When the burden of duty becomes too heavy, turn to Christ, Fr. Livingston tells first responders during annual celebration
DETROIT — Police officers, firefighters, emergency personnel and first responders from across Metro Detroit gathered May 26 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for the annual Mass for First Responders, honoring those who serve and protect local communities through lives of sacrifice and service.
Sponsored by UTG at Work, Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services and Verheyden Funeral Home, the Mass invited first responders to step away from the burdens of daily service for prayer, fellowship and renewal in Christ.
Before Mass, Sylvan Lake Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue reflected on the importance of faith and the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel for those serving in law enforcement.
“The prayer to St. Michael is a powerful tool for us,” O’Donohue said. “Anyone who has been in law enforcement for even a short time has seen firsthand what the wickedness of the devil can look like.”
Fr. Mark Livingston celebrated Mass and focused his homily on the need for spiritual rest and renewal for those who regularly encounter tragedy, danger and human suffering in their work.
“I hope this will be an opportunity for you guys to rest,” Fr. Livingston said. “That’s a tough thing to come by, especially as first responders. I hope you can breathe here, be among brothers and sisters in this fraternity.”
Fr. Livingston grew up on Detroit's west side in a neighborhood surrounded by police officers and firefighters and reflected on how repeated exposure to hardship can shape a person’s outlook if left unchecked.
Throughout his homily, Fr. Livingston encouraged those gathered not to allow cynicism, anger or despair to take hold, but instead to continuously seek God’s grace and renewal.
“One moment of grace can flip-flop everything, if we’re willing to allow the Lord to work within us and to change us,” Fr. Livingston said.
Closing his homily, Fr. Livingston reminded first responders that Christ desires to carry the burdens they shoulder each day.
“When it gets too heavy to carry, go to him for renewal,” Fr. Livingston said. “You are loved beyond measure.”
Jesse Winkel, honor guard commander for U.S. Customs and Border Protection field operations in Michigan, participated in the Mass procession alongside fellow members of the honor guard. Winkel said faith remains essential in helping first responders navigate the challenges of their work.
“Without faith, it would be very difficult to go through the difficulties of the job and everything that you encounter,” Winkel said. “You have to fall back on faith to get you through the day sometimes.”
During Mass, the honor guard participated in the entrance procession, recessional and presentation of the gifts. Winkel said the Mass for First Responders stood apart because first responders were intentionally welcomed and recognized throughout the liturgy.
“It was very nice to be talked about and honored,” Winkel said. “Even in the homily, hearing how important first responders are, that’s not something you normally hear out in the public nowadays. It was very comforting to hear that.”
