A Mass in honor of all military service men and women will be celebrated Sun., Nov. 13, 10 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Dr. The liturgy will focus on peace among all nations and will honor and thank all members of the armed services, past and present, who have defended and continue to defend the United States.
The main celebrant will be Rev. Thomas Griffin LCDR/CHC/USNR. Fr. Griffin served 13 years as chaplain for the US Navy, US Marines, and US Coast Guard. He is an Augustinian priest who currently serves as pastor of St. Gabriel Parish.
Mass will acknowledge all branches of the U.S. armed services and all veterans and current service men and women are invited to join in the entrance procession. Each division will be led by their respective flag. In addition to the recognition given during the entrance procession, the names of those currently serving in the military will be brought up to the church altar and read aloud, along with a peace candle. Following Communion there will be a special blessing for those currently or formerly in military service and Mass will close with a musical tribute to the armed services by the St. Barnabas choir. A reception follows Mass.
The first annual Mass in honor of the Military at St. Barnabas Church was held in 2008. The Mass is a reminder to pay tribute to and thank the men and women serving our country and those who have been injured and or lost their lives defending our country’s freedom.
For more information about the military Mass, visit www.stbarnabasparish.org. To add the name of an active service person to the list that will be read at the Prayers of the Faithful during the Mass contact Kitty Ryan, 773-779-1166 ext. 226 or ktryan@stbarnabasparish.org.
