Fr. Joe Dorner of St. Bernadette Parish in Appleton recently invited all to First Friday Mass and the First Friday devotions that follow.

In a column published in the Aug. 16 edition of the St. Bernadette Parish newsletter, Dorner explained the history and purpose of First Friday Mass. 

The foundation for First Friday Mass was laid in 1889 when Pope Leo XIII allowed priests and bishops to offer one Mass of the Sacred Heart on the first Friday of each month, Dorner said in the newsletter. He was encouraged to do this by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Today, First Friday prayers are offered with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the Benediction. During exposition and prayers, the Blessed Sacrament is displayed in a Monstrance. After adoration and prayers of the sacred heart, the sign of the cross is made over the congregation with the Monstrance. This benediction is known as the Solemn Blessing. After this, the Blessed Sacrament is reposed in the Tabernacle.

First Friday Mass and devotions are designed to show gratitude to the Lord for his great love and sacrifice. Devotions give a chance to show gratitude, not only for self but for others who don't acknowledge the Lord's gift or who live in a way that openly rejects his gift. In this way, prayers are offered as consolation. Even though Christ is God, he is also human and suffers. Staying by Christ's side while he suffers offsets Divine Justice and results in Divine Protection for the entire world. Many promises were made to those who participate in this devotion in a revelation to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

Holy Hour will be held every third Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. beginning Sept. 16. This is another opportunity to spend time with the Lord and show gratitude.

"Our Lord is never outdone in generosity," Dorner said. "We need prayer and devotion now more than ever."