St. Martha Parish on Sunday held a Blue Mass for all law enforcement officers. The Rev. Jonathan Dalin, the parish administrator, blessed active and retired officers.
Also taking part in the Mass were Deacon Steve Guckin, who served in the Philadelphia and Drexel police departments, and Deacon Mike Cibenko, of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Yardley, who worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department.
Following the Mass, 8th Police District community relations officer Trish Rosati and members of the Knights of Columbus Mary, Queen of Angels Council No. 12384 organized the filling of “blessing bags” for the homeless and addicted served by Mother of Mercy House, 720 E. Allegheny Ave.
Filling the bags in the gym were some St. Martha students who had just finished confirmation practice. Bishop John J. McIntyre will celebrate the confirmation Mass on Sunday.
Donations came from Rosati, the Knights of Columbus, Declan Cassidy’s Socks for the Streets, the 8th Police District Advisory Council, Frankford Candy and ShopRite.
More than 160 bags were filled with pretzels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, fruit snacks, granola bars, chocolate candy, water, tissues, crackers, socks, ring pops, juice, apple sauce, masks and pop tarts. ••
