SPIRITUAL CARE
Spiritual Care at AFCS
AFCS recognises the importance of supporting a person’s wellbeing in a holistic way: physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual. As a Filipino‑specific service provider, we understand that faith is deeply embedded in Filipino culture, traditions and daily life. Guided by this understanding, AFCS Chaplain Norminda Forteza leads our spiritual care activities, ensuring that the spiritual dimension of wellbeing is honoured and supported.
Alongside our Chaplain, AFCS staff are also equipped to provide a listening ear, offering comfort, empathy and support during times of stress, illness or personal challenge. When needed, AFCS can also refer individuals to spiritual leaders within the community to ensure they receive guidance that aligns with their faith tradition.
The Importance of Spiritual Care
Faith is a source of strength for many in our Filipino community. AFCS welcomes you to access our Spiritual Care Services. A safe, caring space where you can pray with others, talk with our Chaplain, receive counselling, or simply be heard. Whether you are facing illness, grief, stress or uncertainty, we are here to support you with compassion and respect.
AFCS welcomes people of all Christian denominations and faith backgrounds to access our Spiritual Care Services.
The Growth of Spiritual Care at AFCS
Since early 2020, at the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, we have delivered online prayer and Bible‑reading sessions every weekday, morning and night. Participants begin their day with devotion and prayer, and end their evening with Scripture and reflection to feel calmer and ‘lighter’ before resting. To support accessibility, we provided participants with Tagalog‑translated Bibles.
During the pandemic, we also held special online gatherings, including an Undas (All Saints Day) Community Prayer on 1 November 2021. As restrictions eased, we reconnected in person through events such as the Baptist Women World Day of Prayer (November 2021), Australia Day Prayer (January 2022) and a Prayer Walk in Inverloch (February 2022). These activities offered a social‑spiritual space for participants to share their faith, reflect and encourage one another.
AFCS continues to value and uphold the spiritual care of our participants, members, staff and volunteers. This year, we have continued our monthly prayer days, Lent season reflections, and provided ongoing pastoral support for those experiencing sickness, grief or stressful life events.
SPIRITUAL CARE services
Spiritual Care Services (All Ages)
These services are available to the community:
- Counselling by appointment with the AFCS Chaplain
- Home visits and prayer for the sick
- Wellness calls with the Chaplain for comfort, encouragement and spiritual support
- Telephone counselling and ministry of presence
- Referrals to spiritual leaders when additional pastoral guidance is needed
- Online group Bible readings (weekday mornings and evenings)
- Special prayer events throughout the year, including Lent reflections and community prayer gatherings
These services ensure individuals feel supported, listened to and cared for during challenging moments in life.
Spiritual Care for Seniors
For many of our seniors, spiritual care provides meaning, purpose and connection in their later years. AFCS offers a range of senior‑focused spiritual activities, including:
- Monthly prayer gathering
First Wednesday of every month, with lunch at Doveton Baptist Church - Observance of National Prayer Day (June)
- Annual World Day of Prayer with Baptist Women at the Reminiscing Garden (November)
- Lent reflection nights at Maharlika Lodge
- Home visits and prayer for the sick
- Counselling by appointment
These activities create a warm, friendly environment where seniors can share their faith, reflect, and find encouragement from others.