Blue Mass honors first responders and the families behind their service
By Kristine Rilling10/05/2026
For first responders, serving others often means stepping into danger and carrying burdens few people see. Their courage, compassion and commitment were recognized at the fourth annual Blue Mass held on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at St. Boniface Church in Erie.
The celebration honored law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel while remembering those who died and offering support to their families and colleagues.
“First responders often meet people on the worst days of their lives,” said Don Benczkowski, Blue Mass coordinator. “The Blue Mass offers the community an opportunity to meet them on a good day – to express gratitude, pray for their protection and recognize the sacrifices behind their service.”
The Mass coincided with the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. In his homily, Bishop Lawrence Persico connected their roles as protectors, messengers and healers with the work entrusted to first responders.
He acknowledged that their effectiveness can sometimes lead the public to take their service for granted. The good they do may never make the news, even as they face danger and carry responsibilities others rarely see.
“In celebrating this Mass for you, we thank you for your commitment to the common good,” Bishop Persico said. “We thank you for your sacrifices. And we thank God for you.”
Coming weeks after the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, both the homily and Benczkowski’s remarks recalled the lasting legacy of those who gave their lives serving others.
Bishop Persico described first responders as authentic heroes because they choose to protect life despite fear, serve without discrimination and answer when duty calls. Their willingness to give of themselves, he said, reflects the selfless love at the heart of the Christian faith.
For grieving families and colleagues, he offered the assurance that faith brings hope beyond death.
Benczkowski emphasized that the gathering is for the entire community, including the people first responders help each day. He described service, sacrifice and selflessness as qualities that extend beyond emergency personnel to their families and friends.
As the son of a firefighter, Benczkowski recalled Christmases and other occasions when his father’s responsibilities kept him away from home. He also remembered colleagues without children offering to cover shifts so parents could spend those days with their families – an expression of the brotherhood and sisterhood within the profession.
Benczkowski thanked the clergy, parish volunteers, musicians and emergency personnel whose contributions made the evening possible.
Concelebrating the Mass were Father Jason Glover, Chaplain for the Erie Police Department, Father Scott Jabo, Chaplain for the Retired State Police Association, and Father Mar Stockton, Chaplain for the Kuhl Hose Fire Company and pastor of St. Boniface Parish. Deacon Denis Coan, retired corrections officer, assisted.
Benczkowski invited a moment of silence to remember those who had died and urged everyone present to commit to praying daily for first responders’ safety and well-being. The evening concluded with fellowship, extending the gratitude expressed in prayer into a shared celebration of community.
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