A Mass honoring first responders and other emergency personnel will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at St. Mary Parish in Alexandria, with Bishop Donald Kettler presiding.
The special Mass is sometimes called a “Blue Mass” because the color blue relates to the blue-colored uniforms often used by these services. It is an opportunity to thank those employed in the field of public safety — police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators, emergency medical services personnel — and their families and to pray for their continued safety. People of all faiths are welcome.
“Our police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel make many sacrifices to serve us and our communities in our greatest times of need,” Bishop Kettler told The Visitor newspaper in 2018. “They put their lives on the line for our benefit. This Mass is an opportunity to thank them for their willingness to serve, show our support, and pray for their safety. It’s a tradition that I look forward to every year.”
Top photo: St. Cloud Fire Battalion Chief Glen Koshiol prays during last year’s Blue Mass at St. Boniface Church in Cold Spring. The Mass also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)