Issue #327 – June 8, 2020

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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 May 2020!
3. NACC Board Chair, Jim Letourneau, communicated with members on Racism
4. NACC endorses A Statement of Solidarity: A Catholic Response to COVID-19 Behind Bars
5. Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition and the NACC are in a new partnership.
6. NACC continues to hold COVID-19 listening/resource sharing ZOOM sessions this week
7. Do you need a Listening Heart?
8. Would you like to meet with other chaplains to process your experience during these times?
9. Vision seeks articles about grief
10. Thanks to all who helped with our virtual interviews for certification!
11. NACC Members in the news
12. NACC Networking Call for June 2020 – All are welcome to participate!
13. Healing Tree: a request for prayers

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

14. Just a few days left to register for our June webinar on Post Traumatic Growth!
15. Recent statements from our Strategic Partners in response to Racism
16. Please participate in this important international survey on chaplains during COVID-19!
17. Valuable resource for these times!
18. Special opportunity for a virtual training on interprofessional spiritual care!
19. A “thank you” from Chaplaincy Innovation Lab
20. Recent job postings

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. I was somewhat skeptical of how this Mystery was going to speak to me in the midst of the raging ocean of emotions and thoughts that have tossed me about during these past two weeks as the local and national outcries continue against senseless killings and ugly racism. What would this mystery of a loving, relation-filled God speak to me? I was taken by Paul’s farewell to the Corinthian community which was the second reading (2 Corinthians 13:11-13.)

One commentary said, “The exhortations are general, including a final appeal for peace in the community. The letter ends calmly, after its many storms, with the prospect of ecclesial unity and divine blessing. The final verse is one of the clearest Trinitarian passages in the New Testament.” I appreciated the noting of the “many storms” that Paul addressed in the Corinthian community that resonated with today. An appeal for peace, yes. But it starts with “mend your ways” and “encourage one another.”

My wife, Jackie, and I have had many discussions these past couple of weeks about how to mend our ways and encourage one another and others in these days marked by righteous rage. Before the most recent George Floyd death, Jackie had ordered the book, How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi to provide us more insights for self-examination and self-understanding of our own racism. We know we have blinders.

Last Sunday we listened to observations of Trevor Noah (Born a Crime author and news host) as he reflected on the domino effect of events of COVID-19 exposing health disparities among people of color, the altercation of Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper in Central Park, and the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. The exposing again of white privilege and racial discrimination. It was very painful, yet helpful, to hear Trevor note the convergence of events.

Later last Sunday, as I reflected, I wrote the words: heaviness, edginess, helplessness. My memory went back to the late 60’s when I was a college seminarian working at St. Boniface in Milwaukee where Fr. James Groppi, along with his two brother priests, Frs. Carroll Straub and Tony Klink, were serving this faith community in the midst of the racial injustice made known through demonstrations. Here 50 years later we still need to take first steps to face our white complicity. “Mend your ways” has to be concretized in my life, but needs to be coupled with “encourage one another” so that we can do this together and not let our respective heaviness, edginess, and helplessness prevent us from taking steps we each need to take to speak to one another about this.

Then the article of Fr. Bryan Massingale further pieced together these and other events to help me understand the current outrage, and the call to me to face the implications of my whiteness and provided several important steps I can take to help me now, 50 years later, to still contribute to diminishing the sin of racism. I appreciated very much the steps he recommended. They are:

1. “First, understand the difference between being uncomfortable and being threatened. The only reason for racism’s persistence is that white people continue to benefit from it… Repeat that last sentence. Make it your mantra.”
2. What to do next? Nothing. Sit in the discomfort this hard truth brings. Let it become agonizing. Let it move you to tears, to anger, to guilt, to shame, to embarrassment. Over what? Over your ignorance. Over the times you went along with something you knew was wrong…
3. Third, admit your ignorance and do something about it. Understand that there is a lot about our history and about life that we’re going to have to unlearn. And learn over.
4. Fourth, have the courage to confront your family and friends. I tell my white students that they will see and hear more naked racial bigotry than I do. Because when I am in the room, everyone knows how to act.
5. Fifth, be “unconditionally pro-life.” These are the words of St. Pope John Paul II from his final pastoral visit to the United States. He summoned Catholics to “eradicate every form of racism” as part of their wholehearted and essential commitment to life.
6. Finally, pray. Yes, racism is a political issue and a social divide. But at its deepest level, racism is a soul sickness. It is a profound warping of the human spirit that enables human beings to create communities of callous indifference toward their darker sisters and brothers. Stripped to its core, white supremacy is a disturbing interior disease, a malformed consciousness that enables white people to not care for those who don’t look like them.

So, my “helplessness” has been confronted by six steps to take. Thank you, Bryan.

I appreciated very much the message of Jim Letourneau, our NACC Board chair, to our members committing our Board to discuss, examine, and find steps to take to address the reality of racism. I appreciated the several statements that have come out from US Bishops, Pope Francis, and our Strategic Partners. We all are seeking ways to express our outrage and community commitment to “mend your ways” and “encourage one another.” It may take some time, perhaps another 50 years or longer, to “agree with one another,” but we aspire to “live in peace.”

Finally, going back to St. Paul, I appreciate his encouragement. Even if we are not yet mended; even if we are not yet agreeing with one another; we can and are called to “Greet one another with a holy kiss” and we know that “All the holy ones greet you.” In the midst of my heaviness, edginess, and helplessness, I read “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” is with me and “with all of you.”

How are you reflecting on, responding to, praying for the eradication of racism? Name your own city and location, as you pray the prayer below.

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. Welcome to our new NACC Members who joined us in May 2020!

Please join us in welcoming to NACC, all our new members who joined us in May!

Member
Mary J. Colwell
Mr. Craig A. Katzenmiller
Mrs. Roxanne M. Miner
Dr. Cory D. Mitchell
Rev. Anthony B. Nyong
Rev. Justin O. Puthussery
Ms. Sherrill B. Shimek
Rev. Romain Rurangirwa
Rev. Stephen S. Audu
Rev. Lawrence J.P. Goodwin

Student
Maria M. Feliciano
Ms. Jacqueline Florentius
Austin J. Gurchiek
Mrs. April M. Michael
Daniel M. Moran

Affiliate
Ms. Corinne Francis

Ministry Volunteer
Rev. Richard Iannucci

3. NACC Board Chair, Jim Letourneau, communicated with members on Racism
Last Wednesday, June 3, 2020, Jim Letourneau, our NACC Board Chair, sent our membership a communication on racism and the Board’s commitment to study, discuss and determine how NACC might contribute positively to ameliorate our own association’s awareness of and response to the sin of racism. You can read Jim’s communication at: www.nacc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Statement-Against-Racism-06-03-2020.pdf

4. NACC endorses A Statement of Solidarity: A Catholic Response to COVID-19 Behind Bars
On May 19, 2020, NACC, along with several Catholic organizations endorsed A Statement of Solidarity: A Catholic Response to COVID-19 Behind Bars. We invite you to both read the Statement and the many Catholic organizations that endorsed it, but also encourage you, if you are called to do so, to endorse the Statement as well which you can do on the CPMC website .

The Statement begins with: Pope Francis urges all of us not to forget those in prison and detention. No matter the harm one has caused or suffered, every person is made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. COVID-19 has affected every community, especially the most vulnerable among us. The pandemic is particularly devastating to those living and working in prisons, jails, and detention and re-entry centers where close quarters have resulted in a dangerous spread of the disease.
As a Catholic community we wish to convey a message of solidarity to currently and formerly incarcerated and detained individuals, their loved ones, as well as those who are charged with their care and well-being. We urge our fellow Catholics to join us in standing in solidarity with our all too often forgotten brothers and sisters who are affected by incarceration and detention.

Also, you are invited to read the specific call to action to help educate Catholics and people of good faith. These suggested actions can be tailored to meet the needs of their local jurisdictions
COVID-19 Policy Suggestions

5. Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition and the NACC are in a new partnership.
Over the past couple of years the NACC has shared news about, and the webinars of, the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC). The NACC has also been partnering with the CPMC in the development of formation and credentialing for those serving in diverse prison ministries, from those who provide volunteer service to those who oversee prison ministries in their dioceses. This formation and credentialing is a work in progress receiving the support of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Certification of Ecclesial Ministry and Service. NACC’s Executive Director, David Lichter, has served on the CPMC Steering Committee and chairs the CPMC Formation Committee with the endorsement of our NACC Board of Directors.

In March, the NACC Board of Directors approved NACC becoming the Fiscal Sponsor of the CPMC. This new relationship became effective May 1st. Along with a growing partnership on many levels, CPMC is now a project of NACC and CPMC will seek funding and support as a project of the NACC, and its future employees will be employees of NACC. David now also serves on CPMC’s Executive Committee. While 75 percent of our NACC members serve in some health care facility, we do have members who work in correctional settings, and we look forward to having many more of our members serve the imprisoned and their families, and the victims of violence.
Please go to the newly revised NACC home page to view the placement of both our Partners in Pastoral Care and the CPMC partnership and to the new CPMC webpage on our website at www.nacc.org/cpmc to read more about this partnership.

6. NACC continues to hold COVID-19 listening/resource sharing ZOOM sessions this week
This message from our Executive Director went out to our members this past Friday, regarding ZOOM sessions this week to discuss spiritual care in the context of COVID-19.

7. Do you need a Listening Heart?
We recognize that these are unusual and uncertain times. You are being stretched in new ways and faced with challenging choices. We have a resource called, “Listening Hearts,” to provide you one on one support.

Listening Hearts is available for NACC members seeking a listening presence from an NACC retired chaplain colleague. You may be experiencing and feeling the cumulative impact of the present global Pandemic. For those providing support for others and navigating the new normal without the opportunity to gather with extended family/friends, visit a favorite restaurant or workout at the gym, we invite you to share the load by reaching out for a listening heart of an experienced and compassionate retired chaplain. Please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) if you would like to speak with a Listening Heart.

8. Would you like to meet with other chaplains to process your experience during these times?
“Sharing of Feelings for Chaplains in the Field” will be a 50-minute bi-weekly group ZOOM session offering an opportunity for our members to express personal feelings and stresses related to ministry in this era of dramatic health care crisis.

Guidelines:

1. Minimum number of 3 and maximum of 6 persons in each group.
2. Open group – must register through NACC and can participate in one or many sessions.
3. Group members are expected to stay with the 50-minute session once it has started.
4. Commitment to strictest confidentiality,
5. Free expression of feelings, with acceptance, support and understanding from each group member to be facilitated by an experienced retired chaplain.
6. There will be no notes or recordings.
7. More groups available, if more than 6 people apply.

We invite you to be a part of this intimate sharing group. Please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) to express your interest and to set up a mutually convenient time for these sessions.

9. Vision seeks articles about grief
The first adrenaline rush of the pandemic has faded. COVID-19 has not gone away, but it feels like we have shifted from the acute phase to the chronic phase. And we are going to do a shift of emphasis on our NACC Vision blog. We have heard from our members that they like the format of one or two short articles per week, and for the time being we will continue that format. But as the effects of the virus continue to ripple through our society, we have a new question: How is grief showing up for you? In your personal life and in your interactions at work, what are you seeing and hearing? What are people grieving, and how? What coping techniques are helping? Please send your thoughts to Vision Editor David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org.

10. Thanks to all who helped with our virtual interviews for certification!
On May 16th, we hosted the final successful session for certification interviews. These interviews replaced the face to face interviews due to the requirements of Covid-19 in many states. Overall, during the three weekends, there were 9 ITE’s, (1 ITE served as support on two weekends), 3 Commissioners on Call, 36 interviewers, 1 Spiritual Support (who served all three weekends) and 30 applicants. Thank you to the volunteers who served as interviewers, ITE’s and Commissioners. Your hard work and dedication to the process during the pandemic is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all newly recommended chaplains.

11. NACC Members in the news *
During this COVID-19 Pandemic, several news agencies have sought to provide articles on the profession of chaplaincy. On our Coronavirus resource page, we have posted articles as we learn of them. Here is a sampling of articles that included one or more of our NACC members. Blessings on all of your ministries.

Hospital chaplains care for souls of sick – Arkansas Democrat Gazette, June 6, 2020

‘Our patients are not dying alone’: Hospital chaplains take on tough role during COVID-19 pandemic – Arizona Republic, June 2, 2020

Finding God amidst COVID-19 – Grosse Pointe News, May 13, 2020

In midst of pandemic, chaplain lends listening ear to the caregivers – National Catholic Reporter, May 12, 2020

Unsung Heroes Help Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic at L.A. County-USC Medical Center – U.S. News & World Report, May 7, 2020

Compassion Fatigue: the Hidden Cost of Caregiving – U.S. News & World Report, May 4, 2020

Sacred Heart hospital chaplain offers patients, staff ‘life-giving moments’ in hard and hectic circumstances – Spokesman-Review, May 7, 2020

Hospital chaplains offer solace from the sidelines, as patients ask them: ‘Am I going to die alone in here?’ – Business Insider, May 5, 2020

Through glass or from a distance, Orlando Health chaplains comfort COVID-19 patients – Orlando Sentinel, April 24, 2020

Catholic Chaplains Change Normal Routines – Rockford Diocese Observer, May 1, 2020

Hospital Chaplains Spend Final Moments With COVID-19 Patients: ‘I Just Stayed And Held Her Hand’ – CBS Boston, May 4, 2020

Chaplains Minister Amidst Changes Brought by Pandemic – Health Progress

LA chaplains look to create ‘bridges’ with isolated coronavirus patients – Angelus News, Apr 22, 2020

San Diego hospital chaplains ministering to coronavirus patients — from afar – 10News San Diego, April 2, 2020

Amid distancing, Maryland priests find ways to comfort the sick and dying – Baltimore Sun, April 12, 2020

How a Hospital Chaplain Brings Comfort to Patients, Without Hugs or Holding Hands – KQED, April 11, 2020

Holy oil, masks and FaceTime: The coronavirus forces Catholics to adapt last rites – Los Angeles Times, April 11, 2020

What it’s like to be a hospital chaplain during Covid-19 – America magazine, March 27, 2020

Undeterred during COVID-19, hospital chaplains transform delivery of spiritual care – Internal Medicine News, April 27, 2020

12. NACC Networking Calls for June 2020 – All are welcome to participate! *
In addition to the COVID-19 Listening Calls, NACC is offering these Networking calls in June.

Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m. CT  —  NACC CPE-E Community of Practice Call
Wednesday, June 10 at 12 p.m. CT  —  NACC Palliative Care/Hospice Networking Call
Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. CT  —  NACC African Chaplain Networking Call
Wednesday, June 24 at 3 p.m. CT  —  NACC Nurse Chaplain Networking Call

To sign up or for more information, questions, comments or concerns contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org.

You must reply to participate and receive the ZOOM code for the call. If you replied, we will forward the ZOOM passcodes for a video connection via internet or you may still call in using your phone. Registering for the call, even if you cannot participate, will allow you to receive notes of the conversation and resources shared.

Calls with less than 5 participants may be postponed.

If you’ve had difficulty in joining calls using ZOOM please let Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) know so that we can address the difficulty. THANK YOU!

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: Br. Kenney Gorman, Monica Ho (on the death of her parents Monica Ho and Augustine Wai-Hung), Marybeth Harmon, Nolan (grandson of member Dale Recinella), Susan Balling, Isabelita Boquiren, Fr. Jim Radde SJ, Autumn (niece of member Linda Bronersky), and Cosmas Ahiarakwem (deceased brother of member Fr. Gabriel Ahiarakwem).

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

14. Just a few days left to register for our June webinar on Post Traumatic Growth!
Our next NACC 2020 webinar will be Post Traumatic Growth Tools for Spiritual Care, Presented by M. Therese Lysaught, PhD and Beth Reece, MDiv, BCC, Thursday, June 18, 2020 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time.

To register online for 2020 Webinars, please click on this LINK. Student members who are eligible for the special, reduced rates are asked to use the following link: STUDENTS. Alternatively, complete the registration form and send with your check, made payable to NACC, to: Pamela Jones, National Association of Catholic Chaplains, 4915 S. Howell Avenue, Suite 501, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Registration will not be considered complete until the NACC receives your registration form and fee. Access information and presentation materials will be made available to participants a few days before the webinar session. When you register for the live sessions, you will automatically be eligible for a copy of the recordings.

15. Recent statements from our Strategic Partners in response to Racism
Mentioned above was Jim Letourneau’s communication on Racism to our NACC members. Here are links to statements by APC and ACPE also.

• APC https://mailchi.mp/apcmail/statement-from-apcs-president-on-george-floyd-and-racial-injustice?e=de8db05e10
• ACPE http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1102843057919&ca=680108eb-1fa7-4596-a5d2-36e243239716

Also here are some statements and reflections by Catholic Bishops, theologians, organizations that you will find helpful.

• USCCB President http://usccb.org/news/2020/20-84.cfm
• America Magazine notes several bishops’, Catholic leaders and theologians’ responses: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/06/03/list-catholic-responses-killing-george-floyd
• Wisconsin Catholic Bishops https://www.wisconsincatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/WCC-Press-Release-Regarding-Statement-on-Unjust-Killings-and-Recent-Protests-6-2-2020.pdf
• Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle http://nwcatholic.org/news/local/archbishop-etienne-calls-for-conversion-to-address-evils-of-racism.html
• Theologian Bryan Massingale: https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/assumptions-white-privilege-and-what-we-can-do-about-it
• Catholic Mobilizing Network: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GzNELtwDlc&feature=youtu.be
• Catholic Prison Ministry Nework (CPMC): CPMC Statement On Racism

16. Please participate in this important international survey on chaplains during COVID-19!
This important international survey is being conducted by teams in Europe, USA and Australia, led by the European Research Institute for Chaplains in Health Care (ERICH www.chaplaincyresearch.eu). Please read this invitation that explains the purpose of the survey, then participate. We are hoping for over 2,000 participants.

17. Valuable resource for these times!
Some of you might have known Earl Johnson who served as National Spiritual Care Manager for the American Red Cross in Washington, DC, until his retirement. He recently published a very timely book called Finding Comfort During Hard Times. Given all that has been unfolding in these past weeks and with Covid-19, you might find it a valuable read. https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Comfort-During-Hard-Times/dp/1538127091

Our NACC board member Tim Serban, Regional Spiritual Health Officer Oregon, Disaster Response Providence Health & American Red Cross National Volunteer Lead, Disaster Spiritual Care, wrote the following review of his book.

18. Special opportunity for a virtual training on interprofessional spiritual care!

The George Washington Institute for Spirituality & Health announces
ISPEC 2020 – Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum
* New Virtual Format! * July 6-7, 2020
Applications for virtual ISPEC are open!

The Train-the-Trainer program with a mission of improving spiritual care for patients with serious and chronic illness.

Who May Apply
Clinicians from diverse professional backgrounds (e.g. MD, RN, NP, PA, Social work, Psychologists, PT/OT) and chaplains/spiritual care professionals. We encourage the application of clinician-chaplain pairs from the same settings, but individual participants also are welcome to apply.

Registration Information
The registration fee for the 2020 virtual ISPEC Train-the-Trainer course is $320 USD per person. Course registration includes:

• Complimentary online access to ISPEC online teaching modules on Relias Learning for a full year. An excellent resource for training your colleagues!
• Virtual lectures, facilitated discussions, case study reviews, and resources.
• One-year mentorship from faculty thought leaders.
• Continuing education credits (CME or CEU credits).

Scholarships are available for international applicants: please indicate on your application that you are interested in applying for a scholarship.

19. A “thank you” from Chaplaincy Innovation Lab *
Chaplaincy Innovation Lab sends a special thank you video to all chaplains for their service. You can access that video at chaplaincyinnovation.org

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

DIRECTOR OF CHAPLAINCY SERVICES
West Reading, PA – Tower Health

SPIRITUAL CARE SERVICES REGIONAL MANAGER
Chicago, Illinois – AMITA Health

CPE RESIDENCY September 2020- September 2021
Corpus Christi, TX – CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

CHAPLAIN DIRECTOR
West Point, NY – U.S. Military Academy

SUPERVISOR, CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION
Toledo, OH – Mercy Health St. Vincent

SPIRITUAL CARE PRACTITIONER – ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST (2 Full-time Positions)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Unity Health Toronto