President's Message

It is a privilege to be able to address you as the President of the Wisconsin Chaplaincy Association (WCA). The WCA is a unique entity unto itself. As an interfaith organization of chaplains and those who support chaplaincy, there is not another state organization exactly like us anywhere in the nation.

Our roots started within the structure of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, but it became evident that the council’s Christian orientation didn’t fit our interfaith structure – and so we “launched” ourselves into establishing the WCA as a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. Our primary mission has been in the area of education.

As we have listened to chaplains throughout the state, what we have heard is the desire for creative, effective chaplaincy in a very challenging world.

Our annual Fall Conference at the Heidel House in Green Lake has been a place for chaplains to work on personal growth and receive professional continuing education that has been nationally recognized by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC).

Through these national organizations we have been able to offer certified continuing education hours.

Chaplains can sometimes feel isolated. Many of us, including myself, are one-person departments. The WCA is a place where chaplains may discover support, collegiality and a real sense of belonging.

As an all-volunteer organization we are dependent upon one another to offer our time and talent to achieve our goals.

I have been privileged as the President to be able to work with a board of dedicated, motivated and creative individuals who understand the importance and place of chaplaincy in Wisconsin.

I look forward to hearing your dreams and hopes for the Wisconsin Chaplaincy Association.

Rick Brewer, DMin- PCC; LMFT; BCC Marquardt Village – Chaplain Marquardt Manor – Chaplain Marquardt Hospice – Spiritual and Bereavement Counselor