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Annual Awards

Do you know someone who has inspired you in the work and profession of Chaplaincy? Now is your chance to express your gratitude and nominate this person or group for an NACC Annual Award.

The Distinguished Service Award and Emergent Leader Award recognize NACC members for outstanding dedication and service to NACC or to the field of Chaplaincy.

The Outstanding Colleague Award is presented to a non-NACC member, individual, or group whose work has proven complementary to, supportive of, or has otherwise contributed to the advancement of the profession of Chaplaincy.

Specific criteria for each award are listed below. The nomination process includes completion of an online form and the upload of a PDF document that contains a 300-word statement in which you describe the nominee’s activities in support of NACC’s mission or the mission of Chaplaincy and the reason the nominee deserves to be honored with this award.

Nominations for the 2025 Awards will be accepted through November 15, 2024.

Submit Nomination

Distinguished Service Award

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding dedication and service to the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or to the field of Chaplaincy by a member of the NACC. The award will be presented to an individual who has advanced the mission of NACC or the ministry of Chaplaincy in a significant and lasting way.

Criteria

  1. Nominee must be an NACC Certified, Retired Certified or Emeritus member.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing for at least two years.
  3. Nominee must have demonstrated leadership through participation in local and/or national activities, committees, or task forces that further the goals and mission of the NACC or the ministry of Chaplaincy.

Emergent Leader Award

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains Emergent Leader Award recognizes outstanding dedication and service to the National Association of Catholic Chaplains or to the profession of Chaplaincy/supervision by a member of the NACC. The award will be presented to an individual who has advanced the mission of NACC or the ministry of Chaplaincy/supervision in a significant and lasting way.

Criteria:

  1. Nominee must be an NACC Certified member and of the age of 50 years old or younger.
  2. Nominee must be a member in good standing for at least two years.
  3. Nominee must have demonstrated leadership through participation in local and/or national activities, committees, or task forces that further the goals and mission of the NACC or the ministry of Chaplaincy.
  4. Nominee must have served 10 years or less, and must have offered leadership or service to the NACC community or the profession of Chaplaincy through their initiative, innovation, or leadership at the local, regional, or national level.

Outstanding Colleague Award

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains Outstanding Colleague Award recognizes outstanding dedication and service of a professional colleague in a field other than professional Chaplaincy. The award will be presented to an individual or to a group whose work has proven complementary to, supportive of, or has otherwise contributed to the advancement of the profession of Chaplaincy in a significant and lasting way.

Criteria:

  1. Nominee will not be a member of the NACC.
  2. Nominee will be an individual or a group employed in a profession associated with or in some manner complementary to the work of professional Chaplaincy.
  3. Nominee will have demonstrated outstanding leadership in her/his/their professional field, supporting or making a significant contribution to furthering the mission of NACC or the field of Chaplaincy in ways that can be documented as part of the nominating materials.