Bishop Richard J. Malone, leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Maine, will celebrate a Green Mass this weekend, a special service to honor those who work to protect the environment. The Diocese of Portland is extending a special invitation to those who work in environmental studies, forest and land management, environmental protection, wildlife management, conservation and park management.

The Bishop will “invoke God’s blessing upon all who serve and protect the natural beauty of our State,” according to the Diocese.

The Diocese has held other annual services with colorful themes. A White Mass honors those in the medical field, a Red Mass honors those in the legal profession and a Blue Mass honors emergency workers such as EMS, police and fire officials.

This is Maine’s first Green Mass, and church officials here are not aware of one happening anywhere else.

The Green Mass is Sunday, August 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church on Colby Street in Millinocket. The parish sits at a gateway to the North Woods and in the shadow of Mount Katahdin.

Here are the details.

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