Hospitals Archives

Minnesota bishop assembles priest team for anointing COVID-19 patients

May 7, 2020

With local hospitals tightening restrictions for entering the rooms of patients with COVID-19, Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of St. Paul and Minneapolis is addressing an important pastoral need — administering the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to those suffering from the illness who are in danger of dying.

By Dave Hrbacek

Hospital chaplains talk about their ministry in the midst of pandemic

May 3, 2020

These days, the job description of hospital chaplain has changed due to the historically stringent safety restrictions now in place at all hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Dave Guthro

Indiana priests bring ‘power of the sacraments’ to the dying during pandemic

May 3, 2020

For more than a month, churches have been empty. No baptisms, no weddings, no confessions heard. Priests celebrate Masses alone, livestreaming them on the internet. But they still go out to people who are dying to administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, even to those who are suffering from the virus.

By Sean Gallagher

St. Jude music therapists organize backyard jams for kids

May 3, 2020

Amy Love had to leave the Memphis hospital where she brings music to severely ill children — she and other support staff couldn’t take the risk of spreading COVID-19 to these frail patients. But she was determined: The music must not stop.

By Leanne Italie

Priest’s routine is now COVID patients, outdoor confessions, online Masses

Apr 27, 2020

Father Paul Marquis sits in his office at Mercy Hospital, waiting. He often notices how the usually busy corridors outside have grown quiet recently. Strict visitor regulations are in place, and staff schedules have been drastically altered to cover any possibility of a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Catholic News Service

Spiritual counselors adapt to serve faithful in pandemic

Apr 22, 2020

As the coronavirus claims tens of thousands of American lives, spiritual counselors are facing an already daunting job, rendered life-altering by the pandemic: Bringing faith and connection to the sick and bereaved and honoring the dead.

By Elana Schor and Mariam Fam