Religious Support Office promotes unit, Family readiness

By Anna MorelockMarch 26, 2019

Clay Chapel
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBDAEN, Germany - Many new arrivals to U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden stay in Army Lodging on Hainerberg. One of their best resources lies right across the street - Hainerberg Chapel.

USAG Wiesbaden's Religious Support Office provides religious support for Soldiers, Department of the Army civilian employees and their Family members who want to exercise their first amendment right to worship according to their conscience. They also are a conduit to connect community members to each other, as well as to garrison resources.

"Our mission is all about spiritual connection," said Garrison Chaplain Lt. Col. Jeffrey Dillard, "helping people to connect to God, to connect to each other and even to connect within themselves."

While worship services are the mainstay of the RSO, strong youth and auxiliary programs keep community members connected. Services, bulletins and announcements are keys to staying informed in the chapel community. The chaplains also are available for individual and Family counseling and have an on-call chaplain for emergencies.

Auxiliary ministries include Catholic and Protestant women of the chapel groups and youth groups. The youth programs include service days and trips, as well as scripture and leadership studies. Another way to become involved is to volunteer with RSO programs including the mission trips, child and youth ministries, and weekly worship services.

The RSO also makes sure Soldiers and Families are connected with their Unit Ministry Teams, which consist of a chaplain - or multiple chaplains for larger commands - and a religious affairs specialist. Outside of RSO activities, the UMTs promote various events within their own units such as worship groups and activities. They also support the RSO in providing weekly community services.

Weekly Protestant, Catholic and Jewish services are offered at Hainerberg Chapel and Clay Kaserne Chapel, which is also where the RSO is located. A Muslim prayer room is available during open hours at the Clay Chapel.

For more details about RSO services and auxiliary ministries, visit home.army.mil/wiesbaden and click on About, Garrison and then Religious Support Office.