North East Islamic Community Center (NEICC) 2nd Annual Chaplain Retreat & In-Service Training

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – October 25–26, 2025

The North East Islamic Community Center (NEICC) successfully held its 2nd Annual Retreat and In-Service Training Program for chaplain endorsees at Respect Graduate School in Bethlehem, PA, over the weekend of October 25–26, 2025.

The program featured board-certified chaplains and field experts who led an engaging series of presentations and interactive sessions. The training focused on equipping Muslim chaplains with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate diverse institutional environments while maintaining faith-based integrity and professional excellence.

Topics Covered

Challenges that Muslim chaplains face

How to become a Muslim Chaplain in the Federal System

Surviving in multi-departmental settings and mastering effective communication

Functioning as a Muslim chaplain without compromising faith

Pediatric chaplaincy

End-of-life issues

Self-care and preventing burnout

Chaplaincy for staff

Specialization in chaplaincy

Beliefs and practices in correctional settings

The program was conducted both in person and via Zoom, ensuring broad accessibility. Over 40 participants attended and expressed that the sessions were highly beneficial and enriching, offering valuable insights for professional growth, personal development, and spiritual resilience.