Ascension chaplains had key roles at the recent National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) conference, held at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.
Rick Nash, Ascension Living Chaplain, St. Benedict Nursing and Rehab Center in Niles, Illinois, presented a workshop on training and developing ministers of care utilizing volunteers who have developmental disabilities. There are more than 20 participants in the Presence Pals program who provide special care and companionship to residents at St. Benedict while also learning job skills. Several Presence Pals joined Rick at the conference.
Rick has also developed a Ministers of Care Program in which more than 500 Catholic volunteers have been trained to provide companionship to others in their homes, nursing homes or hospitals.
Kristie Zahn, Chaplain, Ascension Wisconsin, and Sarah Reddin, Director of Ministry Formation and Mission Integration, Ascension Wisconsin, led a session on using mindfulness as a spiritual lens for chaplains and mission integration.
Kristie and Sarah reviewed best practices, case studies, and gave practical suggestions on the practice of mindfulness in the work environment. They explored how chaplains can use mindfulness as a tool to alleviate spiritual distress and they discussed the role mindfulness can play to foster mission integration in the workplace.
Under the direction of Bev Beltramo, Director of Spiritual Care, Ascension Michigan, the NACC choir provided music for all the liturgies and prayer rituals.
Photo 1: Rick Nash (right) with several Presence Pals
Photo 2: Ascension chaplains during the NACC
