July 13-15, 2001 at KNOM, Nome, Alaska

July 13-15, 2001

     Mid-July 2001 was remarkable for the KNOM family. On July 13th, retired Anchorage Archbishop Francis Hurley said Mass celebrating KNOM's 30th anniversary.
     July 14th, KNOM's actual birthday, Hurley ordained former KNOM volunteer Ross Tozzi to the priesthood.
     And July 15th, Ross celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving.
     Nome's St. Joseph Church was filled for all three Masses, which were also broadcast live over KNOM. Here are some images from those three remarkable days. Most were taken in natural light without flash and are 80-90k.

KNOM's Thirtieth Anniversary Mass - July 13

KNOM inspiration director Lynette Schmidt lights a candle for each of the seventeen KNOM volunteers who have died since the mission began in 1966.
Ross Tozzi proclaims the gospel, with servers Nick and Tara Schmidt
KNOM spiritual director Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ preaches the homily. Click here for a full text of the homily
Archbishop Francis Hurley at consecration, with Ross Tozzi deaconing.
Archbishop Hurley delivers a few remarks prior to the blessing.
The recessional, led by cross bearer Jenna Schmidt.

Fr. Ross Tozzi's Ordination - July 14

Ross stands with his parents Ezio and Monica Tozzi at the start of Mass. Click here for a poem "Touched By His Grace," which Ezio read following the ordination.
Just prior to ordination, Ross lies prostrate before the altar.
Ross is ordained by Archbishop Hurley.
Former KNOM volunteer Fr. Al Levitre lays hands upon Fr. Ross, as do 13 other priests.
From the rear of the church, former KNOM executive director Fr. Paul Macke, SJ (left) and former KNOM volunteer, now spiritual director Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ, provide radio commentary for the KNOM audience.
Archbishop Hurley delivers the homily.
Fr. Ross accepts the chalice from Archbishop Hurley during presentation of the gifts.
Fr. Ross joins the Archbishop and concelebrants at the communion prayer.
Following Mass, Fr. Ross blesses three Little Sisters of Jesus.
At the potluck celebration, Fr. Mark Hoelsken, SJ poses with long time King Island friends, left to right, Bernadette Alvanna-Stimpfle, Rose Koezuna and Marilyn Koezuna-Irelan
26 former and present KNOM volunteers pose on the church's back steps.
After the potluck, Fr. Ross joins Wilfred Anowlic in a traditional King Island Eskimo dance.
The King Islanders also coax Fr. Ross' parents and Archbishop Hurley to the dance floor.
King Islander Jennifer Alvanna entertains the crowd with a women's dance.

Fr. Ross Tozzi's First Mass of Thanksgiving - July 15

Three deacons and twelve concelebrants line up in the parish hall.
Fr. Ross smiles for the camera just ahead of Mass.
Fr. Ross begins Mass, with Deacon Bart Agathluk (ah-GAHTH-luk) of the village of Emmonak (ee-MAHNG-uk).
Deacon Bart proclaims the gospel, in English and Yup'ik.
Fr. Ross is joined by the Mass's twelve concelebrants