Fr Chris's Ministry Lives On in Us—With Your Help

Fr Chris's Ministry Lives On in Us—With Your Help image

Dear Friend of St. Camillus,

This autumn, our community was shaken by the sudden passing of our beloved chaplain, Fr. Chris Ponnet, who was Born to Eternity in October. For over three decades, Fr. Chris was the heart of St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care. His compassion, courage, and unwavering faith touched thousands of lives.

Fr. Chris was the heart of our ministry.He dedicated his life to bringing hope, healing, and dignity to those most in need.May his light continue to guide us.

Thanks to good friends like you the ministry of St. Camillius will become a living tribute to Fr. Chris … his work will endure … and the healing power of prayer will continue to bring comfort to the patients’ and families we serve on a daily basis at LA General Medical Center.

One of Fr. Chris’s favorite encounters with a patient happened one Sunday when he was making his usual visits.A man in a wheelchair cried out: “Priest?” … “Yes,” Fr. Chris replied warmly, “I am chaplain Fr. Chris.”

The man, Joe, was suffering from a painful infection in the burn unit. He was alone, suffering and far from home in southern India, where his Catholic faith was rooted in the tradition of St. Thomas. Fr. Chris listened, encouraged him, and shared that three of our chaplains also came from India. Joe’s eyes lit up with hope.

Fr. Chris blessed him, offered Communion and Anointing of the Sick, and left Joe smiling—grateful that someone had come to him that day.

Joe’s story is just one of hundreds of encounters every week. Each visit costs only $45, yet the dignity and hope it brings are priceless.

Now, as we begin our 71st year of ministry, we ask you to help us carry forward Fr. Chris’s legacy. Your gift ensures:

  • Interfaith Chaplains are available 365 days a year, 24/7 at the LA General Medical Center and St. Camillus parish.

  • St. Camillus Urban Interfaith Association of Clinical Pastoral Educators (ACPE) School for Chaplains

  • Our Chaplains provide an average of 100+ spiritual care visits each and every day … 365 days a year.
  • Our Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program will provide training for six Chaplain students in 2026
  • Our partner Angel Interfaith Network will provide in 2026 $18,000 in food cards, $5,000 rental assistance and $2,000 utilities assistance.

Your support also enables us to provide these additional services:

Thank you again for sharing the very best gift you are able to share.

Blessings of peace, in memory of our dear Fr. Chris,

Irene Recendez

Irene Recendez

Board Chair

P.S.People like Joe deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as they face health challenges that compromise their quality of life.Only with your continued support are the Chaplains of St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care able to provide the comfort they deserve to live their lives with hope and comfort. Thank you for sending your very best gift in memory of Fr. Chris today!

St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care 1911 Zonal Ave Los Angeles, CA 90033