Your primary function is to provide religious ministrations and spiritual ministry to all members of a Canadian Forces unit regardless of religious affiliation. You will officiate at special functions, provide pastoral care to members and their families, and advice regarding the spiritual and ethical wellbeing and morale of a unit.

The primary function of Chaplains is to provide religious ministrations and spiritual ministry to all members of a Canadian Forces unit regardless of religious affiliation. Their duties include officiating at special functions, providing pastoral care to members and their families, and advising the Commanding Officer regarding the spiritual and ethical wellbeing and morale of their unit. They may be called upon to liaise with civilian religious faith groups, to refer members to other care providers such as social workers or medical personnel, and to provide directed care after critical incidents. As the only Chaplain in the unit, they are also required to gain and apply knowledge in general military administration and chaplain branch policies.

Read about the new chaplaincy badges.

To become a Chaplain, the minimum requirements are the following: you must be ordained or mandated by a nationally registered faith group and have a Bachelor of Theology and a Masters degree in Pastoral Theology (or equivalent) if you studied in the province of Quebec or St-Paul’s University in Ottawa. For all other applicants, the Bachelors of Arts and a Masters of Divinity degree (or equivalent).

Applicants must provide evidence in support of their application from their local ecclesiastical authority. They must receive support from a representative of the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC), the endorsement of the ICCMC and be selected by the Chaplain General. The ICCMC expects applicants to have at least 2 years of experience in a civilian ministry. Applicants must meet Canadian Forces medical standards and successfully complete a Canadian Forces and Branch selection process that includes tests, interviews and approval by an acceptance board.

The Direct Entry Officer is the usual plan of entry into the Chaplaincy. Since the recruitment process is complex and involves both the Canadian Forces and ecclesiastical authorities, applicants will receive guidance from the Chaplain General’s office in all aspects of the process. More information about Chaplain admission requirements.

As a Chaplain, you will be in the privileged position of working within an ecumenical or multi-faith team that will minister to all CF members and their families, regardless of rank or position. You will be responsible for the pastoral care and oversight of the members by responding to spiritual and mental health needs, as required. You will know how to recognize specific psychosocial and spiritual difficulties and make recommendations for referral or disposition. Chaplains provide a ministry of presence and offer spiritual teaching programs. Ceremonies typically require the Chaplain to offer prayers and perform church services in public and at unit parades. Liaison with other spiritual leaders in the civilian community is expected. The Chaplain is an important member of the command team of the unit and exercises a ministry expressed through the sacramental-liturgical life of the Church. The relationship between the Chaplain and all members of the unit can be very profound, spiritually intense and privileged. Only the Chaplain can achieve this special trust because he or she has privileged access to all members, has no commanding authority, and is prohibited from bearing arms.

Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Chaplains’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.

Chaplains provide a ministry of presence and offer spiritual teaching programs. Ceremonies typically require the chaplain to offer prayers, and church services in public and unit parades. Liaison with other spiritual leaders in the civilian community is expected.