Diocesan Blue Mass honors law enforcement
By Jim Shea
Correspondent
Police officers from across the state joined other law enforcement officers in St. Matthew Church, Edison, Oct. 25 for the annual diocesan Blue Mass.
Blue Mass participants pray for the safety of all public servants and honors law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who have fallen in the line of duty.
The first Blue Mass was held Sept. 29, 1934, in St. Patrick Church, Washington, D.C. Its name comes from the blue uniform worn by many officers and its goal is to create a greater awareness of and gratitude for the lives of those who serve in law enforcement.
“We hold this Mass each year because we recognize that you put your life on the line as Jesus did,” said Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski during his homily at the Mass concelebrated by Msgr. William Benwell and priests from throughout the diocese. “You have chosen a way of life which at times is dangerous, that has to deal with difficult personalities in society. You have chosen a way of life that makes our society safer and better.”
The Bishop added that the traits displayed by those who uphold the law are examples for all of society. “We see officers daily who go out of their way to accommodate a person,” he said. “We must be moral people. We must hold our heads up. We are honest and decent. We want to make a better world. We must communicate with each other and be there for each other. This is part of your role. This is your job description.”
Among those hearing the message were police officers from all four counties of the diocese, including a color guard, bag pipers and drummers from the New Jersey State Police, Port Authority Police, Somerset County and Middlesex County Police. Also in formation were mounted police from Edison, Morris County Park Police, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office. Also participating were representatives from the New Jersey State Police, New York-New Jersey Port Authority Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Middlesex County Prosecutors Office.
“This program keeps getting bigger and better each year,” said Andrew Strus, a deacon in St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge, who is also special agent with U.S. Army Criminal Investigation. “As we go and put our lives on the line we know that Christ too put his life on the line.”
“It’s so nice to see that we have this program here in the diocese,” said Lt. Jim Dimino, Bridgewater, a member of the Blue Mass Committee. “I think law enforcement really appreciates it.”
Chief John Garbowski provided the readings. Chief Edward Costello, Jr. and Deputy Chief Brent N. Papi presented offertory gifts to Bishop Bootkoski. Additional music was provided by cantor Steve Kirbos, Thomas DeLessio, diocesan musical played the organ and Nick Gatto played the obo. State Trooper Dan Dunlap played “Taps.”
Among those officers remembered for their service were Retired Chief William T. Fisher and Retired Lt. George Dudics. New Jersey State Trooper Tom Cavallo sang “Amazing Grace,” accompanied by bagpipers.
Following Mass, Bishop Bootkoski reviewed the troops in formation. “We are brothers one and all and there’s a real affinity between us priests and all of you,” Bishop Bootkoski said. “I’m proud to have this Blue Mass each year, to commemorate and remember those who have given of their lives in law enforcement for our safety, for our community.”
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law