Visiting priest fills void for summer

***image1***Father Kaitangare Kaata or as he goes by, Father K is the answer to the 415th Base Support Battalion Chaplain’s Office’s prayers.

“The 415th BSB provides religious support and services to a large geographical area here in Kaiserslautern, and we do not have an Army Catholic priest as part of our pastoral staff in the battalion or any of the Army units in our geographical area,” said Chaplain (Maj.) James L. Drake, 415th BSB deputy chaplain. “The presence of a priest in our footprint for the summer gives us a valuable and needed asset as we care for Soldiers, civilians and their families.”

Since his arrival July 4, Father K has been celebrating Mass every Sunday at the Daenner Chapel. He has also been administering the sacraments, such as baptism and confessions, and conducting counseling and visiting KMC members at work, home and social functions.

“It’s been a wonderful experience for me and has given me a great understanding of the military community and its religious programs,” said Father K, a native of Butaritari, Kiribati in the South Pacific. “It’s given me an opportunity to broaden my pastoral view and experience the great cooperation and support of the battalion and the chaplain’s office.”
Father K will be leaving the KMC Aug. 31 and return to Rome where he is studying to be a Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Pontificia Universitas Urbaniana.

He will be celebrating Mass 9:30 a.m. Sunday and Aug. 27 at the Daenner Chapel, Bldg. 3150 on Daenner Kaserne. For those needing other services, they can call him at the Daenner Chapel at 489-6743 or 0631-536-6743 or e-mail him at kkaata04@yahoo.com.