At Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, we recognize that spiritual needs may arise during times of illness. We honor the diverse spiritual and cultural needs of our patients, visitors and employees. A part of the healthcare team, our chaplains are professionally trained to offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and families from all walks of life.
Spiritual Care Can Help
Whatever one is feeling, a chaplain can be present to listen to concerns. Our chaplains respect, understand, and help you to uncover strengths and hopes, while giving you the freedom to share with complete confidence, trust and comfort. We help patients, visitors and staff with challenges and emotions, such as:
- Sadness, loneliness
- Searching for meaning, wholeness and peace
- Restlessness, anxiety, confusion
- Difficult decisions around medical care
- Family dilemmas and conflicts
- Disappointment, feelings of betrayal
- Spiritual and emotional questions
- Questions of faith, loss of belief
- Frustration, anger
- Need for prayer, meditation
- Need of sacraments, such as Baptisms, Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist
- Help you perform cultural and religious rituals
- Contact your minister, priest, rabbi, imam or spiritual leader, if requested
- Ethical and moral decisions
Chaplains are here to listen with compassion and understanding. They help sort through feelings, thoughts and concerns that surface during a hospital stay.
The Department of Spiritual Care and Chaplain Services partners with Bikur Cholim of Philadelphia.
Kosher pantries are located on the 1st Floor of the Dulles Building across from the Interfaith Chapel and behind the cafeteria on the 1st floor of the Pavilion Building, across from the train entrance.
Chaplains are assisted by:
- Catholic Eucharistic Ministers on Sundays
- Trained Spiritual Visitors of all Faith and Belief Systems
Spaces for Quiet Reflection and Prayer
Spaces for quiet reflection and prayer are always open. These spaces are located in:
Interfaith Chapel - 1st floor Dulles Building
Kent and Lori Griswold Family Interfaith Chapel and Reflection Room - Ground floor of the Pavilion behind the Maya Lin sculpture
For nearby places to worship please visit House of Worship for further information.
Request a Chaplain: 215-239-4109