By Carolanne Hauck
NACC offers each of us the opportunity to see the sacred and holy in the work we do when we witness the missioning ceremony held during Mass at each year’s conference.
We are blessed to have the opportunity to take a moment and remember what it is that we are called to be. As I watched the newly certified promise to be faithful to their call to ministry, I found myself reaffirming my own commitment to chaplaincy, as I did 10 years ago when I myself was called to minister to the sick.
Bishop Donald Hying’s homily beautifully reminded each of us, the newly certified and those of us who have been in ministry for years, to be mindful of “moments of ministry,” to recognize that God is profoundly present in the here and now. He reminded us of kenosis, the emptying out of ourselves to be fully present; each of us allowing God to use us as his instruments of healing and peace. Isn’t that exactly what we are called to be as chaplains? In the day to day of our work, do we sometimes forget the sacredness of what we bring to the suffering in the name of Jesus?
As I listened to the newly certified promise to love the Lord, keep his word, and offer healing through their ministry and work, I couldn’t help but reaffirm that same promise myself and remain in awe that we are called by Christ to offer his compassion.
Brother Kenney Gorman, CFX, board-certified in 2001, offered the following from his own experience of participating in the ceremony: “I see people of hope and dedication to the mission of sharing and witnessing the compassionate presence of Christ to all those they will encounter, as well as those who will bless and impact their own faith journey.”
We are blessed to welcome and share in the healing ministry of Jesus with our newly certified sisters and brothers through NACC!
Carolanne Hauck, BCC, is director of chaplaincy care and education at Lancaster General Health in Lancaster, PA.
