Detroit — Well over 1,000 people have expressed interested in attending the May 5 ordination of Detroit’s three new auxiliary bishops at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

As joyful as the news is, it comes with a hitch — the cathedral seats just 800 people.

Still, there will be plenty of opportunity for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit — and even beyond — to witness the episcopal ordination of Bishop-designates Donald Hanchon, Michael Byrnes and Arturo Cepeda.

Tickets are being issued for well-wishers and for members of various parishes. Organizers say the cathedral will be filled to capacity. Those with reservations or questions may call (313) 596-7150. Those without reservations have a few options.

The public is welcome (after 1:15 p.m.) to attend a viewing of the ordination at Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary, where it will be viewed (at 2 p.m.) on large screens in the seminary’s auditorium. Those in attendance need not even leave the campus to congratulate the new bishops afterwards, as the seminary also will host the post-ordination reception (at approximately 5:15 p.m.).

The Catholic Television Network of Detroit will also air the ordination live (at 2 p.m.).

Those without cable are encouraged to log onto the Archdiocese of Detroit website, www.aodonline.org, for a live streaming Internet broadcast of the ceremony.

Still more plans are being formulated in Southwest Detroit, where Holy Redeemer Parish may host its own viewing of the ordination ceremony — though plans had not been finalized as of Tuesday.

For the latest details on how to witness this year’s episcopal ordination, visit www.aodonline.org .