Chaplain services
VA Lebanon's chaplains are trained specialists in spiritual and religious care, available to patients and their families throughout their hospital stays. Daily Mass is at 12 Noon Monday-Thursday. On Federal Holidays, there is not a Mass. On Sundays, the Protestant Service begins at 8:45 a.m. and Mass is held at 10:30 a.m. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call the Chief of Chaplains, Dean Luther at 717-228-6021 or Chaplain Secretary, Vincent Zvorsky, extension 5085.
Clinical Pastoral Education
Clinical Pastoral Education is an interfaith method of theological education through which a student exercises and learns pastoral skills. It provides a learning situation to develop awareness of the theological and psycho-social concerns of persons in crisis. We seek to celebrate, refine and to enhance your already natural, innate, and honed gifts for spiritual care. This will be done through structured weekly educational elements, peer group engagement, and supervision and instructions from experts in the field.
Upcoming Classes:
VA Lebanon Healthcare System Now Accepting Applications
Residency CPE Unit, October 6, 2025- September25, 2026
Class and clinical time will be 40 hours per week.
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday with weekend rotation
Levels 1A,1B, 2A and 2B training is provided
Applications:
Applications need to be submitted by August 8, 2025. There is no application due date; students are encouraged to apply approximately six months before the program start date.
Please contact Joel Risser, vhalebcpeadmin@va.gov or 717-272-6621, ext. 5740
No Tuition:
CPE Interns, upon acceptance, must complete a background check and other federal requirements to officially enter the program. They must also provide medical documentation of all immunizations required in this health care setting, including a current TB test.
Students will be required to purchase textbooks for this program.
Lebanon VA Medical Center is Accredited by:
ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education
404-320-1472
ACPE
Chaplain services
Chaplains are available for walk-ins Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The hospital operator must be called to reach a chaplain evening to early morning hours, between :
Monday through Friday; 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday; anytime.
Chapel
The Chapel is open from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., seven days a week.
For general questions, more information, or assistance please call
Chaplain Secretary:
- Vincent Zvorsky,
717-272-6621, Ext. 5085
Administrative Officer
- Luz Tellado
Ext. 4315
Chief of Chaplains
- Chaplain E. Dean Luther M.Div. ACPE, ACPE Educator
717-228-6021
Staff Chaplains
- Chaplain Christopher Lehr (Protestant) M. Div., BCC. ext. 4881
- Chaplain Shellie Sterner (Protestant) M. Div., BCC. ext. 5435
- Chaplain Evan Clelan (Protestant) M.Div. ext. 4576
- Chaplain Paul Schenck (Catholic) MS, M.Div, EdD, BCC-MH, BCPC ext. 5087
- Chaplain James Franklin (Protestant) M.Div (HBPC)
- Chaplain Joel Risser (Protestant) M.Div (CEC)