Fall 2013 Salute by Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

FALL 2013

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I T A R Y S E RV I C E S , U S A

Some five hundred U.S. pilgrims join Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio for the 2013 Lourdes Pilgrimage.

Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,

utumn is here and pastoral programs begin anew. The falling leaves in colder climes tell us that time is passing and summer is over. However, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA has not been idle over the summer. Many activities have been sponsored and a new link on peace has been added to the webpage. Of course, the men and women in uniform and those who serve at the Veterans Administration Medical Centers continue to be vigilant in their duties.

A T

s schools reopen and the pace of life quickens again, it is good for us to welcome the new AMS co-sponsored seminarians.

he context makes it is a pleasure to send you this new issue of Salute. In addition to the usual features and contributors, you will find news of the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, more details about the process for the beatification of the Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno, a chance to meet the new Vicar General, a farewell to Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv. who served so well as the second AMS Director of Vocations and much more.

e continue our pilgrimage in the Year of Faith and are inspired by the challenging words of Pope Francis. Eyes are turned with interest toward the Eternal City as his first Encyclical is meditated and his initial appointments in the Curia are awaited. It may be autumn, but there are many signs of new growth.

ersonally, I am profoundly grateful for the news of the up-coming canonization of Blessed Pope John II who ordained me an archbishop and sent me to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as his personal representative. His impact on the Church and the project of a new evangelization continues to mark our pilgrimage of faith. While canonization does nothing for him, it does hold out a great model of a courageous churchman for all of us to imitate.

hope that you will enjoy this issue. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you a good beginning to the activities of fall. Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop

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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 7. NUMBER 3 FALL 2013

TABLE

CONTENTS

4 The Year of Faith in Action Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

6 “The Seldom-Remembered” Bishop Richard B. Higgins

8 Honoring Heroes Bishop Neal J. Buckon

10 One Family Three Continents Under God Bishop F. Richard Spencer

14 Change of Guard in the AMS Office of Vocations Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv.

24 The “Right Course” Father John McCarthy

27 AMS Welcomes Monsignor John J.M. Foster, JCD Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

28 Lourdes in the Year of Faith Monsignor Frank A. Pugliese

32 A Touch of Grace Father Daniel Mode’s tribute to Father Capodanno

38 Seventeen New Prospective Catholic Military Chaplains Complete “Step Closer” Retreat

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA publishes SALUTE for the nation’s Bishops, active and retired military chaplains, and financial supporters of the Archdiocese.

FALL 2013

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I T A R Y S E RV I C E S , U S A

ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address, and phone number to: support@milarch.org or call: 202-719-3600 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for

the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017-0469 Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org COVER PHOTO: © MARGARET BETIT

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO President

MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER Editorial Director

JO ANN REDMOND Editor

Some five hundred U.S. pilgrims join Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio for the 2013 Lourdes Pilgrimage.

ERIC NEUNER | RPISTUDIOS Design Director

© 2013 - A PUBLICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA - SERVING CATHOLICS IN THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD,VA MEDICAL CENTERS, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES OVERSEAS.

By ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

THE YEAR OF FAITH

IN ACTION

MORNING PRAYER AT THE "STEP CLOSER" DISCERNMENT RETREAT HELD AT THE BETHANY RETREAT CENTER, LUTZ, FLORIDA.

few brief months remain in the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI, but already this gift can be recognized as a time of special grace. I hope that your experience has confirmed that statement.

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very important element of this dampened and prayers were not extinguished. I was moved to hear the story of one period is witness. The motu pilgrim, a soldier who had been wounded in proprio Porta Fidei, which the Middle East. This was his second pilgrimannounced the Year of Faith age. The first brought healing to some of his stressed the importance of the witness of believers (cf. n.6). That remains a challenge ailments and he wanted to give thanks. There in our secularized society and the pressure to were many other stories and Our Mother, like all good mothers, listened to all of them. conform will only become greater. The time at Lourdes prepared me to make Among the ways to give witness, the Archdiocese for the Military Services a quick visit to the “Step Closer” discernment has marked this significant year with two retreat at Bethany Retreat Center near Tampa pilgrimages. The first was to Lourdes for the where seventeen young men prayed and lis55th International Military Pilgrimage (see tened to Monsignor James Dixon’s wise counsels about knowing and article page 28). The second following the Lord’s will. still awaits and it will be Time with these young men I am grateful to to the Holy Land. considering the priesthood Pope Benedict XVI Some five hundred and with the co- sponsored U.S. pilgrims joined me for for proclaiming seminarians is always wellthe visit to the “heart” of this special time spent. They are enthusiasthe Church at the Marian and to Pope tic, eager, and filled with Shrine of Lourdes. The Francis for his faith and hope. Knights of Columbus made decision to I had to rush back from a special effort to ensure continue it! Tampa to preach at one of the participation of several Father Richard Goellen’s wounded warriors. The (retired Chaplain, Colonel) volunteers who came from the States and Golden Jubilee celebrations. This one was at Europe did their utmost to ensure a smooth Fort Myer near Washington, D.C. It was an and prayerful visit. honor to join him and his friends in thanking These adventures are never without unexpected complications. At the last minute, Almighty God for so many blessings received Jeff Ludwig, a Knight of Malta and of the and shared over fifty years of priestly ministry. Constantinian Order of St. George, rallied Many of those years were spent in the U.S. several other willing lieutenants to coordinate Army. The contrast was good, because I went the resolution of a change in the departure from the celebration of fifty years of priestly flight plans of some of the pilgrims. Colonel ministry to the ordination of seven new priests Chuck Gallina and Dr. Greg Jolissaint made for the diocese of Arlington. One of them, certain that the events in Lourdes ran smoothly. The presence of Supreme Knight and Father Jason Burchell, is co-sponsored with Mrs. Carl Anderson comforted all of us. Of the AMS. I could not bi-locate and so Monsicourse, the efforts of so many participants, gnor Pugliese represented all of us at the ordiincluding Marlys Dewor and Marlene Watkins nation in Baltimore of Father Angel Marrero, made the days a prayerful and joyful pilgrim- who is also co-sponsored. (continued on page 23) age. Despite the heavy rains, spirits were not

“

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By BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS

“The Seldom-Remembered”

AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL CONSOLIDATED BRIG AT THE CHARLESTON NAVAL WEAPONS STATION IN HANAHAN, S.C.

t was just a routine phone call to wrap up the arrangements for a pastoral visit to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. I have been there many times and I have known Father Gil Garcia for years. A native of Colombia, he’s a former Air Force chaplain and is now the GS civilian priest serving Joint Base Charleston (combined with Navy Charleston). Towards the end of our conversation Father Gil asked if I could adjust the visit and spend some time at the Naval Consolidated Brig which he visits every Friday. He had a couple of candidates over there and Jessica Carrigan-Broda, the lay catechist and he had been preparing them for baptism and confirmation and wondered if I would be open to a visit to celebrate the sacraments with his other “flock.” I was reminded of the scene in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25 ….“in prison and you visited me.” “Of course, I would be honored” I replied.

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he military operates a number of confinement facilities worldwide, a few of which have attained notoriety and are frequently in the news. The commander at the Consolidated Brig at Charleston is pleased his facility remains “under the radar.” The mission of this particular Brig is “to ensure the security, good order, discipline and safety of adjudged and pretrial prisoners, to retrain and restore the maximum number of personnel to honorable service; to prepare prisoners to return to civilian life as productive citizens…” The Brig at Charleston can accommodate 400 prisoners and it operates a healthy rehabilitation program preparing its charges for return to duty or release to civilian life. One of its instructors is a master craftsman who retired from a career with a prestigious fine furniture manufacturer and his students excel in civilian life. The Navy assigns a full time chaplain and an RP (Religious Support Personnel) to the facility. I was very pleased to see the chapel staff maintains an excellent library, stocked with a wide variety of religious publications in every available format. The chaplain and RP escorted Father Gil and me to the gym which doubles as a chapel when necessary. It is a simple set-up and soon an eclectic “congregation” gathered for liturgy. It was an amazing group. Besides the Catholics, there was a variety of Christians, a few “seekers,” several toughs and a smattering of curious folks who had never been to a church service in their lives. But they were all there for their buddies and as the holy water and sacred chrism flowed on the foreheads of their shipmates they burst into applause and cheers! Tears streaked down the cheeks of the newly-baptized/confirmed and a few toughs. “Way cool, preacher” cried one character from the makeshift back pew.

ENTRANCE TO THE CONSOLIDATED BRIG IN CHARLESTON, S.C.

n inmate approached me as we headed for refreshments after Mass…“preacher, how can I do that, like that baptism thing, you know, the communion thing and all that?” I gave a brief explanation of the process and introduced him to Father Gil. Soon the allotted time was up and we were escorted back to the “world” as we know it. I thanked Father Gil and Jessica for the opportunity given to me that day back in April and headed back to the airport to catch the flight home to D.C. Besides the blessing of the liturgy celebrated in a Naval confinement facility the other gift of that “routine” visit was meeting Jessica Carrigan-Broda. A lawyer by profession, she has embarked upon prison ministry as a result of an encounter she had with an 80 year-old dynamic Christian who was hacked to death with a machete as she was leaving a routine visit to a prison on an island in the Caribbean. Jessica encountered the Lord embodied in an elderly martyr and her life will never be the same again. Those “seldom-remembered” service members who find themselves in the Charleston Brig will never forget their encounter with Jessica Carriagn-Broda. ✞ fall 2013 |

By BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON

HONORING HEROES

FRONT ROW-LEFT TO RIGHT: COUNCILWOMAN ADELE ZUCKER, VICE-MAYOR FRANKIE GOLDBERG, MAYOR SUSAN INFELD, AND BISHOP NEAL BUCKON BACK ROW-LEFT TO RIGHT: PAT THOMAS, SEAN RABBITT, JACK MCCARTHY AND REBECCA JONES

niversity Heights, Ohio, is my hometown. John Carroll University (JCU), the University of the City, is my Alma Mater. Although I live out of a suitcase for most of the year, my Ohio State Driver’s License shows a University Heights address; and I am very proud of my hometown, which is also known as the City of Beautiful Homes. When Mayor Susan Infeld invited me to participate in University Height’s 46th Memorial Day Parade and speak at the Memorial Ceremony at JCU I enthusiastically accepted the honor and the privilege of speaking as our Nation remembered its fallen heroes.

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y brother, Leo, and I marched in the first parade in 1967 as members of the Boy Scouts of America. We were members of the Color Guard of Troop 620 located at the Church of the Gesu. About eight years later when we were students at JCU, and cadets in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), we marched in our Memorial Day Parade with the Army’s Color Guard.

very year this parade passes by the family homestead on its way to the Memorial Ceremony at JCU. It has always been an occasion to join our countrymen at home and abroad in celebrating a national holiday with a family reunion and a BBQ. It has also been an opportunity to stand in solidarity with all Americans to remember with gratitude and respect the service members of our Armed Forces who have died in the defense of the United States of America.

n my speech I reminded my family, friends, and neighbors that even today our brave uniformed countrymen are overseas making sacrifices beyond all-telling so that we may enjoy our inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

told them that in my ministry as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, I visit military communities throughout the year and sometimes the Ministry Teams are found honoring the dead and assisting the next-of-kin. Three weeks earlier (May 7th–9th) I was visiting Fairchild AFB in Spokane, Washington. I found the chaplains preparing for a Memorial Ceremony for the crew of a KC-135.

This Crew: Captain Mark Tyler Voss, 27, of Boerne, Texas; Captain Victoria “Tori” Ann Pinckney, 27, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Technical Sergeant Herman “Tre” Mackey III, 30, of Bakersfield, California, were killed Friday, May 3rd in a crash, that was caused by a storm, in the rugged mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

he chaplains and the chaplain assistants at Fairchild AFB were providing compassionate pastoral care to the next-ofkin of the deceased crew members, and to the friends of the deceased who worked with them in the military community. Each service member was once, or still is the most important person in someone’s life. With each loss in war, the world changed forever for the family and friends left behind. Each loss leaves others to go on, counting the years of separation, and living in the hope of reunion. Captain Victoria (Tory) Pinckney, a 2008 Air Force Academy graduate, was a new mother with a black belt in karate. She is survived by her husband, Richard Pinckney; and 7-month-old son, Gabriel. The sudden and tragic deaths of an air craft crew supporting operations in Afghanistan tragically changed the lives of family members, and caused a tightly-knit military community on the other side of the world to grieve.

olonel Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, was quoted as saying, “We’re a strong family here and it’s truly heart wrenching when members of this family make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. We will forever honor Tyler, Tori and Tre as patriots and heroes.” (continued on page 44) fall 2013 |

By BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

ONE FAMILY THREE CONTINENTS UNDER GOD

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1) AUGUSTIN BALTHAZAR KAWIKA ZELLER: BAPTIZED 17MAR2011, KATTERBACH (OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE, USAG-ANSBACH), BRD (GERMANY), EUROPE 2) MAJ DAVID A ZELLER JR (FATHER) 3) JESSICA RC ZELLER (MOTHER) 4) VERONICA ANN MO'OLANI ZELLER (BEING HELD BY MOTHER): BAPTIZED 15JUN2013, JBLM, WA, NORTH AMERICA 5) BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER 6) ISABEL CECILIA PULELEHUA ZELLER, BAPTIZED 14OCT2007, YONGSAN (HOLY FAMILY PARISH, USFK- SEOUL), ROK, ASIA 7) CATHERINE E. WAGNER, ORGANIST AND PROXY 8) FATHER TIMOTHY J. MCKENNA, HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN AND GODFATHER TO VERONICA

ne of the many joys of being in a global Archdiocese is that we often repeat visits with family friends in various and diverse locations.Take the Zeller Family as an example. I have had the joy now to baptize all three of their children with each baptism on a different continent (Asia, Europe, America). Already I look forward to these three Christians entering the convent and the seminary. I am quite certain that this will happen because of the holiness and example of their parents!

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his past summer, I celebrated 25 years of priesthood. As I reflect upon all of the baptisms, weddings, and funerals that I have been invited to participate, I consider myself a truly blessed person. Now, on my new journeys, as I also consider all of the confirmations which I have celebrated, it brings to mind the extension of our mission work as a global archdiocese.

ince our last visit in the summer edition of Salute, my ministry journeys have included Confirmation Masses in Germany (Bamberg, Schweinfurt, and Hohenfels) along with pastoral visits to Garmisch. The summer “Clergy Day for Renewal”, conducted for our priests in Europe, was a memorable event as it would be the last time for us to gather at the Heidelberg Chapel which is now officially closed. As I walked around the walls on the inside of that chapel, I could not but help give the Lord thanks for all of the sacramental graces given and received within those walls over the past 65 years.

Institute Mass of Candidacy for the men studying for the Permanent Diaconate. During the month of August I had the distinct joy of escorting Bishop Xavier Yu, the Ordinary for the Korean Military Diocese, to Pilsen, Kan. Bishop Yu made a special presentation on behalf of the Korean people to the Pilsen parish Church for sending Father Emil Kapaun from their community as a military chaplain during the Korean War. He died as a POW. From that awesome weekend in Pilsen, Bishop Yu and I attended the annual Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The last part of August was in Washington, D.C., where we witnessed the ordination of Mr. Joe Pak and Mr. Roy Mellon as Permanent Deacons to serve our military communities in Korea. A full and exciting summer, and now we begin the pastoral visitations in Europe and Asia for the fall season. To further reflect on the theme for this article, truly we, the AMS, are:

he remainder of the summer was dedicated to professional development activities such as participating in the annual summer United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting followed by a silent directed spiritual retreat at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Wernersville, Pa., prior to returning to Europe. In July, I was able to return to England twice. Once for a pastoral “ ONE FAMILY — ALL CONTINENTS – visit to RAF Alconbury and the second visit was to Birmingham, England, where UNDER GOD!” ✞ I served as the celebrant for the Maryvale fall 2013 |

By BISHOP ROBERT J. COYLE

“WITH GRATITUDE ALWAYS”

n 25 April, I began a new course in service to the Lord and His Church. During my remarks at my ordination to the members of the Church gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., I expressed my thanks for the many people present as well as those who brought me to that day.

wenty-two years ago on 25 May 1991, I first pubBISHOP ROBERT J. COYLE licly expressed my thanks to the Church gathered at a parish church on Long Island, N.Y. as a newly ordained priest. In my remarks at the end of Mass, just as I did on 25 April 2013 in Washington, I referred to the famous quote of the great Irish-American songwriter and Broadway producer George M. Cohan. He is the author of “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” among many other iconic patriotic songs. At the end of every public appearance he would say: “My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, and my sister thanks you and I thank you.”

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y family too is the same size. Music and entertainment are an important part of our lives. To everyone who has prayed for me and supported me in this new ministry as an auxiliary bishop, I again express these words of thanks on behalf of my parents, my sister and me. The military family has been a very special part of my life since college and throughout the seminary and priesthood. I am very grateful it will continue to be a special part of my life. Our lives are called to be marked by a sense of gratitude. The good Lord has bestowed on each one of us different gifts, talents and blessings. All of these gifts we receive from the Lord call us to gratitude in prayer, thanks and service to one another. I was on a Navy ship that had a wonderful way of greeting the members of the crew. “Thank you for coming to work today,” was the slogan used by all the sailors on the ship. It was sincerely spread by one and all. It was a simple way to express appreciation and gratitude for the hard work being done by the crew. As we go about our daily lives, how do we express our thanks to the Lord and for one another? Do we forget to do so on a regular basis? Centering the day at its start and end in a prayer of thanksgiving and singling out someone each day may help us to keep focused on living a life “with gratitude always.” In June I attended the Graduation Weekend at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. I first reported to Kings Point ten years earlier in 2003 as a Navy chaplain. I was assigned there from 2003-2007. It was very meaningful to return to this wonderful academy

to celebrate Mass for the Class of 2013 and join with the Kings Point community. At the end of Mass there was a special presentation by the great Captain Kenneth R. Force, who has served at Kings Point for over 40 years. He directs the Regimental Band known as “George M. Cohan’s Own.” He had attended my ordination in Washington and recalled how I gave thanks at the end quoting George M. Cohan. He surprised me with a framed photo of the Cohan family and the words George M. Cohan always expressed in thanks. If you visit Times Square in New York City, you will see a statue of Mr. Cohan and next to him the great Father Francis Duffy: two Catholics who lived out the gifts the Lord gave them to make the world a better place. To the military family I say thank you for your love for God and country. Thank you for your generous service and support for one another. Thank you for living out your faith and being witnesses in the world for our Lord. May all those who support us, family, friends, and fellow service members be ever in our hearts and prayers. In gratitude for you, our Archbishop and all who minster in the Military Archdiocese, I again say Thank You! I look forward to future travels and the opportunity to continue to meet you and say thank you for your faith and service. When I do visit, I will have the opportunity to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as I did at Kings Point. The Eucharist is the highest form of prayer and thanksgiving. There is no higher way we can express “with gratitude always” to our God and the Church. God bless you all! ✞ fall 2013 |

By TAYLOR HENRY

Change of Guard in the AMS Office of Vocations

ABOVE: FATHER KERRY, RIGHT: FATHER KAUL

he Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) bids warm farewell to Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv. On 1 July, Father Abbott returned to his order of Conventual Franciscans following a highly productive two years as AMS Director of Vocations. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, appointed Father John Kaul, AMS Coordinator for Civilian Contract Clergy, to serve temporary double-duty as Interim Vocations Director until a permanent replacement can be named.

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shortage and its hardships on chaplains still serving. Born a military “brat” to loving, faith-filled parents in a Southern Baptist home, he converted to Catholicism, prompted in part by contact with Catholic Air Force chaplains when he was an Airman First Class Air Traffic Controller at RAF Mildenhall, England in 1976. He was later to request permission to become an Air Force Reserve Chaplain while a priest-student studying canon law at the Lateran University in Rome in 1992.

nder Father Abbott’s stewardship, the Vocations Office has celebrated a remarkable increase of more than 22% in the number of men on track to become Catholic military chaplains through the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program—a partnership between the AMS and local dioceses around the country to support priestly formation. When Father Abbott joined the staff at the AMS in 2011, 27 prospective chaplains were enrolled in the program; this year, enrollment exceeds 35 with still more on the way.

hroughout his 20-year career as a military chaplain, Father Abbott served far and wide, holding the hands of dying, wounded or ill Marines in Afghanistan and ministering to Soldiers in Iraq, Airmen in Pakistan, Sailors and countless civilians in myriad other places around the world. Upon assuming the position of AMS Vocations Director, he talked of the peace and joy he has known as a priest. “Happiness and sadness are emotions and transitory,” he said; “joy is a state of being, which includes happiness and sadness, but he increase continues a sharp upward only known in and through God.” trend begun under Father Abbott’s predecessor, Monsignor John McLaughlin, rchbishop Broglio expressed effusive who served as AMS Director of Vocations praise for Father Abbott’s “energetic and from 2008 to 2011. Since 2011, eleven new productive” service to the AMS. Archbishop chaplain candidates have been ordained Broglio said, “I am most appreciative of his priests, bringing the AMS fresh hope of outstanding work and the ongoing harvest of overcoming a chronic shortage of Catholic new vocations and ordinations that are the chaplains in all three branches of the United fruits of his labor. The AMS extends its States armed forces as aging active-duty priests gratitude, prayers and very best wishes to continue to reach the military’s mandatory Father Abbott as he embarks on a new phase retirement age of 62 faster than they can be of an abundantly fruitful ministry in service to replaced. God’s people.”

ather Abbott brought to the AMS Vocations Office first-hand awareness of the

he archbishop said he expects to name a new Vocations Director later this year. ✞ fall 2013 |

The Blessings Philip Thomas O’Neill DIOCESE: Diocese of Hartford, Conn RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: USAF HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Vicenza American High School, Vicenza, Italy COLLEGE ATTENDED: Christendom College, Front Royal, Va.; Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. HOBBIES: music, reading, movies, sightseeing, soccer, volleyball

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? I started thinking about a vocation in 11th grade, then again and more seriously my junior year of college. After the intensity of the call to the priesthood in college, I decided to pursue it actively. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? I have been inspired by my experiences with the sacraments, especially in Mass and before the Blessed Sacrament. Father Donald Planty, the chaplain at Christendom and my spiritual director at the time, was an inspiration to me. And Father Jerzy Rzasowski, U.S. Army Chaplain, whom I have known for many years, was especially influential. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? Non-military folk are usually surprised to hear that I have lived in many different countries over the course of my life. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? MATTHEW 16:24 , “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” It is a passage that distinctly caught my attention when I was discerning back in college. It really embodies the spirit I want to foster in my formation and motion toward priesthood, namely that of simplicity and sacrifice. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I was born and raised Catholic by practicing parents. Attending a Catholic liberal arts college was the first major step I took to learning the Faith for myself. Over the years I have had many wonderful religious experiences, particularly in Mass and reconciliation, but also in recitation of the rosary.

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Continue WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? In my high school days, I attended two of the European Catholic Youth Conferences (ECYC), the experiences of being in a close group with many Catholics of my age prompted me, in part, to go to Christendom. I have also made several retreats. HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? My favorite saints right now are St. Thomas Aquinas for his brilliant thought, and St. Joseph and St. Therese of Lisieux for their complete surrender and obedience to God. WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR ACADEMIC AND/OR MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN APPLICANT? College Graduate. WHAT WAS THE NEXT TO LAST BOOK YOU READ, AND WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? Read: Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure; about to reread: Confessions by Augustine. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? My parents for all the work they have done and sacrifices they have made to raise and provide for my siblings and me. The men and women of the armed forces, especially the Chaplains for the many sacrifices they make in the name of a greater cause. I also admire so many of the saints, the academics such as Saints Thomas and Bonaventure, and the non-academics alike for the strength they showed and willingness to go to whatever lengths in the name of serving the Lord. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? WHAT COMPRISES YOUR DAILY PRAYER? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH? WHEN, WHERE, HOW? My prayer life is daily. I try to pray a daily rosary, I attend Mass daily, and I strive to complete all five parts of the office daily. Here at the Mount we are strongly encouraged to make a daily Holy Hour. I cannot claim to hold to that 100%, but I am quickly improving. Right now I am trying to work toward better mental prayer, especially meditation and Lectio Divina.

“I started thinking about a vocation in 11th grade, then again and more seriously my junior year of college. After the intensity of the call to the priesthood in college, I decided to pursue it actively.” fall 2013 |

By DEACON MICHAEL YAKIR

FROM THE DEACONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DESK

FATHER JOSEPH LEA PRESENTING DEACON MIKE WITH A GIFT AFTER HIS TALK AT THE PRAYER BREAKFAST.

few months back I received a call from Father Joseph Lea at Fort Gordon wondering if I would come down in May and help lead a mission over the weekend. After checking with my boss, the one I have been married to for 35 years, I accepted the invitation. So on Friday, May 3rd, I flew into the airport in Columbia, S.C., armed with a case full of materials from the AMS to give to Father Lea. Father Joe was waiting for me in the lobby right outside the gate and we made the short drive down to Augusta and Fort Gordon. Over supper we caught up on things since my last visit and we finalized the weekend activities.

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GRAND KNIGHT TIMOTHY MCCARTHY PRESENTING CHECK TO DEACON MIKE FOR THE AMS CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS.

was the homilist for the Masses on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The Catholic community made me feel right at home. One of the members even wore his Harley garb to Mass though I am not sure that he knew about my passion for motorcycling. At least he wore the right shirt and I can pretend that he did it in my honor. Father Paul Shuda, a contract priest at Fort Gordon, concelebrated at both Masses. Deacons Kelly Culver and David Kriegel also came to assist.

fter the Saturday night Mass the priests, deacons, parish council leaders and I gathered at a local restaurant for a great meal and even better fellowship. I had a wonderful time getting to know them and learning about the activities at Fort Gordon.

n Sunday Father Joseph had plans for a May Crowning procession outside around the chapel but the weather did not cooperate. Instead, we had an abbreviated procession into the church led by the First Communion class and the statue of Mary carried in by the Knights of Columbus. I am very grateful that I was there for the May Crowning. It was a very meaningful event

and a great way to honor our Blessed Mother. And to be honest, I think the last time I was at a May Crowning was when I was still in grade school before Vatican II.

fter the Sunday Mass the community gathered at the club for a prayer breakfast where I was the main speaker. When I finished I was surprised with an amazing gift, a small bronze version of the Pieta, which now has a place of honor in my office. Not only that, the Knights of Columbus presented me with a large check for the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program. Apparently they held a BBQ fundraiser in Father Leaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backyard weeks earlier and the check was from the proceeds they raised.

o Father Lea and the entire Catholic community at Fort Gordon, I would like to thank you for the honor you bestowed on me by asking me to be a part of your mission. Your hospitality was beyond imagination and I enjoyed spending the weekend with you all. â&#x153;&#x17E;

GOD BLESS!

PAX Deacon Mike

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By ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

A Focus on the need for Fundraising

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO EXITING A MRAP (MINE-RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED) VEHICLE TO VISIT WITH THE TROOPS.

t is not often I make reference to finance and fundraising in the quarterly issues of Salute, because it is the only part of my ministry that does not appeal to me. Nevertheless, a solid financial foundation and a multifaceted fundraising program are both vital to the long-term health, mission and ministry of this global archdiocese.

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he Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) is the largest single source of American priestly vocations. The AMS relies solely on private donations and receives no funding from the U.S. government. An annual operating budget of more than $5 million is needed to fulfill the mission to assure that the men and women in uniform, their families, and veterans who have honorably served the country, have access to all the sacraments and to the same benefits that Catholics enjoy everywhere. In the next several months, the AMS will begin to implement several new fundraising initiatives, including the introduction of giving societies to enhance how donors are recognized for their financial support to serve those who serve. This new form of stewardship will also present opportunities for future planning and create additional ways to support this one-of-a-kind archdiocese.

There are several pressing financial needs for FY2014 (September 1, 2013–August 31, 2014): • Increased support for the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, including scholarships and discernment retreats. The AMS is currently shepherding 35 young men now preparing for ministry in the Chaplain Corps through the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, the only such program of its kind. • Worldwide clergy travel for pastoral visits to 220 military installations and 153 VA medical centers. This includes the many visits by my Auxiliary Bishops and me that you read about quarterly. • Religious education and faith formation programs, including the expanding virtual media center that provides online resources to catechetical leaders and ministry teams. • Maintenance of more than 2.9 million sacramental records from all the sacraments celebrated at the military chapels on all U.S. Military Installations and occasionally in a VA chapel. • Building maintenance of the Chancery and other administrative costs. This includes the layout, printing and mailing of Salute. (continued on page 22) fall 2013 |

A Focus on Fundraising

(continued from page 21)

ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO INSTITUTES CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIAN RYAN BOYLE AS LECTOR AT THE NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE, ROME.

The following are current ways to support the AMS mission, to serve those who serve, and to show them that their faith need not be part of the sacrifice they make in service to our Country. • Make an online donation to the AMS in support of all programs and services; this can be a one-time gift or a recurring monthly gift. • Enclose a check or money order with one of the envelopes included in Salute or with other mailed appeals. • Purchase a brick in honor of a veteran or family member that will become a permanent part of the entrance walkway in front of the Chancery. • Establish a named scholarship for a co-sponsored seminarian. • Make a gift of stock, life insurance or establish a charitable gift annuity. • Make a legacy gift, for God and country, by including the AMS in your estate plans. The AMS is the only provider of priest-chaplains who bring the sacraments and pastoral care to the 1.8 million Catholics serving in the field, their families, veterans in VA Medical Centers and others who serve the country abroad. I am grateful to all whose prayers and financial support make this ministry possible. I am also thankful to those who personally share the mission of the AMS with others and would encourage others to do the same during these last few months of the Year of Faith. Every introduction provides a new opportunity for engagement, support and prayers for peace. To make a donation online, go to www.milarch.org/development. For information about establishing a Co-Sponsored Seminarian scholarship, making a legacy gift, or to learn more about opportunities to fund special projects, please call Mary Lavin, Director of Major Gifts at 440.223.6482.

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THE YEAR OF FAITH in Action It is so true. We build on the ministry of those who have gone before us. Jason and Angel said yes, because they had experienced the contributions of others, like Father Goellen, who continue to give their all. These are occasions that invite us to give thanks. I did not tarry long at the ordination. In fact, I left a few minutes early so as to reach the Reagan National Airport in time to begin my journey to San Diego where the U.S. Bishops’ Conference was holding its spring meeting. Every three years the spring meeting is a special session, conducted much like a retreat. No business is scheduled and all of us are treated to the luxury of excellent conferences, time for prayer, and a bit of time for rest as well. The beautiful location was conducive to a meditation on the goodness of God and Cardinal Collins of Toronto offered insightful and clever reflections on the ministry of the bishop in the new evangelization. It was my privilege to chair the task force that planned the event. The hard work and diligent attention to details by the staff of the Bishops’ Conference ensured that the time was informative and well-spent. Many favorable comments have been received. The priests serving the Navy and Marines in the San Diego area made a massive effort to invite over seventy Catholics on active duty to join the Bishops for a visit to the USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier now serving as a museum. Both clergy and laity enjoyed the opportunity for an informal gathering. My brother bishops mentioned that many of the active-duty personnel mentioned the importance of priests and their gratitude for the generosity of the bishops who released them.

(continued from page 5)

I took advantage of my time in San Diego to celebrate two Sunday Masses at the San Diego Naval Station. An impressive number of young men and women and children participated in the celebrations and animated them with their talents. Father Rean Enriquez ensured a warm welcome and afforded me an opportunity to meet the faithful who were saddened, because he was soon to PCS to a new assignment. Summer of the Year of Faith will also include two priesthood ordinations for the Chair of Peter Ordinariate and the ordination of two permanent deacons for the AMS. However, those events along with the pilgrimage to the Holy Land are still ahead and will have to be the subject of a future article in Salute. The AMS celebration of this special year will conclude in the land of Jesus’ birth and ministry as we walk in His footsteps. I am grateful to Pope Benedict XVI for proclaiming this special time and to Pope Francis for his decision to continue it! ✞

USCCB ENTERTAINS 70 ACTIVE-DUTY CATHOLICS FOR AN INFORMAL DINNER ON THE USS MIDWAY.

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By FATHER JOHN MCCARTHY

THE “RIGHT COURSE”

L-R: FATHER STEVE GERGEL (FORMER PRIEST AT KINGS BAY), BISHOP RICHARD HIGGINS, FATHER JOHN MCCARTHY (CURRENT PRIEST), AND FATHER JOHN KAUL (FORMER PRIEST AT KINGS BAY)

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16.15) “Ahoy” and “Salutations” from the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, home to the Navy’s East Coast Trident nuclear powered submarines. Kings Bay hinges on the cozy historic town of St. Marys on the southeastern corner of Coastal Georgia, just north of the Florida border. This strategic military base covers approximately 16,000 acres of land, of which 4,000 are protected wetlands. The beautiful Base Chapel is most appropriately centered in the administrative section of the base with the bell tower clearly visible from various points on the landscape. The Chapel’s pastoral ministry outreach to the personnel serving onboard submarines, and those in support roles and their families, are deemed most essential to the overall success of the base operations and its mission.

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he Roman Catholic faith community here under the patron of Saint Francis of Assisi is spiritually charged and vibrant in every respect. It is a community that is very humble and prayerful, and always with a willingness to readily share their gifts and talents with others. The submarine force is graciously titled, “the Navy’s silent service,” whereby this base is blessed with a faith family immersed with a true desire to loudly proclaim the goodness of the Lord on-station and off-station “in season and out of season.” It is a community of faith that gives sincere witness of love and service to God and Country with deep respect and patriotism, and always in the spirit of the “new evangelization” by going forth with zeal and confidence every day to spread the Good News message of Jesus Christ and His love to the whole world.

he journey for me to serve as a Navy Chaplain at this base has been a unique adventure in many respects. Upon graduating from Holy Trinity Diocesan High School New York in 1978, I immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I had the honor and privilege to serve for a twenty year period in the aviation field onboard five different aircraft carriers that literally took me around the world two times over. I can say with a great deal of confidence that every single Navy Chaplain whom I encountered along the way, from Father Bob Malene (Ch. Ret.) onboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) at the beginning of my Navy career, to Father Robert McClanahan (Ch. USN) with the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Md., at the end, were all instrumental in guiding my calling to the priesthood. I can firmly attest that the Chaplain Corps has greatly helped me to stay Christ-centered and

focused on the “right course,” while maintaining a healthy balance of physical, spiritual and emotional well-being throughout my entire career.

pon transition from active duty Navy in 1998, I was blessed to serve on staff with the Naval Air Systems Command on the F/A-18 Aircraft Program for a five-year period. It was during this time frame that I experienced God calling me to the possibility of the priesthood vocation “… if you are called, reply “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3.10). Of course, like Samuel, it took me three times (or perhaps even more) to clearly hear the voice of the Lord speaking to my heart. It was through the grace of God that prompted me to enter the seminary formation at the age of forty-two in 2003, and ultimately leading me to priesthood ordination at the age of fortyseven in 2008. Indeed, “with God all things are possible; without God nothing is possible.” All throughout this process I have never wavered from the desire to become a Military Chaplain at some point along the journey. It is certainly a wonderful privilege for me to pay back, in a sense, allowing me to share my Navy experiences while at the same time offering pastoral assistance as a priest of Jesus Christ to our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces today.

fter serving for three years at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Agnes in my home Diocese of Rockville Centre New York, my Bishop (William Murphy) granted my request to re-enter the military for service as a priest. However, I quickly learned that there was|an obstacle in fall 2013 the way to come back on active duty because (continued on page 26) fall 2013 |

THE “RIGHT COURSE”

of thirty years of completed service in August 2008 (the same year of ordination). Subsequently, I was placed on the permanent military retirement list at the age of forty-eight. Needless to say, I was somewhat disappointed, but always placed my trust in God’s plan and will that when “one door closes, another door will always open.” The prayers were soon answered when Bishop Robert Coyle, AMS, (also a priest from my home diocese) learned of the situation and interceded on my behalf. Bishop Coyle made contact with Father Jim Joslyn (former AMS Contract Priest Coordinator), who in turn directed me to Father John Kaul. (Father Kaul was serving at this Naval Base both as an active duty Navy Chaplain, and then as a contract priest).

(continued from page 25)

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay; the experiences have been both rewarding and fulfilling in every respect. Moreover, I am very proud to carry on the pastoral ministry work that Father Kaul and every other Chaplain before him have accomplished on this base in support of the Chaplain Office mission, and most especially to free up an active duty Chaplain to meet higher demands of service to the Navy. In this way, we can all serve our Nation collectively in striving to maintain peace and preservation of our American freedoms, and most importantly to faithfully work together by building up the Body of Christ on earth, His Body – the Church, and thus help to advance God’s Kingdom of love in our world. “May we all have the courage, yes, the courage, to walk in the presence of the Lord, with the Lord’s Cross; to build the Church on the Lord’s blood which was poured out on the Cross; and to profess the one glory: Christ crucified.” — Pope Francis.

t was during the phone conversation with Father Joslyn that I first learned of the opportunity to serve as a priest under contract to help support the Military Services. Father Kaul (present AMS Contract Priest Coordinator and interim Director of Vocations) led me through the entire application he opportunities to serve the men process, and ultimately I was accepted for the and women in our Armed Forces as a contract position in October 2011. Since that priest of Jesus Christ are tremendously fall 2013 time, it has been |a true honor, privilege and rewarding. If you are interested in this vital blessing for me to serve in this capacity to pastoral ministry, please contact Father John help support the goals and objectives of the Kaul at: jkaul@milarch.org. ✞

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By MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER

AMS WELCOMES

REVEREND MONSIGNOR JOHN J. M. FOSTER, JDC Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia

MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER

n the short time since the May 16 announcement and July 1 appointment by Archbishop Broglio as his Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), my life has changed dramatically.

fter eight years spent in the School of Canon Law at the Catholic University of America (two earning a doctorate in canon law and six teaching canon law), I find myself overseeing final preparations for convocations in San Diego, Washington, San Antonio, and Rome in the coming weeks. These days of prayer and study with our active duty chaplains and contract priests will give me a welcome opportunity to get to know these fine men who minister to the Catholic faithful in the AMS. The time spent preparing for the convocations has also enabled me to get to know the outstanding staff of professionals who work at the AMS. Our generous benefactors can rightly be proud of the dedicated ministry the AMS staff provides directly and indirectly to the chaplains, members of the Armed Forces and their families, and patients in VA medical centers. While working in Washington, D.C., had been one of my teenage goals while growing up in the small farming community of Escalon, Calif., I never imagined that I would serve as the vicar general of a global archdiocese. After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in government, I entered St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif. After ordination to the priesthood for my home Diocese of Stockton in 1991, I served as parochial vicar in Modesto and Stockton. I returned to Washington to earn a licentiate in canon law at CUA,

living at Divine Word College (now the home of the AMS) for two years. For the next nine years, I worked in the chancery full time in the Tribunal (as Adjunct Judicial Vicar and then Judicial Vicar) and as the first director of the Office for Worship. Since my AMS appointment was announced, many friends in California have asked what a “Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia” does. Unlike the separation of powers in our federal and state governments, Archbishop Broglio (and all diocesan bishops) exercises legislative, executive, and judicial power himself throughout the Archdiocese. The Vicar General exercises only executive power throughout the Archdiocese. Directing and coordinating the day-to-day operations of the diocesan staff (or curia) is the role of the Moderator of the Curia. With the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishops often away from Washington on pastoral visits to military installations around the world, it is this latter function that will be my focus. Let me conclude this brief introduction by expressing my gratitude to my own bishop, Bishop Stephen Blaire, for releasing me for service to the AMS. At the same time, I am appreciative of the warm welcome Archbishop fallAMS 2013staff | have given Broglio and the entire me. I look forward to this new ministry serving those who serve. ✞ fall 2013 |

By MONSIGNOR FRANK A. PUGLIESE

LOURDES IN THE Year of Faith

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO (CENTER), FATHER HELMUT PFLANZ (LEFT OF ARCHBISHOP) AND SUPREME KNIGHT CARL ANDERSON (RIGHT OF ARCHBISHOP)

otre-Dame de Lourdes is a special place. As soon as a person crosses through the gates of the shrine, the hustle and bustle of the village gives way to the quiet serenity of a place of prayer. What must it have been like for fourteen-year-old Bernadette Soubiroux the day fall she2013 went to the grotto and saw the vision of a young | and beautiful lady whom she described as “lovelier than I have ever seen?”

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ver the next five months, there were 17 more apparitions, which only she was able to see or hear. Who could ever believe that? Certainly, not the incredulous clergy! Four years later, though, the bishop of the diocese declared that the faithful were justified in believing the apparition, and a basilica was built. Today, over a hundred and fifty years later, Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage for millions, a place of healing for a myriad of illnesses, including tuberculosis, tumors, cancer, deafness, blindness, nervous disorders and a host of others. Many of these cures are documented at the shrine.

uring this year of faith, Archbishop Broglio planned to make the annual International Military Pilgrimage a time when wounded warriors would be encouraged and assisted to make a pilgrimage to Lourdes. I was privileged to accompany them and many other service members of every branch of the service this year. We joined with service members throughout the world for prayer, for the Rosary procession, and for Masses. Many went into the baths at Lourdes to be washed in the waters of the mystical spring that gushed during one of the apparitions to Bernadette.

MASS AT THE GROTTO

warriors later said to me, “Here in Lourdes, I feel like my injuries and my weakness are treasured. I now know that my weakness does not define me.” This was his miracle in Lourdes and I’m sure he was not alone.

he miracles of Lourdes are varied. Many will never be recorded. Some have tried to explain the cures by natural means. They claim that the water has chemical properties that effect cures. The water has been tested and retested. There is nothing in the water that would effect a cure. What does effect cures of all sorts is prayer through the intercession of Mary. It is walking with Mary on the Way of the Cross. It is processing together, reciting the Rosary and singing, “Ave, Ave, Ave Maria” with pilgrims from all over the world. It is following Mary as she leads us to her Son.

otre-Dame de Lourdes is a special place because the Blessed Virgin Mary has made it a special place – a place of blessings he most powerful moment of the entire and healings for all who enter as pilgrims. ✞ weekend pilgrimage was the Eucharistic procession. It was a rainy day. (In fact, it For more information about the rained almost the entire weekend.) Those who pilgrimage, visit the AMS website at: were sick, including the wounded warriors, http://goo.gl/qGiz3a were given special care and kept as dry as possible. The procession was rerouted to Also, visit the Knights of Columbus website at: http://goo.gl/W7C25h end indoors in the underground basilica. fall 2013 | There, at the end of the procession, the bishops blessed the sick. One of the wounded 1 National Directory for Catechesis, p. 4.

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By JOSĂ&#x2030; M. AMAYA

FORMING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CATECHISTS

EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE FAITH

he art of forming the next generation of catechists takes vision, time, and creativity. The Office of Faith Formation has been tasked by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio with the responsibility of establishing a vision for catechesis by implementing an Archdiocesan-wide curriculum guide. The process of implementing this vision also takes time and creativity. The catechists and catechetical leaders, working together with the families, are the bearers of this. The new vision is encountered fall 2013 | by the way each Catholic faith community has carried out the mission to educate adults, youth, and children in the faith.

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Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide provides the framework for teaching the Catholic faith to our military families in a consistent and systematic manner. This curriculum guide is not a textbook but a guide tool comprised of fourteen standards (goals) and indicators (objectives) to support catechists in their mission of teaching the faith under the guidance of the Ordinary throughout the AMS. The message contained in this vision is not new because “Jesus Christ is the energizing center of evangelization and the heart of catechesis…. Jesus Christ is at once the message, the messenger, the purpose of the message, and the consummation of the message.” Catechists will need to put on new lenses in order to embrace the new vision for catechesis in this global Archdiocese. Those in leadership positions are encouraged to join catechists in the learning process for a more effective implementation of this new vision. Each of the 14 standards is a possible area of growth for catechists. The Catechetical Methodology course is one way to engage in the conversation and learning process. Forty-six participants successfully completed the first round of the course online through our partnership with the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation. This course takes catechists on a journey of meeting the new curriculum guide and the five core methodologies applied to catechesis and lesson planning. Each catechist writes four lesson plans for their grade or

age group. It is a vital learning experience for all involved. Implementing a new vision takes time. While the course provides flexibility for participants to engage in the learning process, it is a challenge for catechists to manage time for multiple gathered trainings. The internet is an excellent tool that provides accessibility and connectivity from any point in the world. The skill of writing lesson plans is an acquired skill that requires quality time, prayer, and discipline throughout the entire week preceding the actual teaching of the lesson. A well-planned lesson starts to develop at least a week in advance. Although the course may seem overwhelming in the beginning, it is a basic course designed to help the catechist in the process of becoming familiar with the tools available for the development of lessons. Each catechist is an active participant and fully involved in the learning process. The implementation of the new curriculum demands creativity. Catechists and catechetical leaders are encouraged to mbrace creatively the new vision for catechesis in the AMS. Catechetical leaders are invited to join their catechists in taking courses online for enrichment and better guidance in the process of accepting the new vision, thus forming the next generation of catechists to teach the Catholic faith everywhere they PCS in the AMS. Followfall the 2013 Forming Disciples | Blog to continue the conversation at www.milarch.org. ✞ fall 2013 |

By FATHER DANIEL MODE

A TOUCH OF GRACE

“WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE 'KNOLL.' I PLACED A PRAYERCARD OF FATHER CAPODANNO, AND THE VIAL OFDIRT FROM FATHER’S GRAVE AND I PRAYED FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF FATHER CAPODANNO AND ALL THE SOULS THAT DIED ON THAT SPOT OVER 45 YEARS PREVIOUSLY." — FATHER DANIEL MODE

he journey accepting God’s call to the priesthood or any vocation is a very powerful and emotional series of events. The lifelong experiences that God uses to confirm in your mind and soul that| He is indeed leading you to where He wants you to go is a touch of grace. fall 2013

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grew up in a Navy family until I was 17 years old. I had never regularly attended Mass in a “normal” parish—my family was always a parishioner at the base chapel, which was typically a stone’s throw from our home on the base. To me, the idea that a priest could be a chaplain was not only ordinary, but also expected. When I was in eighth grade, I began to discern that God might be calling me to the priesthood, so it was only natural that I sought out our Catholic chaplain to talk about this. Father Jude Senior was our priest and also the command chaplain for Great Lakes Naval Training Center. His wise and thoughtful guidance to be at peace and listen to our Lord’s call has been a guiding spiritual principle all these years.

n my last year of college seminary, a priest-chaplain Navy recruiter came to the seminary to recruit “a few good men.” I found myself remembering all the good Catholic chaplains had done for my family and me and so I decided to explore if this was where God was leading me— gently touching me with his hand of grace. My bishop gave the approval for me to “inquire” about being a Navy chaplain. In September of 1988, my brother, then a Lieutenant Commander, commissioned me as an Ensign in the Chaplain Candidate program. While still studying theology in the seminary and continuing my formation to the priesthood, this student program allowed me the opportunity to see if this was the life of service I was called to as a priest.

n July of 1989, I arrived in Newport, RI at the Navy’s Chaplain School. A Marine drill instructor quickly let us know that “summer camp” had begun. Reveille was early and the physical training was motivating. My classmates and I attended courses in Navy protocol and traditions; we learned how to wear our uniforms; we studied all the rules and regulations until slowly we became officers and potential chaplains.

he people and signs God places in our lives to guide us and touch us can often be subtle and indiscernible at the moment, but over time these people and signs reveal where God was gently leading us with a touch of His grace.

y subtle “touch” experience began that summer on the banks of the Narragansett River at the Newport Naval Base’s Chaplain School through the person of Father Vincent Capodanno and the various memorials bearing his name. At the time of my training, one of the ships in the harbor was the USS CAPODANNO (FF 1093), we ran in formation on Capodanno Road, and the chapel (where) we attended daily Mass bore his name as well. We learned the account of this heroic chaplain who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam. The impression of all these signs and the person of Father Vincent fall 2013 | Capodanno were permanently stamped on my soul. God’s grace was moving! (continued on page 34)

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A TOUCH OF GRACE

t has been almost 23 years since I first heard the heroic account of Father Capodanno. Over these many years, I have slowly pieced together the reality of September 4, 1967—the day Father Capodanno and 114 Marines offered the ultimate sacrifice. His life became a source of academic and spiritual interest. While still in the seminary, I spent two and half years researching his life—interviewing family, friends, brother priests and military veterans who knew him. I wrote an extensive Master’s thesis detailing every aspect of his call to the priesthood and his courageous death. This work led to the publication of his biography, The Grunt Padre, the formation of a foundation honoring him, and an official opening of his Cause for his Sainthood.

his touch of grace became an embrace in a very personal way as well, as Father Capodanno’s story and the living souls associated with his life deeply influenced my desire to serve those who serve. In time my bishop allowed me to continue as a Reserve Naval chaplain, which I was able to balance for 9 years with my pastoral duties in the diocese of Arlington. In 2005, I was recalled to duty to serve as a mobilized reservist in the war in Afghanistan. After 22 months of deployment, I realized the great need for priests serving in the military and sought my bishop’s permission to continue as an active duty chaplain. Throughout my assignments (combat, aircraft carriers, and the Coast Guard Academy) I have often reflected on the subtle hand of fall 2013 | God and the grace filled moments that have led to this amazing journey as a priest serving

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(continued from page 33)

in our military. The influence of the life of Father Capodanno was clearly the instrument God used to help me find my way and formed me into the priest I pray to be.

fter all these years, there was one reality, one more touch, that I always wanted to grasp—the actual place, the battlefield, where Father Capodanno and the Marines died. I wondered what did it look like, whether there was a sense of peace there—I longed to pray there, to touch the hallowed ground that had soaked up so much blood. What had occurred on that site many years later would profoundly influence me as a young seminarian and later as a Navy chaplain!

ix years ago I had that opportunity to travel with a group of veterans from Operation Swift, the fatal battle. Unfortunately my chaplain duties on the aircraft carrier, the USS TRUMAN, prevented this from happening. Last year when I received orders to Japan for another aircraft carrier, the USS WASHINGTON, I knew that Vietnam would be top on my list of travel destinations. So when I was given leave this past January, there was no question where I wanted to go-Chau lam, Vietnam (one of the villages where Operation Swift took place). I emailed Ed Henry, a parishioner of St. Mark’s in my diocese who had previously taken the group of veterans to the site; I asked Ed for his advice. Ed provided assistance and offered to meet me in Vietnam and travel with me – an extraordinary gesture of kindness. On the flight from Japan to Vietnam, I received another confirmation

from God that this trip was indeed meant to be. Also on board were a Vietnamese priest from New Jersey and one of his parishioners. This priest had helped a cancer ridden Vietnamese religious sister from Vietnam travel to the States where she received a healing at the grave of Father Capodanno. Also, the parishioner carried with him an image of Father and a vial of dirt from Father’s gravesite on Staten Island, which he gave to me. Truly, a touch of God’s grace!

y journey to this sacred spot in Vietnam was filled with so many obstacles: obtaining clearances, and a visa, arranging logistical support, coordinating in-country flights, a private driver and an interpreter, navigating a long, torturous road to get to the heart of a very rural village off the beaten path. I replayed in my head the details of the battle as we made our way. Even with GPS grid coordinates loaded, we took a few wrong turns and walked into rice paddies where farmers weeding their crop barely noticed us, then into a very old Buddhist cemetery until finally we were there.

he day was motionless, no wind, bright, yet cloudy with a threat of rain. I wanted to be still and soak up the moment. I did feel peace there which pleased me. I had only one intention once we arrived at the “knoll.” I placed a prayer card of Father Capodanno, and the vial of dirt from Father’s grave and I prayed for the repose of the soul of Father Capodanno and all the souls that died on that spot over 45 years previously. This was one of those

“now you can let your servant go in peace” moments, for I had fulfilled a deep desire and was very grateful to God for the moment. And then it rained, a soft rain. I poured the dirt from his grave onto the ground of the battle site and left the prayer card nestled under a tree. I refilled the vial with the dirt from the site and pressed it to my chest as I slowly made my way through the tall and slender eucalyptus trees to the waiting car.

he moment was both profound and sacred, a culmination of many years of perceiving God’s hand in my life, of the people and signs He placed in my presence to lead me to where He wanted me to go. This moment of grace remained, for on the following day as I had the privilege to concelebrate the Sunday Mass in English in the Da Nang Cathedral, the diocese where Operation Swift took place. I met with Bishop Joseph who has enthusiastically followed the Cause of Father Capodanno and who was grateful for my visit. On Monday I had the continued joy of having lunch with 124 Vietnamese seminarians in Hue to whom I gave prayer cards of Father Capodanno and who pledged their support and prayers for the Cause. As I noted in The Grunt Padre, the work of Father Capodanno lingers, for “a missionary does not stop working even after he dies.”

he life of Father Vincent Capodanno and his Cause for Canonization have been and will be a great source of inspiration to many. The witness fall 2013 | of this priest, missionary, and chaplain is indeed a touch of God’s grace. ✞ fall 2013 |

By TAYLOR HENRY

AMS Celebrates 19th Annual

MEMORIAL MASS

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO RECEIVING 1 OF THE 2 KEVLAR HELMENTS CONTAINING PRAYER INTENTIONS

he Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) held its 19th Annual Memorial Mass to honor United States servicemen and women, living and deceased, on Pentecost Sunday, 19 May, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

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undreds filled the Great Upper Holy Spirit to enlighten each person to Church, the usual somber quilt open his or her heart to the divine order of civilian Sunday dress speckled which will then order our world.” with the crisp whites, blues and greens of he Archbishop recognized the men servicemen and women in uniform, their and women in uniform who have insignia radiant in the late afternoon, sacrificed so much to preserve world stained glass-filtered daylight. order, peace, and the principles upon which fter recitation of the rosary and a America is founded: 15-minute choral prelude, the pipe organ heralded the opening “We are able to be here in prayer, processional hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost.” A because women and men have set Knights of Columbus color guard led more aside their security, their plans, than two dozen priests and bishops, clad in white vestments, down the center aisle— their families, and what is familiar His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy in order to serve this Nation whose P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Mili- foundation is based on principles. tary Services, bringing up the rear. Reaching ‘We hold these truths to be selfthe front of the Church, His Excellency evident, that all men are created incensed the altar and Easter candle. The equal, that they are endowed by their congregation sang the National Anthem Creator with certain unalienable before commencement of the Liturgy.

rights; that among these are life, scending the pulpit, Archbishop liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Broglio told the story of a little boy whose father, in an effort to keep him preoccupied, tore a world map from a magazine and cut it into pieces for the child to put together like a jigsaw puzzle. Much to the father’s surprise, the boy was back at his father’s side in ten minutes with the map perfectly organized. Amazed, the father asked how he did it. “‘Oh it was easy, Daddy,’ he said turning over the paper. There was a man on the back and it was easy for the boy to put the man together which ordered the map, as well.” Archbishop Broglio concluded, “The little boy taught his father that when the human person is in order so also will the world be in its place. As we give thanks this Pentecost Sunday we beg the

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hose sentences from the Declaration of Independence mean that the United States was not established, because of a common ethnic or racial origin, or a common language, or those other elements that characterize many other nations of the world. It is based on certain self-evident truths: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

ollowing Mass, His Excellency joined concelebrants and congregants for a celebratory reception in the Pryzbyla Center on campusfall at the2013 Catholic Univer| sity of America. ✞

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By TAYLOR HENRY

SEVENTEEN NEW PROSPECTIVE CATHOLIC MILITARY CHAPLAINS COMPLETE “STEP CLOSER” RETREAT Enter advanced stage in discernment of priesthood and military chaplaincy

BETHANY RETREAT CENTER IN LUTZ, FLORIDA

eventeen men are a “step closer” to discerning whether God is calling them to be Catholic priests fall 2013 | and U.S. military chaplains.

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DAILY MASS AT THE RETREAT CENTER.

ll took part in a 6-9 June weekend of prayer and reflection, called the “Step Closer Retreat,” at the Bethany Retreat Center in Lutz, Florida. The retreat is sponsored annually by the Vocations Office of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) for the most serious of prospective chaplains. It is part of ongoing efforts by the AMS to relieve a chronic shortage of Catholic military chaplains by supporting young men, especially within the service, who are in the process of discerning a possible priestly vocation.

mong the field of candidates for the priesthood and chaplaincy, those selected to attend the Step Closer Retreat are considered to show the strongest evidence of a vocation. Most have completed the first steps of discernment—applying to the AMS with detailed personal background information and attending one of the two annual introductory vocation discernment retreats also sponsored by the AMS.

is Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, participates in all of

these retreats and commented, “The efforts on the part of the Archdiocese have produced immense fruits. Almost 10% of those ordained each year for service in the United States once wore a uniform of the Armed Forces of this Country. I am grateful to all of those who make these retreats possible.”

utgoing AMS Vocations Director Father Kerry Abbott, OFM Conv., noted the 17 taking part in the retreat came from diverse backgrounds, civilian and military, representing all three branches of the armed forces, including six from the Army, seven from the Air Force, and three from the Navy. Among their ranks were combat veterans, officers, junior enlisted men, military pilots, attorneys and a professor of English and Communications who has spent the past decade teaching in Japan.

ather Abbott said, “One of the most inspiring aspects of this retreat is the fact that each of these men represents a phenomenal story of relationship with the Lord, and a journey which often represents the fact that they were invited byfall a priest-chaplain, family 2013 | member or friend to consider priesthood. (continued on page 46) fall 2013 |

By MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS (SW) BYRON C. LINDER — REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION USS CARL VINSON —

RPSA ASHLEY SCHUMACHER WITH HER PHOTO AFTER TAKING VOWS.

From Monastery to Military: RPSA Schumacher

eligious Programs Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ashley Schumacher, a 24-year-old Fort Worth, Texas native assigned to Vinson’s Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD), brought a lifetime of commitment to faith when she reported to Recruit Training Command April 2011. While regular attendance or volunteering in a church is commonplace, Schumacher had taken her devotion one step further.

t the age of 18, she had entered a monastery, taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, and spent more than four years as a nun. The second of ten children in a devout Catholic home, Schumacher admired the many priests and sisters she knew. “It’s like anything else one feels a calling to do. If you have a passion and a love for something, you want to dedicate your whole life to that,” she said. “For me, it is my faith. I wanted to give everything. That’s what being a religious sister is – an embodiment of that total self-gift.” In 2008, Schumacher and five other sisters departed the monastery in Birmingham, Ala. fall 2013 | for San Antonio. There, they started a new foundation, a branch in a new location to grow the community.

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hile working in the new foundation, Schumacher was charged with praying for the military. This was familiar territory, as Schumacher’s father is an Air Force veteran. “I had a great love and devotion to sacrificing and praying for the military in general, but specifically for chaplains,” she noted. “Unfortunately the community in San Antonio didn’t fare well, and after much prayer and discernment, I left.” Despite the new foundation’s failure to thrive, Schumacher remained focused on her calling. “I still felt the intense desire to support the chaplain corps in whatever way I could. I kept saying ‘How can I compromise one for the other? There’s got to be a way to do both, to serve God and country,’” she said. Schumacher did some research, and met with a Navy recruiter. When she learned of the RP rating, she made the decision to join. But going from religious sister to Navy sailor was not an easy transition. “It was a shock. It was a drastic change, ” she revealed. “At the same time there are so many parallels in the military and in religious life - the structure, the discipline, and living for something greater than yourself, having a higher purpose.” Schumacher credited her faith to making the transition bearable, finding strength in a saying – “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not keep you.” “I look back on every day in boot camp when I would lie there and just think ‘How did I get through this day?’ I had no logical explanation,” she said. “I firmly believe in the purpose of why I am here, and I knew it was sustaining grace that got me through every moment of everything I’ve been through. I

knew it would continue to sustain me.” As an RP, Schumacher knew she could be called upon to defend a chaplain’s life with deadly force. In a combat zone, chaplains are designated non-combatants and do not carry weapons. An armed RP travels with them to serve as a bodyguard in addition to assisting with religious services. “In many minds, what I am called in duty to perform was a direct contradiction to where I came from and who I was and. I remember in the office at boot camp, I was talking to my Chief recruit division commander. I was asked if I could do this,” she said. “I paused for a minute and said I will take life, but only in defense of innocent life. You have the right to defend innocent human life. It’s not just a right; it’s a duty and obligation.” Schumacher reported to USS Carl Vinson Sept. 15, 2011, and she is pleased to work with her fellow sailors and the chaplains. “Every day is different. Being an RP is like being on call – you never know when you’re going to have an emergency walk in or a situation arises where you need to be there, ready to get a sailor in touch with the chaplains,” she said. “I don’t believe my vocation places me on a different level. I am a sailor. I want to hold onto my past because it is such a part of me and I believe it will be my future, but my present is here and now, and I want to get the most out of it so I can use it for my future. I want to be one amongst everyone else.” Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW/AW/FMF) Monica Kuhl, a Cheyenne, Wyo. native and Carl Vinson’s Command Religious Ministries Department’s leading chief petty officer, noted the value of her life experience to the department. “The whole department fall 2013 |has learned a lot from her about the lifestyle. She is a very (continued on page 46) fall 2013 |

By FATHER TERRY LANGFORD, BCC—CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN

THE SPIRITUAL HEALTH OF OUR NATION’S VETERANS: Inviting them back and the New Evangelization.

hris [not his real name] entered my office for an individual Spiritual counseling session as a component of his dual diagnosis treatment program for Substance Abuse and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress disorder).“Chris” is 27, married and has served our country in two deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Chris” presents today with a serious question of faith, as many of our veterans do in postdeployment situations—“Father, why does it feel like God is no longer in my life?”

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“

hris” and I explored his question about faith in God and his feeling of the absence of God in his life. As this young veteran opened up and shared his story of walking in on a buddy in Afghanistan just as he pulled the trigger and took his own life, his life was shattered. Having to make the decision to take the life of an Iraqi woman, who was speeding as she approached a military checkpoint, and would not stop at the direct orders of the US military. While being exposed to heavy artillery bombardment while in Afghanistan, “Chris” shared with me that he prayed to God so the shelling would stop — “but Father it didn’t stop, so I prayed to the Devil, and it stopped.” All of these tragic events compounded the grief of this young man and brought profound disillusionment to his world.

t became very clear to me at that moment that this young veteran would need continued emotional/spiritual care as he found his way back to God and came to the realization of the awesomeness of God’s love for him.

“

hris” is not unlike so many of our young veterans who are coming home from the theatre of War in the Middle East and, due to the traumas of PTSD, MST (Military Sexual Trauma) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and simply the difficulty of re-entry into civilian life, have lost their spiritual grounding and find themselves adrift and feeling a thwarted belongingness in their families and communities.

n these most recent wars, military members have engaged in multiple combat tours interrupted by short periods at home with family, followed quickly by a rigorous season of field training in reconstituted units, preparing for the next combat tour. These young people,

who are the future of our nation, suffer from serious mental health issues that become so burdensome that they feel the only way out is suicide. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showed that based on data from 21 states, young veterans ages 18-34, both males and females, are dying by suicide at about twice the rate of their non-veteran peers.

n that cold winter day, as I sat with “Chris” and began what would be a journey of healing and reconciliation, with God and with himself, this young veteran would begin a process of rediscovering his faith in our loving God – the God, who, as I explained to “Chris”, not only stopped the shelling that day in Afghanistan, but brought “Chris” home safely to his waiting family to begin to rebuild his life based on a new found faith and a God who loves this young man more than he or I will ever know.

n this Year of Faith, as we continue to roll out the New Evangelization, how are we opening up our faith communities to our returning veterans and their families? What are our parishes doing to recognize these young men and women? What programs are we establishing to bring our young veterans home to our Catholic Faith that can sustain them, assist them in finding their spiritual grounding once again, and reintroduce them to a loving God that can bring them peace in their lives; a peace that has been shattered by wars that have taken them so far from us, mentally, physically and spiritually?

would like to propose this simple ritual for welcoming our veterans back into your faith communities from a deployment. This ritual could be used immediately after a veteran returns home or for a group of veterans somefall time around Veterans Day2013 in the | context of a Veterans Day Mass. (adapt as needed) (continued on page 44) fall 2013 |

THE SPIRITUAL HEALTH OF OUR NATION’S VETERANS: Inviting them back and the New Evangelization. (continued from page 43) A Welcoming Ceremony For Veterans Returning from War Opening Hymn: We Walk by Faith Words of Welcome from Pastor or Lay Leader Opening Prayer We thank you Lord for the gift of life. As we welcome our veterans home from war torn battlefields, help us to understand them and the difficulties they may face with re-entry into their family, their community and our parish. You heal us in our brokenness and give us strength on our journey. Comfort our brothers and sisters in their need and walk with them in the hour of trial and tribulation. Help us to trust in your mercy and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading: Psalm 27 Trust in God Reflection Reflection Song or Petitions Closing Prayer God of love and peace, we thank you for bringing these men and women safely home to us. As they look to you for comfort and peace, show them your mercy and love. Help us to assist our veterans as they make re-entry into our society and be grateful for the freedoms which they have defended. Bless those who have fallen and welcome them into eternal life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Closing Hymn: Oh God, Our Help In Ages Past — Fr. Terry Langford is serving as a Catholic Chaplain in the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud, MN

HONORING HEROES

(continued from page 9)

have many life-long memories that originate in University Heights, Ohio; however, the Memorial Day Parade and the Memorial Ceremony are forever ingrained into my memory. Memorial Day is the day when our community, our city, honors our Heroes, the brave men and women, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country. These men and women entered the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard to protect our country from all enemies foreign and domestic. These intrepid souls, many just 18 years of age, entered the Military Services to risk their lives in order to protect our way of life, to safeguard our peace, to defend justice, and to make a difference infall the 2013 world; | to make the world a better place. As we pay tribute to the valiant men and women who died for our freedom, we also honor those who are defending our liberties around the world today. ✞

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By MARY KAY WHITE

Put on the Armor of God through Distance Education oly Scripture tells us to “put on the H armor of God.” The best way to do that is to learn more about our Catholic faith. For 25 years, Catholic Distance University (CDU) has provided educational opportunities to service members, veterans, and members of military families.

ounded in 1983, the mission of CDU is to bring the truth of Christ and His Church to the world through online distance education. CDU’s web-based learning community enhances adult faith formation and enables access to accredited degree programs in theology simply through a connection to the internet. All classes are offered exclusively online and are accessible from anywhere in the world.

DU partners with the Military Archdiocese to provide noncredit courses and seminars in adult faith formation at the greatly discounted rate of $30. Upcoming seminars include Dan Brown’s Inferno – and Dante’s (September 19 – October 7), Introduction to Scripture and the Gospel Message (October 7–28), and Social Teachings: Religious Liberty Issues (November 4–25). To register or to see a full list of offerings, visit: www.cdu.edu and click on “seminars”.

COLONEL JOHN CIESLA, A 28-YEAR VETERAN OF THE US ARMY, GRADUATED FROM CATHOLIC DISTANCE UNIVERSITY WITH AN MA IN THEOLOGY IN MAY 2013. AN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING OFFICER, HE HAS TAUGHT IN RCIA AND CATECHETICAL PROGRAMS WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY AND NOW TEACHES AT HIS PARISH IN MARYLAND.

hrough CDU’s online degree completion program, military professionals can earn a BA in Theology by combining general education credits earned at any accredited college with credits completed at CDU. When duty calls, students can continue their coursework uninterrupted. CDU is compatible with and sensitive to deployment and combat situations as well as other military circumstances. DU also offers an MA degree with no residency required. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college and completion of the prerequisite course, Basics of Catholicism, is all that is required for acceptance.

uition assistance can be used to earn a Catechetical Diploma from CDU, which enables lay volunteers, religious, priests, parents, teachers, and business leaders to become true catechists—those trained to teach the faith with authority. Courses taken for the Cates an accredited university, CDU is ap- chetical Diploma earn undergraduate credit. proved by the Department of Defense for DU staff members work closely with service all branches of active duty military to receive members and their families to maximize tuition assistance (TA) and is approved for them.2013 To |learn more, see veterans’ education benefits. CDU accepts benefits available tofall military and CLEP credits. CDU is also a yellow www.cdu.edu, click on “admissions”, and click on “military assistance”. ✞ ribbon school.

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From Monastery to Military: RPSA Schumacher motivated sailor who takes initiative,” Kuhl said. “She has the potential to be whatever she wants to be and do whatever she wants to do in the Navy.” Schumacher is focused on earning both her warfare pins this deployment, as well as completing work on a project very close to her heart. “My goal here is to work with the chaplain corps in order to start a new group of sisters that would run a retirement home for veteran chaplains and a retreat center for the active duty. I want to continue to serve those

(continued from page 41)

who serve,” she explained. Though she is no longer under her vows or a nun presently, Schumacher lives every day aboard Vinson with an eye on returning to the religious sisterhood. “I still practice the vows I took of poverty, chastity, and obedience in order to keep myself in that state that when the time comes to get the blessing to start this community, I’m ready and nothing’s changed. I may not be in the habit, but my heart is still in the same place,” she said. ✞

Seventeen New Prospective Catholic Military Chaplains Complete “Step Closer” Retreat (continued from page 39) In many cases, they were already considering a priestly vocation, and saw the external perceptions of others that resulted in an invitation as a turning point in their lives. Each and every one of these men is incredibly inspiring!”

nership between the AMS and local dioceses and religious communities around the country to support young men called to pursue priestly vocations, both in their home dioceses or religious communities, and in the military.

t will be up to each candidate to decide, in consultation with his bishop or religious superior, whether to seek permission to apply as a candidate for seminary through the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, a part-

oung men interested in discerning a priestly vocation and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. military can find more information at: www.milarch.org/vocations. ✞

Save the Dates Annual Event 7 NOVEMBER 2013 – Army Navy Country Club Arlington, Virginia

20TH Annual Memorial Mass 18 MAY 2014 – Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

UPCOMING NATIONAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCES National Catholic Youth Conference | Nov. 21-23, 2013

oin the Archdiocese for the Military Services youth and adult leaders planning to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference, the largest gathering of Catholic youth in the United States, November 21-23 in Indianapolis, to be “Signed. Sealed. Delivered.” The three-day event has been described by youth, priests, and other adults as faith-filled, action-packed, and fun! The participants experience some of the most amazing liturgies and prayer experiences, great speakers and clean entertainment throughout the conference. Celebrate the end of the Year of Faith with the young church. Attend workshops that will enable youth and adult leaders to bring ideas back to the military Catholic faith communities where they serve. • Learn more about NCYC online at http://ncyc.nfcym.org/

National Catholic Collegiate Conference

| Nov. 21-23, 2013

oung adults ages 18 to 25 in the Archdiocese for the Military Services are invited to take their Catholic faith to the next level! The 2013 National Catholic Collegiate Conference (NCCC) will be held in Indianapolis November 21-23. Today’s college-aged and post-graduate young adults live in a secular world that battles their sacred beliefs. NCCC affirms your place in the world, presents a unique faith experience, and empowers you for the road ahead. NCCC is three days of inspiring keynotes, engaging workshops, dynamic prayer and worship, exceptional music and entertainment, networking, and gaining a deeper awareness of what it means to be a Catholic young adult today. End the Year of Faith bringing your faith to the next level. fall 2013 | • For more information and to register visit http://www.ntlccc.org/ • Learn more about resources for young adults in the military online, www.milarch.org/yagatherings fall 2013 |

FARMINGDALE, NY 11735

PERMIT NO 60

PAID

US POSTAGE

PRESORTED STANDARD

— Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

Thanking you for your continued support, I wish you a good beginning to the activities of fall.

“Serving Those Who Serve”

P.O. Box 4469 Washington, DC 20017-0469

Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA