Annual Tampa Bay Blue Mass for First Responders
Wednesday-May 2, 2018, 1:30pm
St. Timothy Catholic Church
Bishop Gregory Parkes, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, will celebrate a Mass honoring and praying for the wellbeing of all Public Safety First Responders; including members of law enforcement; Police/ Sheriff/ Agents, as well as Fire and Emergency Medical Personnel.
The Blue Mass dates back to 1934 when the first Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, DC and has grown to a nationwide celebration.
While the 1934 service was timed to coincide with the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of police officers, the Washington, DC, annual Mass is celebrated during National Police Week to honor veterans and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The color blue relates to the blue colored uniforms predominantly used by these public servants.
The Event is open to everyone regardless of religious denomination.