Mr. Right: Williams College Looking for an Interim Catholic Chaplin

I just noticed that Williams College is advertising an open position for an interim Catholic Chaplin. The previous Catholic Chaplin was Fr. Gary Caster who left after 12 years of devoted service. According to the school's estimate, there is a large number of Catholics at Williams College since they say that out of 2,100 students about 1,400 identify as Catholics. I would be curious to know if the loss of Fr. Gary Caster was related at all or in part to the negative reaction that occured when the official Williams College Twitter account called attention to Williams College students participating in a right to life rally.

David Vascones '18, Isabelle Ostertag '18, Zsa Zsa Morel '19, and John DiGravio '21 joined with Eph alums to participate in the 2018 March for Life in Washington, D.C. The trip was organized by the Williams Catholic student group and Catholic Chaplain, Fr. Gary Caster. pic.twitter.com/mEqfimCQUT

— Williams College (@WilliamsCollege) January 24, 2018

Fr. Caster was a great guy. The Williams Record reported on him, saying was "...a Southern California native with training in congregational ministry, Caster has spent the last 26 years working in education. In his first week as a student at the University of Southern California, he visited their Newman Catholic Center. “Nobody said hello to me, nobody reached out to me and I never went back,” he said. Here, Caster tries to do the opposite, and he has an appreciation for the small size of the College. “I like that the students let me know what they need from me and how they need me to be and who they need me to be,” he said.

According to the Record, "Caster enjoys speaking at classes and getting students involved outside of campus. Williams Catholic, the College’s Catholic student group, frequently takes trips, but Caster stressed, “All of our activities are open to everyone. You don’t have to be a Catholic to take a trip with us somewhere.” He also teaches interested students how to fly-fish, and he will pay for any student to go golfing with him.”

Fr. Caster left a final statement on Facebook which read as follows:

Dear friends,

Happy Easter! In the glorious light of this Easter Season I wanted to share with all of you an important decision I have made. For the past twelve years I have had the privilege of serving as Catholic Chaplain at Williams College. I have cherished memories of the young, impressive women and men I have met throughout my time here. I will hold them within the depths of my heart for the rest of my life.

I mention this because I have resigned my position as Catholic Chaplain. After nearly thirty years in education, it's time for me to "graduate college," "move out of the basement" of Thompson Memorial Chapel and "get a job." Therefore, I will be returning to my home Diocese of Peoria, Illinois to begin a new experience of priestly service.

My last official day as Catholic Chaplain will be May 20, but my last Sunday Mass will be May 12 at 4:30 pm, upstairs in Thompson Memorial Chapel, with a reception following. There will be no 8:30 pm Mass that evening.

I can't adequately express my gratitude for everything I have been given these past twelve years, especially for what I have learned. Thank you all so very much for your patience with me and my weaknesses and failures. Please be assured that all those you love and serve will remain in my prayers.

Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter of my life.

Sincerely in the Lord,

Father Caster

Hopefully, he wasn't pushed out by liberal, leftist opponents who disagreed with his take on abortion. As you may know, the department is led by a liberal female, Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer, who is a member of the Episcopal church which ordains women. Clearly the school has little sensitivity to traditional Christians who would be appalled at this affront. Meanwhile, the Muslim Chaplin, Sharif Rosen, and the Jewish Chaplin, Seth Wax are still employed and fulfilling their functions.

Interestingly enough, Rabbi Wax indicates that little of his job has to actually do with religion. Nevertheless, he advertises that he bring his dog to work, a practice which must drive Imam Rosen crazy given Muslim's traditional prophet inspired disgust with man's best friend.  Arf!

The interim Catholic Chaplin's responsibilities seem broad. They will include but not be limited to:

• Coordinate regular preaching and worship leadership responsibilities in consultation with the Chaplain to the College
• Meet regularly with members of the Williams Catholic Community, especially the student leadership team
• Hold at least two Masses a week (4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday evening)
• Officiate at weddings and funerals;
• Provide pastoral care for all students regardless of faith tradition;
• Provide sacramental ministry (including confirmation, baptism, confession, reconciliation, Eucharist, anointing of the sick).
• Work with the Chaplain to the College and the Office of Human Resources to develop goals and strategies for the interim period;
• Help student leaders carrying out their tasks;
• Continue to develop and intentionally employ interim specialist skills, including listening, conflict management, healing, reconciliation, and others as appropriate;
• Participate in Interfaith Council activities including meetings, activities, programs, and training.

With an emphasis on supporting student leaders, it looks like the college will be okay with the Catholic Chaplin organizing trips to anti-abortion rallies around the county.