At Baptist, our chaplains provide spiritual care for patients and families coping with health challenges and life-changing events. The Clinical Pastoral Education Program of the Division of Mission and Ministry is dedicated to educating students so that they can offer kindness and strength to patients, families and staff. The CPE program helps students develop and deepen their spiritual reserves.

Baptist Roots: the distinctive touch

The Ministry of Pastoral Care in the Baptist Health System provides gentle support to assist patients as they negotiate their unique health journeys. Baptist Health System, known for its high-quality care, has brought hope to the people and region of San Antonio for more than a century.

Baptist Health System began in 1902 as a dream of San Antonio physicians and businesspeople and opened in 1903. In 1948, the hospital was transferred to the ownership of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1952, it was transferred to the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

A new chapter in faith-based care

As Baptist Memorial Hospital, a new chapter of faith-based, not-for-profit hospital care began, which placed a strong emphasis on spiritual health in addition to the tradition of healing and education. Under the local Baptist leadership, the single hospital grew into a system that included five hospitals, a formal Institute of Health Education, and other health and wellness services. This three-fold ministry of healing, teaching and Christian service still holds today.

Pastoral Care Service

Pastoral care staff, CPE residents, and interns offer patients and Baptist staff the opportunities to discover spiritual meaning, belonging and hope through individual pastoral visits, crisis response, support groups and worship experiences. To patients and family members, we offer routine bedside visitation and presence, prayer, sacramental support and connection with their local clergy. Chaplains are on-call 24 hours a day. A nurse is able to assist you if you need to reach a chaplain at any time.