Norwich — The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, will celebrate the Annual Red, White and Blue Mass, on Nov. 5 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick for all service branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine and Coast Guard. The theme of this year's celebration is the U.S. Coast Guard.

Parishioners from across the diocese will join with family, friends and supporters of the honored as all gather together in prayer.

The courageous men and women carrying the responsibility of protecting us are deserving of our highest honor and respect. Sunday is an opportunity to show are prayerful gratitude. It is also a particularly fortunate opportunity to stand with the Coast Guard, so much a vital part of our local community.

Sunday's homilist will be Navy Capt. Daniel L. Mode, a Roman Catholic priest who served in forward operating bases in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From June 2009 to June 2012 Mode was assigned to the Coast Guard Academy to serve the brigade of cadets. Following his Coast Guard duty, he was command chaplain of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

He will speak from first-hand experience of the bravery of those who serve and the comfort and strength their faith provides.

The Mass Committee Chairmen are BG CT Edward J. Waitte, (Ret.) and David K. Harding, U.S. Merchant Marine.　

For more information call, Monsignor Brown or Mrs. Rebecca McDougal at (860) 887-9294.