Bishop Thomas John Paprocki celebrated the first diocesan-wide Red Mass at noon on Monday, Oct. 8 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Some of the attendees at this initial Red Mass were members of the new Catholic Lawyers' Guild of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, which Bishop Paprocki formed earlier this year with the help of Father Peter Harman.

A Red Mass is an historical tradition within the Catholic Church dating back to the 13th century when it officially opened the term of the court in many European countries. The celebrants — government officials, lawyers and judges — would proceed into the church clothed in red garments, signifying the fire of the Holy Spirit's guidance for all who pursue justice in their daily lives.

Bishop Paprocki, like all who celebrate the Red Mass in dioceses throughout the United States, said the Mass for judges, lawyers, politicians and others who work in the legal profession. The Red Mass is traditionally celebrated around the start of the Supreme Court Year, which began this year on Oct. 1.

Bishop Paprocki, who has both a canon law and civil law degree, has been the homilist or luncheon speaker at several other Red Masses this year, including those in the Archdiocese of Anchorage; the Diocese of Green Bay; and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

About 75 individuals, some of them worshipping with their family members, were in attendance at the Springfield Mass. After the liturgy Bishop Paprocki hosted a luncheon in the Cathedral atrium.

"The luncheon included a question-and-answer (time) with Bishop Paprocki and an invitation for the attorneys present to widen the (Catholic Lawyers' Guild) group by their own invitation of other co-workers," said Father Harman, who is pastor of Cathedral Parish and as well as chaplain of the Guild.

In Springfield Bishop Paprocki concelebrated the Mass with Msgr. Carl Kemme, vicar general; Father John Nolan, dean of the Springfield deanery; and Father Harman. Father Daren Zehnle was the master of ceremonies. Deacon Larry Smith and Deacon Roch Magerl assisted. Bishop Griffin Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus served as an honor guard for the bishop.