Introduction

 The Very Reverend

David Conroy QHC VE RN,

Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain and Vicar Episcopal for the Royal Navy

Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet

Welcome to the Royal Navy section of the Bishopric website where hopefully you will get a flavour of what life is like for our serving Catholic laity and clergy. The Royal Navy is distinct in the way that its chaplains minister to its people, devoid as we are of structured rank. Instead we use the convention that the rank of chaplain ‘floats’ to match the rank of whoever the chaplain is talking to, thus ensuring that the conversation happens between equals. It’s a convention that the Senior Service has used for centuries and it has served us well, allowing Sailors and Royal Marines to use the familiar term ‘Bish’ when addressing their chaplain. 

The Gospels are awash with events that happen on, or close to, the sea. As catholic priests, serving in this challenging but hugely rewarding environment, we seek to make the Gospel of Christ real to our men and women so that they are supported morally, spiritually and emotionally as they serve our great maritime nation. And our catholic serving personnel respond with great enthusiasm and faith. 
For our chaplains this is a specialist ministry. Our naval ‘parish’ is diverse, young and enthusiastic. As well as serving their country our people also face the challenges of everyday life. We are here to be with them on that journey, to celebrate the sacraments with them, to pray with them and to encourage them in their faith. It would give us great comfort to know that you, whoever you are and wherever you may be, are praying for us too, perhaps using the final verse of the naval hymn:

O Trinity of love and power! Our brethren’s shield in danger’s hour;From rock and tempest, fire and foe,Protect them wheresoe’er they go;Thus evermore shall rise to TheeGlad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Finally, if you would like to know more about catholic life in the Royal Navy please feel free to get in touch either with me directly or via our Pastoral Assistant Ian Crabtree  Ian.crabtree277@mod.gov.uk 

Ian also looks after sacramental preparation, religious and social events. If you would like to be added to our database and receive updates about IMP Lourdes, HCPT etc please let him know. 

Click here to find out about becoming a Catholic Chaplain in the Armed Forces.

Naval Catholic Community News

NEW DEPUTY CHAPLAIN OF THE FLEET

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Many congratulations to our Principal Chaplain, Fr David Conroy QHC VE RN, who will assume the role of Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet (DCOTF) from 29th October 2021, taking over from Rev  Martin Evans RN. 

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Fr David's office will be in the Naval Chaplaincy Service (NCS) Headquarters in Tanner Building, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth. He will continue in his role as PRCC(N). 

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This is the first time that a Catholic Chaplain has been selected for one of the two top posts in the NCS.

AWARD OF PAPAL KNIGHTHOOD

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Cdr Ian Crabtree RN has been made a Knight of the Papal Order St Gregory the Great in recognition of his services to the Catholic Church. Bishop Paul Mason invested Ian with his award on 7th July 2021 in a Mass being celebrated to conclude the Catholic Chaplains' annual conference at Wonersh Seminary. 

Further information on Papal awards can be found here.

BAPTISMS

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Welcome to our Catholic Community

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Caleb James Hume and Agnes Jese Masirewa

both baptised on 30 October 2021 in St Ann's Church, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, by Fr Tom Bakulumpagi

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Harry Thomas Tracey

baptised on 4 September 2021 in St Ann's Church, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, by Fr David Conroy

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Thomas Leslie Carson

baptised on 4 September 2021 in Southwick Park Memorial Church, Southwick Park, Portsmouth, by Fr David Conroy

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Dylan Graham Calligan and Teddy Alexander Smith

baptised on 29 August 2021 in Church of St George with St Gabriel, HMS Collingwood, Fareham, by Bishop Paul Mason

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Albert Lawrence Ker and Florence Ita Lazenby Wright  

baptised on 29 May 2021 in St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, by Fr David Conroy

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Arthur Thornhill

baptised on 22 May 2021 in St John's Cathedral, Portsmouth, by Fr David Conroy

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CONFIRMATIONS

Welcome and congratulations to AB Tony Deans RN who was received into the Catholic Church and Confirmed by Bishop Paul on Easter Sunday 2021 at HMS Collingwood. Our picture shows Bishop Paul andTony on the Sanctuary of the Church of St Michael with St Gabriel.

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May he be strengthened

by our prayers

for his new life in Christ.

MARRIAGES

Congratulations

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Lt Michael Kilgallon RN and Miss Lucy Skyrme

who were married in St Ann's Church, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth,

on 25 September 2021 by Fr David Conroy

Faith & Life 

Events

History

Chaplains