Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D., Bishop of Camden, will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a special Mass where a “Vision for the Future of Our Church” will be proclaimed:
A scroll containing the Vision will be proclaimed in both English and Spanish and the Bishop is expected to deliver homily remarks in both languages. The January 8 Mass, which will be concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Robert T. McDermott, pastor of the Pro-Cathedral and Vicar General of the diocese, also marks the Solemnity of the Epiphany, which celebrates the manifestation of God to the world through the birth of Christ.
“It is appropriate that the diocese’s vision is being proclaimed for the first time on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Just as the star helped lead the Magi to Jesus, the vision statement will help guide the diocese and its people to Jesus in the years ahead,” said Sr. Marilyn Vollmer, director of ministerial and pastoral planning for the diocese. The Mass will be celebrated with music reflective of the diverse populations of the diocese, including a Spanish Choir and music from a Gospel Choir.
In addition, families representing many of the dioceses various cultural/ethnic communities (including Haitian, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish, African American and Hispanic) will carry the Vision Proclamation in procession at the start of the Mass. Meanwhile, each of the diocese’s 125 parishes will also proclaim the Vision at Masses January 7-8. Each parish is being provided with a proclamation scroll of the Vision, a large framed copy of the Vision for display in parish buildings, as well as letter-sized and card-size copies.
Schools, diocesan offices and other institutions in the diocese will also receive copies of the vision.