Chaplain Services
VA Providence health care chaplains serve people of all faiths and denominations as well as patients and families looking for non-denominational support. Our Chaplains are dedicated to providing spiritual, emotional and relational support to Veterans, families and VA staff members.
The Department of Veterans Affairs defines "spiritual" as "that which is related to the 'Spirit of Life' and "spirituality" as used in a general sense, to refer to "that which gives meaning, purpose, and hope in life."
Chaplains have a three-fold responsibility:
- Ensure that patients (both inpatient and outpatient) receive appropriate clinical pastoral care
- Ensure that hospital patients' constitutional rights to free exercise of religion are protected
- Protect patients from having religion imposed upon them
Clinically trained, Chaplains use evidence-based, Spiritually integrated models of therapy to address a variety of issues unique to the Veteran population, including, but not limited to PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Moral or Spiritual Injury, Moral or Spiritual Distress, and couples/marital counseling. Our skill set makes us uniquely able to support and facilitate various beliefs, spiritual practices, and traditions.
The spiritual dimensions of health are integrated into all aspects of patient care. Chaplains also minister to the Veterans family and loved ones, as appropriate, and are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Every inpatient receives an initial visit from a chaplain, but you may request to see a chaplain at any time. Inpatients may request a visit by asking the unit secretary or a nurse, out-patients through any of their providers, or by calling the Chapel at
Interfaith chapel
Providence VA Medical Center
Third floor, C-Wing
Room 347
Hours: 24/7
- Catholic Mass is celebrated in the Chapel, Monday & Wednesday at noon
- Communion Service (Beyond Denominations—celebrated with symbolic Bread & Wine (grape juice)…ALL ARE WELCOME
- Christian Worship Service in the Chapel on Sundays at 1:30 pm…ALL ARE WELCOME
- Holy Communion is made available to all patients, as are other Sacraments and/or Ordinances upon request.
- The organization of other religious services in the Chapel can be discussed with the Chief of Chaplain Service by calling
ext. 12865.
A variety of free religious literature is available by request or in the Chapel.
Upon request, Chaplains will facilitate meeting the spiritual needs of all faith groups using VA resources and community clergy partnerships.