June 5, 2016, ET Catholic

He dwells among us ................ 2 Diocesan calendar ................. 24 Deanery news ........................ 25 La Cosecha ......... center pullout

This issue

The East Tennessee

Catholic schools......................29 Columns...................................42 Virtus training...........................44

June 5, 2016 Volume 25 Number 5 Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville • Visit us at dioknox.org or etcatholic.org

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Priest assignments Bishop Stika announces moves

13

Sharing secrets Longest-married couples offer tips to their success

14

Annulment Diocese may establish marriage tribunal

Renovated parish sanctuaries are dedicated

BILL BREWER

DAN MCWILLIAMS

St. Augustine in Signal Mountain Bishop Richard F. Stika blesses the new baptismal font at St. Augustine Church on May 7. St. Augustine parishioners, led by Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, joined Bishop Stika in celebrating a renovated sanctuary, including a new altar, tabernacle, and baptismal font, during a special dedication Mass. Priests who formerly served at St. Augustine concelebrated Mass. Please see story on Page 6

St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade Bishop Richard F. Stika anoints the altar at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade on May 8. St. Francis parishioners, led by Father Albert Sescon (pictured assisting Bishop Stika), marked sanctuary updates, including a new altar, ambo, and tabernacle, with a dedication Mass celebrated by Bishop Stika.

Please see story on Page 7

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop’s schedule

As one who serves

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

What is your motto, your message to the world?

W

ill there be a deacon at Mass?” It’s a question that makes me smile. “Yes,” I reply, “I am one.” Many people don’t realize that once ordained a deacon, you always are a deacon, even if you later become a priest, a bishop, or even the pope.

The diaconate is a special gift to a community just as it was in the very beginning when the first seven deacons were chosen and prayed over by the apostles (Acts 6:1-6). They are appointed to serve the needs of the Church, with solicitude for the poor and widowed, so that priests and bishops can better devote themselves to the ministry of the Word.

Like Jesus, who made himself the “deacon” or “servant of all,” a deacon is among us as one who serves.

During this Year of Mercy, we are particularly blessed by a number of ordinations. On May 14, I ordained Deacon Christopher Floersh to the transitional diaconate, and next year, God willing, I will ordain him to the priesthood. Deacon Adam Royal, who I ordained to the transitional diaconate last year, will be ordained on June 4 to the priesthood. And on June 11, I will ordain

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

Follow Bishop Stika on Twitter @bishopstika and on Facebook for news and events from the diocese 24 men to the permanent diaconate!

Recently, I had the great pleasure of leading the candidates for the permanent diaconate on a retreat at St. Bernard Abbey in Alabama in preparation for their ordination.

They are a wonderful and faithfilled group with diverse backgrounds and talents, many of them Knights of Columbus.

As ordained deacons they will be able to proclaim the Gospel at Mass and assist me and my brother priests in the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries. They can preside at baptisms and funerals, and witness and bless marriages, just to name a few examples of their consecrated service. Their three-fold ministry begins with the ministry of the Word, which leads to the altar, and then as an expression of charity at the table of the poor—“the deacon brings the poor to the Church and the Church to the poor.”

After five long years of prepara-

tion—of prayerful discernment, study and practical experience— these 24 men will soon, through my anointed hands as their bishop, be marked with an indelible character configuring them to Christ. Through the sacrament of holy orders, the gift of the Holy Spirit will be conferred upon them, giving them the graces they need to carry out their ministry of the Word, altar and charity.

In recognition of this sacred sacrament, I ask the Catholic faithful to no longer address them by their first name alone, but to recognize the sacramental sign of Christ the servant in each of them by prefacing their name with “Deacon.”

What can we learn from the witness of these men who have answered God’s calling and given themselves so generously to the service of the Church?” One lesson is the importance of knowing how to wait as Jesus counseled the apostles to “wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4)—to wait for the Lord, for His good and perfect timing; to wait for the inspiration and gifts of the Holy Spirit in family,

The East Tennessee

June 1: 2 p.m., installation Mass of Bishop Edward M. Rice as the seventh bishop of Springfield – Cape Girardeau, Mo. June 2: meeting with Gov. Bill Haslam, Bishop David R. Choby and Bishop J. Terry Steib at the state Capitol in Nashville.

June 4: 11 a.m., ordination Mass of Rev. Mr. Adam Royal to the Holy Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville.

June 5: 6 p.m. confirmation at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville.

June 6-9: annual Priests’ Convocation with Dioceses of Knoxville and Nashville in Chattanooga.

June 9: 7:30 p.m., Mass with the Pink Sisters for the novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

June 11: 11 a.m., ordination Mass for the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

June 12: 4 p.m., Mass in celebration of Father Michael Woods for his golden jubilee at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

June 18: 4 p.m. Mass in celebration of Father P.J. McGinnity’s retirement at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville.

June 21: Senior leadership strategic planning retreat.

Schedule continued on page 45

Bishop continued on page 41

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Bill Brewer Editor

Dan McWilliams

Emily Booker

Assistant editor Communications Anyone who has actual knowlspecialist edge of or who has reasonable 805 S. Northshore Drive • Knoxville, TN 37919 The Diocese of Knoxville cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published bi-monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. civil authorities first, then to the The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or in the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. ■

2 June 5, 2016

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Seminarian Christopher Floersh ordained into transitional diaconate Path to priesthood influenced by Msgr. Garrity, who aided priest-to-be at a traffic accident more than 20 years ago

By Dan McWilliams

The East Tennessee Catholic

DAN MCWILLIAMS

C

Transitional deacon Seminarian Christopher Floersh lies prostrate during his May 14 ordination to the transitional diaconate at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. Deacon Floersh is to become a priest in 2017.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

hristopher Floersh received a special birthday present May 14 at his home church of St. John Neumann in Farragut: he was ordained into the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Knoxville.

“What a great joy it is for the Diocese of Knoxville to celebrate this very special moment again, as we have in the past in our history: the ordination of a transitional deacon, Christopher,” Bishop Richard F. Stika said in his opening remarks. “And so we pray with him during these moments when he offers himself up to the Church and to this diocese for ”My love for God work and service, as he prepares for the priesthas just grown hood, but first of all as he exponentially. I prepares to live the life would have never as a deacon. We also conguessed how difgratulate his family and ferent I would be now from the start his friends who gather with him this day.” of my journey.”

The bishop was –– Deacon principal celebrant of the Christopher Mass.

Concelebrating Floersh were host pastor Monsignor Patrick Garrity, vicar general Father David Boettner, and Father Vincent Tobin of St. Meinrad School of Theology. Father Tobin is Deacon Floersh’s spiritual director.

After the Mass, Deacon Floersh spoke of his journey from the start of seminary to his diaconate ordination.

“It’s been six years since I began seminary. It’s been an amazing experience,” he said. “My love for God has just grown exponentially. I would have never guessed how different I would be now from the start of my journey.”

Before the homily, Father Joe Reed, diocesan director of vocations, called the candidate for the diaconate forward. Father Reed testified to the bishop that the candidate “has been found worthy.” Bishop Stika said that “we choose him, our brother, for the order of the diaconate,” and the assembly responded with applause.

In his homily, the bishop thanked Deacon Floersh’s parents.

“This has been planned perfectly. Today’s his birthday,” he said. “Thirty-two years ago he was brought forth by the power of God into this world, through the love of parents, so that’s called perfect timing.”

In Communion Deacon Christopher Floersh assists

Bishop Richard F. Stika during the consecration.

Bishop Stika encouraged Deacon Floersh to do what Jesus did.

“As Jesus entered a village, the things he always did in the beginning were to heal and to preach and to teach,” he said. “In so many different ways, for that person who desires to be a deacon or to be a priest or to be a bishop, those should be our fundamental characteristics of mission.”

The bishop spoke of his own episcopal motto, then addressed Deacon Floersh on the subject of a motto.

“What will your motto be for your life as a servant

of the Gospel, or as a person who desires to serve the people of God? What will it be?” Bishop Stika said. “Your motto will be shaped through your personality and to your witness. Mine is, ‘Jesus I trust in you.’ So, Christopher, I say to you, what is your motto, what will you pray for during the Litany of the Saints, as you prepare for a public ministry in the Church?

“Because people time and time and time again will come up to you in one way or another, and they’re going to say to you, ‘Sir, I wish to see Jesus.

I don’t want to necessarily see Christopher all the time, but I want to see Jesus acting through Christopher and his hands, his voice, and his demeanor.’”

The Liturgy of the Hours “is your companion,” the bishop said, “to pray the prayers that Jesus prayed, the Psalms, to pray for the sanctification of people, to pray the Our Father, to pray for the people whom you’ll be privileged to serve.”

Bishop Stika reiterated that “as you begin this particular ministry in the Church, again follow the example of Jesus to preach and to teach and to heal.”

“Follow the example of Jesus to care for those who wish to see Jesus. Follow the example of Jesus, who gave himself totally to the Church, but also to follow the example of Jesus to continue to love your mom, as

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Deacon continued on page 12 June 5, 2016 3

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Priest, religious assignments announced for diocese Moves will affect several parishes across East Tennessee as well as diocesan ministries

By Bill Brewer

B

ishop Richard F. Stika has announced several assignments for priests and religious serving in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father John Orr, currently associate pastor at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, will become pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. He will succeed Father P.J. McGinnity, who has served as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker since August 2009. Father McGinnity is retiring from the Diocese of Knoxville and plans to return to his home country of Ireland, where he will continue serving as a priest.

Parishioners at St. Joseph the Worker are planning a retirement celebration for Father McGinnity on June 18 at the church.

Father Orr will begin his assignment as St. Joseph the Worker pastor on July 1. His assignment at Holy Ghost will conclude June 30.

“Father Orr, thank you for your service to the faithful at Holy Ghost Church and the Traditional Latin Mass community. Also, I am grateful to you for your willingness to now share your many gifts as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop announced that Father Michael Hendershott, who was ordained a priest in June 2015 and has spent the past year continuing his religious studies in Rome, has been appointed as a full-time teacher at Knoxville Catholic High School, parttime associate pastor of Holy Ghost Church, and associate vocations director for the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Hendershott will be in residence at Holy Ghost and will teach religion at the high school. His assignment begins July 1.

Father Mike Creson, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette and Christ the King Church in Tazewell, will become part-time associate pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in CleveThe East Tennessee Catholic

Fr. Orr

Fr. Tully

Fr. McGinnity

Fr. Andre

land, part-time sacramental minister to Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, and part-time sacramental assistant to Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. His assignment will begin on July 1.

“Father Mike, thank you for your willingness to serve in these new roles. I look forward to you ministering to the faithful in Cleveland and Chattanooga,” Bishop Stika said.

Father Raymond Powell, associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga, has been appointed parochial administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette and Christ the King Church in Tazewell. Father Powell was ordained a priest in June 2015.

His new term also begins July 1.

Deacon Adam Royal, who is being ordained a priest on June 4, has been assigned as the associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga, effective July 1.

The Paulist Fathers, who minister at Immaculate Conception Church and St. John XXIII University Parish in Knoxville, have announced that Immaculate Conception associate pastor Father Gerard Tully, CSP, has been assigned as an associate pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Los Angeles, and that St. John

Fr. Hendershott

Sr. Teresa Mary

Fr. Creson

Sr. Anna Marie

XXIII associate pastor Father Rich Andre, CSP, has been assigned as an associate pastor at St. Austin Church in Austin, Texas.

Succeeding Father Tully at Immaculate Conception will be Father Tim Sullivan, CSP. Succeeding Father Andre at St. John XXIII will be Father Bob O’Donnell, CSP. Bishop Stika also announced that three Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., will be joining the diocese, bringing to eight the number of Religious Sisters of Mercy serving in East Tennessee.

Sister Teresa Mary Kozlovski, RSM, is a native of Duluth, Minn.

She entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma in 2005 after graduating from high school. In 2012, she graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in human biology. She professed perpetual vows in 2013, and she recently graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Sister Teresa Mary will pursue her graduate medical education in the internal medicine residency program at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, of Gary, Ind., will be assisting Mother Mary Timothea Elliott, who is di-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Fr. Powell

Dcn. Royal

Sr. Anne Miriam

Br. Craig

rector of the Office of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville.

Sister Anna Marie professed her final vows on Aug. 16, 2011. She also completed a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 2011. She currently is finishing a License in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

Sister Anne Miriam Crouche, RSM, who originally is from Sydney, Australia, entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma in 2014. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in primary education and a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in Sydney.

In 2013, she began master’s degree study in philosophy with a concentration on theology while working as an elementary school teacher. She is currently a novice in the community and has been assigned to Knoxville for her year of mission.

In addition, Brother Craig Digmann of the Glenmary Home Missioners order, who has served Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, has been assigned to Hancock County, where he will be doing mission work and evangelization. ■ June 5, 2016 5

Getting rite with God: New St. Augustine sanctuary dedicated Bishop Stika consecrates altar, blesses tabernacle, baptismal font during special Mass at Signal Mountain church

By Bill Brewer

6 June 5, 2016

BILL BREWER

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Duly impressed Bishop Richard F. Stika speaks to members of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain May 7 during a

Mass to dedicate the church’s new sanctuary. The bishop voiced his approval of the church updates.

praised Father Kuzhupil and the St. Augustine parishioners for their dedication to updating the worship space.

“I think this is a very spectacular moment in the life of this parish at St. Augustine. Not only do we dedicate a new altar, tabernacle, and baptismal font, but we have two very special people with us. We have Peter and Paul,” Bishop Stika said, drawing laughs from the congregation. “We welcome back two former pastors of St. Augustine.”

Bishop Stika was referring to Father Iorio, who is pastor at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and Father Valleroy, who is in residence at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. St. Augustine is Father Iorio’s home parish and is where he served as a priest for two years.

Remarking about the new altar, Bishop Stika said the wood and mar-

BILL BREWER

ven a church sanctuary sometimes needs remodeling.

So when it was apparent that worship space at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain had fallen short of liturgical norms, parishioners took notice. And when Bishop Richard F. Stika delivered a not-so-subtle hint, the parishioners began to work together to find a solution.

Led by Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, pastor of St. Augustine, the parishioners carried out a project to update the sanctuary, which culminated May 7 in a dedication of the new altar, tabernacle, and baptismal font

by Bishop Stika, who also blessed the new sanctuary.

Bishop Stika celebrated the dedication Mass, with Father Kuzhupil concelebrating. Also concelebrating were Father Peter Iorio, Father Paul Valleroy, Father David Carter, Father Joseph Thomas, and Father Frank Brett.

Deacon Gary Brinkworth served as master of ceremonies, and Brian Gabor served as deacon of the Word.

Bishop Stika was visibly impressed by the updated sanctuary as he processed into Mass with the priests, deacons, and altar servers.

“Something looks different since my last time here. What a beautiful renovation of St. Augustine,” Bishop Stika said before giving the following blessing. “My brothers and sisters in Christ, this is a day of rejoicing.

We have come together to dedicate this altar by offering the sacrifice of Christ. May we respond to these holy rites and receive God’s Word with faith, share in the Lord’s Table with joy, and raise our hearts in hope.”

After the blessing, Bishop Stika sprinkled holy water on the altar and the parishioners before praying, “May God, the Father of mercies, to whom we dedicate this altar on earth, forgive us our sins and enable us to offer an unending sacrifice of praise on His altar in heaven.”

During his homily, Bishop Stika

Present and past Concelebrating the dedication Mass were St. Augustine pastor

Father Joseph Kuzhupil, left, Father David Carter, Father Frank Brett, Father Joseph Thomas, Father Paul Valleroy, and Father Peter Iorio.

ble used to create the altar are part of God’s creation.

“Just like the wood of the cross so many centuries ago that bore the body of Jesus was from a tree. When

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

we consecrate a new altar, the chrism that I blessed at the Chrism Mass on the Tuesday of Holy Week is the chrism I will use to anoint the hands

Augustine continued on page 38 dioknox.org

St. Francis of Assisi members right at ‘Home’ in new worship space Fairfield Glade parish hosts Bishop Stika for blessing of renovated sanctuary and consecration

The East Tennessee Catholic

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Parish celebration Above, Bishop Richard F. Stika joins parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade in the new sanctuary the bishop dedicated on May 8. Below, St. Francis parishioner Habtamu Eshleman, 8, tries on the bishop’s mitre and zucchetto as he holds the bishop’s crosier.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

S

t. Francis of Assisi-Fairfield Glade parishioners looked around at their 1991-built worship space and said, “It’s time for a change.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika on May 8 consecrated the new altar, ambo, and tabernacle at St. Francis, part of phase 1 of an ambitious renovation and expansion plan that also includes newly refurbished pews and altar furniture.

Roland Wicker, chairman of the Home Campaign renovation committee at the parish, described the process that culminated in the bishop’s visit.

“We started out with our Home Campaign last April and finished up in June,” he said. “Our Home Campaign really was focused around three areas: the renovation of our church, the addition to our social hall, and the renovation of our office space. From that we developed a committee of 13 members from different entities in the church and the parish, and we determined that we needed to do a complete renovation of our worship and sanctuary spaces.”

That led to meetings with different suppliers.

“We had a group from our worship-and-liturgy ladies who were decorator-type experts,” Mr. Wicker said. “We got our colors and went to a few of the flooring places. We visited other churches and came up with a scheme for our parishioners to vote on. We didn’t want to just go ahead and make a decision, as big as this was, so we put together a package. And over a couple of weekends we had our parishioners vote on the colors, the furniture for the altar, different things we wanted to do on statuary.

“With that we pulled together the plan, and then we started to implement it. We sent out bids, received those back from suppliers. Our original pew manufacturer came in and completely took out every pew from the sanctuary, took it back to North Carolina, had it re-stained and re-upholstered.

They’re different colors. Everybody seems really pleased with that.”

A nearby church inspired another aspect of the renovation.

“We decided to go, based on a church we had seen in Cookeville, with a flooring scheme with tile, wood, and carpet, which has turned out very nicely for us,” Mr. Wicker said. “[Previously it was] all carpet, which was like 25 years old. It needed to be taken up and replaced.”

The altar furniture was the next focus.

By Dan McWilliams

“And then we determined that we would like to completely replace our altar furniture,” Mr. Wicker said. “So we found a company that could build an altar, build an ambo, build a cantor stand and a

tabernacle stand—candle stands we had built, and we have a new Advent wreath stand that we’ll use this coming Advent. “[The bishop and priest’s chairs] are not new, but they are completely refinished and restyled somewhat. The bases are different, but they are darker in stain, and they have new fabric. That was one of the items that we determined that the people liked, was the two different themes with the chairs upon the altar and some of our server chairs and our kneelers and then what was in the sanctuary with the pews.”

St. Francis parishioners had to leave their worship space for eight weeks during Lent and Easter, meeting for Mass in Father Sheehan Hall.

“It really worked out wonderfully,” Mr. Wicker said. “We had enough room for everybody. It was sometimes filled to capacity, but it worked out really well. We did our Stations of the Cross in there.

We did our Holy Saturday evening services, and our Easter Sunday services were held in there. This

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Assisi continued on page 37

June 5, 2016 7

8 June 5, 2016

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June 5, 2016 9

Adults from across Diocese of Knoxville assemble for confirmation Bishop Stika celebrates special Mass for second consecutive year as more East Tennessee Catholics receive sacrament

10 June 5, 2016

BILL BREWER

A

Receiving the sacrament Bishop Richard F. Stika gives the sacrament of confirmation to a young man during the Mass of Confirmation for adults May 1 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Stika was assisted by Father David Boettner, right.

BILL BREWER

dults from around the Diocese of Knoxville gave testament May 1 to the fact it’s never too late to receive the sacrament of confirmation.

As the diocese focuses on changing the age for confirmation from high school teens to students in the fifth and sixth grades, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a Mass of Confirmation for adults, administering the sacrament to 46 women and men representing 14 parishes and a mission.

The confirmandi and their family and friends gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Mass, which was concelebrated by Father David Boettner, rector of the cathedral. Father Joe Reed, associate pastor of Sacred Heart Cathedral, was the master of ceremonies, and Father Richard Armstrong, assistant director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, directed the confirmandi.

Deacon Dan Alexander served as Deacon of the Word.

Bishop Stika has expressed his desire for all Catholics in the diocese to have the opportunity to receive the sacrament of confirmation. He doesn’t want to see anyone fall between the cracks.

The bishop last year celebrated the diocese’s first Mass of Confirmation for adults, where 54 people received the sacrament. He plans to hold the Mass annually.

During the Mass, Bishop Stika heard the confirmandi’s renewal of their baptismal vows before the laying on of hands over the entire group. He then anointed each of the adults individually.

Bishop Stika congratulated the confirmandi on receiving the sacrament and making such an important statement of faith.

“Normally, I’m used to confirming high school kids. You all look a little bit more mature. And it’s

By Bill Brewer

Confirmed A young woman is greeted by Bishop Stika and Sacred Heart Cathe-

dral rector Father David Boettner during the Mass of Confirmation for adults.

always been the tradition for confirmation that the bishop would ask questions of those being confirmed,” Bishop Stika said, alert-

ing those being confirmed that he would be quizzing them.

Among the questions he posed to the group: Were they perfect? Can

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they be strong in their faith? And have they considered the plight of the apostles as they think about their own confirmation?

“Imagine what it was like when Jesus ascended into heaven. …

Remember what the angel said to the apostles and the disciples?

Basically, it was like ‘quit standing around here; be about your business. Go baptize and teach about the faith,’” Bishop Stika said. “Just think of yourselves. Or all of us in this church today. Sometimes we have to make choices that are very difficult: the yeses and the nos, the right turn or the left turn, the decisions that have to be made.

Jesus, knowing about humanity, about all of us – he knows what sometimes we go through trying to make choices. Sometimes they are real easy to make. But other times

Confirmation continued on page 39 dioknox.org

Happy 40th anniversary

BILL BREWER

Monsignor Patrick Garrity, pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, celebrates Mass to mark the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Monsignor Garrity was accompanied by Cardinal Justin Rigali and some 30 diocesan priests who concelebrated Mass with him.

Cardinal Rigali and the priests joined Monsignor before Mass for an anniversary dinner, and then following Mass St. John Neumann parishioners celebrated the anniversary with a reception at St. John Neumann School.

Rising toward the heavens

BILL BREWER

Men of steel piece together ironwork for the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Steelworkers began erecting the frame of the cathedral in late April as work continued on the foundation. Workers also have started to lay block as the cathedral exterior takes shape. The cathedral continues to host diocesan-wide and church-specific events as construction continues.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 11

Deacon continued from page 3

Jesus loved the Blessed Mother, to love your dad, as a visible symbol of St. Joseph, who pledged his love to your mom and to you.

“Christopher, God bless you. Be a faithful minister of the Gospel: the face and the hands and the voice and the heart of Jesus, to teach and to preach, but especially to love God’s people.”

After the homily, the future deacon made several promises before the bishop, including “to discharge the office of deacon with humble charity in order to assist the priestly order and to benefit the Christian people,” “to hold fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience . . . and to proclaim this faith in word and deed,” and “to keep forever the commitment to remain celibate as a sign of your dedication to Christ the Lord for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, in the service of God and man.”

The candidate promised respect and obedience to the bishop and his successors, then lay prostrate for the Litany of the Saints. Afterward the bishop prayed the prayer of ordination over Mr. Floersh.

Longtime friend Monsignor Garrity vested the new deacon with a stole and dalmatic. Deacon Floersh then knelt before the bishop and received the Book of the Gospels.

“Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become,” the bishop told him. “Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

The bishop then gave Deacon Floersh a fraternal kiss, and all the deacons attending did likewise.

The Mass continued with the presentation of the gifts. Deacon Floersh’s siblings, Michael, Sophia, and Olivia Floersh, were the gift bearers.

Deacon Floersh grew up in St. John Neumann Parish but came to know Monsignor Garrity long before the monsignor was assigned as SJN pastor.

“Back when I was in sixth grade, Monsignor was driving in the car behind us, and my family got into a car accident, and he was the one who helped

12 June 5, 2016

us out, took us into his car, and called the ambulance and everything,” the new deacon said. “Years went by, and this was something I had been praying on for a couple years, and sure enough Monsignor was made pastor of my parish here at St. John Neumann, and I just immediately felt comfortable with him.”

The Floershes didn’t know Monsignor Garrity before the car accident.

“That was the first time,” Deacon

Floersh said. “He comes up to the car and says, ‘I am a Catholic priest,’ and immediately we were like, ‘We know we’re safe.’”

Family and friends came from far and wide to the diaconate ordination.

“It was beautiful,” Deacon Floersh said. “People came from California, from all over the place.”

Before he returns to St. Meinrad for his final year of studies prior to his

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

priestly ordination, Deacon Floersh has an important duty to fulfill over the next few months.

“This summer I will be assigned at Sts. Peter and Paul, the basilica in Chattanooga, with Father David Carter,” he said, “and I am looking forward to that because I don’t know much about the Chattanooga Deanery, and I’m looking forward to getting to know it better and all the priests there.” ■

dioknox.org

Diocesan couples married longest share the secrets to their success Response to Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment program was better than expected

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hen Marian Christiana recently set out to find the longest-married couples in each parish of the diocese, she discovered a wealth of advice to newlyweds from husbands and wives who were celebrating anniversaries of 55, 60, 65 years, and more.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s coordinator of the Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office said she was “really pleased with the response” for her first such effort.

“We started it as a combination of working with Marriage Encounter to try and find the longestmarried couple in the state,” she said. “I thought, we need to uphold marriage in our own diocese along with what Marriage Encounter’s initiative is for, so that’s when I started asking the parishes and wanted to recognize them.”

Mrs. Christiana learned that the longest-married couple in the state was right in her own diocese: Tony and Dorothy Kliemann of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville. The Kliemanns were married June 27, 1942, more than 73 years ago.

When asked what advice she has for young married couples, Mrs. Kliemann quipped, “Do you want me to tell you the truth, or do you want me to lie?”

The truth followed.

“Well, the wife has to give in a lot,” she said, adding that “to listen to each other first thing” was important. “Listen to each other and compromise.”

Charles and Sylvia Dupre of Delano are the longest-married couple at St. Mary Parish in Athens. Their wedding was May 15, 1953. Mr. Dupre’s advice to newlyweds is to “have a lot of patience and try to understand each other’s feelings” and to “have a lot in common and try to enjoy the same things.”

The Dupres told Mrs. Christiana: “Remember that there’s always a way around anything.”

“It’s true,” Mr. Dupre said.

Twenty-two parishes responded with their longest-married couple. Each couple is mentioned, often with one of their tips for a happy marriage, on the Marriage Preparation website at dioknox. org/marriage-preparation-and-enrichment.

Longest-married couples in each parish included Joseph Eric and Barbara Ann LeBlanc of Holy Family in Seymour (married Dec. 24, 1949), Emery and Mildred Faulkner of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City (July 30, 1948), Don and Pat Lerch of St. Albert the Great in Knoxville (July 1, 1949),

By Dan McWilliams

Secrets to a long marriage from those married the longest ■ All Saints: Ed & Joan Heiner (July 4, 1953), “Never go bed unhappy with each other, and always have love for each other.”

■ Holy Cross: Harry & Belva Cundy (Sept. 13, 1952), “Never go to bed angry.”

■ Holy Family: Joseph Eric & Barbara Ann Le Blanc (Dec. 24, 1949), “Always forgive and remember to ask forgiveness.”

■ Holy Ghost: Stanley H. & Ellen Clancy Pickering (July 14, 1951), “Always be kind to one another.”

■ Holy Trinity: Emery & Mildred Faulkner (July 30, 1948), “It is a two-sided affair, be patient with one another.”

■ Immaculate Conception: Anthony & Dorothy Kliemann (June 27, 1942), “Learn to compromise.”

■ Our Lady of Lourdes: Clayton & Josephine Watkins (Nov. 29, 1958), “Listen to one another.”

■ Shepherd of the Valley: Richard Larry Taylor & Dianne E. (Ladner) Taylor (July 7, 1962), “Forgive the other person no matter what the offense.”

■ St. Albert the Great: Don & Pat Lerch (July 1, 1949), “Stay close to God and keep a sense of humor.”

■ St. Dominic: James & Ruth Stalvey (Oct. 14, 1950).

■ St. Francis of Assisi Fairfield Glade: Guy & Billie LaBorde (July 1, 1948).

■ St. John Neumann: Wilfred & Edith Klimas (Feb. 12, 1949), “Hang in there.”

■ St. John XXIII: John William Prados & Lynn Baird Prados (Sept. 2, 1951), “Look for positive role models, don’t expect perfection, more important to be happy than to be right, if you have to compromise be ready to go more than half way.”

■ St. Joseph, Norris: Don & Susan Forbes (Jan. 26, 1958), “Patience and kindness.”

■ St. Mary Athens: Charles & Sylvia Dupre (May 15, 1953), “Remember that there is always a way around anything.”

■ St. Mary Johnson City: Betty & Harold Farmer (June 9, 1951) and Richard John & Mary Hetzel Spady (June 9, 1951), “Never go to bed unhappy, clear the air.”

■ St. Mary Oak Ridge: George & Mary Hoegler (Jan. 22, 1955).

■ St. Stephen: Hector Charles & Cynthia Turcotte Laplante (Jan. 29, 1955), “Faith in God and a strong love for each other.”

■ St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Edward & Betty McHugh (Jan. 7, 1950), “Sometimes I needed to bite my tongue.”

■ St. Therese Clinton: Donald & Ruth Zenner (Aug. 1, 1953), “Trust each other, be honest with each other, and love one another.”

■ St. Thomas the Apostle: Eugene & Jeanne Kray (June 9, 1951), “Do a lot of hugging and compromising.” ■

Marriage continued on page 41 The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 13

Workshop on annulment policies, procedures draws priests, deacons Diocese of Knoxville plans to have its own marriage tribunal established within five years

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14 June 5, 2016

STEPHANIE RICHER

Addressing the group Father Tom Charters, GHM, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission in Erwin, discusses the annulment process with Father Dexter Brewer of the Diocese of Nashville Tribunal during the case sponsor workshop held April 29 at St. Thomas the Apostle church in Lenoir City. Father Charters is surrounded by diocesan priests, including Father Michael Cummins, Father Jim Haley, CSP, Father Mark Scholz, Father Randy Stice, Father Scott Russell and Father P.J. McGinnity.

STEPHANIE RICHER

he Diocese of Knoxville, which relies on the Diocese of Nashville to decide East Tennessee declarations of nullity, may be establishing its own tribunal that will handle annulment cases.

The Diocese of Nashville Tribunal’s caseload is expanding as Catholic populations in Nashville and Knoxville grow rapidly. And as the Diocese of Knoxville prepares for its 30th anniversary in 2018, a plan needs to be in place for this diocese to shoulder its own caseload, according to Bishop Richard F. Stika.

“Very few dioceses do not have their own tribunal; dioceses much smaller than the Diocese of Knoxville have tribunals,” Bishop Stika said. “I am very grateful to Bishop (David) Choby and the Diocese of Nashville for offering us assistance.

We pay a yearly fee for that. But I think if you look at what the fee is and the time factor, because Nashville has its own annulments as well as ours, it can be challenging, especially when you consider people who are in need of healing.”

Tribunals handle a variety of canonical cases within the Church, but it is the requests for declarations of nullity that can be complicated for priests, lay case workers, and those involved in seeking a declaration.

Pope Francis’ recent comments on marriage and family life given in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) have prompted discussion worldwide about the Church’s approach to family issues such as divorce, remarriage, and annulment and how they relate to the sacraments.

That discussion was continued locally April 29 when the Diocese of Knoxville held a case sponsor workshop for changes relating to new legislation on marriage cases. The workshop was held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City.

Diocesan priests, deacons and laity who handle annulment cases in their

By Bill Brewer

Q & A Deacon Bob Lange asks a question during the case sponsor workshop.

He was joined by his wife, Janel. Also at their table is Deacon Sean Smith.

parishes took part in the workshop, which was led by Father David Carter, pastor of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga who also serves as vice chancellor for canonical affairs, and Deacon Sean Smith,

Diocese of Knoxville chancellor.

Father Dexter Brewer also addressed the workshop as a representative of the Diocese of Nashville Tribunal, which handles annulment cases for the dioceses of Nashville

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

and Knoxville.

In establishing parameters for the workshop, Father Carter began the session by saying that Jesus is presented as the new Moses in the Gospel of Matthew, and therefore is the new lawgiver. Jesus confirms this in the litany of beatitudes, where it says He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. And instead of dispensing from the law, He came to intensify it.

“When the divine master taught about marriage and human relationship in the Sermon on the Mount, he startled his listeners. It startles all of us in every age. Rather than relax the precept against adultery, Jesus dives deeper into the sin and says that even the man who looks lustfully is committing adultery. A few passages later, He will tell us his mind on divorce and remarriage. ‘But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman

Nullity continued on page 23 dioknox.org

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, RAM partner on clinic Mini health event attracts people from Cleveland area as well as from out of state

The East Tennessee Catholic

JANICE FRITZ-RYKEN

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magine what life would be like if your only option for health care meant sleeping overnight in your car in a church parking lot for the possibility to be seen at a free, mobile clinic a few hours away from where you live.

For some of America’s underserved, uninsured people, waiting hours to be treated is a reality and often the only option, especially after enduring years of painful toothaches, poor eyesight or an unmanaged case of diabetes. Even sadder is the fact there are many such Americans living right here in the greater Chattanooga area.

In April, however, these people had access to free, high-quality health care, thanks to an annual event hosted by the Health Ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. The event was a mobile health clinic administered by Remote Area Medical (RAM), a volunteer medical corps made up of hundreds of medical and non-medical professionals who provide free, onsite medical, vision and dental care and screenings for people who rarely get the chance to see a doctor or dentist due to lack of insurance or inadequate coverage.

By the break of dawn on April 27, hundreds of people eager to be seen by doctors, dentists or nurses were already lined up when the large, white RAM trucks carrying medical equipment pulled onto the church grounds.

“It’s quite overwhelming to see that people have camped out in their cars the night before, for hours. It sure makes me feel thankful,” said Sherry Park, a longtime parishioner at St. Thérèse, who has helped coordinate the free medical clinics since her parish first became a sponsor/ host site in 2008.

Ms. Park said she loves being part of the RAM mobile events because it gives her a chance to give something back to her community.

“When I see the crowds of people who must rely on clinics for the most basic health-care needs, I am always hum-

Medical history Tabitha Payne, who works for the Bradley County Health Department, assists a patient at the St. Thérèse of Lisieux RAM clinic.

bled,” Ms. Park said. “We often take the littlest things for granted, the very things that would be blessings to these people.”

Ms. Park said RAM and St. Thérèse have worked very well together on these health-care clinics and that she’s always happy to play a part in it.

One such participant who finds the RAM clinic a blessing is Doris Schulthe, a disabled Cleveland resident and St. Thérèse parishioner in her 60s. She said the RAM clinic is a godsend.

“This is truly a blessing for those of us with low income or fixed budgets because otherwise we’d have to wait and save up a very long time for things like glasses or dental work,” Ms. Schulthe said. “I just can’t afford the AARP supplemental insurance and I also can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars for the dental work I know I need.”

“I don’t drive, so I have to rely on the goodness of others to get me anywhere.

But no matter how much of a challenge it is to get there, I try to never miss the clinics,” she added, “because they’re just too important to me.”

Ms. Schulthe said she nearly missed

this opportunity when the neighbor who offered to drive her to the clinic became ill with pneumonia the night before the event. But thankfully another neighbor was able to get her to the clinic.

“God always sends angels,” Ms. Schulthe said.

As she sat and waited her turn to have an eye exam, Ms. Schulthe praised the RAM clinic, saying the care she has received through the last eight years has

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Janice Fritz-Ryken been far and above what one might expect for a free clinic.

“Every last doctor I’ve ever seen has been great to talk to,” she said. “They’re kind and caring and they never treat me as if I were not a paying patient.”

On this sunny Friday, Ms. Schulthe was happy to have her teeth cleaned and she admitted to being very eager to have her first eye exam in years. She said the struggle to get there was worth it because it boosted her morale.

“I feel like a new woman. It was a very busy morning and it took a lot to get me here but it’s worth it. I had my teeth cleaned and it’ll be so nice to get some good eyeglasses again, too. It’s been so hard for me to see what’s going on during Mass,” she said laughing. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these clinics.”

Ms. Park said that’s a sentiment she hears a lot and that the patients who come to the clinics have been so thankful that some of them are almost in tears.

“We take for granted having regular access to doctors and dentists. These people are so grateful; they honestly can’t believe they’re getting it all for free. Many have stood in line and waited for hours, even days before we’ve even opened up,” said Ms. Park, who noted that people travel from all over for these events.

“People come from as far away as

Clinic continued on page 40

June 5, 2016 15

Holy Trinity funeral Mass held for parishioner Johna Morvant

Make a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime and Helps the Church

By Emily Booker

I

n times of tragedy and loss, Eastertide can be a reminder that death, though painful, is not an end.

Johna J. Morvant, 49, died April 4 in a helicopter accident in Pigeon Forge along with her daughter, Peyton Rasmussen, 22; her son, Parker Rasmussen, 18; her daughter ’s boyfriend, Michael Glenn Mastalez, 21; and the pilot, Jason Dahl, 38. The helicopter crashed into a wooded ridge during a 12-minute afternoon sightseeing tour of the mountains. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

Mrs. Morvant married Keith (Smitty) Morvant last November.

They were members of Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City, and they had a farm in Kodak where they renovated a house on the property and raised potbellied pigs, chickens, and goats. They were looking forward to retirement in the Smoky Mountains.

Mrs. Morvant was known by family and friends for her love of animals and the outdoors.

In a letter to family and friends, Mr. Morvant wrote, “She loved Peyton and Parker dearly. And I can’t imagine her here with them gone. Her life would have been so empty and her heart so badly broken; God had it in his plan for them to be together at that time.”

Family and friends attended a funeral Mass for Mrs. Morvant at Holy Trinity on Saturday, April 23. The church choir led the music for the Mass. Although gathered because of tragedy, people took the opportunity to celebrate Johna, Peyton, and Parker and to focus on the hope of the resurrection.

“We gather to acknowledge our grief, because there is a loss, and

16 June 5, 2016

Let perpetual light shine upon them

Johna Morvant is pictured with her two children, daughter Peyton Rasmussen, and son Parker Rasmussen.

we grieve our losses,” Father Patrick Resen, pastor of Holy Trinity, said.

“But the grief is not for Johna or Peyton or Parker but for ourselves, because they have not suffered the loss we have. It is proper and fitting to grieve; it is part of the healing process. Let no one tell you should not grieve or that you’re grieving too long,” Father Resen added.

“We are reminded that death is not the end. In fact, it is the beginning of the life we were created for, hard as it is for us to understand that in our human senses,” Father Resen said.

He concluded his homily with a poem by Henry Scott Holland, “Death is Nothing at All.” Mrs. Morvant is survived by her husband, Keith (Smitty); parents, Lynne and Lynn Frederick; grandmother, Virginia Rector; sister, Jennifer J. Cotton; aunt, Leslie (Mark) Johns; uncle, Tom (Bonnie) Rector; brother, Landon; niece, Rylie; nephew, Jace; and cousins, Christopher, Samone, John, Jessie, Mike, Matt, and Mollie. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Edwin M. Rector Jr. ■

With a Catholic Gift Annuity, you can secure the future for yourself and your loved ones, and give a lasting gift to our Roman Catholic Faith in East Tennessee.

A gift may be designated to your parish, school, the Diocese or outreach ministry.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Here’s how it works:

You make a gift and in return you will receive:

• Fixed-rate annuity payments for life, for one or two people – between 4%–9%, based on age • Immediate and future tax benefits • A payment schedule tailored to meet your needs • Knowing your gift will help Catholics in our Diocese • The minimum age is 55

For a personalized proposal contact:

Deanene Catani

Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer 865-584-3307 dcatani@dioknox.org dioknox.plannedgiving.org

dioknox.org

KDCCW members exemplify ‘the power of the Church’

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he Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women welcomed Father Leo Patalinghug, the “Cooking Priest,” and Beth Mahoney, spirituality commission chairperson for the National Council of Catholic Women, to its 2016 convention April 14-16 at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City.

Bishop Richard F. Stika opened the convention by celebrating a memorial Mass April 14 to honor all deceased women of the diocese.

In addition to the bishop, Ms. Mahoney, and Father Patalinghug, other speakers who addressed the convention were Cathy Bonner, who is on the NCCW leadership training and development team and created the NCCW Women Healing the Wounds program to combat domestic violence, and June Lawrence, development officer at Cross Catholic Outreach of Cross International, an organization that serves the poor.

Cross Catholic Outreach is a Catholic ministry that serves the poorest of the poor internationally by channeling aid through dioceses, parishes, and Catholic missionaries, cost-effectively helping the poor break the cycle of poverty while advancing Catholic evangelization.

Father Patalinghug heads the movement Grace Before Meals, which focuses on bringing families back to the dinner table and away from work, school, TV, games and other distractions.

He also hosts the EWTN television show Savoring Our Faith, where he evangelizes through cooking.

In his homily, Bishop Stika spoke on the power of the Church. He related a story about his best friend entering hospice this spring as he was dying of cancer. While in hospice, Bishop Stika’s friend, Mike Stillman, told Bishop Stika he prays everyday for the bishop.

Mr. Stillman passed away in April.

“I used to tell him that I prayed for him all the time. Then he told me, ‘whatever happens in the future, I’ll still be praying The East Tennessee Catholic

for you,’” Bishop Stika recalled.

“You know, that’s kind of a theological explanation. Did you ever hear of the Church Militant? The Church Militant is all of us. We’re fighting the good fight, onward Christian soldiers. We’ve accepted Jesus into our life, the Bread of Life, and we’ve accepted him into our hearts.

“We could be real selfish about that and not share it with another person. But that is not what faith is all about. Even the word Mass, what does it mean? It means to set forth...to build His kingdom like the disciples did so many centuries ago,” the bishop told the women attending the convention.

But he said it also is the Church Triumphant – “those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Those we have prayed for, lived with, and commended to almighty God – the Church Triumphant.”

“We honor those women who have been part of this marvelous organization; women that we’ve known; women that we’ve loved; women that we’ve fought with; women who have been called home to God. We’re praying for them, just like Mike said he would pray for me as he joined the Church Triumphant because he’s ready.

“The Church Triumphant, and the Church Militant. That’s what we give thanks to almighty God for – the power to pray, and to remember, and to love, and to understand,” the bishop said.

Bishop Stika thanked the KDCCW women for all they do for the diocese. He asked them to pray for vocations and to adopt the Handmaids of the Precious Blood and help the cloistered religious order any way they can.

“Who is the strength of the Church? You are, especially women,” he said. “The power of church.

The body of Christ. The power of the Church.” ■

The East Tennessee Catholic staff

STEPHANIE RICHER

Bishop Stika celebrates Mass; special guests address annual convention at Holy Trinity

Captivated audience Bishop Richard F. Stika delivers a homily during the memo-

rial Mass at the annual convention of the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City April 14-16.

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and Southeastern Sacred Music invite you to Summer Sacred Music Workshop II, July 22-23 This one-and-a-half-day workshop is for musicians of all levels, as well as clergy, in the Diocese of Knoxville and beyond.

Participants will ■■learn to sing Gregorian chant (or improve their chanting) ■■gain skills to immediately strengthen their parish music program ■■explore new repertory options—many available for free— that will work in any parish or choir situation ■■study special topics, including sacred polyphony, use of the organ, and music for the funeral Mass ■■take part in solemn Vespers and a solemn sung Mass and ■■hear the basilica’s magnificent organ in recital.

Chant instructor is Dr. Jennifer Donelson; Father David Carter, rector of the basilica, will offer a session for clergy.

Sign up by June 30 to save! Registration deadline is July 10.

Students qualify for a discount.

To learn more, visit southeasternsacredmusic.com or call 865-335-0588.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 17

Knights of Columbus initiative focusing on Church parishes Fraternal organization working on bringing chapters into closer cooperation with churches

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he Knights of Columbus is working to bring the order into closer cooperation with parishes.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson launched the new initiative late last year. “We will use our resources of time, talent and money to strengthen parish-based and parish-sponsored programs,” he said.

According to Anderson, the 1.9 million-member Catholic fraternal group, organized into more than

15,000 councils operating in the United States and a number of other countries, will continue its focus on spirituality, charity, unity, brotherhood and patriotism. But it will strive to bring its activities into greater identification with parishes under the supervision of parish pastors, avoiding duplication or any perception of competition.

Among the changes involved, the Knights will not build or acquire any new council halls. This change, where parish rather than separate

facilities are used for meetings and activities, has already allowed the formation of councils that would not have been able to afford a building, and will avoid members devoting too much time and effort to support the building by renting it for unrelated activities.

In another significant change, by the end of this year, the Knights of Columbus will no longer sponsor Scout groups. Instead, the group will work to support parish youth minis-

Knights honor East Tennessee agencies for their nonprofit work

Knights continued on page 37

From staff reports

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sense of joy and charity of heart is so very important,” Father Owens said.

William “Bill” Twohig was honored as “Knight of the Year” for his contributions in planning various programs such as baseball outings, Christmas parties, and the charity dinner. He is currently serving as the service program director for the council.

Stu and Jan McFadden were honored as “Family of the Year” for their contributions to numerous activities. “I refer to this couple as the ‘shadow couple.’ Needless to say, that is because

he Tennessee Knights of Columbus paid tribute to the efforts of councils, Knights, and their families to support their parishes and their communities during the annual state convention held April 29-May 1 at the Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin.

And a Knight from the Diocese of Knoxville received a top statewide honor.

Charles “Chuck” Nelson of Queen of Heaven Council 4572 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland was honored as the 2016 Charles Nelson Knight of the Year.

As council director for 4572, Mr. Nelson chaired two annual barbecues, helped to set up and cook at the council’s annual golf tournament, and participated in the Knights Parking Valet events, which raised $35,000 for council charities.

Nelson also helped build a ramp for a brother Knight whose wife suffered from ALS, pressure-washed a brother Knight’s

Agencies continued on page 19

Convention continued on page 47

EMILY BOOKER

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18 June 5, 2016

try programs, including parish-based Catholic Scouting.

The Knights, Anderson said, should strive to integrate the activities of their Squires Circles – affiliated groups of boys and young men ages 10 to 18 – with those of the parish youth ministry. He said councils and assemblies in the United States and Canada that do not currently have Squires groups should not begin new ones but instead should support

St. Thérèse member named statewide Knight of the Year

By Emily Booker

ocal charities received much-earned recognition and support for their work when the Knights of Columbus Council 12633 honored 20 agencies at a dinner on May 16 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City.

Don Hoyle, grand knight for the council, and Father Doug Owens, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, presented representatives from each charity with a donation from the Knights.

“You are the leaders of the community,” Mr. Hoyle told the charity representatives. “We strive each year to find ways to put on programs that will bring in more money so we can make those contributions to the charities.”

Jerry Dougherty, council representative to the MR Foundation, presented two MR Foundation grants. The MR Foundation is a state-wide foundation sponsored by the Knights of Columbus that helps individual councils in Tennessee provide grants to agencies that serve children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Sunshine Industries, a sheltered workshop under the ARC of Knox

By Liz O’Connor, Andy Telli

Check presentation Don Hoyle of the Knights of Columbus Council 12633, right, and Father Doug Owens present a check to Branches of Monroe County.

County, received a $4,700 grant. Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) received a $1,600 grant. Earlier in the year the council also presented a $4,800 grant to the Special Olympics of Loudon County.

Between council donations and MR Foundation grants, the Knights have contributed more than $35,000 to local charities.

It was also a night for honoring those who serve in the parish. Father Owens recognized four altar servers for their exemplary help throughout the year. “To be able to serve with a

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

St. Mary Parish earns national recognition for energy conservation Johnson City church wins Cool Congregation Challenge by Interfaith Power & Light

By Emily Booker

commitment to the caring and conservation of creation has earned St. Mary Parish in Johnson City national honors.

Interfaith Power & Light recently named St. Mary as its 2015 Energy Saver Winner in its Cool Congregations Challenge. The challenge is an annual contest between religious congregations across the country to address global warming and reduce carbon footprints.

“It’s a big deal,” said Donald Davis, a member of St. Mary’s Justice-Peace-Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC). “We’re talking the whole U.S., churches across the country. St. Mary’s is one of five [winners]. It says we’re doing something right.”

In response to Pope Francis’ call to be good stewards of the environment in his encyclical Laudato Si, St. Mary has sought to reduce wasteful energy use in the church.

St. Mary’s JPIC instituted a recycling program in the parish and reduced the use of Styrofoam at church events. With the help of a local green interfaith group in Washington County, Green Interfaith Network Inc. (GINI), St. Mary was able to do even more.

GINI kick-started St. Mary’s energy-saving initiatives in 2014 through a $500 grant that funded energy improvements around the church and school. The parish Energy Assessment Committee conducted an audit of electricity and water use in the church, school, and outbuildings to see where improvements could be made.

“Our main usage is on Sundays, of course, when we have Masses, when we have our electricity on full speed,” Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Mary, said. “We looked at cutting that down.”

Through a private donation, the church got new double doors to the main gathering space.

Father Iorio recalled how the cold air would often leak in around the doors in the winter

Conserving energy

Agencies continued from page 18

they are constantly involved with things behind the scene that need to be done but make no big show of it,” Mr. Hoyle said.

The nonprofit organizations recognized at the dinner included St. Thomas the Apostle Church, the Child The East Tennessee Catholic

Advocacy Center, Adult Community Training, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, Loudon County Special Olympics, the Crisis Center for Women, the Good Samaritan Center, and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Pregnancy Help Center.

Additional nonprofit organizations

Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and parishioner Donald Davis led efforts to reduce the parish’s carbon footprint, resulting in a national award for the parish as well as cost savings.

ED BASCONI

COURTESY OF ST. MARY PARISH

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months.

“The new doors not only help with energy, but with comfort,” he said.

“Everything we’ve done has had double benefits,” Mr. Davis noted. The new doors, while saving energy expenses, also meet ADA accessibility requirements, turning the gathering place into a more comfortable and welcoming space.

The church also replaced incandescent and fluorescent lights with light emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The upgrade will save money on both electricity and maintenance over time.

The instant coffee pots were put on timers so they would be ready when needed, but wouldn’t draw unnecessary power when not in use. An old freezer, used only a few times a year, was recycled.

To conserve water, leaky toilets and drinking fountains were repaired, and a water-collection system was installed to provide moisture for the community gardens and school garden.

St. Mary concluded it had saved more than $1,000 in just the first six months. The conservation didn’t stop there. More than 40 families did self-audits at their residences and made energy-saving adjustments in their own homes.

According to Mr. Davis, St. Mary’s energysaving focus will shift to the school this summer with a change to LED lights and insulation around drafty doors in the school building.

As the Energy Saver Winner of the Cool Congregations Challenge, St. Mary receives $1,000 from Interfaith Power & Light. But that doesn’t

mean the parish has finished looking for more ways to be caring stewards of creation.

“I think [winning this award] will spur us on to continue with environmental issues and looking for solutions,” Father Iorio said. ■

that were recognized were Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Monroe, Branches of Monroe County, Lenoir City Schools Family Resource Center, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Jellico Project, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs, Habitat for Humanity Loudon County, Boy Scout Troop 770,

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Sunshine Industries, Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County, American Wheelchair Mission, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, and the Handmaids of the Precious Blood, a cloistered religious order of the Diocese of Knoxville that is located in Jefferson County. ■ June 5, 2016 19

St. Therese, St. Joseph ministries come to aid of Africa orphanage Clinton, Norris parishes raise funds for vehicles to serve Father Abuh’s home diocese in Nigeria

The East Tennessee Catholic

F

ather Julius Abuh is familiar with roads – the ones well-traveled, and the ones less taken.

Ministering to parishioners at St. Therese Parish in Clinton and St. Joseph Parish in Norris, Father Abuh knows Highway 61 forward and backward. After all, transportation between the two parishes is a daily necessity.

Despite the distance from East Tennessee to Africa, Father Abuh is never very far from his home in the Diocese of Idah in Nigeria. He reaches out and helps that diocese whenever he can.

And his Diocese of Knoxville parishioners are pitching in. How? One way is to make the roads around Anyigba, Nigeria, easier to traverse.

The Diocese of Idah runs the Holy Family orphanage in the Anyigba area, and knowing their transportation challenges, Father Abuh and his parishioners in East Tennessee have raised funds to purchase vehicles to serve the orphanage.

“For the past two to three years, I have been able to buy and transport two minivans to Nigeria. They are of tremendous assistance to the orphanage and the junior seminary, where students are trained to join the senior seminary before graduating as priests,” Father Abuh said.

Father Abuh used the funds to purchase the minivans locally and ship them to Africa.

He finds that the fundraisers to assist people in his home country are excellent ways to educate about the Catholic faith in other parts of the world.

“Without a doubt, my presence has especially enlightened parishioners and friends to life outside of the terrains of East Tennessee. I’ve

been able to share many wonderful traditions and debunk many myths about life in Nigeria.

I am consummately grateful to all those who have gotten to know me and who support my ministry for the less privileged in Nigeria,” he said.

While Father Abuh continues to evangelize about the faith and educate people about Africa, he believes St. Joseph and St. Therese parishes have met the transportation needs for the Diocese of Idah – for now. And he is grateful to his East Tennessee parishioners for their gifts.

Since arriving in the Diocese of Knoxville five years ago, Bishop Richard F. Stika has assigned Father Abuh as a priest in residence at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut and now as the parochial administrator of both St. Therese and St. Joseph. Before arriving in East Tennessee, Father Abuh received his Ph.D. in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

His affinity for East Tennessee, especially the towns of Clinton and Norris, rivals that of Nigeria, and he finds himself reaching out to people in the area, especially Catholics who don’t attend Mass regularly.

“I find the people of East Tennessee very

Giving them a lift Father

Julius Abuh of St. Therese Parish in Clinton and St. Joseph Parish in Norris joined with parishioners in raising money to buy vans so residents in need, including an orphanage, in Father Abuh’s home diocese in Nigeria could have adequate transportation.

Fr. Julius Abuh

warm-hearted. I enjoy interacting with the public wherever I go, even while out and about in the community,” he said, adding that he eagerly engages in conversation with strangers, and some have come back to the Church after a long break.

“By nature, I am broadly ecumenical and will often pray for pastors of other faiths,” Father Abuh said. “The only flaw that I find with East Tennessee is the weather. During the winter, I’ll tell my parishioners ‘Don’t ask me if I am wearing long johns. Ask how many long johns I’m wearing.’” ■

Church leaders working to reverse divorce, marriage trends

By CNS/EWTN News

WASHINGTON D.C. – With high divorce rates among Catholic couples – and marriage rates plummeting among millennials – Church leaders are scrambling to address the problem.

But long before Pope Francis’ recent apostolic exhortation on “The Joy of Love” was written, one marriage prep ministry was already putting the Holy Father’s message into practice.

The U.S.-based Witness to Love marriage prep

20 June 5, 2016

ministry seeks to challenge engaged couples to a greater and more fulfilling life of virtue through an intensive, multi-faceted program.

It’s something that’s called for distinctly in the Pope’s document when he says that “marriage preparation aimed at giving couples a genuine experience of participation in ecclesial life and a complete introduction to various aspects of family life.”

However, tough conversations about an en-

gaged couple’s spiritual situation often fail to happen in marriage prep.

“In most marriage preparation, we don’t expect them (couples) to accept the challenge, and we don’t give them the challenge,” Mary Rose Verret, founder of Witness to Love, said.

Verret and her husband realized that many Catholic couples – even those who were receiving marriage prep – saw their marriages fall

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Trends continued on page 41 dioknox.org

SMLF grants help fund computers for St. Mary School Chromebooks for elementary students in Oak Ridge, new PA system to improve education programs

DAN MCWILLIAMS

S

t. Mary School in Oak Ridge held a celebration May 4 to recognize the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation of East Tennessee for its two grants totaling $40,965, which helped the school provide Google Chromebook computers and purchase a new public-address system.

The grant paid for Chromebooks for each thirdthrough fifth-grader, but more importantly signified that every student at the school now has a computer.

“Every student in first through eighth grade has a Chromebook. How awesome is that?” said Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, St. Mary principal.

Bishop Richard F. Stika was among the dignitaries helping the school celebrate. The bishop renewed acquaintances with his pal of many years, Herbert the corn snake, in one of the science classrooms.

“One of my favorite parts of a day is to visit the schools, and I love coming to St. Mary’s, first of all to see you and then to see my friend Herbert the snake, who I’ve missed,” Bishop Stika told an outdoor assembly.

Also attending the assembly of first- through eighth-graders and receiving a tour of the school beforehand were Anderson County Mayor and former St. Mary School parent Terry Frank; Sister Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, diocesan superintendent of schools; Paul Simoneau, diocesan vice chancellor for administration and director of the Office of

By Dan McWilliams

Pep talk Bishop Richard F. Stika gives a cheer for students at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge. The school, through the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation, received grants to provide computers and a PA system.

Justice and Peace; John Deinhart, a St. Mary parent, diocesan director of Stewardship and Strategic Planning, and staff director for the Legacy Foundation; Father Brent Shelton, pastor of St. Mary Parish; Father Dustin Collins, St. Mary associate pas-

tor; Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi; and school parent Kevin Corbett.

Fourth-grader Tennison Barnes did the honors on a ribbon-cutting outside one of the classrooms

Computers continued on page 22

Hispanic parents graduate from Opening Doors program All Saints Church hosts 10-week parenting class

M

ore than a dozen Hispanic parents graduated May 5 from the 10-week Abriendo Puertas (“Opening Doors”) parenting program held at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

The “Abriendo Puertas” project is a collaboration of the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Knoxville and the Latino Task Force. These offices are deeply grateful to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and Catholic Charities USA for providing this training, said Blanca Primm, who is with the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

On graduation day, the parents particiThe East Tennessee Catholic

pated in the final class, attended a skit, and received their certificates of completion in the program, which is being promoted nationwide by Catholic Charities.

Zulay Navarro-Pickering and Rosie Noriega served as instructors for “Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors.”

“This parenting workshop is an evidence-based curriculum. We use cultural values, strengths and experiences of Latino families. It engages parents at a very personal level and it results in transformative learning. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life” Ms. Navarro-Pickering said.

Parenting continued on page 22

DAN MCWILLIAMS

By Dan McWilliams

Parenting tips Rosie Noriega, standing right, and Zulay Navarro-Pickering lead

the final class in the Abriendo Puertas program May 5 at All Saints Church.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 21

Parenting continued from page 21

It was an enthusiastic group that took part in the program.

“Parenting is rewarding, but it has its challenges, especially in our society that is losing family values,” Ms. Navarro-Pickering said.

The 10 weekly themes included topics such as “I am my child’s first teacher,” “my child grows,” “my child talks,” “our health is first,” and “let’s go to school.”

“Each week we had a different theme,” Ms. Navarro-Pickering said.

Computers continued from page 21

using the Chromebooks.

The first grant, of $29,200, helped support a wireless infrastructure as well as provide the Chromebooks. The second grant, of $11,765, allowed the school to replace an outdated PA system that posed a dangerous security risk when office staffers were unable to hear teachers trying to communicate with them. The new system also includes a lockdown alarm and digital security cameras.

Mr. Deinhart called the grants “a really important investment by the foundation, to invest in our Catholic schools.”

“The foundation supports health, education, and charity efforts,” he said. “This clearly falls in one of our strategic initiatives, to help support, through this gift of technology and through the security investment, the gift of education to these kids, and you saw the reception that they gave, knowing that we’re helping to support this great school and this great asset we have in Oak Ridge.”

Since its creation in 2011, the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation has provided more than $3 million to benefit charitable, education, and health programs in the region. The St. Mary grant was just what the bishop had in mind when he established the Legacy Foundation.

“Exactly, because the foundation is to support spiritual formation, education,

22 June 5, 2016

“We talked, for instance, about communication, how this can affect our relationships at all levels: parentschildren, husband and wife, parentsteachers, co-workers.”

Mrs. Noriega said the Abriendo Puer-

tas program “means the world.”

“It means an opportunity to help our Hispanic parents, who may need a little help to prepare their children to start kindergarten, preschool, or even first grade,” she said. “This program

is beautifully designed so that parents can prepare and learn more information and resources about child development and what all the factors are that they need in order to prepare their children for their first day of school.

“Everything from holding a pen, recognizing letters, starting their reading efforts, even if they are 3 years old, and also to socialize and know how to share and be really prepared emotionally, physically, linguistically, and academically to start their preschool or even kindergarten.” ■

and charity, and this is an excellent example of just that,” Bishop Stika said.

“Just visiting with the young men and women here in the school, the impact that these computers have on the students and on the faculty just enlarges the capacity of what they can do.”

First-grade teacher Katie Schreiber talked of the impact of the Chromebooks on her students at St. Mary.

“We’ve had the opportunity to personalize or differentiate the education for the instruction of every student,” she said. “There are a variety of programs in math, language arts, reading, phonics—we’re able to assess where each student is and then the program’s tailored to their needs, so we can challenge all students and provide everything from intervention to enrichment.

“The result of having the Chromebooks in the classrooms—our language-arts skills have increased, our math scores have increased dramatically, and we’ve seen a forward acceleration in all curriculum and a greater coverage of material this year. I actually finished my regular first-grade curriculum material early and have been able to challenge and go beyond first grade.”

Sister Marie Blanchette said that “we are seeing the fruit” of every student’s having a Chromebook.

“The students are very much more engaged in classes,” she said. “They’re able to work at their level. They can be

challenged. There can be remediation.

The students are really ramping up their editing skills and producing much better work, because the work is still fresh when they have a change to edit it—they’re not tired of the document.

“One of our groups just did a presentation, and having the technology to do a presentation in class just really helped boost their confidence, and so it’s great to see the children learning and sharing that learning and not being inhibited to be in front of their classmates.”

Sister Marie Blanchette said she is “extremely grateful” to the Legacy Foundation for its grants.

“We could not have done this,” she said. “It would have taken us several more years to save dollars and pennies from box tops and Kroger Rewards to be able to purchase the Chromebooks.

It’s a real blessing to have the Chromebooks for each student.”

An unexpected roof repair forced the school to use money it had set aside for the Chromebooks, Sister Marie Blanchette said.

“Last year because of the winter we had to replace our roof during spring break, so it was $107,000, which was not budgeted for,” she said, “but it was absolutely necessary, and so we had to do that immediately, which put the Chromebooks on hold.”

At the outdoor assembly, Bishop Stika thanked the Dominican Sisters and other teachers at St. Mary.

“As I’ve said so often, a good school

is a great school when you have wonderful teachers who give their life of service to the students, not only sharing math and science and history and geography and all those wonderful subjects, but also sharing faith, because we are a Catholic school,” he said. “Everybody involved here at St. Mary’s makes this a wonderful place where the presence of Jesus really is lived out on a daily basis.”

The occasion at St. Mary put the bishop in one of his favorite settings.

“I love kids,” he said. “I always wanted to teach high school and never was able to do that in my life.”

Students made paper Chromebooks to present to the dignitaries attending the assembly, books filled with thankyou notes from students and a teacher.

“St. Mary’s is so much more than a building,” Sister Marie Blanchette told the assembly. “What I love telling people is, we can quote the great numbers about our Iowa test scores, about the number of science-fair winners at the regional level, about our math competitions, our choir, our athletics—we can quote lots of numbers, but the true picture of who St. Mary’s is are the children and the teachers in front of you.

“There is such a beautiful interaction between the students and the adults in this school, and to me that is the heart of what St. Mary’s is. I wish that I could bottle that and take it to every school that I know.” ■

“This parenting workshop is an evidence-based curriculum. We

use cultural values, strengths and experiences of Latino families. It engages parents at a very personal level and it results in transformative learning. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s life.” — Zulay Navarro-Pickering

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

commits adultery,’” Father Carter said, carefully noting the exception Jesus makes, which is “unless the marriage is unlawful.”

Father Carter advised the priests, deacons and lay members that the tribunal is not a function of the mercy of God. “This seems like a very startling statement to make considering this is the Year of Mercy. However, would declaring a Year of Justice be seen as a denial of God’s mercy? Neither should a Year of Mercy be seen as a denial of God’s justice,” he said.

Father Carter said a passage in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, “sums up what we are about in the tribunal.”

“We are here to be faithful to the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We will make the exceptions for unlawful marriage as natural and divine laws indicate. We are also here to help clarify for the faithful the times when we cannot make exceptions and where there is a clear indication to us of the sacrifice that is better to make than to be cast into fiery Gehenna for all eternity. This is the work of justice,” he added.

Father Carter said that in all the talk about mercy, it often is forgotten that justice also is an attribute of God, and an important one if mercy is to have any meaning – “Compassion for the sinner means lifting the sinner up into the way of truth and justice before God. Mercy leads to justification before God; it is not an end in itself.”

He noted that mercy wants to provide knowledge of that truth quickly, and at a time when the Year of Mercy enters into the canonical process, the new norms promote swift justice, justice that should be rendered in a timely manner.

As many people come to the priests, deacons, and lay case workers damaged by the “prevailing winds and mores of a godless culture,” the salvation of souls has to be a main concern. And it has to be balanced by fidelity to the law of the Church, he said before reminding them that “obedience to the law does not mean interpretation of the law.”

The new Church legislation communicated by Pope Francis that will take effect The East Tennessee Catholic

STEPHANIE RICHER

Nullity continued from page 14

Open discussion Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, pastor of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, makes a point during the case sponsor workshop on April 29 as priests and deacons listen.

later this year does not attempt to change Church doctrine on the indissolubility of marriage, nor does it attempt to alter the way cases are canonically administered.

“Rather its express purpose is to present ‘provisions that intend to pursue speedy processes in order not to favor nullity of marriage, but rather to respect the faithful themselves, who have the right to obtain, in a reasonable time, a response to their petition and to obtain justice,” Father Carter said, quoting papal documents.

“To reiterate, this new legislation does not change the substance of the Church’s doctrine nor is it meant to increase the number of affirmative declarations of nullity. Its express purpose is to render a faster decision, affirmative or negative, ‘lest the clouds of doubt overshadow the hearts of the faithful awaiting a decision regarding their state because of a delayed sentence,’” Father Carter continued. “Delayed justice is denied justice. So the purpose, again, is to speed up the process, not to make it easier to get an affirmative decision. There is no right to a declaration of nullity, but there is a right to an answer, yes or no, in a timely manner.”

He told the caseworkers that their efforts are critical to the work of justice in the Church, that they are the bridge between the Church’s pastoral work and her work of justice.

The priests, deacons, and lay casework-

ers had many questions, especially for Father Brewer about the procedures for administering annulment cases in a timely manner. Father Brewer told them the Diocese of Nashville Tribunal has to make sure each case is filed accurately, with the correct responses from all parties involved, and that efforts are made to adjudicate the cases as quickly and fairly as possible.

But he noted many cases are delayed because parties in the cases do not respond to required filings in a timely manner.

“As we discuss and delve into this gift of new legislation for the Church, we should always keep in mind the art of accompanying our faithful to the truths embodied in this law. Do not be afraid to proclaim the freedom of the cross. It hurts, and even stings at times, but if we bring people with all humility and all truth to Jesus the gentle judge, they will find the healing we all desperately need,” Father Carter told the group.

According to some reports, those who hoped Pope Francis would give divorced and civilly remarried Catholics a blanket welcome back to Communion and those who feared that he would be opening the doors to such a possibility are both disappointed by his decision.

Pope Francis has made it clear that the sacraments of marriage and of the Eucharist are too sacred to be treated lightly.

Without a declaration that a sacramental

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

marriage is null, that marriage by its nature is recognized as indissoluble.

Bishop Stika said the case sponsor workshop was a good way to review the diocese’s procedures and processes in dealing with those who are divorced, especially when they are involved in the annulment process or contemplating annulment.

“With the pope’s recent instructions on how marriage annulments are to be conducted, it’s new, so we brought in Father Carter and people from the tribunal in Nashville to review the new thoughts of the Holy Father and to clear up any misinterpretations. We are looking for clarity in ongoing formation,” Bishop Stika said.

And as the bishop noted, streamlining the process could involve forming an East Tennessee tribunal.

“I’ve had a nice conversation with the priests in our diocese, hearing their questions and offering answers, and I think that’s the general feeling of the priests in the diocese, too. So, we’re looking maybe at establishing a tribunal here in two or three years,” Bishop Stika said.

He said that while forming a diocesan tribunal will have an impact on the diocesan budget in terms of cost, it will be local and more practical, and could improve the procedures surrounding cases.

“An annulment case takes a lot of time, and the pope wants dioceses to consider the time factor. Sometimes too much time makes it even more painful for the people involved. This is one of the ways we can streamline it a bit because it will be local.

But again, I am grateful because since our first day as a diocese Nashville has been working with us. Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States now, so it [establishing a Diocese of Knoxville tribunal] will have an impact on the Diocese of Nashville itself. Our diocese is growing, too” the bishop said.

“Not only am I looking at how we deal with things in our present age, but also how we will deal with things in the future as we continue to grow. I want to make sure in those areas that we have to begin something, like a tribunal, that we do it in a very systematic and pastoral way,” he added. ■ June 5, 2016 23

Diocesan calendar

by Dan McWilliams Bishop Richard F. Stika will again celebrate bilingual Masses throughout the diocese in honor of the sacrament of matrimony. Couples will have the opportunity to reaffirm their vows during Mass and continue to celebrate with family and friends at a luncheon following Mass. Masses for 2016-17 are at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13 (register by Aug. 4), at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 (register by Sept.

15), at a Chattanooga Deanery parish TBD; and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 (register by Jan. 19), at a Smoky Mountain or Cumberland Mountain Deanery parish TBD. Register by the due date and receive free gifts from the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, a commemorative certificate, and one professional photo with Bishop Stika.

To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-8922310 or Karen Byrne at kbyrne@dioknox. org or 865-584-3307.

The Chattanooga Deanery Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring a women’s retreat Aug. 11-13 based on The Second Greatest Story Ever Told, by Father Michael Gaitley. The retreat will be moderated by Monsignor Al Humbrecht of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy and will be held at Bethany Retreat House in Dickson, Tenn., which is managed by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. The cost of $175 includes two nights, five meals, and materials. A one-night lodging option with meals and materials is $115. Limited to 30 retreatants. Contact Emily Knoch at emilyh@livingstoncompany.com or 423485-6156 to put your name on the list.

Payment deadline is Saturday, June 11.

The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville will hold its second annual Summer Shenanigans from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Jackson Terminal, at Gay Street and Jackson Avenue. The event includes a buffet dinner, beverages, music, entertainment, and a silent auction. Proceeds will go toward installation of an elevator at the Ladies of Charity building.

24 June 5, 2016

Youth from throughout the diocese are invited to attend the annual “God Camps” and the diocesan Catholic Youth Camp. The God Camps will be held at Harrison Bay State Park. The “Reach” camp for incoming seventh- and eighth-grade students is set for June 20-23. Its theme is “Be Your Own Hero.”

Cost is $125. The “Discover” camp for incoming fifth- and sixth-graders is scheduled for June 23-25. Its theme is “Youer Than You.” Cost is $100. The Catholic Youth Camp, for all incoming ninth- through 12th-graders, will be held June 13-17 at the Ocoee Retreat Center.

The theme is “It’s Lit - Shine Like the Son.” Cost is $269. For more information, contact Donna Jones at 423-267-9878 or djones6029@gmail.com. Forms are available at churches and on the Youth Ministry page at dioknox.org.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is accepting applications for 2016-17 for grades pre-kindergarten (4) through eighth. For more information, contact Teresa Hennen, director of admissions, at 423-698-3274 or teresahennen@myolph.com.

A Mercy Rally featuring author Dr. Scott Hahn is scheduled for July 22-23 at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Antioch, Tenn. Bishop David R. Choby of Nashville will be the homilist at Mass, and Father Michael Baltrus will also speak.

Costs are $40 for individuals, $70 for families, and free for clergy. Costs will increase by $10 after July 8. For more information, call 615-789-4598 or e-mail tseibert@bellsouth.net. Register online at www.msrcc.org.

The diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is attempting to raise money to send two young adults on a pilgrimage to Kraków, Poland, for World Youth Day 2016. To donate, visit https://www.youcaring.com/diocese-ofknoxville-young-adults-539915.

Father Michael Cummins and New Orleans natives Janel and Deacon Bob Lange invite you on a “Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to the Cathedral and Shrines of New Orleans” Sept. 21-25.

Departure is Wednesday, Sept. 21, with a stop in Birmingham, where pilgrims will have the opportunity to tour EWTN Studios and be a part of the audience for EWTN Live, with Father Mitch Pacwa. The group will continue on to New Orleans, visiting the shrines of Blessed Seelos, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, and more. Accommodations will be at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center. Cost is $750 per person, which includes transportation by motor coach, lodging, and most meals, including lunch at the “Commander’s Palace” and the Jazz Brunch at the historic “Court of Two Sisters” in the French Quarter.

To learn more or to register, contact Lisa Morris 865-567-1245 or lccte@ bellsouth.net.

St. Jude School in Chattanooga is accepting applications for students planning to enroll in grades pre-kindergarten (3) through eighth for 2016-17. Personal tours of the school are available. To apply to any class, call admissions director Nancy Byrne at 423-877-6022 or visit mysjs.com.

Join Father Michael Nolan on a Holy Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to Ireland, “In the Footsteps of St. Patrick.” The 12-day pilgrimage Aug. 2-13 will visit the holy and historic sites of Ireland, including Dublin, Kilkenny Castle, Limerick, Galway Cathedral, Rock of Cashel, Kylemore Abbey, Crough Patrick - the holy

The Ulster Project of East Tennessee is looking for families who would like to host a teen from Northern Ireland this July. Activities are paid for by the Ulster Project. Contact John Hough at jhough20@comcast.net or 865-405-5929.

All young Hispanic males (ages 13 to 17) are invited to a retreat, “Hombres de Valor,” from 8 a.m. Saturday, June 25, to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton.

Cost is $30; includes food and materials. For more information, call Brittany Koepke of the Pastoral Juvenil office at 865-776-9635.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

mountain where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days, Knock Shrine, Antrim, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher. Price including air and land is $3,895 based on double occupancy; single available upon request.

For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lccte@bellsouth.net, group pilgrimage coordinator for Select International.

A Low Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally offered every Monday at 7 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

The next two Missa Cantata celebrations are at 5 p.m. on June 26, celebrating the external solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, and July 24, celebrating the 15th Sunday after Pentecost. There will be a potluck in Varallo Parish Hall after both Masses. All are invited.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All services are in English.

Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details.

Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations. For more information, visit www.knoxbyz.org, or call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880. ■ dioknox.org

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga The Knights of Columbus held a Fourth Degree exemplification May 14.

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA BISHOP

Home Campaign projects that have been completed include the installation of security cameras on church and school buildings, and lighting and electrical upgrades. A new fire-alarm system connecting all campus buildings will be installed this summer, and plans are being developed for renovations and improvements to the parish life center.

St. Bridget Knights donate $24,900 to Women’s Care Center in Dayton The Women’s Care Center in Dayton received a $24,900 donation from the Knights of Columbus at St. Bridget Church in Dayton on April 25 to fund the purchase of an ultrasound machine. Women’s Care Executive Director Lenita Sanders said this is a huge gift. The Women’s Care Center offers a variety of pregnancy-related services to women throughout the Rhea and Sequatchie county area. Local Grand Knight Dan Smith said the group has held a variety of fundraisers for the ultrasound machine, such as spaghetti dinners and silent auctions. He added that while the local group was able to raise around $12,450, the national leadership of the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus matched that amount to secure enough money for the machine. “When you put something like this, a very worthy cause, in front of the Catholic people, they give,” Mr. Smith said, adding that the local Knights of Columbus received donations in various amounts, including an anonymous donation of $5,000.

St. Jude, Chattanooga St. Jude Spanish teachers are offering a Spanish Summer Camp for rising kindergartners through fifth-graders from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13-17. Cost is $125/week with a $25 discount per additional sibling. Contact claudiapickett78@yahoo.com or cindyrubim@hotmail.com.

All youth in grades preschool through fifth (rising) are invited to celebrate the Year of Mercy at St. Jude’s vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 20-24. Cost is $15, with a family maximum of $40. Volunteers are needed; call Kyra Ross at 423870-2386 or Sandy Pricer at 619-1163.

The Council of Catholic Women has decided to make second Tuesdays its regular evening meeting days. Upcoming meetings are at 7 p.m. June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, and Sept. 13 in the parish life center. For more information, call Emily at 423-785-6156.

A youth doughnut sale May 14-15 helped raise funds for the young people to attend retreats, conference, and formation camps and for service projects.

The Pregnancy Help Center thanked parishioners for their Lenten project that raised $3,441.07 for the center.

The Knights of Columbus held a breakfast April 24 to benefit the Wheelchair Mission.

St. Mary, Athens The parish picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 18.

COURTESY OF MARIA RIST

The Knights of Columbus hosted a pizza and soft drinks social April 24 to inform potential Knights and their families about the history, purpose, and activities of the Knights.

Confirmation at the basilica The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul celebrated its annual confirmation Mass on April 2 with Cardinal Justin Rigali presiding. Concelebrants were basilica rector Father David Carter, Father Colin Blatchford, and Father Scott Russell. This year’s confirmandi are Joshua Merritt Belisle, Steve Wiley Grantham III, Brenda Patrick Green, Sophia Hartman, Luisa Cristina Morente Hernandez, Kathleen Ellen Hillman, Joshua Grove Kyle, Mary Margaret Grove Kyle, Joshua Walter Martin, John Brigham McElwee, Dawn Jacqueline McLaughlin, Caroline Kathleen Mueller, Reeve Taylor Mullinax, Matthew Nelligan, Christopher Nelligan, Delmar Ramirez Perez, Cecilia Marie Porter, Ariana Elisse Post, Karina Rivera, Mario Perez Rosario, Joseph Michael Anthony Russo, Brenna Abigail Scott, Ryan George Signiski, and William Turner.

The East Tennessee Catholic

First communicants: Miguel Campos, Laci Cecere, Juliana Gallego, Gracie McLean, Yulianna Sanchez

St. Stephen, Chattanooga On April 12, the women of St. Stephen held a “Recognition Tea” to honor a person for outstanding work for the Church and the parish. This year’s recipient was Nancy Kane. The women were served by men from the Knights of Columbus dressed as waiters.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The parish had a traditional procession and St. Joseph Table blessing on the feast of St. Joseph, led by Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano. The procession followed a bilingual Mass sung by Father Scott Russell and combined Spanish and English choirs on March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph. The parish’s St. Ambrose Catholic homeschool co-op worked with one of Sts. Peter and Paul’s chef-parishioners for three weeks baking breads and pastries for the occasion. ■

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 25

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery

St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut is hosting a variety of summer

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

camps. To register, visit www.sjncsknox.org. ■

The 2016-17 RCIA will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the parish center.

Cardinal Justin Rigali presided over the 2016 confirmation Mass on April 17. Confirmandi this year are Morgan DuBois, Ryan DuBois, Elijah Duncan, Anthony Ibarra, Shelby LeBlanc, Olliana Long, Ashleigh Robertson, Jenna Stewart, Avery Sinnott, Kimberly Smith, Savannah Swanger, and Landon Atchley.

First communicants: Nicholas Gouge, J.J. Webster

Anniversaries: Bob and Genie Gruber (64), Vern and Jean Bollish (64), Don and Bernie Gundy (63), John and Jean Sohnly (62), Richard and Caroline Cieszenski (61), Dan and Mina Napierala (61), John and Gerry Eisenlord (61), Don and Shirley Savercool (60), Bob and Joanne Ames (60), Ed and Carolyn Mayo (59), John and Ellie Gratton (58), Irvin and Carol Stenger (58), Tom and Peg Loughran (58), Robin and Carol Campbell (58), John and Yvonne Marciniak (57), Frank and Ann Zingheim (57), Walt and Dianne Burling (57), Medard and Laura Kaluszka (56), Norm and Judith Charest (56), John and Anna Moyer (56), C. Thomas and Mary Anna Teall (56), Tom and Dorothy Powers (56), Ron and Virginia Reynolds (56), Don and Mary Lou Wiskow (56), Mitchell and Joan Kaminski (55), John and Barbara Coye (55), Patrick and Anne Chowning (55), Fred and Kitty Sasse (55), Anthony and Bernice Mattioli (55), Ed and Marjorie Lewis (55), Ramon and Barbara Clark (54), Joe and Marti Maxwell (54), James and Mary Ann Lintz (54), Joseph and Nancy Grunduski (53), Shelton and Patty Johnson (53), John and Norma Hall (53), Tom and Anne Marano (53), Jim and Anita Renick (52), R. Terry and Nancy Allen (52), Joe and Susanna Bour (52), B. Dean and Betty Clement (52), John and Betty Morici (52), Norm and Carol Adams (51), James and Ann Brendel (51), Bob and Kathleen McCone (51), Ed and Connie Bock (51), Frank and Karen Goluszka (51), Max and Pat Streibel (51), Jerome and Judy Peabody (51), Bruce and Mary Ann Trent (50).

COURTESY OF JILL PURCELL

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

St. Alphonsus parishioners create ‘Bags of Hope’ Parishioners of St. Alphonsus in Crossville recently gathered to create “Bags of Hope” for drug-endangered, abused, and at-risk children of Cumberland County. Parishioners sewed the bags and then filled them with toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and lotion along with toys, stuffed animals, and other items. The House of Hope, which cares for these children, will distribute the bags.

St. John Neumann, Farragut The “Cool Kingdom” vacation Bible school is set for 9 a.m. to noon June 6-10 for rising pre-K to sixth-graders. Adult and teen volunteers are needed; contact Lydia Donahue at lydonahue@hotmail.com.

More than $2,300 was collected in a recent baby-bottle drive to benefit the Pregnancy Help Center.

St. Therese, Clinton The parish congratulated Oliva Kuhens, who is now heading the Decorations/Environmental Committee, and Sue Thais, who has been appointed the new youth ministry director at St. Therese. The parish also gave a special appreciation to Toni Ferguson, who had led the decoration committee for many years. New directors of religious education Amanda Dials and Julie Keller have volunteered to fill the shoes left by Kathy Burns and Joelle Duncan.

The Council of Catholic Women’s end-of-year dinner was held May 24 at Harrison’s restaurant. ■

26 June 5, 2016

COURTESY OF ROSEANN STRAZINSKY

Parish pastoral council elections took place May 21-22.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Father and son receive ‘Quilts of Valor’ Stephen Strazinsky and son Jim received a Quilt of Valor at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade on April 10.

Stephen Strazinsky was in World War II in the Army Air Force, and Jim was in the Army from 1968-73 and was in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor and left the service as a captain. The members of the Fantastic Quilters of Fairfield Glade made the Quilts of Valor. Barbara Des Biens, a quilter, presented them.

dioknox.org

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish congratulated its high school graduates, Jenna Mynatt and Kyle Mundelein.

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

First communicants: Grant Arnold, Jackson Holt, Brayan Robles, Dominik Solarz, Dane Zabel

Notre Dame Parish celebrates first Communion First Holy Communion was celebrated at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville on April 24 at the 11 a.m. Mass. Father Dan Whitman was the celebrant, assisted by Deacon Tim Marcy. Six students received the sacrament and helped with the Mass ministries. The first reading was proclaimed by Addison Lenker and the second reading by David Knight. Ethan Dilks, Carson Jones, Ryan Maggert, and David Knight served as ushers and took up the offertory collection. Shilo Wang and Addison Lenker brought up the gifts. The students also sang a post-Communion hymn, “At this Table.” The students processed out with a first Holy Communion candle while singing “This Little Light of Mine.” A dinner was served by the Council of Catholic Women for the students and their families. The catechists of the class were Charlotte Smith and Susan Collins, director of religious education and youth ministry. Pictured are (from left, first row) Ryan Maggert, Ethan Dilks, Shilo Wang, and Addison Lenker; (second row) David Knight and Carson Jones; and (third row) Father Whitman, Susan Collins, and Deacon Marcy.

Newcomers: Alejandro Avila and Adriana Mendez and their children, Lydia and Roberto; Arthur and Marilyn DeLia; James and Brenda Wentling and their daughter, Jacqueline; Dennis and Bonita Wolke; Antonino Arreola Tellez and Erendira Diaz Vargos and their children, Aleyda and Alina; Jacinto Tellez and Guadalupe Cervantes and their children, Kimberly, Andy, and Guillermo.

Anniversaries: Clyde and Joyce Ward (63), Walter and Ruth Hedrick (62), Ken and Karen Booker (60), Jim and Lillian Katzbeck (58), Lawrence and Veronica Merryman (57), George and Jane Lane (53), Gordon and Kathy Marshall (51), James and Mary Eslinger (45), Jim and Sue Pickering (45), Peter and Frances Gambino (40), Frank and Carol Clamon (35), Jason and Maria Acuff (15)

Notre Dame, Greeneville The parish congratulated its high school seniors. Dakota Fillers, Dante Michaud, Matthew HagenBurger, and Samantha Vigil were recognized by the Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus.

Summer service project ideas are now being accepted by the Office of Religious Education and Youth Ministry. Call Susan at 423-470-2560 with suggestions.

Summer service opportunities will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, June 14 through July 26, with lunch provided.

St. Dominic, Kingsport The Totus Tuus summer youth catechetical program will be held at St. Dominic School from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, for rising first- through sixth-graders and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 10, through Thursday, July 14, for rising seventh- through 12th-graders. Cost is $15 per child. For more information, contact Karen Lewicki at 423-288-8101 or KML8183@gmail.com.

The parish rummage sale will be held from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23.

The St. Dominic School graduation Mass was held May 19 at the church.

KATHLEEN GRUBB

St. Patrick, Morristown

Six receive first Communion at St. Elizabeth Six students received their first Holy Communion on Mother’s Day, May 8, at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton. They are, from left, Patrick Brewer, Colyn Carter, Alexa Culler, Camdin Arrigo, Ben Nagy, and Timothy Grubb.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Totus Tuus summer youth catechetical program will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, through Friday, June 24, for rising first- through sixth-graders and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 19, through Thursday, June 23, for rising seventh- through 12th-graders. There is no cost. For more information, contact Deacon Jim Fage at 423-586-4091 (call only) or DJimFStPat@gmail.com or Colleen Jacobs at 423-748-2423 (call or text) or ColleenMJacobs@gmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus honored deceased veterans interred in the St. Patrick columbarium with a Memorial Day ceremony on May 30.

Anniversaries: Luis and Carmen Crespo (57), Steve and Ruth Taylor (45). ■

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 27

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville

‘Tutter’ McCabe honored at Sacred Heart Elizabeth “Tutter” McCabe is this year’s Sacred Heart Cathedral Council of Catholic Women Our Lady of Fatima Award-winner in honor of her many years of service and devotion to Sacred Heart.

Mrs. McCabe is pictured with cathedral rector Father David Boettner. Nominees for the award must have provided dedicated service to SHC for 10 or more years; actively support SHC ministries, programs, and activities; and demonstrate a commitment to serving God through their daily living of the Gospel message.

St. Joseph School eighth-graders hosted a breakfast fundraiser April 9 at Aubrey’s in Powell that collected more than $5,300 to benefit the class trip to Camp Greenville and graduation costs. More than 450 attended.

St. Joseph School thanked all of those who supported the annual Sister Jolita Supper and Sing-Along, which exceeded its fundraising goal of $15,000.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The Totus Tuus summer youth catechetical program will be held at IC from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17, for rising firstthrough sixth-graders and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 12, through Thursday, June 16, for middle and high school youth. Costs are $25 per child for the younger group and $15 for the older group. For more information, call Brigid Johnson at 865-522-1508.

IC hosted an evening of pub trivia for young adults April 15 in the parish hall.

Vacation Bible school, with the theme “Set Sail With the Holy Trinity,” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 13, through Thursday, June 16.

Volunteers are needed. For more information, call the parish faith-formation office at 865-982-3672, extension 12.

The graduation Mass was held May 15. Knights of Columbus and Council of Catholic Women scholarships were awarded during the Mass.

The Knights held a pancake breakfast May 29 to raise funds for a parishioner’s Eagle Scout project to make a walking Stations of the Cross at OLOF.

COURTESY OF ANN BODIE

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

Sacred Heart, Knoxville The parish hosted a “Heart & Sole” fun run 5K and 1-mile fun-run/walk on May 15.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville The parish will have receptions June 25-26 to celebrate associate pastor Father Rich Andre, CSP, who is moving to a new assignment.

St. John XXIII’s “VOLunteer Appreciation Dinner” on May 6 recognized readers, eucharistic ministers, Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, and all other volunteers at the parish.

Father P.J. McGinnity’s retirement and anniversary party is set for Saturday, June 18. Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m., with a catered meal to follow. RSVP to the office at 423-442-7273 or sjtwrcc@bellsouth.net.

Knights of Columbus Council 15585 at St. Joseph the Worker hosted a 100shot sporting clay competition May 21 at the Chilhowee Sportsman’s Club in Maryville. ■

28 June 5, 2016

TOM BOLEN

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

Holy Ghost holds annual picnic Parishioners of all ages attended the annual Holy Ghost Parish picnic May 14 at the church. The picnic is always held on the weekend of Pentecost, the parish’s patronal feast day.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Catholic schools

St. Mary-Oak Ridge announces science-fair winners The school again has a strong showing in the regional fair at the University of Tennessee

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH TRENT

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tudents at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge continued their tradition of success at the Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair (SASEF).

The annual St. Mary School middle school science fair was held Feb. 18. Projects were divided into two categories, biological and physical sciences. Awards were determined by an expert panel of judges representing local civic organizations, industry, and educational entities.

Fourteen St. Mary students received awards, making them eligible to compete at the regional SASEF at the University of Tennessee on April 5-7.

The SASEF is sponsored by UT and numerous local companies and agencies and draws students from 23 counties in East Tennessee. The goal of the fair is to promote teaching the scientific method in science, engineering, and math. Over the past 18 years, 13 St. Mary students have been named grand champion or reserve champion at SASEF. Thirteen of the St. Mary science fair winners participated in this

SASEF standouts Pictured at the Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair are (kneeling, from left) Ryan Audet, Dr. Al Hazari, retired UT chemistry professor, and Catelyn Krings; and (standing) Anna Kasemir; Joseph Duhamel; Sarah Tackett; Jacqueline Audet; Ashlyn Riikola; Sydney Mesmer; Paige Halcrow; Denise Miller, middle school grades science and math teacher; Mateo Gorrondona; Ryan Rearden; Sister Marie Therese, OP, fifth-grade teacher; Amelia Van Berkel; and Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, St. Mary principal.

year’s SASEF and earned the following honors: Overall Awards ■ Third place: Amelia Van Berkel, for her project, “Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Single Drop to

St. Mary science-fair students in biological science are (from left) Paige Halcrow, Ashlyn Riikola, Catelyn Krings, Elizabeth Waltman, Joseph Duhamel, Emmett Brown, and Jacqueline Audet.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Drink”; ■ Third place: Catelyn Krings, “All the Buzz”; ■ Fourth place: Anna Kasemir, “World Wide Whisper”; ■ Fifth place: Ryan Rearden, “Do

You Hear What I Hear?”

Certificates of Excellence: Jacqueline Audet , “Is That Cat Fat?”; Amelia Van Berkel, “Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Single Drop to Drink”; Anna Kasemir, “World Wide Whisper”; Catelyn Krings, “All the Buzz”; Sydney Mesmer, “Earth Lovin’ Oven”; Ryan Rearden, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”; Ashlyn Riikola, “A Stomach’s Worst Enemy”; and Sarah Tackett, “Pearly Whites.”

Special Awards: Amelia Van Berkel, “Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Single Drop to Drink,” Women in GeoSciences, NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet, NOAA Local Chapter award; Anna Kasemir, “World Wide Whisper,” Naval Science Award, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Award; and Jacqueline Audet, “Is That Cat Fat?” SASEF Committee Award Honorable Mentions: Ryan Audet, “Speed Versus Mass”; Joseph Duhamel, “And the Eye Color Is?”; Mateo Gorrondona, “Can You Keep It a Little Warmer in Here”; and Paige Halcrow, “Bacteria Counts” ■

St. Mary science-fair students in physical science are (from left) Anna Kasemir, Amelia Van Berkel, Sydney Mesmer, Sarah Tackett, Ryan Rearden, Mateo Gorrondona, and Ryan Audet.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 29

Catholic youth

KCHS sophomore scores perfect 36 on the ACT

N

Nathan Geist

mers (class of 2015). Nathan has a multitude of academic and personal goals for his future, and we can’t wait to see where life takes him,” said Knoxville Catholic counselor Kat Coy. ■

First Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament held Knoxville Catholic High School senior lacrosse player Jake Langan takes part in pregame warmups before the Fighting Irish’s game May 30 against Farragut in the first Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament, held at Blaine Stadium at KCHS. The game, part of an all-day quadruple-header of lacrosse, was called in the third quarter because of lightning with Farragut winning 10-4. The Knights Cup raised funds for child and family services provided through Catholic Charities as well as other Knights of Columbussponsored charities.

30 June 5, 2016

COURTESY OF ROGER QUALEY

Anthony Smith earns Eagle Scout award Anthony Smith of Troop 115, sponsored by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga, had his Eagle Scout court of honor on March 15 to recognize his achievement of Scouting’s highest honor. Pictured with Anthony are his mother, Natasha, and brother, William Washington. Anthony is a Notre Dame High School graduate and is currently a freshman at the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the UT marching band. His Eagle Scout project was to build picnic tables for the Chattanooga Audubon Society.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

athan Geist, a sophomore at Knoxville Catholic High School, recently earned the highest possible score of 36 on the ACT. Nationally, while the actual number of students earning the top score varies from year to year, on average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn the top score. Among test-takers in the high school graduating class of 2015, only 1,598 of more than 1.92 million students earned a perfect score.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student’s composite score is the average of the four test scores.

“We are incredibly proud of Nathan’s accomplishment, especially one that so few achieve. In the past 10 years, we have only had one other perfect score, which was achieved last by KCHS graduate Josh Som-

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

Notre Dame band members receive All-State honors Two Notre Dame High School students who competed in the All-State Band competition earned a position. Tom Tortora (trombone) performed in Nashville on April 16 with the All-State Band. Reid Mitchell (auxiliary percussion) performed in Nashville on April 15 with the All-State Jazz Band.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

STEPHANIE RICHER

Catholic schools

Notre Dame seniors sign full-ride scholarships Notre Dame High School held an academic signing recently for two seniors who received full-ride scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Angelica Schumacher (shown at left) will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Krystyna Alimurka will attend the University of Texas at Dallas.

COURTESY OF FATHER JULIAN CARDONA

St. Joseph School holds annual spring concert Father Chris Michelson speaks at the annual spring concert April 20 at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. The performance, led by music teacher William Lovelace, involved students in kindergarten through eighth grade who sang and played instruments.

St. Thomas young adults help homeless The young-adult group of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City on April 9 prepared and distributed sandwiches along with blankets and socks for the homeless who live in downtown Knoxville. This activity was intended to put into practice one of the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry. Associate pastor Father Julian Cardona is pictured with the young adults.

The East Tennessee Catholic

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

Knoxville Catholic full-ride students recognized Knoxville Catholic High School hosted an academic signing day May 9 to honor those students who have been offered a full academic tuition ride at the college that they plan to attend in the fall. From left are Jones Albritton, University of Mississippi; Chrissy Campbell, Tennessee Technological University; Johnathan Chavez, Georgetown University, Air Force ROTC; Jack Deinhart, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Owen Flomberg, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Ian Greeley, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Tim McCready, University of Alabama; John Pierce, University of Mississippi; Michael Shipley, University of Alabama; and Patrick Shurina, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 31

COURTESY OF JANET HARRIGAN

Catholic schools

St. John Neumann honored The St. John Neumann School band performed at the Tennessee Music Education Association State Concert Festival in Clarksville after receiving a superior rating in the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Middle Area Concert Festival on March 9 at Farragut High School.

SJN band performs at State Concert Festival

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n April 28 the concert band from St. John Neumann School in Farragut performed at the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) State Concert Festival at the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville.

A total of 30 middle and high school programs from across the state performed at the event, which took place over a two-day period.

The SJNCS band became eligible to participate in the TMEA Concert Festival when it received a superior rating at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA) Middle Area Concert Festival on March 9 at Farragut High School. The superior rating is the highest rating and honor a band can receive. The St. John Neumann band also received a superior rating for its required sight-reading (performing a piece of music not seen before) in front of another judge.

Forty-seven middle and high school programs performed at the ETSBOA event.

Led by music director Jonathan Leichman, the St. John Neumann band performed three songs at the state festival: “His Honor” by Henry Fillmore (arranged by Andrew Balent), “Thoughts and Dreams”

32 June 5, 2016

by Dwight Beckham Sr., and “Pinnacle” by Rob Grice.

Mr. Leichman has been the music director for St. John Neumann School and Church since 2010. He currently teaches grades K-8 general music as well as grades 5-8 band and choir at the school. Additionally, he is the choir director and music coordinator for music ministry at the church. He also works collaboratively with Jay Romines and the band program at Knoxville Catholic High School.

Mr. Leichman established the St. John Neumann concert band during the 2011-12 academic year. Under his direction the band program has grown from 18 to 41 students in this five-year period. Under his leadership the concert band performed at the ETSBOA Middle Area Concert Festival for the past two years, marking the first time in history that a middle school band has ever represented the Diocese of Knoxville’s Catholic school system at such a prestigious event.

The St. John Neumann concert band performed for “comment only” last year but this year received a superior rating from all four judges. Mr. Leichman expressed his gratitude to Mr. Romines and the St. John Neumann administration for their support of the school band program. ■

COURTESY OF SARAH TRENT

Choral standouts St. Mary School seventh- and eighth-grade choral students stand with Carol Villaverde, St. Mary music teacher. From left are McKenna Garibay, Sydney Mesmer, Marigrace Tidwell, Paige Halcrow, Molly Deinhart, Ethan Sherlock, Joshua Harris, and Ian Kilevori. Not pictured is Anna Kasemir.

St. Mary School music program has strong year

T

he music program at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge had a banner year in 2015-16 as students were recognized for their talents by selection in multiple honor choirs.

St. Mary students Elizabeth Brands, Sophie Sherlock, and Gabriella Wilkerson were selected to participate in the 2016 Tennessee Treble Honor Choir. The singers sang under the direction of Dr. Derrick Fox, assistant professor of choral music education and choral conducting in the Ithaca College School of Music.

St. Mary students also participated in the American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Honor Choir in Chattanooga March 9-11.

Eighth-grader Marigrace Tidwell was one of eight students chosen to sing in the Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir from Tennessee and the only singer from East Tennessee. Seventh-grader Anna Kasemir was one of 18 students chosen to sing in the Treble Honor Choir from Tennessee and one of two from East Tennessee.

St. Mary School participated in the East Tennessee Vocal Association Honor Choir event held in Chattanooga. The All-East Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir was made up of more than 275 advanced seventh- and eighth-grade vocal students from 29 East Tennessee schools. ■

KCHS junior wins National Travel Award

A

ndrew Maze, a junior at Knoxville Catholic High School, has won the 2016 Junior Travel Award for his achievement on the National Spanish Examination and for his excellent skills in the Spanish language.

In July, Andrew will be traveling to Spain with the other 23 winners.

“This national award, valued at $3,500 and sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, is awarded annually to 24 students from across

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

the United States who become eligible by earning high scores on the National Spanish Examinations,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, national director of the exams. “The students then submit samples of their written and oral work in Spanish to a selection committee.”

Knoxville Catholic High School, which has a long history of excellence in academics, has participated in the National Spanish Examination for the last five years. Andrew’s Spanish teacher is Luzzette Slough. ■ dioknox.org

Catholic schools

KCHS president named ‘Advocate of the Year’

BECKY DODSON

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COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

KCHS athletic quartet signs with colleges Knoxville Catholic High School hosted a “2016 National Signing Day” event in the KCHS gym April 13. Signing with colleges were (from left) Camille Mancini, in track and field with Benedictine College; Elijah Cox, golf, Lincoln Memorial University; Asad Jooma, gymnastics, University of Illinois-Chicago; and Hailey Mesmer, gymnastics, North Carolina State University.

Five athletes from Notre Dame sign Notre Dame High School held a signing day May 10, and five student athletes committed to colleges and universities. From left are Tyler Byrd, who signed in basketball with Gulf Coast State College; Michael Quatrano, soccer, Maryville College; Luke Mullin, wrestling, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Alex Darras, football, Furman University; and Davian Wheeler, basketball, Bryan College.

The East Tennessee Catholic

n April 6 Knoxville Catholic High School announced that president Dickie Sompayrac has been named “Advocate of the Year” by the Smoky Mountain Counseling Association. The purpose of this award is to recognize a person whose advocacy of guidance and counseling services, in a school setting, has an impact for counselors on a local, state, or national level.

Mr. Sompayrac was nominated for this award by the KCHS Guidance Department for his role in keeping the Student Assistance Program (SAP) after funding was pulled for the program starting with the 2015-16 school year. The SAP program provides free, confidential, and weekly counseling services to all students. SAP addresses a student’s mental health needs, during the school day.

During the 2014-15 school year, 47 KCHS students were seen, and more than 350 sessions were held. These free mental-health counseling sessions are necessary for many students. From August 2015 to December 2015, 47 students were seen, and 248 sessions were held, exceeding the number of students seen during that same period last year. Without Mr. Sompayrac finding a way to fund this program, those students would have not had access to mental health services at school.

Dickie Sompayrac

“It’s rare in these days of budget cuts and bottom lines to have an educator who recognizes the importance of mental health counseling.

Mr. Sompayrac knows that a student’s success in life is about more than what scores they receive on a test and what college they attend.

“Therefore, in a world where it is easy to take things for granted, we are very thankful for the opportunity to pause and take some time to thank someone who is doing the right thing, not for the glory or recognition, but for the outcome he probably won’t even get credit for in the long run,” said KCHS counselor Kat Coy. ■

KCHS teacher awarded AP Redesign Scholarship

K

noxville Catholic High School teacher Joan Williams has been awarded a 2016 AP Redesign Scholarship by the AP Program.

AP offers a limited number of tuition scholarships for teachers whose Joan Williams AP course is in a redesign year. Ms.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Williams teaches AP world history, which is in a redesign year for 2016.

She plans to use the AP Scholarship to attend the Smoky Mountain Institute Seminar in Maryville this summer.

In addition, Ms. Williams has also been accepted to an all-expenses paid Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar in Boulder, Colo., this summer.

Ms. Williams is in her eighth year at KCHS, where she teaches English and AP world history. ■ June 5, 2016 33

Catholic schools

COURTESY OF DEACON SEAN SMITH

COURTESY OF STEVE POMERANTZ

Pre-race prayer Sacred Heart Cathedral School third-grade track-and-field athletes Keegan Smith, Davis Perry, Jackson Sharpe, and William Anderson pray before a 400 relay race.

The youth are part of the Knoxville Catholic elementary track-and-field team. They are shown above at the 2016 Knoxville Area Private Schools Elementary Track and Field Meet at Christian Academy of Knoxville on April 19.

KCHS senior receives UT-Battelle Scholarship

34 June 5, 2016

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

K

noxville Catholic High School senior Ian Greeley has been named recipient of the 2016 UT-Battelle Scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee.

The scholarship, awarded to a graduating senior planning to study science, mathematics, or engineering at UT, is renewable for up to four years and is worth a total of $20,000.

The competitive scholarship is presented annually to a graduating student with a parent employed at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ian is a Knoxville Catholic High School honors student with a cumulative 4.52 grade-point average. Ian’s parents are Leigh and Mark Greeley of Knoxville. His mother, Leigh, is an industrial hygienist in the Safety Ser-

Scholarship for Ian ORNL Director Thom Mason congratulates UT-Battelle Scholarship recipient Ian Greeley.

vices Division, and his father, Mark, is a researcher in ORNL’s Environmental Sciences Division.

Ian is a four-year participant in the FIRST Robotics program and served as a team captain. He worked closely Ian continued on page 35

First-place team Kaylie Pomerantz (left) stands with teacher Michele Tarricone and Laila Stempkowski

History honors for St. John Neumann students

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wo students at St. John Neumann School in Farragut who created a documentary on desegregation of Tennessee schools won first-place honors in a state competition and advanced to a national competition in Maryland.

Kaylie Pomerantz and Laila Stempkowski created a documentary titled “Exploration of Tennessee’s Journey to Desegregate Schools and Struggles Encountered Along the Way.” Kaylie, who attends All Saints Church, and Laila, who attends St. John Neumann Church, placed first in the state in the junior group documentary category.

They interviewed a teacher who was involved in school integration and Bobby Cain, who was one of the “Clinton Twelve,” the first black students to attend Clinton High School following the historic U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v.

Board of Education and a subsequent court order by federal Judge Robert Taylor to desegregate Clinton High School. The courts’ decisions resulted in protests and some violence, and prompted the deployment of Tennessee National Guard troops in Clinton to protect the “Clinton Twelve” and maintain peace.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Additionally, Laila and Kaylie received the special award “Best Project in African-American History” sponsored by the Planning Committee of the Nashville Conference on African-American History and Culture. The girls advanced to a national competition in College Park, Md. To qualify for the state contest, students had to win at the district contest in March. Kaylie and Laila won a special award at the district contest, too. They received the East Tennessee History Award presented

by Randy and Jenny Boyd. Altogether, the girls have earned $650 in cash prizes.

St. John Neumann School had two groups of students compete at the state contest of National History Day in Nashville on April 9. This year’s theme was “Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange in History.”

St. John Neumann students Chase Fuller, Max Vanderhoofven, Nicklaus Iverson, Nicholas Renfree, and Sam Sompayrac represented another group that created a website called “The French Resistance of World War II.” A highlight of their research was interviewing the grandson of a French Resistance fighter. ■ dioknox.org

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

Catholic youth

Notre Dame youth present ‘Matthew 25’ project The confirmation class at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville presented the “Matthew 25” project to the elementary religious-education classes on Palm Sunday, April 20. Students, catechists, and parents toured the Ganz Youth Center that the students set up to teach about the corporal works of mercy and an awareness of Catholic Relief Services and Operation Rice Bowl. When they entered the house, they were greeted by tour guides Gregory Brown and Ryan Kells, who introduced a video on the subject before entering each room dedicated to one of the works of mercy. Pictured are (clockwise from bottom-left corner) Samantha Vigil, Gregory Brown, Seth Helton, Sarah Fillers, Ryan Kells, Makayla Kindle, Christina DiBella, Kenneth Saine, and Phillip Hamilton, and lying on the floor is Daniel Kindle.

Ian continued from page 34

with ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility for FIRST Robotics competitions and gained a firsthand appreciation for electric vehicle battery technologies. At UT he plans to further explore energy storage applications through his studies combining mechanical engineering with materials science and engineering.

“A career in materials sciences that focuses on energy applications would give me the ability to help encourage the production of enough clean energy for everyone while reducing manmade contributions to climate changes, and the program at the University of Tennessee will give me the preparation and skills needed to help lead this endeavor,” The East Tennessee Catholic

Ian wrote in his application essay.

“Innovations in the field of materials science are applied in numerous scientific fields, ranging from chemistry to electrical engineering, and many of these breakthroughs are being made right here in East Tennessee,” he continued. “I want to be a part of the effort that will accomplish these goals.”

In addition to his FIRST robotics activities, Ian is a three-time varsity soccer athlete and an Eagle Scout community leader, serving as volunteer Scout leader for the local troop.

His other accolades include being a 2016 National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction and Knoxville News Sentinel’s 2016 Academic Achievers honoree. ■

COURTESY OF DEACON SEAN SMITH

‘Inspirational’ runners The middle school track team includes (from left) Riley Smith, Mary Elizabeth Cox, Callie Tucker, Rebecca Duhamel, Maggie Padgett, and Henry Waltman.

Catholic Middle track filled with champions

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tudents from Diocese of Knoxville schools joined together this spring to form a Catholic Middle School track team that competed in the Knoxville Independent School League (KISL) Championships on April 28 as well as the Knox County Middle Schools Championships on May 3.

Kathy Wolski, who coaches the middle school team, said St. MaryOak Ridge, St. John Neumann, and Sacred Heart middle schools responded to her call for runners, which allowed the team to have about 45 participants.

“It’s inspirational for me to see these runners, some with not a lot of experience, compete against large schools,” she said.

At the KISL Championships, competing against rivals such as Webb and Christian Academy of Knoxville, the Catholic Middle School track team had 15 competitors finish in the top three.

In girls action, Mattie Tisdale finished third in the 200-meter dash; Ellie Wolski finished first in the 400 dash, 800 run, and long jump; Callie Tucker finished second in the 800 run and first in the 1,600 run; Molly Deinhart finished second in the 100

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

hurdles; Maggie Padgett finished second in the high jump; and members of the 400, 1,600, and 3,200 relay teams placed in the top spots.

In boys competition, Henry Waltman finished first in both the 100 and 200; Riley Smith finished first in the 1,600 and second in the 800; Connor Brunson finished first in the 3,200; and members of the 400 relay team finished in a top spot.

At the Knox County Middle Schools Championships, competing against area mega-schools (including Farragut and Bearden), the Catholic Middle School track team had three competitors finish in the top three.

Ellie Wolski finished first in the 800 and long jump and third in the 400, while Callie Tucker finished first in the 1,600 and second in the 800. Riley Smith finished second in the 1,600.

Ellie, Callie and Riley are ranked amongst the best of the best in the entire state of Tennessee. In the eighth-grade Tennessee state rankings, Ellie is ranked second in the long jump, third in the 800, and fourth in the 400. Callie is ranked third in the 1,600 and fourth in the 800. In the seventh-grade Tennessee state rankings, Riley is ranked third in the 1,600. ■ June 5, 2016 35

Catholic youth

NDHS students earn chemistry, gymnastics honors

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

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finish, making him the USA Archery and National Field Archery Association indoor state champion. ■

Meghan Greene

Will Grafton

NDHS tennis teams reach state semifinals Both the Notre Dame High School boys and girls tennis teams reached the state semifinals. The Fighting Irish squads lost in the Final Four on May 24 at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro. The boys team fell to Christian Academy of Knoxville 4-2, while the girls squad dropped a 4-0 decision to rival Knoxville Catholic. Both NDHS teams finished as district champions. The boys team defeated Murfreesboro Central 4-0 in the region finals and topped Hixson 4-2 in the sectionals to qualify for the state. The Lady Irish blanked both Murfreesboro Central and Collegedale by 4-0 counts in the region finals and sectionals.

36 June 5, 2016

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

KCHS girls tennis team captures state championship The Knoxville Catholic High School girls tennis team captured its first-ever Class A-AA state title May 25 at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro. From left are head coach Rusty Morris, Ansley Turley, Emily Thompson, Sara Allen, Erin Allen, Julia Newman, Sara Myers, Keileen Cullen, and coach Karen Lorino. The Lady Irish blanked Trinity Christian 4-0 in the finals, getting wins from Erin, Sara Myers, Sara Allen, and Keileen. KCHS shut out rival Notre Dame 4-0 in the semifinals May 24. Knoxville Catholic defeated Grace Christian in the region finals 4-0 and Greeneville in the sectionals 4-2 to reach the state tournament.

otre Dame High School students recently earning honors included the following: ■ James West and Luis Sanchez competed in the citywide American Chemical Society Chemistry Olympiad. Eight schools in the city participated, and the Notre Dame students scored in the top 10 for the city. They advanced to compete for a spot on the national team.

■ Meghan Greene qualified for the 2016 USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. She competed in the Region 8 USA Gymnastics Regional Championship held in Orlando.

■ Will Grafton earned a first-place

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

James West and Luis Sanchez

Girl Scout Sunday at All Saints All Saints Parish recently celebrated Girl Scout Sun­day. Father Pontian Kiyimba, Paula Wilson, and George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, presented the I Live My Faith award to (from left) Emily Smith, Chloe Ayo, and Amy Garris. The I Live My Faith award is the first of a series of four that will teach the girls more about their faith. dioknox.org

Knights continued from page 18

existing parish-based youth ministry programs.

The Knights, Anderson said, are devoted to building up the family as the domestic Church and to evangelizing family life, a work that can be done most effectively by working in and with the parish.

The Tennessee Knights of Columbus are following Anderson’s lead in integrating its activities more deeply with the parishes where its councils are located.

“We have to acknowledge the domestic Church is in need of help,” said State Deputy Steve Comm, the highest officer at the state level. “We’re not in-

terested in competing with parishes,” but rather in being aligned with them, he added.

The move away from establishing council halls has been a focus of the order long before the latest efforts were announced, Comm said.

“That’s been an initiative for a long time,” he added.

Andrew T. Walther, vice president for communications and strategic planning for the Supreme Council, has said it is important to remember that the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 in a parish by a parish priest – Father Michael McGivney, recently declared venerable, whose sainthood

cause has taken its first steps. In reemphasizing its focus on the parish, Walther said, the organization is going back to its roots.

“Most of our councils are based in parishes,” Walther said, and Knights traditionally put themselves at the service of the parish.

The group “really wants to focus in a very specific way on what we’re doing in the parish,” which includes prayer and the sacramental life, charitable works, and taking a holistic approach to being united with the parish. Different parishes have different priorities, and the Knights of Columbus can be flexible to help with different needs, he

[May 8] is basically the second weekend we’ve been in the church.”

Father Sheehan Hall is the focus of phase 2 of the plans.

“We’re expanding the building; we’re doubling its size,” Mr. Wicker said. “We’re looking at that as an opportunity. We need to go to our finance council again. It all depends on incoming funds from the Home Campaign and what we’ve raised.

We had a small building fund prior to the Home Campaign, and we’re going to use some of that. We’re probably a year to a year and a half out on actual construction, but we’ll start doing some pre-work prior to that. We already have an architect’s rendering and a budget estimate for the building.”

The parish-hall expansion is needed, Mr. Wicker said.

“We’re really limited on meeting space, gathering large groups from the parish,” he said. “Typically on certain events we have to limit it to different numbers of people. With expansion we could open it up to the whole parish. Our meeting-room space is limited. We have storage issues. We’re storing different things in the janitor’s room that really shouldn’t be in the janitor’s room just The East Tennessee Catholic

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Assisi continued from page 7

Updated environs Father Albert Sescon, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in

Fairfield Glade, speaks to his parishioners during Mass on May 8.

because we’re lacking space for it.

[The expansion will add] classroom space, storage space, and meeting rooms.”

Phase 3 of the parish’s plan is renovation of the current office space, Mr. Wicker noted.

“It, too, is dated, needs some painting upgrading, some flooring upgrading, a new heating and ventilating system, and just a general updating,” he said. “We plan on working that into the project, too.”

The phase 1 renovations in the

sanctuary and nave were paid for by the Home Campaign, money set aside for the building campaign, and money from a donated home that was sold to benefit the building fund.

“Our budget was $225,000, and we came about $3,000 under that,” Mr. Wicker said.

Mr. Wicker enjoyed seeing the bishop’s visit.

“Sometimes it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and it probably won’t happen again, that I get to see a bishop come in and dedicate an

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

noted.

The Knights in Tennessee are working with Scouting leaders to move the charters for Scout troops from the councils to parishes. The charters of seven Scouting troops in the Diocese of Nashville – one at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, one at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Tullahoma, two at St. Edward Church in Nashville, and three at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville – will be moved to the parish, said Harvey Carter, a Knight and a member of the National Catholic Committee on Boy Scouting, which is an organization approved Knights continued on page 47

altar and a tabernacle and an ambo,” he said. “That’s one of the things you don’t get to see very often.”

The new tabernacle at St. Francis fulfills a request Bishop Stika has made of diocesan parishes.

“What I’ve asked all the parishes in the diocese is once again to return the tabernacles to the center of the church, to the place where Jesus is present both actively and passively,” he said.

Bishop Stika added that “I just want to commend you for allowing me to bless this [altar], no longer which is wood but now that it has been consecrated it is now the presence of Jesus Christ in this church.

That tabernacle will house the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This ambo will be a place where the Word of God is proclaimed.”

The bishop said he enjoys his trips to the Fairfield Glade parish.

“I always like coming here because it’s a parish filled with great spirit,” he said. “The people, a lot of them are retired, so they have a little bit of extra time, but in terms of parish activities, ongoing formation, Bible study—they’re very involved. And they also have a great charitable outreach here to other parts of the diocese.” ■ June 5, 2016 37

of a new priest. It is chrism used in baptisms, or as I’ve been confirming young adults these past few weeks. Chrism, unlike the oil of the sick and unlike the oil of catechumens, chrism is not blessed; it’s consecrated,” the bishop said.

“Consecration means to set apart. As I prepare to chrismate the altar with prayers as we honor this piece of wood, no longer is it just a piece of wood.

It is consecrated; it is holy; it is Christ. It is the table of sacrifice, but it is Christ. It is like the cross on which Jesus is crucified. That is why we bow to the altar. That’s why we put cloth on it, and candles, and flowers, and incense it; because it is set apart,” he added.

He told parishioners he often recalls when he was ordained a bishop in 2009 that Cardinal Justin Rigali poured sacred chrism on his head, setting him apart.

“Do you ever feel like you’re set apart? If you are a Christian, if you are a follower of Jesus, you are.

Not because you should be placed on a pedestal, or you should be hanging in a museum. But to be set apart means you have responded yes to Jesus.

He has invited you like he invited the apostles. You see, Jesus never intended the apostles, or any of those first followers, or anyone who has followed through the centuries, to be more special than anybody.

“We gather together in this church of St. Augustine, where we set apart this wood that becomes Jesus; we bless the baptismal font that will welcome new members of our Church, setting them apart to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

In recognizing the new tabernacle at St. Augustine, Bishop Stika referred to the welcome change in Catholic churches to return tabernacles to a place of prominence in the sanctuary after some Church leaders in the 1960s and 1970s advocated for separating the tabernacle from the sanctuary.

“I have strongly hinted that once again the tabernacle should return to a place where it had been for centuries. And I hope that the Jesus contained in that tabernacle is also contained in your hearts; that you might know that by your ‘yes’ to the Lord, you are set apart, not to be given honor to yourself, but rather to be set apart for service to the community. In those moments when the Lord invites you to build his kingdom, that you might be nourished with the Eucharist, that you might be fortified and strengthened in Jesus so in those moments when people say ‘you’re a Christian?’ you can say yes.

And if they say ‘what does that mean?’ you can say

38 June 5, 2016

BILL BREWER

Augustine continued from page 6

Remembering Pope Pius X Bishop Richard F. Stika deposits a Pius relic in the new altar at St. Augustine.

you are a follower and a believer in Jesus and that he has made a difference in your life,” the bishop said.

In addition to consecrating it, Bishop Stika deposited a relic of Pope St. Pius X in the wood of the altar.

Tom Tidwell, a 28-year member of St. Augustine who will be ordained a permanent deacon this month, praised the efforts of Father Kuzhupil and fellow members to upgrade St. Augustine.

“We were a little bit out of the norm here, and the bishop alluded to that in his homily. That was all part of this. Our parish really came together. It’s been a team effort; it’s been a parish effort,” Mr. Tidwell said.

Cooperation went beyond St. Augustine. The nearby Alexian Brothers lent an altar and tabernacle for St. Augustine to use during construction.

Consultants, including diocesan clergy, advised the church on proper norms in newly constructed worship space.

While response within the church has been cel-

ebratory, reaction from the community has been a pleasant surprise, according to Mr. Tidwell.

“Now that the work is complete, we’ve seen a lot of people come together, and we’ve seen people come back to Mass who have not been here in a while,” he said.

Parishioner Judy St. Charles, who led the St. Augustine sanctuary renovation team, said the project has been in the works for more than five years and has continued through several priests. She noted that Father Kuzhupil put the team into high gear to get the renovation completed. Consultants, including Father Randy Stice, diocesan director of Worship and Liturgy and pastor at St. Mary Church in Athens, were advised.

Ms. St. Charles said everyone is pleased with the completed sanctuary that includes an elevated altar, improved lighting and sound, and refurbished kneelers. She agrees the project has made the parish closer.

“People have just come together beautifully for this,” she said, adding that parishioner donations raised money for stained-glass windows, the corpus for the crucifix above the altar and other necessities for the sanctuary.

She said a St. Augustine member was traveling through Northeast states and came across a Catholic church that was being closed. The church had beautiful wood Stations of the Cross, which were given to St. Augustine by that diocese. St. Augustine placed the donated Stations on the interior wall of the nave and installed a small light on each Station to illuminate it. They replaced the original Stations, which were not prominently displayed.

During initial planning for the project, church members decided the sanctuary and part of the nave would return to a more traditional form.

St. Augustine was built when post-Vatican II Church architecture began to take a more modernist design.

“In the 1970s, when the church was built, there had been a departure from traditional Church iconography,” said Ms. St. Charles, who has a degree in design, pointing out that the original tabernacle was built off of the altar into the wall of the church and was somewhat exposed to the heat and cold.

She also noted that the original altar was partially made of glass, a man-made material that defied Church norms.

“They were responding to the times. The new liturgical directives will withstand time. It isn’t so much that the church was against the norms of iconography or liturgy. It was just reflective of the

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Augustine continued on page 40 dioknox.org

choices are very difficult. We have to think and reflect and pray about them. Sometimes they have lifelong consequences.”

Drawing a comparison to Jesus’ message to the apostles and His message to Christians today, especially those who are newly confirmed, Bishop Stika said Jesus knew the apostles, knew that they were going to be afraid and confused and would even fight among themselves once He had ascended into heaven.

And Jesus made the apostles a promise, the bishop related.

“The promise that Jesus made was that I will never leave you by yourself,” he said, continuing the Acts account of the apostles and describing how the apostles were fearful of being on their own to spread the faith, away from the physical presence of Jesus. They didn’t know whether Roman soldiers or the chief priests and Sadducees were going to march them away and crucify them, too, because they were followers of Jesus.

But bursts of wind and tongues of flame appeared above the apostles, prompting them to become on fire for Jesus and to fan out across the world spreading the faith.

“What does that mean for all of you? Are you going to be strong in your faith? Two weeks ago I visited a friend who was dying, and I sat by his bedside for a week. I was very sad about that. Mother Teresa, who soon will be canonized a saint, said sometimes it’s hard to look at Jesus. That’s true, especially when we see the very difficult things that happen in our lives,” Bishop Stika said. “I have a question for you. How many of you are perfect?

Raise your hand. When I meet with the RCIA folks I always tell them if you want to join the perfect Church, as soon as you join it you find it isn’t so perfect anymore.”

He pointed out that Jesus knows we aren’t perfect. He set about to send us something to help us on our journey of faith in life, “some kind of strength so that in those moments when we would rather just hide our face or run the other way, Jesus would say to us come and follow me. Pick up your cross or make my cross part of your cross.”

Bishop Stika said there will be times when it is difficult to be a follower of Jesus. “That is what we’re going to pray for.”

He told the confirmandi that that sacrament of confirmation is the conclusion of three sacThe East Tennessee Catholic

BILL BREWER

Confirmation continued from page 10

Lending a hand A sponsor joins her confirmand dur-

ing the Mass of Confirmation for adults.

raments: the first is baptism and the second is receiving Holy Communion.

“In another moment in your life, you did something pretty spectacular. You made a statement of faith when somebody said to you ‘the body of Christ’ or they said to you ‘the blood of Christ.’ What did you say? Amen, a word that means I believe. It’s a statement of faith,” the bishop said.

Soon after, Bishop Stika asked the confirmandi to make another statement of faith. He asked them if they believe in God, if they reject Satan, and if they believed in the forgiveness of sins, “what we pray so often in the Creed.”

He then explained the meaning of the ancient prayer in the laying on of hands to invoke the Holy Spirit.

“Anytime we have a little opening in our heart, God fills it. When we least expect it, God fills that opening because God wants to be part of our life. God created us, but he wants that special relationship,” he said, adding that God has given us that wonderful gift of free choice, and that the last thing He wants of us is to be robotic in our approach to Him and life.

“He wants us to give ourselves to Him. He gives us that guidance so we can say ‘yes, Jesus, I love you with everything that I am.’

Anytime you give your heart to God, He’s go-

ing to be there. That is the assurance of Jesus himself. That is why He died for us on that cross, because He wants to have that relationship with us. And that is my prayer for all of you who are being honored and confirmed.

Keep your relationship with God alive. Don’t just look at God when you’re in trouble,” the bishop told those being confirmed. “You’re going to be facing all kinds of choices and decisions. I pray that all of those choices and decisions will include the Holy Spirit, and that you know deep in your heart that God loves you, and He invites you to love Him and all your sisters and brothers.”

He told those not being confirmed that Jesus demands the same of them – to love, to respect, to care for one another, and to build His kingdom.

Bishop Stika initiated the Rite of Confirmation within Mass for adults in the Diocese of Knoxville in 2015. More than 50 adults from 16 diocesan parishes were confirmed at the cathedral. The confirmation is for baptized adult Catholics, not for RCIA catechumens or candidates, who are confirmed during the Easter Vigil Mass.

To identify the confirmandi, the diocesan Office of Christian Formation sent out notices to all parishes in the diocese asking whether there were any adult Catholics who have never been confirmed, Father Armstrong said.

Bishop Stika requires that candidates be parishioners in good standing, have an understanding of the sacrament of confirmation (be properly instructed), and be properly disposed and able to renew their baptismal promises.

“These are individuals who are baptized and have received first Communion. They are in good standing in their church, and they just haven’t been confirmed,” Father Armstrong said, adding that “for whatever reason they were never confirmed.”

He said the adult confirmation Mass will be held each year near Pentecost, so adults wanting to be confirmed at next year’s adult confirmation Mass should contact their pastors.

“We try to make it as easy as possible for candidates to receive the sacrament. Confirmation seals baptism and gives the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is like a personal Pentecost,” Father Armstrong said.

For more information on adult confirmation, go to http://dioknox.org/offices-ministries/ christian-formation/adult-confirmation-2/. ■

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 39

Memphis, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, and they’re out there before we’ve even set up,” she said.

As people were lining up outside, St. Thérèse parishioner Roger Rutz, a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4572, was inside setting up tables and chairs and basically transforming the entire parish life center gymnasium into an onsite medical clinic. He kept plenty busy during the event, too, directing traffic as he kept long lines orderly and provided support to doctors, nurses and dentists as well as crowd support. Rutz said he, too, enjoyed the interaction with the community.

“People are so happy to be here to get the medical attention they need, and I enjoy talking with them as they wait,” said Mr. Rutz, who noted that the camaraderie among patients waiting patiently was touching. “It’s people helping people.”

RAM Clinic Manager Ron Brewer was pleased with the turnout, adding that in the last eight years at St. Thérèse alone approximately 6,000 people have benefited from the free RAM mobile clinics put on at St. Thérèse.

“I’m never surprised by how many people are waiting for us,” Mr. Brewer said. “With the crisis we have regarding health-care coverage across the country, it’s no wonder we’re so needed.”

Mr. Brewer estimated that RAM clinics, founded in 1985 and with more than 84,000 volunteers and healthcare professionals, have provided more than $75 million worth of free medical care in more than 700 mobile clinics to more than 545,000 patients across the country.

“RAM’s mission is simple: we want to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free quality health care to those in need,” said Mr. Brewer, who pointed out that volunteers put the needs of the patients first. He Augustine continued from page 38

time. We just made it to where it will stand the test of time.

“We took the opportunity to improve and embellish what we had, not change it. It’s a new way to express God’s glory,” Ms. St. Charles said.

Like his congregation, Father Kuzhupil is well pleased with the end result of the renovation, but especially the way members cooperated on the work, which is part of a multi-phase project to update the parish. Work was already completed to upgrade the rectory and add an education wing to the church.

40 June 5, 2016

JANICE FRITZ-RYKEN

Clinic continued from page 15

Improving eyesight RAM clinic workers prepare eyeglasses for patients they served in Cleveland.

added that it’s the volunteers who make these mobile clinics a success and noted that 95 percent of people who come to the clinics need vision and dental care.

“A toothache is more than just a toothache; if left untreated for too long it can be hazardous to their health, causing blood poisoning or heart attacks,” he said.

“From dental cleanings, fillings and extractions, to free glasses, eye exams and glaucoma testing, the RAM mobile clinics just give people a better quality of life at no cost to them,” he continued.

“Many people we see, well, they can afford a little bit of insurance, maybe, on the medical side, but dental insurance and vision insurance, that’s an extra rider on their policy and once they see the price, well, there goes the groceries or there goes the house rent. So they’ll let their teeth and their vision go and it’s really quite heart-

“God is great. It is His wonderful work, and we are ever grateful to be His instruments. I am also grateful to the many parishioners who wholeheartedly supported and worked hard behind this project, especially the sanctuary renovation team, liturgy committee, individual donors who donated specified items, and those who generously contributed to the Growth & Renewal and Home campaigns,” Father Kuzhupil said.

“Teamwork and effort will receive the assurance of God’s blessings, which is very evidently seen in the renovated worship space. I am

warming to hear the stories,” Mr. Brewer said.

Equally appreciative for the opportunity to help others in need of medical services is registered nurse Tabitha Payne, who works for the Bradley County Health Department. Ms. Payne finds that donating her time at the RAM clinic is fulfilling, no matter how long the hours are or how demanding the job may be.

“Knowing we’re providing a service that people can’t afford to pay for is worth more than a paycheck,” Ms. Payne said. “Every day, I see young, single women who are expecting babies and need all the support they can get. I also see elderly women who probably might never be able to have the annual screenings they should be getting at their ages because of their fixed incomes. The need for this kind of health-care service is universal.”

What it comes down to is simple, according to Mr. Brewer. “We just want to make their lives better, and we can do it through these free clinics. From dental cleanings, fillings and extractions, to free glasses, eye exams and glaucoma testing, the RAM mobile clinics just give people a better quality of life at no cost to them.”

For Father Mike Nolan, St. Thérèse of Lisieux pastor, the clinic is an important ministry for the parish and the community.

“While this is the Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, the corporal works of mercy, such as welcoming strangers or caring for the sick, are practices that we Catholics are called to perform year in and year out,” Father Nolan said. “I want to emphasize that this was not a one-time event; we have been offering it for eight years, and it’s important that people know we will continue to offer the RAM clinics in the future. Anyone in need or who knows of anyone in need is most certainly welcome at our parish.” ■

also grateful to Bishop Stika for his encouragement, support and taking time to come here and bless us.

Praise, honor, and thanksgiving to God Almighty,” he continued.

After assessing the new sanctuary during Mass, Father Iorio gave his blessing. He grew up in Signal Mountain, having moved there with his family when he was 11 years old. At the time, the church had only been open a few years. He said two brothers still live in the town overlooking Chattanooga, and his mother lives nearby.

“I love it. I think it’s beautiful.

They did an awesome job. I was de-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

lighted to hear that Judy St. Charles had a lot to do with it because when I was here the rectory needed to be totally redone, and she was in charge of that project. So she is still offering her gifts in an amazing way.

We now have a house for priests and a house for God,” Father Iorio said.

Bishop Stika put his final stamp of approval on the project after the dedication Mass ended. “It’s beautiful. It was a nice church before, but it was getting a little tired-looking.

With the new lighting, the color scheme, the crucifix, and the tabernacle, it’s just beautiful.” ■ dioknox.org

Trends continued from page 20

apart. “Most of us in marriage prep have lost hope,” she admitted. But couples, she said, “are capable of great things.”

Most couples don’t get married at their current parish, Verret noted, which means that priests and wedding coordinators at the parish venue might not know the couple at all. There might only be a pre-nuptial inquiry and a confirmation of the baptismal certificates of the man and woman without any significant investigation into the emotional and spiritual health of the couple.

Consequently, many couples are

“falling between the cracks,” Verret said, and when they encounter marital difficulties they were not prepared for, they may have no one in their parish to turn to. Through interviewing hundreds of couples before they began their ministry, Verret and her husband, Ryan, realized that many Catholic couples who were even receiving marriage prep saw their marriages fall apart.

Amoris Laetitia instructs Catholics to “find the right language” and “invite” couples “to take up the challenge (of marriage) with enthusiasm and courage.” So the Verrets realized that friendship is the an-

swer so many couples need when preparing for marriage.

Amoris Laetitia affirms the very practice of mentor couples. This friendship is a critical component of the marriage prep program. The friendship and witness of the mentors makes the Christian life more livable and concrete.

“That’s what we need to be doing,” Verret said, but “it’s not what’s happening…there’s such a disconnect between engaged couples and those preparing them.”

Some parishes worry about challenging engaged couples with an intensive marriage prep program

Marriage continued from page 13

Bishop continued from page 2

work, and vocational decisions; to wait in patience for the conversion and spiritual healing of a loved one; to wait with hope and trust in times of personal suffering and illness; and to faithfully wait for the marital embrace until the sacrament of marriage is received. There are so many beautiful blessings God will give us when we learn to wait according to His will.

Waiting is not easy, especially The East Tennessee Catholic

In asking couples for advice to newlyweds, Mrs. Christiana first heard, “‘Oh, I don’t know what I’d say,’” she

said, “and then they’d go off and tell me all kinds of stuff.”

She said her effort to find the

longest-married couple in each parish “was just a really fun project.”

“They were so happy to be recognized because it is such an accomplishment,” she said. “We did not get one negative response about anything or even a lukewarm response—we got nothing but ‘this is great.’ They really appreciated it. It was just really an uplifting initiative.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika agreed.

“The longest-married couple search goes to show you,” he said, “that even in this day and age, when so many marriages seem to end in divorce after only a few years, that through love and friendship and a willingness to work through difficulties, that marriage can be real and life-giving.” ■

when it is in anticipation of the completion of our new cathedral. But waiting, in a beautiful way, builds up the longing of the heart. Because our Lord knows we need to grow in the virtues of patience and trust, He gives us many opportunities each day to strengthen us in these areas. This is one of the reasons why I chose as my episcopal motto the Latin words meaning, “Jesus, I trust in you.”

When I recently ordained Deacon

Christopher Floersh, I asked him if he had chosen a motto to guide him in trusting our Lord more and more in his vocation. It’s a question I ask each one of you to consider.

Though this tradition is most associated with a bishop’s episcopacy, I truly believe everyone should have a Christian motto. We should prayerfully discern the motto we choose as an expression of our heart’s longing to see Christ, and to better see Him and serve Him in our neighbor.

Whether it is a verse from one of the Psalms or from elsewhere in Scripture, or from the writings of a saint of the Church, may it be what best opens your heart to God, following St. Paul’s counsel to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Let us together, then, thank our Lord Jesus for the great gifts of our newly ordained clergy, lifting them up in prayer, and all our clergy. Regina Cleri—Queen of the Clergy— pray for us! ■

STEPHANIE RICHER

Guy and Billie LaBorde of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade (July 1, 1948), and Wilfred and Edith Klimas of St. John Neumann in Farragut (Feb. 12, 1949).

In her search across the diocese, Mrs. Christiana discovered a tie in one parish for the longest-married couple. Betty and Harold Farmer along with Richard John and Mary Hetzel Spady of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City were married June 9, 1951.

“The most fun thing that happened was up at St. Mary’s,” Mrs. Christiana said. “We had two winners from that parish. They were married the exact same day in the exact same year.”

because they don’t want the couple to be overwhelmed and switch church venues.

If the parish doesn’t reach out to invite the couple to full participation in the life of the Church, who will? St. John Paul II’s 1981 apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio made it clear that Catholics must “integrate couples into their church, into their parish,” Verret said.

Another big problem today, Verret noted, is that engaged couples visit the church venue and pick out a wedding date before they even begin marriage prep. ■

Celebrating anniversaries Bishop Richard F. Stika joins couples from the diocese as they mark decades of marriage.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 5, 2016 41

Living the readings

Weekday readings Wednesday, June 1: 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12; Psalm 123:1-2; Mark 12:18-27 Thursday, June 2: 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Mark 12:28-34 Friday, June 3: Ezekiel 34:11-16; Psalm 23:16; Romans 5:5-11; Luke 15:3-7 Saturday, June 4: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 71:8-9, 14-17, 22; Luke 2:41-51 Sunday, June 5: 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Galatians 1:11-19; Luke 7:11-17 Monday, June 6: 1 Kings 17:1-6; Psalm 121:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12 Tuesday, June 7: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 5:13-16 Wednesday, June 8: 1 Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11; Matthew 5:17-19 Thursday, June 9: 1 Kings 18:41-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26 Friday, June 10: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16; Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14; Matthew 5:27-32 Saturday, June 11: Acts 11:21-26 and 13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:33-37 Sunday, June 12: 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13; Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11; Galatians 2:16, 19-21; Luke 7:36 8:3 Monday, June 13: 1 Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:27; Matthew 5:38-42 Tuesday, June 14: 1 Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16; Matthew 5:43-48 Wednesday, June 15: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Psalm 31:20-21, 24; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Readings continued on page 43

42 June 5, 2016

by Father Joseph Brando

The bounty of summer

In this Year of Mercy, we find God’s grace is truly abundant

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ow that the Easter season is completed with the feast of Pentecost, we return to Ordinary Time. However, this year is different. We are celebrating a Year of Mercy, which changes the way we look at the Scripture readings this year.

We add one additional factor to them, namely God’s mercy. And that changes everything. The search begins with God’s mercy and ends with our response to it. The concept of “mercy” puts us in the picture. So let’s begin searching through each of the nine Sundays in June and July looking to heaven for mercy and in our souls for thankfulness. The first Sunday in June is the 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time. We will start here and continue on until we reach the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time on the last day of July.

The first Sunday in June starts us off with the Prophet Elijah. He already had destroyed the incursion of pagan religion into Israel that Jezebel had sponsored. He followed up by calling down a drought on Sidon.

Their religion prided itself on guiding farmers as to when to perform the various farming tasks. Elijah was the voice of God telling the people of Sidon their power is totally useless in the face of God’s. Yet, even in a time of famine, God still is merciful. God was already fulfilling his promise to the woman who cared for Elijah by giving her food during the drought.

Now, he showed his infinite love by raising her son from the dead.

In today’s Gospel Jesus follows Elijah by raising up the deceased son of a widow in Nain. We also hear of the response of the people. They acknowledge Jesus as a prophet and spread the report of this miracle throughout all of Judea and beyond.

Paul’s epistle to the Galatians is the second reading for all four of the

Sundays of June. Here, Paul explains how he tested his first impression after he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. He thought of himself as the Disciple to the Gentiles. To prove this, he waited three years before meeting with Peter and James.

His original enthusiasm was gone and the buzz of his experience among the Christians had abated. Still, Paul was responding to his call by giving thanks and dedicating himself to the role of a missionary.

The Old Testament reading for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time is the story of David’s response to being confronted with his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and his plot to murder Uriah, her husband, to cover up his sin. David admitted his sin and surprisingly received in return the forgiveness of all his sins. God is great in his mercy to sinners.

Paul reveals to the Galatians that justification comes to us from God, not by works of the law. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ. So, after realizing we have already been crucified with Christ then, we can come to say with Paul, “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” Another person who realized her faith in Jesus is the woman who anointed Jesus.

How much was your income the last two years? That’s the value of the oil with which she washed Jesus’ feet.

She knew Jesus forgave her sins. Her response to the Lord’s mercy was to empty all she had saved for her future on Jesus’ feet.

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time asks us to meditate on the Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah. Speaking for God, Zechariah says the Lord “will pour forth grace and petition” on the occasion of Jesus’ crucifixion.

“On that day, there shall be open… to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem a fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.” Once again God’s infinite

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

forgiveness is shown to us even before it takes place on Calvary (some 550 years later). The way it comes to us is in the person of the Son of God accepting death on a cross for us.

Paul responds to Zechariah and to God by proclaiming, “Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul is saying that, on the cross, Jesus died for us; but, through baptism, we join Christ on that cross becoming children of God. The net gain for God, the Father, is tremendous. As a result of Jesus’ act of divine mercy, the Father continually receives new baptized Christians. That’s why, in this day’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” This salvation is yet another cause for our thankfulness.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time highlights the Old Testament man who replaced Elijah. His name is Elisha. His story fits in with all we’ve been reading. Imagine a wellequipped farm in the Midwest. It’s the ultimate in modern farming technology. After kissing his mother and father goodbye, Elisha trashes all his equipment and slaughters all his livestock, giving the meat to his farmhands to eat. That would be the biblical era’s equivalent of millions of dollars. Then, he becomes Elijah’s attendant.

If Elisha’s action was a sincere attempt at thanking God for Elijah’s ministry, then Paul demands that we must become servants of one another in love. Notice that Elijah kept emphasizing Elisha’s freedom in doing what he did. Paul reminds us of the freedom God gives us. We should happily give away all we have. It would be an act of love and an appropriate response to Christ’s love for us.

Jesus adds one more quality to the list necessary for becoming a disciple of Christ. He or she must not look back. Our memories must be clear of family ties or any ties to the past.

Summer continued on page 43 dioknox.org

Readings continued from page 42 Summer continued from page 42

Our eyes and heart must be totally focused ahead on God. Jesus’ total giving to us must be responded to in like manner.

The Old Testament reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time brings us to Isaiah. He provides the reasoning for the solid commitment demanded for discipleship. Leaving all our issues behind opens us up to complete joy. The prophet wishes for us all the happiness that the Lord in his overwhelming mercy wishes to bestow on us.

Ending our month-long use of Galatians as the source for our proper response to God’s manifold gifts to us, Paul gives us a rule. It does not matter on which side of the issues of the day we stand. (In Paul’s day it was circumcision versus uncircumcision.) The only thing that matters is new creation. That sums up all that God can give us. It is all we should be thankful for. Becoming a “new creation, in Christ” means we abandon our old self and become a new creation of the hands of God. The 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time begins a new theme. For one thing, the second readings for the whole month are taken from Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. They tend to provide for us a rich theological background for the basic questions of religious life that rise in the first and Gospel readings of the month of July.

We start off in the desert with Moses commenting on the law that God gave the people of Israel. Moses said, “If only you would heed the voice of the Lord.” Life could be very simple since the law is not mysterious or remote. It’s already in your mouths and in your heart. So, keep it simple.

Paul was a student of the Torah. He seems to do for us what Moses did for his people. The New Testament is just as simple. The basic teaching is simply “Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God.” He is the head, the beginning, the first raised from the dead. Everything we do is based The East Tennessee Catholic

on Christ.

The scholar of the law who approached Jesus in the Gospel asked a truly basic question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus, in answer, quoted him the prayer the scholar (and all Jews) prayed every day. In a sense Jesus told him it wasn’t very hard. So, the scholar went deeper (or, perhaps, more basic) asking, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells him a parable, “the Good Samaritan.” The key point is: if we want eternal life we need to possess mercy toward everyone, even enemies. It’s really easy; yet few ever try.

The 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time hails us back in time to the days of Abraham. He’s in a quandary. God told him he was to be the father of many people. Yet he was very old; so was his wife, and they had no children. Then, out of the horizon come three travelers. Abraham treats them to the essence of great hospitality. At the end of the story, one of the guests told Abraham he would have a son by next year. Abraham’s hospitality betrayed his mercy. He lived 800 years before the Torah proving the law was not too difficult at all.

Paul considers himself living proof of that thesis. Even bearing the bodily aches and pains, he is abiding by the law of Christ. By accepting his pain, Paul is “filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.” He is being Christ for others. He is continuing what Jesus did on the cross. And he is doing it with the attitude of Christ, namely with mercy.

The Gospel stays with the basics as it relates the best-loved story of Martha and Mary. The implied question here is how should I live the Christian life in a real household?

The implied answer is simply don’t get anxious; get close to Christ.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time also starts with Abraham. The issue is the toleration of evil. Sodom and Gomorrah were cities that were undeniably and thoroughly bad. Unfortunately, Lot, a relative of Abraham,

lived there. His family was the only good one out of both towns. Abraham wanted God to spare the cities so Lot’s family would not die with evil people there. So he begins his near-eastern way of coming to a deal.

He negotiates God down to saving the two cities if there were only 10 good people in both of them. Abraham realized God’s justice and mercy.

The ultimate solution was to rescue Lot’s family and destroy all the rest due to their evil.

The reading from Paul’s epistle to the Colossians gets a little close to us.

There still is evil in the world, even in us. The same question of Abraham remains: how does God handle the issue of justice and mercy when it pertains, not to cities, but to us? Paul answers that even when we were dead in transgressions, God obliterated the bond against us; he nailed it to the cross. Thanks be to God’s overwhelming mercy.

The Gospel answers the disciple who asked Jesus to teach us to pray.

Of course, Jesus answered with the “Our Father.” However, Luke goes much farther. He comments on an aspect of prayer we all worry about.

Will our prayers be answered affirmatively? Jesus’ extended answer in Luke’s Gospel is “yes, it will all be answered. One reason is that persistence will get a positive answer even from human beings. Another insight from Jesus is that the most important gift to ask for in prayer is for the Holy Spirit. The Father will always grant our prayer for the Holy Spirit. So we should always pray for the Spirit.

The third person of the Trinity is the perfect remedy for any problem we’ll ever confront.

The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time continues the topic of the previous Sunday. It began with questioning how we should pray and quickly evolved into what we should pray for. Should we pray for the sinners of Sodom and Gomorrah? Is the only real reason to pray a request for Summer continued on page 44

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Thursday, June 16: Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:17; Matthew 6:7-15 Friday, June 17: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18; Matthew 6:19-23 Saturday, June 18: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34; Matthew 6:24-34 Sunday, June 19: Zechariah 12:10-11 and 13:1; Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24 Monday, June 20: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13; Matthew 7:1-5 Tuesday, June 21: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 3136; Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11; Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Wednesday, June 22: 2 Kings 22:8-13 and 23:13; Psalm 119:33-37, 40; Matthew 7:15-20 Thursday, June 23: 2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9; Matthew 7:21-29 Friday, June 24: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80 Saturday, June 25: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 1819; Psalm 74:1-7, 20-21; Matthew 8:5-17 Sunday, June 26: 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; Psalm 16:12, 5, 7-11; Galatians 5:1, 13-18; Luke 9:51-62 Monday, June 27: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16; Psalm 50:16-23; Matthew 8:18-22 Tuesday, June 28: Amos 3:1-8 and 4:11-12; Psalm 5:4-8; Matthew 8:23-27 Wednesday, June 29: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:29; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 Thursday, June 30: Amos 7:10-17; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 9:1-8 ■ June 5, 2016 43

Once upon a time

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

The liturgy is alive and well Popularity of novenas and other private devotions attest to improvements inspired by Vatican II

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any churches 75 years old and older have them, or have places where they used to be. Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville had them, and although bricked over for many years, they still are vestiges of a number of small chimneys built within the walls of the church.

Inside were stoves used to take the chill off the empty church. Once the building filled with people, not much heat was needed. In warm weather, large windows could be opened, giving a breeze to those attending. Later on, electric fans and then refrigerated air conditioning were added.

Other ways to heat our churches included doors between the pews, which kept drafts from forming.

Indentations in the pews still are apparent at Immaculate Conception, where the hinges were fastened.

Another way to heat the church was to bring heated bricks wrapped in burlap or some other cloth to place at the feet of worshippers. Our Protestant brothers and sisters did more of this than we did. Non-Catholics Summer continued from page 43

the Holy Spirit? Today the author of Ecclesiastes raises that same question from the human perspective.

Qoheleth, who is a theologian, a philosopher, a poet and church man, (a literal translation of Qoheleth) and a teacher of wisdom, analyzes what people want. His bottom line is that everything humans think they need is without substance. The word “vanity” is a beautiful translation of what is literally “wind.” Since every human prayer request is for something basically groundless, then you are left with a very unhappy world.

44 June 5, 2016

built churches in greater numbers in East Tennessee, and they were built earlier in our history.

Participation aids were not used during this period, but some light was needed. Enormous chandeliers, either gas-fueled, electric or both, gave necessary light to the worship space. Candles were on the altars but were used for illumination.

We take for granted these days when our pipe organ has electric motor drive bellows to produce air for the organ. Before that, teams of men and boys manned the bellows.

Church bells often were used to tell time, and they were mostly handrung. Those who had the responsibility for ringing the bells needed accurate clocks or watches.

Participation aids, except for hymnals, were not used. In fact, use of translations was forbidden until later years. The congregation listened to the sermon (in the vernacular) and other parts of the Mass in Latin. This is one reason active participation seems unnecessary to old-timers today. It will take one or two generations before old habits That’s where St. Paul comes through with bugles blaring. He commands the citizens of Colossae to “think of what’s above, not of what is on earth.” That should give us more reason to pray for the Holy Spirit. We can also pray that when Christ comes again on the last day, we will appear with him. Just keep our eyes looking upward in our prayers; everything else we should get rid of.

One great example of Paul’s point is Jesus’ answer to the man who asked the Lord to tell his brother to give him a rightful share of his inheritance. Jesus refused. That may be an

die out.

Yet the Mass is the Mass in any century or language. What an awesome thing our liturgy has become.

Our people must be satisfied. The popularity of novenas and other private devotions attest to this fact. To have Stations of the Cross or rosary devotions in the vernacular (hymns for Benediction remained in Latin) accounts for their popularity. The wonderful improvements coming our way as a result of Vatican II will take several more years to implement but are well worth the effort.

Since Latin was the language of the Church, a vernacular hymnal has been slow to develop. But it is beginning to and we will find many new hymns in our hymnals in centuries to come.

Once people know songs and other parts of the Mass by heart, there will be no need for participation aids. Until then, the aids have their place in vibrant worship settings. ■ Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general and the historical archivist for the Diocese of Knoxville. indication of what Jesus would tell us if we had a similar request. Finally, Jesus tells the story of the man who did get every earthly thing he could ask for. He told himself to rest, eat, drink and be merry. God’s judgment on that man is that he was a fool. He did not look up. He had nothing that would matter for his relationship with God. So when you prepare to retire, make sure you‘re ready for what happens after retirement. ■ Father Brando is retired from the active priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Upcoming Virtus training sessions The Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is offered throughout the diocese.

The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children and vulnerable adults.

The following training sessions are scheduled: ■ St. Patrick Church, Morristown, 1 p.m. Sunday, June 5.

■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18.

■ Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, noon, Wednesday, June 22. ■

Want to try online delivery?

The East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who wish to receive a digital copy and discontinue the print edition. Sign up for online delivery at bit.ly/subscribe-online. If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, you can return to a print subscription at any time. If you have questions, e-mail Dan McWilliams at dan@dioknox.org. ■

Advertise in The East Tennessee Catholic ••• Contact us at 865-584-3307 or bbrewer@dioknox.org Find us at dioknox.org

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Marriage enrichment corner Schedule continued from page 2

Keeping family life holy

June 25: 5:30 p.m., confirmation at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in South Pittsburg.

June 26: 2 p.m., Mass and annual bishop’s gathering with the Scouts at All Saints Church ■

Sacred Heart Cathedral School job openings listed Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville, an AdvancEd accredited school of 700 students, preschool through eighth grade, is currently accepting resumes for the following positions for the 2016-17 academic year: ■ Music teacher for kindergarten through eighth grade; ■ Math/literature teacher for grades sixth through eighth; ■ Elementary teacher for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Teachers must be certified and hold a current Tennessee teaching license. Excellent benefits and opportunities for extracurricular involvement are available. Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to: Diana Patterson, Principal’s Assistant Sacred Heart Cathedral School 711 S. Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN 37919 or e-mail: dpatterson@shcknox. org. ■

Visit the diocese on Facebook: on.fb.me/ dioceseofknoxville

The East Tennessee Catholic

by Marian Christiana

Pope affirms Church teaching on family and marriage in ‘The Joy of Love’ exhortation

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amily life is holy. It is messy but holy.

Since his installation as pontiff, Pope Francis has helped to bring family life and its complications into sharper focus within the universal Church. During his papacy the pope has spent a significant amount of time assuring families of God’s presence in their lives no matter what their circumstances and where they may be on the journey of family life. God’s presence in families ensures that family life stands on holy ground.

Family life is the work of all of us no matter our vocation. We all belong to a family. We don’t, however, always remember that the work of family life is done on holy ground.

Sometimes when we are busy juggling multiple schedules, raising children, going to work and doing laundry we forget that family life is holy. Sometimes when we are in the middle of a particular struggle we forget that family life is holy. Sometimes when we find ourselves walking the road alone due to the death of a spouse or because of separation or divorce, we forget the work of family life is on holy ground. Sometimes God and our Catholic faith seem very far removed from our particular circumstance.

Pope Francis has shown his dedication to the people of God and the work of family life in two very concrete ways. First, he announced in 2015 an extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy, saying that he wants to make it evident that the Church’s mission is to be a witness of compassion. He wants us to grow in our understanding of God’s mercy and compassion and to dedicate ourselves to being more merciful to others during this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The Year of Mercy calls us to give consolation to every man and woman in our

world when it is needed. The pope has mentioned that we experience mercy for the first time in our family of origins. Helping others experience the mercy of God should start at home. Family life is holy ground.

The second way that Pope Francis has shown his dedication to the work of family life was to call synods of bishops to the Vatican in 2014 and 2015 to study, discuss, and pray about family life issues. In response to these two synods, Pope Francis released his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia, or The Joy of Love,” on April 6. The May issue of The East Tennessee Catholic printed a special report on “The Joy of Love” that gives a short explanation of the exhortation itself.

The East Tennessee Catholic article encourages its readers to study and reflect on how the exhortation can be applied to our daily lives. It is not a list of new rules for the Church.

Instead, Pope Francis affirms Church teaching on family life and marriage, but strongly emphasizes the role of personal conscience and pastoral discernment. He asks the Church to meet people where they are and accompany them on their road as they grow in a closer relationship to God. The exhortation can be downloaded in its entirety on the Vatican website: http://w2.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/apost_exhortations/ documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia. html.

A hard copy of the exhortation can be purchased through the Paraclete Catholic Book Store in Knoxville. For those of you who are looking for an excellent daily reflection from the exhortation, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website foryourmarriage.org also has developed an Amoris Laetitia “bootcamp” from chapter four (Love in Marriage).

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Every day there is a short post from chapter four. You can find the posts at: http://www.foryourmarriage. org/amoris-laetitia-bootcamp/ or “like” the For Your Marriage page on Facebook.

Personally, as the diocesan coordinator of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, I have been reflecting on concrete ways of responding to Pope Francis’ call to meet people where they are. I want to constantly remember that family life is holy and my work should help each family member grow in their relationship with God. In light of this challenge, the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is kicking off a new initiative to highlight resources that address the joys and struggles of family life throughout the life cycle of marriage.

The initiative will be called “Family Knots” and will have several components. The first component will be monthly parish bulletin briefs under the title of “Family Ties.” Each bulletin brief will address a particular aspect of family life, offering resources, a reflection, or recommended strategies to handle a particular issue.

No new initiative can be successful without being grounded in prayer.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, is our patron saint for this endeavor. Pope Francis has a special devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots.

Mary as our patron saint of this initiative is the perfect partnership. Our Blessed Mother will help us all to remember that family life is holy. Mary will help us during every step of our journey grow closer in our relationship to Christ and each other. Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for us! ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

June 5, 2016 45

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

The ordination of permanent deacons Diaconate again flourishes after centuries of decline within the Catholic Church

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n June 11, Bishop Stika will ordain 24 men as permanent deacons. Permanent deacons “have embraced this ordained ministry as a permanent state of life” while “transitional” deacons will eventually be ordained priests.

(Newsletter, USCCB Committee on Divine Worship, June 2014).

The diaconate flourished in the western Church until the fifth century, after which it experienced a slow decline, eventually surviving only as a stage for candidates preparing for the priesthood. In the 16th century, the Council of Trent intended to restore the ancient form of the diaconate, but the intention was never carried out.

The Second Vatican Council called for restoration of “the diaconate as a proper and permanent rank of the hierarchy…(and confer it) even upon married men, provided they be of more mature age, and also on suitable young men for whom, however, the law of celibacy must remain in force” (Lumen Gentium, 29).

According to Basic Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons and the Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons (DMLPD, n. 2), three reasons lay behind the council’s decision: “(i) a desire to enrich the Church with the functions of the diaconate, which otherwise, in many regions, could only be exercised with great difficulty; (ii) the intention of strengthening with the grace of diaconal ordination those who already exercised many of the functions of the diaconate; (iii) a concern to provide regions, where there was a shortage of clergy, with sacred ministers.”

The ministry of the deacon is characterized by the exercise of the three munera (offices)—teaching, sanctifying, governing—proper to

46 June 5, 2016

the ordained ministry, according to the specific perspective of diakonia (service). The deacon exercises his office of teaching by proclaiming the Scriptures and instructing and exhorting the people, which is expressed during the rite of ordination by the presentation of the Book of the Gospels (DMLPD, 9). He exercises his office of sanctifying “in prayer, in the solemn administration of baptism, in the custody and distribution of the Eucharist, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in presiding at the rites of funeral and burial, and in the administration of sacramentals.

This brings out how the diaconal ministry has its point of departure and arrival in the Eucharist, and cannot be reduced to simple social service” (DMLPD, 9). Finally, he exercises his office of governing by his “dedication to works of charity and assistance and in the direction of communities or sectors of church life, especially as regards charitable activities. This is the ministry most characteristic of the deacon” (DMLPD, 9).

The essential elements of the rite of ordination are the laying on of the hands by the bishop and the words of the prayer of ordination, “expressed in the three moments of anamnesis [memorial], epiclesis [invocation of the Holy Spirit] and intercession.

The anamnesis (that recounts the history of salvation centered in Christ) goes back to the “Levites,” recalling worship, and to “seven” of the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-7), recalling charity. The epiclesis invokes the power of the seven gifts of the Spirit so that the ordinand may imitate Christ as “deacon.” The intercession is an exhortation to a generous and chaste life (DMLPD, 6).

The imposition of hands and the

prayer of ordination are followed by three explanatory rites. First, the newly ordained deacon is vested with a stole, a symbol of service, worn as a sash from left to right, and dalmatic, which together manifest the liturgical ministry of the deacon.

Next, he kneels before the bishop, who places the Book of the Gospels in his hands and says, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” This “signifies the office of the Deacon to proclaim the Gospel in liturgical celebrations and to preach the faith of the Church in word and deed” (Rites of Ordination, 188).

The bishop then says, “peace be with you” and gives him the fraternal kiss. The rite concludes with the other deacons present giving the new deacon the fraternal kiss. The bishop’s fraternal kiss “seals, so to speak, the deacons’ admittance into their fraternity,” and the fraternal kiss of the other deacons welcomes “the newly ordained Deacons to the common fraternity of their Order” (Rites of Ordination, n. 188).

In the rite of ordination, before the Litany of the Saints, the bishop addresses the assembly: “My dear people, let us pray that God the all-powerful Father will mercifully pour out the grace of his blessing on these, his servants, whom in his kindness he raises to the Holy Order of the Diaconate” (RO, 202).

May all the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville pray for these 24 men to be ordained on June 11 by Bishop Stika. ■ Father Stice is pastor of St. Mary Church in Athens and directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Converting CDs to a Catholic Gift Annuity Now may be the time to convert your bank certificates of deposit to a Catholic Gift Annuity.

Do you currently have a bank CD earning a disappointingly low interest rate?

Are you ready to do something about it instead of complaining?

Did you know when your CD matures you can use the funds to establish a charitable Catholic Gift Annuity?

By doing so, you can lock in a payout rate for life, receive an income tax deduction and give to your church at the same time.

To establish a Catholic Gift Annuity, the minimum is $5,000 and your minimum age to receive income is 55.

Annual payouts for an individual annuity begin at 4 percent and go up to 9 percent depending on your age. You will receive fixed payments for life with tax benefits as allowable by Internal Revenue Service rules. Your remainder will be given as a gift to your Catholic parish, school or ministry of choice within the Diocese of Knoxville.

To calculate your payment, go to catholicgiftannuity.org or contact Deanene Catani with the Diocese of Knoxville’s Stewardship Office at dcatani@dioknox.org or 865-5843307. ■

Follow the diocese on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ knoxdiocese

dioknox.org

Convention continued from page 18

driveway, and helped trim trees after storm damage.

He’s a regular cook at parish events, helped replace all the light fixtures in Breen Hall at the parish, and repaired the ceiling in the parish life center.

Jay Jacobs, a parishioner at St. Edward Church in Nashville and a member of Council 9586 at the parish, received the Lifetime Achievement Award that is given to a Knight who has made the greatest impact on the order in Tennessee during his years as a Knight.

Mr. Jacobs became a Catholic in October 1965 and shortly thereafter joined Council 4972 in Donelson, where he and his wife, Mary, led the council bingo games, when they were legal.

He also was involved with the planning and promotion of fundraising efforts to support the MR Foundation, which provides financial support to agencies around the state that support people with intellectual disabilities. He helped organize the annual Tootsie Roll drives sponsored by the Knights and three country music concerts, all to support the Foundation.

Mr. Jacobs also served on the board of Special Housing Services Inc. of Nashville, overseeing the operations of two group homes and a duplex for adults with intellectual disabilities.

He has served in various offices at the council, district, and state levels, and as a Knight insurance agent.

In his parish, he has served on the parish council and as longtime head usher.

He has been president of the Purdue Alumni of Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Electric League, and vice president of the Nashville Chapter of Mended Hearts.

The David and Jeanette Waters famKnights continued from page 37

by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Although the Knights are giving up their Scouting charters, they aren’t giving up their involvement in Scouting, Carter said. Individual Knights and The East Tennessee Catholic

ily of St. Stephen Church in Hermitage and Council 9282 at the parish was honored as the 2016 Family of the Year. As the Tennessee winner, the Mr. Comm Waters family will be eligible for the Supreme Council’s International Family of the Year Award.

The Waters family, including their children, two in college, one serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, and one living at home, are active in the parish and the council, helping to prepare and serve meals, including setting up a smoker for the annual council yard sale, and making pancakes with Santa for the parish.

In the community, the Waters family volunteers by working with kindergarten children and serving in their parentteacher organization of their children’s school.

Four councils received the Bishops Award, the highest honor presented by the State Council, recognizing councils that met requirements in the areas of prolife, vocations, church, family and youth activities as well as work with the physically and intellectually disabled. Those winning were: Council 7449 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Germantown, Council 9132 at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Hendersonville, Council 9282 at St. Stephen Church in Hermitage, and Council 15393 at St. Brigid Church in Memphis.

Activity award winners include: ■ Council Award to Council 3537 at Immaculate Conception Church in Clarksville for collecting toys and clothing for families referred by the Montgomery

County Recovery and Veterans Court, which helps individuals and families that have struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. The donated items were distributed at the annual Christmas party sponsored by the council.

■ Culture of Life Award to Council 9168 at St. Luke Church in Smyrna for raising money to buy an ultrasound machine for a mobile unit operated by Portico, a prolife group in Rutherford County.

■ Family Award to Council 12633 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City for supporting and hosting the entire weekend of talks during the parish’s marriage preparation classes.

■ Vocation Award to Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut for hosting its 25th annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner for 91 priests, deacons and religious sisters.

■ Youth Award to Council 7449 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Germantown for sponsoring a kickball game for the senior youth of the parish and Special Olympians in the area. The game was followed by a meal for up to 75 people.

■ Church Award to Council 12012 at St. Henry Church in Nashville for its efforts to honor retiring pastor Father Michael Johnston by buying a new flag for the parish school, presenting the old flag in an engraved mantle showcase to Father Johnston, and sponsoring a $500 scholar-

ship for an eighth-grade girl and boy to continue their Catholic education.

■ Community Award to Council 9132 at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Hendersonville for council members’ work on a Habitat for Humanity home for a single mother of two in Sumner County.

The state officers were all re-elected for a second year: State Deputy Stephen Comm of Council 9282 at St. Stephen in Hermitage; State Secretary Tracy Staller of Council 12961 at Holy Family Church in Seymour; State Treasurer Michael McCusker of Council 9317 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Cordova; State Advocate Fred Laufenberg of Council 16088 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade; and State Warden William Markiewicz of Council 4572 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland.

Supreme Director Paul Lambert and his wife, Julie, of South Dakota represented the Supreme Council at the state convention.

Mr. Lambert urged the Tennessee Knights of Columbus to continue to support the initiatives of Supreme Knight Carl Anderson to support the domestic Church. Mr. Lambert also addressed the need for continued growth, according to Mr. Comm, “because we’re aging as an order, it’s very important that we replace ourselves so the order remains strong and vibrant into the future.” ■

councils are encouraged to provide adult leaders and financial support to Scouting troops in their parishes, he said. “We need to stay involved in Scouting and help scouting grow.”

Tennessee has about 10 Squires Circles, said Comm, a member of Council

9282 at St. Stephen Church in Hermitage. “The Squires will be phased out over time, and we’ll integrate the people involved in the circles into parish youth activities,” he said.

The current initiative, Walther said, is designed to promote “the involvement

of families in the parish. The parish is our home, and we should be working first and foremost through our parish.”

Making the parish and interaction with the parish the top priority is, he said, is a re-assertion of the model on which the Knights were founded. ■

Mr. Staller

Mr. McCusker

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Mr. Laufenberg

Mr. Markiewicz

June 5, 2016 47

Our Lady of Lebanon attracting Christians and Muslims People from near and far traveling to visit Beirut shrine

48 June 5, 2016

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE/REUTERS

Our Lady of Lebanon A woman prays at the monument of Our Lady of Lebanon

in Harissa, Lebanon. Muslims and Christians alike come to the shrine, which is located 16 miles north of Beirut.

ladies first prayed the rosary, offering intentions for their families, Lebanon, the Middle East and the world. They then climbed the 103 spiraling steps – with a guitar in tow – to sing Marian hymns in English at the feet of the Blessed Mother.

“As soon as we started singing, a bird flew over the Virgin’s crown and a cloud enveloped us,” Hajj Boutros recounted. “It was beautiful. For us, it was a symbol of the presence of God.” Hajj Boutros relayed how a group of Muslim teenagers, visiting the shrine as part of a school trip, “listened intently to our hymns.”

“It’s nice to see how Our Lady can unite us, Christian and Muslim. She’s the mother of us all,” Hajj Boutros said.

The shrine’s origins trace to 1904, when Maronite Catholic Patriarch Elias El-Hoyek and the Vatican nuncio to Lebanon decided to commission a token of devotion to Mary on the 50th anniversary of the dogmatic

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

HARISSA, Lebanon – High on a summit overlooking the Mediterranean, Our Lady of Lebanon stands majestically with her arms outstretched, welcoming her children.

Muslims and Christians alike come to the shrine, 16 miles north of Beirut.

To Muslims, Mary is known in Arabic as “Seidatna Maryam,” Our Lady Mary. Even though Muslims do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, in the Quran, a chapter is devoted to Maryam.

In Lebanon, the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, is celebrated by Christians and Muslims as a national holiday.

Some Muslims come to Harissa for tourism to enjoy the spectacular views from the shrine’s 1,886-foot summit, and some Muslims even visit its churches to pray, said Maronite Father Younen Obeid, rector of Harissa.

“It depends on each person. But for sure, all of them have a big respect for Mary,” he said of the Muslim visitors.

At times, one can see as many Muslim pilgrims in Harissa as Christian.

Thousands of Muslim pilgrims come from Iran each year, for example.

During the Marian month of May, the shrine receives about 1 million visitors, Father Obeid said. For Lebanese, particularly Maronite Catholics who have a deep devotion to Mary, this May pilgrimage is an annual tradition.

Marie Rose Hajj Boutros, a Maronite Catholic, has fond childhood memories of her parents taking her and her four siblings to Harissa several times each month.

“You find peace here,” Hajj Boutros, 45, said during a visit to the shrine with her Bible study group.

“It’s like you are under the Virgin’s mantle, under her protection. When you come to Harissa, you feel like your problem will be solved.”

As part of the Bible study group’s annual May pilgrimage, the eight

By Doreen Abi Raad, Catholic News Service

Ecumenical site People visit the Shrine

of Our Lady of Lebanon in the village of Harissa near Beirut.

proclamation of the Immaculate Conception. The statue was consecrated in May 1908.

The statue, molten bronze painted white, was crafted in Lyon, France.

It is 27.8 feet high, 18 feet wide. The stone base, or pedestal, is 65.6-feet

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

high, with steps spiraling up to the statue. Many Christian pilgrims leave their shoes at the foot of the pedestal and make their way up barefoot, as a sacrifice.

One 21-year-old Sunni Muslim university student from Beirut, who identified herself only as Zeina, visited Harissa for the second time in May with her Maronite Catholic friend, Charbel Eid, who introduced her to the shrine less than a month earlier.

“This time I suggested it, but Charbel brought me here,” Zeina said, expressing their mutual desire to be at Harissa. Zeina asked that her name not be published because her family is not aware that she is dating a Christian.

“My family is very traditional,” she said. “Honestly, I came here to pray and to ask many things of Maryam al Aadra (the Virgin Mary).

I asked her to protect the people I love and to make clear for me the way I should go. I prayed at her feet,” Zeina said.

“I lit a candle for the first time,” she proudly added. “I hope what I came here for will happen and that I can stay positive.”

Eid said he considers Mary “the most important person in my life,” and he visits Harissa frequently.

“When I’m sad, I come here. When I’m happy also,” he said.

Most Christian pilgrims come to Harissa “to pray about their troubles or problems, to ask the Virgin Mary for something, to give thanks, to cry,” said Father Obeid.

Many go to Mass and to confession.

Nine priests staff Harissa for the sacraments and for spiritual direction, and the shrine offers an extensive Mass schedule, with ongoing confessions: on weekdays, seven Masses and 18 hours of confession; on Sundays, 12 Masses and 20 hours of confession. Harissa is open 24 hours, every day. ■ dioknox.org