Chaplaincy

The chaplain, a man in a blue shirt is smiling while holding the hands of a woman in a floral dress who is praying. They are sitting on a wooden bench in a warmly lit chapel, with stained glass windows and wooden furnishings in the background—a serene setting.

Honoring your spiritual needs with compassion and care

At Shepherd Center, we understand that a catastrophic injury or illness can bring unexpected changes, leaving you to navigate a new path in life. In these challenging moments, you may wonder, “Where do I begin? Who can I turn to for support?”

The Larry L. Prince Chaplaincy Program is dedicated to providing you with a compassionate and responsive spiritual support system. We recognize and honor the rich diversity of beliefs and backgrounds of our patients, families, and staff. No matter your faith or spiritual practice, we are here to walk alongside you on your journey.

At Shepherd Center, our chaplains are more than spiritual advisors — they are compassionate listeners and dedicated supporters of your overall well-being. While many chaplains are ordained ministers, their role here is to provide care tailored to the unique needs of a healthcare environment.

Our chaplains are specially trained to support you and your family during challenging times. As integral members of your interdisciplinary care team, they collaborate with doctors, therapists, and staff to ensure that your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are all addressed — whether you need someone to join you in prayer, offer comfort during difficult moments, or help you navigate your spiritual journey.

Our chaplains respect the multiplicity of all faiths and denominations, honoring the personal relationship between the individual and their God. Many patients and family members choose to have personal faith discussions with our chaplains, while others benefit from discovering the healing value of a good friend and devoted listener. You or your family may find comfort in reaching out to a chaplain during times of:

  • Anxiety about your condition or treatments: When the uncertainty feels overwhelming, a chaplain can provide reassurance and peace of mind.
  • Seeking prayer, ceremonies, or readings: Whether you need a prayer, a special ceremony, or comforting spiritual readings, we’re here to honor your faith traditions.
  • Facing difficult decisions: When the road ahead feels unclear, a chaplain can help guide you through tough choices with compassion and understanding.
  • Spiritual or religious concerns: If you’re grappling with questions of faith or spiritual beliefs, we’re here to listen and support you on your journey.
  • Requesting a visit from your faith leader: Whether it’s a clergy member, priest, imam, rabbi, or another faith leader, we can help arrange for their visit to provide specific rites or ceremonies that are meaningful to you.
  • Requesting spiritual items: If you or your family need a Bible, Tanakh, Koran, prayer book, prayer rug, rosary, or any other spiritual item, we can help you obtain them.
  • Struggling with the meaning of injury or illness: When life feels uncertain, and you’re searching for meaning, a chaplain can help you explore these profound questions.
  • Grieving a loss: Whether it’s coping with a disability, navigating a life transition, or mourning the loss of a loved one or friend, we’re here to offer comfort and support.
  • Celebrating positive outcomes: If you wish to express gratitude and celebrate good news or progress, we can join you in giving thanks and acknowledging your journey.

We know how important it is to stay connected to your faith community, especially when you’re away from home and familiar surroundings. That’s why our worship services are designed to provide spiritual nourishment and healing. More than just a service, our worship experience is an extension of rehabilitation and reintegration into a faith community after injury.

Our services are held every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Callaway Auditorium. The atmosphere is casual, accessible, and welcoming, with flexible seating arrangements that allow you to be close to your loved ones.

From the very beginning, we thought it was important for patients and families to have faith support. Having hospital chaplains is a big part of healing – and hope – at Shepherd Center.

Alana Shepherd Shepherd Center Co-Founder

A quiet space for reflection

The Alana & Harold Shepherd Chapel is your haven for quiet reflection, prayer, and private worship. Located on the first floor of the Shepherd Building, this quiet space is always open to you whenever you need a moment of peace. Here, you can find solace in your own way, whether through silent prayer, meditation, or simply being present in a calm, spiritual environment.

An individual silently prays in front of the vibrant stained glass windows, finding peace and solace in this serene space.
Colorful artwork, donated by professional artist and former Shepherd patient Gail Foster, serves as a symbol of hope and resilience at the front of the chapel.
An individual adds their thoughts to a prayer book, contributing to a collective source of strength and support for all who visit the chapel at Shepherd Center.
The chapel’s serene stained glass window is one of its central features, creating a peaceful ambiance. Another focal point is “Salvation,” a commissioned painting by former Shepherd Center patient and professional artist Gail Foster, generously donated to the space. The main pew, rich with history, came from a church in Brooklyn, New York, where it was part of worship services for decades. As you enter, you’ll also find a prayer book, used daily by patients, visitors, families, and staff for reflection and comfort.

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