Episcopal ordination liturgy plans firm up, invitation-only event

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

After extensive planning and waiting for the announcement of a new bishop for the Diocese of Sioux City, almost three years later the episcopal ordination of Father John E. Keehner is now less than six weeks away and many details of the ceremony have been finalized.

According to Father Andrew Galles, the 2 p.m. Mass of Ordination will be held on May 1 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. 

“The ordination is by invitation only because an event of this magnitude and diocesan importance needs to be limited out of practical necessity,” said Father Galles, diocesan director of worship. “Aside from the fact that the Cathedral can only accommodate so many people, there are also guests and family of Bishop-elect Keehner coming from Youngstown, Ohio.”

Given there will be many bishops, priests and deacons in attendance, he noted, space is definitely a premium.

Sometimes it is suggested to move to a larger church, but Father Galles said ordaining a new bishop in his Cathedral is most fitting, as noted in the Ceremonial of Bishops (CB1135).

Both the May

Bridget Breen of KTIV, center, will be commentator for the ordination. In this photo members of KTIV set-up a run-through as part of preparations for airing the event.

1 ordination Mass and the April 30 Solemn Vespers will be streamed live from the Cathedral on the diocese’s YouTube channel. The Mas will also be aired live on KTIV. 

Bridget Breen, KTIV general manager, will serve as commentator and will be joined by Father Brian Hughes, a retired priest of the dioceses. Father Galles said the priest’s “extensive liturgical experience makes him a good choice to give commentary on all the ritual action that will be happening” during the ordination.

Ordaining bishops
Father Galles pointed out that the principal ordaining bishop is the “metropolitan” or archbishop to the other suffragan dioceses of his region.

In this case, the principal ordaining bishop with be Archbishop Thomas Zinkula of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The suffragan dioceses of the region include Sioux City, Davenport and Des Moines.

Co-ordaining bishops will be Bishop David Bonnar of Youngstown and Bishop Walker Nickless of Sioux City. Bishop Nickless will also be the homilist at the S

Bishop-elect Keehner and Bishop Bonnar sign documents upon his installation as pastor in this file photo.

olemn Vespers the night before.

“It’s very humbling. It’s the second time I’ve had this honor. A year after I was ordained (as a bishop), a priest I’d lived with in Pittsburgh was named auxiliary bishop in Pittsburg – Mark Eckman. He had asked me to be a co-consecrator and then Bishop-elect Keehner asked me as well. So, I am very humbled and honored to embrace that role,” said Bishop Bonnar.

Steeped in ritual
“An episcopal ordination is very different from ordinations to the diaconate or priesthood, both in scope and ritual,” said the director of worship.

For instance, he said in the upcoming liturgy the ordination rite begins after the Gospel with the chanting of the ancient hymn Veni Creator Spiritus that implores all the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit to descend upon the people, especially the bishop-elect.

“Then, one of two priest ‘chaplains’ who will assist the bishop-elect during the liturgy addresses Archbishop Zinkula, the principal ordaining bishop, asking him to ordain Bishop-elect Keehner,” said Father Galles.

Included among special guests will be Cardinal Cristophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio who plays a special role during the liturgy.

“The nuncio is present because he represents the Holy Father and in doing so brings with him the mandate for ordination, which must come from Rome itself,” said Father Galles, who added which helps to show the universality of the church. Cardinal Pierre will read the mandate and present it to the bishop-elect. 

From there, the bishop-elect then makes nine promises to Archbishop Zinkula regarding his resolve and obedience to carry out his ministry as shepherd that is followed by the Litany of Saints and laying on of hands. During the prayer of ordination through which the bishop-elect is ordained a bishop, two deacons hold the Book of Gospels open over his head. He is then anointed with chrism.

Father Galles“The new bishop then receives the Book of Gospels, reminding them of his duty to preach and teach the faith to his flock,” said Father Galles. “After this, the new bishop receives his episcopal insignia – the ring, the miter and the crosier – all reminders to him that he is the spouse and chief shepherd of the local church.”
After he receives the symbols of the office, the archbishop will invite the new bishop to take his seat in the cathedra.

“It is at this point that Bishop Keehner will have officially taken possession of his cathedral and the Diocese of Sioux City,” said the director of worship, who noted the bishops will then greet him with the sign of peace.

The Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and after Communion, the new bishop will process throughout the Cathedral and impart his blessing episcopal blessing as Te Deum Laudamus is sung.

Solemn Vespers
Solemn Vespers will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 30 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. 

Also called Evening Prayer, this is part of the church’s Liturgy of the Hours that includes chanting psalms and offering prayers for the various needs of the church and world.

Father Galles said during the vespers two rituals will take place. The first is the bishop-elect will take his Oath of Fidelity in which he declares his belief in the Nicene Creed and all the truths and doctrines of the Catholic Church.

“The second is the blessing of the episcopal insignia (the miter, crosier and ring) will wear once he is ordained a bishop during the Mass of Ordination,” he said. “These three items are symbols of a bishop and they signify, with Bishop-elect Keehner’s third ordination, that he enjoys the fullness of the priesthood as a bishop and high priest.”

Welcoming Masses
Masses of Welcome have been scheduled in each of the three deaneries beginning in June.

The dates are:
June 24 – 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in Fort Dodge
July 16 – 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake
August 12 – 5:30 p.m. Mass at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City

“These Masses of Welcome will encompass a Mass celebrated by Bishop Keehner and a casual reception to follow,” said Father Galles, who noted these Masses were suggested as a way to allow more parishioners to meet and greet the new bishop.

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