Archdiocese
of Newark to Celebrate Ninth Annual Law Enforcement Liturgy
The Most Reverend John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D., Archbishop of Newark,
will be the principal celebrant at the Ninth Annual Law Enforcement
Liturgy honoring police officers killed in the line of duty. The
Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 8, 2001,
at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, on the corner
of Clifton and Victoria Avenues.
The Mass will honor federal, state, county, city, local and institutional
law enforcement officers throughout the state. Last year, some 2,000
police officers, their friends and families attended the Liturgy.
Archbishop Myers has stated, "The Liturgy is an opportunity
for officers of the law, along with their family and friends, to
join together under one roof and pray for their safety as they maintain
peace throughout our communities. The Liturgy is also a very important
way in which we can honor those who have valiantly given their lives
to protect the lives of others, and ensure peace and freedom in
our community."
Msgr. Louis Fimiani, Vicar for Pastoral Life and an organizer of
the Liturgy, said that a major purpose of the Liturgy is to remember
those officers killed in the line of duty. "It is a show of
our support and gratitude to the many men and women who have dedicated
their lives for the safety of all."
This year, the service will honor the memory of Officer Robert Ventura
of the Jackson Township Police Department, Sergeant Enrico Venditte
of the Paterson Police Department, and Dominick Infantes of the
Jersey City Police Department.
Officer Robert Ventura of the Jackson Township Police Department,
gave his life during a fatal two-vehicle crash while on patrol on
March 18, 2001. Officer Ventura entered the Jackson Township Police
Department on June 28, 1999. Officer Ventura was a member of the
Policeman's Benevolent Association Local No. 168, a Captain in the
Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. 1, and a parishioner of St.
Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Jackson Township. He is survived
by his wife of seven years, Jennifer, and their two children, Ashley,
4, and Dillon, 2.
Sergeant Enrico Venditte of the Paterson Police Department gave
his life on May 23, 2001, when he was ambushed on a routine police
call. He became a member of the Paterson Police Department of July
9, 1984. He was member of the Police Benevolent Association Local
No.1, earned a citation for exceptional service on Jan. 3, 1985,
and was awarded a Medal of Merit on March 29, 1996. Sgt. Venditte
is survived by his wife of twenty years, Veronica, and their two
children, Alexandra, 12, and Enrico III, 7.
Officer Domenick Infantes, Jr., of the Jersey City Police Department,
gave his life on July 6, 2001. He was fatally attacked when he attempted
to intervene when he observed a person being criminally assaulted
on the Fourth of July. Officer Infantes was appointed to the Jersey
City Police Department on July, 18, 1994. He distinguished himself
during his police career, earning two Excellent Police Service Awards,
two Community Service Awards, and one Commendation. Officer Infantes
is survived by his wife, Betty, and a devoted family.
The Liturgy will be followed by a luncheon at the Rink in Branch
Brook Park. Police officers wishing to participate can contact Rev.
John McCrone, Archdiocesan Police Chapalin, at (201) 261-6322, or
by e-mail at jmccrone@aol.com, or Msgr. Louis Fimiani at (973) 497-4321,
or by e-mail at fimianilo@rcan.org. For tickets to the luncheon,
contact Dennis & Marie Kihlberg at (973) 748-0525, or by e-mail
at lawenforcement@rcan.org, or contact your County PBA Representative.
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2000
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