May 24, 2009, East Tennessee Catholic

CNS PHOTO/SCOTT M. BORT

Notre Dame holds prayer vigil Senior Morgan Caudle, nine months pregnant, walks with her husband, Joseph, during a vigil for life at the University of Notre Dame on May 17. U.S. President Barack Obama was the university’s commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary degree. page 10

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 18 • Number 18 • May 24, 2009

The

N E W S PA P E R

of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E www.d ioces eof kn ox ville.or g

CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS

‘A story that needs to be told’ An addition to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette is being built by the parishioners. By Dan McWilliams ur Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette is taking the sense of ownership that comes with a building project to a whole new level.

The Campbell County parish of some 90 families is building a new addition to its 1994 church, and the parishioners themselves are doing the construction. Numerous OLPH members, their ages ranging from 56 to 83, are handling virtually every aspect of the work, from basement to rooftop.

Non-Catholics from the area are also lending a hand to a $930,000 project that will more than triple OLPH’s size, from 3,700 square feet to 12,800.

As of May 12 parishioners had logged more than 18,000 hours of work on the project, targeted for completion this summer.

“It is unique doing this by volunteer labor,” said Father Joe Campbell, OLPH’s pastor of seven years. “We feel this is a story that needs to be told.”

When asked whether the decision to use volunteers was mainly made to save money, Father Campbell and building-committee chair LaQuita Ingle answered together.

“Oh, yes,” they said, both laughing.

The new church will seat about 400. After an Easter service this year that drew upwards of 350, and with expanded attendance in the

EMPTY TOMB Pope Benedict XVI prays in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 15.

Pope’s visit to Holy Land is both pilgrimage and message of hope B Y J OHN THAVIS

JERUSALEM (CNS)— Pope Benedict XVI’s eight-day visit to the Holy Land was a biblical pilgrimage, an interfaith mission and a political balancing act all rolled into one.

It was also a gamble. In a region hardened by decades of conflict and simmering social and religious tensions, there was no guarantee of success.

The long-range verdict is yet to come on this “pilgrimage of peace,” but the pope certainly delivered a clear and challenging message to his diverse audiences in Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories May 8 through 15.

That alone was an achievement.

The common theme tying his events together was that God acts in human events and that believers have a duty to make religion an effective force for good in a region suffering from war, mistrust, and misunderstanding.

To Christians the pope focused on the hope brought by the death and resurrection

DAN MCWILLIAMS

O

LABOR OF LOVE The new addition to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette, in the lighter-colored stone, extends to the left and right of the older section (foreground).

summer months at OLPH, the added space comes none too soon. OLPH has a number of part-time parishioners from other states who move to their homes on nearby Norris Lake every summer. Tourists also swell the ranks at Mass when the weather warms.

“We almost triple in the summer,” said Father Campbell.

A new multipurpose area behind the nave will have a removable divider to expand the seating for Mass.

The building project will also provide OLPH with

badly needed kitchen facilities and room to host more events.

To say the parish’s old dining hall is somewhat lacking in equipment and ventilation would be an understatement. “[It’s] the basement of the rectory, with no windows. A terrible little kitchen,” summarized Father Campbell.

“We didn’t have any heat at all until I put in a little heater unit.”

Women of the parish chose the appliances for the new kitchen, which include two ovens and cooktops.

OLPH continued on page 3

New Catholics asked to become disciples Bishop Stika celebrates his first rite of missioning Mass.

B Y DA N MCWI L L I A MS

his year’s rite of missioning was a new experience for both the principal celebrant and the just-received Catholics who pledged to “accept the cost of being a disciple” and to “share in the mission of the universal church.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika, ordained March 19 to lead the church in East Tennessee, spoke to an audience of new Catholics on May 3 at the annual missioning Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

“Some of you have been Catholic as long almost as I have been a bishop,” he said to

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Holy Land continued on page 6

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“The women designed the kitchen, and they worked to save money for this special [high-speed] dishwasher,” said Ms. Ingle.

A new deck outside the kitchen will provide enough space for fish fries and other events.

Several elements of the old church building will be incorporated in the expansion. Mosaics previously outdoors will be moved inside. Two round stainedglass windows, now in storage, will have a new location in the finished

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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Bishop Richard F. Stika greets newcomer Elena Asquith of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge during the rite of missioning. Behind them is Deacon Gary Sega, the parish RCIA director.

‘ROOKIE’ CATHOLICS

those who joined the church at the Easter vigil on April 11.

“You’re rookie Catholics, and I’m a rookie bishop.”

The cathedral was nearly filled with “rookies” and their sponsors, godparents, family members, and friends from around the diocese. Host pastor Father Al Humbrecht, Monsignor Xavier Mankel of Holy Ghost in Knoxville, Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, and Father Michael Sweeney of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman and St. Christopher in Jamestown joined Missioning continued on page 2

letters to the

EDITOR

‘People have a right to ideas and opinions’

I am writing in reference to Joseph Corso’s letter (“Notre Dame great because of openness,” May 10 ETC), and I agree 100 percent with him. Barack Obama is the president of the United States. I believe he is one of the most important figures in today’s world. I know that many Catholics loved President Bush. Do you really think he believed everything you do? People have a right to ideas and opinions without being belittled and without prejudice.

I taught at Knoxville Catholic High School for nine years. I thought we were teaching students to develop and use their conscience. I grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Catholic school through 12th grade. I taught religious education for many years. We were always taught to respect other people, their religion, and their ideas.

I went to church one Sunday when President Bush was running the second time. A woman came out and told me, “You are so brave to come here with that Kerry sticker on your car.”

Is this what we have come to? Maybe they should have stoned me. I was taught and I always believed that Catholics are open-minded, fair, and not judgmental. We make up our minds according to a just conscience.

I can barely go to church anymore because of all the discrepancies between what I was taught growing up and what I am hearing today. I had no idea I was a right-wing conservative. Is that what Catholic means? I thought it meant universal.

—Betty Anne Perry Knoxville Teachings of the church are a ‘refuge’

In regard to Joseph Corso’s recent letter, I would simply ask all to remember that Christ came to testify to the truth. Although it is expected that the intellectual elitists that control most of the universities in this country do not believe this, it is disheartening that Notre Dame and other Catholic universities apparently are more concerned with being “American” universities than being a beacon of light to the world.

Mr. Corso is correct that refuge should not be sought “behind” the dogma and orthodoxies of the church—refuge should be taken in them.

Christ was crucified because the world did not know him and because he was not of this world.

Notre Dame should strive to teach its students and the world how to “be” in this world while not “becoming” this world.

Unfortunately, the lure of acceptance in the political, intellectual, and sophisticated circles is deemed more important than being blessed due to the rejection of this world.

—Peter A. Dunn Knoxville ND ‘kneeling at altar of popular opinion’

Joseph Corso misses the mark in his support of Notre Dame’s hosting President Obama at its 2009 commencement. Mr. Corso’s classification of opponents as being guilty of “anti-intellectual dogmatism” is most intolerant. The issue at hand is not academic freedom (a smokescreen): it is, rather, that a purportedly Catholic institution is fawning over the president by presenting him with an honorary doctor of law degree.

This is clearly in violation of the U.S. bishops’ request that institutions not engage in such behavior with those who “act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.” President Obama’s agenda to undo all anti-abortion safeguards is in direct violation of these principles. For clarification, I suggest Mr. Corso read (former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican) Mary Ann Glendon’s letter to Notre Dame declining to receive the Laetare Medal at this year’s commencement.

God uses all things for good, and President Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame is no exception. What a tremendous opportunity for members of the pro-life community in attendance to exhibit their faith! The wearing of black mourning armbands and turning their backs on the president when he addresses the crowd would speak (in silence) deafeningly in the cause for life.

Ironically, Notre Dame’s actions betray its religiosity. It is kneeling at the altar of popular opinion.

It is to be hoped that its alumni will respond to the university’s unwillingness to abide by church teachings by withholding, until sanity is restored, financial support to this once-great university.

—Dana Hogan Knoxville

living the

READINGS

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

The other side of the coin The Ascension reminds us that we live in two worlds.

The feast we celebrate today has two names. We have traditionally called it the Ascension.

But it could also be considered the feast of the Seating of Jesus at the Right Hand of the Father.

The latter is a bit of a mouthful, but the name is apt. The event we commemorate today is like the proverbial two-sided coin. On one side we have the human point of view. Jesus was seen rising into heaven. On the other side (or, we could say, from God’s perspective) the Lord is arriving in heaven.

The two-sided coin makes sense out of the remarkable situation in which we Chris-

tians find ourselves. We live in two worlds. For even as we live our life on earth, we also share in the life of Christ, who reigns at the right hand of the Father.

Paul told the Christians in Ephesus as much. He informed them that Christ is “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.

And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all to the church, which is his body.”

Is there anything in, of, or over this world that people fear? What about terrorists or economic trends or deteriorating weather patterns or hatreds that give rise to wars?

These and hundreds of other threats could be included in

The greatest gift We receive divine grace, and we must share it.

uppose God gave you the privilege of choosing any gift you wanted.

What would you choose? Right off the bat, as an educated Christian, you probably would eliminate all the usual earthly temptations. You would forsake wealth, fame, good looks, importance, influence, and power.

You might have to

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take a deep breath before you eliminated them, but you know they are traps that can present more problems than joys.

Then you might examine the world of the abstract. You might contemplate asking for happiness, intelligence, wisdom, or oneness with the universe. These are good but have the same flaw. They last

the list Paul gave the Ephesians. Then he told them that Christ rules above all these threats and we are in that superior position with him.

Nothing should scare us. We have heavenly power. That’s the other side of the coin.

When, looking at the first side of the coin, we see Jesus ascending into heaven, we focus on the Great Commission he gave us. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

When, on the other side, we behold Christ sitting at the right hand of the Father, we find out we have power that comes from our sharing in Christ’s risen life. Christians do live in two worlds. If we lived only on earth, life would be fearful.

But we don’t. By God’s will we also live in the infinite love of Christ, which conquers all. ■ May 24, the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Mark 16:15-20

only a lifetime.

Finally, you would look among the spiritual gifts. You might consider asking for love or eternal life or the ability to choose God’s will always.

Which to choose?

Thankfully, you don’t have to choose.

Jesus promised to give us all a gift—his greatest gift. And he delivered. Today, Pentecost, we celebrate the anniversary of its bestowal.

Jesus promised us a gift so great that he couldn’t give it to us

until after he died, rose from the dead, and returned to the Father. Of course, the gift is the Holy Spirit.

He gave us the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.

When you think about it, chances are you wouldn’t have put the Holy Spirit on your list of possible gifts for which to ask. Maybe that’s why Readings continued on page 7

May 31, Pentecost Acts 2:1-11 Galatians 5:16-25 John 20:19-23

W E E KDAY RE ADINGS Monday, May 25: Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33 Tuesday, May 26: Memorial, Philip Neri, priest, Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21; John 17:1-11 Wednesday, May 27: Acts 20:2838; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36; John 17:11-19 Thursday, May 28: Acts 22:30 and 23:6-11; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; John 17:20-26 Friday, May 29: Acts 25:13-21;

Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20; John 21:15-19 Saturday, May 30: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11:4-5, 7; John 21:2025; vigil Mass for Pentecost, Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:1-2, 24, 35, 2730; Romans 8:22-27; John 7:37-39 Monday, June 1: Memorial, Justin, martyr, Tobit 1:3 and 2:1-8; Psalm 112:1-6; Mark 12:1-12 Tuesday, June 2: Tobit 2:9-14; Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9; Mark 12:13-17

Wednesday, June 3: Memorial, Charles Lwanga, martyr, and his companions, martyrs, Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17; Psalm 25:2-9; Mark 12:18-27 Thursday, June 4: Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1, 9-17; and 8:4-9; Psalm 128:1-5; Mark 12:28-34 Friday, June 5: Memorial, Boniface, bishop, martyr, Tobit 11:5-17; Psalm 146:2, 7-10; Mark 12:35-37 Saturday, June 6: Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20; Tobit 13:2, 6-8; Mark 12:38-44 ■

line,” he said.

The bishop said he hoped the newly received Catholics would always keep the Eucharist close to their hearts, as a friend of his once did—literally—during World War II. The late Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte was a boy in Belgium when the Nazis and Allies were advancing upon his hometown, which lay in a flat area but featured an ancient Catholic church with a tall bell tower. The tower, the highest point in the area, would provide a huge strategic advantage to the army that reached it first.

The townspeople made the

excruciating decision, fearing that the Nazis would arrive first, to blow up the church.

In the moments before that occurred, the priest needed to find a special messenger, Bishop Stika said.

“He called forth the fastest boy in the village, who happened to be the eventual Cardinal Schotte,” he said. “He went to the tabernacle and gave the Blessed Sacrament to this 12-year-old, and he told him to run as fast as he could, not to be captured by the Nazis, to the neighboring village.

“The cardinal tells the sto-

Missioning continued from page 1

their new parishioners when they came forward to receive certificates of missioning from the bishop.

Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, longtime diocesan director of the Evangelization Office, presented the newly received adults and children to the bishop. They were among some 300 who joined the church at Easter.

In his homily Bishop Stika explained several of the symbols of his authority to the newcomers, including the cathedra (bishop’s chair), miter, and crosier, the latter coming in handy as a hook “when servers get out of

Missioning continued on page 6

Crisis depicts ‘symbolism over substance’

In response to Cynthia Solomon’s letter (“Columnist not specific about accusations,” May 10 ETC), I recall “unless you become little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:15).

Ginger Hutton’s column “Staying true to their charism” (April 26 ETC) fits into the present controversy at the University of Notre Dame. The fact that a school calls itself Catholic does not mean it embraces the teachings of the Catholic Church.

It’s a matter of symbolism over substance.

I truly believe Our Lady is at work in the Notre Dame controversy to bring to light that prestigious doesn’t spell Catholicism.

—Jill Dearing Walsh Chattanooga

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W.

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn.

Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127 How to reach us:

President shouldn’t be given degree

Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioceseofknoxville.org • web: dioceseofknoxville.org

I would like to comment on a couple of letters in the May 10 issue that made an impact on me.

Letters continued on page 3

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MAY 24, 2009

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THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

he dwells

AMONG US

BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA

New assignments Pray for priests who are reappointed—and for an increase in vocations.

We are blessed with holy and dedicated priests! This is an easy statement for me to make as I travel the diocese.

From the newly ordained to those who have served more than 50 years, our priests are dedicated men of faith who, through the invitation of Jesus Christ, serve faithfully the people of God of the Diocese of Knoxville.

One facet of priesthood is openness to receiving a new assignment. I know from my experience that facing new challenges involves both sadness and excitement. I remember fondly when I received my first assignment following my ordination to the priesthood on Dec. 14, 1985. “The archbishop has assigned you as associate to Mary Queen of Peace,” were the words spoken to me by a member of the committee that makes recommendations to the archbishop.

More recently, when I received a phone call from the papal nuncio, informing me that the Holy Father had appointed me bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, I felt both excitement about the new challenge and sadness on leaving the city of my birth and a parish that I enjoyed as pastor.

By the time you receive this

the view from

HERE

newspaper in the mail, you may have heard about various new assignments for our priests. The appointments will be covered in detail in the June 7 edition of The East Tennessee Catholic. Some of you may wonder how I am able to make new assignments, given the fact that I have been here only a short time. Let me explain.

Shortly after my arrival as bishop I sent a questionnaire to all my brother priests, requesting information about their life as a priest, what they enjoy, and what they consider their greatest challenges. I also asked whether they were happy in their current assignments, whether they had a strong desire to accept a new challenge, and whether they would be open to a possible move if the need were evident.

After prayerful reflection on this information, I sought the advice of my vicar general, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, and the diocesan College of Consultors. Again I prayed and reflected upon the assignment changes and had the opportunity to meet with each priest to make my proposal.

For the most part, the new assignments will be effective Aug. 1.

I know from experience that some parishioners will be upset and will write letters of protest. I understand the reasoning for this.

But as the bishop, I must consider the needs of the entire diocese as well as assess

BY MARY C. WEAVER

Exercise in humility A novice rower attempts to learn the skills involved in her new sport.

I’m writing the night before deadline and a couple of hours after rowing on the Tennessee River.

I’m a rowing novice with a capital N, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to get on the water and attempt to improve my

stroke. In the late 1970s, when I was impossibly young, a friend tried to talk me into joining the local rowing club.

This spring another friend, Andrea Cox, was more successful. Many of you will remember Andrea as executive secretary to Bishop Anthony O’Connell and later Bishop Joseph Kurtz. She’s still working with us but now as parttime archivist for the diocese.

An experienced rower, An-

the gifts of each individual priest. Please pray for these holy and dedicated men who have accepted the challenge of Jesus to serve you, the people of God of the Diocese of Knoxville.

I also commend this prayer to you: A prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for the increase of priestly and religious vocations Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Eternal Father, Son of the Virgin Mary, we thank you for offering your life in sacrifice on the cross and for renewing this sacrifice in every Mass celebrated throughout the world.

In the power of the Holy Spirit we adore you and proclaim your living presence in the Eucharist. We desire to imitate the love you show us in your death and resurrection, by loving and serving one another.

We ask you to call many young people to religious life and to provide the holy and generous priests who are so needed in your church today.

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.

Amen. ■

BISHOP STIKA’ S SCHE DUL E May 24: 11 a.m., confirmation, Notre Dame Church, Greeneville May 26: 6:30 p.m., meeting (rescheduled) of Diocesan Review Board, Chancery May 27: 7:30 p.m., confirmation, St. Bridget Church, Dayton May 30: Knights of Columbus state convention, Marriott Cool Springs hotel, Franklin May 31: 10 a.m., Mass of thanksgiving for parish 50th anniversary, St. Patrick Church, Morristown June 1-4: Convocation with priests of dioceses of Knoxville and Nashville, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville ■

drea invited me to sign up for the Knoxville Rowing Association’s “immersion” weekend (immersion in rowing, not in the river). I completed the class and am now trying to get on the water at least twice a week as the weather permits.

That’s been a challenge this rainy spring. But I’m finding rowing a great stress reliever, and of course, it’s an excellent whole-body exercise.

It’s also good exercise in humility because rowing involves about a million fine points that I have yet to learn.

Fortunately, the members are patient with newbies. And while working on technique I have a chance to appreciate East Tennessee’s beauty from a new perspective. ■

OLPH continued from page 1

church. That goes for the crucifix too, which will be suspended above the altar.

The family of Ken Bruce is donating a memorial pietà for the nave. An OLPH parishioner and an assistant principal at Campbell County High School, Mr. Bruce was killed by a student in 2005.

A new stained-glass window will be installed behind the altar, while another above the entrance to the nave—a decades-old window taken from the parish’s original church—will remain in place.

OLPH had planned to leave the basement of the new addition unfinished but was required to complete it in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy. That added to the construction tab but will give OLPH all the more usable space. The basement will have a classroom and a youth room, with a small kitchen nearby, as well as offices for Father Campbell and a secretary, showers in the men’s and women’s rooms, and a conferTHE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC

ence room. The downstairs will also have poplar baseboards, donated by a parishioner, running along the walls.

Outside the basement is a retaining wall boasting some rather hefty stones.

“I even helped do some of that,” said Ms. Ingle.

One of the few parishioners with a construction background is Don Boaz.

“He has volunteered to be the general contractor,” said Ms. Ingle. “He’s given us a year of his life to plan this and to work on it.”

All of the heavy equipment necessary for the project has been donated.

“We have a parishioner, John Anderson, who has an excavating company,” said Father Campbell. “He did all the excavating, dug out the basement—he did everything.”

“He’s just been super,” Ms. Ingle said.

OLPH did hire a handful of subcontractors for a few jobs, such as installing a sprinkler

system.

Most of the volunteers have no building experience beyond do-it-yourself projects.

One of those is parishioner Jerry Wagner, retired from Proctor and Gamble. On May 12 he could be found in the bushes outside the church, applying a coat of paint to the stone walls.

“I really like this kind of work,” he said. “I was glad to be part of it. We’re lucky we have a lot of skilled volunteer labor. We knew what to do.

We didn’t have to have a lot of instructions, and everybody pitched in and did what they could do.”

Parishioner Joe Masterson paused from his work, pouring concrete and installing the underlayment for tile in a storage room, to talk about the construction.

“I think it’s a great effort,” he said. “A lot of hard-working people showed up.”

Mr. Masterson’s chief duties? “Everything they tell me OLPH continued on page 6

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

Letters continued from page 2

First, Paul Dunn’s letter (“Aborted child is like Lazarus of the parable”) was so perfect and simple in the comparison of the “rich man” parable and aborted children. Thank you, Mr. Dunn, for such an eloquent letter.

On the issue of President Obama’s speaking at Notre Dame, I think he should. But that should be it. He is the sitting president of our country and that affords him the respect and honor to speak at graduations of all kinds, even at a Catholic university.

What I take issue with is the idea of giving him an honorary degree. To me this is condoning his policies and ideals even though they are against the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church.

As a Catholic university, Notre Dame has an obligation to hold the teachings and beliefs of the church as undeniable. In honoring President Obama it is telling the country that our beliefs and teachings, though centuries old, aren’t really that important. By all means let him speak, but don’t honor him with a degree!

—Patsy Myers Cleveland

Students’ critical thinking praised

Joseph Corso’s comment on the Obama/Notre Dame situation oddly misstated the controversy.

The problem wasn’t about students’ being exposed to diverse points of view. If a Catholic university encourages robust discussion in a debate, a symposium, or even a presentation followed by an open mike for questions and answers, I can guarantee that a rousing good intellectual challenge would be appreciated by all.

But the problem centered, ironically, in Notre Dame’s decision to award its highest accolade, an honorary doctorate in law, without intellectual challenge, without debate, to a man who is an effective promoter of what the Second Vatican Council called “unspeakable crimes.”

Imagine that Notre Dame had chosen to roll out the red carpet for a politician who secured public funding for the beheading and dismemberment of a very moderate number of political science professors—on an annual basis. And imagine, if you can, that some people objected.

Would Mr. Corso discredit the objectors by saying they were merely taking refuge behind “unexamined dogmas and absolute orthodoxies”?

I doubt it. Hey, I doubt Notre Dame would have considered giving a platform to a powerful public figure who effectively undercut the sanctity of college football.

Finally, cheers to the students who “thought critically” and “questioned authority” by opposing the Obama honorary doctorate. They learned at least one value in their university education: the value of speaking truth to power.

—Julianne Wiley Johnson City

Columns ‘not worthy of space’

I take exception to Ginger Hutton’s recent column (“Staying true to their charism,” April 26 ETC), in which she implied that sisters who have furthered their education have “hijacked” their orders and forced their personal views on the entire order. Miss Hutton further implied that orders of sisters who have abandoned or updated their habits are not true to their vows. She failed to mention that many orders who make changes in their mission or habits allow those professed to change to another order that more closely follows their calling.

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were founded in 1849 and work in the United States and internationally, primarily teaching and nursing. This order is based in La Crosse, Wis. Over the years the FSPAs have made their traditional habit optional.

In 1962 my sister professed her vows with them.

She received her doctorate in educational administration in the ’80s. In the ’90s she spent seven years in Zimbabwe doing mission work and has gone back to Cameroon almost every year since then for a month of service. In July she will be promoted to dean of graduate, professional, and adult education at Viterbo University, which was founded by her order. She has twice been asked to run for election to the post of mother superior but has declined because she would rather continue the university and mission work she loves.

But it seems Miss Hutton would feel that my sister’s level of education and absence of habit negate her religious vocation and years of service.

For Miss Hutton to make such generalities is absurd and offensive. This particular column seems to be based on one dated personal retreat experience. Her columns are generally vague and inflammatory and not worthy of space in our diocesan newspaper.

We have several orders of holy, dedicated, hard-working professed women serving our diocese, some in full habit, others in modified. Does Miss Hutton really feel she is qualified to question whether any of them are “staying true to their —William Christensen Louisville charism”? ■ We welcome letters to the editor and carefully consider all submissions. Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail or postal mail: mary@dioceseofknoxville.org, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.

MAY 24, 2009

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Chattanooga Deanery

Five Rivers Deanery

OLPH, Chattanooga

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

■ The eighth-grade class at Our Lady

■ The annual banquet for Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City was held recently in the new parish center and raised more than $42,000, the largest amount pledged in the event’s five-year history.

■ Anniversaries: Don and Betty Jo Carbaugh (55), Walter and Ruth Hedrick (55), Allan and Ginny Schwegler (35), Dave and Renee Fontaine (20), Brad and Tonya Jenkins (10) ■ Newcomers: Charissa Carbaugh and son Tyler; Barbara Kronengold; John and Winifred Sabo

of Perpetual Help School visited Washington, D.C., from April 27 to 30.

■ Fifth-graders collected aluminum cans for Earth Day. The Knights of Columbus will plant a tree in honor of the class for its recognition of the day.

■ The spring book fair was held the week of May 4.

■ Vacation Bible School will be presented the week of Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill ■ Morgan Arp and Larry Williams pre-

pared the meal for the quarterly “meet the pastor breakfast” May 3.

■ Former parochial administrator Father Paul Hostettler will celebrate Mass on the weekend of June 13 and 14 at St. Catherine Labouré.

St. Jude, Chattanooga ■ Parishioners bought ice cream at Brewster’s on May 19 to raise money for the youth’s National Catholic Youth Conference trip in November.

St. Mary, Athens ■ Volunteers are needed for vacation Bible school Monday, July 27, through Thursday, July 30. Call director Holly Gates at 423-507-5899.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga ■ Historian Steve Bartlett spoke on the churches of Chattanooga to the OKs (50 plus) after a potluck supper May 12 in the parish hall.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ A Mass for women will be celebrated Sunday, May 24, followed by a buffet breakfast served by the men of the parish in the All Saints Academy auditorium. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Call Geraldine Charton at 423-821-0350 to RSVP. Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ Zach Williamson was recently elected teacher of the month.

■ Installation of new Council of Catholic Women officers will take place during Mass on Sunday, May 24.

Gett Shooster is the president, Evitt Willett the co-president, and Marianne Byrnes the secretary.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade ■ All parishioners are asked to sign up

for the pictorial directory. Photographs will be taken during the summer months. Participants will receive a free 8- by 10-inch color portrait of their choice with the directory. Sign-up deadline is Sunday, May 31.

■ Anniversaries: Andrew and Stella Olinik (61), Donald and Shirley Savercool (53), Ed and Carolyn Mayo (52), Ken and Grace Balmes-Schrader (5)

Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ The Council of Catholic Women

sponsored a bake sale after all Masses on May 16 and 17.

■ The CCW hosted a breakfast for high school seniors May 17.

■ Middle and high school students are invited to participate in a getaway to Longview Ranch in Mosheim from Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7.

St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ The Martha and Mary ministry presented a bunco night May 7.

■ The Knights of Columbus held a pig roast May 16. Proceeds benefited the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

■ Parishioner Marty Silver will ride in Tour de Cure, a cycling and fundraising event of the American Diabetes Association, on Saturday, June 6. He will ride his bicycle 100 miles a day, with a goal of raising $3,000. Call Mr. Silver at 423-239-9521 for more information.

■ Baptisms: Sophie Lucia Herron, Julia Amelie Janus, Samuel Loparo, Jayden James Voelker

carnations in honor of Mother’s Day and hosted a cookout after the Mass in Spanish that afternoon.

■ Orders are being taken for parish 50th-anniversary T-shirts and license plates. Costs are $20 per plate and $7 per shirt. Proceeds will benefit the youths going to the National Catholic Youth Conference in the fall. Call Becky Brown about the license plates at 423-587-0142 and Kathy DeAngelis at 277-6296 about the shirts.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

■ The parish’s next medical mission trip to Leogane, Haiti, will take place Oct. 9 through 17. Cost will be about $1,100. Contact Susan or Dan Speraw at 865-671-2789 or ssperaw@utk.edu.

■ Parishioners are invited to submit up to five recipes for the parish cookbook. E-mail Melinda Widmer at Melinda@petros.com to learn more.

sociate at John XXIII Parish in Knoxville, spoke on the topic “St. Paul and Women’s Issues” at the women’s guild meeting May 18.

■ The Knights of Columbus will host a parish-wide wine-and-cheese tasting and silent auction from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, May 29, in the social hall of the parish life center. Tickets are $10. Call Dennis Preston at 865-458-9004 or Steve McAvoy at 408-9826.

■ Newcomers: Arthur and Dee Butler; Riley and Debbie Exum; Robert and Karen Fredericks; Dennis and Lesia Kotlinski; Gerald Slessinger; Charlotte Wheeler and daughter Ashley 4

■

MAY 24, 2009

Sacred Heart, Knoxville ■ Vacation Bible School will be held

from 6 to 8:30 p.m. the week of June 1 through 5. Call Danielle Mansouri at 865690-4395 or Maura Lentz at 531-9618.

■ Father Noël Mueller, OSB, of St. Parish notes continued on page 5

Holy Week services at St. Francis of Assisi Church. They also offered to pray with or for the residents.

The missionaries were able to visit several hundred homes in the three days. The excitement of the young men, upon their return to St. Francis after the visits, led parishioner volunteers who had been helping with hospitality to accompany one of the teams the following day. ■

St. Jude Parish celebrates Marriage Day St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga celebrated the recent World Marriage Day and served wedding cake following each Mass that weekend. Cutting the cake at left are Steve and Joyce Clark, who celebrated 25 years of marriage March 31.

■ The Hispanic community donated

John XXIII, Knoxville

■ The parish will celebrate the 50th

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for a parish where the average age of members is more than 70. Each day seven teams of three young men, accompanied by one of the priests (including St. Francis of Assisi pastor Father John O’Neill) or one of the consecrated laypeople, were assigned to an area in the Glade.

They knocked on as many doors as possible within the assigned time, inviting homeowners to the

St. Patrick, Morristown

■ Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, pastoral as-

St. Joseph, Norris

wenty-one young men, two priests, and two consecrated laypeople from the Legion of Christ in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Louisiana visited St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade during Holy Week this year.

The travelers came to the Glade on a three-day mission of evangelization.

Having the 21 youth living in the parish hall produced considerable activity

meals for 209 homeless and elderly people May 2 at St. John Episcopal Church. The next Food for the Multitude date is set for Saturday, June 13.

■ Anniversary: Fran and Rodney Robey (35)

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City

on Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, the anniversary of her first apparition.

■ The dedication of the new church has been changed from Thursday, Oct. 1, to Sunday, July 12.

■ A “Morning of Refreshment” retreat will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 30.

Legion of Christ youth, priests visit Glade for mission

■ Volunteers prepared and served

anniversary of former pastor Father Frank X. Brett’s priestly ordination with Mass at the church at 4 p.m.

Monday, May 25. A cookout will follow.

To make a reservation (required), call Laura Seymour at 865-494-2028 or Sally Jackson at 494-7340.

■ The parish showed a feature film

St. Francis of Assisi pastor Father John O’Neill (fourth from left, front row) stands with visiting priests Father Thomas Maher (left) of St. Louis and Father Juan Guerra of Atlanta and young men from the Legion of Christ.

FISHERS OF MEN

St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton

■ Thirty-two parishioners from age 3 to seniors volunteered for area service projects as part of downtown churches’ “Operation Inasmuch” on April 25.

■ The women’s group raised more than $800 from its plant sale May 2 and 3.

■ Parishioners interested in becoming RCIA sponsors are invited to attend a workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28. Call Marian Howard at 865522-1508.

■ The middle school youth ministry needs two adult volunteer leaders who are Virtus trained. Call Katie O’Farrell Allen at 865-583-0075 or IC pastor Father Joe Ciccone, CSP, at 522-1508.

■ The women’s group will collect new and slightly used shoes for “Soles for Souls” on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7.

■ Vacation Bible school will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, through Friday, June 19. Call 5736238 for more information.

St. John Neumann, Farragut

COURTESY OF JOANNE WILKIEL

BY TONI PACITTI

St. Alphonsus Community Services reaches milestone his month marks the 20-year anniversary of the St. Alphonsus Community Services (SACS) outreach program in Cumberland County.

The program was started in 1989 by Laura Brenn and the late Jane Aikens of St. Alphonsus Parish and provided help to 50 residents that year.

Over the years the needs of the community grew, and so did the commitment and support of SACS. Beginning with a food pantry, the services grew to providing assistance with utilities and rent. Requirements for assistance include county residency, a picture ID or driver’s license, and a Social Security card.

Several years ago SACS was joined by St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade to help those in need in the community.

The program accomplishes its

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ministry with an all-volunteer staff and through the generosity of those who donate money and food. The parishes pay all operating expenses. One hundred percent of donations go directly to the needs of the residents of Cumberland County.

With three months left in the 2009 fiscal year, SACS had already provided financial help to 2,517 county residents and 18,474 meals. 2009 has marked the biggest need in the county SACS has seen in its 20 years, with requests for assistance having increased by 54 percent in the first quarter.

As SACS celebrates the 20-year milestone, it also recognizes the help and support it has received from the Postal Food Drive and the County Fair Board, as well as many organizations and individuals who have made donations. ■

COURTESY OF DEB PEACHEY

NOTES

COURTESY OF MARILYN DERBYSHIRE

parish

Lenten soup suppers at Gatlinburg parish benefit food bank St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg held Stations of the Cross every Wednesday during Lent before Holy Week. After the Stations, different groups such as ushers, musicians, youth, or members of the Council of Catholic Women prepared Lenten soup suppers.

Admission was free for the suppers, but parishioners were asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the local food bank. Parish youth took the items to the food bank and stocked the shelves. In front of the cans are Jevan Reed (left) and Joseph Pullium. Behind them (from left) are high school religious-education teacher David Reed, holding son David; Debbie Reed; Cristal Goolsby; Michael Patton; Jonah Pullium; and Hayden Peachey.

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

BY TONI PACITTI

The 106th annual Knights of Columbus state convention will be held the weekend of May 29 through 31 at the Marriott Cool Springs hotel in Franklin.

The schedule includes a golf tournament and Fourth Degree meeting on Friday, two awards sessions and a memorial Mass on Saturday, and a Mass with state chaplain Father Joey Kaump on Sunday. Children’s and women’s programs are also planned for Saturday. The registration fee is $145 per person. Contact state-convention manager John F. Park Jr. at 615-3312077 or johnparknash@bellsouth.net.

Father Patrick Resen of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will discuss two Vatican documents from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Chancery office in Knoxville. The documents are Dei Verbum (“The Word of God”) and Divino Afflante Spiritu (“Inspired by the Divine Spirit”), downloadable from www.vatican.va. All are invited to attend. For details, contact Peggy Humphreys at 865-584-3307 or phumphreys@dioceseofknoxville.org.

The diocesan Office of Family Life and Adult Christian Living will conduct a workshop on Saturday, June 20, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga that focuses on financial planning and goal setting, as well as budgeting and debt reduction, all from a Catholic perspective. The workshop will be based loosely on the book 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free: A Catholic Guide to Managing Your Money (Our Sunday Visitor, 2006) by Phil Lenahan. The workshop will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. and end by 3 p.m.

A light breakfast and lunch will be served. The cost for the entire program is $30 per couple or $25 for a single participant. To register, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or marian christiana@msn.com.

Knights of Columbus Council 8152 in Crossville will host its 17th annual charity golf tournament at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17, at The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, 407 Wild Plum Lane in Crossville. The format will be a four-person scramble with a maximum of 36 teams. The entry donation is $70 per person or $280 per foursome and includes greens fees, cart fees, one mulligan, and a 6 p.m awards banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 70. Banquet cost for those not playing in the tourney is $12. Top teams in the men’s and women’s flights will receive $300.

Closest-to-the-pin and straightestdrive prizes will be awarded as well.

Entry forms may be found at KofCTN.org (click Council Events). For more information, call Mike Wilkiel at 931707-8040, Rollie Wicker at 707-7087, or Fred Laufenberg at 484-2486. Tourney proceeds will benefit various Cumberland County charities.

The Shrine of the Virgin of the Poor in New Hope, near South Pittsburg, will have devotions at 2 p.m. CDT each Sunday in May. For directions, call Father Mark Scholz at 423-837-7068.

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is hosting boys and girls basketball camps June 1 through 5 for rising first- through rising eighthgraders and an all-sports camp June 8 through 12 for upcoming kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The basketball camps will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and the all-sports camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costs are $100 for the basketball camps and $150 for the all-sports camp. Contact Kathy Sumrell at 423-622-1481 or ksumrell@ catholicweb.com. Visit olph.us/school to download registration forms.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is hosting a football camp from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

June 22, through Friday, June 26, for rising fourth- through eighth-graders.

Cost is $75. Contact Kathy Sumrell or visit the school website (see above announcement) for more information.

OLPH will conduct numerous sports, academic-enrichment, and fine-arts camps in June and July. Sports camps will be offered for soccer, football, volleyball, and baseball players and cheerleaders. Academic camps include one on web design and Windows Movie Maker and others geared toward new kindergartners and first-graders. The fine-arts camps will cover drama, music, writing, dance, and more. Contact Kathy Sumrell (see above announcement) for more information. Visit olph.us/school to download camp information or registration forms.

The 21st annual Knoxville Catholic High School basketball camp will be held Wednesday through Friday, May 27 through 29, in the school gym.

Campers ages 8 to 10 will meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. daily, and ages 11 through rising ninth-graders will meet from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Family pricing is available. Call Mike Hutchens at 865560-0514 (day) or 621-1845 (evenings) for more information.

COURTESY OF PAUL SIMONEAU

The 23rd annual Shamrock Open golf tournament benefiting Knoxville Catholic High School will be held Friday, June 12, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. The tourney will have morning and afternoon flights, with lunch at 12:30 p.m. The $150 entry fee includes one round of golf, lunch, golf attire, a goody bag, and beverages from the cart. For more information, call Jan Johnsson at KCHS at 865-560-0509.

FOCA postcards presented at U.S. legislators’ offices East Tennessee Catholics signed more than 39,000 postcards voicing their opposition to the proposed Freedom of Choice Act as part of a recent campaign cosponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment. On March 16 diocesan staff presented the cards to U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. and to representatives of U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker in their field offices at the Howard H. Baker Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Knoxville. From left are Elizabeth Howell, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville and representative for Sen. Alexander; Deacon Sean Smith, diocesan chancellor; Monsignor Xavier Mankel, vicar general and a relative of Congressman Duncan; Father David Boettner, moderator of the curia; David Leaverton, representative for Sen. Corker; and Paul Simoneau, director of the Office of Justice and Peace. The U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities approved the postcard campaign in November, and it launched the weekend of Jan. 24 and 25. After the cards were presented to local officials in Knoxville, they were mailed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

The Irish Tennis Camp will be held the weeks of May 26 through 29, June 8 through 11, July 13 through 16, and Aug. 3 through 6, at Cedar Bluff Racquet Club in Knoxville. Taught by coaches Rusty Morris and David Price of defending state champion Knoxville Catholic High School, the camp is designed to focus on stroke fundamentals and the development of match-play skills in a fun environment for all levels. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. Call the tennis club at 865690-5700 for more information.

A Catholic men’s conference will be held from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Eagle Rock Retreat Center on the Foothills Parkway in Tallassee. Presented “by men for men” of the Diocese of Knoxville, the event will focus on what it means to be a Catholic man in the world today and will conclude with Mass. Keynote speakers will be Father Joe Brando and Father Michael Maples. Cost is $30, payable in advance, and includes a hot breakfast and lunch. Make checks payable to Steve Pacitti and mail them to 34000 Highway 72 North, Loudon, TN 37774. RSVP by e-mail to steve pacitti@catholicexchange.com. Space is limited.

FATHER PETER IORIO

CALENDAR

Shepherding Them Rightly series concludes Bishop Richard F. Stika poses with presenters Father Tom Sweetser, SJ, and Sister Peg Bishop, OSF, at the Chancery office before their March 24 talk on pastor transition as part of the Shepherding Them Rightly series. Priests and deacons of the diocese attended monthly workshops in the series from last August through this month, with a break in December. Father Peter Iorio, chair of the Priestly Life and Ministry Committee, developed the program along with fellow committee members and Marcy Meldahl, the diocesan employee-benefits administrator.

Those attending the Nationwide Tour’s Knoxville Open set for June 8 through 14 at Fox Den Country Club may support Catholic Charities or Bridge Refugee Services with their ticket purchases.

Tickets are $25 and will include four days of golf, concerts, and a teaching clinic for junior golfers. To order, visit knoxvilleopen.com and click Tickets.

The next “Picture of Love” engagedcouples retreat will begin with breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. This one-day marriage-preparation retreat is a supplement to couples’ marriage formation with their parish priest and is designed to help couples gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges of living the sacrament of matrimony in their day-to-day lives. The day will include Mass and end with dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $135 per couple. The retreat certificate is good for a $60 discount on a marriage license. To register or learn more, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or marianchristiana@msn.com.

The Ulster Project of Knoxville seeks families with teenagers ages 14 to 16 to host a teen from Northern Ireland this July. The purpose of the project is to bring Catholic and Protestant teens from Northern Ireland together with American teens for a busy, funfilled month. To find out more, call Katie Allen at 865-583-0075 or visit www.theulsterproject.com.

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held June 6 at John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. The day will feature “The Calendar continued on page 8

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS

on the

Students participate in 40 Days for Life vigil East Tennessee Catholics took part in prayer vigils on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday during Lent in front of the abortion clinic at 313 Concord St. in Knoxville as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign. At the March 6 vigil, Sacred Heart Cathedral youth minister Tom Miklusicak stands with (from left) Christopher Cox, Will Easley, Gabriel Saavedra, Nick Giecek, Dakota Raines, Stuart Smith, Christian Cardona, and Christian Gash. The students are all recent eighth-grade graduates of Sacred Heart Cathedral School.

Parish notes continued from page 4

Meinrad Archabbey will lead a parish mission, themed “To Know Christ Jesus Through St. Paul,” from Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in English and at 8 p.m. in Spanish. A closing Mass and celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18.

■ Ninety-five youth received their first Holy Communion on May 2, and 61 were confirmed April 30.

■ Eleven people were baptized during the Easter vigil, including nine who were confirmed, and an additional 25 were confirmed. Fourteen youth received their first Communion at the vigil.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville ■ The dedication of St. Albert the

Great’s new parish center is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

■ St. Albert the Great has incorpo-

rated “green” principles into the parish center such as rain barrels, ceiling fans mounted in the clerestory to push down warm air in cold weather, plastic and paper recycling, and programmable thermostats. The parish will also use only cups and plates made of biodegradable materials.

■ A teacher-appreciation dinner was held May 6 for all volunteers in the faith-formation program.

■ Deacon Chris Riehl will teach a series on the journeys and writings of St. Paul beginning the second week of June, for those in high school and older.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville ■ The women’s group needs recipes

for the parish cookbook soon. E-mail them to Judy Stockwell at jim_ stockwell@yahoo.com or give them to a women’s group member. ■ MAY 24, 2009

■

5

Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities first, then to the bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.

Child-protection training sessions he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth is based on training developed by Virtus and is offered regularly throughout the diocese.

A three-hour seminar for adults, “Protecting God’s Children,” is required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and is recommended for parents and grandparents.

The following train-

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ing sessions have been scheduled: ■ St. Patrick Church, Morristown, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, May 22 (session to be conducted in Spanish and held in the parish hall) ■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 ■ St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16; 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 (sessions will be held in St. Ann’s Hall).

To register, visit virtusonline.org. ■

Missioning continued from page 2

ry: he kept the Eucharist close to his heart and ran until he heard this magnificent explosion. He turned around, and the bell tower was no longer there—it was just dust. But he ran with the Blessed Sacrament close to his heart to protect it.”

Bishop Stika said that even though he doesn’t understand it completely himself, “I know that by faith the church tells me that [the Eucharist] is the body and blood of Jesus, something so precious that we should always keep it close to our hearts.”

The bishop told those assembled that they will “always hear me mention my episcopal motto” when he speaks.

“For me it’s ‘Jesus I trust in you,’” he said.

“There is nothing greater, nothing more substantial, nothing more magnificent, I think, than that short phrase. My prayer for all of you as you begin this new journey in your life is that you continue to trust in Jesus . . . that you might see Jesus in that precious gift that Cardinal Schotte held close to his heart: the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“I pray that as you continue your journey of faith you might discover more and more not only the presence of the Lord in the lives of other people but also the presence of Jesus Christ, the son of God, in your life.”

The newcomers made their pledges to Bishop Stika following the homily, and those in eighth grade or under also came forward to hear a talk by—and receive a gift from—the bishop.

“You know what’s special about you? Sometimes people will say, ‘You’re the church of the future. We’re looking forward to your one day doing something special for the church,” the bishop told the children. “If anyone ever says that to you, tell them the bishop says that’s the goofiest thing he’s ever heard.”

The newly received children are actually “the church of today, just like everybody else,” said the bishop.

“Each and every one of us has a very special role to play in the church,” he said. “The role that Jesus wants you to play is to make sure you make a difference in your schools and in your families, and that you’ll always try to be Jesus’ face . . . to people.”

If the children follow the Golden Rule, their faith will become known without their having to speak a word, said Bishop Stika.

“I can guarantee that if you treat others with respect and kindness—and that goes for all of you too,” he added, looking at the adults, “people are going to know without a doubt: you’ll never have to tell people you are a Christian. They’re going to know it just by how you live your life, and that’s what makes life so special.” ■

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MAY 24, 2009

OLPH continued from page 3

to do,” he said.

He hasn’t found the work to be that difficult, he said.

“When you’re working with a bunch of good people, it’s really not hard.”

One of the volunteer laborers is a parishioner who is mentally challenged.

“He has grown so much in this project,” said Father Campbell. “A lot of things he wouldn’t do at all when we started, he now does with ease. This has really helped him significantly as a human being.”

The magnitude of the project hit home for parishioners after one of the nave’s original walls, which hid the expanded worship area under construction, was removed recently.

“The parishioners were just in awe,” said Ms. Ingle. “We took out the wall on the Friday before Palm Sunday, and when people came in [for Sunday Mass], it was just overwhelming.”

Preaching in a larger room made Father Campbell realize his need for a piece of electronics he never required before: a microphone. The 6-foot-8 former University of Georgia defensive tackle and ex–professional wrestler never required amplification for his homilies at OLPH or in his previous assignment at the old St. John Neumann Church in Farragut.

“At St. John Neumann we had seating for 770, and I never used a microphone.”

Although OLPH’s addition is nearing completion, signs of construction abound indoors during the week. After workers finish every Friday, a cleanup crew arrives Saturday to ready the church for the Sunday-morning liturgy and the evening Mass in Spanish.

The parish began saving money toward the new addition in 2000. OLPH raised $250,000 for the project through the diocesan Growing in Faith Together capitalstewardship campaign, which began in spring 2004.

Thom Haeuptle and Cara Knapp of Johnson Architecture in Knoxville designed the addition. OLPH submitted the design to Father Chris

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Diocese of Knoxville procedure for reporting sexual abuse

HANDS-ON PARISHIONERS Joe Masterson of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette pours mortar mix as his brother and fellow parishioner, Richard, assists. The two were among several parishioners working on the new addition to the church in the early afternoon of May 12. OLPH is hoping to complete the building project this summer.

Michelson of the Diocesan Finance Council’s Building Plans Review Committee.

The parish also told Father Michelson of its intention to use volunteer labor.

“Father Chris said that [the church] talks about stewardship all the time, and he felt that we should be allowed to do that,” said Ms. Ingle. “I feel that he has really gone to bat for us.”

Ms. Ingle credits “a supportive priest, a supportive parish council, and a hardworking building committee” for the success of the project.

“It’s the camaraderie and warmness in our church: people are just terrific here,” she said.

“They’re willing to work together, and they don’t have to have their way. When we have our meetings, what we’re trying to do is not represent ourselves but the [parish] community.”

Father Campbell and Ms. Ingle have worked together so much on the project that each can finish the other’s sentences when it comes to describing any aspect of the work. The two get along well too—most of the time.

“Sometimes we have sparks,

but they’re over with in a timely manner,” said Ms. Ingle.

Father Campbell—“Kodiak Joe” in his wrestling days— laughed when asked whether he has to pull out any of his old moves to deal with conflicts. “No physical assaults,” he said.

Which might be just as well, said Ms. Ingle.

“I would have to hurt him.”

Building its own church is nothing new for OLPH. The first such example is its 105year-old original building, now a wedding chapel, that sits along Highway 63 about a mile south of the current church on East Elm Street.

“Our original 1904 church was built by the parishioners,” said Father Campbell.

To assist with the OLPH project, call the parish at 423562-0312. For parishes considering an all-volunteer project of their own, Ms. Ingle said she can provide callers with a rundown of the peaks and valleys of such an effort.

East Tennessee Catholics can assist OLPH in two ways.

“Give us money. Come and work,” Father Campbell said with a laugh. “We’ll take either one or both.” ■

His aim was to reach a wider audience and provoke some thinking. His speech to Muslim leaders in Amman thus returned to the theme of faith and reason, which caused such controversy at Regensburg, Germany, in 2006; choosing his words carefully, he continued to insist that religion detached from reason is susceptible to “ideological manipulation” that can provoke tensions and violence in society.

His approach was to build bridges by affirming the moderate voices in Islam. When he spoke, for example, of the “fundamental contradiction of resorting to violence or exclusion in the name of God,” he cited Muslim messages from recent years.

For most people, of course, papal visits work on a less intellectual level. The pope may have won the most friends in Jordan simply by wearing on his shoulders a Jordanian kaffiyeh, or “shmagh,” a red-andwhite-checked headscarf that for many people has political overtones.

When the pope landed in Israel on May 11, the interreligious dimension of his trip suddenly got complicated. He began by honoring the memory of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust and denouncing anti-Semitism. The same day he paid a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial,

where he met with six Holocaust survivors and spoke movingly of the tragedy of the victims.

All this was designed to reestablish Pope Benedict as a friend of Judaism and the Jews. But the reviews were mixed, mainly because the pope, a native of Germany who lived under the Nazi regime, did not speak about the perpetrators of the Holocaust.

Vatican officials pointed out that the pope has spoken on several previous occasions about the Nazi crimes against humanity. Although that’s true, Yad Vashem illustrated that Pope Benedict’s reserved style and his reluctance to share publicly his own personal experiences can sometimes deflate an otherwise emotional moment.

The pope’s interreligious dialogue encounter the same evening was unfortunately derailed by a Muslim sheik’s denunciation of Israeli policies, which prompted Jewish representatives to walk out. And with that the pope was knee-deep in the politics of the region.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict touches every aspect of life in the Holy Land, so it should have been no surprise that the pope got an earful wherever he went.

Especially in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, on his one full day in Palestinian territory, speaker after speaker—includ-

Holy Land continued from page 1

of Jesus Christ. On his final day in Jerusalem he summed up his message, saying that the empty tomb “assures us that God can make all things new,” that peace really is possible, and that long-standing hostilities can be overcome.

That was the point of the pope’s pilgrimage to places such as the Jordan River, the Grotto of the Annunciation, and Golgotha. He was not simply engaging in religious tourism but trying to strengthen the confidence of the struggling Christian community in the Holy Land and the faith of other Christians who watched and listened from afar.

His blessing of new construction sites for churches and a Catholic university in Jordan underscored his point that even as a tiny minority the church can have a significant and positive impact on society.

On an interreligious level the pope’s pilgrimage seemed to have two distinct phases. In Jordan, a predominantly Muslim country that has protected the rights of Christians, the pope lauded efforts to build an “alliance of civilizations” and curb extremism. His stop at a mosque in Amman was historic—he’s now the first pope to have visited two Muslim places of worship.

At the same time, the pope was not in Jordan simply to bless official efforts at dialogue.

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THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C

around the

DIOCESE

BY MARY C. WEAVER

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DCCW holds 20th-anniversary convention The homilist for the kick-off Mass notes ‘we have our work cut out for us.’ he Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held its 20th-anniversary convention May 1 and 2 at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga, with the theme “Rejoice and Be Glad.”

About 185 women participated in the convention, which offered speakers and workshops on a wide variety of topics.

Before the workshops began, a memorial Mass was held Friday morning in honor of members who have died during the past year. Bishop Richard F. Stika was to have been the homilist and main celebrant but was unable to participate because of illness.

The DCCW’s spiritual moderator, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, stepped in as homilist, beginning by noting whose feast day it was. “What a wonderful, wonderful day [it is] that by coincidence we have this convention Mass dedicated to St. Joseph the good, hard worker—as I hope each one of us is and must be,” he said.

“Our third bishop does not bear the name Joseph, but he is so much like what we know about St. Joseph in his willingness to do hard work.”

Speculating on a number of topics that the bishop might have addressed if he’d been present, Monsignor Mankel said, “I think first and foremost, he would ask us to continue on our baptismal journey in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.”

Very likely he would “ask us to pray for vocations as never, ever before and to pray that the institution of holy matrimony stays stronger and stronger as the challenges against it in our society today are on all sides,” he said.

“Some [challenges are] even within our

MARY C. WEAVER (2)

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IN MEMORIAM Judy Poland-Trochelman, CCW president for the Chattanooga Deanery, holds a candle while Father Joe Brando, St. Jude pastor and the CCW spiritual moderator for the Chattanooga Deanery, reads the names of deanery members who have died in the past year. In back are (from left) Father Bob Hofstetter, Deacon Dan Hosford, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, and Father Patrick Resen. Monsignor Mankel is CCW spiritual moderator for both the diocese and the Smoky Mountain Deanery.

own church, and so we have our work cut out for us.”

Another concern of significance to Catholics has to do with “the continuing improvement in the public worship” of the church.

“We’re on the verge of getting a long, long, long awaited translation that will conform better to the mind of the church,” he said, referring to a new English translation of the Roman

Missal.

Monsignor Mankel added that he believed the bishop would ask the DCCW to “continue our crusade for human life. Again, it is so sad to see from within the ranks of the baptized, people not promoting that in word or deed.”

Indeed, the first presentation of Friday afternoon, “Proclaim the Gospel of Life,” took up the subject of contemporary threats

Lisa Morris, a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville, gives a presentation titled “Proclaim the Gift of Life.” Mrs. Morris provided detailed background on the organization now known as Planned Parenthood and its founder, the eugenicist Margaret Sanger.

to human life. Lisa Morris, a lay associate of the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, gave a detailed synopsis of current legislative threats to life as well as background on the history of Planned Parenthood and its founders.

Additional Friday workshops were “The Joys and Blessings of Living Simply” by Nancy Twigg, “Children in Poverty” by Anne Wharton, “Development of Prayer”

by Father Michael Woods, and “Where They Went and Why”

by Rose Schuhmacher. Also that day members had the opportunity to view a DVD on human trafficking, or “modernday slavery.”

A highlight of the convention’s second day was two presentations—“Relationship to God and Healing” and “Evangelization” by Catholic lay evangelist and performing artist Katrina Rae. Near the end of the convention new officers for 2009–11 were installed: Jane Carter, president; Theresa Weiner, vice president; Linda Lambert, recording secretary; and Joyce Welch, treasurer. The organization’s outgoing president is Ann Dennis. ■

Notre Dame grad presents pro-life positions he controversy over President Barack Obama’s May 17 appearance at the University of Notre Dame was of more than academic concern for at least two Knoxville-area collegians. In the 2009 graduating class were East Tennesseans Katie Dunn and John Souder.

Ms. Dunn is the daughter of Stacy and state Rep. Bill Dunn of Knoxville. Mr. Souder is the son of Steve and Colette Souder of Maryville.

On April 28 John Souder took part in a Notre Dame panel discussion and debate on the Obama invitation, presenting pro-life positions on abortion, embryonic-stem-cell research, and the mission of the Catholic university. As a representative of Notre Dame Response—a coalition of those opposed to honoring

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THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

President Obama—he also participated in a phone interview that aired during the May 7 episode of EWTN’s TV show Life on the Rock.

During the segment he described the all-night vigil, adoration, benediction, and Mass scheduled for the day before and day of commencement.

“We have a lineup of great pro-life speakers that are also tied to university in some way,” he said, adding, “we’ll have a vigil for life during commencement itself.”

Although surveys indicated that a majority of the senior class supported inviting the president to give the commencement address, “a very vocal group of the students of Notre Dame care about this issue,” Mr. Souder said.

“Our student body is very

divided, ranging from those who don’t oppose Obama’s stance on abortion to those . . . who don’t think this is that big of a deal,” he said. “We very vocally say this is a big deal.

“This is an issue of our fundamental moral teachings . . . of what it means to be Catholic—what it means to be a Catholic university.”

In his closing comments during the TV interview, Mr. Souder gave a plug for the “million rosary campaign” conducted by Notre Dame Response. The campaign’s intentions were to pray for “a change of heart for President Obama, particularly regarding the sanctity of life; for the Catholic character of the University of Notre Dame; and for a greater respect for human life around the world.” ■

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

ing church leaders—denounced the Israeli occupation, the travel and economic restrictions, the destruction of homes, and the political detainees.

The pope walked a finer line. On one hand he sympathized with Palestinians and strongly defended their right to an independent state; on the other hand, he spoke of “turmoil” rather than “occupation” and appealed to Palestinian youths to overcome bitterness and reject terrorism— words that Israeli officials were no doubt happy to hear.

He denounced the 26-foot-high Israeli security wall that cuts through the West Bank like a concrete scar, calling it one of the “saddest sights” of his visit and a tragic symbol of Israeli–Palestinian relations. But he was careful to avoid blame, referring to “the hostilities that have caused this wall to be built” rather than the “oppression” that his Palestinian hosts loudly condemned.

The pope’s method was the moral prodding of a pilgrim. When he met with Israeli President Shimon Peres, for example, he explored the Hebrew scriptural meaning of “security” as not only the lack of threat but also the building of trust.

The pope did more than preach in the Holy Land. He also did a lot of listening, his aides said. For every papal speech, he heard three or four speeches from his hosts.

“I think that gave him a much deeper knowledge of the situation and problems of the Holy Land and the Middle East,” said the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi.

Of the visit’s many remarkable moments, one stood out: At an interfaith encounter in Nazareth, the pope and other Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Druze leaders held hands in prayer as a psalm of peace was sung—a small but significant achievement on his pilgrim’s path. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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the left politically,” it added. “While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction.”

When Gallup first began conducting the Values and Beliefs survey in 1995, 56 percent of Americans described themselves as pro-choice and only 33 percent said they were pro-life.

Since then the highest percentage to identify themselves as pro-life was 46 percent, in both August 2001 and May 2002.

In surveys conducted by Pew Research, support for keeping abortion legal in all or most cases ranged in 2008 from 57 percent in midOctober to 53 percent in late October but dropped to 46 percent in April 2009. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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the Lord didn’t ask us. He selected it for us.

Thinking it over, the Spirit is, indeed, the greatest of gifts. Possessing the Holy Spirit, we automatically have a combination of all the gifts we could ever need.

With the Spirit we have infinite love, eternal life, and supreme power. The Holy Spirit makes us one in the body of Christ. With the Holy Spirit we have everything.

However, we also receive, along with the Spirit, something we may not have wished for.

We receive responsibility. We become the visible manifestation of the Spirit of God to the world.

If the world desires peace, unity, love, wisdom, or any other valued gift, we are to deliver it as agents of the Spirit. We receive divine grace in order to complete the mission of Jesus Christ. It’s a gift we can’t refuse. Nor should we refuse to give it to others. ■ Father Brando is the pastor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga.

Take note of ETC deadlines e welcome submissions about parish and community events. Send notices by e-mail (mary@dioceseofknoxville.org), fax (865584-8124), or mail (P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939). To make sure we receive information about upcoming events in time for publication, please submit it by the following deadlines: ■ Monday, May 25, for the June 7 issue ■ Monday, June 8, for the June 21 issue ■ Monday, June 29, for the July 12 issue ■ Monday, July 13, for the July 26 issue ■ Monday, July 27, for the Aug. 9 issue ■ Monday, Aug. 10, for the Aug. 23 issue ■ Monday, Aug. 24, for the Sept. 6 issue ■ Monday, Sept. 7, for the Sept. 20 issue ■ Monday, Sept. 28, for the Oct. 11 issue ■ Monday, Oct. 12, for the Oct. 25 issue ■ Monday, Oct. 26, for the Nov. 8 issue ■ Monday, Nov. 9, for the Nov. 22 issue.

When submitting photos or information about past events, please keep in mind that we have a backlog of submissions. ■

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MAY 24, 2009

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Obama continued from page 10

oping Communities Project.

Obama invoked Father Hesburgh’s twin images of Notre Dame as a lighthouse of Catholic wisdom and a crossroads where different cultures can converge. The priest, now 91, attended the commencement.

Obama also recounted how Father Hesburgh, the sole surviving member of the first U.S. Civil Rights Commission, brokered the deal that became the basis of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by flying the members to Notre Dame’s Land O’ Lakes property: “They fished and they talked and they changed the course of history.”

“I will not pretend that the challenges we face will be easy, or that the answers will come quickly, or that all our differences and divisions will fade happily away,” he said. “Life is not that simple. It never has been.

“But as you leave here today, remember the lessons of Cardinal Bernardin, of Father Hesburgh, of movements for change both large and small,” he continued.

“Remember that each of us, endowed with the dignity possessed by all children of God, has the grace to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we all seek the same love of family and the same fulfillment of a life well-lived. Remember that in the end, we are all fishermen.”

Judge John T. Noonan, who won the university’s prestigious Laetare Medal in 1984, delivered a brief speech “in the spirit of the Laetare Medal,” after the president’s talk.

The university had previously selected Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard University law professor and former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, as the 2009 recipient of its Laetare Medal, to be presented during the commencement. Glendon released a letter April 27, announcing that she would not accept the medal because of the university’s decision to honor Obama.

In the weeks preceding the commencement, anti-abortion activists including Randall Terry and Alan Keyes came to South Bend for demonstrations.

On May 16 a group of Catholic theologians and others published a full-page advertisement in the South Bend Tribune daily newspaper in support of Father Jenkins’ invitation, and the graduating class selected them as their senior fellow. The crowd gave him two standing ovations at the close of the ceremonies.

“More than any problem in the arts or sciences, engineering or medicine, easing the hateful divisions between human beings is the supreme challenge to this age,” Father Jenkins said in his introduction of Obama. “If we can solve this problem, we have a chance to come together and solve all the others.” ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Challenge of Discovering Compassion” by Sister Peggy Verstege, RSM. Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. RSVP to 865-523-7931.

Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer, communicating the Gospel, friendship with the poor, and the work of peace. The Johnson City community meets for prayer at 6:30 p.m. on first and third Mondays at the Catholic Center at East Tennessee State University. The Knoxville community of Sant’Egidio meets at 5:30 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays at the Chancery office in Knoxville. For more information, call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061.

Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission holds Divine Liturgy celebrations at 1:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Family Church in Seymour. Call 865609-1081 to learn more.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m.

Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville and vespers at 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Chancery. For more information, call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at St. Therese Church in Clinton and at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details.

Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of Greater Knoxville (40 and over) include the following: ■ Friday, May 29: Tennessee Smokies baseball game at Smokies Park in Sevierville, hosted by Keith S. Meet in the Sacred Heart Cathedral parking lot at 6:15 p.m. to carpool; game time is 7:15. RSVP by Thursday, May 28, to 719-2832.

■ Sunday, May 31: “Brunch, Banter, and Blockbuster Movie” fellowship. Meet at Fuddruckers off North Peters Road at 1 p.m. Call Mary W. at 927-6519 to RSVP. ■ Tuesday, June 2: Catholic Charities “Give Back Night” at 6:30 p.m. at Chili’s, 7304 Kingston Pike.

Chili’s will donate 10 percent of sales to Catholic Charities. Diners need to visit ccetn.org to download a “Give Back” coupon to present at Chili’s. Call Randy S. at 556-3781. ■ 8

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MAY 24, 2009

the catholic

DIFFERENCE

BY GEORGE WEIGEL

Exiles on the way home Father Neuhaus was a Christian soldier ‘and a happy one.’

He was an amazingly prolific writer, but the late Father Richard John Neuhaus was also finicky about writing. He would personally review the galleys of each issue of First Things, the journal he founded, which was one reason the magazine was such a pleasure to read: it was edited, re-edited, and then edited again. But Richard was particularly finicky about his books. Last August, in the last of our 22 summer vacations together, he sat in his cottage on the Ottawa River and, pounding away on his beloved MacBook Pro, edited, reworked, and then re-edited the book that is now his posthumous literary valedictory: American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile (Basic Books, 2009).

American Babylon is vintage Neuhaus in several senses of the term. It deepens themes Richard had been exploring since Time Toward Home (Seabury Press, 1975) and The Naked Public Square (Eerdmans, 1984), especially the continually vexed question of church and state. It includes perhaps his most developed reflection on the importance of living Judaism for Christianity. It takes up the cudgels in defense of life and sharply critiques the “immortality project” with which some scientists are obsessed.

There is a notable chapter

life and

DIGNITY

on Richard Rorty, one of the most influential of contemporary American philosophers, whose pragmatic case for democracy Neuhaus found perilously thin. And there is the final version of a famous lecture to which Richard gave the deliberately provocative title “Can an Atheist Be a Good Citizen?” (Answer: Yes, but only accidentally.)

Above all, and tying it all together, is Richard Neuhaus’s profound conviction that this gloriously messy, often maddening, sometimes exhilarating business we call “living here and now” is time spent on the way to Somewhere Else—“time toward home,” as he called it in that earlier book, time toward the New Jerusalem, time toward life within the light and love of the Holy Trinity.

Richard Neuhaus loved this life, as he loved New York City and as he loved America.

Yet above those loves and giving those loves meaning was his love of Christ and Christ’s church. For RJN was a radically converted Christian disciple who believed with the author of the Letter to the Hebrews that “here we have no lasting city” because everything about this city, about life here and now, is directed toward “the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Now, as Richard often pointed out, it was precisely that loyalty to “the city which is to come” that makes serious Christians good citizens of a democracy—or at least good citizens of a democracy that does not divinize itself.

By reminding democratic citi-

BY PAUL SIMONEAU

First fruits Only in Christ’s offering can justice yield harvests of true abundance.

The story of justice is the story of the offering of first fruits. As man’s vocation was “to cultivate and tend” the garden God had planted (Genesis 2:15), so fruitfulness was to be its glory. Jesus, the new gardener (cf. John 20:15), reaffirmed man’s purpose in the vineyard of the Lord, saying, “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples” (John 15:8). If justice is to be fruitful, it must be the fruit of the new gardener, Jesus.

Mosaic Law specifies the offering of first fruits at the beginning of the harvest season immediately after the Passover (Leviticus 23:9-14) and again seven weeks (50 days) later on Pentecost, at the culmination of the harvest (verses 15-22).

Only by consecrating to God the fruit of their labor could it become a licit sharing in God’s work of creation and a fruit of their communion with him.

Adam, the first gardener, failed in justice to respect his sacred work to cultivate and tend the garden. In his disobedience he ate of a fruit that was not of his communion with God. Adam chose forbidden fruit over the garden, a morsel over the banquet, the branch of his will over the vine of the divine will.

After the Fall we find in the

first-fruit offering of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) the first example of injustice and justice, of sin and holiness. Cain “brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the soil” (verse 3), while Abel “brought one of the best firstlings of his flock” (verse 4). One offered what was necessary, the other offered his best. One calculated the measure of his offering, the other offered an unmeasured abundance. One contracepted the total gift of himself; the other gave totally.

Cain’s sterile offering resulted in envy, anger, and eventually murder. In the Epistle of Jude, this is described as “the way of Cain” (verse 11). Conversely, Abel, the just one (cf.

Hebrews 11:4), gave of his whole heart, which was naturally reflected in his offering.

By his obedience, Christ, the new Adam, planted the tree of the Cross, cut from the barren stump of Eden, and cultivated and tended it with his sufferings and blood. From the garden tomb of the earth, the ripened seed of his offering germinated, and over a 40-day period it grew, reaching to heaven and spreading its branches over all creation. On the 50th day 12 of its branches, heavy with first fruits, let fall the dew of their sweet nectar upon the church (Acts 2:14, cf. Revelation 22:2).

In the offertory of the Mass, Christ makes a free, total, faithful, and fruitful offering of himself to the Father. But he does not offer himself alone.

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zens that democratic citizenship is penultimate—for our ultimate citizenship is in the city of the living God—Christians can give politics its due while helping keep politics in its place. It’s an important place but not the ultimate place. Indeed, the name for the kind of politics that takes politics with ultimate seriousness is totalitarianism. It killed several hundred million people in the 20th century.

In some respects American Babylon is a darker book than The Naked Public Square, which is understandable because the times are darker, or at the very least quite different. Jihadism is a murkier external threat than communism. Post-modernism, in which there’s your truth and my truth but nothing properly describable as “the” truth, makes for a slippery public square in which it’s hard to get intellectual traction.

Whatever else the democratization of discussion and opinion has done (via the Internet, talk radio, etc.), it’s also dumbed things down, to the point that the ability to craft the telling soundbite is mistaken for political wisdom.

In his last year RJN knew that the project to which he had given more than 40 years of his life—the creation of a “religiously informed public philosophy for the American experiment in ordered liberty”—was in serious trouble.

But he was a warrior and a happy one at that. He kept fighting until the end. American Babylon is the last intellectual testament of a Christian soldier, always moving onward toward his true home, the New Jerusalem. ■ George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Just as he took the repentant thief’s offering and united it to his, so he seeks to unite our offering with his to the Father.

As Cain and Abel, sons of the first Adam, represent the two ways of life—a curse or a blessing (cf. Deuteronomy 11:26-32)—so the two thieves crucified with the new Adam represent the two ways of responding to the superabundant fruit of his mercy and love. One thief refused to be grafted onto the vine (cf. John 1-8) and so died without fruit. The other thief joined the morsel of his offering to the banquet of abundance prepared by Christ and so discovered the secret of superabundant justice.

As “God is love” and love is his first gift, so justice is not about satisfying calculated limits but of unmeasured abundance. As Pope Benedict XVI writes, “God himself lives and works according to the rule of superabundance, of that love which can give nothing less than itself” (Credo for Today [Ignatius, 2009), p. 17). He further reminds us that “The fruit the Lord expects of us is love—a love that accepts with him the mystery of the Cross and becomes a participation in his self-giving—and hence the true justice that prepares the world for the kingdom of God” (Jesus of Nazareth [Doubleday, 2007], p. 262).

In the Eucharist and the Mass, we discover the new fruit and the new garden of this abundance.

To close with my traditional play upon the words of Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace . . . ,” offer first fruits. ■ Mr. Simoneau is the director of the diocesan Justice and Peace Office.

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respect

LIFE

from the

BY NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN

PARACLETE

BY ROBERT CURTIS

Poll: more Americans now say they are pro-life A tribute to Father Neuhaus In one year researchers see a major increase in the percentage of those opposing abortion. as pro-life in the 2009 poll, ple & the Press, which found WASHINGTON (CNS)—Less with 45 percent of compared the number of Americans that four months into Presithan Catholics and 51 percent of who said abortion should be dent Barack Obama’s term, Protestants in May 2008. legal in all or most cases had opinion polls are finding that percent of RepubliSeventy to 46 percent in declined are taking a draAmericans cans or those leaning RepubliApril 2009 from 54 percent in matic turn toward greater opcan said they were pro-life, August 2008. position to abortion. compared with 60 percent in Forty-four percent of reA poll conducted May 7 2008; the percentage who said spondents in the Pew poll through 10 as part of the anwere pro-choice in that they abortion should be illegal said Gallup Values and Beliefs nual dropped from 36 group found that a survey percent in 2008 to 26 majority of Americans this year. percent (51 percent) described ‘It marked the first time since Among Democrats themselves as “proGallup began asking the quesand independents who life” with respect to toward the leaned the abortion issue, tion in 1995 that more responDemocratic Party, the whereas only 42 perdents said they were pro-life position on abortion cent said they were than pro-choice and was a shift remained virtually un“pro-choice.” The rechanged, with 61 persults were made public 7 to 8 percentage points of cent saying they were May 15. a year earlier, when 50 from and 33 perpro-choice It marked the first cent pro-life in 2009, time since Gallup bepercent said they were prowith 60 percompared gan asking the queschoice and 44 percent said they cent pro-choice and 33 tion in 1995 that more percent pro-life last respondents said they were pro-life.’ year. were pro-life than pro“With the first prochoice and was a shift choice president in eight in most (28 percent) or all of 7 to 8 percentage points already making changes years (16 percent), up from cases from a year earlier, when 50 to the nation’ s policies on 41 percent in August 2008. percent said they were profunding abortion overseas, exThe margin of error for choice and 44 percent said his support for the pressing of the three polls was each were pro-life. they Freedom of Choice Act, and plus or minus 3 percentage Obama is a strong supporter moving toward rescinding points. keeping abortion legal. of federal job protections for The Gallup Values and BeSome groups that promote medical workers who refuse liefs survey found the abortion have said his Novemto participate in abortion prostrongest pro-life views ber 2008 election was a mancedures, Americans—and in among those who said they date to expand access to and particular, Republicans—seem were Republican or independfederal funding of abortion. to be taking a step back from ents leaning toward the ReA separate Gallup Poll Daily the pro-choice position,” said publican Party, those who survey conducted May 12 and a Gallup commentary on the described themselves as con13 found that 50 percent of results. servative, and those who said Americans described them“It is possible that through they were Christians. selves as pro-life and 43 perhis abortion policies Obama Fifty-two percent of the cent as pro-choice. has pushed the public’s unCatholic respondents and 59 The results were similar to derstanding of what it means percent of Protestants or another national survey made to be ‘pro-choice’ slightly to members of other Christian public April 30 by the Pew religions described themselves Research Center for the PeoPro-life continued on page 7

his year the Lord called Father Richard John Neuhaus to himself, and we are the poorer for it. We lost not only the man but also one of those discerning, intelligent commentators on our American culture and the Catholic Church with whom we seem to be blessed in every era.

In Death on a Friday Afternoon (Basic Books, 2000, $15.95), Father Neuhaus calls the reader’s attention to four things: that something ”has gone terribly wrong” in our culture, that “we are responsible for it,” that ”something must be done about it,” and sadly, “whatever it is that needs to be done . . . we cannot do it.”

Christ, however, can, as he goes on to show us.

My interest was piqued at the title and the contents of his last, posthumously published book, American Babylon: Notes of a Christian in Exile (Basic Books, 2009, $26.95). Neuhaus’s answer to the dilemma of what he refers to as our “dual citizenship,” or what Jesus termed “being in the world and not of it,” is not to break off from our culture—nor to despair. It is to hope.

It is to maintain the theological gift of hope we received at baptism, a hope that knows God ultimately wins and indeed has won, although we still have battles to fight.

In this he is very much in sync with Pope Benedict’s encyclical Spe Salvi, Saved in Hope (Pauline Books & Media, 2007, $6.95), and we recommend reading the two together.

Not many people know that Father Neuhaus nearly died of cancer in 1993. Con-

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sidering his recent death, it’s ironic we have just received Neuhaus’ chronicling of that experience.

The book, As I Lay Dying (Basic Books, 2002, $13.95), contains the lessons that almost dying taught him about life.

I especially liked the part about the two mysterious “visitors” he encountered.

On the other hand, Neuhaus is truly at his best when not tethered to a specific topic, as in his book, Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, and the Splendor of the Truth (Basic Books, 2006, $15.95).

No olvidemos que el 21 de junio es el Día del Padre. Por fin estamos empezando a ofrecer DVDs en español, y les recomendamos como un nuevo video como un buen regalo para papá: Juan Pablo II, nos dice: No tengan miedo (Paulinas, 2008, $24.95). Es un buen mensaje para el hombre que trabaja tan duro por su familia.

June 21 is Father’s Day. We recommend not only the books mentioned above but also The Life of St. Joseph (101 Foundation, 2000, $9.95).

Aside from being a saint, Joseph was a good dad too.

Also recommended for Dad are Love Never Fails: Spiritual Reflections for Dads of All Ages (ACTA, 2006, $9.95) and A Community of Love: Spirituality of Family Life (ACTA, 2007, $9.95). ■ The Paraclete is a fullservice Catholic book and supply store. Visit 417 Erin Drive in Knoxville, near Sacred Heart Cathedral, or call 865-588-0388 or 800-333-2097. Download the Paraclete’s newsletter online at snipr.com/paraclete.

Position available at cathedral acred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville seeks a facilities administrator. To learn more or download a job description, visit www.shcathedral. org/job.htm. Resume, references, and salary history must be submitted to job@shcathedral.org

by June 5. No phone calls, please. ■

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Conscience continued from page 10

Father Richard installed as pastor Father Richard Armstrong (left) poses for a photograph after the Divine Liturgy in which he was installed as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Mission. The liturgy took place May 17 in the Chancery chapel. At right is Father Mark Shuey, pastor of the St. Nicholas Mission in Raleigh, N.C., and protopresbyter for the Southern Deanery of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat.

A story about Father Richard’s priestly ordination will appear in the June 7 issue.

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of the powerful will prevail.

Conscience formed “by reality itself, by community, by God and his revelation, and by one’s own individual perceptions and decisions” is a guarantor of human freedom, he said. “Conscience is such a radical guarantor of freedom that one would die before relinquishing it, as St. Thomas More and others have shown us.

“To violate conscience means to violate oneself,” Haas added. “To violate one’s conscience means a willingness not to love, a willingness not to do what is good, since that is precisely what conscience calls us to.”

Haas and Farrow were among a roster of speakers at the conference, which inaugurated the Canadian Federation of Catholic Physicians’ Societies.

The organization aims to promote the teachings of the church, contribute to the public policy debate, and support and foster the development of new Catholic physician associations and guilds. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops MAY 24, 2009

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WIRE

Vatican launches new website and iPhone and Facebook applications for communications day B Y CA R OL GL ATZ

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Vatican is launching iPhone and Facebook applications in an effort to help Catholics, especially younger generations, use new technologies to create a culture of dialogue, respect, and friendship.

The new applications are part of a brand new Vatican website—www.pope2you.net—that is scheduled to go live on World Communications Day, which will be celebrated May 24 in most dioceses.

Sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the new site was created to help attract young people to and spread Pope Benedict XVI’s message for World Communications Day, the head of the council, Archbishop Claudio Celli, told reporters May 18.

This year’s communications day message is titled “New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue, and Friendship.”

“We thought it was good to present the message to the young generation through technologies they know how to use,” the archbishop said during a press conference unveiling the new site.

“The pope is inviting us to promote a culture of dialogue, of respect and friendship,” especially among young people, he said.

“We think this pontifical council itself has to use new technologies to promote new relationships around the world,” he said, adding that “we must take advantage of what the new technologies are offering us at this very moment.”

He said the pope’s message inspired the council to create a simple, fresh site to work as a hub from which users can find some new ways the universal church is present in the digital world.

The site offers viewers a link to a new application on the social networking site Facebook.

Titled “The Pope Meets You on Facebook,” the new Pope2You application lets people send and receive “virtual postcards” of Pope Benedict along with inspiring text culled from the pope’s various speeches and messages.

Archbishop Celli said there are about 20 different postcards to choose from but that they hope to offer more selections later so that people can “spread around the messages and insights from the Gospel.”

The Pope2You site also links viewers to a new way for people to receive news about the Vatican and the pope through their iPhones or iPod touch portable music players.

In conjunction with the Vatican Television Center and Vatican Radio, H2Onews will distribute audio and video reports exclusively through the iPhone in eight different languages, including Chinese.

It is “the first application of video news dedicated to the Catholic world, through which you can follow the travels and speeches of Benedict XVI” as well as major Vatican events, the Pope2You site says.

The news clips of the pope and the Vatican will be the same ones currently offered on the Vatican’s video channel on YouTube, unveiled in January (the channel may be viewed here: tinyurl.com/ptu43d).

The main Pope2You site also offers a direct link to the Vatican’s channel on YouTube and a Wiki link that allows readers to study the pope’s 2009 communications message.

There is also a five-minute video presentation of Archbishop Celli explaining the new site and its purpose.

The archbishop said even though the new site was meant just to mark the occasion of World Communications Day, Vatican officials are waiting for user feedback to see whether the site will become permanent.

“Right now we don’t have a program or idea for the future [of the site], but if young people respond positively to the initiative, we’ll see what to do in the future,” he said.

The site and its applications were developed by Father Paolo Padrini, a diocesan priest from Tortona, Italy. He also helped develop the iBreviary application for the iPhone and the Catholic Facebook application called Praybook, which allows users to access and share with others traditional Catholic prayers and texts from the Liturgy of the Hours. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Correction n the May 10 issue’s article on the Chattanoogans for Life United We Stand banquet, a sentence should have stated that guest speaker Dr. Kelly Hollowell cited the efforts of Chattanoogans—not those of Chattanoogans for Life—to close the city’s last abortion clinic in 1993. Chattanoogans for Life was not formed until 2002. The effort to close the clinic was led by a group of citizens. ■

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MAY 24, 2009

Obama calls for mutual respect, dialogue The president suggests working ‘together to reduce . . . abortions’. By Gene Stowe SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CNS)— President Barack Obama took on the controversy swirling around his commencement address May 17 at the University of Notre Dame, urging those bitterly divided over abortion and other issues to adopt an approach of mutual respect and dialogue.

Welcomed to the ceremony and frequently interrupted with boisterous applause, Obama invoked then–Notre Dame president Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh’s winning an agreement in the 1960s from deeply divided U.S. Civil Rights Commission members during a fishing trip in Wisconsin as a model of persevering dialogue.

“Open hearts. Open minds.

Fair-minded words. It’s a way of life that has always been the Notre Dame tradition,” Obama said, positing dialogue as the hope for solutions to modern problems.

“Your class has come of age at a moment of great consequence for our nation and the world—a rare inflection point in history where the size and scope of the challenges before us require that we remake our world to renew its promise; that we align our deepest values and commitments to the demands of a new age,” he said.

“We must find a way to live together as one human family.

Moreover, no one person, or religion, or nation can meet these challenges alone. Our very survival has never required greater cooperation and understanding among all people from all places than at this moment in history.”

Obama listed war, gay rights, and embryonic stemcell research among difficult issues that demand dialogue, but he spent the bulk of his talk on the abortion issue.

Critics of Notre Dame’s decision to grant an honorary law degree to Obama, including at least 77 bishops, said the president’s support of legal abortion and embryonic stem-cell research made him an inappropriate choice to be a commencement speaker at a Catholic university and to receive an honorary degree from Notre Dame. Many cited the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2004 statement “Catholics in Political Life” (read it online: tinyurl.com/ yrheyx). The statement notes that “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors, or platforms which

CNS PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER SMITH

from the

Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame, greets U.S, President Barack Obama during the commencement ceremony at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., May 17. Obama was the commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary degree.

TWO PRESIDENTS

would suggest support for their actions.”

The local bishop, Bishop John M. D’Arcy of Forth Wayne-South Bend, announced weeks before that he would not attend the ceremony, and a student coalition, Notre Dame Response, and other protesters held daily demonstrations. (See the article on page 7.) On commencement day, the student group also received permission to hold a vigil for life at the grotto on campus as an alternative graduation ceremony.

During the main commencement ceremony in the Joyce Center, a handful of hecklers were escorted out during Obama’s talk—once with a student-led “We are ND” chant drowning out the protesters’ shouts.

Obama said he had learned to choose careful language on the issue during his race for the Senate in Illinois, when a pro-life doctor complained that his website referred to abortion opponents as “rightwing ideologues who want to take away a woman’s right to choose.” Obama had the words removed.

“And I said a prayer that night that I might extend the same presumption of good faith to others that the doctor had extended to me,” Obama told the graduates and their families.

“Because when we do that—when we open our hearts and our minds to those who may not think like we do or believe what we do—that’s when we discover at least the possibility of common

ground,” he said.

Acknowledging that positions on abortion are irreconcilable, he urged respect for conscience and recognition of the “heart-wrenching decision for any woman to make, with both spiritual and moral dimensions.”

“So let’s work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies and making adoption more available and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term,” he said.

“Let’s honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion and draft a sensible conscience clause and make sure that all of our health-care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science as well as respect for the equality of women,” he said.

The president has been criticized for his stated support of the so-called Freedom of Choice Act, which if passed would eliminate all conscience provision that now protect health-care workers whose moral convictions prevent them from involvement in abortion, contraception, and other practices condemned by the Catholic Church.

Noting he was not raised in a particularly religious household, he said he was “brought to Christ” by the witness of co-workers in service on the south side of Chicago and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

Obama acknowledged Catholic parishes helping fund an organization called the DevelObama continued on page 8

Canadian Catholic physicians discuss threats to conscience rights

BY DE B OR A H GYA P ONG

OTTAWA (CNS)—Physicians cannot be forced to violate their conscience but can be punished for respecting them, a professor from Montreal’s McGill University told a group of Canadian Catholic doctors.

Douglas Farrow, associate professor of religious studies at McGill, acknowledged that conscience rights are under threat in North America but urged the physicians gathered in Ottawa to “avoid the language of coercion” when speaking of the threats.

“Don’t concede in your speech what you hope not to concede when you face the test,” he said May 9 during a three-day conference, “Conscience and the Physician.”

Farrow also asked doctors not to abandon fields such as

obstetrics and gynecology, to adhere to Hippocratic principles, and to inform themselves of the differences between Catholic and utilitarian ethics. He reminded them to remember the Great Physician, “who has power to save body and soul alike and to silence critics.”

“Don’t just be doctors, then, however well-educated,” he said. “Be people who are recognizable as having been with Jesus.”

Not only individuals but also Catholic hospitals are under threat, said John Haas, president of the Philadelphiabased National Catholic Bioethics Center. He told the gathering during its opening session May 8 that New York’s former governor, Eliot Spitzer, had plans to force all hospitals in the state to perform abor-

www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g

tions, before a prostitution scandal forced him to resign.

Haas showed how the classical understanding of the conscience, as the moral law written on the heart, has been replaced by views that are “fundamentally individualistic, subjective, relativist, and based on emotion.”

Society lacks shared moral norms, Haas said, and everyone “presumes to determine morality for himself or herself.”

“If we try to protect the most vulnerable in our midst, the unborn, the dying, we are told that we cannot impose our moral beliefs on anyone else,” he said.

He urged the recovery of the understanding of conscience as something that protects the vulnerable.

Otherwise, he said, the views Conscience continued on page 9

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C