At least 14 members of the Knights of Columbus of the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council had the distinct honor and privilege to set up and achieve an ambitious fundraising goal for the Blue Mass, said Michael Napolitano, Grand Knight of Council 11660 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Church.
The Knights of Columbus are one of the many local organizations and residents supporting the 20th annual Blue Mass which honors health, safety and emergency volunteers and police in the Bayshore, as well as Middletown fire companies from throughout the township and security personnel at Gateway National Recreation Area.
The mass will be held Wednesday , Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.. continuing a tradition started at St. Agnes Church two decades ago.
Napolitano said planning began in early August in order to have sufficient funds available in advance of the event. The Mass at St. Agnes brings hundreds of people and many join the volunteers at the Shore Casino following the mass. The volunteer organizations also donate to finance the event at the Casino.
“Rather than pat ourselves on the back, we take this opportunity to thank all of the people who generously donated in support of our local Police, Fire, EMS and Military First Responders,” said the Grand Knight, adding, “ and we are especially heartened to have seen this outpouring of support amidst the current backdrop of “woke” disrespect exhibited by a small but highly vocal minority.”
Napolitano also expressed thanks to the establishments who donated space in front of their stores in order for us to solicit donations on behalf of this event. These included Bayshore Pharmacy, Vingo Liquors, Sea Streak Ferry in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, 7-11 of Atlantic Highlands and Quick-Chek of Highlands. “Our thanks and appreciation go to all of them for participating in our effort and making it so successful.”
