Mercy Spiritual Care - Jefferson
Spiritual Care at Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Mercy is committed to caring for your spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Our integrated approach to health care reflects the rich legacy of the Sisters of Mercy since 1831 and our founder Catherine McAuley. Mercy eagerly embraces and welcomes people from diverse spiritual and cultural backgrounds.
Prayer Walk & Labyrinth
Would you appreciate a peaceful space to meditate or pray while you walk? We have two options available to you while at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. We hope you will find one or both options beneficial in your time at our hospital.
Prayer Walk
Our prayer walk has seven stations, each designed to guide you in prayer and contemplation. The prayer walk path is located around the perimeter of our hospital campus. View the prayer walk map here.
Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is located in front of the clinic entrance. While the Labyrinth looks complex, it is actually quite simple. There is one path to the center and the same path to the exit. Following the Labyrinth can help you focus your thoughts or prayer and let them go at the same time. There are benches located next to the Labyrinth if you would prefer to sit and follow the Labyrinth with your eyes.
The Spiritual Care Team celebrates Communion Service at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. They lead Mass in the Chapel at Mercy Hospital Jefferson Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, for co-workers, patients, and visitors already within the hospital.
Spiritual Care Team
Mercy chaplains are trained spiritual care professionals and integral members of the health care team. They can meet with you in person, in the clinic and hospital settings, or virtually. Through compassionate communication and support, we aim to provide a sense of safety and hope as you explore your spiritual needs. Whether you receive a new diagnosis or a difficult prognosis, face a hospital stay or surgery, grieve losses or experience family or personal needs, we are here to assist you.
The Spiritual Care Team at Mercy Jefferson is led by Manager Chaplain Jim Ramsey. He is supported by full-time chaplains, Chaplain Laurie Jacob, Chaplain Greg Tepe, and Chaplain Rhonda Fuertado.
Are you an encourager? Can you be a spiritual friend? Have you never met a stranger? If those attributes describe you, Mercy Hospital Jefferson is asking for your help. Spiritual care services are designed to meet the spiritual, emotional and religious needs of our patients. We strive to provide a holistic approach to the care and treatment of our patients and the community we serve.
Pastoral care aide volunteers provide basic spiritual support and comfort by praying with patients or reading scripture. They also provide spiritual items such as rosaries, crosses or spiritual literature. They are not required to have a degree in divinity; they just need an open heart and spiritual foundation with a desire to comfort patients in need. Pastoral care aides will visit with anywhere from 15 to 50 new patients per day to listen to their concerns. They complete an assessment of the patient’s ministerial needs and turn over that information to the pastoral care team for follow-up.
To be considered for the volunteer opportunity or for more information, email your name and contact information, plus time and date availability (if you want to volunteer) to Joy Kaplan or call (636) 933-1325.
Mercy Neighborhood Ministry (MNM) focuses on community health and access in the communities served by Mercy hospitals and clinics in St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson and Lincoln counties. MNM has partnerships with more than 100 community health and social service agencies, clinics, churches and schools to connect the economically underserved with health and social service resources. For more information email the Mercy Neighborhood Ministry.