Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Chaplaincy is the term we generally use to describe specialist pastoral care provided outside the Parish and the church. This is generally associated with secular institutions and community groups.

Diocesan chaplains provide support across the Diocese including schools, hospitals, aged care, Defence, police, prison, ambulance, fire services, emergency services and disaster recovery.

In these contexts, chaplains are also often described as pastoral and spiritual care practitioners. They may be lay or ordained and are often required to have additional training in clinical pastoral care and counselling.

Our chaplaincy is modelled on spiritual care as defined by Spiritual Care Australia (www.spiritualcareaustralia.org.au):

Spiritual Care encompasses all the ways in which attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of life. It is most commonly offered in a one-to-one relationship, is person centered and makes no assumptions about personal conviction or life orientation.

It offers a way for people to experience and make meaning of their hopes and fears.

Spiritual Care is provided by practitioners trained to appropriately meet the individual’s spiritual and emotional needs. It may include presence, conversations, ritual, ceremonies, and the sharing of sacred texts and resources.

If you would like to find out more about chaplaincy or pathways to becoming a Chaplain, please contact us.