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Priest Chaplain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Priest Chaplain plays a key role in Catholic healthcare by ensuring that the spiritual needs of patients/residents, families and staff are tended to and by contributing to the culture of holistic ...

The Priest Chaplain will participate in staff support interventions such as debriefs, memorial and celebration services in the hospital chapel. Job Responsibilities: 1) The Priest Chaplain will ...

The Priest Chaplain will participate in staff support interventions such as debriefs, memorial and celebration services in the hospital chapel. Job Responsibilities: 1) The Priest Chaplain will ...

Roman Catholic Priest

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$68K/yr

Free On-Site Parking Requirements The Roman Catholic Priest Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care and sacramental ministry to Roman Catholic patients, in collaboration with the rest of ...

Free On-Site Parking Requirements The Roman Catholic Priest Chaplain is responsible for providing pastoral care and sacramental ministry to Roman Catholic patients, in collaboration with the rest of ...

Proof of ordination as priest, good standing, and endorsement to hospital ministry by the ... Department personnel are comprised of Board Certified Professional Chaplains, Chaplain Director ...

Catholic Priest

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Proof of ordination as priest, good standing, and endorsement to hospital ministry by the ... Department personnel are comprised of Board Certified Professional Chaplains, Chaplain Director ...

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How much do priest chaplain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for priest chaplain in the United States is $63,587.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Priest Chaplains working in healthcare settings?

Priest Chaplains in healthcare environments often encounter the challenge of addressing diverse spiritual needs across different faith backgrounds while providing compassionate support to patients, families, and staff. Navigating emotionally intense situations, such as end-of-life care or crisis interventions, can be demanding. Additionally, balancing administrative duties with pastoral care requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Effective collaboration with medical teams and maintaining self-care are essential to manage the emotional toll and ensure sustained, meaningful ministry.

What are Priest Chaplains?

Priest Chaplains are ordained clergy members who provide spiritual support, guidance, and religious services in institutions such as hospitals, the military, prisons, or schools. They offer counseling, conduct religious ceremonies, and attend to the spiritual needs of people from various backgrounds, not just those of their own faith. Priest Chaplains often work as part of a team to address the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals in challenging situations. Their role is vital in fostering hope, comfort, and understanding during times of crisis or transition.

What is the difference between Priest Chaplain vs Hospital Chaplain?

AspectPriest ChaplainHospital Chaplain
CredentialsReligious ordination, theological degreeReligious ordination, theological degree
Work EnvironmentReligious institutions, community settingsHospitals, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryReligious organizations, churchesHospitals, healthcare providers
Primary FocusSpiritual guidance within religious contextsProviding spiritual support to patients and staff

Both Priest Chaplains and Hospital Chaplains require similar credentials and often work within religious or healthcare settings. While Priest Chaplains focus on religious services and community spiritual guidance, Hospital Chaplains specialize in offering spiritual support to patients, families, and healthcare staff in medical environments. The roles overlap in providing spiritual care but differ mainly in their work environment and specific duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Priest Chaplain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Priest Chaplain, you need ordination within your faith tradition, experience in pastoral care, and strong theological knowledge. Familiarity with electronic medical records, counseling tools, and certification in clinical pastoral education (CPE) are typically required. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. These skills and qualities are vital for providing spiritual comfort, ethical guidance, and holistic care in complex settings such as hospitals, prisons, or the military.
More about Priest Chaplain jobs
What cities are hiring for Priest Chaplain jobs? Cities with the most Priest Chaplain job openings:
What states have the most Priest Chaplain jobs? States with the most job openings for Priest Chaplain jobs include:
Infographic showing various Priest Chaplain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,587 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Priest Chaplain

FMOLHS

Lafayette, LA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Priest Chaplain plays a key role in Catholic healthcare by ensuring that the spiritual needs of patients/residents, families and staff are tended to and by contributing to the culture of holistic care. He is responsible for serving sacramental needs (that are reserved for a priest) of Roman Catholic patients 24/7, presiding at Mass, leading other special liturgies such as blessings of new spaces, and providing counsel on church teaching. In addition, the priest-chaplain serves as staff chaplain for one or more clinical units/locations. As such, he is responsible for ensuring the spiritual and religious needs of patients/residents and family are met on the assigned units. Responds to emergency pager requests 24/7, on a regular rotation as part of an on-call schedule. May also be called upon at times to provide back-up support to the on-call chaplain in crisis situations. The priest-chaplain relies on experience and judgment to perform the ministerial role. The Priest Chaplain operates independently under general supervision and within a pastoral care team reporting to the Director of Pastoral Care.

Experience
Five years' experience as ordained clergy, pastoral counseling experience.

Education
Master of Divinity or equivalent degree

Training
Special Skills
Fluent in English. Knowledge and skill in dealing with spiritual dynamics of illness, loss and death. ย Ability to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal skills. Commitment to professional growth and development, ecumenical openness to working in a pluralistic setting. Computer proficiency.

Licensure
Ordained Roman Catholic priest, eligible to receive endorsement by local Ordinary.

Chaplaincy Care with Patients and Families
a.ย ย ย The chaplain gathers and evaluates relevant data pertinent to the patient's situation and/or bio-psycho-social-spiritual/religious health.
b.ย ย ย The chaplain develops and implements a plan of care to promote patient well-being and continuity of care. The priest-chaplain provides sacramental services to Catholic patients.
c.ย ย ย The chaplain enters information into the patient's medical record that is relevant to the patient's medical, psycho-social and spiritual/religious goals of care.
d.ย ย ย The chaplain collaborates with the organization's interdisciplinary care team and the pastoral care team.
e.ย ย ย The chaplain adheres to the Common Code of Ethics, which guides decision making and professional behavior. Adheres to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services and the Code of Canon Law.
f.ย ย ย The chaplain respects the confidentiality of information from all sources, including the patient, medical record, other team members, and family members in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations, and rules.
g.ย ย ย The chaplain models and collaborates with the organization and its interdisciplinary team in respecting and providing culturally competent patient-centered care.
h.ย ย ย The chaplain contributes to orderly functioning of the department by attending to administrative issues and standards of behavior.


2.ย ย ย Chaplaincy Care for Staff and Organization
a.ย ย ย The chaplain provides timely and sensitive chaplaincy care to the organization's staff via individual and group interactions.
b.ย ย ย The chaplain provides chaplaincy care to the organization in ways consonant with the organization's values and mission statement. The priest-chaplain presides at Daily Mass. The priest-chaplain conducts other Catholic prayer rituals as needed or requested.
c.ย ย ย The chaplain provides leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession. The priest-chaplain provides counsel on Church teaching to patients, family and staff.


3.ย ย ย Maintaining Competent Chaplaincy Care
a.ย ย ย The chaplain seeks and creates opportunities to enhance the quality of chaplaincy care practice.
b.ย ย ย The chaplain practices evidence-based care including ongoing evaluation of new practices and when appropriate, contributes to or conducts research.
c.ย ย ย The chaplain assumes responsibility for continued professional development, demonstrates a working and current knowledge of current theory and practice, and integrates such information into practice.


4.ย ย ย Other duties as Assigned
a.ย ย ย Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
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