Pastoral Care Services

Mercy Memorial Hospital System's commitment to quality care involves the understanding that it is important to address the spiritual needs of the individual, along with their physical needs. Every effort is made to be sensitive to the diversity of religious and spiritual life of our community, and of our patients.

The department of Pastoral Care has developed over the years from a volunteer staff to a department of many volunteer clergy serving in the "Chaplain of the Day" program, a part-time secretary, staff, and contingent chaplains, a hospice chaplain, and a full-time director. We also work with a pastoral education provider as a clinical site. We offer spiritual care to our patients, their families, our employees, and support the local clergy and community.

The Pastoral Care Staff is available on call, 24-hours, seven days a week and provides weekday care to all areas of the hospital system.

Chaplain James D. Jacobs, Director

Reverand Jim Jacobs

Rev. Jacobs has been in parish ministry for 28 years serving United Methodist churches in Pennsylvania and Michigan. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, he is a member of the Detroit Annual Conference and is now appointed to serve beyond the local church in extension ministries. He completed additional training in Clinical Pastoral Education and has served as Mercy Memorial Hospital System's Director of Pastoral Care since 2000. His goal for the department is to provide quality spiritual care for the community.

Good Samaritan Chapel

The Good Samaritan Chapel located on the fifth floor opposite the main elevators, is available for personal and family meditation, prayer, and special services.

It's use is overseen by the Pastoral Care staff. We encourage the use of the Chapel as a place of quiet meditation where you may replenish your spirit.

Eucharistic Ministry

Stained Glass

Eucharistic Ministry is offered every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Ministers from local Catholic congregations bring the Host to distribute to inpatients who have a Roman Catholic religious affiliation. Members of other Christian denominations may request communion through their own faith community or speak to the chaplain. Patients of other faiths may request religious rites through their particular faith base as they are in keeping with hospital standards of care.