HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark Church will offer a special Blue Mass at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, to give thanks and pray for those who protect and serve in law enforcement, emergency management and fire safety. All police officers, firefighters, law enforcement officials, military personnel, first responders and their families – Catholic and non-Catholic – are invited to be a part of this special Mass. Uniforms may be worn.
The Blue Mass is being held on the vigil of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of public safety personnel. A reception will follow in the Kerin Family Center Parish Hall immediately after the Mass.
First offered in 1934 in Washington, D.C., the Blue Mass provides spiritual support for those on the front lines of public safety and derives its name from the uniform color of police officers and firefighters. The Blue Mass is now offered in hundreds of parishes and dioceses annually throughout the United States.
The event is organized and sponsored by St. Mark Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary.
St. Mark Catholic Church is located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.
— Catholic News Herald
CLEMMONS — Two young parishioners from Holy Family Parish recently received special honors.
Vivian Do (pictured with her family and Holy Family’s clergy) was awarded the 2023 St. Timothy Award, presented annually to one high school youth in each parish of the diocese, recognizing them for their public witness to their community.
Jonathan Perez Ramirez (pictured with his family and Holy Family’s clergy) received the 2023 Bishop Michael J. Begley Award, given to one youth in the diocese in recognition of their outstanding service to the Church, community, school and youth program.
Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor, wrote in his recommendation letter, “Jonathan Perez has been a shining example of servant leadership at Holy Family.” Jenn Barlow, parish youth minister, added, “Jonathan is one of the most giving teens I’ve encountered in my 12 years as a youth minister.”
— Catholic News Herald
