Issue #242 – February 13, 2017

Click here to return to the main NACC Now page.

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

NACC

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
2. NACC sends 2017 World Day of the Sick letter to all US Bishops! *
3. Welcome January 2017 new members to NACC!
4. Learned recently of the death of our former member, Mary T. O’Connor.
5. New NACC Member Engagement Survey is Coming!
6. Last call! DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2017 – Initial Certification and Advanced Certification for Hospice Palliative Chaplain Application *
7. From Vision: Rituals help patients and family mark turning points *
8. Upcoming NACC networking calls in late February/March *

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

For news and information on our 2017 National Conference, go to:
www.nacc.org/conference

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

For information on our NACC 2017 Webinar Series, please go to:
www.nacc.org/education-resources/nacc-webinars-and-audio-conferences

9. Healing Tree: a request for prayers *
10. Recent job postings *

 

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
OK, yesterday’s readings, which included the Sermon on the Mount, were tough to reflect on. I find the ones on law and spirit, and expecting behavior beyond the norm always tough. It’s like, “What do you really expect, Lord?” The two phrases that caught me this time were “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.5:20) and “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” (Mt.5:37)’

I think about all our efforts to define competencies for the profession and hold up a professional code of ethics, both of which are so important to our ministry and profession. How daily we strive to live by standards of practice for our profession, and complete our continuing education to improve our practice, and exemplify what good spiritual care and chaplaincy are. I think about our completing performance reviews, assessing our work, and seeking best practices to follow. All of these are so important. Then there is the Sermon on the Mount and its language of “surpassing” and the call to integrity and trust – let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’.

While all the structures, practices, and expectations, mentioned in the prior paragraph, are important and need to be part of our profession, I think about all the ways daily you and I are challenged to “surpass” or called beyond the expectations of the practice to be present to vulnerable humanity in ways we did not practice, but require of us at that moment an interior spontaneity marked by integrity and generosity to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to what we are encountering. The unrehearsed moment for ministry that calls us to exemplify the beatitudes, the going beyond the professional expectation, and answer the call for a moment of integrity and compassion.

We even wonder where our response came from, but we are humbled by that moment of graceful humanity that was evoked from us. And those to whom we minister felt the blessing of being seen as blessed in their vulnerability and brokenness because of us.

In those moments, we are not looking around for leading practices or a performance review; we just are stunned by the sacredness of that encounter in which we were summoned to surpass the expected practice to touch humanity at the deepest level of dignity and worth. What a grace that is!

Blessings,
David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

 

2. NACC sends 2017 World Day of the Sick letter to all US Bishops!
Today NACC Executive Director, David Lichter, sent this year’s 2017 World Day of the Sick letter to all US Bishops thanking them for their support of our NACC members, and providing them updates on NACC and the chaplaincy ministry. You can access this year’s and past WDS letters and materials (since 2011) at the bottom of the NACC webpage of the NACC Episcopal Advisory Council. www.nacc.org/about-nacc/leadership/episcopal-advisory-council

 

3. Welcome January 2017 new members to NACC!
Please join us in welcoming our new NACC members who joined us in January!

Full Members
Rev. William A. Bartoul (Northport, NY)
Sr. Margaret T. Culloty (Stickney, IL)
Deacon Thomas J. Driscoll Jr. (Lodi, CA)
Chaplain Leticia M. Garcia (McAllen, TX)
Rev. Francis T. Htun (San Francisco, CA)
Mr. Gavan F. Meehan (Shelton, CT)
Mr. Kevin J. Pike (Columbus, OH)
Ms. Rebecca A. Scherrer (Dayton, OH)
Rev. Peter C. Ugoagwu (Tarrytown, NY)
Mr. Ernesto V. Vargas Chavez (Oak Forest, IL)

Student Members
Mrs. Loreen L. Bell (Tacoma, WA)
Ms. Sheri B. Browne (Nashville, TN)
Mrs. Melinda K. Desmarais (Osceola, WI)
Ms. Maryann P. T. Hobbie (South Orange, NJ)
Mrs. Christina V. Medina (Alpharetta, GA)

 

4. Learned recently of the death of our former member, Mary T. O’Connor.
We just recently learned of the death of our former member, Mary T. O’Connor who joined NACC in 1993, was board certified in 1995, and remained an NACC member until her death on June 4, 2014. The November-December 1998 issue of Vision included an article on her imaginative and creative use of photographs in her ministry to help patients/clients trigger stories and feelings. You can access this article here: Ministry of Healing through Photographs by Mary T O’Connor (Vision Nov-Dec 1998). And her obituary here: www.legacy.com/obituaries/southofboston-ledger/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=171290167

The article refers to a book of photographs published by Mary. Becky Evans, Mary’s longtime friend, was kind enough to scan a portion of her copy of the book so we could share it here:
Revised Mary T photo book

 

5. New NACC Member Engagement Survey is Coming! *
In late 2012, nearly 800 NACC members took the time to share your thoughtful responses to a member survey—an extraordinary response rate! Those responses were carefully reviewed and have helped drive association initiatives and direction for the past five years. As we get ready to launch a new survey in a few months, we want to offer a refresher on the results of our 2012 results, to share with you how that information has been integrated, and finally, to offer a preview of plans to utilize the results from our new survey. Click here for more information

As we prepare for our 2017 survey, we are eager to learn if many of the issues raised in 2012 are still pressing:
• Are the State Liaison and current local gatherings meeting the need?
• The landscape of chaplaincy is changing: how do members wish us to respond to these changes?

We hope to hear new voices and identify emerging leaders—is there something you are passionate about? Are you willing to lend your voice to a specific area or issue? Might you be interested in serving on a Member Engagement Task Force to help ensure that survey results are carried through?

2012 Survey Results
❯ Who responded?
Of those who responded, 77% were Board Certified Chaplains, though nearly 50% had been an NACC member for less than ten years.
❯ Awareness of NACC Events and Resources
Over 70% of respondents had participated in a national conference—and well over 85% had found that experience valuable. Nearly all were aware of NACC resources (audio conferences, NACC website, local events, National Conference, NACC Now and Vision, networking calls) and overall found these to be useful resources—though many suggestions were offered as to strategies to improve and strengthen these tools.

Free Response Questions
The heart of the survey was three “free response” questions which invited members to share their thoughts. The three questions were:
❯ “I remain a member of the NACC because…”
While there were (literally!) hundreds of different responses, several themes emerged:

• Members placed high value on certification and the credibility a national organization offers. Respondents indicated that they believed that these make them more employable as well. (268 total).
• The collegiality and support of other members, especially other Catholic chaplains, was strongly valued. Members appreciated the opportunities for networking and connection (138).
• Conferences, articles, information, educational opportunities and the ability to learn about best practices and new trends were valued (120).
• Many expressed great pride in the NACC as a well-run organization with strong leadership and staff (70).
• Finally, our Catholic Identity matters (78).

❯ “What would make NACC membership more valuable to you?”

• Twelve+ years after the organization shifted from a regional structure, members still felt strongly that there was a gap between the national structure and members, and expressed a need for a more robust local structure with local gatherings (95).
• Second to that expressed need was the desire to receive a hard copy of Vision in the mail (21). With members aging, an online resource was not considered “user friendly.” In addition, many expressed a desire for easier access to Vision—it is often completely missed!
• Perhaps related to the two previous values of connection/support and education, was the desire for more online opportunities for education and connection (39).
• Costs of travel and conferences were mentioned as a concern as many chaplains must fund these out of their own (shallow) pockets (15).
• Finally, in several ways, members indicated that they wanted to be involved and just needed an invitation (14+).

❯ “What I most appreciate about the NACC…”
The response rate for this question was much lower and answers more diffuse. Responses seemed to already be reflected in the previous questions. Most common responses included:

• Conferences/educational opportunities
• NACC E-Newsletter
• Networking & colleagues
• Leadership and staff
• Support

New NACC Member Engagement Survey is Coming.docx

How survey information was integrated into NACC

(1) Work was done to strengthen and increase support for Local events and the State Liaison structure. This work continues.
(2) The Vision is made available in hard copy for any member who requests it.
(3) Networking calls have expanded, with almost 20 groups connecting regularly. These include Age 45 and under, Correctional Chaplains, Deacons, Long Term Care, Palliative Care/Hospice, One Person Departments, Directors of Spiritual Care Departments—plus many others.
(4) The survey information informed the ongoing work of the NACC strategic plan’s Goals I, II, and IV work on professional development, strengthening the awareness of chaplaincy, and member engagement, especially leading up to the NACC 50th Anniversary in 2015.
(5) New task forces, such as research, were added.

 

6. Last call! DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2017 – Initial Certification and Advanced Certification for Hospice Palliative Chaplain Application

Please note the deadline for application binders is this Wednesday, February 15, 2017. If you have any questions or would like informational materials on initial or advanced certification, please contact Ramona Zeb at rzeb@nacc.org or call (414)483-4898 Ext. 304. Please keep our applicants and those considering Board Certification in your prayers.

 

7. From Vision: Rituals help patients and family mark turning points
Using a basic template for ritual, with room for variation, can greatly help families process the loss of a loved one. In the latest issue of Vision, Linda Piotrowski describes how chaplains can create simple but meaningful rituals for survivors.
www.nacc.org/vision/january-february-2017/rituals-help-patients-family-mark-turning-points

 

8. Upcoming NACC networking calls in late February/March
If you wish to participate on any of these calls and are not already on that particular call list, please contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org.
• Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11 am CT – NACC Ambassadors
• Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 11 am CT – Palliative Care/Hospice
• Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Behavioral Health Settings
• Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 3 pm CT – Spiritual Care Directors
• Wednesday, March 1 2017 at 1:30 pm CT – African Members
• Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 10 am CT – Correctional Settings
• Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Deacon Members
• Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10 am CT – CPE Supervisors
• Monday, March 6, 2017 at 11 am CT – Hispanic/Bilingual Members
• Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 10 am CT – Integrative Health Settings
• Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Canadian Members
• Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Long Term Care Settings
• Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 2 pm CT – New Members OR
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 10 am CT
• Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Nurse Chaplains
• Friday, March 17, 2017 at 10 am CT – One Person Department
• Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 3 pm CT – Retired/Emeritus OR
Friday, March 24, 2017 at 10 am CT
• Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11 am CT – Palliative Care/Hospice
• Monday, March 27, 2017 at 2 pm CT – State Liaison OR
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10 am CT
• Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Members Under 45
• Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Student Members

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

For news and information on our 2017 National Conference, go to:
www.nacc.org/conference

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

For information on our NACC 2017 Webinar Series, please go to:
www.nacc.org/education-resources/nacc-webinars-and-audio-conferences

 

9. 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: Chaplain Marga Halala, Ginny Conron (recovery and healing from breast cancer), Fr. Jude Nwachukwu (on the unexpected death of his sister on New Year’s Eve), Frances Langdon (wife of member Jerry Kaelin: prayerful thanks for successful cancer surgery, an experience of realized eschatology this Advent), Sr. Ramona Nowak, OP, Charlotte Leas (on the death of her 97-year-old Mother, Bernyce Paltani), Sr. MariaTheresa Hronec, Sr. Mary Thecla Kuhnline, Fr. Jim Radde, SJ, 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, 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, Susan Balling, Maria Meneses, Sister M. Dianna Hell, Betty and Louis Skonieczny, Thomas Smiley (brother of member Diane Smiley), Marga Halala, Glenn and Pat Teske, Sr. Mary Clare Boland, SP, Gloria Troxler, and Kelly Elizabeth Sexton (daughter of NACC member Melyssa Sexton).

 

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

ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST – CHAPLAIN (Full Time Days)
Albany, New York – St. Peter’s Hospital

FULL-TIME CHAPLAIN OPPORTUNITY
Redding, California – Mercy Medical Center Redding

SUPERVISOR – PASTORAL CARE
Lincoln, Nebraska – CHI Health

CHAPLAIN
Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Avera McKennan Hospital & University Center

CPE STUDENT
Boise, Idaho – St. Luke’s Health System

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

CHAPLAIN – PER DIEM
Worcester, Massachusetts – Notre Dame Long Term Care Center

SPIRITUAL CARE MINISTER – 32 hours a week
Green Bay, WI – St Vincent Hospital

CPE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND LEARNING
La Crosse, WI – Gundersen Health System

SPIRITUAL CARE STAFF CHAPLAIN
Carroll, Iowa – St. Anthony Regional Hospital & Nursing Home

DIRECTOR of PASTORAL CARE and MISSION
Waterville, Maine – Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation

ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Towson, Maryland – University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center

CPE RESIDENCY
Torrance and San Pedro. CA – Providence Health & Services, California Center for CPE

CPE RESIDENCY
Burbank, Tarzana, and Santa Monica, CA – Providence Health & Services, California Center for CPE

MAYO CLINIC CPE
Rochester, Minnesota

PASTORAL CARE – Part-Time, Days
Palos Heights, IL – Palos Health