Basking Ridge school honors local police officers with Blue Mass

St. James School, Basking Ridge, honored and prayed for local police officers in Bernards Township and surrounding areas with their annual Blue Mass, held in St. James Church Nov. 27.

In attendance were the students, teachers, staff, and administration of the school, parents, representatives of the police department, and relatives of students who work in law enforcement. 

Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, celebrated the Blue Mass and spoke of how “serving in the police force is a vocation, and that when these men and women put on their uniform to serve our communities, they are a target.” He also mentioned how “we should be giving thanks every day, not just on Thanksgiving, for what these men and women do for our local communities.”

After the Mass, the guests stood before the assembled students, teachers, staff, and parents to be honored. Msgr, Cronin reminded them that when their day “is going tough, and nothing seems to be going right, to always know that our school and students are behind them, and praying for their safety.” 

Following this, the police officers received a standing ovation, and the choir led the assembly in “God Bless America.”  The St. James School community is thankful for all who serve and protect our local community, towns, and state. 

Contributed by John Falcone, St. James School director of admissions.