Immaculate Conception School Blue Mass offers role models for students

Ceil Cullen, music teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Somerville, began the school’s Blue Mass with her son-in-law Matthew Tarentino in 2015 because she was troubled by the animosity directed at law enforcement at the time, and felt the school children needed positive role models. 

Detective Tarentino ended his watch on May 30, 2017, tragically killed in the line of duty, soon after the Mass had been celebrated for the third year. It has become a school institution, and was celebrated this year on March 27 by pastor Monsignor Joseph G. Celano and attended by approximately 70 members of the law enforcement community in Somerset County and the City of Summit Police, where Detective Tarentino served. 

Mrs. Cullen acknowledged the difficulty she and her family faced in continuing the effort after Detective Tarentino’s death, but she said she asked herself, “How can I continue to do this … but how can I not continue to do this?”

In his homily, Monsignor Celano spoke of how Jesus overcame the evil that seeks to bring man to ruin. “Where evil seeks to destroy, the work of God restores and renews,” he said. “We gather today to honor you and thank you, men and women of law enforcement who protect and serve. Even as we honor you, we realize that you, more than most, see the worst we are capable of, and you have looked in the face of evil.” 

He continued, “Please know you are appreciated by many, including our children who are here today to honor you. Remember the admiration in these young eyes, especially if you ever question the difference you are making in other people’s lives. It is not lost on us.” 

Students at the school were especially proud of their law enforcement families in attendance. The Macones family – mom Alyssa, and students Josephine, Juliette, Joshua and Jacob, participated in the offertory procession as dad Chad watched from the pews where law enforcement staff had assembled following the procession. 

Annie Tarentino-Proctor sang the Psalm, and her brothers, Robbie and Raymond Tarentino-Proctor, offered the Prayer of the Faithful. Ryan Helios, whose parents are both in law enforcement, concluded Mass with a prayer for police officers, asking God to “watch over our dear police officers and protect them with your love. Give them true strength and courage. And one more thing, God, protect their families and friends.”

Dean of Students Vickie Proctor, widowed when Detective Tarentino died tragically, later married another law enforcement officer in what she describes as “a blessing of God’s abounding grace.”  Retired City of Summit Captain Rick Proctor today serves as the director of security for the entirety of Immaculate Conception Parish. Before the final blessing, Mrs. Proctor offered a personal rendition of a beloved contemporary song, which she called “Officers’s Hallelujah.” 

Joined by the students on every chorus, she sang in part: “Each day they kiss goodbye the ones they love, and face things we wouldn’t understand…We offer you our love with hearts filled with respect and gratitude. We know some pay the final price … when the badge you wear protects us all and you fearlessly answer the call … we thank you, oh we thank you.”