The Knights of Columbus Council 6872 is currently seeking donations of door prizes for this years’ Blue Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Grand Knight Raymond Rivero said the local Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, have held the Blue Mass every year since the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The purpose of the event is to show appreciation to first responders who risk their lives for the protection of others, Rivero said.

Rivero said the mass usually has between 250 and 300 participants, depending on the year. This is the first year the mass will be held on the anniversary of Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., he said. Usually the mass is held sometime in February, but this year, it was decided the event should be moved to September instead.

A dinner and raffle of door prizes will follow the mass, Rivero said. Kiwanis of Picayune will be donating chicken and pulled pork plates, church patrons will bring desserts and the Knights of Columbus will provide side dishes. Dinner will be held in Parish Hall next to the church.

Rivero said he is now seeking donations for additional door prizes, especially something useful such as a gift certificate for a free haircut, a certificate for a free oil change or gift cards to local eateries.

“Everyone is welcome to come honor our first responders with us. You don’t have to be Catholic to come by,” Rivero said.

Past Grand Knight Ted Barze said this event is intended to be a place where first responders can break bread and be at ease. He said ever since St. Charles Borromeo began hosting the event 17 years ago, other churches have picked up on the idea and began to offer similar services.

“You can never have enough appreciation,” Barze said.

Barze said that anyone who would like to donate a door prize can drop it off at Barze Place on 105 Hwy. 11 S. during store hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The establishment can be reached at 601-273-1057.

For more information on the event, Rivero can be reached at 601-347-8305.