ROCK ISLAND — At a Mass during which gratitude was expressed to first responders and prayers lifted for their protection, an example of their readiness to serve played out at Sacred Heart Church here on Sept. 29.

As the Gospel was proclaimed by Deacon Gayle Cyrulik — a retired police officer who is now manager of chaplaincy services at OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington — a woman in the assembly fell ill and needed immediate medical attention. She got exactly that because the church was filled with police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other public safety workers from throughout the Quad Cities region taking part in the parish’s first Blue Mass.

“Even in this Mass today, there was an unexpected time when someone needed help,” observed Father Luke Spannagel at the end of the liturgy. He then asked all first responders to stand, walked up and down the aisles of the church sprinkling holy water on those present, and led what turned into a prolonged standing ovation for their service.

A Blue Mass is so named because of the color of the uniform predominantly used by those in public safety. A similar liturgy took place the same day at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Galesburg.

HELP IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

“We honor all those today who are regularly, faithfully responding to the needs we have — those who are there in the midst of the difficult situations of life,” said Father Spannagel in his homily.

All followers of Jesus are called to service, he said, and are strengthened by God to persevere even in difficult moments.

“When we are striving to serve one another, we are living the life God has asked us to live and we can be confident in knowing God is with us,” said Father Spannagel. “It is the love of Jesus that drives us forward, to keep looking for places where we can help.

“We give thanks today to all those who are witnesses of hope,” he continued, “those who serve us in the community, who are showing the right way, who are helping us to live together in peace and good order.”

The Mass was offered for the intention of all deceased members of local law enforcement and fire departments. Because Sept. 29 is the feast of the archangels, medals of St. Michael the Archangel — known as a protector and defender — were blessed and distributed as “a reminder to all of you who serve our community that we are thankful for you, that we are praying for you, and that we are asking the protection of God’s help for you in the midst of your service,” said Father Spannagel.

He also blessed the latest Catholic Care Packs — backpacks filled with blankets, gloves, hats, toiletries, and food items that are distributed to the region’s homeless by law enforcement officers. Father Spannagel said the ministry, established at Sacred Heart and neighboring parishes, has grown to other areas of the Diocese of Peoria and into Iowa.