Issue #371 – February 21, 2022
Click here to return to the main NACC Now page.
(Items marked with a * are new or updated items)
NACC 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SAME LOCATION
Conference has been moved to August 19-22, 2022
NACC
1. Caring for Myself While Caring for Others *
2. Conference News from our Executive Director *
3. Invitation to share reflections of your ministry
4. Death of a former member *
5. Consider 2022 volunteer leadership with NACC’s Board, Commissions, Committees, and Panels!
6. In Vision: Vision wants to hear about your first career. *
7. NACC Networking Calls for March 2022 – All are welcome to participate! *
8. The Member Listening Call for March will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022! *
9. Listening Hearts are available for chaplain support
10. Healing Tree: a request for prayers *
11. Follow us on social media! Please look at, like, and follow our NACC social media meme graphics and Instagram!
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
12. 2022 Webinar Series
13. Our long-time member Trisha Crissman BCC *
14. CPMC, Joe Cotton, and Caitlyn Moreau of the Catholic Mobilizing Network *
15. Two NACC Chaplains Help Arrange a Christmas Day Wedding in Texas Hospital. *
16. ChaplainDL is again offering the basic Introduction to Disaster Spiritual Care *
17. CHA Ethics Webinar: “Complex Discharges: Ethical and Legal Concerns”
18. Called Into Healing ~ A Retreat for Ministers, March 4-6, 2022
19. Special CPMC Educational Packet to explore the issue of mass incarceration for Lenten programs for parishes and faith communities!
20. Other Resources from Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC)
21. Recent job postings *
1. Caring for Myself While Caring for Others *
The first time I heard the term “self-care” was during my CPE Residency at the Hospital of St Raphael in New Haven, Connecticut. Maybe it was said during the time I accumulated 2 children, 2 master’s degrees and years of professional experience, but I didn’t hear it. Chaplaincy, with its myriad of demands and opportunities, became a doorway into this critical part of my own path, my own prayer. Self-care, or at least my attempts at it, has become one of the places where I meet God.
I’m reminded of this fundamental element of ministry as I think of and pray for other chaplains and healthcare workers, especially in the era of Covid. I wonder how time for oneself is found when demands are escalating. I wonder how we can fine-tune our “inner ear” to support the sacred dialogue of soul.
Author Parker Palmer* asks “What sort of space gives us the best chance to hear soul truth and follow it?” For me, self-care is not limited to exercise and diet, though both are valuable. I’m also interested in silence and contemplative practice. Palmer describes the soul as a wild animal, and my ears perk up:
“Like a wild animal, the soul is tough, resilient, resourceful, savvy and self-sufficient; it knows how to survive in hard places…. Yet despite its toughness, the soul is also shy….it seeks safety in the dense underbrush, especially when other people are around. If we want to see a wild animal, we know that the last thing we should do is go crashing through the woods yelling for it to come out. But if we walk quietly, sit patiently at the base of a tree, breathe with the earth and fade with our surroundings, the wild creature we seek might put in an appearance.”
“What sort of space gives us the best chance to hear soul truth and follow it?” Each of us must create our own welcoming, safe place for our soul to speak. This form of self-care lays a foundation that sustains us in ministry and in our daily life. Simple acts, such as lighting a candle on a cold winter day, offers nourishment and declares, “Yes, this is a place of respite, a place where my soul feels safe.” And I? I listen with a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. I am learning to care for all of me, body, mind and spirit. I am learning to trust this soul of mine that God created. Let us nurture our hopeful, generous and creative souls that carry the Christ light into the world.
*Parker Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness – The Journey Toward an Undivided Life, Jossey-Bass Publisher, San Francisco, 2004, p58
Lisa Irish, MEd, MA, BCC; Spiritual Director, Author, Retired Chaplain; www.lisairish.com
2. Conference News from our Executive Director *
Thank you for your patience and grace as the NACC Board of Directors planned next steps related to the cancellation of the Conference scheduled for March 2022.
We are pleased to announce that the Conference has been moved to August 19-22, 2022. With pre-conference offerings August 18-19, 2022. Our conference location will remain the same, and we look forward to welcoming you in person to beautiful Buffalo, New York, during the late summer.
As you can imagine there is much work to be accomplished to move the conference. The NACC Conference Planning Task Force is working to review all the planned events (from the March conference) to ensure all can still be offered in August. This will take a little time and we certainly appreciate your patience with that process. We anticipate opening registration for the August conference in May 2022. As soon as all details are finalized we will share them with you.
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION & HOTEL INFORMATION
- Conference registrations will be cancelled. All registration fees that have been received will be refunded. Refunds will be issued to the original payment source beginning on Friday, February 18, 2022.
- Registrations paid for with a Credit/Debit card will be refunded directly back to the card used to purchase the registration.
- Registrations that were paid for with checks that have were deposited (cleared your bank) will be refunded by NACC check with the check mailed back to the issuer of the check. This may take up to two weeks.
- Registrations with checks that were not yet deposited by the NACC, the NACC will reach out to the registrant with your available options for returning the check. Look for that outreach by email.
- The process for all hotel reservations to be cancelled is being finalized. We anticipate having this information available for you next week.
Any questions related to this communication can be addressed to Jeanine Annunziato (conference@nacc.org).
Thank you again for your support and prayers as we move ahead with the conference.
Erica Cohen Moore
Executive Director
3. Invitation to share reflections of your ministry
NACC would like to offer the opportunity for our members to share thoughtful reflections of their ministry throughout the year. Please offer your thoughts that would inspire your colleagues by sending your reflection to Ramune Franitza rfranitza@nacc.org. We may also post previous reflections from our former Executive Directors.
4. Death of a former member *
We remember Sister Carolyn “Lyn” Mouton RSC, who died this past week.
In 1995, after earning an MA in Theology and her board certification, she was a parish Pastoral Associate, then Director of Evangelization for two more parishes, followed by ten years of hospital chaplaincy. Lyn retired from active ministry in 2005 and resided at the Sacred Heart Oakwood Community in Atherton, California until her death. May she enjoy the fullness of God!
You can read her obituary at
www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/acadiana/name/carolyn-mouton-rscj-obituary?id=33075064
5. Consider 2022 volunteer leadership with NACC’s Board, Commissions, Committees, and Panels!
NACC is grateful for all those called to leadership in our Association. Prayerfully consider offering your gifts and talents in your areas of interest and expertise. If you feel called to join our leadership team, please take a look at opportunities available here or contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) to speak with someone from the NACC Nominations Panel. NACC will hold elections this summer for 2 Board vacancies.
6. In Vision: Vision wants to hear about your first career. *
The majority of NACC members came to chaplaincy after spending years or decades in some other field. For the new issue of Vision, we are seeking your stories about what you did before chaplaincy, and how those experiences influence your ministry today. Please send a summary of your idea to Vision editor David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org.
Careers as neurobiologist and chaplain parallel each other *
Ann Christensen began her career as a biology researcher and teacher — and even now, as a certified chaplain, she continues that work. Click below to read more in Vision about how her scientific background helps her at the bedside — and what she has to be careful to avoid.
www.nacc.org/vision/january-february-2022/careers-as-neurobiologist-and-chaplain-parallel-each-other
The meaning of life: Rock and roll and chaplaincy *
Marty Folan’s serious bike accident as a teenager eventually led him to a career in chaplaincy. But the rock and pop music that still provides the soundtrack of his life gave him a first career as a music writer. To read more about the stages of his life journey in Vision, click below.
www.nacc.org/vision/january-february-2022/the-meaning-of-life-rock-and-roll-and-chaplaincy
7. NACC Networking Calls for March 2022 – All are welcome to participate! *
Thursday, March 10; 12 p.m. CT – NACC Palliative/Hospice Networking Call
web.nacc.org/events/NACC-Palliative-Hospice-Networking-Call-3-10-1293/details
Thursday, March 10; 1 p.m. CT – NACC Nurse Chaplain Networking Call
web.nacc.org/events/NACC-Nurse-Chaplain-Networking-Call-3-10-1299/details
Friday, March 11; 11 a.m. CT – NACC Directors of Spiritual Care Call
web.nacc.org/events/NACC-Directors-of-Spiritual-Care-Networking-Call-3-11-1297/details
Monday, March 14; 1 p.m. CT – NACC CPE Community of Practice Call
web.nacc.org/events/NACC-CPE-Community-of-Practice-3-14-1298/details
Wednesday, March 16; 3 p.m. CT – NACC Member Listening Call
web.nacc.org/events/NACC-Member-Listening-Session-3-16–1287/details
To sign up use the links above or for more information or to receive notes contact Ramune Franitza at rfranitza@nacc.org.
You will receive a ZOOM link in your Registration Confirmation. You must register to participate and receive the ZOOM link for the call. Even if you are unable to participate, please register so that notes can be forwarded.
8. The Member Listening Call for March will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022! *
Spiritual Care continues to support patients and staff while we continue to deal with the pandemic and its implications. Often, it is helpful to spend an hour with those who understand, our colleagues. We continue to offer our listening sessions and remain grateful for the participation and sharing that is happening during these virtual communities. Sharing is confidential to the group.
NACC will offer one listening session on Wednesday, March 16; 4pm ET, 3pm CT, 2pm MT, 1pm PT, 11am HI. 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.
ATTENTION: You will need to register HERE for this call. You will be sent the ZOOM information automatically to access this session. If you have trouble registering please let us know at info@nacc.org.
Notes from previous sessions can be found here. Sharing is confidential to the group. Notes do not reflect the names of the speakers.
For more resources and blog updates, be sure to read the latest updates on our Coronavirus resources page.
9. Listening Hearts are available for chaplain support
A Listening Heart is always available for one-on-one conversation (Spanish speaker available).
This ministry is provided by NACC retired chaplains. Please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) if you would like to speak with a Listening Heart or have questions.
10. 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, Sr. Madeline Cipriano RSM, Susan DeLongis, Sr. Andre Dembowski RSM, Denice Foose, Fr. George Henninger LMHC, Sr. Ellen Moore, Fr. Jim Radde SJ, Martiza Ramos-Pratt, Sr. Mary Lou G. Schnitzer SSJ BCC, Sr. Paula M. Tinlin SND, Wanda Walker, Rev. Henry M. Williams, and Sr. Louise F. Zaplitny SC.
For loved ones: Autumn Vaughn (great-niece of Linda Bronersky), Mila Rose (granddaughter of James Engelbert, Kathi Peot and family (sister-in-law of Mary Heintzkill, Claudia Legato (wife of Robert Legato), Ed Drake (husband of Hilda Lethe-Drake), Pearl Marie Perkins (mother of Nicholas Perkins), and Natalie (cousin of Sue Walker).
For the families of: Bev Beltramo (on the death of her niece Jessica Grassmick, [her parents Carol & Jim Grassmick and her three young children]), Deborah Bradley (on the death of her father-in-law Jack Bradley), Bonnie Burnett (on the death of her brother Terence Burnett), the family of Tamara Durand on her death, Rev. John O. Ekeocha (on the death of his mother Catherine Ekeocha), and Marga A. Halala on her death.
There are members whose needs are personal, so please remember our members whose journey needs the support of your prayer.
If you would like our membership to pray for your health and healing, email 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.
11. Follow us on social media! Please look at, like, and follow our NACC social media meme graphics and Instagram!
We continue our new series of 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). If you would like to be a part of NACC’s Instagram story, please contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) to speak with someone from the NACC Marketing Panel.
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
12. 2022 Webinar Series
The NACC will be offering professional development Webinars in 2022. Unlike prior years, our programming will not begin until the second quarter of the year. First quarter will be spent planning our program to ensure we are able to provide quality education to our members and those serving in spiritual care. Our goal is to still provide the same number of webinars in 2022, however given the later start, there may be some months that we host more than one webinar. As information is available it will be disseminated to our members through NACC Now, our website, and direct email campaigns. If you have any questions, please contact NACC directly (education@nacc.org).
13. Our long-time member Trisha Crissman BCC*, who is VP of Operations/COO for CommonSpirit Health at Home (formerly CHI Health at Home), is now on the board of directors for NHPCO. She wanted us to know that it’s “kind of cool” that a Catholic Chaplain is on the board! Press release here: www.nhpco.org/nhpco-welcomes-new-board-members-in-2022
14. CPMC, Joe Cotton, and Caitlyn Moreau of the Catholic Mobilizing Network* are all mentioned in this article: “CHA explains support for bill expanding health care access, affordability”
15. Two NACC Chaplains Help Arrange a Christmas Day Wedding in Texas Hospital. *
Zoe Krizak and Nannette Coons, both NACC Members, helped support a couple’s need to convalidate their 15-year marriage at the bedside.
www.texascatholic.com/2022/02/01/christmas-day-wedding-in-texas-hospital-brings-joy-to-a-family
16. ChaplainDL is again offering the basic Introduction to Disaster Spiritual Care *
ChaplainDL is again offering the basic Introduction to Disaster Spiritual Care to help you be prepared to respond in your own community when the need is there. This course was created to make available – online and completely asynchronous – professional education/training that is specifically focused on disaster spiritual care.
To again encourage large numbers of professional chaplains, CPE supervisors, students, and congregational clergy to become knowledgeable in this area, given all the current challenges, ChaplainDL is offering this course, on a “POP UP” basis, still at a significantly reduced price applicable only to the course starting March 2, 2022. This is an “asynchronous” online class. This means that a student participates at any time convenient for him/her over the 28-day period – including evenings, mornings and weekends.
Registration is now open. $100 for all (normally $375) www.chaplaindl.org/introduction-to-disaster-spiritual-care—basic.html
17. CHA Ethics Webinar: “Complex Discharges: Ethical and Legal Concerns”
Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 1–1:45 p.m. ET. The event is the eighth session of CHA’s complimentary ethics series, “Emerging Topics in Catholic Health Care Ethics.” Featured presenter is Kayan Parsi, JD, Ph.D., HEC-C, Professor and Director, Graduate Program in Bioethics, Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
To register: www.chausa.org/store/meeting?ID=4893
18. Called Into Healing ~ A Retreat for Ministers, March 4-6, 2022
You are invited to gift yourself a weekend immersion into YOU at the beautiful spiritual retreat center at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ. This experiential retreat will provide a safe place to heal and transform the mind, body and spirit. This retreat will be facilitated by NACC Member, Bonnie McCulley. For more program and registration information, visit: https://www.nacc.org/event/36418/
19. Special CPMC Educational Packet to explore the issue of mass incarceration for Lenten programs for parishes and faith communities!
Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition would like to provide your faith community with Who Do You Say That I Am?, (www.catholicprisonministries.org/lenten-series), a Lenten educational packet that can be used to explore the issue of mass incarceration in America through the lens of our Catholic faith.
We are delighted to provide you with the convenience of a downloadable packet and facilitator’s PowerPoint, which includes an outline for facilitating three group sessions and other related materials. CPMC is available to help you implement these important reflections. You may view our recent webinar which was devoted to walking facilitators through the implementation of this series.
Please share this resource with colleagues and community members and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or needs at info@catholicprisonministries.org.
20. Other 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 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 ministry. These are all available without cost. Browse the titles at: www.catholicprisonministries.org/webinars
21. 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 – PASTORAL CARE
Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati Children’s
HOSPITAL STAFF CHAPLAIN
Rochester, MN – Mayo Clinic
CERTIFIED CHAPLAIN II – Full-Time
Texarkana, TX – CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
CERTIFIED CHAPLAIN – Full-time, salaried position
Lima, Ohio – Mercy Health
CHAPLAIN INTERN – Paid Intern Position
Lima, Ohio – Mercy Health
FULL-TIME MANAGER, SPIRITUAL CARE
Bellingham, WA – PeaceHealth
DIRECTOR of PASTORAL CARE
Edgewood, KY – St. Elizabeth Healthcare
CHAPLAIN
Stevens County, WA – Providence Inland Northwest Washington Stevens County Ministries
MANAGER of SPIRITUAL CARE
Springfield, MA – Trinity Health, Mercy Medical Center
ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST
Indianapolis, IN – Franciscan Health-Indianapolis
ACPE CERTIFIED EDUCATOR
Corpus Christi, TX – CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline
MANAGER – PASTORAL SERVICES
St. Louis, MO – Mercy
DIRECTOR of SPIRITUAL CARE
Birmingham, AL -Ascension St. Vincent’s
DIRECTOR of PASTORAL CARE
Bangor, ME – St. Joseph Healthcare (Covenant Health)
