Pizza with the Padre

From left, Airmen 1st Class Jared Burrows and Matt Banach and Airman Basic Eric Stevens learn about items used in Jewish worship from Sergeant Raff as Chaplain Mallory looks on. Airmen Burrows and Stevens are students in the 332nd Training Squadron and Airman Banach is from the 334th TRS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Pizza with the Padre: Year old program exposes students to religious diversity

Published Sept. 21, 2009
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Pizza and the Padre, a chapel student ministry program, celebrated its first anniversary Sept. 9.

The guest speaker for the evening was Master Sgt. Michael Raff, 81st Training Support Squadron, a member of Congregation Beth Israel who spoke on Judaism.

Sessions take place from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays in the Fishbowl Student Ministry Center in the Levitow Training Support Facility. Free pizza and drinks are provided to boost hospitality and fellowship.

Chaplain (Capt.) Charles Mallory, who launched the program, wanted to offer nonprior service students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the history, beliefs, customs and practices of other world religions.

"My goal is for students to gain an understanding and respect for the beliefs, practices, and teachings of differing religions around the world.," Chaplain Mallory said. "The interactive discussion we have provides open and safe dialogue."

The chaplain said that Pizza and the Padre attracted 625 students during 38 sessions over the course of its first year, with 12 to 15 students in an average class.

In addition to topics with a Protestant focus, seven guest speakers have exposed students to other faith communities. In addition to the presentation on Judaism, other speakers have given an overview of Baha'i, Buddhism, Catholicism, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventists and Wicca.

For more information, call 377-2331.