7th Annual Blue Mass to Honor First Responders
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Celebrates Blue Mass and Hosts Community Luncheon
Sunday, September 7th, 2025, will mark the 7th year celebrating Blue Mass at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Quincy, Florida. Members of the Sheriff’s Office, all Municipal Fire and Police Departments, and all EMTs are invited to gather for reflection, praise, and celebration. The 10:00 AM church service is immediately followed by a FREE Community Luncheon hosted in their honor. This year’s event will feature remarks by Mr. Matt Dunagan, Executive Director of the Florida Sheriffs Association.
The history of Blue Mass in the United States started in 1934. The special service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington D.C. gathered police officers for a time of prayer for their fallen comrades and to seek God’s blessing for their own service and safety in the coming year. Since then the Blue Mass has expanded to other denominations across the country, and after 9/11, grew to include all first responders who selflessly protect and serve.
Also beginning at 11:00 AM, One Blood’s Big Red Bus will roll up to accept blood donations from the public. An appointment can be made by going to www.oneblood.org or walk-ins are welcomed. St. Paul’s hosts Gadsden County’s largest blood drive, and has already exceeded 50 gallons in all-time blood donations. Save a life by giving a donation in honor of a First Responder.
Vestry Senior Warden, Mark Armesto, shared that “Most people only encounter First Responders in times of crisis. Blue Mass, combined with the luncheon and blood drive, provides a positive, relaxing, and safe environment where all members of the community can enjoy fellowship with the men and women who perform these vital roles for us.”
St. Paul’s Rector, the Reverend Canon Tanya Scheff, was an EMT in her former life and currently serves as a Quincy Police Chaplain. She adds, “It is our joy to share the Bread of Life with these dedicated men and women and our privilege to break bread with all of Gadsden County’s finest during the luncheon that follows. Good food and fellowship are hallmarks of the day, and all are welcome!”
####
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the western gateway of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. A beacon of hope in Quincy, FL, for over 180 years, St. Paul’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is still proud of its Bible-based liturgy & traditional worship while opening its doors & hearts to a changing community. It is a certified American Red Cross Emergency Shelter. Quincy is lovingly referred to as a Metropolitan Mayberry, boasting small-town charm along with easy access to big-city opportunities. For more information call (850) 627-6257, email stpaulskingstreet@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
