BRIDGEPORT–The Annual Diocesan Blue Mass honoring Fire, Police and First Responders will be held on Sunday, September 10, 12 Noon at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk.
A reception immediately following Mass will be held in the Masterpool Great Room on the parish grounds.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the main celebrant along with diocesan priests who serve as police and fire chaplains in Fairfield County. Fr. Charles Allen, special assistant to the President of Fairfield University, is serving as chairman of the event.
Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Service personnel of all faiths in Fairfield County along with members of the general public are invited to attend the Mass and reception.
“It is always a privilege and honor to recognize our uniformed personnel who put their lives on the line every day to safeguard the community. The Blue Mass commemorates their courage and dedication,” said Fr. Allen.
This year’s honorees are being recognized for acts of bravery, public service and compassion in the line of duty. Honorees include Officer Maryhelen McCarthy from the Patrol Division of the Newtown Police Department; Weston firefighter and EMT Mark Blake; Norwalk Fire Department firefighter George Baez; Norwalk Police officers Anthony DePanfilis , Matthew Nyquist and Jose Silva.
The Fairfield County Councils and Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus is sponsoring the Mass again this year.
The Blue Mass takes its name from the blue uniforms worn by police, fire and emergency services personnel. Founded by Bishop William E. Lori, the Blue Mass was initiated to celebrate the life and heroism of those who died during the 9-11 terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D. C.. Each year awards are presented to individual local Police, Fire and First Responders for acts of heroism and public service.
Police, Fire, and EMS chaplains now at work throughout Fairfield County the diocese: Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., Fairfield Town Emergency Services; Rev. Sudhir DSouza, Norwalk Police Department; Msgr. Laurence R. Bronkiewicz, Ridgefield Police Department; Msgr. Stephen M. DiGiovanni, Stamford Police Department; Rev. Bruce Roby, Stratford Fire Department; Rev. Thomas P. Thorne, Westport Police and Fire Departments and Federal Bureau of Investigation; Rev. Francis T. Hoffmann, Noroton Fire Department; Rev. Christopher Perrella, Noroton Heights Fire Department;
Also, Deacon John J. Moranski, Bridgeport Police Department; Deacon William D. Murphy,Germantown Fire Department; Rev. Samuel V. Scott, Danbury Police Department; Rev. Robert J. Post, Stamford Fire Department; Msgr. William J. Scheyd, New Canaan Emergency Services and Norwalk Fire Department (Retired); Msgr. Richard J. Shea, Trumbull Police Department; Rev. Michael Dunn, Weston Police and Fire Departments; Rev. Joseph Cervero, Redding Police Department; Deacon Frank Masso, Huntington Volunteer Fire Company No. 3; Rev. Nicholas Pavia, Stratford Police Department; Deacon John DeRoin; Stony Hill Fire Department & EMS, Bethel.
If you would like to learn more about this event, please feel free to contact Elizabeth Auda 203-416-1636, email: eauda@diobpt.org
