Community Corner

Metuchen Diocese to Host Mass for Gold Star Families

The Diocese of Metuchen will honor the families of military members killed in action on June 26.

The Metuchen Diocese remembers the families of fallen soldiers.

A mass for the Gold Star families - the loved ones of any soldier killed in action - will be honored at a special noontime mass on Sunday, June 26, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Milltown.

The mass is for the families in the diocese who suffered the loss of a military member. Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski will celebrate the mass. Two military chaplains who currently serve in the diocese will be at the mass as concelebrants.

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Bagpipers and a military color guard will join in the mass, which will include a remembrance to the fallen heroes. A light reception, to be held at American Legion Post #25 in Milltown, will follow the mass.

“Through this special mass, we want to recognize the sacrifices of the Gold Star families,” the bishop said in a statement. “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.”

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The idea for the mass originated with Christine and William Koch Jr., parishoners at Our Lady of Lourdes. They lost their son, Corporal Steven R. Koch, in March 2008, while he was serving in Afghanistan. 

Because of limitations on the number of people who can be seated in the church, Gold Star families who wish to attend the Mass and reception are asked to call 732-562-1990 ext. 1305 or email efriedlander@diometuchen.org.


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