Frequently Asked Questions about Spiritual Care at University of Colorado Hospital
Is there a chapel at University of Colorado Hospital, and is it open?
Yes and yes. The chapel is located in the lobby of the Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion. It is open 24 hours a day, every day. All are welcome to use the chapel for personal meditation and prayer, regardless of your private or expressed faith.
Are there chapel services at University of Colorado Hospital?
Yes. A worship service is held in the chapel each Friday at 11:30 a.m. Services are led by hospital chaplains. Special services are held for Christian holidays. Other faith and cultural celebrations are recognized as well.
The chapel also is available for special services such as:
- Weddings
- Baptisms
- Memorial services
- Rituals celebrated within various religious and faith communities
Chapel space can be reserved by:
- Patients
- Patient families
- Patient caregivers
- Employees of University of Colorado Hospital
- Employees of University Physicians
- Faculty, staff and students of University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
For information regarding the use of the Chapel, contact the Department of Spiritual Care Secretary, Betsy Benjamin, at elizabeth.benjamin@uch.edu
Who can use the chapel at University of Colorado Hospital?
The University of Colorado Hospital Chapel is open to:
- Patients
- Patient families
- Patient caregivers
- Employees of University of Colorado Hospital
- Employees of University Physicians
- Faculty, staff and students of University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
At this time, the chapel is not available to the general public.
Will I have access to clergy or members of faith groups other than the hospital chaplains?
Yes. At your request, the Department of Spiritual Care Services is happy to contact members of your own congregation or faith community. We also can have area clergy of your expressed faith visit you.
How do I get daily communion?
Every hospital floor has a resident chaplain who can arrange for you to receive communion. Chaplains can be reached any time at (720) 848-4063.
Is my name automatically given to community faith group representatives?
No. Upon admission, you will be asked if you want a member of your faith community to be given your name and to visit you. Also, your nurse will ask if you would like to be visited by community clergy from outside the hospital.
Please note that all patients receive an introductory visit from a chaplain who can also assist you in contacting a member of your faith community as you desire. Your decisions regarding clergy visitation are respected.
Will a chaplain see me even if I am not religious?
Yes. Our chaplains see patients regardless of whether or not patients consider themselves religious. Emotional and spiritual needs exist independently from religion.
When is a chaplain available?
A hospital chaplain is always available. If a chaplain is not available on your hospital floor, the on-call chaplain is contacted. You can request a visit at any time, day or night, weekends or holidays. Chaplains can be reached any time at (720) 848-4063.