Special Mass celebrates health care workers and support for RMH

September 15, 2025 - In Downeyville, a show of appreciation for health care workers is a celebration of friends and neighbours. A significant number of residents there work at Ross Memorial Hospital and in other health care capacities in a variety of impactful roles. 

To celebrate their important work and to support vital care at their community hospital, St. Luke’s Catholic Church is holding a special Mass for Health Care Workers on October 5. 

“This celebration is our way of recognizing their care, compassion and tireless service,” said Mary Jo Connell of St. Luke’s Hearts & Shamrocks committee. “We want to come together and show gratitude to those who care for us, while also making a contribution to the WE ARE THE ROSS campaign. Hopefully, we will inspire other congregations to follow our lead.” 

The WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign supports critical investments at Ross Memorial, funding $25 million in essential facilities and technology improvements including the expansion of the Emergency Department and ICU, the community's new MRI and CT Scanner, and life-saving bedside technology. 

A Catholic Mass honouring health care workers is sometimes referred to as a White Coat Mass, after the traditional coats worn by healthcare professionals. The special Mass often occurs in October, near the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.  

The Health Care Worker Mass will begin at 9:00am on Sunday, October 5 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church at 340 St. Luke’s Road in Downeyville. All are welcome.