Spiritual Care (1-on-1) at

Rest-Stop-Ranch

“A private, individual spiritual-care support session focused on listening to the emotional and spiritual sharing of a long-term-caregiver, with the goal of reducing caregiver burden.”
Yellow Asiatic Lily Blooms at the Cottage Garden
Yellow Asiatic Lily Blooms at the Cottage Garden

Meet Chaplain Mary E. MacDonald

Since January 2016, Rest-Stop-Ranch has offered dedicated one-on-one support for caregivers. These sessions are facilitated by Mary E. MacDonald, a community-based interfaith chaplain.

What is an Interfaith Chaplain?
An interfaith (or non-denominational) chaplain does not preach or impose a specific religious dogma. Instead, they are trained to provide universally supportive emotional and spiritual care to individuals of all faith traditions, as well as those with no religious affiliation. Mary is there to offer a deeply compassionate, listening presence, meeting you exactly where you are on your unique caregiving journey.

What Does 1-on-1 Spiritual Care Provide?

Caregiving is a marathon that can deeply impact your spirit and sense of self. A Spiritual Care session provides a dedicated space to focus exclusively on your well-being.

  • Focused Listening: The primary goal of these sessions is to listen to your emotional and spiritual sharing, providing validation and support to help reduce caregiver burden.
  • Flexible Duration: Support is scaled to what you need that day. Sessions can be 20, 40, or 60 minutes long, ranging from a quick 20-minute self-care “check-in” up to a full 2-hour Respite Retreat in the gardens.
  • Please Note: This session is a supportive spiritual practice and is not mental health counseling or psychotherapy.

How to Request Support

Spiritual care sessions are available by appointment and can be conducted in the way that is most accessible for you.

  • Where: Meetings take place at the Caretaker’s Cottage at our home in Topsfield, MA, or remotely by phone/Zoom.
  • When: By appointment.
  • Cost: Free-of-charge. Your contribution helps us to cover our costs and is gratefully accepted.
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