Is the Triennial National Collection approved by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Yes. In November 2012, the USSCB approved a National Collection for the AMS to be taken every three years the Sunday before Veterans Day. The National Collection for the AMS is one of several collections approved by but not managed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops – https://www.usccb.org/resources/national-collection-dates.pdf. The first collection was taken in November 2013 with subsequent collections taken in 2016 and 2019. The official date for the Collection in 2022 is November 6 while several dioceses select an alternative date. For the current list of participating dioceses and collection dates for the 2022 National Collection for the AMS, go to www.milarch.org/nationalcollection.
Why does the AMS need financial support?
Unlike a traditional diocese, the AMS has no geographical boundaries, no parishes or parish registries, and receives no financial support from the U.S. Military or the U.S. Government. The AMS relies solely on private donations for an operating budget of more than $9.3 million.
Who does the AMS serve?
The AMS is the only U.S. diocese responsible for providing the same pastoral care and services readily available in every other U.S. Catholic diocese for the men and women who serve in all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, are enrolled in a U.S. Military Academy, are undergoing treatment at any of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, or who work in civilian jobs for the federal government overseas – and for their families. Programs and services include Evangelization and Catechesis, Sacramental Records, Tribunal, Vocations, and Veterans Affairs.
Why is my diocese not included on the list of participating dioceses?
If your diocese is not listed, please contact the Chancery directly. The name of a (arch) diocese will be added to the list when confirmation of participation is received by the AMS.
How can I make a donation if my diocese or parish does not participate?
Individual donations may be made online at www.milarch.org/nationalcollection or checks can be mailed to the AMS:
Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA
P.O. Box 4469
Washington, D.C. 20017
ATTN: 2022 National Collection
Is there a cost to diocese or parishes for materials?
No. There is no cost to dioceses or parishes for materials created and distributed by Our Sunday Visitor, including posters, bulletin announcement, and envelopes. Materials ordered by a diocese or parish are shipped a month before the scheduled date of the collection.
What is the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program?
Established more than 30 years ago between the AMS and cooperating dioceses and religious communities, the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program actively addresses the critical need for priests to serve as military chaplains.
After a seminarian receives initial approval from his bishop or religious superior to enter the program, education and other formation costs are shared between the AMS and the seminarian’s home diocese or religious order. The AMS average annual cost per co-sponsored seminarian is now $25,000; $125,000 over five years. Once the priest is ordained, he first serves for three years in his home diocese or community before being released for full-time military service for at least five years. When the priest separates from the military, he then returns to his diocese or community. The AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program addresses the current shortage of priests to serve in the military, and also helps to recruit and train the next generation of priests to serve the Catholic Church.
How else can I help?
Make sure fellow parishioners, and friends and family throughout the United States, know about the AMS, and its mission, “Serving Those Who Serve.” Many do not know that a separate U.S. diocese was erected in 1985 to serve Catholics serving in the U.S. Military, and Veterans being treated in 153 Department of Veterans Medical Centers – and their families.
View and share the video message from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio on the AMS National Collection web site: www.milarch.org/nationalcollection.
If your parish is taking the collection, ask your pastor to consider making time for a personal witness from a military chaplain, veteran, or family member of an active-duty service member, and have them share a few words at Mass.
Promote the need for support and prayers for the Catholic faithful – including members of your own parish/diocese – who defend our country and religious freedom.
