Salute - Christmas 2017 by Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

CHRISTMAS 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adoration of the

Magi

Bartolome Esteban Murillo

CHRISTMAS 2017

Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,

2017

is quickly drawing to a close and Christmas is upon us. This time of year always reminds us how much we are loved as we celebrate the Incarnation of the Son of God, born as a defenseless Baby in a manger in Bethlehem. Such abundant love invites us to respond in the same way. Time passes so quickly and it is hard to believe that a new year is soon to dawn. Different family traditions generally mark our observance of Christmas, but for the people of this global Archdiocese duty often determines how and where the active-duty faithful will celebrate the Nativity of the Lord. The location of the Christmas Masses celebrated by my Auxiliary Bishops and me are determined by an earnest desire to be with those whose service keeps them far from home. This issue of Salute will acquaint you with our most recent activities, tell you about the ministry of Father Frank Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady, the convocations, MCCW, and much more. At the time of this writing, plans are underway to bring me to Afghanistan and Bahrain for the end of Advent and the Christmas Season. It will be an occasion of great grace to join our men and women in uniform and some families at this very significant time of the year. This issue offers me the welcome opportunity on behalf of the Bishops, clergy, staff, and faithful of the AMS to wish all of you a blessed Christmas coupled with warm wishes for peace, happiness, and good health throughout 2018. Enjoy the following pages and thank you for your interest in the activities and mission of the Archdiocese where the sun is always rising.

Sincerely in Christ,

The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA

VOLUME 11 NUMBER 4 CHRISTMAS 2017

TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S

4 An Earlier Flight Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 10 Building Bridges of Faith in Eurasia! Bishop F. Richard Spencer 15 Peace We Seek, Peace We Keep Bishop Neal J. Buckon 24 Serving Those Who Serve Army chaplain offers healing to military personnel and their families as they struggle with pain of war. 26 The Harvest Continues, meet: William Cook 30 2017 Labor Day Weekend Gathering of Co-Sponsored Seminarians Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O. 34 A Chaplain Hero Come Home Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O. 38 Formed in the Faith Mark Moitoza, D.Min. 42 The Greatest Gift José Amaya 44 The Call to Prayer Father David Hammond 48 AMS Priest-Chaplains: Retirements and Anniversaries

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF HOWARD DAVID JOHNSON WWW.HOWARDDAVIDJOHNSON.COM

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.

CHRISTMAS 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA

ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address and phone number to: support@milarch.org call 202.719.3600 or write: Advancement Office, Archdiocese for the

“Adoration

Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469

of the

Magi

Bartolome Esteban Murillo

Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org

CHRISTMAS 2017

An Earlier Flight!

BY: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO GREETING MRS. LINDA (CAPODANNO) SARGENT (FATHER CAPODANNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NIECE) AFTER MEMORIAL MASS 5 SEPTEMBER 2017.

am pleased. An aisle seat in the next to the last row of a plane to Washington Reagan National Airport was available and would allow me to arrive at my home base almost two hours earlier than scheduled. When you travel two hundred days a year, two hours more at “home” means much. Time often eludes me and I have a bad habit of trying to cram more into a schedule than fits—I do much better with suitcases! However, chaplains, members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, families, and those who serve the U.S.A. outside our borders deserve generous pastoral care. Celebrating the Eucharist and the other sacraments, meeting with them, and being their advocate for that pastoral care determine the privilege that is mine as the Chief Shepherd for this global archdiocese. What have been my activities in this last quarter of 2017? You will hear about the Labor Day weekend with the co-sponsored seminarians elsewhere in this issue. However, I do want to assure you what a joy it is to spend time with these fine young men. Their sense of commitment, good nature, and team spirit promise great benefits for future service to the faithful of the AMS.

L-R: CH. (MAJ) PAUL JOYNER, 2LT MICHAEL LAMERS, ZULEMA GARRITY, MICHAEL GARRITY, DCN. JIM BLACK, DONNA BLACK, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, AND TSGT SAM LOLLER AT TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA.

The Washington, D.C., convocation for priests in service to the active-duty installations of the AMS began the Tuesday after Labor Day (continued on page 6) CHRISTMAS 2017

An Earlier Flight!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

and that evening the Capodanno Guild gathered us for the annual Mass to pray for the repose of the soul of the Servant of God Vincent Capodanno. This year marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death and the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception could hardly hold the assembly. His heroic service to the Marines and familiarity with his story drew many to this celebration, as well as, the one on Staten Island where he is buried. In October I met with Cardinal Amato, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, who urged me to make Father Capodanno better known. I think that the recent movie about his life, Called and Chosen, the Life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, produced by the Guild will contribute to that goal. The Catholic University of America put me on its Advisory Board for the new Center for the Study of Statesmanship. University President John Garvey pointed out that with more than thirty years spent outside the USA, I was the person with the most international experience at the event launching the Center. These initiatives will certainly foster the cause of peace. Consequently, it is good to be involved. The olive branches on the AMS coat of arms remind me of the challenge to be a catalyst for peace in any way possible.

ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO DELIVERING THE INVOCATION AT THE AIR FORCE BALL MARKING THE 70TH AIR FORCE ANNIVERSARY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2017.

Maxwell Air Force Base allowed me to help them celebrate the 70th birthday of the Air Force

with the invocation at the beginning of the ball in Montgomery, Alabama. I had gone down to greet the four priests at the school house and Father Paul Amaliri who teaches there. It was a good opportunity to encourage the students and assure them that the opportunities to serve will not be lacking. That brief visit was actually the first of a long series of visits ending in Oklahoma City. Borromeo and St. Mary Seminaries in Cleveland again hosted a benefit for the AMS. It allowed old friends from my first years of ministry, family, and many Knights of Columbus, veterans, and other supporters to gather for Mass, a reception, and the raffle of some delightful souvenirs. I confess that this annual gathering has become an enjoyable tradition and I appreciate the kindness of the seminary community and others. From Cleveland I went to San Antonio for the convocation there. However, I took advantage of the time to visit David Chacko and Assumption Seminary where he is enrolled. It was very pleasant to see the grounds, meet the faculty, and celebrate the Eucharist with the community. In the sacristy, I discovered that Mass on Mondays is in Spanish. It is always good to have opportunities to celebrate again in a language which was a steady diet for ten years of my priesthood. In fact, this has been the season for impromptu events in the language of Cervantes. At the conclusion of the early October meeting of Latin American ordinaries in Santiago, Chile, forty-five minutes before the event, the organizers asked me to lead the closing prayer service and preach. (I think that I was the first prelate the organizers saw!) Normally, I would enjoy a bit more advance notice! A rare privilege was the possibility of concelebrating the Mass during which Father Stanley Rother was beatified in Oklahoma City. He is the first diocesan and U.S.A. born priest to be listed among the canon of the blessed. His inspiring story of missionary dedication and commitment to the poor (continued on page 8) CHRISTMAS 2017

An Earlier Flight!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

he served so well cannot help but to encourage imitation. Despite knowing that his name was on a Guatemalan death list he returned to his parish, because a shepherd does not abandon his sheep. Tinker Air Force Base is not far away and so I was privileged to join that community for their Sunday Masses. The warm welcome and abundant food completed a most memorable weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On my way to Santiago, Chileâ&#x20AC;?, I stopped in Los Angeles to give the keynote talk at a benefit for the Norbertine Canonesses who hope to build their new chapel in Tehachapi, California. The event was well-planned and my hosts ensured that I arrived in time to catch my flight to Houston and then on down to Santiago. The flight from Houston is nine hours! I knew that the Chilean capital was far away, but I did not expect it to be that far away. The bulkhead seat in the coach cabin offered some relief, but that is a long flight! My scheduled return had me in Washington in time for Mass and dinner with the intrepid runners of the Army ten-miler and their families and supporters. It is edifying what people will do to support vocations. I am deeply grateful for their commitment. However, I was glad that pastoral obligations barred my own participation in the run the next morning! The Catholic community at Quantico was expecting me for their two Sunday Masses. It was good to be there with Fathers Cannon, Dwyer, and Kasule for both Masses, fellowship, and a visit to the religious education classrooms where a picture was taken with each class. Later that week it was off to Scottsdale, Arizona for the annual meeting with the priests who serve in the VA Medical Centers. The trip included an unscheduled overnight in Chicago due to mechanical difficulties

on the plane. The expansive Franciscan Retreat Center opened its doors for the large group. More than one hundred chaplains gathered for conferences, liturgies, and meals. It was good to see so many old faces and to meet some new ones, as well. Returning to Washington in time for a confirmation at St. Agnes Parish in Arlington on Friday night, I had the privilege of meeting the Duke of Braganza the next morning. He had come to Washington to install new members of the Order of St. Michael of the Wing, an heraldic order of the Royal House of Portugal whose U.S. membership also support the ministry of the AMS. The next morning, Sunday 15 October, I helped the Navy celebrate its birthday at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis. The Chief of Naval Operations and the Navy Chief of Chaplains were on hand. Later that afternoon I drove to southern Maryland and the beautiful Loyola Retreat House where I had been asked to preach a retreat for some priests of the Arlington Diocese. The atmosphere was prayerful and the priests entered the spirit of the retreat. I hope that it was good for them, because I enjoyed the opportunity and the extra time for prayer. The opportunities given to me to confirm in the diocese made most of the priests very familiar and it was a privilege to spend time with them. Those days ended on Friday and the next afternoon I was on a plane to Roma for the final convocation of this year. Of course, returning to the Eternal City, where I spent 19 years of my life is always a return home. On Monday some of the recruiters and I made a presentation to the seminarians of the North American College, my alma mater. The idea was to tell them about this vocation within a vocation and also offer some opportunities to experience military pastoral care at some of the closer installations in Europe. (continued on page 21) CHRISTMAS 2017

BUILDING

BRIDGES O F F A I T H IN E UR AS IA !

BY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS

BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

A Happy and Blessed Advent and a very Merry Christmas to one and all from AMS Eurasia where these past fall months have been very active in building and exploring BRIDGES. In particular, celebrating the bridges of our faith as members of the AMS ! Therefore the theme of this SALUTE article is “Building Bridges”. Building Bridges with Young Adults: This past fall, once again I was invited to participate in a Young Adult military group activity for a six-day hiking experience in Northern Ireland. In previous years, I had explored the southern part of Ireland, but never ventured to the northern coasts. What a great joy to hike the “Giant’s Causeway” which is a World Heritage site located near Ballycastle, Ireland. [A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance, and is protected by international treaties.] The sites are considered to be important to the interests of humanity. A challenging rope bridge across the gorge was easily negotiated by the military members of our young adult group. (continued on page 12) CHRISTMAS 2017

B U I LD ING B R IDG E S

(continued from page 11)

Building Bridges with Knights of Columbus: Our beloved Knights were very present and of great assistance during the confirmation Masses in Japan and Korea this fall. Their witness through service, especially to our chapels and to the needs of the local national communities, remains impressive. This photo illustrates how the Knights are truly multi-national bridge builders. (Front center: Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson with Bishop Spencer on the left)

Building Bridges while honoring our priest-chaplains: This was the theme in late October as the Knights of Columbus in Germany hosted a family gathering in honor of the priests who serve in Germany. This event gave tribute to these good men who serve both God and Country with great energy, distinction, and purpose. Thanks to these priests, our chapel programs continue to be bridges between our Catholic faith and the military communities.

Building Bridges with MCCW-Europe: The fall MCCW Europe Conference, held at Rolduc Abbey in the Netherlands, had FAITH ON FIRE as the theme. During this awesome October event, 116 MCCW-EUROPE members attended along with the MCCW-World Wide leadership team from U.S.A. Our keynote speaker was Ms. Lisa Brenninkmeyer who delivered a powerful message challenging the group to live their faith boldly and constantly. Mrs. Michaela Cannon provided the leadership for the four-day event accompanied by the AMS Europe Dean, Father Redmond Raux. The support of our MCCW-E is truly a labor of love and care for the Catholic communities. Bridges were created during this conference that will nourish the 14 military Catholic communities who sent representatives to the conference. (continued on page 14)

CHRISTMAS 2017

B U I LD ING B R IDG E S

(continued from page 13)

Building Bridges with other Nations: During the fall season, the AMS supported other international military diocesan events in Poland, Japan, Korea, and Austria. In Korea, we celebrated Chuseok, the Korean holiday equivalent of our Thanksgiving. I represented Archbishop Broglio and the AMS, in Vienna, during the Institute for Peace. For 20 years the Institute for Religion, Peace and Justice (IRPJ) has explored the impact of the Catholic Church on the establishment and the stabilization of world peace. In this forum, IRPJ contributed to the promulgation of the Catholic faith and the ethical instruction of soldiers. V

e e c c a a Pee Seek, Pee Keep W

BY BISHOP NEAL JAMES BUCKON

COMPANY D MARCHES PAST THE PARADE REVIEWING OFFICER TO THE MUSIC OF MARINE BAND SAN DIEGO.

an Diego County is the center of gravity for the Western Region of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. It is home to the Navy’s 3rd Fleet and the Marine Corps 1st Division. One out of every six Sailors and one out of every four Marines are based in San Diego County. On Friday, 20 October 2017, I visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) to attend the Basic Marine Graduation Ceremony. And on Saturday, 21 October, I attended the Christening Ceremony of the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams. (continued on page 16)

CHRISTMAS 2017

Peace

(continued from page 15)

Father (CommanderPromotable) Joseph Coffey (Philadelphia) is the senior chaplain for the MCRD and the Western Recruiting Region. We met in the parking lot and he escorted me to the General’s Box for Delta Company’s graduation. Father Coffey introduced me to his boss, Brigadier General William M. L-R: BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM M. JURNEY, Jurney, the Commanding BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON, FATHER JOSEPH COFFEY General of MCRD/ in a furnace of common hardship Western Recruiting Region. We promptly took our seats and tough training. This shared, and listened to Marine Band San intense experience creates bonds of Diego serenade the guests of the camaraderie and instills standards six platoons of Company D, First of conduct. Marine recruits are Training Battalion. The ceremony trained not only physically and mentally, but morally as well. For was about to begin. most recruits this transformation is Only 30% of America’s youth are the most difficult 13 weeks they have qualified to be recruited into the ever experienced, and for many this Armed Forces; 70% are not eligible is also their first time away from for reasons of health, physical home. Graduation is a happy day fitness, education, and records of and the basic Marine stands tall in illegal activity. The Basic Marine front of their Chain-of-Command, Graduation Ceremony recognizes family, and friends proudly the able young men who complete 13 displaying the Basic Marine’s weeks of successful transition from Core Values – Honor, Courage, civilian to basic Marine. There is a and Commitment. Father Coffey shared belief that Marines are forged and his Religious Support Team

accompany the recruits during their transformation into basic Marines. They provide worship services, pastoral care, counseling, and an encouraging word as the recruits acquire the knowledge, discipline, teamwork, and fitness level required of a United States Marine. Approximately a third of the Marine Corps is Catholic, and a significant number are Hispanic!

will now make their beds after they rise early in the morning! The parade reviewing officer was Chief Warrant Officer Four (Ret.) Hershel Woodrow Williams, United States Marine Corps. Hershel “Woody”

The sequence of events for the Graduation Ceremony includes: the Chaplain’s prayer, the Adjutant’s call, the National Anthem, the Publication of the Order, the Battalion Commander’s remarks, L-R: ANN & RANDALL PATE WITH BISHOP BUCKON the presentation of IN FRONT OF USNS HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS the Command to the Reviewing Officer, and Pass- Williams is a retired United States In-Review. Lieutenant Colonel Marine who received the Medal of P. M. Rummler, the Battalion Honor for his actions in the Battle Commander, spoke eloquently of Iwo Jima during World War II. of the rigorous training, and the He is the last surviving recipient character development that places of the Medal of Honor from that an emphasis on selflessness and battle and the last surviving United teamwork. He told the parents States Marine to receive the Medal that they would notice that their (continued on page 18) sons have changed, and that they CHRISTMAS 2017

Peace

(continued from page 17)

of Honor for heroism in World War II. Our Nation’s newest Marines not only looked highly trained and motivated, they also appeared inspired as they marched past and saluted the legendary CWO4 “Woody” Williams, who at the age of 94, continues to personify the quintessential Marine. The next day, Saturday, 21 October, I drove to General Dynamics NASSCO, an 85 acre shipbuilding and ship repair facility adjacent to Naval Base San Diego. General Dynamics NASSCO serves as the principal repair facility for the Pacific Fleet ships. I received an invitation to attend the Christening Ceremony of the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams, an Expeditionary Sea Base ship; and was honored to attend with friends Garland & Lana Richards and Randall & Ann Pate of Fort Chadbourne, Texas. The newly commissioned vessel will serve as a flexible logistics platform to support a variety of missions, including air mine countermeasures, counterpiracy operations, maritime security, and humanitarian missions. The ship will have a civilian crew and it will provide accommodations for up to 250 personnel, fuel and equipment

storage, and a flight deck to support helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft. The ceremony began promptly at 10:00 am with the Presentation of the Colors, and the playing of the National Anthem by Marine Band San Diego. Chaplain (Captain) Terry Gordon, USN, Navy Region Southwest gave the Invocation. He was followed by eight distinguished speakers. Mr. Kevin M. Graney, President of General Dynamics NASSCO, the host of the Commissioning Ceremony, vouched for the outstanding craftsmanship that is essential to shipbuilding and ship repair. Major General Eric M. Smith, USMC, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division was the principal speaker for the ceremony. He reminded those in attendance that we were in the presence of five recipients of the Medal of Honor and three surviving members of the USS Arizona. He also spoke of the heroism of the ship’s namesake on 23 February 1945. Rear Admiral Dee L. Mewbourne, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command said, “If we operate this great ship with a fraction of the skill, tenacity, and courage displayed by Woody

say, “Americans are not an aggressive people.” After Woody Williams’ remarks his two daughters, Travie Ross and and Tracie Ross, officially named and christened the ship with the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle alongside the ship.

L-R: MR. HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS, MRS. ANN IVEY PATE, AND BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON

Williams, our naval service will be well positioned to meet the challenges that lie ahead.” Mr. Woody Williams, the last of the speakers, delivered the Namesake Address and among the many things that he said there were two statements that captured my attention. He said that he wanted the motto of this ship to be, “Peace We Seek, Peace We Keep.” He went on to

At the Gala Dinner that evening, Mrs. Ann Ivey Pate introduced me to CWO4 Hershel “Woody” Williams. Mrs. Pate is a Member of Fort Chadbourne’s Board of Directors, and an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation. In 2013, Williams and his family established the Foundation as a nonprofit organization to recognize and honor Gold Star Families in all 50 states. Most of the people attending the Gala Dinner, like Mrs. Pate, are working with the Foundation to raise funds and erect Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments. I thanked Mr. Williams for his compassion for the mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country; I congratulated him on the honor of having a ship named after him and (continued on page 20) CHRISTMAS 2017

Peace

(continued from page 19)

let him know that I was delighted to share this special day with him, his family, and friends. The United States of America is blessed with an abundance. However, its greatest resource is its sons and daughters of diverse races and creeds. Brave young men and women leave their families and enter into the Armed Forces with a firm purpose to safeguard peace, defend justice, and protect our unalienable God-given rights. Some, like Woody Williams, will display great courage on a battlefield and return home to be more loving and compassionate spouses and parents. Even after retirement, they will be found

serving the common good without counting the cost. I salute Hershel “Woody” Williams’ effort to raise America’s awareness of those Gold Star Families that will never see their Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine return home. Perhaps this Christmas we can identify the Gold Star Family members that live in our neighborhood and worship in our church. We can ask them to share their memories, acknowledge the sacrifice and pain, express our gratitude, and offer to pray to the Prince of Peace for the souls of the faithful departed. The Archdiocese for the Military Services is committed to recognizing and honoring our Nation’s Gold Star Families! V

HERSHEL “WOODY” WILLIAMS, GARLAND AND LANA RICHARDS, AND ANN IVEY PATE UNVEILED AND DEDICATED THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES MEMORIAL MONUMENT AT FORT CHADBOURNE, TEXAS, ON 18 NOVEMBER 2017. MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.

An Ea rlie r Flight!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

The AMS also has some fine men at the seminary: four seminarians and one transitional deacon. Bishop Spencer joined me for the convocation and we both had an opportunity to greet Pope Francis. The famous October days of Roma (le ottobrate romane) POPE FRANCIS GREETING ARCHBISHOP afforded beautiful sunny TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO DURING HIS TRIP TO ROME. days and crisp evenings. In addition to the work accomplished, it was wonderful to see old friends, interact with the priests, and enjoy the beauty of the city. The long flight brought me back to Washington on Halloween. Luckily, there were no tricks and only the treat of sleeping in my own bed! After an All Saints Mass at Dahlgren Naval Facility, I was again on a plane to Fort Benning and my first meeting of the Board of Advisors for the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Many of the international students there spoke about their positive experience of studying in the U.S. and interacting with students from the Western Hemisphere. It was the return from that trip that began this article. I have come full circle and am happy to be back in Washington, D.C., â&#x20AC;&#x201D; at least for a while. After all I have only spent 164 days outside of the capital this year. The number will rise, and I will reach the 200 mark once again. V

CHRISTMAS 2017

Sacraments at Sea:

Testimonial of a Young Catholic Naval Officer BY MARY LAVIN

service member’s detachment from family at Christmas is felt deeply. As families around the world soon come together, many service members will be unable to share the traditional Christmas dinner with family and unwrapping of gifts. With currently only 210 fulltime Catholic priests to serve all five branches of the military services, many will not be able to attend Mass or receive the sacraments. Shared with the permission of 1LT Deborah M. Mullen, a 2016 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the following is a recent letter home to her parents, a true testimony of the joy and strength of her faith: Mom and Dad, I GOT TO ATTEND MASS TODAY! We have linked up with the Strike Group out here, and the Admiral was flying over from the Carrier today and HE BROUGHT THE CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN WITH HIM!!! As soon as the priest began to speak the wonderful familiar words of the Mass I literally started sobbing. I miss going to Mass so so much, and this was the first time in over 3 months I have been able to go, and I felt so blessed. The seas are high here in the Coral Sea, and the ship was rocking every which way, and we were cramped in this little room but I didn’t care. I love being Catholic. I also had confession afterwards, and talking to him more I found out he went to Mount Saint Mary’s University, which is a 45 min drive from Mount Airy, MD. It was all just such a surprise/amazing experience. I couldn’t help but think, what if I felt this grateful/in awe every time I went to Mass?! Now, I do not think that crying with joy at every Mass is practical, however I was just surprised how emotional it was and believe it is a true testimony to how deeply rooted my faith is, and it made me so happy to realize that. I may have felt alone out here in the middle of nowhere on deployment, but God has truly been with me this whole time. He has never left my side, and he never will. God is so, so good. Overall, an incredible gift this afternoon, and I wanted to share my wonderful experience with you. Only thing that could have made it better is you being there :) LOVE YOU. Xoxo, Deb

This Christmas, please help the AMS continue to support vocations to the priesthood and military chaplaincy and continue services and programs of Evangelization, Tribunal, and Sacramental Records with a gift to the new AMS Endowment. First mentioned in the spring 2017 issue of Salute, the 2017 Matching Endowment Gift Opportunity will end December 31. For those who choose to support the Vocations and Co-Sponsored Seminarian Programs specifically, and who may have considered establishing a Named and Endowed CoSponsored Seminarian Scholarship as a legacy gift, the Endowment Matching Gift Opportunity will match a gift of $25,000 or more to establish a scholarship and support the continued growth of

the AMS Vocations Endowment established in 2014. For additional information, please contact Mary Lavin at mlavin@milarch.org or (440) 223-6482. This Christmas, Archbishop Broglio and Bishops Higgins, Spencer, Buckon, and Coyle will sacrifice being with their families in order to make pastoral visits to installations around the globe. They will celebrate the Eucharist, hear confessions, and provide a presence and comfort to AMS priests, and countless Catholic U.S. veterans, and service men and women away from home. They will assure them that their service, and that of their families, is not forgotten and remind them that their faith need not be one of the sacrifices they make in service to our Country. If 1LT Mullen is fortunate to be able to attend Mass Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year, one can almost imagine what that letter home will look like. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Merry Christmas. V

CHRISTMAS 2017

Serving those who servE Army chaplain offers healing to military personnel and their families as they struggle with pain of war Reprinted with permission from Extension magazine. © 2017. For more information, please visit www.catholicextension.org.

nited States Army Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel John Frank O’Grady serves the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. His current assignment is clinical chaplain at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to minister to active duty military and their families. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, provides a full range of pastoral ministries and spiritual services to those in the United States Armed Forces. It serves more than 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 153 VA Medical Centers and federal employees working outside the U.S. borders in 134 countries. The archdiocese is responsible for more than 1.8 million men, women and children. Father O’Grady previously served at U.S. military installations in South Korea, Germany, and several U.S. states. His mission is to encourage military leaders and personnel to serve with character, provide spiritual guidance at key moments in their lives — listening to their needs, honoring their dignity, and leading them in prayer. At Walter Reed, just as he has in previous assignments, Father O’Grady offers the gift of healing to those who struggle to regain a sense of purpose after suffering injuries. He counsels and prays with the wounded, brings them Holy Communion and anoints the sick. As he walks with soldiers through their grief over losses and through post-traumatic stress disorder, he always points to the hope of Christ. His ministry is called the Warrior Transition Brigade and serves more than 600 patients at the hospital.

Father O’Grady also works with the families of active duty personnel. He prepares them for the challenges of long-distance relationships during deployments and for the struggles when service members return from duty and reintegrate into civilian life. He holds retreats for couples to discuss topics including, giving and receiving affection, dealing with stress, conflict resolution and forgiveness. He comforts them when they lose loved ones. Even after military personnel have left active duty, Father O’Grady continues to support families as they carry the spiritual, psychological and physical burdens of the warriors who persist to make sacrifices for the country long after they have returned home. Father O’Grady understands that the Church has a role in helping military personnel to find a new mission after war, to comfort their distresses, and to accompany those who battle for years with the indelible marks of war. His ministry is to keep families strong, throughout their entire military experience. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who heads the archdiocese, said that Father O’Grady “nourishes the faithful amid many trials.” He believes Father O’Grady went beyond the call of duty when he was assigned to the mortuary services team after the Pentagon attack on September 11, 2001. “His presence and prayers became a source of strength that honored the dead and sustained the morale of those devastated by the loss of peers,” he said. After this tragedy, Father O’Grady was recognized with an Army Commendation Medal for his “leadership, dedication to duty and calm professional demeanor during a time of extreme crisis.” V CHRISTMAS 2017

THE HARVEST CONTINUES...

NAME: William Cook (ARCH)DIOCESE / RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Savannah ARMED FORCES BRANCH: USMC RANK: O3 - CAPTAIN COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Maryland HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Jenks High School, Jenks, Oklahoma HOBBIES: Exercising, learning about cultures, history, architecture, and the French language. TEAM SPORTS: Varsity Ice Hockey

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? June 2013 WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT? A year-long mission trip with the Salesians is what inspired me to discern seriously the vocation of priesthood. I lived with a community of priests and brothers and helped with various tasks throughout their parish and middle/high school. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I will sometimes get a look of surprise when I tell people that I was a Marine or that I was in a fraternity. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? I am typically inspired by the verses that speak to the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) and 1 Peter 1:3.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I came to know Christ as a child by going to Mass, CCD, and having discussions with my mother about our faith. It was not until I was in college that I became much more committed to growing in my relationship with Him. WHAT SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? My most impactful spiritual events have come from my year-long mission trip, teaching CCD, and my two seminarian summer assignments. WHAT SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? St. John Bosco had a big influence on me. While learning about him and his ministry, I began to recognize how truly fulfilling it would be to be a priest. I have a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Irenaeus. WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN? I served in the USMC as a 7208, Air Support Control Officer from May 2009 to May 2013. WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? I am reading St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction to the Devout Life. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? Christ and all of His Saints, My Father, and Robert E. Lee. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? A constant work in progress. I love prayer and recognize the need for it but it is something that I continually have to recommit myself to. My prayer life consists of attending daily Mass, praying a daily holy hour and rosary, and praying the Divine Office. V

CHRISTMAS 2017

P R I E S T S “ S E RV I N G T H O S E W H O S E RV E ” G AT H E R F O R B I E N N I A L C O N V O C AT I O N S B Y TAY L O R H E N R Y

I N L AT E O C T O B E R , Archbishop Broglio presided over the last of four biennial convocations held this year for the hundreds of priests in service to the U.S. Military worldwide. The convocations took place 22 -25 August in San Diego; 5 – 8 September in Washington, DC; 19 – 22 September in San Diego; and 24 – 27 October in Rome. The four-day convocations are meant to give AMS priests and chaplains an opportunity to celebrate the sacraments, share fraternity, and discuss timely topics with each other and Archbishop Broglio. Each two-year cycle brings a new agenda, which is shared among the four convocations that particular year. Archbishop Broglio holds the convocations at four different times and places to make travel more convenient and affordable for the priests, who are scattered at duty stations and assignments all over the world. Each priest is required to attend one of the four convocations.

PA G E 2 8 : S A N D I E G O C O N V O C AT I O N , 2 2 - 2 5 A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 PA G E 2 9 : R O M E C O N V O C AT I O N , 2 4 – 2 7 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

This year’s theme was “Current Moral Questions.” The main presenter, the Reverend Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., Director of Education and Ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, PA, led the priests in discussion of issues such as the ongoing change in public perception over sexuality and gender, and its implication for Catholic moral teaching and pastoral care. In addition, participants were treated to a session on building effective music ministries through coaching and collaboration, updates in canon law, a renewal of childprotection training, and news in general from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). “These meetings are extremely important for the priests and me,” Archbishop Broglio said. “The timely topics treated in an ever-changing world, the moments of prayer together, and the fraternal interchange and give and take offer a valuable update for all of the participants. The sacrifice of time and treasure is more than repaid by the prayer, growth, and exchange.” The hope is that the priests will draw on the convocational experience to hone their vocational and pastoral skills as they embark on another two years of priestly service to the men, women, and families in the U.S. Armed Forces. V CHRISTMAS 2017

2017 Labor Day Weekend Gathering of Co-Sponsored Seminarians

BY FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O., AMS VOCATION DIRECTOR

The Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program is as diverse and widespread as the Archdiocese for the Military Services itself. Our 43 co-sponsored seminarians come from 29 dioceses and are undergoing formation in 19 seminaries throughout the United States and Rome. The Seminariansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Labor Day Weekend Gathering brings them together once a year for prayer, fellowship, and interaction with Archbishop Broglio and the AMS Pastoral Center staff. These men will one day serve together as active-duty chaplains and the bonds of friendship and shared mission forged in their seminary years will endure for years to come.

THE HARVEST CONTINUES – 2017 LABOR DAY GATHERING GROUP PHOTO.

t this year’s gathering, there were 10 newly co-sponsored men of diverse backgrounds; including a Navy Hospital Corpsman and a Navy JAG, two graduates of West Point, a Marine, a missionary and three seminarians already well into the their priestly formation. Our eleventh newcomer to the program is a deacon studying in Rome. We hope he will join us next year as a newly-ordained priest. This past spring among our Co-Sponsored Seminarians, two Army Chaplain candidates were ordained to the deaconate [the Reverend Mr. Jay Horning, Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend and Reverend Mr. Michael Metz, Archdiocese of Atlanta] and two Navy Chaplain candidates were ordained to the priesthood [Father Rene Pellessier, Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana, and Father Samuel Schneider, Diocese of Superior]. (continued on page 32) THE SCHOLA SINGING DURING THE SUNDAY MASS AT JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA BOLLING DURING THE LABOR DAY GATHERING OF CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS. L-R CONDUCTOR, DANIEL DUPLANTIS, VINCENT GILLMORE, PAUL COLLINS, GARRETT BRAUN, EDWARD HOFFMANN, PATRICK DILORETO, JOHN RUMPZA, SEAN KOEHR, AND MICHAEL KAPOLKA.

CHRISTMAS 2017

2017 Labor Day Weekend... continued from page 31 The Chaplain Candidate Programs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are for seminary students of any faith considering a career as a military chaplain. The seminarian is commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army or Air Force or an Ensign in the Navy and attends Chaplain School during one summer or part of two summers. There are also opportunities during their seminary years for summer ministry with Catholic chaplains both in the States and overseas. The AMS requires that all CoSponsored Seminarians be commissioned as Chaplain candidates. This ensures that they will be accepted as chaplains after their ordination. During the academic year, the AMS Vocation Director visits each of our Co-Sponsored Seminarians and meets with those responsible for his formation. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing these men grow in their vocation and commitment to the priesthood and chaplaincy. Catholic Military Chaplaincy is a true vocation within the priestly vocation. Without the priesthood there is no access to the sacraments, the lifeblood of the Church, and Christian life. Pray for our Co-Sponsored Seminarians and for many more young men to answer this special and vital call to serve our Catholic service members and their families. V

Watch the multiple-award-winning video produced by the AMS Office of Vocations at http://www.milarch.org/vocations

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

Tour of Duty Brick Campaign Share your message of support for service members, veterans, chaplains, military families, and all who have served or continue to serve by reserving a commemorative brick today. Your commemorative brick will join hundreds of others lining the pathways of the Edwin Cardinal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C.

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CHRISTMAS 2017

A Chaplain Hero Comes Home BY FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O.

n the crater of an extinct volcano above Honolulu, row upon row of headstones mark the graves of those who died on 7 December 1941, at Pearl Harbor. Among them are those of the unknown sailors of the USS Oklahoma who went down with their ship on that fateful day. In 2016, as part of a project of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to identify these graves, the bones of Father Aloysius H. Schmitt, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy, a Catholic priest from St. Lucas, Iowa, were discovered. Father Schmitt, aboard the Oklahoma for less than a year, had just finished celebrating Sunday Mass when the first bombs fell. In rapid succession three torpedoes struck the great battleship causing her to capsize partially and trapping a large part of the crew below deck. The priest found himself with several other sailors in a rapidly flooding compartment. There was, however, a porthole just above the water line and one by one he urged his shipmates through it to safety. When Father Schmitt’s turn came he got stuck and realizing that there were still more sailors behind him, he returned to the compartment to help them escape. He was the first American Catholic chaplain to die in World War II. Father Schmitt’s remains came home to his native Iowa and were interred in Christ the King Chapel at his alma mater, Loras College, in Dubuque on 8 October 2016. In his homily, Dubuque Archbishop Michael O. Jackels said: “Try to imagine the drive for self-preservation that automatically kicks in at such a time when life is threatened, and then try to imagine what it would

take to deny that impulse out of love for God, love for country, and love for others. …This is the way to live a happy life, a full life, here and in the hereafter — imitating Christ, imitating Father Al, who imitated Christ.” He was honored posthumously with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal along with the Purple Heart. On 7 December the Navy recognized his sacrifice by awarding the Navy Cross. A destroyer escort named USS Schmitt was commissioned in 1943 in his honor and served the U.S. Navy until 1967. Along with the chapel at Loras College, St. Francis Xavier Chapel, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was built in his memory. In his motu proprio of 11 July 2017, Maiorem Hac Dilectionem Pope Francis stated: They are worthy of special consideration and honor, those Christians who, following in the footsteps and teachings of the Lord Jesus, have voluntarily and freely offered their lives for others and have persevered until death in this regard. It is certain that the heroic offering of life, suggested and supported by charity, expresses a true, full and exemplary imitation of Christ, and therefore deserves the admiration that the community of the faithful usually reserves to those who have voluntarily accepted the martyrdom of blood or have exercised in a heroic degree the Christian virtues. V

DUBUQUE ARCHBISHOP MICHAEL JACKELS SPRINKLES WITH HOLY WATER THE COFFIN OF FATHER ALOYSIUS SCHMITT

CHRISTMAS 2017

A Gift Which Bears Fruit BY CASSANDRA (CASEY) BUSTAMANTE

his year, I have had the privilege to facilitate and animate the online course for the V Encuentro process three times. My colleagues and leaders from the field (military installation Directors and Coordinators of Religious Education) have facilitated several other iterations of the course as well. Throughout this process, it has been beautiful to witness that participation in the V Encuentro has enabled many of the archdiocesan faithful to be transformed and recommitted to missionary discipleship. Many reflections celebrating the gift that Hispanic and Latinos are to the Catholic Church have surfaced. The critical importance of reaching all U.S. Catholic young adults in the military across the globe has been highlighted. The Office of Evangelization has recognized that digital media is useful to further evangelization. While the dangers of technology are often exposed, little is shared

to highlight its effectiveness in inspiring missionary activity. The unique catechetical methodology of the V Encuentro has assisted the Office of Evangelization in accompanying missionary disciples on their own journeys toward Jesus Christ and serving Christ in those they meet in their local military community. It also affirmed the need to reach out to the peripheries. The online discussion identified that the peripheries in the Archdiocese are much closer than assumed. The spiritually-impoverished are within the military population: nonpracticing Catholics and young military who feel unwelcomed. There is a need to evangelize within the community first. Effectively, the V Encuentro reiterated Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vision of the Catholic local communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission presented in Evangelii Gaudium. The online course requires each participant to accomplish at least one missionary activity a week within the five-week course. One participant reached out to two Soldiers whom she met at a local

Latino food market. She realized that no matter who you are, familiarity is needed in new situations. The market was a familiar place for one of the Soldiers because he was Hispanic and familiar with the environment from childhood. The missionary disciple who met them invited the Soldiers into the local military Catholic community; their presence was fruitful. Their energy and youthfulness were contagious and they also began participating in the various ministries at the chapel. To participate more fully in the community, these Soldiers needed an invitation. Another participant reached out to a fellow military spouse and Hispanic woman whom she knew through their daughtersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

preschool and dance class. The participant had seen the Hispanic woman at the chapel, but she had never invited her to other ministries. What the participant discovered was that the Hispanic woman felt as if she were an outsider. She also needed a personal connection to feel welcomed. There were many other stories like these two and the missionary spirit continues to bear fruit. The Archdiocese hosted an online gathering to celebrate the Archdiocesan Encuentro in a global setting. This will be followed by a Regional Encuentro at The Catholic University of America, 19 May 2018, and the National V Encuentro, 2023 September 2018. V

JOSĂ&#x2030; AMAYA, AMS DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION, (FRONT, LEFT); CASEY BUSTAMANTE, AMS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY, (BACK, RIGHT) PARTICIPATING IN AN ONLINE V ENCUENTRO DISCUSSION.

CHRISTMAS 2017

IN THE FAITH BY MARK MOITOZA, D.MIN. Military installations are spread throughout the world. While it would be wonderful to gather leaders for a conference or a retreat to share resources, the restraints of travel, time, and funds make such gatherings a challenge. Connecting a global Archdiocese with relevant resources requires creativity and ongoing support. Recently, anonymous donors made significant contributions to the Augustine Institute to bring digital Catholic resources to men, women, and their families in the military. Funds raised provide free installation-wide access to FORMED.org for one-year. Each subscription costs about $1,700 for a typical civilian parish. These generous donations have enabled 77 US military installations throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States to register for an access code particular to their community. With well over $100,000 in donations, Catholics in the military are accessing FORMED.org and sharing the experiences of what they discover with others. This digital tool is enabling busy service members and their families to connect with Catholic resources as their schedules permit.

FORMED is a digital platform that offers the faithful unprecedented access to video-based study programs, feature films, audio presentations, and eBooks from the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost presenters. Content on FORMED may be viewed on any mobile device with wireless or cellular connectivity: at home on smart TVs, desktops, laptops, and tablets or on the road with cell phones utilizing the newly created FORMED app. FORMED makes relevant Catholic resources available for adult faith formation, marriage, sacramental preparation, scripture, formation for teens, and personal devotion too. Books, movies, bible studies, programs for Catholic faith communities, audio dramas and more appeal to the multiple learning styles of individuals and families searching for meaningful Catholic content. FORMED is available at Church, at home, and on the road anytime throughout the day. Learn more about this resource online, www.formed.org, or on the website of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, www.milarch.org/formed. Be sure to pray for those who donated to make these resources available this year. The gifts that they have shared are enabling the gift of faith to grow around the world. V

New FORME ! D app fo r iOS

CHRISTMAS 2017

Family of Atlanta Priest Donates a Stained Glass Window in Memory of Father Vincent R. Capodanno BY TAYLOR HENRY

n 25 October, Father Kevin Peek of the Archdiocese of Atlanta dropped by the Edwin Cardinal O'Brien Pastoral Center, the AMSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home base in Washington, D.C., to donate checks totaling $5,000 for the purpose of installing a stained glass window in the Center's main chapel. Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins accepted the gift on behalf of the AMS. Father Peek, a former active-duty U.S. Army chaplain, currently serves as a chaplain in the Georgia Army National Guard where he holds the rank of Major. He donated the funds on behalf of his extended family in memory of the passing last year of his father, Mr. Joseph H. Peek, and his brother, Father Joseph M. Peek, also of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Father Joseph M. Peek died at the age of 50 on 14 March 2016 due to complications from a bone marrow transplant to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. The diagnosis came in February 2002, just four months before his ordination at the age of 36. Before entering seminary, Father Joseph M. Peek, the oldest son of his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eleven children, was already a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as a rescue swimmer and helicopter crewman. He became a chaplain candidate lieutenant, and the AMS co-sponsored his formation because he planned on returning to active duty. But it was not to be. Confronting ongoing chronic health issues, Father Joseph M. Peek eventually parted ways with the Navy without ever getting the chance to serve as an active-duty chaplain. Mr. Joseph H. Peek died at the age of 81 from congestive heart failure on 16 December 2016, just nine months after the death of his oldest son. The elder Mr. Peek was a 1960 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His service in the Navy included a stint on the USS Wasp (CV 18) before he left to join Eastern Airlines as a commercial pilot.

Eventually, the stained glass window donated by the Peek family will cover a panel of clear panes in the soon-to-be finished chapel, and it will stand in honor of Vietnam War hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., Servant of God, from whom Father Kevin Peek and his family sought intercession during the illness of his brother. Father Capodanno was killed 50 years ago this year by enemy gunfire while rushing, unarmed, to bring the sacraments to U.S. Marines under ambush. Mr. Joseph H. Peek was himself an enthusiastic supporter of Father Capodanno’s Cause for Sainthood, now under consideration by the Holy See’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. V

AUXILIARY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS (L) ACCEPTED THE GIFT FROM FATHER KEVIN PEEK (R) ON BEHALF OF THE AMS IN THE MAIN CHAPEL WHERE ONE OF THE NEW WINDOWS WILL BE INSTALLED.

CHRISTMAS 2017

The Greatest Gift BY JOSÉ AMAYA

he military catechists share the joy of knowing, loving and living the way of Jesus Christ in the Church. Catechists are active-duty young adults, parents, and grandparents committed to sharing the gift of faith they received in Baptism, sealed in Confirmation and nourished by the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. As Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio shared with the Delegates at the Archdiocesan Fifth Encuentro online on November 4, 2017 “the greatest gift is to know Christ.” In 2017, three hundred and four catechists have completed twelve-hours of intensive training for certification. Three hundred and eighty four catechists participated in the live trainings in 2016. This does not include the catechists who earned online course certificates. Catechists make big sacrifices to equip themselves with the vision and tools to proclaim Jesus Christ to adults, youth, and children entrusted to their care. While some

catechists attend the on-site trainings, often traveling hours to get to the training, others enroll in three-to-five week courses online. The sacrifice may include time away from family or even not going on vacation on a holiday weekend. The sacrifices catechists make to meet the basic expectations to teach the Catholic faith became evident on Veterans Day weekend. Twenty catechists gathered at USAG Grafenwoehr, Germany under the leadership of Father Vincent Manuel to participate in the twelve-hour training. One catechist drove three hours to USAG Hohenfels to complete the first four hours of the training. Two additional catechists will drive to USAG Ansbach for the training. This is a repeating story in the sixteen locations the Catechetical Methodology course has been offered on-site in Eurasia and the continental United States over the past four months. Those who step up to the call to be “teachers of the faith” are required to take one course or two seminars to be a certified Archdiocesan catechist. Whether online or in person the faith formation equips catechists with knowledge and skills to encounter, accompany and send adults, youth and children to love and serve the Lord in the family, the faith community and the world. The live training equips catechists with the vision for catechesis and the tools to teach the faith. They learn to create lesson plans with the AMS Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide and how to support families to keep growing in the knowledge and understanding of the faith with AMS Family Faith Assessment. Catechists share their time, talent, and even treasure with the families they accompany in the classroom. They are missionary disciples in love with the Lord and the Church. You are encouraged to pray for and thank the “teachers of the faith” for their commitment and dedication to proclaim Jesus in word and witness. They touch not only the minds but transform the hearts of many guided by the Holy Spirit. The knowledge of God they impart moves hearts to action in the way of the Lord. Consider giving the gift of an online course to a catechist for Christmas. You can find detailed information about catechist faith formation at www.milarch.org > Offices > Evangelization > Catechist Certification. V CHRISTMAS 2017

The Call to Prayer BY FATHER DAVID HAMMOND

was wrapping up some last minute items in the office before going down to the chapel for 1700 Mass, when one of the engineers poked his head in. “Sir, I just heard some rumors about something that happened aboard the [USS] Green Bay, and I’m worried, some of my buddies are on board. Can we say a prayer?” I said sure, and without getting any more details about the situation, I prayed with him for the crew and whatever situation was going on. Afterwards, I decided to walk to the hangar bay and see who I

could talk to. On my way out I ran into a Chief and asked if he heard anything. “Well I don’t know for certain Chaps, but I heard something about an Osprey, and we’re headed full steam for somewhere.” As I continued into the massive compartment where we store and repair aircraft and all sorts of other equipment, I noticed a flow of traffic going towards the smoke deck, a large opening in the side of the ship that we use for onloading supplies, and a place for Sailors and Marines to get “fresh air” as they call it.

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE CONDUCTED ABOARD THE USS BONHOMME RICHARD AFTER THE OSPREY TRAGEDY - THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IS AN OFFICIAL COMMAND FUNCTION THAT INCLUDES PERSONAL TESTIMONIES, READINGS FROM AN INSPIRATIONAL TEXT OR SCRIPTURE (NOT FAITH SPECIFIC OR EXCLUSIVE), WORDS FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER, AND WORDS AND PRAYERS FROM A CHAPLAIN. PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY PHOTOGRAPHER: MC2 JEANETTE MULLINAX.

embarked element of the Marines there - trained to respond in every way you could imagine, but we were still at a distance, and it was likely that the plan of action was still being decided upon.

As I got out there, the crowd was larger than usual. Most were lined up looking out off our starboard bow. It wasn’t clear what was going on, but I could see the Green Bay, some flashing lights on the water, and smoke hanging over the area. We were starting to reduce speed. I looked at the scene, then I looked at my shipmates. The smoke deck is a very noisy place with all the ship’s machinery and ventilation exhaust, but they were quiet. Of course there wasn’t much that could be said, we were waiting for orders. We probably had people from every department of the ship and every

At that time, I remembered my training. Training that I received from my parents, from my First Communion teacher, from my pastors, mentors, and seminary professors. Training I received from other Chaplains. Training that had been confirmed by my Sailors and Marines over and over in my short time as a Chaplain so far. I took a deep breath. “Alright, listen up! I don’t know what’s going on over there, or what the next step for us is going to be, but I’m going to lead a prayer. Anyone who wants to join can move over to this side and we’ll pray together.” (continued on page 46)

CHRISTMAS 2017

The Call to Prayer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

At first people looked a bit shocked. Chaplains don’t usually yell, and I’m a bit on the quiet side anyway, but we didn’t have time, and the Spirit of God was turning my guts to act. It’s why I was there, and I was the only one who didn’t need to wait for orders to do something right then. Prayer is powerful. The whole crowd started to move, then swarmed around me, smokes still in hand, glancing out to the sea, then looking down. The prayer was short - had a beginning and an end, but I don’t remember if it had a middle. I needed to get down to the chapel for Mass. We lost three Marines aboard that Osprey. Later we had a memorial service aboard our ship (where the Osprey squadron was embarked) led by our Marine Chaplains, and our exercise shifted its focus to recovering our brothers to return them to their loved ones. I was able to pray with the Australian recovery divers (who were flying the U.S. Flag next to the Australian flag aboard their ship) and told them how much it meant to the families to be able to have the bodies of their sons returned to lay them to rest. When the remains were brought

aboard our ship it was a solemn movement that led to the dignified transfer back home. In the midst of grief, it was a consolation for us as well, and the truth of our theology of the dignity of the body (and aspects of our funeral rites) could be seen to be part of our natural instinct, and our military customs. I decided to send in the prayer I said later that night on the PA system to the Archdiocese after I cleared it with our ship’s public relations crew. I wanted to let people know that Chaplains were on scene, and that our troops do not face tragedy without spiritual support that we have the privilege of offering. Part of the work of the Mass Communications Specialists was to update and monitor the various social media pages for the Bonhomme Richard and the Marine units related to the incident, and screen the comments. They showed me what people were posting- almost every single one mentioned prayer. I thank God that I know how to pray. I think this was a fairly urgent request the disciples made of Jesus:

“Lord, teach us to pray.” (Lk. 11:1) Sometimes I get to teach Sailors and Marines how to pray, as so many people have taught me. Other times I get goosebumps listening to their prayers, or the prayers that their families send them, and I am taught again. Being at sea (or deployed anywhere) for extended periods of time leads to a partial disconnect with a lot of the daily goings on of the world. We have laser focus on our mission, and only major world events (or personal ones) can make the cut, so to speak. We had our fair share of news close to home during our patrol- the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain were both operating in our theater, and I had celebrated Mass or prayed aboard them in the midst of our operations. We also had news of horrible domestic attacks and devastating natural disasters back home that affected us all. It is easy at these times for most of us to be glued to the television or the online news feed, waiting for updates, hearing or seeing the same terrible things over and over. It can be paralyzing. In the midst of operations, it comes in bits and

pieces, usually in peer conversation or through an email or message or an occasional garbled news channel. This can make things even more difficult. But the call to prayer breaks us out of the feeling of helplessness, of not being able to do anything productive, of not knowing the answer to the haunting question of “why.” After praying on the smoke deck, I went down to our chapel and offered Mass. It was a struggle to feel like I was walking away from the disaster unfolding for that span of time, but I knew our Sailors and Marines were doing everything they were trained to do. It was my responsibility not only to be with them, but to intercede for them. As the days went by, I felt the prayers of the nation (and the world) being offered for us, and for the families of our fallen comrades. I believe it had an effect on us all. May the Lord continue to teach us the lesson of prayer that alone has the power to span the globe, and to sustain us until the new day dawns. V

CHRISTMAS 2017

Retirements & Anniversaries 2016 Retirements

Branch of Service

Name

Yrs of Service Diocese/Rel Order

Air Force Reverend Robert R. Cannon* 30 Air Force Reverend Francis E. Lowe 31 Air Force +Reverend Michael J. Morris 13 Army Reverend Gregory J. D’Emma 40 Army Reverend Wieslaw A. Dynek 20 Army Reverend Damian Ilokaba** 10 Army Reverend Kenneth W. Neilson** 16 Army Reverend James E. O’Neal 15 Army Reverend Gary R. Studniewski 26 Navy Reverend Robert Delis 27 Navy Reverend Jon J. Brzek 24 Navy Reverend Tadeusz J. Gegotek 21 Navy Reverend Waldemar A. Kilian 18 Navy Reverend Robert A. Spencer 18 Navy Reverend Michael J. Doyle 9 * Chancellor for the AMS **Currently serving as a Contract Priest

Diocese of Venice Diocese of San Bernardino Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of Newark Archdiocese of Lublin Diocese of Awka, Nigeria Diocese of Austin Diocese of St. Augustine Archdiocese of Washington Salesians of Don Bosco Diocese of Pittsburgh Diocese of Belleville Archdiocese of Chicago Diocese of Charleston Archdiocese of Boston

2017 Anniversaries 10 YEARS Air Force Air Force Air Force Army Army Army Army Contract Contract Contract

Reverend Oscar Fonseca Reverend Robbie Deka Reverend James W. Longe Reverend Marcin J. Bulinski Reverend Daniel R. Goulet Reverend James J. Peak Reverend Jeremi C. Wodecki Reverend Carmen A. Buono Revernd Arturo A. Arcos Reverend Mark Mastin

20 YEARS

Air Force Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Navy Navy VA VA VA

Reverend John W. Schuetze Reverend Paul J.T. Camiring Reverend James G. Pattarakalayil Reverend Steffen Kuehn Reverend Martin Okor Reverend Michael E. D’Cruz Reverend Leszek M. Sikorski Reverend Joseph D. Reardon Reverend Jacob C. George Reverend Romeo Jose A. Axalan Reverend David H. Reinders

15-May-07 8-June-07 24-Nov-07 19-May-07 23-Jun-07 29-Jun-07 27-Jul-07 25-May-07 24-Nov-07 15-Dec-07

17-May-97 20-Sep-97 7-Jan-97 28-Jun-97 5-Jul-97 3-Aug-97 20-May-97 12-Jul-97 4-Apr-97 31-Jul-97 15-Aug-97

25 YEARS

Air Force Air Force Army Army Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Navy Navy Navy Navy VA VA VA VA VA VA

Reverend Peter J. Dumag Reverend James A. Hamel Reverend Edward U. Ohm Reverend Rajmund Kopec Reverend Matthias Rendon, OFM Reverend Antonio L. Quijano, Jr. Reverend Ronald R. Macdonald Reverend Vincent G. Defazio Reverend Arthur Flores Reverend Daniel L. Mode Reverend Edward M. Gorman, OP Reverend Keith J. Shuley Reverend Joselito S. Tiongson Reverend Michael G. Lankford-Stokes Reverend Austin C. Ochu Reverend Patrick O. Adejoh Reverend Christopher Opara Reverend Joseph A. Grasso Reverend Peter C. Igwilo

30 YEARS

Air Force Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Navy VA VA VA VA VA VA VA

Reverend Jesus Navarrete Reverend Michael P. Lindsay Reverend Jose J. Kallupilankal Reverend Dariusz Z. Pawlowski Reverend Bruno Ruaro Reverend Jerome R. Daly Reverend William M. Kennedy Reverend Felix F. Vistal Reverend Gerald F. Damien Schill Reverend Azuka Iwuchukwu Reverend Michael J. Kloton Reverend Henry P.C.Tanto Reverend Karl A. Lindbland Reverend Joseph M. Olikkara

18-Dec-92 30-May-92 23-May-92 30-May-92 29-Jun-92 23-Jan-92 16-May-92 6-Jun-92 24-Oct-92 16-May-92 22-May-92 23-May-92 27-Aug-92 16-May-92 27-Jun-92 18-Jul-92 18-Jul-92 31-Jul-92 22-Aug-92

20-Dec-87 28-Aug-87 7-May-87 30-May-87 31-May-87 9-Jun-87 20-Jun-87 17-Mar-87 15-May-87 22-Aug-87 5-Sep-87 8-Sep-87 14-Nov-87 31-Dec-87

CHRISTMAS 2017

Retirements & Anniversaries... 40 YEARS

Army Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA VA

Reverend Edward C. Martin Reverend Robert Bruno, OFM Reverend Celestino Cavagna Reverend John V. Craig, Jr. , SJ Reverend Joseph S. Kuan Reverend Thomas D. Kelly Reverend Thomas P. Hall Reverend Esteban Y. Sescon Reverend James E. Schellenberg Reverend Msgr. Frederic F. Elkin Reverend Luis Chito Valenciano Reverend William A. Bartoul Reverend Maurice D’Souza Reverend Msgr Cesar E. Encinares

50 YEARS

Contract Contract Contract Contract Contract VA VA VA VA VA

Reverend Peter M. Creed Reverend Denis A. Dirscherl Reverend James M. Coindreau Reverend George G. Gonzalez Reverend Msgr John Coelho-Harguindeguy Reverend Lewis E. Brown Reverend Roland P. Freeman Reverend Lowell G. Neuzil Reverend Basil M. Keenan Reverend George V. Uralikunnel

60 YEARS

Contract Contract Contract

Reverend Angelo Scalco Reverend Charles J. O’Rourke Reverend Patrick A. O’Brien

19-Aug-77 18-Jun-77 18-Jun-77 4-Jun-77 19-Mar-77 4-Jun-77 14-May-77 3 - A p r- 7 7 25-Mar-77 7-May-77 27-May-77 17-Sep-77 5-May-77 31-Mar-77

20-May-67 8-Jun-67 24-Dec-67 1-Jul-67 29-Apr-67 3-Jun-67 27-May-67 25-May-67 25-May-67 17-Dec-67

16-Mar-57 21-Dec-57 22-Dec-57

Save the Dates Chrism Mass

Monday, 12 March 2018, 6:00 p.m. Saint John Paul II National Shrine 3900 Harewood Road Northeast | Washington, D.C. 20017 –––––––

24th Annual Memorial Mass Sunday, 20 May 2018, 4:30 p.m.

Upper Church Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Avenue Northeast | Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist –––––––

Warriors to Lourdes 15 – 22 May 2018

For more information, visit the 2018 Warriors to Lourdes website http://warriorstolourdes.com or contact the Knights of Columbus at Lourdes@kofc.org 203-752-4270 (Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time)

CHRISTMAS 2017

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169

“Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas coupled with warm wishes for peace, happiness, and good health throughout 2018.”–

“Serving Those Who Serve”

P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469

Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA