Crime & Safety
Chaplain Appointed to New Baltimore Police Dept.
St. Mary Queen of Creation Rev. Saji Mukkoot was sworn in as chaplain of the New Baltimore Police Department on July 27.
The summer just got a little busier for the Rev. Saji Mukkoot of and he couldn't be happier.
On July 27, Fr. Saji, as he is known throughout the New Baltimore community, was appointed to the Catholic Chaplain post for the . It is a position that the St. Mary associate pastor volunteered for and is excited to begin.
"I have a passion for both the spiritual care and sacramental care that comes with the position of chaplain," Fr. Saji said. "The role has two dimensions and I am very excited to be appointed."
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He is no stranger to the compassionate responsibilities that are required of the role. In this capacity, the chaplain provides spiritual and emotional support to officers and family members during stressful or traumatic events. And, in Fr. Saji's case, he'll specifically provide Catholic support.
Holding a certification in Chaplaincy through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, Fr. Saji has considerable experience in crisis management, hospital chaplaincy and was on-site in New York during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, offering support through the American Red Cross.
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He came to New Baltimore one year ago and has two years remaining in his assignment at St. Mary's. His term with the New Baltimore Police Department will continue until he leaves the community.
"St. Mary's is a very warm parish and great community to be a part of," he said. "They are very appreciative of my work. The police department has also been very warm to me so far."
In addition to St. Mary's and the police department, Fr. Saji is also a weekend pastor at the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Center Line. He was ordained in 1992 and is a participant in the Blue Water Vicariate.
Not only is he in high spirits about his new appointment, he is also literally flying high.
The chaplain reports that he has started flying lessons through the Ray Township Airport, a hobby he owes to George Moomaw, St. Mary's director of adult faith formation.
"New Baltimore has given me a lot of new opportunities," he said.
