CASC / ACSS

How we define spirituality is constantly evolving, informed by a growing body of spiritual health research.

Today we celebrate CASC/ACSS Member Jeffrey Vidt, for his recent publication, "Sacred Sensations: Achievable Spirituality in Severe Autism".

The essay "reframes spirituality as an embodied and sensory reality rather than primarily cognitive. [It] challenges providers to expand their spiritual imagination, recognizing sensory experiences as sacred and inviting new approaches to spiritual care."

Congratulations, Jeff, on this vital contribution to the field!

Check it out here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15423050261420829

⭐️ (CASC/ACSS Members have free access to this article, via the member portal).

Sacred Sensations: Achievable Spirituality in Severe Autism - B. Jeffrey Vidt, 2026 This essay explores the spiritual lives of individuals with severe autism through the lenses of embodiment theology, disability theology, and personal storytell...

Huge congratulations to long-standing CASC/ACSS Member, Dr. Peter Barnes, for receiving the prestigious 2026 Sharon Carstairs Award of Excellence in Advocacy from the Palliative Care Coalition of Canada (PCCC).

We also commend Pallium Canada for recognizing the immeasurable value of spiritual care in health care settings. It is through these partnerships and recognitions that we continue to humanize care for all. 👏 👏 👏

Congratulations to Rev. Peter Barnes on receiving the Honourable Sharon Carstairs Award of Excellence in Advocacy from the Palliative Care Coalition of Canada (PCCC) for 2026! 🎉

With decades of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and health system leadership, Rev. Barnes has played a pivotal role in advancing spiritual care in palliative and bereavement services throughout Canada. From hands-on patient care and program leadership to teaching and national research, he has shaped how care teams support the whole person. His expertise has been instrumental in developing Pallium’s Psychosocial Spiritual Care Module, establishing national communities of practice, and shaping the Canadian Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Competency Framework, ensuring psychospiritual care is recognized and valued as an essential part of compassionate, holistic support for patients, families, and health care teams.

Thank you, Rev. Barnes, for your remarkable dedication and transformative contributions to palliative care in Canada and beyond! https://buff.ly/3PYmZec