WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal, state and local first responders from around the country will gather at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, DC to remember the contributions of law enforcement officers and public safety agencies and to ask for their continued protection during the annual Blue Mass.
Before Mass, a Trooping of the Colors parade will take place under a large American flag hung by fire ladder trucks over the street at 10th and G Streets N.W. Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, will be the celebrant and homilist.
Blue Mass Honoring Police and All First Responders
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Parade begins at Noon ET at 10th and G Streets N.W.
Mass begins at 12:10 p.m. ET
St. Patrick Catholic Church
619 10th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
Watch a livestream of the Mass here.
The Blue Mass tradition dates back to 1934, although it was only observed irregularly until 1994, when it was revived. The Mass kicks off events related to National Police Week, which includes a Candlelight Vigil, May 13, on the National Mall to remember those killed in the line of duty. This year, the names of 363 U.S. law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC.
St. Patrick Church is the oldest parish in the Federal City of Washington, founded in 1794 to minister to the Irish immigrants building the White House and the U.S. Capitol. The first American to be ordained a Catholic priest in the United States, Fr. William Matthews, was named pastor in 1804. Today, the parish continues to serve the needs of downtown Washington through daily Mass & confession, adult education, and cultural activities.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to more than 655,000 Catholics, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In