In This Issue:

vision

From the Executive Director 3

Conference overview 4

Clarissa Pinkola Estés 5

Conference reflections 6

Robert Wicks 7

Richard Rohr 8

Most Rev. Michael Sheehan 9

Rev. James Sheets 10

Briefs 11

Board of Directors 12

Conference sponsors 12

Workshop disc order form 13

Conference pictures 15

Seeking, Finding 16

Ethics and the end of life 18

Continuing education update 20

In Memoriam 20

Prayers for Healing 20

Book review 21

Positions Available 21

National Association of Catholic Chaplains

June 2005Vol.15 No.6

Albuquerque conference sets many hearts on fireBy Rod Accardi and Karen Pugliese

When we gathered for theopening liturgy at theNACC and APC’s annual

conference in April, we heard anewthe good news that the dejected disci-ples recognized Jesus in the breakingof the bread and returned to theirhomeland with hearts aflame. Thoughwe might have arrived in Albuquerquea bit anemic from a long winter ofcompassion fatigue, here we were inthe midst of the Sangre de CristoMountains, receiving nourishmentand strength from the Cuerpo deCristo. Stirred by the Spirit, we leaptto our feet and clapped our hands tothe rousing music. Enriched and for-tified, we began our journey of learn-ing and celebrating.

Are you on fire, burning within?With fires of passion the journey begins.

As chaplains, we are accustomed toworking with life-giving friction whenwe attend to the “divine spark” in our-selves and in those we serve. Whenwe gathered as a community of kin-dred spirits around the banquet table,reuniting with old friends and initiat-ing new friendships, it was like get-ting together around the hearth forold home week. During the members’

luncheon, all those assembledacknowledged Kathy Eldridge for herleadership and service to the associa-tion for more than half its existence.In blessing Kathy, we shed light onthe symbol of the bear. Symbolicallyon the ancient NativeAmerican medicine wheel,the bear is the bearer ofgifts of strength, intro-spection, and the great andmysterious inner power ofthe soul. The gift of aclock carved in the shapeof a bear provided a sym-bol that honored the giftKathy is to our organiza-tion.

It’s the friction that generates the spark.As it flies it surely hits the mark.

With gently blowing air and tinderplaced with care

The flame soon illuminates the dark.

Later during that same luncheon,our new Executive Director, LarrySeidl, shared the story of a teacherinstructing her young students how toform with their tiny hands the church,the steeple, and doors to welcome thepeople. Because of a disability, one ofthe children in the class had the use

It was like

getting together

around the

hearth for old

home week

TheMeditationGarden setup at theAlbuquerqueConventionCenter provid-ed a place tosit, talk, andreflect.

See Hearts on page 2

of only one hand. A classmate slowly walked across theroom and joined one of her hands with the disabled child’shand. “Look,” exclaimed the child as their kindred spiritsjoined as one, “we’re building Church together!”

Larry challenged and encouraged each of us to reach outa hand to join with the Board of Directors as well as withone another as we form Church. We left the luncheon unit-ed in spirit to attendnumerous ecumenicalworkshops with our broth-ers and sisters of variousfaith traditions. Togetherwe learned from oneanother about pastoralimplications for Catholicsand Protestants, Muslimsand Jews, Sufis and NativeAmericans, Buddhists andHindus. A spirit of enthu-siasm and commitmentspread among us onceagain when we reconvenedat our business meeting,hearing the Board’s com-mitment to the membersand individual members’ personal commitments to “joinhands” in building church together as an association.

Through the kindling the flame quickly spreads.Kindred spirits unite and are led

To places unknown where seeds of faith are sown.It’s in the hearing of the Word that we are fed.

When the Native American and Mexican dancers per-formed for us in the outdoor plaza, the winds created quitea stir! Throughout the next couple of days of plenary ses-sions and workshops, it was as if our collective inner flameswould dance in delight, fanned by the breath of the spirit.When we gathered once again around the table of the Lord,and the banquet table to celebrate 40 years as an association,the heat of emotion reached its height. Rejoicing in thenew, we acknowledged, blessed and missioned the greatestnumber of newly certified chaplains in our history.Honoring the past, we heard story after story of the wisdomand courage of our founding mothers and fathers. Afterbasking in the glow of the 40th Anniversary slide show puttogether for us by the national office staff, our feast wascomplete.

Watch the flames perform their dance of delight.Feel the heat of emotion reach its height.

Hearing stories of old with today’s events retoldThis feast completes its sanctifying rite.

Sometimes what is most inspirational comes at the end.As the conference was winding down, with the lights dimlike the afterglow of a rousing campfire, 1,300 sets of eyesfocused on our final plenary speaker. Dr. Clarissa PinkolaEstés, an internationally best-selling author and Jungiananalyst, stood tall before us, wearing the symbols of theSacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe on her dress. Shespoke of the nurturing arms of the nuns in black, and theprophetic strength of the diminutive Dorothy Day, whocharged her high school classmates to “fill the jails” in

protest of the Vietnamwar.

This soft-spokenwoman held us spell-bound, occasionally punc-tuating her story withchanting and a stomp ofher foot. She wove wis-dom stories handed downfrom her grandmothers,and ancient stories ofspiritual transformation.She tapped into our richtradition of compassion-ate care as well as passionfor social justice. And shereintroduced to us thesymbol of the bear.

Clarissa spoke to our hopes and our fears, drawing us intothe paradox of being the hunter as well as the hunted,needing to eat what is most distasteful for nourishmentand strength. She challenged us to be leaders who, like thisarchetypal bear with pechos and cojones, hold both mascu-line and feminine qualities. In the end, the enchantingharmonies of her sacred stories reverberated in the stillnessof our hearts.

Glowing embers have cauterized our fears.Amidst darkness your radiance appears.

In silence we’re returning, our open hearts are burningWith a new song resounding in our ears.

Like the disciples returning to Jerusalem with heartsburning within, we were sent forth with a fire in our bel-lies, not merely carrying the ashes of this conference, butbearing its flames in our hearts.

Are you on fire, burning within?With fires of passion the journey begins.

Rod Accardi and Karen Pugliese are chaplains at CentralDuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. Karen is a member of theNACC Board of Directors and Rod is Vice-Chair of the NACCCertification Commission. Words in italics are a song Rodwrote titled “Inflame Our Hearts.”

2 Vision June 2005

HeartsContinued from page 1

June 2005 Vision 3

visionVision is published 10 times a year by theNational Association of Catholic Chaplains.Its purpose is to connect our members witheach other and with the governance of theAssociation. Vision informs and educatesour membership about issues in pastoral/spiritual care and helps chart directions forthe future of the profession, as well as theAssociation.

ISSN: 1527-2370

Executive EditorLawrence G. Seidl

EditorDavid Lewellendlewellen@nacc.org

Graphic DesignerGina Rupcic

The National Association of CatholicChaplains is a professional association forcertified chaplains and clinical pastoral educators who participate in the healingmission of Jesus Christ. We provide standards, certification, education, advocacy, and professional development forour members in service to the Church andsociety.

NACC National Office3501 South Lake Drive

P.O. Box 070473Milwaukee, WI 53207-0473

(414) 483-4898Fax: (414) 483-6712

info@nacc.orgwww.nacc.org

Executive DirectorLawrence G. Seidllseidl@nacc.org

Director of OperationsKathy Eldridgekeldridge@nacc.org

Director of Education & Professional PracticeSusanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D.schaw@nacc.org

Executive Assistant Sandra Charltonscharlton@nacc.org

FinancesSue Walkerswalker@nacc.org

MembershipBarbara Hempelbhempel@nacc.org

Professional Practice (Certification)Marilyn Warczakmwarczak@nacc.org

Special ProjectsPhilip Paradowskipparadowski@nacc.org

By Lawrence G. SeidlExecutive Director

This past weekend offered me theopportunity to catch up on a cou-ple of movies which have eluded

my viewing for months. One of themwas “Finding Neverland,” about the lifeof J.M. Barrie, the author of “Peter Pan.”As a want-to-be storyteller, I value howstories connect us to each other — butthe lack of stories can rob us of our iden-tify. As a child I remember with astrange curiosity how Peter Pan definedNeverland, as a place where people gowho have no stories. And it was Wendy’sministry to fly away from home with awealth of stories to free the occupants ofNeverland from their longings.

The NACC is certainly a member-ship with stories, profound tales of lifeand death, which not only grant us ourprofessional identity but also our person-al ministry.

The telling of our stories happenedeverywhere in Albuquerque. Storiesoccupied our common mealtimes, thehallway and lounges of the hotel andconference center, and those lastingsmiles as we fell asleep. Aside from theremembrances, a whole other set of sto-ries unfolded on a presentation createdby the staff of your national office. It wasthe big-screen version of our first 40years. In the video, images of the pastand quotes from past leaders unfolded tothe rhythm of high-energy music.Members watched and applauded as ten-der images of our past flashed across thebig screen.

Tears stained our faces as images ofmembers, some still active, others retired,and others who reside in the arms ofGod, generated profound feelings ofattachment and pride. And while I donot have the space to name each pastpresident who attended the conference,at least 12 presidents representing overone half of our association’s life traveledto New Mexico for the celebration. Aseach face appeared in the video, withfondness, each was greeted with a thankyou and a heartfelt appreciation for step-

ping forward to serve the association.For those leaders not able to be present,their images generated a strong “we missyou and we love you.”

One round of applause, just by itsthunderous sound, cannot be leftunmentioned. It was the wild applausefor the picture of Fr. Joe Driscoll, theimmediate past leader of the associa-tion. The applause was more than arich, loving affirmation. It was arecognition of Joe’s talents and contri-bution. It was a point of closure. Joe iswell and is currently director of mis-sion services with Bon Secours HealthSystem in Marriottsville, MD.

Much of what we came to celebratein Albuquerque was the vision andhard work of the first and second gen-eration of NACC leaders, committees,boards, and task forces. It is now timeto ponder how and whom we will cel-ebrate as the next generation. It istime to ask each of you to step for-ward in service to your association.

An old adage suggests, “I’ll believeit when I see it.” Perhaps the adage forour future is, “I’ll see it when I believeit.” What are you committed to believ-ing about the future? What are youwilling to believe into existence? Closeyour eyes, try hard, and remember howTinker Bell became alive againbecause people believed it could hap-pen.

Stories connect our association

Lawrence G. Seidl

4 Vision June 2005

By David LewellenVision editor

Thirteen hundred participants gath-ered in Albuquerque, NM, in Aprilto refresh and renew themselves.

The annual conference, which theNational Association of CatholicChaplains and the Association ofProfessional Chaplains held jointly,offered members a chance to do morewidespread networking and get differentperspectives on chaplaincy. Throughworkshops, plenary sessions, banquets,the meditation garden at the conventioncenter, and amid the backdrop of moun-tains and desert, members left agreeingthat they had seen an oasis. More than500 NACC members attended the con-ference.

New NACC Executive DirectorLawrence G. Seidl made his first appear-ance before the association at the mem-bership luncheon. He spoke of his hopesfor the future and of the membership’svital role in sustaining the association.

Board Chair Joan Bumpus presentedKathy Eldridge, the NACC’s Director ofOperations, with a gift to thank her forher 16-month tenure as acting directorwhile the association hunted for a suc-cessor to Rev. Joseph Driscoll.

▼ A record number of chaplainsreceived their certificates at the confer-

ence, and many said the experiencemeant more to them because they madethe effort to do it in person.

“I feel more honored than I wouldhave to receive it in the mail,” said Rev.Gerald Onuoha of Apple Valley, CA.

Eighty-five newly certified NACCchaplains received the tangible proof oftheir accomplishment at a ceremony fol-lowing Sunday evening’s GrandBanquet, more than have come to anyprevious conference.

The newly certified chaplains linedup in alphabetical order, interspersedwith APC members, and filed across thestage to shake hands with associationofficials and receive their certificates, justlike a graduation ceremony. Audiencemembers cheered as the names of peoplethey knew were called.

“It’s a big thrill. I have family andfriends here,” said Aoife Lee of Chicago.Earning her certification, she said, was“hard for someone with a Ph.D. in pro-crastination.”

“I would never miss this. My wifecame,” said Robert Shuford of Evanston,IL. “I feel a great sense of accomplish-ment. It’s been a long haul, but I feeljoyful to do the work that I do and tohave this leg of the journey complete.”

“It was a dream come true, with lotsof work and challenge and excitement,”said Sr. Angela Spence, OSF, ofMilwaukee. “I worked so hard for two

years. This is more important than theother master’s I’ll receive in a year.”

▼ The conference was the subject of a450-word story in The AlbuquerqueJournal on Thursday, April 14. The arti-cle focused on the Monday workshop“Beliefs and Practices in ProfessionalChaplaincy,” led by Rev. Steven Spidellof APC, but it also touched on chap-lains’ role in health-care institutions andon ethics committees. It quoted Sr. MaryAnne DiVincenzo, CSJ, on the increasedvisibility the Terri Schiavo case has givenchaplains, and it described the trainingrequired to be a chaplain.

▼ The Board of Directors outlinedtheir commitments to membership at theNACC business meeting, and askedmembers for commitments of their own.

Chair Joan Bumpus was applaudedwhen she announced that the board iscommitted to exploring some new formof regional activity that would “re-con-nect the NACC with its members.” Sheadded that the association will also seekeducational programs to allow chaplainsto become leaders in their institutions.

Executive Director Lawrence Seidlsaid that the association will seek newcollaborations and partnerships, and be aresource center for chaplains. But atpresent, he said, “we do not have a verygood profile of who we are or what we’redoing.” Foundations expect a lot of datafrom grant applicants, he said, and theNACC will work to develop more infor-mation about itself. It will also ask mem-bers about their salaries, reporting struc-tures, and other conditions of work, andshare the results of those surveys withhealth-care systems. The NACC alsoplans to track the careers of new chap-lains.

During the question period, membersraised many other issues, and some com-mitted to working on them. Topicsincluded making CPE accessible in ruralareas with extension programs for super-visor training. Sr. Anita Lapeyre, RSCJ,chair of the Certification Commission,announced that she would help develop

NACC members stretch out their hands to new Executive Director Lawrence G.Seidl in a gesture of blessing at the association’s membership luncheon.

Busy conference offers renewal, new meetings

June 2005 Vision 5

a pilot project to train supervisors inrural areas.

Several members discussed financialsupport and the response of U.S.Catholic bishops. Bumpus said that thebishops have generously supported theNACC’s Annual Appeal; so far this year,23 bishops have contributed half of the$24,000 raised. But, she said, “they don’twake up every morning thinking aboutthe NACC”

▼ John Izzo, who has made a career ofencouraging spirit in the workplace, toldan audience of chaplains that work existsfor the people who do it, as much as thereverse — people need to fulfill a senseof calling. Great workplaces, the plenaryspeaker said, see a happy workforce as anend in itself, not just a means to reten-tion or service.

Dr. Izzo told his audience that he seesthem as leaders — which he defines as“anyone who by the way they show up inthe world creates a more positive influ-

ence around them. … Spirit is conta-gious; every one of us carries that virus.”

Soul in the workplace, he said, beginswhen people remember why they’rethere. He encouraged his listeners to tryto recognize some moment every daythat reminds them of why they tooktheir job — “and when you have one ofthose moments, stand in awe for amoment.”

Business language, Izzo said, oftenfences out matters of soul; businessesshould try talking about “legacies”instead of “outcomes.”

He encouraged his audience to devel-op helpful rituals, such as beginningmeetings with celebrations or stories, andremembering to find good things thathappened that day.

At the first plenary session, Dr. JoanGuntzelman spoke about “the huge sig-nificance of you the person and the seri-ousness of our being in the world.”

She urged the audience to break aparttheir habitual patterns of thinking and

wake up their consciousness; peoplespend 95 percent of their time onautopilot, she said. “We powerfully pro-gram ourselves with our thoughts.”

Everyone likes to talk about beingreborn, she said, but few people recog-nize that that also entails re-dying. Butthe downward side of the cycle is just asreal and important as the upward side.Working from the parable of the grain ofwheat that must die, she imagined thegrain saying, “You want me to what? Butaren’t I fine the way I am?” The UnitedStates, she said, is “the most death-defy-ing society anywhere,” but it needs toacknowledge the reality.

▼ Audience members leaving the finalplenary talk by Clarissa Pinkola Estéswere asked to contribute to the designat-ed conference charity, EnlaceComunitario, which works to preventdomestic violence among Albuquerque’sSpanish-speaking population. The appealcollected $2,888.60.

It wasn’t just what Clarissa Pinkola Estéssaid, it was how she said it — frowningthoughtfully down at her microphone,

intoning husky, accented vocal lines, gazinginto the distance under her flood of darkhair.

Estés, the final plenary speaker of theconference, had four grandmothers, a resultof being adopted in America after herMexican migrant parents were deported.Her adoptive family was Hungarian, alsoimmigrant, illiterate, Catholic, and fond ofspicy food and dancing. At 16, she wasmeant to quit school and work in the fields— but she resisted because of the nuns ather school, whom she affectionately called“the original girl gang leaders.” Shewatched with admiration as they “talked to men withoutflirting with them” and brought the radical socialist DorothyDay to the school to speak. When parents objected, Estéslearned that “you’re not going to be loved by everyone. It’s alesson all of us learn if we have any integrity to our calling.”

As an adult, Estés became a poet, Jungian psychoanalyst,and author of many books, including “Women Who Runwith the Wolves.” She told a long, metaphorical story of ahunter and a bear, in which the bear is a necessary, uncon-

scious part of ourselves that must be exploitedin order to change and grow, even if the pathto it is long and dangerous. “People on thejourney have to be known by their scars,” shesaid. “Everyone has to be the bear,” to take inan idea that both nourishes and repulses.

The title of her talk, “The River Beneaththe River,” came from her assertion that thereal, pure nature of things is hidden. “Nomatter how damaged or polluted mythoughts or your thoughts become,” she said,“underground it’s artesian and pure andclear.”

A passage of Scripture she had never liked,she said, is the parable of the workers in thevineyard, who all got the same wage eventhough they worked different lengths of time.

But once she dreamed that she understood it: “If you don’thunt for the bear until you’re on your deathbed, you get thesame reward as if you started when you were 10. Time is notrelevant.” The point is the generosity of the vineyard owner:“It rewards whenever we show up. It’s right that we haveanother chance.”

Chaplains, she said, live by example. “Why would you bein this profession if you weren’t living it? I don’t care whatthey say about gratitude, it’s hard work.”

Estés offers stories and symbols to listeners

Clarissa Pinkola Estés

6 Vision June 2005

By Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D.

Approximately 1,300 people con-verged in Albuquerque, NM, forthe joint conference of the

Association of Professional Chaplainsand National Association of CatholicChaplains, April 9-13, 2005. While somany activities and opportunities over-flowed each day of the conference, Iwould like to reflect on a few pieces

that stand out in my mind— which have helped meto feel that I am part ofsomething larger.

Environment — “Thedesert and the parchedland will exult; the steppewill rejoice and bloom.”

The city ofAlbuquerque rejoiced andbloomed as we landed

there. We experienced four seasons inone day in Albuquerque — the sun,the rain, the wind, the snow. As Iwalked each day from the hotel to theconvention center, I always looked atthe large open civic plaza — where onsome days, the fountain was spoutingtoward the sky. Our spiritual needschair, Brother Edward M. Smink, OH,did a fantastic job of helping us to feelour surroundings. I learned manythings from him — and am committedto continuing this feeling for all of ourNACC events. Perhaps the highlightfor me was the meditation garden atthe convention center. I saw attendeessitting and reflecting or sitting andsharing, and I had a deep satisfactionthat we had done something phenom-enal.

“The use of art and environmentaldisplays (fountains/plants) was an excel-lent addition – especially wonderful tohear the water prior to plenary sessions.”

Liturgy — “They will bloom withabundant flowers, and rejoice with joy-ful song.”

And rejoice with joyful song we did!The music, vibrant and alive as well asmulticultural, brought me to a sacredspace during those short hours. Our

music coordinator, Steve Herrera, didan excellent job along with his groupof musicians in capturing the essenceof our celebrations. Our liturgy chair,Fr. Kevin Tripp, along with his com-mittee of Mary Trudell, MichaelBurns, SDS, and Fr. Rich Bartoszek,did a fantastic job of helping us to feelour identity. Several non-NACCmembers who attended some of theliturgies expressed how grateful theywere to be part of such a spiritualexperience. The music and the homi-lies and the sense of peace I felt as Iattended each liturgy — knowing thatI had many hours left in the day —left me with a renewed sense of energyfor our members and our association.

“Liturgy is the heart of the conference.Thank you. I feel fed.”

“Celebration of the Eucharist wasGREAT! Each day I could hardly wait tobe there.”

Community — “Streams will burstforth in the desert, and rivers in thesteppe.”

Our community of members burstforth in Albuquerque, in both body

and spirit. It gave me such a boost tosee new members interact with sea-soned members — to see old friendsspending time together. One suchexperience was sitting before liturgy ata table with Sr. Rosemary Abramovich,OP, Fr. Pat Hanser, and Fr. RichAugustyn as they exchanged businesscards, making sure to have the correctphone numbers and e-mails of oneanother before they left the conference.The joy and renewal on their faces asthey shared this moment was priceless— they probably didn’t know I waswatching them so closely. They helpedme feel our community.

“This was my first NACC conference.I finally feel I belong to something biggerthan a few chaplains back home.”

And in that brief moment, I alsofound myself being thankful for thecountless hours of volunteer work fromour members before the conference,during the conference, and in themany other ways they contribute toour association. I particularly want tothank Sr. Mary Anne DiVincenzo,CSJ, conference co-chair, and Phyllis

I had a deep

satisfaction that

we had done

something

phenomenal

Conference participants bloom and rejoice

NACC members hold hands during a celebration of Mass at the Albuquerqueconvention.

June 2005 Vision 7

Bowling and Sr. Norma Gutierrez,MCDP, who both served as co-chairs oflocal arrangements and Speakers.

“As a volunteer I offered my assistanceeverywhere I felt it was needed. I was wellreceived.”

Education — “The burning sandswill become pools, and the thirstyground, springs of water.”

I see our members as “the thirstyground” — thirsty for spiritual growth,companionship, and education.Education is so near and dear to mybackground and to my role for you atthe National Office. Our five plenaryspeakers, Dr. Robert J. Wicks, Dr. JoanGuntzelman, Dr. John Izzo, Rev.Richard Rohr, OFM, and Dr. ClarissaPinkola Estés, gave of themselves as

they helped to transform our attendees.Many remarked that the flow of speak-ers from beginning to end helped to tiethe theme of the conference togetherfor our attendees, who went from thirstto being full with the water of knowl-edge. With over 60 workshops and 26pre-conference workshops, attendeeshad a variety of information available.These educational opportunities helpedme to feel the wisdom and understand-ing of our members, who have so manygifts and so much of their own knowl-edge to bring to the association — totruly see our community of learners.

“I found all speakers to be for me anaffirmation of transformation…stretchingus to go deeper.”

We always report on the conference

after it has occurred each year, but weneed to remind ourselves that that isjust one piece of our association, ourcommunity. So in highlighting theseareas, I hope you also will reflect onhow you can bring them to life in yourown setting as an active member of theNACC — not just at the national con-ference each year.

How can we feel our surroundings,our identity, the wisdom of our mem-bers, and our NACC community eachand every day?

Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D. is theNACC’s Director of Education andProfessional Practice. Comments in italicsare from the evaluation forms of NACCmembers who attended the 2005 confer-ence.

For every chaplain who officiallyfeels burned out, a dozen are onthe edge of it.

Self-care and avoiding burnoutwere themes of Dr. Robert Wicks’plenary speech to celebrate theNACC’s 40th anniversary. “The oppo-site of detachment is not compassion,it’s seduction,” he said — the seduc-tion of trying to do too much and betoo much.

“If you give away your energy andact like a martyr, you’ll be one,” hesaid. Many acquaintances and onlook-ers may see the chaplain’s job as sodreadful and draining that only a mar-tyr could take it on — but “we shouldget on our knees every morning andthank God for giving us the ministryto do this work.”

“It’s not the amount of darkness inthe world that matters, or the amountin ourselves — it’s how we stand inthat darkness. … When it will end isthe wrong question. It’s what can we

learn from it.”Chaplains need to share their

peace, Wicks said, but we can’t sharewhat we don’t have. A clear, kindpresence is easy for children, but is“available at every stage of life.” Hecited the Lutheran minister who saidgrace in a restaurant in a booming,public voice. “If you wish peace, youcan have it — if that is all you want.”

Wicks described a process of find-ing oneself. First, he suggested, find aword that expresses yourself mostdeeply, even though that “can takemost of our lives.” Second, he said,reach into the shadow to find a sec-ond word to buff the first — for him,it was “passion” and then “gentleness.”Third, reverse the positions of the twowords in your life, so the second is atthe center and the first is the comple-ment.

“We’re not just speaking aboutself-imagery or growth,” he said. “Weare speaking about transcendence. We

need to be empty. We need to let go.… We don’t know we’re slaves. Wedon’t know how to discern crosses.”

Wicks also gave his audience ques-tions to ask themselves. “What preoc-cupied you when you went to bed lastnight? That’s your god.” What causesproblems? He offered some possibleanswers: Arrogance, which is projec-tion; you give away blame and giveaway power. Or self-doubt, or anger.How do we empty ourselves of diffi-culties? By attacking inner resistancefrom the flank, not head-on; and byrealizing that other people won’t careif you change and that peace is disori-enting. What is it that satisfies us?“Be open to hearing God’s word froma number of vantage points,” he said.

He concluded, “I want to thankyou for your nobility, for doing suchwonderful work. You have no idea,even in your most insightfulmoments, how much good you’redoing.”

Wicks tells chaplains to tend inner resources

8 Vision June 2005

Authority in religion comes from within, from trans-formed suffering, Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, told theconference attendees.

Rohr, a Franciscan priest and noted author who lives 10minutes from the convention center in Albuquerque, saidthat organized religion doesn’t help people trust their spiri-tual intuition; instead, it offers “answers to questions thatpeople haven’t struggled with,” and “transformation is notthe issue, but attendance.”

Everyone has pain, Rohr said, and they either transformit or transmit it. “It’s no surprise that the Christian logobecame a naked, bleeding, suffering man,” as an example oftransformed pain.

Pain, he said, is the only thing that can destabilize theego and its defenses. “I believe there is a God,” he saidrhetorically. “So what? Is this a giant SAT test? It simplycreates offensive and defensive egos, everyone defendingtheir petty image of God.” It’s identical, he said, to theBiblical accounts of the disciples arguing over who wasgreatest. They wanted “miters and crosiers and lovely vest-ments, authority without suffering.”

Jesus almost never answered questions directly, Rohr said,but his indirection led people into a space for transforma-tion. “Whenever you try to hold together the collision ofopposites, you will be crucified.” But chaplains stand next tothe beds where people are suffering, “where you can’t makesense of it. That’s where the miracle occurs,” where peoplefind growth and transformation.

Egos attempt to fix or control or understand, but somuch can’t be understood, Rohr said. Faith is “to hold thecontraries, to be the paradox,” until on some level it makessense. “Dualistic either-or thinking will never get you there.… We see it from left to right in American religion today.There are loads of opinions, but few open hearts.” But peo-ple need to learn to live with opposites, particularly inmidlife. “The two nailed hands are the two sides of almostevery question.”

The first part of life, he said, is about “creating a contain-er” — you need an ego to let go of your ego. People beginfrom absolutes; he cited himself, growing up in Kansas inthe 1940s. “We were the best nation, America, and the bestchurch, Catholic, and I was the best gender, male,” he said.

“You can transform people to the degree you’ve beentransformed,” Rohr said. Healing comes through wounding,and “it’s all about what you do with the wound. … Don’t getrid of the pain until you’ve learned its lessons.”

Very early Christian tombs had no crosses, Rohr said,because the idea was still “too scandalous, humiliating,defeating.” Instead, the carvings featured the story of Jonah— a man in the belly of the beast, in a situation he couldn’tfix or control, left in the hands of God.

Twelve-step programs, Rohr said, produce an unusualand healthy spirituality; everyone is a priest, everyone helpsheal everyone else, and the requirement for entry is unwor-thiness: the admission that you can’t do it alone. “You’re notworthy. Even John Paul isn’t worthy,” Rohr said. “We’re allsaved by grace. God doesn’t love you because you’re good;God loves you because God is good.” For himself, he said, “Ihave to pray for one humiliation a day” to keep his ego incheck. The truly worthy part of a person “comes as a totalgift and has nothing to do with you,” and must promptly begiven away to everyone else.

Feelings of self-worth come from ego, Rohr said, and egopositions itself on the top and others on the bottom, pro-jecting evil elsewhere. “Healthy religion is all about you,” hesaid. “It’s not to change other people or convert other peo-ple — I’m the problem.”

Chaplains, he said, are lucky to be able to walk with oth-ers in their suffering, transformative journey, because thathas the effect of transforming the chaplain, too. Similarly,wealthy nations can learn from churches in developingcountries, which struggle to practice their faith amid adver-sity. “There’s the mystery,” he said. “We come to God not bydoing it right but by doing it wrong. The poor are used tobeing wrong.”

Rohr praises transformational power of suffering

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, addresses the combined NACCand APC gathering in Albuquerque, NM.

June 2005 Vision 9

The following homily was delivered Sunday, April 10, at theNACC’s Celebration of the Eucharist at the 2005 conference.

By Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan, STL, JCDArchbishop of Santa Fe

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is a joy to wel-come the National Association of Catholic Chaplainsto the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and to celebrate Mass

with all of you this morning. You come from many parts ofthe country, and we are proud to host your gathering.

We have just witnessed an important piece of history inseeing the illness and death of Pope John Paul II. We experi-enced the outpouring of love for him during his funeral at St.Peter’s in Rome. You who are Catholic chaplains care for theelderly, sick and dying, and you must have been impressedwith the way the Holy Father taught the world about sick-ness, suffering and death. His last homily was really teachingus how to accept the reality of illness and to offer it in unionwith the sufferings of Christ. He taught us how to live andhow to die. I hope that you draw upon his teaching asCatholic chaplains in your ministry to the sick and dying andtheir families. We mourn the loss of this great Pope and wepray for the cardinals who must now elect his successor.

The 24th chapter of Luke’s gospel today gives us the well-known Emmaus story. The gospel tells the story of three menon the road to Emmaus. It is expressed in a beautiful paint-ing, one of my favorites. The painting shows three robed fig-ures, walking along the dusty road, with shafts of sun break-ing through trees and clouds in a mysterious way. The manin the middle, hand upraised as he talks, seems to fascinatethe other two and holds them spellbound. Off in the hazydistance is a town, probably Emmaus. They are walking awayfrom Jerusalem. We observe the travelers from behind. It ismy favorite artists’ rendition of the Gospel text we haveheard today.

But at first there were two men only. They seemed in asituation of unbelief, leaving their community, deep in confu-sion. They seem to think everything is over. Their hopeswere dashed by the crucifixion of Jesus, whom they hadhoped would be the Messiah. They had lost faith. Then threethings happened: 1) They are joined by Jesus on the road; 2)They tell him their story; and 3) He tells his story. It is aparadox of lack of faith and faith, of distance and closeness.Finally they knew him in the breaking of the bread.

The story plays out in our lives often. People whom youserve as a chaplain may feel distant from God, wondering ifhe is there. They are crushed by terrible cancer and other ill-nesses. They are shattered by the death of a loved one. Theyfeel perhaps the same disillusion that the disciples on the wayto Emmaus felt before Jesus came along. Then they are atMass believing with all their hearts. Somehow, despite their

sadness, they come to know Jesus in the breaking of thebread at Mass.

You who are chaplains are also extraordinary ministers ofthe Eucharist, taking Holy Communion to the bedside of thesick the elderly and the dying. You can through your ministryhelp those to whom you minister seek that personalencounter with Jesus Christ as you give them the Eucharist.You can help them know the Lord in the breaking of thebread. This is the Year of the Eucharist, as John Paul II hasdeclared. Let your hearts burn within you as you minister tothose whom you serve.

May the Lord bless you in your ministry as Catholicchaplains and bless your time together. May the peace thatJesus gives us in the breaking of the bread be yours now andalways!

Finding Jesus in the breaking of bread

Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of Santa Fe, NM, leadsthe procession at the beginning of the NACC’s SundayCelebration of the Eucharist.

The following homily was delivered atthe Celebration of the Eucharist andAnointing of the Sick at the 2005Conference.

By Rev. James Sheets

Acouple of weeks ago, I was get-ting into the elevator to go fromthe lobby to the chaplains’ office

on the seventh floor of SutterMemorial Hospital in Sacramento,where I hold the position of staff chap-lain. A man and woman, whom Iguessed to be in their 60s, got in too,and there was still room for a hospitaltech with a huge machine with allkinds of lights and alarms and buttonsand levers. As we started to ascend, Icould just sense the wheels turning inthe woman’s head as she tried to imag-ine what that machine might be usedfor. Finally she said, “Well, I’m gladI’m not hooked up to that thing,” towhich the tech replied, “So am I,because it’s what I use to clean the car-pets.”

Now, that little story has absolutelynothing to do with the rest of myhomily.

“Streams in the Desert,” the firstphrase in the title of our conferencethis year, reminds me of some of theverses of Psalm 23: “You are my shep-herd, O God, You call me to lie downin green pastures, beside restful waters,you refresh my soul.” I hope we allhave felt some refreshment from theworkshops, plenary sessions, tablegatherings, liturgies, and just beinghere together in one of the jewels ofour American Southwest.

As we gather to celebrate our finalEucharist for this year’s conference andas we come together to pray for and toanoint our own members who feel theweakness of life’s burdens, I once againbring to our attention the three objec-tives of this year’s conference: 1) toheed the call of the Creator to seekrestoration and renewal; 2) to affirmour ministry to the suffering as advo-cates for healing; and 3) to discoverhow our ministry nurtures transforma-

tion. I offer a synthesis of these objec-tives: to seek restoration, to minister tothe suffering, to advocate for healing,and to discover transformation. Iwould guess that the majority of thepatients/clients we meet in our every-day ministries are hoping that theythemselves will achieve two of theseobjectives: restoration and transforma-tion. And I would think that we, chap-lains and other healthcare providers,are always hoping to achieve the othertwo: to minister to the suffering and toadvocate for healing.

Our first reading from the HebrewScriptures speaks of a man who washealed, but in a way different than heexpected. Naaman expected theprophet Elisha to come out of hishouse to meet him and to personallytouch him in blessing. But theScriptures tell us that was not the plan.However, Naaman was not only healedof his leprosy, but he gained a newinsight into who God was. The Gospelreading talks about asking and receiv-ing, seeking and finding, knocking andhaving the way opened. But when havethe times been when we have askedand have not received, when we havesought and have not found, when wehave knocked and felt left outside anunopened door? When have we per-sonally experienced what ourpatients/clients experience every day?When have we felt that our prayerswere not answered, or at least, not inthe way we had originally wanted?When did the miracles we were bank-ing on not materialize and we had togo searching for the miracles that hadalready happened in a different place?

We are in the Easter season — theseason of miracles. If Mary Magdeleneand the other women had stayed in theempty tomb mourning Jesus’ disap-pearance, the apostles might never haveknown about the resurrection. If thetwo disciples on their way to Emmaushad not invited the stranger to stay thenight, they would never have recog-nized the risen Jesus in the breaking ofbread. Wasn’t it wonderful that Mary

Magdalene, her companions, and thetwo disciples on the road were open toa miracle! Are we open to God’s mira-cles, even though they may happenwhen and where we do not expect?

In our gathering rite a little whileago, we sang: “Jesus, you are the heal-ing, you came to make us whole again.Jesus, you are the freedom, you breakthe chains that bind us. Jesus, you arethe power, you triumph over sin anddeath. Jesus, the resurrection, you raiseus to eternal life. Come show us howto live. Come show us how to live.” Wesing the words, but do we believe? Ofcourse we believe it, but sometimes it’sso hard to feel it.

Just about a year ago I found myselfdoing a treadmill prescribed by mydoctor because of some intermittentchest pain. I was feeling good. I waswalking and running and coming tothe end of the test, when all of a sud-den the doctor monitoring me shut thetreadmill off and told me to lie downon a table next to the treadmill. Fourdays later I found myself on anothertable in the heart cath lab having anangiogram.

In the end, everything was okay. Butthat was an awakening experience.Now, because I went through it, I canunderstand what other patients gothrough in similar circumstances — theanxiety, the fear, the wonder, theembarrassment, being humbled whenlife tosses us a surprise with no time toprepare for it.

Some of us are no doubt dealingwith one or more of these experiencesright now. This is exactly why we havethis annual Mass with the Anointingof the Sick. Even though some of uscontinue in ministry, we also bear theburden of becoming the patient/clientlike so many of those we serve. And itis so difficult to have our feet straddlethose two worlds – the world of theminister and the world of the minis-tered-to. And, even though I did notagree with everything he did and said,I sense that John Paul was anadmirable example of straddling the

10 Vision June 2005

God’s healing doesn’t come in ways we expect

two worlds of being the minister andthe ministered-to, particularly in thelast few weeks when he refused to beprivate in his sickness. He openlyshared his weakness and voiceless frus-tration with the world. He continuedto be the minister to the end. At thesame time he humbly accepted theprayers, good wishes, and blessings ofthe world, as he became the one min-istered-to to the very end.

Before long, during the anointing,we will sing a 160-year-old tune withnewer words: Healing river of theSpirit,

Bathe the wounds that living brings.Plunge our pain, our sin, our sadnessDeep beneath your saving springs.Weary from the restless searchingThat has lured us from your side,We discover in your presenceA peace the world cannot provide.Those verses: “Healing river, Bathe

the wounds, Deep within your savingsprings, We discover peace” are like asequel to those of Psalm 23: “You callme to lie down in green pastures,beside restful waters, you refresh mysoul.”

Like Naaman, we ask for healingbut must be open to receiving it in adifferent place than we expected. Jesussaid: “Ask and you shall receive, seekand you shall find, knock and it shall

be opened to you.” But in faith, wemust realize that we may receive, andfind, and encounter an opening in adifferent place than we expected.

Finally, we go back to the begin-ning — to the synthesis of our confer-ence objectives: to seek restoration, tominister to the suffering, to advocate

for healing, and to discover transfor-mation; and to realize that whether weare the ministers, the ministered-to, orboth, all these can happen in so manydifferent ways.

Streams in the Desert — a goodplace to begin and a good place toend!

June 2005 Vision 11

Rev. Richard Augustyn (right) anoints the hands of Michael Adamson at theCelebration of the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick.

Workshop slated on death and donationThe San Diego Eye Bank Nurses’ Advisory Board will

sponsor an educational symposium for nurses, chaplains andsocial workers on October 7, 2005, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. at the San Diego Marriott Hotel, Mission Valley. Thetitle of the program will be “Cultural and Religious Viewson Death, Dying and Donation.” For more informationcontact: Nancy Biagioni at 858-694-0444 or e-mail nan-cyb@sdeb.org.

NACC member publishes book of poemsNACC member Josie Rodriguez, a chaplain in San Diego,

CA, has published Waiting Rooms of the Heart: Poems of aHealthcare Chaplain. The book is available in paperback or print-on-demand format at Amazon.com or Iuniverse.com.

The poems were written while Rodriguez worked as a clinicalchaplain in both an acute care inner city hospital and homehealth hospice. They were a way to remember and to pay tributeto the many patients and families she met along the way.

Fr. Barry Martinson, SJ, said of the book, “The poems arevery deep and moving, inspirational and positive. They give aninsight into suffering, encouraging hope, and could certainly beof benefit to others who are in pain. A collection like this couldbe placed in hospitals, hospices, churches or waiting rooms indoctors’ offices.”

Briefs

ConferenceQuotes

“We have a rich heritage. It will con-tinue if we practice what Jesus taught usto do.”

— Rev. Forrest “Pat” Hanser, pastPresident of the NACC, celebrating the

40th Anniversary Eucharist

“I would never miss this. It’s been along haul, but I feel joyful to do the workthat I do and to have this leg of the jour-ney complete.”

— Newly certified Chaplain RobertShuford of Evanston, IL

“I want to thank you for your nobili-ty, for doing such wonderful work. Youhave no idea, even in your most insight-ful moments, how much good you’redoing.”

— Plenary speaker Robert Wicks

“They’re out there. They’re just nothere.”

— Sr. Norma Gutierrez, MCDP, onminority chaplains and the NACC

“Nostalgia is setting in. The feeling ofjoie de vivre I sensed 20 years ago, I sensetonight.”

— Rev. Daniel J. Gatti, SJ,past President of the NACC, at the 40th

anniversary banquet

“The vision is alive. We are alive. Thisis a wonderful celebration for theNACC.”

— Sr. Rosemary Abromovich, OP,past President of the NACC

“Look! We’re building Churchtogether!”

— New NACC Executive DirectorLawrence G. Seidl

The NACC Board of Directors met prior to the conference inAlbuquerque, NM on April 8-9, 2005. The following is a summary ofactions of the Board.

The Board passed the following motions:▼ To approve the roles and responsibilities of the Standards Committee,

whose initial responsibility is to integrate the Common Standards with theNACC Standards. Going forward, the Standards Committee will beresponsible for performing an annual review of the Standards, in addition toreviewing and recommending Standards changes to the Board of Directors.

▼ To establish a Governance Committee to create a board profile and adecision-making matrix for the association.

▼ To appoint Mr. Alan E. Bowman; Ms. Mary Lou O’Gorman; Ms.Mary T. O’Neill; Ms. Linda Piotrowski; and Dr. Jane W. Smith to theStandards Committee.

▼ To approve the Confidentiality Agreement and Gift Policy DisclosureStatement as NACC policy.

▼ To authorize the creation of a membership task force to review anddevelop appropriate levels of membership and levels of certification.

▼ To adopt the Bylaws as amended.▼ To empower the Council on Collaboration to pursue the development

of a consensus CPE document.The next meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for June 24,

2005 by conference call.

Please join us in thanking these corporate sponsors of our conference,whose generosity to the cause of chaplaincy helped make it possible for theNACC and APC to present a successful conference in Albuquerque, NM.

▼ Ave Maria Gifts and Religious Supplies Albuquerque, NM

▼ Mr. Michael Kelly Blanchard

▼ Lovelace Sandia Health SystemAlbuquerque, NM

▼ The Methodist HospitalHouston, TX

▼ The Palm TraderAlbuquerque, NM

▼ Ms. Maureen Pratt, author of Peace in the Storm

▼ Presbyterian Healthcare ServicesAlbuquerque, NM

▼ Service Corporation International/Dignity MemorialHouston, TX

▼ St. Joseph Community Health FoundationAlbuquerque, NM

12 Vision June 2005

Board moves forward on standards

Thank you to conference sponsors

APC/NACC - 200 “Your Wild and Precious Life”Joan Guntzelman, Ph.D.

APC/NACC - 201 “Soul Worthy Workplaces: Renewing the Work of the Organization” - Dr. John Izzo

Streams in the Desert - A Call to Professional Renewal

Association of Professional Chaplains - National Association of Catholic Chaplains

Albuquerque, New Mexico April 9-13, 2005

Additional Listings on Reverse Side

Plenary SessionsAudio CD’s

❑ APC/NACC-216 S 14 Introduction Into BuddhistPsychology: An EngagedBuddhist PerspectiveRev. Randal Blain, M.Div., BA - APC

❑ APC/NACC-217 S 15 A Cup of Cold Water:Learning to Listen To Life-StoryChaplain David P. Blauw, M.S., M.Div.,BCC-APC; Mr. Michael Kelly Blanchard

❑ APC/NACC-219 S 18 The Jewish View of AtonementRabbi David J. Zucker, Ph.D. - APC

Monday Workshop Sessions

❑ APC/NACC-219-B M 1 Sounds of Healing: MusicAnswers the Call for RenewalMs.Tami Briggs,MBA,CHP

❑ APC/NACC-220 M 2 Beliefs and Practices inProfessional ChaplaincyRev. Steven Spidell, D.Min., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-221 M 3 Nourishing the Soul of theCaregiver Rev. Dean V. Marek - NACC

❑ APC/NACC-222 M 4 Spiritual Well Being Research:A Chaplain-Nurse PartnershipChaplain Mary E. Johnson, M.A.- NACC;Marlene Frost, Ph.D., RN

❑ APC/NACC-223 M 5 The Spiritual Dimension ofPsychiatric TreatmentMs. Geralyn C. Abbott, M.A., LPC-NACC

❑ APC/NACC-224 M 6 Journeying with the Dyingand Their FamiliesMs. Susan C. Mitchell, MAPS-NACC

❑ APC/NACC-226 M 8 Clergy Privilege: ProtectingThose You Care For, ProtectingYourself Chaplain C. MargaretMcClaskey, M.Div., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-227 M 10 The Vital Role of Discernmentin a Successful ChaplainVolunteerProgram- Stan Dunk, M.Div., BCC-APC

Sunday Workshop Sessions

❑ APC/NACC-205 S 1 Religious and Cultural Issues of Muslim Patients Imam Yusuf Hasan, BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-206 S 2 Caring for the Whole Person: Completing the Caregiving Paradigm Chaplain Donald R. Koepke, M.Div., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-208 S 4 Helping Physicians Cope with Death: A Role for the Chaplain Chaplain Mary E. Johnson,

M.A.-NACC

❑ APC/NACC-209 S 5 Spiritual Benefits of Sexual Loving: Pastoral Implications Chaplain Gordon J. Hilsman,

D.Min., BCC-APC, NACC, ACPE

❑ APC/NACC-210 S 6 Truth-Telling After Adverse Events: Understanding the

Chaplain’s Role Rev. Martha R. Jacobs, M.Div., BCC- APC, AAPC; Nancy Berlinger, Ph.D. M.Div.

❑ APC/NACC-211 S 8 After the Death: A Model for Bereavement Care and Follow-Up

Chaplain W.L. (Bill) Bross, M.Div., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-212 S 10 Unraveling the Mystery: What Hospital Administrators Really Want Chaplain Don Camp, M.Div., M.S., BCC- APC

❑ APC/NACC-213 S 11 Ending Conversations Ms. Jean Marchant, M.Div., D.Min.(Cand.) NACC; Ronald J. Hindelang, Ph.D., ACPE

❑ APC/NACC-214 S 12 The Challenge of Pastoral Care: When You Can’t Be Everywhere at One Time Rev. Elizabeth Hyland, M.Div., BCC -APC

❑ ❑ ❑

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VHS Video Tapes / DVD’s are $29.00 EachAny Three VHS/DVD’s $75.00 ▼ All Four VHS/DVD’s $99.00

APC/NACC - 204 “Chaplaincy: By Whose Authority?” Sister Monica Ann Lucas, SC

APC/NACC - 202 “The Authority of Those Who Have Suffered” Rev. Richard Rohr, OFM

June 2005 Vision 13

****PACKAGE Audio CD SPECIALS****Single CD $10.00 -Any 3 CDs $29.00 - Any 6 CDs $54.00 - Any 12 CDs $96.00

FULL SET Audio CD’s All (43) $239.00

❑ APC/NACC-228 M 11 The Power of Divine Freedom:Gandhi’s Revolutionary Prayer-SongsRev. Cynthia Snodgrass, M.Div.-APCRev. Zia Frances Shapiro, BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-230 M 13 QI: What Every HospitalChaplain Should Know AboutQuality ImprovementMs. Nancy Berlinger, Ph.D., M.Div.

❑ APC/NACC-232 M 15 Spiritual Dimensions of Trans-plantation: A Garden of PossibilitiesChaplain Audrey A. Lukasek, M.Div.,BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-233 M 16 Level 1 Pastoral Care, TheMethodist Healthcare, San AntonioStudy Chaplain Michael T. Curd,

D.Min., AAMFT, APA, BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-234 M 17 Coming of Age: Spiritual CareData Collection in the 21st CenturyChaplain William E. Dorman, D.Min., AAMFT, BCC-APC , Rev. Jenny T. Lannom, BCC-APC, ACPE

❑ APC/NACC-235 M 18 Results of a Survey ofChaplains: Knowledge of and AttitudesToward Genetic CounselingMs. Brianne E. Williams, M.S.

❑ APC/NACC-236 M 19 Applied Philosophical Theoryfor Healthcare PractitionersRev. Linda Smith-Criddle, Ph.D.-APC

Tuesday Workshop Sessions

❑ APC/NACC-237 T 1 The Patient Does Not Cometo the Hospital AloneDr. Richard W. Smith, D.Min., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-238 T 2 Creating a “Stress Free”Environment: Soul Spacesand Time OutsChaplain Michelle Lemiesz, M.Div.-NACC,Chaplain Maryilyn“Kay” Snyder,M.Div., BCC-APC

Audio Compact Discs (CD's) are $10.00 Each

WorkshopsAudio CD’s

Audio CD’s

❑ APC/NACC-239 T 3 Walk in Peace Mr. Charles W.Sidoti, NACC Cert.-NACC

❑ APC/NACC-240 T 4 Recovering Meaning/RestoringHope Chaplain Jim Rowland, M.Div.

❑ APC/NACC-241 T 5 The Roles of Illusion in theCreation of Meaning Rev. WilliamR. Beers, Ph.D., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-242 T 7 What About the Widower? WhoMeets His Needs? Chaplain RobertE. Cullum, Th.D., BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-243 T 8 Patoral Care to the Hispanic/Latino Patient: Making the Most ofYour MinistryRev. H. Graciella Jortack,M.Div. - APC

❑ APC/NACC-244 T 9 The Chaplain’s Place in aPalliative Care Team Rev. Stephen A.Lundgren, M.A.,M.Div. - NACC; JackieTabor, RN

❑ APC/NACC-245 T 10 To Be or Not to Be: HowChaplains Identify Their Role(s) inHealthcare Chaplain Michele Le DouxSakurai,M.A.,M.Ed., - NACC

❑ APC/NACC-246 T 11 Shared Decision-Making: AModel for Consensus for PastoralCare Rev. Marcia Marino, D.Min.,BCC-APC

❑ APC/NACC-247 T12 A Conversation About ChildAbuse with Julian of NorwichRev. Sandra F. Selby, MBA, M.Div.-APC

❑ APC/NACC-248 T 13 Growing Pastoral Care in anEnvironment of Scarce ResourcesRev. George Handzo, M.Div., M.A.,BCC-APC; Chaplain Jane Mather-NACC

❑ APC/NACC-249 T 14 Creating Mandalas forSpiritual Renewal and HealingRev. Erin E. King, M.Div., BCC-APC;Betty L. Kibble, CCMA-A, CTHP

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14 Vision June 2005

June 2005 Vision 15

Eighty-five newly certified chaplains smile forthe camera at the Albuquerque ConventionCenter. The class of new certifications wasthe largest in the association’s history.

Lawrence G. Seidl, the newExecutive Director of the NACC, con-gratulates Patrick Bliss at the cere-mony presenting certificates to newlycertified chaplains.

Board members(from left) Sr. Mary

Eileen Wilhelm,RSM, Sr.

Maryanna Coyle,SC, and Paul

Marceau applaudat the banquet to

celebrate theNACC's 40th

anniversary.

Congregation members sing at the Sunday Mass.

A stream of water tumbles into the pool onthe plaza outside the Albuquerque ConventionCenter.

16 Vision June 2005

By Linda Piotrowski

Often I findgreat wis-dom in the

comics. In one“Peanuts” cartoon,Peppermint Pattysays to CharlieBrown, “Guesswhat, Chuck. The

first day of school and I got sent to theprincipal’s office. It was your fault,Chuck.” Poor Charlie Brown says, “Myfault? How could it be my fault? Whydo you say everything is my fault?”Peppermint Patty said, “You’re my

friend, aren’t you, Chuck?You should have been abetter influence on me!”

Peppermint Patty wastrying to pass the buck,yet in a way she was right.We should be a goodinfluence on others, per-sonally and professionally.We can have an influencefor good or for bad — butonly if we are present.

That’s why beingseen as an integral mem-

ber of the interdisciplinary healthcareteam has been one of my goals sincebeginning my ministry as a chaplainmany years ago. Shortly after I beganthe pastoral care program at CentralVermont Medical Center, the co-chairof the palliative care committee took ajob elsewhere. I jumped at the oppor-tunity to serve. The committee saw myenthusiasm and willingness and select-ed me, and I’ve co-chaired it for thepast three years, along with our nursingdirector of critical care.

Thus, I receive mailings about pal-liative care programs and conferences.Last November I got an e-mail aboutthe Assembly of the AmericanAcademy of Hospice and PalliativeMedicine and the Hospice and

Palliative Nurses AssociationConference in New Orleans in January.They were seeking innovative clinicalworkshop proposals.

Most of the time, you won’t findchaplains listed as prospective attendeesat clinical conferences. Unfortunately,we are not usually thought of as clinicalteam members. Bristling at the thoughtthat chaplaincy had once again beenleft off the list, I was all the moredetermined to participate in the con-ference.

In addition to clinical presentations,proposals were being sought for TheHealing Space, which is dedicated tolifting up the role and power of the artsin healing. I submitted a proposal for aworkshop about our comfort shawlsand their role in our Partners inPalliative Care program. If my proposalwas accepted, I could attend the con-ference. I’d get to experience a clinicalconference while interacting and learn-ing with doctors and nurses fromaround the country.

Weeks later, I received a letter invit-ing me to present a workshop in TheHealing Space on the third afternoonof the conference. I accepted!

The Healing Space, designed, pre-pared and maintained by a committeeof physicians and nurses, is a respite ofcalm in a busy, highly clinical confer-ence. The lighting is low. Candlelightand padded room dividers covered withlovely artwork, accompanied by poetryand prose written by doctors and nurs-es, make the large room feel more inti-mate, creating several smaller spacesout of one huge conference room. Asoothing fountain bubbles while quietmusic plays. At one end of the room isspace for workshops on meditation,hospice caring, collage, and other self-care practices. The other end offerschair massages, reiki and other comple-mentary therapies. I participated in acollage workshop conducted by a doc-

tor. In my workshop I included music,meditation, and storytelling. I provideddetailed directions for making comfortshawls.

Wanting to take advantage of everylearning opportunity I could, I alsotook a pre-conference poetry-writingworkshop led by three doctors. I mettwelve other doctors wanting to writepoetry to explore the spiritual dimen-sions of their work. After an initialdidactic and a guided meditation, weeach wrote a poem, then read it aloud,respectful of the risk each person wastaking in exposing very powerful anddeeply felt emotions and experiences.

The conference workshops, howev-er, were overwhelmingly clinical. In“The Ethics of Lamentation: GivingVoice to Patients and Their Doctors,”the two physician presenters describedseveral situations where I recognizedthat early chaplain interventions wouldhave significantly improved patientcare. In one situation, the patient hadbeen in the hospital in the intensivecare unit for over two weeks. Deathwas imminent, and the family was hav-ing difficulty dealing with it. When thedeath occurred, the family “fell apart.”The physicians described themselves asentering the room, expressing theircondolences, and then “beating a hastyretreat,” leaving one nurse alone tocomfort the family. Why weren’t chap-lains involved in this family’s grievingprocess, I asked? Who tended to thebroken spirits of the nurse and the doc-tors? I was answered with a shrug andtold that chaplains might be called inat the time of death, but most of thetime no one thought to involve them.

In the workshop “Palliative CareConsultation in the ICU: What CanYou Expect?,” the speaker, a nursepractitioner, spoke of the many mem-bers of the interdisciplinary team sheinvolved in smoothing the transition ofpalliative care patients from ICU to a

Seeking,

Finding

Chaplains must strive to be part of team

Why weren’t

chaplains

involved in the

grieving

process? I was

answered with a

shrug

June 2005 Vision 17

medical/surgical unit. Not once did shespeak of consulting with a chaplain.When I spoke with her at the conclu-sion of the session, she said that quitehonestly it just never occurred to her.What, I thought, are the chaplains inthat institution doing? Don’t theymake rounds in the ICU? Aren’t they apart of patient care planning sessions?

In session after session, I heardphysician presenters describe palliativeand end-of life-experiences, includingstories of decision-making, in whichchaplains were not considered as aresource for patients, families or staff. Itappears we chaplains are seldom on theradar screen when many doctors thinkof patient care.

As if to further illustrate this point,The Hospice Foundation of Americahosted their annual teleconference inApril. The topic: “Living with Grief:Ethical Dilemmas at the End of Life,”was a big draw at our hospital. Theexpert panel of presenters included sev-eral physicians, a nurse, an attorney, asocial worker and several PhDs. Therewas not a chaplain in sight on the panel!

One of the video clips during theteleconference was an interview withDr. Carlos Sandoval, a psychologist andEpiscopal priest. Dr. Sandoval is on thestaff of the University of MiamiMedical School. In discussing palliativeand end-of-life care, he spoke about thechaplain’s unique role on the healthcareteam. He said, “Chaplains are possiblythe most important persons to includeon the team. They possess the ability totranslate the language of science to thelanguage of faith.” I jumped up from myplace at the table and said, “Yes, yes,yes!” Everyone laughed. When the tele-conference ended, among the topics wediscussed was my role in the care weprovide to our patients.

I had the opportunity to participatein the APC/NACC conference inAlbuquerque, NM, in April of this year.

I hope the articles in this issue of Visionare able to convey to you the transform-ing experience of partnering with ourcolleagues from APC, learning innova-tive spiritual care practices, participatingwith our brothers and sisters in faith ininterfaith prayer services and being fedthrough the Word and the Eucharist inour liturgies. The conference remindedus of the treasures and gifts we chap-lains bring to the care of patients andstaff.

I celebrate and appreciate the hardwork that went into making ourAlbuquerque conference educational,powerful and spirit-filled. It is impor-tant that we gather to listen to newtechniques, to network with other pas-toral care providers, to stretch ourselvesby learning about other faith traditionsand cultures, and to find new resources.It is important to be together to cele-brate our mission and our ministries.

Yet, thinking of Peppermint Patty,recalling my experience in New Orleansand the absence of a chaplain on a panelpresentation on grief and ethics, I couldnot help but recall the words of Jesus:

“You are the salt of the earth; but ifthe salt has lost its taste, how shall itssaltiness be restored? You are the lightof the world. A city set on a hill cannotbe hid… Let your light so shine beforemen, that they may see your good worksand give glory to your Father who is inheaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

If we gather only with other chap-lains, how can we get our message out?How can we be a good influence onbehalf of our discipline of spiritual care?How can we be salt for the earth andlight for the world? How can we beseen as an integral part of the interdisci-plinary team with something unique tocontribute to patient care?

I’m determined to make a change inmy corner of the world. I have renewedmy personal commitment to influenceothers to see me as an integral, visible,

engaged member of the interdisciplinaryteam. I attend patient care rounds andchart in patient progress notes. I willcontinue to do so. I will continue to givepresentations at our weekly physiciancontinuing medical education lunch-eons.

Beyond that, I’ve decided to stepoutside of my comfort zone. In addi-tion to my NACC membership, I amnow a card-carryingmember of AAHPM. Ireceive their clinicaljournal, which includesarticles that challenge meto consider clinical issuesand how they affect myspiritual care. Readingclinical journal articlesprovides me with anopportunity to talk withdoctors. I ask questions about clinicalaspects of care that I don’t understand.I ask about the article’s implicationsfor patient care. I call physicians andspeak with nurses to discuss patientcare.

At least once a year, I plan to attenda conference that addresses clinicalissues. I realize that if I want to influ-ence others to include chaplains whenthey plan patient care, I need to stepup to the table and claim my place. Bebeing present, I can translate the lan-guage of faith into something the lan-guage of science can learn from andvalue.

I’m stepping up! Will you step up,too? What do you plan to do to bringNACC and the role of the chaplainfront and center in the world of clinicalcare?

Linda F. Piotrowski, NACC Cert., isInterfaith Chaplain and Co-chair of CVMC’sPartners in Palliative Care Program forCentral Vermont Medical Center in Berlin,VT. Contact her at Linda.piotrowski@hitch-cock.org.

I’m determined

to make a

change in my

corner of the

world

18 Vision June 2005

By David LewellenVision editor

Chaplains who help facilitatefamilies’ difficult end-of-lifedecisions may feel under siege

this year, but the task remains thesame.

In the shouting over the TerriSchiavo case and its fallout, manymembers of the public may have for-gotten that every medical situation isdifferent. But several prominentCatholic ethicists say that chaplainscan help families decide on treatmentfor the dying by representing the

broadness of Catholic tra-dition.

Catholic moral teachingemphasizes that “everydecision has to be made incontext,” said Br. DanielSulmasy, OFM, M.D.,director of ethics at St.Vincent Hospital inManhattan and New YorkMedical College. Anytreatment, from a ventilatorto an antibiotic, may beordinary or extraordinarydepending on the circum-

stances of the person receiving it.“It’s always linked to the goals of

treatment,” said Nancy Bancroft,Ph.D., director of ethics at TrinityHealth System in Novi, MI. “That’sthe place to start.” A treatment unlike-ly to meet the goal could be deemeddisproportionate; it depends on theburden or benefit to the patient andthe community.

Another uncomfortable but veryreal part of health-care ethics is theeconomics of treatment, said GerardMagill, Ph.D., director of the Centerfor Healthcare Ethics at St. LouisUniversity. “Chaplains focus on anindividual patient’s autonomy and dig-nity, and they should,” he said. But

“Catholic ethics has always taught thatdelivery of health care is a social func-tion, part of the social fabric. Everyonehas a right to health care, but it’s alsodependent on social capacity — noteverything can be funded. … Noteveryone has a right to a heart trans-plant.”

In Catholic teaching, Sulmasy said,ordinary and extraordinary treatment is“permissive, not prescriptive.” Anextraordinary or heroic measure is notwrong, it’s just optional — it mightvary based on a patient’s tolerance forpain, for instance. The differences are“not because [truth] is subjective, butbecause people are objectively differ-ent.”

Pope John Paul II’s statement a yearago about the requirement for nutritionand hydration has caused confusion, allof the ethicists agreed. “People thinkeveryone has to die with a feedingtube, and that’s not true,” Sulmasy said,pointing out that even the pope didn’thave one at the end. The presumptionis in favor of a tube — unless thattreatment is costly, burdensome, com-plicating, or violates another gravemoral obligation. “Even in a persistentvegetative state, it could be rebuttable,”Sulmasy said.

“People of good will have very dif-ferent views,” Bancroft said. If a doctorforesees the necessity of a tube, it’s bestto discuss it with the patient — as thepope’s doctors presumably did.

“Food and water are basic care — ifyou can swallow,” Magill said.Otherwise, it’s a medical treatment,and subject to the usual benefit-burdenbalance. But, he conceded, Catholicismsees “a pretty strong presumption forfeeding.”

The pope’s statement was “notbroadly representative of theologicaltradition,” said Fr. Andrew Nelson, for-mer rector of St. Francis Seminary inMilwaukee. He pointed out that thepope made a more moderate speech a

month later.“I’ve heard so many interpretations

of the pope’s statement,” Bancroft said.“In this country, it is the bishops thatinterpret church tradition and law,”through the Ethical and ReligiousDirectives for health care. If familiesraise the issue, “assure them that therules in the Catholic tradition have notchanged, (hospitals) are still expectedto uphold the Ethical and ReligiousDirectives.”

The USCCB’s Ethical andReligious Directives for CatholicHealthcare Services state, “Thereshould be a presumption in favor ofproviding nutrition and hydration to allpatients, including patients who requiremedically assisted nutrition and hydra-tion, as long as this is of sufficient ben-efit to outweigh the burdens involvedto the patient.” But the previous pagealso states that “hydration and nutri-tion are not morally obligatory eitherwhen they bring no comfort to a per-son who is imminently dying or whenthey cannot be assimilated by a person’sbody.”

When families disagree aboutcourses of treatment, chaplains canprovide valuable counseling. Sulmasysaid that they can clarify church teach-ings — for instance, if a family mem-ber had misinterpreted what Pope JohnPaul II said. But they should “makesure they actually know church teach-ings, and don’t make pronouncementswithout being sure in their knowledge.That’s a plug for continuing educa-tion.”

Or the chaplain can point out that“not making a decision is making adecision — the default is to keepgoing,” Sulmasy said. “There’s noinnate moral difference between with-holding and withdrawing,” although itis emotionally much more difficult tostop a treatment than to not start it.Nelson agreed, “When a benefit [oftreatment] is no longer apparent, it

Ethicists address end-of-life decisionsChurch teaching leaves room for solution to vary with individuals

‘In very similar

situations,

different people

come to

different

decisions.’

– Br. Daniel Sulmasy,OFM, M.D.

needs to be revisited.”In consultations with families,

Nelson said, “regardless of personalpersuasion, [chaplains] should repre-sent the broad approach allowed inour tradition. … You do have a widespan of possibilities. If it’s an ultra-conservative family that wants to keepgoing, trying to impose any otheroption would be very difficult.”

Chaplains can’t confuse praying“with an expectation on the family’spart of a miracle cure,” Sulmasy said.It may be denial or unwillingness tolet go, he said, but a skilled chaplaincan see denial “even if it’s expressed inreligious terms.”

As a director of ethics, Bancroft isoften called in to moderate difficultcases, whether within the family orbetween the family and the medicalteam. “I try to clarify issues and createa safe environment for everyone to saywhy they feel the way they do,” shesaid. “What is it they want?” Often,family members “value a physical pres-ence as long as possible,” and doctors“think that they’re here to help thosewho can be helped.” A chaplain can“rephrase clinical terms into more car-ing terms. … They can see how closethe parties are, even if they’re lookingat different parts of the elephant. Thegoal is what’s best for the patient.”

Bancroft spoke of the necessity tochallenge family members to lookclearly at their own motives. “You haveto look at their openness to hearingit,” she said. “If you’re seen as the evilone trying to convince them, it’s notgoing to work. If you’ve had a chanceto build a relationship with them overthe course of treatment, it’s better.”

In the midst of a dispute, “listenaggressively,” Magill said. “Hear whatpeople are trying to say. Help eachside ascertain what their goals are, andsee that they’re either unrealistic ornot that far apart. … It typically doeswork.” Chaplains, he said, “are looking

beyond the clinical mindset to spiritu-al issues. They have antennae thatphysicians don’t have. … They’re wellsuited to try to bring harmony. And ittakes patience and time, time thatphysicians don’t often have.”

Framing the issue in terms ofgoals, Magill said, often helps fami-lies see things more clearly. “It dawnson them that their daughter’s goingto be dead in three weeks,” he said,and they can think about what theywant in the time remaining. “It takesa period of time to do that gently.”Often, chaplains are in the best posi-tion to do that. “The ethicist isalways coming in to put out a fire,”he said. “Chaplains are the bedsidepilgrim.”

Nelson said that chaplains have toavoid taking sides in disputes, and“don’t let [the family] put you in theposition of being the final arbiter.That’s shirking their own responsibil-ities.”

Chaplains need to “know theirown bias,” Bancroft said, “and own it,and push it aside. There’s usuallymore than enough opinions in themix without ours.” But if asked,chaplains need to provide informationon church teaching, she added.

It is easier for everyone if patientswrite down their directives, whichmay be one helpful byproduct of theSchiavo case. When a patient isunconscious, “then it gets difficult,”Bancroft said. Detailed living willsare “not really very effective,” Magillsaid, because medical technologykeeps evolving and it’s hard to antici-pate every future possibility. Instead,people should designate someone tomake decisions. “That demands greattrust, to interpret what I would havewanted,” Magill said.

The designated spokesperson mustunderstand “the roles and responsibil-ities and limits of authority,” Bancroftsaid, and the patient must choose

carefully. She cited one nurse whodesignated a close friend to be herdecision-maker, because “even thoughI love my husband, I know he would-n’t respect my decisions.”

In the ’60s and ’70s, Sulmasy said,doctors commonly wanted to doeverything possible to prolong life inevery case, and the movement towardliving wills was part of a “consumerreaction” to that attitude. “Those doc-tors are still around, in significantnumbers,” he said. “But now there’s alarge cadre of cases where the patientis dying, the family is in denial, thechoice is up to the patient,and it’s very difficult fordoctors. … And there arealso doctors who want tostop too early, so it’s allover the map now.”

Doctors are much moreconsultative now than ageneration ago, Nelsonsaid. “They are much morewilling, and find it neces-sary, to converse with thefamily and the patient. …People have the right to bewell-informed.”

“There’s no one way tomake decisions,” Sulmasysaid. “In very similar situations, dif-ferent people come to different deci-sions. Part of the wisdom of the tra-dition is to allow latitude in thosechoices. … Church teaching allowsthat diversity and always has.”

That kind of diversity and flexibil-ity may seem unusual in a churchknown for firm stands on manyissues. But Nelson said the Catholicapproach to medical decisionsacknowledges that they apply to“unique situations of particular per-sons in unrepeatable circumstances.”

“We haven’t got all the answers,”Nelson said. “It’s a constant processof discernment.”

June 2005 Vision 19

‘Listen aggres-

sively. Hear what

people are trying

to say. Help

each side

ascertain what

their goals are.’

– Gerard Magill, Ph.D.

20 Vision June 2005

The national office has receivedquestions and concerns regard-ing the newly affirmed Common

Standards for Professional Chaplaincy— in particular, the requirement thatchaplains document 50 hours of con-tinuing education every year.

Some of you may remember that inyears past, the NACC had alsorequired 50 hours of annual continu-ing education, or 250 hours over afive-year period, to meet standards forrenewal of certification. However, inmore recent years that was reduced to30 hours. With the affirmation of theCommon Standards last November, inagreement with five other chaplaincyorganizations, the NACC has agreedto the requirement of 50 hours a year.

For members already a year or moreinto their process for renewal of certi-

fication, the change became effectiveJanuary 1, 2005. All NACC membersaccumulating continuing educationhours must submit no less than 30hours annually through 2004. Therequirement of 50 hours annually iseffective this year and in the future.

Sr. Mary R. Skopal, SSJ,Certification Commissioner, and

Susanne Chawszczewski, Ph.D.,Director of Education andProfessional Practice, will be lookingat the opportunities for renewal of cer-tification, as well as all the forms anddocuments, in order to make thisprocess easier for you, the member-ship. Please watch future Visions foradditional information.

A terminology changeThe Board of Directors of the United States Conference of Catholic

Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation (USCCB/CCA)reviewed the NACC’s 2004 annual report during their spring Board meeting.The Board recommended that the NACC’s term “recertification” be replacedwith “renewal of certification.”

The USCCB/CCA has determined that this terminology more accuratelydistinguishes initial certification from renewal of certification in our currentcertification process.

Continuing ed requirement stands at 50 hours

Prayers for HealingRev. Howard R. Stunek, OFM

Milan, MIHeart surgery

If you know of an association member who is ill and needsprayer, please request permission of the person to submit theirname, illness, and city and state, and send the information to theVision editor at the national office. You may also send in a prayerrequest for yourself. Names may be reposted if there is a continu-ing need.

Please remember in your prayers:▼ Deacon Walter J. Stanecki, who died recently at age 87.

He was ordained as a permanent deacon in 1975 and certifiedas a chaplain in 1978. He worked at many hospitals in NewJersey. Through the Archdiocese of Newark, he trained dozensof deacons, sisters, and laypeople in hospital care, includingmany who became certified chaplains.

▼ Deacon John D. Kelly, who died in 2004 at age 80. He

was ordained in 1983 and joined NACC in 1985. He workedat Providence Hospital in Washington, DC.

▼ Sister Jane Marie Lamb, OSF, who died March 8 at age68. She was among the first women to join NACC in 1974.She was a nurse before becoming a chaplain at hospitals inDecatur and Springfield, IL. Through the 1980s, she special-ized in ministering to bereaved parents, and she was directorof lay associates at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

In Memoriam

Susan BaysQuincy, IL

Stroke

Peace in the Storm: Meditations onChronic Pain and Illness

By Maureen Pratt; Galilee Books,2005

Reviewed by Dennis McCann

If you were one of the fortunate chap-lains to have attended the annual meetingin Albuquerque, you received a free copyof Peace in the Storm: Meditations onChronic Pain and Illness with your materi-als. This book is a wonderful gift in manyways.

As chaplains working in the front linesof healthcare, we can develop a subtleinsensitivity to much of the pain of ourpatients — not so much to the empiricalpain as to the psychological and emotionalchallenges in living with a chronic illnessthat many of our patients carry. This bookis a fine remedy for keeping us in touchwith that pain.

To read just a couple of chapters at thestart of a day is enough to resensitize us tothe daily plight of many of those we serve.Each chapter, a meditation, is only a cou-

ple of pages long. Each meditation is awise and heartfelt description of the plightof chronic illness, which Pratt placesbetween a scriptural passage and a poeticreflection. We get an insider’s view of thedaily experience of the pain, the angst, thehope and the eventual insight that theexperience of suffering can bring. In amyriad of ways the chronically ill strugglefor physical, emotional and psychologicalsurvival. Pratt, writing from years of expe-rience with her own chronic illness, takesus to the very heart of the struggle in theotherwise ordinary rhythm of daily life.

As physical and cerebral as the medicalprofession can be, Peace in the Storm drawsus into the heart and the spirit. It is Pratt’sauthority of experience that makes thisbook so powerful. It is best read as a medi-tation, a chapter at a time. It is at onceunnerving and inspiring, instructive andhomiletic. Just when the pain can seemtoo much to bear, the chapter waxes into aspiritual insight that both edifies anduplifts the suffering.

This book is equally useful for those

who are chronically ill or cope with chron-ic pain. It is especially useful for all chap-lains who work with them, especially thosewho have been in the field for severalyears. This book can help to inform ourspiritual assessment, awaken our empathy,focus our questions, and enhance our the-ological reflection. It has the power tobring us to the silence of deep empathy.

Finally, Peace in the Storm is a prayerbook. It would not be out of place on achaplain’s desk next to Praying thePsalms or any of the hundreds of bookson daily meditations. It can reenergizeour commitment and revitalize our spir-itual life.

I intend to share this with doctors,nurses, and other healthcare workers forwhom the Christian belief is comfortableand chronically ill patients are familiar. Iam grateful to the APC/NACC plannersfor giving us this gift.

Dennis McCann, NACC Cert., is Director ofPastoral Care at St. Vincent’s Medical Centerin Bridgeport, CT.

▼ DIRECTOR OF MISSION INTEGRATIONPortland, OR – St. Vincent’s Medical Center, a 400-bedfacility, seeks a director to manage and implement the mis-sion and core values into the life and programs of the facilityand surrounding community. Highly visible position withrespect to assuring that the mission and values are reflectedin all policies, practices and programs. Requires five yearsexperience in spiritual care, mission or ethics, master’sdegree and NACC or APC certification. Please e-mail yourresume to ainglett@johnputnam.com or call (888) 551-6996and ask for Anna Inglett, President - John PutnamInternational.

▼ PRIEST CHAPLAINCumberland, MD – Western Maryland Health Systemseeks a priest chaplain to join our pastoral care department.Will work collaboratively with hospital staff and ecumenicalpastoral care team and provide pastoral support to patients,families and staff of all faith traditions. Will also providesacramental ministry, participate in interdisciplinary plan ofcare meetings, and share on-call rotation and unit assign-ments. WMHS is seeking a priest chaplain with an authenticvocation within a vocation who will project a compassionatepresence, work well under pressure, and possess a highenergy level. NACC or APC certification or two units of CPEand willingness to seek certification (WHMS has its ownCPE program) and ecclesiastical endorsement are required.At least one year of hospital experience is preferred. Visit usonline at www.wmhs.com and click on “Careers” to apply.You may also send your cover letter and resume to Denise

Kiraly, Human Resources, WMHA, PO Box 529,Cumberland, MD 21501 or e-mail to dkiraly@wmhs.com.

▼ CHAPLAINChicago, IL – Resurrection Health Care is a not-for-profitcorporation sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family ofNazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection. We serve thecommunity through compassionate, family centered care.Resurrection Health Care, Chicago’s largest health system,has an opportunity for a chaplain at Saint Mary of NazarethHospital. Applicants must have a certification by NACC,APC, NAJC or four units of clinical pastoral education.Eligibility for certification at time of appointment is preferred.Must be in good standing with faith community andendorsed by an appropriate denominational authority tofunction in health care ministry. BilingualEnglish/Spanish/Polish preferred. Please visit our web site atwww.reshealth.org to apply online or send a resume to:Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center, Attn: HumanResources/Tania O’Brien, 2233 W. Division Street, Chicago,IL 60622

▼ CHAPLAINS Spokane, WA – 32-38 hour/week chaplain position andsupplemental chaplain position: Minister in the beautifulPacific Northwest! Holy Family Hospital, in Spokane, WA, is

Positions Available

Book Review

June 2005 Vision 21

‘Peace in Storm’ reminds us of others’ pain

a Providence Ministry-sponsored organization offering excel-lent benefits in a values-supported community environment.Bachelor’s Degree (master’s of divinity preferred) in theologyor pastoral ministry required. Maintains chaplain certification,with NACC preferred. Four units of CPE necessary.Supplemental position requires bachelor’s degree (master’spreferred) in theology or pastoral ministry. Certified chaplainor seeking certification with 3 units CPE (NACC preferred). Ifnot certified, ecclesiastical endorsement required. Applyonline www.holy-family.org

▼ CHAPLAINSan Diego, CA – Full-time position at Scripps MercyHospital, with a 114-year history of Catholic identity. ScrippsMercy Hospital is San Diego’s premier metropolitan hospitalwith 520 acute care licensed beds and a Level I TraumaCenter. A dynamic and flexible person with opennesstowards religious, cultural and lifestyle experiences is beingsought. Collaboration with other health care professionalsand members of the community clergy is essential, as wellas a willingness to participate in rotation of night and week-end call. The position requires a master’s degree in theolo-gy/behavioral science or M.Div. or its equivalency. Spanishspeaking skills would be an advantage. RequiresNACC/APC certification and ecclesiastical endorsement.One year of experience in pastoral ministry in a health carefacility is expected, along with good verbal and written com-munications skills. Apply online at www.scripps.org, e-mailresume to haden.ben@scrippshealth.org, or fax to 619-686-3420.

▼ SPIRITUAL CARE DIRECTORBeaumont/Pt. Arthur, TX – CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth & St.Mary Hospitals, a two-campus Catholic healthcare system,seeks a director of spiritual care. Master’s degree in theologyor related field required. Must be a member of the RomanCatholic Church (ERD, #22) with minimum 5 years spiritualcare experience in a healthcare setting. Must be certified byNACC with active membership. Contact Brenda Dixon,employment manager, at 409-899-7165 ext. 4558, or e-mailyour resume to Brenda.Dixon@christushealth.org, or fax to409-899-7697.

▼ DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL CAREWilmington, DE – St. Francis Hospital (a member of CHE)has an immediate opening for a Director of Spiritual Carewho will be responsible for the directing and supervising ofthe spiritual care team. This includes evaluating and assess-ing the needs of spiritual care in a hospital setting. Thedirector also functions as a chaplain. Qualifications: NACCchaplain certification required, with knowledge of the Ethicaland Religious Directives. A minimum of three years manage-ment experience is required. Interested candidates pleasesend resume to St. Francis Hospital, Attn: Joan Feldpush,Human Resources Department, 7th and Clayton Streets,Wilmington, DE 19805; fax (302) 421-4265. www.stfran-cishealthcare.org

▼ CATHOLIC PRIEST CHAPLAINWilmington, DE – St. Francis Hospital (a member of CHE)is seeking a Catholic priest chaplain to provide spiritual careto family members and staff, which includes an ecumenical

focus through a mission-based initiative. Qualifications: CPEis preferred. Ministerial experience in a hospital setting and aworking knowledge of the Ethical and Religious Directivesfor healthcare are required. Interested candidates pleasesend resume to: St. Francis Hospital, Attn: Joan Feldpush,Human Resources Department, 7th and Clayton Streets,Wilmington, DE 19805; fax (302) 421-4265. www.stfran-cishealthcare.org

▼ ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST CHAPLAINPaterson, NJ – St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center is aRoman Catholic health care institution, part of the St.Joseph’s Healthcare System, sponsored by the Sisters ofCharity of St. Elizabeth, and is a 700-plus-bed acute careLevel II trauma center. We are currently seeking a priestchaplain who has knowledge and respect for religious/cul-tural diversity to provide sacramental, liturgical, and pastoralministry to patients, their families and our staff. Certificationas chaplain by NACC or APC strongly preferred, as is 3-plusyears of previous experience in ministry and ecclesiasticalendorsement. Competitive salary and benefits package.Interested? Please fax (973) 754-3273, email:rooneym@sjhmc.org; or send your resume to: Rev. MartinD. Rooney, Director, Mission Services, St. Joseph’s RegionalMedical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503. EOEM/F/D/V

▼ HOSPICE CHAPLAINEverett, WA – Providence Hospice & Home Care ofSnohomish County seeks a full-time Hospice Chaplain toprovide spiritual and emotional support and guidance topatients, their families, guests, volunteers, employees andphysicians. Candidates must be certified by NACC, APCand/or NAJC and have current endorsement of the spon-soring denomination or faith community. A master’s degreein theology or related field with evidence of understandingand application of current theology is required. Knowledgeof medical moral issues and previous experience workingwith ill and/or dying patients and their families is a must.Send resume to: Jo Reid, Human Resource Manager,Providence Hospice & Home Care of Snohomish County;phone (425) 261-4740; fax (425) 261-4850; e-mailjo.reid@providence.org.

▼ CHAPLAINPittsburgh, PA – Jefferson Regional Medical Center is seek-ing a chaplain to provide pastoral care for patients, familyand staff. Bachelor’s degree and two units of clinical pastoraleducation at an accredited training center is required.Certified in Association of Professional Chaplains or NationalAssociation of Catholic Chaplains. Must be in good standingwith faith community and endorsed by an appropriatedenominational authority to function in Health Care. Two-plus years in pastoral counseling or a related field isrequired. Apply online at www.jeffersonregional.com.

▼ POOL CHAPLAINS, ON-CALL CHAPLAINSMilwaukee, WI – Covenant Healthcare, one of the largestintegrated regional health care delivery systems inWisconsin, is seeking qualified candidates for pool chaplainsand on-call chaplains. Qualified candidates will facilitate spiri-tual well-being by assisting patients, families, staff and thewider community to cope and identify sources of meaningand hope in their experience of life transitions, inclusive ofsuffering, loss, and grief, by drawing upon their values andbeliefs in the context of their life story. Requirements includea master’s degree in theology, pastoral studies or related

22 Vision June 2005

Positions Available

June 2005 Vision 23

field; 1-3 years of related experience; NACC, APC or NAJCboard certification or eligibility; proof of auto insurance; andfour units of clinical pastoral education. Must have the flexi-bility to work at all sites within Covenant and ability to worknights and weekends. We invite you to learn more about ourorganization and the impact you can have through thisopportunity. Please visit us online at www.covhealth.org andsearch for requisition number CHS6359. EOE.

▼ STAFF CHAPLAINCumberland, MD – Western Maryland Health Systemseeks a staff chaplain to join our pastoral care department.Will work collaboratively with hospital staff and ecumenicalpastoral care team and provide pastoral support to patients,families and staff of all faith traditions. Will also participate ininterdisciplinary plan of care meetings and share on-callrotation and unit assignments. WMHS is seeking a staffchaplain who will project a compassionate presence, workwell under pressure, and possess a high energy level. NACCor APC certification or two units of CPE and willingness toseek certification (WMHS has its own CPE program). Atleast one year of hospital experience is preferred. Wisit usonline at www.wmhs.com and click on “careers” to apply.You may also send your cover letter and resume to DeniseKiraly, Human Resources, WMHS, PO Box 539,Cumberland, MD or via e-mail to dkiraly@wmhs.com.

▼ CHAPLAINDaly City, CA – The beautiful Bay Area beckons! SetonMedical Center is seeking a full-time chaplain, with on-callrotation, to be part of a seven-member team. Our prospec-tive candidate will be energetic with excellent interpersonaland computer skills. A compassionate spiritual presenceembracing and enhancing our Catholic identity, mission andvalues. Position requirements: Advanced studies related totheology, faith endorsement, national chaplaincy certificationor eligibility with experience in a healthcare setting. VisitSeton at www.SetonMedicalCenter.org. A competitive salaryand excellent benefits package is offered. Resume and cor-respondence to FrRoryMurphy@dochs.org; fax 650-991-6561

▼ PRIEST CHAPLAINPasco, WA – Lourdes Health Network, a member ofAscension Health, together with the Sisters of St. Joseph ofCarondolet, is seeking a Roman Catholic priest to join ourpastoral care team. Composed of Lourdes Medical Center,a 25-bed critical access acute care hospital, and LourdesCounseling Center, a 32-bed inpatient psychiatric hospitalfor children and adults as well as outpatient services forcommunity mental health. We serve a culturally and eco-nomically diverse population. Responsibilities include: pro-viding pastoral support to patients, families, and staff, sacra-mental ministry, including liturgy, and ethics consultations.Position requires ecclesiastical endorsement, minimum ofone unit of CPE. Preference will be given to NACC-certified,bilingual (Spanish-English) chaplains. Interested persons areencouraged to visit www.lourdeshealth.net and contact usby calling Human Resources at (800) 383-7515 or e-mail tolkent@lourdesonline.org, or call the pastoral care departmentat (509) 546-2259 or e-mail the pastoral care director at:wmich@lourdesonline.org.

▼ CHAPLAINGreenwich, CT – Greenwich Chaplaincy Services seekscertified or certification-eligible chaplain responsible for thedelivery of pastoral/spiritual care to the residents, their fami-

lies, and staff members in Greenwich area nursing homesand special care facilities. Full-time position requires experi-ence and competencies in interdisciplinary and interfaithchaplaincy services, effective communication abilities, andmaintenance of positive relationship with leaders/membersfrom many different faith communities. Salary/benefits will becommensurate with qualifications and experience. Apply to:Judi Mastoloni, Greenwich Chaplaincy Services, 70Parsonage Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830, or Rev. Robert Culp,pastor@roundhillcommunitychurch.org or (203) 869-1091.

▼ CPE RESIDENCYTemple, TX – Scott & White Pastoral Care Dept. is recruit-ing for the 2005-06 residency program. Scott & White is oneof the largest medical specialty clinics in the U.S., and isaffiliated with the Texas A&M University Health ScienceCenter. Scott & White recognizes the importance of themind-body-spirit connection and therefore provides a sup-portive environment for pastoral ministry. Our innovative pro-gram offers 3 units of CPE in a calendar year. By providinglonger breaks between units, we provide students with moretime for development of relationships with doctors and staff,integration of learning with practice, and opportunities forspecialization in clinical areas. Competitive stipends andbenefits. $25 application fee. Send applications, or contactfor more information: CPE Supervisor Marty Aden, Dept. ofPastoral Care, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, 2401 S.31st St., Temple , TX 76508. Phone (254) 724-5280 or e-mail maden@swmail.sw.org.

▼ CPE AND SPIRITUAL CARE MANAGERBurbank, CA – Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center isa 427-bed acute care facility, providing high-quality premierhealth care in the San Fernando Valley for over 50 years. Wehave the wonderful opportunity of CPE and Spiritual CareManager available. In this key role, you will be responsiblefor developing and implementing a new CPE program tocomplement and enhance an already diverse interfaith staffof chaplains. This position will also include the managementof the department to meet the needs of patients, familiesand employees. Successful candidate will need two years’supervisory experience and have demonstrated success atbudget planning, supervisory skills, staffing planning, teamdevelopment and communication skills. A master’s degree indivinity or equivalent degree is required, as well as supervi-sor or supervisor-in-training status by NACC or ACPE. Weoffer an excellent compensation and benefits package,including a tax-deferred 403(b) and employer-funded retire-ment plan. Please send resume to: Providence Saint JosephMedical Center, 501 South Buena Vista, Burbank, CA,91505, Attn: Human Resources; Fax: (818) 847-3693; or e-mail to: scott.karas@providence.org. Visit: www.experience-providence.org for more information. We are an equalopportunity employer. Providence Health System: A CaringDifference You Can Feel.

NACC-certified chaplain is seeking full- or part-time positionas a staff chaplain in the Philadelphia area or suburbs,preferably in a hospital or long-term care facility. Please con-tact Sr. Phyllis Ann DiRenzo, IHM, at phyldihm@yahoo.com

Position Wanted

CHAIRJoan M. BumpusDirector of Pastoral CareSt. Vincent Indianapolis HospitalIndianapolis, INjmbumpus@stvincent.org

VICE CHAIRAnn E. HurstChaplain ManagerHospice of SpokaneSpokane, WAhursta4@aol.com

SECRETARYSr. Maryanna Coyle, SCPresident and Executive Director EmeritusSC Ministry FoundationCincinnati, OHsmcoyle@fuse.net

TREASURERTheresa Vithayathil EdmonsonChaplainProvidence St. Vincent Medical CenterPortland, ORtheresa.edmonson@providence.org

EPISCOPAL LIAISONMost Rev. Dale Melczek, DDBishop of GaryMerrillville, IN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLawrence SeidlNational Association of Catholic ChaplainsMilwaukee, WIlseidl@nacc.org

Patrick H. BoltonDirector of Pastoral CareMercy Medical CenterDaphne, ALpatrickb@sa-mercymedical.org

Bridget Deegan-KrauseFerndale, MIkrausebd@udmercy.edu

Emily R. John, Ph.D.Director of Outreach and DevelopmentCathedral of St. John the EvangelistMilwaukee, WIemilyjohn@stjohncathedral.org

Paul MarceauVice president, Mission Services and EthicsTrinity HealthNovi, MImarceaup@trinity-health.org

Karen PuglieseChaplainCentral DuPage HospitalWinfield, IL karen_pugliese@cdh.org

Sr. Mary Eileen Wilhelm, RSMPresident EmeritusMercy MedicalDaphne, ALsmew@sa-mercymedical.org

Board of Directors Calendar

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

MILWAUKEE, WIPERMIT NO. 4872

3501 South Lake DriveP.O. Box 070473Milwaukee, WI 53207-0473

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

July1 Chaplain certification materials due

at NACC office

4 Independence Day; national office closed

11 Copy deadline, August-SeptemberVision (diversity theme)

14-17 National Certification Commission meeting in Milwaukee

August29 Copy deadline, October Vision