Retired Burlington Township math teacher and Edgewater Park resident Phyllis Stern wasn’t sure what to expect when Bernardine Franciscan Sister Rose Colanzi of Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, Willingboro, knocked on her hospital room door in April 2013 and asked about her spiritual needs.

“Sister Rose introduced herself and asked if she could leave some prayer cards with me,” said Stern. “I told her I was Jewish. She then handed me a pamphlet with the Jewish Star on it and Jewish prayers inside. I was so touched.”

“We care for all of God’s children, regardless of their religious beliefs,” said Sister Rose, spiritual care associate in LMBC. “Our mission is to care for every patient – mind, body and spirit. It’s what we do. We are here to serve.”

The Spiritual Care department in LMBC tends to the spiritual needs of admitted patients and their families in multiple ways, from offering prayer cards, to praying with patients, to just sitting and listening. Written prayer materials are available for people of all religions, including Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jewish.

The spiritual care given left such an impact on Stern that after she found herself in LMBC again in 2014, she decided to make a $1,000 donation to the Spiritual Care department. That donation allowed the department to purchase much needed items for the hospital chapel, including a new chalice, which is a cup used to hold sacramental wine during the Mass, and paten, a small plate used to hold the bread while it is being consecrated during the Mass.

Stern made another $1,000 donation this past spring to the Spiritual Care department, which allowed for the purchase of a new tabernacle, which houses the Eucharist, and candlesticks.

“I donate because it feels good that I can do something to support Spiritual Care when the staff has done so much for me,” said Stern, who made each $1,000 check out on her birthday, March 13. “I enjoy giving because I can see what a difference it makes for those who need it.”

Sister Rose spoke of how grateful the hospital staff is for Stern’s generosity.

“These items for our chapel were very much needed and to have Phyllis recognize the wonderful people who work here and try to help patients and their families, it has been a true blessing,” said Sister Rose.

Stern added, that “We are all God’s children. I’ve attended Mass at the hospital and I noticed so many similarities between the faiths. It feels good to hold hands and pray with someone, regardless of religion. When that happens, you only feel kindness, warmth and a love of God. It’s what I hope every patient can feel, especially in times of need.”