Consistent with its faith-based mission and religious heritage, Lutheran HealthCare provides pastoral/spiritual care services anchored in the following beliefs:
- All persons are created in the image of God and share a special dignity and value as sons and daughters of God
- All persons are to be affirmed in their spiritual freedom and dignity
- Health has physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual dimensions
- Spiritual practices and care are integral to holistic health and well-being
Patients, families, visitors and staff at Lutheran are comprised of a fascinating mosaic of faith expressions and traditions, all of which speak to the universal yearning for healing and growth. In keeping with the social ministry practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are committed to practicing religion-cultural competence, supporting all persons to grow in faith, and to relate that faith to all of life's realities.
Chaplains are an integral part of the health care team at Lutheran. Our professional chaplaincy staff is significantly augmented by clinical pastoral education interns and by volunteers from various faith groups.
Chaplains are present in the hospital every day. To request a visit, leave a message at 718-630-7505. For urgent requests, please ask the operator to page the chaplain on call. Sacramental ministries are available to patients in their rooms. Roman Catholic patients are regularly offered Holy Communion and can receive the Sacrament of the Sick and Reconciliation upon request. Our chaplains can also assist patients and families in reaching community religious leaders from many faith traditions.
Providing regular opportunities for worship goes to the heart of our mission. Both the Sister Aasta Foreland Chapel, located off the lobby in the Medical Center, and the chapel at Lutheran Augustana Center are open to persons of all faith expressions for meditation and prayer. In addition, a variety of interfaith services occur throughout the year.
In addition, we offer a Bikur Cholim (Room 4801 at LMC) for our Jewish patients. It is available on the Sabbath for families who have a loved one in the hospital.
A mosque (masjid) is available for Muslim prayer and observance and is located adjacent to the Sister Aasta Foreland Chapel.
Roman Catholic Mass 10:30 a.m. - every Sunday at the Lutheran Augustana Center
Ecumenical Protestant Service 3 p.m. - every Sunday at the Lutheran Augustana Center
Rev. Melody Takken Meeter, Director of Pastoral Care Services
Sister Mary Ellen Vesey, Coordinator of Catholic Ministries
Rev. Hugo Berger, Chaplain
CPE Chaplain Residents/Interns
