A sacred vocation of service and protection

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated the annual Blue Mass for first responders on Sept. 22 at Good Shepherd Church in Evansville. The liturgy included active and retired law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders, along with students, faculty, and staff from Good Shepherd.

Father Zach Etienne, the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, concelebrated the liturgy, while Deacon Josh Reising, president of Reitz Memorial High School, assisted. During his homily, Bishop Siegel said the community gathered for the Eucharist to pray for all law enforcement and first responders. He described St. Michael the Archangel, the patron of those in public safety, as a warrior who stands against chaos and destruction.

The Diocese of Evansville continues a tradition of celebrating the Blue Mass, which began in 1934. These are held annually across the country on or near the Sept. 29 feast of St. Michael.