Father Brandon Oman, former associate pastor of St. Michael and St. Christopher parishes in Marquette, shares about his upcoming assignment as a chaplain with the U. S. Air Force for the Archdiocese of Military Services.
When did you feel the call to serve as a chaplain for the armed forces? How did that call continue to develop?
I have always had a deep appreciation for those who serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including many members of my family, and I have always had a desire to serve my country. I first experienced the desire to serve as a chaplain in the military when I was a deacon in the seminary. I spoke to my spiritual director about it, and his advice was “if it comes up again, talk to your bishop.” I was in immediate preparation to begin parish ministry, so I filed it in the back of my mind and never seriously revisited the notion. Three years into my current assignment, I received a letter from the USAF chaplain recruiter, which spoke of the need for, the importance of, the presence and ministry of the chaplain. He made an appeal for me to take a call within a call seriously. I immediately knew that I had to take the next step and answer the call.
What has the discernment process been like in preparing to take on this vocation within your vocation?
When I realized that I may be called to serve as a military chaplain, I met with my spiritual director and then with Bishop John Doerfler to explain my experience and seek their input and advice. I also participated in two discernment events, one hosted by the Archdiocese of the Military Services (AMS) in Washington D.C., and another hosted by the USAF Chaplain Corps at Nellis and Creech Air Force bases. At these events, I met many chaplains who shared their experiences with me. I also met many men and women, both veterans and those currently serving, who spoke of the great need and importance of chaplains. In sum, prayer, the counsel of others, and the firsthand experience of the ministry have factored into my decision to pursue serving as a military chaplain.
How do you feel your time as a parish priest and campus ministry chaplain helped prepare you for this call?
At the parish, many veterans and former military families have shared with me their experience in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the impact and the important role of the chaplains with whom they served. After hearing their stories, the desire to serve in this way has stayed constant, and when I picture myself preaching the Gospel in the military environment, joy and peace remain in my heart. These are sure indicators that I should give it a shot. In addition, my work in campus ministry has kept me young, and has given me keen insights into the lives of young people today – and I love being a spiritual father to young people. Given the demographic of those who serve in the military, and my experience in serving young people, being a chaplain will be a great fit for me, and a role for which I am well prepared.
Are there any unique preparations for this assignment?
Yes! In order to qualify for service as a chaplain in the military, the first step was to submit an application with the AMS. Once I received an endorsement from them, I then could proceed with the military application. The military application involved the normal procedures, like working with a recruiter and going to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) for a physical. The next step will be an interview with officials in the Air Force Chaplain Corps. The final step will be eight weeks of Officer Training School, followed by five weeks of Chaplain School, both of which will be at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. If all goes according to plan, I should be training in October and at my first assignment by Christmas.
What are you looking forward to most? What do you anticipate will be difficult?
I am looking forward to celebrating the Sacraments and sharing the Word of God with those who serve. The most difficult part will be to be away from my family, friends and the diocese. Many might wonder why the bishop would release a priest to serve as a chaplain, considering the need for priests here at home. That is understandable, but the need for priests to serve in the military is just as great. For example, the AMS is responsible for the pastoral care of 1.8 million Catholics around the world, which include many of the faithful of our diocese. I can think of 10 that I know personally, with four being from Catholic Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University alone! Historically, our diocese has been generous in releasing priests to serve and provide pastoral care for our young men and women in the armed forces. I am grateful that we are continuing this important work of “serving those who serve”. If you would like to learn more, Google Catholic News Service For God and Country, for a documentary series on catholic priests in the military.