AMS Reach More is...
A military movement for authentic missionary discipleship
"I dream of a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything…Wherever the need for the light and the life of the Risen Christ is greatest, it will want to be there. To make this missionary impulse ever more focused, generous and fruitful, I encourage each particular Church to undertake a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform. Yet the principle aim of these participatory processes should not be ecclesiastical organization but rather the missionary aspiration of reaching everyone."
The AMS Reach More formation process is...
PLAN
Meet with a Discipleship Trainer
PREPARE
Participate in a 12-week Training Group
EXECUTE
Launch your apostolate!
ASSESS
Receive ongoing coaching
Who is eligible to participate?
- Active-duty laity, spouses, seniors of Military Academies or ROTC programs, and retirees committed to serving the active-duty population.
- Individuals must be faithful, available, and teachable Catholics in good standing.
What is the commitment?
- 12 weekly small group training sessions conducted over zoom, lasting ~90min.
- 6 bi-weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions conducted over zoom, lasting ~60min.
- Daily meditative prayer with guide, lasting ~20min.
- Occasional at-home assignments, such as completing a life map and writing a testimony of faith.
- To follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to take actionable steps toward implementing a personal apostolate, such as a small group bible study.
What will you receive?
- A workbook, prayer companion, and set of discipleship habit cards created by our content partner, The Evangelical Catholic.
- Permanent access to an online training portal with all videos and materials available in English and Spanish.
- Personalized coaching from a Discipleship Trainer who knows the military lifestyle, understands the needs of installation chapel communities, and is theologically educated.
- An AMS completion letter of training recognized across the Archdiocese.
- Ongoing support and apostolate mentorship from the Discipleship Trainer team, private Reach More leaders Facebook group, and quarterly Discipleship Workshops.
Why should you participate in Reach More?
- To gain practical discipleship skills like the art of conversation, active listening, and small group facilitation.
- To grow in your confidence to live as ‘salt and light’ in your everyday life.
- To experience individualized accompaniment to grow closer to Christ through prayer.
- To meet and spend time with other military members who are Catholic missionary disciples.
- To maintain accountability and support as you respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to others through friendships, small groups, or other evangelization opportunities!
On over 30 installations, AMS Reach More apostolates look like...
Discipleship Workshops 2025
In 2025 we are collapsing our bi-monthly leader huddles into the AMS quarterly Discipleship Workshops. This means all Reach More trained leaders are invited to attend alongside all individuals engaged in installation discipleship, and also those considering the 12-week Reach More formation training. We will continue to offer sessions in two different time zones, and we kindly ask that attendees register ahead of time so we can prepare material well.
Meet the Reach More Team
Madeline Stockman
Coordinator for Discipleship Formation
Madeline is an Army wife, mother of two, and Catholic convert whose life was transformed in 2015 through the friendships and support she found at Fort Cavazos, TX. Since then, she has dedicated herself to forming missionary disciples and empowering others to embrace their baptismal call to evangelization. Originally from northern California, Madeline currently lives in Fayetteville, NC, near Fort Bragg. She holds a Master’s in Applied Catholic Theology from the University of Mary and is pursuing certification as a Spiritual Director through Divine Mercy University. Her passion for faith formation has led her to serve in numerous leadership roles within the Military Council of Catholic Women, including Director at Large for Vocation Support, where she spearheaded fundraising for AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarians and launched new recognition programs for Catholic military women. Madeline has also worked extensively with Catholic Women of the Chapel, leading Bible studies, mentoring leaders, and organizing retreats to support women in military communities worldwide. Her diverse background reflects her love for learning and creativity. She worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, earned a certification in pastry arts and operated a baking business in Texas, and is a classically trained soprano who enjoys performing in community theater. Whether leading faith-based initiatives, mentoring others, or fostering community through the arts, she is passionate about bringing Christ into daily life.
Eleanor Schmidt
Discipleship Trainer
Eleanor is a cradle Catholic, Army wife, and mother of one. Having called Washington, Ohio, Ireland, Georgia, and New York all “home,” she believes wholeheartedly in Saint John Paul II’s encouragement that “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Her love for God’s creation led her to study Psychology and Animal Science at Ohio State University, where campus ministry taught her to invite Jesus into every aspect of work and life. A transformative time studying abroad in Ireland deepened her understanding of the truly universal Catholic Church. An academic at heart, Eleanor earned a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame through the McGrath Institute for Church Life’s Echo Program. She served in faith formation at a parish near Atlanta for two years, where she met her husband. After three generations of military service in her family, God surprised Eleanor when she fell in love with a Soldier. In each place they’ve lived, including her husband’s current assignment at Fort Drum, New York, Eleanor has experienced first-hand the power of community to bring faith to life. Whether she is listening to someone’s life story over coffee, handling livestock in a barn, or discussing moral theology, Eleanor is at home in the richness of both everyday life and spiritual growth.
Kevin Stacy
Discipleship Trainer
Kevin is a devoted husband, father of six, and proud Catholic convert. After serving over two decades as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army, he retired in 2024, closing a chapter of his life marked by service, discipline, and leadership. His military career took him across the world, with assignments at Camp Casey in South Korea, Fort Moore in Georgia, Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, and finally, Fort Drum, New York. Beyond his military service, Kevin has always had a passion for learning. He earned a Master’s degree in Executive Leadership & New Testament Studies from Liberty University and is currently furthering his formation by studying to become a Spiritual Director at the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary. His path to the Catholic Church began while preparing to serve as a chaplain in the Army. Through deep study, the witness of the early Church Fathers, and the beauty of the Mass, Kevin felt called to the faith and was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil in 2015 at Yongsan, South Korea. Although naturally introverted, Kevin has embraced his unexpected mission of evangelization, trusting in the saying: “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.” He enjoys reading, morning coffee, fitness, and a good beer in his free time.
