Who We Are

Our Mission

"Our mission is to promote Catholic culture within the ranks of the U.S. military and support Catholic service members in the sanctification of military life."

Our Purpose

Life in the military brings extraordinary demands, often pulling service members away from the support structures they need to sustain their Catholic faith. Many face:

• Isolation: Frequent relocations disrupt their ability to connect with new faith communities.

• Decreasing Support: A shortage of Catholic chaplains and limited chapel resources often leave Catholics without consistent pastoral care.

• Cultural Pressures: Secular environments can make it challenging to live and practice their faith openly, leading some to feel marginalized or discouraged.

• Resource Disparities: Catholics often encounter fewer resources and programs compared to Protestant-led initiatives on military installations.

CMA-US exists to foster a thriving Catholic culture across the U.S. military. We provide the support, resources, and community needed to help Catholics grow spiritually, stay rooted in their faith, and find a sense of belonging—no matter where their service takes them. In collaboration with the Archdiocese for Military Services (AMS), we encourage active participation in the sacraments, faith formation, and meaningful connections among Catholic service members and their families.

"Our vision is to act as a visible sign of the Church within our places of duty and build vibrant and holy Catholic lay communities nationwide. We support the United States Archdiocese for the Military Services by promoting the sacramental life, praying and learning together, and assisting AMS clergy and missionaries however possible."

CMA-US envisions a future where every Catholic service member feels spiritually supported, wherever their military journey takes them. Through resilient lay communities at military installations, we aim to create spaces where Catholic service members and their families can thrive, united in faith and strengthened by fellowship. By building these communities, we contribute not only to the personal growth of our members but also to the moral strength of our military and nation.

CMA-US fulfills its mission through three key initiatives:

• Local Lay Communities: Establishing chapters at military installations to provide opportunities for prayer, Bible studies, fellowship, and spiritual formation.

• Chaplains and AMS Support: Partnering with chaplains to assist with sacraments, OCIA, and faith programs, ensuring that Catholics have access to essential spiritual resources.

• A Portable Faith Network: Creating a network that travels with our members, offering consistency and continuity in faith, even through relocations or deployments.

A full description of our programs and initiatives can be found on our What We Do page.

Our work empowers Catholic service members and their families to live their faith authentically, even in the most challenging environments. CMA-US chapters foster friendships, offer resources and support for prayer and devotion, and create a sense of unity that strengthens not only individuals but the broader Church and military culture.

2021

The leadership of the Catholic Military Association of Our Lady of Victory in the United Kingdom notices an uptick in membership applications from US service members.

Feb 2022

US members of CMA-UK are encouraged to "declare independence" and form a working group to discuss starting their own Catholic military lay apostolate.

Ash Wednesday 2022

Working group members select provisional leadership and begin official planning efforts for a military lay apostolate in the United States.

March 2023

CMA-US working group submits an official package to the US Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) requesting ecclesial approval to operate as a Catholic non-profit.

Oct 2023

After more than a year of planning and coordination, CMA-US receives canonical recognition and pastoral support from the AMS.

Feb 2024

Officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia.

CMA-US stands in a proud lineage of service-related lay apostolates in U.S. history, dedicated to sanctifying military life. Our logo’s cruciform sword and crown—originally featured on the 1942 “My Military Missal,” a pocket prayer booklet carried by WWII Catholic troops—symbolizes this mission. Published by the Confraternity of the Precious Blood and National Catholic Community Service, it sustained faith from Normandy to Japan, offering liturgical guidance, prayers, and spiritual advice for soldiers. Early in our establishment, the Confraternity granted CMA-US permission to use this design in our logo, linking us to that legacy of faith and patriotism. 

From Civil War “Army Missionaries” to WWII lay efforts, Catholic laity have long supported military faith—through groups like the Catholic War Veterans, National Catholic Community Service, and modern societies such as the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. Founded in 2021 as a lay apostolate under the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, CMA-US builds portable Catholic communities on military bases nationwide, continuing this historical mission.

Whether you're a service member, a veteran, or just a passionate supporter of military Catholics, there are many ways to get involved:

• Join or Start a Chapter: Become a member and connect with fellow Catholics by joining an existing CMA-US chapter or starting one at your installation.

• Volunteer: Lend your leadership experience to the National Board, contribute your time and talents to support local chapters, AMS chaplains, or CMA-US national initiatives.

• Donate: Help us expand our mission, create new resources, and fund impactful projects for Catholics in the military by making a quick and secure donation through our secure donation page.