4th Canadian Division Chaplains participate in Exercise FAITHFUL SPIRIT

December 7, 2022 - Defence Stories

By Lieutenant (Navy) Rev Chris Donnelly, Chaplain with 2SvcBn, Petawawa, ON

Caption

Colonel Sonny Hatton values the advice given by Chaplains as this has aided him in keeping track of the moral pulse on the troops in order to provide the best possible support for them.
Photo credit Mr. Wyatt Brooks

The Chaplains from the 4^th Canadian Division (4 Cdn Div) gathered during Exercise FAITHFUL SPIRIT at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, Ontario from November 1 to 4, 2022 for spiritual fellowship and to discuss the latest developments in the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service.

“This annual gathering was an excellent opportunity for spiritual fellowship and enhancing the camaraderie of the 4 Div Chaplain Team,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Michel Dion, 4 Cdn Div Chaplain. “Both Regular Force and Reserve Chaplains present from the three Abrahamic traditions (Christian, Jewish and Islamic) along with advisors on Indigenous Spirituality shared insights and discussed their reflections on Chaplaincy and what their service means for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF),” he added.

The CFB Kingston Command Team, Colonel Sonny Hatton and Chief Warrant Officer Shaun Prendergast warmly welcomed the participants. They both expressed their appreciation of the work that Chaplains do for the troops. Colonel Hatton also shared stories about how the advice given by Chaplains aided him to keep track with the moral pulse of the troops in order to provide the best support possible for them. 

The Chaplain General, Brigadier-General Guy Belisle, along with Chief Warrant Officer Tracy Graham, led the gathering and imparted onto the participants lessons from his 36 year career with the CAF. A highlight for the first day of the Exercise was an address given by Commander Jennifer Gosse, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture Chaplain, emphasizing the importance of culture change and the unique role that Chaplains have in making the CAF open and equitable to all Canadians and currently serving members. The emphasis on “open door” policies and the Chaplains’ availability within units was a critically valuable note.

Over the rest of the Exercise, the participants received training on best practices in Chaplaincy like the “Trauma Informed Care” and reviewed important resources like the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre. These are invaluable tools for Chaplains in offering CAF members real, effective support.

The participants also had the opportunity to conduct experiential learning through the Peace Support Training Centre. They received military training such as Combat First Aid and Conduct after Capture, among others.

As with every Exercise with this group, the week was an enormous success. It felt especially impactful after two years of Zoom meetings and distanced collaboration. The participants appreciate the hard work of the organizing committee, especially to Captain Rabbi Noteh Glogauer who worked relentlessly in coordinating such a smooth and diverse Exercise.