Issue #233 – October 3, 2016

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

*new/updated items

1. Executive Director’s Reflection*
One of my favorite scripture passages is the second reading of yesterday’s liturgical scriptures: “For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:6-7) The first reading from the Prophet Habakkuk has that line, “For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.” (Hab. 2:3). We know the Second Letter of Timothy was most likely written while Paul was in prison in Rome, and the letter expresses both his frustrations, but also his encouragement in hard times.

I love the “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have!” The Greek word, anazpureo, carries that “fan the flame” or “keep the fire alive.” And the “gift” of God uses the Greek word, charisma, that connotes the “unearned” character. It’s a real pep talk! Hey, Tim, keep it alive!! Use the gift! Be strong, loving, and wise! Stay with it!

Doesn’t this complement well the reading from Habakkuk? Another encouragement when tempted to be disappointed when things aren’t happening as I want! Wait for it! It will not be late!

So, as we enter October that is for so many a very busy, if not the busiest month of the year, these couple of verses, these words of encouragement, these pep talks, are good to receive – and heed.

What will it take for me to fan the flame, be strong, loving, and wise – especially in those times when discouragement or weariness can set in?

Blessings,

David Lichter, D.Min.
Executive Director

2. A special thank you to NACC staff member, Tim Charek, and welcome to Ramune Franitza*
Please join in thanking our staff member, Tim Charek (tcharek@nacc.org), who will be leaving the NACC during this month of October. Tim joined us two years ago in a part-time position to support our Association by handling all the administrative responsibilities for our governance, including the NACC Board of Directors, and committees, commissions, and panels. Tim brought his years of experience in ministry and his pastoral sensibilities to this work that was greatly appreciated by those who worked with him. We are deeply grateful to Tim.

Please join us in welcoming Ramune Martis-Franitza (rfranitza@nacc.org) who is joining us tomorrow, October 4, as the fulltime Administrative Specialist: Communication Project Manager, who will assume the duties Tim had as well as project support key initiatives that the Board has entrusted to David Lichter, our Executive Director. We look forward to having her on our staff.

3. We are grateful to the many people contributing to the October 8-9, 2016, Certification Interviews!*
The National Office and many volunteers have been busy completing preparations for the October 8-9, 2016, certification interviews. The interviews are being held in four locations: Milwaukee, WI; Middletown, CT; Omaha, NE; and Portland, OR. There are at least 89 people involved in the interview weekend: 33 applicants, 35 interviewers, 12 Interview Team Educators, 4 Site Coordinators, 1 Certification Commissioner-on-Call, and 4 Pastoral Presence Volunteers as well as Other Volunteers. Thanks so much for all our volunteers’ hard work and dedication to the NACC Certification process! Please keep our certification applicants and all of those involved in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for certification interviews.

4. Welcome to those who became NACC members during September!*

Full Members
Ms. Suzanne L. Ecklund (Atlanta, Georgia)
Mr. Wayman Scott (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mr. Kevin Stephenson (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma)
Mrs. Christine L. Torns (East Northport, New York)

Student Members
Sr. JoAnn M. Chevalier (Waite Park, Minnesota)
Dr. Connie L. Green (Castroville, Texas)

5. Members in the News*
Read in the Archdiocese of Portland newspaper, Catholic Sentinel, an article on “Faith and Healing Linked” where NACC members, Fr. Bruce Cwiekowski, BCC, head chaplain at Portland Providence Medical Center, and Theresa Edmonson, BCC, System Director, Spiritual Care and Mission Integration PeaceHealth both provide perspectives. www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=29&ArticleID=32065

6. Keep in prayer the NACC hosting a national planning summit on preparing for pastoral care ministry*
As you might recall, the NACC announced in the May 16, 2016 NACC Now that NACC was awarded a $30,000 planning grant from the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities to support a 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. The first planning session will be held in Milwaukee, October 11-13, 2016. More than twenty national Catholic ministry stakeholders in the pastoral care ministry will be participating. To learn more about the planning project go to www.nacc.org/about-nacc/strategic-plan. Please keep the participants in your prayer.

7. More meetings of NACC members with USCCB Bishops at provincial meetings*
During these past two weeks, NACC members were able to attend and participate in two provincial meetings of bishops. Bev Beltramo, BCC, Bridget Deegan-Krause, BCC, and Executive Director David Lichter, met on Wednesday, September 7, in Lansing, MI, with the bishops of the Michigan Catholic Conference. Mary Catherine Casey, BCC, met on Wednesday, September 14, in Gallup, NM, with the bishops of New Mexico and Arizona. Both meetings were appreciated and viewed productively. We have meetings scheduled in October for Hartford, CT, Miami, FL, and Chicago, IL. The objectives of the meeting are to seek the bishops’ advice and counsel on: 1. how best to encourage our Church’s priests, deacons, religious, and lay members to consider this ministry of pastoral care, and 2. how NACC can best support those in their dioceses who are designated to provide the pastoral care ministry in parishes. Go to www.nacc.org/about-nacc/leadership/episcopal-advisory-council to view the materials shared with the bishops.

8. Read in the September-October Vision about respecting the cultural values of a dying Native American man*
When a Native American man was dying, his daughter asked chaplain Bob Barnes if the ventilator tube could be removed outside, with the sun on his face. To read the moving account of death in accordance with cultural values in the new issue of Vision, click below.
www.nacc.org/vision/september-october-2016/native-american-father-gets-chance-die-sun-face

9. February 2017 Initial Certification Application Deadline – Revised Certification Procedures Manual and Supporting Documentation*
The NACC Certification Procedures Manual along with supporting documentation is in the process of being completed. If you are planning on applying for the February 2017 initial certification deadline, we will have materials available for you by October 15, 2016. If you would like to be added to the list to receive these materials as soon as they are completed, please send Ramona Zeb an email which includes your name and email address at rzeb@nacc.org.

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

10. NACC announces plenary speakers for the 2017 NACC Conference!*
We are excited to announce our plenary speakers for the 2017 Conference! They will be:

Dr. Dianne Bergant, CSA, is Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP Distinguished Professor Emerita of Biblical Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. (www.nacc.org/conference/speakers)

Dr. Megan A. McKenna, is an internationally known author, theologian, storyteller and lecturer, teaches at several colleges and universities, and does retreats, workshops and parish missions. She currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (www.nacc.org/conference/speakers)
Dr. Emmanuel Y. Lartey, is the L. Bevel Jones III Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, GA. (www.nacc.org/conference/speakers)

Dr. Raymond Reyes, currently serves as the Associate Academic Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and has been with the Gonzaga University since 1987.
(www.nacc.org/conference/speakers)

11. NACC announces Retreat and Retreat Leader for 2017 Conference*
On Thursday, April 27, 2017, the preconference Day of Reflection will take place at the Norbertine Hermitage Retreat Center in Albuquerque, NM. The theme will be In Step with the Grace of the Moment and will be led by Meg Ashcroft, OPraem Obl. The day will include time for individual reflection, opportunities for sharing, poetry, song and story, and the freedom to go down whatever road the Spirit leads you toward. Please plan on joining your colleagues for this day. For more information go to: www.nacc.org/conference/day-of-reflection-2017

12. Join us at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, for our April 28 – May 1, 2017 NACC Conference!
The April 28 – May 1, 2017 Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, just outside Albuquerque. It is in a beautiful setting ideal for our conference. More information on hotel reservations will be forthcoming. To view the Resort and Spa, go to tamaya.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html.

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

13. Did you see the article on “Where faith meets cancer,” in the Hutch News, Sept. 28, 2016?*
The article by Bill Briggs, for Fred Hutch News Service, is entitled, “Where Faith Meets Cancer,” and notes, “About half of those with cancer face a religious struggle; a patient, chaplain and grieving mom reveal how cancer reshaped their views.” Good article. It also has a link to their “What Chaplains do” page that was clear and instructive. Our NACC member, JoAn Choi, is a member of their spiritual care team.
www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2016/09/cancer-survivors-patients-reveal-how-diagnosis-prognosis-shaped-beliefs-on-prayer-healing.html

14. Request: Are you experienced in providing spiritual care to people with dementia? Could you review case studies?*
Our NACC member, Dan Lunney, is working on his D.Min. thesis that focuses on music as a spiritual intervention for people living with dementia. The first chapter consists of five case studies which he written based on his pastoral care encounters. He would like at least two seasoned, board certified chaplains to critique and provide feedback about the case studies. Ideally, these would be chaplains who have experience in the area of spiritual care with people living with dementia. Dan has the case studies completed, and would need them reviewed and critiqued, with feedback by the end of October. If you could assist Dan, please contact him at dlunney@franciscancommunities.com or dan41867@gmail.com.

15. Training Research-Literate Chaplains Program Announces First Research Fellows and Curriculum Development Grant Recipients*
The Training Research-Literate Chaplains as Ambassadors for Spirituality and Health program announced the selection of its first cohort of chaplain research fellows and of the first recipients of the program’s clinical pastoral education curriculum development grants. The fellowships and grants are part of Training Research-Literate Chaplains’ efforts to advance knowledge about religion and health in healthcare organizations and among the public.

“Healthcare chaplains have embraced the importance of evidence-based practice but lack the training to realize it,” said program co-leader George Fitchett, DMin, PhD, professor and director of research in the Rush Department of Religion, Health and Human Values. “More interdisciplinary collaboration and a growing understanding of how religion and spirituality can positively affect patient health means hospital chaplains are increasingly important members of a patient’s care team.”

“We are thrilled with the opportunities this program is offering to chaplains with a range of backgrounds and experiences,” said Wendy Cadge, PhD, program co-leader and professor of sociology at Brandeis. “The first group of fellows and CPE centers will do much to bridge the gaps between chaplains and other members of the healthcare team. We are grateful to the John Templeton Foundation and the sponsoring chaplaincy organizations for giving all of us this opportunity.”

The Training Research-Literate Chaplains program is funded by $4.5 million in grants from the John Templeton Foundation with additional support from the Association of Professional Chaplains, the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and Neshama – Association of Jewish Chaplains.

Please go to www.nacc.org/resources/research to learn more of this Training Research-Literate Chaplains Program and who were selected to be part of the first cohort of chaplain research fellows. We are excited and pleased for our NACC member, Allison DeLaney, MA, BCC, PT, chaplain and bereavement coordinator, Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Va., who was chosen for this first cohort!

For more information about the Training Research-Literate Chaplains as Ambassadors for Spirituality and Health program, please contact Kathryn_Lyndes@rush.edu. For media inquiries, please contact Kevin_McKeough@rush.edu.

16. Transforming Chaplaincy Applications Opening Soon*
The Transforming Chaplaincy: Promoting Research Literacy for Improved Patient Outcomes project will open applications for the second round of awards by October 15. The project, funded by the John Templeton Foundation, with support from the APC, NACC, NAJC and ACPE, aims to equip healthcare chaplains to use research to guide, evaluate, and advocate for the daily spiritual care they provide patients, family members and colleagues. Transforming Chaplaincy has three exciting initiatives. The project will provide: 1) Research Chaplain Fellowships to pay for 16 board-certified chaplains to complete a two-year, research-focused master’s degree; 2) Curriculum Development Grants to 70 CPE programs to support incorporation of research literacy education in their residency curricula; and 3) a free Online Continuing Education course, Religion, Spirituality and Health: An Introduction to Research for members of the supporting organizations.

You’ll find details about these three initiatives, including our first round of grant recipients, application information and timelines, on the project website (www.researchliteratechaplaincy.org). Check the Calendar page of the website for important information about activities we have organized to provide additional information about the Fellowships and CPE Grants. These include workshops at upcoming ACPE regional events where a Transforming Chaplaincy representative will be on hand to answer questions. Sign up on the website to be on the email list to receive updates on applications and project-related events. You are also welcome to contact the project coordinator, Kathryn Lyndes, PhD, at Kathryn_Lyndes@rush.edu and 312.942.0247 for further information.

17. Next NACC Webinar: “What Every Chaplain Should Know About the Business of Health Care*
Don’t miss the next NACC webinar in our 2016 program which is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2016 – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time. Tim Crowley, MHA, MAPM, LFACHE, will present “What Every Chaplain Should Know About the Business of Health Care.”

If you have not already done so, it is still not too late to register for this webinar.

Program Summary
The revised Standards of Practice for Chaplains includes Standard 15, Business Acumen: The chaplain values and utilizes business principles, practices and regulatory requirements appropriate to the chaplain’s role in the organization. NACC (and the Common standards) include standards 305.1 Promote the integration of Pastoral/Spiritual Care into the life and service of the institution in which it resides and 305.3 Articulate an understanding of institutional culture and systems, and systemic relationships. What does this look like from the perspective of Tim Crowley, a hospital executive for over 35 years, who is completing his CPE to become a board certified chaplain for hospice? Tim will offer his healthcare business perspective, providing answers to such questions as: Where does revenue come from? What is my role in managing expenses? Do I really need to manage a budget? Why is spiritual care under the microscope? How does a pastoral care director explain the value proposition of the pastoral care department to administration?

Participants qualify for 2.0 CEHs total for the session (which includes 90 minutes for the webinar plus 30 minutes preparation time).

To register for this webinar, as well as for any other NACC 2016 webinars, please visit the webinar page on our website by clicking on this LINK. The web page contains a link to a downloadable paper registration form, but you can also register online by clicking on REGISTER.

18. The remainder of 2016 NACC webinars!*

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 Linda Bronersky, BCC-S, Sean K. Doll O’Mahoney MDiv, BCC, and Dr. Matthias J. Merges, BCC
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

19. More details for NACC Local Events*
Several local gatherings are scheduled for 2016. Some have registration details – for further information about the events and how to register, please click on the links. For the others, please “hold the date,” as details will follow. If you would like to consider hosting and helping plan an NACC local event, please contact Andris Kursietis (akursietis@nacc.org).

October 8, 2016, Seattle, WA, see details
October 27, 2016, St. Clair Shores, MI, see details
November 10, 2016, Cincinnati, OH, see details
November 11, 2016, St. Louis, MO, see details
November 15, 2016, Baltimore, MD, see details
November 19, 2016, Boston, MA, see details

20. Don’t forget about our NACC Chaplain Encounters resource for those who want to learn about chaplaincy! Share it with families and friends!*
If you find yourself trying to explain what you do, don’t forget to share a copy of or a link to our Chaplain Encounters resource! Many have found it a wonderful tool! www.nacc.org/resources/chaplain-encounters

21. Need CEH’s? You can access free of charge the 2011 & 2012 NACC Webinars!
If you are looking yet still looking for CEH’s for 2016, did you know you can access without charge the 2011 and 2012 NACC webinars and audio conferences? Just go to www.nacc.org/education-resources/nacc-webinars-and-audio-conferences.

22. Need materials on specific topics? Have you looked at workshops of past conferences?
Sometimes you need materials on a specific topic or issue. On the NACC website you can access materials on the topics presented in workshops at past NACC National Conferences. You just need to go to this link, and click on the icon of any of the past conferences, and you will find access to the materials from that conference. Check it out. It might prove helpful. www.nacc.org/conference/history

23. Other educational offerings*

Providence Health & Services is hosting a day of education in Spokane, Washington, on October 28, 2016, on the subject of Spiritual Care and Mental Health. For more information on the objectives of this program and registration instructions, please click on this link: www.nacc.org/docs/ed-events/Spiritual Care and Mental Health Conference.pdf.
APC – Webinar on “Caring for the Caregiver: Reducing the Stress of Vicarious Trauma,” presented by Nancy Lynch MDiv MBA BCC, Dena L. Mitchell BSN RN CPON and Shari Racut MA ATR-BC LPCC
www.professionalchaplains.org/calendar_day.asp?date=10/27/2016&event=114

24. Healing Tree: a request for prayers*
Please let us know if you would like our membership to pray for your health and healing. We will leave the person’s name on the Healing Tree list for three months, unless you ask us to remove your or the person’s name earlier. You can always request us to leave the name on longer.

We continue to pray for: Sr. Mary Thecla Kuhnline, Fr. Jim Radde, SJ, Mary Smiley (mother of member Diane Smiley), Mason Richter, Shane Rebholtz, Rosemary Benya BCC, Sr. Nancy Beckenhauer, Linda Dickey, 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 Teresa Sullivan); Julie Bablin, The family of Dale Dewitt, Marie Coglianese, Nancy and Sheila Amrich (nieces-in-law of NACC member Sr. Paracleta Amrich), Isabelita Boquiren, Sister Patricia Watkins, GNSH, Sister Stephanie Morales, FMI, Marybeth Harmon, Susan Balling, Maria Meneses, Chaplain Julia Mary Sweeney (mourning the death of her sister, Margaret Maureen Lewis, BA Honors), Sister M. Dianna Hell, Sister Maria Teresa Hronec, Betty and Louis Skonieczny, Jim Castello, Thomas Smiley(brother of member Diane Smiley), Marga Halala, Thomas (grandson of NACC member Ginny Grimes Allen), Elizabeth A. Walsh, Glenn and Pat Teske, Sr. Mary Clare Boland, SP, Kathy Brier (daughter of NACC member Teresa Brier), Gloria Troxler, and Kelly Elizabeth Sexton (daughter of NACC member Melyssa Sexton).

25. 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 MISSION INTEGRATION and SPIRITUAL CARE
Johnston, Iowa – Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

DIRECTOR of MISSION INTEGRATION and SPIRITUAL CARE
Villa Hills, Kentucky – Madonna Manor

PRIEST – PASTORAL SERVICES POSITION
Springfield, Missouri – Mercy Hospital

DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Rockville Centre, New York – Mercy Medical Center

DIRECTOR, SPIRITUAL CARE
Wisconsin – Ascension

FULL TIME CHAPLAIN POSITIONS
Springfield, Massachusetts – Mercy Medical Center and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital

CHAPLAIN
Allegany, New York – St Elizabeth Motherhouse

CHAPLAIN SUPERVISOR
Madison, Wisconsin – University of Wisconsin Health

CHIEF MISSION INTEGRATION OFFICER
Indianapolis, Indiana – St. Vincent Health

CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR
Peoria, Illinois – OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

CPE RESIDENCY
La Crosse, Wisconsin – Gundersen Health System

CHAPLAIN
Waterbury, Connecticut – Saint Mary’s Hospital

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

NACC Now #233

Issue #233 – October 3, 2016

NACC

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

Issue #233 – October 3, 2016

NACC

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2017

CHAPLAINCY NEWS, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORTS

Job Listings

Free Publications

Donate Now

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