A Catholic group called the Knights of Columbus will host a special local mass to commemorate first responders.
The 13th annual Blue Sunday mass will be May 6, 2018 at St. Albert Catholic Parish. The morning mass celebrates first responders in the community dedicated to protecting the public and creating safe spaces for people to live.
Police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, EMS and military personnel are invited to the church for a special mass where they will be blessed at the altar, and later, offered a pancake breakfast.
The colour blue is commonly associated with the uniforms of people in the public safety field. Blue Sunday has been a traditional celebration that honours first responders and their families since its conception 84 years ago in Washington D.C.
Retired RCMP officer and member of the St. Albert Knights of Columbus Gerry Keane helped organize the event. He said the service recognizes the work that first responders do because they willingly put their lives in danger.
"I don't think we see it that way as officers, but our families definitely do," Keane said.
Keane said that Blue Sunday is a way for the community to show support and appreciation for people in all areas of public safety. The celebration gives community members the opportunity to meet personally with the people behind the badges.
Retired RCMP officer Jim Plastow has attended the mass for the past four years. He said that being among so many first responders is just like being a part of one big family.
"It's a remarkable feeling. First of all, I'm not Catholic, but I find it's a very welcome service no matter what your denomination. It makes you feel like, 'Hey, I did a good job. Some people do appreciate me,' " Plastow said.
Both Keane and Plastow said that the mass recognizes not only police and firefighters, but all first responders. Plastow emphasized that people in many different situations rely on first responders to make important decisions.
Plastow said all first responders are encouraged to attend the event whether they are still working or retired. First responders who wish to attend are asked, though not required, to come in uniform and to arrive early so appropriate seating can be arranged.
The Blue Sunday Mass begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the St. Albert Catholic Parish, 7 St. Vital Ave. and is open to the public.
