Donning a police hat, white shirt, and badge, Father Jacob Dankasa could easily be mistaken for a police officer at first glance; but a second look might reveal the stark clerical collar peeking through his uniform, a hint to the priest’s true role: police chaplain.
This fall, at the request of Bishop Edward J. Burns, the Diocese of Dallas initiated a new ministry aimed at providing some spiritual backup for Dallas police officers, welcoming its first two volunteer police chaplains, Father Jacob Dankasa and Deacon Manny Rendon.
Members of Dallas Area Interfaith and the St. Pius X Catholic Church community came together in cooperation with the Dallas Police Department to participate in a community walk on Nov. 4.
On Saturday, Aug. 6, members of the Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Dallas Fire and Rescue, and other first responders joined Bishop Edward J. Burns at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe for a Blessing of the Fleet and the Diocesan Blue Mass in recognition and thanksgiving for their service.