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The Spiritual Care Program:
A Healing Presence at St. Joseph’s Home for Children
“I know you. You gave me a Bible and I’m still reading it,” said a child.
It’s a bittersweet comment for the spiritual care staff at St. Joseph’s Home for Children to hear.
Bitter because the child experienced yet another trauma that brought him back to St. Joe’s. Rewarding because the seeds that were planted during the child’s last visit have clearly taken root.
Helping children uncover mustard seeds of faith is the task of Pastor Paul Robinson, Sister Paulissa Jirik and Chaplain Umo Udo — St. Joe’s spiritual care staff.
The spiritual care program is a key aspect of the holistic, integrated treatment St. Joe’s offers. Along with holding regular chapel services, the spiritual care staff work closely with youth counselors and therapists to create a healing environment in which a child can become whole and well.
Journeying With Children of All Faiths
Journeying with children means meeting them where they are, whatever their religious or cultural heritage.
Youth, for example, are able to take part in a weekly Native American talking circle held by elders. Children of the Muslim faith have access to the Koran displayed in St. Joe’s chapel, but perhaps more importantly, they are able to explore their traditions with staff, as when Jirik joined a child in observing the rituals and daily prayers of Ramadan.
“We journey with children as they strive to find meaning and healing in their often confusing and painful lives,” said Robinson.
Having a spiritual mentor makes an astounding difference in the lives of children like 16-year-old Rhonda.* Addicted to smoking and plagued with mental health issues, Rhonda sought Robinson’s help.
The two formed a friendship and began a devotional that helped Rhonda discover her self-worth, values and spirituality.
“A spiritual light went on within her,” said Robinson, and by the time she left St. Joe’s, Rhonda had stopped smoking and held fast to her faith.
“Each individual is a spiritual being,” said Jirik. “Children are drawn to spirituality and gravitate toward its comfort and support.”
Measuring Spiritual Development
Measuring spiritual development is far more than counting the number of times a child attends chapel, says Robinson.
“Spiritual care is about giving children the tools and spiritual muscle they need to live their lives differently and overcome their obstacles,” said Robinson.
These spiritual muscles are exercised in a variety of ways — in a child gaining self-confidence to sing during chapel, or in another asking if he can lead the weekly values group.
The spiritual care program is an asset that differentiates St. Joe’s from the nation’s other treatment centers, many of which do not have a program as vast as St. Joe’s.
A Values-based Approach
A weekly support group, which focuses on social interaction, anger management, forgiveness and conflict management, reinforces the other areas of a child’s treatment.
Along with group time, children have the opportunity to meet with the spiritual care staff one-on-one. Jirik attempts to meet all children within 12 hours of arriving at St. Joe’s, bringing them to the chapel as a way of introduction to the spiritual care program.
“Many of them ask to pray with me,” said Jirik. “Children have a deep sense of spirituality even in the midst of their trauma.”
At its core, St. Joe’s spiritual care program helps children find meaning and healing in their lives.
“We give children hope and open their eyes to new possibilities,” said Udo.
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