First for Navy Chaplain
1 September 2008
The Navy's first female chaplain to deploy on Op Catalyst is already putting in the hard yards alongside HMAS Parramatta's Ship's Company on their way to the sultry North Arabian Gulf.
Chaplain Christine Senini sailed in Parramatta (CMDR Jonathan Sadleir) from Sydney's Fleet Base East on 18 August, and has already begun living up to her nickname of the 'Action Chaplain' which she earned as a NEOC at the RAN College. Chaplain Senini told Navy News that she was nicknamed the 'Action Chaplain' in recognition of her eagerness to go the extra nautical miles with her peers, no matter how tough the challenge.
"I treasure the opportunity to share these experiences and to walk alongside the ship's company, being there as a companion, friend, and guide," she said. "I want to find the people with the hardest, toughest and most demanding jobs and be there to share their burden, and let them know they are appreciated, cared for, and loved."
Chaplain Senini said she prays she can contribute positively to the operational effectiveness of the Navy by providing religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Parramatta's crew and their families.
"I believe that, like everyone else in the Navy, RAN Chaplains are about fulfilling the commitment to fight and win at sea," she said. "I hope that my work in the RAN helps people be the best that they can be, and this in turn contributes to a Navy with a global reputation for excellence."
The former AFP agent answered God's call to join the RAN several years ago. "I believe my Navy career is a God given opportunity; He called me to the Navy for a purpose, and I pray that I won't let Him down," she said.
Right from the word go, Chaplain Senini made a 'big splash' at the RAN College where she was awarded the prestigious Creswell Cup and recorded the highest overall academic score. The chaplain was also on target with the Browning 9mm handgun to record a perfect score.
While Chaplain Senini has a raft of academic and ministry qualifications, she is most fulfilled in her position as a Chaplain in the RAN and of the opportunity to serve those who may give their lives to serve others. "The opportunity to serve aboard a warship in a high tempo environment was why I joined the Navy," she said.
Chaplain Senini is constantly buoyed by the sincerity, openness, and camaraderie of those she meets through her chaplaincy work. "My role is to improve the capability and effectiveness of Ship's Company in both their professional and personal life," she said. "It is an opportunity to make a positive change both for Australia and for the rest of the world. Through the grace of God, I trust the He will allow me to make a difference."
Chaplain Senini, who is ordained as a Minister in the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA), is one of twelve Navy chaplains that provide pastoral care for members from Admiral to Recruit. It has been customary to carry Chaplains onboard RAN ships since the very early days, when they were paid by the sailors and a psalm or hymn was sung every time the watch changed. Today, RAN Chaplaincy is founded on the four goals of worship and sacraments; pastoral care; character and personal development; and their professional development as Chaplains.
