Since its establishment in 1971, over 500 area clergy have helped to make the Spiritual Care Program at Blessing Hospital a model nationwide for other hospitals initiating a volunteer ministry. The Spiritual Care Program is comprised of clergy and lay members from the Quincy community who serve as Volunteer Chaplains, Chaplain Assistants, Communion Ministers, Spirituality Group Leaders, and Priests on Call. Volunteers come from different backgrounds and religious faith groups and have a variety of experience and professional expertise.
Chaplains serve as members of the care team, working closely with nurses, physicians and staff. On average, our team members care for over 30,000 people per year. We are able to provide spiritual support to patients 24/7/365 thanks to these dedicated and generous volunteers.
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.
Other Roles
Chaplain Assistant
This role is typically filled by laypeople from local congregations who have a passion to offer care to others. They make visits to patients under the supervision of our Chaplains. They do not respond to emergencies and there is no ministry experience required.
Communion Minister
These Volunteers provide communion to our Roman Catholic patients daily.
Spirituality Group Leader
Volunteers who help lead interfaith Spirituality Groups in our BEST Program on Tuesday mornings and on our inpatient Behavioral Health Units on Thursday afternoons
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is interfaith professional education for ministry. Blessing Hospital offers CPE on site led by a Staff Chaplain in partnership with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training. For more information about CPE at Blessing Hospital click here (link to a new page)
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.