Start a Group

Deploy the Mission: Squads & Chapters

Why YOU Should Start a Community

Personal Growth and Spiritual Development:

Participate in meaningful prayer and reflection.
Develop leadership skills and learn how to organize and lead a group.
Experience the joy of serving others.

Build Relationships and Impact Lives:

Connect with like-minded individuals who share your faith.
Build lasting friendships and support networks.

Leave a Legacy:

Build a strong foundation for future generations of Catholic military members.
Share your story and testimony with others.
Contribute to the Mission of the Church.

How to Start a Community

Starting up shouldn't be a burden. We provide the kit; you provide the presence. Whether you are aiming for a full Chapter or starting with a Squad, the National Board will be there every step of the way to assist with best practices, advice, templates, and how-to guides.

The Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) also offers a spiritual development, evangelization, and small group facilitation training course called Reach More. This course can be a great tool for discerning your personal apostolate and getting equipped to lead in CMA-US.

If you already have an existing group that aligns with the CMA-US mission, consider chartering your group as a CMA-US chapter. Existing men's and women's groups, while not able to charter themselves as a chapter, might form a strong nucleus for a CMA-US chapter.

What If I Can't Find Enough People?

Growing a chapter doesn't need to be a huge recruiting ordeal. If you can't find a crowd, find your three. We call this a Squad. Christ is present where two or more are gathered.

We recommend using the "You + 2" method of spiritual multiplication. What this means is that you invite two people, who in turn invite two, and so on. Once your Squad reaches its tactical limit of 8 members, it's time to split or form a Chapter.

Focus on building strong relationships and providing meaningful community for your members. The most important thing is to meet, don't make plans to meet, actually do it!

As long as the heart is there, you'll eventually find that "You + 2" has grown into a large community.

Leap of Faith

Many people are joiners; if there is a community to be a part of, people will come and be a part of it. Sometimes all people need is the venue. That is where YOU come in. Even if you don't think you can take charge all the time, or if you are moving, there's bound to be someone that can help you. You are being called to lead, your community is waiting on you to muster the unit. Your fellow service members, vets, and military families are waiting for you to take a leap of faith... so will you?