vision editor vision

12
In This Issue: vision Board of Directors nominations 2 From the Executive Director 3 In Memoriam 3 Seeking, Finding 4 Research Update 6 NAJC conference 8 Standards Committee 8 Book review 9 Positions available 10 Calendar 12 National Association of Catholic Chaplains April 2006 Vol.16 No. 4 By David Lewellen Vision editor S omeone who has been diagnosed with cancer will get physical care from doctors, and possibly men- tal care from counselors or spiritual care from chaplains. But a niche may be developing to complement all of those roles — a cancer coach. The needs that a cancer coach addresses may be as varied as the patients she sees. Ellen Fein works out of an oncologist’s office in central Vermont to offer counseling and whole-person therapy. If a patient is upset by a diagnosis “and the doctor doesn’t know what to do with them, they come and get me,” she joked in a recent telephone interview. She will sit with people while they receive chemotherapy, and try to guide people who are seeking alternative therapy. “I help them not to be too frantic. Some people do five different things. I help them sort out which ones are the right things to do for them.” Everything in Fein’s life has com- bined to lead her to her current role. When she took a CancerGuide class through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, she was so sick with cancer herself that she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to use the training. But she is now in remission, and her previous experience as a licensed social worker and yoga teacher has given her a unique perspective. When her hus- band was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 and died eight months later, “I had a notion that there was something I was supposed to do with this experi- ence, but I didn’t know what it was,” she said. It took her own diagnosis in 2000, and two years of treatment, to put it together. Even before her CancerGuide training, she found that she had accidentally begun to “collect cancer patients.” Professionals who have taken an interest in offering deeper support to cancer patients can use the training in any way that is comfortable to them. Most of Fein’s work comes back to integrating mind and body. She offers sessions on breathing, relaxation and imaging designed to reduce stress, which takes a physical toll on the body — for instance, she might offer a head- set and a CD to a patient about to undergo a 45-minute MRI. She has also created classes in “chair yoga” for people who are too ill to do rigorous poses. Her basic rule is to “get some pleas- ure every day,” whether that means reading, playing with the dog, or walk- ing in the park. Or the patient can find something new — when Fein was too ill to walk in the woods, she took up birdwatching and found a new hobby without leaving her couch. Whether the patient’s prognosis is excellent or terminal, Fein’s approach doesn’t change. “In a sense, everything I do is pallia- tive,” she said. “It’s making your life as good as you can make it today.” Spirituality often plays a part in that. Fein, a self- described “cultural Jew,” found that her husband’s disease transformed her into a deeply spiritual person. “I had a gut belief that there was something about death that wasn’t final, which I found shocking. I just knew there was something about him that was going to go on.” If a patient has left their faith tradi- tion, Fein may suggest that a diagnosis of cancer might be a good time to go back. “Some people are interested, some are not.” Churches can offer invaluable support services. But usually, she said, “even if (patients) not reli- gious, there’s something comforting in thinking that people are praying for me.” When she herself was sick, she was “carried on the flow of people’s ‘Cancer coach’ finds niche with previous experience ‘Everything I do is palliative. It’s making your life as good as you can make it today’ - Ellen Fein See Cancer coach on page 9

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Page 1: Vision editor vision

In This Issue:

vision

Board of Directors nominations 2

From the Executive Director 3

In Memoriam 3

Seeking, Finding 4

Research Update 6

NAJC conference 8

Standards Committee 8

Book review 9

Positions available 10

Calendar 12

National Association of Catholic Chaplains

April 2006Vol.16 No. 4

By David Lewellen

Vision editor

Someone who has been diagnosedwith cancer will get physical carefrom doctors, and possibly men-

tal care from counselors or spiritual carefrom chaplains. But a niche may bedeveloping to complement all of thoseroles — a cancer coach.

The needs that a cancer coachaddresses may be as varied as thepatients she sees. Ellen Fein works outof an oncologist’s office in centralVermont to offer counseling andwhole-person therapy. If a patient isupset by a diagnosis “and the doctordoesn’t know what to do with them,they come and get me,” she joked in arecent telephone interview. She will sitwith people while they receivechemotherapy, and try to guide peoplewho are seeking alternative therapy. “Ihelp them not to be too frantic. Somepeople do five different things. I helpthem sort out which ones are the rightthings to do for them.”

Everything in Fein’s life has com-bined to lead her to her current role.When she took a CancerGuide classthrough the Center for Mind-BodyMedicine, she was so sick with cancerherself that she didn’t know if she’dever be able to use the training.

But she is now in remission, and herprevious experience as a licensed socialworker and yoga teacher has given hera unique perspective. When her hus-band was diagnosed with cancer in1997 and died eight months later, “Ihad a notion that there was somethingI was supposed to do with this experi-ence, but I didn’t know what it was,”she said. It took her own diagnosis in2000, and two years of treatment, toput it together. Even before herCancerGuide training, she found thatshe had accidentally begun to “collectcancer patients.”

Professionals who have taken aninterest in offering deeper support to

cancer patients can use the training inany way that is comfortable to them.Most of Fein’s work comes back tointegrating mind and body. She offerssessions on breathing, relaxation andimaging designed to reduce stress,which takes a physical toll on the body— for instance, she might offer a head-set and a CD to a patient about toundergo a 45-minute MRI. She hasalso created classes in “chair yoga” forpeople who are too ill to do rigorousposes.

Her basic rule is to “get some pleas-ure every day,” whether that meansreading, playing with the dog, or walk-ing in the park. Or the patient can findsomething new — when Fein was tooill to walk in the woods, she took upbirdwatching and found anew hobby without leavingher couch.

Whether the patient’sprognosis is excellent orterminal, Fein’s approachdoesn’t change. “In a sense,everything I do is pallia-tive,” she said. “It’s makingyour life as good as you canmake it today.”

Spirituality often plays apart in that. Fein, a self-described “cultural Jew,”found that her husband’sdisease transformed her into a deeplyspiritual person. “I had a gut belief thatthere was something about death thatwasn’t final, which I found shocking. Ijust knew there was something abouthim that was going to go on.”

If a patient has left their faith tradi-tion, Fein may suggest that a diagnosisof cancer might be a good time to goback. “Some people are interested,some are not.” Churches can offerinvaluable support services. But usually,she said, “even if (patients) not reli-gious, there’s something comforting inthinking that people are praying forme.” When she herself was sick, shewas “carried on the flow of people’s

‘Cancer coach’ finds niche with previous experience

‘Everything I do

is palliative. It’s

making your life

as good as you

can make it

today’

- Ellen Fein

See Cancer coach on page 9

Page 2: Vision editor vision

2 Vision April 2006

Nominations are open for twomembers-at-large for the NACCBoard of Directors. Each will

serve a three-year term beginningJanuary 1, 2006. Current members-at-large Ms. Theresa VithayathilEdmonson and Mr. Patrick Bolton,whose first terms end on December 31,2006, are both eligible for re-election.

The Board of Directors is the gov-erning body of the NACC. Its member-ship consists of at least six members atlarge who are elected by NACC votingmembers; at least four external profes-sionals who are appointed by the board;an episcopal liaison who is appointed bythe USCCB; and the executive directorof the association.

NACC members-at-large need to becertified members of the association andmust meet five of the seven Criteria forBoard Membership as stipulated in theNACC bylaws.

We are enthusiastic about our currentboard members and the gifts they bringto the organization. As you think ofnominating a candidate for board mem-bership, the directors especially welcomesuggestions of nominees who have edu-cation and/or experience in contempo-rary ministry, academia,ecumenical/interfaith perspectives, mar-keting, public relations, and business.These are important areas which canstrengthen our organization during atime of exciting development andgrowth.

At the same time, the board contin-ues to be sensitive to its ethnic and cul-tural diversity, and to seeking a balanceof male and female, younger and older,and geographic regions. The NACCboard hopes to find individuals of visionwho are involved in developing newmodels of chaplaincy and clinical pas-toral education.

The current roster of members of theboard appears on the back page ofVision, and you can find short biograph-ical sketches and photographs of theBoard on the association website (go to:www.nacc.org/aboutnacc/bod.asp).

In order to nominate a person for the

position of member-at-large, you mustbe a current member of the associationand provide the following:

▼ Please discuss your intentions withyour nominee and gain her or his per-mission.

▼ Write a letter of recommendationto the Governance Committee toinclude: name and contact informationof nominee; how s/he meets five of theseven criteria for board membership (seebox); how you think the nominee wouldfulfill the functions of the board (seebox); whether the nominee is availableto perform such service, includingattending a minimum of two face-to-face meetings per year.

▼ Send your nomination to theGovernance Committee in care of theNational Office via regular mail, fax(414-483-6712), or e-mail([email protected]).

The Governance Committee willreview the nominations and present aslate of candidates for the two member-at-large positions. The nominees will becontacted by the National Office andwill be asked to submit a statement ofcandidacy along with a photograph(head and shoulders) and curriculumvita. This information will appear in thecandidate profiles that accompany theballots.

The proposed timeline for nomina-tions and balloting is as follows:

▼ Call for nominations: April issue ofVision and broadcast e-mail to mem-bers.

▼ Deadline for nominations to bereceived in the NACC National Office:Friday, May 12.

▼ Candidate profiles to be includedin the July/August issue of Vision.

▼ Ballots to be distributed to mem-bership by first-class mail.

▼ Ballots postmarked no later thanSept. 22.

If you have any questions about anypart of this process, from responsibilitiesto time commitment to the function ofthe board, please contact Ms. KarenPugliese by telephone (630-933-5005)or email ([email protected]).

NACC Bylaws: Functions of the Board

The Board is responsible to:1. Steward the Catholic identity of

the association.2. Steward the mission and vision

for the future of the association.3. Ensure the integration of the

values in the organizational culture.4. Approve the strategic direction

for the growth of the association.5. Maintain and develop the asso-

ciation’s relationship with theUSCCB and other groups, institu-tions, and organizations within andoutside the Catholic Church.

6. Approve association policies.7. Ratify changes to the constitu-

tion.8. Appoint members of the

NACC National CertificationCommission.

9. Establish task forces or otherbodies required by the mission.

10. Approve the annual budget.11. Participate in the evaluation of

the executive director.

Criteria for Elected Board Membership

All elected board members mustbe certified members of the NACC.All board members, whether electedor appointed, must possess five of theseven criteria for board membership:

1. Catholic in good standing.2. Personal values consistent with

the values of the association.3. Three years’ demonstrated

board experience.4. Understanding and support for

the mission of the association.5. Demonstrated competence and

leadership in their professions.6. Demonstrated competence in

one or more of the following areas:healthcare, advocacy, development,education, medicine, research, mar-keting, finance, communications,mission, operations, or management.

7. NACC-certified chaplain orCPE supervisor for a minimum offive years.

Board of Directors seeks nominations

Page 3: Vision editor vision

Please remember in your prayers:▼▼ Betty Jean Keenan, who died Jan.

2 at age 78 in Downingtown, Pa. Shejoined the NACC in 1982 and workedas a chaplain at Fairfax Hospital inVirginia and Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. She moved toDelaware in 1993 and took emeritus status a year later.

April 2006 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.

IISSSSNN:: 11552277--22337700

Executive EditorLawrence G. Seidl

EditorDavid [email protected]

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.

NNAACCCC NNaattiioonnaall OOffffiiccee3501 South Lake Drive

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

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

[email protected]

Executive DirectorLawrence G. [email protected]

Director of OperationsKathy [email protected]

Director of Education & Professional PracticeSusanne Chawszczewski, [email protected]

FinancesSue [email protected]

MembershipBarbara [email protected]

CertificationMarilyn [email protected]

Special ProjectsPhilip [email protected]

Telling stories connects usto sources of passionBy Lawrence G. SeidlExecutive Director

As I write, the 2006 WinterOlympics have reached their con-clusion. But the legacy, the sur-

prises, and the disappointment of those17 days in February will likely be toldover and over again, for we are a culturethat likes to remember and tell its sto-ries.

Will we forget the young KimberlyDerrick as she stood at the startingblock of the women’s short skate, tearsbaptizing the memory of her grandfa-ther who died in Turin a day earlier? Orwill we forget that joyful dude, ShawnWhite, a.k.a. “The Flying Tomato,”whose youthful energy made all of ussmile.

Will we likely forget the undaunteddetermination of Apollo Anton Ohno?Or the disappointing injury of MichelleKwan? Or the multiple falls of the fig-ure skaters? These are more than justgoosebump moments.

As the years pass, we may notremember an exact name, or a specificdate of an Olympic event, but we willremember how our hearts were touchedby the story.

The theme of the Turin Olympicswas “Passion Lives Here,” and indeed itdid. The stories of the journey to theOlympics were as passionate as theevents themselves.

But passion also lives in our lives,and in the lives of those for whom weare privileged to minister. It is a passionfor living, for affirming the value ofone’s existence, and for bringing thelove of Christ to the suffering. Theseexperiences, these lives, are the very

archives of our heart.Where does your passion for chap-

laincy live? I suspect that your storiesand the stories of your colleagues arepart of the very passion which bringsyou to work every day. And your storiesguide others to the very essence of life.You are a walking treasury of passion,and the retelling of your experiences isthe sacrament of your vocation.

As the NACC moves forward on anumber of initiatives to get our story,our ministry, our vocation, out to thebroader population, we will be sharingour passion with various new outlets.The stories, our stories, will be sacredlyretold on college campuses, Sundayliturgies, and in the materials we use inseeking to secure individual and corpo-rate donations and program grants.

And now we must actively gatherthose stories. This value of gathering orarchiving of stories isn’t new — in fact,various health systems have actuallytaken the oral tradition of their storiesand secured them by the written wordfor future generations of employees.

It may just be the right time for ourown storybook. We will share moredetails as the project develops, but if youhave a story, a special memory whichevokes the very meaning of your min-istry, please share it with the nationaloffice at 3501 S. Lake Dr., Milwaukee,WI 53207, or send it [email protected].

The most repeated ad during the tel-evising of the Olympics was for thecredit card company Visa. The ad said,“Life takes determination.” How deter-mined are we to share our story, ourministry?

Please consider sharing your passion.

In Memoriam

Page 4: Vision editor vision

4 Vision April 2006

By Rev. Richard Leliaert

The challengesof diversitybridge time

and space, intersect-ing local and globalevents.

Recently I paidspecial attention tothe second reading

at Mass when St. Paul wrote regardingthe Jewish dietary laws: “Give no offenseto Jews or to Greeks or to the church ofGod, just as I try to please everyone ineverything I do, not seeking my ownadvantage, but that of the many, so thatthey may be saved” (I Cor 10:31-3).

Then I noticed a column in TheDetroit News by a prominent local imam

regarding a Danish newspa-per cartoon picturing theprophet Muhammad’s tur-ban in the form of a bomb.What struck me was thequote from the Qur’an(49:13): “O mankind! Wecreated you from a singlepair of a male and female,and made you tribes andfamilies that you mightknow each other; not thatyou may despise eachother!”

Then I participated in apanel titled “A Culturally AwareApproach to Brain Death and OrganDonation.” The panel was organizedand sponsored by our hospital’sTranscultural Strategic Task Force(TST), with whom I’ve been involvedfor many years. I presented from theRoman Catholic viewpoint, our staffchaplain Imam presented the Muslimperspective, and a female ReformedRabbi (more diversity) presented aJewish perspective. The large and atten-tive audience testified to the importanceof providing culturally and religiouslycompetent care in matters of organ

donation and brain death issues, as wellas the fresh challenges that are alwaysconfronting us in these and other areasas heathcare providers.

Soon afterward, I received theFebruary 2006 issue of Vision, withHugh Polensky’s fine lead article onorgan donation — a fine example ofchaplains increasing their competency inthis important area of EOL ministry.His article prompted me to think backon the panel I described above. All thereligious traditions who participatedagreed in principle that organ donationis not only ethically acceptable, but aprime manifestation of the love thatgrounds our ethical perspectives.However, when I discussed organ dona-tion after cardiac death (DCD) with theimam on staff, as distinct from braindeath protocols, he indicated that forShi’ite Muslims, DCD might be muchmore problematic. I note this to remindmyself that we need constant care andattention to both our agreements and topossible significant differences on com-mon issues.

Some time ago I wrote a prepublica-tion review of a book titled Ministry inthe Spiritual and Cultural Diversity ofHealth Care: Increasing the Competency ofChaplains (New York: Haworth Press,2004). It was co-published simultane-ously as Journal of Health CareChaplaincy, Vol. 13, No. 2, 2004.Ministry in culturally and religiouslydiverse settings is and has been an inte-gral part of healthcare chaplaincy. Yetthe need to increase our competency isever present.

In our hospital, the TST is directlyresponsible to the system’s VicePresident of Patient Care. Over theyears we’ve focused on three major goals:providing adequate translation services,outreach into the community, and train-ing our entire staff in culturally compe-tent care, both in spiritual and clinicalaspects. (Remember that the origins ofthe word ‘culture’ are related to the cul-

tus, or the religious/worship side of ourhuman being-ness.) Here at Oakwood,we are especially attentive to the Muslimpopulation of our area; right at ourdoorstep is the largest single concentra-tion of Muslim Arab-Americans in theUnited States.

While we are attentive to othergroups, for example, Hispanics andAfro-Americans, our local Muslim pop-ulation presents significant challenges.One such challenge is the Sunni-Shi’iteratio. Worldwide, Sunni Muslims com-prise 80% of the Muslim population,Shi’ites about 20%. Here in theDearborn area, it’s almost the exactopposite. So while our imam on staff isbasically Sunni and is very sensitive toShi’ite thinking, and speaks excellentArabic, he hails from Kosovo and is notconsidered Middle Eastern. To meet theneeds of a large Shi’ite census in ourhospital, there’s pressure to hire a Shi’iteimam.

Recently, however, I had an interest-ing experience. A young college student,Ashar Nasser, born in America butwhose parents were born in Iraq, askedme about entering a CPE program.Right now he wants to be an imam, andpossibly a Shi’ite Muslim chaplain in ahealthcare setting. So he’s taking his firstCPE unit this term and doing his clini-cal work here at Oakwood. He hopesthat other Shi’ite Muslims will follow inhis path and take CPE as a way of serv-ing the spiritual/cultural needs of Shi’iteMuslims. This is a milestone for us. Iinterviewed Ashar to get his perspectiveon things. His remarks helped me gaingreater clarity on our unity as well as ourdiversity.

Q: Ashar, what brought you to CPE?Why are you taking CPE now?

“When I was ten years old, my firstinspiration, Imam Qazwini, came toDearborn to head the Islamic Center ofAmerica. At that time many young peo-ple were into drug abuse and gangs.Imam Qazwini inspired them to turn to

Seeking,

Finding

Muslim student offers lesson in unity, diversity

We need

constant care

and attention to

both our agree-

ments and to

possible

differences

Page 5: Vision editor vision

Islam, and many changed their livesaround. He founded the Young MuslimsAssociation and got us involved in theritual and ethical activity of Islam. Manyof us were born in America, so we didn’tunderstand Arabic; so Imam Qazwinilearned English and began to speak to usin ways we could understand. His influ-ence still drives me today. (By the way,thanks to my parents, I also learnedArabic so that I could read and under-stand my holy book, the Qur’an.)

“Regarding CPE, generally goodactions reap a reward; but in CPE, I seethe actions (of visiting the sick) as itsown reward. Witnessing the physical andmental sufferings of others is a learningexperience for me, a path to wisdom, asit was for the holy prophets who visitedthe sick, since it’s a work of God.

“At this point in my life I hope to bean Imam. Maybe I’ll think differently ayear from now. But right now I’menrolled in a BA program online inIslamic Studies at the InternationalCollege of Islamic Studies (London,England). Together with this I’menrolled for a BA in web(site) develop-ment and marketing at Baker College. Ibelieve personally that it’s useful to blenda degree in secular studies with a degreein religious studies, so as to integrate thesacred and the secular, so to speak.”

Q: What about Christian-Muslim-Jewish relations? How should we go aboutit?

“I think the important thing is not tostep on anyone’s toes. Just like I wouldn’twant someone to approach me with across/crucifix, so I wouldn’t want toapproach others with Islamic symbols.As you know, we revere Jesus as aprophet of God in Islam, and in thesame way I think I need to respect allfaiths — Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism,Christianity. So that I don’t cross bound-aries in a disrespectful way, or upset any-one, I try to learn something abouteverything and everything about some-thing. The more well-rounded I am, themore useful I can be to the whole com-munity.”

Q: Speaking of crossing boundaries,what’s your reaction to the Danish news-paper and its cartoon about Muhammad?

“Well, freedom of speech is one

thing, but to attack the prophet offends1.5 billion people throughout the world.We need to respect our fellow humanbeings; we’re all children of God. Thecartoon reflects hatred or ignorance orboth. We need to approach the prophetMuhammad with an open mind. To pic-ture him as a terrorist belies the respectand equality he himself preached. This isespecially crucial in a post-9/11 world.There’s a story about a neighbor of theprophet who harassed him daily, eventhrowing trash into his yard. One day henotices there’s no trash in his yard, andhe inquires about his neighbor. Onlearning that his neighbor had becomeill, Muhammad went to visit him. Why?He believes that he can’t simply react tohis neighbor’s behavior or behave in thesame way. I need to be and to do betterthan that. I need to do good and not evilto others. By doing so, perhaps God willillumine the heart of those who wrongme and guide them into the straightpath. This is hard to do, the prophetteaches, but we must make the effort.

“To transcend hatred into love is thecommon challenge of all three monothe-istic faiths, with our common ancestor inAbraham.

“When I look at Islamophobia, I thinkthere’s an economic underpinning to this.In a world blinded by materialism and thealmighty dollar, many see Islam as athreat. For example, Islam would eradicatethe pornography industry through itsteaching on the modesty of women.Remember the hijab or the veil was worntoo by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Again,usury is forbidden in Islam; it makes therich richer and the poor poorer.”

Q:Tell me your best CPE story to date.“Well, in my first week, I had finished

visiting Muslim patients, and I thought itwas time for a break. I was walking downthe hall when an elderly woman poppedher head out the door. We smiled at eachother, but then she asked me to come intoher room. ‘Stay with me.’ Not knowingwhat to expect, I was surprised when shesaid first off, ‘I’m dying of hunger! I’mstarving.’ It seems she had fallen throughthe cracks, so I intervened, and eventuallyher meal was brought to her. She invitedme to share it, but I politely declined.Then we began talking (and would do so

for 2.5 hours)! She told me that herwhole life had been tough and rough; shewas abused as a child/adolescent, sufferedspousal abuse, and had been in and out ofhospitals all throughout her life. She hadno family visits; only if she would betransferred to ICU, she said, would herfamily visit. I expected her to doubt God’slove or even to question God. Whatabout divine justice? If God is so goodand fair, then why is all this happening tome?

“But instead of speaking ill about God,she began blessing and praising God.‘Behind every suffering is wisdom. Justlike even bitter medicine can producehealing, so can suffering produce growth.Through life’s sufferings, we ascend theladder of perfection.’

“At this point, I thought we needed tolighten the emotional and spiritual inten-sity, so we talked a bit aboutour favorites foods andmovies, etc. Then she askedme questions about Islam(why do women wear thoseveils, etc.) I asked her ques-tions about her faith, andwe both grew in our knowl-edge of and respect for eachother’s faith.

“On leaving, she said, ‘Idon’t believe in coincidence. In everythingthat happens, there’s wisdom behind it.The wisdom of God is behind everything.I could have had contact with anyone, butwhy YOU? I believe God sent you to me.’Not bad for my first week in CPE, eh?No, not bad at all.”

“P.S. I admired her optimism and faithso much that I told her I would give her arose. She wept, ‘No one has ever given mea rose, no one ever.’ I asked what color shewanted.”

Did she get her rose?“No, she was apparently discharged

before I could give her the rose.”Salaam alaikum, Ashar.Va alaikum salaam, Father.

Rev. Richard Leliaert, Ph.D., NACC Cert., isManager of Spiritual Support Services atOakwood Hospital and Medical Center inDearborn, MI.

April 2006 Vision 5

To meet the

needs of our

census, there’s

pressure to hire

a Shi’ite Imam

Page 6: Vision editor vision

6 Vision April 2006

By Michele LeDoux Sakurai

“You did not chose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned youto go out and to bear fruit…”

John 15:16

“So what does a chaplain do?” How many timeshave we heard this questionfrom patients, family and

staff members? How many of us askedthis very question as we entered ourCPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)programs? For me, the answer came aspart of a theological scavenger hunt;we were to seek a theological ground-ing, develop a pastoral identity, claimour priesthood, and allow the clinicaland reflective processes to help uncover the answer.

“So what does a chaplain do?” This question arises on aregular basis at national conferences. At a workshop at the2005 APC/NACC convention in Albuquerque, I experi-

enced a dynamic and vibrant discussion thatreflected a broad range of interpretation of thechaplain’s role in light of denominational andprofessional loyalties.

The question took on more significancewhen, in 1996, I became involved in nationalwork and advocating for patients’ spiritual/pas-toral care to JCAHO. At that time, JCAHOhad not delineated in their standards the dis-tinction between chaplaincy and pastoralcounseling. The work of COMISS, throughthe efforts of JCAPS ( Joint Commission forthe Accreditation of Pastoral Services) helped

to educate JCAHO leadership, and the standard was rewrit-ten to reflect “pastoral care and other spiritual services.”

“So what does a chaplain do?” The answer always seemedto be intuitive, not explicitly stated. Yes, much has beenwritten by chaplains and others about assessment and inter-ventions, and research is plentiful about productivity andactivities of chaplains. Yet these writings seem to hold a pri-ori that chaplains carry a common understanding of theirrole. In fact, I have found little research that provides chap-lains the voice to speak directly on this issue. Is there agree-ment among certified chaplains as to their identity? In 2001,as part of my doctoral studies, I chose a dissertation researchproject that focused on this, which I titled “Ministry ofPresence: Naming What Chaplains Do at the Bedside.”

As the title shows, I held a specific bias on the role of thechaplain. I believed that chaplains would identify their pri-mary function as a listening presence. However, the resultsof the research project did not fully support this hypothesis;the study found that chaplains perceived themselves much

more fully. To appreciate the findings, it is important to lookat the study: what it entailed, and who participated.

The study was designed to give certified chaplains theopportunity to speak from the heart of their ministry.Through the use of verbatims, participants were invited tocritique three chaplain interactions — with patients in hos-

pice, long term care [LTC], and thehospital. Open-ended questions gaveparticipants in the study the freedom tospeak about what had meaning for themin their professional practice.

The study was open to all certifiedchaplains who work within the parame-ters of the USCCB’s Ethical andReligious Directives for Catholic HealthCare Services. Importantly, this is not a

randomized study; it was self-selecting, with the hope todraw seasoned chaplains into this inquiry. Certified chap-lains were invited to participate in this study in a variety ofways. First, packets with verbatims and questionnaires weremade available at the Seattle-Tacoma NACC symposium inthe fall of 2002. Thirty-three chaplains took packets, and 23completed the questionnaires and returned them to me.Second, I sent invitations to certified chaplains who hadexpressed interest in exploring the role of professional chap-laincy. Third, I invited these contacts to invite other chap-lains to participate. Of those chaplains showing an interestin the study, two spiritual/pastoral department directorsasked if they could extend the research to members of theirstaff. As a result, 101 chaplains requested packets betweenOctober 2002 and August 2003, when data analysis began.Upon receipt of the completed questionnaires and signedconsent, I verified that respondents met the study parame-ters; at this point participants were accepted into the study.

Response to this study was significant. Of the 101 pack-ets sent, 75 were returned, 72 respondents met the study cri-teria, and of these 69 completed all three sets of question-naires (hospice, LTC, and hospital). Participant responseswere assessed in light of gender (F 42, M 27), vocation (reli-gious/clergy 27, lay 36), professional role (CPE supervisor11, chaplain 58), ministerial setting (hospital 47,LTC/assisted living/retirement 13, hospice 12 plusparish/teaching/behavioral hospitals/physician offices), andlocation (22 states).

As I am not a researcher, I relied on the expertise of asocial epidemiologist who happened to be a friend from myundergraduate years. Dr. Barbara Isely has shared a stronginterest in chaplaincy and welcomed the opportunity toguide the data analysis.

Using qualitative research methods of reduction and inter-pretation, several themes emerged; for a theme to be consid-ered significant, the participant must identify it as important

ResearchUpdate

The theme

that is over-

whelmingly

evidenced (84%)

is ‘attending to

suffering’

Chaplains’ view of role covers wide range

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in all three questionnaires. The major themes include▼ attending to suffering (84%)▼ being accepting/compassionate, (41%)▼ inviting story/dialogue (59%)▼ providing listening presence, (48%)▼ facilitating patient’s inner resources for healing/refram-

ing God within the context of crisis (45%)The theme that is overwhelmingly evidenced (84%) by

chaplains in this study is “attending to suffering.” This wasdescribed by participants as the way that a chaplain: allowsthe patient to grieve, attends to the pain/concern ofpatient/family members, allows feelings, provides comfort,brings hope, and offers consolation.

Chaplains who participated in this study continuallyraised the importance of being open, non-judgmental, andaccepting. In light of a role that focuses on attending to suf-fering, these attitudes point to the importance of compas-sion.

Being open, accepting, and compassionate implies thatthe story of the other has importance. The participants inthis study strongly associated their ministry with invitingpatients/family members to tell their stories. This invitationprovides a needed vehicle for assessment and pastoral/spiri-tual intervention.

“Attending to suffering” implies that a chaplain offers aresponse, and the study found participants somewhat divid-ed in what this response entails. On the one hand, one thirdof the respondents believed that listening presence was theprimary focus of their ministry. For many of these chap-lains, to move from this focus is to compromise the role ofchaplaincy.

On the other hand, one third of respondents indicatedthat the theological training they have received gives themimportant tools to assist another in her/his journey. Twotools identified in this study are “facilitating patient’s innerresources for healing” and “reframing God within the con-text of crisis.”

The last third of respondents indicated that dependingon the patient, either listening presence or the more inter-ventional responses of facilitating/reframing might be used.The participants’ array of responses creates a model for con-tinuum of care/response by chaplains at the bedside:

Listening Presence________________Facilitating/Reframing

This continuum integrates a range of interventionsembraced by the profession. Within this spectrum, chap-lains choose a response that is appropriate to the needs andthe agenda of the patient. For instance, there are times thatwords cannot attend to the suffering of a patient and pres-ence is required. Then there are those times when patients

cry out to God and seek a grounding from which to cope.In these cases, the chaplain may explore more actively witha patient in terms of facilitating or reframing.

In an effort to give meaning to the array of responsesthat arose from the study, I attempted to identify howthemes fit into the framework of chaplaincy. The majorthemes can be integrated into a possible model that speaksto the essence of pastoral/spiritual care. This model explicit-ly names the role of the chaplain:

Key Components of a Ministry of Presence

Role: Attending to SufferingVirtue that Guides Relationship: Compassion/Acceptance

Assessment Vehicle: Inviting Story/DialogueInterventional Options

Listening Presence________________Facilitating/Reframing

Chaplains attend to suffering. In everymoment of every day, chaplains are beingcalled to be a compassionate, non-judgmentalpresence to those who are suffering, dying,and mourning, as well those who are con-fused, in despair, or angry. The chaplainenters, and by the simple act of stepping intothe room, makes hope an option. It is byinviting the story of the other that chaplainsare able to assess patient/family needs andappropriate intervention(s). While beinggrounded in a tradition that informs andcomforts and with the skills to facilitate theinner resources of the other, the chaplainattends to and stands as a witness to each patient’s jour-ney. This witness, by being present to the moment, givesvoice to the patient and holds sacred his/her story.

This model is simply part of a continuing dialogue;this study’s insights are indeed limited because it encom-passes a small number of participants — 72chaplains/CPE supervisors. Yet, I hope that this researchwill inspire a deeper conversation within thepastoral/spiritual care community. This conversation iscritical if we are to speak as a profession to a health careindustry confronting fiscal crisis, a nursing shortage, and afocus that has moved from holistic care to issues of safety.Where we fit into this ever-changing paradigm will bepartly determined by how we answer the question, “Sowhat does a chaplain do?”

Michele LeDoux Sakurai, D.Min., is a chaplain at Providence/St.Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR, and the NACC repre-sentative to the JCAHO Liaison Network.

April 2006 Vision 7

Chaplains

choose a

response

appropriate to

the needs and

the agenda of

the patient

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8 Vision April 2006

By Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ

More than 130 members attendedthe 17th annual conference ofthe National Association of

Jewish Chaplains from Jan. 22-25, 2006.As a longtime member of the NACC,an early member of our Board ofDirectors and a resident of New YorkCity, I was asked to be present, extend-ing to our sister organization theNACC’s best wishes. This Jewish gath-ering in Westchester County, NY,became a very enjoyable and memorableexperience for me.

The basic theme of this gathering“To Forgive or Not To Forgive – That IsThe Question!” was addressed throughplenary sessions, workshops and focussessions. The emphasis was on aware-ness, honesty, healing, and forgiveness ina post-9/11 world. NACC member Rev.T. Patrick Bradley, a pastoral care direc-tor in Wyoming, and Rabbi DavidZucker from Denver explored the use ofsacred stories, psalm writing and prayersas tools in pastoral counseling settings.(Both presenters also offered a work-

shop on ethical decision-making andsensitivity to the diversity of populationswe serve during our NACC conventionin Columbus.)

Discussions about the NAJC certifi-cation process were of special interest tome, as I have been supervising a Jewishlaywoman nearing her own eligibility forcertification. In fact, she was attendingthe convention, walking me personallythrough its sessions and even its prayerbreaks.

NAJC certification processes andrequirements are similar to those of theNACC and the APC. Jo Schrader, exec-utive director of the APC, was also pres-ent and responded appropriately toquestions about the APC certificationprocess. I was very interested in learningabout the NAJC mentoring process, inwhich trained and approved mentorsformally assist chaplaincy candidatesthrough the preparation for certification.I have often shared my preference for asimilar level of coaching for candidatesunfamiliar with the NACC processesand requirements.

Jewish chaplains in attendance

spanned the entire country. However,most seemed to know and bond veryclosely with each other. I noted howmuch the varied Jewish philanthropicorganizations genuinely supported theJewish interests. For instance, theUnited Jewish Appeal sponsored eightIsraeli chaplains to attend the conven-tion. Organized chaplaincy is a develop-ing ministry in Israel’s institutions.During 2005, the NAJC sponsored twoconferences in Israel.

I also appreciated this opportunity toconnect with some local rabbi chaplainsin the New York area. I’ve spoken withmany of them and really enjoyed a fewwords and familiar sharing. I linked alsowith Jewish supervisors, a supervisor-in-training and candidates awarded certifi-cation at the banquet.

It was an honor and privilege for meto represent the NACC, and was anenjoyable experience to be so welcomedby our NAJC sister chaplaincy organiza-tion.

Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, NACC Cert., is pro-gram director and supervisor of CPE atBrooklyn Catholic Charities, Brooklyn, NY.

Jewish chaplains’ meeting addresses forgiveness

It could have been an episode of the popular PBS show,“This Old House.” On February 15, members ofNACC’s Standards Committee traveled to Milwaukee

to continue work begun in July 2005 when the StandardsCommittee members gathered in Illinois.

The NACC Standards Committee was given the taskof studying the common standards alongside our existingstandards to see if changes were necessary. The committeebroke into work groups. A large portion of the work wasbegun via telephone. As we worked, we discovered thatthe standards are similar to an old house. Much likeremoving wallpaper, close inspection of the standardsuncovered the seams where additional phrases were addedthroughout the years to fit the changing times.

Full-scale renovations are underway, to cleanly andclearly integrate the core common standards adopted in2004, to separate standards and processes so they mightbe more clearly understood and applied and, most impor-tantly, to identify ours as a ministry offered on behalf ofJesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church.

Pictured are the Standards Committee members: Back row: Chair,Alan Bowman; Susanne Chawszczewski, NACC National Office;Rod Accardi, Certification Commission member,; Front row: KarenPugliese, NACC Board member; Mary Lou O’Gorman; LindaPiotrowski.

Standards Committee considers revisions

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April 2006 Vision 9

Novel addresses toughethical issues

My Sister’s Keeper: a novelBy Jodi Picoult (New York: Washington Square Press) 2004,

softcover, 423 pages, $14.

By Rev. James F. Buryska

I am embarrassed to admit that until now I had not readany of Jodi Picoult’s books; in fact, I had never heard of JodiPicoult. Maybe I should get out more. Still, it’s a wonderfulexperience to be introduced to someone who speaks to mewith a new voice, which Ms. Picoult surely does — and doesextremely well.

The plot of My Sister’s Keeper is intriguing and contempo-rary: a couple conceives a child to be a genetically compatiblesource of stem cells and tissue for a living child who has a rareform of leukemia. We observe how this plays out over theyears in the family’s individual and communal lives, and thepersonal, relational and ethical dilemmas the situation raisesfor them and those around them. Such a premise might readi-ly lend itself to caricature of ideas or characters or both, butMs. Picoult does not succumb to that temptation. Rather, sheweaves a story that is both dramatically absorbing and ethical-ly challenging.

The author has done her research; hospital details such asclinical and administrative language, ethics committee delibera-tions, and physician-patient dynamics are all portrayed vividlyand authentically. Though not so familiar with the legal process,I have no doubt that passages describing the operations anddynamics of the court system are comparably accurate.

One of the book’s most engaging aspects is the ease andeffectiveness with which the author establishes the identity ofthe characters through point-of-view narrative. Each person isunmistakably distinguished from the others by how he/shespeaks, and after a few “turns” there is no possibility of confus-ing one with another. Ms. Picoult has a gift for placing credi-ble dialogue (well, monologue) in the mouths of believablecharacters, and for giving each a distinctive voice — no smallfeat. And because the characters are real and believable, theauthor makes us care about each of them — once again, not asmall accomplishment.

Perhaps it is this very ability to call on the reader’s emo-tional engagement that makes the conclusion of the novel dis-appointing — at least to me. It’s not that I wanted or expecteda “happy ending;” situations like these yield few happy end-ings. Rather, I intuitively wanted the sad ending to be differ-ent. In my view, the author rescued the characters from manyof the long-term relational consequences of their decisions bybringing the plot to a rather abrupt and (somewhat) tidy con-clusion.

But my disappointment did not spoil my appreciation forthe book as a whole — as an absorbing read; as an intellectualand emotional challenge; as an exercise in the drama andurgency that attend medical and legal realities; as a vehicle fordiscussion of ethical issues (a list of discussion questions isincluded at the end of the volume). My Sister’s Keeper is allthese, and well worth reading.

Rev. James F. Buryska, NACC Cert., is an NACC and ACPEsupervisor at the Mayo Medical Center in Rochester, MN.

Book Review

intentions for me. I could almost feel it,that people wanted me to be well.”

For patients with no religious or spiri-tual grounding, Fein will explore othersymbols or images that may offerstrength. She cited the case of an artist inhis 50s who had no religious beliefs butloved the outdoors. When they workedon guided imagery, “a bear came to him.It was a sense of connection to nature.There was something powerful for him inthe out-of-doors.”

The hardest cases, however, tend to bepeople without much of a support net-work. “The stoic Vermonter who wantsto go it alone — there’s not much you

can do about that.”Eating is an enormous problem for

older people with cancer, Fein said. Theyface the double difficulty of shopping andaltering their diet to include foods thatwill help them in their illness, and ofcooking when they feel sick and weak. “Iwould like to see a volunteer program

focused on food and companionship.”For herself, she said, “This is exactlywhere I’m supposed to be. I wouldn’thave chosen these things — they’ve beenincredible challenges — but I’m doingmy heart’s work.”For more information on Ellen Fein’s book,“Not Just a Patient,” and CD, “Healing withEllen Fein,” visit www.notjustapatient.com.

The CancerGuide program, offered through the Center for Mind-BodyMedicine, is designed for members of the helping professions who are interestedin supporting and educating cancer patients. This year’s course will be offered inChicago, IL, October 8-14. The intensive course presents cutting-edge, research-based information on conventional, complementary, and alternative cancer thera-pies, as well as the means to integrate them into effective treatment programs.CancerGuides are trained to help people with cancer to make their owninformed decisions and to create programs of individualized integrative care.

For more information, visit www.cmbm.org or call Klara Royal at the Centerfor Mind-Body Medicine (202-966-7338, ext. 241, [email protected]).

Cancer coachContinued from page1.

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▼ EMERGENCY DEPT. CHAPLAINCarmichael, CA – Provides spiritual/religious counselingand ministry to patients and their families at Mercy SanJuan Medical Center. Provides crisis care and support inthe emergency department environment. Must have theability to support individuals from diverse cultural andfaith traditions. Experience and knowledge in crisis andemergency pastoral support and spiritual assessmentare crucial. The successful candidate must work wellwith an interdisciplinary staff and willing to work week-ends and off regular shift times. One year hospital expe-rience preferred. Qualifications: Certification or eligiblefor certification as chaplain by NACC or APC. Bachelor’sdegree required. Master’s degree in theology, pastoralcare/counseling, spirituality preferred. www.mercysan-juan.org. Please send your resume to:[email protected] or fax to: 916-859-1538.

▼ PART-TIME HOSPICE CHAPLAINAddison, IL – The hospice chaplain will participate asan integral member of the interdisciplinary team atFamily Home Health Services to coordinate and providespiritual care, support emotional and bereavementneeds of hospice patients and families in either apatient’s home or a nursing home setting. The chaplainis interfaith in orientation and comfortable with diversereligious beliefs and spiritual values. Qualificationsinclude: Master’s in divinity, theology, pastoral care orrelated subject; minimum one unit of CPE; two yearspastoral care experience in hospice; CPE and/or equiva-lent experience; effective communication skills. Sendresumes to [email protected]; for any questionscall (630) 317-3343.

▼ CPE RESIDENCYTemple, TX – Scott & White Hospital is recruiting for the2006-07 Residency. Our innovative CPE program offers3 units of CPE in a calendar year. We provide residentstime for development of relationships with doctors andstaff, integration of learning with practice, and opportuni-ties for specialization in clinical areas. Competitivestipends and benefits. No tuition. Up to $500 movingexpense reimbursement (with prior approval). $25 appli-cation fee required. Send applications to: Chaplain MartyAden, Scott & White Hospital, 2401 So. 31st St.,Temple, TX 76508. Fax 254-724-9007, phone 254-724-5280, or e-mail [email protected].

▼ STAFF CHAPLAINFort Smith, AR - St. Edward Mercy Medical Centerseeks chaplain to join a multi-cultural, ecumenical groupof chaplains ministering at the premier healthcareprovider in western Arkansas, serving over 400,000 in13 counties. Affiliated with Sisters of Mercy HealthSystem, 343-bed St. Edward Mercy offers the highestcaliber medical and clinical staff, leading-edge technolo-gy, and over 100 years of Mercy service. NACC or APC

certification required. One year experience in a healthrelated field is preferred. This is a full time position.SEMMC offers competitive compensation and an excel-lent benefits package effective first day of employment.Apply in person or contact: St Edward Mercy MedicalCenter, Human Resources Department, 7301 RogersAvenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903; (479) 314.6111; [email protected] or apply online at www.mer-cyjobs.com. E/O/E

▼ CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATIONSan Antonio, TX – For those seeking the highest qualitytraining for professional chaplaincy, CHRISTUS SantaRosa Health Care’s CPE program offers ministry in acuteand chronic illness settings within a predominantlyHispanic Catholic population to further develop yourpastoral identity and praxis; evolving spiritual assess-ment and charting tools to provide you with aspiritual/theological vocabulary to describe your interac-tion with patients, families and staff; Interdisciplinaryministry to increase your comprehension of ethics, thesoul in the work place, suffering, healing and end-of-lifeissues and rituals; Poignant ministry experiences withinfants and children to challenge you to integrate newexperiences with your theology; a spacious, open learn-ing environment to sharpen your reflective and concen-tration abilities; varied cultural experiences in a hos-pitable city to expand your horizons; retreat and well-ness days integrated in each unit to offer holistic bal-ance; a creative CPE Supervisor and a Spiritual Carestaff trained as mentors to support your learning. Byparticipating in CPE at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa’s accred-ited CPE program, you will be better prepared for min-istry and certification. For more information, you mayreach us on the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa web site,www.christussantarosa.org, or by contacting Mary Davisat (210) 704-2851 or [email protected] by the USCCB/CCA and the College ofPastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy.

▼ INTERIM DIRECTOR, PASTORAL CARENorth Bergen, N.J – To be Interim Director of PastoralCare through The HealthCare Chaplaincy at PalisadesMedical Center, (http://palisadesmedical.org) a 200-bedcommunity hospital with an attached 225-bed nursinghome located on the Hudson River directly across frommidtown Manhattan. The successful candidate will join adynamic leadership team to direct a Department ofPastoral Care and parish nurse program in these institu-tions, which have a very culturally and economicallydiverse patient population and staff. The term of theposition is expected to be approximately one year.Qualifications: ACPE, APC, or NACC certified or certifi-cation eligible, high energy with a well developed senseof the role of professional chaplaincy and excellent clini-cal skills. Fluency in Spanish required. Send resumes to:The Rev. George Handzo, Director of Clinical Services,The HealthCare Chaplaincy, 307 E. 60th St., New York,N.Y. 10022 ([email protected])

▼ MANAGER OF PASTORAL CARECape Girardeau, MO - Saint Francis Medical Center, a254-bed, not-for-profit healthcare facility, is currently

10 Vision April 2006

Positions Available

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April 2006 Vision 11

seeking a full time Pastoral Care Manager to lead ourecumenical pastoral care team in meeting the religiousand spiritual needs of our patients, their families and ouremployees. Qualifications include: Master’s degree intheology or related field and NACC or APC certification.Three to five years pastoral health care experience.Demonstrated evidence of written, verbal and computerskills, and proven leadership ability. We have an excellentsalary and benefits program, including relocation assis-tance. Send resume to: Cheryl Woodfin, HumanResources; Saint Francis Medical Center; 211 SaintFrancis Dr.; Cape Girardeau, MO 63703; telephone (573)331-5109; fax (573) 331-5010; [email protected]

▼ STAFF CHAPLAIN Victorville, CA – St. Mary Medical Center, located inbeautiful Apple Valley, CA, is a full-service, 186-bedacute care, not-for-profit medical center. As part of theprestigious St. Joseph Health System, we are committedto serving all High Desert communities through the val-ues of hospitality, dignity, justice, service and excellence.As the Staff Chaplain, you will act as a member of thespiritual care team that serves the spiritual and religiousneeds of patients, families and staff of St. Mary MedicalCenter. Reporting to the Director of Mission Services,and collaborating closely with other members of the mul-tidisciplinary health care team, the Staff Chaplain willprovide a ministry of presence, journey with those insearch of healing and hope, and deliver care in complex,sensitive situations. This position will demonstrate val-ues-based competencies in line with the four core values– dignity, justice, service and excellence – that are thefoundation of all activities performed by employees ofthe St. Joseph Health System. Qualifications include:Master of divinity/theology or equivalent combination ofeducation and experience; formalized theological educa-tion leading to ecclesiastical endorsement for ministry;four units of clinical pastoral education, Association ofClinical Pastoral Education; certification by NACC orACPE and ecclesiastical endorsement from the bishopof the diocese and/or religious superior; understandingof and willingness to comply with Title 22 and otherstate, federal and JCAHO regulations as they pertain tothis position and department. We offer a competitivecompensation and benefits package. Send your resumeto: SMMC, HR Dept., 18300 Hwy. 18, Apple Valley, CA92307. Phone (760) 946-8886; fax (760) 946-8136; e-mail: [email protected]. EOE.

▼ PRIEST CHAPLAINAustin, TX – Seeks to make God’s redemptive love andhealing present to the sick and suffering among ourpatients and their families, as well as the hospital staff.Ministers to the sacramental, spiritual/religious, and theemotional needs in the various crisis situations as theyarise. Contributes to the care of the whole person andcommunicates this value to other members of the heal-ing profession. Maintains equipment (clinical/technical)and age specific competencies as well as promotes themission, philosophy, vision and values of the Daughtersof Charity. Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s Degreerequired. Graduate theological education. Ordination asa Roman Catholic priest required. In good standing and

ecclesiastical endorsement from bishop of the Dioceseof Austin required. Current certification or eligibility forcertification within a year of employment as BoardCertified Chaplain required. Four units of Clinical PastoralEducation training in accredited center. Previous experi-ence in pastoral care ministry required. The SetonHealthCare Network is the leading provider of healthcareservices in Central Texas, serving an 11-county popula-tion of 1.4 million. The network includes five urban acutecare hospitals, two rural hospitals, and a mental healthhospital. Please contact [email protected], pleasecomplete an online application www.seton.net foremployment consideration. EOE.

▼ CHAPLAINChicago, IL – Respect. The way we work together. Theway we serve the community. At Sinai, our respectshows. For nearly 90 years, Sinai Health System hasprovided top medical care and special services toChicago’s neediest communities. No matter who thepatients are, or where they come from, every Sinai care-giver treats them the same — with respect. As chaplainand interdisciplinary team member, you will experience arich context for providing pastoral and spiritual care topatients, their families, and staff. There are opportunitiesto interact with community organizations and local cler-gy. Conducting religious services and performing sacra-ments are also key aspects of this position. To qualify,we require Master of Divinity degree and four units ofclinical pastoral education (or the equivalent) along withordination or appropriate ecclesiastical endorsements.You must also possess chaplain certification (or eligibility)with APC, NACC or JPC. To show our respect for ourdedicated caregivers, we offer superior benefits thatinclude health and dental coverage, retirement plans,tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and more. To apply,please contact Joanna Reynolds at Sinai Health System,California Avenue at 15th Street, Chicago, IL 60608;phone (773) 257-2127; fax (773) 257-6290; e-mail:[email protected]; www.sinai.org. Equal OpportunityEmployer.

▼ PRIEST CHAPLAINLittle Rock, AR – St. Vincent Health System is a region-al health care organization, part of the greater Little Rockcommunity since 1888 and a member of Catholic HealthInitiatives. We are now seeking a full-time priest chaplainto join our well-established Chaplaincy ServicesDepartment. Primary duties will include assessment ofthe spiritual needs of a diverse population and the provi-sion of support to patients, families and staff members.This includes the sacramental ministry for Catholicpatients. Emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary teamapproach and enhancing the spirituality of the organiza-tion. Requirements include four units of Clinical PastoralEducation, current NACC certification or eligibility forcertification within one year of employment, and ecclesi-astical endorsement. Little Rock is the State Capital andoffers numerous cultural amenities, and Arkansas is aplace of great natural beauty. Please send resume toNellie Duncan, Human Resources, 2 St. Vincent Circle,Little Rock, AR, 72205.

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CHAIRJoan M. BumpusDirector of Pastoral CareSt. Vincent Indianapolis HospitalIndianapolis, [email protected]

VICE CHAIRBridget Deegan-KrauseFerndale, [email protected]

SECRETARYPaul MarceauVice president, Mission Services and EthicsTrinity HealthNovi, [email protected]

TREASURERTheresa Vithayathil EdmonsonChaplainProvidence St. Vincent Medical CenterPortland, [email protected]

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLawrence SeidlNational Association of Catholic ChaplainsMilwaukee, [email protected]

Patrick H. BoltonDirector of Pastoral CareMercy Medical CenterDaphne, [email protected]

Karen PuglieseChaplainCentral DuPage HospitalWinfield, IL [email protected]

Sr. Mary Eileen Wilhelm, RSMPresident EmeritusMercy MedicalDaphne, [email protected]

Sr. Barbara Brumleve, SSNDCPE SupervisorAlegent Health CareOmaha, NE [email protected]

Sr. Geraldine Hoyler, CSCNotre Dame, [email protected]

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

May1 Copy deadline, June Vision

6-7 Chaplain certification interviews in Milwaukee, Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Louis, Los Angeles

6-10 APC annual conference, Atlanta, GA

29 Memorial Day; national office closed

June1- 4 National Association of

Lay Ministry conference, Cleveland, OH

4-6 Catholic Health Assembly, Orlando, FL

12 Copy deadline, July-August Vision

15-17 USCCB meeting, Los Angeles, CA