Ordination tickets free, but limited

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

GALLUP — No, there are no tickets on sale for the upcoming Ordination/Installation Mass for Bishop-elect James S. Wall.

Contrary to an erroneous headline in another local publication, the Diocese of Gallup is not selling tickets for the April 23 event. Officials are giving away tickets, but because of limited seating available in Sacred Heart Cathedral — about 630 seats — most of the thousands of Catholics in the Gallup Diocese will have to view the ceremony at viewing sites around the city, on cable television, or on the Internet.

According to Lee Lamb, communications director for the diocese, the planning committee is working hard to ensure the maximum number of local lay Catholics can attend the ceremony, including giving away two tickets to each parish in the diocese. And as invited guests respond with their RSVPs, Lamb said, the number of laity tickets could increase.

Community members are invited to watch the afternoon ceremony live at five local sites: Gallup Catholic High School, 405 Park Ave.; St. John Vianney Parish, 3408 Zia Drive; St. Francis Elementary School, 215 W. Wilson; Rocket Cafe, 1719 S. 2nd St.; or Sammy C’s Rock N’ Sports Pub & Grille, 107 W. Coal Ave.

In addition, Comcast Cable will broadcast the event live on channel 21 in Gallup and Grants, and Lamb is trying to arrange similar broadcasts in Farmington and Flagstaff, Ariz. People will also be able to view a live feed on the diocese’s Web site, www.dioceseofgallup.org.

After the Mass concludes, the diocese will host an outdoor public reception north of the cathedral. The diocese is expecting up to 3,000 people to attend the reception, Lamb said, and the planning committee is working to arrange a shuttle service from different viewing sites and parking lots around Gallup.