I found it very interesting to read what was sent to me and all priests, about a new, nationwide collection that will be taken up next weekend at all of our Masses for the Archdiocese of the Military Services.  We were told that currently there are only 250 Catholic chaplains who now serve on active military duty and another 250 who serve at Veterans Adminstration Medical Centers.  This vast Archdiocese receives absolutely no funding from the government and has no parishes to provide weekly sources of funding.  The money generated through this special collection will assist in recruiting chaplains, training them in seminaries (most often in partnership with another diocese), and travel for the Archbishop and others who are on his staff.

I am happy that we have this opportunity to help those connected with the spiritual service of our men and women who serve in our military.  Please be generous to this need next weekend.  There are envelopes on the cabinets in the narthex and the hallway leading into our administration building, or you can just place a check or cash into the basket during the collection.