The chaplain held the mass in a small, open classroom in the California Military Department’s Consolidated Headquarters Complex, and Soldiers were able to attend in the morning. Even though a classroom isn’t a traditional setting for a Catholic Mass, he set up everything necessary for holding a Mass.

“We have the missal [...] here you have the readings for every day, for every Sunday, and then you have the prayers that are here,” Vaughan said as he explained each item that he had assembled for the Mass, which would typically be placed on a church altar.

After he assembled everything, Vaughan donned his vestments, kissing each piece of the “blessed” garments as he carefully put them over his uniform.

“The vestments are blessed, but also, there’s prayers that the priest says when he puts on the garments, and so it’s a preparation done in prayer,” said Vaughan. “I think it’s out of respect and veneration. You’ll see priests do this differently, but this is what I do because that’s what I believe.”

The Mass proceeded with the Introductory Rights, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Rite of Communion, and a conclusion. As Vaughan spoke each section of the service, his attendees followed his example, echoing back phrases and promptly following instructions.

The room was silent and solemn throughout the service, despite it being held in a nontraditional setting. The attendees sat on office chairs instead of church pews, but they still treated each moment with reverence.