It’s rare to worship in church with a Supreme Court justice, but hundreds will have just that opportunity this Sunday at the 58th Annual Red Mass to be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, October 2nd at St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington DC. This year, the Red Mass will be hosted by the John Carroll Society (a Christian organization of lawyers, judges, and law professors) for its members, guests, and many government officials. The special service’s primary purpose is praying with and for members of the judiciary and anyone engaged in the law, including attorneys, legal advocates, paralegals, justices, and judges. Faith and Action will be represented at the church service.
Included in the Red Mass church service is preaching, prayer, and bible readings. One particular emphasis of the Mass is to request guidance from the Holy Spirit for all people who seek justice. The name for the mass originated in Europe sometime during 1000-1300. It comes from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The oft-neglected third person of the Holy Trinity, therefore, is an essential foundation and focus for the church service. Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit are some of the most important judiciary leaders in America.
Significantly, the annual Mass often draws Supreme Court Justices. Faith and Action president Rob Schenck has attended the Red Mass for the last ten years and has noted the attendance of Justices Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito, Sandra Day O’Connor (even after retirement), and Antonin Scalia. What is meaningful about their presence is that the highest court in America is annually represented at a church service in which direction is being sought from God. The importance of their presence and participation at the Red Mass cannot be overstated.
The Red Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, always held on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, is one of the better-known Red Masses – and usually well covered by the media.
May God be glorified as we seek to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
Posted in Faith IN Action
Included in the Red Mass church service is preaching, prayer, and bible readings. One particular emphasis of the Mass is to request guidance from the Holy Spirit for all people who seek justice. The name for the mass originated in Europe sometime during 1000-1300. It comes from the red vestments traditionally worn in symbolism of the tongues of fire that descended on the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The oft-neglected third person of the Holy Trinity, therefore, is an essential foundation and focus for the church service. Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit are some of the most important judiciary leaders in America.
Significantly, the annual Mass often draws Supreme Court Justices. Faith and Action president Rob Schenck has attended the Red Mass for the last ten years and has noted the attendance of Justices Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, Samuel Alito, Sandra Day O’Connor (even after retirement), and Antonin Scalia. What is meaningful about their presence is that the highest court in America is annually represented at a church service in which direction is being sought from God. The importance of their presence and participation at the Red Mass cannot be overstated.
The Red Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, always held on the Sunday before the first Monday in October, is one of the better-known Red Masses – and usually well covered by the media.
May God be glorified as we seek to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
Posted in Faith IN Action
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