How I became "Father Chase" at Kansas' police academy

That daunting question of "Why?" circulated throughout my 14 weeks at the police academy. "Why did you want to become a police officer?" was a discussion topic in the first week, the last week and today, three weeks following graduation.

These questions never ceased, and my articulation was never consistent. One of my classmates ventured as far to tell me I chose the wrong profession because of my faith, and I received awkward feedback upon telling fellow Catholics about my new job.

The decision to become a cop rested with the same reason I chose journalism: to give the outcasts a voice. In this position of authority, God provides a unique opportunity to bring justice and mercy to those who are oppressed, downtrodden and struggling with mental health. It's evangelization outside the lovely work of our missionaries and clergy. As Father Matt Davied once told me, "The world needs Catholic police officers." My class as a whole would soon discover I'm Catholic, dubbing me with the nickname, "Father Chase."

In the same way my friend hated his college label, "Pope Brennan," I rebuked the notion of "Father Chase." My reversion story centers around the guidance of good priests and FOCUS missionaries, and the title shall be reserved for those who have authority. However, I began embracing the notion. Being a shepherd to Christ's flock is not my calling, but the mere name mysteriously created dialogue about God and what it looks like to be a faithful Christian.

I was never able to entice my non-practicing Catholic classmates to attend Mass with me, but the seed had been planted. We conversed about theology, doctrine, dogmas and whether they should baptize their children. One of my favorite topics centered around The Chosen and how the show develops people into Christians who can't put the Word down. We eventually climbed out of Dallas Jenkins' gospel-based fantasy and into the real-world of why Christians worship and believe differently. The topic grew, piquing the interest of others until someone snapped at us to keep it down.

The interruption had nothing to do with studying, as they suggested. Based on the previous 12 weeks, the abrupt interference was hatred of Christ. That's the cross we carry. In John 15:18-19 Jesus says, "If the world hates you, realize it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you."

In my experience, most people in Kansas USA don't hate you because of Christ, but because of the pain people caused in the name of Christ. Many didn't get the same luxury I did with good shepherds. My classmates had fallen away directly because someone abused their power of authority, whether it was a priest who took advantage of someone close to them; a hard-nosed nun who showed no mercy; a grandma telling a child they'll go to hell; or a non-denominational pastor who twisted scripture to justify his own sin and inflict harm upon his parishioners. These individuals harmed the mission of God's Kingdom on earth.

Even my sins became more noticeable with each week they spent with me. We were a family held together by the thin-blue line, and it was noted each time I went to confession or Mass. Some of my classmates would (falsely) argue that my faith became tainted just by me hanging around them. Sometimes the pressure to be a good Catholic was exhausting.

I advertised my lifestyle and therefore my actions were public. My reputation served as a reminder that like the priest, the nun, the grandma and the pastor who hurt others, we're all guilty of sin. The more we are in the public eye, the more likely we are to be judged.

Jesus came down from earth to die for our sins and to reveal how to be like Him. And through his life, death and resurrection, he has set us free. It's a great responsibility we have, but we should fear not. We're going to make mistakes. I'm going to rely on my own understanding from time to time, but the Holy Spirit will prosper. Through Christ's body, soul, blood and divinity, we have life within us and life we can offer to others.

This could be my calling 'till retirement or a steppingstone in God's larger-than-life plans. Regardless of what our plans are, Christians all called to evangelize in our current capacities. Don't be afraid to be a father, brother, sister or mother in each phase of life. The fruits gained will be worth it.