May/June 2010 Year of the Priest

                                                    Military Priests   

                                                                                          By Tracey Becker

       This month we will look at some priests who we do not see everyday. This is an interview with a soon to be priest, Ken Malley. who is a lieutenant. He will go to places like Iraq and Afghanistan with the soldiers.

1. What does a priest in the military do?   

In one sense, a military priest does everything that a non-military priest does.  All Catholic priests are Sacramental Ministers.  It is our responsibility to bring the sacraments to the faithful.  Where a military priest is different is in the environment that he serves. A military priest can expect to be shipped overseas on a regular basis, helping to bring the Sacraments to the faithful wherever they are, anywhere in the world.  Additionally, having a family member risking his life overseas is an understandably stressful event. As a military priest, one is trained in how to help those undergoing such events.

2. Why do you want to be a priest in the military?

I wish to be a priest serving the military for the same reason that I wish to be a priest: I feel that it is where God is calling me to serve.  However, there are many reasons why I feel that there is a high need for military priests.  One of the main reasons is that as a priest, we are expected to take care of our flock.  If those in our care are risking their lives in other countries of the world, we have a responsibility to be there for them. 

3. What else would you like us to know?

Being a military priest is most definitely a calling, and it requires much of the priest that may be hard for some.  A military priest is always on the move – wherever the soldiers go, he must go.  Moreover, it requires a faith in God’s protection.  There is an inherent danger to being a priest serving in hostile areas, and a priest must brave these areas in order to properly serve his people.

 If you would like to ask Lt. Malley more questions, please email the magazine and we will send your questions to him.

We have had a fun Year of the Priest. Over the year we have learned about some of the most famous priests and some not so famous. We made some wonderful projects. I bet you thought of many more ideas to honor your priest that we did not think of. What was your favorite part of  the Year of the Priest?