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PRESS RELEASE
Church of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady in Wood-Ridge will be holding its tenth annual Blue Mass.
on Sunday, May 3, 2026, 11:00 AM. A Blue Mass is a Catholic Mass that honors public safety
professionals, including police, firefighters, and paramedics and those employed in the "public safety
field". The Mass will recognize the sacrifice and dedication of all those who serve in law enforcement,
fire and first responders both in Wood-Ridge and throughout other departments. This Mass will be held
in person as well as “Livestreamed” which can be viewed at
https://www.facebook.com/ASSUMPTIONCHURCHWOODRIDGENJ.
Coffee, Tea and assorted baked goods will be served after the Mass in the Father Patrick Morris Hall.
All are welcomed and encouraged to attend regardless of your religious affiliation to support our own
Wood-Ridge first responders!
The Mass will be celebrated by Father Joseph A. D’Amico, Pastor, Saint Anastasia Church, Teaneck, NJ
and Co-Celebrant Father Ronnie Nombre, Pastor, Assumption Church together with Father George
Gillen, Assumption Church. Father Joe D’Amico, who has accepted our invitation for a sixth year, comes
from a family of police and firefighters. Father Joe, who grew up in Brooklyn, NY serves as the Director
of Prison Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark and is the fire chaplain for the Township of Teaneck.
This annual event is coordinated by Councilman & WR Police Commissioner Ezio Altamura whose vision
it is to honor our police and firefighters, on this day and every day. Councilman Altamura stated, “this
Mass is an opportunity for our community to come together each year and show gratitude to our first
responders and their families for all they do for us, this day and always”.
Councilman Altamura wishes to thank Father Joe D’Amico, Father Ronnie Nombre and Father George
Gillen, Music Minister and technical coordinator Gabe Valle and Rose Lepore from Assumption Church
for all their efforts to make this event a success.
A special thank you to Retired Fair Lawn Police Captain Robert Kneer who also serves as the New Jersey
State Honor Guard Commander for leading the police procession. Captain Kneer is a long-time friend of
over 50 years to Councilman Altamura.
Let us always keep in our prayers our local first responders, Police Chief Michael O’Donnell and Fire
Chief Nicholas Meglio, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella and all their men and women who
selflessly serve the people of Wood-Ridge, Bergen County and our great country.