Heavenly Lord,
We thank You most humbly for all the people that you have brought to the DPD family and pray that you will continue to guide each of us to find our place in joyful service. Your kind blessing of many volunteers is a gift beyond measure. For thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever. Amen.




✙ Gracious God, please pour your love upon those who have asked to be remembered in our prayers:
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You can add your prayer request at www.ministry.dpd.org
✙ Gracious God, please pour your love upon those who have asked to be remembered in our prayers:
Ed Lavorgna – CARE volunteer, for patience as he heals from back surgery .
Domenica Amato – Mother of Clara, as she recovers from knee surgery
Leanne Foth - daughter-in-law of Patt Foth, may God's power and strength to lead her safely through surgery to healing.
Tara Mackin- Gruenert Center volunteer, may God watch over her during her pregnancy and bless her and her unborn child with good health.
Residents of Barnet House - as they mourn the passing of their beloved friend / family member Mabel.
JoAnn McMinn – as she grieves the loss of her husband. May she find consolation in friends and family.
Lori Burton – May you fill her heart with your comfort, fill her body with your strength and her everyday with your rest.
Ron - Cousin of volunteer Camille Aveni, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. May he find consolation in God’s loving presence and for the doctors treating him.
David Quinn – Resident of the Barnet House as he mourns the loss of his sister. May he find comfort in God’s love.
Sr. Emily McMullen - friend of Sister Joan Gercke, for her recovery from a recent stroke
Ellen Sharkey – for a quick recovery from her injury. May she be surrounded by God’s healing presence
John Mazzoni - For your tender mercy during his time of illness and suffering.
James Ondimu Ochoki – For healing for this beloved father, grandfather, father in-law, brother in-law, and uncle to many.
Jessica Brittain - 6th grader from Sparta for recovery from surgery and return to strength and health.
Gary – Cousin of Cheryl Slate, for strength in suffering and return to health
Lucy Cox- May the Lord grant consolation and recovery to health.
Jack McCarthy- Father of Debbie McCarthy from the Gruenert Center. For a return to health.
Tara McKewen – as she seeks to discern the work she is being called to
Chuck Emering – Brother of Kris Bulas , as he recovers from his injuries. For patience and endurance during his healing.
Wally Camacho - May the love of God, family and friends sustain him as he undergoes dialysis 3 days a week.
Sharon Zuckerman - For strength and comfort as she undergoes treatment for breast cancer
Patrick Powis – Father of Art Powis , for comfort, strength and courage as he faces his illness
Anthony - a young man of 23 whose lungs are not in good condition, may God draw him near as his final hours approach and for comfort for his loving family.
Rosa Bascietto – Mother of Joanne Rossi. That the love and respect of her family helps to sustain her and bring her joy.
Donald – Son of volunteer Barbara Mahler, may God watch over him during his illness
Colette – Sister of Julie Tatti for strength in suffering and improvement in health
For peace, justice and hope in our world.
May God bless our staff, residents, friends, volunteers and benefactors. May he turn his face toward you and give you peace.

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Rich McGinn – Husband of Gruenert Center staff member JoAnn McGinn
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✙ February 2 – Presentation of the Lord
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy. There is an old tradition of keeping out the Nativity crèche or other Christmas decorations until this feast. The event is described in the Gospel of Luke ( Luke 2:22–40). And tells how Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary’s ritual purification after childbirth. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.”

✙ February 3 – Saint Blaise: Died 319 A.D. Patron Saint of Throat Illnesses
Saint Blaise was a Bishop in Armenia and eventually martyred for his faith. Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast because of the Blessing of the Throats that may take place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.

✙ Fe bruary 3 – Saint Agatha: Died ca. 250A.D. Patron Saint of breast cancer patients and nurses
Saint Agatha faced much suffering in her life. Having dedicated her virginity to God, fifteen-year-old Agatha, from a rich and noble family, rejected the amorous advances of the Roman prefect Quintianus, who then persecuted her for her Christian faith. Angered by her refusal of his amorous interest he sent Agatha to a brothel. However, her willful nature keep her refusing the demands of the Madame of the brothel returns her to Quintianus. He argues, threatens, and finally has her put in prison. Amongst the tortures she underwent was the cutting off of her breasts. After further dramatic confrontations with Quintianus, Saint Agatha was then sentenced to be burnt at the stake burnt at the stake, but an earthquake saved her from that fate; instead, she was sent to prison where St. Peter the Apostle appeared to her and healed her wounds. Saint Agatha died in prison. Agatha’s name is included in the canon of the Roman Mass. She is honored for her courage in suffering and in remaining pure for the sake of Christ.