Issue #244 – March 13, 2017

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

NACC

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
2. Welcome to our new NACC members who joined us in February!
3. Member news!
4. Death of two members
5. Vision: Cooperation vs. collaboration: A black Lab explains
6. Interviewers needed
7. New NACC Member Engagement Survey will be coming this week!
8. Upcoming NACC networking calls in later 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. Request: Are you using or have you done research on utilizing Eucharistic Ministers for basic spiritual screening?
10. Stories on finding love again
11. NACC Local Event in Chicago, March 31, 2017
12. Resources/links sent by members
13. Healing Tree: a request for prayers
14. Recent job postings

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
We can’t get away from the harsh, cruel, and horrible reality of the crucifixion. So many diverse depictions of that scene have been done in paintings, sculptors, and even movies. There seems to be an insatiable need to find another way to express how horrible that suffering was. Is it to impress upon us just what Jesus suffered, or also what we have come to know in our lifetime about the inhumanity of human-inflicted suffering in all forms? Is it not only “it was that bad” for Jesus, but also “it is really that bad” today? Images of atrocities newsreel before us through every media, and we see our humanity, our brothers and sisters, victims of suffering.

I found myself reflecting on this again as yesterday’s Gospel, Matthew’s version of the Transfiguration, was given us to consider. We all remember that the Transfiguration accounts were among the few events found in all three Synoptic gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36), as well as potentially intimated in John’s gospel (John 1:14) and referred to again in 2 Peter (1:16–18). And, of course, we know that it is considered a type of prefiguration of the cross; God’s glory revealed here in the Transfiguration will be hidden (except to eyes of faith), but just as present in the crucifixion.

When I go back to that point, it makes me reflect on the longings and words of the three apostles and wonder how to imitate them in encounters with sufferings I might experience myself? In the face of my own or another’s suffering, can I find myself whispering in my heart, “Lord, is it good that I am here, and I want to be here and stay here?” In those moments, can I view the other or myself who is undergoing suffering, and believe the words of the voice from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”? In those moments, is the other or I the beloved in whom God is well pleased, and can I be attentive to what I hear in those moments? Or as that suffering leads me to fear and potential immobility, can I experience what those disciples did? “But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” (Mt. 17:5-7)

If the Transfiguration story provided us a glimpse of God’s glory and offered us insights into who God would be for us in the Crucifixion, I wonder if perhaps it also offers us a way of being, believing and responding in the midst of suffering or being with those in suffering. Are we open to the desire to being and remaining there? Are we open in those moments to believing they and we are the beloved? Are we open to being touched by God’s gentle assurance that allays our fear?

I share again one of my favorite prayers that is a daily mantra for me: the late David Fleming’s modern translation of the Anima Christi.

Blessings on your Lenten journey as we walk in the shadow of the cross,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. Welcome to our new NACC members who joined us in February!

Full Members
Rev. Casmir Dike MSP (San Antonio, TX)
Mr. Michael W. Dixon (Phoenix, AZ)
Mrs. Janet Hutchison (Brookline, MA)
Mr. Nicholas J. Jordan (Glendale, CA)
Rev. Fr. Siju Kuriakose (Beverly Hills, CA)
Ms. Jennifer K. Luse (Phoenix, AZ)

Student Members
Mr. Patrick W. De Laurentiis (Newport News, VA)
Mrs. Deborah A. DeMasse-Snell (Knoxville, TN)
Ms. Roberta M. Lewis-Barton (Grand Rapids, MI)
Ms. Kelly McCarthy (Buffalo Grove, IL)

Associate Member
Rev. Charles M. Morris (Detroit, MI)

3. Member news!

• Our NACC member Peggy Nixdorf was named Director of Pastoral Care at both Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center and Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
  patch.com/new-york/westislip/good-samaritan-hospital-promotes-two-employees

4. Death of two members
In this past week we learned of the deaths of two of our members. May God grant them the fullness of joy and peace!

• Constance M. Giampaolo, BCC, joined NACC in 2003 and was board certified in 2012. She died March 5, 2017. She was most recently chaplain and spiritual care director at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County. Care at www.theintell.com/obituaries/bct/constance-m-giampaolo/article_2862baa7-e9c4-56c2-a74f-276996bc03b2.html
• Diane Cardinal, BCC, joined NACC in 1982, was certified in 1990, and retired from NACC in 2000. She served as Catholic chaplain at Hartford Hospital and as director of pastoral care at Hospital for Special Care in New Britain. Prior to chaplaincy she worked as a prison counselor. www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=diane-l-cardinal&pid=184325921

5. Vision: Cooperation vs. collaboration: A black Lab explains.
Mary T. O’Neill, DMin, BCC-S, Chair of the NACC Board of Directors, explains how her black Lab, Tara, helped her to elucidate the difference between cooperation and collaboration among partners. To read more in the current issue of Vision, click below.
www.nacc.org/vision/march-april-2017/cooperation-vs-collaboration-black-lab-explains

6. Interviewers Needed – May 20 & 21, 2017 Certification
We need one experienced and one new interviewer in Omaha, NE for the Spring Certification interviews. We also need about five experienced interviewers to interview in Torrance, CA. If you are available, please contact Ramona Zeb at rzeb@nacc.org. Thank you for your willingness to serve!

7. Upcoming NACC networking calls in later March
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.

• 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 10:30 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
• Tuesday, March 29, 2017 at 2 pm CT – New Members (rescheduled)
• Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 2 pm CT – Student Members

8. 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)

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. Request: Are you using or have you done research on utilizing Eucharistic Ministers for basic spiritual screening
NACC member Rick Bauer is working with and training some volunteer Eucharistic Ministers to be able to provide basic screening for spiritual distress in an inpatient setting. For example, patients seen by a Eucharistic Minister might need follow-up by either a priest or a chaplain. Rick seeks to learn if anyone else has been doing something similar or has data or information from research on this. Please contact Rick directly at richardbauermm@me.com.

10. Request: Stories on finding love again
Our NACC member, Judy Esway, MA, BCC, CT, is writing a book on finding love again after the death of a long-time spouse, especially when it comes unexpectedly. If anyone has a story to share, she would appreciate hearing from you. Please send to: judyesway03@gmail.com.

11. 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).

12. Resources/links sent by members

• The 2017 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, June 5-8, Azusa, California.
  Registration is now open for the 2017 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, to be held June 5-8, hosted collaboratively by Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary.
  This 8th Summer Institute features plenary speakers from three faith traditions (Christian, Muslim and Jewish, including Joni Eareckson Tada, Brian Brock, Suheil Laher, Miguel Romero, Rabbi Brad Artson and Jacob Artson, and Monica Coleman), more than 30 workshops, a symposium for current PhD students, a Monday program designed to enable participation by clergy and laity in the area, a Tuesday evening discussion on mental illness and faith communities with Kay Warren from the Saddleback Church, moderated by John Swinton, and a Wednesday evening showing of Messengers of Hope, a film produced by APU faculty member Paul Shrier that is related to ministry and the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles last year. Other Summer Institute faculty who will be involved this year include Amos Yong, Hans Reinders, Erik Carter and Bill Gaventa.

  The Registration page at Fuller links you to the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability website, with more information on the program, planning suggestions for travel, lodging, logistics and scholarships, and more complete program information. The best way to keep up with news about the Summer Institute and information/resources for people interested in this area of study and ministry is by liking our Facebook Page. The Summer Institute on Theology and Disability is affiliated with the national Collaborative on Faith and Disability.

• You might find very useful the CHA Lenten Reflection Podcasts:
  https://www.facebook.com/catholichealthassociation/?fref=nf

13. 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. Marie V. Janousek CSJ, 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. Romona Nowak, OP, 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, Jim and Frances Castello, 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).

14. 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.

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

CHAPLAIN – Full Time – Day Shifts (4 days, 10 hours)
Reno, Nevada – St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center