Mission
The mission of the Archdiocese is to “serve those who serve,” to be Americans bearing peace; to proclaim Christ all over the world; and to carry out the mission of the Church to offer healing through the forgiveness of sins.
Ministry
The ministry of the AMS is to provide the same pastoral care and services as any other Catholic diocese, to Catholics serving in the United States Armed Forces, enrolled in U.S. Military Academies, undergoing treatment at any of the 153 Department of Veterans Affairs’ Medical Centers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam, working in civilian jobs for the federal government beyond U.S. borders, and the families of these populations. All told, the AMS and its endorsed priests and deacons are responsible for pastoral service to approximately 1.8 million Catholics.
Programs and Services
Funding
The salary and retirement of Catholic military chaplains are paid by the U.S. Government, but the AMS does not receive funding from the U.S. Government or U.S. Military to support its many programs and services. The AMS relies solely on individual donations to support programs and services of Vocations, Evangelization, Sacramental Records, the Tribunal and Veterans Affairs. The AMS annual operating budget is over $8.2 million and, additionally, the AMS average annual share of expenses for the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program is more than $4.7 million over the next five years.
Prayer of the AMS
Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times.
Manifest your tender care to those in the Military Academies who prepare for future service and to those who serve our Nation far from home. Teach us to remember the sacrifices of those whose efforts contribute to ensuring our way of life.
Hear us as we present our prayers to You through Christ our Lord.
– Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D.
AMS Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA is divided into three sections, one in red, one in silver or white, and one in blue – the traditional colors of the United States. In the uppermost portion, there is an American Bald Eagle holding in each claw the universal symbol of peace, a green olive branch. In the middle portion, there is a silver cross on the outline meridians of the earth. In the lowest, the red portion of these arms, are the gold and silver crossed keys of Saint Peter, the symbol of the Holy See. The composition of the arms conveys the message and mission of the Archdiocese for the Military Services – to be Americans bearing peace; to proclaim Christ all over the world; and to carry out the mission of the Church to offer healing through the forgiveness of sins.