All Saints’ holds Mass for Blue & Red

All Saints’ Church in Rehoboth Beach held its first Mass for the Blue & Red May 8, offering a spiritual thank you to the city’s first responders.

The Rev. Shelley McDade led the special service, which was dedicated to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, lifeguards, auxiliary members and their families.

Mayor Stan Mills, Police Chief Keith Banks and several Rehoboth Beach officers attended the mass.

“If you don’t hear anything else today, I want you all to hear how proud, honored and grateful we all are for all of you here,” McDade said.

McDade said the tradition of the Blue Mass started 90 years ago in Washington, D.C., and has usually been held in larger cities.

She said the idea to have one in Rehoboth Beach was born out of the pandemic.

“Normally as a new pastor, the first thing you do is introduce yourself to the mayor and police chief,” she said. “But when I arrived three-and-a-half years ago, I couldn’t do that at the time.”

She said she decided to have a special mass to formally start the relationship and show her gratitude.

“You have understood that there is something inside your very soul that has called you forward to be part of the protecting and caring of the community around you,” McDade said. “We are all here for you.”

Mills said the service was a solemn, yet celebratory way to pay tribute to the men and women who serve the community.

“Today, we stand in awe of their deep commitment, selflessness and dedication to keeping the City of Rehoboth Beach safe,” Mills said.

Banks said the service means a lot to those who put their lives on the line.

“We’re blessed and honored for the community that supports us. It’s fellowship and friendship. We can’t thank the parish enough,” Banks said.

McDade said a service of this kind would normally happen on the Feast of St. Michael, which is Sept. 29. St. Michael is the patron saint of police, among others. But, she said it made sense to have it before the start of the busy summer season.