This past week, as part of “Faith and Blue” week, students in our Religious Education program drew pictures to be given to local law enforcement officers to show support and appreciation for the safety and protection they provide to our community. As expressed by many of the drawings created by students, we are grateful for the service and sacrifice that they provide. A prayer for First Responders: Blessed are you, Lord, God of mercy, who through your Son gave us a marvelous example of charity and the great commandment of love for one another. Send down your blessings on these your servants, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Grant them courage when they are afraid, wisdom when they must make quick decisions, strength when they are weary, and compassion in all their work. When the alarm sounds and they are called to aid both friend and stranger, let them faithfully serve you in their neighbor. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer Credit: Book of Blessings, #587, by Diana Macalintal)