by Naval Chaplaincy School and Center Public Affairs
FORT JACKSON, S.C.
– A 2009 Wylie High School graduate and Wylie, Texas, 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 Seaman Apprentice Mark
Shaffer 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.
“I learned what it means to be an RP,” said Shaffer. “I
feel I’m ready to apply what I learned here in the fleet.”
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, as far back as I can
remember, I wanted to be in the military. I want to be a part of something
bigger and to help protect this country that I love," said Shaffer, who is
heading to Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and will serve
as a battalion 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.
Naval Chaplaincy School and Center develops and delivers
religious ministry training to achieve fleet readiness. For information about
the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, visit
https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/chaplain/.