes and other religious materials

Volunteer Chaplain Benefits

  • Complimentary meal in the cafeteria during shift
  • Complimentary beverage during shift
  • Use of Blessing Wellness Center (at employee rate)
  • Annual Flu shots and TB tests
  • Clinical Pastoral Education financial assistance
  • Annual Chaplaincy Program Dinner
  • Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event

Contact Us

For more information or to join our volunteer team please call (217) 223-1200 or click here to download Chaplain Application or Chaplain Assistant Application.