Diocese Of Metuchen Honors Law Enforcement At Annual Blue Mass

METUCHEN, NJ — The Diocese of Metuchen held a "Blue Mass" Wednesday morning to honor law enforcement officers from across the state.

Bishop James F. Checchio celebrated the 19th Annual Blue Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen at 10:30 a.m.

Local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officials were present. The Edison Police Department served as the host agency for the Mass this year. As hosts, the department takes on significant roles during the liturgy and officers serve as readers and gift bearers.

The mass this year honored the lives of four fallen officers, the Diocese said. Officer Christopher Cronin, of Old Bridge Police Department; Sgt. AlTerek Patterson of Bedminster Police Department; Sgt. Ahmed Mackey, of Somerset County Sheriff’s Office; and Corrections Officer Nelson Perdomo, of New Jersey Department of Corrections were remembered. This year's homily was delivered by Fr. Charles T. O’Connor, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction.

“Thank you to Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen for hosting the 19th Annual Blue Mass at St. Francis this morning. As always, the program was incredibly meaningful as we honored law enforcement across our communities,” Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M Busch said in a Facebook post.

A contingent of state troopers also attended mass, according to the New Jersey State Police Facebook page.

Participating law enforcement agencies included South Brunswick, Middlesex Borough, Pohatcong Township, and officers from across Middlesex, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren Counties.

Here are some more pictures. (Pics: Michael Ehrmann/The Catholic Spirit)

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