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Blue Mass - February 20, 2022

 

 

 

Please click here to watch this special Mass to honor our First Responders

Click here for the Blue Mass Photo Album - Feb. 20, 2022

Thanks to all of you for your support and positive response to the Blue Mass which took place on February 20th at the 10:30 family mass at our St. Pius X Church.  It was great to see so many of our protectors attend and participate in the Holy Eucharist.

 The mass was a collaborative effort with Fr. Valentine and the Columbiettes.  Lately, there have been too many tragic stories about how our men and women in uniform are being assaulted for simply doing their jobs.  We, as a community, want to let them know that we appreciate them and understand how difficult it is, especially during these divisive times, to do their work.  These brave men and women are  social workers, healers and protectors but they are also fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. Thank you for all that you do!

 Father Valentine commenced our Eucharist by having our officers and first responders join him in the procession.  We went on to pray and requested that they all be recognized.  There was a heartfelt and warm round of applause.  How appropriate was the gospel.  “Do good to those who hate you, Bless those who curse you, Pray for those who mistreat you.”  It’s how our law enforcement and first responders operate every day. 

 During the Eucharistic celebration, Father Valentine blessed our men, women and even canine in uniform.  The medals of St. Michael were blessed, so that they may be used to say a quick prayer before work and to keep our protectors safe.  St. Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of police officers and the military.

 Many dignitaries from our community were present, name few, Nassau Police Commissioner Mr. Patrick Ryder,  Legislator Steve Rhoades, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Councilman Louis Imbroto and Grand Knight Marc Cashman. The support from our leaders is truly appreciated.  

 The Holy Eucharist culminated with hospitality in Madonna Hall.  A shout out to Marc Cashman and the Knights, Steve Rhodes and the Youth Group for doing a beautiful job decorating the grounds with the American Flags and setting up for the hospitality.  Thanks to John and Robin Yakacki for the music they provided during the Eucharistic celebration, our Altar Servers, who hailed from the police families, Olivia and Valentina Wong and KelseyAnn Rigel along with our Lectors Michelle Mascolo, Steve Rhoades and Louise Buchanaan. Special Word of Thanks to our Pastoral Associates Loretta Dressler and Claudia Steward who coordinated the event with Fr. Valentine.  Mr. Bobby Pena along with his son and wife, who captures the very important moments in parish life by recording and pictures. Mr. Steve Cohen from the Town Bagel who provides bagels to our community events. He is always generous to our parish family. 

 It was a wonderful celebration of the first “Blue Mass” for our local heroes and their families. I look forward to attending “The Blue Mass” celebration for years to come.