Issue #284 – October 1, 2018

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

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
I was at a funeral recently of a dear lifelong friend of my wife, Jackie, and was graced with the opportunity to visit with one older woman who exuded wisdom and goodness. She related to me a particular personal challenge that she has struggled with all her life but continues to strive to be better. She commented, “Most days I really strive to improve my life and those about me, and other days not so much.” She looked up humbly with a glint of grace in her eye and spoke “other days not so much” more as a sincere confession rather than a smug resignation to things not improving. Her comment “other days not so much” has stayed with me since that day, as I think about my own personal challenges to improve and how I approach them.

So, I really appreciated hearing again yesterday’s readings that cry out, “All hands and hearts are welcomed and needed!” The reading from the Book of Numbers has Joshua insisting with Moses that he should stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying because they were not among the 70 elders who initially received the spirit. And Moses shoots back at him his ultimate desire, “If only all the people of the LORD were prophets! If only the LORD would bestow his spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29) Joshua! We need everyone to embrace God’s gift and keep us faithful to the Covenant!

Then in the Gospel of Mark (9:38-41), after John complains that that someone who was not following “us” was driving out demons in Jesus’ name, Jesus retorts, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”

These readings made me think of several instances where individuals with whom I have a hard time do something well, excellent, generous, or brilliant, and I politely acknowledge it or worse silently shrug it off rather than highlighting and celebrating the generous deed or impactful contribution!
I have had to ask myself again, “How good am I at allowing goodness and generosity flow around me? How conscious am I of my subconscious, if not deliberate, qualifiers for acceptance and encouragement that can get in the way of noticing and affirming the good when it comes from people whom I do not consider ‘one of us’?”

Then I think back on the wisdom of the woman who spoke to me. I can hear again her earnest desire to continue to grow in life until she has no more days to live. I can apply to myself this desire to grow in life to this area of my life where I can allow my history with, or perception of, someone as not “one of us” get in the way of noticing and affirming the good they do. I find myself appreciating anew her confession, “Most days I really strive to improve my life and those about me, and other days not so much.”

On those “not so much” days, I pray I too reflect “more as a sincere confession rather than a smug resignation to things not improving.” I am grateful for the Word of God that convicts and strengthens me.

How do you relate to “Most days I really strive to improve my life and those about me, and other days not so much”?

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. Welcome new NACC members who joined NACC in September! *

Please join us in welcoming all our new NACC members to joined us in September!

Full Members
Mr. Roger S. Girdwood (Tomball, TX)
Rev. Brendan J. McCarrick SAC (Wyandotte, MI)
Rev. Brent C. Nall (Sacramento, CA)
Mr. Tyler S. Whatley (Portage, WI)

Student Members
Catherine S. LeBlanc (Exeter, NH)
Eileen A. O’Shaughnessy (Minneapolis, MN)

3. Death of NACC former staff member, Tim Charek *
If anyone called the NACC Office from October 2014 until October 2016, you would have been greeted by the gentle, welcoming voice of Tim Charek. We were blessed with Tim’s presence and ministry for those two years as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary and began our preparation for our Partners in Pastoral Care Planning. Tim brought to NACC a lifetime of ministry and love for the Church, having worked for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for many years. We commend Tim to the Lord. Read more about Tim at: https://www.beckerritter.com/tributes/TimothyTim-Charek

4. Deaths of two former NACC Members *

Two former NACC members recently died.

Sr. Jane Grosheider, SC, joined the NACC in 1985, and was board certified in 1986, and remained a member of NACC until she retired in 2004. Sr. Jane died on September 19, 2018. We commend her to the Lord.
http://www.gilliganfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Sister-Jane-Grosheider-S.C./Mount-Saint-Joseph-OH/1815484

Fr. John Paczesny, BCC, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, joined the NACC in 1989, and was board certified in 1992, and remained a member until he retired in 2016. Fr. John died on September 18, 2018. We commend him to the Lord.

5. 2018 Annual Campaign Update! Thanks to those who have given! Please join them! *
We are deeply grateful to all those who have been able to give so far to our 2018 Annual Campaign. To date we have received gifts totaling $38,457 compared to gifts totaling $39,170 at this time last year. If you have not yet been able to donate, please consider doing so today or this week! Thank you!

Please note: You can also make your donation online RIGHT NOW by going to the Annual Campaign webpage (www.nacc.org/donate) or just click here to donate. Please give as you can! Blessings!

6. First Palliative Care and Hospice Action Reflection Workshop *
APC and NACC have joined forces with an alternative to an advanced certification interview. Five applicants are participating in an Action Reflection Workshop at APC to earn this advanced certification and test-run the process. Please keep the presenters and participants in your prayers. For more information on Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Certification (PCHAC) and/or the Action Reflection Workshop, please visit our website:
https://www.nacc.org/certification/palliative-care-and-hospice-advanced-certification/. You may also contact Ramona Zeb, Administrative Specialist Certification for more information at rzeb@nacc.org or (414) 483-4898 Ext. 304.

7. Thank you to our many members who are contributing to the October 20 & 21, 2018, Certification Interviews!
The National Office and many volunteers have been busy completing preparations for the October 20 & 21, 2018, certification interviews. The interviews are being held in Rockville Centre, NY; Milwaukee, WI; and Petaluma, CA. There are at least 72 people involved in the interview weekend: 26 applicants, 31 interviewers, 8 Interview Team Educators (including 2 shadow ITEs), 3 Site Coordinators, 1 Certification Commissioner-on-Call, and 3 Spiritual Support Volunteers as well as Other Volunteers. We are so thankful for all our volunteers’ hard work and dedication to the NACC Certification process! Please keep our certification applicants, and all those involved in making the weekend a success, in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for interviews.

8. In Vision: Training program lets parishes send out volunteers with confidence. *
Before a parish volunteer in the Diocese of Trenton goes out to minister to anyone, he or she must take a 30-hour training course in the basics of pastoral care. In the new issue of Vision, Deanna Sass describes how the program has improved ministry and reduced common mistakes.

9. Seeking writers for Vision: Ministry to immigrants and refugees
Our November-December issue of Vision will cover ministry to immigrants and refugees, and we would like our members’ help to put together a compelling package of stories. If you regularly work with this population and have ideas to share, please send a message to Vision editor David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org.

10. NACC Networking calls for October 2018 *
Take an hour to share your ministry with your colleagues. It is often uplifting to share concerns, ask questions or suggest resources with those who are in like ministry. If you wish to participate on any of these calls and have not already responded, please contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org for more information. Times listed are Central Time Zone.

Monday, October 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. CT ……………State Liaison Networking OR
Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 2 p.m. CT……………State Liaison Networking
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. CT………….Student Member Networking
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 2 p.m. CT ………….Deacon Chaplain Networking
Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. CT ………….Correctional Chaplains Networking

Registering for the call, even if you cannot participate, will allow you to receive notes of the conversation and resources shared.

NACC realizes the value of networking and appreciates members taking time out of their schedules to share and lend support to others who are ministering in the same area.

Unfortunately, the calls lose value if there are few participants, limiting the sharing that could take place. In order for the call to have the most value for participants, we will postpone a call until the next quarter if there are fewer than 5 participants who have registered for the call a week prior to its scheduled date. To sign up, contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org for more information, questions, comments or concerns.

2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE, MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2019

11. Friday, May 31, to Monday, June 3, 2019, for NACC National Conference!
Mark your calendars for the NACC Conference in 2019! This conference will be held Friday, May 31, to Monday, June 3, 2019, at the University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center in Mundelein, IL. It will be preceded by preconference workshops and our NACC retreat. Plan to join us!

12. 2019 NACC Conference call for workshop proposals *
November 2 is the deadline for 2019 NACC Conference workshop proposals.
On behalf of the NACC, you are invited to submit an application to lead a workshop for the upcoming 2019 NACC Conference. This conference promises to be rich and memorable, with the gift of presence of friends, mentors and colleagues old and new. We welcome the addition of the gift of your presence as a workshop presenter.Visit the NACC website today to view the Submission Guidelines and download an application form.
Workshop applications will be accepted through Friday, November 2, 2018.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

13. Did you see this important article on moral injury? *
The ACPE September 2018 Research Article of the Month, noted by John Ehman, Editor, ACPE Research Article-of-the-Month, was “A qualitative examination of VA chaplains’ understandings and interventions related to moral injury in military veterans,” by Drescher, K.D., Currier, J.M., Niuewsma, J.A., McCormick, W., Carroll, T.D., Sims, B.M., and Cauterucio, C., published in Journal of Religion and Health (2018): published online ahead of print, August 9, 2018.
http://www.acperesearch.net/sep18.html

14. Don’t miss this special NACC webinar series! *
ACPE Certified Educator Rabbi Susan Freeman recently published To Dwell in Your House: Vignettes and Spiritual Reflections on Caregiving at Home. The book received excellent comments from many reviewers, and is available at this LINK.

At the request of the NACC, Rabbi Susan has agreed to lead a book review series of three one-hour webinar sessions which will give members the opportunity to read and process the book with her. (The participants will need to purchase the book in advance.) This series will provide the beginning, learning, and seasoned chaplain with insights into the resources and struggles of patients who confront challenging health crises at home. Participant cost for these three sessions is $60, which includes all sessions (but does not include the book – you are responsible for obtaining a copy yourself).

This series will provide 7 CEHs (1 CEH per session plus 4 CEH for reading the book).

The three sessions will take place on the following dates:

 Wednesday, October 24 (12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Central Time)
 Wednesday, October 31 (12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Central Time)
 Wednesday, November 7 (12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Central Time)

To register online to participate in these sessions, please use the following link: REGISTER. If you prefer to pay by check, please mail your $60 check, made out to NACC, to: National Association of Catholic Chaplains, 4915 S. Howell Avenue, Suite 501, Milwaukee, WI 53207.

If you have any questions, please contact Andris Kursietis at the national office: akursietis@nacc.org

15. Register now for these upcoming October and November webinars! *

Thursday, October 18, 2018 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Central Time). The Catholic Moral Tradition and Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life, presented by Rev. Thomas A. Nairn, OFM, PhD. Many of the most controversial prohibitions in Catholic moral theology involve issues at the beginning of life. This webinar will explore Catholic teaching on issues in this area and explain how the teaching is grounded in the Catholic moral tradition.
Program Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able:
1. To describe Catholic moral teaching on a variety of ethical issues at the beginning of life.
2. To explain how this teaching is related to the Catholic moral tradition and to contemporary health care ethics.
3. To offer practical advice for chaplains as they counsel couples in this area.

To register online and pay by credit card, for this webinar as well as for any other NACC 2018 regular series webinar, please visit the registration page by clicking on this LINK. If you prefer to register using a paper registration form and pay by check, a downloadable registration form can be accessed at this LINK.
Thursday, November 8, 2018. Certification with the NACC. This free webinar will be presented by Susan S. Liguori, BCC, and Bonnie J. McCulley, BCC, of the NACC Certification Commission. It will provide participants with an overview of the NACC certification process, with special attention to the revised NACC competencies and procedures. The webinar will present key information about certification and provide a forum for answering questions. All members actively seeking certification, or considering doing so, are encouraged to register for this webinar!
Even though there is no charge to participate in this webinar, please register for it by clicking on this LINK. If you prefer to register using a paper registration form, a downloadable registration form can be accessed at this LINK.
Thursday, November 15, 2018. Witnessing the Dying of a Child: The Role of the Pediatric Chaplain, presented by Jim Manzardo, STB, BCC and Glenda Spearman, MDiv, BCC. There is no more painful death than the death of one’s own child. This webinar will explain the reality for parents/caregivers who face their children’s death in a hospital context and who must also make very complex and difficult decisions about medical treatments and end-of-life care. It will also elaborate the dying experience of infants through young adults in a pediatric hospital setting. Finally, the webinar will describe the unique and integral role of a pediatric chaplain with dying children and their families.
Program Objectives
1. To understand the breadth of the experience of parents/caregivers and families whose children die in a hospital setting.
2. To describe the experience of the dying adolescent, child and infant.
3. To explain the role and contributions of chaplains who minister to dying children and their families.

To register online and pay by credit card, for this webinar as well as for any other NACC 2018 regular series webinar, please visit the registration page by clicking on this LINK. If you prefer to register using a paper registration form and pay by check, a downloadable registration form can be accessed at this LINK.

Additional information about these webinars (and our other 2018 webinars) can be found at the following link: 2018 webinars

16. NACC Local Gatherings *

Seattle, WA ~ Saturday, October 13
You are invited to participate in a gathering organized by the NACC, the topic of which is: Attending to your Vital Signs: Strategies to Sustain One’s Spirit, presented by Kay Gorka, MDiv, BCC and Teresa Lynch, MAR, BCC. As Spiritual Care Professionals we are committed to compassionate service to staff, caregivers, clinicians and family members. In all of this generous giving we are exposed to stress, trauma and end-of-life in all its forms. We know within ourselves compassion exhaustion. This educational opportunity will focus on serving and supporting patients and ourselves without being torn down by these acts of service. For further information about the program and to register online, please click on this LINK.
Livonia, MI (Madonna University) ~ Thursday, October 18
The theme for the 2018 NACC gathering in Michigan (this year it will take place in Madonna University, in Livonia) is “Filling the Well: Practical Tools to Sustain Your Ministry.” The keynote presentation will be by Geila Rajaee, MPH, MPA, MDiv, BCC, and a host of other presenters have been lined up to fill out the day’s program. For further information about the program and to register online, please click on this LINK.
Charleston, SC ~ Monday, October 22
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC, is holding its 7th annual Richard H. Fitzgerald Lecture in Pastoral Education on Monday, October 22 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). This year’s speaker will be the NACC Executive Director, David Lichter. The NACC would like to invite you to participate in this event as an integral part of a local NACC gathering – David will present relevant NACC updates after lunch. Details about the lecture can be found at this link: LECTURE. You can register for the event by calling 843-402-2273. The $15 fee includes morning coffee, lunch, and the program.
Milwaukee, WI ~ Friday, November 9
This year’s local NACC gathering in Milwaukee will address the topic of Group Dynamics and Dynamic Groups. Rev. Traci Houts, MDiv, MSW, Rev. Bob Turner, MDiv, BS, BCC, Ven. Dr. Chris Ozodi, PhD, BCC, CCC, and Rev. Joby Brown, BCC, will help participants develop basic group facilitation skills and learn programming content specific to Behavioral Health settings. For more information about this event, and instructions on how to register online, please click on this LINK.

Save the date!
An additional local gathering is being planned at the following locations Please note the date on your calendars – further details will be announced very soon.

Baltimore, MD ~ November 13

If you have any questions about NACC webinars or local gatherings, please contact Andris Kursietis at the NACC national office at 414-483-4898 or akursietis@nacc.org.

17. Pastoral Care Week / Spiritual Care Week will be October 21-27, 2018.
Pastoral Care Week gives opportunities for organizations and institutions of all kinds and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which the caregivers provide.

The theme for Spiritual Care Week in 2018 is “Hospitality – cultivating time.”

Spiritual care has a wonderful history of cultures and religions that build communities’ sense of support and meaning. This year’s theme continues the emphasis on hospitality with a focus on cultivating time. The welcoming and belonging associated with hospitality require time that is treated as precious in developing relationships.

Are you planning something for PCW 2018? Tell us about it! Contact us at info@nacc.org or 414-483-4898 to tell us how you plan to celebrate the week. Send pictures and details of events after you’ve held them, too! If you give permission, we’ll share them here.

Get resources: artwork, suggested activities, and other ideas are available at: www.nacc.org/resources/spirituality-and-prayer-resources/events-and-observances-pastoral-care-week or https://www.spiritualcareweek.org/

18. Other Educational Offerings *

Bridges of Hope, 2018 National Catholic Prison Ministry Conference, October 12-13, 2018, Milwaukee, WI https://dismasministry.org/national-prison-ministry-conference/
APC Fall Chaplaincy Symposium, Spiritual Assessment: From Theory to Practice
Thursday, October 18, 2018 http://www.professionalchaplains.org/content.asp?pl=72&sl=841&contentid=841

19. 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: Lisa A. Laviolette-Bondt, Liam and Dillon, (Grandsons of member Ray Townsend), Fr. Art Schute, Janet Furman (at the death of her brother Robert Furman), Nolan (3-year-old grandson of member Dale Recinella), Sr. Mary Clare Boland, SP, Fr. Jim Radde, SJ, Julie Bablin, Sheila Amrich (niece-in-law of NACC member Sr. Paracleta Amrich), Isabelita Boquiren, Susan Balling, Jim and Frances Castello.

20. 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.

CATHOLIC STAFF CHAPLAIN
Dallas, TX – Parkland Health & Hospital System

SUPERVISOR – PASTORAL CARE
Fond du Lac, WI – St. Agnes Hospital

CPE OPPORTUNITIES for GROWTH and LEARNING
Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI

FULL TIME 80
COORDINATOR for our CENTER for SPIRITUAL CARE
Fresno, CA – Saint Agnes Medical Center

CHAPLAIN FULL TIME DAYS
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, Tucson, AZ

CHAPLAIN
Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire – Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

View these jobs and more at www.nacc.org/resources/positions.

NACC Now #284

Issue #284 – October 1, 2018

NACC

2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE, MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2019

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE, MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2019

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

Issue #284 – October 1, 2018

NACC

2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE, MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2019

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2019 NATIONAL CONFERENCE, MAY 31 – JUNE 3, 2019

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

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