Southern Nebraska Register
St. Michael Parish in Lincoln will present “Battle for the Family,” Jan. 8, 15 and 22, 2026.
The three-part formation series aims to strengthen families to remain firm in the Lord amidst the spiritual warfare of the devil against marriages and families.
The series is based on Ephesians 6:10-18 and will be led by pastor Father Cole Kennett, assistant pastor Father Ranil Weerackoon, and Joy Martin, director of discipleship. The three presenters will address the historical context for spiritual warfare and the nature of the enemy, emphasize the six pieces of the armor of God, and highlight the spiritual power of persevering prayer in the Holy Spirit for oneself and others.
The leadership team at St. Michael Church and School felt called to enlighten members of the parish family of the wiles of the enemy and ready them for mission.
“The evil one is in charge of this world, and he is the father of lies,” Father Kennett said. “Many of those lies permeate our culture, our hearts, and our families.”
Kathleen Beckman’s book “A Family Guide to Spiritual Warfare” served as the inspiration for the series.
“She encourages families as the domestic church to step up and fight with prudence and prayer, arming themselves with the Lord’s provision,” Martin said. “The parish leadership team recognizes the struggles families face and desires to offer all members of the parish family opportunities for support and community.”
In offering the series, the team hopes to inspire greater awareness of the enemy’s tactics, encourage faithful resolve to cooperate with the Lord’s plan for spiritual leadership and initiative in the home, and build stronger unity with other parishioners, couples, and families.
Anyone is welcome to attend the sessions Jan. 8, 15, and 22. They will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the St. Michael School commons area. No registration is required. Each evening will include teaching, small group discussion, and time for prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Also starting in January at St. Michael Parish is a six-week study for healing and freedom led by three professionals in psychology and psychotherapy, and based on the book “Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts” by Dr. Matthew Breuninger. The complementary offering gives parishioners and those in surrounding parishes a safe space to explore the pain and suffering that has come from wounds in the battle.
The “Finding Freedom” study begins Jan. 12 and runs for six consecutive Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration details are available at https://www.stmichaellincoln.org/.
