Last weekend, in addition to Stations of the Cross, Masses, and a baptism, our Cathedral hosted 4 Rites of Election, wherein people from throughout the archdiocese who are in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults came to profess to a bishop their desire to become Catholic. There were around 3,000 people here over the 3 days! While I can’t be certain, my gut tells me that many of them were first-time visitors. And based on the comments, many will be back! Such notable hospitality means that MANY people gave a LOT of help.
Thank you to our team of ushers who worked side-by-side with AOD staff and volunteers, greeting our guests, helping them find their seats, distributing worship booklets, and being goodwill ambassadors for the Cathedral!
Thank you to our altar servers who served at Stations, at Mass, and filled in as needed for the Rite of Election or helped the visiting servers from behind the scenes.
Thank you to our sacristans who helped prepare for and clean up for the baptism and Mass that took place in the midst of the four Rite of Elections. Your support made for a much calmer and more prayerful experience for the family of the newly baptized and those involved in celebrating the Mass.
Thank you to our Altar Society and others involved in maintaining the altar linens and the sanctuary. These efforts may not always be readily apparent to folks in the pews, but they are critical and appreciated.
Thank you to our music ministers who were here all weekend. Your use of God’s gifts make these celebrations extraordinary.
Thank you to the AOD and Cathedral staff members for all the planning and preparation work leading up to the weekend and over the course of the three days!
I also want to thank a handful of our parishioners, who, while not associated with any specific group, joyfully pitched in to help in whatever capacity they could, be it in the Cathedral itself or at the front desk. You gave true witness to the spirit of welcome that Fr. J.J. hopes our parishioners and guests experience whenever they are here.
So, thank you! Thank you for the hard work, the hours spent before, during, and after, the smiles, and the prayers! May God continue to bless you, and may your Lenten journey be personally fruitful for you and for those you encounter.
Gratefully,
Deacon Mike