Seating still available for Centennial Mass
Globe staff report
Posted May 16, 2002

Open seating remains available for parishioners who want to attend the June 16 Centennial Mass to celebrate the Diocese of Sioux City's 100th anniversary.

According to Kay Morrissey, a member of the centennial planning committee, the primary reason the celebration is a ticketed event is to ensure that adequate seating is available. There is no cost associated with the ticket for attendance.

Morrissey said the committee also needs an accurate count of persons planning to stay for lunch. Cost of lunch is $6 per person.

The celebration is being moved from the Sioux City Auditorium to the Convention Center.

Morrissey said the celebration became a ticketed affair after organizers read an article about the diocese's 75th anniversary where about 1,000 people were turned away.

"We want everyone who hopes to go to be able to go," Morrissey said.

"If they call in their reservation, a simple name tag will be enough to be admitted."

The phone number for reservations is (712) 233-7530.

Scheduling of the event has been complicated because June 16 is also Father's Day. Options of summer dates were limited due to other events and holidays.

"Attending the Mass would make for a nice way to spend Father's Day," Morrissey said.

For families coming from a distance, a beautiful riverfront park is located a few blocks from the Convention Center. Historic Fourth 4th Street, with its unique shops, is adjacent to the venue. And Trinity Heights is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parishes are also being asked to bring a banner to the Mass, said Michael Willis, director of the Office of Worship. Several have chosen to bring a cluster banner.

"It is a sign of our unity as a church," Willis explained. "Each parish should choose a representative to carry the banner in procession as part of our celebration."

The suggested size if 3-feet by 5-feet. Banners for use in liturgical celebrations should be symbolic, artistic and visual rather than a mere sign that depends on text for meaning, according to guidelines from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Noble simplicity is the key," Willis said. "Materials should be worthy and not cheap or shoddy. A beautiful banner does not become dated - they will help to create an environment for worship and will symbolize the unity in diversity that comprises the diocese."

In addition to the banner, each parish or cluster needs to provide a banner pole and a stand.

Also, there is still time to participate in a special choir for the Mass.

Matthew J. Geerlings, director of music and liturgy at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, said he hopes all of the parishes will be represented.

There are no auditions to participate.

Interested persons are urged to call Geerlings immediately at the cathedral at (712) 255-1637.

"We want people who can sing and attend rehearsals," he said.

Separate rehearsals are scheduled for St. Mary's in Storm Lake on May 23 and June 6 at 6:30 p.m. and at the cathedral on May 24 and June 7 at 6:30 p.m. The two groups will be brought together to rehearse as one on the day of the Mass.

The celebration also coincides with the conclusion of the seven-day bike pilgrimage through the diocese. Pilgrimage on Wheels runs June 8-15.