The Red Mass is a historical tradition within the Catholic Church dating back to the 13th century when it officially opened the term of the court for most European countries. The celebrants — government officials, lawyers and judges — would proceed into a church clothed in red vestments or red garments, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit's guidance for all who pursue justice in their daily lives.
Today the Red Mass is celebrated in dioceses throughout the United States to ask for God's blessing upon the members of the legislature, attorneys and others who uphold the law and pursue justice in their daily lives.
"All are welcome to attend the Mass and the luncheon. However the Mass is specifically for lawyers, judges, legislators, their staffs and spouses," said Father Harman. "The date was chosen to be close to other dioceses' Red Mass, which traditionally are around the start of the Supreme Court year (which this year begins on Monday, Oct. 1)."
Earlier this year, on Feb. 20, Bishop Paprocki held a Legal Conference Day of Reflection to offer a reflection on the Catholic principals of the legal profession. He has also, with the help of Father Harman, formed the new Catholic Lawyers' Guild for legal professionals who reside in the Springfield diocese.
About the new Catholic Lawyers' Guild, Father Harman said, "Bishop sees this guild as a way to support the work of our Catholic attorneys. The Mass asks for God's blessing and guidance on their work, which he sees as very important. The group is still in its infancy stage in our diocese, so we are looking for ways to grow the group's membership and involvement."
Bishop Paprocki is a civil lawyer, graduating from DePaul University College of Law in 1981. He is the founder and the president of the board of the Chicago Law Clinic, which serves underprivileged individuals. He is also a canon lawyer with a doctoral degree from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1991).
Those who plan on attending the Mass who will also be attending the luncheon should RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 3 at (217) 522-3342.