BLUE MASS

Blue Mass
Police Week Blue Mass on May 7, 2013. The Border Patrol Honor Guard enter St. Patrick's Cathedral, Washington, DC. to render the colors. Photographer: Donna Burton Blue mass in Washington, DC
Observed by	Catholics, Other Christians
Significance	Honor veterans of the Public Safety field
Date	Varies by community
First time	1934

A Blue Mass is a Mass 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 color blue relates to the blue-colored uniforms predominantly used by these services.^[2] Similar to the Red Mass, the service honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving as first responders. The Mass is an opportunity for the community to show gratitude to first responders and their families.

Background

In Washington, D.C. the service is held in conjunction with National Police Week. Psalm 91:11, "For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]," are often invoked during the service. Though usually held in a Catholic church, the events are generally considered to be ecumenical or non-denominational.

The Blue Mass dates to September 29, 1934, when Rev. Thomas Dade started the service as part of his duties with the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society. The first mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC and has grown to a nationwide celebration. The September 29 service was timed to coincide with Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers.

INTERNET SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mass