The Diocese of Trenton joined other diocesan communities around the country in marking Pastoral Care Week, Oct. 21-27.

According to the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, the 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.”

As part of its commemoration, the diocesan Department of Pastoral Care held a Chaplains Appreciation Luncheon Oct. 25 to recognize chaplains of every faith tradition who serve in hospitals, hospices, jails and prisons, homeless shelters, elder daycare, nursing homes, domestic violence safe houses, the military and more.

This year’s theme is “Hospitality: Cultivating Time.”

“The welcoming and belonging associated with hospitality require time that is treated as precious in developing relationships,” according to the NACC. “This nurturing of connections requires an attitude of listening and appreciation.”

For those who are involved in task-oriented aspects of health and support, the NACC said, there can be a temptation to focus on the quantitative dimensions of the profession. That can result in missing the depth of relationships that requires time to develop and cultivate.

“Time allows the cared-for to express the real problem, the deeper implications and the meaning or despair that is felt at a soulful level,” the NACC said. “Cultivating and nurturing time is a challenge in an age of instantaneous communication and multiple sources of connection.”

To learn more, visit www.pastoralcareweek.org.