Pastoral Care

We understand that being in the hospital can be a difficult time for you, your family and friends. Strength may be found in sharing concerns with a Chaplain. Our Chaplains provide healing presence and support, pastoral prayer, rituals or sacraments, and help with ethical concerns.

The role of spiritual care in the healing process is widely recognized. After extensive research, Herbert Benson wrote, "I am astonished that my scientific studies have so conclusively shown that our bodies are wired to be nourished and healed by prayer and other exercises of belief."

Compassionate spiritual and emotional support is provided by our Chaplains to people of all faiths or of no particular faith. Encouraging a more holistic approach to healthcare, our professional Chaplains respect and respond to values and beliefs of all our patients. We welcome visiting clergy and other members of your faith community. It is helpful if you inform your religious leader of your hospitalization. Our Chaplains are available 24-7 to patients, families, friends, and hospital staff as a source of comfort and re-assurance.

Our Chaplains are also available to bring communion to your room. Please call (785) 452-6578 to request communion. For our Roman Catholic patients, a priest is available during the daytime hours and any requests will be forwarded to him. Other denominations offer similar services so please designate your denomination when you register.

There are times when you might need a Chaplain
  • When you feel scared about hospitalization.
  • When you feel discouraged.
  • When you're asking God, "Why?"
  • When family is upset.
  • When someone close to you has died.
  • When you're facing a difficult decision.
  • When you want to be joined in prayer.
  • When you've heard some bad news or you want to celebrate.
  • When you're having surgery or a medical procedure.
  • When you need help contacting your pastor.
  • When you need help with decisions about end-of life care.
  • When you want to receive sacraments, a blessing or other ritual.

Meet our Chaplains
David Wolfe, Director of Chaplaincy
Rev. Jack Ropp
Rev. Daniel Castillo
Sr. Mary Augustine
Fr. John Wolesky
Volunteer Rev. Alma Webster
Volunteer Rev. Phyllis Flory
Volunteer Chaplain Lee Ann Christy

How do I contact a Chaplain?
When you are admitted to the hospital, you are given the chance to request a visit from our Chaplains. You may also request a visit at any time during your stay. We can be reached several ways:

During office hours you may call the secretary at (785) 452-6578 or leave a message. Office hours are Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Messages are checked at various times during office hours and each morning for messages left after hours.

You can also ask your nurse to give us a call. During after office hours your nurse can call the on-call Chaplain. All emergency needs can be met by paging the on-call Chaplain. Staff Chaplains are available in-house Monday thru Friday from 7am to 7pm. On-call clergy are available after office hours and on weekends.

Prayer Requests
We welcome your prayer requests for you, your family and friends. Your concerns will be prayed for by our chaplains this week during their meditation time. Please email dbengtso@srhc.com your prayer requests.

Our Chapel
Our Chapel offers our guests a quiet place to go. It is located right off the lobby in the new patient tower. In addition, we also have a Meditation Room located next to the ICU Waiting Room.
Our volunteers at the Information Desk in the lobby will be happy to show you either of these locations.