By Lois Rogers | Correspondent

Just as summer was about to begin, blessings and prayers of Thanksgiving were raised for those who safeguard the towns that dot the busy southern coastline of Monmouth County, at the annual Blue Mass June 17 in St. Rose Church, Belmar.

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And as if anticipating the increased pulse of action soon to occur in Avon, Belmar, Lake Como, Neptune, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Wall and neighboring areas, the Belmar police squad on duty that evening rotated in and out of the back of this year's host church answering calls.

In one hour, the three-member team responded to three traffic accidents and one complaint of disorderly persons, said Sgt. Todd Lee.

“They would be pulled out and then come back,” said Sgt. Lee. “They wanted to have their badges blessed but if you get a call, you have to leave. It is the start of the season after all.”

And with the busy summer season poised to start, it mattered a lot to officers to spend as much time at the Mass said Lee. He has made it a point to attend the Blue Mass himself since it began four years ago.

Hosted by the Msgr. Thomas U. Reilly Council, Knights of Columbus, the Blue Mass celebration of faith honors firefighters, medical and emergency and law enforcement personnel, their family and friends who gather to share the Holy Eucharist in honor of their service.

And honor them, they did. The Mass began with patriotic songs and hymns ringing through the air offered by organist Timothy Novembre and Cantor Shane Browne. There was a procession led by Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and the first responders, clergy, including Msgr. Edward J. Arnister and Father David Baratelli, and the dramatic posting of the colors.

In his homily, Father Baratelli, a Port Authority chaplain who also serves Newark Liberty Airport, recognized the first responders as “those who came to serve and not be served” who are in essence, answering the call of Christ which extends back to the foundation of the Church.

This call of Christ, said Father Baratelli, who serves in St. George Byzantine Catholic Parish, Newark, extends to everyone, not “just the Christian community but to everybody.” He praised those who had answered “the call of Christ … who said yes to the call of Christ as police officers, firefighters and medical emergency personnel.”

Father Baratelli noted that these are the very people who act on behalf of Christ when people are in peril. “They come not be be served but to serve … making many (personal) sacrifices, working long hours, long nights. You give up time with family, you respond to the call of Christ when you are tired, yet you get up and go out. You are part of the great love that is God's fervent love.”

“Tonight, the community has come together to express its thanks in the gift of the Eucharist. Thank you for the way you care for us and may the Lord keep you in his care and protect you abundantly.”

Symbols representing law enforcement, firefighting and EMS professionals had been placed on the altar railing to be blessed during a solemn ceremony of the blessing of the badges.

As Msgr. Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, sprinkled holy water on the symbols and then on the badges of those standing before him, he intoned: “Lord God of mercy, in an example of charity, send down a blessing on these badges. Bless us with courage and strength and when the alarm sounds, let them faithfully serve. … I thank you ladies and gentlemen for your service and dedication,” he said. Then he asked all present to “continue to pray for the women and men who give so selflessly of their service.”

As the Mass concluded, Sgt. Lee noted that the Mass has been held in other parish churches over the four years. He said it is “great to have this response from the Church,” and noted that it was good to have the Mass on home turf this year. “St. Rose is such an integral part of our community and its nice to have this opportunity in town.”

At the social following the Mass, retired Lodi police chief John Pizzuro, Wall, commented on the importance of the Mass. “It's an opportunity to take time to show support for those who serve. They are here for us and they assist us. This is our way of saying thanks,” said Pizzuro, a member of the Knights of Columbus committee that organizes the Mass.

Rev. Grace Scarle, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Belmar said she came to convey her thanks and support for first responders. “I always had appreciation for first responders but since (Hurricane) Sandy, I have developed a huge respect. They were running in as we were running out and I just wanted to say thanks.”