Blue Mass

Flag with firefighter's uniform and police car

2025 Blue Masses:

There will be two Blue Masses this year.

Sunday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
307 Congress Street, Portland

and

Sunday, September 28, 10:30 a.m.
St. Mary of the Visitation Church
110 Military Street, Houlton

What is a Blue Mass?

Annually, active and retired local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel are recognized for their faithful commitment and self-sacrifice at the Blue Mass.

People of all faiths are invited to attend the Mass each year and to join in expressing gratitude to the men and women who work to keep our communities safe. Members of the public safety community are encouraged to attend in uniform and to bring their families with them.

During the Mass, blessings are bestowed upon all who contribute to the public health and safety of Maine, and prayers will be offered for those who have given their lives in the line of duty. The readers and gift bearers at the Mass are members of the public safety community, and a multi-jurisdictional honor guard posts the colors.

The Blue Mass (referring to the blue uniforms that law enforcement and other first responders often wear) dates back to 1934 and is a venerable tradition in many dioceses. The events of September 11, 2001, served as the impetus for the Diocese of Portland to institute the Blue Mass in Maine.

This Mass calls forth in us a greater awareness of, and gratitude for, the lives of those who serve us so faithfully. Our lives are a gift from God, given to us that we might in turn give our lives in service to Him and to others. This truth is one virtually ingrained into the lives of our police, fire and rescue personnel. Day in and day out they put their lives on the line for us: “Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).