Supporting Canadian Armed Forces members and their families
This content was adapted in 2025 from “Anglican parishes and pastoral support for military members and their families,” published in 2008.
Military service and sacrifice affects both those who serve and their families. Anglican parishes can embody Christ’s compassion by providing prayerful care and support, with practical suggestions and prayers below to guide this ministry.
How parishes can support
- Prayer and worship: Include deployed members and their families in public prayers, intercessions and Sunday liturgies. Consider establishing a prayer chain or special liturgical remembrance during Veterans’ Week.
- Practical support: Sending cards, notes or care packages can show parish members’ care and encouragement. Regular visits to families help them feel supported throughout deployments.
- Connection and listening: Maintain regular contact with families and the returning service member, listening with compassion and sensitivity. Support reintegration at home with patience, understanding and prayerful presence.
- Collaboration with chaplains: CAF chaplains are trained to provide spiritual and pastoral care to military personnel and families. Parishes can seek their guidance to help offer prayer, support and encouragement.
Key principles
- Support of individuals and families is distinct from support for specific missions or operations. Parishes are called to care for people regardless of personal views on military engagements.
- Pastoral support should be sensitive, consistent and inclusive of all family structures, cultural backgrounds and faith perspectives.
- Respect privacy, emotional readiness and the spiritual needs of both service members and their families.
Sample prayers for remembrance and support
As part of a litany or series of intercessions in a public liturgy, the following words may be helpful as a guide:
As we pray for peace on earth,
let us remember all who have been called
to place themselves in harm’s way
for the sake of peace, security and justice,
at home and abroad.
Especially do we pray God’s protection
for the members of the Armed Forces of this Country
who serve in distant lands
(including Name of region at this time).
May their efforts and sacrifice
bring peace and hope to others.
We also remember their families at home:
for those who count the days,
and for those who mourn.
And we pray that the day may be hastened
when war shall be no more.
Other prayers below have been adapted from various sources:
Lord God of hosts,
stretch forth your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect all those who strive for peace,
and especially those who serve
in the Armed Forces of our country,
in places like N. at this time.
Keep them safe from all evil,
both in the day of battle
and in times of rest and training.
Endue them with courage and loyalty,
and grant that in all things
they may serve you, the Prince of Peace.
Strengthen their families at home,
and reunite them again in your love.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, we thank you for the liberties this country enjoys, and for those who have worked and suffered and fought to secure them:
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- for freedom from war and want;
- for freedom of thought, conscience, and speech;
- for freedom of worship.
Give us grace to defend these liberties and use them responsibly in your service; and grant that through the efforts of those who serve in the Canadian Forces throughout the world, and especially in N., these freedoms may become the secure possession of all nations. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Adapted from the State of the Union address by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, referred to as the “Four Freedoms” speech
Everlasting God,
we thank you for those who continue to give themselves
in defence of freedom, mercy and good faith among the nations,
and especially Canadian Forces personnel in N.
For those who, in life and death,
have quickened our lives,
opened our eyes to the truth,
inspired our hearts by their witness,
strengthened our wills by their example,
and through whose sacrifice we live.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Adapted from The United Church of Canada’s former service book
Almighty God,
whose Son is known as the Prince of Peace,
we pray in earnest for all who serve in the Canadian Forces,
especially in N. at this time.
As they pursue their mission with courage, compassion, discipline and honour,
keep them safe under your protection,
and inspire their chaplains of all faiths
to give witness to the spirit and presence of the Prince of Peace.
Watch over those who serve abroad,
and keep their families at home safe in your care.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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