TOLEDO – This year’s fifth annual Diocese of Toledo Red Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Leonard Blair,
at Rosary Cathedral on Oct 2, at 10 a.m.
The annual Jack Schlageter Award, named in honor of the first Presiding Judge of the Diocese of Toledo
Court of Equity, will be presented to Joseph R. Tafelski, who has devoted his entire legal career of 40
years to serving low income and disadvantaged people in the Diocese.
During this time, the attorney has served with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and also
the Toledo Fair Housing Center. Since 1980, he has been the executive director of ABLE.
The Red Mass derives its name from the color of the vestments worn by the celebrant and others, which
color signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit’s guidance to all who pursue the ends of justice through the
law. Judges and magistrates are invited to participate in their robes.
