Wolfson Children's Hospital Brain and Spine Tumors

Spiritual Care

At Wolfson Children’s Hospital, our caring and specially trained pediatric chaplains are available around the clock to offer comfort, support and guidance to children and families.

Spiritual Care

904.202.4242

A chaplain is available 24/7. Let your nurse know you’d like a visit, or call our office at the number above.

Multi-Faith Approach

Our pediatric chaplains minister from a multi-faith perspective and are culturally sensitive to all people, regardless of religion, creed, race, gender, nationality or beliefs.

Chaplains Assigned to All Units

Pediatric chaplains are assigned to every unit in the children’s hospital and routinely make rounds, just like other medical professionals.

Children’s Chapel

The children’s chapel is a place where people of all faiths, cultures and ages are welcome for spiritual renewal. This sanctuary offers personal reflection and is designed for comfort and peace. It’s located on the 4th floor and is open 24/7.

Godly Play
Children are encouraged to express their beliefs, spirituality and feelings through a method of sacred storytelling called Godly Play. Our chaplains can initiate these story experiences in a group setting or at your child’s bedside Monday - Friday. To request the program, call the Spiritual Care Department.
- Children become fully engaged as they assist the storyteller in the movement of three-dimensional wood figures and felt pieces while listening to a story unfold.
- Patients then have the opportunity to respond to “I wonder” questions, which encourages children to express their thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
- Next is an art activity where they are invited to express themselves. While the artwork is sometimes directly related to the story, creativity and imagination are encouraged.
- Children can also play with the storypieces and retell the story in their own way.
Bereavement Support
Families experiencing the loss of a child can find support through our professional healing ministry. We understand the grieving process and can support you throughout this challenging journey.
Compassionate presence
- Families are provided time to be with and nurture their child.
- End-of-life support is provided to families by social workers, nurses, chaplains, child life specialists and other professionals who are trained in bereavement support.
- Chaplains can perform rituals such as blessings or baptisms. They may also contact appropriate local spiritual leaders upon the family’s request.
- We encourage the involvement of various communities of faith and will assist in any way possible to obtain spiritual and emotional support from a family’s church or faith group.
Support Materials

Information is provided to parents about community resources, perinatal loss and more.

Memory Making

Families are given memory boxes containing items that assist the entire family in creating lasting remembrances after a loss.

Tear Catchers Support Groups

For more than 3,000 years, small decorative jars have been used to capture the tears of those mourning the death of someone deeply loved. Recognizing that no one or nothing can stop the flow of tears of a grieving parent, the Tear Catchers program offers two support groups.

Both groups provide parent-to-parent support guided by professional chaplains, social workers and others. Call the Spiritual Care office to confirm dates and times.

Perinatal Support Group

Loss through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or newborn

1^st and 3^rd Mondays of the month
7 - 8:30 pm
All Saints Episcopal Church
4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville FL

Perinatal Remembrance Event

Held every October

Contact Chaplain Linda Rosengren at 904.202.2240

Pediatric Support Group

Loss of an infant, toddler or older child

1^st Thursday of the month
7 - 8:30 pm
Dreams Come True
6803 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville FL

Pediatric Remembrance Event

Held every November or December
/patients/spiritual-care-team
Contact Chaplain Linda Rosengren at 904.202.2240

Follow-Up Care

Parents are automatically placed on our mailing list for one year to receive reminders for groups and events. If your loss occurred at another facility and you’d like to be placed on the list, please contact the Spiritual Care office at the number at the top of the page or via email at Linda.Rosengren@bmcjax.com.

Related Information

Spiritual Care Team

Spiritual Care

904.202.4242

A chaplain is available 24/7. Let your nurse know you’d like a visit, or call our office at the number above.

Related Information

Spiritual Care Team

Wolfson Children's Hospital Spiritual Care

Support for Your Family

Conversation and prayers before and during surgery
Bedside visits during hospital stay
Prayers, blessings and baptisms
Rituals and sacraments when requested
Care for your spirit during your child’s physical healing
Help with observing your own faith practices
Contacting your clergy or faith representative, if desired
Confidential listening
Discussing religious or ethical questions
Providing memory-making materials and bereavement support