Candlelight vigil for peace in Newark, where people are 'upset and confused'

From Newark-

Sirens wailed as police and fire equipment rushed past the place of worship Sunday night where people gathered for the Prayer Vigil for Peace at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark.

“We needed to have a witness in response to Ferguson and Staten Island,” said Episcopal Bishop Mark Beckwith. “People are upset and confused and we offer hope, together, in a commitment to a more just world,” Beckwith added.

Dozens came to the church, which traces its history to the early 18th century. Some wore a bulls-eye on their backs.

More here-

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/12/candlelight_vigil_for_peace.html

As police chaplains, Palm Beach clergy available to offer comfort, consolation 24/7

From Florida-

A Palm Beach police officer was on his way to work one night when a man jumped in front of his car on Interstate 95.

It was the officer’s personal car, so it was just coincidence that the man jumped in front of a car driven by a police officer.

As the officer stopped to make sure aid was on the way, he also called the Palm Beach police station to let the duty captain know what had happened.

When the duty captain got to the scene, he called back to the station to ask if a Catholic priest was available to talk to the officer, who was distraught.

On the other end of the telephone was then-Sgt. Fred Hess.

“The officer was Catholic and wanted a priest to provide consolation,” Hess said. “He knew it wasn’t his fault, but was still going through the ‘what ifs.’”

The Florida Highway Patrol determined it was the man’s intent to commit suicide; he died from his injuries, Hess said.

More here-

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/as-police-chaplains-palm-beach-clergy-available-to-2170103.html

Rector Helps Community Mourn Loss of Special Civil Servant

From The Diocese of Pittsburgh- (Shameless self promotion-on my part.)

It’s not everyday that an Episcopal priest leads a funeral procession for a dog. But it’s not everyday that a community comes together to mourn a dog like Ando. He was one of a special breed, not in the sense of canine genetics, but in his public service.

Ando, a German shepherd, served for seven years as Ligonier Township’s K-9 police officer. He was euthanized last week, one month after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

That’s when officials turned to the Rev. Dr. James Simons, Rector of St. Michael’s of the Valley in Ligonier. “They asked me to officiate at a community memorial service,” said Dr. Simons, who added that he has sometimes been asked by animal owners to help them deal with the loss of a family pet or horse.

More than 200 people turned out to pay tribute to Ando, according to the Tribune-Review, one of many news organizations covering the August 23rd event on the Diamond in Ligonier. The service began with bagpipes and prayers; it ended with the retiring of Ando’s badge and the sounding of Taps.

More here-

http://www.episcopalpgh.org/rector-helps-community-mourn-loss-of-special-civil-servant/