MMCer, Mary Lou Hammer, becomes ordained health care chaplain

Congratulations to Methodist Medical Center’s Mary Lou Hammer for receiving her congregational endorsement from the United Church of Oak Ridge (Chapel on the Hill) as an ordained health care chaplain. As MMC’s customer service coordinator, Mary Lou interacts with patients and guests on a daily basis; however, since the January retirement of Chaplain Jack Sills, she has also been providing chaplaincy service at the hospital.

Mary Lou has a Master of Science in Social Work and completed the laity theological core curriculum of the Capital Region Theological Center as well as two years in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at the University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care Department. Prior to joining Methodist, she managed programs working with homeless persons through the Salvation Army and Ridgeview.

Her ordination is really the completion of one her life’s goals.

“This is truly a combination of everything I’ve been working toward in my professional career,” said Mary Lou. “I am a lifelong learner – and I have more goals I want to achieve as a Chaplain. The more I know, the more I know I want to learn more.”

Congrats again, Mary Lou! We are lucky and honored to have you as one of our own!