NACC Now #285

Issue #285 – October 15, 2018

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

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
Some days it just seems so challenging to live this Christian life. Some days I just don’t want to read scripture or to be inspired to be a better person. Some days I just want to go on autopilot and just exist and go through the motions. Some days… You know what I mean?

Then, I hear again yesterday’s Gospel from Mark (10:23-27 specifically) “So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (You noticed this is where he needed to repeat himself, as if they did not hear it the first time! ) “They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.’”

How often I have heard that passage! How often I have said to myself, “Ok, that’s nice. That will be God’s work, not mine. At some point in time, God will provide. In the meantime, I will just do as I am doing.” Now I am wondering if that is not the right attitude. God is not looking for an “Ho hum. OK. Good to know.” disposition from me. Perhaps, it’s more on those “Some days I just don’t want to…” days that I need to turn to this reading and smile at my weakness and faintheartedness and allow God to let me realize that in those moments God is at work doing the impossible and leading me to deep life. My faintheartedness can trigger my wholeheartedness again.

Maybe I need to allow the truth of yesterday’s excerpt from Hebrews (4:12) to provide me a providential assurance that more is going on in me and you than those surface-sentiments of those “Some days I just don’t want to…” Remember that reading?

“Brothers and sisters, Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”

So, I need to remember again, “That’s a lot deeper than those surface sentiments.” God is about a lot in me and you, even when it seems impossible and unachievable, and I just want to put it on hold. God is alive and well. Am I trusting that Truth?

So how are you on those days when you just don’t want to…?

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. Death of NACC member Ann Healey, PhD, BCC
We just recently learned of the death of our NACC member, Ann Ruston Healey, who died on August 21, 2018. Ann joined and was board certified with NACC in 1982 and remained with NACC until her death. Along with being a board certified chaplain, Ann served her diocese of Fort Worth for many years, including as director of Permanent Deacon Formation. Ann was also the only woman elected President of the National Association of Deacon Directors from 1994-1996. To learn more about Ann’s legacy go to
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/obituary.aspx?pid=190042052

3. 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 $43,247 compared to gifts totaling $43,161 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 (https://www.nacc.org/donate/) or just click here to donate: nationalcatholicwiassoc.wliinc32.com/forms/donation.aspx. Please give as you can! Blessings!

4. Certification Interviews This Weekend!! Thank you to our many members who are contributing to the October 20 & 21, 2018 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.

5. 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.

6. APC and NACC’s First Palliative Care and Hospice Action Reflection Workshop.
On October 5 & 6, five applicants completed our first Joint Action Reflection Workshop at APC to earn advanced certification and test run the process. A second workshop is being planned for Spring of 2019. Thank you for keeping the presenters and applicants in your prayers. For more information on Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Certification (PCHAC) and/or the Action Reflection Workshop, please visit our website: 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. In Vision: Healthcare and Prison Chaplaincy: Two sides of the same coin
Thirty years ago, Dale Recinella’s call to prison ministry took him by surprise. But in the current issue of Vision, he writes about the great need for healing behind bars – and how “we need armies of well-trained and well-led Catholic laity to shoulder this effort.”

Healthcare and Prison Chaplaincy: Two sides of the same coin

8. NACC Networking call 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 our calls and have not already responded, please contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org for more information. Times listed are Central Time Zone.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 12 p.m. CT Palliative Care/Hospice 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

9. 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!

10. Consider today! 2019 NACC Conference call for 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.

11. 2019 NACC Conference Theme and Logo!
The NACC is pleased to announce the theme for the 2019 National Conference is “Partners in Pastoral Care: Continuing the Healing Ministry of Jesus in the Name of the Church.”

In May/June 2019, Chaplains and those serving in varied ways in pastoral care from across the nation, Canada, and beyond, will gather in Mundelein, IL, to be energized, supported, challenged and transformed personally and professionally. This year’s conference theme “Partners in Pastoral Care” will provide the opportunity for each person to:

Be inspired and supported in their own particular ministry,
Receive specialized sessions in their own area of ministry,
Network with other pastoral care providers in health care, parish, correctional, and other ministry settings,
Be exposed to diverse resources to improve their ministry.

The 2019 conference will also allow participants to celebrate the Eucharist and other liturgical services along with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful environs of the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus.

Visit the NACC website to get a first look at the 2019 Conference Logo.

12. 2019 NACC Conference Schedule
The 2019 conference schedule is now available. Visit the NACC website to learn more about the events being offered as part of the 2019 NACC Conference.

Stay tuned to the coming issues of NACC Now for more information on the 2019 conference.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

13. This past Saturday, October 13, was World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Are you aware of these resources…?

Just recently published is the “White Paper for Global Palliative Care Advocacy: Recommendations from a PAL-LIFE Expert Advisory Group of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Vatican City” You can access this resource at https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jpm.2018.0248.
These three resources can be accessed on the CHA website, www.chausa.org/palliative-care:
- “Expressing Your Health Care Wishes,” which includes FAQs about advance directives.
- “Caring Even When We Cannot Cure,” which explains the differences between palliative and hospice care.
- “Caring for People at the End of Life,” which explains the Catholic Church’s teaching about end-of-life decisions.

14. You have probably received this announcement about The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab.
On Tuesday, October 9, 2018, you most likely received an announcement from Wendy Cadge on the newly launched The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab (chaplaincyinnovation.org).
(Read the statement here)
Our Strategic Partners in Spiritual Care applaud and support this initiative, as it partners with us in advancing the profession of chaplaincy. Learn more about it by reading its mission and purpose, its case statement, and view its leadership.

Here also is an interesting article about The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab in America Magazine. www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/10/09/how-new-chaplaincy-innovation-lab-building-learning-community-ministers

15. Webinar in Spanish for those ministering to family, loved ones and those affected by the harm of crime and incarceration.
Please join this webinar in Spanish offered by the Catholic Prison Ministry Coalition to learn about and discuss best practices in ministering to family, loved ones and those affected by the harm of crime and incarceration.

Queridos compañeros en Cristo,
Acompáñenos. Petra Alexander y Julio Escobar -darán ejemplos de las mejores prácticas para ministrar a las familias, los seres queridos y a los afectados por el daño del crimen y el encarcelamiento.

Ministering to Those Affected by Crime and Incarceration Ministrando a los afectados por el crimen y el encarcelamiento
Tuesday , October 23, 2018 1:00 pm EDT, 10:00 am PDT National Hispanic Heritage Month First webinar in Spanish.	Martes, 23 de Octubre, 2018 1:00 pm EDT, 10:00 am PDT Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana Primer webinar en Español.

PETRA ALEXANDER was born in the state of Durango, Mexico. She has been the Director of the Office of Hispanic Affairs for the Diocese of San Bernardino since 2005. She has published work on the topics of spirituality and liturgy and has also collaborated on various other publications. Additionally, Petra is part of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry.
She is the co-author of An Imprisoned Heart.
PETRA ALEXANDER nació en el estado de Durango, México. Es Directora de la Oficina de Asuntos Hispanos en la Diócesis de San Bernardino desde 2005. También es parte de la Asociación Nacional Católica de Directores Diocesanos para el Ministerio Hispano. Ha publicado varios trabajos sobre temas de espiritualidad y liturgia y también ha colaborado en otras publicaciones. Es la coautora de Córazon Prisionero.

JULIO ESCOBAR was born in San Francisco but moved to El Salvador from the age of 3 to 16, where he lived through extensive violence during the country’s civil war before returning to the bay area. Since then, he has dedicated his career to helping those impacted by violence. Julio is the President and Founder of Comunidad San Dimas Inc., a small non-profit organization focused on the rehabilitation, mentorship, scholarships, and spiritual care for juveniles incarcerated, in probation, or parole. Julio also works at The Archdiocese of San Francisco, Office of Human Life and Dignity, where he manages the Restorative Justice Ministry. There, he assists survivors and victims of violent crimes, as well as incarcerated men, women and juveniles.
JULIO ESCOBAR nació en San Francisco y se mudó a El Salvador a la edad de 3 años hasta la edad de 16 años, donde vivió una gran violencia durante la guerra civil del país antes de regresar. Desde entonces, ha dedicado su carrera a ayudar a las personas afectadas por la violencia. Julio es el presidente y fundador de la Comunidad San Dimas, Inc., una pequeña organización sin fines de lucro centrada en la rehabilitación, la tutoría, las becas y el cuidado espiritual de los jóvenes encarcelados, en libertad condicional o bajo palabra. Julio también trabaja en la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco, en la Oficina de Vida Humana y Dignidad, donde dirige el Ministerio de Justicia Restaurativa. De allí, él ayuda a las víctimas de crímenes violentos—hombres, mujeres y adolescentes.

Register at | Registración: https://goo.gl/forms/zIR6e8anLR0Vem5S2

16. This is an important webinar for anyone preparing for Board Certification!
You can still register for this webinar taking place THIS THURSDAY, October 18, 2018 (12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Central Time). If you are preparing for Board Certification or need a refresher on the ERDs, this is the webinar to take! Sign up today!

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. NACC members who are actively seeking Board certification, or considering doing so, are encouraged to register for this webinar!

Program Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able:

To describe Catholic moral teaching on a variety of ethical issues at the beginning of life.
To explain how this teaching is related to the Catholic moral tradition and to contemporary healthcare ethics.
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.

17. It’s not too early to sign up for the special webinar on Witnessing the Dying of a Child: The Role of the Pediatric Chaplain
Thursday, November 15, 2018, Jim Manzardo, STB, BCC, and Glenda Spearman, MDiv, BCC, will be presenting on Witnessing the Dying of a Child: The Role of the Pediatric Chaplain. 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

To understand the breadth of the experience of parents/caregivers and families whose children die in a hospital setting.
To describe the experience of the dying adolescent, child and infant.
To explain the role and contributions of chaplains who minister to dying children and their families.

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

18. 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

19. NACC Local Gatherings

 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 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.

 Toledo, OH ~ Tuesday, November 6
Chaplains from the area will have a chance to gather at Mercy Health St. Charles Hospital in Oregon (Toledo), Ohio to hear Father James Bacik present on the topic of Pastoral Ministry with Guidance from Pope Francis. Father Bacik will explore the example and teachings of Pope Francis that encourage chaplains to be in solidarity with their patients and to walk with them in the dark valley of illness. To learn more about the event, and to register, please click on this LINK.

 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.

 Baltimore, MD ~ Tuesday, November 13
You are invited to participate in a gathering organized by the NACC, the topic of which is: Reset and Restore, presented by Stephannie Weikert. Serving others through compassionate spiritual care is profound and sacred work. Stress negatively affects the caring relationship and healing environment and is a major contributor to illness and burnout. Yoga therapy for stress offers simple and potent practices that spiritual caregivers can use to reset and restore themselves as well support the life-giving relationships they form with those they serve. Additional information about this event and how to register for it can be found at this LINK.

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.

20. Next week is Pastoral Care Week / Spiritual Care Week, 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/awareness-resources/events-and-observances-pastoral-care-week or www.spiritualcareweek.org

21. 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: Mrs. Lisa A. Laviolette-Bondt BCC, Liam and Dillon, (Grandsons of member Ray Townsend), Fr. Art Schutte, 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.

22. 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
La Crosse, WI – Gundersen Health System

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

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

CHAPLAIN
Lebanon, New Hampshire – Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

SPIRITUAL CARE MANAGER
Everett, WA – Providence Regional Medical Center

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

Issue #285 – October 15, 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

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