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Interfaith Ministry in Reno

I am proud to be a member of the Spiritual Care Department at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno because it exemplifies so strongly what the Dominican Sisters' mission is all about, wherever we minister.

The Spiritual Care Department is a diverse group of dedicated people who enjoy and affirm one another's varied talents. Bobbie Flowers, a Catholic laywoman, manages our department. Two priests, Father Valmonte and Father Aniban, and a Protestant minister, Reverend Bartlett, represent ordained clergy. Valerie Willett, a Protestant laywoman and I complete the professional staff.

Our ecumenical department serves all patients, families and staff from a broad range of cultures and religious traditions. Chaplains are trained to work as part of a team, collaborating with nurses, discharge planners, social workers and physical therapists. We understand and research supports the notion that spiritual healing can have a positive affect on physical and psychological healing. Coping with an injury or illness is a challenge, and we chaplains are always available for those who want spiritual counseling. Saint Mary's shares the resources of our department with those who wish to be trained for this special ministry. We often have students with us who are enrolled in a Clinical Pastoral Education program. Bobbie, Valerie and I also coordinate the Chaplain Volunteer Training program. Since its inception four and a half years ago, one hundred aspiring chaplain volunteers from Reno churches have graduated from our twenty hour training.

" This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." George Bernard Shaw

By Sister Diane Carroll, OP