Faith and Duty: Local first responders blessed by relics at Evening Prayer

Citizens often rely upon the skilled and selfless service of their local first responders – police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians – for help in times of need. But when these men and women seek assistance, they often call upon a Higher Power.

“We look to St. Florian to protect us as we serve,” said Christopher Golubieski, a member of North Brunswick Fire Company #3, during a Sept. 29 Evening Prayer in St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park. Golubieski, scores of his fellow first responders, clergy and faithful joined in prayer and song as they venerated a first-class relic of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters, and a relic of the True Cross of Christ on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police officers.

A deft blend of faith and patriotism, the sanctuary was adorned by the American flag, uniformed police officers standing at attention and clergy seated behind the altar. Taking a prominent role in the procession, Golubieski carried the St. Florian relic forward, while Detective Brady Shelcusky of the South Brunswick Police Department carefully set the relic of the True Cross upon the altar.

St. Augustine pastor, Father Robert G. Lynam, welcomed the first responders, saying, “It is a joy for St. Augustine to celebrate the gift of your vocation and your ministry to the parishes and the communities.” Revealing the relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ had been brought back from Jerusalem during the time Father John J. Reilly was pastor, and that of St. Florian gifted to the parish from the Cardinal of Krakow, Poland, Father Lynam concluded simply, “God is good.”

Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department addressed the congregation, asserting, “We are only as good as the support we get… Father Bob and this entire parish does a lot behind the scenes in supporting police, fire and EMS.”

“You guys deal with many things that are horrendous, that can affect your life,” Father Lynam responded. “There are some things you may not process [alone] or with your families. Don’t be afraid to be open and share your wounds. When Jesus appeared to the apostles the first time [after his Resurrection,] he shared his wounds. Bring your wounds to Christ.”

Father Lynam introduced his fellow priest in the sacristy, Father Charles T. O’Connor, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction, and stated he, too, would welcome a first responder in need of counsel. Father O’Connor is no stranger to the world of public service: his father was a retired Newark police officer who spent 24 years atop a horse in their mounted patrol squad.

“It’s not an easy profession,” Father Lynam concluded, “so we thank you for your service. You are not alone; if you ever need to talk, we are here to help you.”

South Brunswick Police Deputy Chief Jim Ryan expressed his joy that his faith and service to the community went hand in hand. “I am blessed to be in a profession that is recognized by our faith. There is a close relationship,” Ryan said. “It is so important, what we do; with the things we see, we have to have faith otherwise we can’t get through it.”

At the close of evening prayer Shelcusky and Golubieski shared the meaning of their role in the service. “I felt honored to do the blessing with the relic of the True Cross and I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity,” said Shelcusky.

“It was a privilege to participate in this special service,” said Golubieski, “and as a firefighter, I was honored to venerate and bless my fellow first responders with St. Florian’s relic.”