Meet the New Chaplain

Hello! I am very pleased and excited to be working here at the Carlington Community Chaplaincy. As some of you may know, I worked as an interim Chaplain here for one summer a number of years ago. To be able to return in a permanent role feels like a real blessing to me.

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I have had a strong commitment to social and ecological justice since I was very young, as well as a deep sense of spirituality. After finishing a Bachelor degree in Women's Studies, I worked for a number of years in homeless shelters. I realized that I wanted to return to school and study social and ecological issues within the context of my faith. So I returned to school, and am now completing a Ph.D. in Theology, with a focus on feminism, ecology and social justice.

The role of Chaplain at the Carlington Community Chaplaincy represents the fulfillment of my professional, spiritual and personal goals. It brings together two central aspects of who I am: a woman of faith and a person deeply committed to justice and Earth healing.

I believe in a community-based ministry of empowerment for individuals and groups. My goal is to learn from the community about its needs and desires, and to help empower community members to meet those needs and desires. I offer a Ministry of Presence; active and available within the community to witness to joys and sorrows, conflict and success, struggle and hope.

Of course, there is more to me than my job title and education. I am also married, with three children, ages 16, 9, and 1 year old. In my downtime I enjoy reading, hiking, canoeing, and camping. I am an active member of a faith community, and enjoy learning more about Christianity and other religions with my family.

Please come by for a visit! I invite everyone, community members, volunteers, and others interested in what the Chaplaincy does, to drop by and introduce yourselves to me. I would like for us to get to know each other, and discover how we can work together to strengthen community in the Carlington area, and help people empower themselves and others.

Blessings and peace,

Jessica Hetherington

Chaplain