<p>All chaplains are at issue. The protestant chaplain supposedly left July 1st and the catholic chaplain will leave in August.</p>
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LFWB dad,
Can you honestly say that losing Navy Chaplains from KP is a good thing???
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</p>
<p>I never said that it was a good thing. It wasn't. Nonetheless, it provides an opportunity to think differently about what might be the best solution to meet the needs of all Midshipmen.</p>
<p>I trust something will be worked out.</p>
<p>Ok everyone, I have a name and address to whom we can write. </p>
<p>I got home from Indoc last night and there was a letter from my Congressional representative waiting in my mail. He wrote a letter stating his concern for the loss of Chaplains at KP, and the letter was addressed to:</p>
<p>Capt. Earl Gay, Director
House Liaison Office
Department of the Navy
B-324 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515</p>
<p>In the letter our congressman stated ".... {parent of candidate} is concerned that the Merchant Marine Academy is in the process of losing their chaplains from service at the Chapel located at the Academy. I share her concerns and I hope that the Navy can address this situation to allow chaplains to continue to help and serve the young men and women at the MMA..."</p>
<p>If all parents who are concerned would write to this man, perhaps the chaplain situation would get some notice!</p>
<p>I have been keeping up on the things written and thought I would add my two cents, since I am closer to the situation than many of you.</p>
<p>The navy will most likely not send any more chaplains, and that comes from the previous two chaplains, as the academy was not paying the bills, AND they do not have enough chaplains for more important areas.</p>
<p>A civilian chaplain is not a new thing. West Point has had civilian chaplains for years. There is a KP grad who would be very interested in the position. He was highly recommended by the previous chaplains, and many students want him to be there. He is well known, and relates well to the students, as he has been in college ministry for years. He also graduated from KP and sailed a number of years, so he knows and understands their world. If the administration doesn't want him, there are others, getting a chaplain is not the problem.</p>
<p>The difficulty is the money. The academy was not expecting this navy decision, and they have not budgeted for it. The Jewish, Mormon, and Catholic students are taken care of. The command catholic chaplain said there is a very good retired priest in the area who can come in,for the catholics. </p>
<p>There is a father, who has actively written in on this subject. I noticed that his son is not even involved in the program. The father seems to feel that if there is a female, progressive Episcopalian chaplain, that his son's needs will be met. There are two questions I have: 1. That is the father's opinion, what does the son say? I suspect the son wouldn't come out even if those criteria were met. 2. There are many different groups with needs. No chaplain will ever be able to fill all the needs, but the chaplain is required to find a place for that student to worship and try to help out with any difficulties that he has. Did that son ever go to the chaplain to find a place where he was happy worshipping?</p>
<p>A chaplain, who relates well to the students, cares for them, understands their world, and a wife who is full time along with the chaplain to minister also, especially to the women, can help with the needs of all students regardless of the students' beliefs.</p>
<p>There is another issue. The housing on campus is the academy's option. Before the navy left, a top administrator, not the superintendent, had decided to take away the chaplains' housing and give it to a friend, and a waterfront fellow, both single. Housing in that Long Island area is very expensive, with nothing nearby under $1,000,000, Living far away can be an option, but the chaplain and wife would be far away for an immediate emergency or death.</p>
<p>I would like to hear from the students. This school is for the students. Every decision made, should be to benefit the student in their development, and maturity. We, and the administration should never forget that.</p>
<p>Because of pressure from the parents, and congressmen contacting the superintendent, the catholic chaplain, who is already there, will probably be staying. He is a good man.</p>
<p>Now there needs to be more pressure in the area that gets action: contacting the superintendent, and contacting congressmen and senators, to get a protestant chaplain full time. Apparently that is the most effective way to get action, as is apparent from the latest changes that took place.</p>
<p>Thanks KPMom for the news. Knowing how best to direct letters comes from having this insight. I have great faith in the administration as well. Outsiders looking in might not realize whats being done by the VADM & his great staff. I put myself into that catagory & was doing the ??????, so again, many thanks.</p>
<p>
[quote]
There is a father, who has actively written in on this subject. I noticed that his son is not even involved in the program. The father seems to feel that if there is a female, progressive Episcopalian chaplain, that his son's needs will be met. There are two questions I have: 1. That is the father's opinion, what does the son say? I suspect the son wouldn't come out even if those criteria were met. 2. There are many different groups with needs. No chaplain will ever be able to fill all the needs, but the chaplain is required to find a place for that student to worship and try to help out with any difficulties that he has. Did that son ever go to the chaplain to find a place where he was happy worshipping?
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</p>
<p>Thanks for the deep insight into the workings of my family. </p>
<p>1st, my son and I have talked about this, he happens to have been at sea while all this has gone on, but on his one day home we had this conversation. He said he thought that a lesbian female Episcopal priest might shake things up even more.</p>
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I suspect the son wouldn't come out even if those criteria were met.
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</p>
<p>2nd, what gives you ANY insight into what somebody you don't know would or woundn't do? Are you omniscient or just clairvoyant? </p>
<p>3rd, he drops in on Catholic Mass because its a lot closer to what he's used to than the Protestant services, but can't fully particpate there either.</p>
<p>Finally, you're right no Chaplain is going to fill everyone's needs and I'm not saying that they should.</p>
<p>Let's just get a Chaplain and move on</p>
<p>As a former midshipmen who is an episcopalean I must concur with LFWB's assessment that it is difficult to fit in at the chapel. The catholic services are the closest thing to what we are used to, but we are not allowed to participate in their communion services. There are also some similar, but very different parts to the catholic services that just don't fit with those of the Episcopalean religion. We also don't fit in at the Protestant services as they don't have a communion. It is an interesting position to be in, but one in which you don't hear many complaints. </p>
<p>Can't say that I agree with all of LFWB's statement, but I wanted to support his statement of Episcopal midshipmen being somewhat left out. I made it work for myself as most others probably do. The best line yet is "Let's just get a Chaplain and move on." Amen to that.</p>
<p>"lesbian female Episcopal priest" LFWBDad, I just peed my pants. Gee thanks. Remind me to kill you soon. :)</p>
<p>well that catholic chaplain is staying for at least till the end of indoc... he told me that they where fighting the navy and trying to get a navy chaplain for KP</p>
<p>Amen! Hey you guys forgot the Lutheran guys as well. They are in the same boat as episcopalean mids!</p>
<p>Things must have changed. Fifteen years ago, the traditional military service was very close to the Lutheran BooK of Worship. I felt very comfortable. We did communion at least once a month.</p>
<p>As far as the protestant services, there are so many different groups. Parents, why do we insist that it has to be just the way we like it? </p>
<p>I think the service should be for the students and be student friendly. I think it should be a place that is warm and inviting, and they are welcome. Why can't it be a haven, an oasis apart from the regimental system, where they can talk to upperclassmen, relax and smile, find adults and other students who really care for them as an individual? </p>
<p>It can also be a place that they receive guidance on how to live, and directed towards the broader picture of the ramifications of their decisions. The chapel can be a place of rest, and fortification for the next week. It can be a place that gives them encouragement, and the strength to stick it out.</p>
<p>Often students find other students who have higher objectives than just hanging out at bars. They become friends and form a support system for each other. These four years are the metamorphosis years. They take what they have been taught and make it their own. They come out, as adults, ready to stand on their own two feet. But during that process there are mistakes that can be made that will cost them much. The chapel program is there to guide them, to be a support , and help direct them towards their optimum goals. That is what you parents want.</p>
<p>The chapel program is not just a Sunday service of one hour. It's a constant influence. It is a reaching out in love and care for any situation, or any problem. It is a fun place to hang out, and just relax. It's developing lifelong friendships, and getting to know the chaplain and wife as friends and confidants. Many things are discussed around the chaplain's dinner table.</p>
<p>The chapel program is there for the students, but for you parents too.You can realize that both sides are working as a team, with the common goal of seeing mature, responsible, wonderful adults graduate in just four short years.</p>
<p>Wow, you make Chapel sound just like the wrestling room -- but with air conditioning. ;)</p>
<p>I've been pretty quiet here- and will probably continue to be that way, at least on this subject. I agree with KPMom 100%. The role of a chaplain isn't just some person that stands in the front and reads from a book...the chaplain (and usually his family) are integral in the lives of many folks.</p>
<p>You can be Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Moorish Science Temple - regardless of your belief system, a central truth is that the Spiritual aspect is as important as getting square meals and physical exercise. And that Spiritual piece includes just being around somebody that's not yelling at you for a little while. Somebody that can be a listener. </p>
<p>Girlfriends/Boyfriends dump Plebes - it's a fact of life. And it still hurts. Do you think when this happens the kid will run to LTCDR Ragin and discuss it so it feels better? I don't think so....that's where a good chaplain comes in.</p>
<p>Sadly, a lot of folks view a chaplain as a job, and just that. I happen to be of the belief that people are called to be a chaplain - as I see it as a pastoral role. It's a 24/7 gig. It's important and it needs to be funded.</p>
<p>Here's something I know a little about:</p>
<p>Did you know that the Federal Bureau of Prisons has chaplains (usually Catholic and Protestant) at every prison in the United States? "Religious Services" is a division within the BOP that is staffed at the local, regional, and national (Central Office) level. There are even Muslim Imams now....never had a problem funding those fellas (and ladies). Ramadan is observed, and special consideration is given to inmates that profess Islam as their religion (special meals, meal time, prayer time). At most prisons, there is a "Native American Sweat Lodge" in which Native Americans are allowed smoke peace pipes (not sure exactly). In the event that this "sweat lodge" has to be moved, our gov't pays an authentic Native American Priest to bless the movement. It's not cheap either</p>
<p>Seems like Congress feels strongly enough that the spiritual aspect of people is important - at least if you're a convicted felon...interesting, ain't it?</p>
<p>I agree with you KPMOM! and well said JRH.</p>
<p>KPMOM...Thank you and well said. I have wanted to stay away from t his type of discussion, but you so well said what has been in my heart. A school the size of KP cannot possibly support every denomination and a somewhat generic service would hopefully provide for all in the context of your message.
Additionally, exposure to other faith practices is not all bad. It can create a better understanding of our similarities rather than focus on what we want.</p>
<p>LFWB,
i am sorry to say that i feel like you are not really helping out our situation. I am glad that you feel it important to include your thoughts and feelings. But it seems to me that your inputs have a common theme, which is simlpy argumentative and nonproductive.
this isnt only about your son and your family. it is about the future of Kings Point and its midshipmen.
i ask that you take a moment and reread your comments.</p>
<p>if you want something to argue about, please go elsewhere.</p>
<p>this shouldnt be a discussion board for complaining and merely negativity. we are trying to work together to come up with a solution.
i think KPMOM is on the right track.</p>
<p>Dreamer, as someone who has posted a grand total of three times, I suggest you go back and read all of LFWB's posts throughout this board. He has been more than an integral part of the board and I think his thoughts here are important. I don't think he's being argumentative at all.</p>
<p>Regretably dreamer2226 I agree with you. </p>
<p>Our midshipman tells us that the chaplains are used alot by the plebes, mishipman and staff at USMMA. Oh, I'm sure the Academy will come up with something to attempt to fill the void but I seriously doubt that this "something" will come anywhere close to meeting the needs of the Academy as would two fulltime chaplains.</p>