Featured Volunteer: Sr. Margaret Washington, ASC
Name: Sister Margaret Washington, ASC
Work: Director of Pastoral Care, Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, PA.
Member since: 2000
Volunteer service: Hosting the interview team educators (ITEs) Oct. 5-6, 2013, at Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, PA. The team used the Pastoral Care Department during the weekend. I’ve been an NACC state liaison for Pennsylvania for the past five years and have welcomed NACC members to annual in-service days over the past 11 years.
Book on your nightstand: Sacred Scripture and “Just Because: Prayer-Poems to Delight the Heart,” by Melannie Svoboda, SND
Book you recommend most often: Resources from “The Brick Wall,” by Kathleen J. Rusnak. This is my choice at this time as Kathleen will be our presenter for our June 6, 2014, in-service. Her topic will be “Because You’ve Never Died Before.”
Favorite spiritual resource: Books by Joan Chittister, Robert Wicks, Melannie Svoboda, and many others.
Favorite fun self-care activity: Gather with friends.
Favorite movie: The Notebook (2004)
Favorite retreat spot: Precious Blood Spiritual Center, Columbia, PA
Personal mentor or role model: My personal mentor has been my spiritual director, Father John McCaslin, SJ. My role model is our Blessed Mother and Maria De Mattias, our foundress. I am an Adorer of the Blood of Christ, an international missionary community.
Why did you become a chaplain? I became a chaplain to care for the spiritual needs of persons who are experiencing trauma, shock, illness and death. I would like to be a compassionate presence to others. I knew that I needed training for that so I spent one year at Catholic Health East for chaplaincy training. I know the importance of education for ministry and I sought out certification. I stayed on as chaplain for all the same reasons, only my experience during these past 12 years has been more grace-filled than I could have imagined.
Why do you volunteer? I am happy to be able to volunteer because I appreciate the direction, support and all who are involved at the NACC.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? The most rewarding activity has been having David Lichter and other national speakers come to Holy Spirit Hospital and to be able to gather with so many chaplains for annual events.
What have you learned from volunteering? I’ve learned that opening up our doors to other chaplains and supporting the efforts of the national association, I am enriched personally and inspired to be what I am called to be as a chaplain.
