Sheriff Mike Tregre and his officers with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office joined other parish first responders for a Blue Mass celebrated by Rev. David Ducote on November 9, 2021 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in LaPlace.
“… We want to lift you up today … with our prayers asking our Father to watch over you, to protect you as you perform your duties,” Rev. Ducote told the first responders, “ and to thank you for all that you do for us to keep us safe.”
“I know you do your job … because you have a special vocation given by God to protect and serve his people. Doing so, you follow the example of Jesus himself. Jesus was a true servant who came to serve, not to be served. He was our first responder sent by the Father to serve us and protect us and save us from all the affects of sin and evil in our world. … So, today, we are here to say thank you to our first responders … for following Jesus’ example … for looking out for us in our time in need.”
Deacons Dennis Obienu and Maurice Casadaban assisted Rev. Ducote. Students from St. Joan of Arc also attended to show support for first responders. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus served as Honor Guard. Parish President Jaclyn Hotard welcomed everyone to the celebration.
Sheriff Tregre said he appreciates Rev. Ducote and his staff and congregation and the SJA students for their support of first responders.
After the Mass, the clergy led a blessing of police units and emergency vehicles. First responders also enjoyed a delicious jambalaya meal in the Family Life Center.