Daniel Coughlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel P. Coughlin
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives | |
| In office March 23, 2000 – April 14, 2011 |
|
| Preceded by | James D. Ford |
| Succeeded by | Patrick J. Conroy |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Daniel P. Coughlin
November 8, 1934 Illinois |
| Alma mater | St. Mary of the Lake Seminary Loyola University, Chicago |
Daniel P. Coughlin (born November 8, 1934) was the 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives. He served in this important role from March 23, 2000, to April 14, 2011. He was the very first Roman Catholic priest to hold this position.
When he was first chosen, there was some discussion about the process. However, over time, any disagreements disappeared. By 2010, on his tenth anniversary, members of Congress from both major political parties praised him for his service. This showed how much respect he had earned.
Contents
Early Life and Priesthood
Daniel P. Coughlin was born on November 8, 1934, in Illinois. He grew up in Chicago.
He studied at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, where he earned a degree in Theology. He became a priest for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago on May 3, 1960. Later, in 1968, he got another degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago.
From 1985 to 1990, Father Coughlin was a pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in La Grange, Illinois. After that, he became the Director of the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House. In 1995, he started working as a special helper for priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He held this job until he became the House Chaplain.
During the mid-1980s, Father Coughlin took a break from his work in Illinois. He spent time with Trappist monks in Kentucky. He also worked in India with Calcutta's Missionaries of Charity, a group known for helping the poor. He has also been part of many groups that focus on prayer and spiritual growth. He even spent time as a scholar at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Serving the House of Representatives
Becoming the House Chaplain
Daniel Coughlin was described as a "gentle, soft-spoken priest" when he was chosen for the role. He was surprised to be picked for such an important job. When someone joked that he was being thrown into a "lion's den," Father Coughlin pointed out that his name was "Daniel," like the biblical figure who survived a lion's den.
The Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, officially interviewed Father Coughlin on March 13, 2000. Father Coughlin was sworn in as the 59th Chaplain of the House of Representatives on March 23, 2000. He started his service with the 106th Congress. He was formally elected for a full term on January 3, 2001, when the 107th Congress began.
Daily Duties and Support
As House Chaplain, Father Coughlin started every session of the House with a prayer. He would either lead the prayer himself or invite a guest chaplain to do so. These guest chaplains were often suggested by members of the House, representing their home areas.
Father Coughlin enjoyed welcoming guest chaplains. He felt it showed the many different religious experiences in the U.S. He believed it was a great example of religious freedom. He also strongly believed in the "power of prayer" to bring about positive change in the nation's capital.
His job also included offering guidance and support to everyone working in the House. His office also had a website with information about religious services and events in the Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C. areas.
After the September 11 attacks, Father Coughlin realized how much lawmakers valued prayer and the chaplain's presence. This made him feel his duties were even more important.
Father Coughlin often called the House a "House family." He offered spiritual care to everyone, no matter their religion or if they had a faith at all. For example, when six House members died during the 110th Congress, Father Coughlin helped the Congress deal with their sadness. He also worked with the families and helped with ceremonies.
Father Coughlin knew that as a Catholic priest, he had his own beliefs. So, he met with ministers, rabbis, and other religious leaders. This way, he could send members of Congress to someone who understood their specific spiritual needs. He also noted that people of different faiths often have "many more common concerns than differences." He found that many conversations were not tied to any one religion's specific beliefs.
Father Coughlin's service earned him praise from both political parties. In 2010, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi said he had guided them "through the dark and through the bright." Representative Jim Sensenbrenner said he became "a better person" because of Father Coughlin. Representative Daniel Lipinski called him "an inspiration."
Awards and Recognition
Father Coughlin received several awards for his service. These include the Distinguished Service Award from the Washington Theological Union in October 2006. He also received the Alumni Extraordinary Service Award from Loyola University. He was given an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from Lewis University.
In 2010, a special resolution, House Resolution 1216, was introduced by Congressman Dan Lipinski. It honored Father Coughlin for his first ten years as House Chaplain. This resolution passed with a vote of 412 to 0, showing widespread support. In 2002, he received the John F. Kennedy National Award. This award is given each year to an American of Irish descent who has done great things in their chosen field.
Choosing a New Chaplain
A search for Father Coughlin's replacement began before he retired. The final decision was made by House Speaker John Boehner. In an interview shortly before he retired, Father Coughlin asked people to pray for all members of Congress and for the new House Chaplain.
Father Coughlin believed that if the chaplain was not a person of prayer and peace, they would not be helpful to anyone. On May 6, 2011, it was announced that Father Patrick J. Conroy was chosen to be the 60th Chaplain of the House of Representatives.
Images for kids
-
House Speaker Dennis Hastert swears in Coughlin as House Chaplain, March 23, 2000
-
Photo from House of Representatives Chaplain Office brochure
-
Coughlin with his mother Louise Coughlin and Rahm Emanuel, Wrigley Field, 2003
-
Delivering invocation at ceremony honoring Rosa Parks, with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura, 2005
-
Coughlin (at podium) delivering invocation at memorial service for former President Gerald Ford, 2006.
-
Coughlin arrives in Cleveland for funeral of Representative Stephanie Tubbs, 2008.
-
Coughlin delivers his final prayer as House Chaplain, April 14, 2011.
See also
- Chaplain
- Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives
- Chaplain of the United States Senate
