Our Lady of Peace Church Honors Local Firefighters With Hero Mass, Continues Series for Police and EMTs

NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. — Firefighters arrived in uniform. Parishioners arrived with gratitude. And on a Sunday morning, the two came together for something quietly powerful.Our Lady of Peace Church hosted a Fire Service Hero Mass on Sunday, May 3, bringing together local firefighters and parish community members in a shared moment of prayer, recognition and fellowship. It was the first in a series of Hero Masses the parish is holding this spring to honor the men and women who serve the community in uniform.During the Mass, the parish community prayed for the safety, strength and continued dedication of those in the fire service — a formal acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by first responders who show up when others cannot."Their service is a true gift to our community," the parish said in a statement.Following the Mass, firefighters and parishioners gathered for light refreshments, giving community members the chance to meet, speak with and personally thank the men and women who protect their homes and families.The Series ContinuesThe Hero Mass series does not stop with firefighters. Our Lady of Peace will next honor law enforcement on Sunday, May 17 at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass for EMTs on Saturday, May 23 at 5 p.m.All service members — active, retired or in training — from any town or community are welcome to attend, as are their families and friends. Service members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow each Mass.For more information, visit olpnp.org.