The Warrior Priests (and the Brits, too!)

Most Catholic dioceses throughout the world are relatively similar. They have a bishop (or archbishop), a group of diocesan priests, and a number of parishes. They follow the Roman Rite of Catholicism and are generally pretty indistinct from each other. There are 2 "special" US dioceses that bear explanation, however!

Firstly, we have the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. This is a special one for us here at Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish, as our own Fr. Philip O'Neill is currently serving as a US Air Force Chaplain in this diocese on loan from the Archdiocese of Hartford! Technically, there are only 5 priests assigned to this Archdiocese: Archbishop Timothy Broglio and his four auxiliary bishops.

All other Catholic military chaplains are lent to the AMS by their home diocese, just like Fr. O'Neill. The priests are released from their home diocese for a period of military service with the understanding that they will return to continue their ministry afterwards. Praise God for the courage and dedication of our military chaplains of the AMS!