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Mission StatementPA Women of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care is a networking ministry that exists to encourage and affirm women who are called to these vocations and related areas of ministry.
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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for...
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While many may most associate chaplains with hospitals or the military, there are various types of chaplains who can be found in a number of different environments. The short list of those environments includes senior communities, college campuses, sports teams, correctional facilities - and even companies are allowing or inviting chaplains to come in and offer spiritual support. This support may prove most valuable to employees who are encountering difficulties (whether at home or work) or who are facing an unexpected event. These chaplains are usually provided through an outside ministry such as Marketplace Chaplains or Corporate Chaplains of America.
But to be sure, in whatever setting or arena that a chaplain may be found - there you may find a woman.
 Lt J.G. Florence Diana Puhlman,
first female Naval Chaplain - commissioned,
July 2, 1973.
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Madeline Manning-Mims, "brought home the gold" from the 1968 Olympics. But later became a Chaplain with the WNBA's Tulsa Shock.
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Who We Are
Marcia Jones-Washington
Marcia's work in chaplaincy came a bit later in life. At age 50, a turning point prompted her to prayerfully consider "what she really wanted to be when she grew up." Discerning the call to chaplaincy led to her earning a B.S. degree in Community Ministry from Geneva College and an M. A. degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Marcia has been serving as a chaplain since 2018 and in 2023 accepted the position of Bereavement Coordinator with Good Samaritan Hospice. Marcia founded and serves as the primary facilitator for PA Women of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. She and her husband Anthony, have been blessed to live out their lives together for the past 30 years.
Marcia's work in chaplaincy came a bit later in life. At age 50, a turning point prompted her to prayerfully consider "what she really wanted to be when she grew up." Discerning the call to chaplaincy led to her earning a B.S. degree in Community Ministry from Geneva College and an M. A. degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Marcia has been serving as a chaplain since 2018 and in 2023 accepted the position of Bereavement Coordinator with Good Samaritan Hospice. Marcia founded and serves as the primary facilitator for PA Women of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. She and her husband Anthony, have been blessed to live out their lives together for the past 30 years.
Sarah Shirley
The Rev. Sarah Shirley is a retired priest from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She has been active with the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (AFFM) since 1998 when she was first endorsed for military chaplaincy. She served for 20 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2019 as Senior Chaplain of the Florida Air National Guard. Fifteen of those 20 years were spent in Texas, Florida, Maryland, Oman, and Afghanistan.
Sarah is a certified Grief Recovery Outreach Specialist, the founder of Military Saves (www.militarysaves.org) and steering committee member of the Together With Veterans-Greene County rural suicide prevention program.
She and her husband, Alan, live in a variety of hotels, campgrounds, and guest rooms while renovating an old house in Waynesburg, PA.
The Rev. Sarah Shirley is a retired priest from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She has been active with the Office of the Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (AFFM) since 1998 when she was first endorsed for military chaplaincy. She served for 20 years in the Air Force, retiring in 2019 as Senior Chaplain of the Florida Air National Guard. Fifteen of those 20 years were spent in Texas, Florida, Maryland, Oman, and Afghanistan.
Sarah is a certified Grief Recovery Outreach Specialist, the founder of Military Saves (www.militarysaves.org) and steering committee member of the Together With Veterans-Greene County rural suicide prevention program.
She and her husband, Alan, live in a variety of hotels, campgrounds, and guest rooms while renovating an old house in Waynesburg, PA.
Angela Tookes
Angela Tookes is a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. She holds a bachelors degree in elementary education as well as a Masters in Divinity. Angela is involved in the work of Family Foundations Early Head Start as a support to the families they serve. As she has reflected on her life, at this point in ministry, she is feeling called by God to begin serving in chaplain ministry. She gives praise and gratitude to God for connecting her with the fellowship
of women who have been a true inspiration to her.
of women who have been a true inspiration to her.
Our 2nd Women of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Conference
was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Our featured speakers shared powerful insights
related to our, "Better" theme.
To be added to the mailing list for
the 2025 conference, please contact
PA Women of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
at: [email protected]
Visit our News page for additional details on the
conference and conference speakers.
www.pawomenchaplains.net/news
Inspirational Quotes
"I plunged into the job of creating something from nothing.... Though I hadn't a penny left, I considered cash money as the smallest part of my resources. I had faith in a living God, faith in myself, and a desire to serve." ~ Mary McLeod Bethune
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I began to really live life when I began to look at every situation and think about how I could be of service in that situation. ~ Peace Pilgrim 
I find that when I am involved in the business of life, when I'm working with people, particularly with children, I feel better. A kind of strength and energy comes with that.
Sister Thea Bowman |
