Distinction of board-certified chaplain
The Rev. Kevin Bockus, a chaplain at Penn Highlands DuBois, has attained the distinction of board-certified chaplain and was honored on June 21 at the Association of Professional Chaplains' Grand Banquet in Anaheim, Calif.
The APC Grand Banquet was held during the APC 2014 Annual Conference in Anaheim.
This year’s event celebrated the achievements of over 200 new board certified, provisional certified and associate certified chaplains.
Chaplains are eligible to pursue certification through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc., an affiliate of APC, following completion of post-graduate degree work and a rigorous program of clinical training that prepares them to serve as chaplains in institutional settings.
The status of board certified chaplain represents a high level of commitment and professional achievement, as well as recognition by one's peers and the board of directors of a nationally recognized professional association.
The Association of Professional Chaplains, a national nonprofit organization based in Schaumburg, Ill., is a multi-faith association established to promote competent professional chaplaincy care through advocacy, education, standards of practice and service to its members. Professional chaplains work throughout the country in many specialized settings, including health care, corporations, correctional facilities and the military.
“Rev. Bockus has been an invaluable member of the Pastoral Care Department at Penn Highlands DuBois over these past six years,” Deacon Robert P. DeNoon, director and board-certified chaplain of the Pastoral Care Department at PH DuBois, said. Bockus ministers to patients, staff and visitors at Hahne Regional Cancer Center, PH DuBois Hospice, and throughout the hospital.
“His professionalism and attention to detail has proven to be a valuable asset to the department. Whether he is ministering to patients, family members or offering support to hospital staff, Rev. Bockus can always be counted upon when the need arises. His prior experience as a pastor has proven invaluable in meeting the needs of our patients and staff at PH DuBois,” DeNoon said.
“As a board-certified chaplain he has proven above and beyond that he possesses the qualifications necessary to meet the demands that are required of a clinically trained hospital chaplain ministering in today’s hospital environment. PH DuBois is indeed fortunate to have a chaplain of Rev. Bockus' caliber that meets and exceeds these high standards as established by the Association of Professional Chaplains," he added.
Bockus received his bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. and his master’s degree in Christian Education from Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss.
He has been a pastor for 25 years. He has served as the senior pastor of Nazarene churches in Hazlehurst, Miss.; East Liverpool, Ohio; and Brookville. Most recently, he served as the interim pastor at the Egypt Free Methodist Church near Brockway. Previously, he spent six years as a fire department chaplain in Liverpool Township, Ohio.
A native of Rochester, N.Y., he lives in Chestnut Grove with is wife Sheila. They have three children, Crystal, Gabriel and Joshua.