Sometimes the most meaningful ministry begins with simply being present.

Rev. Amanda Banda

Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference

On October 20, Methodist Healthcare Pastoral Care Services gathered at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio for its Annual Pastoral Care Luncheon to celebrate the chaplains and volunteers who bring comfort, compassion, and hope to patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments.

Methodist Healthcare's Pastoral Care Services includes more than 120 chaplains and volunteers who visit patients, pray with families, offer Holy Communion, lead chapel services, and respond during hospital emergencies.

Chaplains, volunteers, and ministry leaders gathered at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church on October 20 for Methodist Healthcare's Annual Pastoral Care Luncheon, celebrating those who provide spiritual and emotional care throughout the hospital system.

Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez, Vice President of Pastoral Care Services, shared that chaplains are on track to make more than 250,000 hospital visits in 2026.

A Ministry of Presence and Grace

Methodist Healthcare's chaplains are on track to make more than 250,000 hospital visits in 2026, offering prayer, spiritual support, and a listening ear to patients and families.

During the luncheon, Lopez reflected on this year’s Pastoral Care Week theme, Healing Through Presence and Grace. He shared the Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold or other precious metals. Rather than hiding the cracks, the repairs become part of the piece’s beauty.

Lopez compared this to the work of hospital chaplains. Patients and families may be facing illness, loss, or other painful experiences. Chaplains cannot always change what has happened, but they can sit with people in those moments and help them find hope.

“I am so grateful to God and overwhelmed and awed at the gifts of chaplains, volunteers, folks who offer care,” Lopez said. He praised their ability to navigate complicated situations, giving people space to be angry or upset while still finding ways to offer compassion and hope.

Honoring Those Who Care for Others

The gathering included fellowship, recognition of longtime team members, and a special blessing of hands.

Among those honored was Dixie Krause, Executive Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care Services, who was recognized for 40 years of faithful service to Methodist Healthcare. Lopez described Krause as the "heart and soul of our department" and expressed gratitude for her decades of dedication and the countless lives she touched through her work. Those gathered joined in prayer for Krause, asking God to continue blessing her life and ministry.

Dixie Krause, Executive Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care Services, was honored during her 40th year of service to Methodist Healthcare. Those gathered extended their hands in prayer as they celebrated her decades of dedication.

The luncheon concluded with a blessing of hands for chaplains and volunteers. Lopez shared that Methodist Healthcare had provided more than 3,000 such blessings over the past year. This time, those who regularly offer prayer and care to others received the blessing.

A Connection Rooted in Ministry

The ministry reflects the longstanding relationship between Methodist Healthcare and the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.

"I am grateful for the relationship between Methodist Healthcare and the Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. One of the places that relationship shines is through the work of pastoral care," said Lopez.

Approximately half a dozen Rio Texas Conference clergy serve within Methodist Healthcare, extending their calling into healthcare settings throughout the region.

The luncheon invitation featured 1 Corinthians 15:58, a reminder that the work done in service to God is never in vain.

For the chaplains and volunteers honored that day, those words speak to the importance of their ministry, including the moments of care that few others ever see.

View Photos from the Luncheon

To learn more about the role of chaplains in caring for patients, families, and healthcare staff, read Methodist Healthcare's article, The Heart of Healing: Understanding the Role of Chaplaincy at Texsan.