Catholic Military Life

Any way you look at it, the U.S.-led War on Terror has been a costly venture: a half-million lives lost so far, including nearly seven-thousand U.S. Military personnel killed in action, and more than seven trillion in U.S. tax dollars spent fighting the enemies of freedom and the values we hold dear. And while some 50,000 American service members and veterans bear scars from the physical wounds of combat in the nation's longest war, many also nurse bruises to the soul - scars of "moral injury," a condition that grows when one commits an act that goes against his or her deepest-held values. Battlefields are fertile ground for moral injury, because those deployed must make snap life-or-death decisions that don't always turn out to be the right choices with sometimes devastating consequences. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Dr. Eileen A. Dombo, PhD, LICSW, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the National Catholic School

"The Field Afar" is a new feature-length documentary film about Vietnam War hero Father Vincent R. Capodanno airing on ABC TV stations nationwide through the Christmas holidays. Check listings for showings in your area, or purchase a DVD, at thefieldafar.com. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, film creator Tim Moriarty shares how the film came about, tracing the life of the Maryknoll priest from his upbringing in Staten Island, NY, to his death on a Vietnam battlefield rushing unarmed to the aid of U.S. Marines under ambush, his posthumous Medal of Honor award, and his Cause for Canonization now under review by the Holy See's Congregation for the Causes of Saints. As Tim explains, "The Field Afar" is about the power of courage and compassion, even in the face of life's most harrowing events. The life of Father Capodanno speaks to all human beings about the human capacity for goodness. In a world growing ever more weary with c

For more than thirty years, retired U.S. Army officer Ed Wilson and his wife Dolly have been active in the American military Catholic community at Stuttgart, Germany. Among other volunteer activities, they have organized travel for military Catholics to the annual Pèlerinage Militaire International, or International Military Pilgrimage, in Lourdes, France, where the Americans join military members from other nations in prayer and fellowship. On Oct. 26, the Wilsons were invested in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the successor of a Crusades-era military force now engaged primarily in charitable activities in the Holy Land. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, the Wilsons reflect on their service to the Chruch and how their life in Germany has given them a front-row seat on the eventful history of the past three decades in Europe.

Much is known about the life and death of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, M.M., Servant of God. How the United States Navy Chaplain lieutentant was shot to death in Vietnam on Sept. 4, 1967, while rushing--unarmed--to the aid of U.S. Marines under enemy ambush. How he was posthumously awarded the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. How the Holy See's Congregation for the Causes of Saints is now considering the cause for canonization of the Maryknoll priest from Staten Island, NY. Much less is known publicly about the favors and possible miracles received by some who have sought Father Capodanno's intercession through prayer. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Vice Admiral P. Stephen Stanley, USN (Retired), newly appointed chairman of the governing board of the Father Capodanno Guild, shares some of those incredible stories, and how you can support his cause.

At Sunday Masses the weekend of Nov. 9-10, most Catholic parishes throughout the United States will take up a second collection. Proceeds will go to support the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The AMS is the only Catholic jurisdiction responsible for providing pastoral care to Catholics in the U.S. Armed Services, VA Medical Centers, civilian service to the federal government beyond U.S. borders, and the families of these populations. Catholics who attend Sunday Mass in interdenominational base chapels where no second collections are taken my nonetheless contribute through the AMS Appeal. For more information on the National Collection, visit milarch.org/nationalcollection. For more information on the AMS Appeal, visit milarch.org/amsappeal. In this special edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Lt. Col. and Mrs. Greg Tomlin share from personal experience how AMS-endorsed Catholic priest-chaplains and pastoral programs are indispensable for the free exercise

In 2017, Father Dennis Callan, S.V.D., needed a liver transplant after his nonalcoholic fatty liver disease developed into cirrhosis. Having served as a missionary in Taiwan for 18 years and in Korea for 16 years, the priest of the Society of the Divine Word had spent part of that time ministering to Catholics in the U.S. Army at Fort Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. When Army Warrant Officer Christopher Moore heard of Father's Callan's condition, he was led by the Holy Spirit to step forward. In an operation at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago on July 12, 2017, the married father of two sons donated two-thirds of his liver to Father Callan. The surgery was such a success that Officer Moore was running a marathon just three months later, and Father Callan has long since returned to active ministry with a clean bill of health. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), Father Callan and Officer Moore come together again to talk ab

Living out a commitment to marriage can be difficult under the best of circumstances, let alone when one of the couple serves in the U.S. Military, with its transient nature, long deployments, and periods of separation. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Mr. Murphy Lierley (pictured with wife Kelli) offers guidance on how a military marriage can thrive in spite of challenging circumstances. Mr. Leirley is an international trainer for the marriage support group FOCCUS Inc., USA. FOCCUS stands for "Facilitate Open Caring Communication, Understanding, and Study." The organization teaches that communication and problem-solving are among the keys to a successful marriage.

As a young dentist in the U.S. Army, Andrew Sanchez of Chalmette, LA, seemed to have it all. The Army had paid his way through dental school, and he was contemplating marriage to the woman he was dating. But something told the young Army officer he was meant for something more, and after a period of discernment, he left active duty and entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans to become a priest and an Army chaplain. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Major Sanchez, who is now in the U.S. Army Reserve and scheduled to be ordained a transitional deacon next year, shares how the Holy Spirit inspired him to forsake a potentially lucrative career in dentistry to answer God's call, and why he is now pursuing the vocation within a vocation to serve those who serve.

Captain George Phillips, USMC (Ret.), was among U.S. Marines with Father Vincent Capodanno, MM, Servant of God, when the Navy Lieutenant chaplain was killed by enemy gunfire in Vietnam’s Quế Sơn Valley on Sept. 4, 1967. Capt. Phillips now serves as chairman for the Father Capodanno Guild, which is overseeing the Maryknoll priest's Cause for canonization. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Capt. Phillips recounts the events of that fateful day, and explains what it was about Father Capodanno that qualifies him for sainthood.

The annual Pilgrimage for the Sea Services will be celebrated on Sunday, October 6, at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 339 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD. The pilgrimage starts with Mass at 3:00 p.m. (EDST). Bishop Michael J. Barber, S.J., a retired U.S. Navy Reserve chaplain, will be the principal celebrant and homilist. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Admiral William J. Fallon, USN (Ret.), Chairman of the Pilgrimage Sponsoring Committee, talks about how the pilgrimage came to be, and what's in it for the faithful and those who serve our nation in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and Public Health Service.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a captain pilot on active duty, Tim Mergen had a lot going for him, flying the C-146A "Wolfhound" out of Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. But God's call to the priesthood proved too persistent for the up and coming officer from Wisconsin to ignore. So in 2014, he separated from active duty, took a demotion in rank to Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve, and entered Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmittsburg, MD, in hopes of returning to active duty one day as an Air Force chaplain. He is now well into his formational studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2020. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Tim shares how he discovered his vocation and what it was about God's call that persuaded him to give up a promising military career path in order to be of pastoral service to those who serve in the Air Force.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will celebrate the 34th anniversary of its founding by Pope Saint John Paul II. The AMS will mark the occasion by remembering in a special way the 182 Catholic priests currently on active duty in the U.S. Military. It will hold a "Day of Giving," providing the public an opportunity to support Catholic military chaplains. The hope is that generous benefactors will make at least 182 donations in support of the AMS mission, "Serving Those Who Serve," or one donation for every chaplain. Donations can be made at www.milarch.org/dayofgiving. The donation page will be open from 12 noon on Sunday, July 21, until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, July 22. That's 34 hours--one hour for every year the AMS has been in existence. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Advancement Director Sal Perez shares why it is so important for the Archdiocese to receive support from private donors, and how the money will be

Mrs. Tracey Harger, Catholic Pastoral Life Coordinator at U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, recently received the Medal of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), its highest honor. Mrs. Harger, wife of Col. Rick Harger, USA, was so honored for her exemplary moral character, fidelity to the teachings and mission of the Church, and devotion and service to the Catholic community. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese, Mrs. Harger tells us about her work among fellow military Catholics and what motivates her to volunteer above and beyond the call of duty in service to Christ.

Each spring, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), teams up with the Knights of Columbus (K of C) to send active-duty servicemen and women and veterans on a spiritual journey to Lourdes, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858. The annual "Warriors to Lourdes" journey affords participants the opportunity to experience the sacred site first-hand, dip into its healing spring waters, attend Mass, and participate in the Sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Col. Mike Thumm, USMC (Ret.), and Master Knight of the Fourth Degree for the Archdiocese of Washington District, shares what it's like to make go with Warriors to Lourdes, and how current and former U.S. Military personnel and their spouses may sign up for next year's pilgrimage.

At 10:00 p.m. (EDST) on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, EWTN will broadcast the premiere of "Frontline Fathers"--an original EWTN documentary about Catholic U.S. Army chaplains and the practicing faithful at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. EWTN's cameras follow Fathers Paul A. Halladay, CH (MAJ), USA, and Joseph Campbell, CH (CPT), USA, as they go about their service to the faithful in the shadow of communist North Korea at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. In this edition of "Catholic Military Life," the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, EWTN producer John Elson takes us behind the scenes, sharing how the documentary came about and what the viewing public can expect to take away from it.

Father Michael J. Cerrone, III, of the Diocese of Savannah, GA, gave 20 years of his life to the U.S. Army, 15 of them as a Catholic priest and chaplain. Now in retirement, Father Cerrone, a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, is still going beyond the call of duty to support the free exercise of faith in the U.S. Military. He recently donated $50,000 to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, in support of her mission "Serving Those Who Serve." In this edition of Catholic Military Life, Father Cerrone shares why it's so important to provide for the pastoral needs of Catholics in uniform, recounting some of his own experiences in the Army.

On April 24, Father Frank Brett, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army chaplain, was laid to rest on Chaplains Hill in Arlington National Cemetery. He was buried in the same grave as his brother, U.S. Navy Chaplain Father Bob Brett, who died a hero in the Vietnam War when a 122-millimeter rocket struck his trench moments after he passed up what would turn out to be his last chance to evacuate the battlefield--he gave his seat on a departing helicopter to a fellow serviceman. As the chopper rose and banked away from the trench, those on board heard the fatal blast. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, two nephews and a niece of the late brother priests sit down at a family gathering in Old Town Alexandria, VA, after the interment service, to talk about their uncles' incredible story. Lt. Col. Edward Rouse, USMC (Ret.), Ms. Debbie Brett Cherin, and Mr. Chris Lawlor tell how Father Frank Brett, who died in December of 2017 at the age of 86, came to be buried with his brother, who was 32 years old when killed in 1968.

Auxiliary Bishop Richard B. Higgins is soon to retire as Episcopal Vicar for Veterans Affairs. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese of the Military Services, USA, Bishop Higgins looks back on his 45 years in pastoral service to Catholics in the United States Military and those receiving treatment in the nation's VA Medical Centers. He retraces his unusual journey from growing up Catholic in Ireland to becoming a priest, joining the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain, and eventual ordination and service as a bishop. On a personal level, the retiring bishop shares his passion for, of all things, flying airplanes and riding motorcycles.

War heroes are generally made on the front lines, but what about the unsung heroes left behind--the spouses of the men and women who defend our nation in uniform? Those who put their own careers on hold to move between duty stations every two or three years or raise children as single parents while their significant others serve on lengthy deployments? Catholic author Michelle Still Mehta, Ph.D., is a consultant, coach, researcher, and writer specializing in military spouse employment. Her new book, "Silent Sacrifice on the Homefront," now available on Amazon, shares the real-life quests of military spouses to fit career with marriage, motherhood, and military life. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, Dr. Mehta shares her own story as well as theirs, and she offers advice on how military spouses can better integrate their own career aspirations with married life in the service.

He first sensed a call to holy orders in the fourth grade, but it was not until after a four-year tour in the U.S. Navy followed by years in private business that Father William (Bill) Muhm, CHC, CAPT, USN (Ret.), came to his senses and entered seminary to become a Catholic priest. Now, on the heels of 20 years of service as Navy Chaplain, Father Muhm has been selected by the Holy See to be ordained as a new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), USA. In this edition of Catholic Military Life, the only official podcast of the AMS, Bishop-Elect Muhm reflects on his faith journey and his new role as Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio's Episcopal Vicar for Europe and Asia.