Issue #237 – November 28, 2016

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(Items marked with a * are new or updated items)

NACC

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
2. Can you help NACC meet its Annual Member Campaign Goal? *
3. Upcoming NACC networking calls in late November/December *
4. Being called to minister in a psychiatric prison hospital *
5. Shop at Smile.Amazon.com and help NACC! *

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

6. Registration for the NACC 2017 Conference coming soon! *
7. Conference Schedule can be accessed. *
8. What do you know about NACC 2017 Conference plenary speaker Dr. Raymond Reyes, who is speaking on Monday, May 1, 2017?
9. Make your reservations at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, for our April 28 – May 1, 2017 NACC Conference!

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

10. Don’t miss the final 2016 NACC Webinar on Chaplaincy and the Ritual Ministry! *
11. Act Now! Deadline, this coming Friday, December 5, for audio conference/webinar proposals for presentation in 2017 *
12. Still seeking position descriptions for chaplains working in outpatient settings *
13. Request: Still seeking samples of pastoral care training programs for Raskob planning *
14. Solidarity Bridge seeks Mission Team Chaplains for Medical Missions in Bolivia.
15. Healing Tree: a request for prayers *
16. Recent job postings *

 

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
Going into this past Thanksgiving weekend, I went back to one of my favorite authors on gratefulness, Brother David Steindl-Rast, who celebrated his 90th birthday this past July.

Here are three links you might enjoy.

• Quotes on gratitude: http://www.spreadinggratituderocks.com/brother-david-quotes
• A Wonderful TED talk by him: https://www.ted.com/talks/david_steindl_rast_want_to_be_happy_be_grateful
• And his gratefulness website: http://gratefulness.org/brother-david/about-brother-david/

Here are some of his quotes that struck me:

“A lifetime may not be long enough to attune ourselves fully to the harmony of the universe. But just to become aware that we can resonate with it — that alone can be like waking up from a dream.”

“Gratefulness is at the very heart of the spirituality of every religion.”

“The essence of being grateful is accepting what is.”

“Being grateful is being in the now. That may seem obvious, but we need to remind ourselves. Whatever is, is now. If is was, it is not now.”

“So I wish that you can open your heart to all these blessings, and let them flow through you. Then everyone whom you will meet on this day will be blessed by you. Just by your eyes, by your smile, by your touch. Just by your presence. Let the gratefulness overflow into blessing all around you. And then, it will really be, a good day

“When we are grateful we are always in the present moment. We are grateful now.”

As I was reflecting on this practice of being grateful and being awake and present to gratefulness, two verses from yesterday’s reading from the First Sunday of Advent struck me. The first verse was from Isaiah (2:5): “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” The second was from the Gospel of Matthew (24:42), “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matt. 24:42

I began to reflect on walking in the light and staying awake, and the gift of gratitude. Is gratitude one of the practices and gifts of Advent? Being in the moment of gratitude, being awake to the gift of blessings, walking in the light of the truth of Maranatha – God with us?

I found these words about gratefulness as blessing present to me today:

So I wish that you can open your heart to all these blessings, and let them flow through you. Then everyone whom you will meet on this day will be blessed by you. Just by your eyes, by your smile, by your touch. Just by your presence. Let the gratefulness overflow into blessing all around you. And then, it will really be, a good day.

When I read these words, I could only think of the gift of your ministry, of chaplaincy, as such a gift you give each person you encounter every day. Perhaps wakefulness of the blessings of each day and the practice of gratitude are the hidden gifts of our ministry? Does your gratefulness in the moment draw others to be in the moment with you that gives them the calm to meet their challenges?

I wonder… and I am grateful for you and your ministry.

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

 

2. Can you help NACC meet its Annual Member Campaign Goal?
We are deeply appreciative to our members who have been able to contribute to our 2016 Annual Member Campaign. Our 2016 goal is $52,000, and we are at $49,561.77. In the past two years we have been able to meet and exceed our goal. If you have not yet contributed, and can do so, please help us reach this year’s goal! With deep gratitude for your generosity. www.nacc.org/donate

 

3. Upcoming NACC networking calls in late November/December
If you wish to participate on any of these calls and are not already on that particular call list, please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org).

• Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. CT or Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. CT – New Members
• Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. CT – New Members
• Monday, December 5, 2016 at 2 p.m. CT or Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 11 a.m. CT – State Liaison Members
• Monday, December 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. CT or Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 2 p.m. CT – Retired and Emeritus Members
• Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. CT – CPE Supervisors
• Monday, December 12, 2016 at 2 p.m. CT – Deacon Members
• Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. CT – Under 45 Members
• Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 3 p.m. CT – One-Person Department Members
• Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. CT – Palliative/Hospice Care Members

 

4. Being called to minister in a psychiatric prison hospital
Despite the challenges and the drawbacks, Peg Newman feels called to minister in a psychiatric prison hospital. In the new issue of Vision, she discusses her work with men who are struggling to cope with their mental illness, and sometimes, the memory of their own actions.
www.nacc.org/vision/november-december-2016/prison-worship-helps-cope-mental-illness

 

5. Shop at Smile.Amazon.com and help NACC!
During the upcoming Christmas season remember to shop at smile.amazon.com and a portion of what you spend will be donated to the NACC!

#StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1368967

Please note: the link smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1368967 will take you directly to the NACC charity page. To find us by searching at smile.amazon.com, search for “catholic chaplains” (not “NACC” or “National Association of Catholic Chaplains”) and you’ll find us in the list.

 

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

6. Registration for the NACC 2017 Conference coming soon!
Have your calendars marked! The 2017 Conference Registration Flyer will be mailed later this week. This flyer contains much of the key information regarding our 2017 conference, and all other detailed information (like workshop descriptions) will be found on the NACC website. The conference webpages are a “one-stop shop” for all conference-related information. Can’t find something you are looking for? Email us at conference@nacc.org and we will be happy to help.

 

7. Conference Schedule can be accessed.
Visit the NACC website to view the 2017 conference schedule. www.nacc.org/conference/schedule

 

8. What do you know about NACC 2017 Conference plenary speaker Dr. Raymond Reyes, who is speaking on Monday, May 1, 2017?
Dr. Raymond Reyes currently serves as the Associate Academic Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and has been with Gonzaga University since 1987. Dr. Reyes has a deep, rich background in education and cultural diversity, and has published numerous articles and chapters in books on topics such as: leadership theology, program evaluation, diversity and equity, and storytelling. He has also provided consultation and professional development assistance to hospitals, government agencies and corporations. You can read his letter as the Director of the Office of Intercultural Relations at http://www.gonzaga.edu/academics/diversity/letter-from-director.asp. For more about Dr. Reyes, go to https://connect.gonzaga.edu/reyes.

 

9. Make your reservations at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, for our April 28 – May 1, 2017 NACC Conference!
The April 28 – May 1, 2017 Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, just outside Albuquerque. It is in a beautiful setting ideal for our conference.
Visit the NACC website to find out more about the hotel and how to make a reservation.

 

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

10. Don’t miss the final 2016 NACC Webinar on Chaplaincy and the Ritual Ministry!

 

11. Act Now! Deadline, this coming Friday, December 5, for audio conference/webinar proposals for presentation in 2017
The NACC is in the process of planning its 2017 audio conference/webinar schedule, and would like to invite you to submit an application to present a webinar next year. NACC audio conferences/webinars (hereafter referred to as webinars) are usually held on the second or third Thursday of each month of the year, excluding the month in which the NACC National Conference falls. Each webinar is scheduled for 90 minutes (including a 15-20 minute Q&A session after the presentation itself), starting at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. All webinars are recorded, and therefore the presenter(s) will be required to sign a consent form to that effect.

Below is a suggested list of topics that the NACC Education Advisory Panel thought would be of interest to NACC members in our 2017 webinar series:

• Self-care/compassion fatigue
• Moral distress (perhaps related to veterans and family-related issues with returning veterans, to be presented around 9/11 or Veterans Day)
• Mental health
• Dementia and growing older
• Neo-natal care
• Crisis care relating to adverse childhood experiences

If you are interested in presenting a NACC webinar in 2017 on one of the above topics (or if you have a suggestion for a different topic), please complete the application form and return it to the NACC national office (akursietis@nacc.org) by December 5, 2016. Submissions will be reviewed and decisions made by December 19, 2016, at which time you will be notified of the results.

 

12. Still seeking position descriptions for chaplains working in outpatient settings
NACC hosts a regular networking call among those who are working in outpatient settings. The group seeks any examples you might have of position descriptions which include outpatient setting services. If you have any such position descriptions, please send to Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org). We will gladly share descriptions we receive with those who contribute. Thank you.

 

13. Request: still seeking samples of pastoral care training programs for Raskob planning
As you know, the NACC hosted in October a meeting: Partners in Planning for Pastoral Care Ministry (www.nacc.org/nacc-now/nacc-now-233/#6). Now the partners are working in groups for diverse settings (elder care, criminal justice, parish settings, immigration/migration/refugee, preparing deacons) to further identify competencies for pastoral care and programs providing formation for those (paid or volunteers) providing pastoral care in those settings. If you have or know of those who have formation/training programs for those providing pastoral care training for any of those above-mentioned settings and are willing to share your program with these working groups, please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) regarding your program. Thank you in advance.

 

14. Solidarity Bridge seeks Mission Team Chaplains for Medical Missions in Bolivia.
Solidarity Bridge (SB), together with their partner organization Puente de Solidaridad (PdS), trains and equips medical communities in Bolivia, empowering them to provide high-complexity surgery and other health care for those living in poverty. Their year-round medical programs have grown out of partnerships between U.S. and Latin American medical personnel who are committed to serving the poor.

At the invitation of Bolivian hospitals, SB Medical Mission Teams include US doctors and nurses who work alongside Bolivian medical professionals in an effort to build solidarity as they treat patients together and grow through the encounter. SB mission trip training and equipping in turn supports local, year-round medical programs in General Surgery, Gynecologic Surgery, Heart Surgery and Neurosurgery.

Solidarity Bridge’s Mission Team Chaplain provides pastoral care to patients, families and their religiously diverse mission team while offering the mission team opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. Mission trips occur at various times throughout the year and are typically ten days in length.

Click here to see the job description
For more information, contact Megan Kennedy-Farrell, Senior Director of Mission and Identity at megan@solidaritybridge.org or (847)328-7748. Website: www.solidaritybridge.org

 

15. Healing Tree: a request for prayers
Please let us know if you would like our membership to pray for your health and healing. We will leave the person’s name on the Healing Tree list for three months, unless you ask us to remove your or the person’s name earlier. You can always request us to leave the name on longer.

We continue to pray for: Sr. MariaTheresa Hronec, Sr. Mary Thecla Kuhnline, Fr. Jim Radde, SJ, Mary Smiley (mother of member Diane Smiley), Mason Richter, Shane Rebholtz, Rosemary Benya BCC, Sr. Nancy Beckenhauer, Linda Dickey, Marilyn and Chuck Silkey (sister and brother-in-law of NACC member Kathy Ponce), Dr. David Nile (Husband of recently deceased NACC member Lucy G. Nile BCC), Amy in Redwood City, CA (friend of NACC member Teresa Sullivan); Julie Bablin, The family of Dale Dewitt, Marie Coglianese, Nancy and Sheila Amrich (nieces-in-law of NACC member Sr. Paracleta Amrich), Isabelita Boquiren, Sister Patricia Watkins, GNSH, Sister Stephanie Morales, FMI, Marybeth Harmon, Susan Balling, Maria Meneses, Chaplain Julia Mary Sweeney (mourning the death of her sister, Margaret Maureen Lewis, BA Honors), Sister M. Dianna Hell, Betty and Louis Skonieczny, Jim and Frances Castello, Thomas Smiley(brother of member Diane Smiley), Marga Halala, Thomas (grandson of NACC member Ginny Grimes Allen), Elizabeth A. Walsh, Glenn and Pat Teske, Sr. Mary Clare Boland, SP, Kathy Brier (daughter of NACC member Teresa Brier), Gloria Troxler, and Kelly Elizabeth Sexton (daughter of NACC member Melyssa Sexton).

 

16. Recent job postings
The following positions have been posted recently on our Positions Available page.
For more information go to www.nacc.org/resources/positions.

CHAPLAIN
Tampa, Florida – BayCare Health System

CHAPLAIN
Milwaukee, WI – Wheaton Franciscan Health

PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Paterson, New Jersey – St. Joseph’s Healthcare System

SPIRITUAL CARE MINISTER (16 hours a week)
Green Bay, WI – St. Mary’s Hospital

CHAPLAIN, Full-Time
New Braunfels, Texas – CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital

DIRECTOR of PASTORAL CARE
Rockland and Orange Counties, New York – Bon Secours Charity Health System

FULL TIME and PER DIEM CHAPLAINS
Rockland and Orange Counties, New York – Bon Secours Charity Health System

DIRECTOR of LITURGY – .8 FTE
Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton Franciscan Sisters

SACRAMENTAL MINISTER
Wheaton, Illinois – Wheaton Franciscan Sisters

CHAPLAIN I, Full Time Benefited
Rockford, Illinois – Presence Saint Anne Center, Presence Health

CATHOLIC PRIEST (1.0 FTE)
Portland, Oregon – Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

CATHOLIC PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Atlanta, Georgia – Emory St. Joseph Hospital

For more information go to www.nacc.org/resources/positions.