Crossing the Rubicon: Chaplain helped author’s dying husband find peace

By Gail Sheehy
Special to Vision

Why is it that people so often put off the time of their final departure from life? Our birthdays are always marked by ceremony, so I suppose it is natural to wait for the right ceremonial moment to mark the end of our lives.

Professionals in hospice work have told me they believe the mind recognizes, on the soul level, that one is making a momentous transition. And during that transition, one has a choice of going sooner or later.

Providing a lifeline: inspiring hope in times of fear

By Catherine Johnston, MA

In 2001, when the World Trade Center collapsed, police officers and firefighters raced to rescue victims, to save lives.

Soon, chaplains arrived on the scene to comfort, to listen, to bear witness.

Tim Serban, BCC, of Everett, WA, now NACC Special Representative to the Red Cross Disaster Network, traveled to New York City almost 10 years ago as part of a worldwide response to the 9-11 terrorist attack.
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Christmas miracle beheld in long-term facility

By Sandra Lucas, MDiv, BCC

Several years ago, I visited Sabina, a resident in a long-term care facility. We would talk, pray, and share Holy Communion. When it was the season of Advent, she informed me that she was emptying her heart of all anger and negative thoughts.

“Is that hard to do?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “But I want my heart to be empty, like the manger in the stable. I’m preparing my heart for the birth of Jesus.”

Our action can abate fears for spiritual care ministry, inspire hope

By David Lichter, D. Min.
Executive Director

I appreciate the two themes of this issue of Vision: “when the chaplain needs a chaplain” and the Advent focus of fear and hope. As I participate in local gatherings both of these are frequent topics expressed in a variety of ways, such as: the need for local, face-to-face gatherings that create a sense of belonging and an opportunity to get to know one another so that we can call upon one another when needed, an appreciation for the “request” opportunity in the NACC Now where our members can ask other members for assistance on issues they are encountering, the mentoring program for members to reach out to other members for advice in developing their leadership competencies, as well as emotional support and networking in times of job loss, or the personal prayer and support from other members in times of personal health challenges, family member loss or other family needs. These are just some ways I have heard that we, as chaplains, need other chaplains.

Wicks, Puchalski, Ryerson, Massingale to be plenary speakers at 2011 conference

As we write this article to promote our 2011 National Conference in Milwaukee, “Pathways to Healing: People and Communities,” Labor Day has come and gone and cooler mornings now bring along a heavier dew and the fresh promise of a wonderful autumn here in Wisconsin. Changing seasons help us to celebrate change in our own lives, change in the lives of our patients, change in the seasons of our ministry. In spring 2011, our paths will lead chaplains to Milwaukee to gather by the shores of Lake Michigan and once again celebrate change, our profession, and the seasons ahead that bring new challenges and growth.

2011 Prayer Cards for World Day of the Sick

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