Celebrating Our People: Laura Babbage Felt the Call to Serve Others

Dedicated to a life full of serving others is what Laura Babbage deems more than just a profession. From a young age, Laura knew what she wanted to do.

“I always knew I wanted to work with people and nursing checked all the boxes,” she said. “I could help people, learn a skill that could serve me my whole life.”

For Laura, serving others was more than a profession — it was a calling shaped by personal experience and faith. 

Nine years ago, while on a bike trip with her son after his college graduation in France, Laura was involved in a serious bicycle accident. Her injuries were life-threatening, and her recovery long and uncertain. But through that painful journey, something deeper emerged: a renewed sense of purpose.

“That experience gave me insight into what it feels like to be vulnerable and afraid — and also how meaningful it is to have someone simply present with you,” Laura said.

Inspired by her recovery and guided by faith, Laura became a hospital chaplain. She joined Saint Joseph Health to walk alongside patients, families and caregivers during moments of need, offering spiritual care and emotional support.

As a chaplain, she provided spiritual care with gentleness and wisdom. As a leader in mission integration, she helped guide caregivers to stay grounded in purpose.

One memory that has stuck with Laura over the years is when she cared for a mother who was going to give birth to a full-term stillborn infant. 

“The baby was born and I remember that we cried together, but I don’t remember any of the words that were spoken,” she said. 

At an event, that same woman shared that she had waited 25 years to thank her for the care provided that day.

Colleagues describe Laura as a steadfast, faith-based, and passionate advocate for the underprivileged and the unhomed. 

“Laura has been a fervent champion of compassionate, faith-centered care, always advocating passionately for those in need,” said David Franz, vice president of Mission Integration at Saint Joseph Health. “She has left an indelible mark on our ministry and I know she will continue to care for and serve others in the community.” 

Throughout her career, Laura has been a steady and thoughtful presence. Her commitment to justice, integrity and healing touched lives across the organization — and far beyond. 

In her role as director of Mission Integration, Laura also helped connect teams to the heart of CommonSpirit’s mission; Saint Joseph Health is a member of CommonSpirit. Through formation programs, reflections and thoughtful leadership, she reminded others that healing involves the whole person — body, mind and spirit.

As she transitions to PRN status at Saint Joseph, Laura said she’s grateful for the years spent in a ministry of service and presence.

While she is stepping away from her formal role, she says the heart of her calling will always remain.

“This work has been an honor. I’ve learned as much from patients and coworkers as I hope they’ve learned from me,” she said. “helping others discover the gifts God has given them and to use them well.”

Laura plans to spend more time with her family and explore new ways to engage in spiritual care and reflection by helping out with the Catholic Action Center in Lexington and getting her doctorate in Healthcare Mission Leadership from Loyola University.