Catholic Military Life

In this episode retired Space Shuttle astronaut and four-star U.S. Air Force General Kevin P. Chilton mulls over his upcoming presentation on "trustworthy stewards" at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis on Thursday, July 19.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D. Min., Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, tells how qualified military Catholics can get a big discount on passes to the five-day National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21, 2024, in Indianapolis.

In this episode Lt. Col. Louis Hoffman, USA (Ret.) and his wife Kathleen share how Catholic chaplains became a force multiplier in his accomplished career as a Green Beret and hers as an Army nurse.

In this episode the Reverend Mr. Jacob George, a newly ordained Transitional Deacon currently honing his canon law skills in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, recounts his extraordinary journey from predominantly Hindu and Muslim cultures to Catholic priesthood and the possibility of eventual service as a U.S. Military chaplain.

In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Private First Class Hunter McDonnell of the Virginia Army National Guard and his mom, Ms. Noel Orsak, share how boot camp at Fort Jackson made him a believer in the Catholic Faith as he prepares to enter the National Military Academy at West Point.

As a U.S. Air Force chaplain assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Father Captain Tyler R. Harris, CH, Capt, USAF, in this edition of Catholic Military Life, shares how he leads souls in the Paradise of the Pacific to the Paradise of Eternity.

Meet Father Marcel Taillon, the new interim Vocations Director for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, in this edition of Catholic Military Life.

Ms. Donna Cowdrey and her late husband, U.S. Marine Brigadier General Christian B. Cowdrey, relied on Catholic military chaplains to access the sacraments and practice their faith through decades of service that included his deployment to Beirut at the time of the 1983 terrorist bombing that killed 241 American servicemen at the Marine Corps barracks there. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, she shares how those priests on active duty made a difference.

As AMS Director of Faith Formation Mr. José Amaya is responsible for training and mentoring catechetical leaders on U.S. Military installations all over the world. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Mr. Amaya shares how he encourages religious educators to commit themselves to service to others with missionary zeal.

A newly established Catholic Military Apostolate of the United States (CMA-US) aims to build Catholic communities on installations worldwide in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. President Nicholas Cammaroto, SSgt, USAF, and colleagues share details including how you can join in this edition of Catholic Military Life.

Child sex abuse at the hands of a former Catholic Church lay leader is the topic of a new book by U.S. Army wife and abuse survivor Carrie Bucalo and Auxiliary Bishop William (Bill) Muhm of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the co-authors share how the Book of Matthew, Chapter 18, offers healing and guidance.

Built in 1900, the Catholic Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, is the oldest, continuously used chapel at West Point, and the only house of worship owned by the Catholic Church on U.S. Government property. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, West Point alum Martin H. Joyce III tells what he discovered about the chapel in research for a just-published book.

In July, the Reverend Monsignor Anthony R. Frontiero, S.T.D., took office as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Msgr. Frontiero introduces himself and reflects on his remarkable journey as a man of God and the new day-to-day leader of AMS operations, clergy, and staff.

Father Anthony Williams, a retired U.S. Air Force chaplain and priest of the Diocese of Kansas City, knows first-hand the truth behind the old maxim, "It's not where you start--it's where you finish that counts." Although raised protestant Father Williams converted to Catholicism as a young airman and eventually discovered his vocation. He shares his faith journey in this edition of Catholic Military Life.

The application period is now open for U.S. servicemen and women and veterans--particularly those suffering from wounds of war--to apply for an all-expenses paid journey to Lourdes, France, in May 2024. The Warriors to Lourdes journey coincides with the annual International Military Pilgrimage there. In the Sept. 25 edition of Catholic Military Life, Col. Chuck Gallina, USMC (Ret.), of the Knights of Columbus shares details, along with some old war stories from his four tours in Vietnam during the 1960s and 70s.

In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, retired Four-Star Admiral William J. Fallon shares his experience at the Pentagon on 9/11 and other stories from his 41 years in the U.S. Navy. And he invites all to the Pilgrimage for the Sea Services Mass on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 3:30 p.m. EDST at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

With the annual Memorial Mass for Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM, Servant of God, coming up on Sept. 5, Mr. Bob Pinkerton, a former U.S. Marine who served with Father Capodanno in Vietnam, recalls his experiences with the Vietnam War hero chaplain in this edition of Catholic Military Life.

Kristina M. Hughes, (2LT) USA, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, took a break from graduate studies in the U.K. the first week of August, 2023, to visit Portugal for World Youth Day. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Lt. Hughes tells how her experience has inspired her in her pursuit of a military career.

Assistant U.S. Attorney and self-described "Army brat" Sarah Wannarka re-discovered her respect for Catholic U.S. Military chaplains when she did tours in Afghanistan to coach local prosecutors. She shares her story in this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

Raising girls in the Catholic faith can be a challenge for families in today's increasingly secular society where even traditional notions of scouting are in flux, but as U.S. Air Force wife and mother Sherry Ohotnicky explains in this edition of Catholic Military Life, support can be found in the character development organization, American Heritage Girls.

A new book, Navigating Leadership: Making a Pact with Excellence, is billed on Amazon as must-read material for anyone seeking to become an exceptional leader. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, the author, Catholic Rear Admiral Garry E. Hall, USN (Ret.), shares how the qualities of passion, accountability, commitment, and traits and traditions are essential to effective leadership.

Catholic youth involved in scouting can earn religious emblems alongside their merit badges as a way of developing their understanding and practice of Catholic faith. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Father Dan Goulet, CH (MAJ), USA, the archdiocese's scouting chaplain, explains.

On the weekend of Pentecost in 2024, four groups of 12 pilgrims will set out from four corners of the United States for Indianapolis, IN, with plans to arrive in time for the July 17-21 National Eucharistic Congress. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, organizer Will Peterson shares the meaning of the pilgrimage and how you can join.

The Evangelization Office of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is initiating a new program for sending missionary disciples to live at U.S. Military bases where they will work to make fishers of young adult servicemen and women. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the first two disciples to answer the call, Ms. Stephanie Nussio and Ms. Jurate Reventas, share plans for their upcoming assignment to Travis Air Force Base in California.

In 1966 when U.S. Marine Private First Class Joseph Frank Simpson arrived in Vietnam at the age of 19, there to greet him at a grass-hut makeshift chapel was Father Vincent R. Capodanno, CH, LT, USN. Father Capodanno's words of counsel and encouragement helped PFC Simpson orient himself to his new surroundings, just months before the priest died a heroic death coming to the aid of embattled Marines. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Mr. Simpson shares his memories of the priest hero who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and whose Cause for Canonization is under consideration by the Catholic Church.

Lieutenant Commander Michael Scoffone of the U.S. Navy Reserve has more than 20 years experience in the Reserve and on active-duty deployments. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, LCDR Scoffone explains how Catholic Military chaplains are indispensable to the Navy's mission to deter foreign aggression and maintain freedom of the seas.

In February of 2023, Archbishop Timothy Broglio announced creation of the Saint John XXIII Foundation to establish perpetual endowed support for pastoral care to those who serve. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, a podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, the Foundation's Executive Director, Mr. John Schlageter, Esq., explains how the Foundation will work and how you can participate.

He was a NASA flight director for Apollo 11, the mission that landed the first men on the moon, and for Apollo 13, which brought three endangered astronauts home safely from their aborted mission. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Capt. Eugene F. Kranz, USAF (Ret.), reflects on his historic role in the early days of space exploration and how his practice of Catholic faith shaped the trajectory of his remarkable career.

In the Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic Deacon and retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Joe Donohoe has set out to bring disenfranchised Catholic veterans back into the flock. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, Lt. Col. Donohoe, the nephew of a World War Two era U.S. Navy chaplain, shares how he pursues this special ministry.

Catholic women seeking to deepen their faith in Christ now have access to Living the World Catholic Women's Bible, published by Ave Maria Press. Catholic author and U.S. Army wife Elizabeth Tomlin, Esq., is among writers contributing reflections to the new publication. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Ms. Tomlin explores the example of Priscilla and other biblical women whose witness is of particular relevance to their sisters in the faith.

In response to Pope Francis's dream of a "missionary impulse capable of transforming everything," the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), has Missionary Disipleship Trainers who guide fellow military Catholics in ways to evangelize and "reach more" disciples through participation in a movement organized by Evangelical Catholic of Madison, WI. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Trainer Madeline Stockman of Fort Bragg, NC, shares how she ignites the missionary impulse in a twelve-week course of virtual sessions with prospective missionaries.

The growing shortage of Catholic U.S. Military chaplains has left installations such as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) in Washington, DC, without an active-duty priest. Recently, Monsignor Michael Butler, Ch Col USAF (Ret.) came out of retirement at the age of 61 to serve full-time as a civil service federal employee at JBAB, providing pastoral care to Catholics at the base. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Msgr. Butler talks about his unlikely path to military service and the vocation within a vocation, serving those who serve.

Meet Father Stu--not the one of film and fame, but Father Stuart A. King, Ch Col USAF, a Catholic U.S. Air Force chaplain now serving at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Father King shares how he started out as a Protestant minister only to find his way to the Catholic Church and priesthood.

In Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 29, 2006, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, U.S. Navy Seal Michael Monsoor, MA2, USN, whose parents had named him after the patron saint of soldiers, made the ultimate sacrifice, throwing himself onto a live grenade and suffering fatal injuries to save the lives of fellow SEALS. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Mrs. Rose Rea shares the story behind a new biography that she collaborated on with Michael's father. She is joined in this edition by Steve Gilmore, CAPT, USN (Ret.).

Meet Mrs. Kitty Eisenbeil, the newest appointed member to the Review Board of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA--a position to which she brings a wealth of professional experience counseling victims of sex abuse. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese, Mrs. Eisenbeil shares her insights on a problem Catholic bishops are committed to solve.

35 years in the U.S. Army brought John L. Scott much more than career advancement to the point of retiring at the rank of Major General. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Gen. Scott shares how he discovered the Catholic faith, converted to Catholicism, and now serves as a Catholic deacon--thanks in large part to the influence of the Catholic Army chaplains with whom he served.

The Saint John Paul II National Shrine, with its dazzling mosaics in the Redemptor Hominis Church, is a splendid setting for the Nov. 19, 2022 14th Annual Benefit for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese, the Shrine's Executive Director, Dr. Maxime Nogier, shares what attendees will experience as they explore the magnificent shrine which reflects its patron's deep love for God and for man.

Two giving opportunities in November--the Nov. 5-6 Triennial National Collection and the Nov. 19 Annual Benefit--provide the faithful with direct ways to support the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), and those she serves. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Ms. Mary Lavin, Excutive Director of Major Giving and Planned Giving, shares why your private gift is crucial to the AMS mission.

On Sept. 15, the Knights of Columbus (K of C) began accepting applications to go on the May 9-15, 2023 Warriors to Lourdes spiritual journey. All applications must be received by Jan. 15, 2023 to be considered. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese, Col. Chuck Gallina, USMC (Ret.), of the K of C explains where to apply and what's in store for those accepted.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Father Chris Alar, MIC, author of the bestseller, "After Suicide: There's Hope for Them and for You," explores why the suicide rate is so much higher among veterans than the general population, and what can be done about a mental health epidemic that claims the lives of as many as 22 veterans a day.

At a time when all branches of the U.S. Military are struggling to fill a chronic shortage of Catholic chaplains, Co-Sponsored Seminarians like Erin Donlon of the Diocese of Portland, ME, are stepping up to make a difference. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Erin shares how he discovered the vocation within a vocation to serve as priest on active duty in the Navy.

September 4, 1967--a day Mr. Kenneth L. Fields, USMC (Ret.), will never forget. It was the day the body of Vietnam War hero Father Vincent Capodanno was laid at his feet as he manned a machine gun, just hours after the U.S. Navy chaplain was fatally shot while dashing to the aid of wounded and dying Marines under ambush. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Mr. Fields shares his story.

At a noisy sidewalk café in Lourdes, France, the Reverend Brian Minietta, CH (MAJ), USA, recalls his first pilgrimage with the Warriors to Lourdes in 2016 when he encountered a veteran suffering moral injury from having shot and killed an enemy combatant in Iraq who, though armed, turned out to be a child. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Chaplain Minietta shares how he helped the vet overcome his sense of shame and alienation.

After 30 years of military service and five combat deployments, Col. Paul Hettich, USA (Ret.), came to France in May with Warriors to Lourdes to find healing and renewal at the sacred Marian grotto and refreshing spring waters. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, Col. Hettich shares his story at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport while waiting on a flight home from the pilgrimage.

Help Wanted! Missionaries to support Catholic Military chaplains and reach young adults in the U.S Armed forces by providing accompaniment as they teach and re-engage servicemen and women in the Catholic Faith. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Young Adult Missionary Coordinator McKenzie Mauss explores the job description and how you can become a Missionary. Listen to podcast. Watch video.

For this edition, Catholic Military Life--the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), travels to France to chat with Warriors to Lourdes pilgrims and U.S. Army veterans Adam and Tiffany Farabaugh. Adam, a medically retired sergeant, and Tiffany, a former active-duty soldier and now a major in the Army Reserve, have both served in war zones and came to the famous Marian shrine for healing. This is their story.

We've all seen those heart-warming photos of military men and women returning home from a long deployment to be greeted by big hugs with their children. But what about the military couple who for whatever reason can't have a child? In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Capt. Kimberly Colby of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve shares how she and her husband Mark, formerly of the U.S. Navy, are tapping their spirituality to deal with infertility, and where other military couples facing the same dilemma can find support.

This year U.S. Catholics have an opportunity to contribute to a special collection at Sunday Mass for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, the AMS Chancellor, Father Robert R. Cannon, Ch, Col, USAF (Ret.), whose home Diocese of Venice, FL, takes up the collection the weekend of May 14-15, 2022, shares what's at stake for the exercise of Catholic faith in the U.S. Military.

As one of senior clergy on staff at the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), the Judicial Vicar, Father Mark Rutherford, J.C.L., recently experienced first-hand the impact of a growing shortage of Catholic U.S. Military chaplains. In the week leading up to Easter, he filled in for a recently deployed priest at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Father Rutherford shares his experience of providing pastoral care to a flock without their local shepherd.

Russia's attempt to take over Ukraine strikes a familiar note with Father Vincent Woo, a priest of the Diocese of Hong Kong who is currently serving in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, while purusing a doctorate in canon law. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese, Father Woo shares his experience of the Chinese takeover of his native Hong Kong, what that bodes for religious freedom in the former British colony, and why Americans including those in the U.S. Military should care.