Your Stories: Saint Francis Spiritual Care Celebrates Clinical Pastoral Education Interns
September 8, 2025Categories: Colleague Corner
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a method of learning pastoral care in clinical settings under supervision. The curriculum emphasizes small group sharing of ministry cases to bring theological and behavioral science concepts together in understanding patients, oneself, families, and health care systems. CPE students learn to integrate pastoral skills, self-awareness and interpersonal skills toward developing a pastoral identity while providing pastoral care in various clinical settings.
The Spiritual Care team celebrated CPE residents and summer interns in the Saint Francis Chapel.
Earlier this month, the Spiritual Care team at Saint Francis Hospital gathered in the Chapel to celebrate and show gratitude to three yearlong residents and five summer interns as they graduated from the dynamic CPE program.
Residents
Abibaal Bayrakci
Phillip Fonjoh
Nicholas Bartoli
Summer Interns
Scott Myers
Anthony Okeoma
Jude Morrissey
Gwen Lawson
Brian Hughes
As a group, the interns shared their thoughts about the program, saying, “CPE is an intensive crash course and humbling experience that elevates pastoral care skills needed by all pastors. You learn from the living human document as a primary teacher in a Level I Trauma Center. Participating in Honor Walks helped us to experience the humanity and dignity given by all colleagues to patients and families. CPE at Saint Francis is a place where you are nurtured in your pastoral identity and formation with an eye towards your success, professional growth, and development. We would recommend it without hesitation!”
Scott Myers and Anthony Okeoma are transitioning from the summer CPE program to the yearlong residency program. In addition, Saint Francis is pleased to welcome Sarah Keever, Marcus Blackwell, and Stephen Williams to the next CPE residency cohort.
Submitted by Heather McDougall-Walsh, Regional Manager of Spiritual Care, Trinity Health Of New England.
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