Becoming a Military and Veteran Friendly Church

Did you know that veterans are 10 times more likely to go to clergy than all other Mental Health Providers? Our military and veterans often don’t know where to go to for help, compassionate care and support. Often they are seeking a more comfortable place, like a church or clergy for help with their problems. We can be there for them! In association with the Military Chaplain Association, the “Veteran/Military Friendly Congregation (VMFC) was conceived to promote a sense of community, acceptance and support for Veterans and their families.” Our churches can be those places where our military and veterans find support.

A key aspect of our Diocesan Military Ministry is to build programs that act as a support structure for military members, veterans, and their family members in our parishes. Building Military Ministries in each Congregation is our goal.

I look forward to working closely with congregational leaders in providing resources. In order for you to be recognized as a “Veteran Military Friendly Congregation or Ministry” you need only to follow through with these steps:

1. Complete the appropriate VMFC enrollment form at https://vmfc-usa.org/
2. Discover who in your community has served in the military.
3. Designate a member of that group to be a point of contact with me, Fr. Munoz and VMFC.
4. Invite me to lead a discussion with your congregation about the needs of your particular veterans and military families.
5. Design a ministry to meet the specific needs of your veterans and their families. I can help you with that part.
6. Your commitment toward becoming a VMF congregation begins with raising awareness among parishioners that you now have this program in place. I urge you to publish this ministry in your bulletins, newsletter, blogs, and websites. Your veterans and their families need to know they can turn to your parish for assistance.
7. Provide permission to the Military Chaplains Association and their affiliates to list your congregation information on their web site.

I stand ready to help you. Thank you again for what you will do to serve those who have served! For more information about how to support our Military and Veterans, contact The Rev. Dr. Frank Munoz at 858-395-0203 or at fmunoz@edsd.org. I invite you to view this video for more information https://youtu.be/bAPxHJ_Q8WE.