Our Story

The St. Florian Society was founded by a group of Houston firefighters who organized the first annual Firefighter Mass in October 1998. What began as a local gathering has grown into a cherished tradition welcoming firefighters from across the greater Houston area and beyond.

Everyone is Welcome

You do not need to be Catholic to attend — all are welcome, including families and friends. The Mass is open to all fire departments in any county, city, state, or country.

What to Expect

• Before the Mass, firefighters in attendance receive free St. Florian medals and prayer cards, while supplies last. The medals and prayer cards are blessed before the Mass.
• After the Mass, firefighters gather outside on the steps of the Co-Cathedral for a group photo, followed by a blessing of the firefighters and any apparatus in attendance.
• A free luncheon and desserts are served following the Mass, complimentary for all attendees, while supplies last.

Bring Your Apparatus!

Want to bring your fire apparatus? You’re welcome to! Just email us prior to the Mass so we can make arrangements. Following the group photo, the priest will bless the firefighters and apparatus.

The Kimberly Ann Smith Medal

Each year at the Mass, we present the Kimberly Ann Smith Medal — an award honoring the memory of Kimberly Ann Smith, a Houston Fire Department firefighter who died in the line of duty on February 14, 2000. The medal is blessed before each year’s presentation.

Kimberly was a beloved member of the liturgy team that helped organize the very first Firefighter Mass in 1998. In 2001, this medal was established in her honor and is awarded annually to a person — usually a firefighter — whose actions exemplify the very best of the fire service.