Issue #374 – April 4, 2022
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(Items marked with a * are new or updated items)
NACC
1. I was reminded of the image of Christ on the cross *
2. News from our Executive Director *
3. NACC Annual Report and 2021 YE Financial Report Review *
4. Welcome to our new NACC members who joined us in March 2022! *
5. Death of a former member *
6. Invitation to share reflections of your ministry
7. Consider 2022 volunteer leadership with NACC’s Board, Commissions, Committees, and Panels!
8. In Vision: Journeys to Chaplaincy *
9. Dementia Care Resource Page
10. Stations of the Cross for Persons with Mental Illness and their Families & Friends *
11. The Member Listening Call for April will be Tuesday, April 12, 2022! *
12. NACC April Networking Call – All are welcome to participate!
13. Listening Hearts are available for chaplain support
14. Healing Tree: a request for prayers *
15. Follow us on social media! Please look at, like, and follow our NACC social media meme graphics and Instagram!
16. Important 2022 August Conference Information *
17. Important Information for all NACC Certified Members ~ Special Exceptions to Requirements for Maintenance of Certification *
18. Thank you to our many members who are contributing to the Spring Virtual Certification Interviews! Please keep the 44 Board Certification Applicants in prayer. *
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
19. CASC/ACSS Conference 2022 – Reconciling Heart and Soul: Moral Injury and Pathways to Healing; May 1- 4th, 2022 online/virtual *
20. Transforming Chaplaincy offers upcoming webinar
21. Catholic Prison Ministries Town Hall and Webinar updates *
22. Recent job postings *
I was reminded of the image of Christ on the cross *
Although I am retired from my position as the chaplain at a Children’s Hospital, there are particular encounters that remain with me, for they are part of my story now. They serve as reminders of God’s presence with me, but more importantly, with those to whom he sent me. I am humbled to have been used to serve his little ones, “the least of these.” I am blessed to have witnessed God bring light into the darkness of grief and despair. One particular situation comes to mind as we come closer to the Paschal Mystery.
It was Holy Week, and I received a page from our PICU. A 5-year-old recently diagnosed with leukemia had been admitted and the mother had requested my presence. I remembered that this little one had been given a favorable prognosis and I wondered what had happened to put her in the ICU. When I entered the room, I saw that she was gravely ill and her mother was sitting beside her bed, naturally distraught. Mother grabbed my hand and requested prayer. I prayed for the child, for her parents, and for the medical staff taking care of her. The nurse was at the bedside checking on the countless IV pumps and moments later flew into action when she realized that the child was coding. I quickly pushed the chair that the mother was sitting in into to the corner of the room as the room quickly filled with assorted medical personnel. As I looked upon the tiny vulnerable outstretched body on the bed I was reminded of the image of Christ on the cross. As everyone worked to save this little one, her mother wailed in fear and despair, crying out to God. For me, she was echoing the psalmist, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Ps 22). Jesus, in his humanity, echoed this same anguish. Mary, at the foot of the cross, must have heard her son cry out and I imagine she too echoed his cry. My heart was breaking for this suffering child and her mother, and I too offered a silent prayer. I stood alongside the mother as the team ardently worked to bring her child back to life. The resuscitation efforts went on for quite a long time and eventually the child’s heartbeat was restored. However, the child’s oncologist came in and gently told the mother that her daughter’s heart was too weak to keep her alive and would most likely stop again. The mother, like Mary, surrendered her child into God’s hands, courageously agreeing to a DNR. The mother climbed into bed with her precious child, and I envisioned Mary at the foot of the cross, loving her son to the end. The little girl’s breaths grew labored and in a short while she drew her last breath. “It is finished.” rung in my mind. Gently, I took the mother in my arms, holding her in my heart also. Hanging onto to me tightly, she sobbed uncontrollably. The bedside nurse carefully unhooked the IV lines and gently asked the mother if the nurses could bathe her daughter. Various staff came in and compassionately offered their heartfelt condolences. The room was cleared of all evidence of the resuscitation efforts and the child was reverently bathed, hair combed, and tenderly placed in pretty pink pajamas. Wrapped in a soft blanket, she was then gently placed into her mother’s arms. For me, it was like seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta come to life as the mother lovingly caressed her child, speaking her love to her precious daughter.
I am sure that each of us have stood at the foot of the cross with a patient’s loved ones, just as John and the women stood with Mary. John and those women played an important role. Their very presence, just as mine and the medical staff that day, brought tangible support to this heartbroken mother. We stood witness to her pain and suffering, offering her our presence and compassion. For me, it is through the authentic care and compassion of others that suffering finds meaning, where light can enter into the darkness. “The greatest gift we have to offer is our selfless and solitary witness. For when we stand vigil with the despairing spirit, … [w]e are defying the darkness.” (Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace by Kent Nerburn). God did not forsake Jesus, Mary, nor this mother. Rather he sustained them in their suffering and far beyond the time when “it was finished.” As the psalmist continues, “[the Lord] did not turn away from me but heard me when I cried out.”
Susan Crowley, BCC
2. News from our Executive Director *
Please share your feedback and advocacy based on your first-hand experience with those who cry out. The synod process is not complete without you. For those who have already participated, here is the link to our Synod page where you can respond to the follow-up survey: www.nacc.org/synod
For those who still want their voices heard additional Synodal Listening dates are:
April 19th – 1:00-2:30pm (CT)
April 22nd – 1:00-2:30pm (CT)
To register: nacc.org/events/NACC-Synodal-Listening-Sessions-1303
Erica Cohen Moore
Executive Director
3. NACC Annual Report and 2021 YE Financial Report Review are now available for membership review: www.nacc.org/about-nacc/annual-reports.
4. Welcome to our new NACC members who joined us in March 2022! *
Chaplaincy Ministry
Joseph M. Ayima (Omaha, NE)
Rev. Ronald A. Camarda (Atlantic Beach, FL)
Dr. Rev. Timothy J. Kelly DMin. (Lufkin, TX)
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Raymond Lenton (Tauranga, New Zealand)
Chaplain John Mwesige (Nairobi, Kenya)
Rev. Fr. Anthony Offorbuzor Okolo CMF (Youngstown, OH)
Professional Ministry
Louis Edward Canter OEF (Winter Haven, FL)
Mrs. Jill E. Fisk (Saint Louis, MO)
Constance D. Riley (Monterey, CA)
Rev. Deborah L. Thompson (Redmond, WA)
Student
Reverend Paul I. Abhulimen (Dunkirk, NY)
Kristina Adams (Boise, ID)
Kenneth F. Carlson MDiv. (Pearland, TX)
Fr. Arockiasamy Santhiyagu (Lewiston, ME)
Volunteer Ministry
Mr. Eric M. Gagnon (Brownsburg-Chatam, QC Canada)
Deacon Jose A. Mercado Jr. (Fullerton, CA)
5. Death of a former member *
Joined and certified in 1984 (left NACC 2006), Sr. Elaine Goodell died Sunday, 3/27/22 in Aberdeen SD, in the presence of her fellow Presentation Sisters who so lovingly cared for her. Sister Elaine ministered as a chaplain in Austin, TX, and as director of pastoral care at (Avera) St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD, before beginning her ministry as a staff chaplain at the Healthcare Chaplaincy, Inc., and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY.
PBVM website information page: www.presentationsisters.org/sisters/sister-elaine-goodell; Obituary may be found at: www.spitzerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Sr-Elaine-Goodell.
6. 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.
7. Consider 2022 volunteer leadership with NACC’s Board, Commissions, Committees, and Panels!
NACC will hold elections this summer for 2 Board vacancies. Prayerfully consider NACC Leadership Roles. NACC is grateful for all those called to fill these roles in our Association. If you feel called to join our leadership team, please review opportunities available here or contact Ramune Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) to speak with someone from the NACC Nominations Panel.
8. In Vision: Journeys to Chaplaincy *
The majority of NACC members came to chaplaincy after spending years or decades in some other field. For the January/February 2022 issue of Vision, we requested your stories about what you did before chaplaincy, and how those experiences influence your ministry today.
Ex-technical writer uses her existing skills on the hospital floor
After Christina Mayer made the career switch from technical writing to spiritual care, she found that a surprising number of her skills transferred easily. In our newest Vision article, she talks about knowing how to establish a rapport quickly, be curious, assess the situation, and much more.
Ex-technical writer uses her existing skills on the hospital floor
From managing wildlife to caring for people, it all makes sense
Gary Weisbrich wanted to grow up to be a wildlife biologist, and he did. But he found that the best part of the job was making connections with people and listening to their stories — and now, as a chaplain, “I know this is where God wanted me to be.” To read more of Gary’s story in Vision, click below.
From managing wildlife to caring for people, it all makes sense
9. Dementia Care Resource Page
This new resource page includes a gift from Sarah Fredricksen, BCC:
A Picture Book to share with your patients
A hospice chaplain with an idea to create a book of images to share with her Catholic dementia patients; to bring them the comfort of their faith. Sarah Fredricksen, BCC found an artist and commissioned these drawings for her picture book. Sarah offers her beautiful collection of watercolors to the NACC.
See more at Dementia Care Resources.
10. Stations of the Cross for Persons with Mental Illness and their Families & Friends *
Please use this link to download the pdf offered by the Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labre (www.guildbjlabre.org)
11. The Member Listening Call for April will be Tuesday, April 12, 2022!
As current situations evolve, so do our concerns and causes of stress. Patient counts may be down in many places, and we are relieved as symptoms abate and restrictions begin to lift. Chaplains are still affected by increased patient loads and staff shortages. Spiritual Care continues to support patients and staff during these latest crises. Weariness, fatigue, and uncertainty continue to be a part of chaplaincy’s days and nights.
NACC will offer one listening session on Tuesday, April 12; 4pm ET, 3pm CT, 2pm MT, 1pm PT, 11am HI.
ATTENTION: Register here to participate and receive the ZOOM link for the call. If you have trouble registering please let us know at info@nacc.org.
Notes from previous sessions can be found here: www.nacc.org/resources/coronavirus-resources/#listen. 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.
12. NACC April Networking Call – All are welcome to participate!
Thursday, April 14; 12 p.m. CT – NACC Palliative/Hospice Networking Call
nacc.org/events/NACC-Palliative-Hospice-Networking-Call-4-14-2022
13. 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.
14. 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: Susan DeLongis, Sr. Andre Dembowski RSM, Denice Foose, Marybeth Harmon, Sr. Ellen Moore, Fr. Jim Radde SJ, Martiza Ramos-Pratt, Sr. Mary Lou G. Schnitzer SSJ, Sr. Paula M. Tinlin SND, Wanda Walker, and Sr. Louise F. Zaplitny SC.
For loved ones: Autumn Vaughn (great-niece of Linda Bronersky), Larry DuPlain (brother of Sr. Mary DuPlain SJSM), Mila Rose (granddaughter of James Engelbert), Fred Leas (husband of Charlotte Leas), Claudia Legato (wife of Robert Legato), Ed Drake (husband of Hilda Lethe-Drake), Pearl Marie Perkins (mother of Nicholas Perkins), Natalie (cousin of Sue Walker), and the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Marc.
For the family of: Bonnie Burnett (on the death of her brother Terence Burnett).
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.
15. 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.
16. Important 2022 August Conference Information *
The Conference Planning Task Force continues their planning efforts to move the conference program to the new dates ~ August 19-22, 2022.
Much progress has been made and the majority of our website pages are back available. We are hopeful that the remaining details will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Visit the conference website pages to view registration rates, hotel information, conference schedule, speakers and much more.
We are pleased to announce that the NACC will again accept applications for scholarships for members to attend the conference. Application deadline is April 27. Learn More!
Important dates:
- Conference registration will open late April/early May
- Early bird registration deadline is June 13, 2022
- Conference registration will close on July 1, 2022
- The hotel is taking reservations now!
We are excited to welcome you to beautiful Buffalo in the Summer. Check out all the city has to offer.
17. Important Information for all NACC Certified Members ~ Special Exceptions to Requirements for Maintenance of Certification *
Given the current COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and across the world, the ability for certified members to achieve the required fifty (50) hours of continued education required annually has been impacted. The pandemic has affected members in both their personal and professional lives and for many has made it difficult to not only attain hours but be in the right mindset to focus on this endeavor. The Competency Commission and the Certification Commission acknowledge that many members are also feeling the fatigue of completing educational time exclusively in a virtual setting given in-person events are still few and far between.
The Competencies Commission has approved a special exception for the number of education hours required for certification maintenance to be lessened from fifty (50) hours to thirty-five (35) hours yearly. Additionally, the Certification Commission has waived the requirement that a minimum of twenty (20) hours of education per year must be achieved through “attending” activities. Both exceptions are in effect for education years 2020, 2021, 2022. For more details on the exceptions, please visit the NACC website.
18. Thank you to our many members who are contributing to the Spring Virtual Certification Interviews! Please keep the 44 Board Certification Applicants in prayer. *
The National Office and many volunteers have been busy preparing for the Virtual Spring Interviews for Certification. We are so thankful for all our volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the NACC Certification process. NACC values the service of these 45 interviewers, 9 ITE’s, 2 Commissioners and 4 chaplains serving as Spiritual Support! This process could not be as successful without the efforts of these individuals. Thank you so much for being part of the process. If you would like to serve for the October 2022 interviews, please email lisasarenac@nacc.org to be added to the list.
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
19. CASC/ACSS Conference 2022 – Reconciling Heart and Soul: Moral Injury and Pathways to Healing; May 1- 4th, 2022 online/virtual
Winnipeg was originally planning on hosting a Hybrid conference which allowed attendance both in person and through virtual online connection. However, with the continuing rise in the omicron variant and the uncertainty of travel this spring, the difficult decision was made to go to a virtual only format. Though in person connection will be missed, we will still be able to communicate through our professional on-line conference platform. Satellite locations (think CPE Groups, Spiritual Care Departments, regional gatherings, etc.) will still be able to bring together attendees to connect virtually at a reduced registration fee.
The objective of this conference include:
- Share expertise on moral injury and its impact on practitioners and those we serve/encounter
- Focus on moral injury through a variety of lenses, in particular, the Indigenous experience.
- Create space for a variety of voices speaking to their experience of MI
- Motivate with leading practices in research and professional development; with attention on the calls to action of the TRC
- Strengthen participants as they consider their world view lens and explore a variety of healing pathways.
Surprisingly Affordable
As a fully virtual conference with no costs for transportation, accommodation, food and beverage it will be very economical to attend the conference from anywhere in Canada or the world. For more information, check out the specific topic pages on the left hand sidebar. spiritualcare.ca/home/conferences/2022-conference
20. Transforming Chaplaincy offers upcoming webinar *
Thursday, April 7th at 1:00PM (EST) / 12:00PM (CST), please join us for a free webinar titled: The Epidemiology of Connectional Silence in Serious Illness Conversations with our guest Bob Gramling, M.D., D.Sc.
Connection is a foundational component of any spirituality definition, especially within palliative care (Puchalski et al, 2009, 2014). The importance of connection has been heightened over the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Silence is also an integral aspect of spiritual care within palliative care. Hold onto your socks for our webinar featuring research concerning Connectional Silences during specialist serious illness conversations. They are associated with decision-making and improved patient quality-of-life. Join us to hear more about these findings and what they mean for our spiritual care.
Click here for more information and to register.
21. Catholic Prison Ministries Town Hall and Webinar updates *
Town Hall: Women in Prison, Thurs, April 7, 2022 – 1pm ET, 12pm, CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
Webinar: Gangs and Ministry, Wed, April 20, 2022 – 1pm ET, 12pm, CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
Town Hall: Sharing Synodal Feedback, Thurs, April 21, 2022 – 1pm ET, 12pm, CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
Town Hall: Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, Thurs, April 28, 2022 – 1pm ET, 12pm, CT, 11am MT, 10am PT
Who Do You Say That I Am? Faith & Incarceration: A Lenten Reflection Guide
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
DIRECTOR of PASTORAL CARE
Bangor, ME – St. Joseph Healthcare (Covenant Health)
CHAPLAIN HOSPICE – Full Time
Hermiston, OR – Hospice Hermiston
CHAPLAIN HOSPITAL – Full Time
St. Cloud, MN – St. Cloud Hospital (CentraCare)
DIRECTOR of MISSION and PASTORAL CARE
Chicago, IL – Mercy Circle
CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN: Full Time, Day/Evening, 7:30am to 4:00pm Weekdays. Rotating weekends.
Cedar Rapids, IA – Mercy
WOMEN & INFANTS STAFF CHAPLAIN
Milwaukee, WI – Ascension Wisconsin Spiritual Care
CHAPLAIN – Full Time
Wauwatosa, WI – Children’s Wisconsin
PASTORAL CARE CHAPLAIN
Adrian, MI – Adrian Dominican Sisters
CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION MANAGER
Charleston, SC – Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
CHAPLAIN, PALLIATIVE CARE and HOSPICE
Fond du Lac, WI – St. Agnes Home Care & Hospice (SSM Health)
