Chaplaincy Program Student

What I learned as a Chaplaincy student?

Having served in the American military, Chaplains are the cornerstone of what every recruit needs to speak to when the pressure is intensified by the drill Sergeants (army) , Drill Instructors (US Marine Corps), each branch requires recruit to exceed their previous goals. The chaplain plays an instrumental role in their abilities to understand the pressures that each recruit faces and converses with each individual about, once you graduate from basic and advanced individual training, the tasks get harder but the rewards are tangible. Chaplains are both teacher and student with individuals who are "Home Sick", needing of spiritual guidance.

My direction of becoming a chaplain is based on how I found solace with chaplains, who view what we as people and not by products.  "Measure not men by Sundays, without regarding   what they do all the week after."  (Robert Fuller).  I remember this quote when I went through the military because Sunday, was "Free Time" for 2/3 hours.

The chaplain today is both and listener and a speaker. "The Work of The Chaplain".  (Naomi K. Piaget & Janet R. McCormick.  Listening for today's chaplain is not about hearing what a person is saying but what a person is not saying (body language, unable to answer questions, avoidance of issues.

I learned through this course that I have a long way to achieve my goal of becoming a chaplain. I belief in the goodness of others, but I find my self asking why people do not respond to the help that we as ministers, priests, chaplains are giving. I work at UPS and I am a Notary Public. The trust I receive from my peers at UPS is because of being a Notary. When my colleagues are aware of my becoming a chaplain, they are becoming stand offish.  I find this to be more of a task of my finding my path, while others are still finding their niche.

What I learned from this course is about the today's chaplain:  Men and women are facing barriers that are needed to be brought down for morale, expectations of the greater good and open dialogue between parties.  Chaplains are in all parts of our communities. Police, fireman, Sanitation, hospitals, and nursing homes - each area needs chaplains who are open minded, able to react to all situations, be positive, and offer a lending ear when times are tough.  Chaplains come from all walks of life and believe in their calling for aiding others. "One man with courage makes a majority."   (Andrew Jackson) Chaplains are individuals that face life/death situations with poise, courage of conviction, are the moral compass of leadership and not dictatorship; when situations become unbearable. Chaplains are the First responders when tragedy and uncertainty are present. They kindness, compassion help others in times of need. Chaplains are becoming more non-denominational when cultures, religious and beliefs system are brought together.

What helped me with the chaplaincy program is being aided by chaplains at the local hospitals and convalescent care centers who helped me in my becoming a chaplain's assistant. As an aide to chaplain, My role is to keep the communications open between the patients, staff and management. I found that I had to balance my hats in keeping the line of communications open. I helped in funerals, went out in the field where accidents occurred and offered aid and comfort.

When I am working at UPS, I have a emergency bag with necessary tools of the trade:  Visitors stole, King James Bible NKV, Small Torah, and the Koran with holy water and a crucifix and Pastoral care for the sick.  What has helped me in my transformation from student to assistant is my role is not save lives through prayer, but listening and communicating. When I visit hospitals, hospice-care centers, listening and small talk helps me and others in our journeys.

What I find about this course is there is no need for improving the quality and quantity of this class. Each area of becoming a chaplain is explained with only a chaplain would know and understand.  The usage of the tool-belt is my fondness moment. Chaplains wear many hats with compassion and empathy the most important. What I know about this course is that Chaplains are not policy makes but are pivotal person in the communications between staff members and the general public.  The tools that I learn from this course will help me in my personal and professional growth as a chaplain in training.

What my accomplishments I feel that are derived from this course is my poignant approach to all situations. I would normally question the motives of the individuals. Now I am more of a "Listen with your ears instead of your mouth" person.  Taking this course opens my eyes to the ever changing world of the clergy and the constant vigil of being the beacon of the light. Knowing that we do not know all the answers but we are on the front with compassion, cup of coffee and lending ear in trying times. "Let whoever is wise pay attention to those things and consider the Lord's acts of faithful love." Psalm 107:43.

My hope is that over time I will be more of a sage in the hospital or hospice settings, whereas staff and patients can/will come to me for spiritual guidance

Chaplains today represent goals, ideas that we all share:  Do what is right with others, keeping with the Golden rule, being there for good times and bad times.

I believe that working at UPS (driver) my role as a chaplain will enhance communications between hourly's and management. Having a shop steward protects the non-management and HR protects management, but who protects the spirit of unity:  That is my function, too bridge the gap; not take sides but be aware of the pitfalls and keep the lines of communication open. Trust is a factor that is lacking between management and non-management, I want/will bridge that gap through open dialog and fairness, for both sides.