Summer Issue 2015 President’S Letter by Denise Dolff, M.A

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ACTheals: Where God and Healthcare Meet Summer Issue 2015 President’s Letter by Denise Dolff, M.A.

“Who do you say that I am?” In posing tion: “Who do you say that I am?” in much this question to His apostles (Matthew the same manner as Peter, declaring, “Yes 16: 14-17), Jesus was not merely seeking Jesus, You are the Messiah, the Healer of to discover if His closest companions all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.” recognized Him as the Messiah. More im- portantly, Jesus was asking them to search But the gospel story does not end there, deep within themselves to determine if for Peter and the Apostles were called to they were willing to allow the truth about persevere in their faith in Jesus despite His identity to penetrate the very core of many difficulties and struggles. They their being and become the foundation continued Jesus’ mission on earth under of their lives. Peter responded in the af- the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we firmative, and in so doing, demonstrated exist as church today because of their his listening heart and submissiveness to perseverance. If this was true for those the Holy Spirit. Have we, the members of first followers of Jesus, so, too, is it true ACTheals, been willing to do the same? for ACTheals. We have been formed for Denise Dolff, ACT President a purpose, and we equally need to stand of us can fulfill ACT’s vision and mission. Forty years ago ACTheals was called into fast, not distracted by difficulties we en- This is a group project, so to speak, and being. counter in fulfilling our mission, but firm it takes each one of us contributing at in our belief that what God has begun, whatever level we are capable in order to “Redeem My people in your hospitals, in your God will see through to completion. The be successful. Therefore, when there is a clinics, in your offices. Make them MY hospitals, foundational word that we received forty need for service within the organization, MY clinics, MY offices; let ME care for them, years ago is still relevant today, and per- please take that seriously; discern if you and bring them health beyond healing; let Me care haps even more so. If God has called us, are being called, and respond accordingly. for YOU, and bring YOU to health, to whole- then God will continue to equip us, day ness, to holiness. Give Me your professional skills, by day, with all that we need to fulfill this But working side by side is not the only your credentials; yield them to MY authorization, mission. What God requires of us is our reason God has gathered us as an or- consecrate them to MY name, for MY glory, and on-going “yes,” hearts open and yielding ganization. In Genesis we read that it is I will be glorified in your healing work.” to God’s Holy Spirit, that same persever- not good that one would be alone. In ance that God demanded of the Apostles. wisdom, God knew that to labor in the This was the foundational call for ACT, vineyard of healing, we would need sup- and each of us who has become a mem- In responding to Jesus’ question as he did, port and encouragement, so God gave ber of this organization has also accepted Peter was called “the rock,” but he did not us each other. This is the importance of this call as foundational to our lives and build the church alone. All the Apostles our SEW (Support, Empower, Witness) professional practices or ministries. In so were involved in the great commission. doing, we have responded to Jesus’ ques- So, too, with ACTheals – no single one continued on page 2

ACTHeals Members Recently Passed...... 2 On Being One...... 11 Remembering Father Joe...... 4 2015 International Conference...... 12 Inside: ACTHeals Social Media Update...... 5 Her Favorite Prophet...... 14 Holy Spirit in Clinical Practice...... 7 Wholistic Massage...... 15 Region Reports...... 8 Submission Guidelines for InterACT...... 17 More About Word Gifts...... 9 InterACT l 1 InterACT continued from previous page groups, our regional events, and our inter- Published Quarterly by Actheals (ACT) national conference. These are not simply ACTheals An Interdisciplinary Fellowship of Christian opportunities for us to grow together as Healthcare Professionals and Associates an organization, they are also invitations to learn from each other, to be nourished Members Actheals P.O. Box 4961 at the level of personal need, and to be Louisville, KY 40204 healed and made whole. God has called www.actheals.org us for a great work, but God has also Recently ACT Email: [email protected] given us a great gift in ACTheals. As we Fax: 502-456-1821 prepare for the celebration of our fortieth Passed PUBLISHER anniversary at our International Confer- Father Robert Sears, S.J. ence in Orlando this September, let us (Editor’s Note: At the request of the Actheals Executive Committee, this column EDITOR rejoice together and be glad in it. And like Mike MacCarthy all great gifts, it is better when shared. will now become a regular feature of Inter- [email protected] ACT. Actheals wishes to take this opportunity to thank these Christ-filled men and women CONTRIBUTORS Ginny Antaya, Ann Arcieri, Karen Cichon, Ping- for their years of invaluable service. May they Tah Peter Chow, Denise Dolff, Joe Duddie, Jean rest in the eternal peace of the Lord. Kirton, Vince Kirton, Kathy MacCarthy, Mike MacCarthy, Cheryl Marsh, Mary Jean Ricci, Douglas Info on the death and obit of an ACTheals Schoeninger, Father Robert Sears, Djohariah Toor, and the office staff of Degnon Associates, Inc. member should be sent to Francesca Franchina, C&PChair, [email protected] She will The vision of ACT is to be an international, ecumen- write/rewrite/edit as needed the information ical association of Christian healthcare professionals, clergy, and associates equipped and extending the sent her by the Regional Co-Ordinator or healing presence, heart, and mind of Jesus Christ whomever knew the ACTheals member best to their patients, clients, colleagues, and institutions, and forward it to InterACT at mmwrites@ under the power and guidance the Holy Spirit. san.rr.com). The mission of ACT is to provide resources and support to enable healthcare professionals, clergy, and associates to: 1) Personally experience the heal- Angele (Anita) Desrosiers ing power of Jesus Christ; 2) Integrate their profes- died January 11, 2015 sional skills, spiritual development, healing ministry, Current InterACT Display and theological understanding; and 3) Extend the healing presence, heart, and mind of Jesus Christ Advertising Rates: Therese (Teri) Banach through their work and ministry. died January 13, 2015 Rates for ACT Members: We invite your comments/suggestions, written 1 Issue (3 months) thoughts, or submissions. We reserve the right to 1/2 page: $200/Issue edit submitted articles without notice. Your name Elizabeth Alent Full page: $350/Issue can be withheld by request in InterACT, but must died January 30, 2015 be included with a contact phone or email when 2 Issues (6 months) your article is submitted. We also request that a 1/2 page: $175/Issue current digital “headshot” photo of you accompany Father Joseph M. Scerbo, SA Full page: $325/Issue your submission. February 14, 1944 - The next deadline for InterACT is July 15, 2015 4 Issues (12 months) March 19, 2015 (2015 Fall Issue). 1/2 page: $150/Issue Full page: $275/Issue Copyright © 2015 by InterAct and ACTheals. All Father Jim Wheeler rights reserved. Any reproduction without written Notes: permission is strictly prohibited. All past and cur- 1. Artwork for each ad is to be supplied by the died April 7, 2015 rent members of ACT are considered members- ACT member in a timely manner. at-large of InterACT staff. All photos provided by Reverend Martin Bradbury staff. 2. All fees are payable in advance (make checks payable to ACT and forward to the office in died April 7, 2015 Virginia). We accept credit cards.

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InterACT l 2 Remembering Father Joe Scerbo O.F.M. (Part 1) by Djohariah Toor

Father Joe was not just a spiritual men- how, no matter what we do in tor, brother, and friend to many. He was a our life, it’s what God calls us to. guide to wholeness and holiness in its most In order to be whole people, we spontaneous form. He said “Yes” to life must embrace what is broken in and lived it fully. As a priest, and a Ge- us. And embrace it wholeheart- stalt therapist, he could lead you into your edly. When I heard him say that worst fear, and bring you out the other side God can turn our weakness and cleansed, humbled, and with a new vision worst fears into a great strength, of the beauty inside. He could take you on once we embrace them, I knew a journey to what Merton calls the True this man was living someplace Self, and along the way, encourage you to close to the heart of Jesus. meet the False Self open-heartedly. No judgments, what ifs, no worries. “Just open After a while he invited us into Father Joe Scerbo, OFM the door and go in,” he would say. Learn a meditation into the depths of on the other side of it, His hand stretched to love your fears, hurts, failings, your the heart. We were asked to close out in welcome. As I opened the door to precious body, and the soul it holds—into our eyes and gradually drop down inside my unloved side, I stood looking in at, and healing. ourselves as though entering an inner pas- sensing my lack of self-confidence as a sageway. We were then guided to image woman, my need to prove myself, my mis- This was a vital message to me when I two doors, one of which was familiar to trust of my deepest feelings, the body that was new to the study of counseling and us, representing our life, our work, our re- I had never fully welcomed. As I stood family therapy. In a group process I could lationships, talents, ambitions, short-com- there, Jesus took my hand (which was no tell you about my children, my husband, ings, what we knew and liked of ourselves, longer a woman’s hand but my own hand my mother, my life through the looking what we trusted and could feel good about. as a child) in His. He then bent down and glass, but I could not tell what I was feel- The door next to it represented what we took that child into His arms. She began to ing. After knowing Father Joe for a while, didn’t know, or didn’t want to know about laugh freely. It was beautiful seeing the two I never ceased to be amazed at his open ourselves; that part of our life or our feel- of them, like at a family reunion. heart. He shared not just his wisdom, but ings we hadn’t opened up to or reckoned his own faults and fears, his hurts. I never with, perhaps were afraid or ashamed of. Then after a while Jesus handed her to me. knew him to hide his feelings, his cloak “Love her as much as I do,” He said, look- was never a covering, but a commitment ing deep into my eyes. As Joe continued to to what was real in his life. He so laughed ...he could lead surrender us to Jesus, letting Him guide us in the face of Shadow, I learned to dance into our deepest hurts, and into a place of with mine. He mirrored the art of being you into your worst release, I wept with relief and gratitude. in touch with who he was as a human being, a follower of Jesus, and he knew the fear, and bring That evening as the healing teams began to God within. He was at home wherever pray over the people on retreat, Father Joe he went, and was a lover of all people. you out the other and I wound up praying together as a team. Although knowledgeable and accepting side cleansed, Our friendship began in this richly Spirit- of all religions, he walked the path of his filled church in Oakland while Father Joe savior, and his diverse soul reached out to humbled, and with was still in Berkeley. I was a painter, hap- all faiths. Experiencing this was a treasure pily married, and a mother of four, yet my he enabled me to find in myself. a new vision of the heart was longing to find a deeper calling. It was Joe, in the following summer of I first met Father Joe in the spring of beauty inside. 1978, who encouraged me to go back to 1977 at a retreat he was giving in Oakland, school and get my master’s in counseling. I California at Holy Redeemer Center. I was was at the time a charismatic, and a recent struck by his greeting, arms wide open, his After a while, carried on the wings of our convert to the church (after following welcome laughter, and wonder. He began amazing music ministry, we were invited to the retreat by talking about wholeness, and open this other door and to imagine Jesus continued on next page

InterACT l 3 continued from previous page that I had this precious time out, no as- One year, when the ACT conference was signments, exams, no being responsible for to be in Toronto, I went again to Penn- anything, or anyone—just a direct encoun- sylvania as Father Joe had invited me to ter with the Holy Spirit. The covering of come with him and his healing team for a prayer, the music, the singing in tongues, retreat they were doing in Toronto be- the co-celebration of the Eucharist, God’s fore the conference. He had asked me to Oneness was everywhere. be an intercessor during that retreat, and to pray for God’s grace over the team. I As my studies were drawing to a close, remember this retreat with a great deal of I occasionally visited Father Joe after he delight, because after Father Joe’s talks, moved back East to Pennsylvania where the Italian women couldn’t wait to sit with he had begun to work at the Institute for him at mealtime; he was like a honeybee. Christian Healing. In the mid-eighties I vis- The women followed him everywhere, but ited him in Pennsylvania and got to know especially at meals. One woman, insisting many of his wonderful colleagues. One day he sit at her table, pulled a large Italian sau- I was invited to share a few sessions of co- sage and a whole cabbage out of her bag therapy work with Joe. One of the women and set it before him. “Mange!” she said. we saw talked for most the session, and And he did. A few days later, when the seemed quite anxious, and neither Joe nor ACT conference began, it was even more I could calm her. Then I spontaneously of a feast. During a morning Mass in the Islam for some years), and was skeptical took her foot in my hands and started to hotel ballroom, a white candle had been lit about being in an academic environment. massage it, and she sat back in her chair, for the Eucharistic service. We were all just relaxed, and started to tear up; as a peace sitting in prayer (perhaps after the Mass) At lunch one day as I was sharing my fell over her she began to say what was on when I heard voices of acclamation toward doubts, he said: “Imagine you are stand- her heart. the front of the hall. Joe and a few priests ing in a desert on a railroad platform and had returned to the altar, and were bending you are waiting for a train that only comes over to look at something. Then we heard through on certain times of the year. Imag- He mirrored the art Father Paul Schaff announce that a perfect ine that you want to travel, and your bags white heart had just flowed onto the altar are packed, and you are standing there wait- of being in touch from the candle. A covering of amazement ing, but you are unsure what you’re getting and thanksgiving fell over us. into, so you think ‘I can’t do it.’ Just get on with who he was as the train. If you don’t like it, you can always (Editor’s Note: for Part II of this story, please get off. But don’t miss the train.” a human being, a click here and read it on the ACTheals website.)

I got on. follower of Jesus,

It was also Father Joe, who in the fall of and he knew the that same year, invited me to attend my first ACT convention, which was to be in God within. Houston that year with Francis MacNutt, the Linn Brothers, Barbara Schlemon, Fa- “I love the way you did that, Joe said later. therPaul Schaff, Sister Jean Hill, and many She calmed down and went inside for others. And, in his excitement to offer this the first time.” I didn’t know what else to fledgling the gift of ACT, he promised to do, I said. He just laughed. I had many introduce me to a group of wonderful and supervisors as a budding intern therapist, Spirit-filled women from Mexico whom he but none with the depth of Spirit and had met and grown to love. “You will love unabashed love of God as Father Joe these women, they are so passionate, so in professed, lived by, and shared with anyone Originator of Creative Process Training, love with the Lord, and so alive. You’ll be who had a yearning for the Holy. Thank- Djohariah Toor leads workshops designed right at home.” fully, he was seldom bound by the medi- to challenge self-limits, confront the demons cal model in his treatment of clients, but of memory, and free up the divine wilderness I went to Houston with several others remained open to the spontaneity of the within. She is a counselor, author, and artist, from the Holy Redeemer Community, and Spirit, God’s leading, and an unwavering and lives both on the Oregon coast, and New we were not disappointed. We fell in love trust in the wisdom and voice of the heart. Mexican desert. with the Body of Christ that ACT was, and It was even okay to hold someone’s foot. still is to this day. I felt immense gratitude

InterACT l 4 ACTheals Social Media Update by Joe Duddie SOCIAL MEDIA yourself with the various components of (Website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) our new website at the same old address Communication in today’s digital age www.actheals.org. comes in the forms of tweets, posts, pulses, MP3, WMA files, and much more. ACTHEALS WEBSITE ACTheals is moving forward with its effort (Public Pages) to use these various social media sources The public section of the site is fully to promote its vision and mission and to functional except for the store which is invite new members. Our ultimate goal still a work in progress. The homepage here is to optimize the use of our social has a new “Welcoming” statement and the media engagement to reach potential customary drop-down menus and naviga- members, other like-minded organizations, tion tools used for accessing information and to create a recognizable identity for about membership, regions, events, spe- ACTheals. Using social networking sites cialty groups, products, services, and more. such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter The homepage has two new and exciting gives us a voice in the ever-growing digital features: The first is the “Coming Events” Joe Duddie world. We are not alone in this quest. The panel that is used to showcase upcom- traditional means of communication and ing national and regional activities. The website that makes it easy for people to expression such as cable television, radio, second is a “News” section for showcas- connect on a personal level and share movies, newspapers, and books have also ing information about new members, and information with family and friends online. been forced to adjust to life in a rapidly highlighting publications such as InterACT ACTheals uses Facebook to promote our changing digital age. or other releases produced by our mem- organization. While our FB presence is bers. Members can also submit informa- fully operational, we are in the process of The contents of this article hopefully will tion about personal involvement in outside updating this site to reflect our current provide the reader with a brief summary activities that support ACTheals’ vision and vision and mission and the products and of ACTheals’ efforts with using four of mission. services available to members and visitors. the many online digital services. A basic membership in Facebook is free, ACTHEALS WEBSITE but fees are charged for using advertising ACTHEALS WEBSITE (Members-only Section) tools and running campaigns for promot- Our old website no longer exists and has The members-only section offers an easy- ing events and other activities. With a been replaced with a new site that is well- to-use information dashboard which allows membership of 1 billion people world- organized and presents information using members to access account information, wide, Facebook is a good place to be. Our a standardized layout and functionality the member directory, events data, and member activity on our FB page has been that helps to improve both members’ and more. The “My Account” feature allows minimal, but I know we can do better. We visitors’ experience. The ACTheals design members to view their account data and need our members who have FB accounts team has been working quite diligently with update personal information. The next to follow our business page, as well as our management partners to build our new time you update your “My Account” post information and participate in online website which was launched in early April information, please use the “Title” field to discussions with network members and and offers both public and members-only identify your region affiliation (e.g. Canada, organizations. We currently have approxi- sections. We used a three tiered approach San Diego Region, or African Region). mately 75 friends on FB. We need more to developing the new site. Remember, we no longer use numbers to participation to get a good return on this identify regions. You can find informa- investment. Phase I was dedicated to building the tion about region affiliation by viewing the public section of the site; Phase II of our information found under the “Regions” LINKEDIN tiered approach focuses on building the tab in the blue navigation panel near the (www.linkedin.com/company/3265529) members-only section; Phase III will focus top of the page. LinkedIn is an online social network for on enhancements that will improve the business professionals. It’s different than site. Phase I is almost complete as of this FACEBOOK other social networking sites like Facebook writing and soon we’ll begin work on Phase (www.facebook.com/actheals) II. Please take some time to familiarize Facebook (FB) is a social networking continued on next page

InterACT l 5 continued from previous page TWITTER to follow important people, join discus- (https://twitter.com/ACTHeals) sions, and communicate with colleagues. or Twitter because it’s designed specifically Twitter is a free social networking and You know this is true. The next time you for professional networking. It is for find- micro-blogging service used to communi- go to an airport, go to lunch, dinner, or ing a job, discovering leads, and connecting cate with network members. Twitter allows even attend a conference, look around and with potential business partners rather than users to send “updates” known as “tweets” you will see people using hand-held devices simply making friends or sharing photos, (text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) to keep on top of things; they are connect- videos, music, or information about our to the Twitter universe using instant messag- ed. Every organization of influence (large latest vacation. LinkedIn has a network ing services available on their computers at or small) has a voice on social media. of approximate 400 million professionals home or work, and on their portable devices worldwide and is another good pace for us such as smart phones and tablets. Some ACTheals needs a loud and strong voice to be. There is no cost for the basic mem- people use Twitter as a way to simply report in this digital arena to promote Christ- bership to LinkedIn, but they too offer a their “status” to friends, and some use it as centered healing interventions as part of premium account for a fee that will signifi- a marketing tool. ACTheals uses Twitter to healthcare practice. The more we engage cantly increase the return on investment. disseminate important time-sensitive infor- people on social media, the better the Like Facebook, LinkedIn offers advertising mation and for marketing. results will be for our organization. and promotional tools for a fee. We are looking at costs for running a campaign to NEXT STEP SUBMITTING REQUEST promote the 2015 International Confer- Your help is needed! Engagement is We have established a process for submit- ence and exploring the possibility of pro- the most powerful tool we have to tell ting requests to post or change information moting content ads for InterACT and other the ACTheals story. Engagement is on our social media venues. Please send all ACTheals products. Here too, we need done face-to-face and electronically. If requests to add, update, or delete informa- more participation from our members. If ACTheals is going to survive in the digital tion to me (Joe Duddie) at JoeDuddie22@ you have a LinkedIn account please use age, we need to use both means to their yahoo.com. I will facilitate and track the the “Follow” feature to follow our busi- fullest extent to get the word out. We must status of each request and ensure that ap- ness page. Consider asking your network adapt to communicating with highly mobile plicable information is posted on all our members colleagues on LinkedIn to follow professionals who use computers, digital media sites. I will also notify you when the our business page. This would help to TVs, and other hand-held devices to find work has been completed. improve our presence on the LinkedIn information, view emails, and purchase news feed and with other media sources products and services from their home or God bless. that use search engines to find people and workplace. We too must use social media organizations.

InterACT l 6 The Holy Spirit in Clinical Practice by Douglas Schoeninger, PhD

In this issue I am featuring excerpts from care, valuing and respecting human life is the a paper by Mary Jean Ricci on promoting starting point for confronting a culture of peace through healthcare practice. The violence. full paper will be published in the next issue of the Journal of Christian Healing, In chapter 22 verse 49 of the gospel of Spring Summer 2015. So, following is a Luke, the verse asks, “shall we strike with taste of what is to come in JCH. the sword?“ “When those who were around In her work I am impressed by the many Him saw what was going to happen, they immediate and simple ways healthcare said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’ practitioners can be a leaven for peace And one of them struck the slave of the and non-violence through their everyday high priest and cut off his right ear.” The presence with patients, colleagues, and in disciples did not yet comprehend this nonvi- the specific practices, clinics and hospitals olent way even though they shared everyday where they care for others. life with Jesus. Jesus had instructed them to love thy neighbor. The disciples had already cussions aimed at decreasing violence in shared Passover with Jesus. They had heard hospitals, clinics, and communities. As Pursuing Nonviolence the Sermon on the Mount and witnessed faith filled professionals, we are called to through Jesus in the loaves and the fishes multiplied, yet even conversion to peaceful ways. As healthcare at the end of Jesus’ ministry they still did not professionals, we are poised to commit to Healthcare grasp a nonviolent way of life. a peaceful lifestyle. This commitment will lead to conversion in others. Conversion Mary Jean Ricci, MSN RNBC will continue to facilitate peaceful lifestyles Scripture calls us which will change our society one individual The evidence of violence is everywhere. at a time. Person by person, conversion will Violence, in all aspects of our lives, is greatly enable the communities to realize a decrease impacting the way we live. Anxiety regarding to hold God in awe in violence. Healthcare professionals, who violence permeates our communities. Our have faith-rooted values, as well as hope children are exposed to violence on a con- and with the utmost for a nonviolent future, can assist many stant basis, at school, in the media, in games, clients to change their lives thus facilitating a and, for too many, at home. Verbal violence nonviolent change in our culture. They can in our families and media communications respect and to walk advocate for the most vulnerable popula- contributes to this culture of violence. tions including the elderly and medically Violence is becoming multigenerational. in His ways. indigent in society. Continued exposure to rampant violence is leading to a culture of learned violent Scripture calls us to hold God in awe and Healthcare professionals have much to con- behavior in our youth. Profanity is being with the utmost respect and to walk in His tribute to decreasing violence in the world. used in epidemic proportions in all com- ways. Deuteronomy 10:12, 20-21 records, As valued members of society, they have the munication in everyday life. Our social fabric “And now, O Israel, what does the LORD opportunity to assist others to understand is being torn apart by a culture of violence your God ask of you but to fear [to rever- dangerous choices in life. As professionals, that quarantines families to their homes due ence] the LORD your God, to walk in all his they possess education on human dignity, to fear that confines them. Our communi- ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your justice, and peace. ties often seem indifferent to the suffering God with all your heart and with all your of their inhabitants. The world is caught soul.” The reverence of God is the basis for Healthcare professionals see the loss of lives in the pursuit of material goods rather than our walking in His ways, and serving Him. when caring for the victims. They minister fulfilling our obligation to love and protect to those afflicted by violence. Sharing their family and neighbor. HEALTHCARE convictions and describing their experiences with violence can assist others in forming PROFESSIONALS CAN As dedicated healthcare professionals, we their value systems. They listen to clients can assist in constructing a foundation for a FOSTER PEACE describe the fear in their lives. Healthcare nonviolent way of life. It begins with ensur- Healthcare professionals have the experi- ing the dignity of every person. In health- ence which can be used to facilitate dis- continued on next page InterACT l 7 continued from previous page ment to develop programs; every health ing lens of fear and hatred. We are able to professionals can confront this growing cul- care professional is in a position to pray and discern His call, the tasks He has for us to ture of violence with a vision of hope and a role-model the values associated with faith. do. When God calls, God provides the mo- call to action. Every healthcare professional can commit tivation and the means. In all we do, we can to change one’s own world. Each day one therefore depend on the Holy Spirit, God’s What can healthcare professionals do? can examine her/his conscience for areas in presence and power in us, through us, and daily life where one was unkind, selfish, or with us. God’s burden is light. We are called acted with violence, or did not show mercy to serve and foster peace in society. ...every health care to others or to self. Mary Jean Ricci, BSN, MSN is the Director of professional is in This self-reflection can lead us to peace- Corporate Clinical Support for the Good Shepherd ful ways. Have we forgiven those who hurt Penn Partners, which provides specialized long-term us? Unforgiveness can consume us. Do we acute care and inpatient and outpatient physical a position to pray accept ourselves in our human state? Have rehabilitation throughout the Philadelphia region. we forgiven ourselves? We can resolve to She has had broad experience in healthcare as a and role-model the change. We can commit to change one as- Laboratory Clerk, Student Nurse, Staff Nurse, pect of our not-so-kind humanness? If we and Charge Nurse. She worked in the ICU, CCU, values associated have a mouth like a …., we can resolve to and PCU before becoming involved in teaching as stop cursing. We can commit to biting our an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Holy Family tongue instead of lashing out in anger. We University and a Course Coordinator and Level Co- with faith. can resolve to respect others. We can give ordinator (Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric, Commu- thanks for all we have. People desire that nity Health, and Leadership). She is a member of Healthcare professionals can educate the mercy be shown to them when they make the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. populations they serve as they work with the a mistake? Do we consistently show others indigent and vulnerable. They can advocate mercy? Do we respect all areas of life? for social responsibility in all areas of society. They can offer counseling and volunteer This self-reflection in facilities serving the underserved. Most healthcare workers have the opportunity to work with families. They can teach families can lead us to to respond in nonviolent ways. Healthcare professionals can assist all in their care to peaceful ways. find common ground with others in all areas Region of life. Have we forgiven Healthcare professionals are bound by Reports regulation to assess individuals for domestic those who hurt us? violence and child abuse. They can access resources and develop education programs Pilgrimage in the Footsteps needed to assist families and victims. Healthcare professionals can focus their of Saint Paul Healthcare professionals can heal people in energy to procure and maintain resources Father Ed Henhoeffer from Saint Paul the mind, body, and spirit if they use their posi- to help society combat crime, to overcome Apostle in Burlington will be leading a pil- tions in healthcare to increase awareness of poverty and violence. They can advocate for grimage October 27-November 6, 2015 to the scope of the problems plaguing society. policies to assist people to escape poverty, Greece and Turkey to discover the places They can role- model concern for others leave behind less desirable lives, and provide where Saint Paul travelled and preached. therefore contributing to rebuilding a moral hope for a better future. They can choose to This journey will take us through Athens, foundation in society. Professional leader- commit to family and community. Health- Thessaloniki, Philippi, Istanbul, Ephesus, ship can negate violence by teaching the care professionals can care for the emo- and much more, plus a 7-night cruise. For skills needed to overcome violence. Mem- tional, physical, and spiritual needs of their further information please contact Joanne bers of the healthcare profession can take clients. Cothran at Skylink Holidays at 1-866-296- the lead in the development of programs 3345 or joannecothran@skylinkholidays. focusing on alternatives to violence. Jesus is the way to meet societal needs. com. When we are focused on Him, when we While many of healthcare professionals become His eyes, ears, and hands, when are not in a position through their employ- we live from His life, we are able to see the world as it is, and not through the distort- InterACT l 8 More About Word Gifts by Ann Arcieri, LMSW

This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: do not have to attend the IC annually to “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, be a Team member.) that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and The charism of prophecy reveals the your young men shall see visions, and your old Heart of the Father to a specific body, in men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menser- the Name of Jesus, through the power of vants and my maidservants in those days I will the Holy Spirit. These prophetic words/ pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy....” songs, visions, and Scriptures are given to (Acts 2:16-18 quoting Joel 2:28-29) us to glorify God and edify the believer; to encourage our growth in faith and Since the inception of ACTheals, God has intimacy with Jesus, to empower us to live spoken to us consistently about His radical our faith with courage, and to persevere love, mercy, and holy will. He has wooed in the building of His Kingdom. Some us back to Him when we have wandered, words are gentle exhortations to promote corrected us when we have erred, and em- change in our hearts. Some lovingly cor- Ann Arcieri, LMSW, Michigan resident braced us in the Heart of the Trinity when rect spiritual resistance or obstacles to our we have been hurt. Through the charism belief and trust in God’s will for our lives. 3. The role of the WG Team is to dis- of prophecy, the Holy Spirit has evange- Others are invitations to surrender and cern the validity of the content, potency, lized and sustained us. thus enter more deeply into the Abyss of relevance, and timing for all the incom- Divine Love as His precious Beloved One. ing words. They often reflect the theme We occasionally have inquiries about how of the conference or the daily liturgical the Prophetic Word Gift (WG) Team 1. Service on the Word Gift Team moves themes. Some words come in the first day functions. We are blessed in ACTheals at a hectic pace at the International Con- and go with the theme of the third day, that throughout our history many Board ference (IC). The Team generally meets etc., so the WG Team saves them to pro- leaders rely on the Lord’s prophetic input prior to each time of proclamation, to dis- claim later. Written words help the Team to help define organizational goals and cern the submitted written words received organize the material, watch the flow of member services. They long for and from the Team members and the body at the Spirit, and keep order—a calm, rever- desire to yield to the Spirit’s prompting. large. This ministry involves early rising ent, serene, gentle pace—so the tender So at the President’s invitation, Word Gift to meet before the conference day begins Love of Jesus can come through the Team members “pray and listen” from and often ends late at night, with addition- words. His Love quenches the thirst of home several times a year for prophetic al listening in the night-watches for God’s the wounded healer’s parched spirit. His direction. Additionally, we gather as a voice. This ministry is not for the faint of Love heals the brokenhearted. team at the annual International Confer- heart. The listeners are asked to seek the ence to seek the Lord’s Heart for His Lord’s Face for a word for this particular 4. Impromptu words are rare in our his- beloved people. body and their leaders, and then submit tory and difficult to discern at time of their word to the Team for discernment. proclamation, due to time constraints. What follows is the recent protocol used Most often if a person has a spontane- at the 2014 International Conference. 2. If a home ACTheals Region has ous word, they can just ask Jesus how to This process was established initially confirmed that a member has been given comply with the IC format. He has never in the 1990s under the guidance of the this prophetic charism, that person should let us down. He knows and wants right Spiritual Life Committee, and has been be identified to the WG site Coordinator order as much as we. That person should refined over the years by various WG at the IC, and be given a copy of the IC approach the Coordinator and share a coordinators. Many of the WG members format. If they are comfortable with this general “sense” of what God is placing have served for over 20 years. Currently plan and willing to submit to Team process on her/his heart. The WG Coordinator we are seeking additional members from as defined here, they would be invited to retains the right and privilege to either each region, and would like the Regional sit with WG team. They would then share accept the word on-site, or redirect the Coordinators to identify those members their verbal and written words for discern- listener to submit the word in writing to gifted in the prophetic. Those who are ment at the daily Team meetings prior to the full discernment Team. interested should contact us directly to the scheduled time of proclamation. discuss this exciting ministry. (Note: You continued on next page

InterACT l 9 continued from previous page received are “confirming words” of a 8. Each day the entire WG Team takes prior discerned word. If time permits, time to praise and thank God for the 5. Content and Identified Group: Words the Coordinator can give a summary of movement of the Spirit, His gentle Pres- at the IC generally fit into three catego- confirmations, and then submit them for ence, and His willingness to give us His ries: for the board, for the body, for the print later in InterACT. Heart-Thoughts. It is lovely to watch His person him/herself that received it. Some themes unfold, embracing us and empow- words that are initially sent to the board 7. Listeners are most often asked to pro- ering us once again to be healers with the are also read to the body at the IC at the claim their own words, if willing. If not, Heart of Jesus. Use of this prophetic direction of the board. a Team member will read the word, the charism in ACTheals is a holy privilege Scripture or share the vision. At the time entrusted to us by a loving and wise God. 6. All written words submitted from con- of delivery, the Team Coordinator often We must handle it with care, seeking ference attendees are gratefully accepted stands behind each speaker and places a always to speak the truth in love. for discernment. Grounds for not using hand on their shoulder to provide cover- a word are simple. Words discerned to be ing from evil and strength for delivery. For additional information on how you can “personal” i.e., only for that person, not Proclaiming God’s word in public can provide prophetic support for ACTheals, contact the body or board, will be returned to the be intimidating. It is always a Team ap- [email protected] or Antoinettemcd@att. listener, with thanks and encouragement proach. As we intercede, we pray for an net With added interest, a mentoring/account- to keep listening and submit again. We anointing on their voice and clarity of ability group could be established through the ask that listeners do not take it personally speech so the word will go forth to pierce Spiritual Life Committee to help members grow if their word is returned to them or not the hearts of God’s people. We recall that in this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. proclaimed. We really try hard to listen God watches over His word to perform it, and discern in the Power of the Spirit, not and we are forever aware of the heavy re- in our humanity, as we watch the Spirit sponsibility to discern God’s Voice rather weave the fabric of His words together than speak our own. each day. About one third of the words

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InterACT l 10 On Being One: Suffering by Karen Kozica Cichon, PhD

Dang! I did not want to have to write Dread at the potential loss wells up on this topic! There is so much new life within and shuts down systems. We must abounding this spring, the Resurrection suffer those moments, those losses, and has happened; why go back to the Cross? move into love. We want to do some- But that is so much of our lives, isn’t thing, to make it better, to bring healing. it? So many different kinds of suffering We open our hearts to emotions that or- allowed by that Suffering Servant God dinarily stay out of consciousness. Our of ours. bursting hearts impel us to give gener- ously, to go above and beyond our typical It is always one of the hardest questions behavior in order to offer support, to let to answer, that one about, “If God is all- them know they are not alone, and that good, loving, and all-powerful, why are we are in this with them. We find ways we allowed to suffer so much?” Good to express the closeness we feel with question. God sure isn’t about doing it them through knowing their pain. the easy way. Such suffering is the price of an open I have long held that one of the main and loving heart. And it exists all the tasks before us on this earth is to learn time, in every aspect of our lives. As to suffer gracefully. By that I mean to we respond with compassion to the Karen Kozica Cichon, PhD, is in private be open to, cooperate with, and give atrocities reported on the news and allow out God’s grace, even in the most trying ourselves to share in the pain of families practice as a faith-based Licensed Clinical of circumstances. Tall order; takes a of victims of atrocities, we are binding Psychologist in downtown Chicago. She lifetime. Faith tells us that we are part of the world in the Name of Jesus. As we welcomes comments at something much bigger than ourselves, open to our heartbreak over the wounds [email protected]. some process that gives meaning to our our earth is suffering from the greed travails in ways that are mostly mysteri- of humankind and send money to save need to see that it is not just about us ous to us. What I have become aware of those magnificent creatures endangered and our own transformation, but that al- recently is just how much suffering is a by our careless actions, we are moving lowing it in our own lives brings healing pathway to unity—a breaking down of in the Great Love to heal that which has to our loved ones and beyond, reaching our own realities in the interest of giving given us life. When we go to work in the out to the whole world. birth to a deeper and more conscious soup kitchen or even just smile and talk connection to God and others. This will, with a homeless person, we are living What is crucial is that we suffer grace- potentially, lead us to holy action—an out the cycle of suffering. We are seeing fully, not projecting our pain outward in awakening desire to actively love. it, and it is all prayer, a response to the judgments and accusations and blame, Heart of Christ through the suffering of but holding it, fully holding it, one with What kinds of suffering have you been our own hearts. Jesus on the Cross, holding it all to- going through lately and where has it gether, humanity and divinity, dying to taken you? I have recently been carry- Sometimes, it all gets to be too much. self for Love, to be One in Christ. Then ing a sorrow that has expanded my heart The only way to keep re-entering that suffering has done its work, the world is right into my throat after getting some arena of suffering is to be able to take in a little more healed, and the “heavenlies” shocking, horrible health news about my long drinks of the Light, to know that rejoice. office partner, sailing buddy, brother-in- we are but a vessel of Christ’s loving Christ of over thirty years. He has been Presence in moving life forward to total there for me through all of life’s vagaries, inclusion in Him; that, while so much especially during the last eight years of seems “wrong,” all is well. It is part of my own cancer journey. the process. Death and destruction are tools to bring forward more life. We Our minds refuse to accept such news; must trust the Source of our being that it is like coming too close to falling into we can walk through the fire and move the abyss, where nothing makes sense. more fully into Resurrection. And we

InterACT l 11 Preview of ACTheals 2015 International Conference By Cheryl Marsh

ACTheals members in Florida, under In addition to the plenary and workshop the leadership of Deborah Kalinyak and presentations, there will be time daily for Melissa McKenna, will host the annual Adoration, Meditation, Praise and Wor- International Conference, “Healing Fami- ship, and Eucharistic celebrations. Healing lies in Christ: Past, Present, and Future” at services on Thursday and Friday night are the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Orlando open to the public and provide opportunity Airport, September 17-20, 2015. The con- to receive individual healing prayers. ference highlights Dr. Rene Pelleya-Kouri, the acclaimed author of Praying Doctors: No ACT conference is complete without “Jesus in the Office”; Father Robert Sears a party; this year’s theme is “Most Outra- SJ, Ph.D., teacher, author, spiritual direc- geous Tourist.” Come prepared to relax, tor, current past-president of ACTheals; let loose and dance to the music of Carl and Judith MacNutt M. A., Director of Granieri dressed in your most outrageous Ministry and President of Christian Heal- tourist attire. ing Ministries in Jacksonville, FL. Plenary and workshop presentations will address By now, all ACT members should have the psychological, spiritual, and physical received a conference brochure with full components of family healing that include details for the 2015 International Confer- intergenerational, individual, and relational ence. Save when registering early for both transformation which affects our present identify blocks to familial healing, share the pre-conference and the conference. health and the life of future generations. prayer models for relational healing, and Please continue to check the website, www. The conference will also celebrate ACT’s give witness to the transformative power actheals.org, for details on registration, 40 years of mission and ministry to health- of relational healing. These presentations speakers, workshop presentations, and care providers. will enrich the lives of professional health accommodations. Conference room rates providers, their patients, clients, and those are available for three days before and after Father Yozefu-B. Ssemakula (Father individuals who are just basically interested the conference, plan to come early and stay Joseph), Douglas Schoeninger Ph.D. , and in acquiring more knowledge about heal- later to enjoy Orlando’s many attractions. Judy Shelly will provide in-depth presenta- ing of families in the Christian tradition tions on healing families in the Christian including healing prayer and the Gifts of tradition during the pre-conference pro- the Holy Spirit. gram on September 17, 2015. Father Jo- seph, the renowned author of the critically acclaimed book, The Healing of Families, will be describing his “Healing of Families Seminar.” Dr. Schoeninger and Judy Shelly will be presenting on “Intergenerational Healing.”

Christian healing in family systems is a timely theme given the daily stress on all relationships, especially the family system. The rich array of medical, professional, and healing ministry speakers will provide a Trinitarian grounding for family healing, address the impact of broken relationships on physical, emotional, and spiritual health, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Orlando Airport, the conference hotel

InterACT l 12 2015 ACT International Conference Registration Deadline: September ?, 2015

Register online at actheals.org/ or Complete this form and forward with your check to: ACTheals • P.O. Box 4961 • Louisville, KY 40204

Register EARLY and SAVE!!! Completed registration must be received online or in our office no later than August 00, 2015. p YES! This is my first ACT International Conference

Full Name: Name on Badge:

Email: Region:

Specialty Group Preference (circle only one): Allied Health Associates Clergy & Religious Nurses Pastoral Care Psychotherapists Physicians/Dentists/Chiropractors/Healthcare Practitioners

Address: City: State: Zip:

Home Phone: Work Phone: Fax:

By August 7 After August 7 REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS Full Registration: Pre-Conference and All cancellation must be made in writing. International Conference Written cancellations before ACT Member $340 $400 September 5, 2015 are subject to a $50 ACT Member Spouse $340 $400 processing fee. Refunds are not possible ACT Student Member $180 $225 Non-Member $460 $520 after September 5, 2015 except for emergencies. All refunds will be processed Pre-Conference Only after the meeting. ACT reserves the right to ACT Member $125 $150 cancel any event due to lack of enrollment ACT Member Spouse $125 $150 or other factors. ACT Student Member $ 60 $ 80 Non-Member $165 $190

International Conference Only ACT Member $260 $280 ACT Member Spouse $260 $150 ACT Student Member $145 $170 Non-Member $380 $400 Office Use Only: Meal Plan (6 meals) 3 dinners: Thursday - Friday - Saturday Check # 3 lunches: Friday - Saturday - Sunday All Attendees $150 $150 Date Received

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ACTheals • P.O. Box 4961 • Louisville, KY 40204 • 502.632.3036 x2 • [email protected] • www.actheals.org

InterACT l 13 Her Favorite Prophet by Ginny Antaya

God meets us where we are and offers their mother, she again nodded in ap- us wonderful experiences if we choose proval. to accept and respond. The next half hour was filled with My husband and I were meeting our excitement as I shared with them story realtor at the local Lexus repair cen- after story and they asked many ques- ter. It was a convenient place for our tions and wanted to hear more. They discussion while our friend’s car was be- were particularly interested in the raising ing serviced. I was not involved in the of Jairus’ daughter. discussions between the two men, and I began to wander around. The mother received the call from the Ginny Antaya, Associate Member of ACT, the founder of the Mercy of God Prayer Center in service department that her automobile The facility lacked nothing in provid- Austin, Texas and the Vice-President of Our was ready. She smiled at me, and I felt ing a comfortable atmosphere for the Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Centers, Int. her trust in me to be with her children “Owners in Waiting.” To my delight, a in her absence. food banquet awaited me as I turned a help of the Holy Spirit, I found myself corner. It was like a magnet that beck- cautiously talking about God in general When the mother returned, she still oned me to come quickly. As I perused and how there are many approaches to had some time to wait for the final call the vast offerings set before me, I real- God in all faiths. regarding her vehicle. We chatted ized I was not alone. Equally bedazzled, casually, and I asked her about the new two young girls, ages nine and eleven, The younger girl seemed impatient and baby. The girls interrupted with their joined me in our calculated choices. asked, ‘‘Do people get better if they joy about their new baby brother. are sick?” That sure seemed to be an We became quick friends in our search invitation to simply answer the question. I asked the mother what would be the and new discoveries. With dripping ice name of this child. She said, “His name cream cones and juggling a few other will be ‘Jesu’, my favorite Prophet.” choices, the girls gravitated to their I began to tell the mother. The mother asked me to join them which I did. She was very preg- story of Jesus and nant and noticeably ready to deliver a new child. This Muslim family was a joy to be with and conversation flowed how He walked the comfortably between us like we had known each other before. earth and yes, He As the ice cream disappeared, and would heal people we came to the end of the cone, the mother inquired as to whether I had a job. I was caught by surprise and who were sick. responded that I was the Director of a healing ministry within the Catholic After eye contact with her mother, I Church. The older girl eagerly asked if began to tell the story of Jesus and how that means people get better from their He walked the earth and yes, He would sicknesses. I sensed the caution of the heal people who were sick. mother, but she nodded her head trust- ing me to answer the question. The younger girl said, ‘‘Tell us a miracle.”

I began to search for a way to speak I was surprised by this request and real- that would not be offensive, but truth- ized that these girls knew about Jesus ful about my calling to serve. With the already. As I nervously looked back at

InterACT l 14 Wholistic Massage- A Case Study in 2014 by Ping-Tak Peter Chow, Msc, RMT

A 50-year-old client of mine had suffered aligned and the muscles relaxed, ligaments from Rheumatoid Arthritis since his 20s. intact. Extremity swelling was down, and I observed minor deformity and swell- I observed marked improvements on his ing on the joint capsules, especially in his left wrist and arm; his pain and discom- wrists and fingers. He was still functional fort had also greatly diminished. in his daily activities, but very weak and in pain while enduring acute and subacute The day following the last treatment, I at- stages. His condition could be stabilized tended morning Mass. Afterwards, during by medicine with ongoing recurrences and contemplation, there was a sudden urge remissions. Sometimes his pain became that indicated to me that I should perform so intense that it would wake him in the a spiritual dimension of Wholistic Mas- middle of the night, and sometimes he sage to this client. A passage of scripture couldn’t even move. But through exercise came to mind from Ezekiel 37:2-3. One and an active lifestyle, he could remain line said, “The bones were very dry.” This that I would pray over him when we sat fairly functional. is exactly what I had felt when I treated together. His wife said that healing prayer this client’s body. The scripture contin- had given her husband some relief two Four years ago, I did some massage treat- ued, “Mortal, can these bones live?” At years ago. I explained what I perform is ments on him and it seemed that his right that moment, I could only surrender my- different from healing prayer. wrist got better and he could maintain it self to God and respond as the scripture by appropriate movement, stretching, and was written, ”O Lord God, you know.” We recited the scripture Ezekiel 37. I exercise. In Christmas, 2014, he asked me asked his wife to use Holy water to cover to work on his left wrist and arm where I asked God to give me strength to con- every bone in his body. We began by pray- he now suffered from pain, weakness, tinue my treatment and protect me. ing together and invited the Holy Spirit to and occasional immobility. His right arm come. Then I prayed over his body while seemed better. This time I proposed the I sent a message to my client and his he lay down on the table supine, and I let Wholistic Massage protocol. I explained wife with an invitation for the spiritual the Spirit guide us through the process. about the process, the risks and benefits, aspects of a Wholistic Massage. I said I and how it may trigger any unresolved is- am ready, if he is ready. Since it is God’s I started at the left stomach areas and per- sues still in his body. If that happened, he work, I will not charge them. formed massage while maintaining touch would have to deal with them separately. and contact. My client started to complain about the discomfort he experienced, and I suggested a treatment plan that I would At that moment, asked why I have to touch those areas that administer to his body for two sessions are causing him pain? without any restriction of time--one and I could only a half hours to two hours, depending on I explained the process again and received how his body adapted to the treatment. surrender myself to his consent to continue. Then, from there we would discuss the situation and see if any patterns of reac- God and respond As he became very unstable emotionally, tion, resistance, and response arose in his the Spirit guided us and he lifted up both body that still needed to be addressed. as the scripture was arms anteriorly at shoulder levels and 30 degrees to the side and lifted up the legs I treated him two times on two alternate written, ”O Lord bilaterally with his foot flat on table so days for two and one-half hours .The that the whole spine is level on the table. prognosis was good. His body totally God, you know.” released itself from any restrictions with Supporting his head, I asked him to moderate freedom of movement and concentrate on breathing. I loosen up his range of motion when passively assessed. He replied positively. That day, this client neck muscles and the front intercostals Every part of his body including the and his wife welcomed me to their home; structures, the bones, and capsules were they thought it would be a healing prayer continued on next page

InterACT l 15 continued from previous page was young and went out with friends; it is He was so joyful and excited explaining very painful. I swore that if I see that guy all this. to facilitate better breathing and open up again, I will beat him up. I did not tell my the musculatures covering the shoulder, parents.” “He was so alive yesterday,” she said. “He arms, chest, diaphragm, and abdomen of pretended to be one of the Magi from the his body. I asked him to let every breath I performed a therapeutic massage treat- East to visit baby Jesus in the manger and come down the spine from cervical to ment on him on that day. I observed the asked me what gift I would like to have. lumber and sacro areas. same pattern in his body; however the Of course, I love gold. He joked with me resistance is a bit less. We scheduled to that he is the one who brings frankincense At that time, I sensed the image of a baby meet again in two days time. and the one with gold has not yet come.” in this position in his mother‘s womb, which I communicated to my client and On the day of that appointment, we had I was amazed how God works in wonder- asked him to feel the freedom within it a chance to talk before treatment. My ful ways and at the right time and right and let go of any worry. “Feel the love client’s wife smiled at me and asked her moment to let healing happen. Of course, from your mother that can provide you husband to share with me what had hap- it is the client’s choice and action that with everything you need to survive.” I pened to him after the last appointment. matters. continued. He started to move his head and body, legs and arms to freely rotate in I treated him on that day, the pattern that his mother’s womb, enjoying the lightness. “I, too, am appeared on his left body resolved. “I do These experiences went on until he sensed not feel discomfort and pain when you the peace arise from his being. Then we wounded, but heal touch that left lower area, now. Thank finished up with a prayer. After that, we you, God,” he said after the treatment. scheduled an appointment to meet again others with the in two days. We were able to say a prayer and bless each other before I left. “Jesus stretched out When I entered my client’s house, the first heart of Jesus...” his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do words he spoke to me were, “At our last choose. Be made clean!’” (Matthew 8:3) treatment, your spiritual healing was not “We do not know how to deal with the so effective.” anger that was triggered by remembering Wholistic Massage may work for some the guy who hit me, and I understand that people but not everyone. Remember that “He is angry,” his wife said. “He is asking it may affect my body and intensify my it is your client’s journey. We are just the why you make him feel pain and discom- pain and discomfort in the body,” he said. healer with the heart of Jesus and wit- fort? Why do you do that without his “My wife suggested for me to pray with ness to the process. The perception, the knowing?” her, asking Holy Mother Mary to come to choices, and action that your client takes assist me, to release the anger and forgive are important to the whole healing pro- “Because…,” I started to explain the con- the guy who hit him. I am sure I cannot cess. Of course, the building up of trust cepts of Wholistic Massage again. do this on my own, I would still beat that and faith with the therapist leading to the guy if I saw him,” he continued. client’s willingness to open up and take Finally he calmed down and asked me to risks is an essential factor too. continue. “After praying for a while, strange memories came back that I did not remem- The whole being of your client reveals I explained that when I treat or come into ber. I saw myself beating up a younger through the Wholistic Massage. contact with his body, I may be affected as fellow not only once, but several times. well. It is not something that we need to More memories came, it was not the be scared of. It is an opportunity for both only incidence I did that. Oh God, I am of us to grow. “I, too, am wounded, but the same guy that uses power to control heal others with the heart of Jesus. So I other people. At that moment, I felt so thanked him for his openness and trust to shameful and asking for forgiveness from allow me to continue to treat him. Holy Mother Mary, also Jesus, and finally I reconciled with God. I also asked for “Is there anything that happened as you forgiveness from the one beaten by me. remember in the areas that I worked on I experienced a release and my anger for you, say your stomach?” I asked. the guy that hit me subsided. I was able to forgive him and promise to talk to him “The only incident I can remember,” he if I ever met him again.” replied, “is that I was hit by a guy when I

InterACT l 16 Submission Guidelines For InterACT (June 2015) by Mike MacCarthy, Editor

(Editor’s Note: The following Guide- FIELD NOTES... SIGNS AND lines are being published as a reference for WONDERS: 500-750 words. those who may have written an article/ Members’ Witness to the power of poem for InterACT. Submissions are the Holy Spirit in their lives, either due no later than the 15th day of the personal or professional. month, following the end of a quarter, i.e. 1/15, 4/15, 7/15, and 10/15.) GLOBAL NEWS: 100-400 words. International ACTheals news or ALL SUBMISSIONS: Must be ac- global events of interest. companied by a recent “headshot” of the author along with a short 2-3 INTERNATIONAL CONFER- sentence bio. Any work submitted ENCE: Ongoing publicity 400-500 for publication is subject to editing words. by the staff for clarity and space at the discretion of InterACT. Please INSIDE ACT: 100-200 words. Mike MacCarthy, InterACT Editor email your submissions to: REGIONAL and or SPECIALTY [email protected]. GROUP NEWS. MISCELLANEOUS: Humor that relates to ACTheals interests. Space UNCOMMISSIONED ARTICLE: ECUMENICAL EXCHANGE: permitting. 1000 TO 1500 words. Generally 150-500 words. Ecumenical themes, follows a suggested theme found in under the banner of Jesus Christ. SIGHTS AND SOUNDS: Media previous issue of InterACT. Guest Articles that stress common Christian picks. Tools for growth and renewal authors (non-members) welcome. themes while respecting our diversity. as ACTheals members. (No stipends.) SPECIALTY GROUPS: 100-200 WWW...WEBWATCH: Highlights PRESIDENT’S LETTER: 400- words. Articles geared to a specific ACTheals website and related links 600 words. ACTheals President Specialty Group. for areas of interest. speaks to members on a topic of choice. May also follow the general MEMBERS: Welcomes new theme suggested in previous issue. members and or honors deceased. (Word count as needed.) SPIRITUALITY: 400-500 words. Paths for Spiritual Growth, Prayer, A-M-E-N: Poetry by members or Scripture, Healing. published authors (with permission) enhancing ACTheals. THE WORD: 150-200 words. Ongoing column for reflections on NUGGETS: Pithy wisdom for Scripture, Healing. the ACTheals journey. One or two short lines with author.

InterACT l 17