Blue Mass

PATERSON  In honor of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers serving in the three counties of the Diocese and communities beyond, the 17th annual diocesan Blue Mass was held May 3 at St. Gerard Majella Church here.

Bishop Serratelli was the principal celebrant of the Mass, which was concelebrated by several priests of the diocese, many of whom serve as police and fire chaplains. Several law enforcement agencies and departments were in attendance as well as civilians and family members of the officers.

The Mass remembered fallen officers killed in the line of duty – N.J. State Trooper Eli McCarson, N.J. State Trooper Anthony Raspa, N. J. State Trooper Sean Cullen and Corporal Scott R. Thompson of Manchester Township Police Department. There was also a special remembrance made for the 15th anniversary of the New York/New Jersey Port Authority Police Officers who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 in terrorists’ attacks.

Under rainy, gray skies, American flags were carried into the church in the opening procession by an honor guard of officers from different police departments. The Emerald Society Pipes and Drums followed with the sounds of muffled drums beating and bagpipers wailing in special remembrance of the hero officers lost.

In welcoming the officers to the Blue Mass, Bishop Serratelli said, “We come together in thanksgiving to Christ. In a special way, we thank those in law enforcement and public safety asking God’s blessing on them and their families and on their work.”

The songs and readings of the Mass reflected themes of peace and justice and prayers were said for the safety of the officers and the world. The Mass also observed the Feast of Ss. Philip and James on May 3.

Msgr. George Hundt, pastor of St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison, delivered the homily at the Blue Mass. He told the officers, “Just as people could see the Father in Jesus, people need to see Jesus in us. That’s our call as Church and that’s our call as disciples. We need be Jesus Christ out in the world. That is our challenge — to serve as he served particularly in the good work that you do in law enforcement. In order to be this reflection of Christ in the world, we have to be grounded in the Gospel.”

He also told the officers to ask Jesus for enlightenment, for strength and for freedom to do the work that they do. Ask Jesus to know what the right thing to do is in every and any situation especially in times of difficulty or stress that so many of you face in your public service,” Msgr. Hundt said.

“Certainly being your best is to integrate your faith in everything that you do. Understand the relationship between justice and mercy. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, speaks of this challenge of mercy. He said, ‘Jesus went beyond seeing justice as the mere observance to the law,’ ” said Msgr. Hundt.

At the Communion meditation, the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace,” which has become tradition for the Blue Mass. Bishop Serratelli then blessed the commemorative Blue Mass pins and the medals of the officers at the end of Mass to wear them to keep them safe from harm and protect them.

Following the Mass, Msgr. Mark Giordani, rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and a police chaplain, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Blue Mass committee and everyone for attending. He was also grateful for the continued success of the Blue Mass. A reception followed at the Brownstone here where many of the officers from the different agencies came together in fellowship after the Mass.

At the end of Mass, the Bishop said to the law enforcement officers, “I am so happy to see you here to celebrate with us. The Psalm today said, ‘Their message go forth through all the Earth.’ In the work that you do, you ensure the message of justice and peace goes out to the world.”