Soldier bound for Iraq receives Catholic field ministry training

Published: 2005-01-06

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNS) -- A young man who has already served a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq will be taking a different kind of ammunition with him when he deploys again in 2005. Army Spc. Ernesto "Jongjong" Tamarra Jr. has taken steps to become a "Catholic representative," a soldier who assists the battalion chaplain in ministering to his comrades' spiritual needs and who can lead Catholic liturgies in the field when a priest is not available for Mass. Tamarra, 23, recently completed the required ministry training course at Fort Campbell, Ky., but was told he needed to receive the sacrament of confirmation before he is allowed to carry consecrated hosts into battle. While visiting family in Anchorage over the Christmas holidays, Tamarra met Father Fred Bugarin, pastor of St. Anthony Parish, and explained his need to be confirmed. Father Bugarin contacted Anchorage Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, who agreed to confirm Tamarra in a special ceremony Dec. 26 at St. Anthony.

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