FORT BELVOIR, VA — “Ministry is how you get to heaven.” Those words are familiar to Catholic soldiers and their families who have served at Fort Belvoir over the past 40 years. Sister Michael Bochnowski, SSC, PhD, has made them a running refrain as she pursues her ministry as Coordinator of Religious Education for the Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Community at the Northern Virginia installation, where she has served since 1986. Fort Belvoir’s Catholic population is one of the U.S. Army’s largest, and those who know Sister Michael say she is a strong spiritual influence, a “pied piper” who draws Army families deeper into their faith life through her teaching, mentoring, counseling, fundraising, and more.
U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Major General William Green, Jr., approved the Order of Joseph, the Army’s only award for chaplain corps civilians, in recognition of Sister Michael’s nearly 40 years of service on post. The award is named after Joseph, the son of Jacob who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, only to rise to political prominence in Egypt under Pharaoh (Gen 37-50). The award recognizes civilian nominees who significantly contribute to the efforts of the Army Chaplaincy through extraordinary professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence in service to others.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Sister Michael earned her doctorate in religious education from New York University. The Oct. 5 award presentation took place at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass celebrated by Father John J. Mudd. The award was presented at the Fort Belvoir Chapel by Chaplain Eddie Kinley, (COL), USA, the Garrison Chaplain.
Sister Michael commented, “I am honored to receive this award. I am grateful for the privilege of sharing our Catholic faith with those who serve and defend our country. To walk with them on this spiritual journey has been a sacred trust.”
Upon receiving word of the award, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), sent Sister Michael a letter of congratulation, writing in part:
“I hasten to congratulate you. It is good that the U.S. Army is recognizing your many years of service to its men, women, and families…. and your sacrifices over the years have been appreciated.
“As you know, religious education is a fundamental right assured by the constitutional provisions regarding religious liberty. This recognition of your work reminds all that religious education in all faiths is a part of the inalienable right to practice and live one’s faith.”
Sister Michael belongs to the Society of Sisters for the Church of Paterson, NJ. At 87, she remains zealous in her ministry to those who serve at Fort Belvoir. “It’s how you get to heaven.”
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