Culture and diversity play a big role in both life and death.

As a hospice chaplain, the Rev. Geraldine Williams has to be aware of each family's beliefs and denominations.

"Being one denomination, a Methodist minister, it means that I have to be very much aware of patients' families' denominational strength to be cognizant of them, to stay within the parameters of what a chaplain should do," said Ms. Williams, who, in addition to serving as the chaplain for Sharon Regional Health System's hospice program, is the pastor for Ruth African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Sharon.

Ms. Williams, who has been with the hospice program since September, recently conducted a workshop with new hospice volunteers on how various religions approach death.

"I found there was no way to put it in any kind of brief format ... therefore I had to capsulate what could concerning various rites and end of life," she said. "It really became a very open dialogue with all people involved."

Although a hospice chaplain may be of a different denomination of the patient or family, there are never any indicators that the chaplain is trying to convert the family, Ms. Williams said.

"Because we run into so many different kinds of cultures and diversities, we're mindful that we always speak in a language so we never single out any family member ... cultural backgrounds and diversity should always be used in these settings."

As professional clergy, Ms. Williams said she has a "reasonable handle" on what is needed for similar denominations at the time of death. But for other religions that aren't so similar, she steps out of the picture. Some families may already be working with their own clergy.

"You have to be really aware of that so as not to infringe on the spiritual relationship between the minister and the family," she said.

Ms. Williams said a hospice chaplain gets a feel for the patient and family's faith and values.

"When a chaplain is called in ... the sense of denomination is no longer considered. People are looking for someone to help them through this very difficult time. They're not concerned if you are Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic. They're just looking for someone to give them consolation now ...

"The prayers are going to the same God. Barriers are broken down because of a person's needs," she said.

Ms. Williams said a chaplain often spends more time listening than talking, and sometimes shares personal experience to help bring the family comfort.

"I always allow the family to lead in the direction ... to what they are looking for," she said.