Spiritual Care
Being in the hospital can be hard for children and families. The spiritual care program at Children’s Minnesota is here to help everyone feel like themselves, know they matter, and feel like they belong. Our pediatric health care chaplains specialize in helping kids and their families cope with the stress of being in the hospital.
Whether you are religious or not, it helps to take care of your spirit. Our chaplains are trained to provide developmentally appropriate, evidence-based spiritual care that respects each family’s culture, traditions, beliefs and practices.
When to ask for a chaplain
You may want to talk to a chaplain if you or your child is:
- Anxious, worried, angry, afraid
- Sadness, guilt, disconnection
- Seeking spiritual guidance or connection
- Needing to explore gratitude, hope and meaning
- Worrying your prayers aren’t being heard
- Wondering if God is punishing you
- Exploring changing beliefs
- New ways of coping
- Disillusioned, unsure it’s worth it anymore
- Hopeless, confused, or wondering “why me?”
- Wanting support with spiritual practices
- Can’t find your joy
What a chaplain can do for you
A chaplain can be:
- A safe person to talk to
- Someone who respects your beliefs, practices, struggles and strengths.
- A good listener who helps you think things through.
- Someone who listens to support your spirituality, faith and what’s important to you.
- A source of support, encouragement and help when you need it.
How to contact a chaplain
Chaplains round on all patient care areas and can be contacted through hospital staff or by calling the spiritual care department directly. Chaplains are available on-call for emergencies 24/7 and on-site during the day for all other needs.
Minneapolis campus
8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Phone: 612-813-6253
St. Paul campus
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone: 651-220-6369
Rituals and services
- St. Paul campus: Catholic Mass is celebrated Sundays at 2 p.m. in the chapel and is broadcast to patient rooms on the Chapel Channel 57.
- Private rituals can be arranged by contacting your unit chaplain or by contacting spiritual care.
