Scottish Catholic Observer

In a response to the shortage of military chaplains in all three Armed Services, Bishop Richard Moth has asked service men and women and serving chaplains to ‘fervently pray’ that more priests come forward to serve as chaplains.

Prayer cards have been sent out to churches across the Bishopric of the Forces and serving chaplains and, in a pastoral letter accompanying the launch of the prayer card, Bishop Moth has highlighted the vital role of the chaplain’s ministry to service men and women.

“I invite you all to reflect upon the ‘definite service’ that is military chaplaincy,” Bishop Moth said. “This is a priestly ministry that is vital to the needs of the military community. Every member of the Armed Services, together with their families, will have benefited from the ministry of their chaplain. This is especially the case when personnel are deployed on operations.  The chaplain’s presence amongst them speaks of the Hope of the Gospel message.”

Bishop Moth added that although ‘not every priest is called to be a military chaplain,’ he does believe that for some ‘this would be a very real possibility.’

The aim of the prayer card is to ‘instil in the hearts of priests the desire to dedicate their lives to you as chaplains to our Armed Services.’

In September, the Bishopric will celebrate 25 years as a military ordinariate and Bishop Moth is inviting others to join him ‘in making this year a time of special prayer for an increase in vocations to military chaplaincy.’

Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ,

instil in the hearts of priests

the desire to dedicate

their lives to you as chaplains

to our Armed Services.

Give them wisdom and strength,

to hear your call.

Give courage and compassion

to those who serve you as Forces Chaplains.

May their hearts be filled

with zeal and love of you

so that your name

may be better known and loved,

for you live and reign

for ever and ever.

Amen