Are there Anything Chaplains can DO in Critical Times like this?

Are there Anything Chaplains can DO in Critical Times like this?

Beloved Chaplains, there are quite a lot of things we can do in pandemic situation as we find ourselves presently.

However I want to say this is not a time chaplains will be waiting for government or government agencies to reach out to them in their homes to come and assist government, but rather a time chaplains will come forward with their presentations to make life more bearable, meaningful and better for people in quarantine or people in isolation centers all over the country and the health care providers who have put their life at stake to treat and care for those infected.

This must be our contribution to the sustainable peace of our nation and people.

1.     Chaplains can come together, put together live and hope rekindling music and video and sent to the authorities managing infected and isolated people so as to prevent boredom and distress.

2.     Make known your availability to reach out to patients who may desire spiritual care and counseling through phone calls or video calls.

3.     Chaplains can design a postcard of inspirations and encouragement that can be handed over to the management to be distributed to the patients as well as the health care providers.

4.     Chaplains who specialize in mental health care may offer their services to patients and staff to help them reduce stress and compassion fatigue.

5.     Chaplains can provide soothing pictures and visuals both for the patients and health care providers.

6.     Clinical psychotherapists and spirituotherapist should make themselves available to offer their services to people to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions.

7.     Chaplains can offer professional services to the pandemic survivors to allay their fears of stigmatization as they get well, returning to their families, homes and communities.

8.     Chaplains can collaborate with national orientation agency management to mount advocacy in the public domain, so as to let the people know how to protect themselves in advance with the instructions of medical experts.

9.     Chaplains who are spiritual care providers and are knowledgeable in spiritual care provision can offer spiritual and emotional care to both patients and health care staff while the medical experts concern themselves with the provision of medical care.

10.                  Chaplains can help in redirecting people to reconnect with their Creator or Higher power or Ultimate power for succor, healing and hope of lifting the pandemic away from our world.

11.                  Chaplains can offer a Daily Dose of Hope by video to health care staff. It is a brief spiritual reflection with the goal to encourage staff during these challenging times to “Keep calm and carry on.”

Chap. Prof. David Mike-Jacobs JP, AP, CPC

Certified Chaplaincy Educator