A Blue Mass is a service celebrated annually in the Catholic Church for those employed in the public safety field (i.e. police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators and EMS personnel).
The first Blue Mass was celebrated in September of 1934 by Father Thomas Dade of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
The Blue Mass honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving.
The Blue Mass is an opportunity for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their families.
Photograph courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Minneapolis