HIGHLAND – A "Blue Mass" is a special religious service held to honor and pray for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Its name references the traditional blue-colored uniforms worn by many police officers and public safety workers.
Sue Kresich, of Highland, greeted those arriving for a Blue Mass on Sept. 26 at St. James the Less in Highland. She said she enjoys being an active member of the parish and stated that it was a blessing that Father Greg Bim-Merle celebrates the liturgy each year. While a Blue Mass has taken place in some locations within the Diocese of Gary at various times in the past, Kresich noted it was the second annual one at the Highland church.
“I am happy to help and be a part of something that honors those who protect us like police officers and firemen,” she said.
As Father Bim-Merle welcomed those gathered to the Blue Mass, he explained that the history of the Mass dates back to 1934. It was started by Father Thomas Dade and the first one was held in Washington, D.C. The idea behind the Blue Mass, he said, is to honor and give thanks to all first responders, police, fire, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers – “all those men and women who help keep us safe and protect our communities.”
In addition to recognizing first responders, Father Bim Merle said the Blue Mass provides an opportunity to pray for their protection and for God's help in their work. He added, “We're also praying for all of those who gave their lives in the line of duty – all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
During the homily, Father Bim-Merle shared that the Blue Mass has a special and personal meaning for him, as his brother is a firefighter paramedic who began his career as an EMT. In addition, Father Bim-Merle mentioned he feels blessed to be serving as one of the chaplains for the Griffith Police Department.
“Praying for their protection are certainly things close to my heart,” he said.
The day’s readings, Father Bim-Merle commented, were “appropriate for this Blue Mass.” In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is talking with his disciples and trying to prepare them for the fact that he will be turned over to the chief priests to suffer his passion. The disciples are scared and don’t fully understand everything he is telling them, but Jesus remains accepting of his mission, knowing he is going to be sentenced to death and rejected by humanity.
On the eve of giving up this life, Jesus at the Last Supper, says, “There is no greater love as this – to lay down one's life for one’s friend.”
“All Christians are called to make that sacrificial love,” Father Bim-Merle said. “We're all called in our own ways to lay down our lives for the sake of other people. But I think first responders, in a very particular way, are living out this call of sacrificial love. They truly are putting their lives at risk. They're giving up their lives so that other people may be safe; so that other people can have health and safety.”
Father Bim Merle went on to reflect on the fact that when Jesus died, he didn't just die for the “good people.” He offered his life for all humankind, even the sinners, even those who hated or rejected him.
“And sadly, first responders are not always liked,” said Father Bim Merle. “Sometimes there are people out there who hate you or ridicule you, or people who are certainly sinners, but yet we are called to serve and protect everyone. And we're called to bring safety or even justice to all these different situations.”
Father Bim Merle pointed out that for those in first responder positions, it's not just a calling, not just a job, not just an occupation, “but has a very deep spiritual dimension to be giving their lives for the sake of others.”
He said, “We want to thank them for their courageousness, for their virtue, for all of the ways they protect us and serve our communities, and to pray for their protection.”
Father Bim-Merle shared that Blue Masses are typically held at the end of September, near the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, who is the patron saint of police officers and first responders.
“So today, we're saying, ‘Lord, protect these men and women who are serving our communities,” said Father Bim-Merle. “Keep them safe from harm. Keep them safe from all evil, or any despair, or doubt, or difficulties. And we're also praying for those who gave their lives, those who died in the line of duty.”
He continued, “So my brothers and sisters, let's rejoice this day in the great love Christ has for us. Let's say, ‘Lord, help us to imitate this sacrificial love whatever our job is, whatever our calling, whatever our vocation,’ and say, ‘Lord, help me be a person who gives my life for others.’”
Joe Kwasny, a retired police officer and St. James parishioner, was among those present at the Blue Mass. He commented that it was nice to be around other officers and participate in something with a connection to faith.
Kwasny acknowledged that it can sometimes be difficult for first responders to attend Mass regularly. He recalled that it was a former pastor of St. James who also served as a police chaplain, Father Francis Lazar, who inspired him and other officers to remain close to God.
“He became our chaplain and encouraged us, not necessarily to go to this specific parish, but to come back to Church,” he said. “Hopefully, that'll start up again.”
