Salute - Fall 2023

FALL 2023

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA

2023 Priests Convocations Address Moral Injury See article page 26

Fall 2023

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Dear Friends,

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ust before sitting down to write this letter, I was in Cleveland and stepped out of the Sacred Heart of Jesus rectory to walk over to the church for Sunday Mass. The cooler temperature told me very effectively that fall was near. Soon, the leaves will make their colorful statement about the change of seasons.

To say that summer was busier than usual would be an understatement, but you will be able to determine that for yourselves as you page through this issue of Salute.

There is an abundance of news here at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center. Monsignor Anthony Frontiero has taken over the reins as the new Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. His smiling face lights up the halls of this building and has welcomed the priests who serve the military to the convocations. Also, new chaplains and new cosponsored seminarians assure the ministry and sustain hope for the future.

You will hear about the activities of the Auxiliary Bishops, learn about AMS participation in some global events, and appreciate my balancing act as I fulfill my dual roles as Archbishop for the Military Services and President of the USCCB. You will also meet yet another co-sponsored seminarian, Reverend Mr. Matthew Kurt.

Certainly, our prayers continue for an end to the aggression in Ukraine, for the victims of fires, storms, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. We also pray for those who respond in challenging situations.

Enjoy the following pages of this issue. I pray that Almighty God might grant you good health and serenity in the days of autumn and beyond. Thank you for your continued interest in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. 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 17 NUMBER 3 FALL 2023

TA B L E o f C O N T E N T S 4 10 12 16 18 26 34 42 46

You Have to Press the Grape to Make the Wine Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio Spiritual Pillars During Summer Military Training Events Bishop F. Richard Spencer The Golden Chalice of Cathedral Latin School Bishop Neal J. Buckon Rise Up! Bishop Bill Muhm Serving the Church, the Military, and Our Beloved Veterans.

Bishop Joseph Coffey Moral Injury - Explored in 2023 Chaplain Convocations Taylor Henry American Heritage Girls Eucharistic Revival Patch Sherry Ohotnicky Archbishop Broglio Celebrates Annual Mass for Father Vincent Capodanno, M.M. Taylor Henry The Harvest Continues Reverend Mr. Matthew Kurt

COVER: LightField Studios Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo on moral injury image

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 2023

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 2023

2023 Priests Convocations Address Moral Injury See article page 26

Fall 2023

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YOU HAVE TO TO MAKE WINE

By Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

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eople who know me well know that I am not a great fan of grapes. I believe that they should be crushed, fermented, and aged!

Returning from the meeting of military bishops in Vienna where great wine abounded, it was about time to mark the 247th anniversary of the Nation’s Declaration of Independence. While traditionally the Archdiocese does not have a specific observance of Independence Day, several of the priests who live at the Pastoral Center were in Washington.

Consequently, we gathered with other priests in the D.C. area who are associated with the AMS. Local talent provided an excellent meal and a convivial atmosphere, which concluded with magnificent fireworks displays in various parts of the city.

The roof of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center offered a great vantage point from which to enjoy the splendid displays.

Later that week, I took advantage of an invitation to address the First

Friday Club of Cleveland to make a visit to my home town. They asked me to speak about both the AMS and the mission of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Forty-five minutes were allotted for continued on next page

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio addressing the First Friday Club in Cleveland, OH. Fall 2023

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the talk followed by fifteen minutes of questions. It was not an easy task to cram so much into a time frame, but the audience was very kind.

Mid-July actually found me fulfilling some duties as the President of the USCCB. I met the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, some Catholic White House staff members, and the House Majority Leader. The requests had been some time before, but they all came together in a twoweek period.

These visits fell at the same time as celebrations related to the Black Catholic Congress and the AfricanAmerican Eucharistic Congress. The lively celebrations of the Eucharist,

the talks, and the interaction with representatives from Washington and elsewhere made the days quite pleasant. It was a joy to participate in these important celebrations.

On several Sundays in July I went out to hear confessions at the Naval Academy for the plebes and those encouraging them in their adjustment to a new experience. The close-cropped men made them look almost alike. The normal experience of going off to college is compounded by the military training and structure.

It was good to celebrate Mass for them on one of the Sundays.

The Napa Institute offered a delightful occasion to celebrate the

Bishop Bill Muhm (standing left center ) and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio (standing right center) with World Youth Day pilgrims.

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faith, enjoy some visits to vineyards, and see friends. Of course, the flights to and from the West Coast are long.

In fact, I discovered that Lisbon is not much farther away!

My shortened sojourn at World Youth Day in Lisbon was still pleasant, and a wonderful occasion to celebrate the faith with young people and to invite them to grow in their relationship with Christ. The enthusiasm of the crowds gathered was contagious. My assignment was to an urban parish where I talked about the mercy of God. Friday, in fact, was dedicated to the sacrament of penance. The church was filled and the young men and women and priests from the Diocese of Fort WayneSouth Bend organized the morning and the Eucharistic celebration very well.

Bishop Muhm was also there and together we welcomed some 70 military pilgrims to a holy hour at the Church of St. Joseph. Those in charge at the church were surprised that we were having a holy hour and not Mass, but they tried to accommodate.

Fathers Mark Bristol (Navy-Rota, Spain) and Michael Metz (Army, Fort Liberty (Bragg)) also joined us. As usual, Dr. Mark Moitoza had done the preliminary preparations and made certain that all was in readiness.

There was a week in August that I spent entirely in Washington, D.C.!

It allowed me to celebrate Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The celebration coincided with the 35th anniversary of the EWTN broadcasts of Masses from the Basilica. There was also an opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Navy Yard and I enjoyed seeing that community again.

However, the pilgrim’s baton beckoned again and it was time to begin the 2023 bi-annual priests convocation cycle in San Diego.

Msgr. Frontiero had everything in order and the convocation went very well. You can read about the details elsewhere in this issue of Salute, (see page 26). These gatherings are invaluable for the opportunity to spend time with the priests, offer continuing education, and, especially, to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrate Mass together.

That convocation ended with a very quick visit to Salt Lake City where the National Council of Catholic Women were gathered.

Their hospitality and that of the Most Reverend Oscar Solis, the local Bishop, made the time most continued on next page Fall 2023

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enjoyable. A red eye brought me back to Washington for 24 hours.

Then Synod preparations obliged me to make a quick stop at Mundelein Seminary. I was able to see at least one of our co-sponsored deacons there, the Reverend Mr. Colin Patrick.

A staff farewell for Father Gray combined with the monthly celebration of birthdays and anniversaries followed. It was not easy to see the Vocations Director go.

He had continued the efforts of his predecessors and brought some new ideas to the office. However, we are all subject to the needs of the Church.

The Diocese of Charleston called him home and we dried our tears and moved on.

The annual Labor Day gathering with the seminarians gave us an opportunity, in addition to the customary events, to remember those who have gone before us. The seminarians, divided according to service branch, visited the graves of several notable Veterans. We prayed and then finished on Chaplains’ Hill where we celebrated Vespers.

Particularly poignant was the opportunity to pray at the tombs of two grandfathers of those gathered.

Father Nicholas Reid (Air Force) and Samuel McPeak (Army) both have grandparents interred in the National Cemetery.

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Two more convocations: D.C. and San Antonio followed along with a few confirmations for the Diocese of Arlington and the annual gathering at St. Mary’s and Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland where the new Rector/President, Father Andrew Turner, continued the great tradition of welcome established by his predecessor Father Mark Latcovich.

September ended with a great illustration of how well Sister Lisa Marie, my Executive Assistant, can

get the airlines to meet my schedule.

I went from a confirmation in Fredericksburg, VA to the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC) in Denver to Portland Oregon in less than 24 hours! The DFMC visit was as President of the USCCB, and I was happy to greet those who do so much to make sure that the Church in the USA can meet the demands of ministry.

The visit to Mount Angel Abbey near Portland was to be with the

bishops at a conference sponsored

by SPES (St. Paul Evangelization Society). The fine people who are engaged in this apostolate want to help the bishops realize the great Commission, to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. My stay there was too short, but it was a graced time.

I finished my September with the discernment retreat at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. There was a good group of young men present and I hope that the time was a rich experience of divine grace for all of them. Normally, I spend the entire weekend with them, but the Bishop of Rome had summoned me to the General Assembly of the Synod from which I write these lines.

To say that these days have been busy is to say too little. However, divine grace has been at work and the Lord keeps pushing forward and offering strength for the journey.

He squeezes the grapes and invites us to make the wine, a sign of the Kingdom. V

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio with priests that attended the San Antonio Convocation

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Living the Spiritual Pillars

SPIRITUAL PILLARS DURING SUMMER MILITARY TRAINING EVENTS

By Bishop F. Richard Spencer

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n exciting summer of military training programs allowed the development and consequent learning about the four spiritual pillars set for the “Eucharistic Revival at the parish level” for our military chapels during the next 12 months. During the months of June, July, and August, I traveled to several military training locations to contribute to the programs at Fort Knox, KY, ROTC Advance Camp; the annual training of USAR and ARNG and active-duty troops, Fort McCoy, WI, and Boot Camp training, USCG, Cape May, N.J., and at Naval Station Great Lakes, IL There were two separate but complementary outcomes during these training sessions that increased the vitality within our military chapels.

Joining me in these summer training events, along with the cadets and trainees, were Father Adam Marchese, USAR Chaplain, Fort Knox, KY, and Father Andrew Colvin, Navy Chaplain, Coast Guard Boot Camp, Cape May, N.J.

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The Outcomes for the Spiritual Pillars are a part of the National Eucharistic Revival Leader’s Playbook, a movement initiated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Its goal is to revive faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This revival is not a program to follow but a grassroots initiative to fit the needs of the local chapel community.

The Four Pillars of the Revival that were taught to the groups pictured in this article are: (1) Personal Encounters: bringing our chapel members to Jesus; (2) Reinvigorating Devotion: as we worship Jesus; (3) Deepening Formation: to learn and preach the truth about Jesus; and (4) Missionary Sending: to go out from our military chapels and bring Jesus to the world.

All military chapel leaders are encouraged to consider ways that chapels might pursue these four spiritual pillars in the coming year. Resources and ideas for each pillar are available on the AMS Revival web pages. Also, the USCCB LEADERS GUIDE PLAYBOOK has suggestions for each pillar to aid you in building a unique approach to your own chapel. V

Chapel Classroom Training, USCG Boot Camp, along with Father Andrew Colvin, USN

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THE GOLDEN CHALICE

OF CATHEDRAL LATIN SCHOOL

By Bishop Neal J. Buckon, a member of the Class of ‘71 of the Cathedral Latin School.

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uring the early 1940s, Father A. J. Bedel, S.M., was the Principal of Cathedral Latin School (CLS) in Cleveland, OH. Since World War II was being waged, and a number of Latin graduates had already made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, he was prompted to create a suitable memorial to honor the dead.

Father Bedel enlisted the support of Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star Mothers, and graduates of CLS, and a committee was formed. They decided to commission the crafting of a special golden chalice to commemorate the deaths of CLS graduates and to bring down blessings of God’s love and grace on the living. The Chalice of Remembrance would be used to celebrate Mass in the school chapel.

The committee sought donations. The response was so overwhelming that the golden chalice was enhanced by a cross encrusted with jewels. The one diamond is in the center of the cross and represents the heart of Jesus Christ. The four red rubies are placed on the ends of the cross to signify his wounds. The presence of uniformed United States service members makes the golden chalice extraordinary.

Three servicemen form the stem of the chalice. Each serviceman is wearing a different uniform, the uniforms of some of the military services that existed in the early 1940s: Army, Navy, and Marines.

The CLS Senior Class of 1946-1947 raised sufficient funds to erect a plaque honoring Latin’s war dead. There are 92 men of Cathedral Latin who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II. The name of Father Francis J. McManus, S.J., has a prominent place among all of the names that are listed. Lieutenant McManus was a Navy chaplain who died as a prisoner of war (POW) aboard an unmarked “Hell Ship,” taking prisoners from the Philippines to Japan in 1945.

Father McManus was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Legion of continued on next page Fall 2023

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Merit, and the Silver Star. Under the names is a succinct prayer, “Merciful Jesus, Grant Them Eternal Rest.” The plaque is now located in a prominent location in Notre Dame - Cathedral Latin School, Chardon, OH. The beautiful golden chalice was used at CLS until its closing in 1979. The alumni now use it for special events. When it is used, other CLS students are remembered: the two graduates who perished in the Korean War, the eight who were KIA during the Vietnam War, and Rande Hulec ’79, who died during Operation Desert Storm. I celebrated Mass and used the golden chalice on two occasions this year.

The first time was when I celebrated Mass during the Class of ‘73’s 50th Reunion.

The second time was when I celebrated my 70th birthday and 40th year with the U.S. Armed Forces. The golden chalice is a sacred vessel used to hold the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ as we celebrate His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

It is also used to remember the service, sacrifice, and valor of some of his stout-hearted young disciples. V

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ARCHBISHOP’S VETERANS DAY STATEMENT 9 NOVEMBER 2023 Archbishop Broglio issued the following statement on the occasion of Veterans Day: “11 November marks the end of the First World War, the “useless slaughter” in the words of Pope Benedict XV. War results from the failure of dialogue and announces the last resort. Unfortunately, it is still the reality for millions of people in our world today. We need only to think of Ukraine, the Holy Land, Syria, Africa, and so many other places.

“In the United States the anniversary of the end of the First World War has been set aside as a day to honor the men and women who donned uniforms and put their Nation before themselves. They risk their lives, sacrifice time with family and friends, set aside jobs, and often suffer the effects of their service into old age. Today we pause to thank them, to say a prayer for them, and to recognize their commitment to our freedom.

“In an age when the focus is always on the idol in the mirror, they raise their right hands to defend the Constitution, undergo training, keep watch, and risk everything for us. Please stop today, remember, and say a prayer for our Veterans. Especially, we cannot forget those who continue to suffer the effects of their wounds either in mind or in body. They carry the reminders of their commitment and their past with them always. We ask the Lord to give them consolation and healing.

“The occasion is also propitious to remember the families who mourn the loss of a loved one or who support a disabled Veteran.

We pray and offer them our support.”

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RISE UP!

by Bishop Bill Muhm

Bishop Muhm signs T-shirts for young members of Ramstein Air Base Catholic Community at World Youth Day in Lisbon.

Pictured are Georgia Rawcliffe (l) and Marlee Storch (c). Other youths from Ramstein are in the background.

Photo by Deborah AJ Edwards.

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ise up!” is a command that is familiar to all military members. From day one of basic training, recruits are told loudly and repeatedly to rise up early each morning. It doesn’t stop with basic training; in every training and operational command, on board every ship, “Rise up!” sounds clearly in everyone’s ears each morning.

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Many military dependents are reminded each day to “Rise up!” and go to work or school. Veterans being treated for service-connected injuries or disabilities are often told to “Rise up” as each step is taken toward their recovery.

“Rise up!” is a good motto for the Christian life, because our Lord Jesus Christ raised on Easter Sunday. He calls us to rise up and follow Him from death to life through the grace of the Holy Spirit and the sacraments of the Church. Moreover, we Christians profess our belief in the general resurrection of the dead at the end of time.

In August 2023, “Rise up!” was the theme selected by Pope Francis for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. “Rise up!” sounded clearly in the ears of the 1.5 million pilgrims who attended. Archbishop Broglio and I both attended, along with priests and faithful from Ramstein Air Base, Spangdahlem Air Base, Rota Naval Station, U.S. Air Force Academy Community Chapel, and Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg). We met together as AMS pilgrims for Eucharistic Adoration. In addition, I was able to meet separately with pilgrims from Ramstein for a “Rise up!” catechetical and faith-sharing session. After that session, some Ramstein pilgrims asked me to sign their World Youth Day T-shirts or notebooks.

I was happy to oblige.

Thank you for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V

Wooden coin made by members of the Fort Liberty Catholic community who attended World Youth Day in Lisbon.

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Serving

the Church, the Military, and Our Beloved Veterans.

By Bishop Joseph Coffey

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s Vicar for Veteran Affairs for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, I truly enjoy making pastoral visits to our over 150 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in the USA. Earlier this summer, I drove from San Diego to San Francisco and back, visiting the California VAMCs. A few weeks later, I visited Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. It was a great time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest, as I enjoyed the beautiful blue sky and sunshine.

Fathers Charles Barnes, S.J., and Mark McGregor, S.J., are doing superb work as full-time priest-chaplains in Seattle. I then drove in my rental car down Interstate 5 to Portland, OR, where I was hosted by Father Chuck Wood, who works part time as a priestchaplain at the Portland VAMC along with his full-time duties as pastor of St. Elizabeth Church, which is only a few minutes from the VAMC. St. Elizabeth Church has a very interesting history. It was founded in 1953 by Father Alfred Williams, ordained in 1939. He served in WWII as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Air Corps until the war ended in 1945 and again from 1948 to 1952. When

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he returned to Portland in 1953, he became a chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital and the VA Medical Center.

Father Williams recognized a need for a parish devoted to caring for the hospitalized and for healthcare workers. He obtained permission from the local Archbishop to build such a church. He solicited funds from people with whom he had served in the war. Bishop Fulton Sheen blessed the terrain in the summer of 1953.

After the church was built, Father Williams built the rectory with money from his G.I. Bill.

of men, lay and religious, called The Brothers of the People of Praise, which is an Association of the Faithful, recognized at the diocesan level. It is an ecumenical movement founded in the early 1980s at Notre Dame, IN. Bishop Peter Smith, an Auxiliary Bishop of Portland, OR, whom I met a few years ago at a USCCB plenary session in Baltimore, is also a member of this community and lives with the brothers at their home in Portland.

Bishop Smith was born in South Africa and served in their Army and saw combat in Namibia.

In my travels, while sometimes staying in hotels, I find it much more interesting to be hosted by our priestchaplains in their rectories. Father Chuck Wood lives with a community

As you can imagine, Father Wood, Bishop Smith, and I had some wonderful discussions about our dual calling to serve the Church, the military, and our beloved Veterans. V

(L to R): Bishop Peter Smith, Bishop Joe Coffey and Father Chuck Wood.

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LABOR DAY WEEKEND BRINGS CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIANS TO NATION’S CAPITAL

By Taylor Henry

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wenty-nine prospective Catholic U.S. Military chaplains from seminaries throughout the United States gathered in the Nation’s Capital over the weekend of 1-3 September for the annual Labor Day weekend gathering for Co-Sponsored Seminarians. The gathering, hosted by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), is a three-day celebration of prayer, fraternity, and face-to-face dialogue between the chaplain candidates, AMS clergy and staff, and His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services.

“This gathering helps create bonds with our brothers that will carry over into our time on active duty,” said Mr. Erin Donlon, LTJG, USNR, who hopes to serve as a U.S. Navy chaplain. “Being with Archbishop Broglio, priests from AMS, and

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Co-Sponsored Seminarians pray at Vespers in the main chapel of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C., on Friday evening, 1 September 2023, beginning their annual Labor Day Weekend gathering.

the various service branches give us a great glimpse into the larger Family that is the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.” Reverend Mr. Matthew Kurt 1LT, USA, echoed that view: “We really only get to see each other once a year, so it’s a fun time getting to hang out with everyone.”

The seminarians, all “co-sponsored” by the AMS and their home dioceses or religious communities, took part in a Friday evening dinner, a Saturday morning briefing and breakout sessions with chaplain recruiters, an early afternoon continued on next page Fall 2023 Summer

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barbecue provided by the Knights of Columbus, James Cardinal Hickey Assembly #2534; and Mass on Saturday and Sunday celebrated by Archbishop Broglio.

The Saturday morning Mass took place at the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; the Sunday morning Mass was held in the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA. On Saturday afternoon, the chaplain candidates went on a 2.3-mile ruck march from their D.C. hotel to Arlington National Cemetery, where they divided by service branch and visited the graves of select heroes. “My favorite part of this year’s gathering was our march from the National Mall to Arlington Cemetery,” said Mr. Mark Wagner, 2d Lt, USAFR. “During this walk, I was able to connect with many of the co-sponsored seminarians and priest-recruiters from the various branches before we separated into our respective branches to pray for many individuals who were fundamental in the establishment and flourishing of our nation’s armed forces. I was profoundly impacted by the service and dedication of each individual that we prayed for.”

This year’s Labor Day weekend gathering was the last to be led by AMS Vocations Director Father S. Matthew Gray, who has been recalled back to his home Diocese of Charleston. A major in the South Carolina

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio (center) along with several AMS priests and the co-sponsored seminarians after Mass on Saturday, 2 September, in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

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Air National Guard, Father Gray has since deployed to the Middle East. Former AMS Vocations Director Father Aidan Logan is temporarily filling the role pending the search for a permanent successor. Vocations remain a top priority for Archbishop Broglio as the U.S. Military strives to overcome a chronic shortage of Catholic priests on active-duty. V Young men interested in discerning a priestly vocation and the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve in the U.S. Military can find more information at www.milarch.org/vocations or may contact the AMS Vocations Office at vocations@milarch.org or (202) 719-3600. Gifts in support of AMS Vocations are gratefully accepted at milarch.org/donate.

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Team Saint Paul Welcomes NEW TEAMMATES

By Taylor Henry

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elp wanted! The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) is seeking Catholic young adults to serve on Team Saint Paul, an upand-coming group of evangelists called to support Catholic military chaplains in young adult outreach. The AMS launched Team Saint Paul last year—the first of its kind in the Church’s only global archdiocese—as part of the New Evangelization. On Friday, 15 September, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, commissioned the latest two members during the daily noon Mass at the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in the Nation’s Capital. Team Saint Paul now has four faithful women serving young adult military communities.

Newly commissioned are Ms. Regina Fontana and Ms. Caroline McDermott.

Both will be assigned to a new military installation this winter, following in the footsteps of pioneer members Stephanie Nussio and Jurate Reventas, both commissioned last year and now stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Ms. Nussio and Ms. Reventas have been pursuing the mission “to accompany Catholic young adults serving in the military through authentic relationships that grow into discipleship with Christ.” Ms. Fontana, a Texas native and graduate of Tarleton State University, said, “I am excited to join Team Saint Paul because I believe in the mission to serve those who serve. The Lord has blessed my life in many ways, and if He can somehow use me to share His love, then so be it. I cannot wait to see how the Lord uniquely uses each of us for His greater glory.”

Serving on Team Saint Paul is a full-time ministry position. Required qualifications include either a bachelor’s degree or four years of active-duty military service, good standing in the Church, and an active spiritual life. According to the job description on milarch.org/missionaries, each team member’s role is “to form, support, and embolden the military young adult community, ages 18 to 29 years old, who serve our country as Catholic leaders,” acting on the “pillars” of “prayer, community, formation, and accompaniment. Each day is ordered around prayer and the sacraments. Missionaries commit to spending an hour in personal prayer, attending daily Mass, and cultivating fellowship with one another.

AMS missionaries embed themselves into the life of the military Catholic faith community to encourage the mission of evangelization.”

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Archbishop Timothy Broglio offers words of counsel and encouragement to Ms. Caroline McDermott (center) and Ms. Regina Fontana at their commissioning as new members of Team Saint Paul during weekday Mass in Washington, D.C., on 15 September 2023.

Ms. McDermott, a native of Pennsylvania, graduate of Christendom College, niece of a U.S. Army Chaplain Father Stephen McDermott, currently stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza, Italy, and sister of an active-duty soldier, said, “Given this opportunity and mission, I am beyond grateful and excited to take what I have learned through my life and transfer it as a witness of Christ. And my conviction in Him gives me the drive to be a ministry of presence.”

Before being commissioned by Archbishop Broglio, Ms. McDermott and Ms. Fontana spent two weeks training in Washington, D.C., beginning with their participation in the Sept. 5 Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, followed by a three-day workshop on evangelization, a practice exercise conducting a Bible study with military young adults at Joint Base Andrews, and presentations by AMS clergy and staff on a myriad of topics ranging from “personal union with Christ” to “military culture.”

Successful future applicants must have, like those already commissioned, the ability to communicate well with others, good interpersonal skills, and most importantly, a desire to serve Christ. Single and married individuals will be considered and all candidates will be subject to a background check. For more information, and to apply, visit milarch.org/missionaries or contact McKenzie Mauss, Young Adult Missionary Coordinator. V Fall 2023

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Moral Injury

Explored in 2023 Chaplain Convocations

By Taylor Henry

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very other year, Archbishop Timothy Broglio summons all active-duty Catholic military chaplains and contract priests in service to the U.S. armed forces to a convocation to discuss current affairs and common concerns. This year, as usual, His Excellency held the convocation in four alternate locations giving hundreds of priests, stationed throughout the global Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), a sensible option for attending one nearest them. This year’s convocations were held 21-25 August in San Diego, CA; 4-8 September in Arlington, VA (Washington, D.C.); 18-22 September in San Antonio, TX; and 23-27 October in Rome. Archbishop Broglio directed each convocation under the theme, “Leadership with Spiritual Support,” with particular focus on the phenomenon of moral injury.

In a presentation on “Warrior Ethos and Moral Injury,” Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D.Min., AMS Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization, explored a topic all too familiar to combat veterans and their confessors. “Moral injury,” said Dr. Moitoza, “is damage to a person resulting from a violent contradiction of deeply held moral expectations. Those impacted by moral injury find that it disrupts their confidence and affects their ability to make ethical and moral decisions.

When this happens trust of self, trust of others, trust of the command, and even trust in God is broken and becomes difficult to bear.”

Dr. Moitoza, who wrote his doctoral dissertation on the topic, suggested this sickness of the soul may be more common than even experienced military chaplains realize. He said moral injury can develop in response to any number of military experiences, not just combat. “While moral injury can be a potential invisible injury of war, it may also occur in the high-stakes situation of military training, continued on page 28

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Moral Injury

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disaster relief efforts, military sexual trauma, or unhealthy command structures.

One’s sense of self-worth becomes diminished and inhibits seeking help from God or the community of faith.”

How can priests give effective pastoral care and counsel? “Moral injury,” Dr. Moitoza said, “needs the language of theology to explore the impact of the estrangement caused by sin and suffering. The church is well positioned to extend needed pastoral care to those suffering and their families through a willingness to listen, through an inclination to accompany one another through challenges, and through the frequent celebration of the healing sacraments. The call from Pope Francis to reach out to the peripheries includes those who experience isolation after enduring moral injury.”

Each of the 2023 convocations was well-attended by dozens of priests and chaplains from far and wide. Every four-day gathering was a time of liturgical celebration, prayer, reflection, and dialogue. The priests will draw on their convocation experience, continuing education, and inspiration to hone their pastoral skills as they embark on another two years of priestly service to the men, women, and families in the U.S. Military.

Archbishop Broglio, who briefed the priests on issues of Canon Law and other matters, dividing his time between the Rome convocation and the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican, renewed his appreciation for the opportunities offered by the convocations. “This year the topics of moral injury and leadership resonated with the priests gathered. Together we learned to grow in the ministry of caring for the men and women in uniform and their families. These privileged moments of the convocations allow me time to spend with the priests who serve the faithful of the AMS, to hear their concerns, and to draw near to the Lord together in prayer. Join me in thanking Almighty God for these valuable opportunities.”

Another speaker at the convocations, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General John Wissler, told chaplains their own leadership by example can go a long way toward healing the morally injured. “Selfless servant warrior leaders of character,” he said, “forged by living the virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude; and guided by the theological virtue of Charity through self-sacrifice will ameliorate, if not eliminate, the effects of moral injury. By loving those you lead…love as action, not love exclusively as an emotion…the true leader of character will make an indelible mark in the lives of the people they lead, and the Nation they serve. Our Catholic chaplains are called to be just such leaders.” 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. 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 order 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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Seminarian hopes to help faithful ‘make sense of good and evil in world’ as military chaplain Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

By Elizabeth Barnstead | The Western Kentucky Catholic

OWENSBORO, Ky. – Conrad Jaconette always had a desire to serve in the military.

But it was only after he had entered the seminary that he learned about the option for a twofold calling: serving as a military chaplain with the U.S. Air Force.

“I’m 100 percent certain that my vocational call to the priesthood is embedded in both those realms,” he told The Western Kentucky Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Owensboro.

“My goal was to go to medical school through the Air Force,” said Jaconette, who is in his third year of theology at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in southern Indiana.

Jaconette, whose official title is 2nd Lt. Chaplain Candidate, is in the unique position of being co-sponsored by both the Diocese of Owensboro and the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. This means the diocese and archdiocese split his seminary costs.

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Currently he is the only seminarian in Kentucky with this arrangement, and only one of two seminarians at St. Meinrad doing so.

“Being co-sponsored with the AMS (Archdiocese for the Military Services) allows me to become an officer in the military before I get ordained,” Jaconette said. “I sign a contract with the AMS and the Diocese of Owensboro that I will go to seminary with the diocese, and after I am ordained will spend three calendar years serving in parishes around the diocese.”

After that, “I will go for five-years of active-duty service with the AMS,” he said.

The military archdiocese is the sole endorser, or certifier, of Roman Catholic chaplains to the U.S. government. A Catholic priest cannot serve within the U.S. military as a priest without the express permission of the archdiocese.

According to milarch.org, the archdiocese’s official website, as of 2020, 204 Catholic priests were endorsed by the archdiocese for active-duty military service: “These chaplains serve on loan from their diocese of incardination or religious order/society and are released for a term of military service. Chaplains never become members of the archdiocese (AMS); instead, they always remain subject to their home bishop/religious superiors.”

Approximately 1.8 million Catholics are served by the archdiocese.

Jaconette, whose home parish is St. Joseph in Bowling Green, said that of the people who make up the military, “almost 25 percent at any base are Catholic” – hence the fundamental need for Catholic chaplains who can provide Mass and the sacraments. continued on next page

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Seminarian hopes

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

“You need to have a priest there who can help make sense in the chaos of the good and evil in the world,” he said.

Jaconette said being co-sponsored “does add a lot more to your plate; you have more responsibilities than ordinary seminarians.”

Plus, “the only person who has 100 percent confidentiality are chaplains,” said Jaconette. “It’s so crucial because firstly, there are confessional needs, but also it gives active military members the opportunity to talk and process things without any chain of command concerns.”

Jaconette said he is “extremely thankful and honored” that Owensboro Bishop William F. Medley “recognizes the importance of military chaplaincy” – and is permitting him to become a chaplain.

Jaconette said chaplains are meant to serve all military personnel, even those who do not share their faith tradition.

“I will be doing this for all airmen, even those who are not Catholics,” he said.

Jaconette said it is not uncommon for a priest to visit a military base a couple times a week to serve Catholic members. But as a chaplain, he gets to delve into and become part of the culture of the Air Force.

“A Catholic priest chaplain helps them go deeper and they can trust you more quickly,” he said. “And you can learn to suffer with them too because you aren’t exempted from anything.”

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Every summer, Jaconette goes on a chaplain candidate tour, in which his supervisor assigns him to a specific base with a specific chaplain group.

On any given day, he said, he could find himself at a commanders’ meeting, participating in Mass, visiting crews on maintenance jobs, or meeting with a mom of five children whose husband is deployed, and who is hoping to get her children set up with religious education.

“They’re all searching for that higher calling,” he said. “The Catholic priest fits like a glove in that situation. You can offer them truth and knowledge to understand that there is goodness, and more than just chaos in this world.” V

Coast Guard Chaplain Father Daniel Mode Preaches Homily at "In God We Trust" Mass

By Taylor Henry

F

ather Daniel L. Mode, CH, CAPT, USN, Chaplain of the Coast Guard, preached the homily at this year's annual "In God We Trust" Memorial Mass for veterans, military members, and their families on Saturday, 16 September, at the Colorado Freedom Memorial in Aurora, CO. The Archdiocese of Denver's Office of the Diaconate started the annual celebration in 2019 to honor those who serve or have served and rekindle the faith among current and former military members who have fallen away from the Church because of war trauma. Auxiliary Bishop Jorge H. Rodriguez of Denver (right in photo) was this year's principal celebrant. Members of the U.S. Air Force Academy Catholic Chapel Choir from Colorado Springs provided music.

In his homily, Father Mode told those gathered they, like the angels, are messengers on a mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by virtue of their baptismal call. In an hour-long talk before Mass, Father Mode, biographer of Vietnam War hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, Servant of God, thanked veterans and active-duty personnel not only for their service, but their sacrifice. Sacrifice, he said, requires humility and peace, as shown by Jesus on the Cross.

“You made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our great country, but never forget that Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on your behalf, a sacrifice He endured by pouring out His love for you,” Father Mode said.

While in the Denver area from 15-20 September, Father Mode paid his first-ever visit to a U.S. Space Force Base – Buckley SFB – where he celebrated Sunday Mass in the base chapel, received a briefing from base chaplains, and visited the leadership and members of the Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit Colorado. Father Mode, who has been the Coast Guard Chaplain since April 2022, serves with AMS endorsement and faculties. V Fall 2023

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American Heritage Girls Eucharistic Revival Patch

By Sherry Ohotnicky

A

s the Catholic Church in the United States of America enters the second year of Eucharistic Revival (known as the Year of the Parish), the AMS Catholic Committee on Scouting is excited to share resources to embrace fully the call to grow closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. One such resource is the new National Catholic Committee Eucharistic Revival Patch developed

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by one of the AMS’s supported youth scouting organizations, the American Heritage Girls (AHG).

This new Eucharistic Revival Patch Program includes an exploration of the biblical roots of Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament, preparation for spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, study of saints who held a particularly special devotion to Jesus, truly present in the Blessed

Sacrament, and investigation of Eucharistic miracles. The patch program includes a selection of ageappropriate activities for youth, both male and female, ages 5 to 18.

The American Heritage Girls National Catholic Committee developed this new Eucharistic Revival Patch to provide a framework for any parent, youth organization, classroom teacher, or spiritual event to utilize and challenge youth to not only learn about the Eucharist, but to draw closer to Jesus through the patch activities.

To learn more about American Heritage Girls, listen to the AMS’s Catholic Military Life Podcast episode with Sherry Ohotnicky, the AHG representative, who serves on the AMS Catholic Committee on Scouting. The episode explores how AHG participation can enhance the educational and spiritual formation of children of military members.

The AHG NCC Eucharistic Revival Patch Program is available on the AMS website, search Scouting Ministry in the search box. After completing all patch requirements, patches may be ordered directly from

the American Heritage Girls through the AHG store. American Heritage Girls also offers patch programs on Respect Life, Saint Joseph, Our Lady of Fatima, and Religious Vocations. V More information about the American Heritage Girls may be found at the following links:

https://www.milarch.org/podcast/catholic-military-life/ https://www.milarch.org/scouting/american-heritage-girls/ https://americanheritagegirls.org/ https://store.americanheritagegirls.org/ Fall 2023

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Catholic U.S. Military Families Spend Columbus Day Weekend on Retreat in Rural Georgia

By Taylor Henry

M

ore than 20 U.S. Military families spent part of the Columbus Day weekend on the tranquil shores of Camp Hidden Lake in Dahlonega, Georgia, engaged in outdoor fun, prayer, reflection, dialogue, fellowship, and celebration of the Eucharist. The families took part in a Catholic Military Family Camp co-sponsored by the Evangelization Office of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), and Life Teen, a Eucharist-centered movement and non-profit organization founded in 1985, to lead teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.

Camp Hidden Lake is a retreat spot owned and operated by Life Teen, where parish youth groups from all over the country come together for a quality camping experience in a safe, secluded setting, complete with dormitories, meeting spaces, and activity stations such as a climbing wall and high-ropes koala course. Life Teen carries out its ministry under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Randy Raus, who personally took part in the 6-8 October camp.

Of the 22 military families participating, 10 are in the Air Force, nine in the Army, one in the Space Force, one in the Marine Corps, and one in the Navy.

Life Teen missionaries facilitated activities such as canoeing and hiking under the theme, “Real Presence”—the belief that Christ is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, under the appearances of consecrated bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist.

Dr. Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D. Min., AMS Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization, says military families can especially benefit from leisure time together in a rustic environment exploring and celebrating their Catholic faith. “The tempo of family life can be busy,” he says. “Responsibilities in the military contribute additional demands. Finding time to focus on family in the midst of varied schedules is essential.” continued on next page Fall 2023

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Military Families CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Dr. Moitoza says the timing of the holiday weekend camp coincides with larger discussions now taking place throughout the Church. “The Church, through the Synod, is exploring how we walk together in the journey of faith,” he said. “This is a key question for families too. Focused on the Real Presence of Jesus in Eucharist, families in the military are reminded that in times of struggle and in times of joy the Lord is always close to them. This is a needed reminder for those serving far from home and their relatives. Taking time to recall the importance of the commitment to daily prayer and participation in the life of the Church reinvigorates the dynamic of family life.”

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The Catholic Military Family Camp was funded by a combination of charitable gifts from Life Teen donors and a registration fee charged to each participating family. The registration fee was $150 per family, regardless of family size, covering meals, all activities, and lodging for the weekend. The hope is that the AMS and Life Teen will make the Catholic Military Family Camp a recurring event, but Dr. Moitoza said much will depend on whether sufficient donor support can be found. For more information, contact the AMS Office of Evangelization at (202) 719-3600 or visit milarch.org/evangelization. V

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Evangelization Attracts

By Mark Moitoza, Th.D.

S

hortly after being confirmed as an adolescent at a chapel on a U.S. military installation in Germany, I was asked a question that took me by surprise. The completion of my initiation sacraments took place near the end of the academic year. As school concluded, I began a summer hire job on base. While Airmen worked on their daily tasks, I cut grass, painted walls, and assisted with other general duties. One day during lunch, an Airman asked me if I had been saved. My initial response was that I had just been confirmed in the Catholic faith. That was not the answer the Airmen sought. He kept asking the same question, and I remember sharing continually that the Catholic church was the place for me. My response did not satisfy this inquirer because he had not won me over to his faith. That experience of proselytization was frustrating because it felt more like being pushed rather than being inspired to discern prayerfully.

There are times when evangelization and proselytizing get confused. This is unfortunate because they are rather different. The Catholic Church focuses on evangelization to share the faith, often through action and example more than through words. On 11 January 2023, Pope Francis began a new series of talks on evangelization, stating that sharing the faith is the “oxygen” that “invigorates and purifies” Christian life. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis said that “the church does not proselytize, but rather she grows by ‘attraction’” to the beauty of God’s love. Evangelization “does not begin by seeking to convince others, but by bearing witness each day to the love that has watched over us and lifted us back up.”

Ten years earlier, on 5 August 2013, Pope Francis delivered a homily that reiterated some of the key differences between evangelization and proselytization. For instance:

• Evangelization goes out to others and listens to them; proselytization excludes and simply talks at them.

• Evangelization is a proclamation of Jesus, allowing people to have an encounter with Christ; proselytization is proud and convinced that it has all the answers.

• Evangelization trusts in the Holy Spirit as the true evangelist, as the one who makes converts; proselytization believes it’s up to us, to use the force of our arguments and persuasive power.

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Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne, based in Vicenza, Italy, attend Mass in the Balkans (Photo Credit: US Army)

The Holy Father’s homily emphasized that proper evangelization is a proclamation of Jesus. It arises out of our living relationship with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, performing the works of mercy, and fulfilling our baptismal promises. Evangelization attracts rather than trying to convince or win an argument.

Art, beauty, nature, ideas, and examples of people helping one another attract our attention. When we are attracted during these moments, we often pause, contemplate, and consider why we are being inspired. The example of the faithful stepping in to assist others in need gives us the living example of Jesus’ call to serve one another. Evangelization highlights a path to live the faith by sharing in ways that attract beyond measure. May we follow the call to evangelize by going out, listening, proclaiming Jesus, and trusting in the Holy Spirit by always permitting others the space to discern through prayer what attracts them to the Lord. V

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Archbishop Broglio Celebrates Annual Mass for Father Vincent Capodanno

By Taylor Henry

A

rchbishop Timothy Broglio celebrated the annual Mass for the repose of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., Servant of God, on Tuesday, 5 September 2023. This year marked the 56th anniversary of the U.S. Navy chaplain’s death in combat while rushing to the aid of U.S. Marines under ambush in

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Vietnam’s Quế Sơn Valley. For his valor, in 1968, Father Capodanno posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the Nation’s highest military decoration. Hundreds packed the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., for the 6:30 p.m. Mass in honor of the

late Navy lieutenant and Maryknoll missionary from Staten Island, NY, whose Cause for Canonization remains under consideration by the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The congregation included members of Father Capodanno’s family, some with whom he served, active-duty personnel, and a schola of midshipmen from the Catholic Midshipmen Club at the U.S. Naval Academy. Many more watched live on EWTN. Among concelebrants were dozens of Catholic military chaplains gathered in the Nation’s Capital for their biennial convocation. In his homily, Archbishop Broglio talked of receiving a letter from a Marine who served with Father Capodanno. The letter recounted how the priest hero sacrificed his own life to save the Marines that fateful day—Monday, 4 September 1967—Labor Day in America. His Excellency preached, “No doubt the Marine who wrote to me was glad that Father Vincent was there when he needed him. We pray that many more will step forward to serve as he did. We pray that we might all be inspired by his actions and learn to love more deeply with that unselfish love he shared with Christ and with

which Christ loves us.” Reflecting on the Gospel passage, John 11:1727, in which Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,” Archbishop Broglio described that “unselfish love” as “agape”—the love of charity.

“It is not too much to say that agape also described the love of Father Capodanno for those entrusted to his care,” Archbishop Broglio preached.

“As he offered absolution from sin or the healing of the anointing or celebrated Mass for his Marines, he knew that no one else could provide those precious gifts. He was there to ensure those priceless gifts without failing to care for the others who needed encouragement and accompaniment during what was, for many, a final voyage. In an upsidedown world where a senseless war of aggression is being fought against Ukrainian people, we need that example of selfless love. We need that commitment to virtue.”

Within the Congregation was former Marine Bob Pinkerton, who recalls how, after taking a bullet to the continued on page 44

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Capodanno Mass

shoulder in Vietnam in April 1967, he was airlifted to a field hospital where, much to his surprise, Father Capodanno was there to greet him at the landing pad. Mr. Pinkerton says the first words out of Father Capodanno’s mouth were full of loving humor: “Pinkerton, what the hell are you DOING here!” That touch of humor in a moment of personal crisis for Mr. Pinkerton reflected the chaplain’s calm empathy for his Marines, particularly the enlisted, earning Father Capodanno the moniker “grunt padre.” Mr. Pinkerton remembers Father Capodanno as “a true apostle.”

He explains, “Anytime an individual puts his life below somebody else’s and takes actions to save other people,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

to me, that is just above and beyond, and that was his entire mentality while he was there. He didn’t like being in the rear. He wanted to be with his Marines. The reason he wanted to be with his Marines was that he wanted to help the medics and the corpsmen.

He wanted to be there to give last rites. And he wanted to be there to see who he could save if possible. And he put his life on the line for it.”

A few days before, and again, on the same day of the Mass, EWTN broadcast Called and Chosen – Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a Gabriel Award-winning film written and directed by Catholic filmmaker James C. Kelty. V

Anyone who donates at least $20 to the Father Capodanno Guild is eligible to receive a free DVD of the film.

Please visit: www.capodannoguild.org/donate

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C

O

Est. 2013

Serv ant of God

Save the Dates

Chrism Mass

18 March 2024 Crypt Church - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Avenue NE Washington, D.C. 20017

Warriors to Lourdes

21-27 May 2024 Lourdes, France Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the AMS. Archbishop Broglio will accompany pilgrims

National Eucharistic Congress 17-21 July 2024 Indianapolis, IN

Labor Day Weekend Gathering for Co-Sponsored Seminarians 30 August - 1 September 2024 Washington, D.C. Archbishop Broglio will participate

Annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services 6 October 2024 The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 339 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Complimentary dinner after the 3:30 p.m. Mass.

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THE NAME: Reverend Mr. Matthew Kurt (ARCH) DIOCESE: Archdiocese of Detroit HARVEST CONTINUES... ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Army RANK: 1LT

EDUCATION/DEGREES: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (B.A. in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy); Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, MI (Bachelor of Philosophy) HIGH SCHOOL: Salem High School, Canton, MI HOBBIES: Disc Golf, Spikeball TEAM SPORTS: Cross Country, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? The first time I seriously thought about the priesthood was near the end of my senior year of high school.

WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Father Dan Westermann and Father Ryan Riley were two associate pastors at the student parish at Michigan State who helped me in my discernment. They helped me to see that priests were normal people and that you didn’t have to be old to be a priest.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I started to pick up skateboarding during the pandemic (I haven’t done it much since).

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Detroit

sing,

Heart lor of

imate

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? Matthew 9:9. It is the calling of St. Matthew and my name is Matthew.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I came to know Jesus personally through praise and worship and adoration.

WHAT SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Daily Mass and adoration helped me to develop a solid prayer life. I also enjoyed leading and participating in small groups while at Michigan State.

WHAT SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? I was inspired by the childlike heart of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. I want to have the same love and fire for Jesus that she had.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL/ACADEMIC/MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN APPLICANT? I graduated from Michigan State University and commissioned out of MSU Army ROTC in the Spring of 2018 and entered Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Fall of 2018.

WHAT WAS THE NEXT TO LAST BOOK YOU READ, AND WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING? The last book I read was Rescued by Father John Riccardo. I am currently reading Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? Jesus and my parents.

HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR PRAYER LIFE? WHAT COMPRISES YOUR DAILY PRAYER? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH? WHEN, WHERE, HOW? My daily prayer consists of a holy hour in the morning, Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

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48 – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

“I pray that Almighty God might grant you good health and serenity in the days of autumn and beyond. Thank you for your continued interest in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.”

“Serving Those Who Serve”

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

Archdiocese For The Military Services, USA NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MVPRINT