Community Relations - Knights of the Southern Cross

(Media Release)

“ADOPT A CHAPLAIN IN TRAINING” PROJECT

The Knights of the Southern Cross are inviting all Catholic schools and colleges around Australia to adopt a chaplain in training in order to help fund his training expenses in 2010. The Knights themselves will also be taking part in this new initiative and other members of the community are welcome to contribute.

Anzac Day honours those men and women who have served our Country, and in thousands of cases, given their lives for our freedom. Catholic Miltary Chaplains have been an essential part of all Australian Armed Services both at home and overseas bringing the sacraments and counselling to servicemen and women, when they most needed it.

The Diocese of the Australian Defence Force is the smallest Catholic Diocese yet ministers to some 38,000 Defence Force personnel and their families. The Defence Force looks to the Diocese to provide 40 fulltime Catholic Chaplains but at present there are only 17. However, through the prayers of schools and colleges (and many other members of the community) offered during the National Prayer Crusades for Vocations over the past 3 years, the Diocese now has a number of seminarians, deacons and pastoral associates in training to take on the role of chaplain.

Of course such training has to be paid for and the Diocese now faces a deficit of around $40,000 this year and probably for some years to come. We still need chaplains to fill the gap but we must provide for the training when prayers are answered.

To help fund this deficit, and with the full support of Bishop Max Davis, Military Ordinary of Australia, the Knights of the Southern Cross have initiated the "Adopt a Military Chaplain in Training" Project. It is hoped that participating schools and colleges would be able to have a Gold Coin Day during 2010 (possibly in conjunction with the week chosen for praying during the 4th National Prayer Crusade for Vocations) and donate the money raised to this cause.

Each school or college would be given the name and contact details of a Chaplain in Training, whom they would "adopt" and support during his studies. They would be encouraged to write to him during this time. Members of the community around Australia wishing to participate would be given this same chance.

To take part in the “Adopt a Chaplain in Training” Project or for further information, please email Bob Perkins, National Executive Officer, Knights of the Southern Cross, at neo@ksca.org.au with your name, address and contact details or call (02) 6247 2977 (Mon, Wed & Fri).

Last updated:24/04/2010