Catholic Transcript Online

HARTFORD – Active and retired police, firefighters and other safety personnel of all faiths are being invited to the Archdiocese of Hartford’s third annual Blue Mass.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell will celebrate the special liturgy at 11 a.m. May 1 in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in recognition of the men and women who keep residents from harm’s way.

The Blue Mass honors the men and women who are in the service of protecting and providing for the well-being of the community.

Father Jeffrey V. Romans, assistant chancellor, who coordinates the Mass every year, said the liturgy provides a way for people to come together to recognize the sacrifices of the active personnel who currently serve our communities and those who have retired who were instrumental in keeping people safe.

"We encourage all police, fire and EMS departments and the Department of Correction, and their families, regardless of their faith, to be part of this special recognition Mass. It is important to show these men and women – and their families – that we support them. They are truly unsung heroes," said Archbishop Mansell.

The Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Honor Guards, along with the Hartford Fire Department Honor Guard and the Connecticut Department of Correction Honor Guard, will participate in the opening procession. In addition, the families of those killed in the line of duty in 2011 will be honored.

Approximately 600 people attended the Archdiocese’s first Blue Mass in 2009. Last year, the number grew to 800.

Father Romans said organizers are hoping that more than 1,000 will participate this year.

"It is important that we pay tribute to our heroes," he said.

Free parking will be available in the cathedral’s parking lot as well as the Aetna lot on Flower Street.