Spiritual Care

Marshall chaplains are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Our team includes one full-time credentialed hospital chaplain and several dedicated volunteers, trained to address diverse spiritual and emotional needs with non-judgmental support.

What is Spiritual Care?

When we, or those close to us, come into the hospital, it often marks a time of major life change and challenge. Hospitals are places of hope and healing, but also where difficult decisions are made, losses faced, and treatments endured. Someone once said everyone wants hospitals to be there, but no one really wants to have to use them!

In these times, we often ask big questions:

Why is this happening to me or my family?
What is the purpose of pain and suffering?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Is there a God, and if so, why is God allowing this?
Is there any hope?

For this reason, Marshall provides spiritual care specialists, also known as chaplains, to help patients, relatives, caregivers, and staff work through these and other issues. Chaplains offer emotional, social, and spiritual support during times of suffering, uncertainty, and loss. Chaplains are also available to help celebrate new life, health, and healing.

To request a Spiritual Care visit, you are welcome to contact our full-time chaplain directly:

Chaplain Joe Poppino

530-620-5360

jpoppino@marshallmedical.org.

You can also ask a member of the medical team to place a Chaplain Consult order.

Do you have to be religious to request chaplain support?

Chaplains are here for everyone, whether religious or not. They walk alongside those who are ill, uncertain, questioning, or going through life challenges. They provide non-judgmental support and a listening ear, respecting all beliefs and backgrounds, ensuring that your personal values and preferences are honored throughout your care.

What can I expect from a spiritual care visit?

During a spiritual care visit, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental presence focused on your emotional and spiritual well-being. Here’s what typically happens:

Initial Greeting: A chaplain will ask if it's a good time for a visit. You can always say no to Spiritual Care if you prefer not to have a visit. You can also request a chaplain come back at another time.
Invitation to Share: A chaplain will invite you to share your feelings, experiences, and concerns. Having someone to share your worries with can help relieve stress, which aids in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Personalized Support: The chaplain will listen intently and offer support tailored to your needs. A chaplain will utilize techniques like reflective listening to ensure you feel heard and understood.
Confidentiality and Discretion: The chaplain will exercise discretion concerning what you share. If sharing certain information with the medical team can help provide you with more personalized care, the chaplain may include it in your medical record. However, you can always request that certain details be kept confidential.

Religious Support

For patients who identify with a specific faith or religion, hospital chaplains can assist with various religious practices, offering prayers, reading sacred texts, and performing supportive rituals such as blessings and baptisms.

Our chaplains enjoy good relationships with local churches and other faith communities. If you wish to have a church or faith representative contacted on your behalf, please inform a staff member or chaplain. We will not contact anyone without your permission.

Meditation and Prayer Space

The Chapel provides an inviting place for reflection, prayer, and meditation. Located near the elevators on the 2nd floor of the north wing, it is available 24/7 to patients and their families.

The Healing Garden, located outside near the main entrance of the hospital, provides another quiet space for peace, inspiration, and solace.

Be sure to check our events calendar for upcoming support group meetings.