Our Spiritual and Religious Care team is focused on providing sensitive and respectful care to our diverse community.

Spiritual care volunteers provide companionship, compassionate presence, and a connection with the community.

Volunteers are an integral part of the patient experience. We ask that you consider your availability when applying to volunteer and ensure that you are able to fulfil our required commitment.

The following are requirements for individuals interested in becoming a spiritual care volunteer or obtaining clergy privileges.

Spiritual and religious care volunteer

  • Minimum age of 18 years or older at the time of application
  • Complete spiritual and religious care training at one of the local LHIN hospitals
  • A 60-hour commitment for all volunteers, which takes approximately six to eight months when completing a two- to three-hour shift per week
  • Applicants must submit a police vulnerable sector check (volunteers pay a discounted fee to apply). We can provide a supporting letter at the interview
  • Completed immunization records (two-step tuberculosis screening, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (tdap), and hepatitis B (immunization status only))
Download the immunization form
  • Two written references or one reference and a letter from your faith group leader
Download the reference form
  • If selected, applicants must attend an interview and a volunteer orientation prior to beginning their volunteering
  • References will be provided only after a minimum of 60 hours have been completed. Two weeks’ notice is required.
Download the Spiritual and Religious Care volunteer Application form

Clergy privileges or parish/religious group visitors

  • Must submit a police vulnerable sector check (volunteers pay a discounted fee to apply). We can provide a supporting letter at the interview.
  • Completed immunization records (two- step tuberculosis screening, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, and hepatitis B (immunization status only))
  • One reference and a letter from your faith group endorsing you
  • Must only visit patients related to one’s parish or temple or mosque or those self-identified as seeking faith-specific spiritual support from their faith group
Download the Spiritual and Religious Care clergy privileges application form

Completed application packages (only PDF files will be accepted) can be to be sent to: dshields@oakvalleyhealth.ca. Or by mail at the address below:

Oak Valley Health

381 Church Street

Markham, ON

L3P 7P3

Attn: Spiritual and Religious Care