FORT MORGAN, CO (May 21, 2026) – CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital proudly announces the opening of its new chapel, a dedicated space designed to provide solace, reflection, and spiritual support for patients, their families, and staff, as well as the wider Fort Morgan community.
A poignant blessing ceremony was held Wednesday, April 29, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to holistic care. In attendance was Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, who joined community and hospital leadership at St. Elizabeth for the opening of the new chapel.
Located across from the gift shop, this new space is an incredible addition to the site and a commitment to team members, patients, families, and communities around our focus on healing their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. The chapel is open whenever the front doors to the lobby are open. After hours and on weekends, the house supervisor or security can let team members and or patients/family in.
Mass will take place on the last Tuesday of the month at 12:05 p.m.
Andrew Gaasch, CommonSpirit Mountain Region President, addressed attendees at the blessing ceremony, emphasizing the chapel's significance and its connection to the hospital's rich heritage.
"Right here in Fort Morgan, 1952 was a landmark year," Gaasch said. "St. Elizabeth Hospital opened its doors, providing essential healthcare access to this community. Over the decades, we've seen many changes – in facilities, technology, and ownership. But one thing has always remained constant on this sacred ground: the unwavering commitment of our amazing individuals – our nurses, physicians, staff – taking care of their friends and neighbors who walk through these doors. This spirit of selfless service is the heartbeat of St. Elizabeth Hospital."
He affirmed the chapel as a vital extension of the hospital's mission.
"As a faith-based hospital ministry, CommonSpirit Health is committed to providing for the spiritual needs of everyone we serve: our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff. This Chapel will be a vital part of what we offer here. It will be a place of solace, reflection, prayer, and hope for all who need it."
John Swanhorst, President and Chief Nursing Officer of St. Elizabeth Hospital, emphasized the chapel's role in providing holistic care.
"St. Elizabeth Hospital has been a vital cornerstone of the Fort Morgan community for decades, providing essential care and being a trusted neighbor in this area," Swanhorst said. "This Chapel is a powerful extension of that commitment. It’s more than just a new space; it's a tangible reaffirmation of our dedication to holistic care – for body and spirit – for every individual in this community."
Both leaders expressed their gratitude to all who attended in person and by video, and shared their hope that the new chapel will serve as a beacon of comfort and peace for the Fort Morgan community for years to come.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.