Answering the Call
Hadley Couraud’s Need to Serve
Hadley Couraud
When Hadley Couraud approached 30 years old, she answered a call she had heard for 10 years — to serve others spiritually. She shares, “I’ve had wonderful mentors in my life. I wanted to share what they offered me. They listened to me, supported me without judgment and encouraged me to reflect on my life.”
Once Hadley recognized her call to attend to the spirit, she enrolled in the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine’s two-year interfaith training program. Later, she reached out to Charles Demm, Director of Spiritual Care at St Mary’s, about potential internship opportunities.
Charles recalls, “We had a need for chaplaincy support at d’Youville Pavilion. We were very happy to have Hadley join us as a student intern to complete her clinical placement.”
Hadley’s typical day includes visiting, and sometimes praying with residents as well as completing spiritual care assessments, which help the team learn more about a new resident’s support system, needs and concerns. She shares that conversations with residents are truly meaningful, whether she is just lending a listening ear or helping them renegotiate their relationship with religion.
“Recently, I asked a gentleman if he’d like a visit. He waved me away saying, I’m not Catholic,” says Hadley. “When I responded neither am I, he welcomed me in and the two of us had a lovely conversation.”
Hadley shares, “My sole purpose is to listen and provide spiritual presence. It’s remarkable how impactful that is; for example, there was an occasion when I sat with a memory care patient, whose entire body relaxed as we prayed together. She serenely recited the Lord’s Prayer from memory. To me, those quiet and special moments are what chaplaincy is all about.”