World Day of the Sick February 11, Dear Colleagues,

Transcription

1 February/March 2006 Volume 18, No. 1 Dear Colleagues, February is the month in which we intentionally celebrate Love in two very special ways! One way is, of course, the very popular celebration of St. Valentine s Day when we openly express to those we hold dear the love and gratitude we feel for them in our heart. This day brings to mind many cherished people in my life, and my yearning to find just the right words to adequately express my love. This desire for the right message conjures up childhood memories of little paper Valentines, and the seemingly aching question of which schoolmate should receive which card. Do you remember these? The message was critical! As a church, we also celebrate Love this month in the intentional remembering of persons who are ill as we observe World Day of Prayer for the Sick, on February 11 th, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. This day, too, is designed to send a very special message of love and care to persons who are ill, their loved ones, and those who provide care to them. As you know, each year in celebration of World Day of Prayer for the Sick, the pope dedicates this day to a particular theme, thus, sending a message to the world regarding the value of people who suffer in our time. This year Pope Benedict XVI has designated mental health and human dignity as the focus. In today s world, I am certain that each of us knows someone in our life and ministry who struggles with mental or emotional illness. The burden on the person who is ill, as well as those who love and care for them, is enormous. As an archdiocese we have been confronted very directly by this concern as persons who have suffered sexual abuse strive to heal and rebuild their lives. Without question, the message of the needs and sufferings of persons living with mental illness is critical in our day! There continues to be a great stigma attached to mental illness. It was not too many years ago that people diagnosed with cancer were embarrassed to admit that they had this disease. We have made great strides in recognizing the emotional and spiritual needs of people living with physical illness, but we have much to learn about mental illness. Today, mental health looms as one of the 1 major health issues around the world. In Australia, where this year s World Day of the Sick events will take place depression, not cancer, has been identified as the most disabling illness. It is a deep source of hope that Pope Benedict is inviting experts from around the world to consider this health issue and to work together to develop recommendations about mental health care that will be offered to church and government bodies for action. Many of you provide spiritual care specifically to persons who are hospitalized due to mental illness and know firsthand the suffering of these patients and their loved ones. Each of us in our day-to-day ministry, encounters people suffering mental anguish as they confront illness, loss and death. By your presence to their suffering you embody the message of Christ s healing love and peace. As Christ s messenger may your know deeply in your heart, the fullness of Christ s Love for you. With heartfelt gratitude, Jean Marchant World Day of the Sick February 11, 2006 Mental Health and Human Dignity Some suggestions to observe this day: Blessing of Health Care Workers (Some chaplains use this opportunity for the Blessings of Hands Ritual Communal Prayer Services & Celebrations of the Sacrament of the Sick in Hospitals & Nursing Homes Resources available from the National Catholic Association at Scroll down to Resources, then scroll down to World Day of the Sick.) Inform persons who are sick or homebound that the 7:30 A.M. Sunday Mass (Feb. 12) on Boston Catholic TV will be offered for persons who are sick or homebound on this day and will include an anointing of the sick.

2 Transitions Mary Ann Sztaba, from Connecticut, has accepted a position at Caritas Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton. Mary Ann has an MA in Religious Studies and completed four units of CPE at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California. She is pursuing certification by the NACC Claire Nauta has accepted a position at Sherrill House, a long-term institution in Jamaica Plain. Claire most recently ministered at Newton Wellesley Hospital and Children s Hospital. We have received official notification that the following people have been certified by the NACC: Mary Beth Moran, Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at Winchester Hospital; Teresa Sullivan, Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at South Shore Hospital; Lydia Priest, parttime Chaplain at Beverly Hospital; Terry Holbrook, Chaplain at Merrimack Valley Hospice; Sr. Theresa Kilmurray, CSB, Director of Mission at Caritas Norwood Hospital and Nancy Rafter, Pastoral Associate at St. Mary in Franklin. Congratulations to all! Conferences Wise Management of Grief Seminar - Thursday, Feb. 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This 11th annual seminar features Kenneth J. Doka, Ph.D. Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA. Free. This inspiring one-day workshop will help participants enhance their sensitivity and helping skills for bereaved persons. For registration information: Call the Office of Health Care Ministry at LISTEN is a newletter for Catholic Pastoral Health Ministers published by Office of Health Care Ministry 736 Cambridge Street Boston, MA (617) fax: (617) jean_marchant@cchcs.org joanne_gaffney@cchcs.org Editors: Jean Marchant, Joanne Gaffney This newsletter and other recent editions may be downloaded from our website: Open Offices/Ministries link; Select Health Care on scroll down list; Select Publications; Click on Listen. 2 Spiritual Lessons from the Dark Night of Depression - Thursday, Feb. 23. Weston Jesuit School of Theology Lecture. Rev. Suzanne Guthrie, Episcopal Chaplain at Cornell University, author of Praying the Hours and Grace s Window: Entering the Seasons of Prayer. Admission is free. Information: ; Web site: Companions in Healing Lent Retreat. March 3-5 will be held at Campion Center. A weekend retreat for members of the health care team to come together for prayer, reflection and support. Nurses, physicians, chaplains, therapists and others celebrate their call to care for the sick in this time away. Leaders are Judith LoGerfo, NACC certified chaplain and John Michalowski, SJ, Director of Campion Renewal Center. Offering: $135. For more information, call Campion at or Judy at Communities of Salt and Light: Bringing Justice and Peace to Life in our Parishes - Sunday, March 19, 12:30 6:00 p.m. Archdiocesan Social Justice Conference Boston College High School. Keynote Speaker: Fr. Bryan Hehir. Information: What Does It Mean to Be Human May 15-19, 2006 Public Discourse on Genetics, Ethics, and Spirituality. A Johns Hopkins Conference for the World. Baltimore, MD. Information: ; e - m a i l : c m e n e j h m i. e d u ; W e b s i t e : The following are offerings from IREPM, Boston College. Registration/Information: Maureen Lamb ; Advanced Lay Presiding and Preaching - Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9; 2:00 to 4:00 PM Presenter: Rev. James Mongelluzzo Location: Trinity Chapel, Newton Campus Cost: $90 This course is designed for those who have taken introductory courses in Lay Presiding or Lay Preaching (or who have had some experience in presiding and preaching) and wish to deepen their theology and ability in the area of lay-led communal prayer. Each student will have the opportunity to preside and preach for a complete liturgy. Participants will receive extensive attention in the areas of prayerfulness of presiding, appropriate use of texts, postures and gestures, preaching content and delivery, and overall pastoral sense of liturgy. (2 CEUs will be awarded for each session attended.) Rev. James

3 Mongelluzzo is Assistant Director, Liturgical Life, at Boston College IREPM. Teachable Moments: Faith in the Face of Illness and Death - Saturday, February 11; 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Presenter: Catherine O'Connor, CSB Location: Fulton Hall 230 $35, includes lunch. CEUs: $5 additional This workshop will explore the meaning of faith in light of the participants' own experience around illness and death. We will also address the events in the human community which call for a deeper questioning and response in faith, the uniqueness of each event of illness and death, and the universal wisdom and insight that accrues through reflection on illness and death. Catherine O'Connor, CSB, PhD, serves as Senior Vice President of Mission and Organizational Development of Caritas Christi Health Care System. In Dialogue: Building Professional Relationships for Ministry - Thursday, February 16; 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM; FREE. Presenter: Michael Fitzgerald Location: IREPM Office, 25 Lawrence Avenue, Chestnut Hill In an informal, discussion-oriented format this session will help people explore practical ways to create and build networks of relationships which will enhance the ministerial job search and vocational discernment process. Also to be discussed are ways to acknowledge and overcome beliefs that may limit the prospect of success in the search for a new opportunity. Michael Fitzgerald, MA, is a Vice President at Gatti and Associates in Medfield MA, an executive search firm specializing in the field of Human Resources. Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury is offering the following retreat days: Who Has Chosen the Better Part? - Lenten Day of Prayer for Women March 5, 10:00-3:00 P.M. A time to come away to a quiet place to pray and reflect on who has chosen the better part as uncovered in Jesus' relationship with Martha and Mary of Bethany. Eucharist will be an integral part of the day. Facilitator: Maureen Casey, SND. Cost: $25.00 (Lunch Included). 3 Mini Retreat Days for Busy Women from 9:30-1:00 P.M. March 6 Leaning on the Heart of God April 3 A Time to Let God Water Your Inner Garden May 1 Just to Be is a Blessing: Just to Be is Holy Facilitator: Maureen Casey, SND Cost: $20.00 each session. (Lunch included) Seven Last Words: A Lenten Series from 7:00-8:30 P.M. March 7 Father Forgive Them Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise March 14 Woman, Look! Your Son Why Have You forsaken Me? April 11 I AM Thirsty It is Finished Facilitator: Edward Tuohy, SVD, Ph.D. Cost: $20 each session. Registration/Information: MIRAMARMA@AOL.COM. The Newest Frontier in Palliative Care: Dementia - March 14 Offered by the Massachusetts Compassionate Care Coalition Annual Meeting Speaker: Dr. Muriel Gillick, Professor of Ambulatory Care and Prevention of Harvard Medical School/ Harvard Pilgrim. Information: Arlene Lowney ; Website: massccc.org. Displaced in America: Finding Hope in Community - April 7 from 2:30 to 5 pm. Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, West Roxbury, MA. Recent hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and conflicts have reminded us of the ageold problem of displaced persons and refugees. This is an issue of community mental, physical, and social health now and in the future. This Erich Lindemann Memorial Lecture will explore adaptive responses. No admission charge. Information: ; ce@mspp.edu. Living With Christ Wednesday evenings: April 19 through June 7, The Office of Spiritual Development has developed an eight week guided prayer

4 experience based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. It leads participants through a prayerful consideration of the person of Jesus Christ and our incorporation into his life and mission. It calls for a commitment of 8 weeks of daily prayer, 8 weekly meetings and Faith sharing. Thousands of people throughout the Archdiocese have participated in this program. The Living With Christ Program will take place at Peterson Hall on the grounds of St. John s Seminary. Donations: $ All sessions will begin at 7:00 P.M. and will last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Information/ Registration: The CHAP Program: Catholic Healthcare Administration Personnel Program, New York - May Presentations include: Consumerism, Marketing and the Assault on Person- Centered Health Care Rev. John F. Kavanaugh, SJ PhD. Comforting the Dying: The Rituals, Prayers, and Protocols of Different World Religions Imam Faiz Khan, MD, Pandit Chunelall Narine, DD; Roger Chin, LFD. Thinking the Unthinkable: Preparing for a Public Health Catastrophe Chris Trevino, MD, PhD; Anna Silva, MSW; Terri Sterling, BSN, MBA CNO. Information: ext The following Symposiums are being offered at the New England Educational Institute s 23rd Annual Cape Cod Summer Symposia. Information: x1; website: Building Resilient Relationships: Challenges and Possibilities - June Facilitators: Judith Jordan, PhD; Amy Banks, M.D. The Psychology of Forgiveness: Theory, Research and Practice. June Facilitator: Frederic Luskin. The Life of a Healer: Dealing Effectively with Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Maladies July 31 August 4. Facilitator: Thomas Moore Resources The Office has a DVD from the Association of Professional Chaplains which is available for loan entitled Caring for the Spirit: The Impact of Certified Professional Chaplains. Chaplains 4 serve people in physical, spiritual, and mental need in diverse settings throughout the world. Board Certified Chaplains promote excellence and ensure that the dignity and worth of people are at the forefront of all service provided. Hear several organizations share their success in this all encompassing footage from every level of management. You ll learn how this executive commitment makes good business sense, strengthens the organization, enhances employee satisfaction, and adds value to the community. Doorways to Holiness: Stories of Faith by John J. Rathschmidt, Gaynell Bordes Cronin Doorways to Holiness is a collection of more than 50 reflective essays designed to help everyday believers find God in the ordinary circumstances of their lives. It tells the stories of "real" people, all or any of whom might be your neighbors. Each essay--rooted in the life of a real person whose faithfulness and honesty challenges us to transform our own lives is followed by an evocative prayer and questions for reflection. Drawing upon scripture and on the writings of saints and wisdom figures throughout history, each essay is complete in itself. Jack Rathschmidt, a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, is the director of the Post Novitiate Program for the Capuchins and frequently ministers at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital. He and co-author Gaynell Cronin have written Rituals for Home and Parish, (Paulist), The Blessing Candles, and Nurturing Today's Children. They have also spoken in 60 dioceses, including keynote addresses at major religious education conferences. They have also written more than 50 videos for children. Available at for $ (Paperback) ISBN: Franciscan Center for Spiritual Direction - Spiritual Direction has been a valid ministry in the Church down through the ages. It is more accurately termed spiritual companioning because the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Director. The person who seeks spiritual direction is encouraged to allow God to be the center of attention. All of life s issues are appropriately brought to Spiritual Direction. A prayerful and trusting atmosphere is sought where the goal is recognizing God at the heart of daily life. This can take place individually or in group direction. Information: Call Sr. Margaret Flanagan at ext Website:

5 We honor two outstanding Chaplains who have died since our last publication. In Memory of Carol Shepherd From the obituary published in The Lowell Sun. Carol Shepherd, a Chelmsford resident since 1964 and a former hospital chaplain in Lowell, died Monday, Dec. 26, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Carol who was certified as Chaplain by the NACC in 1985, was the Catholic chaplain at Lowell General Hospital for 10 years, and was currently assigned as pastoral associate at Holy Family Parish in Lowell where her role was very much that of parish chaplain. Mrs. Shepherd was a coordinator of The Greater Lowell Committee for Parish based Health Care Ministry Lowell Regional Bishop's Office from 1983 until Carol is survived by her husband, Freeman to whom she had been married for 47 years and their three children and two granddaughters. In Memory of Rev. Edward Lowney, OMI Rev. Edward Lowney, OMI passed away at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA today, January 20, during the early hours and after a long stretch of ill health. Fr. Lowney was 75 years old. He was born on May 13, 1930 in Lowell, MA. Over the years he ministered in Japan and Florida and was at St. William's in Tewksbury from 1991 to He was chaplain at Tewksbury State Hospital from September of 1991 until November of 2000 when he was forced to retire due to his health. He moved to the Oblate Retirement Residence in February, During his tenure at Tewksbury State Hospital, Fr. Lowney created a newspaper entitled The Heavenly Herald for patients at the institution. The newsletter contained inspirational poems, jokes, and interviews of the patients, etc. The Heavenly Herald was wellreceived by the patients. Contributions, in Carol s memory, may be made to Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston, 75 Kneeland St., Boston, MA May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement. May you be present in what you do May dawn find you awake and alert, Approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. John O Donohue (Anam Cara, Cliff Street Books 1997) 5

6 NACC 2006 Conference March 11-14, 2006 Columbus, Ohio The 2006 annual conference will seek to embrace and promote the qualities that grounded us in the past and will carry us forward with new visions into the future. Save the Dates! Parish/Hospital Collaborative Chaplains 2006 Meetings May 9, 2006 November 8, 2006 Time and location for both meetings: 12 noon to 3:00 PM Caritas St. Elizabeth s Medical Center Early bird registration deadline is Feb. 15 Registration information: Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) Video Teleconference HFA s satellite broadcast on Pain Management at the End of Life will be held April 5. This is an occasion to invite the public and professionals from the community for a free two-hour, professionally produced broadcast on end of life care. You must contact each site directly for information about program times, cost, and location. Please check back or call for updates. Sites Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice, Shirley Contact: Kristin Barnum at kbarnum@nursing.nashoba.org Hospice of the North Shore, Danvers, Contact: Nancy Sherman at njsherman@hns.org Caritas Norwood Hospital, Norwood Contact: Ann Harootunian at Ann_Marie_Harootunian@CCHCS.org Annual Mass of Hope and Healing Cathedral of the Holy Cross June 4, :00 AM Retreat Allowing God to be God: A retreat for health care chaplains August Eastern Point Retreat House, Gloucester Presenters: Larry Seidl, Executive Director, NACC Sr. Clare Walsh, MHSH, staff at the NE Jesuits for Ignatian Spiritual Ministries Registration/Information gonzaga@cove.com Web site: Annual Gathering for Chaplains/ Coordinators of Catholic Pastoral Services September 21, :00 7:00p.m. Caritas St. Elizabeth s Medical Center New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, Stoughton Contact: Robbi Gouze at agouze@nesinai.org National Center for Death Education Mount Ida College, Newton Contact: Carol Wogrin at ncde@mountida.edu 6

7 Lenten Retreat for Chaplains Coordinators of Catholic Pastoral Services Steadfast Friends of Jesus Chaplain News March 30, :00 to 3:00 Glastonbury Abbey Presenter: Sr. Clare Walsh, MHSH $20 (An informational letter will be mailed as the date approaches.) Georgia Gojmerac-Leiner, Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at Emerson Hospital, has an essay entitled, Revisiting Viktor Frankl: His Contributions to the Contemporary Interest in Spirituality and Health Care published in the Winter issue of The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling Pope Names Boston area Nigerian priest as a monsignor. Fr. Felix Ojimba, a priest of the Nigerian diocese of Orlu and NACC certified Chaplain presently ministering as Priest Chaplain at Massachusetts General Hospital, was named a monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. The honor was announced in Rome on September 17. Monsignor Ojimba has been serving as one of several Catholic chaplains at MGH since October There will be a special Mass of celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross for Msgr. Ojimba on May 7 at 2:30p.m. 7 The following appeared in a recent Parish Bulletin written by the pastor, Fr. Bryan Parrish, from St. Mary Parish, Plymouth/Kingston PASTOR'S CORNER If you have ever stayed overnight at the Jordan Hospital, you probably had the pleasure of meeting Nan Bouche, Chaplain, the Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at the Jordan. Nan is a wonderful and compassionate Catholic presence at the hospital, as well as coordinator of the sacramental needs of the Catholic patients. Recently Nan sent out her Annual Report to the President of Jordan Hospital. This Report is "Good News" and I would like to share some important highlights with you. Thirteen priests of eleven area parishes provide 24 hour emergency sacramental care, 365 days a year for Catholic patients, according to a predetermined schedule. On most occasions, when a priest is on duty, he visits the hospital and anoints a number of more critical patients. Thus, while you are in the Jordan Hospital, you may see another priest from a neighboring parish to celebrate the Anointing of the Sick, although you may always request a visit from your parish priest! In addition, twenty-five individuals from local parishes serve as Eucharistic Ministers at the hospital, allowing ill patients to receive Our Lord on a regular basis. They are a blessing! Nan Bouche works twenty-five hours a week in the hospital as a nationally certified hospital chaplain, not only coordinating the sacra/mental schedules, but visiting and praying with patients, listening compassionately, reaching out to concerned family members, and maintaining regular contact with the area priests. Catholic patients are indeed fortunate to benefit from Nan's professional Catholic presence. Further, you should know that the salary and benefits package offered to the Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services at the Jordan Hospital is funded by the local parishes and not the Jordan Hospital. This money is, indeed, well-spent! If you are ever at the Jordan, you are assured to receive the excellent Catholic care of a wonderful pastoral team: Nan Bouche, Chaplain, the dedicated local parish priests and the faithful Eucharistic Ministers.

8 On the Lighter Side I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven. I asked them, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, Would that get me into Heaven?" "NO!" the children answered. "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything clean and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?" Again, the answer was, "NO!" By now I was starting to smile. Hey, this was fun! "Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?" I asked them again. Again, they all answered, "NO!" I was just bursting with pride for them. "Well," I continued, "then how can I get into Heaven?" A fiveyear-old boy shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD." Available Positions Coordinator of Catholic Pastoral Services South Shore Hospital, S. Weymouth Responsibilities: Provide comprehensive pastoral care to patients Collaborate with local priests to provide on-call sacramental ministry Train, coordinate, and support Eucharistic Ministers. Qualifications: Advanced theological training. Minimum of two units of CPE Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills. Priest Chaplains Caritas Norwood MetroWest Medical Center, Framingham/Natick Send resumes to: Jean Marchant at the OHCM or resumes to: Jean_Marchant@cchcs.org 8 Opportunities for Pastoral Visitors & Eucharistic Ministers Days of Prayer Companions in Christ St. Francis, Dracut Feb. 4, :30 to 12:00 St. John s W. Roxbury Feb. 11, :30 to 12:00 Reminder: There is no fee for the Days of Prayer and if Pastoral Visitors are unable to attend the Day in their Region, they can attend a Day in another Region. To register for the Day, call the Spiritual Development Office at Workshops: Pastoral Care to the Sick & Homebound St. Timothy, Norwood Tuesdays, Feb. 7 to March 14-7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Instructor: Elizabeth Couble Youville Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, Cambridge Tuesdays, April 18 to May 23-7:00 to 9:00 PM Instructor, Sr. Paula Tinlin, SND Fee: $40. Registration/Information: Office of Health Care Ministry or Joanne_Gaffney@cchcs.org Ministry in Mass and Beyond A Workshop for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion Our Lady of Lourdes, Brockton Sundays March 12 & 19 from 2:00-4:00pm Emmanuel College, Boston Tuesdays March 14 & 21 from 7:00-9:00pm Saint Ann, Peabody Wednesdays March 15 & 22 from 7:00-9:00pm Tuition: $25 a person $300 maximum per parish Registration: Office of Worship or OfficeForWorship@rcab.org 2nd Annual Gathering of Pastoral Visitors A Healing Moment St. Jude Parish, Waltham Saturday, April 29, :00a.m. -12:00 noon Presenter: Linda DeCristoforo, Pastoral Associate Cost: $10. Registration/ Information: Office of Health Care Ministry Joanne_Gaffney@cchcs.org