On 31 March 2023, during Holy Week, the most sacred days of the Christian faith ALL Catholic Pastoral Care was terminated at the Walter Reed National Medical Center. This action is a violation of the 1st Amendment to Free Exercise of Religion. The government even went as far as issuing a CEASE AND DESIST ORDER directed the Franciscan Priest cease all religious revive on that day as its contract is terminated.
The Government Contracting Official stated the contract will now be serviced by a secular Defense Contractor. However, the contract as issued is for Catholic Services to be conducted by a secular contractor. This contractor cannot full fill the statement of work in the contract.
Catholic Pastoral Care requires a Catholic Priest. Therefore, Catholic Pastoral Care is no longer available to Catholic service members at the hospital.
Included in this post are copies of the official contracting documents issued for the Performance Work Statement and Requests for Proposals. Additionally, you will find a letter you can use to express your opinion to our Representatives to correct this egregious order be vacated and a Proper Catholic Pastoral Care be reinstated.
Your help is greatly appreciated.