Chaplaincy Services
Board-certified chaplains are the core of the Chaplaincy Services staff at Children’s National. Clinically trained on-call chaplains are available to patients, families and staff 24/7 for support, education, ritual and consultation. A Spanish-speaking chaplain is also available 20 hours per week.
Chaplains are spiritual and pastoral counselors who work with patients and families to access spiritual strength and resources. Chaplains offer care and support when patients and their families search for meaning in the midst of illness and hospitalization. In addition, chaplains can be advocates for families and patients whose traditions, practices and values are important in daily life and decision-making.
Chaplains educate nurses, interns, residents, fellows, faculty and other staff in being culturally/spiritually sensitive and appropriate. Children’s National chaplains are frequent presenters at national gatherings for the Pediatric Chaplains Network and other local and national organizations.
Our team offers sacrament, ritual, services, workshops and memorials to assist in the integration of grieving and loss.
Children’s National understands that families may need a quiet space for prayer or meditation during their visit or stay at the hospital. Our chapel is open to patients, families and staff for pastoral and spiritual care 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
The hospital's new spiritual care center (chapel) opened in September 2023 and provides patients, families and staff with a place to reflect and find comfort. Religious services and special events including meditation, music and spiritual play are available and open to everyone. All denominations are welcome. Upon request, the staff chaplains can provide rosaries, electric Sabbath candles, prayer rugs and holy books for each faith community.
This room connects with The Lavinia Lemon Pitzer Garden Room. This addition of the acute care room and spiritual space is in thanks to the generosity of the Lemon Foundation and a gift from Panda Express. The spaces overlook the garden, and the Garden Room allows patients medically unable to visit the exterior space to enjoy nature.
History of the Chapel
Chapel Location
Explore Our Chaplaincy Resources
Bereavement Resources
Families in need of support and guidance after a child has died may find helpful information in our Children's National bereavement brochures, covering topics such as grief experienced by various family members as well as what to expect in terms of next steps.
Clergy and Congregation Resources
Gain and understanding of children's spiritual development as they cope with hospitalization and/or death, dying and loss, and learn suggestions of how to care for them during these times with our resources for clergy and congregations.
Seasonal Resources
Access a collection of resources related to specific holy times and celebrations of the year for specific faith/spiritual groups.
In-Hospital Kosher Pantry/Kitchen
The kitchen includes a refrigerator, dairy and meat microwaves, and disposable utensils. Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington volunteers stock the kitchen with microwaveable meals and snacks all bearing symbols of national kosher supervision organizations.
Religion-Specific Prayer Resources
Learn more about the specific faith-based spiritual support we offer families.
Spiritual Writings
Read prayers, reflections, guidance on managing chronic illness/injury, resources to talk to children about illness, loss and grief, and activities for coping and communication.
Request a Chaplain
PRN Chaplains cover nights, weekends, and holidays. Please contact the Main Operator to have that Chaplain contacted for you.
