Comforting the sick in the greater Houston area through Christ’s healing presence

Father Renni Ariplackal (left), chaplain priest, and Amanda Quiroz (fifth from left), lay coordinator, along with pastoral visitors gathered for a recent meeting in March at Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands. (Photo Courtesy of the Catholic Chaplains Corps)HOUSTON — During times of illness and confinement in a hospital setting, when uncertainty and suffering weigh heavily, a compassionate presence and a listening ear can make all the difference. Knowing someone who cares and offers emotional and spiritual support provides immeasurable peace and strength.
 
For patients in the Texas Medical Center and hospitals across the greater Houston area, a dedicated team of trained clergy, lay chaplains and pastoral visitors with the Catholic Chaplain Corps (CCC) answer that call, bringing comfort, prayer and the healing presence of Christ to those in need. The ministry is committed to providing timely spiritual care, especially in moments of urgent need, aligning with its mission to bring Christ’s healing ministry to the infirm, imprisoned, aged and dying of the Archdiocese.
 
Trish Hessel, a pastoral visitor who has been involved with the CCC for nearly three years, serving at Baylor St. Luke’s in the Medical Center, is one example of the laity living out the Christian call to be Christ in the world, each with their unique vocation. She believes the CCC profoundly impacts the lives of those it serves by bringing Christ’s comfort to the hospitalized, their families and medical staff.
 
“Pastoral visitors provide comfort, support and a listening ear for patients, families, and even hospital staff, knowing that someone is there to walk alongside them in their journey brings peace and reassurance,” said Hessel. “Our work ensures that no one faces suffering alone and that God’s love is present in every hospital room we enter.”
 
The skills Hessel gained from taking the 2022 Foundation - Pastoral Visitor Training have strengthened the level of support she provides. A key lesson was empathic listening, which taught her the value of simply being present and truly listening, without trying to offer advice or solve the issue. This shift has improved her lay chaplaincy work and made her a better listener in her personal and professional relationships, allowing her to be more present for others.
 
Hessel and the team of pastoral visitors minister under Romani Perera, director of the CCC. Romani has led the ministry for two and a half years. Her focus is on meeting the growing demand for pastoral care in the Archdiocese.
 
A key goal has been recruiting and cross-training lead lay chaplains to ensure support is available while strengthening collaboration with hospital administration and diocesan leadership to better serve patient needs. These efforts have advanced the ministry’s mission of bringing Christ’s healing presence to hospitals as it adapts to the challenges of hospital ministry. 

“We continue efforts to hire and train more lead lay chaplains to serve in hospitals currently without sufficient coverage,” Perera said. “We also work toward greater collaboration with parishes to ensure seamless pastoral care for patients transitioning from hospitals to home. Our new mentorship program for new chaplains will pair them with experienced priests and lead chaplains for support.”
 
Witnessing the profound impact of the CCC on patients in their time of need has been one of the most meaningful experiences for Perera.
 
“Seeing a patient simply receive God’s healing power in the Anointing of the Sick or Holy Communion has been a powerful reminder of how essential our ministry is,” Perera said. “When I hear the CCC pastoral visitors say, ‘I wasn’t sure what to say to the patient, but being present with them made all the difference,’ it reinforces the importance of training, guidance and encouragement.”
 
Perera recalled a deeply impactful moment when the CCC supported a family who had lost a child. In their darkest hour, simply being present and offering prayer brought comfort and a glimmer of hope. The child’s mother later shared that the CCC lay chaplain gave her the strength to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of such profound grief. These moments, Perera said, are a testament to the CCC’s mission of sharing Christ’s love and healing presence, reminding everyone that this work is not just a duty but a sacred calling.
 
Father Clark Sample, episcopal vicar for clergy and director of the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services of the Archdiocese since July 2023, is focused on ensuring the ministry’s chaplain priests are available to administer the Sacraments in critical times like these. He said the role of the CCC’s lay chaplains and pastoral visitors in prioritizing the priests’ time allows them to focus on taking care of these urgent needs quickly.
 
“Without this support of the laity, the hospital ministry of the Catholic Chaplain Corps wouldn’t be what it is today,” Father Sample said.
 
The CCC is one of 60-plus ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), which covers the salaries and living expenses of the chaplain priests and lay staff.
 
Father Sample encouraged the faithful to support the DSF appeal because it represents the work of the Church as no single parish can fund all critical ministries.
 
As the CCC continues to grow, Perera said it is crucial to pray for the ministry’s clergy and laity, and support the DSF, which ensures no patient goes without spiritual care.
 
“Together, we can contribute to bringing the light of Christ to those facing illness, uncertainty and suffering,” Perera said. “May God bless those for their generosity and commitment to this important work.”
 
Through DSF donations and volunteering, Hessel agrees that the support of the faithful in the Archdiocese makes a significant difference for hospitalized patients.
 
“As a pastoral visitor, I encounter patients from all over the world, including neighboring states and across the country,” Hessel said. “Through their support, whether financial or through their time, we make a significant difference for patients, their families and the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly to care for them.”
 
To learn more about the CCC and how to volunteer, go to archgh.org/chaplaincorps. To support DSF ministries, visit archgh.org/DSF.
 
Every DSF gift directly funds ministries like the CCC, ensuring they continue their vital work in service and education.