Diocese of Trenton’s Jubilee Blue Mass offers time to honor and pray for law enforcement personnel

Against the backdrop of honor guard formations, pipe and drum playing and a military flyover, the Diocese of Trenton’s Jubilee Celebration of Law Enforcement will take place April 1, offering a time to pray for God’s blessing on law enforcement personnel throughout Central New Jersey who work to keep their communities safe. Popularly known as the Blue Mass, the event will unfold in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
 
 Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will serve as principal celebrant and homilist and will be joined at the altar with priests from across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  Hundreds of officers and agents from every level of law enforcement will gather both inside and outside the Co-Cathedral for this year’s event. Representatives of the law enforcement community will have roles before and during the Mass, leading honor guard processions, singing the National Anthem, and offering the day’s Scripture readings and intercessions.  Family members of fallen officers will take up the Offertory Gifts. Following the Mass, Bishop O’Connell will offer a special blessing for motorcycle and mounted units. 
 
As part of the Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, the Blue Mass is one of a series of diocesan events designated as Jubilee celebrations.  In proclaiming this special year and establishing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Holy Father has encouraged the faithful and all people of good will to not only strengthen their own sense of hope, but also to “be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.”
 
The Jubilee message will bring a special poignancy to this year’s Blue Mass, which recognizes the sacrifice and service that the men and women of law enforcement have given to their communities. Attendees will share in a moment of remembrance for nine officers who lost their lives as a result of their service – many from 9-11 related illnesses.   Their survivors will receive a memorial tribute to their loved ones.
 
The Mass and luncheon are organized by the Blue Mass Committee under the leadership of its chairman, Sheriff Shaun Golden, and co-chairman, Sebastain Trapani, both of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office.  The 25-member committee includes representatives from agencies and departments at all levels who serve in the Diocese of Trenton and beyond. 
 
After the Mass, a luncheon will be held for law enforcement personnel and their families, who are asked to register at dioceseoftrenton.org/blue-mass; (Tickets are $20 per person; all immediate family members of law enforcement personnel are invited to the luncheon at no charge.)
 
The Blue Mass is open to the public.  Anyone unable to attend is invited to watch via livestream at youtube.com/trentondiocese.  For more information, email the Diocese at [email protected].
 
 St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral is located at 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.