Letter calling for formation of National Catholic War Council, 1917

Courtesy of ACUA

The National Catholic War Council was established in response to the United States entering World War I. Catholics wanted to show their unity with the American public and responded to the call for war by offering their assistance. The National Catholic War Council tried to address problems that Catholics at war might face.

As you read the document, address the following questions:

• How and why did World War I unify Catholics?
• What did the National Catholic War Council call for in order for Catholics to continue their worship while at war?
• Why might post chapels need to have updated Catholic literatures and halls furnished with means of recreation?