October/November 2008
Volume 20, No. 5
As I sit in my office and look out the window
while I type this, it is quite clear that we are in
a time of change. The leaves are many colors,
our offices have moved from Brighton to
Braintree, the financial status of a lot of
people is up in the air and we are about to
elect a new president. My wife Theresa and I
were walking along the waterfront in
Plymouth the other night by the Plymouth
Rock and the Mayflower. There was not a
tourist to be seen and many of the boats had
been removed from the harbor. As we
walked, there was a chilly breeze blowing off
the water. Change was in the air. Theresa
and I are also undergoing a change in our
lives. Our youngest son Kris just moved to
Philadelphia to start his new life after college.
I think change brings us sadness and at the
same time the potential for great joy. We are
sad that he is leaving, but we are also so proud
of him and all he has accomplished in his life
so far and what he has the ability to do in the
future.
Romans chapter 6 tells us: “Brothers and
sisters: Are you unaware that we who were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into
his death? We were indeed buried with him
through baptism into death, so that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory
of the Father, we too might live in newness of
life.”
Soon we will see snow, hopefully only a little,
but before we know it the Red Sox will be off
to spring training and the grass and trees will
spring forth with the newness of life.
Thank you all for bringing the good news to
all you come in contact with each and every
day.
Jim
I think of the lives that you touch each and
every day, how their lives are changing either
because of an accident, illness or old age.
You sit with them and allow them to re-live
what they have done in years past and
reassure them of what the future will be like,
just as Jesus did when he walked this earth
and preached about the change to come
through his death and resurrection.
I am so thankful for our faith. It allows us to
look to the resurrection, that newness of life,
and gives us hope as we struggle with change.
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Annual Gathering of Chaplains
The following Chaplains received the Excellence in
Pastoral Care Awards:
Approximately 80 chaplains came together for the
Annual Gathering of Chaplains on September 11. The
Gathering began with a welcome from Deacon James
F. Greer. Ralph de la Torre, MD President of Caritas
Christi Health Care System, welcomed the chaplains
to Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and spoke a
few words of affirmation regarding their ministry.
Also present at the dinner was Sr. Marie Puleo,
MFIC, Vice President of Mission Effectiveness for
Caritas Christi.
This award is presented to Cheryl Amrich who has
worked tirelessly in the
Psychiatric Unit, Addictions
Unit and Emergency Room of
Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical
Center. One of her peers stated,
‘She is never too busy to help.’
It is often remarked that she is a
great listener and a gentle,
generous responder, not to Cheryl Amrich, Msgr.
mention her enthusiasm for John McDonough
ministry.”
Following the words of welcome there was an
opening prayer service which was created and led by
Ginny Allen, Kathleen Hallee, Deacon Mattie Henry,
Deacon Charlie Webb, Deacon Jim Greer and Joanne
Gaffney. Sr. Maryanne Ruzzo assisted with the
music. The opening prayer services centered on the
Gospel passage from Matthew 13: 45-46. “The
Kingdom of God is like a merchant looking for fine
pearls, when he finds one of great value he goes and
sells everything he owns and buys it.” The Chaplains
were invited to take a pearl from the oyster shell in
the middle of their tables and share with others
gathered around on an event in their life that revealed
how they themselves are “pearls of great value.”
This award is presented to Fr.
Robert Labrie, Priest Chaplain
at North Shore Medical Center.
Fr. Bob serves two campuses
and never complains about
navigating between hospitals to
serve the spiritual sacramental
needs of Catholics. His service
has made a difference in the
frequency of emergency calls to
Fr. Robert Labrie, Msgr. the hospital for surrounding
John McDonough
clergy.
He is tri-lingual.
However, the most precious gift
he possesses is his compassion to companion with
those who are in spiritual distress and suffering. A
quote on the department web pages says; “As a
Catholic priest, I continue to be energized by the
peace, comfort and joy that I can bring to patients by
being God’s instrument.”
David Lichter, Executive Director of
the National Association of Catholic
Chaplains gave a presentation entitled
“Cultiv atin g a Contemplative
Presence for Chaplaincy.” We are
still hearing positive comments
regarding his extremely well-done
David Lichter presentation. Fr. Arthur Coyle, former
Cabinet Secretary for Pastoral and
Ministerial Services was thanked for his past support
to the Office of Health Care Ministry and the
Chaplains. Msgr. John McDonough, Interim Cabinet
Secretary of Faith Formation and Evangelization, the
newly created Office that the Office of Health Care
Ministry reports to, was introduced and he greeted the
chaplains and thanked them for their ministry..
This award is presented to Fr. George Winchester,
SJ who has been at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
for over 16 years. The staff is impressed by his
dedication to his work, his
steady hand, balance and
compassion. He knows how
to set clear boundaries and
place patients first. He is an
authentic hero and an
example to all of us going to
work every day. One can only
imagine the compassion he
has to his patients.”
Fr. George Winchester, SJ,
As always, the food was excellent and the fellowship
very enjoyable.
From left to right: David
Lichter, Joanne Gaffney,
Deacon Jim Greer
Msgr. John McDonough
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Mary Beth Moran is presented this award in
recognition for her provision of wonderful emotional
and spiritual support to patients, their families and staff
at Winchester Hospital. She serves as a vital part of
team and often goes above and beyond what is expected
of her. She is regularly called upon to participate in
family meetings and to assist in emergency situations.
Her calming and supportive presence and her ability to
connect and communicate with families is exemplary.
(Unfortunately, Mary Beth was on her way to London
and unable to be at the gathering to accept her award.)
Rev. Peter Gojuk, OMV, Priest Chaplain at Caritas
Norwood Hospital has left that institution and has
accepted a position as spiritual director at St. John’s
Seminary.
Please keep Linda McKenzie, Chaplain at Mary
Immaculate Healthcare, Lawrence in
your prayers. Her mother, Doris
Meagher, died recently.
Editor’s Note:
In our last publication, we announced that William
Sweeney had accepted the position of Director of
Spiritual Care Services at Caritas Holy Family Hospital
in Methuen. We should have added the following: Sr.
Claudia Blanchette, SND will continue at Caritas
Holy Family Hospital as the Director of Clinical
Pastoral Education. In this focused role, she plans to
enhance the contribution of CPE to spiritual care
services in the hospital as well as outreach by the
hospital to the greater Lawrence community. Sr.
Claudia has a Ph.D. in Religious Education from Boston
University. She is certified as a CPE Supervisor by both
the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)
and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains
(NACC).
Transitions
Katharine Gerne has accepted a position at Asera
Care Hospice in Wellesley Hills. She will work as
a chaplain, as well as a Bereavement Coordinator,
supporting patients, families, and staff
experiencing grief and loss issues. Kate also works
per diem at Mass. General Hospital. Kate has a
Master of Divinity from the Weston Jesuit School
of Theology and completed four units of CPE.
~
~
~
Maria Cataldo-Cunniff has accepted a full time
position at Children’s Hospital. Maria, who lives
with her husband Gary in Quincy, received an MA
in theology/liturgical studies at Notre Dame and an
MTS from Weston Jesuit School of Theology.
Maria has completed 4 units of CPE and was
previously employed as a chaplain at Phillips
Academy in Andover as well as per diem at
Children’s Hospital.
~
~
~
Rev. Lucien Sawyer, OMI, part-time Priest
Chaplain at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, has
retired after many years. Lucien was also the first
Director of the Office of Health Care Ministry in
the Archdiocese of Boston.
~
~
~
Rev. G. Chris Saenz, SSC has accepted a parttime position as Priest Chaplain at Mt. Auburn
Hospital in Cambridge. Fr. Saenz, who is from
Kansas and resides at St. John in Cambridge, is a
Center of Religious Development Associate at the
Weston Jesuit School of Theology and is working
towards a master’s degree in Spiritual Direction at
Boston College.
“This publication is funded by the annual Catholic
Appeal and the thousands of benefactors that support
the shared central ministries of the Archdiocese of
Boston.”
LISTEN is a newletter for
Catholic Pastoral Health Ministers
published by
Office of Health Care Ministry
66 Brooks Drive
Braintree, MA 02184-3839
(617) 746-5843 fax: (617) 779-4570
e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Editors: Deacon James F. Greer
Joanne Gaffney
This newsletter and other recent editions may be
downloaded from our website: www.rcab.org; Open
Offices/Ministries link; Select Health Care on scroll
down list; select Publications; Click on Listen.
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Educational Opportunities
for
Pastoral Visitors &
Eucharistic Ministers
Mornings/afternoon of Prayer
For Parish Pastoral Visitors
and
Ministers of Communion to the Sick
Pastoral Care to the Sick and Homebound
workshops
Blessed Sacrament , Walpole
Thursday evenings, Oct. 23— Dec. 4
(No class on Thanksgiving)
7-9 PM
Instructor: Betty Couble
Youville Lifecare, Cambridge
Cullinane Conference Center
Tuesday evenings, Nov. 4 to Dec. 9
7-9 PM
Instructor: Judy LoGerfo
We included a registration form in the August
edition of Listen. If you need more information or a
registration, please contact the office at 617-7465843. Pre-registration is required as we need a
minimum number of registrants to proceed with the
workshops. Please encourage your Eucharistic
ministers, who have not attended a workshop in the
past, to take advantage of these wonderful
opportunities.
ARISE AND WALK WITH CHRIST
Mark 2:12:1-12 Jesus Heals a Paralytic
This day will focus on the growth in faith that
happens as we follow Jesus and witness the
healing power of his presence.
The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life and the
Pastoral Visitor Project offers regional Mornings
and Afternoons of Prayer for Pastoral Visitors
and Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick. This year's
schedule:
January 25, 2009
Our Lady’s, Lynnfield
January 31, 2009
St. Theresa, Sherborn
February 7, 2009
St. Francis, Dracut
February 14, 2009
St. John’s, West Roxbury
February 28, 2009
Holy Family, Duxbury
Annual Gathering for Pastoral Visitors
April 25, 2009
St. Jude, Waltham
Presenter: Nan Rafter
Pastoral Associate, St. Mary, Franklin
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1:30-3:30
10:00 AM-12:00
10:00 AM – 12:00
10:00 AM - 12:00
10:00 AM-12:00
November is Family Caregivers Month
Save the Dates!
A Free National TeleClass for Family Caregivers
Collaborative Chaplains Gathering
November 13, 2008
12:00 to 3:00
ArchdiocesanPastoral Center, Braintree
(Board Room)
Communicating Effectively
with Healthcare Professionals
A two-part Series
Thursday, November 6 and 13
2 PM to 3PM Eastern
To register go to: www.the familycaregiver.org
For more information call: 1-800-896-3650
Annual Gathering of Chaplains
September 24, 2009
Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
What you will learn in this Teleclass series
Part 1: Nov. 6
• Develop a basic understanding of how the
U.S. healthcare system operates
• Understand your role on your loved one’s
healthcare team
• Describe how good communication can
facilitate optimum healthcare
• Know how to prepare for doctor office visits
“God does not die on the day when we
cease to believe in a personal deity, but
we die on the day when our lives cease
to be illuminated by the steady
radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder,
the source of which is beyond all
reasoning.”
Dag Hammarskjold
The Joyful Noiseletter
June-July 2007
Part 2: Nov. 13
• Develop strategies to establish rapport/
collaborative with your loved one’s healthcare
providers
• Distinguish between different styles of
communicating with healthcare professionals
• Compose assertive messages for
communicating in healthcare situations
Spirituality & Healing in Medicine
The Resiliency Factor
December 13-14, 2008
Available Position
The Westin Copley Place, Boston
Priest Chaplain
40 hours
Under the direction of Herbert Benson, MD
and Gregory L. Fricchione, MD
Boston Medical Center (20 hrs)
&
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
(remaining 20 hrs.)
Responsibilities:
• Provides pastoral care to Catholic patients and
families as identified by census and referral
• Provides Sacramental ministry to the Catholic patients
and maintains the appropriate records
• Provides pastoral support and crisis intervention to
staff as needed and available
• Cooperates with the hospital’s interdisciplinary team
and participates, as asked and available, in ethics
committee meetings and consultations.
• Collaborates with assigned parishes
This year’s course will emphasize the importance of
resiliency in health and well-being. We will focus on
those facets of resiliency comprised of the relaxation
response, cognitive restructuring, social attachment,
and positive expectations, as well as belief and
spirituality. All of these factors contribute to the power
of resiliency in mitigating the stressors brought on by
our rapidly changing society.
Information:
www.cme.hms.harvard.edu/courses/Sprituality
617-384-8600
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Resource
MIA Rosary Making Program offers Rosary beads for
11¢ apiece.
Phone number: 978-345-2602
Address: 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
The following people from Massachusetts will be
making a presentation at Summit ‘09. From Beverly
Hospital: Rev. John C. Pearson, D.Min., Director of
Pastoral Care; Rev. Junietta B. McCall, D.Min., Director
of Pastoral Psychotherapy and Counseling Education;
Rev. Harry E. Woodley, M.Div., Co-Director of Pastoral
Psychotherapy and Counseling Education; Joan Rossi,
Ph.D. Chaplain Supervisor.
From Hebrew Senior Life/Hebrew Rehabilitation Center,
Boston: Rev. Mary Martha Thiel, M.Div., Director of
Clinical Pastoral Education.
“A Christian is like being a pumpkin. God
picks you from the patch, brings you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He
cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky
stuff. He removes the seeds of fear, doubt,
despair, hate, and greed. Then he carves
you a new smiling face and puts His light
inside of you to shine for all the world to
see.”
Via Jim Reed
Joyful Noiseletter
October 2006
Consideration for Collaboration I: Piloting
Training Programs
The increasing complexity of our post-modern world
requires sophisticated new models of thinking about
providing services, conducting training programs, and
developing relational systems. To respond to this need
this workshop will present a training model based on
collaboration with five clinical pastoral cognate groups.
Panel members from a variety of perspectives will reflect
on the strengths and challenges of attending to multiple
training programs. Participants will creatively explore
ways to increase collaboration in their own settings.
Consideration for Collaboration II: Developing
Curriculum, Competencies, and Outcomes to
Meet the Requirements for Counseling
Specializations
“There’s always a lot to be thankful for, if
you take the time to look for it.
For
example, I’m sitting here thinking how
nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.”
Author unknown
The Joyful Noiseletter
November 2004
The Spiritual Care Collaborative Summit ‘09 reminds us
that we are all in the business of providing care and
counseling. In rapidly changing healthcare systems,
counseling services and training must find common
ground, celebrate our differences, and share our wisdom
in creative ways. Participants in this workshop will learn
about a collaborative process for developing pastoral
counseling curricula and competencies. We will share
our wisdom and take home resources for further
development in individual training programs.
Information:
www.spiritualcarecollaborative.org/
nacc_summit09.asp
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