NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE
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Father Jim Haley celebrates golden jubilee The Paulist priest returns to Immaculate Conception Church for an anniversary Mass ‘with a deep sense of gratitude’
DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)
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he Immaculate Conception community and parishioners from around the United States and Canada all came together May 3 to wish Father Jim Haley, CSP, a happy 50th anniversary in the priesthood. Knoxville’s downtown parish hosted a Mass for Father Haley’s golden jubilee on the feast day of St. James the Apostle, and a dinner attended by nearly 300 followed at The Foundry. Father Haley was principal celebrant of his anniversary Mass, with Father Eric Andrews, CSP, president of the Paulist Fathers, concelebrating. Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali attended in choir. “Thank you for coming,” Father Haley said to the assembly at IC, where he has served two assignments as pastor over the years. “We gather with a deep sense of gratitude on my part for 50 years of priestly ministry; and as you join with me in praising and thanking God for this time, in many ways the Lord has been with me and all those I have served. I invite you to also take a moment and think of a moment in your own life where you would like to also give gratitude to almighty God and to join your prayer of gratitude with mine, as we gather before a heavenly and most forgiving Father.” Among the 20 priests present were six additional Paulist Fathers, including the four local Paulists: IC
Fifty years in the priesthood Father Jim Haley, CSP (center), shares a laugh during his anniversary Mass with Deacon Joe Stackhouse (foreground left) and Father Eric Andrews, CSP, president of the Paulist Fathers. At back left is visiting priest Father Sean Foley, CSP. pastor Father Ron Franco and associate pastor Father Tim Sullivan, and St. John XXIII pastor Father Donald Andrie and associate pastor Father Bob O’Donnell. Also attending were homilist Father John Duffy, CSP, a former president of the Paulist Fathers, and Father Sean Foley, CSP, a former vice president of the Paulists. What makes ‘a good priest’ In his homily, Father Duffy quoted Pope Francis on “what should be the characteristics of a good priest, a true pastor of the people.” He said
‘Good priests exude a sense of joy’ Father John Duffy, CSP, a former president of the Paulist Fathers, delivers the homily at Father Haley’s anniversary Mass.
a good priest “‘knows the smell of his sheep,’” in the words of the Holy Father. “He knows the smell of his sheep because he is available and is in direct contact with them. . . . He is present; he is incarnate in the lives of the people with whom and for whom he is called to serve. . . . The greatest present that a priest can give to the people is his presence.” To proclaim the Good News, Father Duffy said, “good priests exude a sense of joy, a positive attitude, a feeling that no matter what might be happening, all is in God’s hands; in the end all will work out.”
By Dan McWilliams
A good priest, the homilist added, “takes seriously the importance of preaching, proclaiming God’s Word.” Father Duffy said he “took the liberty to speak with a few lay leaders in communities where Father Jim has been stationed this half-century. And the qualities mentioned by Pope Francis very much resonate with their experience of Father Jim.” “Yes, [Father Haley] has been present, in a quiet way to people, always available, with that inviting smile, to proclaim the Good News,” Father Duffy said. “And to proclaim the Good News, one has to be Good News. The words of one source: he is very funny, with a dry sense of humor; people relate to him easily, both as a priest and as a friend.” As a proclaimer of the Good News, “a priest must be steeped in the Word of God. To quote one of my contacts: ‘Father Jim has the ability to make a deep or challenging point . . . with just the right words. He is in contact with the real lives of people and speaks to that,’” Father Duffy said. Father Haley “draws upon the insights of others,” the homilist continued. “Another quote: ‘at meetings, he listens carefully to all concerns, ideas, and questions before he puts in his word or his answer, or makes his decision.’” “Why did Father Haley join the Paulists?” Father Duffy asked. “He wanted to be a missionary Father Haley continued on page B6
At the altar Father Haley, assisted by Deacon Stackhouse, celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The anniversary Mass marked a return to Immaculate Conception Church for Father Haley, who twice served as IC’s pastor.
New Catholics are formally sent forth in Neophytes Mass The 225 newcomers to the faith in the diocese this year are the first group to take part in the ceremony at the new cathedral By Dan McWilliams
Neophytes continued on page B6
DAN MCWILLIAMS
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he class of new Catholics coming into the Church in East Tennessee this Easter was the first to be formally sent forth at the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the annual Sending of the Neophytes ceremony. Many of the diocese’s 162 candidates and 63 catechumens who became Catholics this spring attended the Mass, held on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 8. The occasion gave celebrant Bishop Richard F. Stika a chance to remind the assembly of his episcopal motto, taken from the words of St. Faustina: Jesus, I trust in you. The new Catholics entered the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, but their formation continues beyond the Easter vigil, the bishop said. “Now that you’re in the process of completing the RCIA, you’re not finished yet,” Bishop Stika said.
Hello from the bishop Bishop Stika greets young Josie Schaefer of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport during the Sending of the Neophytes Mass.