Issue #223 – May 16, 2016

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

1. Executive Director’s Reflection
So yesterday was the Feast of Pentecost. What does the feast conjure up in your minds? What images or memories does it evoke?

My memory goes back to the 2008 NACC National Conference in Indianapolis, my first National Conference. What an experience of NACC, of Church, of Pentecost! Do you remember the Conference Theme? It was taken from the song entitled, Sing a New Church, by Delores Dufner, OSB, with the words of the refrain, “Let us bring the gifts that differ and, in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.” © Oregon Catholic Press
Lyrics to “Sing a New Church,” if you’re interested

During the business meeting that year Karen Pugliese, then Chair of the NACC Board of Directors, led a blessing for outgoing interim Executive Director, Fr. Tom Landry, and for myself as the new Executive Director. During the blessing Karen presented me with a beautiful art work made from the root of a Chinese Fir Tree. It is a one-of-a kind piece of art carved from roots worked on for days by a Chinese artisan. The description includes, “…cracking is natural and somewhat common in these pieces.” In the photo you will see scrolls inside the root. They are scrolls of NACC member lists, one for each state. At the time the message and prayer were clear to me, “NACC is a profoundly unique, rich, diverse association, with rich roots and a holy heritage, comprised of gifts that differ in many splendid ways.” This root rests on my desk, daily reminding me of you and our common mission, as I reverence the gift to serve our association.

Recently I was reminded of these rich roots and holy heritage in remarks made in an email to me by a member who is struggling over the potential compromising of our common standards. She wrote, “I guess if someone has not been a member of NACC at all or very long they will have little idea as to the blood, sweat, and tears and the sacrifice of our foremothers and forefathers who helped us get to where we are now, of course, always needing to grow more and become even more (the) gold standard.” These rich roots and holy heritage were also evident when at the 2016 National Conference we had the opportunity to introduce and recognize Sr. Cyrilla Zarek, OP, and Sr. Rosemary Abramovich, who played such important roles in NACC history and development of the profession. Please enjoy the article written about them in their community newsletter mentioned in item #7 below.
www.adriandominicans.org/News/TabId/341/PostId/857/adrian-dominican-sisters-recognized-for-involvement-with-national-catholic-chaplains.aspx

These rich roots and holy heritage were again evident when I had a conference call this past Thursday with a collaborative working group on revising the 2001 White Paper. George Fitchett joined representatives of APC, NACC, and ACPE to discuss and give direction to the section on the benefits of the chaplaincy profession, and the research that continues to be done to evidence the value of our profession. Nearly a century of chaplaincy experience was on the call – representing the rich roots and holy heritage of our profession, but also present were passion and wisdom to keep driving the profession, with its rich roots and holy heritage, forward to meet today’s needs.

So, when reflecting on yesterday’s Pentecost readings, the following phrases struck me:
“…filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim,” (Acts 2:4)
“…hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God,” (Acts 2:8)
“When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.” (Ps. 104:30)
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”(1Cor. 12: 4-7)
“Heal our wounds, our strength renew;” (Veni, Sancte Spiritus – Sequence)
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

Proclaim, speak, created, renew, service, workings, benefit, sent were the words that jumped out. The actions of those committed in the Spirit, at the service of the Spirit, offer their diverse gifts for the benefit of others.

I sense the work of the Spirit in the midst of our chaplaincy profession. I had to smile as I reread the description for the root, “… cracking is natural and somewhat common in these pieces.” Sure, NACC also has its cracks; it’s natural. However, God’s Spirit is working through the rich diversity of gifts among our members and the cognate groups. Renewal is going on – more so now than in past decades. I looked again at the root, and thought about the names on those scrolls – many no longer with us, and many current members not represented therein. The Spirit is present in NACC’s rich roots and holy heritage. They do not tempt us to be nostalgic about the past nor neuralgic about the present circumstances of chaplaincy, but they are to be sources of confidence, creativity, and inspiration for the future. As I look at the root container, I hear a voice saying, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

So yesterday was the Feast of Pentecost. What does the feast conjure up in your minds? What images or memories does it evoke?

Blessings to you, and thank you for bringing your gifts that differ in many splendid ways.

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. NACC is awarded a $30,000 Planning Grant from the Raskob Foundation.
Last Monday, May 9, the NACC received notice from the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities that it was granted a $30,000 grant to support the planning process to convene a diverse group of Catholic ministry stakeholders engaged in pastoral care ministry. The planning process statement was: “The NACC, with its mission to continue the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of the Church, seeks to provide leadership with key Catholic ministry partners to ensure the appropriate preparation for pastoral care ministry for diverse pastoral care settings to ensure the highest quality of pastoral care for the most vulnerable.” Plans include holding two planning sessions, in fall 2016 and spring 2017. We will provide more details to members as they develop.

3. If you have not voted yet for candidates for the NACC Board of Directors, do so now!
The NACC Board of Directors announced in early May 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 began last Monday, May 9, and end Tuesday, May 31. 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. NACC Members please check your email for the Board Election updates that were sent out last Monday and again on Friday. Use the link in your email now to vote! If you cannot locate your email with your unique voting code you can contact Phil Paradowski at pparadowski@nacc.org to have it sent again.

4. The 2016 Annual Member Campaign mailing is going out today. Please be generous.
Today the 2016 Annual Member Campaign request is being sent to you. We are deeply grateful to those who gave in 2015 and helped us exceed our $52,000 goal by over $4,000 — a record amount of $56,109.41! Please consider giving to this important appeal.

5. April 28-May 1, 2017 NACC Conference in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico!
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, just outside Albuquerque (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.

6. NACC welcomes its new April 2016 members!
The NACC with joy welcomes its new April 2016 members!

Full Member
Mrs. Sandra L. Michocki (Severn, MD)

Student Members
Mrs. Dorothy D. Ashley (Jackson, MS)
Rev. Birgit Becker (Kuppenheim, Baden-Wuettenberg)
Ms. Jennifer K. Northup (Corrales, NM)
Ms. Margarita R. Reynes (Chicago, IL)
Brother Marshall A. Schmidt (Denver, CO)

Associate Members
Rev. David A. Cockson (Campbellsville, KY)
Ms. Theresa M. Rhoades (North Fond du Lac, WI)

7. NACC member news: Adrian Dominicans note their Sisters recognition at 2016 NACC Conference
The Adrian Dominicans put out a lovely story about the three Dominican sisters recognized at the 2016 NACC Conference: Srs. Cyrilla Zarek, OP, Rosemary Abramovich OP, and Romona Nowak, OP. Sr. Cryrilla was among the first group of women (1973) to be certified with NACC, Sr. Rosemary has held several key leadership roles in NACC, and Sr. Romona recently received the ACHPC certification. Read this wonderful tribute at: www.adriandominicans.org/News/TabId/341/PostId/857/adrian-dominican-sisters-recognized-for-involvement-with-national-catholic-chaplains.aspx

8. Announcing the death of three NACC members
We just recently learned of the death of our NACC Emeritus member, Fr. Wilfred Evans, BCC, who served in the Syracuse, NY, area. He died this past August 2015. Fr. Evans became a member and was certified in 1978. May he rest in God’s arms! To learn more about Fr. Evans, go to: http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.aspx?pid=175583861.

Our NACC member, Lucy G. Nile BCC, had been battling cancer and died April 3, 2016. Lucy joined and was certified with NACC in 1985. She served as chaplain in Belleville, IL, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Mid America Transplant Service, and Our Lady of the Snow Shrine. May she rest in God’s arms! To read more, go to: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?pid=179516400

Our NACC member, Ursula (Toni) Betting died on May 9, 2016. Toni joined NACC in 1994 and was certified in 1996. Toni actively served in diverse healthcare settings in North and South Dakota. She was a wonderful model and advocate of chaplaincy work. May God grant her the fullness of peace! Read more about Toni at http://www.aberdeenfuneralhome.com/obituary/ursula-toni-betting.

9. Writing about leadership for Vision
The July-August issue of Vision will have a theme of leadership. We plan to explore how and why chaplains move up organizational charts, what skills they need, how they gain those skills, and how they can advocate for spiritual care. If you have ideas related to these topics that could be developed into an article, please contact Vision editor David Lewellen at dlewellen@nacc.org. The deadline for the issue is June 13.

10. More NACC Certification Commission News:
Change in Requirement Re: ACPE Transcript
The NACC Certification Commission voted to drop the requirement for certification applicants to submit the ACPE Transcript of their completed CPE units as part of their certification packet. The Certification Commission is grateful to Rev. Jack Crabb, SJ, for his advocacy on behalf of applicants, noting that the additional expense for obtaining this transcript is no longer necessary since ACPE has changed its process, requiring CPE Supervisors to include a detailed cover sheet on each evaluation providing the information that would otherwise be included in the ACPE Transcript (e.g. name, address, accreditation of Center, type of unit, credit received, etc.) This change will take effect for those applying in the September 2016 time period. Thank you, Rev. Crabb, for your advocacy and stewardship!

Certification Commission Appointments
Bonnie McCulley was appointed Co-Chair of the NACC Certification Commission.
Austine Duru was appointed Certification Commission Liaison to the Interview Team Educators.
Sean Doll O’Mahoney, NACC BCC and Supervisor, was appointed Certification Commission Liaison to the Standards Commission.

Retired Members Get a Break and We Benefit from the Wisdom!
The Certification Commission is thrilled with the Board’s recent action benefitting retired NACC members who seek to remain a Retired Board Certified Chaplain, while not needing to continue to maintain most of their maintenance of certification requirements! As your renewal year approaches, NACC will contact you about this. We look forward to being blessed by retired chaplains/supervisors who renew their certification under the revised guidelines, and we welcome their service within the certification ministry in these areas:

As initial certification interview team members
As peer reviewers for chaplains and supervisors seeking experienced peers
As Interview Team Educators, guiding interview teams

11. Thank you 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.

12. Upcoming professional networking calls for May/June 2016
In the coming weeks, the NACC will be hosting several networking calls.
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).

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, 9:00 a.m. Central Time – State Liaisons
Thursday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. Central Time – Integrative Health Members
Thursday, May 26, 11:00 a.m. Central Time – Palliative Care & Hospice Members
Friday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. Central Time – CPE Supervisors

13. 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!

14. 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. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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/.

18. 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

19. Did you take photos at the 2016 Conference that 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.

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

23. Request: ministering to ER staff working with victims of sexual assault.
St. Thomas Health, Nashville, TN, is seeking from spiritual directors any examples of current initiatives to minister to ER staff working with victims of sexual assault. Often staff experience their own trauma due to recurrent care for such patients. If any of you have models of care for these staff, please share with Ward Carver (ward.carver@sth.org).

24. 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

25. 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: Jeanine and Jim Annunziato (at the death of Jim’s father), Marilyn and Chuck Silkey (sister and brother-in-law of NACC member Kathy Ponce), Dr. David Nile (Husband of recently deceased NACC member Lucy G. Nile BCC),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).

26. 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
DIRECTOR, PASTORAL CARE
Atlanta, Georgia – Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
CHAPLAIN
Evansville, Indiana – St Mary’s Health System

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

NACC Now #223

Issue #223 – May 16, 2016

NACC

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

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Issue #223 – May 16, 2016

NACC

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2016 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 22-25, 2016

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

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