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Vol. 19, No. 6
November/December 2009
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:
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:
Patrick Bolton
Work: Board Certified Chaplain, Mercy Medical, Daphne, AL
Member since: 1996
Volunteer service: NACC Board of Directors, Renewal of Certification Peer Reviewer
Book on your nightstand: “The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success,” by Andy Andrews
Book you recommend most often: “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” by Bill Bryson
Favorite spiritual resource: Nature
Favorite fun self-care activity: Tennis
Favorite movie: WALL-E (and the other Pixar movies, thanks to my kids)
Favorite retreat spot: High Sierra Wilderness in Yosemite, CA
Personal mentor or role model: Marie-Therese Leveque -- my grandmother
Famous/historic mentor or role model: Catherine McAuley
Why did you become a chaplain? During my first unit of CPE, I discovered how much I enjoy one-on-one ministry, which propelled me into the ministry of hospice and overall Catholic healthcare.
What do you get from NACC? The NACC provides me a network of professional relationships with other chaplains and continuing education venues that enrich my work and life.
Why do you stay in the NACC? Chaplaincy is my calling, and I love what I do. The NACC helps so many make their dream come true of being a certified chaplain. I want to help make that continue to happen.
Why do/did you volunteer? It’s always better to give than receive. I’ve been given so much from others to be in the position I am today that I want to ensure opportunities are there for future chaplains.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? One aspect of my role on the Board of Directors is to serve on the governance committee. I have come to appreciate the meticulous need for developing and fine tuning policies, procedures, and by-laws so that we can function with proficiency and integrity as well as be good stewards of the work entrusted to us.
What have you learned from volunteering? Volunteering is integral to living a happy life because it adds value to the lives of others. It is a great way to meet wonderful people and to make this world a more loving place in which to live.
Name: Janet Bielmann, RSM
Work: Director, Clinical Pastoral Education, Sisters Hospital, Buffalo, NY
Member since: 1981
Volunteer service: present member of Certification Commission; formerly member of Board of Directors; sat in on interview teams for chaplain certification and supervisor certification
Book on your nightstand: “Reclaiming Spirituality,” by Diarmuid O’Murchú
Book you recommend most often: “Poverty of Spirit,” by Johannes B. Metz
Favorite spiritual resource: Early morning meditation and readings of the day.
Favorite fun self-care activity: Reading, movies, traveling
Favorite movie: Gandhi
Favorite retreat spot: Jesuit Retreat House, Gloucester, MA
Personal mentor or role model: My father
Famous/historic mentor or role model: Joan Chittister, OSB
Why did you become a chaplain? I felt it was a good fit for me. I had been a teacher first, but I found chaplaincy much more fulfilling.
What do you get from NACC? I really appreciate the welcoming spirit of NACC. I have developed many friends over the years and feel we have grown together to become a wonderful organization.
Why do you stay in the NACC? I believe in the philosophy of NACC and have always felt at home here and appreciated for whatever I have contributed.
Why do/did you volunteer? I believe in the organization. I enjoy being a part of the various aspects of leadership in NACC and know I have grown because of it.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? I really enjoy being a part of the Certification Commission. It is wonderful to meet so many people who are so committed to developing chaplains and supervisors and in promoting spirituality in our healthcare organizations throughout the country.
What have you learned from volunteering? I learned that everyone has something to offer and that it is only in working together that we can accomplish anything.