Issue #365 – November 22, 2021

Click here to return to the main NACC Now page.

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

NACC

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
2. Thank you to those of you who have already given to our 2021 Annual Member Campaign! Please join them! *
3. Death of our member: Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, BCC-E *
4. In Vision: Jesus’ invitation to friendship is waiting for us *
5. Vision seeks articles on relationships
6. Please look at, like, and follow our NACC Social Media meme graphics!
7. We need you to promote chaplaincy as a ministry and profession in the Church!!
8. Great resources for those who want to learn of Chaplaincy! Stories From Chaplaincy & Paths to Chaplaincy
9. NACC Networking Calls for December 2021 – All are welcome to participate! *
10. The Member Listening Call for December will be Monday, December 13, 2021! *
11. Healing Tree: a request for prayers *

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

12. Save this date for our Buffalo National Conference! Friday, March 25 through Monday, March 28, 2022!
13. 2022 Conference Theme and Objectives

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

14. December 16, 12 Noon-1:30 pm central time will be the final NACC webinar for 2021! *
15. Resources from Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) *
16. Recent job postings *

1. Executive Director’s Reflection *
Yesterday we celebrated what the USCCB entitled, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. I am invited to look back over the past year with eyes of faith and to notice how Jesus has been present in my life and the lives of others, recognizing his “already” present in the experience of the “not yet” of life. In suffering, loss, death, and the longing for Life’s fullness, Jesus was present bringing all our life’s experiences into the realm/reign of God’s victory over suffering, loss, death, and the experience of incompleteness. “Of the Universe” implies Christ’s presence, influence, and realm is not just limited to my view, my world, our view, our world, but the “beyond” of my knowledge and imagination. How mysterious and wondrous!

This feast is also a bridge to our liturgical year of Advent, where I am invited to embrace my hope and expectation, my longings for the coming of the more and the light of God’s reign, in the midst of the disappoints, disturbances, and devastations of darkness of our world now. So much about me can tempt me to be overcome by sadness, discouragement, and doubt. Yet, God is present and active, and this feast and our coming season of Advent call me to be a person who notices Life within and about me, nurtures the grace of gratitude, and lives with the longing for the more.

Isn’t it good to celebrate Thanksgiving between these our two liturgical makers of yesterday’s feast and next Sunday’s Advent beginning? I find nurturing the grace of gratitude to be essential, as it trains me to focus on the Life within and about me, noticing the “already” of Jesus present with me and those I encounter. The grace of gratitude aids me with living with the “not yet,” acknowledging, trusting and confessing that God is in the “not yet.”

Personally, as I am transitioning from NACC leadership, I found myself going back to my first Vision Column of September 2007. I reflected on the “hints and guesses” as T.S. Elliot described them in his poem Dry Salvages from his Four Quartets. In some ways I was reflecting on the “already” of God’s presence in our midst, Incarnation, and what I need to continue to nurture the grace of gratitude.

I am filled with gratitude for all of you and the gift of your ministries to our hurting world and our hurting Church. I am hopeful and excited for NACC, as the Board of Directors and Erica Cohen Moore lead NACC into the future full of hope.

Blessings on you and your healing ministries,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. 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 440 gifts totaling $55,163. 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!

3. Death of our member: Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, BCC-E *
We recently learned of the death of our dear member, and NACC grandparent, Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, BCC-E. Julie was a giant of NACC, long time member and leader of NACC, significantly engaged in the development of our certification process over the years. She was a CPE Educator right up to the day she died, retiring the very day the Lord took her, good and faithful servant. Julie joined and was certified in 1975 two years after NACC officially opened certification to those other than priests. She was certified as a CPE Supervisor in 1979. In 1975, she was one of the first women elected to the NACC Board of Directors and was serving on the Board when NACC moved to Milwaukee in 1981. She also served two terms on the NACC Certification Commission. You can read the articles she wrote both for the 40th Anniversary of NACC (REFLECTION by Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, NACC Grandparent), and NACC’s fiftieth anniversary, “Healthcare changes require students and certified chaplains to be flexible“. May the Lord embrace this gracious and generous servant who continued the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of the Church.

(Above) Sr. Julie with another NACC grandparent, Msgr. Garvey in 1999 in San Diego

(Left) Sister Julie in the center of this photo from the 2014 National Conference in St. Louis

4. In Vision: Jesus’ invitation to friendship is waiting for us *
In the Gospel of John, Jesus shows us a model of friendship, and he lives a model of sacrifice. It’s related to what chaplains have done over the past year and a half, as Laurie Brink writes in our new issue of Vision. To read more about the friendship between Jesus and the disciples, click below.

Jesus’ invitation to friendship is waiting for us

5. Vision seeks articles on relationships
The November-December issue of Vision will cover the theme of “Relationships: Social ties and spiritual well-being.” You probably already ask patients about any friends and family who can be a resource for them, but we want to take a deeper dive. How can we help patients build relationships, and how can we nurture our own relationships? We are looking for contributions on the roles of family, friends, colleagues, therapists; friendship in times of trauma; mentorship; challenges of friendship; limits of friendship; new forms of intimacy via technology; and other thoughts that our members may have. Please send a summary of your idea to Vision editor David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org.

6. 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).

7. 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 or email Ramune Franitza rfranitza@nacc.org.

8. Great resources for those who want to learn of Chaplaincy! Stories from Chaplaincy & Paths to Chaplaincy
NACC’s most recent marketing efforts is pushing chaplaincy videos on Facebook. 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.

9. NACC Networking Calls for December 2021 – All are welcome to participate! *

Monday, December 6, 2021; 2 p.m. CT NACC State Liaison Networking Call
Tuesday, December 7, 2021; 12 p.m. CT NACC African/African American Networking Call
Wednesday, December 8, 2021; 12 p.m. CT NACC Palliative/Hospice Listening Call
Thursday, December 9, 2021; 1 p.m. CT NACC Nurse Chaplain Networking Call
Monday, December 13, 2021; 1 p.m. CT CPE-E Community of Practice Call
Monday, December 13, 2021; 3 p.m. CT NACC Member Listening 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!

10. The Member Listening Call for December will be Monday, December 13, 2021! *
It’s a strenuous time on health care staff and chaplains. Weariness, fatigue, changes in staffing and uncertainties continue to be with us. 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 December 13. We ask you to bring what is on your heart. Our topics vary to address what is important to you in the moment.

NACC Listening Call
Monday, December 13, 2021
4pm ET, 3pm CT, 2pm 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.

11. 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: Rev. William Blum CSC (thanksgiving and acceptance), Bonnie Burnett, Sr. Andre Dembowski RSM, Mary Espitia, Denice Foose, M. Elizabeth Heffernan, Sr. Ellen Moore, Fr. Jim Radde SJ, Martiza Ramos-Pratt, Sr. Paula M. Tinlin SND, and Sr. Louise F. Zaplitny SC.

For the intentions of: Deborah Bradley (for father-in-law Jack Bradley), Robert Legato (for wife Claudia Legato), and Nicholas Perkins (for mother Pearl Marie Perkins).

For loved ones: Autumn Vaughn (great-niece of Linda Bronersky), Larry DuPlain (brother of Sr. Mary A. DuPlain SJSM), Brian Grasmick (husband of Victoria Grasmick), Fred Leas (husband of Charlotte Leas), Eleanor Morgan (mother of M. Kelly Catone), and Natalie (cousin of Sue Walker).

For the families of: Rev Marc Angelo (on the death of his mother Felita Malave), Nancy Cook (on the death of her husband Randy Heydenberg), Sr. Emily Demuth CSC (on the death of her sister Bernice Wagner), Sr. Margaret Oettinger (on the death of her godson John Consigli), and Michael Onuoha (on the death of his aunt Kuma Okonkwo).

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW FOR OUR NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

12. Save this date for our Buffalo National Conference! Friday, March 25 through Monday, March 28, 2022!
Some time ago our NACC members 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!

13. 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).

14. December 16, noon-1:30 pm central time will be final NACC webinar for 2021! *
Save the date for the December 16, 2021 webinar! Final details of the title, objectives, and presenter information will be forthcoming by early next week.

15. Resources from Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC) *

• Holding Still: Centering Prayer and the Spiritual Journey, is a riveting, candid and insightful documentary film about practicing centering prayer while incarcerated in Folsom Prison. You can view the film and download a reflection guide at https://www.catholicprisonministries.org/holding-still-2
• The PBS series Searching for Justice explores criminal justice reform unfolding across the country, as leaders from both sides of the political aisle attempt to end mass incarceration by rethinking laws that some say have become barriers to work, housing, and economic stability. www.pbs.org/newshour/tag/searching-for-justice
• CPMC continues to host town halls and offer webinars monthly on topics vital to prison ministry, but many pertain to all chaplaincy ministries. These are all available without cost. Browse the titles at: www.catholicprisonministries.org/webinars

16. 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

CHAPLAIN RESIDENT
Tarzana, CA – Providence Southern California Center for CPE

SYSTEM DIRECTOR of CHAPLAINS
Murphysboro, IL – Southern Illinois Health Care

CHAPLAIN
Oakland, CA – Mercy Retirement and Care Center and Elder Care Alliance

CERTIFIED PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Longview, TX – CHRISTUS Good Shepherd

STAFF CHAPLAINS
Central Iowa – MercyOne Central Iowa

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MISSION INTEGRATION
Rockville Centre, NY – Catholic Health

CERTIFIED BILINGUAL RC PRIEST
Orange, CA – Providence St. Joseph Hospital

CHAPLAIN
Rochester, MN – Mayo Clinic

CHAPLAIN – PASTORAL CARE
Everett, Washington – Providence Regional Medical Center

MANAGER of SPIRITUAL CARE
Baltimore, Maryland – Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital

ACPE CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
Eau Claire, WI – Mayo Clinic

MANAGER of MISSION SERVICES and SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Riverside, CT – St. Catherine of Siena Parish