Spiritual Life at Newbury Court

Spiritual Well-Being

Spiritual well-being has been at the core of The New England Deaconess mission from its beginning. Our care and concern for older adults reaches beyond physical and emotional issues to the eternal significance and worth of everyone.

Spiritual well-being is the affirmation of life in a relationship with God, self, community and environment that nurtures and celebrates wholeness.

Toward that end, a Chaplain is part of the staff, and ecumenical/interfaith religious nurture and experiences are provided for residents, families, and employees.

Duvall Chapel

At our Concord Campus, Duvall Chapel is a place for regular worship, religious observances throughout the year, and individual meditation and prayer. Funeral and/or memorial services are provided there.

Sunday Worship:

11:00 AM: Ecumenical Christian Worship Service, Duvall Chapel

11:20 AM: Catholic Communion, Community Room

Once a month, Catholic Mass is held in the Chapel, led by a local parish priest.

Spiritual Life Newsletter and Calendar

Monthly news, reflections, and schedule of events from the Spiritual Life department (PDF copies):

*The Spiritual Life Newsletter will now be weekly to increase support to our residents and community until further notice.*

Pastoral Care and Counseling

The Spiritual Life staff members are here for the spiritual well-being of residents and staff. We are available for spiritual care and counseling on a drop-in or regularly scheduled basis.

The Spiritual Life department supports a variety of faith traditions; Christians of various denominations, Jewish, Islamic, and other traditions and perspectives. If there is a need for a spiritual caregiver from a specific tradition, we can refer as desired by the resident and assist in making those connections.

Support Groups

One of the blessings of community life is the support we can offer to one another. At Newbury Court, we hold a monthly grief support group for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, and also a monthly caregiver support group for residents and families as they care for loved ones experiencing memory issues.

Worship

Weekly ecumenical worship services are held in Duvall Chapel on the Newbury Court campus. Many residents attend the Sunday service, while others view it on the live video feed on their televisions in their suites/rooms. Some residents are active members of their faith communities and attend services at churches in the surrounding towns.

Spiritual Growth

Residents learn and share together at a weekly Bible studies or discussion groups. There are also weekly “Circle of Faith” groups where residents can share their faith, questions, and find spiritual care and support.

Hymn sings and other musical offerings are popular parts of the activities of the Spiritual Life department. Occasionally, van trips to a retreat center for a day-apart for spiritual formation are provided.

Spiritual Life Activities

A typical calendar of the spiritual life activities of Newbury Court can include: