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

UK Bishopric of the Forces lead
Apostolat Militaire International

On 12th September 2024, at the General Assembly and Conference of the Apostolat Militaire International (AMI) in Mombasa, Kenya, The Reverend (Squadron Leader) Neil Galloway was installed as the new Secretary General of this international organisation.

Rev (Sqn Ldr) Neil Galloway with the President of the Apostolat Militaire International, VAdm Matthieu Borsbloom (Royal Netherlands Navy). MOD Crown copyright.

RAF Chaplain remembered

A graveside service remembering Father Michael Kelly, a Limerick Royal Airforce Chaplain was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of his death. He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in the cemetery attached to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

The service was conducted by Padre Dave Skillen, the Principal Catholic Chaplain, RAF. A Mass for Fr Michael was celebrated by RAF Chaplain Fr James Mealy who is currently stationed in Dubai.

Sadly little is known about Fr Michael. Efforts to track down any descendant members of his family have so far been without success. Deacon Dave Skillen said “If there are any descendants of Michael l am sure they would like to know that he is not forgotten and if they want to visit his grave l would make arrangements to welcome them”.