Tips for Living a Catholic Life

A Catholic priest for nearly four decades and a retired reserve chaplain from the United States Air Force, Father Thomas Maikowski leads religious services in the northern regions of Arizona. Father Thomas Maikowski practices Catholicism and helps his congregation understand how to fulfill their purpose as dictated in the Bible.

One of the primary purposes for a devout practitioner of Catholicism involves serving others. While service can be in the form of obtaining an education in theology to become a priest or missionary, some people are called to marriage and a family life, where they can make a difference in the lives of others on an everyday basis. The following are a few ideas for daily practice.

1. Reflect on blessings and challenges regularly by praying. Scheduling daily time for prayer allows you to step away from your daily routine to thank God for the blessings you have received.

2. Make time to help the less fortunate. Seeking opportunities to participate in service projects fulfills your mission to serve others who are downtrodden or are facing injustices.

3. Strive to forgive and be forgiven to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Listen to your conscience and seek forgiveness of those you have offended.

4. Share your faith in the presence of others by joining a small Christian community. Joining a community allows you to grow alongside fellow believers and encourage others in their faith.

The Air Force Commendation Medal - Criteria and Design

Currently serving as a parish administrator in the Southwest United States, Father Thomas Maikowski previously spent more than 25 years with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) before retiring in 2009. Father Thomas Maikowski’s work as a USAF reserve chaplain received widespread recognition, including two Air Force Commendation Medals (AFCM).

An AFCM is presented in acknowledgement of meritorious service and achievement to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. According to the USAFE Enlisted Heritage Gateway, the level of merit is required to be distinctive, although it doesn’t have to be singular. A member of the Armed Forces who performs acts of courage without voluntary risk of life is eligible for AFCM consideration. For example, a service member could earn the medal by offering instruction that significantly increases a unit’s combat readiness and thereby improves the unit’s performance on missions around the world.

Sanctioned by the Secretary of the Air Force in 1958, the bronze, hexagon-shaped AFCM features the Air Force Seal, which depicts an eagle with open wings resting atop a baton. Under the seal, there is a shield with flyer’s wings, a vertical baton, and eagle claws that is positioned over a background of eight lightning bolts.                            

University of Saint Francis Celebrates New Academic Year

A retired United States Air Force chaplain and longtime educator, Father Thomas Maikowski serves as a parish administrator and the director of a parish preschool in the southwestern United States. Father Thomas Maikowski has also garnered eight academic degrees in various subjects from Catholic academic institutions, including a master of science in education degree from the University of Saint Francis, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

At its annual Founder’s Day celebration in August, USF announced that it experienced strong new student enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year after one of the university’s most substantial classes in decades graduated this past May. USF explains that a number of new programs helped foster a 13 percent increase in the number of incoming first-year students between 2014 and 2015.

During the Founder’s Day opening convocation and Mass, USF president Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF, also highlighted the university’s most recent achievements and upcoming events, such as the upcoming celebrations marking the school’s 125th anniversary. Sister Elise additionally discussed the university’s Franciscan value for the new school year, “Reverence the unique dignity of each person,” while urging USF stakeholders to review Pope Francis’ recent encyclical that asks all individuals to care for the earth.