Can women become chaplains?

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scanj05

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What is the Church’s stance on women becoming chaplains in the hospitals or with the police department?
 
The document On Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priest states:
It is unlawful for the non-ordained faithful to assume titles such as “pastor,” “chaplain,” “coordinator,” " moderator," or other such similar titles which can confuse their role and that of the pastor, who is always a bishop or priest (Article 1).
Please note that the instruction doesn’t say that a layperson cannot hold such titles, only that a layperson may not assume (i.e., take upon oneself) such titles. This leaves open the possibility that such a title may be conferred upon a layperson – including a woman – by proper ecclesial authority. If the title is lawfully granted, it appears that a layperson may be a chaplain. And, of course, it is also possible that a layperson may perform the non-sacramental functions of a chaplain without using that particular title.
 
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