Honoring First Responders Sunday

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A local church is offering a special service for people in blue on Sunday, September 11th.

St. James Episcopal Church on 6th Street in downtown Zanesville will hold a “Blue Mass” this Sunday. This special mass is to honor all first responders and those who risk their lives everyday to ensure the safety of others.

“There is a tradition in the christian church of celebrating particular works in society that have been considered vocations,” Fr. Robert Willmann said. “Meaning works that people are called to by God. They are believed to be called by God because of the sacrificial nature.”

The “Blue Mass” will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Fr Willmann said the purpose of this mass is to celebrate, recognize, and thank all first responders.

“It recognizes an important way that these people are always on call for us. And ready to sacrifice their lives for us and in some cases they have done so,” Fr. Willmann said.

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the “Blue Mass.” St. James Episcopal Church is located at 155 North 6th Street.