Issue #359 – August 30, 2021

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

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
Ok, this week I was taken by the word observe, a different way of thinking about its possible meaning in the scripture. It was helpful to me. It has given me a new way to appreciate observing the commandments.

In yesterday’s first reading, I read, “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.” (Dt. 4:1) When I usually read that, I think, observe means obey or follow. Then, I was struck by the Psalm response, “The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” Hmmm, where I see or observe justice being done by another, God’s there. Then the letter of James emphasized, “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (James 1:21-22) The Word is alive in me, and I need to “do” the Word. So, when I observe the Word being done, I know it because it’s alive in me too.

Here was the kicker, Matthew’s reading starts with the Pharisees observing. We read (the Pharisees) observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (Matthew 7:2) We know how incensed Jesus got with them for their inordinate and misguided focus on the minutiae of the Law when their hearts were not into what was really important. So, they were “observing” the wrong things – unwashed hands.

I am asking myself, “What do I observe?” How do I learn what doing justice and living out God’s priorities looks like? How do I “observe” God’s statues and decrees? Perhaps, my first way of being taught is by observing what it looks like in people who live it out well! Seems obvious, but it struck me again. I can sit and read. I can meditate and try to imagine what it looks like. I can go about my own living the straight and narrow. However, how helpful, inspiring, instructive, and convicting is it when I “observe” God’s statues and decrees being lived out courageously and generously by others! How I am in wonderment when I observe a husband caring sacrificially for his wife suffering from a slowly debilitating Alzheimer disease, or young parents agonizing internally at their child’s bout with cancer while being hopeful and positive with her, or an embolden young adult risking her family’s and friends’ alienation as she vocalizes her support for movements for racial and social justice and her stance against all forms of racism, or a prisoner living out a sentence while embracing faith, reconciling their past while living in a dehumanizing environment.

These are situations where individuals are living remarkable lives, doing justice, humbly welcoming the Word of God planted in them, acting on God’s Word. As I observe these people, I am focusing on how to live my life better according to God’s priorities and concerns. So, “observing” God’s commands takes on new meaning for me. What and whom do I “observe?” The Pharisees were admonished for observing and focusing on the wrong things. They were not observing God’s commands. I recall William McNamara’s definition of contemplation as a “long, loving look at the real.” What do I observe or contemplate to help me understand and live courageously God’s priorities? Focusing on and complaining about other people’s behavior that seems wrong to me is really misguided contemplation. Daily, I need to take a long loving look, to observe the life-giving loving that comes in so many sizes and shapes, thus observing God’s priorities.

What are you and I observing? At whom/what are we giving a long, loving look to move us to be better people?

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. Get connected. Meet new people. Share your experience. Become a NACC volunteer!
At NACC, we welcome everyone to the leadership table. Whether you have a specific gift, prior experience from a previous career, or an interest in learning something new, there is an opportunity for you to share your gifts to help our organization continue its mission! Term expirations and other considerations have created opportunities for you, our members to embrace new experiences and deepen your connection to the organization. The NACC strives to be representative of all its members, with all our diversity. Please come forward. Become involved. Visit our Association Leadership page to learn more.

Not sure where your gifts and interests fit? Contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org. She will put you in touch with a member of the Nomination’s Panel to set up a conversation.

3. Death of a former NACC member: Sister M. Albertine, CSC
We recently learned of the death of our NACC member, Sr. M. Albertine who died August 5, 2021 at the age of 91. She joined NACC in 1981 and was certified in 1982. She described her years in pastoral care as a journey. “Delightful, caring, loving people dotted my life…, both sisters and lay, have been a special part of the molding of my life, people who loved God and loved life. I have a deep respect for the beauty that each person uniquely possesses.” May God hold her in an eternal embrace! www.kaniewski.com/obituary/SisterMAlbertineCSC-EmmaMarieKramer

4. Thank you to those of you who have already given to our 2021 Annual Member Campaign! Please join them!
Our 2021 Annual Campaign has begun! We are deeply grateful to all those who have been able to give so far! To date, we have received 319 gifts totaling $40,005. 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!

5. Requesting All Board-Certified Chaplains interested in serving as a Certification Interviewer
Whether you have served before, haven’t served in a while, or want to serve for the first time, please consider this valuable service to fellow chaplains. Please contact Lisa Sarenac at lisasarenac@nacc.org to be placed on a future list of Interviewers. Thank you for your consideration.

Coming Soon! DEADLINE September 15, 2021 – Accepting applications for Initial Certification and Certified Associate Chaplain
We are currently accepting application portfolios for initial board-certified chaplain, initial VA board certified chaplain and certified associate chaplain applications. The application portfolios must be postmarked by September 15 or uploaded online on or before September 15. Application on our website: www.nacc.org/certification/certification-submission-form.

If you have any questions or would like informational materials on initial, associate or advanced certification, please contact Lisa Sarenac at lisasarenac@nacc.org or call (414) 483-4898 Ext. 304. Please keep our applicants and those considering Board Certification in your prayers.

7. In Vision: Research offers clues for trauma-informed care
Delivering trauma-informed care has been the subject of many research studies in recent years. In our newest Vision article, Austine Duru offers a summary of recent articles, including helpful links. To read more, click below.
Research offers clues for delivering trauma-informed care

8. In Vision: Police chaplain delivers trauma care in the places where it’s needed
When Mike Corrigan retired from hospital chaplaincy, he took a part-time job in hospice but found special meaning in volunteering as a police chaplain. In a new Vision article, Mike talks about ministering to the families of victims in the moments after trauma occurs. Click below to read more.
Police chaplain delivers trauma care in the places where it’s needed

9. Vision seeks articles about enduring COVID
Chaplains, and everyone else, have faced an unending series of new challenges in the past year and a half. For the next issue of Vision, we are hoping that you can take a deep breath and share some of what you have learned with your colleagues. What has helped? What are you finding you need more preparation for? How have you best been utilized? What staff innovations have occurred? What new rituals or services have proven to be healing? What major challenges do you encounter? What gives you hope, and how do you inspire hope in others? Please send your idea for an article to Vision editor David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org.

10. NACC Networking Calls for September 2021 – All are welcome to participate!

Wednesday, September 8; 12 p.m. CT NACC Palliative Hospice Networking Call
Thursday, September 9; 3 p.m. CT NACC Nurse Chaplain Networking Call
Friday, September 10; 11 a.m. CT NACC Dir of Sp Care Networking Call
Monday, September 13; 1 p.m. CT NACC CPE-Educator Community of Practice Call
Thursday, September 16; 3 p.m. CT NACC Member Listening (COVID) Call
Tuesday, September 21; 3 p.m. CT NACC New Member Networking Call
Thursday, September 23; 3:30 p.m. CT NACC Kentucky and AL, LA, MS, TN Networking Call
Thursday, September 30; 1 p.m. CT NACC Purposeful Retirement Networking Call

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

You must sign up to participate and receive the ZOOM code for the call. If you replied, you will receive a ZOOM passcode to connect connection via internet or smartphone. 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.
Due to ZOOM security requirements, you may be placed in a waiting room. Please be patient until the host joins the call and allows you access. THANK YOU!

11. The Member Listening Call for September will be Thursday, September 16, 2021!
With the rise of COVID cases and the refilling of hospitals, it’s again a strenuous time on health care staff and you as chaplains. Weariness, fatigue, and uncertainties return. We continue to offer our listening sessions and remain grateful for the participation and sharing that is happening during these virtual communities. The NACC strives to support those who have found it helpful and healing to share their thoughts and experiences in these gatherings, as well to be there for one another.

We continue to have good participation for our Member Listening. Thank you. NACC will offer a listening session on September 16. This is a general listening session asking for you to bring what is on your heart. Our topics vary to address what is important to you in the moment.

NACC Listening Call
Thursday, September 16, 20214pm ET, 3pm CT, 1pm MT, 1pm PT

ATTENTION: You will need to register HERE for this call. You will be sent automatically the ZOOM information to access this session. If you have trouble registering, please let us know at info@nacc.org.

12. Listening Hearts are available
Listening Hearts are available for those in need of one-on-one conversation with a retired chaplain. (Spanish speaking chaplain available)

We recognize that these are unusual and uncertain times. You are continually stretched in new ways and faced with challenging choices.

Listening Hearts is available for NACC members seeking a listening presence from a NACC retired chaplain colleague. You may be experiencing and feeling the cumulative impact of the present global Pandemic or other life related stresses. 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.

13. Healing Tree: a request for prayers
The NACC holds the Healing Tree as a place for members to seek the supporting prayers of their colleagues. We prayerfully support and publish the names submitted by our membership for themselves or their family members. We also ask that you please include members and their families who have been affected by the COVID pandemic in your prayers

We continue to pray for our members: Sr. June M. Baker OP, Bonnie Burnett, Sr. Andre Dembowski RSM, Denice Foose, Sr. Leonie T. Iweh DMMM, Sr. Ellen Moore, Mary Beth Moran, Fr. Jim Radde SJ, Martiza Ramos-Pratt, Sr. Ann Regan SC, Sr. Paula M. Tinlin SND, and Sr. Louise F. Zaplitny SC.

For the intentions of: Sr. Maira Mary Barry OP (for Sr. Loyola Miller and Diana), Donald L. Brown (for Beth Ann Scannell and her husband Bob), Nicholas Perkins (for mother Pearl Marie Perkins), Pamela Proietti (for mother Carole Werrbach, sister Diane Brooks, brother Mark Werrbach and friend Vicki), and Sue Walker (for cousin Natalie).

For loved ones: Johnny Consigli (godson of Sr. Margaret Oettinger), Larry DuPlain (brother of Sr. Mary A. DuPlain SJSM), Richard Valeriote (father of Catherine Valeriote), Autumn Vaughn (great-niece of Linda Bronersky), Michael (brother of Cathy Zylstra), and James (grandson Mary Pat Campbell),

For the families of: Nancy Cook (on the death of her husband Randy Heydenberg), Sr. Emily Demuth CSC (on the death of her sister Bernice Wagner), Peggy (Margaret) Nixdorf (on the loss of her husband Richard), and Mary T. O’Neill (on the death of her brother Liam).

Please let us know if you would like our membership to pray for your health and healing by emailing Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org). We will leave the person’s name on the Healing Tree list for three months unless you ask us to remove the name earlier. You can always request us to leave the name on longer.

14. Please look at, like, and follow our NACC Social Media meme graphics!
We continue to publish our popular social media meme graphics. The themes for this campaign are Chaplain Wisdom and Join NACC. They will post each Tuesday morning, and we would love for you to share them on your own personal social media channels, as you feel moved. Please make sure to like and follow us on Facebook (@choosechaplaincy), LinkedIn (@National Association of Catholic Chaplains) and on our new Instagram (@NACC_Chaplains).

15. We need you to promote chaplaincy as a ministry and profession in the Church!!
With church activity returning, remember that you can represent NACC and chaplaincy with materials for the narthex, Youth Groups, or other organizations within and outside of your church community. Check out our Choose Chaplaincy videos, Q& A, and materials on our website: www.nacc.org/about-nacc/choose-chaplaincy and www.nacc.org/about-nacc/choose-chaplaincy/materials

16. Great resources for those who want to learn of Chaplaincy! Stories From Chaplaincy & Paths to Chaplaincy
NACC’s most recent marketing effort is pushing chaplaincy videos on Facebook. These are posted every 2 weeks beginning on April 7th and will continue into September. Please view and like and share to make others aware of the gifts and talents chaplains share and their stories of how their journey happened. www.facebook.com/choosechaplaincy.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

17. Save a new date for our Buffalo National Conference! Friday, March 25 through Monday, March 28, 2022!

Our NACC members recently received a special notice that we changed the date of our next annual National Conference from end of October 2021 to Friday, March 25, 2022, through Monday, March 28, 2022. While we are disappointed that we needed to change the date again, the NACC Board of Directors appreciated the survey of our members that gave us convincing data that a fall 2021 date would not provide the attendance needed to make a National Conference successful. So, mark your calendars for 2022! We will meet in 2022!

18. 2022 Conference Theme and Objectives
The NACC is pleased to announce the theme and objectives for the 2022 National Conference is “Stretched by Life, Lifted by Faith.”

Our National Conference will be taking place two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent violence born of racism and other biases. Multiple forms of polarization and discord have further divided our country, family, friends and even our Church. Trauma in many manifestations has needed to be identified and addressed. We are being stretched by life. Yet, as NACC members, we are ones who continue the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of the Church. The Paschal Mystery marks our lives and our profession. We know and experience that we are lifted by our faith. This Conference is devoted to gathering with one another to be a safe and sacred space to support one another in courageous and honest dialogue on those areas that challenge and stretch us to own our common humanity and destiny, as well as to identify and celebrate what makes and sustains us as healing ministers.

Chaplains will be able to:

Initiate, renew and deepen relationships with colleagues (OL2, OL2.1).
Attend to their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through personal reflection, professional sharing, and communal ritual (PIC3).
Ascertain and incorporate new pastoral care strategies and creative spiritual care practices developed in a pandemic and post-pandemic environment (PPS2, PPS5, PPS6, PPS9, OL1).
Identify unconscious bias and racism in self, community, and culture, implementing tools to facilitate and foster greater awareness, effective spiritual support, and collaborative professional relationships (PIC1, PIC2, PPS3, OL2.1, OL4.1).
Distinguish and articulate elements from the Catholic tradition which ground their personal spirituality and professional ministry as well as develop responsible strategies to deal with elements of the Catholic tradition causing personal and professional challenges (ITP2.1, ITP2.2, PIC3, PIC3.1, PIC5.1).
Further articulate their identity as Catholic chaplains and ministers of the church (ITP2.1, ITP2.2, PIC5.1).

19. 2022 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 2022 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.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

20. Register today! Spiritual Accompaniment: An Invitation to Soul Listening, Presented by Diane M. Millis PhD, September 16, 2021 ~ 12pm – 1:30pm Central Time
September’s NACC webinar on Thursday, September 16, 2021, 12:00-1:30 pm central time, will be on “Spiritual Accompaniment: An Invitation to Soul Listening,” presented by Diane M. Millis PhD. Learn more about speaker, program, and to register go to: www.nacc.org/education-resources/nacc-webinars-and-audio-conferences/2021-webinar-series-overview-and-registration/2021-webinar-program-information-9

Overview and Objectives
To “listen” another’s soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another. –Douglas Steere, Gleanings: A Random Harvest

Encouraging another’s soul to speak challenges us to go beyond the stance of active listening so many of us have been taught. In this webinar, we will consider approaches for deep, soulful listening. Since this manner of listening begins with ourselves, we will devote time to contemplation and reflection in addition to presentation and discussion.

As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to

Articulate the conditions that invite another’s soul to speak.
Demonstrate listening to their own souls as they listen to others.
Explain what helps and hinders them from listening soulfully.

NACC Certification Competencies Addressed in this Webinar
PIC1, PIC2, PIC3, ITP2, IPT3, PPS2

21. 2021 North Central Prairie Chaplains’ Conference: Registration Deadline for Onsite Participation is August 31. Register now to join us!
Topic: Women of John’s Gospel as Models for Ministry in Our Time, Date/Time: September 16 @ 8:00 am – September 17 @ 5:00 pm
Christ the King Retreat Center, 621 South First Avenue, Buffalo, MN 55313 United States
Attend in-person or participate online through Zoom.

Dr. Catherine Cory is an associate professor of New Testament at the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul, MN. She received her M.A. from the St. John’s University in Collegeville and her Ph.D. in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity from the University of Notre Dame. Her areas of specialization are the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation.

22. Other educational resources

Please be sure to visit the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab website for its most recent resources.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange, whose Ministry of Arts has given NACC an art piece for its annual raffle at our national conference, is offering through their The Well Spirituality a two day, BRIDGING THE DIVIDES, TENDING THE GAP conference, Sept. 24-25. Find out more and register at one.bidpal.net/bridgingdivides/welcome.
The George Washington Institute for Spirituality & Health is again offering its Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum (ISPEC©), October 14-15, 2021 (VIRTUAL). Please consider taking advantage of this special program. For more information and registration go to: www.nacc.org/event/34234

23. 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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
National Association of Catholic Chaplains

CHAPLAIN OPENING
Santa Fe, New Mexico – CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center

CATHOLIC PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Stony Brook, NY – Stony Brook Medicine

PORT CHAPLAINCY MINISTRY
Galveston/Texas City, TX – The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

PRIEST
Springfield, MO – Mercy

DIRECTOR, PASTORAL CARE
Cedar Rapids, IA – Mercy Medical Center

CHAPLAIN
Baltimore, MD – Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital

CHAPLAIN – CATHOLIC PRIEST
Lubbock, TX – UMC Health System

DIRECTOR of SPIRITUAL CARE
Brentwood, NY – The Sisters of Saint Joseph

STAFF CHAPLAIN
Lewiston, Maine – Central Maine Healthcare

CERTIFIED CHAPLAIN
Corpus Christi, TX – CHRISTUS Spohn Health System

Issue #359 – August 30, 2021

NACC

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

Issue #359 – August 30, 2021

NACC

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

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