Students from St. Philip Neri School held a special Mass to honor first responders in Bedford Park.

The Church of St. Philip Neri celebrated a “blue Mass” to honor all those who were called to serve the city.

The event was part of National Catholic School Week. Local police officers, firefighters and EMTs all gathered for a moment of prayer. The event also remembered those who died in the line of duty.

Dozens of students from St. Philip Neri School sang and some even honored their parents for wearing a uniform, representing this year's Catholic theme “Learn, Serve, Lead and Succeed.” 

The priest who led the Mass pointed out officers, firefighters and first responders are more than their uniforms. He said they are also moms, dads, siblings, uncles and aunts.