Gidday Cats, old and young.
I am honored to have become the inaugural Club Chaplain for the mighty Cats.
For many of you, Sports Chaplaincy may be a new concept, so I am pleased to assist all those involved with the Club with some insights into what Chaplains do and to introduce myself to you all.
As your Chaplain, I represent Sports Chaplaincy Australia, the peak body providing Chaplains to professional and local sports clubs across Australia. Here is a brief history of SCA
- SCA was established in 1984 with the appointment of the first Australian Cricket Chaplain
- SCA is the sole peak body providing chaplains to sport in Australia
- Our chaplains are highly competent and dedicated men and women who serve their sports
- community providing pastoral care
- They are accredited, trained and abide by a professional code of conduct
- SCA is a Christian non-denominational not-for-profit network
- We have close ties with the AIS, AFL, NRL and other major sporting codes
- Whilst serving predominantly in high-performance sport many new chaplains are now appointed to local clubs and events
- We have over 200 chaplains serving in 20+ codes in all states of Australia
- All our chaplains serve in an honorary and casual capacity
Our supporters include
- Neale Daniher (AFL Coaches Association CEO)
- Michael Martin (Head AIS Sports Psychology)
- Margaret Court (Champion Women’s Tennis Player)
- David Hutton (Director SANFL)
- Danny Corcoran (Athletics Australia)
- Priscilla Ruddle (Former Olympian Athlete)
- Brian Goorjian (Coach Australian Boomers)
- Shaun Hart (Former Brisbane Lions AFL)
- Ray Walker (Former Bulldog, VFL State Selector & 3LO Sports Media Commentator
In my role as your Chaplain, I am here 24/7 to
- Provide pastoral care for players, coaches, administrators and club personnel and their families
- My primary concern is the immediate and long term wellbeing of all those involved with the Cats above their performance
- My focus is the whole person. My care transcends class, gender, nationality or faith
- Provide critical incident support should it be required as a Club, or for individuals involved with the Club
- Support families in any way that assists them in alleviating any burdens they bear
For many people, the Cats is their extended family, and my appointment is evidence that the leadership of the Club want all involved to be provided with a supportive environment that values the person above the cricketer.
Originally I was a primary teacher, but I have spent most of my professional life working for community organisations once I trained as a counselor. Currently I work as a specialist recruiter for Not For Profit organisations across Australia. Outside work I am a passionate cricket tragic and I am making sure my son follows my lead by registering him to commence his cricket life with the Cats. Being originally a Victorian, I am also an AFL maniac, having been involved with the Melbourne Football Club for many years whilst living in Melbourne.
Anyway, enough from me. Please feel free to call me anytime for a chat or support in your time of need. I am here to serve you, so bring it on! I look forward to helping the Cats become the Club of choice because we put people first!
Meowwwwwww,
Richard Paterson
0424 696 231
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