The 15th annual Blue Mass for police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and their families will be celebrated at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 1 (Thursday) in the University of Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Rev. Peter Rocca, C.S.C., rector of the Basilica and associate director for liturgy, will preside, and retired Deputy District Chief Steve Chikerotis of the Chicago Fire Department will be a guest speaker.
Named for the predominant color of uniforms worn by officers in police and fire departments nationwide, the Blue Mass was first celebrated at Notre Dame in October 2001 as the traditional “month’s mind” Mass for the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and for the police officers, firefighters and rescue workers who died while in the line of service. Since then, it has been celebrated annually to honor and pray for all those who serve and protect public safety on a daily basis. The mass is open to the public, and people of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome to participate.
Representatives of the police and fire departments from throughout the region will attend the Mass.
Contact: Mary Weigle, Notre Dame Fire Department, 574-631-6200, mweigle@nd.edu