Seminarian undergoes basic training for future chaplain role

Published: 2003-12-31

DETROIT (CNS) -- He crawled under barbed wire, was shot at and didn't sleep for three days, but if he had to 2nd Lt. Andrew Bloomfield would do it all over again. Bloomfield is a parish intern at St. Martin de Porres Parish in the Detroit suburb of Warren, and a third-year theology student at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He graduated in August from the Chaplain Officer Basic Course at Fort Jackson, S.C. "I made great memories, great friends, the ecumenical experience and had great physical training," said Bloomfield, 27. The physical training was somewhat demanding, Bloomfield admitted. "We had some big, fast guys who were part of our group," he said, "and we had some pretty tough sergeants who made sure we did work every morning. More than anything, it was a good challenge." In 13 weeks, he lost nearly 20 pounds. Bloomfield will remain a chaplain candidate until his ordination, scheduled for May 2005. Once ordained, he must serve in Detroit archdiocesan parish ministry for three years before he can go on active duty, he said.

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