WASHINGTON, D.C.— A record number of supporters has contributed money in this year’s Day of Giving for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). The AMS Day of Giving is held annually on July 21 to commemorate the 1986 establishment of the Archdiocese. Since Friday, July 21, 462 generous donors have contributed to the 2023 campaign, breaking the previous record of 326 donors set in 2021, giving the Archdiocese this year more than $85,000.
Calling the 2023 Day of Giving “a huge success,” AMS Director of Advancement Salvador (Sal) Perez said 100% of the funds collected this year will go to the Archdiocese’s Young Adult Missionary Program–specifically, to fund the formation of members of “Team Saint Paul”: men and women called to accompany Catholic young adults serving in the military through authentic relationships that grow into discipleship with Christ.
Team Saint Paul outreach is overseen by Young Adult Missionary Coordinator McKenzie Mauss. Currently, two missionaries, Ms. Jurate Reventas and Ms. Stephanie Nussio, are living and giving witness at Travis Air Force Base in California, and more members are scheduled for training. “Through relational ministry,” Ms. Mauss explained, “Stephanie and Jurate have participated in fellowship, Bible Studies, RCIA for young adults, weekly guided Holy Hours, Movie nights, recreational events, and grown in their own deepening of faith.”
Ms. Mauss said “funds raised during the Day of Giving will go towards Team Saint Paul training and formation throughout the year. During training, team members are formed in discipleship rooted in Christ and commissioned by Archbishop Timothy Broglio to serve and outreach to Catholic military young adults. This generosity allows the AMS to send team members to professional evangelization training as well as self-fundraising training.”
Mr. Perez said, “It is inspiring to see the AMS community come together and show support for Jurate and Stephanie, who, in a world that calls for individualism, decided to be of service for others. We appreciate our Team Saint Paul members who selflessly give their time to serve those stationed at Travis, our chaplains who provide invaluable ministry, and our donors who offer their support through both gifts and prayers every year. The AMS consists of people who are selfless and strive to spread the love of Christ to our service members, veterans, civilian Department of Defense employees working outside the United States, and their families.”
It’s not too late to contribute to the 2023 Day of Giving. Gifts will be gratefully accepted for the rest of the year at givingday.milarch.org. Anyone interested in becoming a Team Saint Paul member may apply at https://www.catholicjobs.com/job/8263158635. To support a Team Saint Paul missionary visit milarch.org/missionaries/support/.
