Aug. 8, 2021, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Schools return this fall with new leadership New president comes to Notre Dame; NDHS, Sacred Heart, St. Mary-Oak Ridge have new principals

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Family photo Mr. Schmitt and wife Anelia stand with daughters Holly, 9, and Emma, 6, and newborn twins Meredith and Jack.

School Calendar

COURTESY OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL(2)

he search for Notre Dame High School’s new leader led the Diocese of Knoxville all the way to Chicago’s suburbs.

But that two-month search proved fruitful as the diocese and Notre Dame have announced Kyle Schmitt as the Chattanooga school’s new president.

Mr. Schmitt began his new duties in July.

He succeeds George Valadie, who announced his retirement in January after eight years as Notre Dame’s president. Mr. Valadie retired at the end of the 2020-21 academic year.

“Bishop Stika and I are thrilled to have Kyle as our new president,” said Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville. “This is an important position, and Kyle stood out amongst all of the candidates we interviewed. His background in education, leadership skills, and his fresh approach in dealing with Catholic educational issues made him the right choice for us.”

By Bill Brewer

‘Tradition and history are very important’ Kyle Schmitt is the new Notre Dame High School president. He succeeds George Valadie, who retired at the end of the academic year after eight years as president.

Dr. Prater told the Notre Dame community that after the lengthy and thorough search and evaluation process, which included Bishop Richard F. Stika, pastors, NDHS faculty and students, NDHS alumni, diocesan leadership, and her, it was determined that Mr. Schmitt had the background and vision needed to lead Notre Dame into the future.

Mr. Schmitt has extensive experience in education and was most recently the principal of St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich, Ill., outside of Chicago, a position he held from 2017-21.

“I understand and appreciate that tradition and history are very important to the Notre Dame High School community,” Mr. Schmitt said. “During my visit to Chattanooga, I met with many Notre Dame students, parents, and educators.

From these discussions, I know that they also care deeply about the fu-

ture of the school and want to partner with the new president to build on their history in a positive way.”

Mr. Schmitt received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and philosophy from the University of Chicago in 2009. He also holds two master’s degrees in education and has an educational specialist’s degree in administration.

He received academic dean’s list and National Merit Scholar honors in college and was an All-American student-athlete nominee and an all-conference baseball player at the University of Chicago.

Mr. Schmitt, his wife, Anelia, daughters Holly, 9, Emma, 6, and newborn twins Meredith and Jack relocated to Chattanooga in June.

Dr. Prater underscored her gratitude to Mr. Valadie for his years of service in leading Notre Dame, which is his alma mater.

“I want to express my deepest ap-

n Monday, Aug. 2: Teachers return—in-service day n Tuesday, Aug. 3: administrative day n Wednesday, Aug. 4: inservice day n Thursday, Aug. 5: first day for students n Monday, Sept. 6: Labor Day (no school) n Friday, Oct. 1: faculty retreat n Monday through Friday, Oct. 11-15: fall break (no school) n Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 24-26: Thanksgiving holidays n Monday, Dec. 20: Christmas break begins.

Schedule continued on page B7

preciation and thanks to Mr. George Valadie, who announced his retirement in January after eight years as president of Notre Dame. George arrived at NDHS at a very critical juncture for our school, and Bishop Stika and I will always be grateful for the leadership that he has provided. George was instrumental in the search for his successor, and I cannot thank him enough. We wish him a long and fulfilling retirement,” Dr. Prater said.

Also at Notre Dame, Laura Swen​son has been named the new principal.

Mrs. Swenson joined the Notre New leadership continued on page B6

Annunciation image from hospital finds new life

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omething old is new again and is serving as an inspiration to students and faculty alike at St. Joseph School in Knoxville thanks to St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital.

As demolition of much of the former St. Mary’s Hospital was set to begin in 2020, the future of a large relief image of the Annunciation that greeted patients and the public who entered a main entrance to the hospital was hanging in the balance.

Religious icons, statues, sacred vessels, and furniture that helped give the hospital its Catholic identity through the years were claimed prior to demolition by Diocese of Knoxville organizations that could use them, including St. Joseph School. Tennova Healthcare, which owned the former St. Mary’s Hospital, sold the property in North Knoxville to the city of Knoxville and Lincoln Memorial University.

The city of Knoxville is converting its part of the site into a new municipal safety building, and LMU is opening a satellite campus on the property.

As the demolition deadline closed in, the Botticino marble statues of Mary on bended knees and the angel Gabriel letting her know she would become the mother of God that were affixed to a large green marble backdrop built into the hospital wall were unclaimed and could not be easily removed.

That’s when supporters and volunteers with St. Joseph School

stepped in.

And just as that scene comforted Catholics and non-Catholics alike seeking healing at St. Mary’s Hospital, it is again serving as a spiritual beacon for the St. Joseph School community.

St. Joseph principal Andy Zengel said the newly relocated Annunciation wall and its platform and walkway will serve as a daily gathering place, where the Angelus will be recited each school day.

“This is just a beautiful image that we were able to add from St. Mary’s Hospital and save it from destruction. Every child walks right by here every day on his or her way to recess. This is a wonderful way of (recreation) with prayer, with play, with learning. I want to thank everyone for donating to this project and contributing with your gifts,” Mr. Zengel said.

Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, blessed the marble Annunciation images and the wall on which they hang on April 21 during a ceremony in which those who created the new Annunciation wall were recognized.

To begin the blessing, Father Donahue prayed, “Almighty, everlasting God, who does not forbid us to carve likenesses of your saints, in order that whenever we look at them with our fatherly eyes we may call to mind their holy lives and resolve to follow in their footsteps,

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

St. Joseph School claims marble statues of Mary and Gabriel, saves them from St. Mary’s demolition

Priestly blessing Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in downtown Knoxville, blesses the Annunciation wall at St. Joseph School on April 21. may it please you to bless and hallow these statues, which have been made in honor of your Holy Spirit of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and of St. Gabriel, your archangel. Grant that all who in their presence pay devout homage to you, obtain your grace in this life, and everlasting glory in the life to come, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”

Those recognized for their efforts to relocate the statues, erect the wall on which they are suspended, and build the grounds where students and faculty will gather for the daily Angelus included Peter Dunn, Omar Torres, Jorge Quiroz, Dan

Leuciuc, and Eddie Bellinghausen.

Mr. Zengel also recognized Sister Mary Annunciata Dannaher, a Religious Sister of Mercy who served as administrator of St. Mary’s Hospital from its founding in 1930 until her death in 1963, and Sister Mary Martha Naber, RSM, a longtime member of St. Mary’s Hospital staff whose task it was to find suitable places for all of the hospital’s religious artifacts.

“This image was originally dedicated in 1966 at St. Mary’s Hospital when they opened the new Annunciation wing. It was named in honor of Sister Mary Annunciata, who was the longtime hospital administrator Annunciation continued on page B8

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Lunch, dinner, and the morning Diet Coke A new retiree and his wife may most often be found enjoying those things on their back porch

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I even enjoy running errands. Been to the grocery store, the bank . . .

[W]hen you get your hair cut at 10 a.m., there’s not a soul in the place but you. My brain’s been learning some new math. No waiting plus no alarm clock equals: this whole thing is off to a pretty good start. worked until she was 80, stepping away at 67 feels early and odd. If not altogether lazy. Not to mention the millions of laborers out there who will never get the chance. Ever.

Just doesn’t seem right that I have the privilege of walking away from the day-to-day.

I surely can’t be the first to feel this way so I’m guessing—hoping is the better word—hoping this reticence will go away. I imagine retirement will be a lot more fun if it does.

Guilty conscience aside though, I’ve not questioned my decision, not been tempted to go back, not even once.

A friend told me about an acquaintance who had retired and moved to the coast. Walked on the beach for two days then told his wife, “I gotta get a job.”

I can see that happening to me; but it hasn’t happened yet.

No alarm clock.

No teachers to hire.

No calendar to schedule.

And not a single e-mail to answer about masks, vaccines, the changing dress code, or the revised bell schedule.

We already miss the people, hoping to visit now and again but as for the rest . . . well, like I said, not tempted, not once.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I

have nothing to do; it’s just that it’s nothing that matters.

I signed up to get my first library card since I turned 12. Turns out they didn’t keep my records.

I’ve resumed exercising at the Y thanks to now qualifying for the old-folks rate they kindly offer to old folks.

Gipper and I have walked more than even he wants to. And he’s a dog.

I tell people I’m riding my bike more. Which is technically true since this recent ‘once’ is more than the ‘never’ I had tallied up until then.

I even enjoy running errands.

Been to the grocery store, the bank, the post office. And it turns out when you get your hair cut at 10 a.m., there’s not a soul in the place but you.

My brain’s been learning some new math. No waiting plus no alarm clock equals: this whole thing is off to a pretty good start.

Well, except there is this one thing.

Before heading off to a recent social gathering, I walked out of the bedroom with sport coat in hand, and she said, “You’re not planning to wear that, are you?”

The next day while we were picking up my new suit she asked, “What kind of tie do you want to get that looks exactly like this?”

And my all-time favorite: “Where do you want to go for dinner that I like?”

Through the years, people have commented on more than one occasion, “I don’t see how you and Nancy have worked together for 20 years. My spouse and I would have killed each other.”

My reply was always serious and the same, “She’s darn good at what she does.” Then I’d jest, “The only issue is me having to work FOR her 24/7.”

Apparently, in retirement, I jest no more.

Not to be outdone, our girls recently told me the sorts of tennis shoes I could have for my birthday.

Sarah’s upcoming wedding was a topic of conversation as well. “Do y’all like Dress A or B for the flower girls?” An iPad with photos was passed around the room, and like an Oklahoma tornado on the loose, it bounced in and out of every lap— but mine.

I was a Catholic school principal for 31 years. Early on I decided my door would be open. If I was in there, you were welcome in there, too.

And come in there they did.

“What do you think about this?

How do you want to handle that?

What should we do about this? Why aren’t we doing that?

“Mr. Valadie, what do you want?”

What’s retirement like? While Nancy and I love and laugh and hang out on the porch, our eldest daughter pointed out the biggest challenge to which I will likely have to adjust: People used to care what I think.

Dear God—We’ve come to realize that it’s the workers—not the technology— that make things go best. Please help them toil safely, be paid fairly, and be appreciated for the difference they make in our lives. Amen. n George Valadie resides in Chattanooga and is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church.

BILL BREWER (4)

ey, what’s retirement like?”

It’s a question we’ve been asked quite a bit since we started this new phase of our lives a little over a month ago.

To be honest, “It’s kinda weird,” is the answer that seems to pop out most frequently. Mostly because it’s been, well . . . kinda weird.

The 200 square feet of our dressed-up back porch has become our new spot. It’s actually been here since we moved in eight years ago, but adding two new rocking chairs and discovering the pleasure of a fan-powered summer breeze has created the setting where we’re most often found.

We read there, we scream at the Braves there, and we stare way too long at our phones. Which it turns out you can do when you have way more time on your hands.

Lunch, dinner, and our morning Diet Coke have all moved out there as well. And then amid the peace of it all, we periodically find ourselves looking up at one another just to laugh.

Nancy says she keeps expecting mail letting us know this has been nothing more than a cruel joke.

Sure, fun for a bit, but what makes you think you can keep living without working? Get up, find a job, the party’s over!

Then when we remember such a notice has yet to arrive, we grin some more. And have another Diet Coke.

But—coming from somewhere unknown and unexpected—there’s also a piece of me that has begun this journey feeling nothing but guilt.

And I never saw that coming.

Turns out when your mom

Bench dedicated in honor of Steve Wilson at cathedral A bench in honor of the late Steve Wilson, husband of Mary Mac Wilson, director of parish operations for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was dedicated July 11 on the cathedral campus. Cathedral rector Father David Boettner presided, with Deacon Walt Otey assisting. Mrs. Wilson and daughters Caroline and Neeley (top-left photo) joined Father Boettner in blessing the bench. At bottom-right, Mrs. Wilson stands with Caroline (second from left) and Neeley, along with Michael Warren, a co-worker and friend of Steve Wilson.

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

Derosias named family of the month by St. Henry Knights The Derosia family of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville, Stephen and Kris, were named family of the month for July, August, and September by Knights of Columbus Council 8860. Mr. Derosia has been a Knight since he turned 18. He has served as Grand Knight, deputy Grand Knight, and mostly recently as council warden. When it comes to volunteering Stephen and Kris are models for others to emulate, said Grand Knight Bill Hewitt. Stephen worked as the church’s maintenance person, helped at many fundraisers, and serves the church as an usher.

Mrs. Derosia is equally involved—she sings in the chorus, volunteers at fundraisers, and works at the rectory weekly. Both are first to lend a helping hand when needed. The Derosias raised three sons in the Catholic Church who have gone on to have families of their own. They have three grandchildren. From left are Mr. Hewitt, Stephen and Kris Derosia, St. Henry pastor Father Bart Okere, and deputy Grand Knight Beverly Carmack.

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

Scripture and the Spiritual Life

by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

Why do people do good?

The answer is that it makes us happy and fulfilled; open up to God and begin to act for the good

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umans always act for a purpose. Voluntary acts are by definition purposeful.

Involuntary acts, which we don’t choose—such as breathing—are not something to which we can ascribe a goal or purpose. We pursue goals to achieve results we believe are good, or we may pursue a goal to possess or enjoy something. We enjoy things that are good, not things that are bad.

One way to look at love is when humans strive to enjoy and possess the good. This is how human beings are made, but not just human beings. Animals, plants, and, in fact, all matter is made this way.

Everything acts for a purpose in a way that is proper to that thing.

For example, animals live, move, and reproduce by instinct. Plants grow, nourish themselves, and also reproduce. Animals and plants have a kind of love proper to them. They attain to these things because they are fulfilling their purpose—they’re doing what they were made to do.

However, they don’t perform any voluntary acts. They don’t get to choose their purpose—it’s simply written into their DNA. Human beings also have DNA, which determines certain things about them (brown hair, black hair; brown eyes, blue eyes; male, female;

Hear more from Sister Anna Marie on her podcast, Scripture and the Spiritual Life. etc.). DNA, however, cannot tell us everything about why we do what we do. This becomes, then, an important distinction. What makes me different from an acorn is certainly my DNA but also my freely chosen purpose. Irrational nature (plants and animals) just naturally fulfills its purpose without making any choice to do so. Rational nature (humans) has a purpose, too, but it must be chosen.

Morality has at its root one basic question: What is my ultimate goal?

Another way of putting it is: What do I love? Or you could ask: What will definitively satisfy me?

At first, we may think there are lots of things that could provide satisfaction. But like plants and animals, our purpose is achieved by living in accord with what we were made for. What one thing, if I love it, will make me complete? What am I made to love? That is what really satisfies me—that’s what will really define me.

But is my ultimate good the same as yours? In other words, is there an objective good worth pursuing for everybody? The simple answer is,

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

“Yes, absolutely.”

Consult your own experience and name the happiest people you know. Without fail, the people who are good are also the happiest people. This doesn’t mean that you don’t face difficult situations, that you don’t occasionally have fits of anger or experience deep sadness.

It does mean that your fundamental outlook is one of virtue. In a given situation, you know what to do and how to do it in a way that upholds your dignity and the dignity of those around you. Your interior disposition is one of looking for and naturally, peacefully pursuing whatever is good to do in a given situation.

So, if you are at work, you work diligently, without giving into distraction or procrastination. If you are married, you love your wife and children without hesitation and without selfishness. Your outlook is one of desiring the true good for each person, yourself first, and then those around you. And, if we don’t know what the true good is for ourselves, we will have a hard time doing good for anyone else. You know what is right and will actually be happier doing what you know is right. You do that through your choices.

All this does not mean that rules

aren’t important; they are, but they are not the most important part of the moral life. It is much more important to pursue and love what is truly good so that you can be happy. To do this, the help of grace and the interior promptings of the Holy Spirit are needed, which can be followed with the help of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts of the Holy Spirit push me (interiorly) to freely believe, hope in, and love the good.

If we can follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to grow in faith, hope, and love of God, we will be truly happy.

So, the moral life comes down to fulfilling what will really satisfy your deepest longing for happiness.

Let’s return to our original question: “Why do people do good?” The answer is that doing good makes us happy and fulfilled. If you open up to God and begin to act for the good with His help, you will be authentically human, truly happy, and truly good. ■ Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, is the former director of the Office of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville. She also writes for SimplyCatholic.com, a ministry of Our Sunday Visitor. This column originally appeared at SimplyCatholic.com.

by Bob Hunt

Four central dogmas related to the Blessed Mother As the solemnity of the Assumption approaches, it is good to reflect on her role in our salvation

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very August, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. It is a good time to reflect on the four central dogmas of the Church related to our Blessed Mother: the Immaculate Conception, the Motherhood of God, Mary’s perpetual virginity, and the Assumption.

The Immaculate Conception is the dogma of the Church that proclaims that Mary, by a unique grace of God, was preserved from original sin from the very moment of her conception.

It is a gift given to Mary in honor of her being the Mother of God and to ensure that our Savior would be born of a pure vessel. Mary’s Immaculate Conception was the result of God bestowing upon her the graces won

by Christ on the cross at the moment of her conception. Jesus is Mary’s Redeemer. How could this be, since the crucifixion obviously took place after the conception of Mary in her mother’s womb? God being eternal, He does not exist in time. All time for God is now, so there is no separation in time between the conception of Mary and the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is no obstacle for an eter-

Daily readings Sunday, Aug. 1: Exodus 16:2-4, 1215; Psalm 78:3-4, 23-25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:24-35 Monday, Aug. 2: Numbers 11:4-15; Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:13-21 Tuesday, Aug. 3: Numbers 12:113; Psalm 51:3-7, 12-13; Matthew 14:22-36 Wednesday, Aug. 4: Memorial of St. John Vianney, priest, Numbers 13:12, 13:25–14:1, and 14:26-29, 34-35; Psalm 106:6-7, 13-14, 21-23; Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 5: Numbers 20:1-13; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, 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; Mark 9:2-10 Saturday, Aug. 7: Deuteronomy 6:4-13; Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51; Matthew 17:14-20 Sunday, Aug. 8: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30–5:2; John 6:41-51 TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

nal God who exists outside of time to bestow the graces won by Christ on the cross to His mother’s soul at the moment of her conception. It is the faith of the Church that God gave this unique gift to Jesus’ mother.

The Council of Ephesus, meeting in 431, proclaimed Mary theotokos, that is “Mother of God.” Christians had long regarded Mary as Mother of God, but there were those who disputed this title because, in their minds, it implied that Mary was the cause or origin of Jesus’ divinity.

Things came to a head in the early fifth century when Nestorius, archbishop of Constantinople, insisted that Mary was merely christotokos, or “Mother of Christ.” The Church at the Council rejected Nestorius’ claim and declared Mary truly the Mother of God. They reasoned that, since Jesus is God, and Mary is truly His mother, then she is truly Mother of God. Simple logic, really! Mary is not the origin or cause of Jesus’ divinity, but she is truly His mother, in that He was conceived in her womb, carried by her in pregnancy, and birthed by her.

The perpetual virginity of Mary

has a long and honored tradition in the Church. That Mary consecrated herself in total gift to God, body and soul, is testified to by the Fathers of the Church and by the Second Council of Constantinople in 553 that declared Mary “ever virgin.” This dogma was further clarified by Pope Martin I in the seventh century when he proclaimed that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after Jesus’ birth. Mary’s perpetual virginity is a sign of her total consecration to God. She is the Ark of the New Covenant, who carried the Savior in her body.

Like the Ark, she is set aside in her unique place in salvation history, completely consecrated to God in every way. She could not, therefore, be given to any other.

The Assumption of Mary was proclaimed a dogma of the Church

by Pope Venerable Pius XII on Nov. 1, 1950. The Holy Father said that Mary, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”

What greater reward could be extended to the Mother of God than to be joined to her Son immediately and completely at the end of her life.

Mary’s Assumption is a precursor of our own glory, when we will be joined, body and soul, to the life of the Trinity in the kingdom.

A dogma is a truth revealed by God and defined by the teaching authority of the Church that is binding on all Catholics. The dogmas of the Church are not optional, but central articles of Catholic faith. These four dogmas related to Mary point to the importance of her role in our salvation, as the vessel by which our Savior was brought into the world, as the mother who first nurtured His body and His mind as a child, as one who united her sufferings to those of her Son, and as a precursor of the glory that awaits us all. Praise God for giving us such a strong and loving mother! May we turn to her embrace in our sorrows and rely on her prayers for our perseverance in faith.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■

Monday, Aug. 9: Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; Matthew 17:22-27 Tuesday, Aug. 10: Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon, martyr, 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9; John 12:24-26 Wednesday, Aug. 11: Memorial of St. Clare, virgin, Deuteronomy 34:112; Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17; Matthew 18:15-20 Thursday, Aug. 12: Joshua 3:711, 13-17; Psalm 114:1-6; Matthew 18:21–19:1 Friday, Aug. 13: Joshua 24:1-13; Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24; Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 14: Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr, Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19:13-15; vigil of the Assumption: 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16 and 16:1-2; Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Luke 11:27-28 Sunday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, Mass during the day: Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:1012, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56 Monday, Aug. 16: Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-37, 39-40, 43-44; Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday, Aug. 17: Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 18: Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 19: Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5, 7-10; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 20: Memorial of St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40 Saturday, Aug. 21: Memorial of St. Pius X, pope, Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11 and 4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 22: Joshua 24:1-2, 1518; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69 Monday, Aug. 23: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Matthew 23:13-22

Tuesday, Aug. 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle, Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Wednesday, Aug. 25: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 23:27-32 Thursday, Aug. 26: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17; Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, Aug. 27: Memorial of St. Monica, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday, Aug. 28: Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1, 7-9; Matthew 25:14-30 Sunday, Aug. 29: Deuteronomy 4:12, 6-8; Psalm 15:2-5; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Monday, Aug. 30: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 11-13; Luke 4:16-30 Tuesday, Aug. 31: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Luke 4:31-37 n

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Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville and is a candidate for the permanent diaconate.

AUGUST 8, 2021 n B3

Parish notes Chattanooga Deanery St. Jude, Chattanooga The St. Jude craft fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 20. Participant forms are available in the church vestibule. Space is limited. Call Kyra for more information at 423-870-2386.

Gale Bolton of the Bethel Bible Village children’s home in Chattanooga thanked Father Charlie Burton and parishioners for their recent donation of food and paper goods.

Peace University” in Seton Hall beginning Sunday evening, Aug. 15. There will be nine classes (every Sunday except Labor Day weekend). Each week, the schedule will have food and fellowship from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and the class from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants are required to purchase their own materials, ranging from $59.99 for a three-month period to $129.99 for 12 months. Visit fpu.com/1138633 to learn more. Space is limited. Sign up at the website above.

For more information, e-mail jheckma2@vols.utk.edu or pheckman2015@ gmail.com.

St. Mary, Athens

The St. Stephen Prime Timers (ages 45 and above) attended a Chattanooga Lookouts home baseball game Aug. 3.

Steve and Karen Underwood were the Knights of Columbus family of the month for July, and David Flowers was Knight of the month.

The Knights held an August charity fund­raiser Aug. 1 with a spaghetti dinner in the Knights Hall on Lee Highway.

Anniversaries: John and Lillian Yarosh (66), Joseph and Anita D’Andrea (58), Oliver and Tess Deocampo (35), Al and Sharon Henry (30), Jerry and Emily Hardy (10)

Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The 26th Appalachian Outreach was a great success. From July 12-16, the parish had 106 volunteers come together for a week of work and fellowship to help those who couldn’t afford home repairs and to feed the teams of all denominations who came to help those in need.

An appreciation luncheon for former office/church administrator Cheryl Prosak and retiring music director and pianist Jackie Castle was held after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on July 18 to thank them for their years of devoted service to Holy Trinity. Mrs. Prosak retired in January 2020, but because of COVID a gathering was not held until this summer. Ms. Castle retired at the end of July. Ashney Patoka stepped in to serve as interim music director beginning July 1.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Anniversaries: Ron and Anna Laarz (55), John and Anne Wharton (51), Doug and Sally Emmons (50), Peter and Alice Dodge (35), Walter and Nancy Crapiz (30), Tom and Amber Wissemann (15), James and Jessica Smith (5)

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

St. Dominic, Kingsport

Father Glenn Meaux of Haiti visited the parish the weekend of July 9-11 and concelebrated Mass with pastor Father Michael Woods. In 1989, Father Meaux established the Kobonal Haiti Missions to serve and evangelize the community.

Over the years, St. Francis of Assisi Parish has helped with donations to build homes that funded three community water wells to serve 90 families as well as the construction of a new chapel for them.

The Martha & Mary ministry is again collecting new backpacks and school supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grades. This year’s goal is 150 backpacks plus school supplies.

The Social Action Committee again sponsored Christmas in July gift boxes for children and have already surpassed last year’s total of 300 (shoe size) boxes and ordered more. The gifts for the children are small toys, toiletries, hair ribbons, rosaries, and school supplies.

The Council of Catholic Women announced that the rummage sale is back Aug. 19-21 in Sheehan Hall—masks required. Sale hours are 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, which is “Bag & Bargain Day.” The CCW has also scheduled a bake sale on Friday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day weekend), to be held in the Village Green Mall; masks are optional.

COURTESY OF CLAUDE HARDISON

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

A newcomers adult social is set for Saturday, Aug. 21. For more information, e-mail welcometosjn@gmail.com.

Ready to serve Knights of Columbus Queen of Heaven Council officers are (from left, front row) Brendan Foley and Lester Brown; (middle row) Don Meagher, Chuck Nelson, John Lucchesi, Van Randazzo, and Father Mike Nolan; and (back row) Pat Bisson, Woody Blackwell, Joe Marucco, Joe Mauser, Jr., Bertin Kurtz, Joe Mauser III, and Keith Jackson.

St. Thérèse Knights install new officers for coming year

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nights of Columbus Queen of Heaven Council 4572 held its installation of officers July 19 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland.

District deputy Pat Bisson and district warden Keith Jackson conducted the officers’ installation ceremony, which began with an opening prayer and blessing of the officers’ medals by the council’s chaplain, Father Mike Nolan, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish.

Next, each officer of the council was presented with his medal, starting with Father Nolan, council

chaplain. Next was Grand Knight Lester Brown, followed by deputy Grand Knight Brendan Foley, chancellor Chuck Nelson, financial secretary John Lucchesi, treasurer Woody Blackwell, recorder Van Randazzo, advocate Joe Marucco, warden Joe Mauser Jr., inside guard Joe Mauser III, one-year trustee Bill DeJoseph, two-year trustee Dale Foust, and three-year trustee Bertin Kurtz.

The installation was closed with prayer followed by a rosary for the unborn and a council business meeting with the new officers presiding. n

St. Patrick, Morristown A Family Fun and Ministries Fair is set for 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. There will be only one morning Mass at 9:30 a.m., plus the Mass in Spanish at 1 p.m. The event will feature games and inflatables for kids, food for families, and tables with lots of information about ministries at St. Patrick. Contact Colleen Jacobs at churchofficestpat@gmail.com or 423-748-2423 (text) to be sure your ministry is represented.

ELIZABETH CONWAY (2)

The parish family picnic will follow the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 15, and celebrate the Assumption of Mary.

The picnic features indoor and outdoor shaded seating, hot dogs and hamburgers, potluck dishes and desserts, bingo and prizes, relay races, water balloons, and more. Sign up for a head count and your item to bring. Contact Sissy at the office at 423-745-4277 or Sue Granger at 423-506-7836. Signups may also be done in the church.

Those eating at Freddy’s Steakburgers, 140 Hatfield Drive in Morristown, from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 23, and Dec. 23, can earn a 15 percent donation from their meal to the Knights by mentioning “Knights of Columbus.”

Anniversaries: Gene and Diane Damico (40), William and Helen O’Donnell (35), Marcus and Kristen Ihle (25)

Smoky Mountain Deanery Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

Anniversaries: William and Mary Best (67); Ben and Jackie Ryba (64); Paul and Carole Forkapa (62); Jerome and Carol Scherer (61); Bruce and Carol Heisterkamp (57); Dan and Sherry Koch (56); Patrick and Patricia McGraw (56); Bill and Pat Maas (56); John and Helen McMenamin (56); James and Corrine Gabriel (56); Samuel and Janet Chiappetta (55); David and Barbara Sheperd (55); Richard and Monica Jahn (52); Patrick and Norma Donohue (52); Raymond and Laurie Falk (52); Jim and Rosemary Wells (52); Jim and Terri Auckland (50); Richard and Darla Kepner (50); Jan and Martha Novack (50); Raymond and Claudette Purzycki (50); Ronald and Lynn Varcak (50); Gary and Kathy Douglas (40) St. John Neumann, Farragut A few SJN parishioners are volunteering to lead Dave Ramsey’s “Financial B4 n AUGUST 8, 2021

The women’s group’s annual Kitchen Sale will be held in the parish hall before and after all Masses on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14 and 15.

Starting in September, IC will participate in Hope for the Future: A Comprehensive Campaign for the Paulist Fathers.

The focus of the campaign is to build a new Paulist House of Mission & Studies, fortify outreach ministries, support senior Paulists, and attend to deferred capital needs of Paulist houses around the country. The campaign is different from the Annual Paulist Appeal and is a one-time extraordinary effort to fund the Paulist Fathers for many years to come.

Six members of the Haiti Committee met via phone with the pastor of IC’s sister parish of St. Francis Xavier Church and School in Fond des Blancs Parish notes continued on page B8

Holy Spirit Knights raise money for ultrasound machines Knights of Columbus Council 14079 of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy raised enough money, $21,000, to purchase ultrasound machines for Choices Pregnancy Care Center in Chattanooga. In the top photo are Stephanie Huskins, RN, nurse practitioner; Kim Horn, RN; Erika Hogans, RN, nurse manager; and Carol Ann Ferguson, executive director of Choices. In the bottom photo are (front row) Ms. Horn; Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit; Ms. Hogans; and Ms. Ferguson; and (back row) Karl Nesmith; Tim Brown, Right to Life chairman; and Orville Fisher, East Tennessee Right to Life chairman.

Partlows celebrate 60th anniversary

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t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Joseph and Mary Partlow, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 19.

They were married at St. Mary Church in Oxford, Ohio, with Fa-

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ther Paul Kapphs officiating.

Their children are Laura Jones and Diane Burrows both of Crossville; and Brenda Newman of Eaton, Ohio. They have 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

Calendar

The RCIA Fall Conference, themed “Back to Basics,” will take place at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

18, with a Mass at 8:05 a.m. Members of RCIA teams as well as sponsors are encouraged to participate. Speakers include Sister Moira Debona, RSM, and Father Randy Stice. View a flyer with the day’s schedule at https://dioknox.org/documents/2021/7/Fall%20 Conf%2021%20Flyer.pdf. Register at dioknox.org/rcia-conference. Cost is $15—pay on the day of the conference or mail to Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Make checks payable to “Diocese of Knoxville” and include “RCIA Conference” in the memo line. Participants may also register by contacting Sister Peter Miriam Dolan, RSM, at srpetermiriam@dioknox.org.

A Bishop’s Very Special Day for children and adults with special needs and their families will take place at noon Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The event will include a meal, music, crafts, games, photo opportunities, and conclude with a parade through the parking lot and Mass with Bishop Richard F. Stika presiding. Check dioknox.org/ events for updates.

Singers, choir directors, clergy, and others interested in sacred music are invited to the sixth Southeastern Summer Sacred Music Workshop, to be held midday Friday, Aug. 20, through Saturday, Aug. 21, at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Jasper, Ga. Participants will have the opportunity to learn Gregorian chant or improve their chant skills and to prepare and sing polyphonic music for a sung Mass on Saturday afternoon. Workshop topics will include the history and purpose of Gregorian chant, what the Church teaches about sacred music, the role of the cantor, improving parish music programs on a limited budget, free online sources of liturgical music, and more. Private voice and organ lessons will also be offered. Cost of the workshop, including all materials, is $80 per person.

Online registration is available now.

Southeastern Sacred Music is a chapter of the Church Music Association of America. For more information, visit southeasternsacredmusic.com, e-mail olmchoirs@gmail.com, or call Bridget Scott at 470-337-6919.

The Diocesan Catholic Youth Leadership Camp for high school youth, themed “The Calling,” is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 17-19 at Ocoee Retreat Center in Ocoee. Activities include low ropes, a zip line, a climbing wall, an adventure mud race, a bonfire, sports, and adoration, and there will be speakers and music as well.

Cost is $110 with an additional $10 for transportation. Register or download a flyer at dioknox.org/events/ diocesan-youth-camp-2021.

Young men in high school (or between the ages of 13 and 17) are invited to the annual Hombres de Valor Retreat offered by Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. The retreat will be held from 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Christ Prince TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

The National Catholic Youth Conference is coming to the diocese with the first-ever local NCYC celebration Nov. 18-20 at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport. The event includes livestreaming of the NCYC general and break-out sessions, live music onsite, a thematic park on the grounds, a reflection and discussion guide for small groups, NCYC and Diocese of Knoxville keepsakes, sleeping on classroom floors, meals, and service activities. In a distinctly Catholic setting, the organizers invite participants to encounter Christ, experience Church, and be empowered for discipleship. Cost is $175 plus $10 for transportation from Knoxville or Chattanooga. To register or download a flyer, visit dioknox.org/events/ncyc2021. The medical/permission form is due to Karen Byrne at kbyrne@dioknox.org no later than Friday, Oct. 22.

The 35th Shamrock Open benefiting Knoxville Catholic High School will take place Friday, Sept. 10, at Avalon Golf & Country Club in Lenoir City.

Morning and afternoon flights begin at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is $125 per player or $500 per team and includes a round of golf, lunch, a Gametime Sidekicks tumbler, a goodie bag, and beverages. Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 to support KCHS families impacted by COVID-19.

This year’s event will support academic programs and school technology.

Register or become a sponsor at www. knoxvillecatholic.com/shamrock-open/.

For more information, contact Megan Erpenbach, director of alumni and events, at 865-560-0509 or megan.erpenbach@knoxvillecatholic.com.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Homeschool Support Group is a Catholic homeschool support group in Knoxville and surrounding areas that is recognized by the diocese as a Private Association of the Faithful. The group supports one another as families who choose to educate their children at home in order to live, teach, and preserve their Catholic Christianity. The group celebrates Mass together and has a monthly holy hour; has regular park gatherings, field trips, and feast day celebrations; offers faith-based small groups for children, teens, and adults, as well as many other activities.

For more information, contact Lenore Pacitti at lmgouge@gmail.com or 865-684-6358, or Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com or 865-742-3534.

Catholic Charities is hosting a Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat the weekend of Sept. 24-26 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center, 250 Locke Lane in Benton, Calendar continued on page B6

COURTESY OF ROLAND WICKER (2)

The next Picture of Love engagedcouples retreat is scheduled for 6:45 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriage-preparation program for engaged couples explores the joys and challenges of living out life together as a married couple with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life.

The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon. The cost is $135 per couple, and the experience will qualify couples for a $60 discount on a Tennessee marriage license.

Snacks, a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations if needed. For more information, e-mail kbyrne@dioknox. org or call Karen Byrne at 865-5843307 or visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/picture-of-love-programfor-engaged-couples-registration100134689552?aff=ebdssbeac.

New flag and pole dedicated at St. Francis-Fairfield Glade Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, blessed and dedicated a new flagpole and flag at a special ceremony July 4. Father Woods was assisted by members of Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 2162, Knights Council 16088, and Marine Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Bishko. Pictured from left (top photo) are Brian Bishko, Sgt. Bishko, Roland Wicker, William Anzenberger, and Father Woods. Sgt. Bishko, son of parishioner Brian Bishko, had the privilege of being the first person to run the flag up the pole (bottom photo).

The pole was erected in honor of veterans inurned in the parish columbarium with funds from a donation made by Denise Hanifer in honor of her deceased husband, Knight of Columbus Tom Hanifer.

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

“A Gathering of Church: A Welcome Home Celebration Across the Diocese of Knoxville” is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 (see page A2 for more details). With restrictions lifted, many are returning to Mass.

Parishes in the diocese are gathering Sept. 11 for prayer, adoration, fellowship, and a message from virtual keynote speaker Gus Lloyd, radio host and Catholic evangelist. There is no need to travel—Mr. Lloyd’s presentation will livestreamed to your church.

of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The theme this year is “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). During this retreat the teens can expect to enjoy games, sports, talks, prayer time, and a lot of food. Some talks and activities will be in Spanish and others in English. Parents are invited to the closing Mass at 3 p.m. The cost is $40. There is space for 35 teens.

To register, contact Selena Ledesma, the coordinator of Pastoral Juvenil Hispana, at 865-684-9608.

First Communion celebrated at Notre Dame in Greeneville First Holy Communion was received for 18 students during Mass on Corpus Christi, June 6, at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, was the celebrant, assisted by Deacon Wil Johnson. Catechists for the younger students were DJ Dalton, assisted by Carmen Espinoza, and for the older students Susan Collins and Aimee Place. Pictured are (from left, front row) Andrea Montes, Jolet Vazquez, Jacob Miller, Hazel Girton, Talon Reid, Kara Cave, Ian Turner, Vanessa Vazquez, and Madeline Miller; (second row) Amaris Ramirez, Adelide Lawson, Anali Gonzalez, Kaleigh Perce, Lucy Higgins, Aubrey Castro, Kaelany Fuentes, Gwendolyn Miller, and Yamileth Reyes; and (back) Father Kuzhupil.

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS

Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate a Young Adult Mass at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville. Afterward, young adults may stick around for a social with food, drink, and games in the picnic area, a chance to meet the bishop, and an opportunity to get to know other young adults from all around the diocese. The event is free, but participants should RSVP to https://yamassdioknox.eventbrite.com

by Aug. 20.

St. Teresa of Kolkata participates in Enthronement to the Sacred Heart St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville made a public proclamation that Jesus is king by participating in the Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27. The Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a public proclamation that Jesus is king and head of a parish, household, school, or business. Pictured are Father Neil Pezzulo (left), pastor of St. Teresa; Deacon Larry Rossini of St. Teresa; Lisa Morris, president of the Sacred Heart Apostolate; and Charles “Chuck” Patton, leader of the parish council at St. Teresa. Visit sacredheartapostolate.com to learn more about Enthronement and how to participate in your home or parish.

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AUGUST 8, 2021 n B5

New leadership continued from page B1

George Valadie

Laura Swenson

Joan Turbyville

Emily Broussard

offer to serve Sacred Heart Cathedral School as principal for the 202122 school year.

Mrs. Turbyville is an accomplished Catholic school administrator with professional experience in both Catholic and public schools.

She began her educational career as

a middle school English, social studies, and religion teacher at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. During 10 years of service there, she became the lead middle school teacher as the academic dean. Following her tenure at Sacred Heart, she devoted herself to serving children and families by working with nonprofit agencies to assist at-risk students and build support groups for families.

As a strong Catholic educator and leader, the diocese sought out Mrs. Turbyville to become principal of St. Joseph School, where she served for 10 years. At St. Joseph, she prioritized improvement efforts on achieving academic success for every student by focusing on standards of instructional quality, mentoring teachers in effective practice, and ensuring that individual needs of each student were addressed.

When she and her husband moved to Roane County, she became a principal with the Roane County school system and served

COURTESY OF ST. MARY SCHOOL-OAK RIDGE

Dame High School faculty in 2019 as dean of academic affairs. Dr. Prater said during the past two years Mrs. Swenson has established herself as a professional educator and has earned the respect of the NDHS and Chattanooga communities.

“The president-principal model is new at Notre Dame. This is a move that reflects our commitment to expanding opportunities for Catholic education in the Chattanooga region, and it will pave the way for the expected growth of our schools in the future,” Dr. Prater said. “This collaborative leadership model will allow Mr. Schmitt to focus on some of the very critical external responsibilities we anticipate, including public outreach, development, marketing, and strategic planning. Mrs. Swenson has extensive experience as an academician and administrator and will focus on the internal components at Notre Dame.”

The 2021-22 academic year at Notre Dame began Aug. 5.

At St. Mary School in Oak Ridge, Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP, is the new principal, succeeding Sister Marie Blanchette Cummings, OP, who has been named principal of Overlook School on the campus of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. In addition to the Overlook co-ed grade school, the Dominican campus includes the all-girls high school St. Cecilia Academy and Aquinas College.

Joan Turbyville has accepted an

Surrounded by students Sister Marie Blanchette Cummings, OP, outgoing principal at St. Mary-Oak Ridge, is encircled by many of her best friends.

Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP in two schools, one a middle school and the other an elementary school.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School said her faith and dedication to the ministry of Catholic school education and her abilities and professional talents make her ideal to serve in the role of principal.

Mrs. Turbyville holds a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University. She is a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and a parent and grandparent of Sacred Heart Cathedral School and Knoxville Catholic High School alumni.

“As a professional educator with 29 years of experience, she has served schools in various teaching and administrative roles. While she serves our school this year, the Principal Search Team will continue to seek the candidate for principal for a long-term commitment to the school,” Sacred Heart Cathedral School said in a statement.

And Emily Broussard, a graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral School and Knoxville Catholic High School, has been named assistant principal for Sacred Heart for the 2021-22 school year.

Ms. Broussard has a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and received her master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in educational administration. She has worked as a middle and high school history teacher for Knox County Schools. In 2019, she received the Teacher of the Year Award for Knox County. n

Second collection, BIMO grant aids tuition for DOK schools

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ith the beginning of a new school year, the Diocese of Knoxville annually takes up a second collection for Catholic School Tuition Assistance to assist the 10 diocesan schools with tuition support of students.

More than 3,100 Catholic school students in the diocese benefit from a holistic education that focuses on formation, spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically, and academically. All 100 percent

of students in Diocese of Knoxville schools continued their educational studies through the efforts of the Catholic schools’ teachers and administrators.

Given the current economic situation, the need for supplemental tuition support has doubled over the past five years.

A record $5.2 million in tuition support was given to families this past year. Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools, expressed

her appreciation to all who have supported and continue to generously support Catholic education in the diocese.

“Only through your continued generosity is it possible to continue to ensure that anyone who desires to attend one of our outstanding Catholic schools will not be turned away,” Dr. Prater said.

She also expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Bishops’ Black and Indian Mission Office, which

Join Father Michael Cummins on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Sept.

6-16. Pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting the holy and sacred sites of His life, death, and resurrection.

They will journey to Bethlehem, Bethany, Masada, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and the Sea of Galilee area, including the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Capernaum, Magdala, and Tabgha.

They will also journey on to Mount Tabor, Jericho, the Mount of Temptation, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea, and travel to Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall, and walk the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa, on the feast of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@ select-intl.com.

Juan De Los Lagos, which is famous for its Basilica of the Virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos, the mission churches established by St. Junipero Serra founded in the Sierra Gorda region of Mexico, and the Guanajuato statue of “Cristo Rey,” which is the world’s second largest statue of Christ the King. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

provided a $15,000 grant to Notre Dame High School for this calendar year, the first such grant diocesan schools have received from the organization.

Each year on the first Sunday of Lent, the Diocese of Knoxville has taken up a second collection to assist the Black and Indian Mission Office with its continuing efforts to assist dioceses like the Diocese of Knoxville. For more information, visit blackand​ indianmission.org. n

Calendar continued from page B5 for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Sept. 17. 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. All COVID-19 restrictions will be followed during the retreat.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are set for Sept. 24-26 and Nov. 5-7 in Suwanee, Ga. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org, call 678-242WWME, or e-mail applications@GATNwwme.org. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www.foryourmilitarymarriage.com.

The next Retrouvaille program, designed to help couples rebuild their marriages, is scheduled for Sept. 3-5 in Nashville. Call 800-470-2231 or 615838-6724, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com or www.retrotn.com.

B6 n AUGUST 8, 2021

Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk will lead a pilgrimage to Mexico from Oct. 1827, visiting the shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sanctuario de Santo Toribio Romo, built for one of the 25 Mexican martyrs who was martyred during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. Pilgrims will explore San

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga has an updated Mass schedule, with the addition of a 7 a.m.

Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, spoken) and an 11:30 a.m. Sunday extraordinary-form Mass (Latin, sung).

Also on the schedule are a 5:30 p.m.

Saturday vigil (English ordinary form, spoken); a 9 a.m. Sunday Mass (English ordinary form, sung); a 1:30 p.m.

Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, sung); 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken); and noon Monday through Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken). Morning prayer takes place at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Vespers are held at 5 p.m. daily (6:30 p.m. Saturday). Confessions are heard

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30 minutes before each Mass (except 7 a.m.). Adoration is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on first Fridays. For more information on the basilica’s Mass schedule, visit www.stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/ mass-times.

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 3 p.m.

All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-621-8499 or visit www.facebook.com/SaintThomasKnoxville/ for more information. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

Catholic schools

Korey Mobbs is new KCHS football coach Coach Mobbs has been married to his wife, Mary, for 16 years, and they are the proud parents of three children: Ruby, who is 11; Knox is 8; and Eliza is 3.”

The Mobbses “are quiet UT fans who live down in Atlanta. They bleed orange. They love the Vols,” Mr. Sompayrac said. “Korey grew up going to UT games. His grandfather, Royce, was the biggest UT fan there ever was. When they found out they were having a boy, they really wanted to name him after their grandfather. They decided Royce was not a name they wanted their new son to have, so because he loved UT football so much they named him Knox.”

Mr. Mobbs said he met with the Fighting Irish players just a few minutes before the press conference.

“What I was so impressed with, and this is something as a football coach when you go into a program, you can tell right away how they’ve been coached and what kind of homes they come from by their body language,” he said. “I saw eyes, and I saw their heads moving as I nervously paced the locker room, and that tells me all I need to know about this football team. It validates the choice that we made as a family to call this home, and we couldn’t be prouder to be in Knoxville, Tenn. God has opened so many doors over the last week.”

Coming “from a great program” at Lanier, “a lot of success, I would be crazy to tell you that if it weren’t for the young men in the program that I am coming from, this type of opportunity would not have presented itself,” Mr. Mobbs said.

“Yesterday, about 24 hours ago as a matter of fact, I had a lot tougher conversation in another locker room, and the reason it was tough was because of the relationships that go far beyond football, go far beyond just a game that we play and plays that we call and a helmet we put on. It’s about a deep relationship that the game can bring us all. I’m so excited about developing those relationships with the young men in our program, with our administration, and with the faculty here at Knoxville Catholic, and I could not be prouder to be here today,” he added.

Mr. Mobbs led a round of applause for his wife, Mary.

“The first quality of being a good football coach is being married to the right person, and for 16 years I’ve never doubted the choice that I made when I married my high school sweetheart,” he said.

“I may be the head coach here in this building, but the head football coach at home is my wife.”

Mr. Mobbs asked “who am I?” “I’m just a football coach who’s been very blessed to work with young men, work with great families, work in a great community, and now have an opportunity to come to a community that is absolutely one of the best,” he said. “I told the young men in the locker room that as they leave Catholic after four years I want them to do two things. First of all, I want them to be proud of who they are,

Introducing Korey New Knoxville Catholic head coach Korey Mobbs addresses the media at his introductory press conference April 28 in the school gym.

One on one Korey Mobbs, whistle at the ready, coaches at one of his first spring-practice sessions May 14 with the Fighting Irish. and I know many of them already are, and secondly, proud of where they’re from. We will wear the Green and Gold with pride.

“My thing has always been we’re going to do things with character, we’re going to do things with class, and we’re going to do things with commitment. It’s so special to now be able to pair those ‘c’ words with Knoxville Catholic, and I’m excited about doing that. Everybody wants to talk about winning football games; we’re going to talk about championship habits in everything that we do, because I truly believe when our championship habits reflect who we are and what we want to be as a program, those things will certainly take care of themselves.”

Everyone wants to know one thing about the new coach, Mr. Mobbs said.

“The big question: ‘Coach, what are you going to do on offense.’

Right? That’s what everybody wants to know,” he said. “I told the young men in the locker room that we want to score now, and that looks many different ways, depending on what kind of personnel you have. We will vary tempo to create mismatches and distribute the ball to the athletes in space.

On defense we will be relentless pursuers of the football. All 11 hats arriving in a bad humor with something to prove and competing in everything.”

Before he took questions from the media, Mr. Mobbs had one final statement to make.

“Once again, it’s a great day to be Irish,” he said. “Thank you so much for allowing me the humble honor to be your head football coach.” n

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

A

fter Knoxville Catholic High School introduced Korey Mobbs as its head football coach at a press conference April 28, the new coach said he is looking forward to starting the 2021 season.

The first game is Aug. 20 at home against Chuckey-Doak.

“It’s so good to be here. I’d like to say it often, and today I will say it for the first time: it’s a great day to be Irish,” Mr. Mobbs said.

KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas gave introductory remarks at the press conference. Father Chris Michelson led an opening prayer, and school president Dickie Sompayrac thanked the search committee and introduced Mr. Mobbs.

Mr. Mobbs succeeds Steve Matthews, who resigned in the spring after an arrest on DUI and drug charges. Mr. Matthews coached eight seasons at KCHS and won two state championships, in 2015 and 2017.

The youngest of three brothers, Mr. Mobbs was born in Chattanooga and at an early age moved to Atlanta with his family. He attended Parkview High School, played safety on the football team there, and won a state championship in 1997. He then attended Samford University, where he received a bachelor of arts in history. He earned his master of arts in teaching from Piedmont College and a specialist degree in coaching from Valdosta State University.

Mr. Mobbs began his coaching career at Collins Hill High School in Georgia in 2005, and in 2010 he accepted the position of offensive coordinator at the newly formed Lanier High School in Atlanta. In 2014 he became the head coach of Lanier in only the second varsity season for the school. During his seven seasons at the helm, he led Lanier to two region championships, three Sweet 16 appearances, the state semifinals, and six consecutive playoff appearances at the 6A level. His career record is 58-22.

Mr. Mobbs had more than 70 college signees in his short history at Lanier and three All-Americans in 2015, 2019, and 2020: Derrick Brown, the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft, who is with the Carolina Panthers and played at Auburn; quarterback Zach Calzada, who is at Texas A&M; and defensive end Phillip Webb, who is at LSU. Coach Mobbs was a region coach of the year two times. He has represented Lanier in the UnderArmour All-America football game in 2019 and 2020.

“We are excited to welcome Korey Mobbs to Catholic High School,” Mr. Sompayrac said.

“Coach Mobbs builds programs that personify class and excellence, and his teams compete with relentless energy. He has compiled an impressive record in his seven seasons, and his passion and enthusiasm for the game of football are contagious. We look forward to Coach Mobbs leading the Fighting Irish on and off the field. Our student-athletes are fortunate to have him as their head coach.

“I also want to mention that

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

The ‘quiet UT fan’ comes to the Fighting Irish after a successful head-coaching career in Georgia

Golden grads at Notre Dame Members of the Notre Dame High School class of 1971 pose after being inducted as Golden Graduates at a Golden Graduates Brunch sponsored by Alexian Village during Alumni Weekend events July 24-25.

n Monday, Jan. 3: Diocesan inservice day n Tuesday, Jan. 4: Administrative day n Wednesday, Jan. 5: Students return n Monday, Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (no school) n Sunday, Jan. 30, through Friday, Feb. 4: Catholic Schools Week n Monday, Feb. 14: President’s holiday (no school) n Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18: spring break n Thursday, April 14: Holy Thursday (dismissal at 11:30 a.m.)

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n Friday, April 15: Good Friday (no school) n Monday, April 18: Easter Monday (no school) n Friday, May 20: Last day of school n Monday, May 23: Teacher inservice day n Tuesday, May 24: Administrative day n Wednesday, May 25: Teacher inservice day n Thursday, May 26: Administrative day n Friday, May 27: Administrative day n

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

Schedule continued from page B1

NDHS golf tourney champs Josh McCutcheon and Austin Bingham smile with the winning trophy from the Irish Classic Alumni Golf Tournament, held during Alumni Weekend, July 24-25.

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hours, and then we got Mary off the wall. We didn’t realize how much Gabriel weighed until we got him off the wall. Gabriel probably weighs 450 pounds. There was a lot of huffing and puffing to get him off the wall,” Mr. Leuciuc said.

He and his co-workers then went to work on anchoring the statues of Mary and the angel Gabriel to the specially created wall between St. Joseph’s main building and the new wing between the school and gymnasium.

Mr. Leuciuc also explained that at St. Mary’s Hospital the statues were hanging on brackets on top of a green marble backdrop that could not be salvaged. At St. Joseph, the statues were re-hung on brackets and then affixed to the masonry wall by a very strong adhesive bonding compound.

“They should be here far after everyone else is gone,” Mr. Leuciuc said. “We’re very pleased with how it turned out and we are happy we could be part of it. Nobody wanted to try it, so Peter reached out, and I said sure, why not.”

Sister Mary Martha was tasked with a large, complex assignment to find good Catholic homes for all of the St. Mary’s Hospital religious artifacts. And she was successful right up to the beginning of demolition. The Sisters of Mercy were instrumental in operating St. Mary’s Hospital from its beginning in 1930 until it closed in 2018.

She appreciates Mr. Zengel, St. Joseph School, and school president Father Chris Michelson for accepting the Annunciation artwork in memory of Sister Mary Jolita Hughes, RSM, a longtime St. Joseph teacher who died in 2001.

“I’m so grateful for all the time and effort given to finding a ‘home’ for the beautiful Annunciation scene. That was a monumental task that Andy undertook out of love for Sister Jolita and the Sisters of Mercy,” Sister Mary Martha said.

“The people who can give you an understanding of the entire process, which involved removing the marble from St. Mary’s, storing it until plans were finalized for its relocation, preparing the new location at St. Joseph School, installing it, etc., are Andy Zengel and Becky Dodson (Tennova vice president). I hope to see the fruit of their efforts and hear stories about all that when we are able to travel later this year,” she noted.

Sister Mary Martha singled out

BILL BREWER

Annunciation continued from page B1

there. It had been standing there for 55 years. Unfortunately, St. Mary’s Hospital has since closed. Last summer, before that particular wing was torn down, some of our friends made us aware that this really was the last piece of religious artifacts left in the hospital. Many of the other ones have already been transferred to other places. This one, because it was literally built into the building, and the wing was built around it, was a 7,000-pound structure. It was really impossible to move it out until they were tearing down the building,” Mr. Zengel explained.

Mr. Dunn, who was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in the 1960s, credited Mr. Bellinghausen, a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus who is a masonry contractor, for performing the masonry work on the Annunciation wall, and Mr. Leuciuc, who has experience in handling walled statues, for removing the Annunciation images from the hospital and rehanging them at St. Joseph.

The statues were stored in a closet at St. Joseph School until the wall to support them could be built, according to the principal.

Mr. Dunn described how his sister, St. Joseph teacher Rita Cook, was told about the statues and wanted to save them from ruin as the hospital faced demolition.

“I went to look at them, and just by providence a guy who was there on site mentioned Dan Leuciuc’s name, that he had come and looked at it. But there was no decision made to save the statues. They were going to be demolished with the building unless we got them out within a week or so. I knew Dan. He’s the owner of HomeChoice Windows, Doors & Floors. We have worked together. I called him and he generously volunteered his time and expertise in moving statues. He did that growing up in Michigan.

He knew how to get them off the wall. He saved them at his warehouse. And he knew how to get them back on a wall,” Mr. Dunn said. “It was just providential that it all worked out.”

Mr. Leuciuc explained that he and several volunteers removed the statues from the wall inside the dark hospital corridor using headlights and a large band-saw blade. He and three co-workers went through some 30 pairs of work gloves as the saw blade cut through the gloves.

“We did that for about three

Wall mounted The statues of Mary and Gabriel, the latter of which weighs an estimated 450 pounds, are now mounted on a wall at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. for special recognition the demolition crew at St. Mary’s, the movers, the construction crew at St. Joseph, as well as those who were the “master minds,” and the benefactors who made it all possible.

“How very special to have this beautiful, visible, ‘spiritual connection’ of St. Joseph School, St. Mary’s Hospital, and the Sisters of Mercy for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Andy and to all involved in this labor of love. It is a magnificent memorial in honor of Sister Mary Annunciata, Sister Mary Jolita, and all the Sisters of Mercy,” she said.

Mr. Zengel said there are plans to add to the St. Joseph grounds around the relief wall so more peo-

Stewardship of St. Mary’s Hospital artifacts overseen by Sisters of Mercy

KATHY RANKIN

I Listen to the principal St. Joseph School principal Andy Zengel speaks to the gathering at the dedication of the Annunciation wall on the campus April 21. Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, watches at center-left.

Parish notes continued from page B4 on July 6. They heard a report of a successful school year and the arrival of $3,000 worth of beans and rice that IC had arranged through the Parish Twinning Program and Food for the Poor.

The parish is now working on installing solar panels to help assure stable electricity. Father Belizaire of St. Francis Xavier earlier thanked IC parishioners for donating $14,000 from fundraising efforts to his parish. On June 14, he said, 72 high school seniors graduated and will have an opportunity to pursue a university education.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville A group of parishioners has been looking how to celebrate the return of worshipers to Mass following the pandemic, and they have called the effort “Welcome Back to the Table.” The first event, a Welcome Back Celebration Dinner,” took place Friday, Aug. 6.

At weekend Masses on June 26-27, St. B8 n AUGUST 8, 2021

John XXIII celebrated the success of its Hope for the Future campaign (see IC entry above). With $478,368 raised in gifts and pledges, the parish was more than 90 percent of the way toward its $529,000 goal. A generous donor offered to match all new gifts up to $100,000 beginning that weekend.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville Parishioners can preview and purchase items in the Knights of Columbus annual yard sale from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. The event will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. The Knights over the past several months have collected many items for the sale, including appliances, furniture, hand and power tools, sporting goods, a large variety of household items, and clothing. To donate items (Knights will pick up large items), call Ed Harless at 423-884-2575 or Dan Callan at 884-6760. n

ple can gather there for prayer or other services.

“It’s just a beautiful scene that we’re able to save, and now it will be visible for all the St. Joseph students as they pass by it every day on their way to recess and lunch. It means so much to us, the scene of the Annunciation, the beginning of the Incarnation, when Jesus Christ became present here on earth and the Word became Flesh as we pray in the Angelus every day at noon.

It’s just a powerful symbol, not only to our community, but as visitors come to basketball games and walk by it on their way to the gym. It’s a powerful message of God’s love in stone,” Mr. Zengel said. n

n 2011, when St. Mary’s Medical Center was sold to an investorowned organization, St. Mary’s seller Catholic Healthcare Partners stipulated in the agreement that all religious and historical artifacts would remain the possession of the Sisters of Mercy.

When the Sisters of Mercy knew St. Mary’s was closing on Dec. 28, 2018, the religious community’s leadership, following consultation with Bishop Richard F. Stika, provided guidelines regarding disposition of the artifacts.

This involved about 20 statues, crucifixes of various sizes, Stations of the Cross, religious art, nativity sets, chapel items, and other items.

In support of mission parishes, Father Steve Pawelk, a Glenmary Home Missioners priest who formerly was pastor of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville, chose several items that would be fitting for the new St. Teresa Parish. In recognition of the Sisters of Mercy’s long community service at St. Joseph School, principal Andy Zengel chose statues and items useful for the renovated school chapel. Other items were offered to priests and diocesan organizations.

These statues were originally mounted on a marble wall on the ground floor of the Annunciation wing, which opened in March 1966.

Before she died in 1963, Sister Mary Annunciata had developed plans for this new addition, which was named in her honor. At that time, it was the main entrance for the hospital. People who were to be

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admitted signed in at a small desk on the right-hand end of the wall and had a seat in the waiting area behind the wall. Admitting and other business offices were to the right. Sister Emmanuel sat behind the small table during times of heavy admissions.

The crew that removed the statues from St. Mary’s was able to save the dedication plaque, which is now attached to the brick below the statues at St. Joseph.

The Sisters of Mercy have a long and storied history in East Tennessee. In 1896, the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Knoxville to teach at St. Mary School, adjacent to Immaculate Conception Church on Vine Avenue in downtown. This school closed in 1970.

In 1908, the Sisters of Mercy opened Holy Ghost School on Central Street in Knoxville. Then, when St. Joseph School opened in 1963 near Fountain City, the Sisters continued there until Sister Jolita Hughes’ death in February 2001.

In 1930, the Sisters of Mercy opened St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital amid the Depression. Over 120 Sisters served at St. Mary’s until the hospital closed on Dec. 28, 2018.

Sisters of Mercy have served in schools throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville Catholic High School, Sacred Heart School in Knoxville, and St. John Neumann School in Farragut; St. Dominic School in Kingsport; St. Mary School in Johnson City; St. Elizabeth School in Elizabethton; and Our Lady of Fatima School in Alcoa. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

ROBIN RUDD (4)

Parish and community news

Holy Ghost parishioners participate in rosary rally Parishioners of Holy Ghost took part in a Public Square Rosary Rally led by Father Michael Hendershott on July 10 at the corner of Baxter Avenue and Central Street near the church. Since 2007, the rallies have been held each year as part of the America Needs Fatima project, with thousands of rosary rallies held in cities across the country.

Novacks marking 50th anniversary

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artha and Jan Novack of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 14. They were married at the 32nd Street Naval Station Chapel in San Diego, with Father John Keeley officiating. Their children are Jerry (Veronica) Novack

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of Catasauqua, Pa., and Jennifer (Scott) Kearney of Coventry, Conn., and they have two grandchildren.

Mr. Novack retired from Dykes Lumber Co. in Weehawken, N.J., and Mrs. Novack was a homemaker. They retired to the Glade in June 2014. An anniversary celebration is planned with family in Hawaii. n

BILL BREWER

BILL BREWER

ELISSA EDWARDS

ELISSA EDWARDS

Basilica holds annual Corpus Christi procession With rector Father David Carter carrying the monstrance, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chattanooga celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi on June 6 with a procession through its East 8th Street neighborhood.

Parishioners thanked for gift

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d Raine of Food for the Poor thanked parishioners of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City for their “selfless gift of $3,800,” which was matched by

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another donor, that helped give a family in Jamaica a two-bedroom home with sanitation, a water component, furnishings, and a solar-powered light kit. n

AUGUST 8, 2021 n B9

Catholic schools

KCHS’s BJ Edwards commits to Tennessee

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how I fit into the offense.”

BJ learned something from the Vol head coach from that film session.

“What I learned the most was, he asked me what position do I think is the hardest. He said point guard, because the point guard is like the quarterback on the team. Whether you win or lose, it’s always the point guard’s fault, he said. That’s what I play. I’m a true point guard.

He has developed point guards for the NBA, so I feel like that’s where I need to be at, under his wing.”

The film session decided matters for BJ. “After the film, I felt like [committing to UT]. All the other colleges just showed their guys, but when [UT] put me up on the screen, it really just touched my heart,” he said.

Vol Nation on social media welcomed BJ aboard after his announcement.

“It means a lot. I just want to go out there and have fun and get a lot of wins and just don’t disappoint them and do everything I can and give it my all,” he said.

BJ said he is “most definitely” looking forward to playing with Kennedy Chandler.

“He’s on most of the [NBA] draft boards, so even if he goes [to the NBA] I can come in and fill his position. Even if he stays . . . he’s the No. 1 point guard in the 2021 class, so it’s a win-win in practice: I’m playing against the No. 1 point guard. It’s not anything bad. It’s only going to make me better.”

BJ said he has heard from a few former Vol players about his decision.

“I hang out with Jordan Bowden, work out with him a lot,” he said.

“He’s in the [NBA’s] G League now. He’s showing me how it is to work out as a pro. He’s always told me about Coach Rick Barnes, many stories, how Coach Barnes pushes his players to be the best they can be.”

College basketball was not always on the horizon for BJ.

Addressing the media Knoxville Catholic High School basketball standout BJ Edwards speaks to local TV and newspaper reporters July 1 after announcing his commitment to the University of Tennessee.

“Five or six years ago, I wasn’t certain if I was going to play college basketball or not, but when I got my first Division I offer in eighth grade, that’s when it really hit me that this is what I want to do,” he said. “This day means the world to me. I’ve been waiting for it forever.

Go Vols—I want to come in and win as many games as possible, win an SEC championship, and go far in the [NCAA] tournament, and just get as many wins as possible and make [fans] proud.”

KCHS assistant coach Tony Scott attended BJ’s meeting with the press July 1. BJ’s commitment to Tennessee “means a lot to our program,” Mr. Scott said.

“I think it brings awareness for basketball to the Knoxville area to have a prospect like BJ here,” he said. “For years, the light has shined on Memphis; the rest of the state has kind of turned a head toward us because no one respected the sport as far as basketball. I’ve coached in East Tennessee for over 26 years, but I think having a prospect like BJ here has given attention to our kids. We’ve got kids like Blue Cain getting offers from schools, Yesan Warren getting offers, Deondrea Lindsey, a freshman coming in, getting offers.

“I think it’s making them raise their level of competition because they’ve got a player like BJ. He’s such a leader. He makes everybody better. He demands that everybody give their best and work as hard as he does, so we’re excited. We’re proud, and we’re happy for him.”

Brett Patterson, BJ’s AAU coach, also attended the press conference.

“When BJ came to us, he could do some things really well. He played defense great. He ran great. He ran the floor. He finished really well, but there were a couple of things he didn’t do well,” he said. “He didn’t shoot very well, and he wasn’t very big. But the one thing he is, he is probably the most competitive person I’ve ever coached.

“He just gets after it. He dedicated himself to improving his shot, and now he’s our second-best 3-point shooter. He’s unbelievable. He put himself in the weight room. He put himself in the gym, and he has worked out, and now

KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL ARCHIVE

J Edwards is staying home.

The Knoxville Catholic High School standout point guard announced via social media July 1 that he is committing to the University of Tennessee basketball team.

BJ, a 6-foot-3 four-star prospect in the class of 2022, picked the Vols over Florida, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.

“It’s been a long process, a lot of college coaches recruiting me. In the end, you can only choose one college, and I feel like Tennessee was the best for me,” he said. “When I put it out, my phone was buzzing, a lot of calls. All my friends texting me, coaches texting me, family. It felt really good. My phone’s still buzzing right now. It’s been a good process.”

The KCHS junior won the Mr. Basketball Award for Division II, Class AA, in the 2020-21 season and led the Fighting Irish to a state-semifinal appearance. In his sophomore campaign, BJ helped the Irish win their first-ever state championship. In that state final, BJ faced Kennedy Chandler of Briarcrest, a top point guard who has also committed to Tennessee, in the class of 2021.

As a junior, BJ averaged 19.9 points per game with a .522 fieldgoal percentage. He shot 74 percent from the free-throw line and recorded 7.04 rebounds, 5.08 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He has scored more than 1,600 career points.

The fact that Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes showed BJ film of himself during his recruiting visit helped sway him to pick the Vols.

“On my visit, I was with coach Rick Barnes. We ate out a lot, and the whole staff came out. I really enjoyed it. It felt like a family the whole time, and that’s what I look most to in going to college,” BJ said. “Me and him sat down and watched film for a whole hour. It was on like the past point guards at Tennessee. Then we watched film on me as well, which kind of got me. It was really exciting for them to have film on me and to show

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS

The highly rated point guard in the class of 2022 is a Mr. Basketball winner and past state champion

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

COURTESY OF BECKY FRYE

KCHS great of the past BJ Edwards is the first Knoxville Catholic player to commit to Tennessee since Skip Plotnicki, a leading scorer for KCHS who played varsity basketball as a forward for UT from 1962-65.

he’s probably the strongest guard that you’ll see play. When he defends somebody, he can defend in the post. He’s really long. He’s our second-leading rebounder. He took his weaknesses and made them strengths.”

Mr. Patterson said BJ watching film with coach Barnes was “huge, because you take a legend like Barnes, somebody who’s been in the game for 40 years, to actually talk to BJ about what’s going to make BJ better and what’s going to help him, because, like I said, even with those things I just mentioned, he will take that to heart, and he will do the things that Barnes tells him to do in order to get better. He won’t see those as, ‘Oh, he doesn’t like my game. He doesn’t want to do this.’ He’ll see it as an opportunity to improve.”

BJ will be a good fit at Tennessee, Mr. Patterson said.

“Coach Barnes is a defense-first coach, and BJ is a defense-first player,” he said. “He really gets after it on the defensive end. He loves to run the floor. He is extremely coachable, and he will do whatever is asked of him.”

Mr. Patterson has some advice for coach Barnes about BJ. “You’re going to have to get him to talk a little more,” he said. “[Coach Barnes] likes them to talk on defense. BJ is not really outspoken, so that would probably be the top thing.”

KCHS lost in the state semifinals last season, and that is motivation for his senior season this fall, BJ said.

“Last year we lost in the state championship. It kind of hurt us a lot. We’ve still got that feeling in our chests,” he said. “I really want to win a state championship this year for my senior season and all my teammates and coaches. Definitely going to get that done, and just me getting better myself and also making my teammates better as well.”

BJ is only the second KCHS player to receive a basketball scholarship to Tennessee. Skip Plotnicki, who had been a leading scorer for Knoxville Catholic, played varsity basketball for UT from 1962 to 1965. n

Notre Dame alumna wins weightlifting honors Recent Notre Dame High School alumna and St. Jude parishioner/alumna Olivia Reeves took home gold in the clean and jerk and overall at the International Federation Junior World Championships. She earned the silver in the snatch event. This makes her a favorite to represent the USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

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St. Mary-Johnson City teacher receives Holocaust educator award Kim Kenneson, a teacher at St. Mary School in Johnson City, recently became one of four statewide to receive the 2021 Belz-Lipman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education from the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. These educators will win a $1,500 scholarship. Ms. Kenneson has taught at St. Mary for 17 years and teaches an extensive Holocaust unit to eighth-graders. She began developing this interest in Holocaust education in part at the urging of former St. Mary pastor Father Peter Iorio, who told her that the students need to learn about people who are persecuted for their faith.

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