Bishop William D. Byrne will celebrate Mass at the Forest Park amphitheater, adjacent to the Barney Carriage House, on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. The Mass, which will be broadcast live on “Chalice of Salvation,” on WWLP-22 News, will recognize and lift up in prayer healthcare workers, first responders, employees of grocery stores, gas stations, and other businesses considered essential during the state of emergency in 2020. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker issued the emergency order in response to the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation. Bishop Byrne will also recognize the teachers and staff of Catholic schools in the Springfield Diocese, who welcomed students back for in-person learning in the fall of 2020, when most communities were still remote or hybrid.
Please join Bishop William D. Byrne on Sunday, September 12th at 10a.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral, 260 State Street in Springfield for the Annual Blue Mass to honor all first responders, firefighters, state and local police, paramedics, corrections officers, federal law enforcement and those serving in the military. This year’s Mass will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. As a church community, we come together remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and lift up the thousands of families nationwide who suffered unimaginable loss. Families are invited to attend, and the Mass will also be televised live on “Chalice of Salvation,” on WWLP-22 News. A brief march and procession into the Cathedral will precede Mass. Attending officers and personnel are asked to wear dress uniforms and gather in the parking lot by 9:45 a.m.