WHEELING, W.Va -
In the wake of the tragic shooting where two West Virginia State Troopers lost their lives, St. Alphonsus Church in Wheeling is having a special church service to honor not only police officers, but first responders of all types.
The mass called a "Blue Mass" or "First Responders Mass" will be held at St. Alphonsus Church on Market Street on Saturday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m.
WTRF.com spoke to Father Frank O'Kruta, who says his congregation wanted to do this for all of their local first responders. That includes fire departments, police officers, and EMTs; really anyone who puts themselves in harms way for the sake of public safety.
Father Frank wants everyone who is a first responder to come be blessed on Saturday. Also, anyone who wants to thank these special people should attend.
"First of all, we gather to recognize these people, because sometimes, they go unrecognized for all the efforts that they put in," he says. "Second of all, it's to pray for them, because often times they are in hazardous situations and do hazardous duties."
This mass is also timely as the 11th anniversary of 9/11 is just around the corner.
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