Name:

Cathy Connelly

Job title and institution:

Chaplain, Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, Columbia, SC

NACC member since:

1997

Volunteer service:

In addition to volunteering during conferences, I was one of the six original Interview Team Educators, and served as the Lead ITE from 2004 to 2006.

Favorite book (fiction):

Joseph F. Girzone’s Joshua series, especially The Shepherd.

Favorite book (nonfiction):

A tossup between Gernot Candolini’s Labyrinths: Walking toward the Center and Robert A Krieg’s Romano Guardini: Spiritual Writings. Currently enjoying James Martin’s My Life with the Saints.

Favorite spiritual resource:

Taizé prayer; Labyrinth

Favorite movie:

Winged Migration

Favorite retreat spot:

The Oratory: Center for Spirituality, Rock Hill, SC

Personal mentor or role model:

I’ve been blessed to have many mentors through my lifetime, each has become a part of who I am.

Famous/historic mentor or role model:

Jesus

Why did you become a chaplain?

I realized I was at another of those turnings in my life, and gradually the call became more evident to blend the hospital background stretching back to teen volunteer days, my nursing degree, the pastoral ministries master’s program I was completing, and a need to move closer to ill family members. I had experienced first hand what a difference chaplains (or their absence) made in the lives of patients and staff, and knew I had unique gifts to share.

What do you get from NACC?

NACC has offered not only a credentialing process, but also friendships, networking, and educational opportunities. I treasure the people I have met (in person or by teleconference), especially in the chaplain certification interview process. We have been blessed with some incredible leadership and staff. The conference speakers and workshops have opened new horizons and given stimulation to those famous growth edges. Finally, maintaining Catholic identity as a chaplain organization is even more important because my current state is only 2-3% Catholic.

Why do you volunteer?

Service is in my genes. My parents have both set an example of volunteerism and activity within church, community, and profession. I began volunteering as a young teenager and have never stopped. What have you learned from volunteering? For ten years, I was an executive with a large national nonprofit organization responsible for recruiting, training, motivating and inspiring volunteers. Then I was told, “People work for people, not organizations.” I didn’t necessarily agree at the time, but have since realized it is a both/and reality.

What do volunteers need?

A volunteer is able to give to others because of the support they receive from their family, friends, and work organization. As an association, we need to better formally recognize that support, especially of the employers who generously allow us to share time and resources.Whether it is by naming their employer in Vision and conference materials, or letters to employers, or other ways, they need more recognition!

 

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