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From Oct. 18 to 24, UVA Health recognizes Spiritual Care Week and celebrates the chaplains and spiritual care providers who support patients, families, and care teams every day. This year’s theme, “Healing Through Presence and Grace,” is inspired in part by the Japanese art, Kintsugi, which repairs broken pottery with gold to honor its scars. This can reflect a simple truth: healing often begins with being present when someone needs support most.

At UVA Health, chaplains provide compassionate, confidential support to people of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds. They offer a listening ear, emotional and spiritual support, prayer when requested, guidance during difficult decisions, and connections to religious and cultural resources. Spiritual care is available 24/7, and anyone can speak with a chaplain, regardless of religious affiliation.

As members of interdisciplinary care teams, chaplains work alongside physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to support the emotional, spiritual, and personal concerns that often accompany illness, injury, hospitalization, and recovery. Their work helps ensure care addresses the whole person, not just physical needs.

Chaplains also serve during some of healthcare’s most challenging moments. They respond to crises, Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) activations, Emergency Department traumas, and other critical situations, providing a calm, compassionate presence for patients and families facing uncertainty, grief, fear, or loss.

Their support extends to team members, too. Chaplains help care teams process difficult cases, navigate emotionally demanding situations, and manage the challenges of caring for others — contributing to resilience, connection, and well-being across the organization.

First established in 1985, Spiritual Care Week recognizes the education, practice, and value of professional spiritual care. During this week, we thank our UVA Health chaplains for the many ways they serve patients, families, and team members. Through their presence, compassion, and commitment to whole-person care, they bring comfort, connection, and healing to our community every day.

Chaplains participate in Blessing of the Hands. Photo Credit: UVA Health

Meet Our Chaplains