Catholic and a soldier

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Forgive me I am still new to the faith, but where does a soldier find his place. Most of the people I know that are Catholic are very humble and peaceful. This job requires the opposite but I cant help but fell I am where I am supposed to be and doing what needs done. It also does not help that the army has almost no Catholic priests.
 
ApexPredator said:
Forgive me I am still new to the faith, but where does a soldier find his place. Most of the people I know that are Catholic are very humble and peaceful. This job requires the opposite but I cant help but fell I am where I am supposed to be and doing what needs done. It also does not help that the army has almost no Catholic priests.
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Welcome to the Catholic Church! Pray regularly to stay close to Jesus. By trusting in Him, you will find peace. I know there is a shortage of priests in the military, but the Archdiocese of the Military may have some resources that you may not be aware of. Try calling the Chancellor’s office there and asking about programs, groups, or other suggestions to stay connected with other Catholics.
 
=ApexPredator;12900706]Forgive me I am still new to the faith, but where does a soldier find his place. Most of the people I know that are Catholic are very humble and peaceful. This job requires the opposite but I cant help but fell I am where I am supposed to be and doing what needs done. It also does not help that the army has almost no Catholic priests.
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MANY, many years ago I faced the same issue. [USAF 1964-65]

We had only a Protestant minister, who had very little understanding of Catholicism. I had no transportation to go off base for Mass.

The influence you CAN have will be to live your Faith publicly. PRAY much and stay as close to God as He wants all of us to do and to be.

Each day ask God what HE wants from you today.

God Bless and guide you,

Patrick
 
Two of my sons are ADAF and they know your pain. Can you get off base for mass?
 
This is very difficult for you. I don’t have any real advice but to pray the Rosary daily. Meditating on the Rosary will lead you every day through the entire of life of Jesus and Mary. You will be able to keep Jesus close to your heart with Mary’s help.

Thank you for your service. You will be in my prayers.
 
It is possible to be a devout Christian and a good soldier. Many have proven it. At first glance, Christ seems like a pacifist but the His Church has accepted self defense as legitimate.
 
Many thousands of US soldiers and sailors have been Catholic. I believe there are currently more than 250 Catholic chaplains, although not at every base. I’m sure you can be both a good soldier and a good Catholic, as many of us have.
 
There are saints who have military experience. Like: Saint Louis IX- 2 tours during crusades. St. George- Roman soldier and martyr. St. Ignatius of Loyola he was a Spanish knight. Saint Joan of Arc- French Army. St. Maurice- Roman Army.

I’m sure there are plenty more. 🙂
 
ApexPredator said:
Forgive me I am still new to the faith, but where does a soldier find his place. Most of the people I know that are Catholic are very humble and peaceful. This job requires the opposite but I cant help but fell I am where I am supposed to be and doing what needs done. It also does not help that the army has almost no Catholic priests.
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Check out the Archdiocese for the Military website. You might want to contact them with your questions and concerns: milarch.org/site/c.dwJXKgOUJiIaG/b.6287817/k.290A/Archdiocese_for_the_Military_USA.htm
 
I spent 22 years in the army and I know how you feel. Most Post have at least one catholic chaplain. Contact the post chaplain’s office and they can guide you to a priest… If you’re deployed, you can ask your commander or first sergeant to inquire about a catholic chaplain for you. Be advised that most catholic chaplains are spread thin especially on deployments and try to bring the Mass to you as the mission allows.
 
My sons go to Mass as often as possible, every day if they can.

Remember: Christ never condemned the soldier.
 
Thanks for the support.
What I am trying to figure out is how to even do basic catechism, I am never home enough to attend more than two or three RICA (which kinda confuses me) meetings in a row. Where do you start with Catholicism obviously reading the Bible but that doesn’t much cover Catholic teachings. I don’t understand almost anything at mass. So yea I am really lost I guess mainly because I never had a strong foundation in the church plus I only semi recently (3-4 years) converted from the dreaded A word, although I wouldn’t bring it up if you didn’t. I am not even sure if this is really the right forum but it seemed the most legit on the very unlegit internet. So yea if there are some online resources for new Catholics to learn the basics that would be really helpful.
On a side note why do I feel such a strong draw to two specific saints I am sure there is some significance to this. Again thanks guys
 
I grew up as a military dependent in a Catholic family.
Shortly before I resigned from the Army Reserves for personal reasons, I read an article written by a Catholic chaplain for those questioning how faith and military service can be reconciled.
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan, and how the Good Samaritan took care of the traveler who had been beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Now imagine that you had an opportunity to help that traveler 20 minutes earlier, so that you were able to protect him and keep the robbers from harming him.
 
ApexPredator,

You’re doing fine. Attend Catholic masses when you can, if you find a Catholic priest or chaplain ask to say your confession (they’re hard to come by even for ordinary folks back home), and attend your regular chaplain’s services and take what you can from them whether he’s Catholic or not. You just work with what is available to you and fill in the gaps as you are able.

You don’t have to do the impossible. Missing mass – or any sacrament – when it’s not available to you is not a sin. You just have to make a diligent effort to do what you can, when you can.

If you have a bible, a missal, or a prayer book, just read them over and over again. Get a rosary, and say the rosary prayers in your quiet time.

You’ll be just fine and it’ll fall into place over time.

Remember that while it might look stuffy or chore-bound from the outside, Catholicism is probably the most relaxed and forgiving religion of all time. Whatever you do or don’t do either isn’t necessary because of your situation or is forgiven just by sincerely asking. You’ll never have to look for a “church home,” because all Catholic churches worldwide are your personal home, and all Catholic priests represent your Father.

God understands and appreciates those who put duty above formality, as long as they have their eyes on Him.

Thank you for your service! Hang in there, just by asking the question you’ve demonstrated that you’re doing it right.

Regards,
gtd
 
Make two friends – your nearest Catholic chaplain when one is available and St. Michael the Archangel where ever you may be.
 
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