For those who protect and serve
October 11, 2016
HOUSTON — Every day the men and women of law enforcement dedicate themselves, and risk their lives, to protect the citizens of the Galveston-Houston area.
On Sept. 24 Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz led Catholics from across the Archdiocese to honor and thank these individuals at the Archdiocesan Law Enforcement Blue Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
“The Blue Mass is a time for area Catholics to come together with love and support for those who, every day, serve to protect us and what we hold dear to our hearts,” said Deacon Alvin Lovelady, associate director for the Office of Correctional Ministries.
Prior to the Mass there was an official Honor Guard Line Up with representatives from the Harris County Sherriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department along-side representatives from other local offices.
“This Mass we call Blue, out of respect for all law enforcement no matter the color of their uniform, is our way of showing the support we have for the job they do as professionals, working to provide us with a safe place to carry on with our lives in the way we work, play and worship,” Deacon Lovelady said.
The Mass began with a procession that included members of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Peter Claver, Honor Guards and representatives from local military and the Homeland Security Office.
“I am grateful for Bishop Sheltz’s participation in celebrating this Mass, and am very happy that area Catholics will be together to pray for those who defend us,” said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.
The Mass, which was open to active and retired employees of criminal justice agencies as well as the public, was sponsored and supported by the Archdiocesan Office of Correctional Ministries — a ministry of priests, deacons and lay volunteers that provide sacramental and pastoral care to those victimized by crime and violence, as well as the nearly 60,000 men and women who are incarcerated in the federal facility, 26 state prison units and 10 county jails located within the boundaries of the Archdiocese.
“In these troubling and often violent times, we salute and support our men and women in law enforcement who so bravely and generously give of their lives for the service of all of us,” added Father Ron Cloutier, director of the Archdiocesan Office of Correctional Ministries.