Parishes gear up for gala events

A special liturgy and dozens of historic exhibits will mark the Albany County regional celebration of the diocesan Sesquicentennial, Nov. 15, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany and the Empire State Plaza.

The day will begin with an 11 a.m. liturgy celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at the Cathedral. Afterward, musical performances and historical displays will be featured in the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza, across the street from the Cathedral.

The displays will include the official Diocesan Sesquicentennial Exhibition, which has been touring since June, and exhibits by parishes and other groups.

Long time coming

According to organizers, 144 parishes, religious orders, schools, social service organizations and healthcare facilities have been invited to participate in the event.

"We're looking forward to having people come," said Deacon Neil Hook, co-chair of the six-member planning committee and a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary's in Albany. The committee has spent 18 months planning the event.

"We hope the liturgy with Bishop Hubbard is the high point," he said. Participating in the liturgy will be the deans, vicars general, chancellor for personnel, all of the priests and deacons in the county, and ecumenical and interfaith representatives.

History on display

The exhibits at the Plaza will provide participants with an important opportunity "to display their piece in diocesan history," Deacon Hook said, allowing people to see where they fit into diocesan history. "This is our piece in this large panorama."

Displays, which were left up to the ingenuity of the sponsors, will include pictures, sacred objects and craft items. "It's a nice mixture," he said. "In my own parish, it's been interesting to see the enthusiasm in putting together the display."

The displays may also serve another purpose. "If a parish displays its traditions, it may create ideas" that other churches can imitate, the deacon said. "This is a good way to exchange ideas."

Music and history

Nine musical groups will be performing on the concourse in a mix of styles that "range from choirs to contemporary music groups," Deacon Hook said. "There will be a resident choir from one nursing home, a trio from a health institution, and the Black Apostolate Choir."

The event is important, he noted, because it allows parishes to celebrate this important anniversary year. "It gives the parishes and organizations a chance to relive their history," he explained.

Organizers are looking forward to the big day. "Our biggest hope is that the weather is with us, and we get a good turn out," he said.

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