Pastoral Care - Resources and Opportunities

Hospice Care Chaplaincy

"Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4

The ancient Latin word hospes means host, receiver of guests, a dynamic concept denoting an interaction between the two. The Latin hospitium, derived from hospes, means hospitality in the true sense of the word. And from hospes and hospitium we have the French word hospice, a medieval concept that describes places of lodging for travelers seeking refuge along the routes to the holy lands. Aimery Picaud, a French monk, wrote in his guide to pilgrims in 1139 A.D., "hospices give rest to the poor, help to the ill, salvation to the dead, and cheer to the living." Hospices were typically staffed by both monks and laity, and endowed by noble patrons.

A significant part of the Hospice concept has been its recognition that spiritual pain is just as important as physical pain. The two feelings are inseparable. Phil Groos is the Chaplain for Hospice of East Tennessee. As chaplain his role is to make an assessment of the spiritual needs of patients, then coordinate support along with outside resources to help meet those needs. This ministry is both challenging and rewarding.

Hospice provides bereavement counseling upon request and offers grief support groups to provide teaching and support after a loss. These support groups are open to everyone in the community, free of charge. If you have any interest in these groups, feel free to call Phil Groos, Chaplain, at (865) 632-5718.