September 2024, Forest Finds: Rituals and Symbolic Actions

Rituals and Symbolic Actions in Chaplaincy

As chaplains we are often relegated to a limited liturgical sphere when it comes to rituals. Traditionally, we are called on to do worship services, lead prayers, conduct baptisms and support death related ceremonies. In addition, we are the”go to” people to provide material resources and provisions for specific religions.

BUT, many of us do so much more. This month, our Forest Finds will take a look at the concept, practice, development and content of rituals in chaplaincy. The idea of creating original rituals that are not solely focused on religiosity, but utilize the language of everyday culture, have not been typical as chaplains assist care seekers in their search for meaning and purpose. Let’s see what we might discover together as we ask:

How can we deepen our reservoir of tools by creating rituals for individuals, families and communities that mark a moment of great importance that will resonate? How can we craft symbolic moments that transform thoughts and beliefs into an intentional emotion generating experience?

Can You Use This?

Priest Uses A String

How one Catholic Priest used some twine to help a careseeker visualize the redemptive story of her life.

Fascinating Fact

Rituals of Honor in Hospital Hallways

Hundreds of hospitals around the US took part in this ritual last year.

Fascinating Fact

Your brain loves good storytelling

Storytelling makes us human. It is the oldest art form we have and it is full of surprises.

Real Talk

16,000 Paper Cranes and COVID Senbazuru

A Japanese hospital CPE resident utilizes his cultural instincts and an ancient ritual to create meaning and purpose?

Real Talk

A Fine Chaplain Someday

What happens when someone who has had careers as a sports attorney, an anthropologist, an artist, and a judge takes the leap to seminary and an assisted living internship?

Can You Use This?

How to Develop A Ritual

Guides for Developing Well-organized Custom Rituals

Your Cup

Embrace this gospel: take a nap.

What would shift if chaplains regularly prioritized our own spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being as foundational to our ability to offer impactful care?

Your Cup

Caring for Colleagues and Co-Workers

How to Care for Fellow Workers

What If

Feed first, ask questions later.

See what happens when a pediatric chaplain in a Chicago children’s hospital listens deeply to a mother’s story and suspects a history of food insecurity.

What If

Finding Sacred Inspiration Anywhere

Meaningful Chaplaincy Care Beyond Religiosity

Theory & Practice

The powers that shape our stories.

What if the stories we tell, steeped in themes of agency, redemption, communion, and contamination, are not just narratives, but the essence of our identity?

Theory & Practice

The Power of Presence in Ritual

Beyond Reason, There Is....

In Dialogue

Decoding life through narrative.

Discover how the stories we tell, from ancient myths to office misunderstandings, shape our realities and truths in Mary Catherine Bateson's "Composing Life."

Inspiring Interventions

Overcoming patient resistance in palliative care.

Strategies for overcoming obstacles to provide the care that careseekers may not realize they need.

In Dialogue

A Closer Look at Movement Chaplaincy

Taking Chaplaincy Care to the Streets

Arts Matter

Experience the artistic side of chaplaincy in a fresh approach to spiritual care.

Have you ever brought a poem, an image, a film clip, or a musical selection to a care encounter? How can art assist someone share their narrative?

Inspiring Interventions

Rituals for Different Needs and Occasions

Rituals of Care and Connection

At The Intersection

Spirituality, religion, and philosophy: related yet distinctive.

Delve into the role of narratives in chaplaincy, revealing how they navigate the spiritual landscapes of Black careseekers, the transformation narratives within the prison system, and the interfaith dialogues in academic settings.

Arts Matter

Art As Care Tool

The significance of art is intertwined with the beauty and sorrow that we experience as Chaplains.

Always Assessing

How to capture meaningful moments.

Discover a new tool to help careseekers explore and engage with their journey.

At The Intersection

Expanding the Cultural Horizons of Ritual

Addressing Unique Needs with Unique Rituals

Always Assessing

Assessing the Value of Rituals Used

Improving Care Outcomes

Culture Moves

Culturally humble, always curious.

Chaplains who demonstrate cultural humility are always curious. We seek to learn more about those we serve through the contextual frameworks that inform their stories. Here are some specific cultural scenarios to ponder.

Culture Moves

From Cultural Competency to Cultural Humility

The Impact of Competency on Care