First Responder Ministry

Catholic chaplains engaged in ministering to first responders have been largely invisible, isolated, and disconnected.

This ministry brings them together for shared formation, networking, and support. They are now “seen” and supported by their Church as they engage in this challenging and stressful ministry.

This ministry encourages other ministers to consider this line of duty and advances an effort to improve and expand how police/fire chaplaincy operates.

In addition, this ministry cares directly for first responders via special masses and retreats and provides opportunities for the local Catholic community to express our gratitude for first responders who sacrifice a great deal to keep us safe.

Pray for first responders, including chaplains engaged in emergency ministry.

Consider exploring first responder chaplaincy as a volunteer. This would involve receiving necessary and available training/formation: More info can be found with the NACC(opens in new tab) and CPEI(opens in new tab).

If you are already serving as a police/fire chaplain, consider joining the ministry to engage in peer support sessions and retreats designed to provide spiritual nourishment for your ministry.

If you are a first responder, consider attending a Mass, retreat, or gathering offered by the ministry.

If you want to get involved, please contact James Watts at FirstResponder.Ministry@seattlearch.org

For the archdiocesan news release about First Responder Ministry, click HERE(opens in new tab)!

To view our Mass for First Responders with Bishop Schuster in honor of National First Responders Day, click HERE(opens in new tab)!

For the monthly Mass for First Responders and Chaplains, hosted by the Holy Name Society at Blessed Sacrament Church, click HERE!

For info about our monthly Peer Support Sessions for First Responder Chaplains, click HERE(opens in new tab)!

For info about FREE Self-Guided Retreats for First Responders, click HERE(opens in new tab) or contact Carla Mayuri at cmayuri@csjp-olp.org for more information.

For a Northwest Catholic article on First Responder Ministry, click HERE(opens in new tab)!

For a National Catholic Register article on priest involvement in accidents and other traumatic scenes, click HERE(opens in new tab)!

Current first responder chaplains, aspirants, or involved supporters as of September 2025:

Chaplain Donald Barberie

Fr. Charles Barnes

Deacon Steve Cano

Chaplain Joe Cotton

Deacon Frank DiGirolamo

Deacon Pete Freeman

Chaplain Linda Haptonstall

Chaplain Roy Harrington

Chaplain Kathy Heffernan

Chaplain Abigail Hodge

Chaplain Melody Kroeger

Fr. Mark McGregor

Chaplain Christopher McNabb

Erica Cohen Moore

Chaplain Jason Osburn

Deacon Dale Pollard

Benedetta Reece

Chaplain Phil Reeves

Joel Seymour

Officer Michael Shannon

Chaplain Sonny Turpin (Alaska)