Salt + Light Media Menu
Salt + Light Media Home
Magnifying Glass
coverPhoto
Premium content

Asset title

Asset description

Military chaplains in harm's way

Kris Dmytrenko

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

In a previous Catholic Focus, we looked at the little-known ministry of Canada’s military chaplains. While I learned much from preparing that program, particularly from Bishop Donald Thériault, the head of the Catholic military ordinariate, I don’t think I properly understood the dangers chaplains faced.
t1main.chaplainjpg-5That awareness came with the news that U.S. Army chaplain Capt. Dale Goetz was killed in Afghanistan. He was among five Americans who died as their convoy hit an improvised explosive device (IED) near the Kandahar Province. Capt. Goetz was the first chaplain to be killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
“It was only a matter of time,” one Canadian chaplain mournfully told me on Friday. Chaplains routinely travel with the troops outside secure areas. Canada’s Operation ATHENA is also centered in the dangerous Kandahar Province, so the fallen chaplain could have just as easily been one of our own.
ivd-02-071
Thankfully, no Canadian chaplains have died since WWII. In that conflict, however, twelve were killed and more were wounded. According to Dr. Duff Crerar, who has extensively researched the history of military chaplaincy, four others were killed in WWI. Four more died of wounds or pneumonia in 1919, due to hard service or Spanish flu.
Aside from the physical risks, military chaplaincy takes a psychological toll. Earlier this year, a survey of morale found that more than half of Canadian chaplains were at medium-to-high risk of anxiety or depressive disorders. Their risk is even higher than for other Forces members. Chaplains bring solace to the troops, but one wonders to whom the chaplains can turn for help.
As we lift up our servicemen and women in prayer, let us remember too the chaplains.
To learn more about our chaplains and meet Canada’s military bishop, watch our Catholic Focus episode online.


Related Articles:

Category: General Posts

Tag: Catholic Christian Outreach

My Manresa Story: Resting a While

Monday, February 24, 2025

Gianpaolo Capozzi

At the Manresa Spiritual Renewal Centre in Pickering, ON, retreatants of all ages can encounter a God of surprises.

A House Not Made With Hands: St. Anne’s Anglican Church

Friday, February 21, 2025

Scott Harris

In June, 2024, the domed roof and interior of St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto tragically burned down. However, the parish community continues to stand strong and serve its neighbourhood.

Pray with Pope Francis Reflection – February 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Pope Francis invites us to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ’s mission in the priesthood and religious life. 

Pray with Pope Francis Reflection – January 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Pope Francis invites us to pray for the right to an education for migrants, refugees and those affected by war; that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, may always be respected.

What the CND sisters are looking forward to this Christmas

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Maria Montemayor

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the CND sisters and enjoy a special lunch of soup, pizza, salad, and dessert. While I was there, I thought it would be a great opportunity to ask the sisters about what they were looking forward to this Christmas.

SUPPORT LABEL

Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Receive our newsletters
Stay Connected
Copyright © 2025 Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation
Registered Charity # 88523 6000 RR0001
FR | CH