Having an annual White Mass for health care professionals is a tradition within the Catholic Church.  The purpose of the White Mass is to honor St. Luke as patron of physicians and to honor the medical profession as a whole. The White Mass is so named because of the white coat and uniforms traditionally worn by healthcare workers and because white is a symbol in the Church of hope and comfort to the ill. Among those in attendance were doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, hospice workers, medical students and volunteers working in the healthcare field.

The Mass pays tribute to all who have dedicated their lives to the service of the sick and infirmed.  Those in the healthcare profession have been called to participate intimately in the healing ministry of Jesus, and their vocation is a precious gift to the Church, to this Diocese, to our community and to all those in need.

Fr. Vincent Dufrense, pastor of the Cluster of East St. James Parish, along with Frs. Brent and Ed and Deacon Alfred celebrated the White Mass at St. Joseph Church in Paulina.

In the presence of family, friends and fellow parishioners Fr. Vincent bestowed upon all in the medical field a special blessing and thanks for their contribution to the community.

Following the Mass there was an informal gathering on the church grounds with cake, punch and fellowship.