“You are not alone.”

These four words are the signature of Bishop John Dolan’s groundbreaking diocesan-level outreach to those struggling with mental health and their caregivers, reminding those individuals that in the midst of their suffering and the mystery of their journey, there is a God who loves and cares for them, and there is a Church behind that promise.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, three days before Veterans Day, that same principle will fuel an outreach to the countless men and women who have given themselves to serving in defense of the United States, some at great mental, spiritual and emotional cost, when the Diocese of Phoenix holds its annual Red, White and Blue Mass for Veterans at 11 a.m. at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Road in Mesa, Ariz. The church is located between McKellips and Brown roads, about 3 miles west of the Loop 202 freeway.

“The beauty of the Catholic faith,” explained Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dcn. John Scott, who is a deacon and the longtime Mass coordinator, “is when these veterans are exposed to the love of Christ, that can heal them. Bringing God to soldiers and soldiers to God — that’s what this Mass is part of.”

The diocese and the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization committed to service, are inviting all veterans, their families and friends, as well as the faithful in the community to participate in the outreach by attending this year’s Mass

Auxiliary Bishop Peter Dai Bui will be the celebrant.

Fr. Ken Nielson, a combat veteran and military chaplain before becoming a priest in the diocese, will deliver the homily. Fr. Nielson also has led retreats as part of the men’s ministry at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert, Ariz., which also is Dcn. Scott’s parish.

Dcn. Scott stressed that veterans of all faiths and all branches of the military are invited.

He also encouraged those in the community with no military connection whatsoever to attend.

“It’s important to show our men and women who have served that we appreciate their sacrifice and commitment, which for many came at great cost to themselves and their loved ones.

“There is a huge amount of retired service [men and women] in the diocese,” Dcn. Scott continued. “This Mass is an attempt to show that the diocese knows they are there. It is an outreach.”

New sponsor, same mission

This will be the Red, White and Blue Mass’ 16th year.

Begun in 2011 at the request of Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted, who was the active bishop at the time, the first Red, White and Blue Mass was celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Scottsdale, Ariz. Among those there that day was Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., who has been the Church’s Archbishop of the Military Services USA since 2008.

“We have tried to move it around [the diocese] so as many people as possible can attend the Mass,” Dcn. Scott explained.

In the future, the Mass will be scheduled at four separate parishes on a rotating basis, one each in the North Valley, East Valley, West Valley and central Phoenix. The specific sites are still being determined.

Al Geis, Supreme Knight (SK), a fourth-degree Knight and member of the Knights Council 10540 at St. Anne Parish in Gilbert, Ariz., said the Knights of Columbus becoming the main sponsor of the event should help raise the Mass’ profile.

Fourth Degree Knights, in charge of planning and logistics for the Mass, are the organization’s patriotism arm.

“It was a natural fit for them to be the sponsor of this,” he said. “And to ensure there was natural longevity for coordination of this event.”

The Mass itself will remain the same.

Following the prayers of the faithful, three military service members will light three candles, one red, one white and one blue, while “Taps” is played.

“Prior to the opening procession of clergy, the flag from each branch of the military will be brought into the church as each service branch’s theme song is played,” Geis explained.

Youth organizations, including the Boy Scouts, are expected to serve as flag bearers.

“They are our future. [This] helps them appreciate and understand the meaning [behind the Mass]. It’s another way to awaken their interest in service and help them set goals for the future. It gets them thinking about our country,” he said.

Geis, too, encouraged civilians to attend the Mass, even if they aren’t regular churchgoers.

“It gives them an opportunity to give thanks for our veterans. They signed a blank check to the United States stating they will defend her.”

For Dcn. Scott, a veteran of the Cold War, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm who has counseled and prayed with countless men and women in uniform, the Mass also is a chance for hurting veterans to come home and be embraced by Christ’s love and that of the faithful.

“As Catholics, we believe we have a soul and are guided by the Holy Spirit. Many veterans are injured [spiritually] in their careers. They have had things happen to them, done things or failed to do things. All these lie heavy on their hearts,” he explained. “Their morals have been challenged.

“If you’re shot, you can go to a doctor and get a new arm, [but] that’s not the same as with your heart.”

Dcn. Scott said a traumatic event that throws aside a soldier’s morals and principles he or she was raised with has the potential to determine the rest of a veteran’s life. But Christ’s love and that of others can intervene and bring lasting healing.

“If someone comes to this Mass and Christ speaks to them, or they experience Him through others, if we can help one veteran who is [spiritually suffering], that would be worth it.”