Observing Pastoral Care Week, celebrated nationally since 1986, provides an opportunity for chaplains, pastoral counselors, and other pastoral care providers to share their stories and celebrate their various ministries. Pastoral Care week is an international observance usually in October uniting community religious groups and pastoral care organizations in promoting spiritual values as part of the healing process.

Celebration in past years: UTMB’s chaplains have celebrated Pastoral Care week in several ways--from distributing balloons along with chocolate "hugs" and Pastoral Care brochures to the various clinical areas to placing computer screen brushes on computers and passing out magnets. Pastoral Care has invited local clergy, lay volunteer chaplains and other interested persons to conference/workshops with a Pastoral Care theme. Some past themes presented are, “It Takes a Community to Heal a Child”, " End of Life Care", "Healing Stories", "Diversity of the world and community in which we live",  and "Imagining Peace: Ministry with the Uninsured."  In another educational presentation, medical, medical ethics and pastoral care providers spoke on communicating with patients and families surrounding end-of-life issues. A "community compassion for basic life needs" project was held to collect items that were distributed to those of need within UTMB Hospital & on streets of Galveston.

Pastoral Care Week is a time for highlighting everyone's role in the spiritual care of patients, families and staff. If you have any suggestions about what subjects or themes might be helpful, please feel free to share your ideas by contacting us.

Want to learn more about this year's Pastoral Care event?