The Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador provides a ministry of pastoral care to hospitals in St. John’s. Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual care and support to patients, family, and staff. A chaplain is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides the Sacraments of Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Anointing, as well as, prayer, listening and friendly conversation. To access a chaplain; please tell the admitting clerk that you wish to receive pastoral care. To have pre surgery prayers, tell the pre surgery nurse that you wish pre surgery prayers, and the Chaplain will be notified and will respond.
Upon admission patients are offered the opportunity to have a chaplain visit during a hospital stay. The chaplain represents the Anglican Church is available to serve you though visitation, counselling, prayer and sacramental ministry through Holy Communion, Holy Unction (anointing with oil) and the Laying on of Hands with Prayer. The Chaplain visits regularly and will contact patients shortly after admission. If you specially want to contact the Chaplain, ask a staff person to make contact for you. An Anglican Chaplain is available twenty-four (24) hours every day, seven (7) days a week upon request. There are a number of trained lay volunteer visitors who provide friendly visits under the direction of the Chaplains.
Anointing with oil is an age-old way to signify a blessing from God. It can also be used in times of sickness. In this service, holy oil (blessed by the Bishop) is put on the forehead. See BCP, page 584 and BAS, page 554. The Sacraments of Confession and Anointing are also available at the patient’s bedside. Please ask the Chaplain or have a nurse make the request.
The Laying on of Hands and Prayer are the usual means of requesting the help of God and obtaining a blessing. The Chaplain prays with patients when appropriate or desired.
There should be a New Testament in the bedside table. If there is not, please ask for one.
Funds for the Anglican Chaplaincy are provided by the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador through the assessments to parishes and by donations directly to the Diocese,22 Church Hill , St. John’s, NL A1C 3Z9.
Chaplains
The Ven. David Pilling, Coordinating Chaplain
Pastoral Care and Ethics, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, 154
LeMarchant Road, St. John’s, NL A1C 5B8 709-777-5464
709-570-1758 (Pager – Sun-Thurs 8am-5pm)
709-570-1760 (Pager all other times) (709-746-0629
David.Pilling@easternhealth.ca
The Rev. Wayne Parsons
Pastoral Care and Ethics, General Hospital 300 Prince Philip
Drive, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6 709-777-6959 (w)
709-570-1757 (Pager – Sun-Thurs 7am-5pm)
709-570-1760 (Pager all other times)
Wayne.Parsons@easternhealth.ca
THE CHAPLAIN ON-CALL
The Anglican, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, and United Church Denominations work together to ensure a chaplain is always available for patients and families at the General Hospital, the Janeway Hospital, the L.A. Miller Centre, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital and Waterford Hospital. The Chaplain On Call will respond to calls for pastoral care. The Chaplains On Call are all qualified and competent to provide pastoral support and spiritual care. The Chaplain On Call will also contact your denominational chaplain, if needed or requested. The denominational chaplain will visit you on their regular rounds and as requested.
