Start a Chapter
Kindle the Fire... Start a Chapter
Why YOU Should Start a Chapter
Personal Growth and Spiritual Development:
Participate in meaningful prayer and reflection.
Develop leadership skills and learn how to organize and lead a group.
Experience the joy of serving others.
Build Relationships and Impact Lives:
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your faith.
Build lasting friendships and support networks.
Leave a Legacy:
Build a strong foundation for future generations of Catholic military members.
Share your story and testimony with others.
Contribute to the Mission of the Church.
How to Start a Chapter
If you are interested in starting a chapter, the National Board will be there every step of the way to assist with best practices, advice, templates, and a comprehensive chapter guide book.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) also offers a spiritual development, evangelization, and small group facilitation training course called Reach More. This course can be a great tool for discerning your personal apostolate and getting equipped to lead a CMA-US chapter.
If you already have an existing group that aligns with the CMA-US mission, consider chartering your group as a CMA-US chapter. Existing men's and women's groups, while not able to charter themselves as a chapter, might form a strong nucleus for a CMA-US chapter.
What If I Can't Find Enough People?
Growing a chapter doesn't need to be a huge recruiting ordeal. We recommend using the "You + 2" method of spiritual multiplication. What this means is that you invite two people, who in turn invite two, and so on.
What is most important to remember is that the size of a chapter doesn't really matter; what is most important is heart. Christ is present where two or more are gathered in his name. Start with a small group of dedicated individuals and gradually grow your chapter, don't worry if it seems slow. Focus on building strong relationships and providing meaningful community for your members. The most important thing is to meet, don't make plans to meet, actually do it!
As long as the heart is there, you'll eventually find that "You + 2" has grown into a large community.
Leap of Faith
Many people are joiners; if there is a community to be a part of, people will come and be a part of it. Sometimes all people need is the venue. That is where YOU come in. Even if you don't think you can take charge all the time, or if you are moving, there's bound to be someone that can help you. You are being called to lead, your community is waiting on you to build the venue, your fellow service members, vets, and military families are waiting for you to take a leap of faith... so will you?