Issue #222 – May 2, 2016

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

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
It’s Sunday morning, and we are getting ready for the First Communion of our grandson, Joshua. Later Friday afternoon, Joshua and I hung out together doing guy things, such as visiting hardware stores and having chicken fingers and a hamburger. We stopped at Walgreens to get a First Communion card for his soon-to-be step brother, Dylan, and a Mother’s Day card for his mom. We talked about his sharing a post communion celebration with Dylan (Joshua really likes Dylan but has never had to share the limelight as Joshua was our oldest daughter’s only son and youngest child who got and knew how to get prime time attention!) and his side of the family. We talked about the meaning of Communion as sharing, caring about one another, as Christ shares himself with us, and cares deeply for us, and we give to, sharing with, and care for one another. Christ helps us be a family of faith, and we, in turn, strive to be family with one another. Joshua enjoyed our guys’ time. We both could think about our growing family and remind ourselves of sharing, caring, and getting along as hallmarks of family, and First Communion.

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of those things, and our faith helps us to do that, doesn’t it? In today’s Gospel of John, we listen to Jesus saying to those he loved, “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’” (John 14: 25-27) We believe the Spirit of the Risen Christ continues to teach us and remind us, just as Jesus told those early disciples.

One of our members commented to me after our excellent National Conference this past week that the speakers were excellent, and the workshops she attended were high quality. Then she added, “You know, I learned several valuable ways to improve my professional approach to our ministry, but I also really appreciated being reminded by presenters of the why behind what we do, and the importance of being accountable for our ministry, and collaborating with my colleagues to keep one another healthy and getting better at what we do.” Another member appreciated a new found clarity, confidence, peace of mind, and courage to return to make decisions and changes in his department. Is the one member’s comment an example of the Spirit who “will teach you everything and remind you?” And is the peace of mind the other noted the “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you?” I think so.

Over the past couple of weeks, several of you have emailed us expressing being troubled or confused by HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (HCCN) establishing a new Spiritual Care Association (SCA) that offers membership, education, and certification. Within a week of the announcement, NACC along with our cognate American partners, ACPE, APC, and NAJC, sent an open letter to our membership that affirms our commitment to the Common Standards and to our collaborative effort to continue to improve our approach to preparing, certifying, and supporting our members. The SCA has chosen not to use the Common Standards as a basis for the certification competencies and procedures to become certified.

HCCN has provided and continues to provide research, education, and advocacy for the profession of chaplaincy. Much of it is helpful. However, HCCN’S development of the SCA, its aggressive marketing to recruit cognate members, its promotion of its certification and credentialing as THE way forward for the profession, and its decision not to engage the cognate groups, evoke troubling reactions.

NACC leaders remain committed to our strong and invaluable collaboration with our cognate partners to improve our profession, and to the Common Standards as the Gold Standard for the profession of chaplaincy. We will seek to explore in the future viable options for partnership with HCCN. A future task will be to engage in research to ensure that our certification processes and competencies outlined in the Common Standards are effective to address the needs of those we serve. Each of you offers evidence of our commitment to the pursuit of best practice and the provision of quality care.

So, it’s First Communion day for many, including Joshua and Dylan. The message to me seems appropriate for relationship among our cognate groups and with the Healthcare Chaplaincy Network. We talked about the meaning of Communion as sharing, caring about one another, as Christ shares himself with us, and cares deeply for us; and we give to, sharing with, and care for one another. Christ helps us be a family of faith, and we, in turn, strive to be family with one another. Joshua enjoyed our guys’ time. We both could think about our growing family and remind ourselves of sharing, caring, and getting along as hallmarks of family, and First Communion.

I pray for and am committed to making this approach a hallmark of our chaplaincy profession also.

Blessings to you,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. NACC Board provides direction for key initiatives
The NACC Board of Directors met in Chicago prior to the national conference on April 21st and 22nd. The following is a brief report of some of the highlights of this meeting:

The Board has been absorbed in the exploration of strategies to sustain and grow the NACC. We have engaged a consultant to identify potential funding sources and submitted a grant request to the Raskob Foundation, an independent foundation supporting projects from organizations identified with the Catholic Church. If successful, that request would allow us to convene other Catholic groups engaged in pastoral ministry and explore possible alliances with these organizations. Our hope is that together we would institute a national approach to Catholic pastoral ministry in this country. The USCCB has encouraged and supported these conversations as NACC is known for its certification processes and educational programs as well as its advocacy. Because the Board strongly feels this strategy will strengthen both NACC and the Church, we have agreed to fund these conversations even if the Foundation denies our application for funding.

In addition, the Board agreed to explore with the Certification Commission additional certification levels. This initiative could potentially expand our membership and provide opportunities for persons engaged in pastoral ministry who do not have the required academic education or clinical training for board certification as chaplains. This initiative will also involve the Board exploring additional membership categories.

The Board discussed HealthCare Chaplaincy’s formation of the Spiritual Care Association (SCA) and the SCA decision not to use the Common Standards for certification and credentialing. The Board remains committed to certification in accord with the Common Standards. Additionally, statements of support by several Catholic healthcare systems for this current process were shared.

The Board also continued its discussion of strategies to enhance communication with the Bishops. Bishop Hying, the NACC’s USCCB Episcopal Liaison, and David Lichter have contacted archbishops in order to identify opportunities for chaplains to meet with bishops during their provincial meetings. The goal for these meetings would be for chaplains to present on the vital role and function of the certified Catholic chaplain within our dioceses.

At the annual business meeting, David Lichter reviewed highlights of this past year and described some of the initiatives listed above. Tim Serban then invited members at tables to answer questions and to submit concerns about the current and future state of NACC. Once this feedback is compiled and reviewed, a sample of members’ questions and concerns, along with the Board’s responses, will be posted on NACC Now.” NACC Board of Directors

3. NACC Board announces the four candidates for the NACC Board of Directors! Elections in May!
The NACC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the four candidates for the two 2017 elected member seats on the Board of Directors. Beverly Beltramo (MI), Nancy Cook (TX), Carolanne Hauck (PA), and Hyun Underwood (HI) have graciously made themselves available to member discernment and election. You can read more about them by going to www.nacc.org/about-nacc/leadership/board-of-directors/board-of-directors-election. Board elections will begin next Monday, May 9, and end Tuesday, May 31st. We will send you a notice with a link to the voting site on Monday, May 9. We are deeply grateful also to the other members who generously put their names forward as part of the Board discernment process but were not selected this time to be part of the candidate pool.

4. NACC Annual Business Meeting held during the NACC Conference
The NACC Board of Directors held its annual Business Meeting during the 2016 Conference on Sunday, April 24, 2016. Tim Serban, 2016 elected board member, was introduced, along with the four 2017 candidates for the two elected board seats to be filled. David Lichter gave a brief update of NACC’s finances and membership, and an overview of NACC strategic initiatives. Mary Lou O’Gorman discussed the recent establishment of the Spiritual Care Association. Members provided feedback on the initiatives and offered their counsel. Go to www.nacc.org/conference/2016-business-meeting for a link to the business meeting documents, including: 2015 Highlights, Agenda, and PowerPoint.

5. Thanks to the 509 members who replied to the NACC member survey to help us with our planning!
We are grateful to the 509 NACC members who completed the survey to help us best present NACC as worthy of financial support from foundations and other prospective funders. Your insights will be helpful as we state NACC’s value proposition to new constituencies. Thank you also to all of you who offered to volunteer in various ways. We will be following up with you this month. If you have questions or comments, please direct them to David Lichter (dlichter@nacc.org).

6. Announcing the death of NACC member, Juanita Meller
We recently learned of the death of our NACC member, Juanita Meller. Juanita joined NACC in 1990 and was board certified in 1991. In 1990 she became the first female lay chaplain at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, CA, and instituted a training program for lay chaplains.
To learn more about Juanita, you can access her obituary at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?pid=178012541
May the Lord grant her eternal peace.

7. We are grateful to the many contributing to the May 21 & 22, 2016, Certification Interviews!
The National Office and many volunteers have been busy completing preparations for the May 21 & 22, 2016, certification interviews. The interviews are being held in five locations: Milwaukee, WI; Lancaster, PA; Indianapolis, IN; St. Louis, MO; and Portland, OR. There are at least 121 people involved in the interview weekend: 49 applicants, 51 interviewers, 10 Interview Team Educators, 5 Site Coordinators, 1 Certification Commissioner-on-Call, and 5 Pastoral Presence Volunteers as well as Other Volunteers. We are so thankful for all our volunteers’ hard work and dedication to the NACC Certification process! Please keep our certification applicants, and all those involved in making the weekend a success, in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for interviews.

8. Upcoming professional networking calls for May 2016
In the coming weeks, the NACC will be hosting several networking calls.

We will be setting up a call for Educational/Medical Institution Chaplaincy. This is a new call for us! We will explore the role of the chaplain bridging institutional cultures.

We will be setting up a call for members that are experiencing institutional pastoral care programs and/or staff reductions.

Tuesday, May 10, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time –Retired/Emeritus Members
Wednesday, May 11, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time – Deacon Members
Monday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time –Retired/Emeritus Members
Monday, May 16, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time — Outpatient/Discharge/ACO Members
Monday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time – Correctional Chaplains
Monday, May 16, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time – One Person Department Members
Tuesday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time – African Members
Tuesday, May 17, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time – Hispanic/Latino Members
Tuesday, May 17, 3:00 p.m. Central Time – State Liaisons
Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. Central Time – Long Term Care Members
Wednesday, May 18, 12:00 Noon Central Time – New Members
Thursday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. Central Time – State Liaisons
Thursday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. Central Time – Integrative Health Members (This is a new call for us! We will explore a wide range of responses to patient care.)

If you wish to participate on any of these calls and are not already on that particular call list, please contact Tim Charek (tcharek@nacc.org).

9. What kind of moral distress exists in a long term care setting? Read in Vision.
Long-term care staffers are less likely to suffer moral distress arising from medical futility, but more likely to feel moral distress from bonding with patients. Ellen Williams-Masson looks at the unique issues in long-term care facilities in the March-April issue of Vision; to read more, click below.
www.nacc.org/vision/2016-Mar-Apr/relationships-built-in-long-term-care-may-lead-to-moral-distress-by-ellen-williams-masson

10. Congratulations to all our NACC members celebrating 25 years as a member or BCC!
We extend hearty congratulations and a deep thank you to all our NACC members who are marking their 25th year as an NACC member and/or their 25th year as a board certified chaplain. Please join in a prayer of gratitude for their ministries. You will find a listing of those members on this page. May you continue the healing ministry many more years!

11. NACC’s 2015 Annual Report is available on NACC Website!
Please go to www.nacc.org/about-nacc/annual-reports to review our NACC 2015 Annual Report. This report is the NACC’s leaders’ accountability report to you, our members. As members, we are grateful to the NACC Board of Directors, member leaders of the committees, commissions, panels, task forces, all members who contribute in our certification process, all donors and institutional supporters, as well as the NACC staff for their roles and commitment to advance the mission of NACC to continue the healing mission of Jesus in the name of the Church.

12. NACC’s 50th Jubilee Book of Recollections is available on NACC Website!
We are excited to make available to our members a book of recollections to mark NACC’s 50th Jubilee, 1965-2015. Also you will find at the end of the book a very helpful 50-year grid cataloguing key events of the years. Last year had many memorable moments, and we appreciate the many individuals who contributed to the book, especially Vision Editor, David Lewellen, who oversaw the process. www.nacc.org/about-nacc/history

13. The NACC is deeply grateful to the many systems who already are 2016 Institutional Partners!
The NACC is deeply grateful to the many 2016 Institutional Partners, Endorsers, Supporters, Advocates, and Affiliates who so far have committed in 2016 to partner with the NACC in advancing and supporting the spiritual care profession. If you do not see your system on the growing list, please consider asking to become a partner. You can go to our Institutional Partners page or contact David Lichter (dlichter@nacc.org).

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

14. Thank you to all who prayed for the success of the 2016 Conference!
We are deeply grateful to all of our members who were not able to attend this year’s national conference in Chicago but remembered the participants in prayer. You and your ministry were remembered daily in our liturgies. You were not far from us in spirit.

15. Thank you to all who made our 2016 National Conference in Chicago a success!
More than 400 participants gathered for our 2016 Conference in Chicago and experienced its inspiration, information, and nourishment through plenaries, workshops, liturgies, business meeting, and social gatherings. We extend our special thanks to the Conference Planning Task Force, Rod Accardi, Fr. Richard Bartoszek, Lori Kaufmann, Beth Lenegan, Jim Manzardo, Kathy Ponce, and our NACC staff, for all their tireless planning and on-site support and guidance! We are grateful to our attendees for coming and for the sacrifices they made to do so.

16. Ordering audio recordings of 2016 National Conference materials
If you are interested in audio recordings of any of the 2016 National Conference offerings, you can place an order at www.dcprovidersonline.com/nacc/.

17. 2016 Conference resources can be accessed on the NACC website.
Whether you participated in the 2016 National Conference or not, you can access the support materials and PowerPoints for many of the workshops on our NACC website at www.nacc.org/conference/2016-conference-handouts-and-other-materials

18. Did you take photos at the 2016 Conference you are willing to share?
We saw many of you taking photos at the 2016 Conference. Would you like to share them? Please send them to Jeanine Annunziato (jannunziato@nacc.org). Thank you.

19. Did you get photographed at the 2016 Conference?
A few wandering photo-takers (not photographers ☺) captured a variety of poses. Once we start receiving photos they will be posted on our conference page.

20. We are deeply grateful to our 2016 Conference Scholarship Donors!
We are thankful for the generosity of all those who donated to the NACC Scholarship Fund. All donations received help NACC members to attend the NACC National Conference. Your support is appreciated. To view the conference scholarship donors, please go to: www.nacc.org/conference/gratitude2

21. We are deeply grateful to our 2016 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 $37,500 in sponsorships. We are deeply grateful. To view the sponsors, please go to www.nacc.org/conference/gratitude.

22. NACC members raised $3,604 for St. Sabina Social Services.
At the Sunday, April 24, 2016, Conference Luncheon by State, NACC members raised $3,604 for St. Sabina Social Services (saintsabina.org/outreach/st-sabina-catholic-charities-social-services.html). Thank you to all who gave! For NACC members who would be interested in supporting St. Sabina’s, please visit our website to learn more about their work and for information on how to donate: www.nacc.org/conference/charity

23. NACC recognizes the Emergent Leader, Distinguished Service, and Outstanding Colleague Awards recipients.
At the 2016 Awards Banquet the NACC recognized the Supportive Care Coalition with the Outstanding Colleague Award and Sr. Mary Skopal, SSJ, BCC, with the Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Kay Gorka, BCC, was awarded the Emergent Leader Award.
More info at www.nacc.org/conference/awards.

24. NACC announces the dates and location of the 2017 NACC Conference.
The NACC is pleased to announce that the 2017 Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico (tamaya.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html). Mark your calendars for April 28 – May 1, 2017. More information on the conference will be available in the coming months. We hope you can join us.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS
25. Still time to register for May’s NACC Webinar on Continuous Quality Improvement for Spiritual Care Services

Presented by Diane Kreslins, BCC, MPC, Spiritual Director, Thursday, May 19, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

To register online, please click on this LINK. To download a paper registration form, please click HERE.

Other NACC Webinar Topics include:
The Mercy Outpatient Setting: What We are Learning and Developing
Presented by Jennifer Cobb and Mercy Spiritual Care Leaders
Thursday, June 23, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Chaplaincy Support for Employee Resilience: A Work of Improvisation
Presented by Charles Ceronsky, BCC, Director Spiritual Care Services, and Judy Connolly, BCC, D.Min, Chaplain
Thursday, July 14, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Certification by the NACC
Presented by the NACC
Thursday, July 28, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Renewal of Certification by the NACC
Presented by NACC Certification Commissioners: Augustine (Austine) Duru, MA, MDiv, BCC, Kathleen M. Ponce, MAPS, BCC, and Jane W. Smith, DMin, BCC, AADP
Thursday, August 18, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Metrics for Spiritual Care Interventions: a CHI Kentucky One Initiative
Presented by Rabbi Dr. Nadia Siritsky, MSSW, BCC
Thursday, September 22, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

What Every Chaplain Should Know About the Business of Health Care
Presented by Tim Crowley, MHA, MAPM, LFACHE
Thursday, October 13, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Ethical Issues Facing Our Healthcare Settings, and Implications for Spiritual Care
Presented by Rev. Thomas A. Nairn, OFM, PhD
Thursday, November 10, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Certification by the NACC
Presented by the NACC
Thursday, November 17, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Chaplaincy and the Ritual Ministry: Its Role and Value
Presented by Jim Letourneau, BCC and Linda Bronersky, BCC-S
Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

26. Other Education Opportunities

May 24-25, 2016, Presence Health – Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, is offering a 2016 Clergy Institute on “End-of-life-care: Controversies, Complications, and Challenges.” Click for more info
APC Webinars: www.professionalchaplains.org/calendar_list.asp

For other educational offerings go to our event calendar.

27. 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: Amy in Redwood City, CA (friend of NACC member Theresa Sullivan), Julie Bablin, the family of Dale Dewitt, Fr. Douglas F. Faraci, Maritza Ramos-Pratt, Jane Chiamaka Onuoha (very young baby of our NACC member Michael Onuoha), Kathleen (Kate) Sullivan, Sandy Tiefenbrun (spouse of Anita Barni), Marie Coglianese, Nancy and Sheila Amrich (nieces-in-law of NACC member Sr. Paracleta Amrich), Isabelita Boquiren, Diana Annunziato (Mother-in-law of NACC staffer Jeanine Annunziato), Sister Patricia Watkins, GNSH, Rev. Gerald U. Onuoha, David Markiewicz (grandson of recently deceased NACC member Roberta Markiewicz), Sister Stephanie Morales, FMI, Marybeth Harmon, Renato Fallico, Susan Balling, Maria Meneses, Chaplain Julia Mary Sweeney (mourning the death of her sister, Margaret Maureen Lewis, BA Honors), Sr. Sheila Prendeville, CPPS, Sister M. Dianna Hell, Sister Maria Theresa Hronec, Betty and Louis Skonieczny, Jim Castello, 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), Thomas (grandson of NACC member Ginny Grimes Allen), Beth from Boston (friend of NACC member Dana Sandlin), Sr. Janet Bielmann, 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, and Kelly Elizabeth Sexton (daughter of NACC member Melyssa Sexton).

28. 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
Boise, Idaho – Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center

ONCOLOGY CHAPLAIN
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – St. Joseph’s Hospital

CHAPLAIN SITE COORDINATOR
Austin, Texas – Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas

ONCOLOGY CHAPLAINCY FELLOWSHIP
Lancaster, Pennsylvania – Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine

DEAN of SPIRITUAL and RELIGIOUS LIFE
Middlebury, Vermont – Middlebury College

STAFF CHAPLAIN – HOSPITAL
Pittsfield, Massachusetts – Berkshire Medical Center

CHAPLAINS – PASTORAL CARE
Henderson, Nevada – St. Rose Dominican Hospitals

SYSTEM MANAGER – PASTORAL/VINCENTIAN SERVICES
Jacksonville, Florida – SVM-St Vincent’s Riverside

MANAGER of SPIRITUAL CARE
Mission Hills, California – Providence Holy Cross Medical Center

CPE RESIDENT
Ann Arbor, Michigan – St. Joseph Mercy Health System

CHAPLAIN
Athens, Georgia – St. Mary’s Health Care System

BOARD CERTIFIED CHAPLAIN
Murfreesboro, Tennessee – Saint Thomas Health

CHAPLAIN
Chattanooga, Tennessee – CHI Memorial

PRIEST
Palos Heights, Illinois – Palos Community Hospital

SPIRITUAL CARE COORDINATOR
Lenox, Maryland – Mount Carmel Care Center

DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Sparkill, New York – Dominican Convent (Dominican Sisters of Sparkill)

CPE RESIDENCY
La Crosse, Wisconsin – Gundersen Health System

PRIEST CHAPLAIN
Washington, DC – MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

View these jobs and more at: www.nacc.org/resources/positions.

NACC Now #222

Issue #222 – May 2, 2016

NACC

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

Job Listings

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Issue #222 – May 2, 2016

NACC

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

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