Supporting the Practice of the Faith of Those Who Serve
The Saint John XXIII Foundation provides sources of funding to ensure the spiritual care of Catholic men and women serving in the Armed Forces, patients in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and United States government personnel serving abroad. Through faithful stewardship, the Foundation supports Catholic military chaplains and funds outreach, sacramental ministry, and faith support for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Inspired by the life and ministry of Pope Saint John XXIII, who served as a military chaplain during World War I, the Foundation carries forward his legacy of bringing faith, compassion, and the sacraments to those in need, wherever they are called. His ministry brought faith, compassion, and the sacraments to soldiers in the midst of hardship and uncertainty.
Pope Saint John XXIII’s legacy continues to guide the Foundation’s mission: ensuring that wherever duty calls—on the battlefield, in hospitals, or abroad—the Church remains present to provide spiritual care, support, and hope.
History
The Saint John XXIII Foundation was established on May 6, 2022, as a nonprofit corporation organized with the mission to “establish, receive, and maintain a fund or funds for the pastoral support of Catholics in the Armed Forces, patients in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, and United States government personnel serving outside of the United States.” The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is categorized as a supporting organization of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
As a supporting organization, the work of the Foundation is closely tied to the unique canonical and operational structure of the Archdiocese. Erected in 1985 by Pope John Paul II, the AMS exercises canonical jurisdiction over Catholics serving in the United States Armed Forces, those receiving care in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and U.S. government personnel serving outside the territorial boundaries of the United States. Unlike a territorial diocese, the AMS maintains no parish infrastructure or real property and receives no direct funding from the United States government, relying instead on private contributions to sustain its ministries.
In light of these structural realities and the increasing scope of the Archdiocese’s pastoral responsibilities, the Foundation was created to undertake a sustained effort to secure long-term financial resources through the development of endowed funds dedicated to the support of the AMS. These efforts resulted in the accumulation of significant charitable assets intended to provide enduring support for its mission.
To ensure the proper stewardship, preservation, and growth of assets, the Foundation was established to receive, hold, invest, and administer endowed and other funds in perpetuity. This structure provides for independent governance, fiduciary oversight, and long-term asset growth, while ensuring that all funds remain dedicated exclusively to the benefit of the practice of the faith of those who serve.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors oversees the investment and growth of all endowed assets, has strengthened the Foundation’s governance and operational framework, and has advanced its visibility among donors and institutional partners.
Having completed this initial phase of organizational development and asset growth, the Saint John XXIII Foundation is now positioned to commence the making of grants to support the pastoral mission of those who serve our nation.