FORT JACKSON, S.C.
– A 2015 Asbury Park High School graduate and Asbury Park, New Jersey,
native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy to create more resilient service
members and their families through religious ministry around the world.
Religious Program Specialist Seamen Recruit Jahsria
Taylor completed Religious Program Specialist (RP) “A” School at the Naval
Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) March 29.
Graduation from the course is a requirement for RPs
before they go on to assignments supporting more than 800 Navy chaplains and
more than 100 different faith groups through religious ministry programs
characterized by cooperation, tolerance, mutual respect, and respect for
diversity, as well as an emphasis on understanding the pluralistic military environment.
“l learned what it means to be a leader,” said Taylor.
“Being a leader is important in the Navy so I can stand up for and support
other Sailors.”
The three-week class covers a wide range of religious
ministry topics for all aspects of a command religious program including
concepts of pastoral care and support, advising on religious matters,
accommodating various faith groups, and administrative and financial and
accounting duties.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to gain my
independence and help support my family,” said Taylor, who is heading to the
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN -78) in Norfolk, and will serve as a carrier RP,
preparing devotional materials, organizing faith-based events, and maintaining
religious records.
“At Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, we are committed
to training, developing and inspiring our Navy’s chaplains and religious
program specialists,” said Capt. Steve Moses, the school’s commanding officer.
“Our graduates leave our courses ethically, intellectually, professionally and
physically prepared to deliver religious ministry and meet the needs of sea
services personnel and their families throughout the world.”
Chaplains and religious program specialists (RP) play a
critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a
ready force through the delivery of professional religious ministry and
compassionate pastoral care. Chaplains and RPs are embedded within commands
operating at sea and ashore to ensure 24/7 availability. They provide a source
of comfort and refuge that enables service members and their families to
practice and grow in their faith and to face personal and professional
challenges.