Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., is calling upon the faithful to pray for law enforcement officers on March 29.

That day, the Diocese of Trenton, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the region, will host the 17th annual Celebration of Law Enforcement March 29 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral, 151 N. Warren St., Trenton.

Offered in thanksgiving for the sacrifice and service to the communities given by police officers and law enforcement agents at every level, the celebration – also known as the Blue Mass – begins with a Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, followed by a luncheon in honor of those who serve.

“Giving thanks for the men and women who protect us and our communities as law enforcement officers, and asking God to bless them and their families is something that we all should commit ourselves to,” said the Bishop.

“On March 29, I encourage all of the faithful across the Diocese to remember in prayer our law enforcement personnel as their representatives come together for our annual Blue Mass.”

The Mass will feature an opening procession led by bagpipers and drummers, as well as a number of honor and color guards representing squads throughout the area. 

The Mass will also be an opportunity for the law enforcement community to honor and pray for fallen officers.  Survivors of any law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty are encouraged to attend the Mass.

The diocesan Mass is coordinated by the Blue Mass committee, under the chairmanship of Retired Lt. Howard Allaire of the Trenton Police Department and includes representatives of local police departments throughout the four counties, as well as the N.J. State Police; N.J. Fraternal Order of Police; U.S. Customs & Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security; Office of the Attorney General; N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police; N.J. State Policemen’s Benevolent Association; N.J. Juvenile Justice Commission; Ocean County Sheriff’s Department; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; the N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission; and C.O.P.S., among others. 

“We, the members of the committee, ask for the public’s support,” said Allaire. “We task our law enforcement officers with such an important duty. We ask them to stand between us and harm in its various forms. We ask them to run toward danger despite human nature to run for cover. we ask them, at times, to make split-second decisions, which could mean life or death.”

“The Blue Mass is a time set aside to acknowledge their courage and selfless efforts to keep the public safe,” said Allaire.

Law enforcement personnel of all faiths, along with their family and friends are cordially invited. A luncheon donation of $20 per person is requested. Immediate family of law enforcement personnel are free. Reservations requested but tickets will be available at the door.

For tickets, contact Jennifer Britton, communications assistant, at 609-403-7199; [email protected].

For more information, visit www.bluemass.org.