FALL 2019
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
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Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA,
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y letter to you is being composed at St. Francis Seminary where I have come to pray with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for the repose of the soul of the Reverend Monsignor Thomas P. Olsyzk, former Judicial Vicar of the AMS. This good and faithful servant completed his earthly pilgrimage on 7 August and his funeral was held 14 August, the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
It is good to pray for him and to remember his life of service as a priest of Milwaukee, an Air Force Chaplain, the Judicial Vicar of a global archdiocese, and finally as a resident and formation advisor at the seminary for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Sister Death knocked at the AMS door a second time when Bishop Frank Roque, a retired Auxiliary Bishop, ended his earthly pilgrimage. Please pray for the repose of his soul, as well. This issue will reach you as we mark the beginning of autumn, a time of changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and –most importantly—a new pastoral year in the Catholic communities of the military. It is always exciting to see new growth and new opportunities as programs recommence, communities take stock of their potential, and a new series of pastoral visits begins. Central to the AMS this fall will be the four convocations in San Diego, Washington, D.C., San Antonio, and Rome. These are important moments when the AMS clergy gathers for prayer, renewal, and fellowship. The central theme of these convocations will be strengthening marriage and family. Right after Thanksgiving the Bishops of Region IV (the provinces of Baltimore, Washington, and the AMS) will make their visit to the Bishop of Rome, the most important Dicasteries, and the four major basiliche. Pray that this ad limina visit be a time of grace for the Churches we serve and for us. These pages will introduce you to the latest happenings around the archdiocese and one of the new co-sponsored seminarians. I hope that you will enjoy this issue of Salute. Thanking you for your continued support, I wish abundant blessings. Sincerely in Christ,
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The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 13 NUMBER 3 FALL 2019
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 Monsignor Thomas P. Olszyk
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
Bishop Joseph L. Coffey
Bishop William “Bill” Muhm
Bishop F. Richard Spencer
Bishop Neal J. Buckon
Meet Darren Balkey
Father Jude M. Serfino, Contract Priest at MCAS, Miramar
Taylor Henry
11 The Cost of Discipleship
13 84th Annual National Convention for the Catholic War Veterans 15 Following in the Footsteps of Giants 18 Summer Adventures in the Eastern Vicariate 22 The Specialty Ministries 28 The Harvest Continues 30 Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle Historic Visit to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Miramar 32 Ten Catholic Priests Gather to Discern a Vocation within a Vocation
COVER: MONSIGNOR THOMAS P. OLSZYK CELEBRATING MASS AT THE EDWIN CARDINAL O’BRIEN PASTORAL CENTER.
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 2019
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
Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C., USA 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org
Fall 2019
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Monsignor Thomas
L - R: MONSIGNOR THOMAS P. OLSZYK AND BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS CONCELEBRATING MASS.
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n the liturgical Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Monsignor Thomas P. Olszyk was laid to rest at the age of 74. Born on 24 April 1945 and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on 21 May 1971, Monsignor Olszyk ended his earthly pilgrimage on 7 August 2019.
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P. Olszyk
BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
The Mater Christi Chapel of Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center in St. Francis, Wisconsin was filled as the funeral Mass began. Just before the simple wooden coffin displayed a few symbols that spoke eloquently of his life and ministry. Vested in a monsignor’s magenta cassock under the alb, stole, and chasuble of his priesthood, he rested with the American flag and the mosetta of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem near his head. His chalice, later used for the funeral Mass, and the 4th Degree insignia of the Knights of Columbus were placed nearby. Those symbols spoke volumes of the essence of his life: faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, priestly ministry wherever the Church asked him to serve, authentic patriotic love of his Country, and a passion for the ministry in the Holy Land. Missing was the jersey of his beloved Green Bay Packers! Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee presided at the funeral Mass. Among the many concelebrants were the Most Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, U.S.A. (AMS), the Most Reverend David Malloy, Bishop of Rockford (a Milwaukee native), the Most Reverend Richard J. Sklba, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, the Most Reverend James T. Schuerman, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, the Reverend Monsignor Frank Pugliese, former Vicar General of the AMS, the Reverend Fathers John Kaul, James Joslyn, and Ronald Stake, all former chaplains. Fathers Kaul and Joslyn had also served as the Archbishop’s Delegate for Contract Priests and lived in the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center with the late Monsignor Olszyk. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Monsignor Thomas P. Olszyk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Many joined the soloist after Communion as he sang the hymn Serdeczna Matko, a traditional Polish ode to the Blessed Mother. In his remarks at the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Listecki emphasized the service and humility of the late priest. He talked about the lives he had touched in Milwaukee, in the Air Force, and in his years at the AMS in Washington. He reminded the assembly of the role of the Blessed Mother in the life of a priest and invited the priests to sing the Salve Regina (giving those who do not speak Polish an opportunity to praise our Mother, as well). Before presiding at the Final Commendation, Archbishop Broglio expressed condolences on behalf of the AMS to Monsignor Olszyk’s family, the Archbishop and presbyterate of Milwaukee. He also thanked those gathered for the generous permission granted that allowed the deceased to minister as an Air Force Chaplain and as the Judicial Vicar of the AMS. He assured all present that Father Tom was “always proud to be known as a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, for his Polish heritage, and for the Packers”. Significant was the presence of the recently ordained deacons of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, a few from other dioceses who participate in the formation program of St. Francis Seminary, and many seminarians. Monsignor Olszyk resided at the seminary and was available for spiritual direction. His presence there was appreciated by all. He was interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee. We continue to remember in prayer this good priest whose gentle ministry brought the Person of Christ to so many in parishes, in the Air Force, in the AMS Tribunal, and finally at St. Francis seminary. Requiescat in pace. V
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Memories FROM THE AMS STAFF
Monsignor Olszyk was the guest master when I moved into the Pastoral Center. I will always remember his gracious welcome of me and of the many guests who stayed with us. That hospitality also extended to helping out brother priests in the area parishes, where he was in frequent demand to celebrate Mass so a priest could take a vacation. – Monsignor John JM Foster
I worked as Tribunal Secretary and Notary under Monsignor Olszyk for eight years, from 2006 to 2014. So far, that’s the longest I’ve worked for anyone who has served as Judicial Vicar during my 22 years of service to the Archdiocese. Monsignor was a mentor to me in both his encouragement of my vocation in Carmel and his interest over the years in my family -- my sisters and their children. I had lost my mom just two years before Monsignor came to the Tribunal. His help and guidance in getting me through her passing is by far the most special memory I have of Monsignor. He saw me in all my good and bad days, and he walked with me through each year, day by day, as a mentor, a spiritual father, and as my supervisor in the work we did in the Tribunal. – Patricia Hutchison, T.O.Carm.
“When my daughter Emily suffered from a relapse of brain cancer a few years ago, Monsignor Olszyk took time out of his busy work schedule to join hands with me in prayer for the intercession of Father Capodanno. I will always remember that, and appreciate Monsignor Olszyk for his pastoral care in my time of need.” – Taylor Henry
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The Cost of Discipleship BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
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n July, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sent me to Kampala, Uganda for the fiftieth anniversary of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. Every Bishops’ Conference in Africa and Madagascar was represented by one or more bishops (depending on the size), priests, religious, and laity. The sessions were designed to produce a document, examine the history of the body, and explore new ways to make the Gospel come alive in this continent where the Church continues to grow. During the meals and breaks I spoke with different bishops. One of them told me about his small Church in a predominantly Moslem area. He surprised me by telling me that he tells his converts that they are the real heroes, because, it is against the law for a Moslem to be baptized into the Christian faith. He says to them: “If your baptism becomes known, I will only be deported and get on a plane, but you will be in prison!”
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO (THIRD FROM LEFT) WITH MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES OBSERVING THE CULTIVATION OF VANILLA DURING THEIR TRIP TO UGANDA.
The reflection made me think about how precious is faith in Jesus Christ and how easy it is to take for granted. We have had some difficult moments in the crusade to buttress our first and most valuable freedom of religion in this country, but no one here has yet been threatened with the choice between belief in Jesus Christ and incarceration. The conversation with this good bishop did, however, renew my prayer for those who suffer religious persecution and my commitment to ensure that the men and women in uniform, those served by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their families have the best access possible to the treasures of our Catholic faith. Seeing how some suffer to be faithful is an incentive to make certain that we offer all of the richness of the truth revealed by Jesus Christ to those whose pastoral care is entrusted to this global archdiocese. Knowing what a treasure we have received makes the thousands of miles and to date the 170 days away from Washington worthwhile. In fact, it makes a great incentive to do more. The Africa excursion also offered an opportunity to visit several projects sponsored by CRS in Uganda, including the cultivation of vanilla (see photo page 8). The trip ended with several days in Cameroun where there is longstanding tension between the French and English-speaking areas. The USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace wanted to offer the Bishops of Cameroun our support and solidarity as they seek ways to live in harmony. In early October, a national dialogue has been announced and we pray that it will produce lasting harmony.
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The Cost of Discipleship
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO (CENTER) WITH PARTICIPANTS IN THE INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE AT THE CAMEROUN BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE BUILDING
In addition to these trips and one to Rome for the USCCB, my usual travel schedule has allowed me many opportunities to confirm the faith of the men, women, and children entrusted to the pastoral care of the AMS. The last visit of the spring pastoral season was to Fort Drum where I had not been for several years. It was good to see that community and to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist with them, twice. In the second celebration, I confirmed those who had been prepared. The visit was short, but it is always a privilege to gather and to share the gift of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The Eternal City called me back to her splendor for two days in June. The visit was on behalf of the USCCB, but I did enjoy the opportunity to spend some time with old friends and privileged visits with a cosponsored seminarian and priest at the North American College. I never miss a chance to say a prayer in the seminary chapel where I was ordained both deacon and priest.
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On the last Sunday of June, I was at the Naval Academy for the first weekend of Plebe Summer. It is always so good to meet the new students, offer a word of encouragement, and then spend a bit of time with them at the Catholic Hour after the Mass. Of course, the men have been shorn like sheep and both men and women are in baggy uniforms. It is quite impressive to stand in front of a sea of white. One of the plebes was at the confirmation that I had in the Midwest right after Easter. It was good to see him again, even if I had to rely on his nametag to recognize who he was. The haircut and the uniform do change appearances. Elsewhere in this issue you have read about the funeral of our dear Monsignor Thomas Olszyk. The welcome in Milwaukee by the Archbishop, priests, and seminarians was extremely warm. The bell tolled again for the AMS when retired Auxiliary Bishop Francis X. Roque ended his earthly pilgrimage. I had been to Providence just before on the last Friday in August for a day of recollection for the Catholic school personnel in Warwick, Rhode Island. My agenda had me making my first visit to Franciscan University of Steubenville for a bishops’ conference on evangelization. However, duty and desire called me to participate in the perfect prayer for the repose of the soul of this valiant priest, chaplain, and bishop. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence where Francis Roque had been baptized and ordained a priest was the setting for his funeral on the very 66th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The Most Reverend Thomas Tobin, Bishop of Providence, celebrated the funeral Mass along with the Most Reverend Robert McManus, Bishop of Worcester and formerly a priest of Providence, and myself. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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The Cost of Discipleship
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FROM THE LEFT: STEPHEN HILBERT, INTERNATIONAL POLICY ADVISOR, USCCB; LUCAS KOACH, DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF INTNL PEACE & JUSTICE, USCCB; ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, ARCHBISHOP FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES; AND U.S. AMBASSADOR TO CAMEROUN, PETER HENRY BARLERIN
Some forty-five priests concelebrated. Religious women, family members, and friends gathered for the Mass. It was my honor to preach the homily. At this writing the priests’ convocations at San Diego, Washington, and San Antonio have been completed along with another marriage enrichment retreat held in San Angelo, Texas. Preparations are in place for the final convocation in Rome—after which there will be a meeting of military ordinaries from around the world. These lines began with a reflection about those who practice the faith undercover and continued with some reflections about the pastoral activities over the last few months. Perhaps it is good for us to reflect on the cost of discipleship and renew our commitment to preach the Gospel everywhere and all the time. V
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84th Annual National Convention for the Catholic War Veterans of america BY BISHOP JOSEPH L. COFFEY
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have just returned from San Antonio, in the great state of Texas after attending the 84th Annual National Convention for the Catholic War Veterans of America (11-18 August 2019) and it was a wonderful trip. Bishop Higgins told me how much I would enjoy meeting the men and women who attend this convention and he was right. As readers of the Salute know, Bishop Bill Muhm and I were recently ordained to be Auxiliary Bishops for the AMS. He has assumed the duties representing Archbishop Broglio in Europe and Asia and I will soon be the Vicar for our nation's VA Medical Centers, a role so ably performed by Bishop Higgins. With these new duties comes an additional title of Bishop Protector for the Catholic War Veterans (CWV). It is a new title that I accept with a tremendous amount of respect for our nation’s Catholic War Veterans. In preparing to attend my first Annual Convention for the CWV, I found out that Monsignor Edward Higgins, (no relation to our Bishop Richard Higgins) was a WWI veteran and founded the Catholic War Veterans of America on 19 May 1935 at Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, Queens, NY. I also found out that you did not have to have served in wartime to become a member. I had already joined the larger and more well-known service organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and now I have not only joined the Catholic War Veterans but have become their new Bishop Protector with the imminent retirement of Bishop Higgins. The Veterans I met, both men and women and the members of their auxiliary, were all faithful practicing Catholics who had served in our military and wanted to give something back and help other veterans without regard to their faith or religious practice. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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BISHOP MUHM (CENTER IN BLACK) WITH ILLINOIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD AND FATHER RYAN MCDANIEL (OFF THE LEFT SHOULDER OF BISHOP MUHM)
FOLLOWING
IN THE FOOTSTEPS
OF GIANTS BY BISHOP WILLIAM MUHM
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write these words from Poland. I am participating in the annual Polish Pilgrimage walk from Warsaw to Czestochowa to venerate the image of the Black Madonna. Among the 5,000 pilgrims making this 10day walk, the Polish Army has sponsored a contingent of about 500 soldiers from Poland, Germany, Lithuania, and Slovakia, as well as 15 soldiers and airmen from Illinois Air National Guard, led by their very capable chaplain, Father Ryan McDaniel (see photo). As we walk each day’s segment, I reflect on the many thousands of pilgrims who have walked this ancient path for centuries. I am literally following in the footsteps of spiritual giants.
On 1 June, I relieved Bishop Spencer as AMS Vicar for U.S. Catholics in Europe and Asia. He turned over to me the keys (photo bottom page 16) to a beautiful furnished apartment in Wiesbaden, Germany that will be my home away from home as I visit the various chapel communities in Europe and Asia, celebrate Mass, confirm our AMS Catholics, and shepherd our priest-chaplains. Bishop Spencer did outstanding ministry in the Europe and Asia Vicariate for nine years. He now begins a welldeserved assignment back home as AMS Vicar for the Eastern U.S. As I now carry the torch for AMS in Europe and Asia, I am following in the footsteps of a giant — Bishop Spencer. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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IN THE F
TSTEPS
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Monsignor Tom Olszyk, who is remembered in this issue of Salute, helped me tremendously when I was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy from 2009-2012. As you might know, our service academies host many weddings each year. A number of those weddings require expert canonical advice and/ or assistance. I cannot say how many (I suppose hundreds) of times I picked up the phone from Annapolis and called Monsignor Olszyk to ask his help with a wedding question or difficulty. Â He always answered on the first ring, listened to me patiently, and answered with precision, clarity, kindness, and humor. His wonderful ministry made a world of difference to me in a very busy and challenging assignment, and he ensured that hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps couples began their marriages in the right way. As I begin my own ministry at AMS, I remember him and reflect that I am following in the footsteps of a giant. Please keep Monsignor Olszyk and me in your prayers. God bless you! V BISHOP SPENCER (L) HANDING OFF THE WIESBADEN APARTMENT KEYS TO BISHOP MUHM (R).
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Catholic War Veterans
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At the convention I met members in gold caps who hold national offices in the organization, white caps, who are leaders at the state level, and blue caps, who belong to various posts all over our great country. As you would expect, they discussed old and new business, elected new officers, and ended the convention with a delicious banquet at the historic Hotel Menger located right next to The Alamo. Two highlights for me were attending the memorial service for the recently deceased members, and presenting the Saint Sebastian and Saint Agnes Medals for service at the closing Mass where I concelebrated with the Archbishop of San Antonio, Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller and Monsignor Edward Coyle, the National Chaplain and Reverend William McLaughlin, the Auxiliary National Chaplain. It really was wonderful to attend my first National Convention of the CWV and I look forward to next year's convention in Queens, NY where it all started in 1935. If you are a Catholic veteran, check the website (CWV.org) to locate a post near you and become a member.. V BISHOP COFFEY, BISHOP PROTECTOR FOR THE CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS OF AMERICA, PRESENTS A SERVICE AWARD AT THEIR ANNUAL CONVENTION IN SAN ANTONIO, TX.
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SUMMER ADVENTURES IN THE EASTERN VICARIATE BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
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wo major ministry adventures in July and August for the Eastern Vicariate were the 24th International World Scout Jamboree hosted in West Virginia, and the MCCW Southeast Regional Retreat in the great State of Tennessee. The World Scout Jamboree was sponsored by the North America Countries and hosted in the U.S.A., near Beckley, West Virginia. This event was only the second time in the history of Scouting that a World Jamboree was held in the U.S.A. The first time was in 1967, in Idaho, and I attended that awesome event as a young 15 year old scout. Attending the 2019 World Jamboree was just as exciting. There were 42,800 plus scouts and visitors registered for the 10-day event representing 111 Countries. We, the AMS family, had U.S. military scouts from Germany, Korea, and Japan, along with many scouts from our U.S. military chapels. There were 74 Catholic priests attending to the daily spiritual needs of our scouts. In the following photo, I am presenting a spiritual reflection to 24 priests from Italy. The main spiritual highlight of the Jamboree was the Sunday outdoor Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Pierre, an Eagle Scout in the French Scouting program, estimated that this Sunday field Mass was attended by over 7,000 scouts and visitors. I had the joy of concelebrating the Mass and distributing Holy Communion as pictured in the photo on page 18 which was captured by our AMS
BISHOP SPENCER (STANDING IN GRAY SHIRT) PRESENTING A SPIRITUAL REFLECTION TO 24 PRIESTS FROM ITALY. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
BISHOP SPENCER DISTRIBUTING HOLY COMMUNION AT THE WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE, WEST VIRGINIA
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SUMMER ADVENTURES
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Scout Chairman, Eagle Scout Ben Feril. A World Scout Jamboree is held every four years and the next location will be Seoul, South Korea. Why are these events of value and importance? Many of these scouts are the future leaders of their governments and churches. These scouts are usually among the most mature and goal-oriented of their generation. They may be the future Prime Ministers and government leaders of their countries and perhaps also leaders of their faith communities. Many will also become Catholic priests, brothers, and sisters. Another major event this past summer was the MCCW-Southeast Regional Retreat under the leadership of Nancy Waldron, the MCCW-SE Regional Coordinator. Special guest was Kim Miller, President of MCCW-World Wide. MCCW MEMBERS ATTENDING THE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL RETREAT.
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The retreat was conducted at the Bethany Dominican Retreat House of the Sisters of Saint Cecilia, in Dickson, TN. Theme of the retreat was “Connecting in Grace” and Sister Philip Marie Burle gave the keynote presentation. Mrs. Michelle Nash also joined us and gave an outstanding presentation titled “Invitations to Grace.” In addition to the celebration of the Eucharist and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the sacrament of reconciliation was also available along with an evening illuminated Rosary and procession. Father Peter Pomposello from Fort Campbell also participated in the weekend and shared biblical reflections with the group. The concluding challenge from the retreat was “Go in Grace to CONNECT, UNITE, and INSPIRE!” V
RIGHT SEATED - FATHER PETER POMPOSELLO SHARING BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS DURING THE RETREAT.
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significant percentage of military service members and their families receive orders and move to new assignments during the summer months. Many Catholic chaplains are also busy moving during the “summer rotation.” Therefore, I like to visit our Catholic priests that are engaged in specialty ministries, and this past August it was an honor for me to visit our zealous priests and share in the incredible work they do in that part of the Lord’s “vineyard” in Southern California.
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There is a large Catholic community of faith that worships in two chapels on the Marine Corps’ Base, Camp Pendleton, located in San Diego County. I visit the Catholic community and these chapels in the spring. This past August, however, I went to participate in the Catholicspecific ministry that takes place at three locations on Camp Pendleton. I visited the Edson Range Chapel, the School of Infantry (S.O.I.) training center, and the Brig.
FATHER REAN ENRIQUEZ (LEFT), BISHOP NEAL BUCKON (CENTER), FATHER JOHN GWUTZ (RIGHT), AND USMC TRAINEE VOLUNTEER SERVERS AT THE EDSON RANGE CHAPEL
Father Rean Enriquez, CHC, LCDR, USN, (Diocese of Nueva Segovia, Philippines) is the senior chaplain responsible for religious support operations for the Marines of the Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Edson Range. One of his duties is to coordinate the schedule of worship for all faith groups at the chapel. Father Jack Sewell, Ch, BGen, USAFR (ret.), is contracted to assist in the Catholic ministry that takes place at the chapel. Fathers Enriquez and Gwutz work together to
minister to the Catholic recruits sent to the range from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego to learn rifle marksmanship and Marine Corps Common Skills (MCCS). It was a joy for me to join them on a Sunday morning to celebrate Mass in the chapel filled with young-adult recruits. At the end of Mass, I prayed a special prayer for and gave a blessing to the recruits of the company that would undergo the notorious “Crucible” that CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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BISHOP NEAL BUCKON (CENTER), FATHER JACK SEWELL (RIGHT) AND MARINES AT THE USMC SCHOOL OF INFANTRY
week. The recruits were somber as they bowed their heads and asked God for the enduring strength they would need to accomplish the mission. Father Jack Sewell, Ch, BGen, USAFR (ret.), (Diocese of Orange) is the contract priest for Catholic-specific ministry at the S.O.I. We met for a late lunch on Sunday in San Clemente and then drove through the Christianitos Gate to arrive at Camp Pendleton’s S.O.I. field training site. Father Sewell explained that every Marine is an Infantryman, and newly minted Marines process through this school before they advance to technical training in their specific occupational field. Father went on to say that there are three
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Masses every weekend. The first is the Saturday Mass of anticipation at the S.O.I. chapel and then there are two on Sunday: the 1700 hrs. Mass at the field training site, and the 1900 hrs. Mass at the S.O.I. complex classroom. It was a privilege for me to hear confessions and to celebrate Mass for our Nation’s newest Marines. I especially enjoyed watching Father Sewell distribute rosaries, bibles, and holy cards of Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno. At the end of the last Mass those who were graduating from the S.O.I. were called forward for a blessing and presented with a religious coin that reminded them that “All things are possible with God.”
On a Saturday afternoon, I drove to the Brig at Camp Pendleton and Father John Gwutz met me in the parking lot and accompanied me as I signed into the confinement facility. A guard, who is a Marine, then escorted us through a series of locked doors and corridors to a room that had been prepared to serve as a chapel. Nine inmates wearing bright orange prison uniforms arrived and took their seats in front of the altar. During the Liturgy of the Word the inmates were very attentive; surely, they were wanting to hear the “Good News.” As I prayed the Eucharistic Prayer, I could not help but notice that some of the inmates had the weight of the world upon their shoulders. I asked God that He would let His love and grace be known to the men who had come to pray that day. At the end of Mass. I informed the inmates that I would be traveling to Rome for the Ad Limina Visit
and anticipated meeting Pope Francis on the 2nd of December. I asked the inmates if there was anything they wanted me to communicate to the Pope. An inmate replied, “Yes, bishop please ask the Holy Father to pray for us!” Hospital chaplaincy is another specialty ministry and I visited Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa) and the VA Medical Center in La Jolla during this time. Father John Bosco is contracted by the Navy for ministry to be performed Mon-Fri at Balboa Hospital. He is diligent in celebrating daily Mass, visiting Catholic inpatients, and offering pastoral care to the Catholic CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
L-R: FATHER JEFF BLANGIARDI, SJ, BISHOP NEAL BUCKON, AND FATHER BENJAMIN CHINNAPPAN
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health care providers and the hospital staff. The contract priest position for Tue-Thur, and SatSun remains to be filled; and Father Bosco limits his time with each patient in order to minister to all Catholic patients. The attendance at daily Mass and the pot-luck reception afterwards is a testimony to the appreciation for Father Bosco’s cheerful presence and effective ministry in one of the Navy’s premier hospitals. On the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I joined Fathers Jeff Blangiardi and Benjamin Chinnappan for a beautiful wellattended Mass in the Chapel of the VA Medical Center in La Jolla. VA chaplains are General Schedule (GS) priests. Like all of our medical center chaplains they participated in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in preparation for this specialized ministry. The Archdiocese for the Military Services endorses Catholic priests with CPE training for the 153 VA Medical Centers because we believe that our Country’s Veterans are entitled to the ministry from a priest prepared for this specialized ministry.
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My final visit was to the Navy Consolidated Brig at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar for the 0830 Mass on Sunday morning. This Brig houses inmates from all branches of the Armed Forces for up to 10 years. As I processed into the chapel for Mass, I recognized some of the inmates from visits in previous years. The one thing that has always impressed me about the celebration of Mass in this small prison chapel is the quality of the sacred music that enhances the celebration of the sacred liturgy. There is a contracted musician who plays the keyboard during Mass, but, the inmates cantor, play guitar, the percussion instruments, and help incarcerated joyous hearts give praise to their Creator! The inmates and the Brig’s Ministry Team are grateful to the Diocese of San Diego for recommending a recently retired priest, Father Lucas Thumma, to be endorsed by the Archdiocese for the Military Services and contracted by the Navy for this specialty ministry. V
in lieu OF
FLOWERS & GIFTS
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BY MARY LAVIN
n Honor Memorial Gift to the AMS can celebrate a life, an accomplishment, or a special event. Most Honor Memorial Gifts to the AMS are received in the form of a commemorative brick, the establishment of a named and endowed scholarship, or an online donation which provides for the name of the individual to be remembered and, if requested, a letter of notification sent to the family. In recent weeks, the AMS responded to two special requests for envelopes and supporting materials for donations to be received in lieu of flowers for a funeral, and in lieu of gifts for a wedding. The first request honored the wishes of an 89 year-old veteran of the United States Air Force who lived in Ohio and, who in days preceding his death, asked that the AMS be listed in his obituary to receive donations. The second request celebrated the marriage of a couple in Texas, whose wedding invitation asked that instead of gifts, that donations be made in support of the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program. “In lieu of � donations have becoming increasingly more common for most non-profit organizations. AMS Honor Memorial envelopes are available for those interested in having the AMS receive donations in lieu of flowers for a funeral, or gifts for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or retirement. The envelopes will ensure that gifts received are acknowledged appropriately, and if requested, the names and addresses of those who make gifts can be provided (not donation amounts). V For information about AMS Commemorative Bricks, go to www. milarch.org/bricks. To make an online Honorary Memorial Gift, go to www.milarch.org/donate. For information about establishing a named scholarship, or to receive AMS Honor Memorial envelopes, please contact Mary Lavin at mlavin@milarch.org or (440) 223-6482. Fall 2019
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Darren Balkey (ARCH)DIOCESE / RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Charlotte, NC ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Navy RANK: N/A COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary of the West (pursuing M.Div) Pontifical College Josephinum (B.Phil., 2018) Belmont Abbey College (B.A. Criminal Justice, 2014) HOBBIES: Triathlon, playing the trumpet, and anything outdoors. TEAM SPORTS: Cross Country/Track & Field
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Around 10 years old, especially when I began to serve at Mass. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? My childhood pastor, the monks of Belmont Abbey, priests of the Diocese of Charlotte, and my work experiences. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? Jn. 3:30 - “He must increase, but I must decrease.” These words of John the Baptist really communicate the call for every priest to point to Jesus (“Ecce Agnus Dei”), and the universal call for every Christian to be a “little Christ.”
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HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? Eucharistic Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. These reflections on the outpoured love of Jesus helped me go from intellectual knowledge to a heartfelt relationship. WHAT SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Eucharistic Adoration and Lectio Divina, a gem I encountered through interactions with many holy monks. WHAT SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? St. John the Baptist; St. Florian, a 3rd century military martyr; Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati; St. Giuseppe Moscati WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN? Between undergrad and seminary, I spent two years working in behavioral treatment and emergency medical services. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? The Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? Parents, especially those who strive to catechize their children. First responders, migrants, and mental health professionals. 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? A battle (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, ¶2725). Prayer is the eye of life’s hurricane, the oasis of the desert. I rely on prayer to steer my day and hold it together. V
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LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE
Historic Visit to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Miramar BY FATHER JUDE M. SERFINO, CONTRACT PRIEST AT MCAS, MIRAMAR.
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n 4 June 2019, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila, Philippines and the President of Caritas International made a very memorable and historic visit to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Miramar. Accompanying him were Fathers Jan Stefanow, SVD, the executive secretary of the Catholic Biblical Federation; Greg Gaston, rector of Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome; and Dr. Carmela Koon, the secretary of both institutions which are under the leadership of the visiting cardinal. The visit was made possible through the initiative of Command Chaplain Don Biadog, a long-time friend of Cardinal Tagle, and with the overwhelming support of the Holy Family Catholic Community of MCAS Chapel and its Pastoral Advisory Council chaired by Gene Beltran. This highly successful event, put together in just three weeks, was a collaborative endeavor of both the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) representatives of the Catholic community of MCAS and San Diego Diocese’s Filipino clergy, and lay leaders. His Eminence was received warmly by approximately 2,000 Catholic faithful from as far as Los Angeles and other neighboring cities in Southern California.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: DEACON NOEL RIVERA, FATHER JUDE SERFINO, FATHER JAN STEFANOW, FATHER WHARREN BANICO, FATHER CURT DWYER, FATHER REAN ENRIQUEZ, LUIS ANTONIO CARDINAL TAGLE, BISHOP JOSEPH COFFEY, FATHER HENRY HERNANDO, FATHER GUS OPALALIC (KNEELING) CHAPLAIN DON BIADOG, FATHER GREG GASTON
One of the highlights of Cardinal Tagle’s visit at MCAS was the Mass with the participation of approximately 600 Catholic faithful. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by seven priests including Bishop Joseph Coffey and active-duty chaplains Fathers Rean Enriquez and Curtiss Dwyer. Two deacons also assisted. During his homily, Cardinal Tagle underlined the importance of the missionary life of families, which for him is essential in the upbringing of their children in the faith. This should start in the home with parents acting as the first teachers whose primary goal is to “pass on” the faith to the next generation. He encouraged the promotion and support of Christian vocations especially to the priesthood. I believed that this was timely and relevant as the number of Catholic chaplains has drastically declined. With his experience as a seminary formator, as a bishop for several years in the Philippines, as a prolific preacher, sought-after speaker, and with his good sense of humor and deep wisdom, Cardinal Tagle captivated and inspired the congregation where 40 percent were active-duty and their families. After the Mass, some 300 people attended the luncheon at Good Shepherd Church and listened to Cardinal Tagle and the two guest priests impart their messages about missionary endeavors. The visit of His Eminence was truly memorable. Many remarked that it was well worth their time and were captivated by his homily and talk. Having some pictures taken with him added to their delight. V
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VOCATION Ten Catholic Priests Gather to Discern a
Within a Vocation
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en Catholic priests from various religious communities and dioceses throughout the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., the week of 24 – 28 June for a retreat aimed at helping them decide if they are called to serve as U.S. Military chaplains. The Archdiocese for the Military Services USA (AMS) held the retreat, called “For God and Country: a Call to Serve Those Who Serve,” as part of an ongoing effort to attract more priests for military service and thereby help relieve a chronic shortage. The ranks of Catholic chaplains are dwindling due to attrition: aging priests are reaching military retirement faster than they can be replaced. Currently, fewer than 200 priests are on active-duty, less than half the number serving at the time of 9/11. Of the ten who attended the five-day retreat in June, three are now in the process of going on active-duty, and at least two others have approached their bishops to release them for service as military chaplains. The prospect of their military service is
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BY TAYLOR HENRY
a return on the AMS’s investment in the retreat. The Archdiocese covered participants’ travel, lodging, and other expenses. It was the fifth retreat of its kind to be sponsored by the AMS since 2015. The four earlier retreats—held in October 2015, April 2016, October 2016, and June 2018—resulted in at least 11 priests joining the AMS following release by their bishops or religious superiors for service. Some are committed to serve on active-duty while others will serve in the Reserves or under contract with the Department of Defense. During the 2019 retreat, as in those held previously, AMS clergy, staff, and chaplain recruiters joined His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, in giving the priests a realistic picture of what it is like to be a military chaplain and how to become one. The AMS Chancellor, Father Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), said, “the For God and Country retreat offers priests a taste
MASS HELD AT THE EDWIN CARDINAL O’BRIEN PASTORAL CENTER DURING THE FOR GOD AND COUNTRY RETREAT 24 – 28 JUNE.
of the life and ministry of a military chaplain, and the opportunity to discern whether to become one.” Staying at the Catholic University of America in Northeast Washington, the priests gathered daily for prayer and the Eucharist. They visited Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, VA, Andrews Air Force Base, MD, and Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. In those real-life settings, they mingled with military officers, enlisted personnel, and other chaplains. The highlight of the gathering came on Thursday in the Pentagon Memorial Chapel at the 9/11 crash site, where the priests concelebrated Mass. The retreat concluded after Morning Prayer on Friday.
The next “For God and Country” retreat is tentatively set for 22 – 26 June 2020. Priests are welcome to submit applications. To qualify for consideration: the priest must have completed or neared completion of three years of ordained ministry; the priest must have reasonable good health; be a citizen or must be a Permanent Resident; priests with only a Visa will not be considered; preference will be given to those priests who can enter active-duty before their 42nd birthday. V For more information, contact Father Cannon: Chancellor@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600. Fall 2019
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BY CASSANDRA (CASEY) BUSTAMANTE
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n aspect of military life which remains constant is moving from location to location, whether that is a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), deployment, or temporary training. Often these moves do not leave much room for choice on the part of the service member. The PCS can leave a service member and his or her family searching for meaning amidst a disappointing change. Perhaps they are even hopeful for a change in pace and work environment. Given that much of the decision-making rests with one’s military chain of command and the larger institution, how does one find a way to serve God’s will where it appears that the will to follow the Lord is taken from one’s own capacity?
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This question among many others exemplified the questions and conversations that made up this year’s Military Young Adult Retreat which took place at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, CA (outside of Los Angeles) 31 May – 2 June 2019. The theme of the retreat was “Discernment: Finding God’s Voice in Everyday Life.” Thirty service members and spouses from around the Archdiocese took part in this three-day retreat. Several retreatants commented that it was their first retreat since going on retreat during high school while preparing for the sacrament of confirmation. The retreat participants came from many backgrounds. Represented among the retreatants were Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and a Coastguardsman. They came from several U.S. military installations including Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA; Creech AFB, NV; Gowen Field, ID; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA; Luke AFB, AZ, U.S. Coast Guard Station Valdez, AK; Marine Corps CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
RETREATANTS PARTICIPATING IN THE DAILY ROSARY PROCESSION LED BY THE CARMELITE SISTERS OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF LOS ANGELES.
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RETREAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
BISHOP JOSEPH COFFEY TAKES A QUESTION FROM COAST GUARDSWOMAN, SEAMAN HANNAH SCHRAMKE, FROM STATION VALDEZ, AK. (PHOTO CREDIT: JESSICA FAIRFIELD)
Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, HI; Kings Bay, GA; Naval Base San Diego, CA; and Naval Station Everett, WA. The chapel communities from some of these installations were able to support the retreatants with travel. The retreat master was Air Force Chaplain, Father Brian Klingele, who is currently stationed at Creech AFB, NV. He gave a series of four conferences which covered various aspects of discernment in 1) Daily Life, 2) Relating to Others: Virtues and Relationship, 3) God’s Call: A Vocation Within a Vocation, and 4) Discernment within the Military and Sent on Mission. The retreatants not only had a chance to discern their vocation in life or reaffirm their vocational call, but they also prayed and reflected on the movements of their hearts. The retreat was a spiritually enriching experience for all. What seemed to be the most fruitful was the interaction among all the retreatants. Since everyone came from different locations, it was crucial to have the opportunity to share what one’s experience of military life was like in their respective situations. The retreatants shared similar struggles of striving to live lives as Catholics in the military, but they left renewed by the encouragement of knowing they are not alone and the hope that God is at work even through the experiences of daily life. V
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The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
Pathway of Honor Show your support for service members, veterans, chaplains, military families, and all who have served or continue to serve by reserving a commemorative brick today. Your brick will join hundreds of others lining the pathways of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C.
It is a great Christmas gift!
A suggested donation of $150 will ensure that your loved one’s brick will be placed on the
Pathway of Honor.
To order a brick please visit
www.milarch.org/tour-of-duty-brick-campaign You can donate online or print a donation form.
Please contact the Advancement Office, (202)719-3622 or support@milarch.org if you have any questions.
Fall 2019
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CHRISTUS VIVIT: ACCOMPANYING YOUNG PEOPLE
BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D.
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he post-synodal apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive) was released on 2 April 2019. The document calls on young people, ages 16-29, to pursue a life of holiness and to grow in their commitment to their vocation. This exhortation culminates a twoyear process that was inspired by reflections from young people through consultations among episcopal conferences, Catholic organizations, and a worldwide online survey. There was also a pre-synod meeting with young adults in March 2018 and the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that engaged young people, which met in Rome, October 2018 on the theme, ‘Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.’ The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomed this teaching from the Holy Father as fruit of the synodal journey. “This exhortation is a wonderful summons to the whole Church to more vigorously invest in youth and young adults, especially those on the peripheries, and those who are disconnected from the Church,” (USCCB statement, 2 April 2019.) The nine chapters of the exhortation begin by highlighting key scriptural references about young people and their encounter with the Lord. These insights frame the recognition in chapter three that young people are the “now” of God. This is more than saying that young people are the future of the world. “They are its present; even now, they are helping to enrich it… Yet the times are changing leading us to ask: What are today’s young people really like? What is going on in their lives?”, (Christus Vivit, no. 64.) CONTINUED ON PAGE 40
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CHRISTUS VIVIT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39
The Holy Father calls for the entire community to be involved in evangelizing young people and proposes an urgent requirement that young people take on a greater role in pastoral outreach. Catholic communities of faith need to listen to young people in order to accompany them effectively. The juxtaposition of prayerful silence to listen to God and pastoral action in order to explore and discern gifts are weaved throughout this exhortation. Advocacy toward presence with young people rather than programs for them is sorely needed in Church settings that tend to offer pre-planned agendas. People of all ages ought to read Christus Vivit and gather together to listen to insights from young people. In this way the faithful will be reminded that Christ lives within each person. The ninth chapter proposes questions for discernment, reminding readers that our gifts are meant to be shared with others wherever we are. There is much more to contemplate in the remaining chapters. Pope Francis’s Christus Vivit may be ordered from the USCCB at http://store.usccb. org/christ-is-alive-p/7-628.htm, it may also be read online on the Vatican website, http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html.
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DISCERNMENT QUESTIONS FOUND AT THE END OF CHAPTER NINE, CHRISTUS VIVIT:
• Do I know myself, quite apart from my illusions and emotions? • Do I know what brings me joy or sorrow in my heart? • What are my strengths and weaknesses?
THESE QUESTIONS IMMEDIATELY GIVE RISE TO OTHERS: • How can I serve people better and prove most helpful to our world and to the Church? • What is my real place in this world? • What can I offer society?
EVEN MORE REALISTIC QUESTIONS FOLLOW:
• Do I have the abilities needed to offer this kind of service? • Could I develop those abilities? -Christus Vivit, no. 285 These questions should be centered less on ourselves and our own inclinations, but on others, so that our discernment leads us to see our life in relation to their lives. That is why I would remind you of the most important question of all. “So often in life, we waste time asking ourselves; ‘Who am I?’ You can keep asking “Who am I?’ for the rest of your lives. But the real question is: ‘For Whom am I?’” Of course, you are for God. But He has decided that you should also be for others, and He has given you many qualities, inclinations, gifts, and charisms that are not for you, but to share with those around you. -Christus Vivit, no. 286. V Fall 2019
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From Spain to Joint Base Lewis McChord: Father Pedro Jimenez’s Unique Path to the Air Force Chaplaincy BY ELIZABETH TOMLIN, GENERAL COUNSEL
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n the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and surrounded by friends, Father Pedro Jimenez Barros was commissioned into the Air Force Reserves on 16 August, at Joint Base Lewis McChord’s Main Post Chapel. AMS priest, Father Edgar Villanueva, CH, MAJ, USA administered the oath of office to the new Chaplain Candidate. At the ceremony, Father Pedro described his commissioning to serve as an Air Force Chaplain as a “dream come true.” Meanwhile Father Edgar joked that there was still time for Father Pedro to join him in the Army!
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FATHER EDGAR VILLANUEVA, CH, MAJ, USA, ADMINISTERING THE OATH OF OFFICE TO FATHER PEDRO JIMENEZ
Father Pedro’s path to the military chaplaincy is unique and began nearly a decade ago. Father Pedro is Spanish, hailing from Sevilla. He was ordained in the Archdiocese of Sevilla in 2006. In 2008, while serving at San Francisco de Asis parish in Morón de La Frontera, which is about an hour from Sevilla, he took a part-time position serving the AMS at Morón Air Base. Over time, and through his position with the Morón Catholic community, Father Pedro discerned a “call within a call” to serve as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain. With the permission of his Archbishop in Sevilla, and the AMS, Father Pedro began the process of applying for his “special immigrant religious worker” visa, which is an immigration visa that allows ministers, such as Catholic priests, to come to the United States as lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and eventually naturalize to become U.S. citizens. The immigration process took over two years, but Father Pedro finally
obtained his green card in March 2018 and joined the staff at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center for several months before taking his first stateside assignment as a contract priest at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington (JBLM). Father Pedro is esteemed by the JBLM Catholic community. He celebrates Mass daily, administers the sacraments, and provides pastoral care to the JBLM Catholic community. He also celebrates Mass daily and ministers at the JBLM detention facility. As with all military officers, Father Pedro has to be a U.S. citizen to serve on active-duty. So he looks forward to his naturalization soon. Father Pedro will head to Maxwell Air Force Base for chaplain school in the coming months, but the JBLM community will be happy to welcome him back, because his first assignment in the Air Force will be as Ch. Pedro Jimenez Barros, Capt, USAF, at JBLM. Bienvenidos, Padre Pedro, y que Díos le bendiga. V Fall 2019
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SFal2019
44 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA