Catholic Military Life

Now that it's back-to-school season, Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O., talks about a huge increase in the number of young men entering the seminary to become Catholic priests and military chaplains. Among the several hundred prospective priests entering American seminaries for the first time this fall, at least seven plan, after ordination, to go on active duty as chaplains. Additionally, another four U.S. Catholic seminarians in various advanced stages of formation have decided this year to pursue military chaplaincy, and have made a commitment to “serve those who serve” as priests in the armed forces. That brings to 11 the total number of Catholic men embarking this year on the vocational journey toward military chaplaincy, bringing the total number in formation to 43--up from just seven in 2008.