Salvatorian chaplains have been integral in providing spiritual guidance and support to various communities, playing a vital role in offering comfort and solace to those in need through the years.
One notable Salvatorian Chaplain was Fr. Mike Kendall, SDS, who, even with his passion for teaching, felt called to a ministry in chaplaincy. When Mount St. Paul in Waukesha closed in 1970; his teaching assignment ended, allowing him to pursue his chaplaincy training in California and Texas. He soon began ministry as Chaplain and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison, WI, where he remained until 1976. He went on to attend the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkley, CA, where he learned to combine his ministry to the sick with parish ministry. This allowed him to use this ministry skill at parishes in California and Oregon for eight years and for one year in campus ministry at St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA.
Fr. Mike returned to hospital chaplaincy in 1988 and ministered as Director of Chaplaincy Services at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, CA. He held this position until 2000 when he, along with several other Salvatorians, were sent to begin a new and very collaborative ministry – The Jordan Ministry Team, in Tucson, AZ. After four years with this ministry, Fr. Mike returned to chaplain ministry in Florence, AZ to begin serving as a Prison Chaplain. He remained in this ministry, while also helping at local parishes even after his official retirement in 2005, until his unexpected death in July 2008.
Another notable chaplain was Fr. Frederick Dorn, SDS, who during World War II served as chaplain to the soldiers. He served four years of active duty in the Air Force, followed by service as a Reserve Officer until 1960. He was instrumental in counseling and supporting soldiers who were dealing with the stress and trauma of war. He retired for service with the rank of Major and received a Bronze Star.
Fr. Frederick had also been a hospital chaplain and a teacher. According to our Salvatorian archives, "Many students remembered Fr. Frederick's need for order in the classroom and having the desks aligned properly, a holdover from his military experience."
Salvatorian priests have played crucial roles in providing chaplain ministry in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and military bases and campuses by offering spiritual support and guidance to a wide range of individuals facing different challenges and stages of life.
Today you will find Salvatorians in chaplain ministry roles within hospice care, hospitals, and nursing homes providing comfort and support during difficult times. You will also find us in chaplain roles at universities, where we engage with students and faculty to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and promotes understanding. Through our ongoing commitment to chaplain ministry, Salvatorians have been able to extend God's hand by offering support and faith to individuals and their families during some of their most difficult days.
