Pastoral/Spiritual Care
Spiritual care, also known as pastoral care or chaplaincy, is intended to facilitate healing by improving the well being of patients, family members and staff.
At Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, our professionally-trained chaplains are available to serve the whole person – body, mind and spirit – by addressing the individual needs of the patient, family members and staff.
Our chaplains focus on supporting the journey toward a deeper spiritual meaning and understanding of suffering, sickness, health and wellness through direct service, education and consultation.
How to reach us
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1st Choice: Tell the nurse (or any healthcare provider) that you would like to see a Chaplain. It is best to have a healthcare provider contact us on your behalf.
2nd Choice: Call x 3767 from a hospital phone or 703-776-3767 from an outside phone.
Monday - Friday: 5:00 p.m. - 8 a.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Emergencies only; ask nurse to contact us.
When to call a chaplain
- When you feel anxious or fearful about your condition
- When you are experiencing difficult feeling such as anger, guilt, depression, etc.
- When you simply wish to tell your story
- When you desire prayer, religious, or spiritual support
- When you receive upsetting news
- When you are struggling with the meaning of illness in your life
- When you are grieving a loss through death or capacity
- When you are facing end-of-life questions
- Sacraments
What we offer
- Spiritual and emotional support for patients and family members
- Compassionate and attentive listening
- Support as you cope with illness, new diagnosis, chronic and long-term illness
- Assistance in reconciling your beliefs and values with healthcare decisions
- Assistance as you search for trust and inner peace
- A loving and considerate presence
- Help in recognizing and utilizing your inner strengths
How we serve
- A chapel is available for everyone as a place of meditation and prayer
- Professional chaplains that make religious/spiritual care assessments and who develop spiritual care plans
- Visitations and screening of religious/spiritual needs by pastoral care volunteers
- A calming presence in the midst of the storm
- Patient advocacy
- Eucharistic ministers
- Contact of your pastor, rabbi, imam or spiritual caregiver at your request
Worship Opportunities
Catholic Mass
- Fridays, 11:30 a.m. (Interfaith Chapel)
- Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. (Conference Room D-E-F, Original Building)
- Special masses held on Holy Days of Obligation, Christmas and Easter will be posted on the Chapel door.
Prayer
The Interfaith Chapel is available at all times for private and group prayer, unless otherwise reserved. Prayer rugs and other resources are available in the chapel.