Before the first leaves of spring begin to sprout, it is time to offer you another issue of Salute. Winter brought unusual cold weather to Washington and a mere 4-5 inches of snow practically crippled the city for almost two weeks. Those of us from other climes were amazed at the paralysis, but snow is not that frequent here.
The snow did not stop the work of preaching the Gospel or trying to meet the needs of the men and women in uniform and their families. This issue, in fact, will relate some of the most recent activities that have filled the waking hours of my Auxiliary Bishops and me. The days have been full, but the rewards of serving are great.
You will also meet another co-sponsored seminarian, Forrest Doss, and read of the strong participation in the AMS’s discernment retreats by men discerning the priesthood and military chaplaincy.
At this writing the Archdiocese is busily preparing for the Rite of Election for the Washington Military District, which will gather the largest number ever for that event. Please pray for these catechumens who prepare for baptism at the Easter Vigil.
This spring will also be the occasion for the ordination of several cosponsored seminarians and deacons. That is always a moment of great joy. Needless to write, their addition to the ranks of the chaplains will not come soon enough to fill the great need.
It is exciting to know about so many ways that the Gospel is being preached and ministry advancing in our global Archdiocese.
Thank you for your support and enjoy reading these pages of Salute.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOL. 19 NO. 4 FALL/WINTER 2025
4Extracurricular Activities
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
12 The Power of Prayer and Hope
Bishop F. Richard Spencer
14Builders of Peace
Bishop F. Richard Spencer
16Traveling to Celebrate
Bishop Neal J. Buckon
20Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum
Bishop Bill Muhm
22Citizens of the Eighth Day
Bishop Bill Muhm
24Catholic War Veterans National Convention in New York
Bishop Joseph Coffey
26Bishop Coffey’s Pastoral Visit to Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Father Paul Scheck
28 The Harvest Continues
Meet Forrest Doss
30Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Two Young Laymen
Mark Moitoza
Cover: Archbishop Broglio greets Pope Leo during an October visit of a delegation from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to the Vatican.
Photo Credit Vatican Dicastery for Communication
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.
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Jubilee Year of Hope
Archbishop Broglio with Father Curtiss Dwyer, LCDR, CHC, USN, during a recent pastoral visit aboard the USS Nimitz.
Extracurricular Activities
By Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
Concluding my term at the helm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops suddenly returned me to the full-time responsibilities as the Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. It is not that those responsibilities ever left me, but I suddenly experienced the freedom that comes from no longer having a “night job.” I will be ever sympathetic to those who have to work two jobs for a living. I will tell you a bit about my “extracurricular” activities, which also contributed to the mission of the AMS.
At the end of July there was an opportunity to meet with the Archbishop of Yucatan, Mexico. His ministry to our immediate south is demanding, but we compared notes about preaching the Gospel in the XXI Century. Those international contacts are always interesting.
After a few days in the beautiful Napa Valley at the informative conference by the same name, I returned to Washington and met with the Secretary of the Army. Mr. Daniel Driscoll was very friendly and tried to respond to some of my concerns. As you can surmise from the pastoral letter published in the last issue of Salute, one of the principal concerns regarding the cancellation of religious support contracts was not resolved during that conversation.
At this writing, I am happy to report that there have been some positive steps toward a resolution. The importance of supporting our priests with the professional help they need cannot be exaggerated. Every Army chaplain must attend to his duties for the unit to which he is assigned. Then, the Catholics on post expect him to meet all of their pastoral needs. There are still only 24 hours in a day. The Army priests do as much as possible to stretch those hours, but they need religious education coordinators and pastoral life coordinators, as well.
The first weekend in August immersed me in the annual Marian Days celebrated by the Vietnamese Catholic community in Carthage, MO. It was amazing to see how many people gathered for this event to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, recall their traditions, and celebrate their faith. I presided at the Saturday Mass, but of course, a Vietnamese bishop from Canada preached. Apprehension regarding the delicate inflections of that language convinced me not even to try to pronounce some greeting.
There was a non-stop flight back to Washington on Sunday morning which allowed me to prepare for the up-coming week during which I blessed the renovated offices for the Office of Sacramental Records and attended the Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus.
This year’s gathering in Washington, D.C. made transportation simple, and I was happy to sleep in my own bed. Given that Cardinal McElroy had a prior engagement, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly gave me the honor of celebrating the opening Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was good to pray with my brother Knights, their wives and families, and to bless the good work that would take place during the annual convention.
continued on page 6
Extracurricular
The third week of August saw the beginning of the biannual AMS priest convocations. San Diego is always the first stop, and the numbers were good at that gathering. The priests found the presentations on military chaplaincy and contemporary pastoral issues in gender and deliverance ministry interesting and useful. It is always an important occasion to spend time with the priests, pray with them, and hear about the challenges they face.
At the end of that convocation I made my way to Oman (via Abu Dhabi). It was a long trip, but well worth the hours spent in the company of Father Curtiss Dwyer, LCDR, CHC, USN and his Catholic community on board the USS Nimitz. He had prepared eight people for the sacraments and consequently I baptized two and confirmed eight. Of course, there were other opportunities to meet with the officers and crew of the aircraft carrier, visit with the Skipper, the Admiral, and the other chaplains. It was a short stay and a long way back to Washington!
Those visits, however, are priceless. The ship’s Skipper told me that a visit of this nature reaffirms the importance of the mission and demonstrates again to the crew that their sacrifice and commitment are appreciated.
Back in Washington, I subbed for the Chancellor of The Catholic University of America and celebrated and preached at their Mass of the Holy Spirit. It is always good to be involved with the neighbors.
The Labor Day weekend brought all of the AMS co-sponsored seminarians to Washington for the annual gathering. It is so impressive to see these fine men who are preparing for the priesthood and the chaplaincy. Each vocation director brings his own touch to the days, and I am happy to watch and avoid getting hurt. We concluded with Sunday Mass at Annapolis, always a welcoming and impressive “chapel”.
That weekend led into the Washington, D.C.’s convocation and the annual Father Capodanno Memorial Mass. We pray that we may soon see this great chaplain raised to the altars so that all might know of his virtues and commitment to his Marines.
The Military Council of Catholic Women joined us for Sunday Mass at the end of their board meetings. It was an occasion to install the new board for the worldwide division. Their commitment to formation, support of the cosponsored program, and outreach encourages all of us in our commitments.
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See invited me to preach at the opening prayer service (Vespers) that the mission sponsors every year before the General Session of the United Nations. Archbishop Caccia and I have been friends since we worked together at the Secretariat of State. I enjoyed the opportunity to address the ambassadors and other guests present.
At the end of that week three new members of Team Saint Paul were commissioned, and I am delighted to see the growth in that apostolate. Three are now the places where members of the team evangelize and invite Catholics to a more profound experience and practice of the faith.
continued on page 8
Members of Team Saint Paul in the chapel of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center following the commissioning of Team Saint Paul members. (L-R): Noah Mize, Caroline McDermott, Mark Baron, Regina Fontana, Regis Kramer, Jurate Reventas, Zackary Little and Juliana Gahr.
Extracurricular
After the San Antonio Convocation and a gathering at the seminary in Cleveland, I went to Hanover, PA not to snack, but to preach Eucharistic Devotions at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart where Father Dwight Schlaline is the pastor. Fifteen years ago, I ordained him a priest.
The pastor has beautifully restored the basilica and it was a joy to participate in the Forty Hours Devotions. The location is a generous two hours from Washington—almost exclusively on secondary roads. The autumn colors were beginning and the drive was not unpleasant. We even managed a visit to the Eisenhower farm and the house to which our 34th president retired first from the Army and then from the presidency. It was the only house that he and Mamie ever owned. Some things reminded me very much of growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
A quick trip to Fatima allowed me to participate in the installation of the Knights of St. Michael of the Wing. It was wonderful to return to Fatima, pray at the shrine, and visit some of the towns nearby. The Duke of Braganza was an excellent host and an astute observer of the international scene.
Archbishop Broglio commissioning three new members of Team Saint Paul; Mark Baron, Regis Kramer, and Zackary Little on 12 September 2025.
The last week of September and the first week of October offered an occasion to visit the German military unit installed in Northern Virginia. It was very interesting to learn about their mission and speak to the Protestant and Catholic chaplains. Chaplains to the German military are civilians. They do not wear uniforms (unless deployed to a war zone) and have no rank.
Those days also allowed me to concelebrate the Red Masses in Washington and in Wilmington, DE—one in the morning complete with a bomb scare and one in the afternoon in a calmer atmosphere. I preached at the second.
That was a prelude to the final visit by Archbishop Lori and me to the Eternal City as officers of the USCCB. The weather lived up to the famous ottobrate romane: sunny and pleasant during the day and only slightly cooler after sundown.
The curial visits and the final convocation sessions occupied most of the mornings and afternoons. The evenings were free for a welcome meal at favorite Roman watering holes. It was also an occasion to see many old friends and catch up with them.
Our first visit was with Pope Leo XIV. It was a frank exchange and a very new experience for me. Only in my audiences as a nuncio with St. John Paul II were just the two of us in the library. Once again, Pope Leo received the two of us and the two secretaries without anyone from his staff or the Secretariat of State. Of course, translation was not needed. All of the interlocutors were born in the Midwest! He was very generous with his time. We all saw that again in his video conference with the young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference.
Some more confirmations filled a few Saturdays and week nights. Then I finally paid a delightful visit to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which also falls under the pastoral care of the AMS. The Newman Club and the Knights of Columbus took me under their wings (or swords) and took excellent care.
continued on page 10
Extracurricular
It was exciting to hear about their training, visit the campus, and celebrate Sunday Mass. Although less known to many than the other academies, it is also heir to a proud history, rigorous training, and fine Catholics. It is the only academy to have lost midshipmen on active duty (called up during the Second World War).
Let me conclude with an echo from the largest discernment retreat held thus far. Thirty-eight young men made the trek to St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, prayed, heard talks, and participated in the life of the seminary. We hope and pray that some will soon enroll in the seminary and begin formation for the priesthood.
The details of the final week in the presidency will wait for the next addition of Salute, because the presses will not wait much longer for this contribution.V
Thirty-eight men attended the fall discernment retreat at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Vocation Director Father Paul-Anthony Halladay (front row, left) and Archbishop Broglio (center) gather with the retreatants.
Save the Dates
Chrism Mass
24 March 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Crypt Church
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue NE
Spring Discernment Retreat for Prospective U.S. Military Chaplains
9-12 April 2026
St. Patrick’s Seminary - Menlo Park, CA
32nd Annual Memorial Mass
Sunday, 17 May 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Upper Church - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, D.C. 20017
Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
Warriors to Lourdes
19-25 May 2026
France
Military Council of Catholic Women Biennial Forum
“Live Fully in the Armor of God”
25-28 June 2026
The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. www.mccw.org
Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno
3 September 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Labor Day Weekend Gathering for Co-Sponsored Seminarians
5-7 September 2026
2026
Annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services
Sunday, 4 October 2026, 3:30 p.m.
The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 339 South Seton Avenue
- Emmitsburg, MD 21727
e POWER of PRAYER & HOPE
By Bishop F. Richard Spencer
This past summer I enjoyed reading Alex Kershaw’s book Patton’s Prayer. Throughout the book Kershaw describes the chaos, courage, and carnage of combat and how prayer sustains the fighting forces, not only in the messy times of deployments and of wars, but also how prayer sustains our families and our nation.
During the campaign for Sicily, General George Patton needed a miracle and a change in the weather. A devout Christian, he telephoned his senior chaplain and asked, “Do you have a good prayer for weather?” The prayer delivered by the chaplain was soon printed and distributed to the 250,000 men under Paton’s command: “Pray when driving. Pray when fighting. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray by night and pray by day. Pray for good
(L-R) Father Krzysztof Bytomski, Capt, USAF; Father Bedmoore Udechukwu, Bishop F. Richard Spencer, Maj, USAF; Father Jeff Liable, Col, USAF Ret.; and Father Kyle Eads, 1Lt, USAF; and three youth altar servers pose with Airmen, trainees, and members of the Catholic community after Mass at Maxwell Air Force Base.
weather for Battle. Pray for victory. Pray for Peace.” General Patton’s invitation to pray is advice that remains relevant in today’s time and culture. We must always be warriors of prayer and of hope.
During this season of Catholic religious education programs on land, sea, and in air, and especially during this jubilee year of Hope, may prayer be at the center and focus of our daily lives.
The attached July picture of Air Force students gathered at the Maxwell Chapel in prayer gives us an example of joy experienced in collective prayer. V
By Bishop F. Richard Spencer
In a letter this past fall from Archbishop Broglio to all members of United States Congress he reminded the Members, and all of us, that “Catholic military communities are special places of unity, hope, and holiness.” These communities are places of peace, and we must be builders of peace. In particular, within the eastern vicariate of the
BUILDERS OF PEACE
Archdiocese for Military Services, we witnessed this description as builders of peace in action during the recent military family camp weekend sponsored and conducted by LifeTeen Ministries and the Archdiocese at Camp Hidden Lake in Dahlonega, GA. With participants representing nine military installations on the east coast, it was a tremendous
Bishop Spencer gathered with participants in the military family camp weekend sponsored by LifeTeen and the Archdiocese at Camp Hidden Lake in Dahlonega, GA.
weekend to pray and reflect on our baptismal call to be true builders of peace.
Another recent example, in addition to all of the wonderful confirmation Masses celebrated this fall, I made a pastoral visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Boot Camp in Cape May, NJ. Under the pastoral care of their Navy chaplain priest, Father
Phil Okoh, the cadets and recruits discussed and explored ways that they are builders of peace. Clearly their hope for peace on all shores is not passive but active, forwardfacing, and grounded in the conviction that Christ is already at work in the world for long lasting peace. Christ goes ahead of us. Our job is to catch up and bring others along with us. V
Traveling to Celebrate
By Bishop Neal J. Buckon
In recent months I accepted invitations to celebrate sacraments, installation Masses, jubilees, birthdays, and anniversaries. It is always a joyous occasion to participate in the sacramental life of the Church and gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is always an honor for me to represent the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, as I share a graced moment in time with those salt-of-the-earth people who are celebrating their special day.
Father Paul Collins, a cosponsored seminarian, invited me to concelebrate his ordination to the priesthood in Los Angeles, CA. I first greeted Archbishop José H. Gomez when I arrived at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. I then approached Father Collins, and he introduced me to his seven classmates. The eight young men radiated with excitement in anticipation of being ordained Catholic priests. It was a great day for both the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. Finally, I congratulated them, assured them of my prayers, and delivered Archbishop Broglio’s card and gift to Father Collins knowing that that after the ordination Mass a throng of
jubilant guests would be crowding him to receive the much-desired blessing of a newly ordained priest. Archbishop Gomez assigned Father Collins to a Catholic Church in his Archdiocese, but in three years Father Collins will be an activeduty Navy chaplain!
Father John Bosco Musinguzi, the contract priest at Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa Hospital), celebrated 25 years of priesthood. I assisted in choir at his Silver Jubilee Mass at Saint Agnes, Point Loma, CA. Father Musinguzi was the principal celebrant. Father Celsius Offor, was the homilist. Fathers Joselito S. Tiongson, LCDR, USN, (Retired), and Father Lawrence Agi, the contract priest at Camp Pendleton’s hospital, participated. Father Offor reminded all of Father John’s loud, hearty, jovial laugh that announces the joy of the gospel wherever he goes. During the reception, we learned of Father John’s call to the priesthood in Rwanda and of his migration to the United States. I
Bishop Buckon presided over the nuptial Mass of Bryce and Monica Glenzer with Father Estevan Soler as concelebrant. L-R Monica and Bryce Glenzer, Bishop Buckon, Father Estevan Soler.
spoke of his zealous and astute ministry to patients, healthcare providers, administrators, and staff at the Navy’s Flagship Hospital in the West!
Sometimes when I conduct a pastoral visit in late spring, the priest will ask me to celebrate First Communion for the second grade class as I confer the sacrament of confirmation on the eighth graders.
Father Bhaskar Morugudi, the GS priest at Dyess AFB, TX who left his home in India, recently made this request. He takes great pride in now being a federal employee and a valued member of the religious support team on base. Deacon Wayne Archer, a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, always drives up to Abilene to assist me in the celebration of the sacraments. His son, Sergeant
continued on page 18
Traveling to Celebrate
Archer, is a religious affairs specialist on base. It was a happy day in the Archer Home as the deacon’s granddaughter made her First Communion. The worthy reception of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, and the Holy Spirit in confirmation are celebrations that keep me traveling and celebrating throughout the year.
Captain Monica Smith, USA, asked me to travel to Spokane, WA, to celebrate her marriage to Captain Bryce Glenzer, USA. I met Monica in 2009 in USAGYongsan, Republic of Korea. Her father, Colonel Ron Smith USA, Ret., was the Commander of the 121st Combat Support Hospital at that time. Monica and Bryce met in the Army’s Ranger School. They fell in love during their follow-on assignment at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Monica and Bryce successfully completed Ranger School, and as they were making plans for their marriage, they asked me, a fellow Ranger, to officiate their wedding. History was made at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral as three Army Rangers: bride, groom, and minister celebrated matrimony with the prayerful and loving support of family and friends.
Finally, I also traveled to Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC, to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. After the Second Continental Congress created the Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief, General Washington went to Congress and requested chaplains. He said that he needed chaplains to sustain the morale and the morals of his soldiers and tell him the truth. Exactly 250 years later, I joined active-duty and retired chaplains, religious affairs specialists, and religious educators in celebrating this historic occasion. It was wonderful to see several Catholic chaplains and old friends. The Army’s Chief of Chaplains, Major General William Greene Jr. and I served together in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2003-04. The President of the United States Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Association (USACCRA), CH (COL) Scottie Lloyd, USA, Ret., and I collaborate on the biennial conferences.
For 250 years Army Chaplains have been nourishing the living, caring for the wounded, and honoring the dead. General Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of the United States Forces in Korea, was the guest
speaker at the dinner banquet with 780 in attendance. During his speech he referred to two chaplains, and both were Catholic priests: Father Emil Kapaun and Father Francis Leon Sampson. Both served in the Korean War, and both became Prisoners of War (POW).
General Brunson said: “Service members may not know that they need you, but they do need you. Keep showing up!” I am going to follow the General’s advice. I will keep traveling to celebrate as long as I can. V
Father Paul Collins was an AMS co-sponsored seminarian and ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Father Collins will serve as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Archbishop José Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles, celebrated the Mass and ordained Father Collins, and Bishop Buckon concelebrated. L-R Bishop Buckon, Father Collins, Archbishop Gomez.
SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM
If You Want Peace, Prepare for War
By Bishop Bill Muhm
Roman general Vegetius said “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum,” which means, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Every military member knows that preparation for war requires great sacrifice during peacetime. Much time, effort, comfort, convenience, and family time must be sacrificed to be prepared for war. Certainly, those sacrifices are worth it when service members come home alive and well afterwards.
“Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum” holds true especially in the arena of spiritual war. When a Christian is baptized, the Lord Jesus claims him/her as a member of His own Body, the Church. Our ancient adversary wages unending war on members of the Church, who bear testimony to the Lord Jesus (see Rev. 12:17). The Lord, through the sacrament of baptism, imparts grace to help newly baptized Christians prevail in this spiritual war throughout their earthly lives. The Order of Baptism for Children calls for the priest to anoint the child on the chest with the oil of catechumens before pouring water, as the priest says: “Almighty, ever-living God, who sent your Son into the world to drive out from us the power of Satan, the spirit of evil, . . . free this child from Original Sin. . . . that your Holy Spirit may dwell in him/her.” The pre-baptismal anointing creates a breastplate of spiritual armor to help the child fight off temptation and evil throughout their earthly life.
We can rely on the technology and financial resources of the Department of Defense (DOD) to prepare service members physically, mentally, and logistically for earthly war. However, preparation for the lifelong spiritual war that awaits each Christian comes through baptism. The preparation for spiritual war that baptism provides is much more profound and consequential than the preparation for earthly war that DOD provides. Each baptized Christian is given the capacity to contribute immeasurably to the earthly and eternal lives of many others. Part of the AMS’s mission is to endorse priests and deacons to serve in the U.S. military and to baptize children and adults. Thank you for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V
Bishop Muhm shakes hands with Capt Michelle Aholia at Aviano Air Base, Italy with Father Garrett Braun, USAF, in the background.
Photo by Father Paul Amaliri, USAF.
Bishop Muhm anoints Chase Warren Stone with the oil of catechumens before baptism at Aviano Air Base. Chase’s parents are Jordan and Rachel Stone.
Photo by Father Paul Amaliri, USAF.
CITIZENS OF THE EIGHTH DAY
By Bishop Bill Muhm
As we know, the Lord created the universe and everything in it. Genesis Chapter 1 uses the image of “days” to represent the various stages of creation. Genesis tells us that God created man and woman in His own divine image on the sixth day of creation, then He rested on the seventh day. St. Augustine and other Church Fathers understood these Old Testament images as fulfilled in a larger way through the death and burial of the Lord Jesus. On Good Friday, He finished the work His Father gave Him to do on the Cross, then He rested in the tomb on Holy Saturday, which is the seventh day or Sabbath Day. Augustine understood that the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday began the “Eighth Day” of creation—the new age of eternal life beyond sin and death. At our baptism, the Lord draws us into a supernatural participation in His own life, death, and resurrection. We begin to live eternal life at our baptism. For this reason, many ancient Christian churches were built with an octagonal shaped baptistry to symbolize that Christians become citizens of the Eighth Day of creation— eternal life in the resurrected Christ—through baptism.
Bishop Muhm lays hands on Jeanette Bitsie, USAF, during Confirmation Mass at Incirlik AB, Türkiye. Photo by Father Ryan Boyle, USAF
In September, I visited U.S. Air Force and U.S. Embassy Catholics in Ankara, Türkiye, then I visited U.S. Air Force and NATO Catholics at Incirlik Air Base. I confirmed two U.S. airmen in Incirlik. In the following days, Father Ryan Boyle (LtCol, USAF) and I visited the ruins of the ancient Christian Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, Türkiye. It has
an octagonal-shaped baptistry. I prayed for the U.S. airmen whom I had confirmed a few days earlier, that the new life they received at their baptism would be strengthened and amplified in them through their confirmation, to help them grow in their faith as citizens of the Eighth Day.
Today we AMS Catholics stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us, both in the Church and in military service to our nation. As we receive the sacraments of the Church, we grow in our capacity for sacrificial service to both God and country. Thank you for your prayers and support for all of us at AMS. V
Bishop Muhm lays hands on Keven Andrade, USAF, during Confirmation Mass at Incirlik AB, Türkiye.
by Father Ryan Boyle, USAF
Bishop Muhm inside the octagonal-shaped baptistry of the Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, Türkiye.
Photo by Father Ryan Boyle, USAF.
Photo
CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS NATIONAL
By Bishop Joseph Coffey
One of my enjoyable collateral duties as the Episcopal Vicar for Veterans Affairs is to be the “Bishop Protector” for a National Service Organization called The Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary (CWV). Recently, I attended their 90th National Convention in Astoria, NY. I would like to share some of the history of the CWV. Since the conclusion of the First World War, the U.S. has faced threats from political movements aiming to undermine Christianity.
The well-known Knights of Columbus had already been established, which supported Catholic veterans, but there was no specific veterans groups representing Catholic service men and women. Responding to Pope Pius
Bishop Coffey attending the convention of the Catholic War Veterans in New York City poses at the helm of the boat during the celebratory dinner cruise.
CONVENTION IN NEW YORK
XI’s warnings against the dangers of political movements like fascism and communism, Father Edward J. Higgins, a former Army chaplain, recognized the need for an organized Catholic veterans group. Thus, in the basement of his parish church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Astoria, NY, near the current La Guardia Airport in Queens, he founded the Catholic War Veterans on 19 May 1935.
Father Higgins went to Rome and received the blessing for this new organization from Pope Pius XI. The Holy Father encouraged the members to continue to defend democracy and practice their Catholic faith, a mission which continues today. The CWV and its Auxiliary members received a congressional charter on 17 August 1984 from President Ronald Reagan, and members continue to serve God, our country and all veterans, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The CWV convention involved meetings and elections for various offices within the organization. On one of the evenings the CWV hosted a dinner cruise around Manhattan. Seeing the Statue of Liberty up close and the New York skyline alight on a warm and pleasant summer evening was a truly enjoyable experience. Next year’s national convention will be held in Cleveland, OH, during the first week of August. If you are a veteran and not already a member of the Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary please consider joining. It is a wonderful organization all about serving our veterans. For more information, please call the National Office at 703-549-3622. V
During the Catholic War Veterans Convention, (L-R) National Chaplain, Father Tony Mensah; National Axillary Chaplain, Father Bill McLaughlin; and Bishop Protector, Bishop Joe Coffey, pose with the organization's banner.
Lebanon, Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Honors
Venerable Emil Kapaun
By Father Paul Scheck
On 29 September 2025 in the main chapel at the Lebanon, PA Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), almost 150 faithful and friends gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the repatriation and entombment of Venerable Emil Kapaun, U.S. Army Chaplain and Medal of Honor recipient, who died in a POW camp during the Korean Conflict. The celebration included processing the flag of the First Calvary Division, Father Kapaun’s unit in Korea. Chaplains of several denominations from the Lebanon VAMC and chapel volunteers participated in the celebration. Bishop Joseph Coffey, Episcopal Vicar for Veterans Affairs, and AMS priests Fathers Christopher Butera and Paul Schenck concelebrated Mass. Bishop Coffey and Father Scheck visited the veterans who were not able to attend the Mass.
An iconic picture of Chaplain Kapaun celebrating Mass on the back of a jeep on the battlefield was
framed on canvas and dedicated by Bishop Joseph Coffey. The Knights of Columbus served as honor guard for the Mass of the Archangels. Volunteers from the Chaplain Kapaun Honor Guild and Holy Cross Catholic School served as ushers and altar servers.
Although Father Emil J. Kapaun was the victim of malnutrition and pneumonia after spending seven months in the camp, he insisted on staying with his “boys” and providingspiritual and physical care and comfort for them. Father Kapaun’s story is one of a saintly hero dedicated to living a life of Christian virtue and service to his fellow man under the most difficult and despicable conditions imaginable.
Father Kapaun’s heroism in the prison camp was not an isolated event: his lifelong dedication to God placed him on the path of priestly service that culminated in his ultimate sacrifice in North Korea at only 35 years old. Father Kapaun
in Korea on 7 October 1950.
was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery in battle, and later, the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the Battle of Unsan. On 11 April 2023, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously to Father Kapaun.
Father Kapaun’s cause for canonization is progressing significantly and the late Pope Francis numbered him among the Venerable on 24 February 2025. V
Army Chaplain, Venerable Emil Kapaun, celebrated Mass on the hood of a jeep
Photo credit: Colonel Raymond Skeehan.
THE HARVEST CONTINUES...
NAME: Forrest Doss
(ARCH) DIOCESE: Diocese of Arlington (VA)
ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Air Force
RANK: Captain
EDUCATION/DEGREES: Virginia Tech, BS in Computer Science
HOBBIES: weightlifting, reading, guitar, karaoke
TEAM SPORTS: cross country, swimming, tennis, track & field
WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?
In my 20s, I experienced a profound series of life events that re-framed my conception of vocation. Through a number of deep and impactful relationships during my time on active duty – most especially with priest-chaplains, but also several devout laymen – I was able to see the priesthood in a new light and no longer as something I was running away from, but as a bountiful life of spiritual fatherhood and joyous fulfillment beyond what I could previously imagine.
HOW DID THE LORD MOVE YOU TO BECOME CO-SPONSORED BY AMS?
Coming from a military family and having served on active duty for eight years, I have had the grace of my spiritual life being shaped by my time in uniform and by those with whom I have served. Having chaplains as the spiritual directors that drew me to the underlying vocation, the discernment
of co-sponsorship was easy. As part of the Air Force’s Religious Professional Deferment Program, my remaining service commitment is paused until after seminary and ordination, at which time I will return to active duty to complete the remainder (and hopefully more) as a chaplain.
HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY?
From about age 20 onward I began to take habitual scripture reading seriously while also diving into Church history. Through familiarity with His word and His Church which is His body, I eventually came to the confidence of my relationship with Jesus being a very real, personal one.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, AND WHY?
Matthew 28:20 is the irrevocable assurance that we are never alone. God is present in His Holy Spirit who dwells within us, in the angels and saints who surround and intercede for us, and sacramentally present in the Eucharist that nourishes us and gives us life.
HAVE ANY SAINTS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?
I have entrusted all my crosses and victories to Our Lady of Fatima to whom I consecrated my life. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, my confirmation saint, has also walked very close beside me in my spiritual life. I had a strengthened devotion to St. Padre Pio when I learned about his struggles being drafted into the Italian Army, which is inspiring and edifying for my own unique situation.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL, ACADEMIC, AND/OR MILITARY BACKGROUND
BEFORE APPLYING TO BE
A SEMINARIAN?
I did ROTC in college, commissioned straight into the Air Force and spent six years as a C-17A pilot.
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE?
My mother was always the bedrock of my faith growing up and the closest reflection of Mary in my life. My spiritual director, Father Anthony Giamello (Lt Col, Air National Guard), also inspires in me the kind of priest and chaplain I hope to one day be. V
Pope Leo XIV Canonizes Two Young Laymen
By Mark Moitoza, Th.D.
During the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Leo XIV canonized Carlo Acutis (L) and Pier Giorgio Frassati (R) on 7 September. These two young Italian laymen were the first saints proclaimed by the new pope. Each saint draws us closer to the Lord as the example of their life continually points to Jesus Christ.
Saint Carlo Acutis was known for his devotion to the Eucharist. This nourished in him a powerful desire to tune in to the voice of the Lord and always to live in his presence. Desiring to make the presence of the Lord known he used his skills in technology to evangelize. He created a virtual exhibition of The Eucharistic Miracles of the World. This exhibition may be viewed online, www.miracolieucaristici. org. The young saint, born in London in 1991, and raised in Milan, shared joyful faith and compassion for others. He died of leukemia in 2006. Learn more about Saint Acutis on the official website of the canonization committee, www.carloacutis.com/en/.
“To always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.”
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati was admired for his deep spirituality, love for the poor, and enthusiasm for life. He was born in 1901 in Turin. Despite coming from an upper-middle-class family, he considered himself “poor like all the poor.” Trusting totally in the words of Jesus, he saw the presence of God in his neighbor visiting the poor in his hometown. In 1920, his father was appointed an ambassador to Germany. Pier Giorgio visited the poorest neighborhoods in Berlin. Returning to Italy he was inspired by the writings of Saint Catherine of Siena and entered the Dominican Third Order, serving the sick through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. His compassionate presence helped those feeling alienated from themselves, from the community, and from God, to recognize that they were not alone. He died at age twenty-four after contracting polio. Learn more about Saint Frassati on the official website of the canonization committee, piergiorgiofrassati.net/en/.
“Jesus visits me every morning in Holy Communion. I return it to Him with my poor means, by visiting the poor.”
Pope Leo XIV exhorted over one million young people gathered in Rome’s Tor Vergata neighborhood, during the Jubilee of Youth this past summer, to center their lives on Jesus in the Eucharist. In his homily on 3 August 2025, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of the Eucharist, as “the sacrament of the Lord’s total gift of himself to us.” It is the encounter with the Risen Christ, he said, “who transforms our lives and enlightens our affections, desires, and thoughts.” The Pope continued, “Let us remain united to him, let us remain in his friendship, always cultivating it through prayer, adoration, Eucharistic Communion, frequent Confession, and generous charity, following the examples of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis, who will soon be declared saints.”
Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us. V
Summer Catholic Adventure Camp: Pilgrims of Hope
By Father Jude Serfino
Saint Michael’s Catholic Community in Camp Pendleton, held the firstever Summer Catholic Adventure Camp in Blinder Memorial Chapel this past summer. Thirty children and youth attend the camp, where they prayed, played, watched a film on Saint Carlo Acutis, sang, danced, and received religious items. Some of the parents volunteered to help in the various activities such as decoration, cleaning up, and facilitating the outdoor mini-sports in the field.
Ten active-duty Marines assisted to make the camp truly extraordinary and memorable. The chapel displayed a beautiful, enlarged Jubilee Year of Hope logo that depicted the theme: Pilgrims of Hope, and children discovered their gifts of art, music, and dance. The event gave participants the opportunity to develop team building, sharing, and one of the most important segments
of the day was praying of the Rosary and having a meal together. The camp culminated with Mass on Friday afternoon. One of the students gave a review of the camp by saying, “Father, we will again participate next year, and please, can we have more time to play in the field?”
I am indeed grateful to all the clergy, the CRE, parents, benefactors, and volunteers, who spent time making sure that everything was ready. This year’s Catholic Adventure Camp reflected the traditions of the Church and enhanced community participation in catechesis. This yearly event will continue with the grace of God and strengthen the Catholic community at Camp Pendleton. V
Children, parents, and members of the Saint Michael’s Catholic Community in Camp Pendleton, California, participated in a Pilgrims of Hope summer camp with Father Jude Serfino (second row, left).
Discernment Retreat Sees Record Numbers
By Father Paul-Anthony Halladay, Vocations Director
Without a doubt the prayers for vocations by so many in the Archdiocese are being answered. The spring 2025 discernment retreat at Saint Patrick’s Seminary, Menlo Park, CA had a record number of attendees, so many in fact that we had to ask our Catholic chaplain recruiters to stay off campus in order to make more rooms available for the men on retreat. A large number of those young men were from the United States Air Force Academy who forged an even deeper bond of faith and brotherhood, and, I am told, to this very day still remain close to one another at the Academy.
Amazingly, the Air Force Academy was not going to let these young men attend, citing a general pulling back on off campus trips of this type. Thanks to the intervention of Archbishop Broglio, and, again the prayers of so many, these men were given a last-minute reprieve to attend, and what it has done to build faith, spirituality and camaraderie amongst these young Air Force cadets should only impress the Academy’s leadership. At this writing, His Excellency is having to convince the Superintendent once again of the genuine benefit of these retreats to the spiritual development of Air Force officers.
In the Fall of 2025 we saw another record number of men applying for the retreat at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. We maxed out the capacity of the seminary – a very happy problem to have. A respectable showing from the cadets at West Point and midshipmen at Annapolis helped to fill out those numbers, along with plenty of active-duty service members and a few young men already in the seminary. The atmosphere was prayerful as always, but plenty of time for conversation and socializing, especially with the other seminarians at Saint Mary’s Seminary.
We are back on track again for another spring retreat, marking one year for me that I have been in the seat as the Vocation Director. We will return to Saint Patrick’s in Menlo Park, CA, and, thanks be to God, the number of
Men prayerfully ponder possible vocations at last year’s annual Spring Discernment Retreat of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, on 5 April 2025, in Menlo Park, CA. Photo courtesy of Ramon Camacho, Seminarian, Diocese of Portland, OR.
participants is looking very good. At the moment, most are coming from active-duty and reserves. We are certainly hoping our Air Force Academy cadets can join again this year.
It has long been established that the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is the single largest contributor to vocations in the United States, with more seminarians coming either from the military or dependents of service members; approximately 17%. From the numbers we have seen on discernment retreats, there is no wonder in that. If we could see even half of that number returned by civilian dioceses, the biggest recipients of those vocations, even if only to serve as chaplains for a short period of time, it would be an incredible boost to our numbers. Well, it keeps us with an objective to direct our prayers. V
Marching for Life, Continuing Advocacy, Treating Life as a Gift
By Elizabeth Tomlin, General Counsel
On 23 January 2025, dozens of midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy attended the 53rd annual March for Life with the theme “Life is a Gift.”
Archbishop Broglio led the Military Archdiocese participants in the march, from the National Mall, down Constitution Avenue, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy gather with Archbishop Broglio during the March for Life.
Walking for the Dignity of the Defenseless
During daily Mass before the march, Archbishop Broglio preached the need for civility in public discourse and demonstration. Reflecting on the day’s readings, including 1 Samuel 24:3-21, wherein David declines an easy opportunity to kill his jealous predecessor, King Saul, the Archbishop said: “Today as we walk in testimony to the dignity of the human person, especially of the unborn, let us remember David’s example of respect. We must raise our voices and ensure the rights and the dignity of the defenseless….
“We must be the voice of the voiceless, but we do so with respect.
“In our grossly uncivil society we discuss issues in the public square ever mindful that those who disagree with us are also created in the image and
continued on page 38
likeness of Almighty God. One thing I learned from my last eleven months as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops was the virulence and lack of charity on the part of Catholics who might disagree with the Bishops. Let us never descend into name-calling or taking positions based on half-truths or no truth … .”
The Pro-Life Movement in the post-Dobbs Environment
The March for Life takes place on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which held that inherent in the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment is a fundamental “right to privacy” that protects a woman’s choice whether to have an abortion. However, in 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic overturned Roe. A 6-3 majority of the Court held, “the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion,” and “the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
Dobbs was of course a victory for pro-life advocates, yet the decision reflects the deep division of minds and hearts on this issue. Even within the majority, Justices Roberts, Kavanaugh, and Thomas each authored concurring opinions offering diverse and nuanced reasoning for agreeing with the decision of Court. Meanwhile, Justices Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan authored a sixty-six page dissent. The justices explored abortion from multiple angles: morality, state interest, statutory history, privacy, individual liberty, poverty and economics, protection of women from sexual violence and trauma, gender equality, and health of the mother and fetus. All of these social concerns influence the pro-life movement.
In a post-Dobbs environment, the need to advocate for pro-life measures persists, first, because the Court’s holding has served as an invitation for abortion proponents to pursue ballot measures that would enshrine abortion in state constitutions. Second, the Court’s decision is ultimately inadequate for promoting the real, theological, and ontological reason for being pro-life: life is a gift from the God who created each person in God’s own image and likeness.
The Dobbs decision did not go so far as to find that the unborn have a right to life because that was not the question posed to the Court. The decision merely held that abortion rights are left to the states and to the people to decide. Because of this, within the halls of Congress and state legislatures, men and women, especially members of state Catholic conferences or lobbyists, continue to advocate for the prohibition of abortion, and they also advocate for legislation that addresses the social concerns that the justices examined in their opinions by advocating for a living wage for workers, paid parental leave, and accessible health care, child care, and educational opportunities for lower income families. These efforts address the wounds of society to render abortion unattractive. Moreover, they reemphasize the reality that each life is a gift and something to be cherished and doted upon, not just by parents, but by all members of the community. New life should propel us to charity.
Walking with Moms in Need Brings the Prolife to the Parish or Installation Chapel
You can bring the pro-life movement to your Catholic community in a tangible way. Within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Walking with Moms in Need movement is in its fifth year. Walking with Moms in Need is a parish-based movement where local parishes partner with pregnant and parenting mothers. Pope Francis remarked that parishes should be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference,” and Walking with Moms in need furthers this identity by working to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. Volunteers walk with moms throughout the motherhood journey, offering them authentic Christian friendship and ongoing support. You can start a Walking with Moms in Need movement at your parish, and resources are available at www.walkingwithmoms.com. V
Pray for Our Troops; Pray the Rosary for Warriors
By Lynda MacFarland
The Rosary for Warriors came through deep heartfelt prayer as I was returning from a memorial service for four soldiers killed in Iraq in 2004 - one, a family friend. Feeling powerless, I was overcome with a desire to do something to help. The Rosary for Warriors began that day out of grief and concern for the families of deceased soldiers, but it grew to include all branches of service and so many other intentions as I prayed. The Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother presented me with these intentions on a 3-hour car ride from that memorial service on Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany to our home in Mark Twain Village in Heidelberg, Germany.
I began sharing the Rosary for Warriors that day in 2004 with every Catholic I could think of. I typed up the intentions up in a Word document and sent it out with a letter via email to family, friends, my prayer chain group, priests/ chaplains. I felt so strongly that we must do something more -- as Catholics, as people serving in the military, as veteran, as Americans.
Our solace is that we believe in a God who brings us home after our time on this earth. And that our grief as mortals, with our very human hearts, which the Lord knows so well, is God’s grief as well. And we get to be angry, and so very sad. The Lord is standing with us in our pain. I just know it.
Jesus knew sadness and grief when His cousin, John the Baptist, was murdered. He knew loneliness when so many of the people He loved deserted Him as He made His way to Calvary. He knew anguish as He hung on that cross asking, “My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?” We must all go to the Lord for comfort and strength. Go to the Lord with our anger and tears. He can handle it. Cling to the hope of eternal life. This may be difficult when our hearts are aching and broken. But in time, I pray we find healing in His love.
The deployed, the wounded, the deceased, the families of all of them, and our nation need our prayers. Of course, I have been praying for our military members and their families all along. And I know many others have, too. We also must never forget the victims of war who, through no fault of their own, find themselves caught amidst the violence that is all around them. But it has been revealed to me, through much prayer, that we need to rise up with one voice in our prayers of supplication. Rise up, with one voice, of praise, of thanksgiving, too, for our many blessings, asking forgiveness for our many sins, and earnestly asking for God’s healing, protection, and His peace. Then, begin praying the Rosary for Warriors.
Please consider starting today.
May our Blessed Mother unite her prayers with ours as we turn to her Son seeking His will; as we wait upon the Lord.
I truly believe the Rosary for Warriors was divinely inspired. V
FROM TEAM SAINT PAUL, TO ENTERING THE SEMINARY
By Mark Baron, Team Saint Paul
For the past six months, the Army has allowed me to step away from my military duties and work full-time with Team Saint Paul, an initiative that brings Catholic community to active-duty service members. Once I leave the Army this January, I will continue to serve with Team Saint Paul until I start school this fall. This unique opportunity has been a virtually seamless transition for me, and a lot of things had to go right for it even to be possible. Meeting Team Saint Paul as an active-duty soldier helped me focus on what truly matters, and enabled me to respond to God's call for my life. Now that I have joined the team, I seek to help others find God’s will for their own lives.
I arrived at Fort Campbell as a newly trained 19-year-old soldier almost four years ago. Although I knew almost no one and was not familiar with the area, I was determined to make it to Mass on Sundays. I quickly found the Catholic chapel on base and began regularly attending Mass. However, living out my Faith proved to be a challenge. Most of the people I met at the chapel were either significantly older, or married with children, and I had no practicing Catholic peers in my place of work.
Team Saint Paul showed up to Fort Campbell at a time when I was conducting training at another location. When I returned to base, they had been there for two months and had already built up a small community of young adults. It was an amazingly pleasant surprise to come back to an active, rapidly growing community. I quickly found myself getting involved in nearly all of the events they hosted.
As time progressed, so did the ministry, and before I knew it, I was devoting all my free time to the chapel. I found myself going to daily Mass and adoration several times per week—at first, because I enjoyed the sense of community there, but later, because of a deeper desire to be with Christ. This spiritually rich environment gave me a greater openness to discerning the priesthood. About one year ago, I accepted the fact that God was calling me to seminary. Through an active and earnest discernment, I realized that if I never entered seminary, I would ponder it for the rest of my life. It was at that time that I made the decision to exit the military and take the next step in discernment by starting my studies.
Sergeant Mark Baron, who discerned his call to seminary through encountering Team Saint Paul at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, serves as a lector at the AMS Annual Benefit in November 2025.
I was scheduled to leave the Army in January of 2026, and the earliest I could start school would likely be August. I knew God was calling me out of the military, but I did not know what He wanted me to do with that extra time. I raised this question to my friend Peter, a member of Team Saint Paul who was himself discerning the priesthood and has since started seminary. Peter immediately encouraged me to join Team Saint Paul.This would allow me to continue serving the community and help me to transition from the military and give me the space for further discernment.
The opportunity to serve my fellow soldiers in this capacity has brought me great joy. I would not have been able to live out my Faith in this way if it were not for the presence of strong Catholic peers at my church. Getting to know and work with Team Saint Paul has taught me the importance of community in the spiritual life. That is what Team Saint Paul brings to service members. It is my hope that this ministry will continue to grow over the coming years, so that all service members may have the opportunity to walk in faith with others. V
An Oath of Service: Discipline, Courage, and Faith
By Mark Moitoza, Th.D.
Pope Leo XIV presided over the swearing in of 27 newly trained Swiss Guards on 4 October 2025. The ceremony, normally held on or near 6 May, was delayed due to the death of Pope Francis and the conclave. The May date commemorates the Sack of Rome in 1527, when 189 Swiss Guards sought desperately to protect Pope Clement VII from 20,000 mercenaries of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. During the attack, 42 guards were able to escort the Pope to safety via an elevated and fortified passage to Castel Sant’Angelo. The remaining guards were killed as they attempted to hold off the insurmountable attack. Every year, the Swiss Guard recalls the bravery and loyalty of those men as new members of the Guard swear their oath to serve faithfully, loyally, and honorably to protect the Pope and his successors even at the cost of their own lives.
A Swiss Guard takes the swearing-in oath during a ceremony at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Photo Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CAN
The recent swearing-in ceremony was the first time in almost 60 years, that a Pontiff attended. The Holy Father’s presence evoked the missionary spirit of accompaniment that all disciples are called to share from the moment of their baptism. The day prior to the ceremony the new recruits and their family members met with the Holy Father. During that encounter, the Pope encouraged the new guards to draw inspiration from the stories of the first Christian martyrs in Rome to deepen their relationships with Jesus and to cultivate their interior lives “amid the frenzy of our society.” Pope Leo XIV shared that there are many challenges facing their generation. Those challenges include environmental issues, economic changes, social tensions, the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, and other complex realities “that require discernment and a sense of responsibility.” The Holy Father continued sharing, “Your time in Rome can help you develop a deeper maturity even in these areas of social life.”
This call to embrace discipline and maturity reminds all of us to keep our focus centered upon our relationship with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and service. We are encouraged by the examples of all who pledge and live selfless sacrifice daily throughout the demands of military service. Their oath to protect and defend provides needed witnesses in today’s world and emboldens all of us to seek maturity and spiritual growth.
During the Swiss Guard swearing in the Holy Father said, “To all of you who have made this oath: it is a very important witness in today’s world. It shows us the value of discipline, of sacrifice, of living the faith in a way that truly speaks to young people – about the value of giving one’s life, of serving, and thinking of others. I thank you in my name and on behalf of the entire Holy See for your service.” As the Jubilee Year came to a close on 6 January 2026, we continue to give thanks for those whose discipline and courage remind us that the gift of faith is meant to be shared with others. V
Lord, What Is Your Need?
By Melissa Weeks, AMS Discipleship Trainer
Iremember a prayer on I-95 in Florida, in the pouring rain, with a van loaded down with books, instruments, computers, and children. My husband followed in the smaller car with one very happy child who got much cooler snacks, because he was with Dad. As the rain blurred our vision along the highway, I took up my usual prayer for a safe journey and thanksgiving for the lessons and friendships of our recent home. However, I continued by praying a heartfelt, “Lord, what is Your need at this next duty station? I am ready.”
I have repeated this prayer over several military moves, through many ministry leadership roles under my belt and within a growing personal apostolate. God showed me that He needed me to serve too, so I named my apostolate Apostolic Soul after St. Josemaría’s point #921 in The Way. I worked in chapels, hosted hikes and retreats — all stemming from a great desire to encourage individuals in their faith journeys.
Soon, a friend told me that I should take Reach More training through the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, saying that I was “already doing it!” Well, if I was already doing it, I was not sure why I should take on another training so soon after finishing my M.A. in Theology and Philosophy. Nevertheless, I brought it to prayer.
The answer came from a deep desire to understand and to share in the Reach More movement. Reach More is the Archdiocese’s evangelization movement that equips lay leaders in military Catholic communities to share the Gospel intentionally in their daily lives. I wanted to know how to contribute to a stronger, more ready and resilient force - to equip people to project Christ anywhere, whether it be a kitchen table, chapel pew, ship, barracks or anywhere else.
I was a member of Reach More training group 12. Together, we journeyed with Madeline Stockman to discover a deeper personal relationship with Christ, one that then spilled over into our homes, communities, and workplaces, training us to be Christ for those who need Him wherever they are.
The weekly Reach More trainings and prayer experiences complemented my small group, “Parent University,” at Joint Base Langley Eustis. Reach
More terminology and language began to weave into our conversations, which participants then carried with them on their journeys. Our little band of weekly faithful lasted only a year, because after this experience, so many of them went on to take up service roles in the Catholic community and could no longer spare the time to meet! What a beautiful problem to have! It was a true example of missionary disciples multiplying disciples—the very heart of Reach More.
When one apostolate ends, another often begins. The Lord gave me the courage and capability to apply to the AMS as a Discipleship Trainer. What an absolute honor it is to do work that I love— accompanying individuals on their own personal apostolates. As a bonus point of gratitude, my Reach More training group 18 includes a former “Parent University” participant who is now beginning her own apostolate!
Asking God, “Lord, what is Your need?” is a bold and courageous prayer. It invites us to be open and vulnerable to the deep spiritual hunger of those around us. God knows the needs of His people and the purpose behind our placement. In the ever-moving landscape of the military, those needs are constantly evolving. Each of us carries a unique set of gifts and talents, perfectly suited for this moment and this mission. Through the Reach More movement, more disciples are being empowered to embrace this prayer with renewed courage and confidence.
If you feel God prompting you to ask, “Lord, what is Your need?”—Reach More might be His answer. Learn more at www.milarch.org/reach-more V
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