Law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service volunteers, the US Coast Guard and National Park Services rangers at Sandy Hook were all honored and praised at the 20th annual Blue Mass at Saint Agnes Church Wednesday evening.
Hundreds of residents from Highlands, Middletown, Sandy Hook and Atlantic Highlands attended the mass offered by the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Saint Agnes parish.
As from its inception the special evening of prayer and appreciation was organized by John Flynn, with the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus and the 4th Degree Color Corps of the 2nd New Jersey District of the Knights of Columbus both participating in the mass.
The Blue Mass originated in St. Patrick’s Church in Washington, DC in 1934, when the Rev. Thomas Dade, a priest from Baltimore, MD. initiated the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society and more than a thousand police and firemen in blue uniforms celebrated the first Blue Mass on Set. 28.
The Saint Agnes mass began with a musical prelude by church music director Courtney Grogan, and a procession of all those being honored from all fields of military, volunteer and paid personnel. The Patrick Trophy Volunteer Pipe Band accompanied the procession and the Middletown Township Fire Explorers posted colors for the national anthem.
CWO Christopher Apple, commanding officer at Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Knights of Columbus led the procession of priests and guest clergy to the altar where Father Quinn welcomed all to the special service.
The pastor chose the reading of the Good Samaritan for the gospel, likening all the honorees to the Biblical Good Samaritan who was the only person, a stranger, to come to the aid of an ill and impoverished man.
He cited the numerous ways in which all of those being honored serve as good Samaritans every day, not only with assistance in any particular need but in restoring dignity and respect. He noted that in spite of some who choose not to appreciate all their efforts, the men and women honored at the Blue Mass and others like them have received a gift to serve others and encouraged them to always turn to God in need. Fr. Quinn also praised the families of the honorees for the assistance their support gives to the work endeavors.
Atlantic Highlands Ptl. Joseph LaBella and Sandy Hook Ranger A.J. Wiemer read two readings during the mass, and Middletown Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Kelly read the intercessions, recalling all the members of the units who have died since the last Blue Mass last year.
Kelly also remembered the late Bernard Sweeny and Jay Strebb of the Shore Casino for their generosity at dinners and festivities at the Shore Casino after every Blue Mass for the past 20 years. Both Sweeney and Strebb died within the past 15 months.
Children of those being honored presented the gifts during the liturgy, Stefanie Hayden was cantor and Ms. Grogan led the parish choir as music director.
Citing more Biblical passages showing another aspect of volunteerism and putting lives on the line for others, the Rev. Martin McGrail, pastor of New Life Christian Church, gave a benediction at the end of mass reminding each of those honored to “leave here, go where you want, go home, love your family” reminding all that every day is important. Quoting from Joshua, McGrail, who has been a police department chaplain for 30 years, called on the celebrants to never be discouraged and know that God is always with them.
He noted that “God honors each one of you every day and “your are in the hands of God.” As strong as they are,” Rev. McGrail said, “always remember you are still God’s child.”
Flynn and all those who participated in planning the mass, also expressed thanks to Kathleen Sweeney, who as owner of the Shore Casino, continues her family tradition for generosity at the Shore Casino for the dinner and festivities following the mass
