You're Invited! On May 14 At The Ford Center, Let's Rejoice!

The Diocese of Evansville invites Catholics from across our 12 counties to the Ford Center in downtown Evansville the afternoon of May 14 for “Rejoice! A Catholic Community Celebration.”

The event will include a Saturday-Anticipatory Mass at 4 p.m. Central Time – the only Saturday Mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation that will be celebrated anywhere in the diocese that weekend.

“We are blessed with a diverse, faithful community that proclaims the Gospel witness across the 12 counties of Southwestern Indiana,” Bishop Charles C Thompson said in announcing “Rejoice!” “Let us come together at the Ford Center on May 14 to celebrate our vibrant community.”

In early 2015, Bishop Thompson suggested that the diocese should host a “signature event” to celebrate the good work God has done – and continues to do – within the Catholic Church of Southwest Indiana. Since planning began, the focus has been to create a celebration of good gifts, gratitude for abundant blessings, acknowledgment of God’s goodness to this local Church – all of it given as an act of divine mercy.

The name is known as “Rejoice! A Catholic Community Celebration” because God’s gifts give us cause for rejoicing. Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Doors will open at 2 p.m. CT to kick off the event, with an eye toward giving those who are traveling from across our four deaneries the opportunity to visit with friends from across the diocese – and to make new friends in our Catholic community. The whole atmosphere for the event will be friendly, warm and welcoming.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will play a major role in the celebration. Personal reconciliation will be available beginning at 2:30 p.m. “Rejoice!” will occur at almost the halfway point in the Church’s Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, so personal Reconciliation will be readily available for those who wish to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament.

At 3 p.m., a concert begins featuring parish and school choirs.

Across our diocese – before many weekend Masses on Saturday and Sunday – parishes pray the Rosary. “Rejoice!” attendees will have the opportunity to continue that tradition in the Ford Center at 3:30 p.m. – 30 minutes before Mass.

Bishop Thompson and the priests of the diocese will concelebrate Mass on the main floor of the Ford Center at 4 p.m. CT. No other Anticipatory Mass will take place anywhere in the diocese over this weekend.

Those who wish to do so may bring their regular Sunday envelopes. Collection stations will be placed around the Ford Center, and the collection will be separated as possible (i.e. by parish envelopes) and distributed to our parishes.

The “Rejoice!” logo includes a dove – a tradition symbol of the Holy Spirit, which bestows many gifts upon our diocese – including beauty, goodness and truth. The event will be a joyful, Spirit-filled celebration of the entire Catholic community across our 12 counties.