Spiritual Care

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At Wooster Community Hospital, we recognize the importance of caring for the needs of the whole person, including the emotional and spiritual aspects. Spiritual Care is a long-standing practice at WCH that continues to meet our patients and their families, employees, and volunteers where they are on their life journey. Compassion and comforting presence are provided to individuals of all faiths.

Our hospital chaplain is clinically and theologically trained to serve as an attentive listener while offering a connection with the practices of faith that the patient might find beneficial. The chaplain responds to general requests of support made by the patient or family at emergency situations and for end-of-life care. A patient may request a visit at any time during their hospital stay. The chaplain can also notify a patient’s place of worship if they so desire.

Religious ministries offered to the patient include prayer, communion, and baptism. These services are complemented by personnel from our local community. Eucharistic Ministers come daily to serve the Catholic patients. The Prayer Partners Team collects and remembers requests for specific prayer each day. Local clergy of various faith groups volunteer their time to cover the hours for spiritual care when the hospital chaplain is unavailable. 

The Chapel

The hospital provides a space dedicated to the encouragement of reflective and prayerful moments. Scriptures and inspirational readings are provided there, along with a prayer journal. It can be a gathering place to find support with family or the chaplain. The chapel is always open and is located on the first floor near the central elevators and the diagnostic waiting rooms.

Hospital Chaplain: Ray Pfahler, M.Div., M.A., C-PT
Phone Number: (330) 263-8440
Office Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday