Sacred space at Bruyère Health

Introduction

Sacred Space at Bruyère Health is a designated space for quiet reflection, meditation and for faith practice, ritual and worship. Sacred spaces are located at Bruyère Health’s Market, Centretown, and Orléans sites. The chapels are consecrated Roman Catholic spaces that are symbols of the presence of the Divine and adhere to Roman Catholic guidelines. Multifaith Prayer rooms and Spiritual Wellness rooms are designed to welcome and respect many faith traditions. The guidelines set forth below honour Bruyère Health’s commitment to spiritual well-being, equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Guidelines for use of the Chapel:

• The Chapel, with a tabernacle, is a sacred place of reverence. Please maintain an attitude of respect at all times that is proper to a place of worship.
• All official Roman Catholic Church guidelines are to be considered in regard to use of the space and liturgical celebrations.
• The altar is consecrated and is to be used for the celebration of the Eucharist. The altar is NOT to be used for refreshments, as a work surface/table, or for any other purpose.
• Consideration may be given to celebrations of different faith practices and activities taking place in the chapel such as, other Christian liturgies, hymn sing, bible study, baptisms, memorial services, smudging ceremonies and multifaith celebrations.
• Smudging ceremonies must follow Bruyère Health Policy Admin 49;
• All music must be compatible with the sacredness of the space and not be offensive to the holiness of the space.
• Any formal use of the Chapel must be authorized a minimum of two weeks prior to the event by the Manager of Spiritual Care.
• All Chapel decorations are to be left in place and intact. If they need to be temporarily removed, permission to do so must be obtained in advance. All items must be returned to their proper place immediately after use.
• No notices, posters, or decorations may be affixed by any method to any walls, pews, chairs, fixtures, or furniture without the prior consent from the Manager of Spiritual Care.
• No food or drink is allowed inside the Chapel. Exceptions for reception purposes must be approved by the Manager for Spiritual Care.
• After use, the Chapel must be returned to its proper order.
• Requested use of the chapel for a site emergency require the approval of the Manager for Spiritual Care.  

Guidelines for use of the Multifaith and Spiritual Wellness rooms.

The multifaith prayer rooms and spiritual wellness rooms are located at Bruyère Health’s Centretown, Market and Orléans sites. 

The following principles apply for use of these rooms:

• These shared spaces are available to all for personal meditation, prayer, silent reflection and healing rituals; 
• Smudging ceremonies must follow Bruyère Health’s Policy Admin 49;
• If use is for group activities the user or group will provide advance notice to the manager of spiritual care and will ensure sufficient signage is posted to inform others of the date and time of use;
• Food or drink is not permitted;
• After use, the multifaith prayer room and spiritual wellness room must be returned to its proper order;
• Requested use for a site emergency require the approval of the Manager for Spiritual Care.

Revised March 18, 2025