March 20 Mass to Honor Law Enforcement Personnel

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton.

The Diocese of Trenton, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the region, will host the 13th Annual Celebration of Law Enforcement March 20, 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 – begins with a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. followed by a luncheon.

The diocesan Mass is coordinated by the Blue Mass committee, which includes 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.

This year’s Blue Mass Committee is under the direction of Retired Lt. Howard Allaire of the Trenton Police Department. Ret. Lt. Allaire took over the post from Ret. Lt. Col. Juan Mattos Jr. of the N.J. State Police, who stepped down as committee chairman to accept the position of U.S. Marshal.

The Mass will feature an opening procession led by bagpipers and drummers, as well as a number of honor and color guards representing squads throughout the area. The Mass will be an opportunity for the law enforcement community to honor and pray for fallen officers. Survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty will 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 $20 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.