Featuring “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities
and Limits of Forgiveness,” by Simon Wiesenthal

By Susanne Chawszczewski, PhD

                                         photo: Susanne Chawszczewski

We are excited to introduce our “One Book, One Association” selection for 2012 – “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness,” by Simon Wiesenthal. Modeled on the Library of Congress “One Book” projects, initiated by the Washington Center for the Book in 1998, this NACC project has been designed to gather you, the members, together as a community by selecting one book and encouraging reading, writing, and discussion.

After careful reflection, the Conference Planning Task Force for our 2012 National Conference in Milwaukee, WI, recommended this book for our reading selection. The theme of the 2012 National Conference is “Reconciling Journey: A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance.” The subject of Wiesenthal’s book, on the limits and possibilities of forgiveness, fits very nicely into this theme. As we look to our conference where we will address issues with self, workplace, ecclesial community, and global society, we believe this book will augment those reflections and provide some insight into our own reconciling journeys. We will also have a book discussion onsite at the conference this coming year!

This issue of Vision contains: Simon Wiesenthal biographical information; bibliographic and web resources; discussion questions; information concerning continuing education hours; and ideas for meeting with other members of our association. This information will also be available on our website at www.nacc.org/resources/onebook/wiesenthal.asp.

One Book, One Association Committee

If you are interested in serving on a committee to choose the 2013 “One Book, One Association” selection, please contact Susanne Chawszczewski, PhD, at schaw@nacc.org.

Obtaining a copy of ‘The Sunflower’

There are many options for you to read “The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness.” You may want to check with your local public library or a local bookstore. Books are also available to order online at such places as www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. For your reference, the paperback edition’s (1998 version) ISBN Number is: 978-0-8052-1060-6.

In 2012, NACC must continue to strengthen, be voice for profession

By David Lichter, D. Min.
Executive Director

In preparing for this first Vision column of 2012, I reviewed my prior columns of first issues in the four years since I became executive director in the fall of 2007. I was first struck by how readily accessible electronically these issues of Vision are now! Only the 2008 and 2009 issues were still in “pdf” format! What a blessing! (You can easily access back articles on the “Vision archives” section of our website: www.nacc.org/vision/backissues.asp)

Secondly, I was struck by the themes of these issues: 2008 was Solutions to Charting, 2009 was Reaching Out to the Immigrant, 2010 was Small Workplace, Big Challenges, and 2011 was the Profession of Chaplaincy. These are still vital themes for our members...

To be a healing force for the poor, no matter the changing healthcare landscape

By David Orr, MTS

Matthew presents the mission of Jesus: to go and teach, proclaim “the good news of the kingdom,” cure “every disease and every sickness among the people.” To whom did he go? To the poor, mourners, the meek, the hungry and thirsty, strangers, the sick, prisoners. Sound familiar? When we remember that Jesus (and we chaplains) are called to this same mission, and that Jesus laid down his life following this call, as Catholic chaplains, can we ever allow our mission in the current hospital and healthcare context to erode or be abandoned? I think not.

read more...

Meet Lindsey Tews, new NACC certification specialist

By Laurie Hansen Cardona

Lindsey Tews, who began working as NACC administrative specialist for certification in September, said she is pleased to have the opportunity to work in a Catholic environment that emphasizes positive personal growth and the value of individuals.

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Light at tunnel’s end:
Helping those with mental illness find hope through spiritual assessment

By Deborah Ann Forstner, MA, BCC

When people are in acute phases of mental illness, they may feel cut off from God. They might experience an inability to pray, even if this is a practice that has helped them in the past. They may experience spiritual delusions or feel compulsively unforgivable. They may be unable to find a sense of hope. To address these concerns, a spiritual assessment process, developed by two physicians, was implemented on a trial basis at a Community Support Program (CSP) in St. Cloud, MN. The project focused on the CSP's Mental Health Practitioners using the interview tool with clients who are living with mental illness.