Spiritual

The chaplaincy program at BHNRC seeks to provide for the religious and spiritual needs of each resident and family in a manner that ensures respect for their own tradition and preferences. We recognize that a variety of denominational and interfaith backgrounds are represented and therefore seek to reflect that diversity in a way that promotes meaningful spiritual growth and practice.

A variety of services are available during the week, including:

• Daily Devotions-9:30 a.m.
• Weekly Bible Study-Thursday 11 a.m.
• Catholic Services Celebration of Mass-Third Wed. of Month 2 p.m.
• Prayer Service-Tuesday 2 p.m.
• Rosary Group-Wednesday 10:30 a.m.
• Protestant Services
  - Thursday Service-2:30 p.m.
  - Sunday Service-3 p.m.
• Service of Remembrance-quarterly

A full-time, interfaith chaplain is available: to visit residents and discuss individual needs; offer spiritual, emotional and bereavement support; contact local clergy; arrange for sacraments or a Friendly Visitor volunteer to make visits; etc. We respectfully minister to individuals of all faith traditions and spiritualities, while being sensitive to individuals' personal beliefs. The chaplain is always ready to join with residents, their families, and staff in moments of prayer.

The Interfaith chapel on H3 is open 24 hours for private prayer and meditation. A book to enter personal or anonymous prayer requests may be found by the chapel entrance. Requests for prayer will be offered during daily devotions. Daily devotional services are broadcast over the in-house, closed-circuit cable feed on channel 2, at 9:30 a.m. Sacred scriptures and a variety of prayer books (including large print) are available for use, as are music, videos, and guided-meditation tapes to comfort the human spirit.

The Chapel recently underwent renovations that included the installation of a wall fountain and its commissioned Altar piece. The focus for the chapel space is "Season of Life, Season of Faith, Seasons of Nature." Residents, visitors, and staff are always welcome. Tax-deductible donations to the Chapel Fund by individuals or congregations help to enrich the spiritual life of our residents.

When to call the Chaplain

• When seeking the comfort and strength of prayer.
• When seeking encouragement through scripture and religious sacraments.
• When facing questions about life and death.
• When feeling distant from God.
• When facing fear and anxiety.
• When experiencing a loss of meaning and purpose.
• When facing change or loss.
• When an ethical dilemma arises.
• When wanting to rejoice and give thanks.
• When celebrating good needs.
• When questions or concerns about one's relationship to God arise.

Resources

A Travel Guide for Journeying Together (PDF)
What Do I Say When... Discussing Difficult Issues With A Loved One (PDF)

To contact the chaplain, the Rev. Mark Chaffin: call 518-370-4700, x 119, or email to chaffinm@bapthealth.com