CMA-US Launches Inaugural Live Webinar: Thriving as a Military Catholic

CYBERSPACE — Breaking new ground in its mission to foster spiritual community across the globe, the Catholic Military Apostolate of the United States (CMA-US) recently hosted its first-ever live national webinar. Titled “Thriving as a Military Catholic: Living the CMA-US Rule,” the session provided service members, veterans, and families with tactical spiritual insights for navigating the unique challenges of military life.

Bridging the Distance

With 25% of the U.S. military identifying as Catholic but served by a chaplain corps that is only 7% Catholic, many service members face periods of spiritual isolation. The webinar was designed to provide the "connective tissue" needed to stay anchored in Christ between Sundays and across thousands of miles of deployment or PCS transitions.

Tactical Insights for Spiritual Survival

The live session featured a panel of guest speakers who shared practical strategies for living out the CMA-US Member Pledge (the "Rule of Life"). Key topics included:

• The Rule of Life: Understanding how a disciplined spiritual routine creates a permanent culture of faith, even in high-tempo duty environments.

• Daily Discipline: Practical advice for maintaining prayer and sacramental life in the barracks, on ship, or at home.

• Squad Deployment: A guide for members to form their own "Squads"—small tactical units of 2-3 fellow Catholics—to foster intentional accompaniment at their local installations.

A Unified Digital Community

The webinar saw participation from across all branches and ranks, demonstrating the high demand for lay-led spiritual resources that complement the work of the chaplaincy. By leveraging digital platforms, CMA-US is ensuring that no military Catholic has to walk their faith journey alone, providing a community of support regardless of where their orders may lead.

Next Steps for Members

For those who missed the live broadcast, the recording is available via the CMA-US YouTube channel. Members are encouraged to use the webinar as a "kick-off" for local discussions within their chapters or newly formed squads.

“Our goal is to stop the spiritual 'drift' that often happens during transitions,” said the CMA-US leadership team. “This webinar series is a visible sign that our community is active, mobile, and united in the mission of sanctifying military life.”