The White Falcon - 08.08.1980, Side 5
Aueust 8. 1980
The White Falcon
Page 5
Page 4
STATESIDE COMMUNITIES have at least one thing in common—a common
denominator. They all have, in one form or another, some form of re-
ligious activity. Whether it's in the form of a Catholic Church, a Syna-
gogue, or a Protestant Chapel; if you look, chances are you can find your
religious preference in your community.
The NATO Base is a small community and like most it offers its people
religious activities. However, in our community most religious services
take place in one building—The Base Chapel.
The Chapel is currently staffed by five chaplains. Chaplain Sigmund
Schade, Staff Chaplain Iceland Defense Force; Chaplain Thomas Benedum,
Naval Station Chaplain; and Chaplain Richard Swanson, site chaplain (Hofn
and Rockville), serve the Protestant sector. Catholic interests are
looked after by Chaplain James Cronin, Senior Chaplain Naval Station; and
Chaplain Normon Gonzalves, the Catholic Chaplain for sites.
The Chaplains are aided by two enlisted Religious Program Specialists,
RP1 Jay Freeman and RPSN Wendy Mitchell, who accomplish administrative
duties, prepare the chapel for services, conduct training classes, manage
the chapel's cost center, and order supplies. They also have respon-
sibility for upkeep of the building.
"We are understaffed in comparison to other bases of our size," said
Chaplain Thomas Benedum. "The usual ratio is one chaplain for every 800
Religious Activities
As a religftU, sjfctual and
social base, the Chapel can
be a meaningful part of our lives
people, but because two of our chaplains are at sites one third of their
time, we are usually understaffed for base services."
"We try to be flexible so that as many denominations as possible can
be served." Currently services offered are: Catholic Masses at 4:30 p.m.
on Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Sundays. In addition,
Catholic masses are held daily at 11:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. and a special
mass is offered each Sunday at the USO at 11:30 a.m., enabling BEQ resi-
dents and shiftworkers the opportunity to attend a Mass. For the Protes-
tant members two services are held on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Also,
a Friday morning prayer breakfast is held each week at 6:30 a.m. A Jewish
service is held at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Chapel, Mormons meet weekly
at the lower school, and the Lutherans meet monthly in the chapel.
"Smaller groups meet in private quarters and conduct their own ser-
vices," Chaplain Benedum explained, "but we are making strong attempts to
bring these smaller groups back into the chapel and avoid duplication of
services. Personnel are free to hold private services in their quarters.
However, we hope to facilitate more worship services so that won't be
necessary. A few of the smaller groups take part in our Sunday evening
service and their participa^^^adds grea^MCo that fellowship."
In addition to normally ^^^Aled ser\^^^^special counseling sessions
can be arranged for pre-mai^^^Wdiscussi^^^Barital problems, or just
about any other reason. Acc^HRng to ChapHHi Benedum service members are
required to take part in pre-marital sessions prior to being married by
the Icelandic Government. While the chaplain cannot perform the actual
wedding ceremony, he can offer a second service, in which the marriage is
blessed and friends and family can participate.
"Personnel serving in remote overseas areas are subject to a lot of
pressures," Chaplain Benedum said. "Depression, closed in feelings, sep-
eration from family, and marriage difficulties are common problems that we
deal with. We feel we can offer objective help and advice for personnel
who are experiencing personal crisis in their lives. We hope it's easier
to talk with us than say, a section leader about a personal problem."
A unique aspect to military services is the chaplain himself, who in
addition to being a spiritual leader is a commissioned officer. Chaplain
Benedum explained that this can be advantageous at times and a handicap
occasionally. "People, I feel are at ease with us once they get to know
us on a one-to-one basis, but there is always that initial shock of seeing
the rank insignias on our collars."
"The rank can be an asset if we are trying to help someone who is re-
luctant to help themselves. When a chaplain asks you to do something, you
might put it on the back burner and forget about it, but people tend to
act quicker when an officer asks."
Chaplains are not immune to problems—in fact the chaplains are ex-
periencing a problem now that they hope will improve in time—that prob-
lem is attendance. According to Chaplain Benedum only 10 to 15 percent of
PHOTOS— (counter clockwise from upper left) Chaplain Frederick Mir ray, who
leaves soon for Rota Spain, celebrates Catholic Afiss at the USO; a puppet
shew is featured for the maiy^ghildren th^^jiarticipated in the suimer Vaca-
tion Bible School; Chaplaint
ning Protestant service; an
bers during a pre-marital ses
man^^hi 1 dren th^^^a:
i V ■ I
rs a prayer at the Sunday mor-
'edum counsels two service mem-
the base population actively takes part in services and chapel functions.
He cites shift working, duty and location of the chapel as a few reasons
for the low attendance figures.
If plans go as scheduled, the chapel location could be improved in two
or three years. "There is a proposed chapel project which is at the Con-
gressional funding stage," Chaplain Benedum explained. "An architect and
a representative from the Chief of Chaplains Office were here in June
scouting the best location for the project. The primary site is across
from the upper school and between the Commissary and the Gymnasium."
"That is the ideal location—it would take us from the fringe of the
base and put us in a more central location, which would be more accessible
for all personnel. And once the project is completed, the upper school
could be used for some of our auxiliary chapel groups, such as CCD and
Sunday School."
The Chapel offers a wide variety of auxiliary programs: the Catholic
Women of the Parish; Catholic Mens Group; Protestant Women of the Chapel;
and a choir for both adults and children. Also, a retreat is planned for
women to Hvitarbakki and attempts are being made to form a chapel youth
group.
Thus as a religious, spiritual and social base, the chapel activities
can be a meaningful part of our lives.