Let Us REJOICE And Celebrate Our Catholic Faith And Identity!
On Saturday, May 14, the Diocese of Evansville will celebrate the kick-off of its annual Signature Event, “REJOICE: A Catholic Community Celebration,” at the Ford Center in downtown Evansville. In addition to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, music and other activities, the main event will be the celebration of the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost at 4 p.m. CDT. Clergy and laity from across the diocese will participate in this special gathering. Our celebration is further enhanced, thanks to Pope Francis, by the special graces made available in this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
While we do not anticipate suspending Saturday evening Masses for our Signature Event in future years, we do hope that it will provide an opportunity for folks throughout the Diocese to come together annually for a celebration of our Catholic faith as a local Church comprised of 12 counties in southwest Indiana. It is important to celebrate, to remember and to appreciate the precious gift of faith, and the fruits of that faith. Many dioceses have similar annual events, often with a particular focus or theme.
All too often any characterization of the Catholic Church in secular media tends toward the sensational, negative and scandalous. Given the human condition of its members, among both clergy and laity, the potential for such realities will always exist. Yet, there is so much beauty, goodness and truth about the Catholic faith that seems to get overlooked, downplayed and taken for granted. It is incumbent upon us, the members of the Body of Christ, to make sure that such beauty, goodness and truth are not lost or forgotten. Despite the frailty – even sinfulness – of its members, the Catholic faith is rich in its gifts, blessings, traditions, devotions, ministries and services. Consequently, the world is a much better place because of the vast array of the Catholic Church’s beauty, goodness and truth. Even the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, consequent of the crisis involving clergy sexual abuse of children, continues to influence governments and organizations around the world in developing safer environments for children, youth and vulnerable adults.
While some dioceses tend to focus on a singular aspect of the Catholic faith (e.g. Catholic Education, Catholic Social Outreach), we have chosen a theme that provides for great flexibility in highlighting a different aspect each year. In many dioceses, these are very significant fund-raising events as well. There is so much to consider and celebrate about the Catholic faith, particularly in the Diocese of Evansville: Catholic Schools, Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Charities, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Rite of Christian Initiation, Vocations, Sacraments, Scripture, Parish Life, Service Organizations (e.g. Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. John, St. Vincent de Paul Society, etc.), Spiritual Enrichments (e.g. TEC, Source Summit, Cursillo, Christ Renews His Parish, etc.), Associations (e.g. Communion & Liberation, Legion of Mary, etc.), Catechesis and Healthcare, just to name a few. Each year, we hope to have a diocesan-wide celebration, with a particular theme or focus, involving some type of banquet and keynote speaker, and honoring those who are involved in that particular field of ministry or service. Especially for a diocese our size, we have much to celebrate and support on behalf of our Catholic identity, witness and mission. Unfortunately, these great success stories and blessings do not make secular press or headlines.
I hope that as many as possible will join us for our grand celebration on May 14. Just as the Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church on that first Pentecost – inspiring apostles and early disciples to boldly proclaim the Good News – so may our Vigil Mass of Pentecost be a special moment in the life of our local Church. May the Holy Spirit fill us with the grace of renewed vigor, peace, joy, fire and passion for the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ our Savior. As the Catholic Community of Southwest Indiana, we have great cause and need to REJOICE in faith, hope and charity.
