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Doing more instead of giving up
Thank you to Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis for facilitating last month’s police marriage workshop, which drew dozens of police couples together. What a great opportunity to learn from each other (and from our speakers/panel members) ways to strengthen police marriages, which are strained by so many outside factors. Keep an eye on this col- umn for similar opportunities in the future.
We began the Lenten sea- son on Ash Wednes-
day, Feb.
26. In- variably, when
the topic
of Lent comes up, the question
arises, “So, what are you giving up?” The usual re- sponses, of course, are things like chocolate or beer.
These examples of “sacrifice” reminded me of my attempt several years ago to give up cof- fee. Coffee is one of my
best friends, so that particular Lenten sacrifice lasted about a week...and it was perhaps the most miserable week of my life.
Why, then, do we “give up” stuff if doing so makes us (and those around us) miserable? Sure, sacrificing allows us to bet- ter relate to those who are less fortunate. Our 40-day Lenten journey mirrors that of Christ himself. With that in mind, I realigned my Lenten priorities some years ago and decided: Rather than giving something up, why not do something spe- cial?
I have a CPD buddy who committed himself to reading the entire Bible last year. He has almost gotten through the entire Old Testament, so he’s more than halfway to his goal. This is a daunting task, so if you would like to take on such a challenge, may I suggest reading just a chapter or two — even randomly — every day.
WOLF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24
few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street.
“Look,” he said, “I haven’t received my Social Security check yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be OK?”
“A lousy quarter?” the drum leader exclaimed. “If you think we’re going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter, you’re nuts! No way, mister. We quit!”
And the old man enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest
St. Helen Parish (2315 W. Augusta) will host a Blue Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Join us as we pray for the safe- ty of all police officers.
Those who are familiar with the Gospels will enjoy this cartoon...
You’ll hear the Old and New Testaments pro- claimed in church on week- ends. You are always wel-
come to pray with us at the police Mass at Mercy Home (1140 W. Jackson Blvd.), celebrated the
second and fourth Sundays of each month at 11 a.m. (Please note that on Easter Sunday, Mass will be celebrat-
ed at 10 a.m.)
For the sake of on-duty worshippers, Mass lasts less than a
half hour. Coffee and rolls are served after Mass for those who wish to stay and socialize. While this is a Catholic Mass, all are welcome. Bring your family.
Also, every Friday (year-round, not just during Lent) at 1 p.m., Chaplain Joe Jackson facilitates a voluntary Bible study/ prayer/faith-sharing group at the police academy. In recent months, as many as 75 recruits, officers and civilian employ- ees of varying faiths have attended these brief Christian-based gatherings. We offer the same prayer service at HQ every Wednesday at 1 p.m.
If you’d like more information about these opportunities, please reach out to Chaplain Jackson at 312-771-6684 or jo- seph.jackson@chicagopolice.org.
May the rest of your Lenten journey be blessed and spiritu- ally fruitful. Thank you for doing (or having done) God’s work!
Call or text Father Dan Brandt, directing CPD Chaplain, at 773- 550-2369 or email him at dan.brandt@chicagopolice.org.
of his days.
On behalf of all your chaplains, may G-d bless you and al- ways keep you in His loving care. Should you need an ear to lis- ten or a shoulder to lean on or perhaps have some good humor to share, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can reach the chaplains unit at 312-738-7588, or look us up in the FOP book under “Chaplains.”
Contact Police Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Wolf at 773-463-4780 or moshewolf@hotmail.com.
FATHER DAN BRANDT
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