Sept. 26, 2018

PLATTSBURGH – Bishop Terry R. LaValley will celebrate the diocese’s third annual Blue Mass at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 at St. Peter’s Church.

“The Blue Mass is an opportunity to unite in prayer with and for our law enforcement and corrections officers,” said Bishop LaValley. “In this Mass, we thank them for their service, pray for their safety and celebrate their roles in the Body of Christ, the church, as well as in our communities.”

The Mass will include numerous representatives of the law enforcement community, including New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Plattsburgh City Police, University Police from SUNY Plattsburgh, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other state, federal and local agencies, as well as law enforcement representatives from Canada.

“After the escape from the prison at Clinton, I think we all became much more aware of the pressures and stress our law enforcement and corrections officers are under, how hard they work and the dangers they face,” said Father Christopher C. Carrara, chair of the Blue Mass Committee and chaplain for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. “These law enforcement and corrections officers are our brothers and sisters, who live in our communities. This Mass started as a way to show them our support and join with them in prayer.”

Previously held in Malone and Watertown, this is the first year the Blue Mass will be held in Plattsburgh.

Uniformed personnel from the involved agencies attend the Mass, with some serving as ushers, lectors, extraordinary ministers and color guard.

The event will include Presentation of the Colors, including various agency flags, the United States and Canadian flags, the state flag, as well as the papal flag.

It will also include the laying of a memorial wreath, honoring those who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.

Bagpipers will play during portions of the service.

The Blue Mass is planned by a committee comprised of law enforcement representatives and local church officials.

The event is open to people of all faiths.

“Anytime the folks that put their lives on the line day after day are honored is a great day and a day to celebrate,” said New York State Police Captain Brent M. Davison, a member of the Blue Mass Committee. “These folks so often miss family events, so they can serve and protect their communities. They deserve our honor and appreciation. Thank you, Bishop Terry R. LaValley and all involved in putting this together, for honoring our law enforcement community.”