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Vol. 20, No. 2
March/April 2010
Vision is published six times a year by the
National Association of Catholic Chaplains.
Its purpose is to connect our members with
each other and with the governance of the
Association. Vision informs and educates
our membership about issues in pastoral/
spiritual care and helps chart directions for
the future of the profession, as well as the
Association.
ISSN: 1527-2370
Executive Editor
David A. Lichter, D.Min.
Editor
Laurie Hansen Cardona
lcardona@nacc.org
Graphic Designer
Gina Rupcic
The National Association of Catholic
Chaplains advocates for the profession of
spiritual care and educates, certifies, and
supports chaplains, clinical pastoral
educators and all members who continue
the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of
the Church.
NACC Editorial Advisory Panel:
Austine Duru, Sr. Michele LeDoux Sakurai; Michelle Lemiesz; Linda
Piotrowski; Rev. Freddy Washington, CSSp;
and board representative Norma Gutierrez,
MCDP.
NACC National Office
4915 S. Howell Avenue Suite 501
Milwaukee, WI 53207-5939
(414) 483-4898
Fax: (414) 483-6712
info@nacc.org
www.nacc.org
Name: Marybeth Harmon
Work: Former director of spiritual care at Norwood Hospital, Norwood, MA, currently retired and a per diem chaplain
Member since: 1996
Books on your nightstand: “Thirst,” by Mary Oliver, “Open Door: A Journey to the True Self,” by Joyce Rupp and “Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2010,” by Ireland Jesuit Communication Centre.
Books you recommend most often: “Gift of the Red Bird,” by Paula D’Arcy, “Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer,” by David Steindl-Rast, and “To Bless the Space Between Us,” by John O’Donohue
Favorite spiritual resource: The Eucharist, praying and worshiping with others
Favorite fun self-care activity: traveling, laughing with others, water aerobics, yoga, walking in nature, creative dance and singing
Favorite retreat spot: San Andrea Monastery in Assisi, Italy, and any retreat center on the ocean
Personal mentor: Ed Burke, my father. He loved all people regardless of station in life. He was a great storyteller, warm, compassionate and funny. He taught me the values of dignity and respect for others and of the joy of connecting with others. He was a simple man of faith who loved deeply and laughed heartily.
Famous/historic mentor or role model: John O’Donohue, author, poet. I am moved by his depth and love for life, his eloquent, articulate poetry expressing his vision of life, his passion, his robust presence and his gentle soul. May he rest in peace!
Why did you become a chaplain? I became a chaplain from a deep desire to love and serve God and my brothers and sisters. Being a chaplain is a profession that allows me to integrate my faith and my profession and offers me an opportunity to walk with others, to enter into their suffering and joy and to provide comfort. It is a sacred privilege to bring a sense of compassion to others in times of chaos and to comfort and empower. It is humbling to be so intimately present in a time of sickness, trauma or death.
What do you get from NACC? NACC is the professional organization to which I belong. It is the organization that validates my work as a chaplain and holds me accountable to the highest standards of continuing education, professional performance and ethics of behavior. I experience a sense of belonging, integrity and authenticity as an NACC certified chaplain. NACC provides me with the ecclesiastical endorsement that certifies my ministry as a Catholic laywoman. Attending the conferences and other educational gatherings offers me the opportunity for friendships, networking and professional development.
Why do you volunteer? Volunteering gives me a chance to connect with others, to deepen relationships, and to give back to that which has been a part of my formation and growth. I volunteer for NACC, my parish and my alma mater. I am grateful for the organizations that have cared for me, challenging me to grow and to create a deeper awareness of my identity as Catholic laywoman.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? Being a part of the Vision and Action committee. We came together as acquaintances and through the brilliant guidance of John Reid and his associate Maureen Gallagher, and the support of the leadership of NACC, we were able to formulate guidelines for the future of our organization. We touched the depth of our passion as chaplains, called by God to walk gently and compassionately with our brothers and sisters. We worked hard to know ourselves, each other, our members and to design a plan that would enhance the future of our organization to serve the church. It was very rewarding to be a part of something so focused, and to see the fruits of our labors. The chaplains I worked with will always have a special place in my heart.
Name: Gary A. Weisbrich
Work: Chaplaincy supervisor
Member since: October 2008
Volunteer service: Writing articles
Book on your nightstand: “Llama Llama Red Pajama” (for my daughter)
Book you recommend most often: Henri Nouwen’s “Wounded Healer”
Favorite spiritual resource: Daily bread
Favorite fun self-care activity: Running and hunting
Favorite movie: “Crimson Tide”
Favorite retreat spot: Broom Tree Retreat Center, Irene, SD
Personal mentor or role model: Fr. Chuck Cimpl
Famous/historic mentor or role model: Having had the opportunity to study in Rome and work at the Bambino Gesu Hospital in Pediatric Oncology, I would have to say Pope John Paul II, because of his love for the sick and infirm and for families.
Why did you become a chaplain? I have a gift of listening to people’s stories and felt a call to non-ordained ministry. How it all came to be was orchestrated by someone greater than me.
What do you get from NACC? I find collaboration, support, a sense of community and all working for the same goal. I get the chance to provide compassionate care to the people we serve as well as to our colleagues.
Why do you stay in the NACC? I have only been a recent member, but from the time of my certification interview, I felt like part of the “team” and felt as though everyone was trying to make me feel at home.
Why do/did you volunteer? All through my life I have volunteered, having children now, makes it a bit more challenging, that is, to volunteer outside the house. When I am able to volunteer I grow and change as I usually experience new ideas and have a greater awareness of the needs that we all have.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? So far it has been writing articles for the NACC’s Vision, but I see this expanding as time goes on because it is very rewarding.
What have you learned from volunteering? I have learned more about others and myself and that, in order for good things to continue, volunteering needs to be a way of life.