Frequently Asked Questions

> How should we address Fr. Stowe?  

At the present time, until he is ordained to the episcopate (meaning as a bishop)  we may address him one of two ways, depending on whether one is addressing him indirectly in writing or in directly in person: either "Fr. John Stowe", or  "Bishop-Elect John Stowe", and in person, "Fr. John" as he prefers to be called.  After his Ordination and Installation as our Bishop he would like to be addressed as "Bishop John".

> When is Fr. John's Ordination and Installation?  

Fr. John will be ordained and installed as the third bishop of Lexington at the Ordination Mass on Tuesday, May 5th at 2 PM at the Cathedral of Christ the King.  Due to limited seating in the Cathedral and limited overflow seating in Hehman Hall through viewing the sanctuary streamlined on the large projection screen, participation in this Mass will be by invitation/ticket only.  

> What happens in an Ordination Mass for a bishop?  

This beautiful liturgy begins as usual with the procession, which includes incense, cross, candles, servers, the Book of Gospels, and all deacons, priests and bishops present.  The Mass continues as usual through the Liturgy of the Word.  Our Metropolitan, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz from the Archdiocese of Louisville, along with at least two other Bishops will ordain Fr. John after the proclamation of the Gospel.  Fr. Nieberding presents Fr. John to Archbishop Kurtz requesting his ordination as Bishop, then the Apostolic Nuncio for the United States, Archbishop Carlo Vigano, reads to us the Apostolic Letter of mandate from Pope Francis.  Those assembled express their consent through applause.  All are seated while Archbishop Kurtz gives the homily.  After the homily Archbishop Kurtz will ask Fr. John nine questions that express Fr. John's resolve:  to act as the successor of the Apostles to his death, to preach constantly and faithfully the Gospel,  to guard and hold sacred the entire deposit of faith as handed down by the Apostles and preserved in the Church, to build up the Body of Christ and be unified with the Order of Bishops,  to render obedience faithfully to the Pope, to be a father to God's people and lead them to salvation, to be welcoming and merciful to the poor, strangers and the needy, to be a good shepherd seeking out those who stray from the faith, and to pray without ceasing for God's people and to carry out the office of high priest without reproach.  Then we all stand and implore the intercession of the saints, sing the Litany of Saints as Fr. John prostrates himself.  After the concluding prayer for this, Fr. John kneels before the Archbishop, who lays hands upon his head, followed by all bishops present.  The Book of Gospels is then held over the head of our Elect, while Archbishop Kurtz prays the prayer of Ordination.  Our newly ordained Bishop John is anointed on the head with Sacred Chrism Oil, then given the Book of Gospels and  a ring signifying his seal of fidelity;  the miter is placed on his head, and he is given the crozier, a pastoral staff symbolizing his power to govern in this Diocese.  Lastly he is taken to cathedra, the chair of the Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington, where his brother bishops them greet him with a fraternal kiss.  The Mass continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist with newly ordained Bishop John as the presider.  At the conclusion of the Prayer After Communion Bishop John is led throughout the cathedral to give his first blessing as our Bishop upon all present, followed by his first address as Bishop to the people.  The Mass concludes in the usual way.

> How can I get a ticket to attend the Ordination Mass?  

Invitations initially will go out to Fr. John's family and guests, all Bishops in the US, all priests, deacons, parish life directors and religious in the Diocese, Diocesan staff, representatives from Diocesan major committees and organizations, ecumenical representatives, the liturgical ministers scheduled for this Mass, and others through consultation with Fr. John and the Installation Committee.  Once the responses have been received and tickets allotted for those responses, the remaining tickets will be divided up among the parishes and missions in the Diocese based upon the ratio of their size.  The parishes/missions get to decide how to distribute their allotment of tickets.  Including Hehman Hall, where viewing will be on the screen, but participation in the Mass, including Holy Communion, will still be included, the estimated total number of seats is 1500.

> What can I do to meet our new Bishop if I can't get a ticket to the Ordination Mass? 

There are several ways to do this.  First, Solemn Vespers will be celebrated with Fr. John giving the homily on the evening before: Monday, May 4th, at 7 PM at the Cathedral of Christ the King.  All are invited - no ticket required.  After the liturgical celebration, a light reception will be held in Hehman Hall with a reception line where one can briefly get to meet our new Bishop and shake his hand.  Secondly, an open reception will be held immediately after his ordination Mass on May 5th at a place still to be determined.  Again there, newly ordained Bishop John will have a receiving line.  Lastly, our new Bishop will immediately begin a vigorous liturgical schedule at many of our parishes, which includes Confirmation Masses, the Dedication of two new churches in our Diocese, and the Ordination of three of our seminarians as deacons!  This schedule will be published in subsequent Crossroads.

> What should I do in the meantime?  

Give thanks to God for Fr. Bob Nieberding, who has served us faithfully and well as our Diocesan Administrator.  Please pray for Bishop-Elect John Stowe and all involved in the planning of his ordination and installation!  Be sure to Fr. John in your daily intercessions both at home and at Mass, especially Sunday Mass.  Here is a prayer you might pray:

Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing upon Bishop-elect John Stowe. Give him peace of mind, good health of body and joy of spirit as he prepares for his new task as Bishop in the Diocese of Lexington. Following the example of your Son, the Good Shepherd, may Bishop-elect Stowe be a merciful, wise, and joyful pastor. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.  Amen