By Katie Vasquez
Staff members in the Diocese of Palm Beach have been working 12-hour days as they prepare to welcome their new shepherd, Bishop-elect Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez.
In addition to staff, at least 100 volunteers have stepped in to assist with preparations for the ordination and installation events.
The phone has been ringing steadily since Dec. 17, when the Diocese of Palm Beach learned it would be receiving a new bishop. Jennifer Trefelner, director of communications and development, said planning efforts immediately went into high gear.
“Since then, we have been full steam ahead and planning for these two upcoming special events,” Trefelner said.
While the ordination and installation Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, preparations have been underway for nearly a year. Planning began when Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barbarito submitted his retirement papers on his 75th birthday, as required by canon law.
“We meet regularly just to go over action items — who’s in charge of what, who’s tallying RSVPs,” Trefelner said. “And we established an online RSVP system for everyone who is invited to each day.”
Though the sun has been shining in Palm Beach, weather in New York required adjustments to travel plans for some guests.
“One of the things we always plan for is expect the unexpected. You don’t control Mother Nature,” Trefelner said. “We’ve had some guests that have flown in early. We’ve had some guests that are not able to attend because of the weather and the airport cancellations.”
Trefelner said she consulted with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other communications directors across the country to ensure the liturgies follow proper church protocol.
“There are plans that I really looked up to to learn what should we do and how should we do it, so we weren’t reinventing the wheel,” she said. “Whether it’s our programs, making sure that we’re following proper protocol in the church, and really this whole team of individuals on the screening committee making sure that everything is above bar.”
Organizers say the events are not only about welcoming a new bishop but also honoring the service of Barbarito.
“This is a historical, significant event honoring two amazing gentlemen,” Trefelner said. “We’re so grateful for everything Bishop Barbarito has done here for our diocese. And we’re so excited to welcome Bishop-elect. So, we’re ready.”
Vespers will be held Monday evening ahead of Bishop-elect Rodriguez’s ordination and installation on Tuesday.