April 1, 2011
Diocese to honor law enforcement personnel
The Diocese of Trenton, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the region, will host the Twelfth Annual Celebration of Law Enforcement April 5, 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton. Offered in thanksgiving for the sacrifice and service to the communities given by police officers and law enforcement agents at every level, the celebration -- also known as the Blue Mass -- includes a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. followed by a luncheon.
The diocesan Mass is held in cooperation with representatives of local police departments throughout the four counties, as well as the N.J. State Police; N.J. Fraternal Order of Police; U.S. Customs & Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; Office of the Attorney General; N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police; N.J. State Policemen’s Benevolent Association; N.J. Juvenile Justice Commission; Ocean County Sheriff’s Department; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission; C.O.P.S., among others.
The Mass will open with a procession led by bagpipers and drummers, as well as a number of honor and color guards representing squads throughout the area. Also expected are motorcycle and mounted units from Ocean County and officers from the New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Department of Corrections.
This year’s Blue Mass Committee is under the direction of Retired Lt. Col. Juan Mattos, Jr. of the N.J. State Police, who took over the post from Ret. Chief Jeff Thompson from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Thompson, who stepped aside due to family responsibilities, will remain a committee member.
The Mass will also be an opportunity for the law enforcement community to honor and pray for fallen officers, including Officer Chris Matlosz of the Lakewood Police Department who was shot and killed in January. Survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty will also attend.
Law enforcement personnel of all faiths, along with their family and friends are cordially invited to take part in the Celebration of Law Enforcement. Luncheon tickets, at $10 per person can be obtained at the event. For more information, visit www.bluemass.org or contact Jennifer Britton, communications assistant, at (609) 403-7199; jbritt@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Contact us:
Rayanne Bennett
Executive Director, Office of Communications
Director, Department of Media and Public Relations
Diocesan Pastoral Center
PO Box 5147-0147
701 Lawrenceville Road
phone: 609-403-7188
fax: 609-406-7451
rbenne@dioceseoftrenton.org
Jennifer Britton
Communications/Editorial Assistant
phone: 609-403-7199
fax: 609-406-7451
jbritt@dioceseoftrenton.org