Clergy Appreciation Week celebrated by Hope Civitan Club

The Hope Civitan Club, along with Civitans worldwide, is observing Clergy Appreciation Week, February 2-8. Hope Mayor Don Still recently met with local Civitans and signed a proclamation, designating that week as Clergy Appreciation Week in Hope.

The annual observance honors leaders of all faiths for their dedicated service to their local communities. Civitan clubs have set aside a week in February since 1963 to honor local faith leaders, inspired by the story of four military chaplains. On February 3, 1943, a Methodist minister, a Catholic priest, a Reformed minister, and a Jewish rabbi all sacrificed their lives in service to others on board the USS Dorchester after it was hit by a torpedo. They gave their own life jackets to other passengers and locked arms in prayer as the ship submerged into the icy waters. The story of the Four Chaplains has been commemorated in several books, films, and in song.

Clergy Appreciation Week is a week of celebration and appreciation for all men and women who, as leaders in their respective ministries, dedicate their lives to the service of others. The Hope Civitan Club encourages everyone to show appreciation to Hope’s dedicated members of the clergy during Clergy Appreciation Week.

Pictured with Mayor Still at the proclamation signing are Civitans (from left) Kim Smith, Eva Morehead, Mona Still, and Jerry Pruden.