close

Blue Mass to honor first responders

By CJ HADDAD 2 min read

cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com

A Cape Coral parish will honor local first responders next weekend with a special service.

St. Andrew Catholic Church fifth annual Blue Mass will take place Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. to honor those who have died in the line of duty as well as those currently serving as first responders. The Mass “is an opportunity to show gratitude to first responders and their families,” organizers said.

Larry Edwards, a member of St. Andrew Liturgical Council, said this is a way to show their support to local law enforcement, firefighters and EMS, as well as the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

“It’s out of appreciation and recognition of the work they do here in the community,” Edwards said. “It’d be a pretty rough place without them.”

Color Guard presence at the Mass will be provided by the Cape Coral Police Department. Father Eduardo Coll will acknowledge first responders present and,though prayer, remember lives lost.

Edwards said nearly every local organization is set to participate in the Mass.

“It’s more important than ever that we recognize what they do,” Edwards said. “They are facing unbelievable criticism — undeserved criticism in our opinion — that they have to deal with and yet they still make these sacrifices and go to work every day and they look out for the best interests of our community, at great risk to themselves sometimes.

“It’s paramount to us that (first responders) understand how much they are truly appreciated and loved here in Cape Coral.”

Local officials say the effort is appreciated.

“We are honored and humbled that St Andrew’s Catholic Church is hosting a ‘Blue Mass’ to honor Cape Coral’s First Responders,” CCPD Deputy Chief Anthony Sizemore said. “Having attended this event in years past, I can tell you that it is wonderful Mass put on by the Parish. We are truly grateful for the support from our faith community, especially in today’s times.”

The public will be invited to a continental breakfast in the Parish Hall after the service.

St. Andrew Catholic Church is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S.

-Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj