WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), announced today it has cancelled its Twelfth Annual Benefit on Nov. 21 due to COVID-19 and related ongoing restrictions on social gatherings in Washington, D.C.
The decision leaves a substantial shortfall in the Archdiocese’s annual operating budget—funding desperately needed to support vocations, young adult ministry, sacramental record-keeping, evangelization training and support for catechetical leaders, and other vibrant ecclesiastical programs for Catholics serving in the U.S. Military, receiving health care in the nation’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, working civilian jobs for the federal government beyond U.S. borders, and the families of these populations.
In a letter to AMS benefactors, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, wrote the decision to cancel this year’s benefit was not an easy one. “In addition to the loss of opportunity to gather with AMS clergy, friends, and benefactors,” Archbishop Broglio wrote, “a significant loss of revenue for this Archdiocese is now expected. A record $425,000 was raised last year through sponsorships, ticket purchases, and donations. This revenue supports all AMS programs and services which constitute an annual operating budget of over $8 million.”
His Excellency asks the faithful who normally contribute through the Annual Benefit to continue their support again this year. “If you are in a position to do so,” Archbishop Broglio wrote, “I humbly ask you to consider a gift to help ensure sufficient funds for the Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program, allow for the continued outreach and engagement of young adults in the life of the Church, the provision of sacramental records to those who need them, and the availability of Evangelization training, resources, and support for catechetical leaders.” Gifts are gratefully accepted at https://www.milarch.org/annual-benefit/.
Archbishop Broglio said gifts are also needed to maintain the “enhancement and increased use” of AMS electronic communication, including virtual engagement and training. “The AMS app helps Catholic military men and women stay connected in their faith,” he said, “and the AMS Catholic Military Life Podcast offers a unique insight into the mission and ministry of the Archdiocese through interviews and conversation with members of the AMS faithful, clergy, and staff. Updated regularly, the AMS web site continues to serve as an important source of timely information and resources for AMS faithful and the broader Catholic community.”
Archbishop Broglio said the possibility of replacing the annual face-to-face gathering with an online event was ruled out due to problems of logistics and other technical considerations. “While many non-profits have hosted successful virtual events,” he said, “the electronic format was not an appealing alternative for the Archdiocese.”
Praying for an end to the pandemic and a return to normalcy, Archbishop Broglio asked the faithful to save the date for next year’s Annual Benefit—Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021—“when we once again hope to gather for prayer and fellowship at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.” Meanwhile, His Excellency asked the faithful to join him “in praying for an end to the pandemic, for the safety and well-being of all military families, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and military chaplaincy.”
