Firefighters Gather for Blessing at Annual Mass, Oct. 25
October 25, 2009
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Oct. 22, 2009
Contact: Jenny Faber, Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
jfaber@archgh.org
713.652.8223
Firefighters Gather for Blessing at Annual Mass, Oct. 25
Firefighters from around the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are invited to the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for a morning Mass and blessing of their fire apparatus, Oct. 25.
The Archdiocese and the Saint Florian Society will host the annual Firefighters Mass this Sunday at 11 a.m.
Just prior to the start of Mass, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza will bless firefighters and their vehicles and equipment, including an ambulance and engine from Houston Fire Department Station 26, which lost two firefighters on Easter morning this year.
During the Mass, the names of more than 40 area firefighters who died in the last year will be read aloud.
Archbishop Fiorenza will celebrate the Mass. Join the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on Oct. 25 to offer thanks to the men and women who protect the health and safety of our citizens through their courageous emergency service.
WHAT: Firefighters Mass for all of the municipalities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Firefighters, fire department employees, their families and supporters are invited to attend.
WHERE: The Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston
WHEN: Blessing of the apparatus takes place at 10:45 a.m.; Mass follows at 11 a.m.
DURATION: 1 to 1.5 hours
VISUALS/AUDIO:
• Firefighters will gather outside the Co-Cathedral between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. for a blessing before Mass.
• A ladder truck, ambulance and fire engine are among items that will also be blessed at 10:45 a.m. Firefighters will then process into the Co-Cathedral.
• The Houston Fire Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums are scheduled to be at the event.
• Firefighters have been invited to attend the Mass in dress uniform.
• Non-obstructive photography and general videotaping (b-roll) at certain locations inside the Co-Cathedral are permitted during Mass. We appreciate any efforts to show reverence inside the church during the worship service; modest attire is welcomed. Please contact Jenny Faber, Archdiocesan Communications Director, prior to the start of the event for details on locations for videography/photography inside the Co-Cathedral. Jenny will be at the event.
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.5 million Catholics in 10 counties. It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 11th largest in the United States.