Transforming Chaplaincy Fellows panel at MN Chapter of APC

L to R: Paul Galchutt, Beba Tata, Tim Usset

From Chaplain Margo Richardson, Minnesota APC Education Chair:

Minnesota Transforming Chaplaincy Fellows Paul Galchutt, Beba Tata, and Tim Usset participated in a panel presentation/discussion January 10 at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, co-hosted by the local chapter of the Association of Professional Chaplains and UTS stud

ents’ Chaplaincy Club. Beba, Paul, and Tim shared their experiences in CPE, research, work, and their current course work in the MPH program at the University of Minnesota.

Beba talked about how her learning has deepened her skills of listening to people. “I see this degree as providing me with the tools to explore the nature of the relationship between Religion, Spirituality and health and let the stories we hear become evidence of the work that we do.”

Paul discussed his work as a palliative care chaplain and how his investigation through a narrative lens informs his interest in continuing to “bridge the gap” between the clinical and the spiritual. In this way, the interdisciplinary team better understands the chaplain and the patients they are serving together.

Tim shared his journey as a researcher in the Minneapolis and St. Cloud VA Health Care Systems and how he is bringing this knowledge to bear in his CPE supervisory training. In addition, Tim talked about his research-informed work with veterans that have experienced trauma and moral injury/spiritual distress.

Approximately 80 attended, including seminary students and professors, working chaplains, and CPE educators – a fantastic turnout for Minnesota’s APC chapter.