Bruce Turcotte to Be Honored by Diocese

, the heroic Hopelawn firefighter who died earlier this year in a fire in the Menlo Park Terrace section of Woodbridge, will receive a special tribute during the 2012 Firefighters Mass, held by the Diocese of Metuchen.

The Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, bishop of the diocese, will be the principal celebrant at the Mass, which will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 7 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral at 32 Elm Avenue in Metuchen.

“Each day, in the many communities throughout our diocese, there are many courageous men and women who are willing to risk their own well-being to protect the lives and property of others. In most cases, at a moment’s notice, they put their lives on the line to help people they have never even met and may never see again. Our Mass is a way to express our gratitude to them for their service, and to ask God to continue to bless and watch over them,” Bishop Bootkoski said.

Professional, volunteer, and retired firefighters, of all faiths, who live and work in the diocese, comprised of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, have been invited to the Mass. 

As in the past, bagpipers ,and color guards will participate in the Firefighters Mass. Commemorative pins will be distributed to the firefighters as a remembrance and a reminder that they are always in the prayers of the diocese.

A reception will be held in the Cathedral Community Room following the Mass. For more information about the Firefighters Mass visit www.diometuchen.org or call 732-562-2461.