Volunteering for NACC is ‘what it means to be a disciple’
Name: Fr. Timothy F. Bushy
Work: Director of Mission Services, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA
Member since: 2008
Volunteer service: I have served as an interviewer and most recently as an Interview Training Educator for the interview process for certification of chaplains.
Book on your nightstand: “Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable … About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business,” by Patrick Lencioni (Jossey-Bass, 2004)
Book you recommend most often: “From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality,” by Richard Rohr (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005)
Favorite spiritual resource: I pray the Divine Office via the Internet on my iPad
Favorite fun self-care activity: I like exercise and enjoy physical activity at the gym on a regular basis.
Favorite movie: Chariots of Fire (1981)
Favorite retreat spot: Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, CA
Personal mentor or role model: I have several professional mentors and role models in leadership positions at St. Joseph Health and am grateful for the opportunities I have to be mentored and coached.
Famous/historic mentor or role model: Most recently I have grown in my appreciation of Pope Francis.
Why did you become a chaplain? I believe that it is important that the church and I as a priest be involved in Catholic healthcare to continue the healing ministry of Jesus in our world today. I enjoy celebrating Mass and providing the sacraments to our patients, families and staff. I believe that I also am able to assist in building up our Catholic identity and also the integration and implementation of the Ethical Religious Directives by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
What do you get from NACC? I enjoy the opportunities to network and resource with other chaplains and mission integration leaders throughout the United States and also find it to be of great assistance to improve the provision of spiritual care and the quality of our chaplains through standards and certification.
Why do you stay in the NACC? It is important for me to collaborate and share resources with others for the common good of all in healthcare and in the church today.
Why do you volunteer? I find that I am able to remain current on trends and issues in Catholic healthcare and also build networks and relationships that support me in my position and role. I like to be involved in the NACC and part of a vital part of the Catholic Church in the United States today as we engage in healthcare reform.
What volunteer activity has been most rewarding? I find my work as an ITE to be rewarding as it assists those involved in the interview process to provide quality interviews and helps those who apply for certification to have a meaningful and rewarding experience in their interviews. My work assists in providing certified chaplains to serve our hospitals and facilities in the United States today.
What have you learned from volunteering? I see volunteering as part of ministry; it is a way in which I can use my gifts and talents to glorify God and build the reign of God. It is what it means to be a disciple. I believe that if one is going to be a member of an organization, it’s important to be involved and to do your part to build up the organization and assist the organization live out its mission.
As our vision statement states:
“NACC is a light of hope, whose members are persistently advocating for those dedicated to the spiritual care of people experiencing pain, vulnerability, joy, and hope.”
