Aug. 7, 2022, ET Catholic, B section

Father Abuh celebrates 30 years in the priesthood Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker and his former parishes turn out in full for the occasion

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

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ather Julius Abuh could feel the love July 16 as Bishop Richard F. Stika joined priests and parishioners present and past in celebrating a Mass marking the 30th anniversary of Father Abuh’s ordination to the priesthood.

It was a different feeling only two months earlier when Father Abuh returned to his native Nigeria to visit his family, something he makes a point of doing each year.

While his family and friends embraced him, violence in his birth country, especially toward Catholics and Catholic priests, forced him to keep a low profile during the month he was in Africa.

Attacks against Christians, most notably Catholics, have been on the rise in Nigeria. On June 5 and during his visit, gunmen entered St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, killing at least 50 people and leaving dozens wounded.

Then on June 20, gunmen attacked churchgoers at St. Moses Church as well as a neighboring Baptist church in the northern state of Kaduna, killing three and kidnapping 40 people.

While being home for him was a welcome respite from the work of pastoring a parish, his time in Nigeria was unsettled.

“Going back home and spending time with family and friends is always exciting. But this time it was different. It was challenging because of insecurity,” Father Abuh said. “It has to do with attacks and kidnapping of citizens, of late so many Catholic priests by bandits. They kidnap and ask for unbelievable amounts of ransom. In situations where the ransoms are not met, they have killed their victims. Recently, the convoy of our president was even attacked. So, the situation at home is not good. Keep us in your prayers.”

While the risks didn’t outweigh

‘The presence of Bishop Stika and the priests . . . means so much to me’ Father Julius Abuh and Bishop Richard F. Stika distribute Holy Communion at Father Abuh’s 30th-anniversary Mass. the rewards of spending time with parents, family, and friends, Father Abuh still altered his itinerary.

“I tried to keep a very low profile while I was there. That means staying close to family and visiting more the orphanage that is a mile from my family home. There is not much attention on the orphanage,” he added.

But by July 16, that low profile was a thing of the past.

Back at his new home, parishioners at St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville treated Father Abuh to a celebratory dinner following Mass that included a ceremony with gifts, a 30th-anniversary cake, and heartfelt testaments by current and former parishioners about his

priesthood.

Father Abuh laughed about Bishop Stika joking that he thought he was attending the canonization of a saint, referring to the anniversary Mass and festivities.

“The presence of Bishop Stika and the priests of the Diocese of Knoxville means so much to me.

This anniversary was a time for me to pause and look back and give thanks to God for the many blessings of the priesthood,” he said. “It brought back memories of excitement during my ordination. The arrival of families, the liturgy, the singing of Veni Creator Spiritus, the first blessing of my bishop, my family and my parents, and the traditional dances. All these memories

came back.”

“I am very grateful to Bishop Stika for the opportunity to serve in the Diocese of Knoxville, to my brother priests in the Diocese of Knoxville, and the wonderful parishioners of St. Therese in Clinton and St. Joseph in Norris, and my present parishioners at St. Joseph the Worker,” he continued. “May God continue to bless you and your families.”

Bishop Stika attended the Mass in choir, with Father Abuh serving as the celebrant. Concelebrating priests were Monsignor Patrick Garrity; Father Michael Maples, associate pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut; Father Bede Aboh, chaplain of the Catholic Center at Father Abuh continued on page B2

Bishop installs Father Velez as pastor of St. Patrick The priest’s mother and sister from Colombia attend the Mass, which comes ‘as a surprise for them’

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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ishop Richard F. Stika installed Father Miguel Velez as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Morristown on June 26, and there were two special guests on hand to witness it.

Father Velez’s mother, Cielo Cardona, and sister, Ana Velez, from Pereira, Colombia, were in the assembly as their loved one took the oath of fidelity to be pastor. The two spent a couple of weeks with Father Velez in East Tennessee “This is a surprise for them. I didn’t tell them about my installation,” Father Velez said afterward.

“I agreed with the bishop to have the installation during their visit so they would be able to be part of the celebration.”

The bishop celebrated the Mass with Father Velez and associate pastor Father Adam Kane. Deacon Agustin Ortega, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 11, assisted.

Bishop Stika welcomed the faithful at the beginning of Mass.

“It is a great joy to be here at St. Patrick’s in beautiful downtown Morristown,” he said. “We gather together to celebrate faith and the presence of Jesus in our lives, to celebrate unity, and also to celebrate the official appointment of Father Miguel.”

The bishop said in his homily,

‘I didn’t tell them about my installation’ Father Miguel Velez and Bishop Richard F. Stika pose with Father Velez’s mother, Cielo Cardona, and sister, Ana Velez.

“There’s a question that we often have to ask ourselves: is it easy to be a follower of Jesus in this day and age or in all the ages that existed before us? Because I dare say,

if we say to ourselves, ‘It is easy, Lord, to follow you,’ either we’re not following Him or we’re lying to ourselves, because it is difficult. It is difficult to let go of those things

that cloud our eyesight or cloud our memory, because sin is there. Sin can bring pleasure, it can bring what we might think is true freedom, but Father Velez continued on page B3

East Tennessee State University; Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade; Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga; Father Jerry Daniels, chaplain of Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton; Father Pontian Kiyimba, associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge; and Father Gerald Kamina of the Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania.

Deacon Peter Chiaro, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 11, assisted in the Mass.

Father Aboh, who delivered the homily, is a fellow Nigerian who has known Father Abuh since 1997 when they were studying in Rome.

In his homily, Father Aboh thanked Bishop Stika for welcoming Father Abuh into the Diocese of Knoxville in 2011. He also thanked Monsignor Garrity for mentoring Father Abuh in Father Abuh’s first assignment at St. John Neumann, where Monsignor Garrity, now retired from active ministry, was pastor.

“Father Julius is a great gift to the Diocese of Knoxville as we would have noticed from his numerous parishioners. Father is a very friendly and jovial person. Sometimes he presents himself to an unsuspecting secretary of another parish, as he did once in my parish, in the form of a mendicant person in need of gas money or food. He would be so serious. When there are no gas cards, he would interject, ‘What of your credit cards?’ Alas, I came out and told them he was my fellow priest, and the secretary and others would be aghast and laughing,” Father Aboh said.

“This is Father Julius, who would leave you laughing and wondering,” Father Aboh noted. “Hospitality is the core of today’s reflection. . . . We can see that Father Julius is not only hospitable to others, but he is also generous. He singlehandedly supports his diocesan orphanage in Nigeria, pays tuition for a lot of poor children in his home parish.

He helps in paying many medical bills of the priests of his diocese.

Thus, Father Julius is totally a selfgiving person.”

Father Aboh told the congregation that being a priest in Nigeria is “survival of the fittest” because of the significant demands.

“We do not trivialize the grace of God, because it is by cooperating with Him that His work is accomplished. So, we give thanks to God for everything He has done for you,” he told Father Abuh, credit-

ing Father Abuh’s parents for being so important to his formation as a priest.

Continuing the theme of hospitality and generosity, Father Aboh spoke of the orphanage that Father Abuh helps care for near his home, providing much-needed support and funding.

“He is a very kind person. There are many children in his home diocese that he has taken care of their tuition, helping them to go to school,” Father Aboh said, also mentioning that Father Abuh helped pay for the medical bills of a former bishop in Nigeria. “This is the type of person you work with. For these reasons, I thank Bishop Stika for allowing Father Julius to come to the Diocese of Knoxville, so different parishes can benefit from his hospitality, generosity, and knowledge.”

Bishop Stika picked up on the credit-card theme, joking with the Madisonville congregation that Cardinal Justin Rigali hosted Father Abuh and Father Aboh’s archbishop from Nigeria in Knoxville several years ago.

“Later that day, I was talking to the Cardinal, and I asked him how the visit went. He said, ‘It was good, but something strange happened. He asked me for my credit card,’” the bishop said, prompting a hearty laugh from the congregation. “I said, ‘Well, did you give it to him?’ And he said, ‘No, I gave him yours!’”

The bishop continued, saying he and Cardinal Rigali a few years ago saw Father Abuh in Rome from across St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis was giving a general audience, and Father Abuh was on the front row personally greeting Pope Francis.

“When I finally greeted Pope Francis, I said, ‘Holy Father, have you met Father Julius yet?’ And he said, ‘You know, he asked me for my credit card,’” Bishop Stika quipped.

But on a more serious note, Bishop Stika said he and Cardinal Rigali visited Nigeria and were embraced by the Catholics in the country, which has had a profound impact on him.

“The Church in Nigeria is suffering greatly. The majority of religion is not Catholic,” Bishop Stika said, noting that the region has a history of unrest and violations of human rights. “Even in our day and age right now, you often hear about priests being kidnapped, and Christians and Catholics being kidnapped. Priests are killed. And the Church is very much persecuted.

We complain here in the United

St. Joseph the Worker celebration Bishop Richard F. Stika, flanked by Deacon Peter Chiaro and Father Julius Abuh, speaks to the congregation at Mass.

Priests in a row Concelebrating priests at Father Abuh’s anniversary Mass included (from left) Monsignor Pat Garrity, Father Michael Maples, Father Bede Aboh, Father Michael Woods, Father David Carter, Father Jerry Daniels, Father Pontian Kiyimba, and Father Gerald Kamina.

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BILL BREWER (5)

Father Abuh continued from page B1

Award from the Knights Gerry Schlueter, trustee of Knights of Columbus Council 15585, presents Father Julius Abuh with a plaque in recognition of his contributions to the order since he became pastor of St. Joseph the Worker.

States about having our religious freedom stepped on, but I don’t see a lot of people dying for their faith.

We must pray for the people in Nigeria.”

Father Abuh pointed out that Bishop Stika was gracious with his time to help celebrate the anniversary Mass and prompted another memory from not so long ago. He said a friend of his called and said, “Hi Julius. How are you doing?

Are you nervous?” To which Father Abuh responded, “Not quite.”

“He said, ‘Why? What has changed?’” Father Abuh recalled.

“Five years ago, when I celebrated my 25th anniversary, Bishop Stika was there. Before the Mass, I had said I was very nervous because celebrating Mass before the bishop was like cooking before Grandma. That got me in trouble. After the Mass, Bishop said, ‘Julius, that is the first time anyone ever referred to me as a grandma,’” Father Abuh shared, drawing more laughs.

But Bishop Stika told him he would be happy to attend the 30thanniversary Mass.

“I want to thank Bishop for taking time to come. I also want to thank the priests who were here, and those who could not come. I am grateful to all the priests and members of my former parishes who were here from Norris and Clinton. And I am so thankful for the parishioners and choir here at St. Joseph the Worker,” Father Abuh said.

Among the many memories triggered by the 30th anniversary of his priesthood, Father Abuh recalled meeting with Deacon Sean Smith, Diocese of Knoxville chancellor, and Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in late summer/early fall of 2011 to discuss officially joining the diocese. Then, Father Abuh met with Bishop Stika, who welcomed him into the diocese, appointing

him to serve as a priest at St. John Neumann on Dec. 15, 2011. He was appointed parochial administrator of St. Therese Parish in Clinton on March 15, 2012. He then became pastor of that parish and of St. Joseph in Norris. Bishop Stika appointed him pastor of St. Joseph the Worker on July 1, 2018.

Olivia Kuhens attended St. Therese while Father Abuh was in Clinton, where she worked with him on parish Masses and events. She wanted to be part of his 30th-anniversary celebration and was asked to say a few words during the post-Mass ceremony for him, where she shared both heartfelt and humorous anecdotes of his assimilation into East Tennessee.

In an interview for The East Tennessee Catholic, she shared some thoughts of Father Abuh.

“A large part of what makes Father Julius a wonderful priest is his understanding of human nature.

A person doesn’t come from Nigeria, study in Rome, visit dioceses throughout Europe, and then land in the Diocese of Knoxville without learning something about different cultures, different people, and different ways of running a parish. His 30 years in the priesthood and his many travels have given him such a kind, generous heart. People are drawn to that and inspired by it,” Mrs. Kuhens said.

“He is loved by so many from his previous parishes of St. Joseph in Norris and St. Therese in Clinton, and the number of attendees from those former parishes at the celebration in Madisonville is a testament to the many bonds and relationships he has made prior to arriving there.

There are still so many families he continues to keep in contact with from St. Joseph and St. Therese,” she continued. “It’s always an honor to have Father Julius at a birthday, baptism, quinceañera, wedFather Abuh continued on page B7

Lifting their voices The St. Joseph the Worker choir sings at Father Abuh’s anniversary Mass.

Teaching the teacher Olivia Kuhens, an educator in Anderson County who attended St. Therese Church in Clinton when Father Julius Abuh was pastor there, talks about Father Abuh at the dinner following Mass.

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it really isn’t. Sin is that which deceives us.”

Bishop Stika paraphrased the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 9. “‘Jesus, I’m willing to follow you, but I’ve got to bury somebody in my family,’ and Jesus gives this expression, ‘Let the dead bury their dead.’

That might be somewhat difficult to understand, but I think what Jesus is trying to teach us, and this Gospel is a reminder, is that we have to put God first. Because if we don’t put God first, and we put ourselves first or our profession first or another person first, everything else will be on shaky ground. If we put God first, everything will fall into place.

It might not be according to our schedule, because if it was, I would win the lottery every week.”

The Eucharist is central to the heart of St. Patrick Parish, the bishop remarked.

“What’s significant for the parish of St. Patrick’s is from the first day, the center of this parish is the Eucharist; it’s faith in Jesus,” he said.

“When Jesus said, ‘Take this all of you and eat of it. Take and drink, for this is my body, this is my blood, given for you,’ it’s the foundation of our faith. It’s that which separates us from a lot of our Christian brothers and sisters, a belief that the

Eucharist is the epicenter, the highlight, the greatest moment of who we are in church.”

Bishop Stika said “Today is a special day for me, even though Father Miguel has been here a while and Father Adam, too—they came as a tag team from All Saints in Knoxville.

I’m going to officially install him as pastor. He’s going to make some promises, and he’s going to sign some documents, and then he will move on here, guiding you as your shepherd. Want to keep him?” a remark that was followed by applause.

In installing Father Velez as pastor, the bishop asked him, “Are you willing to proclaim the Word of God in the tradition of the Apostles with compassion and faithfulness to the people who are now entrusted to your care? Are you willing to celebrate the sacraments of the Church and thus nourish and sustain your brothers and sisters in body and in spirit? Are you willing to guide, counsel, and cooperate with the people of St. Patrick’s in the work of building up the Church and in the work of service to all who are in need?” Father Velez responded to each question, “I am.”

Each person in the assembly made the same response when the bishop asked questions of them. “Are you

New bishop? Bishop Stika lets Iker Alvarado, 8, wear his miter after the installation of Father Velez as pastor of St. Patrick.

‘I, Father Miguel Velez’ Father Miguel Velez takes the oath of fidelity as part of his installation Mass.

‘The center of this parish is the Eucharist’ Bishop Stika delivers the homily at the installation Mass.

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

DAN MCWILLIAMS (7)

Father Velez continued from page B1

‘Father now is officially pastor of this parish’ Although the signing of the documents made it official for him, Father Velez and Bishop Stika ‘sealed the deal’ with an embrace afterward. willing to hear with open ears and open hearts the Word of God as it is proclaimed to you? Are you willing to encourage and support Father in his responsibility to lead you in prayer, to nourish your faith, and especially to celebrate with you the Lord’s sacrifice? Are you willing to cooperate with him as he exercises the service of pastor, enabling this community of St. Patrick’s to grow in the light of the Gospel?”

Bishop Stika then led his audience in the profession of faith. Afterward, Father Velez took the oath of fidelity in English and Spanish: “I, Father Miguel Velez, in sustaining the office of pastor, promise that in my words and in my actions, I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church. With great care and fidelity, I shall carry out the duties incumbent on me toward the Church, both universal and particular, in which, according to the provisions of the law, I have been called to exercise my service.

In fulfilling the charge entrusted to me in the name of the Church, I shall hold fast to the deposit of faith in its entirety; I shall faithfully hand

it on and explain it; and I shall avoid any teachings contrary to it.

“I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the entire Church, and I shall maintain the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law. With Christian obedience I shall follow what the bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or what they, as those who govern the Church, establish. I shall also faithfully assist the diocesan bishops, so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church. So help me God, and God’s Holy Gospels on which I place my hand.”

The bishop and Father Velez then signed the official documents of installation, witnessed by Hilario Hernandez and organist Lonnie Knight.

“Father now is officially pastor of this parish,” Bishop Stika announced, leading to another round of applause.

At the end of Mass, the bishop blessed a monstrance donated by a parishioner who wished to remain anonymous.

Father Velez continued on page B8

Witness signs Lonnie Knight witnesses the signatures of Bishop Stika and Father Velez at the installation Mass.

Leading the congregation in song The choir at St. Patrick Church sings at the installation Mass.

Opening hymn Bishop Stika and Father Velez sing together at the start of Mass. w ww.di o k no x .o rg

AUGUST 7, 2022 n B3

Parish notes Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy Pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht led a book study on “The Little Parish Bookshop” by Nina George on July 30.

St. Jude, Chattanooga A 10-week grief support group is starting at St. Jude. Weekly meetings will allow individuals to share their story of grief, find support with others experiencing similar feelings, and learn how to navigate life going forward with emotional, spiritual, and practical strategies to find peace and hope. Those who have lost a loved one are invited to participate. Parishioner Loraine Torrence will facilitate the group, and it will meet in the parish life center library from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays beginning Aug. 18 through the end of October. Call Kyra at 423-870-2386 to learn more or be added to the group.

Space is limited.

St. Jude held an open house to allow parishioners to see the parish life center kitchen renovations July 31.

Pastor Father Charlie Burton celebrated his 42nd anniversary of his priestly ordination July 11.

the room has a wheelchair, walkers, canes, and crutches for those who had back surgery. The church library also carries a juvenile section of books and videos. For information, call Mary Ellen Kurtzman at 931-484-9126, Cathie Fugiel at 931-200-4536, or Susan Flynn at 931-287-0561.

Anniversaries: Ben and Jacqueline Ryba (65), Paul and Carole Forkapa (63), Jerome and Carol Scherer (62), Bruce and Carol Heisterkamp (58), James and Corrine Gabriel (57), Don and Sherry Koch (57), Patrick and Patricia McGraw (57), Bill and Pat Maas (57), Samuel and Janet Chippetta (56), David and Barbara Sheppard (56), Raymond and Laurie Falk (54), Richard and Monica Jahn (53), Pat and Norma Donohue (53), Jim and Rosemary Wells (53), Don and Cheryl Chrobot (52), Raymond and Cladette Purzychi (51), Jim and Terri Auchland (51), Richard and Darla Kepner (51), Jan and Martha Novack (51), Ronald and Lynn Varck (51), Richard and Rebecca Bishop (50), John and Kathleen Johnson (50), Michael and Geraldine White (50), Dennis and Nancy Jo Folz (45), Matt and Mary Lampugnano (40), Thomas and Joann Kress (40)

TIM SHAW

Chattanooga Deanery

Notre Dame Parish youth receive first Communion Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville celebrated the sacrament of first Holy Communion at the 11 a.m. Mass on June 19, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Seven students received the sacrament from Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, pastor of Notre Dame. Deacon Wil Johnson served at the Mass. The students assisted with the many Mass ministries during the special day. A reception of punch and cake followed the taking of pictures in the parish narthex. The students were prepared

by DJ Dalton, assisted by Carmen Espinosa. From left are Deacon Johnson, Jose Angel Huertas, Leonardo Reaves, Jordan Diaz Gonzalez, Caitlyn Durante, Patrick Ramos Vieyra, Owen Higgins, Jonathan Cave, and Father Kuzhupil.

St. John Neumann, Farragut

St. Mary, Athens The Knights of Columbus’ yard sale Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-20, will benefit the church lighting fund.

All items donated must be in good working order (no clothing accepted).

Dropoff dates are Wednesday, Aug. 10, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 15-17, from noon to 7 p.m.

Sandy Hartert thanked all of those who volunteered to make this summer’s vacation Bible school a success.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga St. Stephen’s vacation Bible school was held July 25-29 with the theme “Parade Around the Our Father.”

An adult social Bingo Night featuring white-elephant prizes is planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, in the school gym. To attend, be a table host, or learn more, contact Lisa at 5beldyks@ charter.net.

COURTESY OF CLAUDE T. HARDISON JR.

The second annual St. Jude Flea Market/Rummage Sale was held July 2324 to benefit the youth ministry.

Parish volunteers worked on a Habitat for Humanity build through July 23 to help a Knoxville veteran’s family.

Deacon Mike Gouge has stepped down as spiritual director for the St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. John Neumann. Deacon Shawn Ballard is the new spiritual director. For the last several decades, Deacon Gouge has been closely involved with St. Vincent de Paul. In the 1980s, he started the first conference in Knoxville. In 2007, he started the conference at SJN. At a recent potluck/meeting, the parish conference presented Deacon Gouge with the Blessed Frederic Ozanam Award for his long and faithful service.

Cleveland Knights take part in creek cleanup Knights of Columbus Council 4572 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland saw its members, wives, and family recently participate in the city of Cleveland’s efforts to clean up debris from Mouse Creek, which runs through the city and along which the city’s green walkway has been established. This is an annual event, and various organizations in Cleveland participate as a civic duty. From left (standing) are Luke Arntz, Brendan Foley, Kevin and Jean Jackson, Amanda Henderson, St. Thérèse pastor Father Mike Nolan, Taylor Morris, Shawn Duggan, and Michael Shoemaker. Kneeling in front is Randy Morris.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Five Rivers Deanery St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

On July 4, the patriotic rosary was prayed after the 8 a.m. Mass, which was attended by many. This rosary mentions all states on each Hail Mary bead, with a patriotic song after each decade sung on the Glory Be bead. For information about the patriotic rosary, call the parish office at 931-484-3628.

The Stephen Ministry sponsored a workshop on listening skills presented

by John Ranger, which was held July 14. Participants learned how to be better listeners and the rewards one can receive by practicing good listening skills.

The Knights of Columbus’ installation of officers for the new fraternal year was held July 17 after Mass. They pray the rosary after Mass on third Wednesdays, asking the Blessed Mother to help the unborn.

Father Michael Woods is leading the discussion after viewing the TV series “The Chosen,” which is being shown on Wednesdays in the parish hall at 11:30 a.m. Parishioners are asked to bring their lunch. This series started July 20 and runs until Aug. 29. The series is an interpretation of the life of Jesus and how it affects our lives.

The parish Grandparents Room provides free service to parishioners needing household items when family are visiting. Available are a high chair, porta-crib, playpen, car seats, gates, strollers, and more. For adults, B4 n AUGUST 7, 2022

The first Luau & Talent Contest will be held after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 14. The event is hosted by the Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus. The event is a fundraiser to purchase lawn equipment for Holy Trinity.

The annual school-supply drive for Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies took place at Holy Trinity in July.

Newcomer: Barbara Petrillo Notre Dame, Greeneville The Knights of Columbus are having a Pulled-Pork Fundraiser and silent auction from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, in the parish hall to benefit the Knights’ Ukraine Solidarity Fund. The fund works with the Knights councils in Poland as well as the Latin and Greek Catholic churches in Ukraine to provide temporary shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, and religious supplies. Dinner includes a pulled-pork sandwich, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, a drink, and dessert. Adult meals are $10, and meals for children 3-10 are $5 (children 2 and under eat free).

The parish’s annual Fall Festival of Nations is set for Saturday, Oct. 1.

The next meeting about the event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18. Needed for the festival are items for the international silent auction, more countries for the international food court, entertainment ideas and suggestions, prizes for youth games, and art and photography to display.

Sign up in the narthex for chairperson opportunities. Call Sandy Alter at 423329-2853 or e-mail sandyalter44@ gmail.com to assist.

Parish notes continued on page B7

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

The Council of Catholic Women thanks everyone for their help in a successful bake sale held July 1, especially the callers, bakers, workers, sellers, and buyers. Now they are busy planning a Summer Tea for parish newcomers Aug. 10, held in the parish hall.

St. Henry Knights award family of the month Grand Knight Bob McDaniel of St. Henry Knights of Columbus Council 8860 in Rogersville on July 8 presented the family of the month award for July-September to Margaret and Andrew (Andy) Palko, who have long attended St. Henry and participated in the many events and activities offered. Andy is the parish resident cook; he cooks for the Knights and parish spaghetti dinners and other fundraising events throughout the year. He works with at-risk kids in the community, while both he and Margaret find time for two active grandkids (Carson and Kyle). The oldest grandson, Carson, was pictured in the Columbia magazine with a fish quilt that (alongside pastor Father Bart Okere) he won as a church door prize pre-pandemic. Margaret has served on the parish pastoral council, as a reader, and continues to work as a money counter in the church. The Palkos have two adult children who have careers of their own: Amanda is an assistant principal in Maryland, and Andrew has a business in Nashville. From left are Mr. McDaniel, Father Okere, Margaret and Andrew Palko, and Deacon Richard Frohmiller.

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Deacon Rust, Father Doug Owens, Joey Wenning, Allison Maurer, Allison Lowe, Father Michael Maples, Dr. Lisa Padgett, and representatives of the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee. Information booths will feature All Saints caregiving ministries, a registered dietitian, a doctor of physical therapy, a chiropractor, and more. For more information, contact Christine Lucheon at 865-4748601 or clucheon@dioknox.org.

High school girls (especially those planning to celebrate their quinceañera) are invited to the La Vida en Rosa Retreat 2022. The retreat will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The theme this year is “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). During the retreat girls can expect games, time to connect with God, excellent talks, good food, a chance to meet new friends, fun activities, and to learn a lot about their worth and dignity as a daughter of God. Some talks and activities will be in Spanish and others in English. The cost is $50.

There is space for 50 teens. Bring a friend. To register, contact Zulay Pickering, coordinator of Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, at 865-235-6938 or zpickering@dioknox.org. Forms and a bilingual flyer are available at https://dioknox. org/events/la-vida-en-rosa-2022.

SEARCH for Christian Maturity Retreat No. 165 is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. SEARCH helps Catholic high school juniors and seniors take a fresh look at their own faith journey, reflecting on their place within their families, schools, parishes, and community as a disciple of Christ. This is accomplished through activities and experiences that lead participants to a renewed understanding of Christ at work in their lives. SEARCH is facilitated by teens for teens with the guidance of adult SEARCH coordinators. The main focus of the retreat is threefold: motivating the youth to seek a personal relationship with Christ, getting young people involved with their respective parishes, and promoting leadership. Cost is $95, and the deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 16. Space is limited. Registration forms may be obtained through parish youth ministers or the Notre Dame High School front office, or by visiting https://dioknox.org/events/ search-165. For more information, contact Chattanooga SEARCH coordinators Irene Scoggins at 423-5960053 or irene.scoggins@gmail.com or Amanda Henderson at 423-458-2401 or stygcleveland@gmail.com.

The diocesan offices of Young Adult Ministry and Vocations will be hosting an Avow Discernment Group for young women ages 18-35 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Chancery office, 805 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. Avow is designed to create an atmosphere of freedom and openness for the authentic pursuit of the Father’s will for young women looking to find their place in the Church. Join other women for this bimonthly discernment group that will meet on Tuesday evenings throughout the fall semester.

The group will be led by the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich. Anyone interested can sign up at dioknox. org/events/avow-discernment-group.

Limited space available. For more information, e-mail Beth Parsons at bparsons@dioknox.org or Paola Wolaver at pwolaver@dioknox.org.

The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will have a pro-life volunteer training and refresher workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16. The location will be provided when reservations are made. This annual workshop will, in part, train and equip participants to volunteer at the TRL educational display at upcoming fairs and events. Make reservations by e-mailing trlknox@prolifeknox.com or call 865-689-1339.

The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville golf tournament is set for Sept. 1 at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford.

Register online at ladiesofcharityknox. org or call Joe Sutter at 865-384-4013.

Registration for the World Youth Day diocesan pilgrimage is open. WYD is in summer 2023 in Portugal. Young adults ages 18 to 35 are invited to join the Office of Young Adult Ministry for the journey. They will be pilgrimaging with Dube Travel from July 28 to Aug. 8, 2023. The package includes roundtrip airfare, two nights in Fatima, eight nights in Lisbon, the WYD registration packages, daily breakfast, and more.

Visit dioknox.org/wyd2023 for more details on registration, itinerary, pricing, payment plans, and fundraising opportunities. For more information, contact Paola Wolaver at pwolaver@dioknox. org or Brittany Garcia at bgarcia@ dioknox.org.

All Saints Parish in Knoxville will host a Health and Mental Wellness Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. The event will feature speakers throughout the day and other health-related information from the Knoxville community.

St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic will provide glucose, blood-pressure, and basic mental-health screening. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will lead health- and first-aid-related activities for children.

Outdoor aerobics and other activities are planned if weather permits. Friday evening speakers are Zack Kramer, owner of Trinity Strength, and Deacon Robert Rust. Saturday speakers are Mr. Kramer, TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

Camp Thrive, a collaborative youthministry event for leaders in the Louisville Province, is set for Aug. 25-27 at Gasper River Catholic Camp and Retreat Center in Bowling Green, Ky. Youth-ministry leaders from the two states will gather for celebration, renewal, and professional growth. Registration deadline is Aug. 19. Register at https://dioknox.org/events/camp-thrive.

Cost is $135 per youth ministry leader (includes two nights lodging and six meals). For more information, contact Brittany Garcia at bgarcia@dioknox.org or 865-776-9635.

“The Calling,” a Catholic youth leadership camp for rising ninth- through 12th-grade youth, is scheduled for Sept. 23-25 at Adventure Ocoee Retreat Center, 186 Hawkins Drive in Ocoee, Tenn. The theme is “When God calls you, He will equip you” (Exodus 4:10-15). Youths will form new friendships with other teens from around the diocese, discover more about the gifts God uniquely gave them, and grow in fundamental skills for mission and leadership. Damascus Catholic Mission is collaborating with the Diocese of Knoxville for this camp and will provide the talks and worship leader. Costs are $100 per youth participant and $75 for adult leaders. Prices include lodging, all meals, a T-shirt, and all camp activities (a zip line, a climbing wall, a freefall swing, a low ropes course, an adventure fun mud race, a bonfire, music, speakers, and more). Download a flyer at dioknox.org/documents/2022/4/ The%20Calling%20Flyer.pdf. Contact Brittany Garcia at bgarcia@dioknox.org with questions.

An Engaged Encounter weekend is set for Oct. 22-23 at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend to plan for a sacramental marriage. It is designed to give couples the opportunity to talk privately, honestly, and intensively about their prospective lives together—their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, and goals, and their attitudes about money, sex, children, family, and their role in the Church and society—in a guided format. Cost of the weekend is $175 per couple, which includes a certificate good for a $60 discount on the couple’s marriage license in Tennessee. To receive a $60 discount, couples must attend a marriage-preparation weekend within one year of purchasing the license. To learn more or to register for a weekend, visit knoxville. engagedencounter.com or call Leslie Consoli at 865-803-6790.

Calendar continued on page B7

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Knights install new officers Knights of Columbus Queen of Heaven Council 4572 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland recently installed its officers for the coming year. From left are (front row) Van Randazzo, recorder, and Joe Mauser Jr., warden; (second row) Patrick Bisson, district deputy; Bertin Kurtz, trustee; Lester Brown, trustee; Joe Mauser III, inside guard; and Kevin Jackson, district warden; and (back row) Father Mike Nolan, chaplain; Woody Blackwell, treasurer; Don Meagher, chancellor; Brendan Foley, Grand Knight; Taylor Morris, standing in for Arthur Jur, deputy Grand Knight; and Dale Foust, trustee. Not pictured are John Lucchesi, financial secretary; Joe Marucco, advocate; and Chuck Nelson, outside guard.

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

The Diocese of Knoxville is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Cursillo movement in East Tennessee this fall. Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate an anniversary Mass at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1, in the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. All Cursillistas are invited. Following Mass, there will be a Grand Ultreya and a fiesta in the parish hall. RSVP to Lois Schering at schering4@aol.com or 865-681-7858.

COURTESY OF CLAUDE T. HARDISON JR.

Calendar

Learning about their faith At left is Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, with the adult and teen staff of the Notre Dame VBS and several students. James Kaiktsian is the Swiss Guard, and Jordan Gonzalez, who recently received his first Holy Communion, is driving the Popemobile.

Notre Dame in Greeneville conducts Vatican Express Kidz Camp for VBS

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atican Express Catholic Kidz Camp was the vacation Bible school for 2022 at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville. VBS was held on Wednesday nights from June 22 through July 13 from 6 to 8:15 p.m. Nineteen adult staff members assisted, along with 10 youth leaders and about 30 students from pre-K to fifth grade under the direction of Susan Collins, director of religious education and youth ministry.

The students learned about St. Jerome, who took so long to translate the Bible into Latin, and his friends the lion and the donkey. They traveled to the Swiss Guard Quarters for faith sharing, Michelangelo’s Loft for crafts, St. Jerome’s Cave for Bible study, St. Peter’s Square Café for snacks, the Pontifical Academy of Music for singing and dancing, and the Vatican Gardens for games.

Pictures were taken of each child on the last day driving the Popemobile, with the Swiss Guard at attention.

The students learned about

Vatican City starting with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and making treasure chests because of all the treasures held there. The second lesson focused on St. Peter, the apostolic succession, and they made the golden keys of St. Peter. Next was about the Eucharist, the real presence of Jesus, and they added jewels to the chalice they colored.

The last night featured the monstrance, and each student made a beautiful monstrance with jewels and a picture of Jesus. These were placed on the steps of the altar as the students, their families, and VBS staff gathered in the church at the conclusion of VBS for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, pastor of Notre Dame, blessed the monstrances for the children to take home and display in a special place.

The service project for VBS was an awareness for Peter’s Pence. A friendly competition took place between the girls and the boys to raise funds for the Holy Father for the many needs in the world. n

Johnsons of Fairfield Glade celebrating 50th anniversary

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t. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade congratulates John and Kathleen Johnson, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 12.

They were married at St. John the Apostle Church in Clark, N.J., with Father Edward Eilert officiating.

Their three sons are J. Kenneth (Melissa) of Portland, Ore.; Edward (Shelle) of Woodstock, Ill.; and Richard (Emily) of Los Angeles; and they have nine grandchildren.

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Mr. Johnson retired from Kraft Foods Co., and Mrs. Johnson retired from the First National Bank of McHenry in McHenry, Ill., and they moved to the Glade in December 2012.

Mr. Johnson is a reader and member of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Johnson is vice president of the Council of Catholic Women.

They both sing in the parish choir and the Mastersingers of Cookeville, and Mrs. Johnson in the Plateau Women’s Chorus. n AUGUST 7, 2022 n B5

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

After years of trying, he can say, ‘I hate golf’ But after some valuable time in the sport spent with his grandson, he may change his mind

I

hate golf. Again. This is at least the fourth or fifth time. We’ve battled often. I’ve lost every time.

Soundly defeated.

Vanquished not by an opponent with better skill but beaten by nothing more than a stick and that dang little white ball.

Time and again, I have entered into this on-again, off-again relationship with a positive outlook, bordering on optimism, determined that we can surely come to some mutually beneficial arrangement in which the sport will gain another follower, another patron, or at the very least another sucker willing to spend his money.

And on my end, I will have added an activity to my life that relaxes my mind, reduces my stress, and provides a personal enjoyment not able to be experienced by merely watching on TV. Apparently, though, we cannot peacefully coexist, though believe me, we have tried.

Rather, I’ve felt way more like Sisyphus, doomed by Zeus to roll that boulder up the hill, almost reaching the top, only to have it fall back to the bottom.

And start again.

Well, minus the “almost reaching the top” part (which has never happened), nor has there been any Greek god dooming me to this frustration.

I just keep doing it to myself. Zeus and Sisyphus rolled into one.

So here I am again. Back at the bottom of the hill. Optimistic and determined to defeat my opponent.

I began this golfing experience when I was 13, invited by two friends to join in as we played our first rounds together at a local municipal course.

I knew absolutely nothing about the game—not really. I watched them tee up their ball on the first hole, and I followed suit. Grabbed my club like a baseball bat and swung for the fences.

Grip it and rip it as the commentators say.

As we parted ways walking down the fairway, each to find our own ball, I found mine in the woods and proceeded to tee up my second shot just as I’d done moments before. I

[A]fter 15 years of not taking a single swing, I have decided to once again do battle with this sport. I’m now motivated by the fact that my three sons-in-law have invited me multiple times, and I’ve opted out, secure in knowing I couldn’t embarrass myself if I didn’t play. quickly discovered that such was an egregious violation of the rules I did not know resulting in a friendly reprimand (Are you cheating!?), and the accompanying embarrassment I’ve never forgotten.

Probably the first time I hated golf.

The fee to play was $2. That’s likely all I had, except for maybe another 50 cents with which to buy a Coke and some cheese crackers at the halfway mark.

Where my mom found the money to purchase my starter set of clubs, I have no idea. There were days I know she struggled to find money for food.

So, lessons were out of the question.

They wouldn’t have made sense anyway, because I was busy year-round playing team sports. No time. Golf would just be a fun little thing for my free time.

Well, minus the fun.

When we were 22, my best friend had been the victim of a car wreck and had finally advanced to crutches after a lengthy stay in traction and rehab.

He played less golf than I did and didn’t even own clubs, but he wanted to play at the local par-three course.

We walked, and I carried the clubs we shared.

For 18 holes he’d hobble to his ball, drop his crutches, balance on his one good leg, and then proceed to soundly whip my behind.

I hate golf.

A few years later as a high school teacher, our school’s team had been blessed with more than a few unbelievably talented golfers. One in particular had played his way through college and had tried to give it a go on one of the smaller “minor league” tours in hopes of earning a spot with the best of the best.

I asked this former student of mine to meet me at the local driving range

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

for what would be my first real lesson, though I was now 30. We hit a bucket of balls while I tried to absorb every last tip he offered.

We’d never mentioned money, but when we finished, I pushed some cash toward him.

“Thanks for your help; here, take this.”

“Nope, absolutely not.”

“That’s really nice of you, but I don’t want to take advantage. And I might want to call you again. Take it.”

“No, that’s OK, call me anytime.”

“Please take this.”

And then he said, “George, look, I can’t take your money. I didn’t help you. You’re not one bit better than when we started an hour ago.”

I hate golf.

As a result of such continued humiliation, there’ve been more than a few years my clubs gathered garage dust. Yet other times I’d get re-engaged and re-obsessed with the sport.

One such Saturday morning, while in charge of our two oldest girls, then 7 and 5, I took them to the range. I gave each a club, a few balls, and hoped they’d occupy themselves.

What got my attention was the wailing. The youngest had stepped in the way just as the oldest buried the edge of her wildly swinging club in the side of the little one’s skull.

I’m embarrassed to say, I ran over hollering “Shhhh! Shhhh! You have to be quiet here; people are playing golf.”

A bunch of stitches later and yes, my wife has hated golf, too.

Most recently, after 15 years of not taking a single swing, I have decided to once again do battle with this sport.

I’m now motivated by the fact that my three sons-in-law have invited me multiple times, and I’ve opted out, secure in knowing I couldn’t embarrass myself if I didn’t play.

Stupidly, I know I’m missing out.

And not to be morose, but time’s running out as well.

So, armed with the same optimism and positivity of the past, I’ve been back at the range trying to teach myself. This time I’ve purchased some video lessons for my iPad and plastic balls for my backyard. Bound not to

be beaten, it actually feels like I’ve been getting better.

And to ensure my success, for the first time in my life, I paid a real professional for a real lesson. Yes, I’d been improving, but I’d convinced myself some fine tuning was all I really needed to get me and this boulder to the top of that darn hill.

“Well, let’s start with your grip,” he said. “Try this, because you hold the club wrong.”

“But it feels like I’m doing what you say.”

“And let’s talk about your stance.

You do it wrong.”

“But it really feels like I was already doing it your way.”

“And when you take the club back, you do it wrong.”

“This is crazy. All these things feel like I’m doing exactly what you’re telling me to do.”

“What can I say? In golf, feels are bad. Watch this video I’ve just taken of you. What do you see?”

“Well, you’re right. I can see what you’re saying plain as day.”

“What do you think?”

“I’d have sworn I was already doing what you told me. But you’re right, ‘Feels are bad.’”

Our grandson is learning the game, too. Brady’s 12, and he’s blessed that his mom and dad are able to do for him what my folks couldn’t—he’s taking lessons as well.

His folks both work, so I pick him up and get him to his lessons. We hit balls together and have lunch together and chat about our stance and our drills and hitting in the backyard.

But we also talk about sleeping late and summer reading and basketball camp and what middle school might be like and being on the soccer team with the big kids and how he worries about his sister Emma because she worries about storms.

Time together . . . I’ll have to tell my coach—not all of golf’s “feels” are bad.

I love this game.

Dear God—Life’s not golf. When it feels like the right thing to do, please give us the strength to do it. Amen. ■ George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.

by Deacon Bob Hunt

Poll: Americans’ belief in God is dropping The utter lack of God in their lives leads people to commit mass killings or other depraved acts

A

couple of Gallup polls caught my eye recently. The first has gotten a bit of attention in the press and the second barely any at all.

The first poll reports that 81 percent of Americans say they believe in God. That sounds like a lot, but the headline is that 81 percent represents a 6 percent drop since 2017.

When Gallup first started asking that question back in the 1940s, the number was consistently 98 percent.

It started declining in the 2010s, and 81 percent represents the lowest percentage of Americans to answer in favor of God’s existence since polling on the question began.

More important than whether someone believes in God is whether someone believes that God is meaningful in their lives, whether He hears our prayers, can intervene with His grace, or hold us accountable for our sins. The poll found that nearly three-quarters of those who attend religious services weekly believe that God hears prayers and can intervene in our lives. Nearly three-quarters? Why isn’t that figure 100 percent? What’s the point of holding that God exists and of attending religious services if you don’t believe He cares about us?

God as “intellectual exercise” has no appeal to me.

A second poll hasn’t received

B6 n AUGUST 7, 2022

nearly as much attention in the press, though it also represents a record-setting result. Fully 50 percent of Americans, the highest ever recorded, think that the state of morals in America is “poor.” Another 37 percent rate the state of morals as only “fair,” while only 12 percent rate the state of morals as “good,” and a nearly non-existent 1 percent rate it as “excellent.” It seems that few people feel very positive or optimistic about the moral state of affairs in America right now.

It would be easy to make a connection between these two polls: the record high poor rating for the state of morals in America being linked to the record low belief in God’s existence. I don’t dismiss that connection at all, at least not as out-of-hand as I’m sure an atheist would. You don’t have to be an atheist to be a moral reprobate.

There have been plenty of religious people who have committed moral horrors. Indeed, the sins of believers over the centuries, and of Catholics in particular, have been so many and so heinous, it amazes me that people still feel the need to make things up! Even still, I think history justifies the conclusion that their sins don’t compare to the crimes of those who reject God and His influence in our lives.

What concerns me terribly is the

number of people for whom God is of no consideration at all, where He is utterly absent. If you consider the backgrounds of those who have been shooting up schools or who have committed mass killings, very rarely do you find a perpetrator who reports a strong commitment to faith in God or involvement in a faith community. Usually, it’s just the opposite, those factors being absent in their lives.

The great majority of mass killers over the previous two decades or more appear to have little to no religious sentiments. They have not been committed Christians or committed believers of any stripe. They have not even been committed atheists, who at least consider the question of God. This is the problem: not so much people who claim to be atheists (their numbers are no greater than Christians among mass killers), but the utter lack of God, the absence of God, or thinking of or mulling the question of God, that is common in the lives of the great majority of those who commit such horrible crimes. Put simply, if one is raised in an environment where the question of being held accountable for one’s actions by God is never considered, then that can negatively influence ideas of how to act toward others.

There is also the matter of hope.

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Those who are raised in the absence of God have little reason to hope or trust that God cares when life gets difficult and confusing. And it always does.

We live in an increasingly secular culture. By that, I don’t mean a culture that is hostile to God. That has its dangers, of course, especially if that hostility turns political. What I mean is that we have a culture that simply dismisses God, gives Him no consideration whatsoever. So many of our children are raised in homes and in neighborhoods and in surrounding environments where God is absent, and even the question of God’s existence and the role He plays in our lives is never brought up.

I can’t help but think that this is where so much moral depravity and violence is rooted. Until we create a culture where God permeates the atmosphere of every nook and cranny of our country, we will continue to have to deal with tragedies such as mass killings and school shootings.

There may be policies we can adopt to help mitigate the carnage. But there is no other answer.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■ Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

ding—even a funeral. He becomes such a part of people’s lives that these important events don’t seem complete without him there, and I’m sure members of St. Joseph the Worker feel that way, too.”

While it wasn’t a canonization of a saint, Bishop Stika led a well-attended celebration for a well-liked priest who is entering the next 30 years of his ministry.

“Thank you for your service. And thank you for saying, ‘Yes (to the priesthood),’” Bishop Stika told Father Abuh. “Continue to do a good and holy job as every priest is called to be.”

“The greatest vocation director is any priest.

Any priest who lives a happy, holy, wholesome priesthood is the greatest witness to what it means to be a priest to His Church. I think Father Julius does just that, so continue to pray for him.

“We continue to be blessed with wonderful vocations, whether they come from outside the territory like Father Julius, who is from a land far, far away. Happy anniversary, Father,” the bishop concluded. n

BILL BREWER

Father Abuh continued from page B2

Bow your heads Father David Carter leads a prayer after the dinner honoring Father Julius Abuh’s 30th anniversary in the priesthood.

Calendar continued from page B5 The next Picture of Love engaged-couples retreat is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23 and 24, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriagepreparation program is a supplement to the couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. The Picture of Love marriage-preparation program for engaged couples explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help the couple gain insights into their relationship, as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another. The cost is $135 per couple, and the experience will qualify couples for a $60 discount on a Tennessee marriage license. For more information, e-mail kbyrne@dioknox.org or call Karen Byrne at 865-584-3307. To register and fill out requested exercises, visit dioknox.org/ events/picture-of-love-2022.

A Retrouvaille weekend to help couples rebuild their marriages is set for Sept. 2-4. To receive confidential information about or to register for the next weekend, call 800-470-2230 or 615838-6724, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

Catholic Charities is hosting a free Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat the weekend of Oct. 7-9 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center, 250 Locke Lane in Benton, for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions.

Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. If you are unable to attend a weekend retreat, one-on-one counseling is available with counselors who have been trained in this area. For more

information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are set for Sept. 9-11 and Nov. 11-13 at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta North in Johns Creek, Ga. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org, call 678242-WWME, or e-mail applications@ GATN-wwme.org. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www.foryourmilitary marriage.com.

Father Julian Cardona of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City is leading a pilgrimage to Mexico to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other religious points of interest. The departure date is Sept. 26 and the return date Oct. 2. Mass will be celebrated each day in special churches. To download the brochure, visit www.selectinternationaltours.com. In the search box type “Jim Gecsei.” Call Mr. Gecsei at 865-8033555 for more information.

Father Bill McNeeley of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will be the spiritual director for a pilgrimage to Ireland from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. Pilgrims will visit Dublin, Wicklow, Glendalough, Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel, Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher, Corcomroe Abbey, Galway, Corrib Lake, Clonmacnoise, and Knock. Cost is $3,759 per person from Knoxville. For more information, visit www.pilgrimages.com/frmcneeley.

“Shrines and Sites, a Pilgrimage to Switzerland,” is set for April 17-27, 2023.

Join Father Michael Maples to experience the sacred sites and beauty of Switzerland. The group will have three nights in Lucerne, with stops at Muri Abbey to

celebrate Mass and in Solothurn to visit St. Ursus Cathedral. There will be an excursion by coach to Engelberg Abbey and then by cable car to the top of Mount Titlis, considered one of Switzerland’s top destinations. Pilgrims will discover Europe’s highest train station on a full-day train tour to Jungfraujoch. On arrival, they will view the UNESCO-listed landscape and explore summit attractions, such as the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory, with views over Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest glacier. They will take the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express boat on Lake Lucerne before boarding a train to Lugano, where they will have a two-night stay. A day of sightseeing that includes Santa Maria Degli Angeli Church and a cable-car ride to Monte San Salvatore will follow. The exploration continues with a visit to the Cathedral of Lugano, St. Mary’s, the Rocco Church, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and the Museo D’ Arte.

The group will visit the Marian Shrine of Switzerland to see the statue of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Einsiedeln, and go on to Zurich. Pilgrims will visit St. Gallen Abbey and Library, the oldest in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat ride down the Limmat River under the bridges and a visit to the Fraumunster Church to see the Chagall stained-glass windows will follow. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@ select-intl.com.

Join Father Mike Nolan on a pilgrimage to Northern Ireland and Scotland from June 12-23, 2023, and visit St. Patrick’s Church in Armagh and his gravesite in Downpatrick. Pilgrims will stop in Glenarm and Ballycastle and drive the Causeway Coastal Route. They will experience the beauty of Giant’s Causeway and stay two nights in a beautiful coastal town before visiting Belfast, where they will have the

opportunity to see the Peace Wall and visit the Titanic Belfast Exhibit, St. George’s Market, and more. The group will then take a ferry to Scotland, visiting Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews.

For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

A pilgrimage to Greece, including a four-day Aegean cruise, is set for Sept.

18-29, 2023. Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” as pilgrims visit the places where St. Paul preached the Gospel—Thessaloniki, Philippi, Corinth, and Athens— and visit the Meteora Monasteries. The Aegean cruise stops on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos and will also visit the ancient city of Ephesus, featuring some of the most magnificent excavations in the world, and visit Mary’s house. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 6 p.m. most Thursdays at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914, meets for Divine Liturgy every first, second, and fourth Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-621-8499 or visit www.facebook.com/Saint ThomasKnoxville/ for more details. n

Parish notes continued from page B4 Religious-education classes begin after Labor Day. All students and their families are invited to a welcome-back party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Splash Pad in Greeneville.

Anniversaries: Landon and Marlene Wilds (68), Bud and Mary Noe (59), Jeff and Joyce Hollett (40) St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus’ fundraiser through Freddy’s Steakburgers, 140 Hatfield Drive in Morristown, continues. Those eating at Freddy’s from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 27, Nov. 23, and Dec. 22 should mention “Knights of Columbus,” and the restaurant will donate 15 percent of the cost of the meal to the Knights council.

The building would then be cleaned and renovated with siding covering the outside. Parishioners will be allowed access with PINs and can come to the chapel anytime. Funds for this purpose have been pledged for $50,000 (which covers 100 percent of the estimated renovation cost), with additional contributions asked for interior furnishings. These furnishings are estimated to be $15,000. After consulting with the pastoral council and other parishioners, and with prayerful consideration, pastor Father Bill McNeeley has decided to submit this proposal to Bishop Richard F. Stika for consideration.

The parish recently welcomed its newest Knights of Columbus: Daniel Dixon, Jose Galvan, Nicholas Kelley, Sean Metz, and Alan Sherman.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

Anniversaries: Nick and Elena Longo (63), Alex and Marty Thomas (35), Anthony and Deborah Miksa (25), Robert III and Kristal Dawson (5), Federico Medina-Matute and Bianca Rubio-Dorth (5)

Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville At the June 14 pastoral council meeting, a group of parishioners proposed a plan to convert the garage next to the Mary statue into an adoration chapel.

Essential equipment would be moved to a new garden shed on church property.

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

The annual Irish Fest on the Hill is set for 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. The event features live Irish music, Irish food and beer, Irish desserts, a silent auction, and tours of IC Church. Music performers will include Red Haired Mary, Knoxville Pipe & Drums, Jeff Nelson, Nancy Brennan Strange & Friends, Tennessee Irish Dancers, Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club, Wild Blue Yonder, The Missing Goats, and Four Leaf Peat. Admission is $10 (kids free). Volunteers are needed, and service hours for students are available for setup, cleanup, food prep/sales, the admission gate, and kids activities.

Contact Beth Wolf at 865-679-0535 or beth7137@att.net for more information on positions and times. Silent auction items are needed; contact Juliet McVay at cwmcvay@comcast.net. The IC women’s group needs items for the dessert table.

For more details, contact Beth Meyer at meyer.beth73@gmail.com or Marilyn Reda at mreda51@gmail.com.

At IC’s twin parish in Haiti, 46 students have completed their education at St. Francis Xavier School. They traveled with several parents to the town of Miragoane, where they took Baccalaureate exams on July 1, 4, and 5. Upon passing these required exams, the students are eligible to apply for jobs, additional training, or university. Father Belizaire, the pastor of St. Francis, is coming to Knoxville for the second time. He will arrive Thursday, Aug. 25 and leave the next day for the national Parish Twinning Conference in Nashville with parishioner Viviane Manigat-Jackson.

When they return Sunday, Aug. 28, the parish Haiti committee will host Father Belizaire and show him the Knoxville sights until he departs Tuesday, Aug. 30. IC is hoping to have a parish-wide party Monday, Aug. 29, to honor him.

The Knights of Columbus served a traditional full breakfast following each Mass on July 24.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville The 11:15 a.m. Mass may be viewed by

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visiting the parish YouTube channel, “St. John XXIII Knoxville,” five to 10 minutes before the Mass is due to start. A link to the Mass will be posted afterward on the parish Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/JohnXXIIIUTK. St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The Knights of Columbus’ annual yard sale will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9-10 (Sept. 8 for parishioners only), with proceeds supporting the council’s many Monroe County charities. All items of value that are clean and in working order are welcomed, including books; clean clothing; furniture; pictures; decorative items; clean bedding; large and small appliances; power and hand tools; lawn and garden equipment; kitchen pots, pans, dishes, and utensils; automobiles and auto parts; sporting goods; camping gear and equipment; boats and boating equipment; Christmas decorations; electronics; musical instruments and supplies; crafts; and toys. For pickup, call Ed Harless at 423-884-2575 or Dan Callan at 423-807-6118.

The parish is providing side dishes and desserts every seven weeks for the Community Café project. Upcoming dates are Sept. 13 (side dishes), Nov. 1 (desserts), and Dec. 20 (side dishes). To help make up boxes, distribute them, or clean up afterward, contact Jodi Swiderek at 423-404-2258 or jobentenn@gmail. com. n AUGUST 7, 2022 n B7

“I know the donor is here, but I’m like the CIA; I can’t tell you who they are, because they don’t want attention brought to themselves,” Bishop Stika said. “But whoever you are in this church, all the people who will kneel before the Blessed Sacrament, you will always be contained in their prayers, so in the name of the parish, I wish to thank you.”

Father Velez has been serving at St. Patrick since September 2021. Being a pastor “is a big challenge for me,” he said.

“After many years of being an associate, you get adjusted to doing certain duties, but now as pastor I have more responsibilities, more challenges in leading a community, especially this parish,” he said. “We have the English community and the Spanish community—I pray to God that I will keep the right balance between these two communities to work together as one.”

Father Velez will be leading more than 900 registered families at St. Patrick “and probably more that are not registered,” he said. n

Daily readings Monday, Aug. 1: Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church, Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29, 43, 79-80, 95, 102; Matthew 14:13-21 Tuesday, Aug. 2: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 2223; Matthew 14:22-36 Wednesday, Aug. 3: Jeremiah 31:1-7; Jeremiah 31:10-13; Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 4: Memorial of St. John Vianney, priest, Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, Aug. 5: Nahum 2:1, 3 and 3:1-3, 6-7; Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41; Matthew 16:24-28 Saturday, Aug. 6: Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36 Sunday, Aug. 7: Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-22; Hebrews 11:12, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

Father Velez continued from page B3

‘You will be always contained in their prayers’ Bishop Stika blesses a monstrance held by Father Velez at the end of the installation Mass.

Monday, Aug. 8: Memorial of St. Dominic, priest, Ezekiel 1:2-5, 2428; Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14; Matthew 17:22-27 Tuesday, Aug. 9: Ezekiel 2:8–3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday, Aug. 10: Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9; John 12:24-26 Thursday, Aug. 11: Memorial of St. Clare, virgin, Ezekiel 12:1-12; Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62; Matthew 18:21–19:1 Friday, Aug. 12: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Isaiah 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 13: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday, Aug. 14: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:14; Luke 12:49-53 Monday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6,

10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56 Tuesday, Aug. 16: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 17: Ezekiel 34:111; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 18: Ezekiel 36:2328; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 19: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40 Saturday, Aug. 20: Memorial of St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, Ezekiel 43:1-7; Psalm 85:914; Matthew 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 21: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 1113; Luke 13:22-30 Monday, Aug. 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday, Aug. 23: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Mat-

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thew 23:23-26 Wednesday, Aug. 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle, Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Thursday, Aug. 25: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, Aug. 26: 1 Corinthians 1:1725; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday, Aug. 27: Memorial of St. Monica, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21; Matthew 25:14-30 Sunday, Aug. 28: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14 Monday, Aug. 29: Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 119:97-102; Mark 6:17-29 Tuesday, Aug. 30: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37 Wednesday, Aug. 31: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21; Luke 4:38-44 n

TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS (4)

Parish and community news

COURTESY OF BARRY WALSH (3)

Notre Dame Parish marks Corpus Christi Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, pastor of Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville, led a eucharistic procession at Notre Dame on June 19, the solemnity of Corpus Christi.

The procession stopped at four altars set in the four corners of the church property. One altar was by the Council of Catholic Women, another by youth ministry (top right photo), another by the Knights of Columbus, and one by Hispanic ministry (bottom right photo), representing bringing Christ to the four corners of the earth. The youth did handprints and signed their name for the backdrop of their altar. The Knights assisted with parking and kept the parking lot clear for the procession. Children sprinkled flower petals in front of the procession.

Renovations underway at old Holy Ghost Church Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville is renovating its old church building, next door to the newer building. Volunteers have been assisting in the renovation work, which will provide much-needed meeting space for priests and parishioners. The old church was dedicated in 1908 and served the parish as a place of worship and as a school. The newer church building was dedicated in 1926. Holy Ghost School closed in 1963 when St. Joseph School opened.

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Catholic youth

COURTESY OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

Notre Dame teacher completes history course Notre Dame High School social studies department chair Dr. Connie McNamara recently completed a three-day course, Heimler’s History Summer Teacher Training, sponsored by some of the leading history educators, including Steve Heimler (at left) of Heimler’s History. It took place in Alpharetta, Ga., from July 6-8. The course was led by three well-respected expert teachers of AP World History: Mr. Heimler, Eileen Orzoff Baranyk, and Kelsey Hudson. Dr. McNamara learned best practices in teaching content and writing skills.

Scenes from camps The annual God Camps took place in June at Harrison Bay State Park Group Camp in Harrison.

The Reach camp (top photo) was for upcoming seventh- and eighth-graders, and the Discover camp (middle photo) was for upcoming fifth- and sixth-graders. At left is the Cove­crest Summer Camp for highschoolers at Life Teen Covecrest in Tiger, Ga. The teens are doing a low-ropes teambuilding activity.

COURTESY OF BRITTANY GARCIA

COURTESY OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL (4)

COURTESY OF DONNA JONES (2)

MATTHEW WALKER/NOTRE DAME

NDHS’s Mroz wins state high-jump title Freshman Olivia Mroz of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga captured the high-jump state championship this spring in Division II, Class A, by clearing the bar at 5 feet, 2 inches.

She was the only freshman to reach the II-A high-jump finals in the meet May 25 at Murfreesboro and was the first Lady Irish to win a title in high jump. It was the Notre Dame girls’ first track-andfield state championship since 2008. The mark of 5-2 also set a Lady Irish record.

God Camp counselors reflect on their summer experiences

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Notre Dame conducts summer camps Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga held a variety of summer camps in June, including cheer, dance, basketball, volleyball, and football camps.

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our counselors at the diocesan God Camps this summer looked back on their experiences. Each was in his or her first time on the counseling team.

“My experience at God Camp as a counselor was amazing!” said Alex Espinoza, a senior from St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland. “I loved how I was able to connect with the kids in such little time and get to teach them how to find their own path and walk with God along that path.

“It was amazing to see them open up and make new friends and to see how much they had grown at the end of the camp. No matter how hot it was or how tired they were, they were always engaged and ready to soak up all the lessons we were giving them. And all of these things just made the experience so special and amazing to me.”

Alejandro Stambury is a sophomore from St. Mary Parish in Athens.

“I would say that being a counselor at God camp not only gives

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you the responsibility of guiding those that are given under your protection but also ensuring that the kids have a good time to connect with how they feel toward God and not just them, but also myself,” he said. “This experience opened my eyes more to God than they were before.”

Selena Mullinax is a freshman from the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

“God Camp was great because it gave us the opportunity to make new friends, learn about new things, and grow together in our faith,” she said. “I enjoyed getting to be a counselor for the first time and will definitely be doing it again next summer!”

Kaitlyn Critchfield is a freshman from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga.

“I absolutely loved God Camp!” she said. “Not only because of the fun experience but also because of the environment! All the kind people who love God enough to go to camp! I would 100 percent do it again.” n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C