Annual Mass for Law Enforcement Officers
The Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate the Annual Mass for Law Enforcement Officers at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 10 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Clifton Avenue and Victoria Avenue, Newark NJ. The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist.
The Mass remembers with reverence the men and women who serve in the often-dangerous profession of protecting society, and honors in particular those who lost their lives in the line of duty in the past year. Attendance by men and women in law enforcement statewide at this Mass has grown every year since its inception 24 years ago. This year, some 1,500 representatives from federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement departments and agencies, as well as many public officials, are expected to attend.
This year, the Mass will honor, in order of their End of Watch dates:
Trooper Eli McCarson
New Jersey State Police (December 17, 2015)
Trooper Sean Cullen
New Jersey State Police (March 8, 2016)
Senior Corrections Officer Nikeelan (Nick) Semmon
New Jersey Department of Corrections (July 1, 2016)
This year’s Mass also will honor Fallen Officers from the Dallas and Dallas Rapid Transit Police Departments; Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Police Departments and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office; Lt. (Ret.) Joseph Franklin of the Roxbury Police Department, and; the 15th anniversary of those officers from the Port Authority Police Department who perished in and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
“It is important to gather together each year to thank God for the courage and honor that He has given the many men and women who answer the call to serve and protect us all,” said Archbishop Myers. “We continue to ask God for His blessings for those who persevere in keeping our communities safe.”
Law enforcement officers from throughout the state and region, and their families and friends, are invited to attend the Mass and offer their support. The liturgy will also include a ceremonial presentation of the National Colors. The liturgy will be followed by a hot and cold luncheon buffet at the Rink in Branch Brook Park. Tickets to the luncheon are $20.
Note to editors: Media organizations who wish to attend the Mass for Law Enforcement Officers should contact the Office of Communications at 973-497-4186 or 973-497-4190.