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SERVING OUR TROOPS by Rev. Mr. Patrick Riffle ‘08
Archdiocese of Washington
ach weekend two deacons and two third year men set off from Rome and head south along the Italian peninsula to the US Navy base in Naples to assist the Catholic chaplains there in ministering to the spiritual needs of American military personnel and their families. For over a decade, men from the North American College have braved the Italian traffic on the busy autostrada between Rome and Naples for the privilege of serving in an active American parish. Over the last several years, the Naples apostolate has grown to become one of the largest apostolic ministries at the College. For the twelve men who have been assigned to this particular ministry it is an opportunity to serve in a fully-functioning parish with an active community life, religious education program, and young adult ministry. In addition to the opportunity for ministry, the apostolate offers a chance for us to learn about military chaplaincy and what military life is like for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. While most of us who serve at this apostolate will never serve as a military chaplain, the exposure to military life and ministry will help us in ministering to military personnel back in our home dioceses. On a typical weekend, we arrive at the base in time for the Vigil Mass on Saturday evening. One of the deacons preaches, the others assist the pastor, and then it is off to individual family homes. The Catholic families in Naples take turns hosting seminarians, offering us not only a place to spend the night and a great home-cooked meal, but more importantly, a chance to participate in the life of their family. This allows us to see the beauty and real-life struggles of the married couple trying to live out their vocation. It also gives us the opportunity to share our own vocation story with them and their children.
The men of the Navy Apostolate in Naples. First row (from left): Rev. Mr. Jeremy Rodrigues ‘08 (Diocese of Providence); Rev. Mr. Gregory Loughney ‘08 (Diocese of Scrantion); Philip-Michael Tangorra ‘09 (Diocese of Paterson); Rev. Mr. Paul Fasano ‘08 (Diocese of Rockford); and Jesse Burish ‘09 (Diocese of LaCrosse). Second row (from left): Rev. Mr. Patrick Riffle ‘08 (Archdiocese of Washington); Rev. Mr. Ronnie Floyd ‘08 (Diocese of Fall River); Adam Rust ‘09 (Diocese of Memphis); Rev. Dennis Yurochko, Director of Apostolic Formation; David Schunk ‘10 (Archdiocese of San Francisco); and Chase Hasenoehrl ‘10 (Diocese of Boise).
12 The Pontifical North American College M A G A Z I N E