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

Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Rome

Bishop Paul Mason led a service of thanksgiving to mark the eightieth anniversary of the Liberation of Rome by Allied forces. The apostolic nuncio Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía delivered a message to the congregation from Pope Francis. Descentas of soldiers that served in the 1944-5 Italian campaign attended the service.

About

Walsingham Pilgrimage 16 - 20 September 2024

The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces is mounting a walking pilgrimage covering the 37 miles from the Shrine of St Julian in Norwich to the Marian Shrine at Walsingham over the period 16 to 20 Sep 2024. Bishop Paul Mason will lead 15 pilgrims from across the Whole Force on the ancient pilgrim's route of Walsingham Way. The pilgrims will be staying at the Anglican Shrine at Walsingham and will aim to enhance their faith and Catholic values through daily devotions and by journeying together.

Should you be interested in taking part, or for further information, please contact the RAF Pastoral Administrative Assistant at jeremy.wynne109@mod.gov.uk

Fr Bob Halshaw RIP

Much loved former RAF Roman Catholic Chaplain, Fr Bob Halshaw, died suddenly on the 3rd June. Fr Bob, a priest of the Lancaster Diocese, had been working in prison chaplaincy. Many serving RAF Catholics will be much saddened by this unexpected death as Fr Bob is remembered with great affection. Fr Bob had been due to attend the RAF Mass and Dinner in October this year. Requiescat in pacem.