Issue #197 – May 11, 2015
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(Items marked with a * are new or updated items)
NACC
1. Executive Director’s Reflection*
2. We are deeply grateful to all those who helped make the May 2-3, 2015 Certification Interviews a success!*
3. Thank you for our members’ response to the Time and Talent Volunteer Program Survey*
4. Would you consider writing for Vision on the “Toward Better Charting” theme?*
5. Upcoming NACC networking calls in May*
6. Have you been reading the May-June Vision dedicated to 2015 NACC Conference?*
7. Have you read this notice regarding your NACC membership renewal process?
NACC – 50 YEARS OF CONTINUING THE HEALING MINISTRY
8. Fr. Joseph Driscoll thanks NACC for memories, charting new ground*
9. Reflecting on the ministry: A listening ear by Carole R. DiZeo*
50th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE
10. Ordering audio recordings of 2015 National Conference materials
11. We are deeply grateful to our 2015 Conference sponsors!
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
12. Did you see the announcement of the major grant to strengthen research in chaplaincy?*
13. David Lewellen’s article on chaplaincy and palliative care in the recent Health Progress*
14. Have you heard of the Gerotranscendence Theory: a fresh, positive view of aging?*
15. Interested in being part of a network of colleagues working to improve use of spiritual care volunteers in their settings?*
16. Request: Are you part of Schwartz Center Rounds in your hospital setting?*
17. NACC 2015 Webinars*
18. NACC Local Gatherings*
19. Trinity Health 2015-2016 Webinars
20. APC Webinars
21. Healing Tree: a request for prayers*
22. Recent job postings
Executive Director’s Reflection
During my graduate studies in theology, I took a course entitled, “Religious Experience through Autobiography.” We studied the contours of religious experience and how authors used the genre of autobiography to reveal their experience of God. A major assignment was writing one’s own autobiography. When I met the professor to review his assessment of my writing, his first and main comment was, “David, repeat daily and often the words of the Father to Jesus (Mark 1:11) at His baptism, ‘You are my beloved son, in you I am well-pleased.’”
This memory came back as I read the first line of yesterday’s Gospel (John 15:9), “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” It remains difficult, a life-time quest, to fully imagine and immerse myself in that truth, “As the Father loves me, so also I love you.” Is it not?
Sometimes I think it takes a lifetime to get through the sentence, “I love you.” So much of life is still absorbed in the “I”. Contemplation morphs into self-reflection. Thinking about and being immersed in caring for others can slip into self-examination of myself thinking about doing that. Healthy, critical self-examination to improve oneself can slip into too much SELF-absorption. What a challenge to move from the “I” to the “love” in that sentence!
Yet, God does bless us daily with those who model for us the way of love. As she hovers over the bed of her seven-year-old daughter who is fighting brain cancer, the mom soothes with a soft tone as she aches inside for her precious daughter. The elderly husband gently strokes, as he has for 52 years, his wife’s hand as she dwells in her Alzheimer’s world gazing vacuously at this lovely man. The brother gives his kidney to his sister with the quip, “I love you, sis.” And the list goes on and on. We witness it and we live it every day – the dance of “love” between the “I” and the “You”.
Ultimately, I believe, is not our final goal the final word of that sentence, “You”? To remain in God’s love where we are totally attentive to, and taken by, the One who is speaking to us throughout our life, “You are my beloved?” I have a recollection that Teresa of Avila commented about prayer, that it is to be aware of who you are and in whose presence you are, and to gaze on the One who is gazing at you. Is this not somehow happening in my daily ministry experience? Is remaining in God’s love in the end being taken by that “You” – the end of the sentence, and life?
I pray in our ministry – we can remain with those whom God has given us to love in such a way that they too can hear through our ministry, “You are my beloved, in you I am well pleased.”
Blessings to you,
David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director
Without your time, talents, and prayers, it would not be possible. The interviews were held in four locations: Chicago, IL; Rockville Centre, NY; St. Louis, MO; and San Diego, CA. There were, at least, 106 people involved in the interview weekend: 43 applicants, 45 interviewers, 9 Interview Team Educators, 4 Site Coordinators, 1 Certification Commissioner-on-Call, and 4 Pastoral Presence Volunteers/Other Volunteers. We are so thankful for all our volunteers’ hard work and dedication to the NACC Certification process! A list of our volunteers can be found on our website.
Thank you for our members’ response to the Time and Talent Volunteer Program Survey*
Nearly 200 of our NACC members have responded to our recent Time and Talent Volunteer Program Survey. This information will be very helpful to us as we learn more about you, your interests, your areas of professional experience and expertise. As we seek leaders for our NACC leadership needs, we look forward to hearing from you, and inviting you also. If you have not completed it yet, we welcome you to do so. With gratitude…
Would you consider writing for Vision on the “Toward Better Charting” theme?*
“Toward Better Charting” will be the theme of the July-August issue of Vision, and we encourage NACC members to share their experience and ways to improve this vital service. We are looking for leading practices in how to write and evaluate notes that will be helpful both to spiritual care coworkers and to those on the interdisciplinary team. We are also interested in articles that share your learning (guidelines and cautions) when moving your charting to the EMR or EHR platform. Please send a summary of your idea for an article to David Lewellen, dlewellen@nacc.org. The deadline for finished stories is June 8.
Upcoming NACC networking calls in May*
In the coming weeks, the NACC will be hosting several networking calls. If you would like to participate, please contact Tim Charek (tcharek@nacc.org).
- Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time – NACC Age 45 & Under Group
- Tuesday, May 19, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time – One Person Department Group
- Tuesday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time – Latino/Hispanic Members
- Wednesday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m. Central time – Corrections Group
- Thursday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. Central time – Palliative Care/Hospice Group
Have you been reading the May-June Vision dedicated to 2015 NACC Conference?*
The May-June 2015 issue of Vision is available online. You will find many excellent stories and coverage of the NACC 50th Jubilee National Conference of March 6-9 in Arlington, VA.
Have you read this notice regarding your NACC membership renewal process?*
We want to remind our members that since our conversion to the new NACC database last fall (that made possible your ability to enter your profile information and make membership payments via the NACC website), we needed to change the membership expiration date to the first day of your renewal month. So we now are sending via email your first membership renewal notice two months prior to your renewal month, and indicate that your dues are to be paid by the first day of your renewal month. Our second notice is sent to you via email, the beginning of the month prior to when your dues are expected to be paid. Please note that we are still providing you with two months in which to remit payment. However, we are providing you with two months prior to your due date in which payment should be received. We do apologize for any inconvenience this might initially cause you the first time around with this process, and ask for your prayer and patience with the implementation of our new system. Thank you.
NACC – 50 YEARS OF CONTINUING THE HEALING MINISTRY
Fr. Joseph Driscoll thanks NACC for memories, charting new ground*
At the 2015 Conference, Fr. Joseph Driscoll, former President and Chief Executive Officer of the NACC, provided valuable insights into the NACC’s importance to the Church. You can read David Lewellen’s article on Fr. Driscoll’s talk here.
Reflecting on the ministry: A listening ear by Carole R. DiZeo*
A Listening Ear
By Carole R. DiZeo
While I was going for my master’s degree in pastoral studies, I was also ministering as a registry chaplain at a hospital in Illinois. During one of my internships, I was paged to a unit that had a gentleman who was very angry and upset with “life in general.” Several nurses and aides tried to talk with Mr. Golden, but he wouldn’t to talk to anyone, and said so in unpleasant language.
I told the nurse I would try to see if he would talk with me. I knocked and said, “May I come in? I’m Chaplain Carole.”
“If you came here to talk about God or try and convert me, I’m not interested,” the patient shouted. Maybe that was my clue to leave, but my CPE training stepped in, and I said calmly, “I am not here to evangelize or convert you or even talk about religion.”
“All right. Come in,” Mr. Golden answered. Thinking of a colleague’s description of patients’ rooms as their sanctuaries, I asked, “May I please sit down?” He said, “Yes.”
As I began to talk to Mr. Golden, I asked what made him happy, and he talked about his dog and his daughter. He said the dog was his “best buddy,” and that he missed him, but his daughter was taking care of the dog while he was in the hospital. I listened, wholeheartedly, to his story. I could see the love and devotion in his eyes as he talked about his dog. As he continued to talk, I asked him if there was anyone else he was missing. “My daughter,” he said. “She’s the only person who comes to visit me.”
“Do you have a wife?” I asked. “Yes!” he said, with anger in his voice. “My wife is on drugs! I’ve tried helping her, but she always goes back to using.” Mr. Golden told me that he, too, was a user, but that he was trying to get clean. His frustrations came out as he talked about his drug habit and how he felt, at times, that no one cared. He no longer wanted to use drugs, he continued, but he was very anxious to go home.
“I feel safe at home, because my dog is there and he is waiting for me,” Mr. Golden said. “Plus, my daughter will continue to visit with my dog and me once I get home.” When it was time for me to go, Mr. Golden thanked me and asked if I could come back. I told him that I would try to return, if possible. I thanked him for sharing his story with me.
I learned a lot from this spiritual care visit. Sometimes people just want someone to hear their story, in a non-judgmental way, with a heart filled with compassion and understanding and with ears that listen intently and deeply. You don’t even have to mention God, yet God is ever present.
Carole R. DiZeo, is director of spiritual care for Presence Heritage Village in Kankakee, IL.
In each NACC Now, during this 50th jubilee year, we are featuring a reflection by one of our NACC chaplains on his or her ministry and an experience of a gift of that ministry. Please allow Carole’s reflection to inspire you in writing this year one of your “gifts” of ministry. Your own reflection is welcomed! If you want to share a reflection, please contact David Lewellen (dlewellen@nacc.org).
2015 50th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE
Ordering audio recordings of 2015 National Conference materials
If you are interested in audio recordings of any of the 2015 National Conference offerings, you can place an order at www.dcprovidersonline.com/nacc/.
We are deeply grateful to our 2015 Conference sponsors!
The ability to keep the conference fees reasonable relies very much on the willingness and generosity of a variety of sponsors. We received $49,850 in sponsorships. We are deeply grateful. To view the sponsors, please go to www.nacc.org/conference/default#sponsors.
CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
Did you see the announcement of the major grant to strengthen research in chaplaincy?*
The NACC is very pleased that George Fitchett, D.Min., PhD, professor and director of research in the Department of Religion, Health and Human Values at Rush University Medical Center, and Wendy Cadge, Ph.D., professor of sociology and chairperson of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at Brandeis University, as co-chairs, were awarded this research grant that aims to strengthen research in chaplaincy. The NACC has both endorsed this grant and is committed to assist with the funding of the online research education for chaplains that will help our members meet the new NACC certification standard 305:7 Articulate how primary research and research literature inform the profession of chaplaincy and one’s spiritual care practice. We are grateful to our NACC member, Catarina Mako, who will be our NACC representative to the project. To learn more about this grant, please go to: www.rush.edu/news/press-releases/45-m-grant-chaplain-research-efforts. You can also learn more about, and stay updated on, the research grant work at the grant’s project website as www.researchliteratechaplaincy.org.
David Lewellen’s article on chaplaincy and palliative care in the recent Health Progress*
Our NACC Vision editor, David Lewellen, had his article on chaplaincy and palliative care entitled, “Chaplaincy skills support whole person care,” published in the May-June 2015 issue of Health Progress. Congratulations, David! Also, in the same issue there are several excellent articles on the value of community partnerships.
www.chausa.org/publications/health-progress/article/may-june-2015/chaplains’-skills-supportwhole-person-care
Have you heard of the Gerotranscendence Theory: a fresh, positive view of aging?*
Sr. Cheryl White, SCJ, Ph.D., in this article introduces the gerotranscendence model and its implications for understanding aging and our models of care for those we serve. Enjoy.
You can find the article at www.nacc.org/resources/longtermcare.
Spiritual Care Volunteer Collaborative: Several chaplains working in healthcare settings that work with spiritual care volunteers met during the May 2014 NACC Conference in St. Louis, MO. A Spiritual Care Volunteer Collaborative was formed at that time to network with colleagues who utilize spiritual care volunteers in their departments. Since then, we have stayed in contact with each other through monthly conference calls. We had the opportunity to meet again face-to-face during NACC’s 50th anniversary in Arlington, VA, in March. We have developed a mission statement and subscribe to common ethical and philosophical commitments. If you utilize spiritual care volunteers in your department, please consider joining us. For more information, contact Bob Shenk, BCC, Bon Secours Richmond Health System, robert_shenk@bshsi.org, (203) 216-5723.
Request: Are you part of Schwartz Center Rounds in your hospital setting?*
From Ed Horvat: “During the NACC annual conference in Arlington, VA, in March, I became aware of Schwartz Center Rounds (www.theschwartzcenter.org/supporting-caregivers/schwartz-center-rounds/) during one of the workshops I attended. I visited their website and shared what I learned with my supervisor. She gave me the okay to explore the possibility further to see if it is something that would fit into our hospital culture. Do any of you minister in a setting that utilizes Schwartz Center Rounds? I would be interested in learning more about your professional and institutional experience with this resource.” Ed Horvat, BCC, (304) 598-1952, horvate@monhealthsys.org.
The NACC webinars for 2015 are in full swing. They address often-requested topics by our members. All are scheduled, as in past years, on Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Central Time. For these webinars we offer the option of registering (and paying by credit card) online: ONLINE REGISTRATION. The registration form may be accessed by clicking on this link: REGISTRATION FORM. Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for the special invitation to register online coming later this week!
June 11 & 18
Weighing Spiritual Care and Other Priorities: A Dialogue with a Chief Executive
Presented by Ann E. Hurst BCC, Kay I. Gorka, BCC, and Alexander Jackson
July 9 & 16
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services: Implications for Spiritual Care Decision-Making
Presented by Rev. Thomas A. Nairn, OFM, Ph.D.
August 13
Renewal of Certification with the NACC
August 20
Certification with the NACC
September 10 & 17
Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying: Theology and Practice of the Rites
Presented by Bruce T. Morrill, SJ
October 15 & 22
The Journey of Mental Illness for Chaplains, Family Members, & Caretakers.
Presented by Kathleen Hagerty, CSJ, BCC
November 5 & 12
Practical Theology and Implications for Professional Ministry.
Presented by Kathleen A. Cahalan, MA, Ph.D
December 17
90 minutes
“Honoring the Gift: NACC and Chaplaincy Going Forward”
Presented by David A. Lichter, D.Min and Mary Lou O’Gorman, BCC
Several local gathering are being scheduled for 2015. We ask you to “hold the date” with details to follow. If you would like to consider hosting and helping plan an NACC local event to mark our 50th Anniversary, Please contact Andris Kursietis (akursietis@nacc.org).
- June 6, 2015, Braintree, MA see details
- June 18, 2015, Spokane, WA see details
- June 19, 2015, Portland, OR, see details
- June 20, 2015, Seattle, WA, see details
- September 14, 2015, St. Louis, MO, details to follow
- September 17-18, 2015, Alexandria, MN, details to follow
- November 6, 2015, Buffalo, NY
- November 17, 2015, Washington, DC area
Trinity Health 2015-2016 Webinars
As in past years, the NACC has collaborated with Trinity Health (formerly CHE-Trinity) to plan their Trinity Health Webinars. For the 2015-2016 Webinars schedule go to: www.che.org/mission/index.php?id=49. To register for the webinars go to:
www.che.org/mission/index.php?id=46
The Association of Professional Chaplains continues to offer its high quality webinars. To view its offerings and to register, go to: www.professionalchaplains.org/calendar_list.asp.
Healing Tree: a request for prayers*
Please let us know if you would like our membership to pray for your health and healing. Also please let us know when you want us to remove your name from our Healing Tree.
We continue to pray for: Sister Stephanie Morales, FMI, Marybeth Harmon, Carol Tafoya (sister of NACC Board member Sr. Margo Tafoya), Renato Fallico, Kathy Ponce, Konstanty Pawicz (husband of former staff member Mary Pawicz), Pam Kimmel, Susan Balling, Maria Meneses, Chaplain Julia Mary Sweeney (mourning the death of her sister, Margaret Maureen Lewis, BA Honors), Sr. Sheila Prendeville, CPPS, AnaLisa Bischoff, Sr. M. Dianna Hell,
Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, Betty and Louis Skonieczny, Mary Theresa (niece of NACC Chaplain Sister Dorothy Kline), Jim Castello, Kelly Bigler (mourning the death of her father, Vernon),
Jeff Michel (brother-in-law of David Lichter), Thomas from Chicago (12 years old), Thomas Smiley (brother of member Diane Smiley),
Marga Halala, Donn Renfro (son-in-law of Karen Pugliese),
Amy in Atlanta (friend of NACC member Theresa Sullivan),
Thomas (grandson of NACC member Ginny Grimes Allen), Beth from Boston (friend of NACC member Dana Sandlin),
Sr. Janet Bielmann, Kelly Folan (daughter of NACC member Marty Folan),
Mary Potts (twin sister of Deacon Francis Potts), Elizabeth A. Walsh,
Francesco Marshall, Glenn and Pat Teske,
Susan Murphy, Fr. Jim Radde, SJ, Sr. Mary Clare Boland, SP,
Sr. Phyllis Ann DiRenzo, Kathy Brier (daughter of NACC member Theresa Brier),
Gloria Troxler, Fr. Kevin Ikpah, Lourdes B. Ruta (wife of Peter Ruta), and
Kelly Elizabeth Sexton (daughter of NACC member Melyssa Sexton).
The following positions have been posted recently on our Positions Available page. Please go to www.nacc.org/resources/positions/ for more information.
STAFF CHAPLAIN, Full-Time
San Bernardino, California – Dignity Health
DIRECTOR, MISSION INTEGRATION
Portland, Oregon – Providence Portland
DIRECTOR of PASTORAL SERVICES
Indianapolis, Indiana – St. Francis Health
UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN
Newport, Rhode Island – Salve Regina University
CHAPLAIN
Waterloo, Iowa – Covenant Medical Center
CPE RESIDENCY
La Crosse, Wisconsin – Gundersen Health System
MANAGER, SPIRITUAL CARE
Denver, Colorado – Centura Health
MANAGER, PASTORAL CARE
Chicago, Illinois – The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
MISSION LEADERSHIP DIRECTOR
Torrance, California – Providence Medical Institute
STAFF CHAPLAIN, FULL-TIME
Chicago, Illinois – Presence Saint Joseph Hospital
REGIONAL DIRECTOR of SPIRITUAL SERVICES
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
MANAGER, PASTORAL EDUCATION
Atlanta, Georgia – Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
FULL-TIME CHAPLAIN (Days)
Athens, Georgia – St. Mary’s Health Care System
