26th ANNUAL PITTSBURGH PASTORAL CARE CONFERENCE

The Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Conference will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. John & Paul Catholic Church – St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Parish in the Wexford area of Pennsylvania.

This one-day conference is designed to bring together faith leaders and community professionals involved in caregiving and spiritual support, including pastors, lay ministers, counselors, social workers, nurses, teachers, students, volunteers, and caregivers.

The theme—“Shining a Light on Understanding Ourselves and Others in Community”—centers on bridging the gap between pastoral care and spirituality in addressing real-world challenges. Key areas of discussion include:

• Addiction and recovery
• Mental health and wellness
• Marriage and family dynamics
• Spiritual care within faith communities

The goal is to help participants better understand themselves and those they serve while strengthening collaboration between spiritual guidance and behavioral health practices.

• Opening remarks will be delivered by Mark Eckman, representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
• Keynote speaker: Deborah Moon, Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, presenting “Learning and Applying Cognitive Behavioral Skills in Churches.”
• Special guest: Danny Schiff, Community Scholar at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, discussing “Judaism in the Digital Age: An Ancient Faith Tradition Confronts a Transformative Era.”

The conference will feature more than 20 speakers, offering a wide range of perspectives on pastoral care, mental health, spiritual leadership, and community healing.

Overall, the conference aims to equip faith communities and helping professionals with practical tools, interdisciplinary insights, and spiritual perspectives to better support individuals and families facing emotional, relational, and recovery-related challenges.

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Info: The Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Conference 2026 will bring together pastors, counselors, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to explore how faith communities can better support mental health, addiction recovery, and family well-being.
Keynote speaker Deborah Moon, Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, will present “Learning and Applying Cognitive Behavioral Skills in Churches.” Drawing on her research in trauma and community mental health, she will discuss practical ways faith communities can apply principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support those facing emotional and mental health challenges.

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