Logan Rutherford

I suspect my entry into the field of pastoral care as a chaplain is not atypical. Prior to entering the Seminary to begin the Masters of Divinity program, my professional experience was in the legal field. I was employed by Baker Botts, LLP, a large law firm, as a trademark legal assistant. At Baker Botts, I helped manage a large portfolio of domestic and international trademarks and domain names. Working with many large international companies, I enjoyed being part of the strategic planning function of protecting a company’s intellectual property assets. I left Baker Botts to work for ConocoPhillips Company as a Trademark Legal Assistant. While these positions were well paying jobs, I was not satisfied.

In 2004, I was searching for a way to combine my faith life and career. Since I was dating and planned to marry, I knew the priesthood was not an option. After researching different possibilities, I learned about the profession of hospital chaplaincy and became immediately interested and motivated to pursue this further. After learning that the Masters of Divinity degree is required for most jobs, I met with the dean of St. Mary’s Seminary and enrolled in the M. Div program at the University of Saint Thomas, School of Theology. I began volunteering with the Catholic Chaplain Corps., a network of lay volunteers who minister to patients in Houston Medical Center. I completed the one-year training program and was commissioned by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston as a Pastoral Assistant. In April 2005, I began visiting patients at The Methodist Hospital, a large diverse hospital in Houston’s Medical Center.

I was later accepted into the CPE program at The Methodist Hospital. Upon completion of my residency, I was offered and accepted a fulltime staff chaplain position with the department of Spiritual Care and Education. I have been there since completing my residency.

While the work is challenging and demanding at times, my experience thus far as a fulltime staff chaplain has affirmed the decision to leave the corporate environment of which I had been a part. I feel I have been called by God to a ministerial role helping others in time of need.