St. Elizabeth Hospital is growing in so many wonderful and exciting ways I thought it might be good to share a few things about spiritual care at our hospital as well.

Building on the foundation of Enumclaw Regional Hospital, we’ve worked to continue the insightful, community-centered spiritual care that has been a light to the community from the very beginning.

Chaplain Mary Wetsch-Johnson and myself are the CHI Franciscan chaplains who serve you and the community at St. Elizabeth.

Because this hospital was originally formed by the community of Enumclaw, for the community of Enumclaw, it is important to us to live into that community-centered model of spiritual care, and so we are pleased that some local pastors from Enumclaw have trained as volunteers and support spiritual needs at St. Elizabeth in emergency situations. We are very thankful for this collaborative spirit!

Many new things are in the works as far as spiritual care is concerned. Recent collaboration with Sacred Heart Catholic Church has brought about a monthly healing Mass celebrated in our chapel. More ecumenical and interfaith opportunities lie ahead.

We also work to make certain that everyone who comes to St. Elizabeth Hospital feels welcome, no matter what faith tradition they may embrace, and feel equally respected and cared for if they claim no faith tradition at all. Our work is to affirm all, knowing we are all brothers and sisters on the same journey to healing.

Chaplain Mary and I are just beginning our work at St. Elizabeth and in the community. Please feel free to contact us. We are here for you!

Jennifer Tapley is the staff chaplain at St. Elizabeth Hospital