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.
“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
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