Notre Dame's 14th annual Blue Mass to be celebrated Oct. 9

Author: Michael O. Garvey

Blue Mass

The 14th annual Blue Mass for police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and their families will be celebrated Oct. 9 (Thursday) at 5:15 p.m. in the University of Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., will preside, and Rev. Charlie Kohlerman, C.S.C., will preach.

Robert Tracy, chief of Chicago Police Crime Control Strategy and former captain in the New York City police department, will offer a reflection following the Mass.

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 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 serving and protecting others. Since then, it has been celebrated annually to honor and pray for all who serve public safety. People of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome to participate.

Representatives of the police and fire departments throughout the region will attend the Mass.

Contact: Leanne Knapp, 574-631-8338, knapp.16@nd.edu