The New Chaplain
As a full-time chaplain of the Chicago Police Department, the Rev. Daniel Brandt says a big part of his job is just being there in times of need.
“It’s not so much what we say. It’s being present, being available,” Brandt said. “A lot of times [the officers] just want to talk. They just went through a grueling experience. They’ve had a taste of their own mortality.”
Brandt had been pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 653 W. 37th, while serving as a part-time chaplain. A little more than two months ago, he was made a full-time chaplain.
As chaplain he is always on call to respond to any kind of situation in which a police officer or family member requires spiritual support or comfort. With a police department that is largely Roman Catholic — Brandt estimates at least three out of four police officers identity themselves as Catholic — he has his work cut out for him.
Welcome aboard.
Labels: good news
posted by SCC at 12:05 AM
84 Comments:
Dan Brandt is a Copper's Minister! A great guy! Best guy for the Job!
Funny that even the chaplain has to be from the port. Did he use his phone call?
In addition to the accolades described in this thread, Father Brandt also possesses a wicked sense of humor.
His unique style of levity will segue nicely into the void that Father Nangle leaves.
Not sure if it was Divine Intervention, but the fact that the Brassholes' other choice didn't make the cut is definitely to our advantage. We all made out on this deal.
Welcome, Father Dan!
I've known Dan a long time. Before he entered the Church. He's a great guy and I welcome him to the Chicago Police Department. He is a big supporter of our officers.
Welcome, Rev. Brandt!
You've got big shoes to fill, but Father Tom says you can do it, so I'm sure you will.
Could that controversial priest that was not appointed be the same one who danced on stage at his church praising Obama and attacking Hillary? A certain wannabe black, trapped in a white man's body.
R.I.P Michael Ceriale - 13 yrs today.
I still think of you my friend..
Im a Roman Catholic police officer and I welcome Rev. Brandt to the CPD family. I dont think if Rev. Brandy wasnt cut out for the job Father Nagle would have recommended him
I'm surprised that they didn't put in a West Side store front rev-run instead. Since they are the ones who decide how our command structure is set up and all.
Or it could have been a tag team of Henny Penny and Phather Phaker. Now that would have been an interesting crew.
off topic:
Just heard a Medal of Honor holder state:
"If it wasn't for the Second Amendment there would be no First Amendment"
Does the chaplain get paid by the city? What about people of other faiths?
You can have the Catholic Church. I don't need 4 walls to pray. And I don't need their 4 walls to be preyed upon. No offense but I do just fine my way!
Welcome to Father Brandt. If Father Nangle chose him, I have complete faith in him.
I think you wanted to say "would not have recommended him".
Brassholes'
+++++
Excellent term!
God Bless you Mike, We will never forget you or you or your sacrifice. 97-2c
Rip Mike Ceriale, We will never forget your sacrifice
Even the ministry? Isn't there anyplace that corrupt politicians don't try to stick their fingers in?
---not a cop
Could that controversial priest that was not appointed be the same one who danced on stage at his church praising Obama and attacking Hillary? A certain wannabe black, trapped in a white man's body.
8/21/2011 12:59:00 AM
Seriously, there's plenty of RevRuns to go around, they don't have to infect the CPD. After all, we deserve a minister who reflects OUR faith and denomination!
It doesn't make a difference which faith you follow or if you even believe in the Supreme Being, you still have to admit...
We've been blessed by having BOTH Fr. Tom and Fr. Dan 'watching our backs.'
It's no coincidence...'somebody up there likes us.'
Well in reference to Father Phleger someone just wrote >
"Could that controversial priest - - - - - >> A certain wannabe black, trapped in a white man's body.
'Father' just needs to chill out, be a REAL minister and quit with his grandiose hero vision of himself in the black community. There have got to be a ton of level headed normal hard working blacks who can see right thru Father Phlegers pathetic need for copious doses of their attention as some psuedo super hero savoir to the black community.
That said, I believe he wants to be a good man and love people, but he needs some phychological HELP to get some of his childish grandstanding or theatrical acting out displays > put in check.
He really looks SILLY at times, which is a shame, as he is a man of deep theological knowledge but one who uses it incorrectly in order to kiss up to grievance monsters Rev Wright, Jesse J and whomever else fits that leftist blame whitey ideology.
Give the loud theatrics a rest Father Phleger and learn to finally just be a humble servant of God which is what you signed up for to begin with.
Father Nangle left some pretty big shoes to fill. From everything I've heard, Father Brandt is up to the task. Welcome aboard. God Bless the CPD.
Anonymous said...
Im a Roman Catholic police officer and I welcome Rev. Brandt to the CPD family. I dont think if Rev. Brandy wasnt cut out for the job Father Nagle would have recommended him
8/21/2011 01:28:00 AM
And exactly who was Fr. Brandy's competitor for the job? Rev. Beer or Rev. Phlegm?
I'm neither a cop or a criminal, but my need of a minister is just as great as anyone.
A pastor of a large southside mega church produced a New Testament for cops. The sister of slain officer Donny Marquez gave me a copy last year.
I am not a cop but am in a semi dangerous profession { high scaffolding daily ] >I carry with me to work daily, though being the academically lazy slug that I am, I don't read it very often.
I am not Catholic but sometimes go seek counsel of the Catholic Priest who lives across the street from me > he never fails to put me in check concerning my own faults > and that is needed.
Did some one from 017 call the Dick Kay show yesterday? Simple yes or no will do. Thanks.
Met Father Brandt several times. He is a real down to earth guy. He will sit and joke with you like he is just one of the guys. He relates to the police and the police relate to him. Real nice guy! Thanks Father Nangle, he is a great pick.
For you young guys on the job who don't understand the importance of a good chaplain you will. It is inevitable you will encounter the horror of a colleague injured or killed, it is then your faith with need to sustain you. The light and warmth of Father Nangle and Rabbi Wolf at these times was essential in the confusion, sadness and anger. Welcome Father Brandt as a brother and as a beacon of sanity to a crazy, disfunctional family.
Father Dan is a regular guy, loves the police, when he was assigned to St. williams parish he visited our yearly block party and was a regular guy. Even had lights in theb grill of his Buick. Now he has a crown vic.
Pray for all of us Father, Active and Retired.......and our families.....
God Bless the CPD.......
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
With a police department that is largely Roman Catholic — Brandt estimates at least three out of four police officers identity themselves as Catholic — he has his work cut out for him.
What does " he has his work cut out for him."
PRIEST OUT OF BRIDGEPORT?
WHO HIRES THEM?
WAS THE SPOT POSTED SOMEWHERE AT THE HOLY CATHEDRAL?
OH WELL
I have already approached Father to ask him to check on some officers and he is quick to help out. Great guy. Lets flood those letters to the editors
Dan Brandt is a class act.
And as West Side put it "Father Brandt also possesses a wicked sense of humor." is a spot on observation.
Father Dan is a great person who I have known for years. He will make a great addition to the police dept., he is one of a kind. Father Dan has seen my family through the best of times and the worst of times. Thank you for always being there and welcome
I just wounder how did they pick father Dan???
This is the priest that held a huge church fundraiser for Daley's fall guy Robert Sorich. He even compared Sorich to Jesus Christ. Is that why he was NOT reappointed pastor at Nativity of Our Lord Church in Bridgeport? Even too political to be a priest in Bridgeport.
Father Dan was from St. Williams on the North-west side. Father Dan always had time to talk to you. Welcome Father Dan.
Sorry Daley guy snitch. Just happened to be.
Anonymous said...
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
8/21/2011 12:09:00 PM
I've been hearing this for nearly four years now, so forgive my skepticism.
Where is this coming from? Any way to endorse its validity? Or is this just another example of me getting my hopes up on a rumor I want so badly to be true?
Signed,
Desperate for a Dic Class
Daley CLOUT
Off topic, but maybe the best place to post. There is a retired sgt in the hospital in Maryland. Please pray for him and his wife.(also retired cpd) They have been there for over three months. He is in serious condition after going through two cancer surgeries within two weeks.
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
I hope you are right. But I call bs. This is still the Chicago Police Department. The midget has not been gone long enough yet.
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
8/21/2011 12:09:00 PM
Contract says merit
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
------------------------------------------------
yeah, and O.J. nor Casey did it!!
Bwwwwaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Fr. Nangle thank you for your kindness in my hour of need. You will be missed!
Fr. Brandt welcome to the ranks of the CPD.
It's amazing how no matter how much scenery can change what you remember it as. I sit here at the very spot he got shot 13 years ago and I can picture the projects as if they are here right now.. Nothing here signifies what happened, i wonder if the people living here now even know. I come to this spot every year, spend a few moments and remember.. Rip my friend..
This is the priest that held a huge church fundraiser for Daley's fall guy Robert Sorich. He even compared Sorich to Jesus Christ. Is that why he was NOT reappointed pastor at Nativity of Our Lord Church in Bridgeport? Even too political to be a priest in Bridgeport.
8/21/2011 02:34:00 PM
If this is true, I'm going to throw up. Would Fr. Nangle do this to us?
If you can, send a check to the Chicago Police Chaplains Unit. They are not funded by CPD or City.
From a 2008 article on Clout Street regarding the city's handling of a sewer problem at Brandt's church:
Nativity of our Lord motto is "Serving God and the Bridgeport Community". If you are in the know, you are laughing because Nativity got some really great service on the taxpayer's dime. The "Mayor's free sewer program is for private homes and up to four unit buildings. This afternoon, I spoke on the phone with Father Brandt regarding the costs in the sewer repair and found him to be very nervous and guarded. He said some things about the Business Manager and $11,000.00 in prior plumbing bills. I leave the rest of the talk at that. I hope the Chicago Inspector General looks into the way this job was handled.
----------
This pastor was Daley's pastor, and Sorich's, and Degnan's.
Geez, I wonder how he got the spot.
Former paster of the most clouted church in the city?
Forgive me, but something smells.
Thirteen years ago we lost one of Chicago's Finest. Gone, but not forgotten, Mike's walking a beat in heaven now.
The memorial near the ballfields at Horner Park is a fitting place to remember him tday.
RIP Officer Michael Ceriale. You are missed by many.
A JOHN KASS ARTICLE ABOUT FR. BRANDT:
Fundraiser for Sorich Just a Lost Supper
August 24, 2006|By JOHN KASS
I wouldn't draw any comparisons between Mayor Richard Daley's convicted former patronage chief and the Son of God. But then, I'm not Robert Sorich's parish priest.
Rev. Dan Brandt is pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Bridgeport, where a controversial fundraiser was held over the weekend to help with Sorich's legal bills.
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"People often say, what would Jesus do?" Brandt told me Wednesday. "But I put a twist on it and say, `What would I do for Jesus?' With whom Robert has a lot in common as far as legal problems."
Excuse me?
"[The Lord] was a convicted felon. And Robert was convicted, and so he may have a lot in common with Jesus. I'd throw in the adjective `wrongly convicted.'"
Every alderman knows that Jesus wouldn't need approval from Sorich to get someone a City Hall job. And biblical scholars would testify before a grand jury that there were no house drain inspectors or tree trimmers at the Last Supper.
But I do understand the priest's compassion for a parishioner in the Daley family's home parish in the 11th Ward.
Still, Sorich was convicted by a federal jury, along with three other Daley underlings, of violating federal law in building a massive political patronage army and having unqualified city workers enforce Daley's political will in the precincts, all on the taxpayer's dime.
Now Daley's 11th Ward desperately wants to keep Sorich happy and make sure he keeps his mouth shut before and after sentencing.
Sources tell me that Sorich revisited the federal courthouse this week, where prosecutors asked him about more corruption in the Daley administration. Sorich may face six or more years in federal prison.
So the fundraiser was important as a drop-it party where envelopes stuffed with massive amounts of cash can be dropped, anonymously, with a card from "a friend." And as a message to future witnesses: Stay silent, and after your conviction you too might have a fundraiser with Connie's Pizza on paper plates.
With all the religious references, where does the mayor's political enforcer, Tim Degnan, come in? Degnan trained Sorich and installed him in the mayor's office. Is Tim the good shepherd?
Degnan was at the Saturday fundraiser, snarling "take a hike" at a Tribune reporter. "Take a hike?" Where in scripture is this phrase "take a hike"? How is it spelled in Aramaic?
"They're still friends of his," said Daley the other day, supporting the Sorich fundraiser idea and all but repeating a similar quote from another Sorich friend, Bruno Caruso. Bruno used to run the Laborers Union until the feds objected to people with Outfit ties running unions.
"If you'll recall one of Father Nangle's last FOP newsletter posts, the Department brass was prepared to take a huge hit by naming someone other than Father Brandt to the post. Someone so unpopular with the rank-and-file that Nangle seemed worried the entire ministry might not survive the backlash. Fortunately, it didn't come to that."
NOT FR. FLAVOR!
Does the chaplain get paid by the city? What about people of other faiths
What about people of other faiths? Catholics and Jews are the only people that count!!
Anonymous said...
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
8/21/2011 12:09:00 PM
Complete bullshit. No promotions and Rahm changed his mind about hiring new recruits this year. All sound bites for the media, folks.
100 detectives straight off the list no merit next monday! Please report to random drug and alcohol screening, you are a danger to yourself and others! The city would NEVER pass up an opportunity to have merit advancement! Sgts and Lts will be made again if anything, but I wouldn't even count on that.
Mike I called you friend before you made it on
And while we were in 13 ill never forget telling you becareful when you left cause the deuce isn't a joke. Your Pic is still im my hat.never forgotten.LIFM
Fr. Brandt,
All 3 of my daughters were baptized by Fr. Nangle, at Police Mass(es). I wanted a PRIEST to Baptize them, not a Deacon.
I wish you the best.If you are 1/2 the Man Nangle was, you will do good.
Thanks Padre,
Jon Greco (CPD Ret.)
John 10:16
Off Topic:
The sentencing for Bobby Selvie, convicted of the shooting of Det. Pat Johnson, is set for Monday, 22 AUG 11 - 1100 HRS. 26th and Cal. Judge Joyce.
detective class will start 5sep , so rahm can pay time and a half
I also think the papers ought to do a story about Rabbi Wolfe, he also doesn't care what religion you are and is always there for us.
This is the priest that held a huge church fundraiser for Daley's fall guy Robert Sorich. He even compared Sorich to Jesus Christ. Is that why he was NOT reappointed pastor at Nativity of Our Lord Church in Bridgeport? Even too political to be a priest in Bridgeport.
I don't know Father Brandt but I like him already. I don't care if he held a fundraiser for Sorich. That's what good, loyal friends do for each other. We've thrown lots of benefits for fellow police officers and we have been criticized for that too. That's the problem with a lot of people today. No loyalty. A true friend doesn't walk out when their friend is going through hard times or needs help. Father Brandt had a lot of balls to throw that benefit. Good for him for doing the right thing and standing by his friend no matter the consequences.
I guarantee that over 90% of coppers will like Fr. Brandt. Forget all that Sorich and Bridgeport shit. This guy is one of us.
the Business Manager and $11,000.00 in prior plumbing bills. I leave the rest of the talk at that. I hope the Chicago Inspector General looks into the way this job was handled.
----------
This pastor was Daley's pastor, and Sorich's, and Degnan's.
Geez, I wonder how he got the spot.
Former paster of the most clouted church in the city?
Forgive me, but something smells.
YOUR TAX DOLLARS ALSO GO TO LIGHT UP THA FACADE MAJOR CATHOLIC CHURCHS USING City STREET LIGHTS!! Who pays for that? Hello BGA Alos Seperation of Chuch and State QAS on Northside is an example
We dont have a Muslim or Hindu Chaplin Do we? Why Rahm Why
God Bless Mike Ceriale
BTW - excuse my ignorance, but what does LIFM stand for
From what I heard, Nangle was forced out so the mayors guy Brandt can take over. He's not cut from the same cloth. All you have to do is listen to him speak once and you will know that.
I don't know Father Brandt but I like him already. I don't care if he held a fundraiser for Sorich. That's what good, loyal friends do for each other. We've thrown lots of benefits for fellow police officers and we have been criticized for that too. That's the problem with a lot of people today. No loyalty. A true friend doesn't walk out when their friend is going through hard times or needs help. Father Brandt had a lot of balls to throw that benefit. Good for him for doing the right thing and standing by his friend no matter the consequences.
8/21/2011 09:38:00 PM
Um, excuse me, but our friends aren't clouted fucks who were part of the evil cabal of this city, who promoted corruption and cronyism.
Our friends are normally people fucked by that evil cabal.
So fuck you, you asshole.
The archdocese didn't want this priest/politician anywhere near a church, so Daley had to find a spot for him. Chaplain, St. Ignatius or Frances Xavier Ward. No room for Brandt at the law firm or Daley&George?
Was Nativity Church used as a fundraiser for the 11th Ward Democratic Party? Did the $11,000 in plumbing costs go to a clouted Bridgeport individual, and the City Water Dept. come in to do the job and bamboozle the parishioneers and archdiocese?
This priest makes the news more than an other clergyman other than Phleger. He must be an attention hound.
From what I heard, Nangle was forced out so the mayors guy Brandt can take over. He's not cut from the same cloth. All you have to do is listen to him speak once and you will know that.
Stop trying to spread nonsense. Father Nangle retired by choice and he deserves to have a happy retirement. He wouldn't be happy this stuff is being said on here. He didn't like people like you spreading false rumors and creating trouble.
I don't know Father Brandt but I like him already. I don't care if he held a fundraiser for Sorich. That's what good, loyal friends do for each other. We've thrown lots of benefits for fellow police officers and we have been criticized for that too. That's the problem with a lot of people today. No loyalty. A true friend doesn't walk out when their friend is going through hard times or needs help. Father Brandt had a lot of balls to throw that benefit. Good for him for doing the right thing and standing by his friend no matter the consequences.
8/21/2011 09:38:00 PM
The problem with people today is people like you who think breaking the law and going through hard times are the same thing...
Fr. Brandt was helping Fr. Nangle with the Chaplains' Ministry for eight years part-time. ...that's two years before he reluctantly took the position of pastor at Nativity of Our Lord. Being in Bridgeport had nothing to do with Brandt's CPD assignment. For a long time, Nangle has been preparing Brandt to take his place upon retirement. Just read Nangle's recent monthly posts in the FOP newsletter and you'll see that. Brandt has already proven many times he will do an outstanding job at Nangle's successor.
Had an opportunity to meet Father Brandt and speak with him several times over the phone. He took time to come out on a stormy day to the Brothers In Blue Motorcycle Clubs blessing of the bikes at the Chicago Police Memorial. All the funds were donated to the Police Ministries and handed to the Father. As with Father Nagle, Father Brandt, had a great sense of humor on a very rainy day. The Brothers In Blue hope next year Father Brandt can speak with his boss for better weather and a better turn out.
Del Pearson#16462 (004)
Vice President
Brothers In Blue MC
www.brothersinblue.org
Father Dan is a true Priest down to Earth and non judgmental ... I am proud to call him a friend ...I am so glad a know the man
Is the sick Sgt RS from the Northside. We were supposed to meet over the summer.
God Bless.
"Father Brandt had a lot of balls to throw that benefit. Good for him for doing the right thing and standing by his friend no matter the consequences.
8/21/2011 09:38:00 PM"
The misty eyed rant for the Padre is a bit much. If he didnt throw the benefit, he'd have found himself preaching to the Fishes. KAPEESH?
Anonymous said...
100 Detectives will be in the academy by next Monday. No merit! Everyone comes off the list.
It's about time.
8/21/2011 12:09:00 PM
I've been hearing this for nearly four years now, so forgive my skepticism.
Where is this coming from? Any way to endorse its validity? Or is this just another example of me getting my hopes up on a rumor I want so badly to be true?
Signed,
Desperate for a Dic Class
Hey desperate, you are on the medical! So you couldnt get into the class anyways!! Please quit asking about detective classes every thread!
LIFM
..Is my online persona "lost in Fillmore " & im not related to westside inside ..but I do know him..im also a legacy to the I/F's..LOL
I just wounder how did they pick father Dan???
8/21/2011 02:25:00 PM
I can tell you with certainty that he was named at least 5 years ago.
It was a done deal back then.....
Medical? Nah, just out here doing it, on the real!!
Hey "clout" conspirator: Since Brandt was part-time chaplain BEFORE being assigned to Nativity in Bridgeport...maybe it's his CPD clout that landed him that pastorate--and not the other way around as you ignorantly surmised! He's a great man and we are blessed to have him full-time now.
To the guy who posted the thing about Fr. Brandt having allowed a fundraiser for a down-and-out parishioner at his old parish, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT TO OUR ATTENTION. This is called LOYALTY in the face of adversity. What a GREAT trait for a police chaplain to possess. That means he has balls and integrity. Just what we need in this circus of a job. And after a year-plus on the job, the good Father has certainly proven himself. Keep up the great work, Fr. Brandt!!! We are proud to call you one of our own and grateful for your constant presence.
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