Spiritual Care Week
Pastoral Care Week
Spiritual Care Week: 40 Years of Spiritual Support
October 19-25, 2025
Since 1985
Spiritual Care Week/Pastoral Care Week is hosted by The COMISS Network: The Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings. The first Pastoral Care Week was held in October 1985. Since then it has grown beyond national to international proportions. The celebration of Spiritual Care Week provides an opportunity for chaplains and pastoral care counselors, educators and providers to share their story and to celebrate various ministries. More specifically, the established objectives of the Spiritual Care Week Committee outline the scope of Spiritual Care Week observance:
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To celebrate the education for and practice of spiritual care through professional chaplaincy and pastoral counseling.
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To interpret and promote pastoral care.
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To honor and celebrate all practitioners of pastoral care.
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To express appreciation to institutions and their staff who support pastoral care ministries.
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To publicize the work of pastoral care organizations affiliated with COMISS.
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To promote continuing education for clergy, laity, and institutional employees regarding the value of pastoral care.
Each year a new theme brings to the light a certain aspect of spiritual care as a focus. A new theme invites us to new and creative ways to tell the story of spiritual care.
Celebrate This Week
Spiritual Care Week gives opportunities for organizations and institutions of all kinds and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which the caregivers provide.
This Year's Theme
Spiritual Care Week:
40 Years of Spiritual Support
October 19-25, 2025
Theme Interpretation
Celebrate four decades of profound community impact as Spiritual Care Week reaches its 40th anniversary! Since its inception in 1984, this commemoration has served as a shining tribute, underscoring the significance of spiritual care in multiple community settings worldwide. Originating from the visionary collaboration of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the College of Chaplains (now the Association of Professional Chaplains), this annual observance honors the boundless compassion of spiritual care providers who offer solace, empathy, and support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of life in its many hardships and celebrations.
Our symbol for this anniversary is the ruby. Since ancient times, the ruby has been known as a sign of protection that sustains a good and whole life. Under ultraviolet light, the ruby fluoresces, reflecting an inner light that in other situations is difficult to see. The ruby is also thought to provide clarity and healing for those who wear it. Therefore, the ruby seems an apt descriptor for the type of care that is part of everyday life for chaplains and other spiritual caregivers.
As we reflect on four decades of nurturing the human spirit, let us renew our commitment to fostering healing, resilience, and holistic well-being for all. Join us in honoring this milestone, celebrating the profound impact of spiritual care, and envisioning a future where deep and genuine support remains at the core of compassionate care.
For more information go to:
Origins of Spiritual Care Week
Past and Future Themes of Spiritual Care Week
The Spiritual Care Week Committee:
Rev. Anissa Glaser-Bacon
Rev. Kyle Christiansen
Rev. Will Kinnaird
Rev. Clyde T. Angel
Rev. Tim Staker, Chair
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The Spiritual/Pastoral Care Week Committee
For more information or to send feedback or comments please e-mail the
Spiritual Care Week Committee c/o
Chaplain Tim Staker
Pastoral Care Week Committee:
Tim Staker: Chair (First Term) - 2023-2026
George Akins - 2024
Clyde Angel - 2026
Kyle Christiansen - 2024
Carolyn Huff - 2024
Anissa Glaser-Bacon - 2023-2026
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MERCHANDISE TO SUPPORT YOUR CELEBRATION
Spiritual Care Week is no longer offering Spiritual or Pastoral Care Week celebration merchandise. If you desire to have items available to support your local Spiritual Care Week celebration, we encourage you to download one of the printable logo images above and take it to a local printer or merchandiser to create any desired celebration items.
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