Volunteer of the Month: March 2008
Name:
Joan M. Owens
Work:
Chaplain, Mercy Franciscan
Terrace, Cincinnati, OH
NACC member since:
1987
Volunteer service:
I wrote the
Vision article, “Dying woman receives
kindness in palliative care,” published in
January 2007. I’m active with parish
volunteering, especially on
the Adult Faith Formation
Team.
Book on your nightstand:
The Red Tent
by Anita Diamant
Book you recommend most often:
The
Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Favorite spiritual resource:
Sitting by my
back window watching the birds and woods and
spending time journaling and reflecting. Spiritual
direction and reflection on daily Scripture are also
resources.
Favorite fun self-care activity:
Walking in
the woods
Favorite movie:
The Color Purple
Favorite retreat spot:
My backyard
Personal mentor or role model:
Maureen Finn, my first
manager in spiritual care.
Famous/historic mentor or role model:
Dorothy Day is
an inspiring figure for me.
Why did you become a chaplain?
I experienced several
deaths with family and friends and observed the different ways
people handle death. I thought I could offer some healthy
guidance. Of course, in 20 years much more has developed, and
now in long-term care I am aiding residents and families in the
dying process.
What do you get from NACC?
Professionalism and
education, collegiality, and certification, which is
especially needed since I am a laywoman.
Why do you stay in the NACC?
Over the
years I have been able to attend some NACC
conferences that have given me meaningful CEHs
toward certification, and I have enjoyed the
friendships I have made with many people from
NACC.
Why do/did you volunteer?
My Mercy
System invited all the chaplains to write a "sacred
story" about our ministry. It was published in a
prayer book for employees, and then it was
suggested by my peers that I submit it to Vision.
What volunteer activity has been most
rewarding?
Many years ago, I cut hair for the poor and
homeless. I learned a lot from them and made dear friends.
What have you learned from volunteering?
That I
have a lot to offer others and that sometimes I discover talents I
have not used in a while, or discover new talents.
