Daniel Coughlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel P. Coughlin
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| 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives | |
| In office March 23, 2000 – April 14, 2011 |
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| 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 was an American Catholic priest. He was born on November 8, 1934. He served as the 59th Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives from 2000 to 2011. He was the first Catholic priest to hold this important job. His selection for the role caused some discussion at the time.
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Early Life and Priesthood
Daniel P. Coughlin grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He was born on November 8, 1934. His parents were Dan and Lucille Coughlin. He studied at Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary. There 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 earned another degree from Loyola University. This degree was in Pastoral Studies.
Working as a Pastor and Director
From 1985 to 1990, Father Coughlin was a pastor. He worked at St. Francis Xavier Parish in La Grange, Illinois. After that, he became the Director of the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House. This retreat house is in Mundelein, Illinois. In 1995, he started working for the Archdiocese of Chicago. His job was Vicar for Priests. In this role, he helped priests with their spiritual care. He worked under leaders like Joseph Bernardin and Francis George.
Father Coughlin described his role as a "pastor for priests." He helped priests follow the rules set by the archdiocese. Some people later made accusations against him. They suggested he was involved in larger problems within the Catholic Church. However, The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights called these accusations a "witch hunt." Father Coughlin held this position until he became the House Chaplain.
Travel and Studies
In the mid-1980s, Father Coughlin took a break from his work in Illinois. He lived and worked with Trappist monks in Kentucky. He also worked in India with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. He has been part of many groups. These groups focused on spirituality and prayer. He also spent time as a scholar at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He also wrote for a publication called "The Spiritual Renewal of the American Priesthood." This was for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Serving in the House of Representatives
How He Was Chosen
Choosing the 59th Chaplain for the House of Representatives was a debated process. The House Speaker at the time, Dennis Hastert, created a committee. This committee had 18 members from both political parties. Their job was to suggest a new chaplain. The committee reportedly suggested a Catholic priest named Father Timothy O'Brien. They chose him after looking at more than 50 people. But Speaker Hastert chose a different person, Charles Parker Wright, who was a Presbyterian minister.
Speaker Hastert later said that O'Brien's name was not the committee's first choice. He explained that O'Brien's name was just the first of three names given to him in alphabetical order. Many people thought Hastert's decision showed a bias against Catholics. Because of this, Charles Parker Wright decided not to take the job.
After this, Speaker Hastert asked the Archbishop of Chicago, Francis Cardinal George, for a recommendation. This led to Father Coughlin being chosen. Father Coughlin was 65 years old at the time. He was described as a "gentle, soft-spoken priest." He said he was "blown away" by the news. He felt he was chosen from nowhere and put into a big political situation. When someone said he was being thrown into a "lion's den," Father Coughlin joked that it was fitting because his name was "Daniel."
Speaker Hastert officially interviewed Father Coughlin on March 13, 2000. Father Coughlin was sworn in as the 59th Chaplain on March 23, 2000. He started serving with the 106th Congress. Since Congress was already meeting, he served as an Acting Chaplain. He was officially elected for a full term on January 3, 2001. This happened when the 107th Congress began.
His Service as Chaplain
As House Chaplain, Father Coughlin started every session with a prayer. He would either give the prayer himself or arrange for a guest chaplain to do it. Guest chaplains were often suggested by members of the House. Father Coughlin said that welcoming guest chaplains was very rewarding. He felt it showed the many different religious experiences in the U.S. He also believed strongly in the "power of prayer." He thought it could bring about positive change in the nation's capital.
He also offered and arranged spiritual guidance for the House community. His office managed a website. This website had information about religious services and events. These events were in the Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C. areas.
Father Coughlin noticed how much lawmakers valued prayer. He saw this especially after the September 11 attacks. He said this understanding made his duties feel even more important. He often called the House a "House family." He offered spiritual care to everyone, no matter their religion. For example, during the 110th Congress, six House members passed away. Father Coughlin felt the sadness of Congress. He worked with families and helped with ceremonies during this difficult time.
He also spoke about the challenges faced by Catholic members. This was during debates within the Catholic Church. These debates were about whether to refuse Holy Communion to public officials. This was if their votes seemed to go against Church teachings. Father Coughlin called these debates "very upsetting." He spoke to both Church leaders and House members. He told Church leaders he would "stay with my people whatever you do." He called this situation "one of the saddest stories I heard."
When asked if a Catholic priest could help people of all faiths, he admitted his own limits. So, he met with ministers, rabbis, and other religious leaders. He would send members of Congress to people who understood their specific spiritual needs. He also noted that people of different faiths often have "many more common concerns than differences." He said many conversations were not tied to one religion's beliefs.
Father Coughlin received praise from both political parties. In 2010, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said he had guided them through both good and bad times. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner said he became a "better person" from knowing Father Coughlin. Representative Daniel Lipinski called him "an inspiration." A 2010 article in The Washington Post noted that the anger about his selection had disappeared. Lawmakers from both parties honored his ten years of service.
Awards and Recognitions
Father Coughlin received several awards. These include the Distinguished Service Award. He got this 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, House Resolution 1216 was passed. This resolution honored his first ten years as House Chaplain. It passed with a vote of 412–0. In 2002, he received the John F. Kennedy National Award. This award is given to an American of Irish descent who has done great things in their field.
His Successor
A search for Father Coughlin's replacement began before he retired. The final decision was made by House Speaker John Boehner. In an interview before he retired, Father Coughlin asked people to pray for all members of Congress. He also asked them to pray for the new House Chaplain. He said, "If the chaplain is not a man of prayer... and a person of peace, we're good for nobody." On May 6, 2011, it was announced that Jesuit priest Patrick J. Conroy would take over from Father Coughlin.
Images for kids
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House Speaker Dennis Hastert swears in Coughlin as House Chaplain, March 23, 2000
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Photo from House of Representatives Chaplain Office brochure
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Coughlin with his mother Louise Coughlin and Rahm Emanuel, Wrigley Field, 2003
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Delivering invocation at ceremony honoring Rosa Parks, with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura, 2005
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Coughlin (at podium) delivering invocation at memorial service for former President Gerald Ford, 2006.
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Coughlin arrives in Cleveland for funeral of Representative Stephanie Tubbs, 2008.
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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
