[Chaplain2009] Chaplain

[Pat Richeson]

My dear friends,
   As President Muhlenfeld announced earlier this week, Rena and I will 
be leaving Sweet Briar at the end of June to move to Anderson, Indiana 
where I have accepted a faculty position as Associate Professor of 
Pastoral Theology in the Anderson School of Theology.   The joy we feel 
about this new opportunity is tempered by our sadness about leaving the 
Sweet Briar community.  Over the past several years, we have formed many 
wonderful friendships that have changed our lives forever.
  My purpose in writing you today is to reassure you that the 
Chaplain's Office will  continue to be available to support you in your 
personal and spiritual needs.  President Muhlenfeld and the college 
administration are dedicated to the vision of offering Sweet Briar 
students an exceptional educational experience through which students 
can develop as scholars, citizens, and mature persons.  The Chaplain's 
Office and campus religious life are vital components of your 
education.  In other words, the transition we are experiencing in the 
Chaplain's Office is an intentional and careful process with your best 
interest in mind.
   I am already hearing some specific questions that students have 
regarding the Chaplain's Office this year.  Please allow me to put your 
mind at rest by addressing some of these:
1. What about the Sweet Spirits?  Will there be a Sweet Spirits 
community after this year?  The answer is an enthusiastic "YES!"  We 
will receive applications from interested students through February 10 
and will have interviews after that date.  Be on the lookout for 
"interest meetings" in the next few days to learn more about Sweet 
Spirits.  Sweet Spirits will continue in 2006-2007 as a strong and vital 
leadership community.
2. How long will Chap be around and can I still come talk with him?  I 
will be on campus as your chaplain throughout the spring term.  Please 
feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way.
3. Will students have input as to the next chaplain and changes in the 
Chaplain's Office?  Absolutely.  President Muhlenfeld will appoint a 
search committee soon and students will be a part of this important 
committee.  You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and to 
give input across the semester through several discussion groups 
organized by the Sweet Spirits.

I want to conclude this email with a personal invitation.  Please join 
me in the Bookshop this Monday evening, January 30, for a question and 
answer session. I'll be available from 7pm to 8:30pm to visit with you 
and receive your input.  This is a great time to voice other questions 
or concerns you may have about the Chaplain's Office.  And, I can assure 
you that I will communicate your concerns to President Muhlenfeld.
Thank you for your time in reading this email and for allowing me to be 
a part of your life.  I am honored to be your chaplain and to serve you 
in any way I can.  Chap