Oct. 25, 2013, edition
By Sue Schulzetenberg-Gully
With Bishop Donald Kettler’s installation less than two weeks away, plans are underway to officially welcome him with two special liturgies. The first is solemn vespers at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. The second is the installation Mass at 2 p.m. Nov. 7, also at the cathedral.
Solemn vespers, which is evening prayer, will be open to the public. It will begin with Bishop Kettler knocking on the door of St. Mary’s. He will be met by representatives from the St. Cloud Diocese. After the door opens for him, he will sprinkle himself and others with baptismal water.
The apostolic mandate from the Holy See that notifies Bishop Kettler of his appointment will be read as vespers begin.
During vespers, representatives from groups in the diocese will verbally welcome Bishop Kettler. Those groups include priests, permanent deacons, religious communities, ecumenical and interfaith communities, civic communities and youth.
The main musicians for vespers will be from the cathedral. St. John’s School of Theology Gregorian Chant Schola will sing a piece after the homily.
After vespers, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will host an open house reception in St. Mary’s lower level.
Due to limited space at the cathedral, the installation Mass is by invitation only, however it is Bishop Kettler’s wish that a lay representative(s) from each parish be present. Priests and deacons from the diocese will be invited.
Also on the guest list will be all the cardinals, archbishops and bishops in the United States, people from the dioceses of Fairbanks, Alaska; Sioux Falls, S.D., and Bishop Kettler’s friends and family.
For more about the installation Mass and reception article in The Visitor…