The Padre
Introduction
Your Squadron (or DF) should have its own Chaplain, or “Padre.” (This strange pseudo-Latin word used to mean “Father,” but the Forces now use it for both sexes.) He or she will be a serving or retired minister of one of the main Christian churches.
“Why?”
- is the first question cadets and staff often ask when they find one of the
local “God Squad” around the Unit.
Officially,
the duty of the Chaplain is “to
motivate those qualities required in uniformed personnel of the Crown which
derive from the Christian faith.” If that sounds pompous, the most
important parts of the Padre’s role can be summarised like this:
1.
The Padre encourages cadets (and staff) to think for themselves about bigger
issues than everyday things - right and wrong, meaning and purpose, and of
course God. This contributes to the “citizenship” and “community”
aspects of ATC work.
2.
A cadet or adult with a
problem can talk to a Padre in total confidence. No-one has the right to know
what was said in a conversation with a Padre (They are used to this privilege,
and you shouldn’t find them abusing it. If someone else needs to know what was
said, the Padre will try to persuade the cadet to co-operate).
Is that all?
No.
One of the Padre’s formal duties is to enrol new cadets. They should have
chance to get to know them first, and be involved in preparing them for
enrolment.
The
Padre may also encourage the Unit to hold Church Parades from time to time.
Don’t be afraid to take up this offer - ATC Padres know how to relate to young
people, and they’ll make the service as interesting and relevant as possible
for them, even if it’s a formal occasion like Remembrance Day.
Count the heads!
Padres
have the same number as other people. They’re not delicate, sensitive
creatures who are easily shocked or offended, and the cadets won’t be able
teach them any new words. Encourage cadets to respect them like any other adult,
but not to be in awe of them.
So how should we treat the Padre?
Frequently!
And don’t call them “Sir” or “Ma’am” unless you’ve got deep
pockets - it’ll cost you a drink. “Padre” is the formal style of address,
and most will call cadets by their first names which is different to the normal
address on a unit. So be warned - if you want to be able to communicate with
your Padre about individual cadets, you may have to learn some first names
yourself!
Salutes are not strictly necessary, since ATC Padres don’t carry the Queen’s
commission, but a courtesy salute is given on most Units (because they have
God’s commission?).
Your
Padre is part of the team (they sign the Attendance Register, not the
Visitors’ Book).
Even
though he/she can’t be there every week, your Padre wants to help in the Unit.
Most have done other jobs, and have varied interests. Find out your Padre’s
talents, and use them! But don’t
put a Padre in an “executive” situation, as this conflicts with his/her
basic role. Even RAF Padres, who are commissioned officers, don’t give orders
(“We merely make suggestions - and
people do what we suggest,” as one of them has said).
What’s the catch?
There
isn’t one - unless you count the hidden agenda. ATC Padres won’t push their
own denomination, or “hard-sell” the Christian faith, but they still hope
that they’ll be able to help some cadets and staff to a personal faith in
Christ.
Finally,
take your Padre to Camp, but
two words of warning:
 | Despite being the only unpaid person in the Officers’ Mess, your Padre will try to stand a round or two. Discourage this, or at least be sure to outdo him or her in generosity! |
| If there are any free flights going, all that Christian unselfishness goes out the window. The Padre will be first in the queue, often encouraged by RAF pilots - they love to have a “sky-pilot” on board! |