Lay Pastoral Associate
Our Lay Pastoral Associate chaplains are appointed by the bishop to a public ministry and provide a three-pronged religious, spiritual and pastoral ministry in collaboration with the Priests and Deacons in all matters except those that by their very nature or by ecclesial law require Holy Orders.
As with ordained chaplains, Pastoral Associate chaplains need to be well formed and it is expected that they acquire similar theological and pastoral formation as required for all ADF denominational chaplains
There are two avenues for attracting the ministry of lay pastoral associates, like candidates for the permanent diaconate:
For lay women and men who have the theological and pastoral formation required and are currently working as lay ministers with the Catholic Church, please speak with your local catholic chaplain or contact the Monsignor Peter O'Keefe at the Chancery: peter.okeefe@cmoa.org.au Phone: 0428 888 302
If you are a member of the ADF and are considering whether you might be suitable for chaplaincy, there is an opportunity for you to apply for admission into the In-Service Training Scheme for Appointment of Chaplains.
An initial step would be to talk with a Catholic chaplain at your posting or contact the Chancery as above. The expectation is that you would be a practising Catholic and can demonstrate your involvement in the Church. You will need to be endorsed by the Military Diocese as part of your application.
Responsibilities of a Lay Pastoral Associate Military Chaplain
- Actively support the religious program at the base chapel, conducting the Liturgy of the Word and other prayer services as required.
- Provide a spiritual ministry, be prepared to accompany members in the discerning the Christian faith and their spirituality.
- Assist Catholic Defence families in sacramental preparation.
- Assist adult members seeking reception into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA).
- Provide pastoral care to all within your posted unit and more broadly as required.
- In the absence of an ordained minister, conduct military funerals according to the liturgy of the Church.
- Be a team player and active participant of your local multi-faith chaplaincy team.
- Work collaboratively with the local multidisciplinary team (medical, psychology and welfare); and
- Be part of a command support team advising commanders on various personnel and welfare issues, morale, spirituality, and pastoral care needs.
Pastoral associates may be the sole Catholic Chaplain at a location and will need to be able to operate with a high degree of independence.
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