Bishop Stika invites you to join him on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 9 a.m. for the annual Blue Mass to honor and to pray for all our first responders who protect and serve. This time-honored tradition of praying for the blessing and protection of our public servants in law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services goes back to the first Blue Mass in Washington, D.C., in 1923. Since then, dioceses across the country have celebrated annually those whose service is often identified with their blue uniform. It is a special time for us to honor their unselfish service and to pray for their safety.