Father Mark Tracy sworn in as Catholic chaplain for Illinois Army National Guard
Father Mark Tracy, a current priest in Effingham, was sworn in as the only Catholic chaplain for the Illinois Army National Guard on April 29.
Father Tracy is the son of Jim and State Sen. Jil Walker Tracy of Quincy and the grandson of Betty Odum of Anna.
Father Tracy also was sworn in as a commissioned officer, a first lieutenant, during the ceremony, which was held at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.
During remarks at the ceremony, Father Tracy said, “I look forward in this role to serve the men and women of the military.
“These men and women give so much for our country. I am honored to serve them as a priest chaplain. I look forward to joining them where they are at as Christ did and accompanying them in their journey.”
Father Tracy will provide spiritual care to the men and women of the Illinois Army National Guard.
The duties include administering the sacraments, counseling and being with the men and women and accompanying them on their faith journey.
He will be with his unit one weekend a month and will be active for two to four weeks every year serving domestically or internationally.
“This position is needed in the military because people need and long for the person of Jesus Christ,” Father Tracy said.
“As a priest, even though I am completely unworthy, I represent the person of Jesus Christ.
“Jesus longs to speak through us priests. He longs to feed, touch, and heal his people through the sacraments that the priest offers.
“Priesthood is not the only way we encounter the person of Jesus Christ, but it is a very powerful way that Christ Jesus continues his presence among us.”
In his new role, Father Tracy will first complete the chaplain basic officer leader course and will also train each month with the Murphysboro National Guard unit.
The new role will add a new layer to his assignments as a priest. Father Tracy will remain as the parochial vicar at St. Anthony Parish in Effingham and St. Mary Parish in Shumway.