Community

White Mass Held At St. Mary Catholic Church in Martins Ferry

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Photo by Shelley Hanson

Nurses Amy Bott, Joyce Martini and Irene Louda pose with the Rev. Joshua Erickson following the White Mass on Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Martins Ferry.

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Photo by Shelley Hanson

The Rev. Joshua Erickson gives communion to St. Mary Central School employees and students on Tuesday during the White Mass.

By SHELLEY HANSON

Staff Writer

MARTINS FERRY — St. Mary Central School of Martins Ferry held a White Mass for local medical personnel on Tuesday morning.

The mass was held at St. Mary Catholic Church located next to the school. The service was led by the Rev. Joshua Erickson. Some students helped conduct the mass while others watched from the pews. Honored were nurses Amy Bott, Joyce Martini and Irene Louda. 

“This is a tradition here at St. Mary’s. It’s to remember and honor the people who have committed their lives to service of others,” Principal Theresa Young said. “Service was something that Jesus was definitely all about. We try to have a representative from different areas of the medical community.”

She noted they had a smaller crowd than usual because people had work or family matters come up.

“It’s just a special time to remember people who are sometimes working a thankless job,” Young said.

The service is referred to as the “white mass” as medical personnel often wear white jackets or uniforms while working.