Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook: A Chaplain Set Out Into the Deep

Stephanie February 11, 2013336 Views5 min Read

In the Gospel reading from Mass yesterday, the Lord challenges us to “Set out into the Deep” and be fishers of men. Luke 5:4 Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook truly answered that call to go out into deeper waters by serving the military community first as a Navy Chaplain from 1977 to his retirement in 2004 and later as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services.

Faith and fear can't live in the same space. It's eventually got to be one or the other. The Lord has put me here, and it's up to me to go where he wants in the way He wants." ~ Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook

“Set out into the Deep” Luke 5:4

It is safe to say that the military community is out in the “deep” of the world facing difficult situations. We are a {set out } community for sure, often overseas far from our homes. Even those of us who are stateside are set apart from civilian life because of the demands and requirements of a military life; we are needy in many ways. What a challenge we must be to serve! Yet this priest knew that’s where he needed to be. It takes a very special person to answer the call to the Chaplaincy– someone who is more concerned with where God wants him to go than where he’d like to be.

I have a unique appreciation for the second Chaplain in our series because I got the chance to meet him. He was the Bishop who confirmed my two oldest children. When I met him at their confirmation my initial thought was that he was so energetic and youthful. What a job he had! Being auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services can not be easy. There are so many of us to shepherd. I was initially impressed with his dedication and how well he was serving as Bishop to such a unique and diverse group of people as the military Catholic community. Where did he get the strength? How did he fill such a difficult position?

Faith Or Fear?

What I have learned about him since was the courage with which he fought his last battle; pancreatic cancer, the same cancer that took my grandfather. Bishop Estabrook died this month last year on Feb. 4, 2012.

“Faith and fear can’t live in the same space. It’s eventually got to be one or the other. The Lord has put me here, and it’s up to me to go where he wants in the way he wants.” ~Bishop Estabrook

This was his response to a young doctor who was unsure how to take the Bishop’s calmness after having heard his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. The Bishop shares his insights from his struggle with cancer.

He felt that we are not alone in our struggles and that through them, when entered into with Christ, we make Christ present to others. Bishop Estebrook reminds me that it takes courage to be both Christian and a military spouse and not to be afraid. In that challenge, I am also never alone nor will Christ be ashamed to use me to make himself present to others as long as I am seeking Him.>

What inspires those who serve as Chaplains?

First and foremost it must be the Lord who urges them and their faith which sustains them. I am sure there is a unique answer for each so I can’t answer that for all chaplains. But I can repeat this Bishop’s answer:

“With all the great gifts God has given- has been the honor to serve these young men and women of our military. How pathetic it would be for…any of us to feel remorse at all over the conditions and challenges handed us after witnessing what they have been called to do and how courageously most of them have done it. Rather, these men and women, besides my faith, are my inspiration and ongoing strength.” Bishop Estabrook Salute Spring 2012 issue- View HERE.

Well the feeling is mutual! It gives me such encouragement and strength knowing that Chaplains such as Bishop Estabrook are there for my soldier and our family. Thank you to all our Military Chaplains.

4 Weeks of Quotes from Military Chaplains | Harrington Harmonies

This is week 2 of a 4 week series on Chaplains. Please join me again next week and learn about another amazing Chaplain!

Other Resources:
Homily humbly presented by Rev. Richard S. Vosko, classmate of Bishop Estabrook
Bishop Estabrook’s Motto and Coat of Arms
Catholic News Agency: Bishop Estabrook, military auxillary, dies at age 67
Archdiocese for the Military Services

This series is part of:

patriotic quotes

Stephanie - Post Author

Stephanie has been a military spouse for 17 years and is a homeschool mom of 10+ years. She is mom to three creative kids from college grad down to third grade. Her homeschool style is eclectic with Charlotte Mason and classical influences. She and her husband of 22 years serve and live wherever the US Army sends them. She also shares her homeschool and life experiences on her other blogs,Harrington Harmonies and Nature Notebook When she isn't teaching, writing or moving she enjoys sightseeing, gardening, and cooking.