As I write this, things have shifted in the Illinois Medical District. Anytime Chaplain Micheal or I come to work and enter Stroger Hospital of Cook County or Rush University Medical Center, we are required to wear a facemask. While this might seem innocuous enough, it has made me realize how much we all communicate nonverbally and how hard it is to interpret what someone is saying or the meaning behind what they are saying when I can’t see if they are smiling, their lips are pursed, if they are yawning because what I am saying is boring, or if [...]

Because we missed seeing each other at the Healing One, Healing the World benefit in May, we are creating a series of virtual gatherings. We want to check in with our Bishop Anderson House family to find out how you are doing and spend time celebrating our mutual ministry. Watch your email for our e-newsletter and/or an invitation from Tommy! Contact Ann at Ann_G_Ryba with questions.

I am writing this in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 21, 2020, where, just a few hours ago at 5pm, the Governor of Illinois issued a “stay at home” order. As I look back on the past week and what lies ahead, here is where I have landed: Stay Centered.  In the midst of this pandemic, many people will be anxious. Our role as spiritual care givers and faith leaders is it be less anxious. Notice I didn’t say non-anxious. I don’t believe there is such a thing as non-anxious.  If we can take deep breaths, have a quick breath prayer like: “Lord, [...]

All of us at Bishop Anderson House have been appreciative of the calls and e-mails supporting our work during this time of uncertainty with COVID-19. As most of you know, we are housed on the campus of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and we follow their lead. We are allowing staff that want to work from home remotely to do so. We are also canceling upcoming events and will be in touch about rescheduling them. Namely, our April 4 event “From Friendly Visits to Pastoral Conversations” and our Spring Benefit “Healing One, Healing the World” May 17. We will [...]

Travis has been a friend to Bishop Anderson House for decades--ever since he took our Spiritual Care Visitor Training. Through the years, he has provided care to countless souls. He is a true angel to us. http://vimeo.com/240910933

The work days are long, and the tasks are intense, but everyone at the CORE Center of Cook County gives 110% day after day to ensure the highest quality care for people living with infections diseases. This year, to celebrate National Spiritual Care Week, Bishop Anderson House is partnering with CORE to present "A Day of Remembrance." Staff members and clients will take time to remember, honor and process the deaths of patients and staff members through the past year. Chaplain Jim will provide music during a time of quiet and reflection, and we will give space for learning about [...]

She dipped her toe in the waters of pastoral care by taking Spiritual Care Visitor Training, and then went even deeper by taking a unit of our Community Based Clinical Education. Now Deacon Rose Cicero is diving in to her call to serve by joining our Bishop Anderson House staff as part-time chaplain. Rose will serve as a representative of Dianna’s Teddy Bear Ministry. She says “I am looking forward to joining the Bishop Anderson House staff in providing spiritual and emotional care to patients. I have a deep desire to bring support, healing and comfort to those most in [...]

A chaplain's vocation brings a wide array of experiences and recently Chaplain Micheal shared two stories that revived his spirit as a chaplain. In the morning, he encountered a young girl who was adamant that the nurse was not going to stick her with a needle, as crucial as that was to her good health. Knowing of our Teddy Bears, the nurse asked for one, and Micheal scurried to bring one to the young patient.  The youngster delightedly grabbed Teddy with one arm and the needle stick happened in the other arm. A win win for all! Later in the day, a [...]