Praying for First Responders

LCSO personnel receiving anointing and prayer during the 2022 Blue Mass.

St. Thomas is once again pleased to be hosting a Blue Mass in support of local first responders Sunday September 29th, 2024 at 10:00 AM, followed by a luncheon, free to first responders and their families, in the Parish Hall.

Every Sunday, St. Thomas prays for all first responders and ‘those who labor for our safety and wellbeing.’ Once a year, near the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, patron saint of first responders, we set aside a time to pray more specifically over our first responders, to ask for God’s protection of them as they serve, to pray for their families, and to ask God to strengthen them in their service to our communities. The call this year to pray for our first responders is made more poignant for our Eustis community by the tragic line of duty death of Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link in early August 2024.

Blue Mass History

Ladder 22 firefighters at the reception, taking lunches back for firefighters who were called away.

The concept of a Blue Mass dates back roughly 90 years and was an opportunity to pray for and support police, firefighters and other first responders whose uniforms traditionally were blue. The tradition has developed over time to hold such a Mass, either at the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, or during National Police Week.

At St. Thomas, invitations are sent out to first responders in Eustis and Lake County services. We are pleased to be able to show our gratitude and support for all they do for the protection of our communities, and our ongoing support in prayer for them to preserve our communities in safety and health. This year marks our second annual Blue Mass.

What to Expect

EPD officers receiving a blessing at the 2023 Blue Mass.

The Blue Mass is intended for any first responders to participate in, regardless of their own faith backgrounds. First responders, regardless of their faith tradition or lack thereof, are invited to come forward to receive anointing and prayer for protection and strengthening to serve the community. During the Mass, any Christian, regardless of the Christian tradition into which they are baptized, who has examined their conscience and desires the Body and Blood of Christ is welcome to receive. Apart from the Sacrament of the Eucharist, we will sing songs of praise, hear the Word of God proclaimed, hear a brief sermon preached, and spend time together praying for our first responders and our community.

LCSO personnel and family enjoying lunch at the reception in 2022.

At the reception, there will be a time for fellowship and connection over a catered lunch. This year’s menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and peach cobbler for dessert. Additional food is being ordered and will be delivered to Fire Station 22 in Eustis (100 W. Norton Avenue, Eustis) for distribution during the rest of the day to any First Responders who may not have been able to attend in person for any reason.

First Responders and their families are asked to RSVP through their department, letters of invitation having been sent to chiefs and community service departments, so that sufficient food can be ordered from the caterers. The Mass is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend, as is the reception. Parishioners or members of the public who wish to attend the luncheon may purchase a ticket for food by contacting the Parish Office at office@stthomaseustis.org or 352-357-4358. Tickets cost $16/person. Donations are also being accepted to cover the cost of food for first responders and their families.

Finding Us and Parking

Guests are invited to make their way to St. Thomas Episcopal Church at the corner of E. Lemon Ave and S. Mary St in Eustis, 600 E. Lemon Ave. Parking is available in the grass lot on the north side of Lemon Ave.