T H ET H E M AGA Z I N EM AGA Z I N E O FO F T H ET H E A RC H D I O C E S EA RC H D I O C E S E F O RF O R T H ET H E M I L I TA RYM I L I TA RY S E RV I C E SS E RV I C E S , U SAU S A

CHRISTMAS 2010CHRISTMAS 2010

...“I’ll be home for Christmas... if only in my dreams”...

Our annual celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christoffers a fitting occasion to send you another edition of Salute. Christmaswith family and friends usually holds a special place in our hearts. It is fitting that we remember those who serve our Country in distant lands.They may not be able to celebrate these holidays with their loved ones.

S ince my last writing many events have taken place and the usual pace of activities in thisglobal archdiocese has kept the staff and me very busy. The month of December will

also be very full as Bishops Higgins and Spencer and I plan to visit the faithful at different installations in various parts of the world. I am certain that you will accompany us with your prayers.

T his issue of the AMS quarterly publication will include the vocation stories of someof the seminarians studying in the co-sponsorship program. Their preparation for the

priesthood and eventual military chaplaincy represent a great source of hope for the future.I know that you will enjoy learning about these most recent additions to the ArchdiocesanFamily. Please keep them in your prayers.

E fforts continue to increase the number of chaplains in the Armed Forces. Your prayersboth for vocations and a generous response to the appeal for priests in the military

offer an important support for this ministry. For those who are deployed the presence and ministry of a priest are necessities. They do not have many other options to help them practice their faith.

E njoy the following pages of Salute. As I wish you an abundance of Christmas blessings,I pray that the Christ Child will bestow gifts of peace and good health upon you and

your loved ones.

Sincerely in Christ,

(Most Reverend) Timothy P. BroglioArchbishop for the Military Services

Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,

2 w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 /

© 2010 - A PUBLICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA - SERVING CATHOLICS IN THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD,VA MEDICAL CENTERS, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES OVERSEAS.

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.

ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS:Please send title, name, address, and phone number to: support@milarch.org or call: 202-719-3622 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017-0469feedback, letters to the editor, & advertising inquiries: editor@milarch.orgwebsite: www.milarch.org

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO MONSIGNOR FRANK A. PUGLIESE JO ANN REDMOND ERIC NEUNER | RPISTUDIOS

President Editorial Director Editor Design Director

T H ET H E M AGA Z I N EM AGA Z I N E O FO F T H ET H E A RC H D I O C E S EA RC H D I O C E S E F O RF O R T H ET H E M I L I TA RYM I L I TA RY S E RV I C E SS E RV I C E S , U SAU S A

CHRISTMAS 2010CHRISTMAS 2010

...“I’ll be home for Christmas... if only in my dreams”...

Table of Contents

T H E M AGA Z I N E O F T H E A RC H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I TA RY S E RV I C E S , U SA

CHRISTMAS 2010

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 4. NUMBER 3 WINTER 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ARTICLES PLEASE VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: www.milarch.org

salute magazine would like to thank fort lewis “the ranger” newspaper for providing the photos of father subler used in our last issue.

4 Dawning of a New Pastoral Season,Archbishop Broglio

Bishops on the Move8 “Not by Chance”, Bishop Higgins

10 “Passionate Faith Revealed”,Bishop Estabrook

16 “From the Rising of the Sun toit’s Setting", Bishop Spencer

18 Vocations UPDATE, Father John McLaughlin

20-34 The Harvest Continues On....Meet our newest group of Seminarians

44 HHHHHHH-HOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

52 National Jamboree Mass Celebrates 100 Years of Scouting

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Dawning of a NewPastoral Season

As usual the month of September marked the open-ing of a new pastoral season. The archdiocesanheadquarters again was enlivened by the presenceof our co-sponsored seminarians who made theirtraditional visit to Washington over the Labor Day

Weekend. It was good to see them and to share their youthfulenthusiasm for the priesthood and their service to the men andwomen of the Armed Forces and their families. They always fillme with hope for the future.

By: ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

CHAPLAINS AND VOLUNTEERS WITH ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO AT THE HOUSTON VA HOSPITAL.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 5

This September, I was privileged to spend a Sunday at the Brooke Army Medical

Center in San Antonio. The auditoriumopened its doors as the venue for Sunday Mass.The Commanding General, BG Joseph Caravalho, Jr. led the many members of thestaff, volunteers, patients, family, and friends,who participated actively in the celebration.Later I visited a number of patients on thefloors of the hospital. Occasionally, it was necessary to don surgical gowns and gloves.

As is so often the case during a hospitalvisit, both the fragility of our human

existence and the capacity for courage are soevident. Many of the patients were youngvictims of the current wars in the Middle East.Many have lost limbs in the service of ourCountry. Despite some apprehension about thefuture, most of them exhibited hope.

The bright halls and sparkling floors of thecenter coupled with the attentive nurses,

aides, doctors, and other personnel made thehospital inviting. No stranger to the medicalprofession, I was still impressed by what advances medical science has made and howmuch can be done for the wounded warriors.

Father James Schellenberg, the CatholicChaplain at Brooke, was an excellent guide

and organized the visit very well. I took advantage of the visit to the Medical Center tospend some time with the Catholic Commu-nity and the leadership at Fort Sam Houston, as well. Father Philip Mahalic assured my accommodations and transportation. He alsoinvited me to join the entire chapel staff in feting the volunteers. The presence of so manyCatholic and Protestant families demonstratedthe vibrancy of the chapel community.

Monday offered the opportunity to meetthe new commanding officer of the joint

base Fort Sam Houston, a young Air ForceGeneral, as well as some of the other menand women in leadership positions. After the official calls I celebrated the noon Mass and enjoyed a delightful buffet with the CatholicCommunity.

The venerable Father Leonard Stegman, aveteran chaplain, participated in most of

the events. More than four score years have not diminished his zeal for ministry or for themilitary family.

From San Antonio I went to Houston for an event to encourage support for the

Archdiocese. I am grateful to Dame Michele(Mica) Mosbacher who opened her home andinvited so many guests to learn about the workand the concerns of this global particularChurch.

The visit to Houston also allowed me tospend an afternoon at the Veterans’ Affairs

Medical Center. Father Paschal Odemokpademonstrated his organizational abilities andmobilized the Knights of Columbus, variousvolunteers, as well as the hospital leadership toensure a very interesting and productive visit.

As I walked the miles of corridors in the hospital, I received a real taste of the work

and ministry done by our zealous VA chaplains.It is one of the largest in the system, at least interms of extension. Again, I had the joy of bring-ing the presence of Christ and His blessing to anumber of patients. In general, they were older

“

(continued on page 6)

”I took advantage of thevisit to the Medical Centerto spend some time withthe Catholic Communityand the leadership at FortSam Houston, as well.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 6

than those I visited in San Antonio. However,the appreciation for a consoling word, a bless-ing, and especially the sacraments of the Churchwas the same. The mixture of hope and concernwas evident on many faces. The importance ofbeing present for them left no doubt in my mindabout the timeliness of my visit.

Ileft Houston for Miami. Even though RyanBoyle, a co-sponsored seminarian at St. John

Vianney Seminary there took good care of me,the reason for my visit was not directly connected to my responsibilities as the Arch-bishop for the Military Services. Rather Archbishop Dolan of New York, then Chair-man of the Board of Catholic Relief Services,the international Catholic Charities of theUnited States, asked me to represent him at ameeting of the Haitian Bishops with other ecclesial organizations providing assistance toHaiti after the January earthquake. After thisarticle was written, Archbishop Dolan waselected President of the Conference ofCatholic Bishops of the USA.

It was an interesting two days, which allowedme to return to an earlier chapter of my

ministry. The exchanges with the Bishops ofHaiti and from elsewhere were intriguing andchallenging. I know most of the Haitian Bishopsand so I was pleased to see them again. The hospitality of the Miami Archdiocese was superb.

However, the destruction, loss of life, andchallenges facing the Church in Haiti

are difficult to exaggerate. The Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince and the Diocese of Jacmel weredevastated. In addition to replacing the struc-tures destroyed such as churches, the Cathedralin the capital, and the seminary, it will be evenmore difficult to train new professors to teach in the new seminary buildings. The response to

the needs has been extremely generous, evenconsidering the world-wide recession. However,it will take time and many more assets to recon-struct all of the structures lost in the earthquake.The treasure of the human lives will not, ofcourse, ever be replaced.

Participating in an international meeting always broadens horizons and allows us to

appreciate other situations, viewpoints, and thewonderful mosaic of humanity that populatesthe globe. Intense was the interest in all of theparticipants to make a difference in the future ofHaiti. Exchanges in English, French, Spanish,and Italian brightened the proceedings. Therewere even some prayers and hymns in Creole!

My own remarks the first evening were onbehalf of CRS and in favor of a central

organization of the Haitian Church, PROCHE,which would be charged with the establishmentof priorities, approval of plans, and the distribu-tion of funds.

These are only a few of my activities in international settings. I did participate in a

meeting of the Military Ordinaries of LatinAmerica and Spain. The meeting was held inMexico City and the exchange of informationabout the structure and challenges of the different systems was enlightening. Father JoséBautista Rojas, a Navy chaplain, joined me. Wewere unable to bring other military personnel as some of the other delegations did,but then the US military system is quite different from those in Latin America.

Anew pastoral season has dawned well.The commitments continue to keep me

on the move, but the opportunities to ministerto the People of God continue to be inspiringand occasions of grace. ✞

Dawning of a New Pastoral Season (continued from page 5)

“I wish you an abundance of Christmas blessings; I pray that the Christ Child will bestow gifts of peace

and good health upon you and your loved ones.” —ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 8

The “lads” and I had been there several daysand decided that a trip to Siena was the

order of the day. We had two cars between us andI had mapped out the route (no GPS). FatherBrendan McBride (works with Irish immigrants inSan Francisco) had the lead, but he got awayfrom me as we negotiated our way through andaround Florence. As I hit the roundabout onthe south side of Florence I missed the exit forthe A2, the four-lane motorway to Siena! Not

only did I miss the exit for the A2, I also missedthe one for the A22, the divided highway fromFlorence to Siena! I finally finished up on theA222, the two-lane “highway” to Siena! Withmany comments from the back seat we settleddown to the torturous route that is the A222.

Rounding a corner outside the small town ofImpruneta we came upon the World War

II Florence American Cemetery. It flashed past

Bishop on the Move

It was June 2008 and several of my classmates fromthe Irish College, Rome had gathered in a small hotelin Fiesole to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our

ordination to the priesthood. Fiesole is nestled in thehills above Florence and dates back to the 9th centuryB.C. Fra Angelico is perhaps Fiesole’s most famous son. Today, Fiesole is a popular tourist destination andrenowned for its works of art and ancient monuments.

“Not by Chance”

WORLD WAR II, FLORENCE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL

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By AUXILIARY BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS

as I barely missed the 18-wheeler traveling theopposite direction, but I made note of it and resolved to visit if an opportunity arose later.

Three days later I was backat the cemetery. The

Florence American Cemeteryand Memorial is one of 24overseas military cemeteriesmaintained by the AmericanBattle Monuments Commis-sion. It is located roughly 7miles south of Florence and its70 acres contain the remains of4,202 veterans, most of whomdied in the campaign that followed the liberation ofRome in June 1944. Thegrounds are immaculate, an appropriate tribute to the brave warriors interredin this sacred space. I spent several hours insilent tribute to these members of “The GreatestGeneration.”

The memorial at the western end of thecemetery is composed of two atria, one of

which leads to the chapel; the other containsmarble operations maps recording the campaigns in the southern European theater of operations.

Avisitors center sits to the left of the entrance to the cemetery. There’s a

visitors log on a podium inside the front door. A few of the entries for that June morning stillhaunt me…. “We’re here on behalf of my dadwho landed at Anzio”…..“Have always wantedto say ‘Thank You’”….“We owe so much to so

few”…..“I’m the grandson of the man in the361st statue, David Chisholm”…..“Thank youfrom a Vietnam-era veteran”…..“Never knewthis was here and thank goodness I stopped”….

Thank you for taking care ofthem-for all of us.”

Several months passed and I was in Las Vegas

attending the Annual Con-vention of the Catholic WarVeterans of America. Many of those in attendance wereWorld War II veterans. As I stood up to address them I decided to share my experi-ence of the Florence Ameri-can Cemetery and offer mygratitude for their service. As

I delivered my remarks I noticed Leo Krichten,a past National Commander sobbing quietly inthe audience. Following the banquet he ap-proached to apologize and offer an explanationfor his tears. “Bishop Higgins, I landed at Anzio.Two of my best buddies are buried at Impruneta.I have never forgotten.” I reached out andhugged Leo, the eighty year old warrior, tearsstreaming down both our faces.

The GPS would have taken me down the A2to Siena. So would another trip around the

roundabout. But, I would have missed the ceme-tery. I learned once again that He had otherplans for me that day and those plans changedmy life forever.

Past National Commander Leo Krichtenpassed to his eternal reward 31 March 2009.

REGIMENTAL SOLDIER STANDS WATCHOVER PLOT "A"

✞

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 10

The first experience was at a Confirmation.My custom is to meet, for at least an hour,

with those who are to receive the Sacramentso we are not strangers at the Ceremony. Theseencounters help me to be aware of how theyvalue Church and might see themselves differ-ently as Confirmed Catholics. Senior highschool students are cognitively more developedand generally offer more in-depth insightsabout the Church in our modern world. My expectations, therefore, were not as high whenI met with a number of eighth graders at oneinstallation who were quite excited and were,let me simply say, “acting their age.”

Iwas about to be surprised. As soon as we satdown their immature antics disappeared and

I began to hear from a group of very seriousminded and impressive young people. I beganby asking them what they valued in theChurch and how they saw the CatholicChurch as different from other Churches. “TheEucharist,” said one. “And all the Sacraments!”said another. A third grabbed my attention by

adding, “The fact that God became one of usdid not stop with the Resurrection. He contin-ues to be here for us in all the Sacraments.” I naturally asked myself, “Who are these kids?How did they come to this awareness?” Theirinsights may seem basic to you but I guaranteethat you won’t hear such things from mostConfirmandi. We spoke about the Church asthe Body of Christ and how Christ is alive toothers through us. I was astonished by theirfaith and conviction.

Iasked them, “If you could be “Pope for a day”what is one message you would want to give

to the Church?” Their answer was impressive.They all agreed that they would ask priests “topreach better,” “to get excited about theirfaith,” and “to live and talk like they really believed in what they taught.” One young mansaid, “I feel badly when I find myself fallingasleep during the homily. I wish that a priestwould put more time into preparing somethingthat explained everything more clearly andthat he would, at least, be excited about what

Often the busy travel schedules of bishops in the MilitaryArchdiocese can become perhaps as tedious as someof the journeys themselves. The wonderfully inspiring

military people we meet, however, continually lighten these exacting schedules. Heroes are constantly emerging all aroundus. So many of our people are excited about their faith and howit helps them live out their day-to-day lives in the military. I would like to highlight two examples, from many recent inspirational encounters, of people living out their faith withpassion.

Bishop on the MovePassionate Faith Revealed

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 11

he said so I would stay awake.” I was honored to be with them that day because they weretruly “of the Spirit.” When the discussion wasover they went right back to clowning aroundlike eighth graders do - and I was left feelingtruly humbled by them.

The second experience came on September15th when I represented the Archdiocese

at the Lone Sailor Awards Dinner in Washing-ton, DC. The award is given to Sea Service

veterans who have excelled with distinction intheir respective civilian careers. Receiving theaward this year were Bill Cosby, Lanier Phillips,and Eddie LeBaron.

Iwas pleased to meet and speak with all threemen, but the story told by Lanier Phillips was

especially inspiring. He was the first AfricanAmerican Sonar Technician. He grew up in a segregated South where he experienced a condescending prejudice that blocked out anypossibility for advancement in life. He joinedthe Navy during World War II where he servedas a Mess Attendant like all the other blacksbut with the hope that his dream for a futurewould one day be realized. Then it happened.His ship, USS Truxtun, was caught in a terriblestorm off the coast of Newfoundland. Two hundred and three Sailors died in one of theworst disasters in U.S. Naval History.

He told of his survival experience and howthe kindness shown by the people of St.

Lawrence, Newfoundland, Canada changedhim deeply. These people brought the woundedPhillips to their home, bathed him, nursed himback to health and made him feel like he waspart of the family and a real human being. Hecouldn’t believe how white people were treat-ing him with so much dignity and respect.Later when returning to the Military he described how he went into a space where prisoners were being held and asked where hemight get something to eat. He was grabbed bythe neck, and had a pistol held to his head withthe comment, “You know better than to comein here with white people!” Here he was, a

(continued on page 12)

LEFT -RIGHT: BILLCOSBY,

PAUL HALEY, AND BISHOP

ESTABROOK AT2010 LONE

SAILOR AWARDS(COURTESY PHOTO)

2010 LON SAILOR AWARDEES (LEFT TO RIGHT) LANIER PHILLIPS, BILL COSBY, AND EDDIE LEBARON (COURTESY PHOTO)

By BISHOP JOSEPH W. ESTABROOK

12 w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 /

uniformed member of the Navy and he wasbeing treated like an animal. The contrastingexperiences of the love and regard of the people St. Lawrence along with the disrespectand disregard felt from his own fellow Ameri-cans made him realize how he had been brainwashed to accept prejudicial behaviorand to believe that he was actually inferior. Hewas determined it would never happen again.He wrote to his Congressman and approachedthe Navy to apply as a Sonar Technician. To his surprise he received an answer in the affirmative and had Orders to Sonar TechSchool soon after that. He began to believe inhimself and become that person God had intended him to be. We as Church are called“to bring glad tidings to the lowly,” and “setprisoners free.” The people of St. Lawrence areexamples of how this might be achieved.

These examples continue to surface every-day as our young people choose Saints

names for their Confirmation. They oftenchoose Saints who were people of courage andwhom they wish to emulate. If I ask them whowould want to follow Christ’s invitation to“pick up your cross and follow me,” they arehesitant to raise their hands at first. But whenI follow on with stories of heroes who havegiven their lives for their country or for theChurch and then ask, “Who among you wouldlike to imitate that kind of courage?” - all thehands go up immediately. When we teach whatChrist taught about God’s unconditional loveand our call to imitate that love, we must do soin ways that challenge young people to great-ness. When we do this our youth respond. Asthe eighth graders in the Confirmation class

taught us so clearly, “We are called to be faith-ful,” but more than that, “We are most especially called to be faithful with passion.” As Jesus once reminded us in Matthew 5:13,“..but if the salt loses its flavor, what good isit….?” I’ll let you read the end of His statementfor yourself.

(Since the last issue of Salute, Bishop Estabrookhas visited the following 27 Installations: In Missouri: Ft Leonard Wood and Whiteman AFB;In Kansas: McConnell AFB and Ft Riley; In Nebraska: Offutt AFB; In South and NorthDakota: Ellsworth AFB and Grand Forks AFB;In Hawaii: Schofield Bks, Hickam AFB, MarineCorps Base, and Pearl Harbor; In Alaska: Eielson AFB, Ft Wainwright, Ft Richardson andElmendorf AFB; In California: Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Ft Ord, Monterey,LA AFB, Los Angeles, NAS Lemoore, NellisAFB in Nevada, Ft Irwin, Edwards AFB, CampPendleton Marine Corps Base, Miramar MarineBase, Murphy Canyon, Navy, Travis AFB andBeale AFB. Bishop Estabrook was also part of theAir Force Retreat in Florida.) ✞

(continued from page 11)“

“

...I asked them, “If you could be “Pope for a day”

what is one messageyou would want to giveto the Church?” Their

answer was impressive.They all agreed that

they would ask priests “to preach better,”

“to get excited abouttheir faith,” and “to live and talk like they really

believed in what they taught.”...

Bishop on the Move

Incardinated in the Archdiocese of Washing-ton, DC, Father Holt served in different

parishes: Assistant Pastor, St Ann’s, Washing-ton DC, 1973-1978; Pastor, Blessed AndrewKim Parish, October 1978-November 1984;Associate Pastor, Saint James Parish, Washing-ton, DC, November 1984-January 1985; Pastor,Immaculate Conception Parish, Eatontown,NJ, January 1985-October 1988; Pastor, SaintFrancis Parish, Livingston, AL, April 1989-March 1990.

Released to the VA by James Aloysius Cardinal Hickey, Father Holt served as

Catholic Staff Chaplain in Bath, NY from October 1990 to October 1994, and as Chief ofChaplain Service in Des Moines, IA from October 1994 to January 2003. On January 12,2003, he was elected to the position of Associ-ate Director at the National Chaplain Center,Hampton, VA where he served until recentlywhen failing health forced him to retire.

Father Paul-Stephen Holt

Father Paul-Stephen Holtwas ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pusan,Korea, by the Most Reverend Gabriel Lee,

Bishop of Pusan, on 8 December1972. Opting to serve his diocesewith an expertise in Church Law,Father Holt enrolled at CatholicUniversity to study Canon Law.Problems with his vision during his first year of studybrought about the sad realization that he would notbe returning to Korea. Father then transferred to Loyola College in Baltimore, MD where he earned aMaster’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and where hetaught that discipline.

By FATHER RAYMOND R.LAGACÉ, OFM TOGUS VA MEDICAL CENTER, AGUSTA, ME

FATHER PAUL - STEPHEN HOLT

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 13(continued on page 14)

Father Paul-Stephen Holt(continued from page 13)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 14

AKorean language expert, Father Holt wasDirector of the Drop-in Center in Pusan,

1972-73. While serving at the National Chap-lain Center Father Paul used his linguistic expertise to minister to the local Korean community. Confessing an undying love for theKorean people and their culture, Father Paulmade frequent visits to Korea.

Keith Ethridge, Director of the NationalChaplain Center, remembers Father Holt

as “a professional with an expertise in medicalethics who was completely dedicated to his vocation. He loved his work as a priest; he lovedserving the veterans. He was lovinglyinvolved in recruiting VA chaplains from boththe military and the private sector.”

Acolleague, Chaplain (Rabbi) Lowell Kronick, Associate Director for Education

at the National Chaplain Center, tells of thehigh esteem in which Father Paul was held atthe NCC:

“Retired Chaplain (Father) Paul-Stephen Holt, National VA ChaplainCenter (NCC) Associate Director forRoman Catholic Interests, has served usvery well since coming aboard in January2003. Bringing to this high position longexperience as a staff chaplain and asChief of Chaplain Service, Father Pauldeveloped good communication with some300 VA Catholic chaplains around theUnited States. He gave information andadvice on employment requirements tomany of our Catholic applicants.

Father Paul Holt in the last fewyears of his service was responsible foreight regions in the VA system, working

collegially with chaplains of various faithgroups as well as with Catholic clergy. Hemade numerous and repeated site visitsto the many VA Medical Centers in hiseight regions. He was on the telephonemuch of his day as the liaison of the NCCto Catholic and other chaplains to whomhe was responsible.

In fact he became an expert at per-forming site visits and writing importantreports to the NCC and local officialsbased upon his findings. He actuallytaught the intricacies of site visits at ourNational Chaplain Training Center inHampton, VA over the years. He was avalued member of the NCC Board thatexamines and rates chaplain applica-tions.

Father Paul also had expertise inthe field of bioethics and the humanities, receiving a certificate from the MedicalCollege of Wisconsin. He helped me teachour week-long course in Medical Ethicsfor several years. He was invited to be a discussant on a national hotline callconducted by the VA National Center for Ethics in Health Care on the latePope John Paul II’s March 2004 papal allocution ‘On Life-SustainingTreatments and the Vegetative State.’

Father Paul had many Catholic and non-Catholic friends, among themour NCC staff. He had a good working relationship with Bishops Francis Roqueand Richard Higgins of the Archdiocesefor the Military Services.

Now that Father Paul Holt has retired, my colleagues and I at the NCC wish him divine blessings and ameaningful retirement.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 15

Father Donald J. Cavey, VA Catholic Chap-lain at the Hampton VAMC, a good friend,

offers some personal reflections about FatherHolt:

“Father Paul is a priest's priest. He wasthe kind of person that I enjoyed spend-ing time with because I knew that heheld the same priestly values and love of Christ and His Church that I do.Early on I became aware of how muchFather Paul enjoyed his appointment atthe National Chaplains Center, which included some travel, but for the mostpart, was a Monday through Fridayschedule. At the same time, I also realized that the expectations of his assignment were very different than thedirect patient care responsibilities thatmost VA Catholic Chaplains enjoy. During that time, I was pastor of St.Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hamp-ton, Virginia. I saw Father Paul’s needto have an additional priestly ministrywith a worshipping community in whichhe could be involved and help satisfy hisown need to exercise his Sacramentaland Pastoral Priesthood. I invited himto come join us and simply said, ‘I wantyou to do whatever you like doing andwhatever is left I will do. Don’t do any-thing except whatever makes you happyas a priest.’ Father Paul accepted theinvitation and for a number of years wasable to fulfill his need as a CatholicPriest over and above his first responsi-bility, which was always the VA. Likeme, Father Paul loved his dogs. Hispreference was the Miniature Pinscherand later on the Chihuahua. I remem-

ber going with him to look at dogs in apet store, and when they brought outthis adorable little Chihuahua that Father Paul held and the dog began tolick his beard, that was it, Father Paultook the dog home. When I was giventhe option by Bishop DiLorenzo to leaveSt. Rose and remain full-time under theArchdiocese for the Military Services,USA without a time limit, I immediatelychose that option and was happy thatthe Bishop asked Father Paul to stay onat St. Rose as long as he was happythere. Father Paul made many friendsat St. Rose, but several families took aspecial interest in him when his healthbegan to decline. They provided trans-portation and other needed assistancesas his health continued to change. InApril 2010, Father Paul had a seriousaccident that, in combination with hisongoing health issues, landed him in St. Francis Home in Newport News,Virginia. At this writing, Father Paulcontinues to recover at St. Francis andwill make plans for his future as hishealth improves.”

We, VA Catholic chaplains and membersof the NCVACC, deem it a privilege

to have known Father Paul Holt and to have benefited from his wisdom.We all wishhim well in retirement. “The Lord bless youand keep you! The Lord let his face shine uponyou and be gracious to you! The Lord lookupon you kindly and give you peace!” (Nb. 6,24-26) ✞

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 16

From the Rising ofthe Sun to it’s Setting

Who worries about “time zones”? The sun is ALWAYS and in ALL ways shining on theAMS – somewhere, someplace, anytime, allthe time throughout the world! In my ministryto our AMS Family in Europe and in Asia,

I have the joys of experiencing many sunrises and sunsets and all are treasured moments as I visit the military and diplomaticmissions. My first pastoral visit was to the Air Force communityin Turkey followed by the Navy community in Rota, Spain. The hospitality has been very much enjoyed as I listen (Auscultabout Serviam; my Episcopal motto) to how we, your Archdiocese, can best serve our families and especially our women and men inuniform.

By BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER, VICAR EUROPE AND ASIA VICARIATE

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: REVEREND MIHAJLO HARDI, GREEK PRIEST IN SLOVENIA; MONSIGNOR MYKHAIL KOLTUN, GREEK-CATHOLIC MILITARY BISHOP FROM UKRAINE; MONSIGNOR DR. ANTON STRES, ARCHBISHOP AND METROPOLITAN FROM LJUBLJANA (CAPITAL OF SLOVENIA);

BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER, ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES; MONSIGNOR ANDREJ GLAVAN, ORDINARY BISHOP FROM NOVO MESTO (SLOVENIA).

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Our wonderful MCCW-E, (Military Coun-cil of Catholic Women - Europe) sponsored

their annual Conference in October on themountain top region of Koblenz with theSchoenstatt Religious Community of Sisters.Their membership continues to grow as this vibrant community of woman serve ourCatholic Chapels with great joy. Likewise, our Knights of Columbus Councils in Europe,Asia, and Iraq in particular, continue theirapostolic service to the local communities.Without these organizations to serve as leaderswithin our military chapels, we would not be able to provide the necessary faith-commu-nity life and apostolic presence. I applaud our military priests who are so eager to go theextra mile to find various opportunities to provide sacramental and pastoral programs to ensure the growth of those entrusted to their care. Among the examples in addition to

basic religious education, WHY CATHOLIC? readily springs to mind.

Iam engaged in international visits and Irecently went to Slovenia to participate in

the celebration of their 10th anniversary (see photo on page 16) and to Croatia to cele-brate the 10th and 18th anniversaries of theirCatholic Chaplaincy. My ministry brings megreat joy and it is an honor to represent ourCountry and our AMS family! For the Christmas holidays I will be back in an ArmyChaplain uniform, as a reservist, to serve ourtroops in Iraq. Then I will make pastoral visitsand celebrate confirmation throughout theregions of Asia where our military personnelare assigned. Together, we as Catholics, aremaking a difference by our presence in themilitary and communities. May God continueto bless our efforts! ✞

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The young men came to Wash-ington, DC and stayed at theWashington Retreat House.They had great meals from abeautiful buffet put on by our

own cook Porzia, and a barbecue on Saturdaynight sponsored by the Knights of ColumbusCouncil #11302 /Assembly 2435. I thank Retired Colonel Chuck Gallina, USMC;Faithful Navigator for James Cardinal HickeyPrince of the Church Assembly 2534, LTCNick Scopellite, USA; Robert Bourque, theHead Chef; Peter Gervais, PSD, assistant tothe Chef; Otto Heck, Faithful Comptroller;Erik Green; the current DC State DeputyPeter A. Gabauer and all from POC Assem-bly 2534 for everything.

The seminarians were treated to a boatride on the Potomac, Mass with the Arch-bishop at the National Shrine and a Sundayliturgy at Bolling Air Forces Base. We thankFather Norbert, Luba Munter and the parish-ioners at Bolling for a tremendous brunch following the liturgy.

I thank the Archbishop, Bishops, VicarGeneral, Judicial Vicar, Chancellor, Military

recruiters, all the invited guests and the AMSstaff for coming to our dinners. It was a verynice weekend of fun and prayer.

The end of September featured our firstever Women’s Religious Retreat held at theBethany Retreat Center in Lutz, Florida. We had eight women representing all theMilitary branches. Flown in from around theUnited States, Puerto Rico and Germany. We invited the Sisters of Notre Dame and theSisters of Mercy, Alma as guides and retreatmasters over the weekend. It was a wonderfulgroup of very impressive women with a verydeep interest in finding out more about life asa Religious.

This year has already seen the deaconateordinations of three of our Co-sponsored Seminarians. We congratulate: Reverend Mr.Michael Taylor, Reverend Mr. Nickolas Reidand Reverend Mr. Luke Dundon. They look toward their priestly ordination in 2011. Alsoin 2011, will be the deaconate ordination ofCo-Sponsored Seminarians: Stephen Cotterand Christopher Rhodes. We pray for all ofthem as they continue their journey towardsordination.

It has been a busy but very productiveyear. We brought most of our Semi-narians to our second annual LaborDay Weekend Get-away. This is theway the Seminaries can get to know

one another since they are in nineteen different seminaries in the United Statesand Rome.

Vocation UPDATEBy FATHER JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

PHOTO: © MARY SCHWALM

FATHER JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

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June of this year brought our newest aid for recruiting young men in the Military and that is our new website;www.protectorsofthefaith.com.Please check it out. It was made possible by a donation from a Boston businessman and friend,Neal Bocian. We are most grateful for their dedication to this project and also to AlexanderScott, co-sponsored seminarian, for his organi-zation of the material. This website will be a crucial media recruiting tool for our future.

November will bring our next Discern-ment Weekend. It will be held at St. Mary’sSeminary in Houston, Texas. St. Mary’s Seminary Staff and students have been very welcoming to our young men discerning thepriesthood. The Houston / Galveston Serran’sare a tremendous resource to our retreat. They pick up each young man from the airport and deliver them to the St. Mary’s Seminary

and back to the airport on Sunday when the retreat has ended. They also sponsor the Texas barbecue on Saturday evening. Special thanks to: Cardinal DiNardo, Rev-erend Nguyen, the new Rector at St. Mary’s,Ryan Higdon (our go-to seminarian), the staffand seminarians at St. Mary’s, Margo Ged-die, the new President of the Serran’s as well as their outgoing President Sue Cantini, and all of the Houston / Galveston Serran’s.

Additionally, I want to thank Paul Halla-day Sr. (father of the Revernd Paul Halladay,Army recruiter) and the Mobile Serran’s for the beautiful AMS polo shirt provided to ourseminarians.Thanks also to the ChristopherCatanese Foundation for their $5,000 gift towards our Labor Day Weekend Get-away.

Please keep all our seminarians in yourprayers. Now I would like take this opportunityto introduce you to our newest recruits:

“This year has already seen the deaconate ordinations of three of our Co-sponsoredSeminarians.”

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Andrew Berreth DIOCESE: Sioux Falls, SD

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: 2nd Lieutenant, Army

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:T.F. Riggs High School, Pierre, SD

COLLEGE ATTENDED: South Dakota State University

HOBBIES: Army, Running, Hunting.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD?Difficult to pinpoint the first time I thought about it, but the first time I objectivelythought about it was during Lent of 2008.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? Father Paul Rutten, Pastor of the Newman Center at South Dakota State University (SDSU), now the VocationsDirector for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. He along with the FOCUS (Fellowshipof Catholic University Students) team helped guide me through my final yearand a half at SDSU.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have a twin brother who beats me at ALMOST everything.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? I have found many thatinspire me, but my favorite is: 1 PETER 5:8-9

“ (8) Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaringlion, seeking some one to devour. (9) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing thatthe same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout theworld.”

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? I came to know Jesus most notablythrough the sacrament of Reconciliation, but also through the Rosary.

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WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Teaching a 9th grade CCD class.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? His simple words that he repeated and that I kept seeing and reading over and over: “Do not be afraid.”

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY?I was an Army Cadet at South Dakota State University for 4.5 years, then Army2LT with the Corps of Engineers.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? Other than the FM’s (Field Manual) that the Engineer School has had me dwelling in, I spend most all of my reading time in the Bible and the Catechism.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? That would be the Bibleand the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? My parents are heroes to me, Albert and MarshaBerreth.

“I came to know Jesus mostnotably through the

sacrament of Reconciliation,but also through the

Rosary.”

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ChristopherDorsey DIOCESE: Orlando, FL

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: N/A Army

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:Satellite Beach High School, Satellite Beach, FL.

COLLEGE ATTENDED: B.A. in English from University of Central Florida- Orlando. FL, Pre-theology from St. John Vianney college Seminary -Miami, FL, currently at St. Vincent De Paul RegionalSeminary - Boynton Beach, FL.

HOBBIES: Soccer, Reading, Swimming, Writing.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD? I first began thinking about and discerning the priesthood during my freshmanyear of college.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? There are many priests whohave influenced me over the years, but the main influence on me has been family.The example set by my grandparents and parents was indispensible for teachingme what it means to be Catholic.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I went to college wanting to be a veterinarian and I was an active part of a socialfraternity during college.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? Acts 2, the story ofPentecost has always been special to me and fruitful to reflect upon in my prayer.It shows that even when we may feel defeated or scared the Lord sends His Spiritto strengthen us in conveying his message.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? As I mentioned before, my family raised me in a very loving home with love and faith in God always foremostin our day to day lives. As I entered college I was forced to really examine myfaith and relationship with Christ to make it my own and discern where I wasbeing led by Him.

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WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Volunteering at events like ReligiousEducation and Vacation Bible School as well as helping out with youth eventswas the first chance I got to begin sharing my faith.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? Pope John Paul II was an extremely charismatic and loving manwho was a great example and role model. The respected position he held in theworld's eyes even amidst scandal was a testament to me as to what a true manheld firm by faith can be.

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY? Beforeseminary, I grew up in a military family (Air Force), with the normal movingacross the country every few years. I have lived in Washington, California, Alabama, Virginia and Florida. After high school, I went to college and beganstudying biology with plans to be a veterinarian, but eventually switched to a degree in English. I entered Seminary directly after college so I never had a career but did have jobs ranging from lifeguard, working in a library, and doingfield work in biology.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “The Shadow of His Wings”by Fr. Gereon.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “Orthodoxy” by G.K.Chesterton. I find his mix of humor and spirituality easy to understand and relate to.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? My heroes are my parents as well as other parents who work hard to instill their faith in their children. It is increasingly difficult in the world we live in today but the effort is appreciated much morethan you can imagine.

“There are many priests who have influenced me over the years, but the main influence on me

has been family. The example set by myGrandparents and Parents was indispensible for

teaching me what it means to be Catholic.”

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Angel Marrero DIOCESE: Baltimore, MD

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:Iadislao, Martinez

COLLEGE ATTENDED: Universidad de Puerto Rico

HOBBIES: Volleyball, baseball, walks in nature.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD?First when I was 5 years old and then again when I turned 15 until this presentmoment.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? I believe Jesus, my parents andthen observing the needs of the people.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am a good listener.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? MATTHEW 14

(1) At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus; (2) and he said to his servants,"This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at workin him." (3) For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison, for the sake ofHero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; (4) because John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to haveher." (5) And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held himto be a prophet. (6) But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Hero'di-as danced beforethe company, and pleased Herod, (7) so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever shemight ask. (8) Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here ona platter." (9) And the king was sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded itto be given; (10) he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, (11) and his head was brought ona platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. (12) And his disciples came andtook the body and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. (13) Now when Jesus heard this, hewithdrew from there in a boat to a lonely place apart. But when the crowds heard it, they followedhim on foot from the towns. (14) As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compas-sion on them, and healed their sick. (15) When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said,"This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages andbuy food for themselves." (16) Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something toeat." (17) They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." (18) And he said,"Bring them here to me." (19) Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and takingthe five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves

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to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. (20) And they all ate and were sat-isfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. (21) And those whoate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (22) Then he made the disci-ples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. (23)And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Whenevening came, he was there alone, (24) but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant fromthe land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. (25) And in the fourth watch ofthe night he came to them, walking on the sea. (26) But when the disciples saw him walking onthe sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. (27) But imme-diately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." (28) And Peter answeredhim, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." (29) He said, "Come." So Peter gotout of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; (30) but when he saw the wind, hewas afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." (31) Jesus immediately reachedout his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" (32)And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (33) And those in the boat worshiped him,saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (34) And when they had crossed over, they came toland at Gennesaret. (35) And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to allthat region and brought to him all that were sick, (36) and besought him that they might onlytouch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? Since I was a kid; through myparents and family.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? The events were many but mostly throughprayer, going to Mass, spiritual direction and receiving Holy Communion.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? His care for the youth and vocations.

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY?Carmelite Spirituality, BA Social Sciences, Sociology, Theology, Divinity andCanon Law.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “5 Minutes with St. Francis ofAssisi” (Los Cinco Minutos De San Francisco)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “Las Moradas: de SantaTeresa de Jesus”.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? My parents.

Paul Shovelain DIOCESE: Saint Paul & Minneapolis, MN

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Air Force

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:Saint Michael – Albertville, Minnesota

COLLEGE ATTENDED: University of SaintThomas, Saint Paul, MN

HOBBIES: Farming, Football, Baseball.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD?I have thought about being a priest since I was a little boy. I used to copy thepriest at Mass and play “Mass” at home.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? My family, pastors, and the youthministry program in my parish influenced me to enter seminary.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? My sister, Theresa, is married to a dairy farmer with 5 children, my brother, Brian,is married and flies the C-5 out of Dover AFB, my sister, Emily, just did a year asa NET missionary and my brother, Dominic, is a freshman in high school.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? HEBREWS 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay asideevery weight and sin that clings to us and let us run with perseverance the race thatlays before us and keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, who is the leader and perfectorof our faith”.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? I am a cradle Catholic, but my firstpersonal experience with Jesus was at a youth camp called Extreme Faith Camp in7th grade.

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WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? The youth ministry program in my parishwas very active, and through it I was able to participate in a mission trip to Mexico, Discipleship-week retreats, Extreme Faith Camp and Stuebenville Conferences. I also attended World Youth Day in Australia and spent a semesterin Rome. In both those activities I gained a glimpse of the diversity of our church,but we are unified in the Eucharist!

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? I was able to visit Poland during a semester and seeing the smalltown where he came from gave me great inspiration to see that saintly men likeJohn Paul II came from similar situations as me. He was from a small city butthe faith was strong in his parish and family.

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY?In high school I farmed with my brother-in-law. I also worked for a landscapecompany before and during the summers of college seminary.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “The Priest is not His own”by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “In the Shadow of HisWings” by Father Gereon Goldmann. I received it as a Confirmation gift in 10thgrade and it was the first the first thing that inspired me to consider military chaplaincy.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? Archbishop John Nienstedt is my hero. He hasreally been a great spiritual father to me. He shows me the love of God the Fa-ther through his compassion. He is not afraid to preach the truth and his exam-ple inspires me to be a happy, holy, and dedicated priest.

“I was able to visit Poland during a semester andseeing the small town where he came from gave megreat inspiration to see that saintly men like John

Paul II came from similar situations as me”

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Reverend Mr. (James)Michael Taylor DIOCESE: Albany, NY

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: 1st Lieutenant (O2) /United States Army

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Warner Robins High,Warner Robins, GA (Class of 2002)

COLLEGE ATTENDED: The University of Georgia, Athens, GA (Class of 2006)

HOBBIES:Cooking, Writing, Reading, Camping, Hiking,Canoeing.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD? I grew up Protes-tant, and several members of my family are ministers in their respective ecclesial communities.I have a great-uncle who was a Baptist minister as well as a chaplain in the Army. My Aunt onmy mom's side is a Methodist minister, and I have a cousin who served for many years as a Pres-byterian minister. So growing up, the reality of ministry was one that would cross my mind everyonce in a while. However, when I converted to the Catholic Church, the thought of ministry leftmy mind since I could not see myself being a priest. It would not be until my junior year in college that a series of events led me to begin thinking about the possibility of a priestly vocation.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? I think my biggest influence growing up wasmy mom. While both of my parents made it a priority to attend church, she was the drivingforce in my family's religious formation. She made sure that we read the bible, memorizedscripture passages, attended Sunday school, signed up for Vacation Bible School, Youth Choir,youth trips, Wednesday night fellowship. Whatever was available, she made sure that we werethere. More to the point, one could see the deep faith that sustained her through her diagnosisof cancer, a divorce, and her impending death years later. With my mom, one always knewthat faith was something real and something that mattered in one's daily life.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I think one of thethings that surprise most people is that I was born and raised in Georgia. My diocese is Albany,NY and whenever people in my parish find out I am from Georgia, they are all surprised becauseI do not have an accent. I do not know why I do not have an accent, but I get the feeling that alot of people feel cheated from my accent deficiency.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? That is a difficult question to answer.I find that the answer to that changes from week to week, day to day and even minute to minute.So much is dependent on whatever experience I am encountering. However, if I had to pick one,it would be PSALM 116

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? Well, I think I have always known Jesus, or atleast known about Him. There really was not a time in my life when faith was not present.

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Whether it was Sunday worship or the prayer before every meal, Jesus was a part of our life. I would have to say that it was the death of my mom that began the journey to a personal relationship. God and I had somewhat of a falling out following her death, and it took three yearsfor me to work out what I thought faith was, who I believed God to be, and what being a Christian meant to me. I can say that it was the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist that allowedthe greatest healing, that belief that Jesus is intimately present to us, body and blood, soul anddivinity in a very real and tangible reality.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPEDYOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HISCHURCH? Many Protestants attend something called Sunday school, which is differentfrom the Catholic Religious Education in two main ways; the first is that they are attendedby everyone, and secondly, they are not for preparing to receive a sacrament. So, you find thatthere are Sunday Schools for Men, Women, Seniors, young single men, young single women,High School students, etc. These are small groups by nature, and formed a great source ofstrength and community for me during my formative years. The second thing that proved tobe invaluable was my time at the Catholic Center at UGA. Father Jack always had an opendoor, and was willing to talk about whatever issues we as collegiate students had. He would alsoorganize Sunday night dinners for all the students, Thursday night bible studies and wouldsupport a host of other activities. It allowed the Catholic center to have the feel of home.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? When I started looking into the Catholic faith, I was amazed at the figure of John Paul II. In the south,Catholicism is often looked at as marginally Christian, if not an outright cult. Yet with the figure of John Paul II, there was a Catholic figure who spoke convincingly of many of the concerns of the Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals. He provided the voice, butmore importantly, he provided the reason, scripture and faith on matters of family, morality andfaith. It was because of the Church's stance on the moral issues of the day that many of myProtestant friends begrudgingly gave pause in my growing interest with Catholicism. As far ashis influence on my priesthood has been, his letters to priests on Holy Thursday, collected andpresented in book form, have been a source of great inspiration and encouragement throughoutmy years of seminary. These letters are ones that I find myself returning to every year, and everyyear, something new grabs my attention. I think in these letters, always sincere and personal, thereis a great deal of wisdom on what the priesthood means.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “The Brother's Karamazo” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “Introduction to Christianity” by then Cardinal Ratzinger. When Ratzinger became Pope, I went out to buy some of his works. Introduction was the first one I read, and it had a huge influence on my spiritually and later in my discernment. The other two that I would have to mention would Thomas A Kempis’,“Imitation of Christ” and CS Lewis’ “Mere Christianity”.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? When I went through the Chaplain Basic Course down at FortJackson, I met many recruits who were 17 years old and still had a year of high school to complete before they could be assigned a unit. It amazed me that these kids would make thiscommitment knowing without the least shadow of doubt that they would be deployed to a war.People say that my generation isn't willing to make sacrifices. But I do not think that is the case.I think most of the time it is just that no one ever offered these kids something worth sacrificing.

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Steven Walker DIOCESE: Arlington, VA

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Not yet commissioned / Navy

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: Home Schooled

COLLEGE ATTENDED: Saint Charles BorromeoSeminary, Philadelphia PA

HOBBIES: Hiking, cooking, reading, music, swimming, following American politics, tinkeringwith computers and raising fish.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD?The first time I thought of priesthood was at the age of 6. I continued to thinkabout ever since then, but not again seriously until I was a senior in high school.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? Primarily my parents. I learnedthe virtues of courage and sacrifice by the example of their lives, an example Itry to live up to. Beyond them, priests. Ever since I was young, I have knownso many good priests that have inspired me. Even now I continue to be inspiredby the priest friends I have made.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have never liked pizza.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? I love the book of Tobit.Beyond that, I would say the last supper discourse in the Gospel of John(JOHN 14:27-31)

(27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I giveto you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (28) You heardme say to you, ̀ I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would haverejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. (29) And nowI have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may be-lieve. (30) I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is com-ing. He has no power over me; (31) but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.

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HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? My parents were the ones whointroduced me to Christ at a very young age, and continue to help me betterknow him.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Going to Mass and adoration, meditatingon the Bible and maintaining relationships with people who are close to Christ.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? I was relatively young when he passed away, but in the short timethat I knew him, I was inspired by enthusiasm, his passion, his absolute trust inGod, and his unwavering fortitude.

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY? Afterhigh-school, I worked for a few years.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?“The Problem of Pain”by C.S. Lewis

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “Christ, the Ideal of thePriest” by Father Columba Marmion

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? Beyond Spiderman? I would say my parents, mygrandparents, my pastor and Saint Ignatius of Loyola; a guys’ saint if there everwas one.

“I learned the virtues of courage and sacrifice bythe example of [my parents lives], an example

I try to live up to. Beyond them, priests. Ever since I was young, I have known so many

good priests that have inspired me. Even now I continue to be inspired by

the priest friends I have made.”

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Andrew Young DIOCESE: Sioux Falls, SD

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Ensign | USN and prior service USMC

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:Mitchell High School, Mitchell, SD

COLLEGE ATTENDED: United States Naval Academy

HOBBIES: Running, Tennis.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD? The first time I thought about the priesthood was when I was in 2nd Grade. I didnot attend Catholic School but as a public school kid was drawn to the Church. At that time, only Catholic School kids were allowed to serve but I had my momcall the Pastor to see if they would let me serve. I am certain that it was Godleading me towards my current vocation.

WHO INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU? Growing up I had some wonderful priests in my parish that inspired me, especially Father Lamberty.Once I joined the military, I knew that God was calling me to become a priest,specifically a Navy Chaplain. Father Hadad, a Navy Chaplain, showed me whatit meant to be a dedicated priest as well as an outstanding Naval Officer.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have run 11 marathons in three different countries – USA, Italy, and France.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? JOHN 15: 13

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS? I was born into a Catholic family sofrom a very young age I knew about Jesus. I do not think I ever really knew Jesusuntil I left home and entered the military. Being deployed into combat zones, I beganto rely upon Jesus more and more – from this I began to know Jesus in an intimateway, creating a relationship with him.

The Harvest

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 32

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIESTHAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPWITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? When I lived in California, I got very involved with the Life Teen Youth Group at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.Through helping lead retreats and working with the youth, I grew in my own faithand understanding of the Catholic Church. Additionally, during this time inCalifornia, I grew in my love for the Eucharist. After being introduced to Eucharistic Adoration at the local Norbertine Abbey, I would make multiple visits each week to attend the Holy Hour and Benediction with the monks.

WHAT INFLUENCE DID POPE JOHN PAUL II HAVE ON YOUR VOCATION? John Paul II was the only Pope I ever knew growing up…he inspired me by his youthfulness and his love for the youth of the world.

WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE THE SEMINARY? I was acommissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving as an Adjutant.I spent almost 6 years serving within the First Marine Division which took meon deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq. I left the Marine Corps and taughthigh school Calculus and Algebra at a Catholic School in San Juan Capistrano,CA. After teaching for a year, I knew that I needed to at least see if God was call-ing me to be a priest, so I entered seminary.

WHAT WAS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK? “Five Loaves and TwoFish” by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.

WHO IS A HERO TO YOU? My parents – they taught me what it meant to putothers, specifically for them their children, above themselves. They sacrificedand labored so that I could do and be anything in my life. Most importantly, theygave me the freedom to follow my dreams and follow the calling I received fromChrist, supporting and encouraging me consistently along the way.

“John Paul II was the only Pope I ever knewgrowing up…he inspired me by his youthfulness

and his love for the youth of the world.”

Continues On...

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Peter Zachary Morgan DIOCESE: Colorado Springs, CO

RANK / BRANCH OF SERVICE: Air Force

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED:

Thomas B. Doherty HS, Colorado Springs, CO.

COLLEGE ATTENDED: Metropolitan State College of Denver

and Colorado School of Mines

HOBBIES: None listed.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT OF PRIESTHOOD? I felt (at the 2008 FOCUS [Fellowship of Catholic University Students] National Conference) for the first time that God maybe calling me to seminary and thepriesthood. I grew in that awareness through frequenting the Sacraments.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I had a desire to be a fighter pilot.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE? JOHN 6 Bread of Life

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THATHELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITHCHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Serving on the Staff for three occurrences of the Buffalo Awakening Retreat, serving at the homeless shelters on a couple of occasionsin Boulder with a group form St. Thomas and of course frequenting the Sacraments.

WHAT WAS YOU BACKGROUND BEFORE SEMINARY? Aviation Management/Management.

“I felt (at the 2008 FOCUS [Fellowship of Catholic University Students] National Conference) for the firsttime that God maybe calling me to seminary and the

priesthood. I grew in that awareness through frequenting the Sacraments.”

The Harvest Continues On...

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Three priests who hail from the Archdiocese of Newarkgathered at the Armed Forces

Chaplaincy Center, Fort Jackson,SC, in early August to receive train-ing and discuss the challenges theyface in carrying out their mission offaith. At times that mission, quite literally, is a life-and-death situation,which involves delivering strategicspiritual support and guidance toU.S. soldiers on the front lines of the world’s most dangerous, war torn regions.

Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, theArchbishop for U.S. Military Services,met with priests at the chaplaincy

center, where the Army, Navy, and Air Force allmaintain chaplain schools. During his visit to FortJackson Archbishop Broglio spent time with Father Robert Galinas, Father James A. Hameland Father Joseph Kokeram—all from the Arch-diocese of Newark.

“Our ministry is focused on education,” Father Hamel said during a telephone interview.“As chaplains, we need to be good listeners. We have to develop a ‘good ear’ to understand theproblems of soldiers, but we also are expected togive advice and tell soldiers what we think abouta particular situation.”

Those situations faced by soldiers can rangefrom being homesick and lonely, to dealing withmarital problems, to anxieties caused by being separated from newborn daughters and sons, toconfronting the emotional stress of war.

He said chaplains also must learn how to

open their hearts and listen to the diverse needs of military women and men of all faiths. “We arepastors to Catholic soldiers, but we are chaplainsto all,” he explained.

Father Hamel, Ch. Maj. USAF staff chaplain and Director of the Basic ChaplainCourse (CC) was ordained in 1992. His arch-diocesan parish assignments included Our Lady ofFatima, North Bergen; Holy Trinity, Westfield;and Our Lady Queen of Peace, Maywood. Hebegan active duty in the Air Force in July 2000.Since 9/11 his chaplain assignments have included ministering to troops in Iraq andAfghanistan. He also served as chief of the Pentagon’s Chaplains Office (2005-2006) and hasbeen stationed in Osan Air Base, South Korea,and Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Ordained in 2005, Father Galinas is preparing at the Navy Chaplain School and hisfirst mission upon graduation will be servingMarines at Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. His

MOST REVEREND TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO (SECOND FROM RIGHT), ARCHBISHOP FOR MILITARY SERVICES, IS PICTURED WITH THREE

CHAPLAINS—PRIESTS FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK(LEFT TO RIGHT): FATHER ROBERT GALINAS (NAVY); FATHER JAMES HAMEL

(AIR FORCE); AND FATHER JOSEPH KOKERAM (ARMY).

Chaplains faithfully trainears, hearts to serve soldiers

By MICHAEL C. GABRIELE

Reprinted with permission from “The Catholic Advocate” Archdiocese of Newark, NJ

(continued on page 56)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 36

In the moment, you do your prayers, thenmove to the next situation, because it’s continuous chaos,” said Father Spencer,

then attached to the Army’s 1st Calvalry Division. “You just offered prayers that theywould see the face of God that very day and youtrust and hope,” he said. “We had both Iraqisand Americans die. I didn’t know who wasMuslim or who was Christian – but they all gota prayer.”

Once Father Spencer and his soldiers

made it into a concrete bomb shelter, he stoodon a trash can and offered general absolution as the shelling continued.

“It was a life-changing day for me,” he remembered. “Our men and women in uniformare able to face hardships and they’re trained tomake good decisions in the midst of chaos.Their resiliency is inspiring.”

In May, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Father Spencer to be the next auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for U.S. Military Services.

On one of thebloodiest daysof the Iraq War– April 9,2004, Father F.

Richard Spencer became thelink between this world andthe next for many of the mortally wounded. Insurgentshad attacked a large convoy of gas trucks that Good Friday,firing multiple mortar roundsat a United States base on the outskirts of Baghdad Interna-

tional Airport. Father Spencer, a U.S. Army military chaplain,administered the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and prayed with men and women whose faces wore what he remembered as glazed looks of shock and disbelief.

BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

“

Bishop Directly on the Battlefield

By GEORGE P. MATYSEK, JR.

Reprinted with permission from “The Catholic Review”, Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Photos by Owen Sweeney II

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 37

The 59-year-old Baltimore priest was ordainedon Sept. 8 at the Basilica of the National Shrineof the Immaculate Conception in Washington,D.C.

Remaining in the military, the Alabamanative became the first auxiliary bishop for theU.S. military archdiocese able to enter warzones. He will have unprecedented access tomilitary personnel serving in most difficult circumstances.

“I have known Father Spencer well formany years, first in my capacity as archbishopfor the military and now as Archbishop of Bal-timore,” Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien said.“We are proud the Holy Father has chosen him,one of our own, to continue serving our braveand generous women and men in the military.”

Heart for service

When Bishop Spencer’s parents migrated from Wisconsin to Ala-bama in the 1940s, they faced

discrimination because of their Catholic faith.“I remember playing baseball in a friend’s yardand his mother coming out the back door and informing me that I could not stay and play because I was Catholic and would be a bad influence,” he recalled.

With a heart for service, he transcendedthose religious barriers. He was an altar boy and an Eagle Scout. At Jacksonville (Alabama)State University, Bishop Spencer earned a degree in law enforcement and served in KappaSigma, the social service fraternity.

Commissioned an Army officer in 1973,he went on active duty a year later. For eightyears, he served as a military police officer.

In 1980, Bishop Spencer traded in his military uniform for a Franciscan habit. Havingalways been interested in social justice, he

became a religious brother with the Order of Friars Minor. In his first year as a Franciscanbrother, Bishop Spencer ministered in NewYork with Dorothy Day, founder of the CatholicWorker Movement.

Bishop Spencer, who later ministered as acounselor in prisons near Boston, acknowledgedthat it was highly unusual for a former militaryman to be so closely connected with theCatholic Worker Movement, recognized for itsstrong anti-war and pro-peace activism. His fellow Franciscans gave the young brother anickname: “Captain.”

It was his service as a brother that inspiredhim to become a parish priest. Bishop Spencerturned to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, aCatholic community he had known while stationed at Fort Meade. He entered St. Mary’sSeminary in Baltimore and was ordained May 14, 1988.

Ministering to God’s people

After serving as associate pastor, BishopSpencer was accessioned to the U.S.Army Reserves as a battalion chaplain,

(continued on page 38)

“

”

Bishop Spencer, who later ministered as a counselor in prisons near Boston, acknowledged that it was highly unusualfor a former militaryman to be so closely connected with theCatholic Worker Movement, recognizedfor its strong anti-warand pro-peace activism.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 38

serving with the 92nd Field Hospital in Balti-more and later with the Aviation Brigade,Maryland Army National Guard and served a deployment in Bosnia. Bishop Spencer wasthen appointed a parish pastor, a post he helduntil 1998.

He returned to active duty in 1999, servingas a military chaplain in South Korea and Egypt.In 2001, he was assigned to the Pentagon Office of Army Chief Chaplains. It was therehe came face-to-face with terror.

9/11

After a hijacked airliner with 64 people aboard plowed into the west-ern wing of the Pentagon September

11, 2001, Bishop Spencer made his way to thedisaster site. He spent two weeks facing some ofthe most harrowing challenges of his priesthood– entering the burning building to be withtroops as they collected bodies, praying over thedead and consoling survivors.

“Even though here were people who were wounded physically, emotionally and challenged spiritually,” Bishop Spencer said,“they reached back to their faith as a source ofstability.”

New role

Bishop Spencer was on pilgrimage withmilitary pilgrims in Lourdes, France, inMay, when Archbishop Timothy P.

Broglio of the Archdiocese for U.S. MilitaryServices told him of his new appointment.

“I told the archbishop that he had the wrong Father Spencer,” Bishop Spencer remembered with a laugh. “The one he waslooking for was my brother, Father RobertSpencer (a U.S. Navy chaplain).”

The spiritual shepherd said he is most

looking forward to “continuing to tell the storyof Jesus and to live his messages of peace and forgiveness through word and action.…I havealways viewed and envisioned my life as a mendicant missionary preacher – without rootsand constantly on the go to engage and to helpreform.”

“Bishop Spencer brings to his new ministrya wide variety of experience in many fields,”Archbishop Broglio said. “That experience willcertainly contribute to the richness of the episcopal ministry to which he is now called.”

He will live at the American seminary inLouvain, Belgium. Archbishop Broglio hasasked him to be responsible for all of Europe and Asia. Although not fluent, Bishop Spencer understands German and some Korean.

Bishop Spencer called it a blessing to become the first auxiliary bishop able to enterwar zones. He will transition from the regularArmy to the Army Reserve, and expects thathe will spend Christmas, Holy Week and other special occasions on the ground in war zones.

“It’s a win-win for the military, becausethey keep another chaplain in the inventory,”Bishop Spencer said. “It’s a win-win for theChurch, because we get a bishop directly on thebattlefield.”

Just as he was faced with some conflict asa military man-turned-Franciscan brother,Bishop Spencer acknowledged there is someconflict as a bishop assigned to the military.

“I stand in the gap as a servant of God,” he said, “to try to bring awareness, understand-ing, compassion and forgiveness in the midst of the sin of war.”

“I’m a little nervous, for sure,” he said. “I want to serve God and serve the people. I’m thankful for the health I have now and theenergy I have to engage in this ministry. It’s suchan honor to serve our Church through the military.” ✞

Bishop Directly on the BattlefieldBishop Directly on the Battlefield (continued fromn page 37)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 39

Over four decades ago in 1967 and 1968, WilliamWillett, a young Army soldier from Kentuckyfought on the battlefields of South Vietnam.Paratrooper trained, he spent a year with the

famous 1st Cavalry (Airmobile) Division (Co. A, 2 BN 8thCav) and earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and CombatInfantryman Badge. He served in various places in Vietnam– Bong Son Plain, Dak To (and was present the day Father Charlie Waters, Medal of Honor winner was killed – Oct 1967), Khe Sanh, and the A Shau Valley. When he returned from Vietnam, there were no parades and no herowelcomes. As with many Vietnam veterans he enrolled incollege and graduated in 1971 with degree in Agricultureand Business Economics from Murray State University.

In the months and years after returning from Vietnam and the Army he felt God trulycalling him to the priesthood. He had been drawn into the Catholic Charismatic

Renewal movement and other prayer groups and Catholic community activities. Afterattending St. Mary College in Kentucky (Philosophy and Latin) and then St. MeinradSchool of Theology for five years, in 1979 he was ordained a priest for the Diocese ofOwensboro, Kentucky.

Today, I went in a convoy to a very isolated,little place in Afghanistan where we have 40soldiers. It’s a long, dusty, and dirty drive intoa world you only see in National Geographic.These guys were living pretty hard, but

generally seemed happy – they had not seen a priest sincetheir arrival five months ago. I think 22 of them went toMass and they seemed very appreciative of my coming.”

—COLONEL WILLIAM WILLETT (ARMY CHAPLAIN) – JULY 2010

ON CALL – from the Greatest Generation to theLatest Generation

FATHER WILLIAM WILLETT

(continued on page 42)

“By WILLIAM “BILL” KIRST

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 40

Iused to tell young couples at Baptism classeswhat it was going to be like having a baby

in the house. Want to go to the movies? Maybe!Ask the baby. Do you like a good night’s sleep?Don’t count on that for awhile. Want to eat out Saturday night? Yeah, sure! How is it thatsomeone so small, who can not talk or walk, can control your life? We can not do anythingwithout her permission. And we love everyminute of it!

Since Auria started to live with us we have nothad a bad day. (Except the day that we got

a report that her mom’s vehicle was cut in half by an IED. The good news was that it was an MRAP, that took all the force. All four walked away.A little weak kneed maybe, and they got their bell rung for sure, but all survived.Prayers do work!)Every morning she has this grin on her face that

just starts my day off on the right foot. We are not allowed to leave the house in the morningwithout a group hug. If we forget she is quick toremind us. And when I get home she gives me

a hug and wants me to play on the floor with her.That is a lot of fun, right up until I try to get upoff the floor, then I realize that I am not as youngas I used to be. She just turned a year old and isright on the verge of walking. Any day now.

Ijust wish her parents could experience the joythat we are experiencing and that they were

around for these milestones in her life. The goodnews is that there is Facebook where I post photos and movies for them to see. Skype doesn’twork so well because their Internet connectionsare really lousy. What can you expect, they are ina war zone. But what we do have is much betterthan the snail mail we had during my war over

So you would think that by nowI would learn to be careful aboutwhat I say. My most recent gaffeis saying that I am an empty-nester. Wrong! My son and his

wife deployed to Afghanistan in May, and they have a little girl. Their original plans for taking care of her whiledeployed fell through so Grandpa and Grandma were Plan b. Having a baby in diapers living in my house forone year at this stage of my life really was not part of my game plan. I really wanted to put another couple ofnotches in my belt with some of the remaining states thatI need to ride my Harley in before I retire. But our agendadoes not always fit into God’s plans for us, so like all military families, we have learned to be flexible.

From the Chancellor

DEACON MICHAEL YAKIR

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 41

forty years ago, so I am not complaining. Everytime I post a new photo or video my eyes well up because I think of what it must be like to bea parent on the other side of the world from yourchildren knowing that you will be away for overa year.

Auria is a real “chick magnet.” This summerwe visited a train display, with real trains,

at Union Station. When we were done my wifeleft me alone with Auria. When she came backshe found Auria and I surrounded by a half dozenwomen all cooing over the baby and asking meall about her. My wife let out a yelp and chasedall the women away from me. Now she will not let me alone with the baby in public.

One thing I have relearned about having ababy in the house is that if you do not

watch out, you will learn a lot about what itmeans to be a Christian. Think about it, whatcan a baby do on its own? It cannot clothe itself,it cannot feed itself, it cannot get from one side ofthe room to another, it cannot even put itself tobed. A baby is totally dependent on its parents foreverything. When Jesus says that in order to getinto heaven you have to be just like the little

child, I suspect that part of what he means is that we must be dependent on Him throughout our lives, not on ourselves. Total trust, total dependence on His will. Anything less and ourlives will not be as fulfilling; we will not reachour full potential.

Iam also reminded how selfish we can be. Toooften we think that the world revolves around

us. It is all about me and what I want. Not so forthe true believer. The disciple of Christ putshimself last and others first. In a willingness tosacrifice what you think is important you willprobably find what is really important. Raising a one-year old at age sixty is not a sacrifice; it isa gift.

Ihave to go now. I have a date with my grand-daughter. We are going to read a book together,

play on the floor with a ball, then after a nap forthe both of us, we are going to the food court atthe mall and we are not telling Grandma wherewe are going.

PAX

Deacon Mike. ✞

DEACON MICHAEL YAKIR WITH GRANDDAUGHTER AURIA

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 42

In 1981 Father Willett entered the Army as a militarychaplain and served for 26+ years in the USA, Ger-

many, Italy, Egypt, Bosnia, Poland, Iraq, Kuwait, andSaudi Arabia, until his retirement in June 2005. He wentinto the Army Chaplaincy because he felt God’s call and, having served in the Army and knowing the needs andthe system he felt he had something to offer the soldiers serving in the military. Owing to the severe shortage of Catholic chaplains, Colonel Willett, in mid-2009 volunteered to return to active duty for two years and was sent to Iraq again. One year later he was sent toAfghanistan where he now serves as the Catholic Chaplain for the 4th Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division at FOB Sharana in the dangerous Helmandprovince.

At 64, Father Willett is probably the oldest chaplainserving in Afghanistan. During his military career

which has spanned five decades, he has been on duty with troops from the “greatest generation to the latest generation.” He is an outstanding example of a Catholicpatriot and chaplain who has served and continues toserve God and Country.

Ihave been at the FST (Forward Surgical Team) field hospital several times in the past two weeks - we have

a lot of IEDs that blow up vehicles which is always a little dangerous. I travel out each day in an armored vehicle to the far throws of this rugged land to visit the 21 FOBs and COPs (Forward Operating Bases and Combat Outposts). A little more than half have not seena Catholic priest in up to 139 days. It does not botherme a bit to crawl in the rig and start moving out.”

– COLONEL WILLIAM WILLETT (ARMY CHAPLAIN) – JULY 2010

ON CALL – from the Greatest Generation to theLatest Generation

NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL

“

(continued from page 39)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 43(continued on page 56)

To be considered for the award, a coun-cil must demonstrate its dedication tothe vision and mission of Venerable

Father J. McGivney, the founder of theKnights of Columbus. Events organized bycouncils to promote charity, unity, fraternity,and patriotism are considered for the award.

Over the past academic year the cadets ofCouncil 8200 organized many events. Theychopped and stacked two years’ worth of fire-wood for Mary’s Choice, a pro-life organizationoutside of Denver, Colorado. The knightssaved the organization thousands of dollars ofutility bill money that can now be used in theeffort to help single pregnant women. Mem-bers of the council also gave the recruitment“Man Talk” at the annual freshman retreat,and a significant percentage of the freshmenwho attended the talk became Knights a fewweeks later. The Knights sponsored “Women’sNight,” in which they honored the Catholic

women of the Air Force Academy with a special dinner. When a fellow cadet’s brotherdied unexpectedly, the members of the councilpaid for her plane ticket home and donatedmoney to help pay for the funeral expenses.

Air Force Academy Knights Win Outstanding Council Award

By: Julian R. Gluck, C2C USAF UASFA

On October 1-3, students from over 70 collegesin the United States and abroad gathered inNew Haven, Connecticut for the annualKnights of Columbus College Conference.

Among these students were cadets and midshipmenfrom the United States Military Academy, the UnitedStates Naval Academy, and the United States Air ForceAcademy. At the conference, several awards were given,including the 2010 Outstanding College Council Award.Out of the over 250 college councils from six countries,this year’s award recipient is the United States Air ForceAcademy Council 8200, Our Lady of the Skies, whoseshepherd is Chaplain Captain Chad Zielinksi.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 44

Ihave thanked the singers and musicians

and other volunteers—and then congratulate the graduates. They havebeen waiting for this cue for almost nine

weeks. A thousand healthy soldiers explode ina chorus of approval and gratitude. HHHH-HOOOOOAAAAAHHHHH!!!! Thankgoodness the ringing in my ears is temporary.A stampede of camouflage quickly descends

from the bleachers—and many are headed myway. Soldiers crowd around to ask questionsand request songs. New trainees ask to join thechoir or to play an instrument or to help withthe Mass in other ways. Many ask for Bibles. If they have not yet received a Catholic-soldier’s welcome packet, they ask for rosaries (a few ask for “rosemaries”) and the small metalcross that many soldiers insert into their dog

It is July 1, 2007, at the heightof summer surge. We have justconcluded a Catholic Mass for soldiers-in-training at FortJackson, the United States

Army’s largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center. Located in South Carolina withinthe city of Columbia, Fort Jacksonprovides basic combat training for

half of all soldiers and seventy percent of all female soldiers entering the United States Army. Over fifty thousand basic training and advanced individual training soldiers come throughhere every year, with about fifteen thousand listing themselvesas Roman Catholic. Mass for soldiers-in-training is held in a largegymnasium at the Solomon Center, more often called the CAC (Community Activity Center).

By JEAN-RAY WILLIAMSREPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

FOR THE GIA PUBLICATIONSHHHHHH-HOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

U.S. ARMY, FORT JACKSON, S.C., JULY. 2007

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 45

tags. Some ask if there is a Span-ish Mass (no) or confirmationclass (not for trainees) or Biblestudy (I suggest they start one intheir unit). One or two will ask tosing a solo after Communion.With many of their questions, I must refer them to a priest: Howdo I become Catholic? I havenever been to church; what doI do? How can I get confirmed?

Trainees who will graduatethis week are eager to shake myhand and offer their thanks forthe music. I ask where they arefrom and where they’re headedand, of course, I wish them well. Between hugs,I tell them to stay active in their faith and tovisit if they ever return to Fort Jackson.Chances are, I will never see any of them again.I spot one soldier behind the others and noticethe emotion in his face. He is waiting to talkwith me last.

FLASH BACK

It is a few minutes after 0700 on a cold,dark Sunday morning, December 14,2003. Driving on the back roads at FortJackson, I watch out for deer and listen to

The Lutheran Hour. My thoughts are on themusic I have selected for the soldiers’ Mass at asmall church known as Tank Hill Chapel. Thesong for offertory will be one of the soldiers’ favorites, “Be Not Afraid.” It seems to workwith part of the first reading (Zephaniah 3:14–18a): “You have no further misfortune to fear”and “Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!”And also with the responsorial psalm (Isaiah12:2–3, 4, 5–6): “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength andmy courage is the Lord, and he has been mysavior.” The Communion song, however, is

another matter. At the lastminute the night before, Iswitched to something I de-cided would fit with the end ofthe second reading (Philippians4:4–7): “Then the peace ofGod that surpasses all under-standing will guard your heartsand minds in Christ Jesus.”We would alternate singingthe verses and refrain fromJacques Bertier’s “Eat ThisBread” with the traditional“Dona Nobis Pacem.” Therisky part was I wanted every-one to sing “Eat This Bread”

in the same 3/4 time as “Dona Nobis Pacem.”I have been music director for this Mass for

only two months. It has been twelve years sinceI last did anything like this. Now I am at itagain—thankful for the opportunity and happyto supplement my limited income. But this isnot families and children and parish events anda choir with rehearsal once a week. The Massis for Catholic soldiers-in-training, mostly intheir twenties, and since they are at Fort Jackson for only nine weeks, the assembly canbe different every Sunday.

Basic training is physically grueling, mentally challenging, and psychologically intense. Trainees have no free time, except foran opportunity to attend a worship service oftheir choice. I was soon to learn that many whocome to Mass are not Catholic. A Catholic soldier’s assigned “battle buddy” (always by hisor her side) may often be of another faith.

Non-Catholic trainees come out of curiosity or to get out of the barracks and away from their drill sergeants. Many areunchurched and without any professed religion.Others are returning to church after a substan-tial absence. Some have never been to a churchin their lives. A few are inattentive and

“

”

Soldiers crowdaround to askquestions andrequest songs.New trainees

ask to jointhe choir or to play an

instrument or to help with

the Mass inother ways.

Many ask forBibles.

(continued on page 46)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 46

disrespectful during Mass, and that drives mecrazy, at first. This is much harder than I expected; I’m uneasy and afraid the soldierssense my insecurity.

Suddenly, I hear, “We interrupt this program...” on the radio. Saddam Hussein hasbeen captured by United States armed forces. I pull into the chapel parking lot and listen aslong as possible before heading inside. This isbig news, especially for the soldiers. A dozen arethere already, and I go up to them and quietlytell them what I had heard. Two soldiers in tandem ask, incredulously, “For real?” Anothersays, “No way!” Three drop to their knees inprayer. The rest sit in stunned silence. Theysoon will hear in the first reading: “Be glad andexult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!The Lord has removed the judgment againstyou, he has turned away your enemies.” Butthere is no exultation; there are no cheers. Forthe most part, the trainees are quiet, thinkingof what the news may mean for them and theirfamilies. The priest works the news into hishomily. During Communion, the soldiers dosing “Eat This Bread” in 3/4 time with “DonaNobis Pacem.” Many trainees are in tears. Forme, this is a turning point. It is the moment thatmy “job” became a vocation, a calling, and,truly, a music ministry. And I suddenly realizeone venerable truth about those who serve inthe military: All soldiers desire peace.

Several hours later, President Bush’s speechto the nation promises a new era of freedom forpeace-loving Iraqis: “In the history of Iraq, adark and painful era is over. A hopeful day hasarrived. All Iraqis can now come together and reject violence and build a new Iraq.” ThePresident soberly warns: “The capture of Sad-dam Hussein does not mean the end of violencein Iraq. We still face terrorists who would rathergo on killing the innocent than accept the riseof liberty in the heart of the Middle East.”

BACK TO JULY 1, 2007

The soldier waiting to talk with meclearly is in turmoil. The othersmove on, and I go over to him. Heis about thirty, Hispanic-looking,

and in halting English he tells me how muchhe misses his family, especially his wife, andthat every night he would play his guitar andsing to her. I had told the trainees before Massthat my choir at a church downtown oftensings Richard Gillard’s “The Servant Song” forweddings. It would be our song for offertory,and I asked everyone to pay attention to thetext, which speaks to those who serve God andeach other—and, it seems to me, soldiers: “Weare pilgrims on a journey, / We are trav’lers onthe road; / We are here to help each other /Walk the mile and bear the load.” The songdeeply moved this man. With tears streamingdown his face, he asked for a copy so he couldsing it to his wife when he finally saw her again.I took his book, turned around so no one couldsee, and tore out the page and handed it to him.With tears in my eyes, I gave him a long hugand told him to give one just like that to hiswife from me, and to know that they bothwould be in my prayers.

It is moments like this that reinforce thepurpose of my music ministry. I am convincedthat the songs that our soldiers sing at Mass willhave a lasting impact on their lives. Whenchoosing the music, I often find myself won-dering: Will a song have meaning for them,now and in the future? Will it be somethingthey write home and tell their families about?Will they remember it in the quiet of night inthe barracks with dozens of trainees sleepingnearby—or in the training grounds where theyrun and learn to fight and shoot and toss hand

(continued from page 45)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 47

grenades—or before climbing Victory Tower orentering the gas chamber and are told to remove their masks? Months from now, whenthey’re an ocean away from families andfriends, will they think of a song when they’refrightened and scared, on guard duty in a remote area or in a dangerous convoy or in themidst of battle in a hot, tree-less dessert? And when theyexperience death, will theysilently remember words ofcomfort and trust that theysang at our Mass? Songs suchas “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagles Wings,” “You AreMine,” or “Shelter Me, OGod”? I do hope so.

In the four years that Ihave served as music direc-tor for the soldiers’ Mass, Inever cease to be amazed atwhat the trainees teach meabout devotion to duty, sacrificial service to others,simple faith and prayer, andtheir love of God and others.Such was evidenced in avery humbling way, with thedeath of Pope John Paul II.Sunday morning after the Holy Father’s demise,knowing most trainees would not have heardthe news, I arrived very early and set up at oneside of the altar a small table with a lace cloth,candle, crucifix, a figure of Mary, and in thecenter, a picture of our Holy Father. Soon thegymnasium was packed with soldiers. Thirtyminutes before Mass, I asked for quiet and toldthem the news. (There was a collective gasp.)What happened next will stay with me the restof my life. One by one, trainees quietly camedown from the bleachers and kneeled in frontof the altar, filling the floor. You could haveheard a pin drop. They prayed, some cried, and

a few held onto each other. It was the most spiritually moving thing I have ever witnessed:a hundred or more soldiers in uniform on theirknees, each alone with their Lord and prayingfor the only pope they had ever known. The next Sunday, I set up the display and it happened again. Since then, the soldiers

have continued to kneel onthe floor before the altar after receiving Communion.

My ministry, by the graceof God, is through the musicand by my simple actions atMass and in my prayers. But the trainees minister tome, too. When my mothersuddenly became criticallyill, I knew that she was inthe daily prayers of hundredsof soldiers. Every Sunday,they asked about her progress.When she passed away unexpectedly one Sundayevening a few months later,the night before her birth-day, I asked the priest beforeMass the next Sunday if Icould announce the newsbefore the recessional song.

He readily agreed. So on Mother’s Day, theFifth Sunday of Easter this year, I announcedthat we would sing Janet Vogt’s “Rise Up withHim,” and I then thanked the trainees forkeeping my mother in their prayers, but thatshe had passed on from this life into the next.A few trainees began to cry and I quickly saidnot to be sad, because I was happy in knowingthat I would see her again. I asked everyone tosing the recessional song with great joy, sincewe all would “rise up with Him.” They broughtthe roof down with their singing.

“

”

With tears in my eyes, I gave him a long hug

and told himto give one

just like thatto his wifefrom me,

and to knowthat they

both wouldbe in myprayers.

(continued on page 48)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 48

WHERE WEARE NOW

Ido not think anyone can “do” this job ifthey don’t love what they are doing and ifthey do not love and respect the trainees.Men and women join the military for a lot

of reasons. Most want to make a positive dif-ference in the world. They give up much inorder to participate in something greater thanthemselves. Many have never thought of Godin their lives, but they often realize his presencesoon after beginning basic training. If I couldhave had children, they would be the age of thetrainees at Fort Jackson. But they are someoneelse’s child or grandchild, sister or brother, bestfriend or spouse or fiancé, mother or father.They are my heroes and they are the best ofAmerica. When it comes to courage and de-termination, self-sacrifice and service to Godand to each other and, for many, service tostrangers who would just as soon wish them

dead—and all the while knowing they couldpay the ultimate sacrifice in “laying down one’slife for a friend”—the soldiers who I have metat Mass at Fort Jackson “get” it.

It would be easy for me, a woman of faith,to say upon their graduations, “Now they arein God’s hands,” and to not worry about theirfutures. But, of course, I worry. And I pray.After further training, many of “my” soldierswill embark on what could be a lethal mission.I am certain some of them have been killed andmany have been wounded and altered mentallyand psychologically. Last year, I thought I recognized a soldier who was killed in a horrificway. I was devastated for weeks and I still cannot bear to watch the news, for fear of seeing another casualty with a familiar face.Yet, it is of great consolation to know that if I have done my job to the best of my ability,and with His help, then I can be assured thatour graduates—the ones who came to CatholicMass while training at Fort Jackson—do atleast know of God’s presence in their lives. Andthat will be their secret weapon.

U.S. ARMY PRIVATES MOTIVATE THEIR TEAMMATES AS THEY COMPETE IN COMBAT DURING ARMY BASIC TRAINING AT FORT JACKSON, S.C.

(continued from page 47)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 49

Every Catholic in the United Statesknows that the shortage of priests is critical. Itis even more critical for Catholic soldiers, notonly for those in harm’s way, but also for thosein training. At Fort Jackson, there is only oneassigned Catholic priest for thousands ofCatholic soldiers and their families. In fiveyears, we have gone from six Masses to three.Only one Mass is devotedspecifically to trainees. Noneof the churches at Fort Jack-son are large enough to ac-commodate the trainees at aCatholic Mass. Thus, thesoldiers’ Mass is celebrated ina gymnasium. It is far fromideal. We cannot simplywalk into a church and“have” Mass.

The CAC is usedthroughout the week formany functions. All of theequipment and supplies forthe soldiers’ Mass are storedoutside the facility in a pad-locked shed. A chaplain as-sistant is responsible forsetting everything up, withhelp from the trainees. Thechaplain assistant also is responsible for main-taining order, and he or she also coordinatesthe trainees who volunteer as readers, ushers(offertory), bell ringers, cross bearers, andacolytes. It is a very daunting task.

No earlier than 0700, the chaplain assis-tant and trainees bring in a heavy two-piecewooden altar (table and pedestal), lectern, smallserving table, piano and bench, amplifier, lamp,music stand, a box of Mass supplies, and sixhundred books in boxes and book carts. Fiftychairs are set up behind the altar and for thechoir and musicians. Someone brings out anelectric line for the piano, lamp, and amplifier,

and microphones for the altar, the lectern, andthe piano. In theory, everything is in place by0730, especially the music area so I can beginrehearsal. Sometimes we discover there was adance or wedding reception the night before,and so we must clear away tables and chairs. Or there might be a huge stage set up for a concert, with the microphones and electric

lines run to it that we needto conduct Mass. We havehad to sing everything a cappella on a few occasions(and I will quickly change themusic to more familiar songswhen that happens).

Because we have newtrainees at every Mass, I always announce that seatsare available in the choir. I set up the music stands andnotebooks and ask for any-one to join us who can playthe donated clarinet or myflute, guitar, recorder, andwhistles that I have broughtalong. Almost always, some-one will. Sometimes I passout maracas, shakers, claves,and a tambourine. I try to go

over the songs in four minutes each. And I tellthe singers, “You are our music ministers, ourmusic leaders; sing out loud and strong foreveryone in the farthest bleachers to hear.” Iwill add, “Don’t make me do this all by myself.”(They love that.) Continually, I praise and thankall who are a part of the music. Sometimes Irepeat a previous priest’s favorite phrase,“Singing in church is like praying twice” (although to me it’s more like praising twice). WhenI introduce songs to them, I might tell them abit about the composer or read some of thewords and encourage them to find something

“

”

Suddenly, I hear,

“We interruptthis program...”

on the radio. Saddam

Hussein hasbeen captured

by UnitedStates armedforces. I pull

into the chapelparking lot

and listen aslong as possiblebefore heading

inside...

(continued on page 58)

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 50

The following Sunday, Father Kapaun collapsed. His condition was serious – ablood clot, severe veinal inflammation,

malnutrition – but the Chinese guards in theNorth Korean prison camp would allow no medical treatment, not even painkillers. Afterlanguishing for several weeks, he died on May23 and was buried in a mass grave.

Emil Kapaun was born on April 16, 1916 to a poor, but faith-filled farm family on theprairies of eastern Kansas. Life was hard andeven children had to learn to be resourceful asmechanics and carpenters and to care for the animals during bitter winters and brutally hotsummers. With a strong desire to become apriest, he attended Benedictine ConceptionAbbey to complete high school and college,continued his studies at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, and was ordained in 1940.

In 1944, Father Kapaun enlisted as a chap-lain in the U.S. Army, and served for two years

in Burma and India, before returning to civilianlife. Two years later, he reenlisted and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in Japan.

In June 1950, a North Korean army crossedthe 38th parallel and advanced quickly towardSeoul, South Korea. The U.S. intervened mili-tarily, with the 1st Cavalry Division executingan amphibious landing to block the advancingarmy. The enemy onslaught was severe and theU.S. units soon were in retreat. The fighting was intense. Father Kapaun, with his soldier-parishioners in danger, was tireless.

He moved among the GIs, ignoring enemyfire, comforting the wounded, easing fears, administering the last rites, burying the dead,and offering Mass whenever and wherever hecould. On one occasion, he went in front of the U.S. lines, in spite of intense fire, to rescue a wounded soldier.

On September 15, 1950, the war took aradical turn when U.S. troops landed at Inchon

REFLECTIONS:The Good Thief

By LAWRENCE P. GRAYSON | ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2010

On Easter morning, March 25, 1951, the Catholicpriest mounted the steps of a partially destroyedchurch, and turned to face his congregation,some 60 men–gaunt, foul-smelling, in tatteredclothing–of various faiths. Father Emil Kapaun

raised a small, homemade, wooden cross to begin a prayerservice, then led the men in the Rosary, heard the confes-sions of the Catholics, and performed a Baptism. The U.S.Army chaplain, with a patch covering his injured eye andsupported by a crudely made cane because of a badly infectedleg, may have been broken in body, but was strong in spirit.

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 51

behind the invading army. The North Koreanforces fled northward, with the Americans inpursuit. Within a few weeks, the 1st Cavalry Division had crossed the 38th parallel. Unknown to them, China had secretly moved a huge army into North Korea.

The night of November 1 was quiet. Father Kapaun’s battalion, which had suffered some 400casualties among its roster of 700 soldiers, wasplaced in a reserve position. Chinese troops,however, had infiltrated to within a short dis-tance of them. Suddenly, just before midnight,there was a cacophony of bugles, horns andwhistles, as the enemy attacked from all sides.

Father Kapaun scrambled among fox-holes, sharing a prayer with one soldier, sayinga comforting word to another. He assembledmany wounded in an abandoned log dugout.All the next day, he scanned the battlefieldand, some 15 times, when he spotted awounded soldier would crawl out and drag theman back to the battalion’s position. By day’send, the defensive perimeter was drawn sotightly that the log hut and the wounded itcontained were outside of it. As evening cameand another attack was imminent, the chap-lain left the main force for the shelter so that hecould be with the wounded. It was soon over-run, and Father Kapaun pleaded for the safetyof the injured. Approximately three-quarters ofthe men inthe battalion had been killed or captured.

Hundreds of U.S. prisoners were marchednorthward over snow-covered crests. Wheneverthe column paused, Father Kapaun hurried upand down the line, encouraging the men to pray,exhorting them not to give up. When a man hadto be carried or be left to die, Father Kapaun, although suffering from frostbite himself, set the example by helping to carry a makeshiftstretcher. Finally, they reached their destination,a frigid, mountainous area near the Chinese border. The poorly dressed prisoners were given

so little to eat that they were starving to death.For the men to survive they would have to

steal food from their captors. So, praying to St.Dismas, the “Good Thief,” Father Kapaunwould sneak out of his hut in the middle of thenight, often coming back with a sack of grain,potatoes or corn. He volunteered for details togather wood because the route passed the compound where the enlisted men were kept,and he could encourage them with a prayer, andsometimes slip out of line to visit the sick andwounded. He also undertook tasks that repulsedothers, such as cleaning latrines and washing the soiled clothing of men with dysentery.

Father Kapaun’s faith never wavered.While he was willing to forgive the failings ofprisoners toward their captors, he allowed noleeway in regard to the doctrines of the church.He continually reminded prisoners to pray, assuring them that in spite of their difficulties,our Lord would take care of them. As a result ofhis example, some 15 of his fellow prisoners converted to the Catholic Faith.

Father Kapaun’s practice of sharing hismeager rations with others who were weaker,lowered his resistance to disease, and eventuallyto his death. For his heroic behavior, he receivedmany posthumous honors, including the Distin-guished Service Cross and Legion of Merit, hadbuildings, chapels, a high school, and severalKnights of Columbus councils named in hishonor, and is currently being consideration forthe Medal of Honor. In 1993, the Pope declaredFather Kapaun a “Servant of God,” and his causefor canonization is pending. ✞

FATHER KAPAUN HELPING WOUNDED SOLDIER

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 52

Bishop Higgins and Bishop-elect (at thetime) Spencer both concelebrated atthis outdoor Mass. The prevalent theme

throughout the liturgy was repeated referencesto the Scout Oath and Law, highlighting the

call to serve others. It was also noted, with greatenthusiasm, that Bishop Spencer is an EagleScout. The National Catholic Committee onScouting National Chaplain, Father StephenB. Salvador from the Diocese of Fall River,

National JamboreeMass Celebrates 100 Years of Scouting

August 2, 2010: On a hot Sunday morning in August15,000 Scouts and Scouters gathered at an open fieldto participate in the celebration of Mass. Bishop GeraldA. Gettlefinger, Bishop of Evansville, IN and thebishop liaison to the National Catholic Committee

on Scouting presided. Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop ofCharleston, SC served as the homilist. For many this celebration wasthe highlight of the National Jamboree that brought 45,000 BoyScouts and adult leaders together at Fort A.P. Hill, VA to celebrate100 years of Scouting in the United States of America.

By DR. MARK MOITOZA

BISHOP RICHARD B. HIGGINS (CENTER) WITH SCOUTS

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 53

MA, reminded all gathered of the importanceof this historic celebration as he welcomedhonored guests.

After the liturgy Bishop Higgins andBishop-elect Spencer greeted many of theScouts and encouraged them in their pursuit of religious emblems. There were many hand-shakes, photos and requests for blessings of religious articles.

The elaborate organization of the National Jamboree served to highlight the impact of mentoring young people. Scouters,adult leaders to the Boy Scouts, provided encouragement and advice through their active presence. They did not complete tasksfor the Boy Scouts, such as setting up camp oraccomplishing requirements for a patch, butthey certainly walked with them and provideda guiding hand along the way. This model of

comprehensive youth ministry continues to encourage young leaders in the Church and inthe Military too. Each year many Eagle Scoutsenter the Military Academies to continue theirservice to God and country.

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA encourages Military CatholicFaith Communities to Charter a Scout Unit.The Mission of the Boy Scouts is to prepareyoung people to make ethical and moralchoices over their lifetimes by instilling inthem the values of the Scout Oath and Law. A brochure with more information, including letters from Archbishop Broglio and Bishop Estabrook, may be found on our web site (see the NCCS brochure), https://milarch.org/index/scouting.

Congratulations to the Boy Scouts ofAmerica celebrating 100 years of Scoutings. ✞

L-R CLOCKWISE: BISHOP SPENCER WITH SCOUT, SCOUT KNEELING TO PRAY, BISHOP SPENCER SIGNS SCOUT BOOK, BISHOP HIGGINS BLESSING ROSARY.

SCOUT LAW

ON MY HONOR I WILL DO MY BEST TODO MY DUTY TO GODAND MY COUNTRY AND TO OBEY THESCOUT LAW; TO HELPOTHER PEOPLE ATALL TIMES; TO KEEPMYSELF PHYSICALLYSTRONG, MENTALLYAWAKE, AND MORALLYSTRAIGHT.

”“

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 54

Young adults and high school youth throughout the archdioceseare currently making plans to participate as pilgrims with hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world.

The theme of WYD is “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith” (Saint Paul.)

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA has prepared a WYD Planning Manualfor military-connected groups. There is also a specific social networking site for WYDcalled XT3.com. The AMS has its own section on XT3.com for military- connected pilgrims

to gather and share information. Learn more about all of these resources on the AMS web site,https://milarch.org/index/world-youth-day-2011.✞

By DR. MARK MOITOZA

The international celebration of World Youth Day willbe celebrated August 16-21, 2011 in the Spanishcapitol city of Madrid. In October the Holy Father,Pope Benedict XVI, addressed the organizers of thiscelebration. Cardinal Rylko, the president of the

Pontifical Council on the Laity, highlighted the following at a recent Vatican press conference,

“The Pope lays much emphasis on the fact that WYDshould not be reduced merely to a moment of festivity.Preparation for this great event and the attention thatmust be given to ordinary pastoral care are an integraland decisive part thereof. The festivities and the event itself act as a kind of catalyst to facilitate an ongoing educational process. In this sense, Benedict XVI sees inWYD a prophetic response to the educational emergencyof the post-modern world”.

— VIS 20101005 (1010)

World Youth Day 2011

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 55

Retired Chaplains List 2010RETIRED CHAPLAIN BRANCH OF RETIREMENT YEARS OF

SERVICE DATE SERVICE

Reverend David A. Voelker Air Force 24-May-10 20

Reverend Philip S. Llanos Air Force 1-Jul-10 26

Reverend Richard B. Dunn Air Force 1-Sep-10 25

Reverend Linn S. Harbour Air Force 1-Oct-10 23

Reverend Lawrence Bailey Air Force 1-Nov-10 19

Reverend Stanislaw Pieczara Air Force 24-Nov-10 18

Reverend Richard J. Bendorf O.F.M. Army 1-May-10 20

Reverend James E. Sheil Army 31-May-10 16

Reverend Robert E. Roetzel C.S.C. Army 1-Aug-10 41

Reverend Stephen J. Linehan Navy 1-Jan-10 24

Reverend James L. Danner Navy 31-Mar-10 20

Reverend Donald R. Moss Navy 30-Apr-10 20

Reverend Kenneth C. Cienik S.A. Navy 1-Jun-10 30

Reverend James W. Joslyn Navy 1-Jun-10 28

Reverend William D. Devine Navy 1-Jul-10 23

Reverend Thomas P. Hall C.S.P. Navy 1-Jul-1 23

Reverend Patrick. J. McCormick Navy 1-Jul-10 20

Reverend Steven Vanden Boogard Navy 1-Jul-10 24

Reverend James M. Connolly Navy 1-Aug-10 23

Reverend Philip B. Creider Navy 1-Aug-10 19

Reverend Donald P. Fix Navy 1-Aug-10 20

Reverend Kenneth J. Rodes S.D.B. Navy 1-Aug-10 23

Reverend Peter W. McGeory Navy 1-Sep-10 19

Reverend Bernard J. Welch Navy 30 Sep-10 20

Reverend Arthur H. Logan Jr. O.C.S.O Navy 1-Oct-10 21

Reverend Msgr. William F. Cuddy Jr. Navy 1-Dec-10 17

Air Force Academy Knights Win Outstanding Council Award

To promote fraternity, the Knights organ-ized a number of events. They climbed to thetop of Mt. Shavano, a 14,000-foot peak in theRockies of Colorado. They hosted a number ofparties open to all members of the Catholiccommunity. To top it off, the cadet Knights organized a sports day open to all men in theCatholic community, in order to promoteunity amongst the Knights and other malecadets. They went shooting, played football,and grilled steaks. Program Director and current The King’s Men staffer, Dave DiNuzzo,while on staff at the Academy with the chaplain’s office, spearheaded many of theseactivities with the cadets; Financial SecretariesLt Col David Bell and previously Lt Col KevinGibbons made further contributions with administration and finances, allowing cadetsto concentrate on activities and student leadership.

Council 8200 had a very fruitful yearunder the leadership of cadets and GrandKnights Patrick Tracy and now Julian Gluck.Service Academy cadets have rigorous sched-ules and little time for anything not directlyrelated to their service as cadets. The fact thatCouncil 8200 was able to earn the 2010 Out-standing Council of the Year Award in com-petition with colleges including Harvard andNotre Dame is indeed impressive. Further-more, Cadet Second Class Julian Gluck, thisyear’s Council 8200 Grand Knight, has beenelected as the new College Committee Chair-man. Cadet Gluck represents college Knightsin the Order, leads the Conference, and has aposition which gives him the opportunity towork closely with Knights at the Supremelevel. The Knights of the United States AirForce Academy had a great year, and theyhope to remain successful in the future. ✞

(continued from page 43)

archdiocesan assignments included the parishes of Saint Catherine of Siena, Cedar Grove, and Saint Henry, Bayonne.

Our Lady of Sorrows, South Orange, is thehome parish for Fathers Galinas and Hamel.

Father Kokeram, ordained in 1999, came on active duty in the Army in 2005 and is at FortJackson taking intermediate courses at the ArmyChaplain School. He served as a priest at SaintThomas More, Fairfield, and Our Lady of MountCarmel, Newark. He too has spent time in Iraqand also was stationed in Fort Bragg, NC.

Last May Bishop John W. Flesey, at the in-vitation of Father Hamel, addressed a retreat forU.S. Air Force Catholic chaplains at BethanyCenter in Lutz, FL, a forum that drew 53 priestsserving throughout the world. ✞

Chaplains faithfully train ears, heartsto serve soldiers (continued from page 35)

CFC 10046

Designate when you make your pledge

THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USAWWW.MILARCH.ORG

202.719.3600SUPPORT@MILARCH.ORG

Designnaaaatttttteeeee wwwwwhhhhhehh nk pl d

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 57

Catholic woman recognized for ministry to the military

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA, PRESENTS THE MEDAL OF THE

ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES TO PEGGY WASSERLEIN, WHO HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES AT THE HILL AIR FORCE BASE CHAPEL FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS.

PHOTO COU

RTESY OF BOB WASSERLEIN

WITH SPECIAL THANKS AND GRATITUDE to the supporters of the 25TH Anniversary Benefit

VETERANS DAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010 | ARMY NAVY COUNTRY CLUB ARLINGTON

L-R: MONSIGNOR FRANK PUGLIESE, VICAR GENERAL; BISHOP RICHARD SPENCER, BISHOP RICHARD HIGGINS,GENERAL EDWARD C. MEYER, USA (RET), AND HONORABLE ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON, AND ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO AT PODIUM

PHOTOGRAPH

Y BY MATTH

EW BARRICK PH

OTOGRAHY

w i n t e r / 2 0 1 0 / 58

Emerald Coast Military CatholicYouth Conference

The third ECMCYC will be held at the EmbassySuites in Destin, Florida, February 18-20, 2011.

The conference was awarded a grant this year from the Catholic Youth Foundation,USA. The keynote speakers, Mike Patin and Anna Scally, will focus on the ECMCYC theme,“Rules of Engagement.” The deadline for group registration is December 18, 2010.Contact the POC at Eglin AFB, Kay Martinez, for more information, EglinTYM@aol.com.Last year’s highlight was the peer-led discussion on dealing with the challenges of having aparent deployed. Please keep all of the ECMCYC organizers in your prayers. ✞

in the text that relates to their lives. If there isa Scripture reference below the song, I suggestthey look that up in their Bibles, as singing during Mass can be like Bible study set to music.To the singers who are graduating, I say, “The way you live your life on this Earth is likechoir practice for Heaven” (which I found on apraise-and-worship CD). To all of the graduates I suggest they stay active in their faith (becauseso many at our Mass are not Catholic). I remindthem, “Just as you volunteered here, you canhelp at Mass or at church wherever the Armysends you.”

The United States Army will continuesending soldiers to Iraq—and to Afghanistanand other dangerous areas of the world—for along time to come. It is my fervent prayer thatif there were trainees who came to our soldiers’Mass without knowing about God’s presence intheir lives, that by the time they graduate, theydo know that he is always there for them, inevery trial and tribulation. I pray that they willkeep God in their hearts and will sing his praisesas they continue their training elsewhere.

And I pray, as they begin their deployments,that he will protect them when they face eviland many temptations, and especially after theyhave been through so much.

Since I began my music ministry at FortJackson, many thousands of trainees have wor-shiped at the soldiers’ Catholic Mass. They haveprayed for peace and sung songs of praise andthanksgiving, service and discipleship, faith andtrust, comfort and hope. Over the years, theyhave written me many notes of thanks and wellwishes. This is one of my favorites: “This is myfirst time ever coming to Catholic Mass. Youhelped me believe this is where I belong. I feelChrist every time I sing hymns. I do not knowwhat it is, but it feels good.”

Dona nobis pacem. ✞

HHHHHHHOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! (continued from page 49)

Jean Ray Williams has been the music ministerfor Roman Catholic liturgy at Fort Jackson,South Carolina, the US Army’s largest and

most active training center, for nearly five years. She also sings in the Arpad Darazs Singers,

a highly developed choral ensemble in central South Carolina.

Archdiocese for the Military Services

tour of dutybrick campaignTO SHOW YOUR MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO veterans, military members, their families, and chaplains. Your commemorative brick will join the thousands of others in adding that “personal touch” to the pathways of our new chancery building in Washington, DC. Order your bricks online at: www.milarch.org or complete and return the form below. Each paver includes 18 characters per line (space included) and up to 4 lines per brick.

RESERVE YOUR BRICKS TODAY!

FATHER TIMOTHY VAKOCREST IN PEACE

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CHRISTMAS 2010