Blue Mass Service

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – St. James Episcopal Church hosted their Blue Mass service Sunday evening in honor of first responders.

The service began with some singing from the choir and the Star Spangled Banner and then moved on to the color guard walking down the center aisle with the bagpiper. Rob Morris, Priest of the Episcopal Church and Chaplain of the Genesis Hospital, was in attendance along with other members of the congregation.

“Today is the Blue Mass. It’s an occasion to honor first responders who have died in the line of duty and it’s structured like a funeral. It’s a chance to remember, to care and to hope,” Morris said.

Morris said every day first responders put their lives on the line. They see things they can’t and shouldn’t forget and there is always a risk.

“Well there are different kinds of people who are here. Some of them are colleagues who are paying respect to fallen colleagues,” Morris said. “Others, family members for whom have a connection and also then persons in the community who honor that kind of sacrifice and want to be a part of the respect shown.”

Morris hopes this service helps people put it all into perspective. If you are interested in finding out more about the annual service or attending next year you can find St. James Episcopal Church on Facebook.