As noted in an official Navy article, Catholic Bishop Robert Coyle, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, recently visited the US Naval Recruit Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois. He was able to meet with the Command’s leadership and celebrate communion with trainees at the Recruit Memorial Chapel. As every trainee of every branch knows, the ability to celebrate one’s faith during the intensity of basic training can provide the support and strength to persevere:

During Catholic services at RTC, recruits volunteer to sing in the choir or serve at the altars. Recruits can also offer prayers, read scripture and take Holy Communion. According to Seaman Recruit Katrina Biggs, taking an active role in Mass helps her feel closer to her family while she is away from home.

The article makes a point of noting that Catholics are by no means the only religious group at the RTC:

The chaplain corps at RTC consists of eight Navy chaplains and five Religious Program Specialists. Along with Catholicism, RTC offers a myriad of other religious services led by chaplains assigned to the command to include Reform Judaism, Eastern Orthodox, Baptist, Christian Reform, Evangelical Lutheran and Latter-day Saints. For all other religions and beliefs, lay leaders and clergy from the local community use space in the chapel to give everybody an opportunity to practice their faith.

Some bases have even provided access to atheist religious services.

It seems everyone can use a little spiritual support during basic training.

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