Submitted by Maggie Rourke Bay, Religious Education Coordinator for St. Regis Mission

On April 30, 2010 some of our parish members were fortunate enough to attend the installation of a new bishop held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, NY. Formally the Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley was ordained Bishop LaValley making him the 14th bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Those of us that attended wore traditional dress, and participated in the procession with the vesting attendees. The diocesan office had asked us if we would like to wear our traditional clothes and we proudly responded “yes.” Little did we know that it would allow us to be seated only four rows back from the altar and allowing us a wonderful view of the special ceremony that was about to unfold before us. The request from the diocesan office also reminds us that the Church and our own pastor Father George Belgarde encourages us to blend in different aspects of our culture into our faith to give us a rich balance of both.

The Archbishop of New York the Most Reverend Timothy Dolan acted as the principal ordaining bishop with assistance from the co-ordaining bishops Paul Louverde and Robert Cunningham both previous Bishops of Ogdensburg. We were also enthralled as The Apostolic Nuncio (the papal representative) from Rome to the United States read aloud the papal order making the Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley a bishop. Following the recitation of the papal order the mass began. Once the homily was complete we witnessed the promise of Bishop LaValley to uphold his Faith and discharge his duties with fidelity. In one of the most stirring events I have ever personally witnessed; the Archbishop Dolan recited words that reminded Bishop LaValley of his chief responsibility to bring the Good News of the Gospels to the people, while some fellow clergy held the actual; Gospels over the head of Bishop LaValley. It was an exciting and moving reminder to us as lay people, catechists, parents, grandparents and clergy totaling 900 people in attendance that it is our Catholic duty to spread the Good News as well and more importantly to do our best to live by it. Another part of the ordination that struck a spiritual chord with me was the anointing of the head. Archbishop Dolan donned an apron as did Bishop LaValley and Sacred Chrism (Blessed oil) was poured and rubbed all through his head, with words recited that reminded the new bishop he was chosen and blessing him in his duties. It brought to mind the many times Jesus himself was bathed in oils and celebrated and loved. We still use chrism in so many of our Catholic rituals; it is such a special component to our faith.

As the mass carried on and we came to share a meal at the most holy table; again! witnessed an amazing site that has stuck with me these weeks after. As Bishop La Valley recited the Eucharistic prayers all the clergy present prayed over the gifts. As we received Eucharist the priests reached into the ciborium themselves rather than be handed the host. This act reminded me of the sacred relationship between us lay people and our pastors. These priests have studied and sacrificed much to guide and to provide us with the most holy sacrament, this is something we must not forget and we must respect this fact. I often reflect on how sad it is when a parish is closed or forced to merge with other parishes due to lack of a pastor, we are fortunate to have ours and that we still stand on our own.

Vicky Phillips (Assistant to the Religious education program) and Elaine Cook (secretary for St. Regis Mission).

The day ended after over two hours of ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, NY One thing for sure the memories and thoughts that this amazing experience brought to the forefront of my mind will not soon be forgotten.