CLEARFIELD – The 5th Annual Clearfield County Blue Mass was held on Saturday, May 17 at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Clearfield with the Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, the Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, presiding.
The SCI Houtzdale Honor Guard ceremoniously presented the colors at the beginning of Mass. During the Blue Mass, the congregants heard a reading from the Gospel of John where it states, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Bishop Persico, during his homily, thanked and praised all of the first responders and public servants present because they put themselves in harm’s way everyday, not out of self-interest, but due to the love of others.
Following Mass, a dinner was held at St. Francis School for all public servants and their families that were present. The meal was hosted by the Blue Mass Committee, catered by the Country Butcher, paid for by the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 812, and served by the Clearfield Knights of Columbus.
The Blue Mass is celebrated annually throughout the United States in Catholic Churches to pray for the safety of and to thank all law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators, and EMS personnel. The color blue relates to the blue colored uniforms predominantly used by those in public services.
