Mass for Gold Star Families

The Diocese of Metuchen will host a Mass for Gold Star Families on Sunday, June 26, at noon at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 233 North Main Street.

Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass.  Concelebrating will be the two military chaplains who serve in the Diocese of Metuchen.  The Gold Star family status refers to any family member of a U.S. military service person who has been killed in action.

“Through this special Mass, we want to recognize the sacrifices of the Gold Star families,” Bishop Bootkoski said, adding, “The Mass will also provide these families with an opportunity to come together in prayer and solidarity to honor and remember their loved ones and to pay tribute to all of the fallen heroes in the diocese.”

The idea for a Mass for Gold Star Families originated with Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners, Christine and William Koch Jr., who lost their son Corporal Steven R. Koch in March 2008, while serving in the U.S. Army in the Sabari District of Afghanistan.

At the Mass there will be bagpipers, a military color guard, and a remembrance of fallen heroes.  A light reception will be held at American Legion Post #25 in Milltown following the Mass.  Capacity is limited in the Church. Gold Star families wishing to attend the Mass and/or reception are asked to call 732-562-1990 ext. 1305 or e-mail efriedlander@diometuchen.org.  For more information, visit www.diometuchen.org.