Pastoral Care Week: “Healing Through Presence and Grace” - Join Our Events This Week

By Office of Communications & Marketing | Oct 19, 2026

Join Our Events This Week

During Pastoral Care Week, October 18–24, 2026, we recognize Downstate’s Pastoral/Spiritual Care team for supporting patients, families, students and employees throughout the year.

A hospital stay can bring fear, loneliness, and questions that medical treatment alone cannot answer. Families may be waiting for news or making difficult decisions for someone they love. A medical school students’ admission can bring anxiety, spiritual, and existential struggle and chaplains help students find meaning through spiritual and emotional support. A chaplain’s presence gives room to speak honestly, draw on their beliefs, or sit quietly with someone willing to journey. 

Spiritual care respects what matters to each person, whether through prayer, a familiar ritual, conversation, presence or listening without judgment. Our spiritual caregivers support people of all faith traditions and those who do not identify with a faith, recognizing emotional and spiritual needs as part of holistic patient care.

Employees need that support, too. A difficult shift, the loss of a patient, or a personal struggle can linger long after the workday ends. Our chaplains give employees space to pause and receive care themselves

“Healing Through Presence and Grace” speaks to this work. We cannot always change an outcome or take away someone’s pain. We can make sure they feel heard, respected, and supported through it.”

This week, we thank Downstate’s Pastoral/Spiritual Care team for caring for patients, standing alongside families, and supporting those who serve Brooklyn. Thank you for knowing when someone needs a conversation, a quiet moment, or a person beside them.

PASTORAL/SPIRITUAL CARE TEAM MEMBERS

Reverend Sharon Codner-Walker, Interfaith Board-Certified Chaplain, Director

Reverend Rose Bristol-Francois, Protestant Chaplain’s Assistant

Reverend Primrose Sinclair Hammond, Protestant Chaplain’s Assistant

Rabbi Yosef Y. Holzman, Jewish Patient Liaison

Imam Abdul Rashid, Muslim Patient Liaison

Father Rafael Perez, Catholic Priest

Ms. Keisha Barker, CPE Student Intern

Min. Bernice Stone, (Chaplain Assistant Emeritus)

Ms. Robin Marcano, Administrative Assistant

 

Tags: Religous Holidays & Observances