Her mentors aren’t ‘historic;’ they’re Mom and Sinsinawa Dominican Sister colleagues
Name: Kathleen Brady, OP
Work: chaplain/bereavement coordinator at Heartland Homecare and Hospice in Milwaukee, WI
Member since: 1994
Volunteer service: Serve as certification interviewer. Member of national planning task force for the past two NACC national conferences
Book on your nightstand: “The Dovekeepers,” by Alice Hoffman
Books you recommend most often as spiritual resource: “Spiritual Literacy (Reading the Sacred in Everyday life),” by Frederic and MaryAnn Brussat
Favorite fun self-care activity: Being in the presence of friends, listening to music, playing with my new cat Sasha!
Favorite movie: Honestly, I have not gone to many movies of late. While I am writing this it is the Christmas season and I love to watch the classics!
Favorite retreat spot: A cabin in the Rocky Mountains
Personal mentor or role model: My mom, who died five years ago this month was and continues to be my role model and friend. She was a woman of integrity and humor. She was strong and had a warm and loving heart and presence.
Famous/historic mentor or role model: When I thought about this I realized that I did not relate to the word historic. My mentors have been and continue to be my Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. I have been loved and encouraged by them throughout my life. As the saying goes, “I can see as far as I can because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.”
Why did you become a chaplain? I became a chaplain because of my niece Jenna. She was born with an illness and died at 15 months. My sister Amy told me about a woman chaplain who was with her and Glen during this difficult time. I wanted to be able to be with people in their life and death moments!
What do you get from NACC? Being a member of NACC provides me with good companions on this journey of life at a time when the world and church seem to be struggling with integrity and truth. NACC provides us with good conversation, access to educational experiences, spiritual resources and a lot more.
Why do you stay in the NACC? I stay in NACC because I believe that together we can make a difference!
Why do you volunteer? I volunteer because it is a chance for me to build relationships, to learn and grow and to be of service to the body that continues to support me. I love getting to know new people because it gives me life and renewed energy.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? A highlight for me was working with the task force for the NACC National Conference in 2011. We shared lots of laughter, conversation, prayer, and even a few tears. Plus I obtained the Green Bay Packer signed football for the silent auction!