Bridget Deegan-Krause

In response to the promptings of the Spirit of God, I came to chaplaincy after a search for hospitable places for my ministerial gifts. While serving as a Jesuit Volunteer in a hospice setting, and later during my Master of Divinity studies at Notre Dame, I had the opportunity to be mentored by professional chaplains. I was attracted by the deep satisfaction these chaplains found in their meaningful work. As I worked my way through a beginning unit of CPE and later a year-long paid residency -- both immensely rich interfaith learning opportunities with terrific supervisors -- I was taken by the high levels of professionalism of my chaplain colleagues as well as the structures that supported them in their work -- including good pay and strong accountability structures within their institutions and professional organizations (including the NACC).

Over the past fifteen years I have developed a rich ministry that includes work in interdisciplinary settings in hospice as well as in academia, working with other professionals preparing for work in health care. My ministry in direct pastoral care has been enhanced by writing, retreat leadership, presentations and teaching, as well as opportunities to preach and preside. As a spouse and mother of two, I have found in chaplaincy, flexibility and opportunities for ongoing formation that complement well my personal life.

And simply put, and very importantly for me, I have found in chaplaincy some of the most well-grounded, professional and spiritually effective ministers of the Church. My chaplain colleagues value with me the need to take our gifts and skills seriously and to hone them and develop them for the healing of God's people. Despite the restrictions upon sacramental ordination in my denomination, I have found great freedom and abundant opportunities for ministerial leadership within chaplaincy, and now see my chaplain colleagues joining me in the directing of programs and the shaping of institutions. As well I have enjoyed the exciting collegiality of leaders of various denominations and professions.

Perhaps, like me, you too are compelled by the power of Jesus' healing love. Perhaps, like me, you too are discerning the continued and sometimes surprising movement of the Spirit in your ministry and wonder if God might be calling you in this direction, even for a while. Perhaps, like me, you seek to find places where in the Church you can effectively make a difference, where your vocation and abilities can be recognized and celebrated and used well. Consider chaplaincy. Get to know the chaplains in your area. Spend time with them and come to understand the rich ministerial opportunities that exist within chaplaincy. Consider taking a unit of CPE - a wonderful learning opportunity and a chance to get to know the profession. Contact the NACC and let one of us who are part of this great group help you consider the steps in a path that may work for you.