Mass Under the BIG TOP

MASS

under the

BIG TOPBY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

“Field 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 (Active- duty, 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 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