Knights of Columbus host Blue Mass
Richard J. Finch Jr.
Pamela Wallace plays the bagpipes as members of the Albert Gallatin Assembly No. 926 Knights of Columbus raise their swords during the eight annual Blue Mass on Sunday at St. Joan of Arc Church in Farmington. The mass, led by the Rev. James L. Popochock, was to pray for the safety of today’s first responders and to remember those lost on Sept. 11.
Members of the Knights of Columbus attend the eighth annual Blue Mass on September 9,2012 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Farmington, PA. The mass, officiated by Rev. James L. Popochock was to pray for the safety of today's first responders and to remember those lost on Sept. 11.
Members of the Albert Gallatin Assembly No. 926 Knights of Columbus participate in the Blue Mass on Sunday September 9,2012 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Farmington, PA. The mass, officiated by Rev. James L. Popochock was to pray for the safety of today's first responders and to remember those lost on Sept. 11.
FARMINGTON — Albert Gallatin Assembly 926 of the Knights of Columbus hosted a Blue Mass Sunday at St. Joan of Arc Church in Farmington, to pray for and honor the work of emergency first responders, and remember those who lost their lives helping others.
Outside the church, a fire truck from Farmington VFD signaled the beginning of the occasion with a wail of the siren.
A line of uniformed men and women from fire departments in Farmington, South Union, Connellsville, Mount Lebanon and Uniontown, as well as State Police and families of first responders, entered the church to the sound of “Amazing Grace” playing on a bagpipe.
Inside, Knights of Columbus lined the aisles with swords raised to honor the service personnel as they took seats in the front.
Near the pulpit, a sooty coat and helmet bearing the words “Farmington VFD” were displayed.
Sunday’s Mass was celebrated by the Reverend James L. Popochock, who praised the selflessness of the honorees. Even though he said he knows they are not paid well, “They have given over themselves and their lives for the lives of other people, without discrimination.”
Popochock offered this to the loved ones of emergency responders who died in the line of duty: “They have received the kingdom of heaven.”
Then he added a word of advice to the emergency personnel seated before him, lest any of them should think they had a free pass to misbehave on earth. “Even though you have a job that’s not always safe,” he said, “you could still live to an old age.”
“All of you who go on living God’s word (taking care of others), and you’ll get into heaven.” Popochock said with a smile, “Just stay out of trouble.”
This Blue Mass was the eighth to be held in Fayette County, whose emergency personnel were involved in the response at the site of the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, in neighboring Somerset County, on Sept. 11, 2001.
According to its website, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council originally began celebrating Blue Mass in New Haven, Conn. in 2002, and has hosted it there annually each year since. Similar Blue Masses have been organized by Knights of Columbus Councils nationwide.
The Knights of Columbus has historically supported the men and women of the emergency services community. Within a few days of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Knights began distributing nearly $1.5 million in direct aid to the families of slain police and rescue workers.