Shield a Badge

It has been just over a year since the “Shield a Badge” program was introduced to the Knights of Columbus here in Texas and the participation has been incredible.Councils from all over the State have taken on this project and are supporting their local police.Some councils have even included the local fire departments.Brother Knights, their families, church parishioners, Catholic School students, neighbors, and friends are all praying for State Troopers, Sheriff Deputies, Police Officers, and Constables.The prayers are working too.Last year, 14 officers were killed in the line of duty here in Texas. When people are praying for the police officers and showing them their gratitude for the work they are doing, the officers feel better about doing their job and feel safer.So thank you for that.

Please contact me if you are still interested in starting a “Shield a Badge” program in your council or church community.Don’t be discouraged if a department is hesitant to release officers’ information.If that happens, contact the officers you know or who are members of the parish and work through them.They may be able to find additional officers who want to be part of this program.Either way, keep praying for all those who put their lives on the line each day to protect us.

Even if you are unable to start this program, you can always host a “Blue Mass” or consider doing an appreciation breakfast, lunch, or dinner event for the officers that patrol your parish area.You could do a pancake breakfast after the Blue Mass.But, just praying for the officers, a daily prayer said for that officers Safety, Good Judgment, and a Safe Return Home is all that is needed.

This photo was taken just before nearly 100 Fort Worth Police officers traveled to Houston and Beaumont to help with the hurricane recovery.The officers, family members, and supporters bowed their head in prayer for all those who were affected by the storm and those who were there to help.

God Bless Texas and God Bless our Police Officers.

For more information on “Shield a Badge” program, contact Pat Henz at pghenz@yahoo.com