Bishop blesses, inspires law enforcement at annual liturgy

METUCHEN  — “Do you realize that you are part of God’s plan to restore the order that was lost?” Bishop James F. Checchio asked the hundreds of law enforcement personnel gathered in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 17 for the 18th annual diocesan Blue Mass. “He has called you to cooperate with Him to help answer people’s need for protection and help, especially in times of great turmoil and chaos.”

The bishop presided at the liturgy, which honors the living and deceased police personnel who live and serve in the counties served by the diocese — Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren. Local and state dignitaries, including county prosecutors and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, as well as grateful citizens and students, filled the pews and choir loft to show their gratitude for the “men and women in blue.”

Outside the Cathedral on Main Street, a colossal American flag hung from the extended ladder of a fire truck. Police cars with whirling red and blue lights, a long row of police motorcycles, mounted policemen, tactical officers and even a trio of sharpshooters atop the adjacent St. Francis Cathedral School roof all were signs that a major event was taking place.

A police honor guard marched into the Cathedral in perfect, staccato time and was followed closely by tartan-clad pipers and drummers. Joining Bishop Checchio in the procession were concelebrating priests of the diocese who serve as police chaplains, and representatives from this year’s host agency, the Warren Township Police Department, whose officers served as readers, gift bearers and assistants at the liturgy.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio welcomed the hundreds of police personnel “in a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude” and acknowledged that Adam and Eve’s original sin has led to suffering and chaos among members of the human family.

“It is due to our broken human nature,” he asserted. “St. Thomas Aquinas, in reflecting on the need for civil law, says it is because of the fall of human nature that we need … someone to enforce the law. It is God’s plan to restore peace.

“Be mindful of your own limitations and weaknesses,” the bishop continued. “I urge you to have someone trusted to talk with on a regular basis. No one should face the challenges you face without the compassion and support of another… We do not go to God alone, but together.”

The Pipe and Drum Corps lined the center and side aisles as Warren Township Police Sgt. Ronald Roselli led his fellow officers in the “Police Officer’s Prayer,” which beseeched St. Michael for “protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm and wisdom to “be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties.” Fellow Warren Township Police officers, Sergeants Robert Ferreiro and Patrick Mizeski, read the roll call of the deceased and tolled a bell as the name of each fallen officer was announced.

A single bagpiper squeezed out the strains of “Amazing Grace” in the hushed church, the rest of his corps joining him on the second verse. SWAT team members outside fired a 21-gun salute and the mournful notes of “Taps” were played by buglers.

Scores of officers lined the Cathedral steps and the curb along Main Street following the liturgy. Bishop Checchio blessed and reviewed them, extending his thanks for their selfless service as a State Police helicopter flew by overhead.

Jim Dimino, assistant dean of students, Immaculata High School, Somerville, was accompanied about a dozen of his students to the Mass. Dimino, a retired captain of the Bridgewater Police Department, now teaches criminal justice at Immaculata. “I try to make this every year, ever since I served on the [Blue Mass planning] Committee,” he said.

Standing solemnly on the plaza was a group of students from Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, gathered behind a banner reading “Thank You for Your Service.” One of the banner bearers, senior Andrew Repak, explained, “Our school is very patriotic, and we love our community and those who protect it.”

As he walked to the parish hall for the post-Mass luncheon, retired Chief Edward Szkodny of the Sayreville Police Department shared that he had served for 36-1/2 years. Asked why he attended the Blue Mass, he said simply, “For unity and camaraderie.”

Hillsborough Police Department Sgt. Rick Evans seemed to work his own receiving line: a group of giggling St. Francis Cathedral School students enjoying the police pomp and circumstance. Sgt. Evans shook numerous hands, including those of the pre-K students sporting construction paper police officer hats. “It’s important that we remember our fellow officers,” he said, “and the kids will remember as well.”