July 8, 2011
Young people at stadium welcome new Bishop Thompson
Bishop Charles C. Thompson blesses the congregation — young and old, clergy, religious and lay — all members of the 7,000 persons who were assembled for his ordination. (Message photo by Peewee Vasquez) Click for a larger version.
By JILL SORG (Message correspondent)
On Wednesday, June 29, members of the Diocese of Evansville had a unique opportunity: the chance to witness the ordination of a new bishop. Not only did the adults capitalize on this chance, but the youth also took advantage of it.
“As we are seeking respect, dedication, and involvement from Bishop [Charles C.] Thompson I thought it would be very important for us to demonstrate those things to him right away [by attending his ordination],” said Marian University student Kristin Brokaw. “It is so important that he knows we welcome him and that he is in our prayers.”
Youth attended for a variety of reasons. Alison Goedde, a senior at Gibson Southern High School, went to the ordination because “it’s pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing to see. It’s rare!”
“It is awesome being able to witness the ordination of the man who will guide the diocese, as well as show him our support as he takes on his new role,” said Kaitlin Emmert, a student at the University of Evansville.
Other youth participated in the Mass itself. Thuthiensuong Trinh, a student at Mater Dei High School, was one of the youngest members of the ordination choir. “I joined the choir because I had so much fun being with the choir and the director, Jeremy Korba, when I sang with a smaller version of the diocesan choir for the Chrism Mass earlier in the year.
“[Mr. Korba] is mostly the reason why I came to sing again for the ordination, other than the fact that I’d be singing at a monumental event in Evansville’s Catholic history!” said Trinh.
Seminarians from the diocese played a special role in the Mass; they participated as servers. When asked what his favorite part of the ceremony was, Tyler Tenbarge said, “The Church — seeing it fully alive and united for someone most of us don’t know very well yet.”
“My favorite part of the event was holding the crosier of the Archbishop of Louisville as he was ordaining Bishop Thompson. I was right there watching everything close up; it was such a powerful moment,” said seminarian Andy Hirsch.
Homeschooled student Nick Biever’s favorite part was the procession. “It was awesome to see so many priests and bishops, and it reminded me how huge the Catholic Church is.”
Trinh and Goedde take a more sentimental look at the ceremony. “My favorite part of the ordination was that almost every time the camera would take a close up of Bishop Thompson, he had such a serious look on his face, so consumed in the thought of the great responsibility that he had acquired.”
“My favorite part was whenever the new bishop was officially ordained and he was blessing everybody in the crowd,” said Goedde. “Also when he went and hugged his parents because it just looked like such a proud moment for them.”
Youth attended the ordination for a variety of reasons. Some wanted to show Bishop Thompson the respect they had for him. Others wanted the chance to see such a rare occurrence, and still others were able to participate in the Mass itself. Favorite parts varied from the emotional to the practical.
One thing is for sure from the young people who expressed their comments: The youth are more than ready to welcome Bishop Thompson to the Diocese of Evansville and already have a great amount of respect for him.