Annual Blue Mass honors first responders

Friday, Feb. 24, 2017

DRAPER — Hundreds of Catholics turned out Feb. 19 to honor first responders during the annual Blue Mass at Saint John the Baptist Parish.

The Mass was so well attended that overflow seating was set up in the vestibule of the capacious church.

Pipers with the Unified Fire Authority Pipe and Drum Corp led the procession, which also included the Highway Patrol Honor Guard.

First responders came from departments from Brigham City to American Fork and many points in between, said Knight of Columbus Norbert Martinez, who for the fourth year organized the event.

It is called the Blue Mass because of the predominantly blue uniforms worn by public safety personnel in fields such as law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical teams. 

The Gospel reading was Mt 5:38-48, which related a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. In his homily, Fr. Denis said the advice that Jesus gives about turning the other cheek seems impractical in the modern world, but “in the way in which Jesus understands it, turning the other cheek is not weakness; it requires tremendous inner strength and security. ... Those of you in law enforcement are daily confronted with such challenges; I’ve also read about firefighters being attacked while trying to put out a fire. And people in pain often need someone to blame and since medical care folks are available, they often bear the blunt of their anger, fear and frustration simply by being present. It should be obvious that due to your jobs some of you are forced to use force, but what is asked of you is that the force you use is measured and appropriate to the situation. Don’t allow the hate-mongers to take control of your lives and rob you of your self-control.”

Among those who attended the Mass   was Col. Michael Rapich of the Utah Highway Patrol, who said he appreciated the opportunity to interact with the community, especially because the celebration showed appreciation for the work of law enforcement officers.

Salt Lake City Assistant Police Chief Tim Doubt expressed similar sentiments, and added, “It’s important to worship together and to give thanks.” 

“It’s a pretty big honor, especially in this day and age,” agreed Chris Middlemiss, one of the pipers.

The Mass was followed by a breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 12181 of Draper. Free will offerings were taken at the breakfast, which  raised $1,000 to donate to the Utah Peace Officers Association memorial fund, said Frank Carmona, the council’s Grand Knight.

The Mass honored all first responders, Carmona said. “We’re just paying homage to them and saying ‘thank you for being there’ when we need them, when we’re hurting, when we’re injured, when our loved ones need help.”