Veterans Accompaniment in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is a fruit of the veterans and volunteers at parish ministries, in particular St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO. This ministry aims to both accompany veterans seeking spiritual and other practical supports, as well as to empower parishioners and priests to be equipped with resources available to veterans in our area. For any questions on Veterans Accompaniment, please contact the Military Outreach Ministries of St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO by contacting annroberts977@gmail.com, 816-469-0271.
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This ministry is important in a number of ways. It helps meet the economic needs of veterans searching for housing and employment opportunities. It creates pathways to care for the mental and spiritual health of veterans in our parishes. And it encourages parishes to truly provide accompaniment and Christ-like friendship, just as should be modeled in every ministry opportunity.
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Catechism: CCC 2310
Scripture: Isaiah 59:17, Matthew 8:5-13, Matthew 11:28, John 15:13, 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Church Fathers: The Early Church Fathers on Military Service
How Did the Early Church Fathers View Military Service?
Encyclicals and Other Letters: Pacem in Terris (1963)
Spirituali militum curae (1986, in Latin)
USCCB: Conscience, War, and Peace
Honoring our Military Chaplains
Guidance on Questions of Conscience and Military Service
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Community Resources:
Prayer & Worship Opportunities
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Start or join a parish prayer group. Pastoral care leaders will periodically email or text updates and prayer requests to parish prayer group leader(s). These communication can then be sent to a parish email/text list or shared at regularly-scheduled parish prayer group meetings.
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Join your local parish home-bound ministry and ensure that home-bound veterans are accessing spiritual supports available to them.
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Join in regular diocesan prayer events geared towards veterans, including Memorial Day, 4th of July, September 11th, and Veterans Day.
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If you are a priest or deacon, become familiar with the practices of military honors at funerals
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Consider these prayers for the military
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Increase devotion to these patron saints and others such as Fr. Emil Kapaun, Fr. Vincent R. Capodanno, Fr. Joseph Verbis Lafleur, and the "Four Chaplains" of WWII.
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
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Consider joining or starting a parish veterans ministry or mental health ministry
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Ask parish leadership to invest in veterans ministry and network with other parishes and deaneries to build up the ministry; engage in learning opportunities through the Catholic War Veterans, the MCC, the VA, and others to build a well-rounded ministry.
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A Veterans Advocate for a Catholic diocese or parish serves as a bridge between the military/veteran community and the Church, requiring a unique blend of pastoral care, administrative competence, and familiarity with military culture. Effective advocates should be deeply rooted in their faith, possessing a heart for service and the ability to foster community, prayer, and support.
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Participate in the Veterans Retreat at the White House Jesuit Retreat Center every June.
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Share veterans resources with your parish secretary and priest, who are often the first to receive communication from veterans in the parish community
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Host a parish informational night about the challenges veterans face and the community resources available.
Pastoral Care Opportunities
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Facilitate parish, school, and group presentations on veterans' challenges and resources
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Assist with development of additional presentations on veterans' challenges and resources
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Serve as a diocesan resource for questions from groups on the Church's teachings on veterans' affairs, non-violence, mental health, and economic justice for veterans
Fundraising & Promotion
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to the Military Outreach Ministries at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO. This will be used for programs and materials for veterans in our wider community. Learn how to donate by contacting annroberts977@gmail.com, 816-469-0271