Next weekend is the Jubilee of Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel. If you have a family member of friend that serves in this capacity be sure to pray for them in a special way next weekend. You may also want to give visible support to a community police officer, DARE officer, school security, or military member by bringing them a special treat, sending a family note of gratitude, or even a care package. There are many saints associated with security personnel including St. Michael, the Archangel, St. Sebastian, St. George, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Barbara. If you have military family members you may want to learn about some more recent people on the path to sainthood including Emil Kapaun who was a military chaplain in the Korean War and Vincent Robert Capodanno who was a Marine chaplain in the Vietnam War. Learn more about this jubilee weekend and find prayers for those we are recognizing, by clicking on the PDF below!

When we pray to saints and angels, we are asking for their intercession on our behalf. We believe that because saints and angels are close to God, they can intercede on our behalf to God. It can be reassuring to have special saints and angels to pray to, connecting us to our ancestors in faith, and it is a great practice to teach our children. Many families engage in a prayer to the archangels. Here is a prayer you may want to add to family prayer time from a blog entitled tiredcatholicparents.com

O powerful archangels, Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael,

come to my assistance today.
St. Michael, help me to resist the empty promises of the
devil and to fight for the glory of God’s Kingdom.
St. Gabriel, help me to be attuned to God’s voice and
to live my vocation according to His will.
St. Raphael, help me to be open to the graces given to
me in the sacraments, and cover me with the healing power
of our mighty God.
Faithful archangels, do not leave my side. Amen.

Sr. Mary Kinskey, a Franciscan Sister, was an expert in aeronautics and aviation. She was a teacher who became an accomplished pilot because her students were eager to learn more about flight! She began to learn to fly in 1938. She held a MS in Physics from the University of Notre Dame and she started training others to fly through the Civil Aeronautics Authority. Her courses were even attended by NASA specialists. In 1957, Sr. Kinskey received a special citation from the United States Air Force for "outstanding contributions to the advancement of airpower in the interest of national security and world peace." Enjoy this brief video about Sr. Mary Aquinas Kinskey nicknamed "The Flying Nun."

The image of Sr. Kinskey is in the Public Domain

Want to think more about aviation and get some things to fly with your kids? Try these experiments from science-sparks.com

Observe this month by praying this litany as a family!

As we begin Black History Month, today is a National Day of Prayer! Use the resources below to learn more and pray

It is always important to come to this particular Spiritual Work of Mercy with a great deal of humility. None of us are without sin and this work can often sound as if it is judgmental instead of loving. However, if we can admit to our faults and failings, we can lovingly and with charity help someone who is acting in a state that is harmful to themselves, their relationship with others, and with God. All of us are in need of gentle correction. When we can admit to our own weakness and love others through theirs, we can help people make positive change in a way that makes people feel cared for instead of looked down on. Pray for the person you are helping and ask the Holy Spirit to change their heart! Teaching our children to help friends or siblings see the danger or pain they are causing by their actions instead of just being tattle-tales, can help them become adults who have positive relationships and are good communicators!

Make heart cakes together to celebrate Valentine's Day! Use this recipe from catholicculture.org.

World Marriage Day is observed the second week of February each year. This began in the 1980's as a way to celebrate and support marriage. You can take some time out to observe the week as a couple by participating in this "at-home" couple's retreat throughout the week. Download the PDF below for the guide provided by the USCCB. Sometime during the week, enjoy a special celebration of your marriage with your kids; it is a wonderful witness to the children of the love that sustains your home and a beautiful yearly tradition!

Additional resources can be found at:

This month, Bishop Matano celebrates and affirms high school seniors across our diocese who have been the "hands of Christ" in their parish communities. These are young people who actively participate in the Mass and parish life, demonstrate a Christian attitude toward their peers and elders, serve in ministries, and volunteer at school and around the community and serve as role models to a younger generation. Please join us in praying in gratitude for the goodness of our Hands of Christ recipients!

Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester

Editor: Leslie Barkin leslie.barkin@dor.org

Debtor in Possession

Email: oec@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Location: Diocese of Rochester, Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY, USA
Phone: 585-328-3210

See them all here!