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About Defence

Roman Catholic Bishopric Of The Forces

The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces provides the focus for the delivery of Roman Catholic Chaplaincy to the Armed Forces.

Rev Mgr (Wg Cdr) John Walsh VG RAF

Rev Mgr (Wg Cdr) John Walsh VG RAF

While the Bishopric of the Forces is waiting for the nomination of a new Bishop, the Rev Mgr (Wg Cdr) John Walsh VG RAF has been appointed as the Diocesan Administrator.

In October 2002, Mgr Walsh was selected for commissioned service as a chaplain in the Royal Air Force. He began his military training at the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell in February 2003. His first assignment was to Royal Air Force Brize Norton. He was responsible, with the other chaplains, for the repatriation of the first war dead from Iraq and the comforting of their families.

In August 2005, Mgr Walsh was assigned to Royal Air Force Marham, the largest front line station in the Royal Air Force. From here he was detached to operational duty in the Gulf twice. His greatest responsibility during this assignment lay with the encouragement and support of families. In June 2007, he was assigned to the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, the Academy of Officer training.

Appointed Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain (RAF) on 1st October 2007, he was elected Diocesan Administrator on 2 December 2008.






Personnel

in this section:

The Vision

Bishopric Vision : 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. And additionally to respond to the needs of anyone, of any creed or none, who turns to a Catholic Chaplain for support

Contact us

  • Bishop - Sede Vacante
  • Chancellor - Rev Ian Evans RAChD
  • Bishop's Sec -Maj (Retd) Diana Wilson
  • Notary - Mrs Freda Sheppard
  • Archivist - Mrs Kay Day

Bishopric of The Forces

Wellington House

St Omer Barracks

Thornhill Road

Aldershot

Hants

GU11 2BG


Tel: 01252 348234
Fax: 01252 348235
Notary: 01252 348231

Bishopric of the Forces-e-mail contact

Bishopric Background

1858 - First Catholic Chaplains commissioned


1918 - The Vatican appointed the first Military Bishop


1953 - The Vatican introduced Military Vicariates in all countries with sizeable military Forces, including Britain


1986 - All Vicariates were replaced with a diocesan structure which remains in place today

Related Pages/Documents

Bishopric of the Forces Publications
Includes Chaplains locations and Pastoral Letters
50th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2008
Summary of pilgrimage including picture gallery
Bishop Tom Burns makes history at CTCRM
Commando Training Centre Royal Marines Lympstone
G’day Holy Father
Pope officially arrives in Sydney and gives a personal welcome to British pilgrims

Related Links

RAF Chaplains
Royal Army Chaplains' Department
Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service
HCPT - The Pilgrimage Trust

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