Faith Community Nurse Program


Opening Doors to Caring for Body, Mind, and Spirit

As the first of its kind in the Washington metropolitan area, the Holy Cross Faith Community Nurse Program has been equipping local faith communities to advance the health of individuals and communities since 1993. Our spiritually focused health promotion program centers on the belief that healing integrates the intentional care of the body, mind, and spirit. We invite faith communities throughout the area to join Holy Cross Health in its mission to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence.

Our Purpose 

To equip faith communities to promote integrated care of the body, mind, and spirit.

Our Goal 

To empower every local faith community to build and sustain a thriving health ministry, and to advance the field of faith community nursing in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Our Network 

Our network consists of faith community nurses, registered nurses, health ministers, care ministers, clergy and pastoral caregivers, faith institutions, educators, program leaders, community organizations, and community members who have partnered with us in reclaiming the faith community’s role in the ministry of healing.

There is no cost to be part of our network as an individual or faith community partner.

Our Services and Role

  1. Faith Community Consulting and Mentoring 
    A Holy Cross Health faith community nurse (FCN) coordinator, acting as a consultant and mentor, provides expertise, outreach, and on-site consulting to assist FCNs and health ministers in developing and sustaining health ministry programs—whether the health ministry is just developing, fully operational or simply being considered. If a registered nurse is not available to assume leadership of a health ministry program, we work with other congregational leaders to respond to the health needs of the faith community. Learn more about getting started in health ministry.
  2. FCN/Health Minister Education and Training 
    We offer foundational and ongoing training for health ministry leaders and team members. Participate in our monthly chats or watch past recordings
  3. Spiritual Support 
    We offer intentional opportunities for spiritual support through our theological reflection groups, annual retreats, and other activities.
  4. Health Ministry Resources 
    We support the integration of faith and health through our monthly e-publication, The Dove; our on-site spirituality and health library; specialized health ministry materials; and access to health improvement programs and resources.

Contact Us 

Our team is here to support you in leading your faith community to health, healing, and wholeness. Call 301-754-7066 or email FCNprogram@HolyCrossHealth.org, or sign up to join our network.