Chaplain’s Column

The mission of the Naval Air Station Religious Ministry Team has always been to provide the best opportunities to meet the religious needs of our service members and their dependents.

As a result, the Religious Ministry Team strives to provide events, activities and programs that are beneficial to our community. Here are a few programs that may be of interest to you:

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Monday, July 16, to Friday, July 20, at the Protestant Chapel, Building 117 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is, “Discovering Jesus from Eternity Past to Eternity Future.” All the campers will enjoy a variety of “Time Lab” activities mixed with healthy snacks.

We are still accepting applications for children who are ages 4 and up. You can obtain an application by calling 961-3751. Registration closes Friday, July 13.

Another great event is our Marriage Enrichment Retreat scheduled for Aug. 17-19, at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi.

All of the accommodations and meals for the retreat are free. Active-duty personnel and their spouses may attend free of charge.

For more information about the retreat, contact Charokee Molina at Charokee. molina.ctr@navy.mil.

We are also happy to welcome two new members to our Religious Ministry Team. RP3 Marco Jalomo and Father John Gaffney.

Jalomo comes to us from USS Port Royal (CG 73). He has already proven to be a valuable asset to our team. Welcome aboard RP3!

In addition, Father John Gaffney comes to us from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. He officially joined our team on Monday, July 2. Father John will continue to provide Catholic services to the Catholic community. Catholic Mass is scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. during the month of July.

However, the schedule will change during the month of August to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m.. Sunday’s Mass will continue at 9 a.m. 

Welcome aboard Father John!

Finally, please know that your chaplain and our entire team are standing by to assist you any way that we can.

As your chaplain, I am available for counseling sessions, marriage preparation, religious functions, retirements, etc.

Don’t hesitate to visit my office or give me a call. We are located on the fifth deck of the Naval Health Clinic in Room 5129.

You may also contact us at 961-3751. If there are emergencies after hours, please call on the duty phone at (361) 533-1394.