FALL 2021
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15:13 Fall 2021
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Dear Friends of the Archdiocese, Fall is in the air. The leaves are changing colors and falling, and in Washington, the temperatures are dropping, as well. It is a beautiful season during which the liturgy of the Church invites us to consider the last things and the goal of our earthly pilgrimage: the Kingdom of God. The tragic deaths that accompanied the final days of US military presence in Afghanistan are a stark reminder of the danger faced by those who raise their right hands to defend the Constitution. We will never cease praying and caring for them and offering our heartfelt condolences for those left behind. This autumn is also a time of preparation during the diocesan phase of the Synod of Bishops on synodality itself. Our community of faith is ever attentive to the opportunities that the Lord offers us for growth, deeper understanding, and new ways to teach the lasting truths of faith. In this issue of Salute, the Auxiliary Bishops and I tell you about our most recent pastoral activities, others talk about archdiocesan events and initiatives, and you will be introduced briefly to the latest chaplain proposed for veneration on the altars. It has been a joy to conduct in-person the first convocations of the year. Unfortunately, restrictions imposed by the various VA Medical Centers have obliged the cancellation of the convocation planned for Catholic VA chaplains. Of course, the uncertainties provoked by the pandemic continue, but the archdiocese still perseveres in her pastoral care of those entrusted to her. It may be under restrictions, and we may have to take some steps backward in order to advance, but the care of the men and women in uniform, the hospitalized Veterans, and the students in the military academies will not be hindered. Enjoy the following pages of Salute. May the Lord fill your hearts with His presence and give you serenity in these ever challenging days. We continue to support one another in prayer.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop
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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA
VOLUME 15 NUMBER 3 FALL 2021
TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 Slowly But Surely A Regular Routine Returns Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 10 Archbishop Broglio Comments on Violent End of America’s Longest War Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 12 Mass Under the BIG TOP Bishop F. Richard Spencer 14 Summer Travels Bishop Neal J. Buckon 18 Queen of Families and Queen of Peace Bishop Bill Muhm 21 VA Travels Bishop Joseph L. Coffey 24 Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Taylor Henry 30 Archdiocese Bids Farewell to Monsignor John J.M. Foster, J.C.D. Taylor Henry 36 The Harvest Continues Meet Deacon Peter Ludwig 42 Tips for a Young Military Catholic Longing for Community Tomás Aguilar COVER: FATHER DANIEL J. SWARTZ, CHC, LT, USN, GIVES THE FINAL COMMENDATION TO 13 FALLEN U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS ABOARD A C-17 TRANSPORT PLANE AT HAMID KARZAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, 27 AUGUST 2021. FATHER SWARTZ (PRIEST OF THE DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS, OHIO) SERVES WITH THE ENDORSEMENT AND FACULTIES FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA. – U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO.
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 2021
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 2021
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - JohnFall15:13 2021 |
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SLOWLY BUT SURELY A REGULAR ROUTINE RETURNS BY ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
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rom the relative calm that the pandemic restrictions imposed upon the usual hyperactive travel schedule of the Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, things are moving toward a regular pattern. That is a source of consolation. Consequently, as I write, three of the four biennial convocations have been celebrated in San Diego, Washington, D.C., and San Antonio. The opportunity to meet with the chaplains and priests, hear some of their concerns, and talk about the importance of evangelization has been precious. The gatherings have been well-attended.
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO GATHERED WITH AMS PRIEST-CHAPLAINS AFTER MASS AT THE SAN ANTONIO CONVOCATION.
Dr. Mark Moitoza and José Amaya put together an excellent presentation about reaching out to those for whom this archdiocese was erected: young people between the ages of 18 and 39. The notion is not to exclude anyone but to look for ways to tell this large group of the AMS population about Jesus Christ and His message of salvation for all. It is not enough to continue to do the comfortable. Like the Lord, we must reach out to those on the margins and invite them to meet the Savior. The presentations have been well-received, and the conversations have been rich. Of course, we also had the opportunity to pray together, to talk about some canonical issues concerning the membership of the AMS, and to offer an update about the staff of the AMS. As I mentioned in the last issue of Salute, my calendar has been filled with the ordinations of some of the AMS co-sponsored seminarians. The last two were particularly significant, especially because they completed continued on page 6 Fall 2021
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the 2021 cycle. Father Madison Hayes was ordained a priest in Anchorage, Alaska on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau rejoiced in this new priest, and the participation of so many certainly encouraged him. The hospitality was spectacular. Even the Bishop of Fairbanks descended and prepared salmon for the guests! The second ordination was to the diaconate. The Reverend Mr. Brad Easterbrooks was ordained at the Altar of the Chair in the Basilica of St. Peter by Wilton Cardinal Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington. It was wonderful to participate in this joyful moment with 20 new deacons, the community of the North American College, and the friends and family of the ordinands. Of course, I do not need much encouragement to travel to the Eternal City, where I spent 19 years of my life. However, the Roman days were quite warm and hardly long enough to see all the old friends. The Naval Academy at Annapolis launched a Holy Year of the Eucharist, and I was privileged to open the year with a well-attended solemn Mass. The initiative is well-inscribed in the pastoral theme of the USCCB for the 20212024 period: “Created Anew by the Body and Blood of Christ: Source of Our Healing and Hope.” We all hope that the community at the Academy will take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this significant time of grace. Sadly, a few seminary classmates ended their earthly pilgrimage this year. One of them, Monsignor Paul Langsfeld was a priest of Washington, D.C. It was a grace to celebrate the vigil Mass for him (as is the custom of the Archdiocese of Washington) and to concelebrate his funeral Mass. It was also a grace to be with Bishop Buckon at the funeral Mass for his mother on 2 September. May they rest in peace. On a much happier note, the AMS welcomed some thirty Co-Sponsored Seminarians to Washington over the Labor Day weekend. These enthusiastic young men met their new Vocation Director, Father Matthew Gray, the new Vicar General, Monsignor Jeffrey Laible, and of course the seminarians who are new to the program. Once again, the Knights of Columbus ensured an excellent welcome and fed all of us on Saturday at midday. No one went hungry. The Catholic community at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling welcomed us at Sunday Mass
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY BROGLIO SPEAKS TO CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS AND PROSPECTIVE CATHOLIC U.S. MILITARY CHAPLAINS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ON 4 SEPTEMBER, 2021.
and also ensured an abundant Sunday brunch. Food for the soul was coupled with food for the body. Hope surges at the thought of the future ministry of these fine young men. The Young Adult Catholic Advisory Board has continued its virtual meetings to surface concerns and strengths among these members of the Catholic faith community in the military. I must admit that meetings beginning at 8 p.m. (Washington time) are a bit of a challenge, but the discussion and interchange are always enriching. We would have used this technology whether or not the pandemic had occurred because board members are spread throughout the Archdiocese! continued on page 8
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Another challenging moment was the closing of the Catholic community at Naval Station San Diego (32nd Street). In an attempt to use resources to meet the needs of sailors who do not often frequent the chapel, the U.S. Navy wants to concentrate its resources on a deck-plate ministry from Monday to Friday. While it is certain that the AMS was erected to meet the needs of the active-duty military and their families, it would still be helpful to be able to make available Sunday services because the celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics. Certainly, the parishes in the Diocese of San Diego will welcome those who used to attend Mass at the 32nd Street Chapel, and I am grateful for that pastoral attention. If indeed the argument is that the civilian community can provide for the religious needs of the base community, should we not expect stores, medical facilities, golf courses, theaters, and the like to close in the near future? There was one amusing note to my visit to San Diego to celebrate the final Sunday Masses in the chapel. The date was coordinated with the installation, the Navy region, and the Chief of Chaplains Office. However, arriving at the gate on Sunday morning, the guard informed Father Britanico that his identification did not allow him to bring a guest on base! In the end, all was resolved, but after traveling several thousand miles, I thought that it would have been somewhat disconcerting not to be able to access the chapel! The faithful who filled the chapel for the two final Sunday Masses were respectful but very sad to lose their community. Even though masked, they made both their welcome and their sorrow evident. Most of the faithful thanked me for coming. As members of the Body of Christ, we do share the joys and sorrows of the community of faith. I began the month of October by participating in the oft-postponed marriage enrichment retreat due to being held in Atlanta. These have been grace-filled moments to celebrate the beauty of marriage, to offer couples an opportunity to fortify and renew the gifts received when they gave each other this sacrament, and finally, one more opportunity for Chief Shepherd and a portion of the flock to gather together.
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ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY BROGLIO WITH PARTICIPANTS IN THE MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT ON 3 OCTOBER 2021, IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA.
The interchanges at this gathering were very rich. The couples evaluated the time together very positively. I enjoyed chatting with the participants and discovered that I had confirmed all four children of one couple! At the Atlanta airport, I ran into a sailor who stopped me and reminded me that we had been together at Mass at the Naval Station in Rota last April. I was glad that he stopped me to talk. Another gentleman later in the evening recognized me, as well. They are altering my conception that I can be fairly anonymous wherever I find myself! The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is looking forward to its first in-person meeting since November 2019. It will be good to gather once again in Baltimore. It will also be a very good opportunity to meet the many new bishops appointed over the last almost two years. Travel is increasing, and something akin to “normal” is emerging once again. We must still be cautious, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. As a people of hope, we should rejoice in each small step forward. V Fall 2021
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Archbishop Broglio Comments on Violent End of America’s Longest War
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n 27 August as flags flew at halfstaff over the Edwin Cardinal O'Brien Pastoral Center in honor of the 13 U.S. Military members killed outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), issued the following statement:
“Receiving the news about the tragic loss of Marines and a Corpsman in Afghanistan while in San Diego for the first AMS convocation of 2021, I immediately joined the assembled priests to pray for the repose of their souls and the consolation of their families. Together we beg the Prince of Peace for a time of dialogue and a profound respect for the priceless value of human life.” On 17 August, His Excellency commented on the Taliban takeover: “The fall of Afghanistan and the departure of its elected leaders are a cause for concern, because of the possible denial of human rights, particularly for women and girls. My two visits to the country confirmed my impression regarding the sacrifices, even including death, made by many members of the Armed Forces and civilians striving to bring stability and peace to the people there. At the moment, however, we can only pray for the Afghani people, support any humanitarian efforts that are in place there (especially through Catholic Relief Services), and give voice to local leadership on all sides. The human dignity of this people must be respected. “Naturally, I am particularly concerned about those in the U.S. Armed Forces who continue to defend refugees and assets in the country. We pray that there will be no violence and a peaceful departure for all of those desiring to leave.” V
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Father Daniel J. Swartz, CHC, LT, USN, is here pictured with Afghan refugee children at the Kabul airport. Father Swartz accompanied the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines to Afghanistan for the evacuations, and was present there on Thursday, 26 August, when a suicide bomb killed 11 U.S. Marines, a U.S. Navy Corpsman, and a U.S. Army soldier along with dozens of Afghans. Father Swartz, upon his arrival in Afghanistan and seeing fellow U.S. service personnel helping Afghan refugees evacuate their homeland said, “Never have I seen such valiant sacrifice in the midst of so much desperation and suffering.” But, he added, “This was ultimately answered by evil and death on the day of the attack at Abbey Gate. It was as if the Crucifixion was being reenacted before my eyes.”—U.S. Marine Corps Photo
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MASS under the
BIG TOP
BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
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ield Masses in Tents” (Big Tops) are very common in our military communities, especially during deployments and outdoor training events. These were my experiences these past summer months as I visited and celebrated Masses “Under the Big Top” during the multiple ROTC annual Cadet summer camps at Fort Knox, Kentucky, with the participation of over 5000 cadets. I also experienced the joy of participating in the yearly Active-Duty for Training (ADT) events at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, which engaged over 47,000 men and women in uniform from multicomponent services (Activeduty, Army and Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard). The love and reverence for the Eucharist stood out among these future ROTC military leaders during their summer camps. There was a field march event of 21 miles in each training cycle. The participants carried a 35-pound
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backpack, started at 0300 (and each time, it was raining) and ended at the “Big Top” tent where I celebrated a 0700 Mass. More than 150 to 170 cadets enthusiastically attended the Masses. Granted, after only a few hours of sleep and after completing the 21-mile road march, some of the cadets struggled to stay awake, but yet they welcomed the opportunity to pray and participate at Mass. They had a choice to remove their wet uniforms and boots and head for bed or attend Mass. So, naturally, many decided to participate in the Mass. During my August visit to Fort McCoy, the summer Army Training (AT) training cycles were at full capacity. Primarily serving the training needs of Reservists and Guardsmen, the Fort was busy with over 2,000 active-duty troops preparing to receive up to 7,000 Afghan military and civilians fleeing from their native country for safety and new beginnings.
AUXILIARY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER VISITS SIXTH REGIMENT CADETS DURING THEIR FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE AT FORT KNOX, KY.
There is no doubt in my mind and heart that most of tomorrow’s military priest-chaplains are in our midst today and wearing our military uniforms. Obviously, they genuinely love the Eucharist as they wait to be invited and encouraged to examine their vocation in the Catholic Church. We must all be the eyes and the mouthpiece to discover and invite these SOULdiers to attend one of the Vocations Discernment
Retreats this coming year. We all stand indebted to our benefactors, who enable these discernment retreats to take place without cost to these young soldiers. But there is more that must be done. We must become the active voice of the Lord and invite! Please do not be shy. The next opportunity you have, encourage a soldier, a sailor, or an airman (and the list goes on as the young men in all branches of our Armed Forces wait for an encouraging word from you.) V
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Summer Travels BY BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
MCCW LEADERSHIP DURING IN-PERSON MEETING IN TAMPA. FRONT ROW: L-R MADELINE STOCKMAN, ELEANOR GENTILINI, ERIN VELASCO, KIM MILLER, BISHOP NEAL BUCKON, ALY TUGAOEN, REBECCA LOCKHART, MUFFY PATTERSON BACK ROW: L-R JOAN LAPORE, DENISE HUMMEL, JAMIE SIMPSON-SMITH, PATTI RAMOS, PAULA MOYER, BERNADETTE KOVALSICK, KRISTEN FOSS.
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t the beginning of summer, I journeyed to Tampa, FL, to join the reconstituted Executive Board of the Military Council of Catholic Women (MCCW) Worldwide. Mrs. Kim Miller, the President, discerned to remain in office, as did Mrs. Aly Tugaoen, the board member responsible for planning the biennial Forum. They met with 12 other board members primarily to discuss new business and prepare for the next Forum in Tampa during the Octave of Easter, 21-24 April 2022. The celebration of Mass at beautiful Sacred Heart Church and dining at the classic Columbian Restaurant in historic Ybor City were excursions the Board enjoyed from the Hilton Hotel in Tampa’s banking district, the Forum’s site. CH (COL) Eric Albertson, USA, is assigned to a Command
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located on MacDill AFB. He accepted the invitation to serve as the Spiritual Moderator for the MCCW Worldwide. You can read more about the organization’s activities on their website: www.mccw.org Mr. Roger Meehan invited me to dine with Father Felix J. Penna, Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Assembly #80. I drove to the Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant in Hacienda Heights east of the city of Los Angeles for a fine dinner attended by the Most Reverend David G. O’Connell, the Episcopal Vicar of the San Gabriel Pastoral Region. The Assembly presented me with a check for the AMS’ Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, and I presented them with the “Armed with the Faith” DVD from the Knights of Columbus. The film inspires a greater appreciation for military chaplains and highlights the commitment of Knights in the military to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. I am a life member of the Catholic War Veterans (CWV), so I traveled to Queens, New York, to attend the 86th National CWV Convention. National Commander David Crum and I spoke of establishing a Post in the San Diego area. During the Convention, Leo P. Mount and I drove into Manhattan to visit the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Leo and I are life-long friends, and we remembered with 3D vivid clarity the terrible terrorist attacks on 9/11. I was with Bishop F. Richard Spencer and Bishop Bill Muhm on 9/11; we attended the AMS Convocation for priests in Washington, D.C. Two weeks later, I was in Riyadh serving as the ARCENT (U.S. Army Central) – Saudi Arabian Chaplain. I consider myself blessed to have visited the National 9/11 Memorial during the 20th Anniversary. Along with countless visitors, we walked about the beautifully designed grounds in a solemn reverential frame of mind. We must remain firm in our purpose to defend our Country while always striving for peace and unity among all peoples. Next Stop: Albuquerque. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) held their 50th Convention in New Mexico. I enjoyed meeting Guardsmen, listening to the keynote speakers, continued on page 16 Fall 2021
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Summer Travels
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and speaking to the vendors in the Exhibition Hall. Many vendors were universities with online studies. Mr. Keith Purnell, Director of Military Aligned Student Support and Recruitment, represented Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. He explained how Father Conrad Targonski, OFM, initiated this program for veterans after he retired as a chaplain (Captain) from the United States Navy and arrived at Viterbo to serve as the University’s Chaplain for campus ministry. EANGUS is committed to keeping the 54 NG/ANG’s fit, trained, equipped, disciplined, and competent. Several commented on how hard it is to find Catholic priests to serve as chaplains in the National Guard. Fort Chadbourne hosted its annual “Evening With A Hero” on the Old Forts Trail in West Texas, featuring Clinton Romesha. Mr. Romesha was awarded the Medal of Honor on 11 February 2013 for his actions as a staff sergeant / platoon leader during the Battle of Kamesh on 3 October 2009. Fort Chadbourne is situated between Goodfellow AFB and Dyess AFB. The active-duty contingent from the bases proudly wore their uniforms. I sat with MG Patrick H. Brady, USA-ret and a Medal of Honor recipient, and Air Force officers and their spouses. The food was delectable, and the company was convivial. Clint was the guest speaker, and two things stood out. First, he said that 32 of the 34 Afghan National Soldiers laid down their weapons and walked away when the shooting first started. Second, he concluded by saying that the fraternal love shared among the 54 members allowed the platoon to remain intact and, after painful losses, fight back to reclaim the base and win the day. I spoke with Clint during his book signing after dinner. I told him that I had read his book, Red Platoon, and appreciated both his book and message that evening. I also shared with him that I had been an Infantry rifle platoon leader and a weapons platoon leader before I saw the light and became a co-sponsored seminarian and a chaplain. We are blessed to have great Americans like Garland and Lana Richards, Ann Pate, and other members of the Fort Chadbourne Foundation host a prestigious annual event. This
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event allows the citizens of our great nation to meet our military heroes and listen to stories of service and sacrifice that deserved to be heard. I then drove up the road to visit the Catholic faithful at Dyess AFB. One month of summer remains as I send this article forward for publication. I plan to attend another AMS Convocation here in sunny San Diego. It starts tomorrow! Next weekend I begin my pastoral visits when I visit Fairchild AFB in the vicinity of Spokane, Washington. Father Rory Pitstick is an Air National Guard chaplain, and as the contract priest, he will host my visit and present the candidates for confirmation and first Holy Communion. More travels await this pilgrim. Hopefully, the summer allowed you to enjoy travel and recreation. May you remain grounded in the faith, nourished in God’s love, and looking forward to the future in hope. V
BISHOP BUCKON AND MR. CLINTON ROMESHA.
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QUEEN OF FAMILIES AND QUEEN OF PEACE BY BISHOP BILL MUHM
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n the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we invoke her under many titles, including Queen of Families and Queen of Peace. Military life involves two significant hardships: family separation and armed conflict. Our Lady is the mother of those who endure family separation (Queen of Families) and those who go into danger to maintain the peace (Queen of Peace). In early August, AMS Catholics gathered for Vacation Bible School at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. The children and adult leaders were all under the motherly care of Our Lady Queen of Families and Queen of Peace. Chaplain Peter Fischer and Father Brendan Mbagwu led this big effort to pull together the largest gathering of the Kadena Catholic community
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CH, CAPT, BRENDAN MBAGWU, USAF WITH CHILDREN ATTENDING CATHOLIC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA IN AUGUST 2021.
present at one time since the Covid crisis began in early 2020. One simple but very important part of their week involved praying the “Hail Mary.” When her beloved children called upon her by name, Our Lady watched over them in a place far from home and family. On 15 August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I celebrated Mass on the other side of the globe from Okinawa, at three locations within U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany. After each Mass on this beautiful day honoring Our Lady, some of the faithful gathered with me around the statue of Our Lady to pray the fourth decade of the Rosary (the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven). continued on page 20 Fall 2021
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QUEEN OF FAMILIES
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BISHOP BILL MUHM AND MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY AT PATCH BARRACKS STUTTGART, GERMANY, PRAY THE 4TH GLORIOUS MYSTERY OF THE ROSARY (ASSUMPTION OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY) AFTER MASS SUNDAY 15 AUGUST 2021.
During the rest of the Fall, under Our Lady’s motherly care, I visited AMS Catholic communities in Mons and Brussels, Belgium; Brunssum, Netherlands; Grafenwöhr, Ramstein, Ansbach, Hohenfels, and Wiesbaden, Germany; Ankara and Incirlik, Turkey; Sigonella, Vicenza, Aviano and Naples, Italy; and Moron and Rota, Spain. I also represented AMS at the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary. Our Lady, Queen of Families and Queen of Peace, pray for our AMS Catholics stationed all over the globe! Thanks to our readers for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V
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VA TRAVELS BY BISHOP JOSEPH COFFEY
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ne of the great joys of being the Vicar for Veterans Affairs for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is the opportunity to make pastoral visits to the wonderful Catholic priests who work as chaplains in our Nation’s VAMC’s (Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers). On a recent trip, I visited our priests in San Diego and San Francisco, CA; Albuquerque, NM; St. Cloud and Minneapolis,
MN; and Tomah, WI. At the VA Medical Center in San Francisco, I celebrated Mass with Father Paulinus Iwuji and Father Alejandro De Jesus, the Chief Chaplain for that Medical Center. He is also the president of the National Conference of Veterans Affairs Catholic Chaplains, which the VA priest-chaplains are happy to join. The members help each other take the necessary steps to continued on page 22
ABOVE: CATHOLIC VOLUNTEERS AT THE MINNEAPOLIS VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (L-R): JEANNE ZELLMER, MARY FOLTA, BROTHER JOHN MARY KASPARI F.B.P., BISHOP JOSEPH COFFEY, BROTHER JAMES VOELLER, F.B.P., FATHER DAMIEN SCHILL, CHERYL HEINZ, AND DR. PAUL DICKINSON.
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become Board Certified chaplains and obtain the units of Clinical Pastoral Education required by the VA. After Mass and lunch in the VA canteen, we continued planning the annual convention of the National Conference of Veteran’s Affairs Catholic Chaplains (NCVACC). Unfortunately, restrictions imposed by the various VA Medical Centers obliged the cancellation of the convocation. After visiting Fathers Ivan Torres and Francis Bijoy at the VAMC in Albuquerque, NM, I made a delightful side trip to Santa Fe, NM. I saw the miraculous staircase of the Chapel of Loretto. If you have not heard of it, it is worth a “Google”. In 1880, the Sisters needed a staircase from their chapel to the choir loft. So they made a nine-day Novena to my patron, St. Joseph. On the ninth day, a mysterious carpenter showed up and said he could help the Sisters. He made a beautiful spiral staircase out of wood and left without payment. Modern-day mechanical and structural engineers will admit they
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have no idea how it stands because there is no center beam to support the weight. However, it does seem possible that St. Joseph or someone he sent built it for the Sisters. I then had great visits to see Father Doug Mullin, O.S.B., in St. Cloud, MN, Father Brian Plate in Tomah, WI, and Father Damien Schill hosted me in Minneapolis, MN. At
(L-R) FATHER PAULINUS IWUJI, FATHER ALEJANDRO DE JESUS, AND BISHOP JOSEPH COFFEY OUTSIDE THE VAMC SAN FRANCISCO, CA.
the VAMC in Minneapolis, we had 37 people at daily Mass: patients, staff, and volunteers. Given these long months of the pandemic, it is good to recognize
all our VA chaplains for their extraordinary care of veterans, their family members, and staff. Well done, Bravo Zulu to all of our dedicated VA priest-chaplains. V
BISHOP COFFEY DISTRIBUTING HOLY COMMUNION TO A VETERAN.
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going above and beyond the call of duty Father Guy M. Kagere, Ch, Capt, USAF, Delivers Supplies to Orphans in Niger
BY TAYLOR HENRY
FATHER GUY KAGERE, CH, CAPT, USAF, DISTRIBUTES DONATED SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO CHILDREN AT AN ORPHANAGE IN AGADEZ CITY, NIGER ON 5 MAY 2021.
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.S. Military chaplains often go above and beyond the call of duty. Take, for example, Father Guy M. Kagere, Ch, Capt, USAF, assigned to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, TX, now on deployment to Nigerien Air Base 201 in Agadez in the Republic of Niger. When Father Kagere (pronounced “KAY’-guh-ruh) is not providing pastoral care to Airmen with the 409th Expeditionary Group of the 435th Expeditionary Wing, he delivers school supplies to local orphans and leads an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) Discussion Club for Nigerien college students and members of the Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN)— the Nigerien Armed Forces.
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The U.S Military’s stated mission in Niger is to train, advise, and assist the West African nation’s military and gather intelligence in the fight against Islamic terrorists operating in the region, particularly to the north in Mali and to the south in Nigeria. Niger is among dozens of countries where small forces of U.S. servicemen—Navy SEALS, Delta Force soldiers, Green Berets, and others—have deployed over the past two decades in support of the War on Terror with sometimes deadly consequences. In October 2017, for instance, four U.S. Army Special Operations soldiers were fatally ambushed by jihadists in the Nigerien desert, where sectarian extremism is fueled by poverty. “Niger ranks among the poorest countries on our planet,” Father Kagere says. “Our humanitarian outreach goes a long way.” The outreach is meant to demonstrate the commitment of American servicemen and women to maintaining a bond with local partners and the region at large. Under his command’s priorities, Father Kagere explains, “we get to build a strong, privileged partnership with the host nation. Gaining trust and positive relations with the host nation that the U.S. Military support is key.” Niger has other connections with the AMS. Archbishop Broglio was the Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to Niger from 1983 to 1987 and visited Niamey again in 2019. Father Kagere, 45, is a stranger neither to Africa nor armed conflict. He grew up in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. He completed seminary formation before becoming a U.S. citizen and joining the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain. He was ordained a priest in the Solwezi Diocese of Zambia, about 2,500 miles southeast of Niger. On 10 July, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa published a website article about Chaplain Kagere’s humanitarian work. The article was accompanied by photos showing the priest in plain clothes interacting with children at an orphanage in Agadez City. He distributes donated bags, pens, pencils, and journals, many provided by U.S. Military personnel, to support the children’s education. “I am the sole chaplain deployed to Niger,” Father Kagere says. Referring to the Air Force article, he recalls running “a donation drive on base, among fellow deployed military members.” The children weren’t the only ones to receive blessings through Father Kagere’s works of charity. Father Kagere continued on page 26 Fall 2021
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says he is blessed by the inspiration he draws from helping children in need. They bring him “joy and happiness despite having so little. The children are satisfied with what they have.” His acts of goodwill don’t stop at Agadez City. On 3 August, Father Kagere organized a humanitarian trip to Saint Vincent de Paul Orphanage run by the Archdiocese of Niamey. He distributed donations collected from fellow deployed military members at Nigerien Air Base 101. The donations included 140 pounds of clothes, shoes, toys and a gift of $300 for purchase of rice, cooking oil, flour, and sugar.
Ordained on 7 July 2003, Father Kagere joined the U.S. Air Force in December of 2016. Prior to his assignment at Goodfellow AFB, he served at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. He has been deployed to Niger since 15 April 2021. Father Kagere serves with faculties and endorsement from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. V
FATHER GUY KAGERE TEACHES ENGLISH TO NIGERIENS IN NIGER WHILE DEPLOYED WITH THE 409TH EXPEDITIONARY GROUP OF THE 435TH EXPEDITIONARY WING OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE.
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Discernment Retreats Resume After COVID-19 Hiatus BY TAYLOR HENRY
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n late June, for the first time in more than a year, a group of young men gathered for a Discernment Retreat to determine if the Holy Spirit might be calling them to be Catholic priests and U.S. Military chaplains. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) typically holds two such retreats annually—one on either side of the country—but had to cancel the fall 2020 retreat due to the COVID-19 shutdown. The AMS Vocations Office sponsored the 24-27 June retreat at Theological College in Washington, D.C., the national seminary of the Catholic University of America. A dozen men participated, including some currently on active-duty. They included three serving in the Army, two in the Marine Corps, one in the Navy, two in the Air Force, and five civilians. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio took part in the four days of prayer, reflection, and talks along with former Vocations Director Father Aidan Logan, and active-duty chaplain recruiters including Father Adam continued on page 28 Fall 2021
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Discernment Retreats
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ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO WITH BROTHER PRIESTS AND PROSPECTIVE U.S. MILITARY CHAPLAINS AT A DISCERNMENT RETREAT IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON 25 JUNE 2021.
Muda, CH (CPT), USA; Father Daniel Fullerton, CHC, LCDR, USN; and Father Robbie Deka, Ch, Capt, USAF. In addition, Father Michael Isenberg, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Arlington, VA, gave a special presentation. Transitional co-sponsored Deacon Peter St. George also lent his support.
The resumption of regularly scheduled Discernment Retreats marks a welcome step forward for the AMS, working diligently to help the military overcome a desperate shortage of Catholic priests on active-duty. The shortage results from a nationwide scarcity of priests and attrition: aging chaplains retiring faster than they can be replaced.
Oddly enough, church studies show the AMS itself happens to be the largest single source of U.S. priestly vocations. According to an annual Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood by the Center of Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), 5% of new U.S. priests ordained in 2021 once served in the Armed Forces, and 11% come from military families.
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So, the Vocations Office is busily engaging active-duty service members experiencing a call to priesthood, inviting more to attend one of the semi-
RETREAT PARTICIPANTS AND U.S. MILITARY CHAPLAINS TAKE PART IN MASS DURING A DISCERNMENT RETREAT IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON 25 JUNE 2021.
annual discernment retreats. Gradually, this outreach is yielding a bountiful harvest. An ever-increasing number of young men answering “yes” to God’s call through the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program (CSP). CSP is a partnership established between the AMS, cooperating U.S. dioceses and religious communities in the 1980s to encourage military service commitments from priesthood candidates. CSP enrollment has grown from seven in 2008 to an all-time high of 47 before the pandemic, resulting in more than 20 new ordinations this year alone. In addition, a second discernment retreat was held 21 - 24 October at Mount St. Mary’s of the West Seminary in Cincinnati, OH. Young men interested in the priesthood and thoughts of being a priest-chaplain, see Vocations ad on page 45 or contact the AMS Vocations Office at vocations@ milarch.org or (202) 719-3600. Meanwhile, the AMS is struggling to meet rising costs for seminarian tuition and living expenses, projected at nearly five million dollars alone over the next five years. The AMS receives no funding from the United States military or the U.S. government and gratefully welcomes donations at: www.milarch.org/donate. V Fall 2021
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Archdiocese Bids Farewell to Monsignor John J.M. Foster, J.C.D. BY TAYLOR HENRY
MONSIGNOR FOSTER (RIGHT) WITH FATHER CURTISS DWYER, CHC, LT, USN, ABOARD THE USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON 12 MAY 2014.
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his past summer, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) bade a fond farewell to the Reverend Monsignor John J.M. Foster, J.C.D. As Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia from 2013 to 2021, Monsignor Foster ran day-to-day operations of the AMS, reporting directly to Archbishop Timothy
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P. Broglio. In July, Monsignor Foster was called back to his home diocese of Stockton, CA, to become pastor of the Cathedral of the Annunciation. He is succeeded at the AMS by the Reverend Monsignor Jeffrey G. Laible. Ordained a priest in 1991, Monsignor Foster is a canon lawyer,
a former assistant professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America, and a past president of the Canon Law Society of America. By his own admission, he was an unlikely candidate for the role of Vicar General (VG) at the AMS. “While I had briefly considered military chaplaincy very early in my priesthood,” he says, “I never dreamed of one day serving as Archbishop Broglio’s Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. I am grateful to Archbishop Broglio for appointing me his VG. I count it a privilege to have ministered to those who serve.” The AMS counts his eight years of ministry as a blessing. Among his many contributions, Monsignor Foster provided steady guidance to priests on matters of liturgy, process, and protocols. He compiled the Archdiocese’s lengthy quinquennial report in preparation for the Archbishop’s December 2019 ad limina visit with Pope Francis and the Roman Curia. He led AMS staff and clergy on a wide range of collaborative initiatives: They ranged from record growth in the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, the ordination of dozens of prospective new chaplains and two
auxiliary bishops, the launching of a new religious instruction curriculum for Catholic U.S. Military families, four sets of biennial convocations for chaplains and other AMS priests, six Warriors-to-Lourdes pilgrimages, the startup of an award-winning electronic newsletter and podcast, three special national collections including the launch of the very first in 2013, seven annual benefits yielding millions of dollars in desperatelyneeded revenue, not to mention management and coordination of various staff changes and upgrades in information technology (IT). “The majority of my days,” Monsignor Foster recalls, “were spent working with the staff of consummate professionals at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center as they sought to support the ministry provided by AMS priests to the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese. Their dedication to the mission of the AMS is a joy to behold. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to work with and learn from them.” Never desk-bound, Monsignor Foster was frequently seen on his regular rounds of AMS offices, continued on page 32 Fall 2021
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Foster Farewell to Monsignor
always supporting the staff and their work. In May 2014, he even rode in a Grumman C-2 Greyhound aircraft from San Diego to the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the Pacific, paying an overnight pastoral visit to the ship’s Catholic chaplain and sailors as they carried out exercises and naval maneuvers. His new assignment in Stockton is an obvious adjustment. “As Pastor of the Cathedral of the Annunciation, my ministry is now focused more on direct pastoral care of the
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Catholic faithful in the parish. While administration certainly consumes a good bit of time, especially in the beginning as I learn how things are done (or not), my days are filled with visiting the school, meeting with couples preparing for marriage, or with families burying a loved one. While the territory of the Cathedral parish is but a minuscule fraction of that of the AMS, I find it easy to fill every waking hour of the day.” While no less busy, Monsignor Foster says he will miss “serving those who serve,” and those who serve those who serve. “I will miss working with Archbishop Broglio. I learned so much from him about administration and pastoral care at the diocesan level. I will also miss the day-to-day interactions with the Archdiocesan staff and AMS priests.” The AMS, meanwhile, remains in Monsignor Foster’s prayers. “I ask God’s continued blessing upon the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. I pray that more priests hear God’s call to serve U.S. military personnel and their families and patients in the VA Medical Centers.” V
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. A suggested donation of $150 will ensure that the brick you order, in memory of your loved one, will be placed in the “Pathway of Honor”. To dedicate a brick, visit
https://www.milarch.org/bricks/
You can donate online or print a donation form.
If you have any questions, please contact the Advancement Office at: (202) 719-3622 or support@milarch.org
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Archbishop Broglio Welcomes Decision to Advance Cause of Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur BY TAYLOR HENRY
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he U.S. Catholic bishops in June voted in favor of opening the Cause for the Canonization of the late World War II hero Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur. Once again he will serve others this time, not as a chaplain of the U.S. Army Air Corps, but as an example to be imitated. Father Lafleur died in September 1944 off the coast of the Philippines, sacrificing his life on a torpedoed Japanese “hell ship” to push fellow American Prisoners of War through an open hatch in the hold to safety. He is credited with saving at least 83 men by helping them get out of the burning, sinking ship, which had been mistakenly targeted by a U.S. Navy submarine. It was not Father Lafleur’s first act of heroism. Years earlier, on 8 December 1941, when the Japanese attacked Clark Field in the Philippines the day after Pearl Harbor, Father Lafleur distinguished himself dodging bullets and shrapnel to aid the wounded and anoint the dying. His valor earned the priest from south central Louisiana, whom Archbishop Timothy Broglio calls a “model shepherd,” two Distinguished Service Crosses and two Purple Hearts, among other military honors. Father Lafleur’s home Diocese of Lafayette, LA, formally opened his Cause for Canonization in September 2020. At their virtual spring Plenary Assembly on 17 June, the U.S. bishops agreed it is “opportune” to advance the Cause. The action is an ecclesial prerequisite to the first of three stages in the canonization process: the bishops’ approval is essential to commence formal investigations into whether a person meets all of the criteria established for inscribing his or her name in the “canon” or official list of saints of the Church. Obviously, there are many more saints than those listed in the “canon”. That is one reason why we celebrate All Saints Day.
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The procedure determines if the candidate, or “Servant of God,” meets those criteria. The first question to be asked is does the life of the candidate serve as an example for others to follow? In this case, does Father Lafleur exhibit virtues that others can imitate? Evidence is gathered to determine if the candidate is a martyr or exhibited a life filled with heroic virtue or surrendered his life for others. The evidence gathered forms the “Positio”. If the Theological Commission of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints recognizes the validity of the information collected, the candidate is “Venerable”. The second step, once a miracle has been proven, is the beatification. The final step or canonization requires that, through his intercession, a second miracle has been granted. Father Lafleur now stands on the threshold of that process, decades after it appears that he lived out the meaning of Christ’s teaching in John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Archbishop Broglio welcomed his brother bishops’ decision to advance Father Lafleur’s Cause. “I am delighted that the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana has begun the Cause for the Canonization of Father J. Verbis Lafleur,” Archbishop Broglio said. “In addition to being a chaplain who led and cared for his fellow prisoners of war, he was a priest who exemplified priestly virtue from the moment of his ordination.” Born in 1912 in Ville Platte, LA, Father Lafleur was ordained in 1938, barely three years before the U.S. entered the Second World War. “Being ordained in the depression,” Archbishop Broglio said, “he willingly pawned his watch to buy baseball equipment for the youth to play. He is a model of a shepherd with ‘the smell of his sheep,’” alluding to Pope Francis’ exhortation for pastoral caregivers to stay close to their flock. “Even though he died more than 75 years ago,” Archbishop Broglio said, “he is an excellent example for priests today. I hope that the process will go quickly and we will see him raised to the dignity of the altars soon.” Once the diocesan process has been completed by the Diocese of Lafayette, the Positio mentioned above will be presented to the Holy See’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints for examination and eventual evaluation by the cardinals and bishops who are members of the same. To report favors granted or miracles manifested through the intercession of Father Lafleur, visit: https://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.com/contact-us-about-fr-lafleur.html or call (337) 948-7700. V Fall 2021
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THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Deacon Peter Ludwig (ARCH)DIOCESE/RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY: Lansing, MI. ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Navy COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES) ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): St. John Vianney College Seminary (Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN). The Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy. HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: Seton Home Study HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, and sports. TEAM SPORTS: Baseball, football, and hockey.
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? I started thinking seriously about the priesthood during my sophomore year of high school. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Prayer, small groups, and the Eucharist were three very important parts of my discernment. Prayer helped me grow deeper in my relationship with God, it opened my heart to God’s voice and will. Small groups helped me grow in chastity and provided the support I needed to make bold decisions in following the Lord. The Eucharist fulfilled Christ’s promise that He would be with me always. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? People are usually surprised to meet a seminarian who loves hunting and fishing.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? My favorite Scripture passage is 1 Cor. 15:19: “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied.” I love this verse because it helps me hold on to the anchor of hope provided by the Resurrection. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I came to know Jesus Christ personally through prayer. Growing up in a charismatic community helped me avoid the trap of turning Jesus into an idea instead of a person. WHAT SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? I find tremendous joy in serving others. My high school youth group provided many opportunities for service in leadership and on mission trips. My relationship with Christ grew tremendously through retreats—some silent and some charismatic! WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? I am currently reading Miracles Do Happen by Sister Briege McKenna. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? My favorite spiritual book so far is He Leadeth Me by Father Walter Ciszek. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? I admire my parents for their openness to life and for their many sacrifices in raising 11 children. I also admire any Christian who is brave enough to preach the Truth in kindness and love. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? I would compare my prayer life to faithfulness in any relationship. In life, there are moments of joy and sadness, victory, and failure. In prayer, I share these life moments with the Lord. Silence is essential to hearing God clearly. Sharing my life and listening in silence comprises the bulk of my prayer times. Adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication are also very important parts of prayer. V
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The Mission Continues BY MARY LAVIN
“Military chaplains have been there for my entire family in the best and worst of times. I am so grateful for their service, compassion, and example. They drop anything and everything to answer the call at any time. They have been wonderful counselors, confessors, and friends. As a commanding officer who relied greatly on the chaplains corps for the well-being of not just my own family, but my crews & their families, I am deeply indebted to the AMS.” -CAPT Paul Flynn, USCG (Ret)
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he AMS mission, “Serving Those Who Serve,” and its goals of preaching the Gospel, having enough ministers to do so, and having enough funds for both, are transparent and continue to generate a strong spirit of generosity for which the Archdiocese remains grateful. In the last year, just a few of the programs and services made possible as a result of gifts received include: An increased number of pastoral visits to military installations by Archbishop Broglio and Auxiliary Bishops Spencer, Buckon, Muhm and Coffey. Pastoral visits provide that much needed personal presence for military leaders, service members, veterans, and their families, for which travel costs are a significant expense. Twelve men attended the first Annual Discernment Retreat in over a year organized by the Office for Vocations. There are currently 38 co-sponsored seminarians studying in 19 seminaries from 32 (arch) dioceses and one congregation. A record number of ordinations for a given year took place in 2021 – ten ordinations to the priesthood and eight to the transitional diaconate. Three co-sponsored priests began active-duty ministry this year, with more to follow - three in 2022, and eight in 2023. Several virtual high-tech opportunities were implemented by the Office of Evangelization, including a virtual Lenten retreat for Catholic leaders, and monthly Young Adult Ministry webinars to prepare for the re-scheduled Young Adult Ministry Symposium now planned for January 2022. A coordinator for Young Adult Missionary Outreach will also soon be hired. The first in-person catechetical leader training was held in more than a year, and Lay Leader training resources and Forming Disciples for continued on page 40 LEFT: THE AMS COAT OF ARMS LAPEL PIN IS DISPLAYED ON THE HAT OF LTC DOUGLAS C. ELY, USA (RETIRED).
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The Mission...
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the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide were reviewed and are being revised.
The AMS continued to upgrade its information technology infrastructure to manage communications while maintaining and enhancing relationships with AMS faithful, clergy, active-duty and retired military chaplains, co-sponsored seminarians, and benefactors. It has been a significant and necessary investment, both financially and in terms of the commitment of staff time. Once completed, the enhancements will provide improved service to all AMS constituents, and security for all AMS records will be maximized.
Catholic Military Life, the official podcast of the AMS, continued to feature bi-monthly conversations with chaplains and others involved with pastoral care. New this year, sponsorships are available for each podcast. Please email mlavin@milarch.org or call (440) 2236482 for more information. The list goes on as will the AMS mission. And, yes, donations help make it possible to maintain and to expand the aforementioned programs. For ways to give, visit www.milarch.org/ways-to-support. For the most current AMS updates, visit www.milarch.org/category/ news-and-events. To listen to past or future recordings of Catholic Military Life, visit www.milarch.org/podcast. If you have a personal AMS story you would like to share, or photos of the mission in action, please email them to MyAMSStory @milarch.org. V
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Save the Date
Young Adult Ministry Symposium
20-23 January 2022 Washington, D.C. Purpose: To renew the spirit of pastoral care provided by the AMS to young adults For more information, contact Ms. Casey Lee at youngadultministry@milarch.org
All events are subject to change based on governmental mandates.
Disheartened with the direction of today’s society? Feel like more can be done for our military, our veterans, and their families? The Catholic War Veterans of the USA and Auxiliary advocate for and support all veterans, their families, and our communities through fellowship, charitable activities, and veteran services. Come experience the Catholic War Veterans & Auxiliary – help us to make a difference NOW!
Membership is open to all US Active-Duty, veterans and their family members. For information on joining or starting a Post in your Parish or at your duty station: Web – cwv.org Email – admin@cwv.org Call – 703-549-3622 Fall 2021
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PHOTO FROM THE PILGRIMAGE FROM CAMP KINSER TO CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA. L TO R: 1LT SALVADOR PEREZ, USMC: 1LT TOMÁS AGUILAR, USMC; AND 1LT REMINGTON HOYER, USAF.
Tips for a Young Military Catholic Longing for Community BY 1LT TOMÁS AGUILAR
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he life of a Catholic in the military can feel isolated and somewhat lonely. Our peers at our unit or in the barracks may or may not be believers, but they are the friends we are issued. We pick up and move every few years and have to start all over again at a new chapel or parish to find some sort of community. I am a 25-year-old Catholic Marine officer who spent six months in Virginia, three months in North Carolina, and 2.5 years in Okinawa, Japan, before being stationed just north of Jacksonville, Florida. Most of the time, I felt like a visitor at the parishes I’d frequent – a stranger in a strange land. Partially because I knew I’d be moving on relatively soon
and partially because I just didn’t know how to create a community out of thin air. When I arrived on Okinawa, I knew I would be there for a few years, and I needed to figure out a way to fulfill the desire I had for intentional and virtuous community. The Holy Spirit moved in so many ways while I was in Oki, and below are five tips from my experiences there that I pray can help you find community among those around you! Make Friends with Chaps. Your friendly neighborhood Catholic chaplain (Chaps) can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to finding community. He’s a person who is made for community just like you; so, ask if he has time to grab coffee or lunch one day and get to know him. (Priests are very busy guys, so don’t be offended if they don’t have time right away. Just a quick conversation after Mass can get the ball rolling). He tends to know many of the Catholics in the area and may know if there’s another person your age you may get along with or if there’s a young adult group that meets weekly. If you’re interested in starting your own young adult group, the Chaps is one of the most important folks to know. Chat. For a long time, when I’d see someone my age at Mass I
would think, “Wow, another young Catholic guy/gal at Mass by himself just like me!” Then I would walk out to my car and drive home wishing I was part of a vibrant young catholic adult community. I had the expectation that a community would just fall into my lap one day, and it can feel extremely awkward to walk up to someone after Mass and just strike up a conversation. Introducing yourself to someone can be just the opening that the Holy Spirit needs to create something wonderful. After a
BARRACKS’ ALTAR SETUP FOR THE SERVICE OF THE LIGHT ON HOLY SATURDAY.
few exchanges of “Hey man, good to see ya, have a good week,” you may have unwittingly found a friend to hang out with and maybe even gather together for a Bible study. Food and Fellowship. The promise of food can be a great way to get folks continued on page 44 Fall 2021
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together to read and discuss some scripture! I was blessed to have the space to invite people to my house in Okinawa every Thursday night for dinner and Lectio Divina. We’d eat dinner then read through the scripture discussing the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. If all you have is a phone, a barracks room, and Dominos, you’ve got yourself a Bible study. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website or the Laudate App has awesome resources to find the Mass readings. The Holy Spirit can move so powerfully if you invite Him into seemingly routine events like a weeknight dinner. (Plus, you can invite any new friends you meet at Mass!) Be Creative. There are endless situations you can find yourself in as a young Catholic in the military: onboard a ship for six months with no sacraments available, forward deployed to a foreign nation, or assigned to a base in the middle of the desert. No matter where you find yourself, there is a way to bring other Catholics around you together. Whether it’s a nightly decade of the rosary on the mess
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decks, a weekly Bible study in your hooch, or a monthly hike to one of the surrounding mountain peaks, the Lord will bless your efforts in time. Especially with the seemingly random and ever-changing COVID restrictions—creativity is a must. One of my best friends and I participated in an Easter Vigil in my barracks room last year, and it was one of the most memorable Liturgy of the Word services I’ve ever experienced. Pray. Your relationship with Christ remains infinitely more important than your relationship with other people. If all of your efforts to seek out or create community in your area aren’t bearing fruit yet, I encourage you to spend more time developing your interior and personal prayer life. This may be an opportunity for you to gain intimacy with Jesus Christ, the Savior of the Universe, without the “distractions” that a community brings. On the flip side, if you have started or joined a community of believers, your prayer life also remains most important. Spend time with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist as much as you possibly can, and you will see so much fruit in your community.
I pray these tips bear fruit in your lives as young Catholics in the military. An overarching theme of all these tips is that if you give God full control of all aspects of your life, you will receive what you
need; “Do not worry about your life…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6: 25 and 33). V
If you think God may be calling you to the Military Chaplaincy, whether you serve on Active-Duty, National Guard, Reserve, or are a Civilian, we invite you to join us. You will have the opportunity for discernment, Q&A, inspiring talks by Military Chaplains, and time to pray. WHO: Single men aged 18-29 WHAT: AMS Military Chaplaincy Discernment Retreat WHERE & WHEN: Spring Discernment Retreat Menlo Park, CA 31 March - 3 April 2022 WHY: To discern the possibility of the heroic calling of Military Chaplaincy as a Catholic Priest HOW: Contact the AMS Vocation Office at Vocations@milarch.org or scan the QR Code here to visit our website for more information.
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An Apostolate of Accompaniment
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BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D.
ver the past few years, the Church has been advocating for a renewed apostolate of accompaniment. During the recent Convocation for Priests, the Office of Evangelization presented keynotes encouraging spiritual accompaniment. A good starting point for the faithful is found in the 2019 book, The Art of Accompaniment: Theological, Spiritual, and Practical Elements of Building a More Relational Church, written by Colleen Campbell and Thomas Carani and published by The Catholic Apostolate Center in Washington, D.C., a ministry of the Pallottine Fathers. The following questions offer a good starting point for all military Catholic faith communities: What is leading people in your community toward holiness? What is leading people in your community toward growth in holiness? What is leading people in your community toward communion? An apostolate of accompaniment begins to help answer these vital inquiries through intergenerational mentoring. Witnesses are essential to the process of spiritual accompaniment because "modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses" (Evangelii Nuntianidi, no. 41). Young adults in the military recognize commanders and first sergeants that go to Church, take time for exercise, spend time with family, and treat others well. Such witnesses are needed because accompaniment through mentoring helps the accompanied and the accompanier grow in holiness. Young adults seek mentors whom they can trust. The relationship of accompaniment reflects Jesus' invitation of friendship to each of God's people. Spiritual accompaniment is akin to walking side-by-side towards Christ. There is a mutual discovery, not just a mentor imparting facts. Accompaniment is realized through time spent in dialogue, time spent in silence, and time dedicated to prayer. Accompaniment moves from a ministry focusing on programs and processes to focus on people and relationships to make missionary disciples. An
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apostolate of accompaniment strengthens a bond with the Church. This bond allows the person accompanied to identify more intimately with the community of faith and inspires them to share personally in the mission of the Church. The apostolate of accompaniment is not a role for the few ordained or specially commissioned lay ministers; it is the responsibility and the call of all the baptized. The book mentioned above and its accompanying discussion guide offer helpful reflections for Catholic faith communities and pastoral councils to enable a shift toward forming the faithful to be good mentors. So who is the Lord calling you to accompany over the next few months? The book cited above may be read online for free or ordered directly from the Catholic Apostolate Center: www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/art-of-accompaniment
When seeking a mentor to accompany others spiritually, the Church is seeking someone who is an active participant in their formation and in the cultivation of additional qualities that properly dispose them to walk patiently with another towards the Person of Christ (The Art of Accompaniment, 28). Those qualities include: “A faithful Christian, who engages with the Church and the world, someone who constantly seeks holiness is a confidant without judgment, actively listens to the needs of young people and responds in kind, deeply loving and self-aware, acknowledges their limits, and know the joys and sorrows of the spiritual journey.” (The Art of Accompaniment, 29-35)
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48 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOMD PERMIT #1169
– Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
“The tragic deaths that accompanied the final days of US military presence in Afghanistan are a stark reminder of the danger faced by those who raise their right hands to defend the Constitution. We will never cease praying and caring for them and offering our heartfelt condolences for those left behind.”
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA
