Command Religious Program (CRP)

Welcome

Welcome to the Command Religious Program of TRACEN Petaluma! Our desire is for our fellow-Guardians and their families to be “Semper Paratus!” as they learn and lead. The CRP is the primary way TRACEN Petaluma’s Commanding Officer provides for the spiritual and religious needs of both military, civilian and family members of TRACEN Petaluma. Come in for a cup of coffee or just to spend some time in the chapel. Ask us to help you find resources from your faith tradition.  We are happy to help you find a place to worship or to find resources that allow you to worship according to your beliefs.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

What is the Command Religious Program

The CRP is the primary way our Commanding Officer provides for the spiritual and religious needs of both military, civilian and family members of TRACEN Petaluma. Assigned US Navy Chaplains and civilian support personnel facilitate the free exercise of religion as they administer the CRP through:

  1. Providing worship/spiritual growth opportunities through worship services, religious education, weddings, funerals and other religious rituals and rites in accordance with the Chaplain’s faith group teachings and practices.
  2. Facilitating worship opportunities for YOUR faith tradition/expression. Facilitating for the religious needs of our people from other religious traditions by identifying their needs and coordinating support from other chaplains, civilian clergy and lay leaders. Providing spiritual supplies and assistance as you connect with other members of your faith group.
  3. Caring for ALL members of the command—EVERYONE has a Chaplain! Caring for our people with dignity, respect and compassion, regardless of an individual's beliefs, and making informed and professional referrals. Chaplains are available 24/7 with confidential counseling to ensure service members and their families have the spiritual resilience to cope with the inevitable hardships of military life.
  4. Advise the command regarding READINESS— Advising commanding officers on the accommodation of religious needs; on the moral, ethical and spiritual well-being of our people; and on religious matters that affect the command's mission.

The Chaplains & Chaplain Corps

Who are the Chaplains?

Just like the United States Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard utilizes the services of United States Navy Chaplain’s Core to provide religious ministry.  The Coast Guard details about 48 active duty and reserve chaplains in Districts, Sectors and in Training Centers like Petaluma. 

In August 1971, the Coast Guard established a training center at the former Army security base here in Petaluma, California. The following month, Chaplains Joseph A. Ferraro and Merrill C. Leonard reported becoming TRACEN Petaluma’s first Command Chaplains. Training Center Petaluma now has 1 active duty Protestant chaplain and contracts the services of local area Roman Catholic priests for Catholic Services; all to provide ministry to the students, permanent party and family members of our base.  Our chaplains also provide support to other Coast Guard commands in the area as needed.

Follow this link to meet the TRACEN Petaluma Command Chaplain. 

What does your Chaplain do for you?

Chaplains are tasked to advise the command on all matters pertaining to the religious, ethical and moral needs of the command.  They provide religious ministry to their own faith groups through religious services and religious education.  They facilitate and accommodate religious ministry for other faith groups represented in the command as needs arise.  And finally, but very importantly, chaplains extend professional pastoral care to ALL members of the command regardless of religious background or interest.  Every Coastie has a chaplain!

The Chaplain Corps

Chaplain Corps Vision Statement:
"Mission-ready members and families of the Naval Service, strengthened and supported by professional religious ministry."

Chaplain Corps Mission Statement:
"To inspire hope and strengthen spiritual well-being through the delivery and coordination of effective religious ministry at sea and ashore."

Not in Petaluma? Find your nearest Coast Guard Chaplain: 1(855)USCG-CHC (872-4242) or www.uscg.mil/chaplain/locations .

Lighthouse Chapel & Programs

Located on the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma California, right off Pennsylvania Avenue and across from the Fire Department, Lighthouse Chapel has a sanctuary for services, trainings and events, a small private prayer room, a playroom for young children, a Sunday school/conference room, and also houses the offices for the Command Chaplain and Chapel Secretary. The Chapel building provides a quiet space for people to meditate, relax and step away from the stresses around them, and is open to people of any religion or those without a faith group.

Services & Times
The Chapel building is open 0800-2100 every day.

Chapel Office Hours are 0830-1630 Monday – Friday, Closed all federal holidays.

Chapel Office Phone (707) 765-7330.

Sunday Roman Catholic Mass held at 0800.

Sunday Non-Denominational Christian Services held at 1000.

Educational Events and Bible Studies

The Chapel provides a variety of Chaplain or Lay Leader Lead Bible Studies for specific faith groups and Spiritual Growth Groups for any interested persons are at various times of the year. Contact the chaplains for upcoming events. Or are you interested in leading a Bible study. If so reach out to the Chaplain to see about becoming a Lay Leader for your faith group.

Roman Catholic Educational Requirements are met in local parishes, please contact the chapel office for more information.

Lighthouse Chapel History

The early 1990’s saw new chapels put into service. The Training Center at Petaluma, California dedicated its new religious activity center, Lighthouse Chapel, on 29 May 1992. The building, originally constructed by the Army in 1943, had served as a recreation building. Slated for destruction in 1988, the demolition plans were changed in favor of salvaging and renovating. The principal speaker for the dedication of the renovated building was Chaplain Goode. Located at the center of the Training Center, this new 150-seat chapel replaced the old 75-seat chapel which was located a half mile west, well outside the training center’s busiest area.

Command Chaplain Bruce C. Maxwell, in the dedication benediction said, “The chapel will provide a space of quiet in a world that moves so quickly, a space to return to our source of strength. Like a solid pointer in a storm, the chapel will be our lighthouse of strength.” (excerpt from “A History of Navy Chaplains Serving with the U.S. Coast Guard”.

Get Involved

There are many ways that you can become involved with the CRP and share your spiritual gifts with your fellow CG members.

Participation in the Sunday service is one way to get involved. You can be a greeter, help with audio/visual, help with set up or clean up, share a musical talent or be part of a worship band.

Become a lay leader and lead bible studies or prayer groups for your faither group. Contact the Chaplain and see how to become a lay leader.

The Chapel puts on base wide events, and you can help support with set up, break down or providing support during the events

If you are here during the summer the chapel holds Vacation Bible School, a weeklong event for the children of TRACEN Petaluma, where the Chapel creates a fun environment where children and pre-teens can learn about Christ and the Bible. Volunteers are always need to help create the props and décor for the event, as well as people to help run the learning stations during the week of the event. Volunteer hours are always awarded for help during this (and other) event.

To get more information on any of the above events please reach out to the chapel secretary at 707-765-7330 or stop by the chapel in person.

Command Religious Program Resources