FALL 2014
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES , USA
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,
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oon the delightful summer respite will be over. Memories of baseball games, sun, sand, mountains, crowded roads, and busy airports will begin to fade. At the archdiocesan headquarters things did slow down a little bit, but planning for the fall does make the personnel in Washington stay creative. I welcome the opportunity to send you another issue of Salute.
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n the months of May and June five fine young men from among the AMS co-sponsored seminarians were ordained priests. Another six are or will be ordained deacons. These men offer great hope for the future of Catholic ministry in the military chaplaincy. Please continue to pray for vocations.
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his issue of the AMS quarterly publication will recount the pastoral activities of the Auxiliary Bishops and me over the Easter Season and afterwards. You will learn about Bishop Spencer’s presence at Normandy for the seventieth anniversary of D-Day.
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mong the members of the AMS Family, two active VA chaplains were called home to the presence of God. Their deaths at a relatively young age coupled with the passing of older chaplains and the approaching autumn season remind all of us to cultivate the treasures that last!
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ver the Labor Day weekend many of the seminarians will gather for the annual co-sponsored seminarian “get away”. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming these young men who will one day serve the men and women in uniform. It is good for them also to become acquainted with each other and with the staff of the AMS.
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n behalf of all of those to whom the Archdiocese for the Military Services ministers, I give special thanks to the faithful of those archdioceses and dioceses where the special national collection has been taken up to defray the operational costs of the AMS and those associated with the education of seminarians. This first-time project has been an enormous source of encouragement and support.
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njoy the following pages of Salute. May the beginnings that come with the late summer and early autumn be propitious for your path of faith. I hope that each day brings you an experience of the joy of the Gospel. Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop
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THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 8. NUMBER 3 FALL 2014
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
4 How do you define normal?
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
8 “If It’s Tuesday This Must Be.....” Bishop Richard B. Higgins
10 “D-DAY” REMEMBERED
Three Stories on Why We Must Remember WWII in Normandy Bishop F. Richard Spencer
12 THE POSTSEASON
Bishop Neal J. Buckon
14 Great Lakes, Illinois — Where The Church Invites Many to Get In the Boat With The Lord Jesus Bishop Robert J. Coyle
16 USS Carl Vinson
Monsignor John J.M. Foster
20 The Priest Chaplain COVER: ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO EXTENDS THE SIGN OF PEACE TO NEWLY-ORDAINED FATHERS JAMES HINKLE AND CHRIS CHRISTENSEN IN THE ARLINGTON CATHEDRAL OF ST. THOMAS MORE, 7 JUNE 2014. PHOTO COURTESY STACY RAUSCH | CATHOLIC HERALD
Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O.
30 AMS Family Faith Assessment José M. Amaya
34 Military and Ministry
A young veteran will study Theology so she can share her gifts with other servicemen and women
38 Warriors to Lourdes
Monsignor Frank A. Pugliese
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 2014
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 or call: 202.719.3600 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for
the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017-0469
Feedback, letters to the editor, & advertising inquiries: editor@milarch.org Website: www.milarch.org ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO President
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER Editorial Director
JO ANN REDMOND Editor
ERIC NEUNER | RPISTUDIOS Design Director
© 2014 - A PUBLICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA - SERVING CATHOLICS IN THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD,VA MEDICAL CENTERS, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES OVERSEAS.
By ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO
HOW DO YOU DEFINE NORMAL? BELOW: AIR FORCE RETREAT, CHAPLAINS GROUP
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ometimes I wonder if I would be able to describe a “normal” season of activity at the AMS. Which elements of the spring-summer months after my return from the memorable pastoral visits in Afghanistan and environs come together to make a “regular” season?
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s it the possibility to visit some installations for the first time? I did that in mid-May when I visited Mountain Home Air Force Base, in Idaho. It was also my first time in that State, but I did not see any potato farms. The community, led by Father John Appiah was very eager to welcome me and the celebration of confirmation was prayerful and carefully planned. It is refreshing to spend time with vibrant faith communities and to see the initiatives that the priests take to foster growth in faith. As usual, there were a few familiar faces even in that first visit to Idaho! Or perhaps it was the experience of spending some days in Lourdes with the Order of Malta. The organization, attention to the malades (the patients who are brought to Lourdes by the Order are designated with the French word for the sick), and moments of prayer were impressive. I went with the Federal Association, but all of the Associations from the U.S. participated together in the Masses and many other activities. Due to flight delays many members of the Federal Association arrived a day late, but with undaunted spirits.Their creativity was evident even in adverse circumstances. It was my privilege to offer Mass with them in a chapel that was new even to me after so many visits to the Marian Shrine on the shores of the Gave. Seniority as an Archbishop also determined that I would preside at the Mass for the
English-language pilgrims at the Grotto. It was moving to pray together in that holy place with Knights, Dames, and malades from many lands “separated by a common language”. Our Lady’s embrace gathered all into one fitting act of praise in union with the Lord Jesus. At the end of that transatlantic trip I spent a few days with the priests at the Air Force retreat. My classmate and good friend Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing was the retreat master. He offered a number of excellent reflections on the priesthood, which enriched all of us. The opportunity to spend time with the chaplains, to pray with them, and enjoy an occasional laugh constituted a moment of grace for all of us. I am so pleased that the Air Force has continued to support this activity even in a time of severe budget cuts. Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (BG) Bobby Page represented the Chief’s Office and manifested care for all of the shepherds by his presence and his words. A delightful return visit to WrightPaterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio allowed me to spend time with that Catholic community, which faces its first experience without a uniformed priest. At the time of my visit, however, Father Mitch Zygadlo was still there and joined by Jesuit Father Denis Dirscherl and a young reservist. The visit allowed me to see some of the (continued on page 6) FA L L 2 0 14
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HOW DO YOU DEFINE NORMAL?
(continued from page 5)
US ARMY WAR COLLEGE, COMMANDANT’S NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAM GROUP
amazing studies being done to perfect GPS and to pilot a simulator where the instructor told me not to worry about the trees on the screen! You can rejoice that no one will allow me to pilot the real thing! Two annual key events again landed on the same weekend. On Saturday 17 May I confirmed a large number of young people and adults in the crypt of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The choir, the efforts of all of the communities of the Military District of Washington, and a standing-room only assembly made the celebration both solemn and familiar. Once again the youngsters touched my heart by their generous efforts to feed the poor, one part of their eager witness in preparation for the reception of the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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he next afternoon many of us were back at the Shrine for the 20th Annual Memorial Mass. That solemn moment of prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation, the chaplains, and the veterans who have died during the year made the Fifth Sunday of Easter even more reflective of the Resurrection. It is for that hope that we move forward on our pilgrimage. The “normal” cycle of activities included attending the ordinations of four co-sponsored priests, reflecting on the mystery of priesthood with Father Anthony Chandler, former Vice-Chancellor of the AMS, who marked his first quarter century as a priest of Jesus Christ, and participating in the spring meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in New Orleans. In addition to
RIGHT: ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO AT LOURDES | PHOTO COURTESY MR. PETER D. SCUDNER, KM. LEFT: ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO AT INSPIRE[D] YOUTH CONFERENCE 2014
attending to the work of the sessions, a clear advantage of those meetings is the opportunity to spend time with my four Auxiliary Bishops. We do not see each other very often. In late June, when I was supposed to be on vacation, I spent five days in Belgium and Germany on a Lumen Christi Institute sponsored visit to the COMECE (the Catholic Bishops’ Commission to the European Community) and participation in a seminar at the German Bishops’ Center for the Social Doctrine of the Church. The time was well-spent and the opportunity to visit some of the central offices of the European Community was fascinating. Even the weather in Belgium cooperated by allowing the sun to shine, but kept the temperatures fairly comfortable. After celebrating Mass with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Billings, Montana, I visited Father John Reutemann and his flock at Malmstrom Air Force Base. The weekend there allowed me to spend time with a thriving community and to baptize two babies! More unusual was the week spent at Carlisle Barracks for the 9th Annual Commandant’s National Security Program. The presentations challenged the participants to think strategically and my seminar group engaged in lively discussions. Father Gary Studniewski was my student host and he made certain that my time was well-spent. Father Gregory D’Emma, the Command Chaplain at the Army War College, was, as
always, a perfect host. A high point of the NS Program was a visit to the Gettysburg National Battlefield. The expert tour of the grounds made the battle come alive and brought me back to the many pages of Bruce Caton’s works that I read during my formative years. Places like Gettysburg remind us of the importance of our prayers for a just and lasting peace where men and women of good will sit down and talk to resolve their differences. I am still not certain what is a normal season of activities, but my last major summer voyage was to the delightful shrine of Schönstatt where 91 young people and more than 40 adults gathered to be inspired by an expert team from Popple Ministry. The Life Teen model retreat (with some characteristic AMS elements) captured the hearts of all the participants. Dr. Mark Moitoza, the Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization, Marlo Dowdy, Fathers Raux (Ramstein), Klingele (Ramstein), Amaliri (Aviano), and Ochalek (SHAPE) combined efforts to ensure the details of logistics, make presentations, and attend to a host of details. The weekend represented time and resources well-spent. While I do not appreciate the travel to get there, I really find time spent with young people and AMS faithful in general to be an enriching experience. Perhaps “normal” resembles what the liturgy calls “ordinary time”. Both are misnomers, because, where the grace of God abounds, everything is extraordinary and for that, I give thanks! ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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By BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS
“If It’s Tuesday This Must Be...”
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ABOVE: BISHOP HIGGINS ON THE MOVE! BELOW: L-R: BRENDAN FULHAM, BISHOP RICHARD HIGGINS, AND MARGARET FULHAM
n 1969, United Artists released the movie “If It’s Tuesday This Must Be Belgium,” a romantic comedy which tells the story of a collection of Americans embarking on a whirlwind 18-day bus trip through 9 European countries. Those of you who have taken these trips know the routine well—bags packed and outside your door by 6:00 am, breakfast at 6:30 am, everyone on the bus by 7:30 and off we go for a day of pre-packed “fun.” I’ve had many “Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium” days since arriving at the AMS in October 2004, though it is usually my own car versus a 50-passenger bus crammed with touring Americans!
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s most of you know, my primary responsibility in the archdiocese is supporting over 240 Catholic priests who serve as chaplains in the Department of Veterans Affairs. For many years the late Bishop Joseph Estabrook and I assumed the additional responsibility of performing pastoral visits to our military bases in the Eastern and Western Vicariates of the AMS. With the welcome addition of Auxiliary Bishops Neal Buckon and Robert Coyle I have been relieved of this responsibility and am able to concentrate on the pastoral needs of our Catholic veterans and the VA priests who serve them. So last November I established a goal of visiting all VA Medical Centers with assigned Catholic chaplains. I hope to accomplish this over a two-year period. As you read this I should have completed a “road trip” through the Northeast with pastoral visits to VA Medical Centers in Baltimore and Perry Point, Maryland; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lyons, New Jersey; Hudson Valley, Bath, Albany, Syracuse, Canandaigua and Buffalo, New York; White River Junction, Vermont; Togus, Maine; Boston and Northampton, Massachusetts; West Haven, Connecticut; Northport and the Bronx in New York. This will complete the “circuit” for the year with a total of 63 visits accomplished since last December, and I am delighted to report that our highly skilled VA priests are providing exceptional pastoral care to a varied and very diverse veteran population. I am most grateful to them. Sadly, since the last edition of SALUTE, three of our dedicated and gifted VA chaplains were called to their eternal rewards: Father Peter Hughes, CSSp, who had served at Fargo, North Dakota, died in Kimmage Manor, Dublin; Father Peter Bwayo from the Tampa VA passed unexpectedly and Father David Czartorynski (USAF retired), also from
STANDING L-R: WILLIAM HUNT, JEROME WAGNER, RUSSELL BILDOEAU, BISHOP RICHARD HIGGINS | SEATED L-R: SUSAN MILLER, TONEY AGUILAR
the Tampa VA, died following a brief illness. An adjustment in the summer schedule allowed me to participate in the 26 July Reading, Pennsylvania Mass of the Resurrection and burial service of Father Czartorynski. Eternal rest grant to them O Lord; may they rest in peace. Summer of 2014 also brought the sad news of the sudden death of Brendan Fulham, a long-time personal friend and recipient of the AMS Medal. Brendan, a simply wonderful Englishman, had been a catalyst in the Catholic communities of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall for almost 40 years. I had the privilege of introducing Brendan and his wife Margaret to the RCIA process back in 1985, and in the course of his ministry at Lakenheath and Mildenhall, Brendan Fulham was responsible for the conversion of over 300 RCIA “graduates”. With the cooperation of his family I was honored to officiate at Brendan’s funeral held in the 12th century Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Lakenheath on 8 July. The Catholic War Veterans of America whom I serve as “Bishop Protector” held their annual convention in Cincinnati 4-9 August. National Commander James Finkel of New York was re-elected as National Commander (continued on page 42) FA L L 2 0 14
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By BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER
“D- DAY” REMEMBERED
Three Short Stories On Why We Must Remember WWII in Normandy, France
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LEFT: BISHOP SPENCER STANDING BY PLAT MAP OF NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY. RIGHT: MR. SHERWIN CALLANDER GRASPING HANDS WITH BISHOP SPENCER.
ur AMS spiritual contribution to the 70th Anniversary was punctuated by several important events on location in France where I represented Archbishop Broglio. First, I was privileged to deliver the Invocation at the beginning of the memorial activities at the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, on the anniversary day, 6 June, “D-Day”.
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peakers following my Invocation were U.S. President Obama and French President Hollande – in front of about 15,000 invited guests (as reported by the French Press), including 400 veterans from the actual D-Day Invasion. The next day, again on Omaha Beach, I celebrated Mass at the American Cemetery. The Mass chosen for thisoccasion was from the Roman Missal “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice”. In my homily I spoke about spiritual signs that signify peace and unity for our world and our appropriate responses as a nation, as well as individuals. DURING THE FOUR DAYS OF CEREMONIES IN NORMANDY, I HAD THREE NOTABLE CONVERSATIONS:
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y first was with Joseph Maxwell “Max” Cleland, an American politician from the state of Georgia. “Max” Cleland, is a disabled U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War (losing both legs and his right arm), a recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valorous actions in combat, a former U.S. Senator as well as former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since May, 2009, he currently serves as Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
In our conversation Secretary Cleland reminded me of the words of General Pershing when he reflected on the importance of “D-DAY” commemorations, saying: “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.” Words so relevant from an authentic and humble military leader.
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y second significant conversation was with Richard Courier of Manhattan, New York, who landed on Omaha Beach, D-Day, 06 June 1944, at the age of 18. Today he still proudly wears his Army Uniform and his Purple Heart medal. During our exchange of stories, he said “Bishop, the only way I survived that day was by repeating the phrase ‘God have mercy on my soul’ and to keep low on the ground. It was my faith that sustained me then and does so today.”
nd the third notable exchange of stories came from Sherwin Callander, who now lives in Madison, Alabama (pictured on page 8) who shared with me that on “D-Day”, itself, just knowing that people back in the U.S.A. were praying for him during the invasion was an encouragement and a source of strength to survive. He said he was not sure at the beginning of D-Day as to what he was fighting for – but now, today in 2014, he understands what he was fighting against. Mr. Callander says that he now prays every day for our troops just as others had prayed for him when he wore the cloth of our nation, the military uniform, seventy years ago.
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o, besides being asked by the Archbishop, why did I attend this monumental 70th anniversary of “D-DAY”? There is no doubt in my mind that the Church must be present alongside those who have sacrificed for the liberation of Europe. It is not only the case of our duty to remember, but also an ever-present commitment to promoting peace and brotherhood today in 2014, especially as the 70th anniversary was probably the last major one to be celebrated in the presence of a significant number of veterans. To our servicemen and women who served during WWII, you remain our greatest generation and we thank you for your service to God and to Country! ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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By BISHOP NEAL J. BUCKON
THE POSTSEASON
FATHER EDGAR VILLANUEVA (FAR LEFT) AND BISHOP BUCKON AT FORT KNOX, KY
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he Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) has a lengthy season for the celebration of Confirmation Masses. I begin in September and end in early June. The postseason takes place during the “summer rotation� when a significant percentage of our Catholic chaplains, service members and their families are packing and shipping household goods, transferring to another assignment at home or abroad, taking leave (going on vacation), and in-processing at the next duty station.The events and activities of the postseason can be exciting and inspiring.
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L – R: COMMANDER TIM JOHNS, COMMAND CHAPLAIN, BISHOP NEAL BUCKON, FATHER PATRICK MCPARTLAND, CAPTAIN ROBERT A. HALL (COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE AMERICA), AND CAPTAIN MICHAEL W. BAZE, (EXECUTIVE OFFICER).
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n Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, I celebrated my final Confirmation Mass for the school year at the Naval Air Station and Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) in New Orleans, La. Two days later the postseason began with the Spring Assembly for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Archbishop Broglio, Bishop Higgins, Bishop Spencer, Bishop Coyle, and I attended the conference. I especially enjoyed the opening Mass at the picturesque St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I drove to the Ingalls Shipbuilding Yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi the day after the conference to meet Father Patrick McPartland. Father Pat is a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and is assigned to the USS America (LHA-6). Chaplain McPartland brought me aboard the first America-class amphibious assault ship for the U.S. Navy, introduced me to the Captain and the crew, and gave me an extensive tour of the ship. The mission of the USS America is to act as the flagship of an expeditionary strike group, carrying part of a Marine expeditionary unit into battle and putting them ashore with helicopters and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.
Father Pat lives and works with the 65 officers and 994 sailors that serve on the ship. His congregation will grow when 1,687 Marines come aboard with all of their vehicles, aircraft, and equipment. Father McPartland, a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., is already celebrating Mass in the ship’s chapel and he is prepared to provide sacraments to all of the Catholic sailors and Marines that serve on ships who might one day comprise a large expeditionary strike group. This may require his transfer from vessel to vessel while the expeditionary group is at sea. Although Father McPartland has been in the Navy for less than two years, he is very much at home in the shipyard. He has a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania; and he worked as an engineer for eight years (five as a Combat Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin). Father Pat and the crew are looking forward to sailing around South America and the commissioning of the USS America in San Francisco during Fleet Week in the fall. I then traveled to Covington, Kentucky, to concelebrate the ordination Mass of Co(continued on page 37) FA L L 2 0 14
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By BISHOP ROBERT J. COYLE
Great Lakes, Illinois Where the Church invites many to get in the boat with the Lord Jesus
BISHOP ROBERT COYLE, AND LT. COMMANDER JOSELITO TIONGSON, DEPUTY CHAPLAIN AND CATHOLIC PRIEST FOR RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND (RTC), GIVE HOLY COMMUNION TO RECRUITS IN GREAT LAKES, ILL. ON MAY 13, 2014.
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ecently, I visited the Naval Recruits at Great Lakes, Illinois which is located outside of Chicago. I was given the opportunity to visit and tour this historic base and recruit training center. It is an impressive facility that welcomes great Americans who answer the call to serve our Nation.
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he Catholic chaplain assigned to the command provides outstanding pastoral care and priestly ministry to the recruits, those called to form them and their families. Father Joselito Tiongson is a very important part of the lives of the recruits while they go through rigorous training to be formed into Sailors.
T © U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY LT. J. G. ADAM DEMETER/RELEASED
he recruits come from all over the country. They bring their enthusiasm for service above self and their faith. Each week they are given the opportunity to participate in Mass, receive the sacraments, and engage in ongoing faith formation. They are open to a closer relationship with Our Lord and find tremendous support in living out their faith. Recruit training is very demanding. It requires sacrifice and dedication. It can be very stressful. Our Lord Jesus is at their side.
time to pray and be blessed by the Lord. It really matters to them. All of us can support this community by our prayers and when we see a young person in uniform, make an effort to thank him or her. Go up to them and shake their hand. I recall during my years in uniform veterans would stop over and thank me, tell me his or her story, and go out of their way to express their appreciation.
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od bless all who answer the call to serve our Nation. We are very blessed to have generous and ray for the young men and women dedicated young Americans who are who answer the noble call to military willing to take the oath to protect and service. They make tremendous defend all that is dear to us. sacrifices, as do their families, every day for ow humbling it was to look out at the cause of freedom and peace around the the vast crowd open to the Word world. While recruits, these young people of God. How special it is that leave behind all that is familiar to them. we honor a service member at every Mass. Fortunately the practice of their faith is not The Centurion put his faith in Jesus when left out of their time at Great Lakes. he sought help for his servant. We quote was invited to celebrate Mass for the him before receiving Holy Communion Catholic community as well as a special “Lord I am not worthy that you Mass for the recruits. The choir along should enter under my roof…” with all of the other ministries were made up of recruits. They fully participate in the Lord bless and strengthen all who serve Mass. I enjoyed our time together after today. May they get in the boat with You Mass. They were very thankful to have the all the days of their lives. ✞
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By TAYLOR HENRY
USS CARL VINSON Welcomes Aboard AMS Vicar General, Monsignor John J.M. Foster
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LEFT - RIGHT: FATHER CURTISS DWYER AND MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER ON BOARD THE USS CARL VINSON
ircraft carriers are typically the place for admirals, not generals. But in May, sailors on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) welcomed aboard a special kind of general— the Vicar General of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). Monsignor John J.M. Foster, J.C.D., AMS Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, paid the carrier an overnight visit May 11-12 as her officers and crew exercised in the Pacific off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico.
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or Monsignor Foster, who joined the AMS in July 2013, it was an opportunity to see how Catholics on warships practice their faith under the pastoral care of Navy chaplains, even as they train for deployment. Father Curtiss Dwyer (CH, LT, USN), serving on the Vinson with AMS endorsement and faculties, concelebrated a Sunday evening Mass with Monsignor Foster in the carrier’s small chapel. Monsignor Foster said, “It was an honor to celebrate the Eucharist with the men and women on board the Carl Vinson. Their faith and devotion not only give them strength and support to fulfill their duties but also witness to the important role faith plays in their lives. I am grateful for the ministry Father Dwyer and the chapel staff provide to the ship’s company and air wing.”
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onsignor Foster arrived with a small visiting group in a “carrier onboard delivery” (cod) transport plane, where seats face backwards and windows are few. Descending on the 4 ½ acre flight deck after a half-hour trip from Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, Calif. where the plane snagged its tailhook on an arresting wire, yanking it to an abrupt stop. Monsignor Foster and the others stepped down to a warm greeting from Executive Officer, Captain Walter Slaughter.
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etween meals in the wardroom and the chiefs’ mess, and a night’s sleep in officer quarters, Monsignor Foster observed daytime and nighttime operations of F/A-
18 Hornets, propeller planes, and helicopters as they took off and landed. He received briefings on everything from chaplain activity to ordnance. Rear Admiral Christopher Grady, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 1, was among those to brief Monsignor Foster and his companions. Captain Kent Whalen, Commanding Officer of the Vinson, bid farewell to the group as it re-boarded the “cod” for the catapult take-off from the carrier.
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ollowing his 26-hour stay on the Vinson, Monsignor Foster flew back home to Washington, D.C. with new insight on how the Navy’s 53 active-duty Catholic chaplains serve those who serve. Monsignor Foster seconded Captain Slaughter’s farewell message:
“While aboard the ship, one is easily taken with the military hardware and technology, but, in the end, it is the hardworking men and women of the U.S. Navy that you will remember.”
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he Vicar General added, “Americans rightly can be proud of the men and women who sail in the U.S. Navy and who fly and maintain naval aircraft. With long hours of often hard work and during months away from home, the officers and sailors on the USS Carl Vinson deserve the gratitude of the nation for doing their part in protecting the United States of America. It was a privilege to visit this fine ship and meet her officers and crew.” ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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By CAPTAIN GEORGE PHILLIPS, USMC (RET) CHAIR - FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO GUILD
ADVANCEMENTS
IN THE CAUSE FOR Father Vincent Capodanno LEFT: OFFICIAL SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO
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he Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, established the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild to (1) raise awareness of Father Capodanno’s
Cause for Canonization and (2) seek and disburse the financial resources necessary to support the Cause. Membership in the Guild includes all supporters who
contribute to the Cause. Those who support the Guild with a contribution of $200 annually are members of the Father Vincent Capodanno Circle, and those who donate $2000 or more are Honorary Board Members eligible to attend board meetings, though without a voice or vote. Archbishop Broglio appointed seven members to the Guild’s Board of Directors, who, in turn, elected Captain George Phillips, USMC (Ret), as Chairman. As a young Marine in 1967, George served with Father Capodanno and was present on the knoll during Operation Swift when his chaplain died September 4. Serving as Vice Chairman is Vice Admiral Thomas Kilcline Jr., USN (Ret); Mr. William Kirst is Treasurer. The remaining Board members are Captain Donald Campbell, USN (Ret), Mrs. Judy McCloskey, General Henry Stackpole, USMC (Ret), and Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley, USN (Ret). In upcoming months, these Board members will be available for speaking engagements presenting Father Capodanno’s virtuous life and heroic death. Also, Monsignor John J. M. Foster, J.C.D., serves as the Archbishop’s Delegate to the Guild Board. Mr. John Schlageter and Mrs. Mary Preece from the AMS staff will assist in Board meetings and activities. The Father Vincent Capodanno Guild website has been established at CapodannoGuild.org. This resource, updated regularly, will provide valuable information about the Servant of God, his Cause for Canonization, and the Guild’s activities. Other progress in Father Capodanno’s Cause includes securing the services of Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, an experienced and recognized canon lawyer in Rome, who as postulator has begun the investigation of several possible miracles obtained through Father Capodanno’s intercession. The Historical Commission has assembled the life story of Father Capodanno from available records and publications. The Theological Commission is evaluating the priest-hero’s correspondence and other writings for doctrinal accuracy. Besides these commissions, the archbishop has appointed several notaries and copyists to help with the finer details of the tribunal’s work. The Episcopal Delegate and Promoter of Justice continue gathering testimonies from Capodanno Family members, Staten Island neighbors and friends, Maryknollers, and Marines—all who personally knew the Servant of God. The work of the tribunal and commissions involves substantial and ongoing expenses; these costs necessitate a request for financial assistance. Donations can be made via the Guild website or mailed to the Father Vincent Capodanno Guild, P.O. Box 29424, 1025 Michigan Avenue, N.E., Washington D.C. 20017. The Guild thanks its members in advance for all financial assistance and prayerful support allowing this worthy endeavor to progress. May the fruits of this organization better enable the eventual beatification and canonization of Servant of God Vincent Capodanno. ✞
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By FATHER GREGORY CAIAZZO
NO ONE WORKS
In a Vacuum LEFT: FATHER CAIAZZO SPEAKING ON THE USS MIDWAY IN SAN DIEGO DURING THE MILITARY CHAPLAINS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE CONVOCATION IN MAY.
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ne of the many great legacies of our church is that it has always worked in “relationship” with other organizations in our world and specifically in our Country. It often challenges it to a greater understanding and applauds it when it makes solid decisions based on gospel values. It is not always easy to do this and sometimes the vision of the Church falls on deaf ears or is directly confronted. This has never stopped us. Each day we look for opportunities to be of influence; opportunities to make a positive difference.
In addition to a career as a Military Chaplain, followed by three years as a contract priest with the Air Force, I have worked closely with our professional organization, the Military Chaplain Association (MCA). This is an ecumenical/interfaith organization of active duty, reservists, National Guard, retired and former chaplains, as well as chaplains serving in the Veterans Administration and Civil Air Patrol. Many of our Catholic priests are members and in the past some have served on the Executive Board. This past May, I was pleased to be elected President of the association. The origins of this organization go back to 1925 with a small group of Army Chaplains who came together as a fraternal organization. By 1930 they had started to produce a magazine. In the years preceding World War II it continued as an Army organization but in 1940 the Navy accepted the invitation to join. With the creation of the US Air Force in the late 1940s, they joined the association. The journal continues as the only magazine supported by all three services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1950 the 81st Congress of the United States chartered the organization to “safeguard and to strengthen the forces of faith and morality of our Nation, to perpetuate and deepen the bonds of understanding and friendship of our military services, to preserve our spiritual influence and interest in all members and veterans of the armed forces, to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to promote justice, peace and good will.” This is quite a mandate and an important challenge. These are wonderful words but you are probably wondering what this means practically. How does this play out in real life? The Military Chaplains Association sits as part of the Military Coalition and is a member of several boards that have direct access to legislative standing committees to recommend issues, positions, and actions for consideration by the Congress. Protecting the rights of chaplains and military personnel in the practice of their faith is always on our forefront. Educating Congress in matters affecting military personnel preserves these rights. MCA also provides a cadre of active and retired chaplains to mentor seminarians in the services’ Chaplain Candidate Programs as these young men and women prepare for ministry to our men and (continued on page 43) FA L L 2 0 14
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By FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O.
THE PRIEST CHAPLAIN
A Vocation within a Vocation
ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO (CENTER), FR. AIDAN LOGAN (FAR RIGHT) AND PRIEST RECRUITERS WITH PARTICIPANTS IN THE STEP CLOSER DISCERNMENT RETREAT AT BETHANY RETREAT CENTER, LUTZ, FL, 19-22 JUNE 2014.
you have not chosen me, i have chosen you, to go and bear much fruit. —John 15:16
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hese words of our Lord to his disciples in St. John’s Gospel go to the heart of any vocation, but most especially to a vocation to the priesthood. Again and again the texts of both Testaments remind us that the call of God is a gift, an invitation to service, that often comes without warning and generally disrupts the life plans of the one FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, O.C.S.O. called. From the day when Abraham was called to leave his own people and his father’s house to the call of the first apostles on shore of the Sea of Galilee and right down to our own day God continues to call: COME, FOLLOW ME.
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o two vocations are the same. While we may boil them down into general categories such as religious life, the priesthood or marriage, the fact is that there are as many vocations as there are those who are called. Among the apostles, although all received the same Holy Spirit, each one was destined to fulfill a unique task in the proclamation of the Gospel.
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o it is today when men are called to the priesthood. Most are destined to be parish priests. But some, more than most people imagine, have a special calling within the priesthood. Perhaps their priesthood is bound up with a profession like the law or medicine or scholarship. Many priests are lifelong teachers or administrators. There are priests with a special talent for preaching who spend many years “on the road” giving retreats and parish missions. Priests are monks and hermits living in silence and solitude giving their lives to prayer and penance for the whole Church. Priests are also called to be with and minister to those on the margins of society or to those whose own vocation leaves them outside normal parish life. This is the special calling of a priest-chaplain in the armed forces.
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mong all the forms a priestly vocation can take, few, if any, are as intimately involved in the lives and struggles of their people as a military chaplain. Wearing the same uniform, enduring the same hardships, going with them into harm’s way, indeed facing death with them, forges a human and spiritual bond like no other. Although this ministry is primarily to Catholics, no setting is as ecumenical as a ship at sea or a forward operating base in the mountains of Afghanistan.
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et, in all these priestly ministries, it is the same vocation: to bring the Good News of Salvation to God’s people; teaching, preaching, hearing confessions, anointing the wounded and dying, offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass and, often as not, simply listening to the hopes and fears of men and women struggling to answer God’s call in their lives. ✞ Please pray and sacrifice for vocations to the priesthood, especially to the special vocation of priest-chaplain in our armed forces. FA L L 2 0 14
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The Blessing Rene J. Pellessier DIOCESE: Lafayette, Louisiana RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: U.S. Navy HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Lafayette High School, Lafayette, Louisiana COLLEGE ATTENDED: Louisiana State University; St. Joseph Seminary College, Louisiana; Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary College, Maryland HOBBIES: Brewing beer, reading good books, hunting, fishing
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Freshman year of high school I felt that I was called to enter the seminary and become a priest. I was on a retreat when I felt this call. WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? A lot of my friends from high school supported me in this journey to become a priest. My associate pastor in college also helped me tremendously to be brave enough to take the step into the seminary. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? Despite my very outgoing and extroverted personality, I can plunge into the depths of other people’s difficult matters by listening to their pain. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY? Psalms 51:
“Create a clean heart in me, O God.” I like this passage because I long to have a clean and pure heart that will motivate me to work tirelessly for Christ and for His children. HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY? I truly came to know Jesus in the fall and winter of 2009. I was reading this book called The Fulfillment of all Desire and in this book I came to the realization that God is not an imaginary concept but a person who loves me. Upon realizing this fact, I could tell God, for the first time, “I love you.”
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Continues... WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? The biggest event in my life was meeting Father Andrew Merrick, my associate pastor in college, because he showed me that real men can love the Lord with all the fiber of their being. HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY? Father Andrew Merrick as well as St. Bernard of Clairvaux inspired me to pursue the priesthood. They also helped me to see what it means to live for other people and not simply for myself. WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND/OR ACADEMIC AND/OR MILITARY BACKGROUND BEFORE APPLYING TO BE A SEMINARIAN? I was a student at the Louisiana State University studying Mechanical Engineering. During the summers, I would work construction as a laborer and during the school year, I would work as a caretaker for a man with cerebral palsy. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? It is a toss up between He Leadeth Me and The Fulfillment of all Desire. WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE? Father Andrew Merrick, is a man that I greatly admire, as well as my spiritual director, Father Dietrich, who has devoted his life to the people of God. 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? I do highly effective prayer with lectio divina as well as thorough examination of my daily life. I do a holy hour every day, comprising the prayers that I just mentioned, and I participate heavily in the liturgical life of the Church. I go to Mass every day whether I am at home or seminary and I pray all the offices of the Liturgy of the Hours.
“The biggest event in my life was meeting Father Andrew Merrick, my associate pastor in college, because he showed me that real men can love the Lord with all the fiber of their being.” FA L L 2 0 14
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By MARY LAVIN
Gene’s Christmas Story
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LEFT: EUGENE A. HOLTHAUS SERGEANT RIGHT: MEMORIAL BRICK DONATED IN HIS HONOR
here may be a hint of fall in the air as you read this issue of Salute but it is August as the articles are being prepared to go to print – the seemingly perfect time to share a Christmas story. The story is that of World War II veteran Sergeant Eugene A. Holthaus who last March celebrated his 90th birthday and was honored by his family with an AMS Memorial Brick. It is a story that Sergeant Holthaus’ daughter said has been told by her father many times over the years about his service in the U.S. Army during WWII. When Sergeant Holthaus learned of the Memorial Brick that now has a prominent place on the front walkway of the AMS Pastoral Center, he was asked and was willing to share his story with the AMS.
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This is Gene’s Christmas Story.
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was from a small town in Idaho and hadn’t been away from home more than 200 miles before I entered the Army and headed to Georgia for boot camp and then overseas to France. Mass was said in Latin and so was essentially the same no matter where I attended and it was a connection to home and family. In 1945, the war in Europe had ended about 6 months before and I finally had received orders to head home. When we boarded the ship, we were hoping that we would be back in the U.S. by Christmas, but the rough seas caused the ship to go slower than planned. Most of the men were experiencing sea sickness as the ship was pushed side to side by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. As the front of the ship lifted out of the sea, it would then come crashing back down against the water causing the propellers to lift above the water. As they went back into the sea, the ship plunged forward and lifted the bow out of the water again.This sequence continued throughout the journey home. I know I thought I had survived the war, but now we were in peril on the sea. Christmas Eve approached and we were fortunate to have a priest on board with us. He scheduled Midnight Mass in the mess hall using one of the tables as the Altar. Everyone was hanging onto the tables to steady themselves, including the priest as he celebrated Mass. Two soldiers volunteered to hold the candles beside the table while also keeping steady on their own feet. Father had to hold the Paten and Chalice firmly as the ship swayed. Although I don’t remember other details about the Mass nearly 70 years ago, I do remember the comfort of attending Mass and especially this special Christmas Mass. Where I was stationed in Europe, I attended Mass as often as I could and was grateful for the priests who served as chaplains. I made it safely home to my parents and two younger brothers.
— Eugene A. Holthaus, Sergeant, #39469401, Service Command Unit 3999
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hristmas will be here before we know it. Donations to the AMS Vocations Fund support on-going efforts and initiatives to recruit and prepare priests for military chaplaincy, as well as pastoral ministry in home dioceses, at Christmas and throughout the year. Thank you
for your service, Sergeant Holthaus. Merry Christmas! ✞
There are several ways to stay informed about current news, events, and stories related to the AMS. In addition to quarterly issues of Salute, and now monthly issues of e-ttention, you can sign up to receive timely news releases from the Office of Public Affairs and Media Relations and monthly e-newsletters from the Offices of Evangelization and Faith Formation. Visit www.milarch.org/register to sign up for AMS news releases, receive Salute electronically, or if you are interested in the monthly Youth and Young Adult Ministry e-newsletters. If you already receive news releases, please consider forwarding one to a friend, co-worker or neighbor, or follow the AMS on Facebook or Twitter. By doing so, you will increase awareness about the AMS mission to serve those who serve, share information about the Vocations Program and Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, and you may also help the AMS identify additional sources of support for continue growth of all AMS programs. For more information about AMS Memorial Bricks or Tour of Duty Bricks, please call the Development Office at 202.719.3622 or go to www.milarch.org/development and click on “Ways to Give.” or mail a check to: AMS, Development Office, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017 please note: Commemorative bricks may be ordered at any time but are only placed 2-3 times per year. FA L L 2 0 14
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By TAYLOR HENRY
NEW PRAYER BOOKS Shipped to U.S. Military Installations and Frontlines
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO BLESSING THE NEW ARRIVALS OF "ARMED WITH THE FAITH" BEFORE BEING SHIPPED TO THE TROOPS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) has begun shipping 100,000 new “Armed with the Faith” prayer books to Catholic military chaplains stationed worldwide for distribution to the rank and file in the armed forces wherever they serve. Since 2004, the Knights of Columbus (K of C) have paid for publication and shipment of the virtually indestructible, waterproof, flip-top prayer books designed for use in the most rugged conditions, even hard battle. More than 500,000 copies have been distributed over the past ten years, mainly through AMS chaplains in the field.
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rmed with the Faith” contains more than 70 prayers and devotions, such as a Prayer in Time of War, Prayer for One’s Family, Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd”), and the Rosary; notes on the Sacrament of Penance including an examination of conscience and a guide for making a good confession; catechetical instruction and excerpts from St. Augustine’s writings on “Just War;” religious reference material including the Ten Commandments, the Precepts of the Church, the Holy Days of Obligation, and the Seven Sacraments; and hymns such as “The National Anthem,” “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Onward, Christian Soldiers.”
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he new 5th edition contains a number of enhancements, including sections on patron saints of the military services, the new responses for Mass, and a more detailed table of contents. On Thursday, 8 May, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, blessed the outgoing books in the garage loading dock of the AMS Pastoral Center on Michigan Avenue in northeast Washington, where the books are being shipped across the nation and overseas. Archbishop Broglio said, “It is my fervent hope and prayer that these new prayer books will spiritually encourage servicemen and women, especially those in harm’s way, to go forth ‘Armed with the Faith,’ as the previous editions have done so effectively over the past decade. I am deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus for so generously providing the books and paying for the considerable cost of shipping them to our chaplains stationed around the world, so that they may in turn make them available to those who serve.” ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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By FATHER PATRICK F. HEALY Reprinted from THE SENTINEL, WINDSOR NEW YORK
“Retirement?”
AT NINETY!
ANDY CIVALE (LEFT) PRESENTING A PERSONAL MEMENTO OF FATHER PATRICK HEALY, OMI, TO THE CURRENT CHAPLAIN DEACON TONY FERRAIUOLO. MR. CIVALE MAINTAINS CLOSE CORRESPONDENCE WITH FATHER HEALY AND IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE CWV POST #386.
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n Vietnam he said, “I was trying to help a little Vietnamese nun who was a nurse caring for children. She spoke almost no English but was able to make us understand that American medicine was helping her patients. She took a sample out of her bag to show us what she was putting on the kids’ heads. It was La Page’s Glue!” Following Vietnam, Father Healy served with the Third Armored Division in Garmisch and Mannheim, Germany. Then came assignment at Fort Dix, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, Camp Zama, Japan, and Fort Carson, Colorado.
I FATHER PATRICK HEALY AS A YOUNG CHAPLAIN
n 1980, the Oblates recalled him to be pastor of Saint Timothy Parish in Miami and he left the Army with the rank of Major. After Miami, he became Superior of the Oblate House in Tewksbury and then as a civilian preached missions and retreats for two years before becoming associate pastor of Most Holy Trinity at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Two years later, in 1989, he became the Catholic chaplain at nearby Stewart Air Force Base and stayed until he retired on June 30, 1999, the first of Father Healy’s “retirements.”
He was back on duty as Chaplain of the National Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C. He came out of another retirement to serve as Chaplain of St. Michael’s Chapel at the Soldiers’ Home. Then retired again. And again came out of retirement to return to the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, Chelsea, Mass. after the untimely death of its Catholic chaplain. Of the ten Healy children, he is the sole survivor and credits his parents for raising him to lead a good life. His father came from the village of Adare, County Limerick, Ireland, where he poached salmon in the
River Maigue as a boy, and his mother was from Listowel in Kerry. The family established a scholarship at St. Joseph’s School in Adare in his father’s honor. With a degenerative eye disease, his sight is restricted, something he overcomes with a keen sense of hearing. And an amazing memory. He is a walking dictionary of the names of people he came in contact with during his long life. This son of Charlestown turned ninety a few short months ago. There is no retirement in the off for Father Patrick Francis Healy, his gift to the veterans of the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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By JOSÉ M. AMAYA
AMS FAMILY FAITH ASSESSMENT
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EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IN THE FAITH
n 25 June 2014, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio chose the names for the assessment and the reporting tool, namely, AMS Family Faith Assessment and AMS Family Faith Passport. The assessment will be ready for use by all religious education programs in the AMS this fall.
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he introduction to Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide stresses the importance and value of assessment. It is about accountability, planning and faith growth. Although we cannot assess faith, we can assess how well participants in faith formation are learning the language, practices and general knowledge of the Catholic faith tradition. Traditionally, parents are told that they are the primary educators of their children’s faith with little or no support to succeed in their role. In other cases, catechists take on the charge to be the sole teachers of the faith because parents are to “ignorant� about their faith to fulfill their duty. The assessment proposes a middle approach. While parents may be illiterate in the faith, their role and presence in the lives of their children to inculcate the faith precedes the religious education program. Faith conversations will begin to spark around the dinner table, while riding to Mass or during family vacations. In light of the upcoming Synod on the Family and the church documents that highlight this special vocation of parents, the AMS will implement an assessment process that involves the participation of parents and youth/ children online. The idea of taking a verbal or written test, exam, or assessment is frightening for people of all ages. The AMS Family Faith Assessment is not a traditional onetime test. It is rather a free process to help the family grow in faith together. Families throughout the Archdiocese will be instructed to take a pre-assessment between the months of October and November, engage in faith growth between November and March, and take a post assessment during the months of April-May. The assessment process is based on the standards and indicators being taught in the Catholic faith community religious education program and reinforced at home. Both catechists and parents have access to the grade-appropriate standards and
indicators on the AMS faith formation web pages. Families will be able to engage in the assessment process from a home or public library computer/laptop. This assessment process will help all involved to be accountable to one another. The pre-assessment will allow catechetical leaders and catechists assess the initial status of participants faith knowledge to plan accordingly their lesson plans for the year. It will also provide parents with a clear picture of the faith growth of their youth/children and highlight the strengths and weaknesses to focus their efforts at home in partnership with the catechetical leadership at the chapel. Priests, as the Directors of Religious Education, will be able to engage the faith development of families in homilies. The assessment process will consist of age-appropriate online questions and answers with pop-ups for in-depth faith learning from the catechism, Scriptures, prayers and practices, Church history, and the lives of the saints. It will include a reporting tool that will follow each family throughout the Archdiocese wherever they PCS: AMS Family Faith Passport. The assessment results will, in turn, assist catechetical leaders and catechists to plan the religious education thematic year, based on the AMS curriculum, and to develop lesson plans with the resources provided to meet faith formation needs of youth/children. Faith formation is life-long. The AMS Family Faith Assessment will be available for grades 3 to 8. Second graders will also be encouraged to participate in the age-appropriate games through CatholicQuiz.com as a practicum for the assessment experience. By taking the assessment process together, parents and youth/children are expected to grow in faith through conversation, pray and engage in service to others, and become transformed as a family of disciples for mission in light of the New Evangelization. (continued on page 42) FA L L 2 0 14
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By JOSÉ M. AMAYA
Pursuing Advanced Certification for Leadership
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hy am I required to pursue Advanced Certification as a Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) or Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM)? I am often asked this question by catechetical leaders who do not yet have a Masters in Theology or Religious Studies. The question is valid especially if the person knows that his or her time in the position may be brief due to a spouse’s change of assignment or the terms of the contract. The compensation may not be encouraging either. It is, however, best to have a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge of the faith and the administrative skills in order to organize effectively the program and pass on the content of our Catholic faith to all. As the saying goes, you cannot give what you do not have!
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lthough a person may be called to a leadership role in catechesis and youth ministry without a Masters Degree, the AMS requires that those in catechetical and youth ministry leadership roles pursue advanced certification. The operative terms here are “require” and “pursue”. The term “require” places a sense of urgency while “pursue” allows for flexibility. In chapter 8 of the National Directory for Catechesis “Regarding Those Who Catechize,” the U.S. Bishops outline the major responsibilities of such leaders and advocate for the development of the “competence and skills necessary for effective leadership and thorough knowledge of the faith.”
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ccepting a position without a Masters Degree is an opportunity embraced with the desire to learn and to achieve the goal of becoming certified. The goal of the CRE and CYM must be to finish each of the two levels of the Certificate Program within three years, completing the course of study online within six years through CDU or VLCFF. Consequently, those pursuing a Masters Degree must complete the degree within four years. Leaders should inquire with the Command Chaplain if the installation can cover education expenses.
Certification or a Masters Degree will enhance the leader’s skills and knowledge of the faith to better organize and administer the catechetical or youth ministry program. The CRE and CYM serves as a resource for all catechists and needs such knowledge to encourage each of their catechists to develop lesson plans, effectively knowing that they have a reliable person they can turn to (i.e., the certified CRE/CYM). The leader will have a certificate or a degree to prove his/her qualifications for a position at the next installation. The investment will also make him or her a candidate for hat is in it for me? There is no doubt consideration at a civilian parish when he or that mobility, finances, and discipline she transitions to civilian status. If Advanced to complete the program online may be chal- Certification opens windows, imagine the lenging. However, completing Advanced doors a Masters Degree will open. ✞
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FORMING DISCIPLES BLOG The AMS Forming Disciples Blog is designed to connect catechetical leaders in this global archdiocese and to serve as a forum for catechetical leaders to share best practices in the process of effective implementation of Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide. New articles with ideas for planning the upcoming catechetical year are being posted weekly. Catechetical leaders can find the blog on the AMS website under Offices>>Evangelization>>Forming Disciples Blog. In order to participate actively in the conversations, leaders must create a username unless they already have one. Contact José Amaya, Director of Faith Formation, at jamaya@milarch.org or 202.719.3623.
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REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC EXTENSION, SUMMER 2014 PHOTOS COURTESY CATHOLIC EXTENSION
MILITARYand MINISTRY
A young veteran will study Theology so she can share her gifts with other servicemen and women
CASEY BUSTAMANTE WAS SO MOVED BY THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF YOUNG VETERANS THAT SHE DECIDED TO PURSUE FORMAL THEOLOGY TRAINING TO HELP THEM
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WHILE SERVING AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, BOTH IN THE U.S.AND ABROAD, CASEY BUSTAMANTE ALWAYS VOLUNTEERS INSPIRATIONAL MINISTRY.
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t is often the same sentiment that brings people to choose a vocation in both the military and ministry: a sense of calling to a greater cause. For Casey Bustamante, who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2008 and recently received a grant through Catholic Extension’s Young Adult Leadership Initiative to study theology, the combination is natural. “I need to work for something beyond myself,” she said. Casey, 27, was raised in a military family. She considers San Antonio, Texas, to be home, but her family has also lived in Mississippi, Nevada and Panama. Her father, an immigrant from Mexico, joined the military because of the opportunities for education and income, as well as to serve his new country. He served the United States for 23 years. Growing up on military bases with frequent moves, Casey found great comfort in attending Mass at military chapels. She was reassured by other Catholic families who kept their faith alive despite the rigors of military life which helped her to understand the close connection between serving God and country. “You are called to serve,” she said. “It’s not about you. The last thing it’s about is you.” Casey knew for many years that she would join the armed forces. After being accepted at several military academies for college, Casey ultimately chose the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During basic training, a time when military leaders stress the morals, values and expectations of the Academy, Casey found an opportunity to also evaluate herself and who she was. In reflecting on her own life, she realized that something was lacking. “I wasn’t living life fully for God,” she admitted. “I wasn’t always strong enough on my own and needed a faith community to challenge me.” Casey joined a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Bible study and a discipleship program. Her faith grew stronger. She discovered Catholics Seeking Christ (CSC), an initiative of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), supported by Catholic Extension.“I realized that a ‘yes’ to the military was a bigger ‘yes’ to Christ,” she said. She eventually became a Bible study leader – solidifying her dual commitment to the military and to ministry. After graduation, Casey said she was “on fire and excited to be part of a Catholic community.” Her first assignment was to Aviano Air Base in northeastern Italy as a cyber operations officer. In addition, she became the Aviano Catholic Young Adult Coordinator, leading her fellow service members on a pilgrimage to Rome and an excursion to World Youth Day. Part of Casey’s overseas assignment was a six-month tour of duty in Iraq. Facing the (continued on page 36) FA L L 2 0 14
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MILITARY and MINISTRY struggles of military life, which she said are particularly grueling during deployment, again reminded Casey that she “needed to live her life for God.” To strengthen her spiritual life and that of others, she became a cantor for Masses in Iraq. In 2011, Casey was transferred to the Joint Staff Support Center at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. where she continued her career in cyber communications. Again, feeling a need to stay connected to the Catholic Church, she volunteered as a Young Adult Leader at Saint Rita’s Parish in Alexandria, Virginia. As she juggled her busy schedule, Casey felt a bigger pull towards ministry. She found more and more young Catholics in the military that longed to deepen their spiritual lives. “They have a desire for something more,” she said. As they face deployments and separations from family, their needs escalate.
“As they go off to war, young adults have a special need to develop a strong foundation in spirituality,” Casey said,
explaining that she wanted to support them in this process. With contemplation and prayers, Casey made the difficult decision to leave active duty to pursue spiritual formation. However,
(continued from page 35)
she will remain involved with the military through an internship with the AMS and a job with the Air Force Reserves – allowing her to keep combining her two passions. “God has impressed on my heart a deep love for military members and wants me to continue serving them,” she said. She believes further education will strengthen her ability to bring pastoral care to colleagues. This summer, Casey will begin a master’s degree in theology at the University of Notre Dame. She is sponsored through Catholic Extension’s Young Adult Leadership Initiative, which offers funding to young leaders aspiring to serve the Church in mission dioceses. Casey describes her goal as “helping the AMS illuminate the world with the light of Christ by encouraging the faithful to meet young adults where they are, listening to them and welcoming them into a Church that has a place for them.” For Casey, a love of ministry and the military go hand in hand. She said, “Military members are trained in discipline, morality and virtues in such a way that, when given hope, they can order their lives for the greater glory of God.” ✞
Faith in Their Hands
Dr. Mark Moitoza, Vice Chancellor for Evangelization at AMS, shows the military app on his phone.
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One AMS project that Casey will promote is the digital application called AMS Catholic Faith Deployed, recently funded by Catholic Extension. This app, designed for use on iPhones and iPads, can be accessed anywhere in the world. Information includes Bible studies, meditations and live-stream webcasts. The app allows military personnel and families to stay connected spiritually at all times – it literally puts faith in their hands.
THE POSTSEASON Sponsored Seminarian William Appel to the holy Order of Priesthood. Bishop Roger J. Foys ordained four seminarians on Saturday, June 21st, 2014 at the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington. Father Appel served for nearly ten years as a helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps. He prepared for the priesthood by studying at the Pontifical North American College in the Vatican. He will complete his studies in 2015 with a STL (Sacrae Theologiae Licentiatus) in spiritual theology. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Father Appel bestow his first priestly blessings upon family and friends during the reception. We are anticipating his return to active duty in a few short years. Immediately after the reception I drove to Fort Knox, Kentucky which is located downstream on the Ohio River. Over 6,000 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were present for training conducted and supported by a cadre of 4,000 Army active duty soldiers and reservists. Father Bernardino Yebra, the Catholic chaplain (Captain) assigned to Fort Knox, arranged for me to celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi with the cadets and cadre in O’Neill Chapel. Father (Captain) Edgar Villanueva, a priest-recruiter from the Army Recruiting Command, assisted in hearing Confessions, and joined us to concelebrate the Mass. This is the first summer that the U.S. Army Cadet Command consolidated its senior ROTC summer training. They are doing this to improve the quality of leadership development for the future officers of the Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. The consolidation relocates the Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to Fort Knox. The cadet command already con-
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ducts its Leader’s Training Course (LTC) each summer at Fort Knox. For the vast majority of the cadets this is their first experience with the U.S. Army; and it is also their first experience with military chaplains. Fathers Yebra and Villanueva guarantee that that Catholic Church, with its pastoral care and sacraments, is present for the cadets upon initial entry. Father Yebra will provide Catholic religious support to the cadets throughout the summer. Father Villanueva meets with cadets that express interest in learning more about the chaplain corps. He spoke with four Catholic cadets that are discerning a call to the priesthood. The ministry of the priest is very important because the cadets’ first impression will be a lasting one for as long as they serve in the military. On Monday, June 22nd, I visited three training sites, and spoke with cadets and members of the cadre. The first location was an indoor swimming pool where fully clothed cadets were taking the Combat Water Survival Test. I offered the weak swimmers a word of encouragement and a prayer. We then traveled to the High Ropes Course at the Forest Hills site to see the cadets use their agility and strength to negotiate obstacles high above the ground. Morale was high when I joined the cadets for a lunch of Meals-Ready-To-Eat (MRE). During lunch, the cadets spoke of their universities, studies, and future plans; I encouraged them to prepare themselves well for a life of service. After lunch, the chaplains and I drove to the First Aid training site where the cadre enabled us to observe the teaching of life-saving skills that may one day be used in the neighborhood and another day used on the battlefield. Forty years ago I was an ROTC cadet, and (continued on page 43) FA L L 2 0 14
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By MONSIGNOR FRANK A. PUGLIESE
WARRIORS TO LOURDES TOP: OUTDOOR PROCESSION AND BLESSING OF THE SICK AT LOURDES BOTTOM: PROCESSION AND BLESSING OF THE SICK IN THE UNDERGROUND BASILICA AT LOURDES ALL ARTICLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ©ALEX WRIGHT/PHOTO LACAZE.
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ourdes is located in southern France in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Around the town there are three summits reaching up to 3,280 feet which are known as the Béout, the Petit Jer (with its three crosses) and the Grand Jer (with its single cross). Lourdes itself lies at an elevation of 1,380 ft. and in a central position through which runs the fast-flowing river Gave de Pau. On land bordered by a loop of the Gave de Pau is an outcrop of rock called Massabielle. On the northern aspect of this rock, near the riverbank, is a naturally occurring, irregularly shaped shallow cave or grotto, in which the apparitions of Mary to St. Bernadette took place in 1858. Since then, Lourdes has been a place of pilgrimage where miracles happen.
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ach year, hundreds of military pilgrims from the United States Armed Forces join military members from 35 other nations to pray for international peace. They create an atmosphere of international cooperation as their bands play, their troops march, and they invite each other to share their cultures and their friendship. It is one of the most magnificent displays of the universality of the Church joined together in common prayer.
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n May, 2014, the Archdiocese for the Military Services sponsored the second Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage with the support of the Knights of Columbus. About 60 military members — many of whom had been wounded or injured in combat – came to this shrine joining the International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes that is held every year in May. These warriors experienced both the peace and prayerfulness of Mary’s shrine and the exuberant display of military
bands and ceremonies from around the world. They were gathered together to pray for international peace through the intercession of the Queen of Peace.
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ne of those warriors who came to Lourdes was seeking a pilgrimage to strengthen her faith. She received that and much more. She said, “I came with a clear idea of what I wanted from God, but got something entirely different. It ends up that it was exactly what I needed.”
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ne of the volunteers who came to Lourdes intended to serve military members needing assistance. While she was doing that, however, she found her own faith deepened. She went to confession for the first time in 30 years and felt at home again in the Church. She said, “The pilgrimage feels like a homecoming.” (continued on page 40) FA L L 2 0 14
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WARRIORS TO LOURDES (continued from page 39)
A PILGRIM IN PRAYER AT LOURDES
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ary’s shrine at Lourdes is, indeed, a special, sacred place. Here, people of all faiths can find a place of prayer. From the moment I enter through the gate, I feel like I am in a place of prayer. At every moment of every day, people in this sacred place are in the presence of God, speaking to Him, honoring Him, remembering Him and knowing that in His presence, we can’t focus on what we don’t have, but on what we do have – all the many gifts He has given us. It is truly a place where we meet and walk with Mary who takes us to her Son.
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pilgrimage chaplain. These warriors who come seeking healing need priests. They will enrich your ministry and your lives as they have mine. The response from many of you this year was “I can’t come this year, maybe next year.” Well, it’s now next year. Did I mention that the pilgrimage is funded for the warriors through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus?
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he warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage is necessarily limited to active duty, or recently medically retired or separated service members. However, the International Military Pilgrimage is open to any active duty or retired military member. A pilgrimage to Lourdes is always a special event. This pilgrimage to Lourdes adds the experience of military members throughout the world – arguably, those who want peace the most – coming together to pray for peace. Interested? See the AMS website, www.milarch.org for information.
here are so many people to thank for what happened at Lourdes. These very people are busily planning for next year’s pilgrimage scheduled for May 2015. You can help. First of all, be informed. Look at the website: www.warriorstolourdes.com. Second, talk about what you learn. Spread the word to warriors who would be helped by such an opportunity and to anyone who might come into contact with them. The he most important part you can play: website: www.warriorstolourdes.com will be PRAY for the men and women who accepting applications both for warriors and will come to Lourdes in May 2015. Pray that companion caregivers. they will experience a place of peace where ilitary priest-chaplains, you can help. they can leave behind some of the baggage Start now to make this opportunity they come with and return home healed and known to warriors and wounded warrior changed from having experienced a place of battalions. Then, carve out the time from peace and love where Mary as guide will 12 to 18 May, 2015 to come with us as a lead them to her Son. ✞
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Arrivederci, Monsignor Olszyk
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hange is a part of our lives and it is a constant factor in the military and in the ministry in general. We constantly experience PCS (permanent change of station) on military installations, but it happens in the civilian world, as well.
On Wednesday, July 9th a page was turned in the history of the AMS when Msgr. Thomas P. Olszyk returned to his native Milwaukee after decades of service to this Archdiocese, first as an Air Force chaplain and then, since 2006, as Judicial Vicar. To limit his service to the faithful to those few lines, however, would fail to capture the depth of his ministry. In addition to his duties in the Tribunal and as a canonical advisor, Msgr. Olszyk functioned as the “Guest Master” at the Pastoral Center, which often meant that he was “on duty” to welcome late arrivals. He made sure that there was food and drink in our residence and a celebrant for the noon daily Mass. ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. Many faithful in the Archdiocese of Washington knew him as the BROGLIO SAYING FAREWELL TO MONSIGNOR THOMAS OLSZYK. “supply priest” who celebrated Mass when their proper pastors were out-of-town or otherwise unable to be present in their parishes. Many found in him a gentle confessor in English and Polish at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and elsewhere. He has been engaged in the diocesan process for the Cause of the Canonization of the Servant of God, Father Vincent Capodanno, MM and he has promised to continue that work with Msgr. Frank Pugliese, the former Vicar General. I am particularly grateful for their willingness to see this important task to its conclusion. With Msgr. Olszyk’s departure I become the longest tenant in the Archbishop’s residence and the most senior in priestly ordination. I titled this brief note “arrivederci”, because it renders well our sentiments. It means “until we see each other again”. Msgr. Olszyk will be back to visit and to further the Cause of Father Capodanno and so there will be occasions to see him here again. However, it is important to thank him for his generous service to the faithful of this global Archdiocese. At the same time the AMS is pleased to welcome Father Christopher Armstrong, J.C.D., a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He will begin his duties as the new Judicial Vicar at about the time you are reading this issue of Salute. I am deeply grateful to him for accepting this position and to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati who has released him.The AMS is always dependent on the generosity of bishops and religious superiors to have priests and deacons to participate in her mission. You will have an occasion to meet Father Armstrong in these pages in the near future. At present I only want to say: “Welcome aboard”. ✞ FA L L 2 0 14
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AMS FAMILY FAITH ASSESSMENT
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he goal is to help families grow into households of faith and charity (love and service to all). The process will offer all involved an integral picture of the faith development of the family. The process intends to dispel the fear of taking an exam/test and to make faith learning engaging and appealing to youth/children. Will this concept work given the already busy schedules of families and technology limitations of some? That will likely depend on the extent to which catechetical leaders and families invest their time, talent, and energy. ✞
“If It’s TuesdayThis Must Be...”
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and together with his team of National Directors will lead the organization until next year’s convention in Las Vegas. Always a highlight of the convention is the awarding of the St. Sebastian and St. Agnes medals to CWV members and auxiliaries whose contribution to the organization is commendable. Awards for this year were presented to William Hunt, Jerome Wagner, Russell Bildoeau, Susan Miller, and Toney Aguilar. Immediately following the CWV convention I hightailed it to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to celebrate the 17 August Sunday morning Mass for Justice and Peace at the 34th annual Irish Fest. The good folks there had been pursuing me for a few years! I must confess that celebrating with and preaching to that many Irish and “wish they were Irish” can be intimidating but I survived. As an aside, the choir and musicians supporting the liturgy were extraordinary and I wish they would produce a few CDs. Father Michael Maher S.J. was my most able escort; he’s been at it 30+ years. So, the “If It’s Tuesday It Must Be Belgium” ontinues and I am most grateful to each of you who make it possible for my colleagues and me to reach out to our priests and deacons who serve throughout the AMS. Once again, I ask your prayers for stamina to continue this unique and challenging mission. May the good Lord reward your continuing generosity. ✞ + Bishop Higgins FA L L 2 0 14 /
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Save the Dates
Marine Corps Marathon 26 OCTOBER 2014 – 7:55 AM The starting line, Route 110 between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
Annual Benefit 13 NOVEMBER 2014 – 7:00 PM Blessed John Paul II Shrine | 3900 Harewood Road NE, Washington, D.C. Tickets Required, FOR MORE INFORMATION: email: events@milarch.org or call 202.719.3622
THE POSTSEASON
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instead of going to Summer Camp I went to Fort Benning, Georgia for the U.S. Army Ranger School. I shared with the cadets how my faith had helped me successfully complete the course. “I kept putting one foot in front of the other and I would pray. I found that if I took one step, God would help me take two more.” The following Sunday, June 29th, I drove to Youngstown, Ohio for the commissioning of Father Michael Marcelli as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Father Marcelli is a priest of the Diocese of Youngstown and had been serving as the Parochial Vicar for Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Boardman, Ohio. When I entered the sacristy I met Monsignor James R. Kolp and Father Michael Mikstay who were vesting to concelebrate Father Marcelli’s final Mass at St. Charles. Monsignor Kolp is the author of The Amazing Father Lindesmith, a biography of the first priest and military chaplain from northeast Ohio. Father Mikstay, of Canton, Ohio, is a Captain in the Navy and is serving as the Command Chaplain at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Calif. Father Mikstay returned to his home diocese to serve as the officer required to commission Father Macelli. The commissioning ceremony took place in the church hall after Mass. The hall was packed as a testimony to parishioners’ love and prayerful support for their priest. The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, was present for the ceremony and for the sending off of one of his young priests to serve in the Navy. I thanked Bishop Murry for loaning a great priest to the Archdiocese for the Military Services. Bishop Murry replied, “Neal, remember that Youngstown wants him to return home someday!” The Postseason of 2014 is filled with many indelible memories. Father McPartland was furnishing a new chapel, establishing a congregation, and helping prepare the USS America for its maiden voyage. Bishop Foys ordained Father William Appel and three other men priests to serve God’s people; and within the hour Father Appel was bestowing his first blessings upon those in the queue. Fathers Yebra and Villanueva were engaged in young adult ministry with over 6000 exuberant cadets training at Fort Knox. Father Mikstay commissioned Father Marcelli to serve both God and Country as a chaplain in the United States Navy. ✞
NO ONE WORKS In a Vacuum
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women in uniform and in the VA. To pray for and with, support and help these seminarians is a special gift that we offer. This is the future of bringing the sacraments and ministry of Catholic priests and chaplains of all faiths to those who daily defend our Country. In conjunction with this, each year we offer scholarships to seminarians. This is only the beginning of what the organization does. It continues to provide fellowship and camaraderie along with a professional journal. It has published books about chaplaincy and chaplains and promotes books written by and about chaplains. As more veterans have died, the availability of priests and other clergy to provide military funerals and graveside services at National Cemeteries is limited. Many of our retired military priests have provided this final salute to our faithful veterans. The organization is open to all chaplains and former chaplains as well as those who support by prayer and action the work of our priests and chaplains.✞ www.mca-usa.org FA L L 2 0 14
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CPS
PAID
Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE
— Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
“May the beginnings that come with the late summer and early autumn be propitious for your path of faith.”
“Serving Those Who Serve”
P.O. Box 4469 Washington, DC 20017-0469
Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA