Issue #243 – February 27, 2017

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

NACC

1. Executive Director’s Reflection*
2. You can view/read NACC 2017 World Day of the Sick letter to all US Bishops!*
3. Member news!*
4. New NACC Member Engagement Survey is coming in March!*
5. The new Vision issue theme is Collaborate, Cooperate, Co-Create: The NACC and its partnerships*
6. 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

7. NACC Local Event in Chicago, March 31, 2017*
8. Resources/links sent by members*
9. Healing Tree: a request for prayer*
10. Recent job postings*

 

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
I was born into a home parented by two worriers. I would watch the Chicago Cubs with Dad. Cubs would be up four runs in the ninth inning, and Dad would still worry that the Cubs would lose. OK, I guess, worrying about the Cubs of the ’50s-’60s was not a good example of unjustified worry! At least Ernie Banks thought it was a great day for the Cubs! How about us worrying about the Packers of the ’60s losing? That’s a better example! Mom taught us how to develop and be concerned about the worst-case scenarios of every decision! That one was deeply instilled; it is a well-honed ability still operative today! I loved and still deeply love both Dad and Mom, but that gift of worry is an example for me of what original sin is; we pass on to the next generation our vices as well as our virtues! So it takes me quite a while to let yesterday’s readings sink into my soul as deep as that inherited wart of worry!

What comes to mind and heart for you when you read, Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you? (Is. 49:15) I think about how many of those for whom we care struggle with abandonment issues of some form and worry whether God cares, and need to experience the I will never forget you. Then how often were we the one who embodied that never forget as the resident’s eyes look into ours, communicated with surprise and wonder, “You remembered!” Reflect on how we personified in that moment, l will never forget you! Did we not also embody in that moment St. Paul’s statement: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God? (I Cor.4:1) As the servant of that moment, were we not being stewards of God’s mystery of I will never forget you?

How many times have we used with another the verses of the psalm, With God is my safety and my glory, he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him? (Ps. 62:8-9) How many times has someone we cared for thanked us for being their place of safety, of refuge, and source of strength because they could pour out their hearts to us with trust? Did we not embody there St. Paul’s statement: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God? As the servant of that moment, were we not being stewards of God’s mystery of being safety, trust, and strength?

How many times did we hold a hand, steady a shoulder, embrace a tearful other, and through our compassionate silence communicate the deep sentiment of: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. (Mt. 6:25) As you felt that person sink into your comforting presence, breathe more slowly, and let out that deep sigh, were you not embodying St. Paul’s statement: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God? As the servant of that moment, were you not being a steward of God’s mystery of your heavenly Father knows that you need, and will he not much more provide for you?

And so it goes, doesn’t it? Isn’t it amazing how those moments of mystery in ministry where we are invited to be stewards of the mysteries of God invite us in turn to embrace that truth of God’s word for us, and to enjoy the gentle cajoling by God to recognize and face our own ongoing need of God redeeming us of whatever we have inherited that can get in the way of trusting, letting go, and hearing deep in our soul I will never forget you. Perhaps some good direction for our Lenten journey?

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

 

2. You can view/read NACC 2017 World Day of the Sick letter to all US Bishops! *
You can access 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. This year’s and past WDS letters and materials (since 2011) are located at the bottom of the NACC webpage of the NACC Episcopal Advisory Council at www.nacc.org/about-nacc/leadership/episcopal-advisory-council

 

3. Member news!*

• Enjoy a lovely article on our NACC member, Deacon Ken Potzman in the St. Louis Review.
  stlouisreview.com/article/2017-01-19/deacons-meet-christ
• Learn about a recent research contribution by our NACC member, Chuck Sidoti, BCC:
  Last year, NACC member Chuck Sidoti, BCC, was invited to participate, along with a few Cleveland Clinic physicians, in a research project. The project eventually led to a presentation and co-authoring an article, “Palliative care for patients with end-stage renal disease: approach to treatment that aims to improve quality of life and relieve suffering for patients (and families) with chronic illnesses” in the medical journal, Clinical Kidney Journal (CKJ). Congratulations, Chuck! You can access the article here:
  https://academic.oup.com/ckj/article/10/1/68/2703135/Palliative-care-for-patients-with-end-stage-renal

 

4. New NACC Member Engagement Survey is Coming in March! *
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.

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

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.

Materials
Results of 2012 NACC Member Poll (MS PowerPoint presentation)
New NACC Member Engagement Survey is Coming (MS Word version of this post)

 

5. Vision: Collaborate, Cooperate, Co-Create: The NACC and its partnerships *
As David Lichter writes in the new issue of Vision: “The NACC’s mission is to advocate for and support the healing ministry of Jesus — but we cannot do it alone. A day does not go by when we are not working in partnership with others to fulfill that mission, sharing our unique gifts with those of other organizations to produce a greater whole.”
Read more in the latest issue — published today!

 

6. 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.

• 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 – contact mbarragry@nacc.org
• 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, 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, 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, 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/

 

7. NACC Local Event in Chicago, March 31, 2017 *
We are pleased to announce a local education event that will be held at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois (near O’Hare Airport) on March 31, 2017. The theme for the event, which will be presented by Rev. William P. Grogan, is: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Catholic Identity and Healthcare Reform (Practical Update and Implications of the Illinois Healthcare Right of Conscience Act). For more information, and to register for this event, please visit our website at this link: March 31 local gathering.
If you would like to consider hosting and helping plan an NACC local event, please contact Andris Kursietis (akursietis@nacc.org).

 

8. Resources/Links *

• An NACC member alerted us to this article in the Wall Street Journal on the use of communication boards in spiritual care. chaplainsreport.com/2017/02/22/spiritual-communication-boards-for-the-critically-ill-wall-street-journal/#more-927
• You might find very useful the CHA Lenten Reflection Podcasts:
  www.facebook.com/catholichealthassociation/?fref=nf
• Meditating with Icons: A healing ancient prayer form (Authors: John P. Stangle BCC, Chaplain, and Jean Kavanaugh LMHC, Psychotherapist)

 

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, 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. Marie V. Janousek CSJ, 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 postings *
The following positions have been posted recently on our Positions Available page.
For more information go to www.nacc.org/resources/positions.

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

DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Rockville Centre, New York – Mercy Medical Center

DIRECTOR of SPIRITUAL CARE
Portage, WI – Divine Savior Healthcare

CHAPLAIN – Full Time or On Call
Milwaukee & Racine, WI – Ascension Healthcare