TOLEDO—Physicians, medical professionals, health care workers, students and families are invited to a White Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Leonard P. Blair at 11 a.m. Oct. 19 at Toledo Rosary Cathedral.

Following the Mass, a light reception sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Physicians Guild of the Catholic Medical Association, the National Catholic Medical Students Association, Mercy Health Partners and the University of Toledo College of Medicine’s Catholic Medical Students is to be held for all those in attendance and their families.

Traditionally celebrated on or near the Feast of St. Luke, the White Mass is called white because health care workers ordinarily wear white coats.

The Mass also served as the introductory event for the recently established Northwest Ohio Physicians’ Guild. The Guild is chartered with the national Catholic Medical Association whose mission is to provide support and resources for physicians to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, to allow His grace to transform their personal lives and professional practices, and to better serve the Church and the community.

The CMA collaborates with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and allied organizations to address ethical, legal and policy issues.

Intended activities of the local guild include social gatherings, discussions and lectures on medical moral issues, events to support medical students and an annual White Mass for all those who work in the health care field.

For more information, contact Dr. Jeanne Weisenburger at rweisenb@verizon.net, 419-287-4939 or Dr. Timothy Anders at pogoana@aol.com.