Chaplaincy Program
Since February 10, 2020, The Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania and I have worked together to provide chaplaincy services in the name of our Lord to the residents of Brevillier Village. During last year, Deacon Mary Lord and I have provided a minimum of twenty (20) hours each week to the residents living in the Conrad House, Barnabas Court North and South, and Ball Pavilion. The purpose of this ministry is to provide spiritual support to the residents and staff of the Village as needed. The Administration and Leadership staff of the Village sets standards to be sure that the ministry meets these needs through evaluation procedures.
The following services were provided during 2020:
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, worship services celebrating the Word and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist were provided each week: on Sunday mornings at Ball Pavilion; on Wednesday mornings at the Saint Barnabas and Saint Paul Chapels. The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is distributed to more than one hundred (100) residents and staff members each week. Both the Episcopal Rite of Holy Communion and the Catholic Rite of Holy Communion are used at these worship services.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, worship services celebrating the Word and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist were provided each week at the Conrad House, Barnabas North and South, and Ball Pavilion. Dates and times of these services were to be determined each week due to the pandemic.
When residents of the Conrad House, Barnabas North and South, and Ball Pavilion had special needs, the chaplain visits with these individuals. These special needs include, but are not limited to, the time of personal bereavement, return of residents from hospitalization, residents with difficulty adjusting to a change in life situation, and residents with the need for conversation.
Support is provided with the local Hospice Teams in ministry to residents who are terminally ill. Comfort is provided to the resident who is near death, and their family members as well. When informed that a resident is near death, the chaplain will provide a blessing with anointing oil and prayers for the dying. If the resident is Catholic, the chaplain will contact the resident's respective parish pastor for the priest to offer the Sacrament of Anointing. By invitation of the deceased resident's family, the chaplain may be requested to preside at the resident's funeral service.
It is the opinion of the chaplain that this ministry of Brevillier Village, a ministry shared by the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Pennsylvania and the Erie Catholic Diocese, may be the most significant cooperative in this area of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
There are many, however, who help the chaplain ministry: volunteers and Recreation Staff.
The support and prayers of the Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of the Erie Catholic Diocese, as well as the support and prayers received from the Administration and Leadership Staff of Brevillier Village are greatly appreciated.
St. Barnabas Chapel
On Sunday, September 28, 2008, Bishop Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest PA along with the Very Reverend John Downey held a consecration and dedication ceremony for the St. Barnabas Chapel. Our chapel on the Brevillier campus embraces the true goal of serving an active community of prayer and worship and becomes the physical presence for spiritual services at Brevillier Village. We have been blessed by this beautiful space which is open daily for church services, reflection time, weddings, and funerals. The St. Barnabas Chapel is a non-denominational chapel.
Across the foyer from the Chapel is the Education Center for the celebration of life events such as resident birthdays, anniversaries, or sharing holidays with family members. It is also used for education programs for our staff.
Please encourage your minister/priest/rabbi to come and celebrate a service. Are you interested in reserving the Chapel for your service, wedding, baptism, funeral, or religious program? Contact Tracy Longnecker at 814-899-8600 or tlongnecker@brevillier.org