What’s inside a field Mass kit?
At SEEK 2026 in Denver, Colo., Father Patrick Riffle gave ChurchPOP an inside look at the essentials needed to bring the sacrifice of the Mass to our brothers and sisters in uniform.
Father Patrick is a chaplain in the United States Navy. Currently, he is assigned to the 6th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
"In the military, we spend a lot of time celebrating Mass in non-traditional places. So, particularly for us in the Navy and the Marine Corps, we utilize what we call a field mass kit like this," Father Patrick begins.
"First of all, getting there. A lot of times we travel by helicopter, so we'll use what is called our cranial, which allows us to be safe while on the helicopter."
Father Patrick then breaks down the expeditionary Mass kit.
"Inside the mass kit, we have all the stuff that we need for Mass. So we'll carry a small missile and a stand for that. We have the patent, our small chalice, all the linens that we need," he continues.
"We have cool little candles that have a nice little windshield on them so that they don't blow out."
Father Patrick explains that the Mass kit even comes with its own little bell for the consecration in case they happen to have an altar server.
The priest told ChurchPOP that Navy chaplains take care of all the sea services—Navy, Marines, and the Coast Guard.
More About Father Patrick Riffle, Catholic Military Chaplain
During his time as a chaplain, Father Patrick has been assigned to a variety of different places, ranging from an aircraft, coast to coast in the United States, and even in Okinawa, Japan.
“I was recruited while in seminary,” he explains.
He studied at the North American College in Rome.
Father Patrick was moved by a presentation on the Navy chaplaincy. This, he said, aided in his discernment to do missionary work as a diocesan priest.
After ordination, he spent six years in a parish to gain invaluable experience. Then, he was off to boot camp!
He eventually completed chaplaincy school and has served in active duty for 10 years now.
What an incredible story of trust in God’s divine providence!
Here is a special prayer for military chaplains from The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA:
"Heavenly Father, bless and protect Military Chaplains and fill them with the joy and courage of their vocation as personal ministers of Christ in preaching your word and nourishing us with the Sacraments. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen."