Phoenix Mass of Annunciation beamed around world
Catholics worldwide hear Bishop Olmsted’s message

By Ambria Hammel, The Catholic Sun
April 5, 2007

Even though the Archangel Gabriel privately told the Blessed Virgin that she would bear the world’s Savior, Catholics publicly remember the occasion at Mass.

For Phoenix churchgoers, this year’s celebration extended beyond the parish level. It went worldwide.

Eternal Word Television Network broadcast the March 26 Mass of the Annunciation live from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, giving Catholics in 140 countries access to the ceremony.

“The biggest difference was this time we were under no time constraints,” said Joe Reynolds, owner of Skyline Productions. The full-service production company regularly broadcasts the Sunday liturgy live on cable channel 9 and KUTP Channel 45.

The 75-minute Mass drew more than 900 churchgoers. Skyline Productions also added a fifth, roaming camera for the live feed. The regular Sunday liturgies use four stationary cameras including two in the balcony.

There were other differences.

More than a handful of adult altar servers led the procession as the combined adult and children’s choirs harmonized “Sing of Mary.” Other songs featured Latin lyrics.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted concelebrated the liturgy with three priests. Two deacons assisted.

Students from the cathedral’s school, who normally attend Mass on first Fridays and monthly as a class, filled up the front rows.

“It was really nerve-racking because you knew it was going to be all over the world,” said Ss. Simon and Jude eighth-grader Mariah Montoya, who proclaimed the first reading.

Students shared Scripture from the pulpit for both readings, and announced the call to worship and petitions. They had all read at Mass before, but only one did it for a TV Mass.

“People seemed a little more nervous about it, about wanting to get it right,” said Jack Hildwine, audio engineer for Skyline Productions.

Many in the pews thought the Mass was successful.

“It was beautiful, very beautiful,” said parishioner Leighanne Johnsson, who regularly attends the televised liturgies. “I believe our Blessed Mother called everyone to come this morning.”

Armand Barone felt that call.

He spent the last three weeks in bed with back problems, but was well enough on the Marian feast day to drive down from Sun City and attend Mass at his former parish.

“The bishop did a great job,” Barone said.

In his homily, Bishop Olmsted spoke about how to mirror Mary’s fearless and selfless response to the Archangel Gabriel when he revealed God’s plans for her at the Annunciation. He emphasized though, that the feast casts the spotlight on God, not the Virgin.

“Only because God chooses to work through her and her free choice does she herself become an important focus of attention,” the bishop said.

He reminded Catholics that Mary’s “yes” to God’s will came from her longing to glorify God. She placed her gift of motherhood at His service allowing Jesus to become the Lamb of sacrifice, die, rise to new life and invite others to follow Him to paradise.