MEDIA CONTACTS
JARRYD GONZALES
BRADLEY ZINT

OFFICE
(714) 282-3075
(714) 282-6052

EMAIL
JGONZALES@RCBO.ORG
BZINT@RCBO.ORG

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2022) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will host its inaugural Blue Mass, a special service for Orange County’s law enforcement, firefighter and other emergency personnel, at Christ Cathedral on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.

The Mass, which for years took place elsewhere in the Diocese but will now be hosted annually at Christ Cathedral, will also include a blessing of first-responder vehicles parked at the campus, such as police squad cars and fire trucks.

Attending police, firefighters and others are being encouraged to come in uniform to celebrate the Mass, which will have Bishop Timothy Freyer as the presider.

Reporters or photographers wishing to cover the Mass are asked to RSVP with the Office of Communications in advance to receive a press badge to enter the cathedral.

The Catholic tradition of the Blue Mass dates to Sept. 29, 1934, with the original celebration taking place at St. Patrick Cathedral in Washington, D.C. It has since grown to become a nationwide service.

For Catholics, the Sept. 29 Blue Mass coincides with the feast day for St. Michael, the patron saint of military and police officers.

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About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic centers and 35 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019.