By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
Father Christopher Butera, a military chaplain, was promoted to the rank of major during a Sept. 13 ceremony attended by 150 of his family, friends, students, and fellow soldiers at the Curtis Armory, Allentown.
“A military chaplain offers spiritual care of all soldiers and their work transcends all levels. Their work goes beyond any words I can express today,” said Colonel James McCormack who presided over the ceremony.
“The work you do – very few can do. I know it’s difficult to manage time. The need is abound and not truly known until it manifests itself,” he told Father Butera, who is the Command and Unit Chaplain for the 213th Regional Support Group.
Father Butera thanked God and Bishop Alfred Schlert for the opportunity to serve the military.
“It’s a privilege to care for soldiers of all faiths and those without faith…Being a military chaplain is immensely rewarding in so many intangible ways. Fundamentally it allows me to live my vocation as a priest and bring the sacraments to soldiers who dedicate their lives to the service of their country and put their lives on the line every day,” he said.
“Outside of that sacred mission, interacting and knowing so many talented and diverse people is a blessing to me by how they enrich my life with their friendship,” said Father Butera, who is also Diocesan Director of Seminary Formation and administrator of Sacred Heart, Bath.
Being promoted to major, is significant step-up in rank and carries with it greater responsibilities and duties to those he cares for as a chaplain.
“A promotion in rank also means I will have a greater sphere of influence, and I hope to use that influence in the best way possible to make a positive impact with my soldiers and my unit, as well as to influence in a positive way the leaders and colleagues that I work with on a regular basis,” he said.
Father Butera’s military career began at Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va. In 2001, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.
Talking directly to Bath’s Sacred Heart School students, Father Butera said, “Anything you want to be in the world – you can do it in the National Guard. You can become something great and serve your country as well.”
