Mass with Bishop Diocese of Superior

MASS WITH BISHOP DIOCESE OF SUPERIOR

When Bishop celebrates Mass, it can sometimes look a little different. Here are a few ways and reasons why. MITRE (MIGHT·ER)

This is a symbol of a Bishop's authority and leadership of the Church. He wears it 4 times during the Mass. Can you spot them all? - During the opening/ closing procession - Listening to the readings - Preaching the homily - Final blessing

ZUCCHETTO (ZO͞ OˈKEDŌ)

This is what Bishop wears under his mitre. He will take it off during the Eucharistic Prayer as a sign of respect for Jesus in the Eucharist. Cardinals and Popes also wear zucchetto's but you can tell who they are by the color. - Bishops - magenta - Cardinal - red - Pope - white

INCENSE

When a Bishop says Mass, there is an option to use incense. Incense is burned to create a sweet smelling smoke. The smoke symbolizes our prayers going up to God in Heaven. Incense also symbolized purification (cleansing) which is why it is directed toward important things including the altar, the Gospel book, and people! When it is directed toward people, we should make the sign of the cross as a sign of receiving the blessing. CROSIER (KROW·ZEER)

A Crosier is carried by Bishop during the Mass. It is shaped like the staff that were used by shepherds. This is an outward sign of their ministry as shepherds of God’s people. All of the people of a diocese are considered to be a part of the bishop's flock and he is in charge of caring for them. PONTIFICAL BLESSING & PROCESSIONAL BLESSING

A blessing by the priest is something that happens at the end of every Mass. Bishop's are able to give a special blessing called a 'pontifical blessing'. We get to participate in this blessing using responses that remind us of God's goodness.

V. Blessed be the name of the Lord. R. Now and forever. V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. V. May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. R. Amen.

At the end of Mass, Bishop will process out of the church just like a priest. There is one difference to watch for though. Bishop will bless people as he walks out by making the sign of the cross with his hand. We can show that we receive the blessing by making the sign of the cross too.

Prayer for Bishop

God, eternal shepherd, you tend your Church in many ways and rule us with love. You have chosen your servant, James, to be a shepherd of your flock. Give him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care, may he build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world. MEET OUR BISHOP

- His full name is Most Reverend James Patrick Powers. - His Birthday is February 6th. - He is one of seven brothers and sisters. - He grew up on a farm in Hammond, WI. - He has been a priest for over 30 years! - He is the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Superior. - Each bishop has their own motto. His is “LEAD ME, LORD, BY YOUR LIGHT.” and comes from Psalm 85. - Every bishop also has a coat of arms with symbolism unique to them. This tradition dates back to a time when this was how you identified things about a person without needing to read. - Upper Left - Lake Superior - Lower Left - French missionaries who evangelized to this region - Upper Right - James is symbolized by the shell, and Patrick by the shamrock - Lower Left - Love of the northwoods and America.

FACTS ABOUT BISHOPS

- The Pope is the bishop of Rome. He is the one who appoints all the other bishops. - Jesus's 12 apostles were the first bishops of the Catholic Church. All of the bishops in the Church today can trace their roots back to one of the Apostles. - Just like priests are father's to their parish, Bishops are like a father for all of the priests in a diocese. - Traditionally, Bishops are referred to as "Your Excellency" although this is generally only used for special occasions now. - Bishop's have a lot of responsibility to guide the Church closer to heaven, so we should respect and pray for them!