After some research and discussion with other agencies around the county, my desire is to establish an outreach to First Responders in our local area called, “Adopt-A-First Responder.” While the original premise of the initiative is to adopt-a-cop, with so many other groups of first responders in the parish, I wanted to open this opportunity for all first responders in the local community. 

I am inviting two groups of people to our first organizational meeting. First, I am inviting first responders who would be willing to have a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help pray for them. The second group of individuals I am inviting are those who will promise to pray for them on a daily basis for their protection on the front-line and for their families. It doesn’t matter the religious background or creed of the individual officer. We extend ourselves to pray for everyone. 

The Adopt-A-First Responder program, again, is based upon the principles of “Adopt-A-Cop” whose purpose is to, “...assign law enforcement officers to a family, group, or individual who will pray daily for them and send a note of encouragement, support and a thank you for their service to the community. Imagine the powerful difference you can make in the lives of those who put their lives on the line for us every day! While a bulletproof vest gives a level of protection for our law enforcement officers, an even greater blessing and shield of protection can be found in the power of a faithful, praying believer or group of prayer warriors.”(www.adopt-a-cop.com) My desire is also to host regular gatherings for first responders and their families, not as religious proselytization, but to allow them a night out for a meal, games and fellowship. 

Please invite families and your first responders to join us on Saturday, April 1st at 10:00am, in the Life Center at Our Lady of Perpetual Help to sign-up and find out how they can benefit from a prayer partner in the local community. 

Thank you for your support!
Fr. Joe