Scott Whitehouse

For the past 29 years, Mater Dei theology teacher Scott Whitehouse has served as the master of ceremony for three bishops in the Diocese of Evansville, including Bishop Francis R. Shea, Bishop-emeritus Gerald A. Gettelfinger and Bishop Charles C. Thompson.

It is a role that strongly reflects the Evansville teacher’s love and dedication to the Catholic Church.

The primary duty of the bishop’s master of ceremony (MC) is to work in the background of the ceremony that is being conducted, allowing the bishop to do his job more efficiently. As the chief liturgist, the bishop then does not have to worry about the small things within the ceremony.  If done well, everything about the ceremony flows smoothly allowing the bishop to lead the faithful in prayer.

Whitehouse was first approached by Bishop Shea to assist with Confirmations, and then with additional liturgical celebrations such as Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Week, Easter and ordinations.

While serving three different bishops, he discovered that each bishop has his own style of worship. “There were several opportunities where I traveled to events with Bishop Shea which gave me an interesting perspective on the man and his role as bishop,” he said. 

Whitehouse was the lay MC during Bishop Gettelfinger’s ordination as bishop, and during the 22 years he served with him he assumed new tasks.

Currently he is the MC for Bishop Thompson. “In August of his first year, Bishop Thompson invited me to continue in my role as MC. I accepted the bishop’s invitation and continue to serve as needed.”

Bishop Thompson said, “In his role as MC for various diocesan liturgies, spanning the service of three diocesan bishops, Scott has provided a very unique blend of historicity and liturgical appreciation.

“In addition to his keen liturgical understanding of the Church, Scott possesses a vast knowledge of diocesan history. In addition to being a wonderful MC, theology teacher, diocesan historian and story-teller, Scott is a good friend.”

Bishop Gettlefinger said, “Scott was always an inspiration to me as he reverently and generously shared his gifts with those celebrating sacramental ceremonies for which were traveling. In short, he wanted it to be done correctly not only for the Bishop, but those in the assembly. Not only is he very good at what he does, Scott is a most cherished friend and collaborator.”

For 18 years, Whitehouse has shared his dedication to the Church with Mater Dei High School. Along with the other faculty members of the Theology Department, he helps with background preparation and scheduling for liturgies, prayer services and Penance services for the school year.

He is known at Mater Dei for his liturgical displays which provide visible connections to the seasonal events going on within the Church year. He works diligently making the Catholicity of Mater Dei come alive so that when one walks into the building, there is no mistaking that Mater Dei is a Catholic school.

Carol Nurrenbern is the communications coordinator at Mater Dei High School in Evansville.