Local first responders listen Wednesday to the Rev. Dennis Schuelkens at St. Joseph the Worker Church, during a Blue Mass celebrated to honor area police, firefighters and other responders, and in observance of the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Area residents came together Wednesday with local police officers, firefighters and other first responders and military veterans, in celebration of a Blue Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

“The Blue Mass is celebrated for all those standing ready to protect and save lives,” the Rev. Dennis Schuelkens explained.

St. Joseph parishioners, along with students from Weirton Madonna High School, St. Joseph the Worker School and St. Paul Grade School were joined by members of the Weirton police and fire departments, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and local governmental leaders for the Mass, which also honored those killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“We remember,” Schuelkens said during his homily. “We remember 9/11 and all the lives lost.”

The first recognized Blue Mass was celebrated in 1934 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., with 1,100 police officers and firefighters attending to honor their fallen colleagues. The service took on new significance following the 9/11 attacks.

Schuelkens offered prayers for wisdom and courage for the first responders, reminding those in attendance that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is needed when called upon.

“When everyone else is running out, they are racing in,” he said. “They stand ready to protect and save lives in danger of their own.”

The service also included a salute and the playing of taps by members of the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard, with bagpipes played by Betsy Bethel-McFarland.

A lunch reception was held at Madonna High School following the service.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)