RC Bishopric Of The Forces

Our Mission
To provide the very best operational, spiritual and pastoral support, primarily for Catholic servicemen and women (and their families) and chaplains, wherever, whenever and in whatever form it is needed. Additionally, to respond to the needs of anyone of any creed or none, who turns to a Catholic chaplain for support.

Bishop's Welcome

Welcome to the website of the Roman Catholic Bishopric of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. We are a Roman Catholic diocese whose boundaries are not geographical but take us wherever the British Military are serving. As you may imagine, that makes us a particularly large diocese.

Providing pastoral ministry to our Armed Forces is essential. It is a concrete example of the Church’s outreach in bearing witness to Christ which we endeavour to achieve in a military environment. Pope Francis tells us the Church should be like a Field Hospital. Well, in our case that can, of course, be taken literally. Our chaplains are to be found in the most challenging of times and places bringing prayer, sacraments, friendship and fellowship to those they serve.

As you browse the pages of this website you will discover much about life in the Bishopric and its work in the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. You will meet our chaplains and gain some insight into life as a Catholic in the military. You can read about our pilgrimages, retreats, associations and groups, and perhaps find something you would like to join.

As Bishop of the Forces I witness on a daily basis the faith and selfless commitment of so many dedicated servicemen and women, whether at work on their home unit in the UK or while serving overseas. The personal sacrifices they make along with the selfless support of their loved ones means we can all be safe. Just as Christ came “not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” so our military can offer a powerful example of selfless service.

If you are seeking opportunities to live out your Catholic faith with others in the Forces community, I hope these pages will help you navigate the many and varied activities we provide. Even if you are a not a Catholic yourself our chaplains are there to be alongside and support you. If you are a deacon or priest interested in becoming a military Chaplain, or perhaps you are interested in becoming a Catholic, I warmly invite you to get in touch with any of the contacts you discover as you browse the various pages.

With every prayer & blessing,

+Paul

Bishop Paul Mason

Pastoral Letters

More about Bishop Paul

Become a Chaplain

The Bishopric of the Forces exists to provide for the spiritual, sacramental and pastoral well-being of Catholic servicemen and women, and their families, within the British Armed Forces. Unlike any other diocese, the Bishopric of the Forces has no geographical boundaries but encompasses anywhere in the world that United Kingdom military personnel are serving or deployed. As the Bishop in Ordinary, I enjoy the support of excellent Chaplains, priests and deacons, who work tirelessly, and often at great personal cost to themselves, to ensure the Gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is proclaimed boldly. This means that in times of joy and sadness, at home or deployed, our people experience the gentle friendship of the Lord who is always close at hand.

- Bishop Paul Mason, HM Forces