Frequently Asked Questions of General Interest

Q: What do hospital chaplains do?
A: Among many things, UVA Health System chaplains provide supportive counseling and care to patients, families, and staff who are emotionally distressed, struggling with religious/spiritual/ethical issues, or who are requesting a specific religious rite or ritual. Chaplains are available to provide a caring, listening ear. They also make referrals to appropriate religious groups on behalf of patients and families.

Q: Are your chaplains affiliated with a specific church?
A: As individuals, UVa Health System chaplains are affiliated with particular faith groups, but the work of the Department of Chaplaincy Services and Pastoral Education is interfaith (see below). Our goal is to help patients and families utilize their own faith resources.

Q: What does it mean to be "interfaith"? 
A: Being an interfaith department means we value, honor and respect the religious diversity in our Health System. (To read our position statement on diversity, click here.) UVa Health System chaplains seek to provide spiritual care and understanding among people of all faiths. We have many religious resources at hand to serve patient, family and staff needs. If you have questions or concerns, please call (434) 924-2642.

Q: How do I make an appointment to see the Chaplain?
A: Many UVa Health System Chaplains cover different service areas. To contact the right person, ask a staff member to page the unit chaplain, or call our office. If you are inside the hospital, dial "4-2642" otherwise the phone number is 434-924-2642.

Q: Do you have a Catholic priest on staff? 
A: UVa Health System chaplains often contact the priests from St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The priests respond readily and are available for pastoral emergencies. (For inquiries about Last Rites, it should be noted that according to Roman Catholic belief, the Sacrament of the Sick should be offered before death, so we encourage families to make requests prior to the death, if at all possible.)

Q: Why isn't there a Bible in my patient's room?
A: Because of Infection Control rules, we do not stock Bibles in patient rooms. Literature circulated between rooms and patients can carry germs. If a Bible or other sacred/devotional literature is needed, contact our office at (434) 924-2642, or ask a staff member to contact the on-call chaplain, who will be happy to bring the literature to the room.

Q: Are your chaplains professionally trained?
A: Yes, all UVa Health System chaplains have had extensive training in spiritual traditions and social sciences. Additionally, Staff Chaplains and Faculty have been Board-Certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains.

Q: Can I become a volunteer chaplain for this hospital?
A: We do not have a volunteer program, however, we do encourage community clergy to visit patients from their own religious congregations, and we have a Visiting Clergy program in place for this purpose. Please refer to the online policies and procedures for visiting clergy, or call our office at (434) 924-2642 for more information.

Q: Can I get married at the hospital, and/or will a hospital chaplain perform the ceremony?
A: Marriages are held in the UVa Health System and facilities, and Health System chaplains do conduct services for patients and staff. However, because spiritual life is an on-going process, we hope that people will involve their faith group in such a process as marriage. We encourage people to utilize clergy or leaders from their own faith traditions for these very personal services.

Q: Will hospital chaplains baptize our child? 
A: UVa Health System chaplains will officiate at baptisms, especially baptisms in extreme situations, yet it is preferable that your own clergy conduct such services. If necessary, we will help you contact your clergy and work with him/her to make arrangements for a baptism at the Health System.

Q: Will a hospital chaplain perform our loved one's funeral ?
A: UVa Health System chaplains are available for such services, but we encourage families to be in contact with a local clergy or religious leader first.

Q: Is there a "viewing room" at the hospital?
A: Yes. Contact a chaplain, who will make arrangements with Decedent Affairs and nursing supervisors for use of the room.

Still have a question? Fill out our Information Request Form   or call (434) 924-2642.

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