Lesson #2

Lesson 2        My Calling and Divine Mark

 

Posted Yesterday, 09:25 PM

1) I think of Fr. Ralph DiOrio when I think of someone I know who has the Divine Mark. He has quite a strong Divine charisma that is palpable. When he speaks, the Holy Spirit seems to pour out of him, flood the hearts of all who are near, and those who are listening, with the heartfelt (literally) fire of the Holy Spirit. He has a definite Presence of God.

2) Yes, people have said that I am the best spiritual teacher they have ever had, giving them the most amazing meditations filled with moments close to Christ. This seems so egotistical to say, but it has been told to me, and is the answer to the question asked. When my mother was 16 years old, four years before I was born, she went to a fortune teller who told my Mom she was going to have a daughter, who the fortune teller saw was dressed all in white and was holding a candle. The fortune teller told my Mom to tell me to become a nurse. I did not become a nurse, but I did become a massage therapist and a holistic health counselor, and dressed in a white uniform for eight years. My ministry now is holding the candle. My mother, and my children have told me that they see me doing this work. Mom says I will be very good at it.

3) I have felt my calling since I was born. I have had a strong prayer life all my life, even as a very young girl. I remember being very, very young and having my beautiful mother teach me prayers. We would walk the few blocks to morning Mass every day, and during Lent, we would go to all the special services, including Holy Hour on Sundays. I fell in Love with LOVE. Before I could verbalize what I was feeling, I was FEELING; what I was FEELING was LOVE, GOD. I wanted to share this beautiful LOVE, so I began teaching CCD, while I was still taking CCD classes myself. From that time to now, I have taught every grade from first grade through adult. At 16 years old, I met with Bishop Flanagan (who is since deceased) in the Worcester Diocese in Massachusetts to help plan programs. I still have a picture of me meeting with Bishop Flanagan. Because of my unquelshable thirst for God, I would meet with the parish priest each week for spiritual direction, a protocol usually reserved for those with a "calling" like priests and nuns. This priest also became a Bishop in the Worcester Diocese, Bishop George Rueger, who has since retired, and I found myself traveling 30 minutes to get to spiritual direction. I was, after all, in the Catholic Church and could not become either of these things, a nun - or a priest, with me being married with children. I continued my studies earning a Master Catechist certification in religious instruction, and took a year long Biblical Androgogy Course for a more indepth study of the Old Testament. It was taught by a Jesuit priest. At first I did not like the presentation, because Jesuits tend to tear apart what you are comfortable in knowing about your faith, and what is left over, becomes your new and evolved faith. I did not like anyone messing with "my" theology. In hindsight, this was a beautiful course and a beautiful priest, who had the patience of a saint in dealing with my questions. However, my quest and thirst for getting "more of God," the "It" I was searching for, led me to go on every religious retreat I could find, and in some cases to organized weekends like Cursillos, Marriage Encounters, and even the ultra Catholic Opus Dei, in which I was a supernumary, learning all the doctrine and prayers reserved for priests alone for a couple of years. I have left all of these attempts to put God and people in a box of human understanding, and after much soul searching, and church hopping, and denomination hopping through Protestant Churches and New Age Energy Multidimensional Healing and Transformation classes, becoming a Master of this and a Master of that, I AM blessed with a much greater awareness of consciousness raising, personal transformation, which I believe is part of the entire ascension process, not just for myself, but every one of us who feels the quiet stirring of our hearts to come closer to the All Is One.

 

My blog is my worldwide ministry, and is read in over 120 countries, with over 16,500 hits. Todays post meditates on when Jesus is teaching in Greece (during those missing years of Jesus between the ages of 13-30), Jesus informs the people of his day in Greece, according to the "Aquarian Gospel Of Jesus The Christ*."

"Full well you know that there are parts of earth where its great beating heart throws heavenward etheric waves that meet the ethers from above; where spirit-light and understanding, like the stars of night, shine forth *…

"But I would tell you of a life beyond, within; a real life that can not pass away. In science and philosophy there is no power strong enough to fit a soul to recognize itself, or to commune with God. I would not stay the flow of your great streams of thought; but I would turn them to the channels of the soul.*

"Unaided by the Spirit-breath, the work of the intellection tends to solve the problems of the things we see, and nothing more. The senses were ordained to bring into the mind mere pictures of the things that pass away; they do not comprehend eternal law.*

"But man has something in his soul, a something that will tear the veil apart that he may see the world of real things.*

"We call this something, spirit consciousness; it sleeps in every soul, and cannot be awakened till the Holy Breath becomes a welcome guest.*

"This Holy Breath knocks at the door of every soul, but cannot enter in until the will of man throws wide the door.*

"There is no power in intellect to turn the key; philosophy and science both have toiled to get a glimpse behind the veil; but have failed.*

"The secret spring that throws ajar the door of soul is touched by nothing else than purity in life, by prayer and holy thought.*

 

I feel, (and have always felt), very close to God, and often feel the Presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I feel the constant deep abiding Peace that known no bounds.

Namaste.

Lesson #1

Hi Rev. Daniel Moore,

I'm just noticing that you would like the homework assignments sent to this email address. Here is Lesson #1, that I already posted on the ULC Forum Chaplaincy Site too.

 

Posted 15 March 2013 - 04:54 PM

I find it very interesting that while I have not had much exposure to chaplains in my life, outside of the chaplain in the '70's TV show "Mash," I find much of my life's work, and currently with by worldwide blog, that I walk in the footsteps of the chaplain, the keeper of the sacred. I absolutely love that phrase. I had my own massage therapy business for 12 years. I know people came to me in pain, looking for release of this pain, but often would tell me they came because by the end of their session, they felt lighter, happier, and somehow, closer to God. I gave back to the community by holding monthly meditation nights once a month for eight years. People of all faiths, and some with no faith at all, would attend. Although I have had no real life exposure to the work of a chaplain, I believe God opened doors for me to be exactly in this place, at this exact moment in time, to do exactly this work. With my blog: www.lindahourihan.wordpress.com, I reach people in over 120 countries, with over 16,000 hits, in just over one year. This is quite humbling. I think with main stream religions having a hard time filling their churches, and in some cases closing their doors, that the work of being a chaplain is more needed than ever before. I AM looking forward to this incredible journey.

 

Divine Love and Light,

Rev. Linda M. Hourihan, DD

Chaplain Studies Lesson 3 - Rev. Westbrook

My teaching skills are 2nd to none. I find myself teaching others all the time, especially my parents . As far as my scripture knowledge is concerned I am greatly lacking. I have a Bible verse a day emailed to me a day. I am hoping to increase my abilities. Due to my handicap I find I have numerous opportunities to witness to others. My guinea pig Pumpkin is my favorite subject. She has brought strong healing energy to our household. My mothers blood pressure and life long sleep issues are resolving. Dad who due to age was not into pets. During the depression there wasn't money for luxuries like food for animals that would not be eaten. He can't get enough of Pumpkin. Good character that's me. I don't know why but this aspect of my life comes easy. I really don't know what else to say. I do love self help books. Self improvement is my hobby. Being faithful till marriage is an interesting concept. One I will face with future church member's of mine. I need to decide what I will do when I start dating again. (I had major health issues) . No sex. That would push for a commitment or move on by guys I date. The men I date are extra special. Due to my handicap. This should add a new facet. Rev. Westbrook

Chaplaincy Comments from Rev. Dunkel

What I know about Chaplains

Chaplains are found in many places.  Until I read this lesson, I only knew about hospital, hospice, & military chaplains.  Now I know that they can serve almost anywhere, even in shopping centers. Chaplains can be from any religious or spiritual background & serve wherever people might need spiritual counseling or guidance, & help in praying to their higher power or G-d.

 

Reflections – Rev. Leza Dunkel

I have met several ministers in my life that had a true aura of peaceful energy that provoked a profound trust in them & what they said & stood for.  I have been told by a number of people that I would be a wonderful pastor due to my helpful & serene guidance to others.

 

I would like to be able to be available to others on a regular basis to give counsel & help in prayer to whoever a person's divine deity may be called.  I believe that everyone has a right to their own beliefs, as long as they do not push it on others as the only right way to believe.  I want to promote harmony between religions.

 

Master of Chaplaincy Studies – Lesson 3 – Reflections – Rev Leza Dunkel

A self-evaluation of my present skills, strengths, & weaknesses

 

·        Faithful – I am widowed & was faithful to my husband. I am also faithful to my friends & family.

·        Good Character – I am open minded to others beliefs & am not prone to judge others. I believe I am a good person & wish no harm to anything.

·        Good testimony – People who know me, know I am of good character & speak well of my demeanor.

·        Sound in Doctrine – This is an area in which I need to improve. I have studied many different religions, & know a little about a lot of different beliefs. I need to study several religious backgrounds in more depth, & to be able to nail down & speak of my own spiritual beliefs (which are very eclectic), both to myself & to others.

 

·        Able to teach – I am able to teach on tolerance, personal peace, & love of life in general.

I need to do further studies to improve my knowledge of different religions & faiths. I also need to go inside myself to reflect on what it is I truly believe in. This program of study, along with my BA in comparative religion, & other ULC Seminary study programs, will help me on my own spiritual path, & my path to serve others.

 

Master of Chaplaincy Studies – Lesson 4 – reflections – Rev Leza Dunkel

 

Though I have been a member of Religious Science churches for a number of years, I am now drawn towards the Unitarian Universalist faith.

 

When researching these 2 faiths within the military chaplaincy, I found no Religious Science ministers; & only 10 to 20 from the UU community. I am not surprised at these low numbers, because there are probably not many soldiers from these faiths within the military. I am glad, however, that there are a growing number of UU seminary students planning on serving as military chaplains.

 

UU ministers in military service can promote religious tolerance of the different faiths of military personnel, & the combatants that they encounter. In current conflicts in the Middle East, this could be quite helpful due to the religious nature of the conflicts.

Master of Chaplaincy Studies Lesson 1

3. Write out a short paragraph or two on what you know of chaplains. Does your faith group or religion have chaplains or not? What is your view of chaplains and their role in society today?

I know that Chaplains do indeed work towards helping others without their own personal religious or faith bias. I was in the hospital once visiting my husband after a knee surgery and had a decent size conversation over the course of his time in the hospital with the Chaplain. He told me of the training he had at a local school just for Chaplains. We had spoken of our faith belief with him and he was extremely interested as he had not pursued the Wiccan or any Pagan faith for knowledge but was thinking about doing it. Together we learned much of the similarities of the core basic ideas and beliefs we shared. 

My faith group is so varied on what the groups do. When I mentor students for their First Degree Wiccan Clergy in the Tradition, I share all of the wonderful things we are able to do to help others. We serve our fellow Wiccans, Pagans, or anyone needing help. They do not specifically have a Chaplain group that I know of. It would be a great idea though.

I think Chaplains are only remembered during serious disasters and mostly known to Fire, Police, and Hospitals. Today's general public probably doesn't even know or understand what a Chaplain is. If Chaplains were more visible they would inspire others with their ways of un biased love and help for humanity(even animals).

Blessings 

Cheryl Lynn Hewitt

Master of the Chaplaincy Studies - Lesson 1 - Sister Madsen

Universal Life Church Seminary

 

Master of the Chaplaincy Studies

 

Lesson 1

 

When I was young, I thought I new it all;  I Knew nothing. As I matured and put myself into the Lords hands, I have learned more then I ever thought I would ever learn.  But, yet, I don't boast in what I know, as that is between God and I.  I have been moving in many directions as I learn what the Lord wants me to do with the ministry he has called me to.  I am just preparing myself with all the knowledge that is sent my way for the use in His ministry.

 

To be a Chaplain, if this is truly where the Lord leads me, would be a great honor to Him.  I am a better listener then a talker.  I love people and no mater what their faith, I try to be their for them and to listen to their problems.  I have been a Chaplain all of my life and didn't know it.  I have friends of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds and many of them have no where to turn.  I am always asked questions and I try to give the most honest answer I know how to give and if I don't have the answer I tell the person I will find out the answer for them.  I think this is what the Chaplaincy Position is all about.  Just being their for others and not judging or trying to change them.  May God our Father Guide me and teach me as I study this course.  I would love to be a Chaplain to Children and Young People.

Thank You

Sister Sharon L. Madsen

Master of Chaplaincy Training Essay

 

                  Master of Chaplaincy Training study course

By: Rev. Dr. Charles P Mulvaney DD. PhD.'s

How the course on Master of Chaplaincy with twenty lessons enhanced my knowledge and ministry. What did I learn from this course of twenty lessons? What helped me? What could improve this course? What I hope to accomplish as a result of taking this course?

This course taught me that there are various approaches to use when dealing with people of all cultures and religious beliefs. As I approach an individual I need to observe their entire behavior, body language, tone of voice, posture, energy level and their mood. This course has motivated me and given me more tools to work with in these modern days we are living.

This course opened my eyes more and helped me to see the much need for Chaplains in this world in which we live in today. It has given me a deeper desire and my passion is stronger to fulfill my calling by God. We as Chaplains need to assist the Police Department, Fire Department, and Sheriff's Department and Prison Systems. Also, assist in Hospitals, Hospice, Nursing Homes and Corporations. Chaplains are also needed in Grammar Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, College, University's and Trade Schools. All Chaplains need to be able to communicate with Christians and Non-Believer's, as well as individuals with various religious beliefs like Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Buddhism, Hinduism and Moslems, etc. The course should me how to communicate properly all the do's and don'ts in being (Politically Correct) in the world we live in today.

When communicating with a patient and or individual do not be overly optimistic to a fault… When a patient and or individual bring up a concern or problem one must listen closely and avoid insisting that all is well. We need to encourage the patient and or individual to have a positive outlook; but this is not always the answer or the case. One must be open minded and approach them with an open heart and kindness. Keep yourself focused on the individual; be aware of your posture and body language. Always orient yourself directly towards the individual and avoid closed posture. Do not interrupt or pass judgment in advance. Probe for more information, but do not force them to speak of something they would prefer not to. Do not preach to the individual on how they should feel or what they should do, etc. Be an active listener; repeat back what you understood them to say, with a brief preface. Don't ask open ended questions; don't ask (yes or no) questions; ask questions that will give more detail of their feelings.

The information I received from these lessons will help me with my Chaplaincy skills. I must believe the information that the individual and or patient shares with me regarding their pain and or coping mechanisms. Do not discount their perception or experience, even mildly. Do not say "I know how you feel." The information will help me in my visits with patients in the hospital or nursing home and in their home settings. I must introduce myself and ask permission if I may enter. Allow them to feel the freedom to express their religious beliefs. At the end of our visit ask if the individual has a religious preference and if they would like to pray.

Often people will ask for advice not because they really want it but because it provides them with an opening to talk about their own problems. Instead of answering their questions in detail turn the conversation back to them as quickly as possible. Give them helpful phrases and establish your willingness to listen. You must be able to discern / interpret the meaning behind the information or words they are speaking, hearing and acknowledging their feelings. Assisting the person think about what he or she already knows and feels. One must assist the individual person in making a proper decision with proper dialogue; by using scripture or therapy… depending on their beliefs.

I must be careful with my non-verbal communications; like facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, and clothing. Also gestures made with hands, arms, legs, face and body, etc. Do not avoid eye contact. All of the above will help me counsel all the patients and or individuals I should come in contact with.

As I prepare myself to go out into the world and do Gods work I must be prayed up. I pray and ask Gods Holy Armor to clothe me, I ask for the Fire of the Holy Spirit to surround me and cover me with His Precious Blood and his Holy Angels to go before me and to cover and protect me from all evil. I ask him to use me to heal the broken hearted and suffering, and to bring peace into their lives. I clear my mind and relax… I have a positive mental attitude; meditate with God's word, knowing that he goes before me. I must also be prepared with a map with directions to the address and phone numbers. I must carry a note book and pen to take notes. I will approach each case and or individual as led by the Holy Spirit; to guide and assist me with the individual in their spiritual and personal needs and problems. I trust and know that the Holy Spirit will direct, convict and enable me and the individual in their process of healing. I will seek to apply biblical principles in leading an individual to find freedom from each specific problem they struggle with. We do not judge an individual for where they are or have been. But we seek to follow the direction to the Lord to resolve and lead the individual to freedom and peace.  

The course I took back in 2009 on the subject matter called Soul Clinic, helped me to become well versed and knowledgeable on assisting individuals of various religious backgrounds. I feel confidant and have the desire and passion to help those in need as a Counselor and Chaplain. I received a Religious Counseling Therapy License from the Universal Life Church. In December of 2011 I took a course on Crisis and Trauma Counseling and a course in helping those going through the process of Grieving Crisis. I also have the training as a first responder with the City and State Crisis Intervention Management of the County of Dallas, TX.

Also, I have read the book on {Death and Dying} What the Dying Have to Say, By: Elizabeth Kubler-Ross M.D. It is about the five stages of how people deal with death and dying. This book taught me how to assist the patient in the transition to death. I can help them to deal and to accept the death and life thereafter.

I also took classes from School of Oncology Counseling and received the following Certificates of Certification in Distress Management in Cancer, Cancer a Family Affair, Loss, Grief and Bereavement, Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Cancer Care. These Oncology Counseling classes assisted me to be a more knowledgeable and fluent in the understanding for the terminal and critically ill patients. 

 In these current times that we live in with all the budget cuts from government to state and within the cities; I see the positions of Chaplains being cut out of the budgets. At the same time there is a crucial need for spiritual guidance with all the violence erupting throughout the country.

Currently in American society, there is an increasing awareness of the value of spiritual interventions in the lives of people involved in crisis at the national and local levels. However, there is also the realization that Ministers and Pastors cannot rely solely on their seminary training and CPE to prepare them for the demands of critical stress management. In fact, it is common for Chaplains without appropriate training to become frustrated by the lack of improvement in the people they are trying to help or to become so enmeshed in the situation that they are worse off after the crisis intervention that at the beginning.  I have the training now to work as a crisis and trauma Counseling Chaplain with my certificates in Training and Spiritual Care. Training recognized by Police, Fire and EMS Departments and with FEMA, grief following a trauma. I am also trained for School Crisis and Trauma, Death Assistance.

As an Ordained Chaplain my dreams and desires of my heart are to be the best Ambassador and Representation of God on this earth for fellow man kind. I desire to work with individuals of all walks of life, (all faiths). My future desires are to enroll in a class for Homeland and Terrorism Crisis and Leadership Training. I desire and want to make a difference in this Country Nationwide (USA) and if possible worldwide! Our country is in such turmoil, a state of violence, in which we need to step out and reach out to those who are willing to listen and be helped. I desire to work with the local schools and communities, in hopes to decrease the violence in our schools and cities. My goal is to reach as many individuals as possible so that each one will have a proper and better understanding of God's love and his Word. So that this individual's heart will be right with God; and furthermore be at peace with themselves and others.

My recommendations on how to improve this course would be to add a crisis trauma training lesson. It should include on how to work with families and individuals on dealing with acts of violence in the work place, schools and public locations.

 

I truly appreciate and enjoyed taking the course on Master of Chaplaincy Training. The quality of the study course gave me a broader spectrum of the duties of a Chaplain in today's society.

 

 

By: Rev. Dr. Charles P Mulvaney DD. PhD's