2008 Conference

It's time to register for the NCVACC Fall Conference to be held September 29-October 3 at the Washington Retreat House 4000 Harewood Road N.E. Washington D.C.20017-1595. When you Google the Washington Retreat House you will find directions and other interesting information about the retreat house. Here is the other information you will need.

One or two? Must I attend the Annual NCVACC Conference or a Military Convocation? For the answer, click on the membership page, then click on the file called “Basic Expectations for the Pastoral Care of Catholic Personnel and Staff in Veteran Affairs Institutions.” Go to 9.6 where you will see the “responsibilities of Priest-Chaplains to maintain their endorsement.” If you are an endorsed VA Catholic Chaplain serving full-time or part-time 50% or more, you are expected to attend one or the other, preferably the one that will address your issues.

Deadlines: Use the enclosed Registration Form by August 1, 2008 to assure a room at The Washington Retreat House. Please send your payment to James Stump 1345 Cortez Ave. Burlingame, Ca. 94010-4714. You will not need to contact The Washington Retreat House about a room. If you are arriving early, for Certification/Recertification, please make the proper changes with James Stump. Once you complete the form and mail in your check, you are registered.

What to pack? Please bring an alb and stole for con-celebration at the daily Mass. In addition, please be aware that two people share one bathroom. You might also want to bring an alarm clock.

Seeking Certification/Re-certification: One requirement is that you be a current member in good standing of NCVACC. A second requirement is that all fees must be paid, e.g. $50.00 Certification or Re-certification. A third requirement is to have all the required paperwork in to the Certification Chairperson, Fr. Andrew Sioleti by July 1, 2008. A fourth requirement is the interview by the Certification Committee, followed by Board and Episcopal Vicar approval. If you were certified in 2003 or earlier, it is time to be re-certified. Finely, if you plan to sit for an interview, the Certification would wish for you to arrive Sunday evening or early Monday morning. Interviews will take place beginning Monday afternoon.

Contact Hours: This Conference will award contact hours for sessions that you attend. You will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion.

Best Practice Table: Take time for pride. If you sponsor or direct some program, event, or activity at your local station of which you are in a special way proud, please take time now to write up a brief description of what it is, make 50 copies, and bring them to the Fall Conference. What works for veterans at one VA just may work at another VA.

Monday Afternoon and Evening: Archbishop Broglio will be the main celebrant for the 4:00 pm Mass on Monday afternoon September 29 th at the retreat house. He will also be joining us for social time and dinner.

Wednesday Afternoon and Evening: Wednesday afternoon and evening is free for you to see the many wonderful sights in the city of Washington D.C. Visit www.washington.org, a tourism web sites for you to select how you will spend Wednesday afternoon and evening. For those of you who wish to remain at The Washington Retreat House for the afternoon and evening, the dinner meal will be available for you.

Thursday Afternoon and Evening: Bishop Higgins will be our host at the New AMS Headquarters. We will begin with Bishop Higgins as the main celebrate at the 4:00 Mass followed by cocktails and a celebration dinner for the Jubilarians and new NCVACC Members. A tour of the New AMS Headquarters will complete the evening.
I have tried to anticipate most if the frequently asked questions about our fall meeting. But if I have not answered your question in particular, please feel free to contact me by e-mail or phone. My e-mail address is james.burnett@va.gov, and my direct line into my office is 708-202-7268.

I look forward to seeing you in Washington D.C.

Blessings to you in your ministry,

James E. Burnett
President NCVACC

Click here to download the 2008 Conference Brochure.

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