GOING TO AURIESVILLE MASS?

Here's what you need to know before leaving home

Up to 6,000 Catholics are expected to attend the Sesquicentennial Liturgy, Sept. 14, 3 p.m., at the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville.

Before those thousands leave home, each of them should keep in mind some important factors to ensure a successful day, according to Elizabeth Rowe, coordinator of the landmark liturgy featuring 20 bishops, Cardinal John O'Connor of New York City and a representative of the Pope:

* Tickets are required to attend the Mass. Do not come without a ticket (check with your parish for last-minute availability).

* The vast majority of people will arrive by bus; only a few private cars, with special permits, will be permitted on the Shrine grounds. Buses traveling from parishes and other sites, and private cars with permits should use Thruway Exit 27. People should carefully note the company and number of the bus they arrive on so they can find it after Mass. There will be a large number of buses, which could create confusion.

* People coming in private cars without permits must park at the Fonda Fairgrounds on Route 30A. Take Thruway Exit 28 to reach the Fairgrounds on Route 30A between Rtes. 5 and 5S. Shuttle buses will bring people from there to the Shrine. The last bus will leave the Fairgrounds at 2 p.m. They will return after the Mass and reception as they are filled.

* There will be transportation on the Shrine grounds for those who cannot walk from the bus parking lot to the site of the Mass.

* The Shrine cafeteria will be open all day. A reception with light refreshments will follow the liturgy.

* All who attend the Mass must be seated by 2:30 p.m. Seating for the Mass is color-coded. Use the entrance which corresponds to your ticket color.

* Those participating in the opening processions should be in their assigned places at 2:30 p.m. Knights and Dames of Malta, Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, Catholic Daughters, and representatives of ethnic groups should assemble at the pink entrance. Representatives from parishes with anniversaries, ecumenical guests and deacons should meet at the blue entrance. Deans and priests of the Diocese (in albs and red stoles) should gather at the green entrance. Entrances will be color-coded.

* Prior to the Mass and after it ends, two books related to the Sesquicentennial will be on sale in a special tent. "Canals & Crossroads," the first in-depth history of the Albany Diocese, can be purchased for $25. "How We Tell God's Story," a book for children about significant people in the history of the Diocese, sells for $10. Checks and credit cards will be accepted.

(09-11-97) [[In-content Ad]]