Memorial Day: Chaplains – A Reminder that We Are One Nation Under God

Catholic Online ^ | 5/25/09 | Randy Sly

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Often, for many of our military who died in action, a chaplain was the final person in charge of their soul. In harm’s way, these faithful servants of Christ’s Church don’t just stand beside the men and women in various branches of the service, they wear the uniform.

The work of our chaplains extends much farther than the post chapel. They labor on land, at sea and in the air. There are 1.4 million Catholics in the military; wherever they are stationed, the chaplain is there.

Their parishes are much different than a local church. Made up of mostly younger men and women, these congregations can change, through transfers and deployments, every two to three years. They also come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, some from the city, some from the country. As a friend of mine used to say, “It’s like preaching to a parade.”

These chaplains can be found bringing Jesus Christ to their people in desert tents, on the aft deck of a guided missile cruiser, underwater on a submarine, and in post chapels....

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Let us take time to remember all those who serve and give thanks in memory of those priests who were willing to enter into harm’s way as Catholic chaplains.

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Take time to remember ...