Subscribe Sign In Register

Diocesan Blue Mass in honor of 9/11 first responders

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

By Brian A. Pounds

on September 11, 2016 4:39 PM

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez bows his head and prayer at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez bows his head and prayer at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey, left, and Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara lead other area chiefs and officers into the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey, left, and Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara lead other area chiefs and officers into the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
Police officers line up to take communion at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Police officers line up to take communion at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
A policeman's hat and fire helmet are given a place of honor on the altar for the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

A policeman's hat and fire helmet are given a place of honor on the altar for the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
Fairfield firefighter Jeff DeNitto prepares to march in to the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Fairfield firefighter Jeff DeNitto prepares to march in to the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
From left; Bishop Frank Caggiano greets police chiefs Gary McNamara, of Fairfield, James Heavey, of Greenwich, and Thomas Kulhawik, of Norwalk outside the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

From left; Bishop Frank Caggiano greets police chiefs Gary McNamara, of Fairfield, James Heavey, of Greenwich, and Thomas Kulhawik, of Norwalk outside the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
Stratford firefighters James Tarzia, left, and Robert Morales stand at attention ready to march in to the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Stratford firefighters James Tarzia, left, and Robert Morales stand at attention ready to march in to the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Greenwich Police Sgt. Michael O'Connor salutes during the playing of the National Anthem at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. O'Connor was one of five recipients to receive awards of recognition at this year's mass. less

Greenwich Police Sgt. Michael O'Connor salutes during the playing of the National Anthem at the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Ridgefield Police Chief John Roche bows his head and prayer during the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Ridgefield Police Chief John Roche bows his head and prayer during the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Norwalk Police Sgt. Shannon Sherry takes Communion during the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Norwalk Police Sgt. Shannon Sherry takes Communion during the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey, left, and Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara lead other area chiefs and officers into the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey, left, and Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara lead other area chiefs and officers into the annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
State Senator Tony Hwang. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

State Senator Tony Hwang. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Greenwich Police Sgt. Michael O'Connor. Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Greenwich Police Sgt. Michael O'Connor. Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

Bishop Frank Caggiano. The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst
The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media
item-85307.134673 - |ucfirst

Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media

Image 1 of / 47

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 47

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services personnel has been held at a different church in the diocese every year since the September 11, 2001 attacks. less

The annual Diocesan Blue Mass held this year at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The mass in honor of members of law enforcement, fire, and emergency services ... more

Photo: Brian A. Pounds, Hearst Connecticut Media