Fr. Stephen Returns to Military Service
A Vocation Within a Vocation: Fr. Stephen Hughes Returns to Active Military Service as Chaplain
When did you become a priest?
I was ordained to the Priesthood on May 20, 2023 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. My ordination was the culmination of seven years of study and formation Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Anderson, Ohio. I graduated from the seminary with two degrees: a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Catholic Studies.
When did you join the military?
Prior to entering the seminary, I attended Bowling Green State University and graduated from there in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. I attended on an ROTC scholarship, so when I graduated, I was committed to four years of active duty service in the Air Force. I served the first two years at Aviano Air Base in Italy and then a year at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. I deferred my fourth year of service when I entered the seminary.
Why did you want to become a chaplain in the Air Force?
I arrived at the decision after a great deal of discernment. I became convicted that God was calling me to this form of service after attending some retreats. I came to believe that God had directed my path to the military so that I could eventually serve as a chaplain.
How will this next chapter work?
My last day assigned as parochial vicar at SMOY is June 30, 2026, and then I will return to active duty as an Air Force chaplain. As a chaplain I am a fully commissioned officer who must meet the same standards as any active-duty member of the military. I have to meet all the physical and training requirements.
What are your hopes/goals?
My hope is to support members of the military through the sacraments and help them integrate their faith. When you are in the military, you move every three years. There is a great deal of instability. As a chaplain I can help bring the richness and fullness of our faith into service members’ lives in a way that provides stability.
What will you miss about SMOY?
SMOY and St. Columban are the first parishes I was assigned to. I had the opportunity to touch lives and minister to people through home and sick visits, baptisms, weddings, funerals, youth group, and a variety of parish activities. It’s wonderful to be there with people who are at such meaningful points in their lives. I have enjoyed this so much and have a deep sense of gratitude for being a part of these special moments. I was also fortunate to be exposed to our schools and the children in them. I enjoyed visiting classrooms and witnessing some of the fun activities that are traditions here, like the 8th grade-teacher volleyball game. SMOY and St. Columban were wonderful places for me to grow in my ministry. Being a parish priest is to have a profound experience of Christ.
If a young person today was thinking about the military, what would you say? The priesthood?
To any young person considering military service I would tell them it is an extraordinary opportunity to travel, meet dedicated and outstanding individuals, and acquire great skills. It is also a path that requires sacrifice as you may not always have much control over where you live or what you do. For the priesthood, I would encourage any young man to spend some time discerning vocations in general. Many young men automatically jump to the vocation of marriage, but the priesthood has so many blessings too. You become a part of people’s lives in ways that are often like being part of their family. The seminary is such a valuable experience too. It is really fruitful formation for life. The seminary is a fraternity of men having a rich experience in prayer, reflection and study.
How can we stay in touch with you, Fr. Stephen?
SMOY and St. Columban remain my anchor to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Once I am settled, I will send my contact information so people can stay in touch with me.
-Alisa Fisher
