Led by a student color guard, St. Robert Bellarmine schoolchildren filed with particular decorum past a score of police officers and sheriffs waiting to join the processional into the parish church for a special First Friday Mass Nov. 6 honoring members of law enforcement.

"I can safely say this is probably the safest Mass in the Archdiocese," joked Father John Collins, pastor, in his welcoming remarks to members of the Burbank and Los Angeles Police Departments, the Sheriff's Department and Burbank Mayor Gary Bric.

"This morning, it's our opportunity on behalf of the entire school to say thank you to each and every one of you for the sacrifices that you make in the service of this community and the other communities you serve in," declared Father Collins.

During the petitions read by student representatives, a special prayer was said for the law enforcement officers: "That they continue their hard work of protecting us day by day with strength and courage from their heavenly Father."

Prayers were also recited for all service men and women, retired servicemen and veterans expressing appreciation for "their tireless efforts in protecting the land that we love." Following the liturgy, the kindergartners stood on the altar steps and serenaded the special guests with the patriotic song, "Proud to Be An American."

"There are many students in our audience today who want to grow up to be just like you," Dr. June Rosena, principal, told the officers. "That's why it's so important that you continue to be the role models that you are: wonderful, caring human beings.

"You do your job because it is right, and that's what we tell our children, 'You do what is right because it is right.' That is our mission…We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to all of you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

As congregants exited through the blue-and-white-balloon-decorated church doors on their way across the street to special presentations in the school courtyard, Father Collins told The Tidings he considered the first-time event to be very successful.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for us to build community and to gather together and get to know each other --- recognize each other's face and work together for a common good --- because we have a lot in common," said the pastor.

"So often," he added, "we don't quite know each other. We're all functioning in the community trying to do similar things, yet we're kind of like ships passing in the night, so this was a great community-building event for us."

Ron Drewes, school parent of second and third graders sitting along with their classmates in the sunny courtyard, stood near the flag pole flanked by two rows of seated officers, as he read a special prayer to St. Michael, patron saint of those in law enforcement.

"Look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly law enforcement…Make them the friend of children and law-abiding citizens," prayed Drewes, who thanked the officers for their "dedicated service in protecting us with responsibility and care."

Student representatives from each class presented hand-made cards to Burbank police officials standing next to principal Rosena. "You do have people who understand and support you," she said. "We'd like to thank you for the heroes that you are."

"I thought it was really good to have some of the youth of the community show their support for the police department, because, as the principal said, often there are so many times where we don't get that support," said Burbank Police Officer J.J. Puglisi. Fellow Burbank Police Officer Marsha Laufer described the event as "very humbling, uplifting and encouraging to be thought of in a good way."

Los Angeles Police Department Detective Michael Valdes, a St. Robert Bellarmine parishioner attending the event with his wife, Sofia, commented the event was "the nicest thing in my 19 years [in police work] that I've every experienced anywhere. It was a wonderful gesture. To be recognized and appreciated by my parish, it's quite special."

Patricia Norris, attending the event with her husband Chuck, both Sheriff's Department retirees, said she never attended anything similar to the school's celebration in her entire career of more than 36 years.

"When the kindergartners were singing, I was moved to tears," said Patricia. "What they did today was very thoughtful, and I know everyone here appreciates it."

LAPD Officer Ben Fernandes, father of a kindergartner seated next to the two retired sheriffs, agreed that, in his 12 years as a policeman, "it was one of the nicest events I've ever attended."

"I think the service was wonderful," said Lourdes Malam, school parent. "The children were so excited about it. They were making posters and [preparing] songs."

Maria Casillas, parent of three schoolchildren in eighth, fourth and first grades, said the school's efforts --- including the Character Counts program based on the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) --- are making a difference.

"As the police make a difference in our community, this school tries to make a difference by showing the officers respect and appreciation for their work," said Casillas.