Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Miami, recently urged parishioners to support the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS), a message published in the Nov. 8 edition of Miami's Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church bulletin said.

Wenski noted that in 1985, the AMS was established by St. John Paul II to help include a full range of pastoral ministries to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Its mission was to serve those who serve, including helping those who were undergoing treatment at Veterans Affairs' medical centers.

"While the salaries and retirement of military chaplains are paid for by the government, the AMS receives no funding from the military or the government in support of programs and services vital to the mission and ministry of its mission, including Vocations, Evangelization and Catechesis, Sacramental Records, Tribunal and Veterans Affairs," Wenski said in the bulletin.

He also stated that the AMS has no parishes or parish registries and no weekly collections and, as such, relies on private donations.

"Your support of the National Collection for the AMS will bring the Gospel, the sacraments and other forms of spiritual support to men and women who serve our country and defend our freedoms, including parishioners and families from your own parish family," Wenski said.