From The Episcopal Church Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries:
The Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries is inviting Parishes and Dioceses of the Episcopal Church into a renewed season of connection and partnership with veterans, service members, chaplains, and military families. This ministry extends beyond the Armed Forces to include those serving in federal institutions and in hospital settings where pastoral care is urgently needed.
Guided by the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, the office provides pastoral support and ecclesiastical endorsement for military, VA, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and hospital chaplains. The office also collaborates with dioceses and congregations to nurture and strengthen ministries that walk alongside veterans, members of the military and their families. Bishop Ritonia’s leadership is shaped by a commitment to compassionate presence and a deep respect for the sacrifices and gifts of those who serve.
Bishop Ritonia encourages lay leaders, clergy, and seminarians to discern how they might engage with this work. Some may feel drawn to military or federal chaplaincy. Others may be discerning hospital chaplaincy or a call to develop veterans ministry within their parish or diocese. Many are already faithfully serving in these spaces, and the church welcomes anyone who feels a sense of call, curiosity, or desire to connect with this special population.
To support this effort, the office is conducting a Church-wide survey. The survey aims to identify veterans and active military families within congregations, learn where ministries are already thriving, and understand where new opportunities for chaplaincy and pastoral care are emerging. It also provides a way for individuals to express interest in military, VA, Federal Bureau of Prisons, or Federal chaplaincy and to explore the possibility of serving their diocese as a Veteran/Military Missioner.
At the recent Veterans Day service, a veteran approached our team after hearing Bishop Ritonia preach. With emotion in his voice, he shared that her willingness to name moral injury and moral injustice during the sermon made him feel genuinely seen for the first time in years. He said, “most people thank us for our service, but no one ever acknowledges the weight we carry. Today, I felt understood.”
That moment reminded us that healing often begins with simply being recognized, being named, honored, and remembered by the church. For veterans who have carried silent burdens, even a single sermon can open the door to hope.
This is why our work continues. And this is why your voice, your story, and your support truly matter.
The Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries invite all members of the Episcopal Church to complete the survey below. The responses received will help guide the development of future partnerships and resources that support veterans, military families, chaplains, and all who feel called to minister among them.
To take part in the survey, please visit here.
For more information, or to connect with the office, we warmly invite you to visit here.
If you feel called to support the work of our Military and VA chaplains, please consider making a monetary gift by using this link – https://apgzawhr.donorsupport.co/page/FUNHYHDHBJY
