Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bishop James Conley is set to celebrate the annual Blue Mass on September 11 at 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, located at 3500 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln.

The Blue Mass is held in recognition of first responders as well as law and correctional professionals. The ceremony is organized by the Lincoln 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Following the service, Bishop Conley will bless vehicles outside the cathedral. He will also distribute prayer coins: St. Michael coins for members of law enforcement and St. Florian coins for firefighters.

The event is open to all who wish to attend and aims to honor both active and retired first responders, as well as those who have passed away.

“(We) thank those who serve us and thank and honor those who take their lives into their own hands when they risk going into a burning building or to a dangerous situation where there is gunfire and they risk their lives,” Bishop Conley said. “They are willing to lay down their lives to save us and protect us.”