Pastoral care is more than a program — it's a lifeline of faith, presence, and compassion woven into the culture of Saint Barnabas Episcopal School. In this episode of Saint B’s Podcast, host Paul Garcia sits down with Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman to explore how pastoral care supports students, families, faculty, and staff through life’s challenges, celebrations, and spiritual questions.
Together, they discuss what pastoral care really means, how spiritual guidance intersects with education, the ways students are stepping into leadership and faith formation, and how parents and teachers are finding their own safe spaces for care. You’ll also hear touching stories, practical examples, and a look at how chaplains themselves find the support they need to care for others.
Whether you're part of the Saint Barnabas community or simply interested in how faith-based schools nurture whole-person well-being, this episode offers warmth, insight, and inspiration.
⏱️ Time Stamps
- 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Saint B’s Podcast opens with a conversation on faith, family, and pastoral care.
- 00:47 – Meet Today’s Guests Introductions of Mother Audrey Sutton and Reverend Stephanie Whitman.
- 02:04 – What Pastoral Care Is (and Isn’t) A clear explanation of pastoral care as spiritual guidance rather than counseling.
- 03:12 – Ministry of Presence in the Classroom Rev. Whitman shares how faith naturally integrates into teaching.
- 05:12 – Supporting Students Through Identity & Emotions Helping young people make sense of spiritual and emotional experiences.
- 06:18 – A Student’s Story About Loss & Hope Mother Audrey recounts a meaningful pastoral moment with a grieving student.
- 07:38 – Students Stepping into Leadership & Faith Formation Increased chapel participation, Scripture reading, and interest in baptism.
- 09:28 – Creating Safe Spaces for Student Questions How pastoral care invites honesty, doubt, curiosity, and spiritual growth.
- 12:13 – Caring for Parents & Families Moms groups, conversations, and organic opportunities to support families.
- 15:27 – Confidentiality, Trust & the Heart of Pastoral Care How chaplains create a judgment-free, confidential support system.
- 21:36 – Supporting Faculty & Staff Prayer teams, emotional support, and a safe place for teachers and administrators.
- 25:09 – How Chaplains Care for ThemselvesSabbath, mentorship, prayer practices, and finding support as caregivers.
