Spiritual care
Our mission
Rooted in theological integrity and sacred traditions, we minister to the human condition to foster individual and corporate healing, meaning and hope.
Spiritual care is an important part of the healing environment at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Chaplains are available to patients and their loved ones for support, comfort, guidance and advocacy. The Center for Reflection and Renewal in the Heart Hospital lobby offers a labyrinth for meditative walking, a quiet prayer alcove, and comforting and encouraging print resources from many faith traditions. Occasional services are offered form the hospital community.
Contact us
To request a visit from a spiritual care provider, call 612-863-4370612-863-4370.
Chaplains are in the hospital on weekdays and on-call at all times. Urgent requests should be directed to a nurse who will contact the on-call chaplain. Volunteer Eucharistic ministers provide communion to Catholic patients on a regular basis.
Our scope of practice
Quality spiritual care
Responding to the deepest healing needs of patients and their loved ones through spiritual assessment, care and counseling in collaboration with health care staff.
Clinical education for ministry
Developing competent, spiritually and ethically sensitive professionals in ministry, through the clinical education program.
Leadership in ethics
Promoting values of a just and compassionate society with the hospital, health system and broader community.
Services
Spiritual health providers are available to patients and their loved ones for support, comfort, guidance and advocacy. They respect all religious or spiritual preferences and collaborate with hospital staff to give patients the best care possible including:
- attending to the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones
- listening to and assisting patients in making meaning of their health care experience
- providing spiritual guidance, devotions, rituals and sacraments
- offering compassion and counseling in the midst of injury, illness and frightening life changes
- contacting places of worship and clergy or other spiritual leaders
- consulting on ethical issues and health care decisions
- providing spiritual and emotional support for hospital staff
Spiritual care staff
Michael has been part of the spiritual care team since 2020 and manager since 2022. His experience serving as a hospital chaplain includes intensive care, palliative care, COVID-19, mental health, chemical dependency, and trauma. Michael previously worked as a chaplain at Open Table Nashville, a non-profit that serves people experiencing homelessness. Michael is a veteran of the United States Army and former Soldier of the Year for the White House Military Office. When he’s not at work, Michael enjoys comic books, gardening, vegan cuisine, live music, and stand-up comedy.
Abdifatah Abdi is a Muslim faith leader/counselor in Minnesota’s Somali community, serving for a decade as an Islamic school teacher to educate people of all ages about Islam, its tenets, and verses. In that time, Abdifatah also received a Master's in Islamic Theology and Studies from the Islamic University of Minnesota. As a Muslim Staff Chaplain in the Twin Cities, Abdifatah connects with valued community members to provide spiritual care and has been a cherished part of Abbott’s team since 2021. When not at work, Abdifatah enjoys evening walks, reading and spending time with his family and community.
David wants to live in a world where peace exists for everyone, where donuts and ice cream burn calories, and where dogs never grow old and die. He has been with Abbott since 2019 but has clinical experience going back to 2008 that covers multiple areas and has been the keynote speaker for regional health care conferences. When he is not at work, he is fixing up his house or some meals for his family, enjoying the creativity of the Marvel and DC universes, or looking for a quiet place to read or draw. David is curious about the intersection between resiliency, creativity and faith, and in his spare time is a professional artist.
Ken served as a pastor in churches in Pennsylvania, New York, New Hope, MN, and Northfield, MN for thirty years and has been at Abbott Northwestern since 2011 working primarily in cardiology while simultaneously serving throughout the hospital. Ken is married to Jane and has two grown, married children and two granddaughters. Ken is regularly amazed at what our care teams do to save lives and finds it an honor to round out Allina’s 360-degree Whole Person Care commitment.
Nicole came to Abbott Northwestern in 2024 after a rich 12 years’ experience at HCMC. She has a wealth of wisdom from working in emergency rooms, oncology patients, and the mother-baby center but it is her outgoing zeal, nurturing soul, and heartfelt spirit that make her a joy to be around. Outside of her professional life Nicole enjoys immersing herself in joyful experiences such as Lynx games, meals and barbequing with friends, her beloved golden doodle, or exploring new destinations. Time spent with Nicole is not just enjoyable but deeply fulfilling.
