Spiritual Services
Silvercrest's rich tradition of providing multi-cultural pastoral services began with the Salvation Army, whose contacts with clergy of various faiths allowed the institution to see to the spiritual needs of its early population. Today, this mission is carried on by Healthcare Chaplaincy of New York, the largest pastoral education center of its kind in the United States. The Chaplaincy provides spiritual healthcare to patients and their loved ones at many healthcare centers in New York.
Silvercrest is the only long term care facility in the New York area that engages a full-time healthcare chaplain. Our full-time pastor, Rev. David Wentroble, brings a wealth of experience to Silvercrest, having worked for years in multi-denominational environments. Supported by Rabbi David Keehn from NYHQ, as well as by our "Pastoral Care Committee" of imams, rabbis, Catholic and Hindu priests from the community and from Healthcare Chaplaincy, Rev. Wentroble is able to meet the needs of Silvercrest residents, who are drawn from the most diverse community in all of the United States.
Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services are held on a weekly basis (see schedule). In addition, Greek Orthodox, Hindu and Muslim services can be arranged in both group and individual settings depending upon resident population. Residents of other faiths can contact the Therapeutic Recreation Department to arrange services as possible. For those residents who desire them, personal clergy visits, private, in-room visits and group visits can all be arranged.
Spiritual activities include:
- Bible study
- Jewish study
- Community visits
- Community and facility volunteer projects
- Hobbies to meet spiritual interests/talents
- Spiritual reading materials
- Holiday services based upon needs of the resident population
- End-of-life counseling services
- Counseling to address hope, despair, guilt and forgiveness
- Private space for meditation and personal reflection
Rev. Wentroble is developing Bible study programs for a variety of resident groups, based upon their varying depths of interest. He has also introduced worship programs for the cognitively impaired, including those with Alzheimer's. His newly instituted weekly, "Religion in the News" program allows residents to hear about and discuss the way religious issues are portrayed in the news.
