CV NEWS FEED // A foundation for supporting Catholics in the military has raised over $1 million in pledges from donors, according to a recent press release.
Founded in 2022, the Saint John XXIII Foundation maintains a fund for “the pastoral support” of active duty Catholics, patients in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and government personnel serving outside of the U.S.
The funds support projects and programs that provide spiritual care for Catholics in the military. Grants from the Foundation also support the education of seminarians who will become military chaplains in the future.
According to an emailed press release, the Foundation’s investment fund has received over $1 million in pledges from patrons in little more than a year.
“Patrons, by their gift, make a legacy investment in the future of the Foundation’s mission and ministry of nourishing the faith of Catholics in the Armed Forces and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers,” the Foundation stated.
According to the Foundation’s website, Catholics make up 20% of the U.S. military. However, Catholics “constitute only eight percent of the chaplain corps, leaving the spiritual care of almost two million faithful to just over 200 priests.”
To thank the patrons who made supporting the faith lives of Catholics in the military possible, the Foundation plans to honor them at a reception scheduled for May 2024 in Texas.
“During the Reception, new Patrons will be recognized and welcomed into the giving society by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, and presented with the Patrons Medal and Decoration,” the Foundation stated.
