Can a practicing Catholic serve in the military?

[Cheatwood]

Hello, I actually have a few questions. I’m in the US Air Force and currently stationed in Korea. First question, are all Chaplains (Catholic) genuine? Ex. Mass, Confessions, etc. and if not, how can I know? Second, and this is pretty straight-forward, if I miss a Mass due to work or just didn’t wake up, Is that considered a Mortal Sin, and must I confess before taking the Eucharist? Last question is, my profession is (simply put) loading bombs. I actually load bombs on aircraft. I see it as saving Iraq from terrorism, but also killing people who some might be innocent. Is this sin? Sorry for the long post with multiple questions, I hope you can answer them. Thank you.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

First of all, thank you for your service to our country. Because of people like you we haven’t had another Sept 11th. It’s not politically correct to say that, but the truth is not politically correct these days.

If your intention in loading bombs were to kill the innocent, then it would be greatly sinful. But that is not your intention. That some innocent people may be killed as the result of protecting other innocent people, the Church allows.

If you unintentionally miss Sunday Mass, there is no sin.

Trust the Catholic chaplains.

You are in our prayers, my friend!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.