In response to the apparent increase in police violence this past summer, the parish of St. John the Baptist in Beaverton, Oregon reached out to a parishioner police officer and asked if his department would be interested in participating in a prayer service to honor the departed and ask for God’s protection and guidance. The event was advertised throughout the county–in the sheriff’s office and 13 police departments. The prayer service began with memorial prayers for the departed and concluded with petitions and prayers for the protection and wisdom of all law enforcement personnel. The service text is available here. Parishioners provided cookies and coffee for a simple reception afterwards in the church hall. The consensus among all involved was that this beautiful and positive event could become an annual tradition.
Resources: