The Ministry to the Aged (MTA) Chaplains serve care center residents and their families by providing support in various situations: care center residents may feel lonely, depressed, or angry as they experience loss, adjust to new circumstances, and face suffering or death. MTA chaplains have extensive pastoral and spiritual care experience enabling them to provide guidance in a wide variety of situations connected with life in a care center facility.

As they are serving the resident, chaplains may have the opportunity to support care center staff during difficult situations involving the residents. Care center staff often experience deep feelings for the people they care for on a daily basis. “The literature suggests not only can spirituality improve quality of life for the patient, it can help support caregivers…” (6) Chaplains engage in a variety of activities with residents which may include:

• Bible Studies


• Chapel Services


• Communion


• Prayer


• Singing hymns


• Individual visits

Chaplains are available for everyone. MTA chaplains feel it is an honor and privilege to facilitate spiritual growth for people who now make their home in care centers. As a testament to the care they provide, MTA chaplains are often asked to officiate at memorial or funeral services for former care center residents.

“Having a chaplain means a lot to me. It gives me peace of mind to know there is spiritual counsel and friendship available to me. I have many friends who care about me, but there are certain times when what I need is of a spiritual nature. I appreciate that there is somebody who cares enough to provide spiritual care.”
—Comment of a 97 year old gentleman living in a care center served by a MTA chaplain