During a Nov. 15 commemoration of Black Catholic History Month at Sacred Heart Church in Bowie, Maryland, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington unveiled a new project that seeks to “honor those enslaved by the Catholic Church in Maryland.”

On May 6, 2025, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families gathered for the annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. The Mass, held in honor of those who serve and protect our communities, is a powerful tradition marking the start of National Police Week. The liturgy offered prayers for the safety of all first responders and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Scroll through this photo gallery for highlights from the 2025 Blue Mass — a moving celebration of public service, unity, and faith in the heart of the nation’s capital.