Bishop George J. Lucas invites couples married 50 years or more to attend a Wedding Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. The event is sponsored by the diocesan Office for Family and Youth Ministry.

Couples who are interested in receiving a personal invitation from Bishop Lucas - or their friends and family members - may send names (including first names of husband and wife), address and date of marriage to the Diocesan Office for Family and Youth Ministry, P.O. Box 3187, Springfield, Illinois 62708-3187. By telephone, call (217) 698-8500, ext. 132 or e-mail . Guests are welcome.

The afternoon will begin at 1 p.m. with a choral prelude by the choir from St. James Parish in Riverton. A Mass with Bishop Lucas will be held at 2 p.m. during which the couples will re-affirm their marriage vows and receive a special blessing. After Mass, a reception will be held in the cathedral basement.

If couples are unable to attend and wish to receive a certificate from Bishop Lucas, contact the Office for Family and Youth Ministry.