Learning the ropes of being a chaplain

Neal Longe's essay on "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" would read a little differently from that of most future priests.

Instead of serving in a parish in the Albany Diocese, he's in Newport, Rhode Island, training to be a Navy chaplain.

"This is an important, exciting and challenging ministry," he told The Evangelist via email. "Our sea services are filled with men and women who depend on their chaplains. It would be an honor for me to serve them in this role."

Weighing anchor

Mr. Longe -- a native of Holy Trinity parish in Johnstown who expects to become "Father Longe" in 2007 -- has been interested in military chaplaincy since he took a course early in his priesthood studies.

The priest who oversaw the house where he lived at a Rochester seminary, Rev. John Desocio, was a chaplain in the Navy Reserves.

"Over the year I was there, he shared with me his experience and ministry within the Navy. As I looked into it, the idea of serving as a Navy chaplain became even more appealing," Mr. Longe recalled.

Fair winds

One thing that attracted the seminarian was learning that the Navy makes its chaplains "an integral part of the command structure."

Having a chaplain is mandatory in the Navy, and commanding officers are even required to make sure religious services are offered to their troops. Chaplains also serve as spiritual, moral and ethical advisors to their commanding officers, as well as serving everyone else on their ships.

Mr. Longe said the Albany Diocese was "extremely supportive" of his request to enter the Chaplain Candidate program this summer.

New port

Naval Station Newport, his new home for the season, houses the Navy Chaplain school, Surface Warfare Officer school, Officer Indoctrination school (which trains doctors, nurses, dentists and lawyers), and many others.

A day of chaplaincy training is far different from the "boot camp" image many people have of military training. Mr. Longe and his fellow candidates are up at 4:20 a.m. and start with an hour of exercise, then each one heads off to meet with their individual faith group. The Catholic group goes to Mass.

The remainder of the day is filled with classes to prepare the future chaplains for ministry with any sea service -- the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are all included.

On deck

Mr. Longe noted that a ship often has just one chaplain who's expected to serve as the spiritual support for people from all faith groups. Thus, chaplains learn about the diverse groups they will probably encounter.

The candidates are also trained in military etiquette, procedure and policy, and the specific policies that govern the everyday duties of a Naval chaplain. After a full day, Mr. Longe said that "lights out" for trainees is at 10 p.m.

The seminarian was excited to report that at the end of this summer, his training will officially be complete, thought he can take more courses as his schedule allows. However, he can't be called up for duty until he's ordained.

Active duty?

After his ordination, Mr. Longe said, it's Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's decision whether to give approval for him to go on active duty or become a chaplain in the Navy Reserves.

"I am not sure where I'll end up with the Navy," he stated. "I am really excited about serving and hope to continue. I would be willing to go [on] active duty if given the opportunity."

However, he added, having entered both studies for the priesthood and for chaplaincy to follow what God called him to do, "that process will guide my future in the Navy. I am here to serve the Church and her members, wherever that may lead me."

Mr. Longe makes no bones about wanting to put his training to good use. The Navy, he said, "recognizes the value and importance of maintaining the spiritual life of its sailors, and they need chaplains to do it."

(7/31/03) [[In-content Ad]]