WASHINGTON, D.C. – American Catholics will have a rare opportunity early next month to offer charitable support for pastoral care to the faithful in the United States Military and the nation’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. A special second collection will be taken up in parishes nationwide for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS). This special collection for the AMS is taken only once every three years with the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Most parishes will take up the Triennial National Collection at Sunday Masses the weekend of Nov. 9-10, or as otherwise determined by an individual diocese or parish. Military Catholics who attend Mass at nondenominational base chapels where no second collections are taken may nevertheless give the same weekend through the AMS Appeal. Continue reading →