Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2006/First Navy 'madre' - Chaplain Christine Senini
By Cristy Symington
It was a call from God that resulted in the RAN being introduced to its first female chaplain one year ago.
In her unique role, Chap Senini has been raising the profile of chaplaincy, the importance of faith and the role God can play in people's lives.
Posted to HMAS Cerberus in January, Chap Senini has experienced an eventful start to her new-found career.
"As a female chaplain, I am often the object of curiosity," she said.
"Sailors will do a double-take as they walk past and more often than not come back and check that I really am a chaplain.
"Inevitably, they will ask, 'What do I call you?' Some are more comfortable with 'Madre' or 'Ma'am'."
Her answer: "Generally, I prefer the Navy term 'chaplain', or when protocol allows, Christine."
Prior to joining the Navy, Chap Senini worked as a federal agent in the Australian Federal Police for 12 years.
She also has extensive qualifications, including a Bachelor of Theology (Biblical Studies), a Master of Theology (Liturgy), and a Master of Arts (Pastoral Theory and Practise); and has completed three years of training at the United Theological College in Sydney; and is an ordained minister in the Uniting Church of Australia.
Chap Senini was not new to the ADF family, both her parents having served in the RAAF, and she had always had an interest in the Defence Force.
But that was not her reason for joining.
"I believe God has called me to be a Navy chaplain," she said.
"I do appreciate the history and the heritage of the Navy, and I respect the way God is intrinsically involved in many aspects of Navy ritual.
"I value Navy culture and the way it includes a practical can-do attitude, emphasis on team work, a great sense of humour, and the desire to get the job done."
One year on, Chap Senini has been involved in a wide range of ceremonial and public events, but also instigated some of her own ideas including the recent "Blessing of the Animals," and "Soundwaves in the Chapel"
concerts with the RAN Band - Melbourne Detachment, both in the Cerberus Chapel. "I wanted to demystify 'Church' and broaden the range of people exposed to positive Church experiences," she said.
"I consider communication as a crucial component of chaplaincy - ministry is about spreading the message."
Chap Senini values the opportunity to help those who are seeking to help others, and to be there to help when people are facing significant questions in their lives.
Being located at Cerberus, the cradle of the Navy, Chap Senini has hundreds of recruits who come to see her to speak about their dreams and struggles.
Chap Christine Senini does up GP boots before 'saddling up' with her pack under training at HMAS Creswell.
Conducting a service while under training on board HMAS Stuart.
"More so than many in our community, those involved with the Defence Force are sometimes placed in situations that give rise to questions about their own mortality, and in turn the spiritual dimensions of their lives," she said.
"While I certainly don't have all the answers, I am always willing to listen, and do whatever I can to serve."
RAN chaplaincy is founded on the four goals of worship and sacraments, pastoral care, character and personal development, and their own professional development as chaplains.
They provide advice to command and divisional staff on religious, spiritual, welfare, morale, ethics, moral and cultural issues, and along with ceremonial roles, they are also part of an ADF team of professionals known as carers - the team includes medics, psychologists, Defence Community Organisation (DCO) and others.
As ministers and priests, Navy chaplains team with clergy from the local community, and work with the command element to foster the Service values.
"In a sense I am a chaplain first and a female second, although I don't think there are too many male chaplains that would be seen patrolling Cerberus armed with a wicker basket laden with lollies.
"I think females in any role are able to bring a variety of different approaches to our work.
"These are neither better nor worse than any other approach but I think the Navy benefits from this diversity."
Speaking of handing out lollies, when asked about her proudest moment since joining, Chap Senini told of the lead-up to Easter last year when she hand-delivered a chocolate Easter egg to every person at Cerberus.
"It was a delight to combine my love of Christ, the job of sharing with people, and my fondness for chocolate."
Chap Senini hopes to continue to make a difference as a Navy chaplain in the future.
"I cherish my role at Cerberus and I am eager for more sea time," she said.
"I believe those in the fleet don't have access to all the resources we have at home.
"I think there is a particularly strong need for chaplains at sea and I look forward to doing whatever I can to be with those serving in our most challenging and difficult deployments."
