A memorable Mass for those involved

For the hundreds of people who worked behind the scenes or had a role in Sunday's Sesquicentennial liturgy, the experience was an exciting and memorable one. Several of them shared their thoughts with The Evangelist:

* "I'm thrilled," said Elizabeth Rowe, coordinator of the liturgy committee and director of the diocesan Formation for Ministry office. "I'm still six inches above the ground."

Miss Rowe and the liturgy committee began planning the event two years ago with the idea that "we wanted the people to feel special." As she looked around during the celebration, she saw hope on the faces of the congregation and felt a tremendous sense of spirit, she said.

* Dennis McDonald, a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany and cantor at the liturgy, was also moved. "It was a great spiritual lift, a great celebration," he said. "What was wonderful was to feel the prayerfulness of the community. It was thrilling."

He said one memory that will be with him was the experience of singing with members of other choirs from around the Diocese. "In two rehearsals, we were able to come together," Mr. McDonald said.

* Paula Ciborowski, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Sidney, was one of 17 people to gather water from the rivers, lakes and creeks of the Albany Diocese that was used during the liturgy to bless the congregation.

"I sat here as a ten-year-old from New York City," she said, referring to the National Shrine of the North American Martyrs. "Here I am 40 years later, a part of the Diocese, and asked to perform [this task.]"

Mrs. Ciborowski collected the water from the Unadilla River on a rainy day and placed it in a decorative jar that was given to her as a gift.

* Peggy Land, a water minister from Sacred Heart Church in Unadilla, was also pleased to be participating in the celebration. "I'm thrilled to be doing this," she said. "It's a gift from God."

She went to the Susquehanna River and prayed before collecting the water. She then poured it into a bottle she decorated with silk roses.

She is intrigued by the history of Unadilla, of the Susquehanna River and of the shrine. "I've been here a lot," she said of Auriesville. "I came as a child with my parents. Each time, I know it's holy ground."

* For Kevin Rikas, a candle bearer from St. Anthony of Padua Church in Johnstown, participation in the celebration was a moving experience. "It's unbelievable to see all of these people and the expressions of faith," he said.

He admitted to being nervous and to having sweaty palms as he carried the large heavy candle.

* Included in the procession were liturgical dancers from St. Mary's Church in Oneonta. The dancers ranged in age from 14 to 16 and were pleased to be a part of this momentous celebration. Of their role, Johanna Primmer said, "You get to be a special part of it. Normally, teenagers wouldn't get to be a part of it."

The dancers rehearsed for a day and were guided along the way with tape marks on the floor of the coliseum. Those factors reduced any nervous feelings they might have had about performing for a crowd of thousands. Of being part of this historical event, Kate Brower said, "It's cool. It's very interesting to see this."

* After the liturgy, participants were treated to a reception catered by Platts of Colonie. According to Peter Platt, co-owner of Catering by Platts, the theme for the reception was "festive for the fall." The food included 9600 apples, 300 dozen apple cider donuts and 3,600 soft pretzels.

The catering staff of 29 began working at 7 a.m. loading the truck, Mr. Platt said. Once at the site, staff members set up the reception area and polished thousands of apples.

Being a part of this historical event was a positive experience for him. "It's kind of neat," he said. "I just had a grandchild born on Monday. My grandparents came from Europe, and I remember the stories they told. I'm thinking about the `remember when' stories I will tell my grandchild."

(09-18-97)