Holiday Hours Notice
To view our list of holiday closures and adjusted hours, please visit our closings page.
To view our list of holiday closures and adjusted hours, please visit our closings page.
Sisters of CharityHospital hosts greater Buffalo’s only clinical pastoral education (CPE) program. This program is an interfaith experience where students learn to minister in a multitude of specialized clinical settings and alongside an inter-professional team of experts. A combined educational and supervised ministry-focus helps to maximize insight and growth. The clinical method is primary; action, reflection, and re-action. Students encounter the human condition under the stress of illness and/or death. Students reflect on the encounter theologically and in light of the behavioral sciences. Then students make a subsequent attempt, ministering in sometimes new and more effective ways. CPE challenges the student to reach out and to take risks in an educational environment that is safe and conducive to learning and growing in pastoral identity.
CPE combines professional education and supervised ministry. It is this combined focus that helps maximize insight and growth from this experiential learning.
CPE uses an adult learning model of education wherein students set their own goals and contract for learning. It is in this setting that students reflect on and learn from their own experiences by seeking feedback from peers and supervisors. This type of learning aids students in developing self-awareness, both as persons and as pastoral ministers.
The patient or client to whom the chaplains minister is often referred to as “the living human document.” Each student is encouraged to develop various ways of ministering from these “documents.” Interactions with peers and supervisor, in this learning context, provides helpful critique for the student.
The CPE environment challenges the student to reach out in new ways and to take risks in an educational environment that is safe and conducive to learning and growing in pastoral identity.
Individuals eligible to enroll for units of Level I/II CPE have completed a written application and an admissions interview. Applicants demonstrate an ability to participate in CPE, usually by completing at least 18 credits in theological studies.
Individuals eligible to enroll in Certified Educator CPE programs must have a graduate theological degree, ordination or commissioning as a spiritual care provider by their religious/spiritual authority, completion of four units of Level I/II CPE and demonstrated competence of the Level I/II CPE outcomes. For more information about admission requirements for Certified Educator CPE click here.
