On December 11, the Norristown Police Department held a meaningful swearing-in ceremony welcoming five chaplains from different religious denominations into service. I (Lisa DePaz) was honored to be among those clergy members who publicly committed to serving our community through a ministry of presence—offering emotional and spiritual support to families during moments of crisis and tragedy.

The role of the chaplain is so much more than emergency response. A chaplain cares for the community in a variety of ways. Chaplains minister to school personnel, jail staff, police officers, as well as the broader Norristown community, ensuring compassionate care is available wherever pain, uncertainty, or loss is present. Together, every faith leader honored, pledged to walk alongside those we serve with humility, confidentiality, and hope.

For me, this ceremony represents the fulfillment of a goal I set six years ago when I accepted the call to serve as pastor of Haws Avenue Church. From the beginning, I committed to serving the Lord faithfully and to ensuring that Haws Avenue continues to be a beacon of light in a community challenged by poverty, economic inequality, crime, homelessness, and mental illness.

All glory be to God. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the strength He provides to carry out His work of love, mercy, and healing in Norristown.