‘Blue Mass’ set for Sept. 28 at St. Andrew Catholic Church
For the fourth consecutive year, St. Andrew Catholic Church will hold a service to commemorate first responders in Southwest Florida.
A “Blue Mass” will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, at 9 a.m. to celebrate all members of the public safety field including police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.
“This is a small way of honoring those who do so much for our community,” said Larry Edwards, Liturgical Council member for St. Andrew. “We pray for them, and is a way for us to say thank you.”
The Mass is intended to honor those who have died in the line of duty, as well as those currently serving, as a way for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their families.
Immediately following the service, a free breakfast will be provided in the parish hall, sponsored by The Knights of Columbus.
The first Blue Mass dates bak to 1934, when the Rev. Thomas Dade started the service as part of his duties with the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society. The original Blue Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in D.C. and has grown into a nationwide celebration, and has been thriving in Cape Coral for the last four years.
Members of the Cape Coral Police Department plan to attend the Mass next weekend.
“This Mass is special because the congregation is praying for the safety of not only our officers, but the families behind the badge,” said Master Sgt. Patrick O’Grady, spokesperson for CCPD. “They pray for our whole family and those of fallen officers. I have been myself before, it can be pretty powerful.”
Edwards said the parish is home to many first responders in the community, and that all personnel will be honored via prayer during Mass.
He said first responders do not need to be Catholic to attend, and that he hopes all feel welcome.
“All public safety officers and their families are welcome,” Edwards said. “We’d love to have them attend so that we can say thank you.”
St. Andrew Church is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S.
For more information and to RSVP for breakfast, visit www.standrewrcc.org and select “Blue Mass.”
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