Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Supporters from around the Archdiocese of Baltimore gather for the annual Blue Mass honoring public safety personnel Sept. 15, 2024, at Saint Joseph's Monastery Parish. This year's Blue Mass at the monastery will be held Sept. 28. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Blue Masses scheduled to recognize responders


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Worship & Sacraments

Several churches in the Archdiocese of Baltimore will recognize the work of public safety professionals – including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency personnel – by celebrating a Blue Mass.

A tradition that dates to 1934, a Blue Mass, so named because of the color of many first responders’ uniforms, offers special prayers and blessings for both active and retired safety professionals of all denominations.

Archbishop William E. Lori speaks with Baltimore City Police Commissioner Richard Worley, left, and Baltimore City Fire Chief James W. Wallace prior to the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual Blue Mass Sept. 15, 2024, at Saint Joseph’s Monastery Parish. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

“The Blue Mass is more than a tradition; it is an act of gratitude,” said Father Bill Keown, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Oakland. “As Catholics, we believe that every vocation of service reflects the love of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.”

First responders profoundly live out that call, the priest said, “by running toward danger when others run away, offering comfort in moments of crisis and often sacrificing their own safety to protect lives.”

“At the Blue Mass, we not only thank them for their dedication, but we also lift them and their families in prayer, asking God to bless them with courage, strength and protection,” he said.

Father Keown celebrated St. Peter the Apostle’s first Blue Mass last year. This year’s Blue Mass is scheduled for Sept. 11. Father Scott Kady, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish in Allegany County, will concelebrate this year for the first time.

“Many times, first responders are the ones who can get there and save someone’s life,” Father Kady said. “Life is the most precious thing to God. They can make all the difference.”

Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate a Blue Mass Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish in Baltimore. Last year’s Blue Mass brought together more than 600 people from departments all around the state.

St. John in Westminster will host a Blue Mass Oct. 4

“It lets them know … that we’re supporting them. We are here for them,” Teresa Richardson, an organizer said. “It is really beautiful.”

Participants at St. John will receive “challenge coins” – tokens of thanks from St. John – when they go up for a blessing, according to Richardson. A potluck dinner featuring pasta and fried chicken will follow. St. Peter the Apostle will host a reception following its Blue Mass.

“Kids at the school will do thank-you cards and it is nice to say ‘thank you’ in person,” Richardson said, of the dinner. “It is a profession, but they are unsung heroes. We are praying for them.”

Blue Mass dates and locations

  • St. Peter the Apostle Church, 208 S. Fourth St., Oakland, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Father Bill Keown and Father Scott Kady, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, will concelebrate. Reception in the St. Peter parish hall follows.
  • St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish, 3801 Old Frederick Road, Baltimore, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. Archbishop William E. Lori will celebrate.
  • St. John Church, 43 Monroe St., Westminster, Oct. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Father Mark Bialek will celebrate. Dinner will follow.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

Sister Marie Olwell dies at 96

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A funeral Mass for Sister Marie Olwell (formerly Sister Anita Bernadette) of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill will be offered Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Villa in Flourtown, Pa. Sister Marie died June 16. She was 96.

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Continue Reading Sister Marie Olwell dies at 96

Sister Eileen Davis, D.C., dies at 99

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A funeral Mass for Daughter of Charity Sister Eileen Davis was offered July 10 at Villa St. Michael in Emmitsburg. Sister Eileen died July 6. She was 99.

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Continue Reading Sister Eileen Davis, D.C., dies at 99

Ann O’Neill remembered for her faith, devotion to Mother Seton as Archbishop Lori offers her funeral Mass

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Remembering her joyful faith journey and reminding congregants of her miraculous healing through the intercession of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Archbishop William E. Lori offered the funeral Mass of Ann Theresa O’Neill July 25 in Emmitsburg.

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Continue Reading Ann O’Neill remembered for her faith, devotion to Mother Seton as Archbishop Lori offers her funeral Mass

Ann Teresa O’Neill, whose confirmed miracle led to the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, dies at 78

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O’Neill, a 78-year-old Easton resident, died in the early hours of July 17 surrounded by her family. She had suffered a stroke a few days prior and was making progress before her health declined again.

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Continue Reading Ann Teresa O’Neill, whose confirmed miracle led to the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, dies at 78

Catherine Gietka, foundation president and mother of $183 million lottery winner, dies

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Catherine “Kate” Gietka, who as president of her family’s charitable foundation helped direct nearly $2 million in grants to local parishes, pro-life causes and other nonprofit groups after her daughter won a $183 million lottery jackpot, died July 17.

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Continue Reading Catherine Gietka, foundation president and mother of $183 million lottery winner, dies

Sister Kathleen Marie Engers, beloved founder of Baltimore’s Pumpkin Theater, dies at 101

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School Sister of Notre Dame Kathleen Marie Engers, whose Pumpkin Theater introduced generations of Baltimore-area children to the performing arts, died June 10 at age 101. A longtime Notre Dame of Maryland professor, she viewed the theater as a ministry that inspired a lifelong love of the arts.

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Continue Reading Sister Kathleen Marie Engers, beloved founder of Baltimore’s Pumpkin Theater, dies at 101

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