Oct. 2, 2016, ET Catholic

This issue

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

The East Tennessee

Parish, school news................29 Columns...................................33 Virtus training...........................35

October 2, 2016 Volume 26 Number 1 Bishop Richard F. Stika

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

2,4

Deliver us from evil Bishops offer guidance on key issues

5

Diamond Jubilee St. Dominic Parish marks 75th anniversary

7

New name Union Co. parish is now St. Teresa of Kolkata

Sisters of Mercy celebrate 150 years of faithful service Religious order first began serving Tennessee in 1866, East Tennessee in 1896 providing education, health care

Sisters continued on page 8

COURTESY OF THE YWCA/RACHEL TOWERS BROOKS

W

hether it’s through educating young people, ministering in parishes, or simply praying with a hospital patient, the Sisters of Mercy have a long and deep legacy in East Tennessee.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are celeThe challenge of brating their 150th anniversary in Tennessee this Catherine McAuley year, and they are also urges us all to “conmarking 120 years of sernect the rich to the vice in East Tennessee. poor, the healthy to Five sisters arrived the sick, the educated on Halloween night in and the skilled to the Nashville in 1866 at the uninstructed, the inbehest of Bishop Patrick fluential to those of Feehan to start the city’s no consequence, and first parochial school. the powerful to the A “convent school,” St. weak to do the work Bernard Academy, was of God on earth.” also opened when the sisters first arrived. That school is celebrating its sesquicentennial in 2016.

Three sisters living in Mercy Convent near Physicians Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, formerly St. Mary’s Medical Center, shared some of their memories over many decades of religious life. Sister Albertine Paulus is the Diocese of Knoxville’s direc-

By Dan McWilliams

Sisters of Mercy From left, Sisters Marie Moore, Yvette Gillen, Martha Naber, Margaret Turk, and Al-

bertine Paulus represent the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas as the religious order marks 150 years of faith-filled service to God in Tennessee. The five sisters combined have served more than 300 years in the order, much of it in East Tennessee.

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

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop’s schedule

Deliver us from evil

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

The Church, as guardian of the truth, helps us to discern between good and evil

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

CNS PHOTO/PAROISSE SAINT-ETIENNE VIA EPA

B

egone Satan!” These were the last words spoken by the French priest Father Jacques Hamel as two ISIS terrorists attacked him while he celebrated Mass in his parish church in July.

Pope Francis, referring to Father Jacques as a martyr, would say of the priest in that horrible final moment that he saw with “clarity” the author of evil and clearly accused “the name of his murderer.”

As I reflected on this good priest’s martyrdom at the very altar of sacrifice, I found myself repeating the last words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from evil.” With so much confusion in the world, and particularly within our very own country, we must ask ourselves what evil it is that we are seeking deliverance from.

Evil is a great mystery, and while many have tried to explain its existence and even the psychological or social reasons for its manifestation, it is impossible to clearly recognize it apart from God, who alone is the conqueror of evil, and the faith of the Church.

But as society divorces itself more and more from references to God

Modern-day martyr Father Jacques

Hamel is seen during a church service June 11 in this handout photo from his parish in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, France. He was killed by two attackers July 26.

and the light of faith, not surprisingly the Church finds itself increasingly being called “evil” for its beliefs and moral teachings that do not agree with society’s ideas of good

and evil. Even religious liberty itself is being attacked and called “code” for discrimination, with the Church being pressured to call “evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).

But the Church’s moral teachings will never be subject to popular opinion or majority rule, for God is the “Eternal Legislator,” as St. John Paul II reminds us, and the Church is the guardian of His divine truths.

With a growing loss of the sense of God in society, there is a corresponding loss of the sense of the human person created in God’s image. Catholic author Dr. Peter Kreeft observes that “once ‘God is dead’ to any society or ideology, so is His image of man…. When any culture says no to God, it says no to life…, and becomes a culture of death.”

This is an important point for us to consider as we approach our civic duty and vote in the upcoming election.

In this important election year, many have expressed their frustrations to me regarding their serious concerns with each of the presidential candidates, concerns I very much share. My response, though, is

The East Tennessee

Oct. 1: 11 a.m., ordination to the permanent diaconate of Larry Rossini at St. Albert the Great Church Oct. 2: 11 a.m., Blue Mass for police, firefighters, and first responders at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 5: 5:30 p.m., Mass and dinner for Bishop’s Circle Lumen Christi Society at the bishop’s residence Oct. 6: 5:30 p.m., Mass in celebration of the 140th anniversary of Notre Dame High School at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga Oct. 7: 11 a.m., diocesan inservice and Mass at All Saints Catholic Church Oct. 8: 11 a.m., Mass and appreciation luncheon for Knights of Columbus mowing teams at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton Oct. 8: 5 p.m., confirmation at St. Mary Church in Athens Oct. 9: 11 a.m., Red Mass for legal professionals at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 11: 11 a.m., general priest meeting at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City

Oct. 12: 7 p.m., conversation with students at St. John XXIII Schedule continued on page 36

Bishop continued on page 4

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Bill Brewer Editor

Dan McWilliams

Emily Booker

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

2 October 2, 2016

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

dioknox.org

Leave a legacy

with just one payment.

Do you plan to leave money to your loved ones?

Don't want to take chances with the stock market? Why not put your money to work in a Single Premium Whole Life (SPWL) policy from the Knights of Columbus.

With a SPWL, you build guaranteed cash value (tax-deferred), and have a guaranteed lifetime, tax-free death benefit to pass on with just one, single payment.

Contact an agent today to learn more:

Don Brown - ext. 711 Tri Cities

LIFE INSURANCE

The East Tennessee Catholic

Mark Clubb - ext. 704 Crossville/Chatt. East

(855) 4TN-KOFC

Ron Henry - ext. 710 Knoxville East

DISABILITY INSURANCE

Paul Huinker - ext. 708 Chattanooga West

Henry McCormick - ext. 709 Knoxville West

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

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

Daniel Schachle - ext. 701 TN General Agent

RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

October 2, 2016 3

U.S. bishops urge against voting for ‘intrinsically evil’ issues Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted updates booklet on the duties of Catholic voters and politicians

By Catholic News Agency/EWTN News

Bishop continued from page 2

to read each candidate’s party platform, which can easily be viewed online. Only then can you get beyond the sound bites and fancy campaign slogans and begin to see where each political party stands on important issues.

Within those platforms you’ll find each party’s stand on important issues, such as abortion and Planned Parenthood, euthanasia and assisted suicide, the death penalty, the election of Supreme Court justices, marriage, immigration reform, the economy, foreign policy and the environment.

4 October 2, 2016

CNS PHOTO/JONATHAN ERNST, REUTERS

C

atholics should be consistent in public life and need to make protecting innocent life a serious political priority, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix has said in the latest edition of his booklet on the duties of Catholic voters and politicians.

The booklet Catholics in the Public Square, now in its fourth edition, makes a distinction between support for intrinsically evil issues and support for different methods of achieving policy.

“For example, Catholics may never legitimately promote or vote for any law that attacks innocent human life,” Bishop Olmsted said, later adding “being right on all the other issues can never justify a wrong choice on this most serious matter.”

The guide reiterated the need to examine one’s conscience and the need for Catholic politicians to oppose laws that allow or promote abortions.

“If a politician is actively supporting and furthering the culture of death, he is not only causing scandal; he is sinning. Similarly, when a politician performs actions (like voting) that allow for abortions and even promote abortions, or that mandate the distribution of contraceptives by pharmacists and others, that politi-

Marching for life March for Life participants carry a banner past the front of the

U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., Jan. 22. U.S. Catholic bishops across the country are urging parishioners to make protecting innocent life a serious political priority.

cian is materially cooperating in grave sin,” the bishop’s booklet continued.

These politicians must make a sincere confession before receiving Holy Communion, he said. Because the harm they have done was public, they should also publicly make amends.

“Catholics should always be respectful of the human dignity of others, including people of different faiths, or no faith at all,” Bishop Olm For some of these issues, there can be legitimate debate, such as how best to improve the economy and create more jobs, reform of the immigration system, or caring for the environment, to name a few.

But for other issues, such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia, there can be no debate. Why? It is because these involve the deliberate destruction of human life. We are stewards of life, but we are not its master. You can call it “choice,” but that does not change the fact it is an evil. And on the scale of magnitude —20,000 abortions a week in

sted said. “Having said that, however, Catholics should not be afraid to embrace their identity or to put their faith into practice in public life. In fact, each of the faithful has a call to evangelization and to share the good news of Christ with the rest of the world.”

The booklet, released Sept. 17, features a new foreword by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles and

Follow Bishop Stika on Twitter @bishopstika and on Facebook for news and events from the diocese our country — abortion is truly a genocide.

As we discern our vote, let us recall the warning of St. John Paul II about the importance of properly forming our conscience when he said, “Because of the nature of the conscience, the admonition always to follow it must immediately be followed by the question of whether what our conscience is

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

updated material from Pope Francis.

The new material includes excerpts from the pope’s recent encyclical Laudato Si and his speeches during his trip to the United States.

“Bishop Olmsted wrote this booklet to better form Catholic laypeople about their faith and responsibilities to their communities,” Robert DeFrancesco, communications director for the Diocese of Phoenix, told Catholic News Agency Sept. 19. “According to Bishop Olmsted, it is important for Catholics to reflect on their role in public life, because we are called to live our faith all of the time wherever we are and whatever we are doing, not just at Mass on Sundays.”

Bishop Olmsted said that Catholics are specially called “to contribute to the common good, to defend the dignity of every human person, and to live as faithful citizens.”

“It only makes sense that if Catholics are supposed to live their faith in all of their daily activities that they should also take their faith into account while voting,” he added.

A Catholic’s preparations to vote must include proper formation of conscience, followed by research of important issues and candidates that

Voters continued on page 38

telling us is true or not. If we fail to make this necessary clarification, conscience — instead of being that holy place where God reveals to us our true good — becomes a force which is destructive of our true humanity and all our relationships.”

As we approach the upcoming election, it is good to remind ourselves that Caesar is not God and that democracy survives only to the degree it is built upon the truth of the human person who is sacred from conception to natural death.

And like Father Jacques Hamel, we must recognize evil and accuse its author. ■ dioknox.org

St. Dominic Parish celebrates 75 years with anniversary Mass Kingsport church called a ‘shining star’ as Bishop Stika, priests mark occasion with congratulations and gratitude

By Dan McWilliams

The East Tennessee Catholic

DAN MCWILLIAMS

S

t. Dominic Parish in Kingsport celebrated its 75th anniversary Aug. 14 as members filled the church for a Mass with Bishop Richard F. Stika.

Bishop Stika celebrated the Mass with concelebrants including St. Dominic pastor Father Michael Cummins, associate pastor Father William Oruko, AJ, St. Mary Parish-Johnson City pastor Father Peter Iorio, and Father Alex Waraksa, associate pastor of St. Patrick in Morristown. Father Iorio’s first assignment as a priest was at St. Dominic. Assisting at Mass were deacons Bob Lange, Frank Fischer, and Steve Helmbrecht.

“We gather together to celebrate the 75 years of the existence of St. Dominic’s, all the great memories built on Jesus: the sacraments, the social interaction and friendships, moments of great joy and moments of sorrow,” the bishop said to open Mass.

“We come together and we give these all to the Lord as a gift, as a gift in recognition of what he has given to us: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Stika began his homily by recalling the memory of Father Emmanuel Callahan, the legendary circuit-riding priest who ministered to numerous Upper East Tennessee communities at the turn of the 20th century and who planted the seeds for several parishes that continue in service to this day.

“He spent a lot of time at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century visiting all kinds of communities because they needed, they wanted, they desired to have the sacraments celebrated, especially many of the Irish who were working on the railroads and all kinds of other folks from Europe and other places,” Bishop Stika said. “But he established the Catholic community of this area.

And then because of the Dominican fathers and the connection to [their service at] St. Mary’s in Johnson City, eventually this community developed.”

The bishop mentioned St. Dominic School, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.

“I know it’s a cost for the parish, but again remember, we don’t train only kids for this area, we train leaders for the future,” he said. “And if you have a child in that school, that’s something to be proud of. And if you don’t have a child in that school, the parish is something to be proud of.

“Just think, for 75 years, all the baptisms, all those people who were claimed for Jesus Christ, in the simplest of symbols: water. . . . Just think of all the times when a person walked into a church like this, burdened with the cross of sinfulness, bent over, maybe not liking themselves or hating themselves.

Gift bearers Ed and Shirley Parsons bring forward the bread and wine to Bishop Stika during the St. Dominic

Parish 75th-anniversary Mass on Aug. 14.

Or knowing what they did was wrong, and it separated them from a loved one, or even more, it separated them from God—and to hear the prayers of absolution, to be reconciled, to be able to stand up straight, knowing the mercy of God lifts us up in his presence.”

Bishop Stika talked about “all the sacraments that were celebrated here, like the sacrament of matrimony, when two people looked at each other and said, ‘I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.’ . . . [The church is] where people gathered together as family, to pray for another person, whether it’s ordinations or matrimony or baptisms or parish celebrations.”

The bishop expressed his gratitude to St. Dominic Parish.

“In the name of all the bishops of Nashville, and then eventually in the name of my two predecessors, but especially now in my name, I just want to say thank you; thank you for all that you’ve done, for education and formation, for being a shining star,” he said.

The bishop urged St. Dominic parishioners to be the “face of Jesus” in their lives.

St. Dominic Parish ■ Namesake:

Father Dominic de Guzmán ■ Birthplace: Caleruega, Spain, Aug. 8, 1170 Died Aug. 6, 1221, in Bologna, Italy ■ Canonized: 1234 by Pope Gregory IX ■ Legacy: Founder of the Dominican Order ■ Kingsport parish dedicated: April 20, 1941 ■ Parish location: 2517 John B. Dennis Highway or www.saintdominickpt.org ■ First parish pastor: Father M.Q. Goldrick ■ Current parish pastor: Father Michael Cummins “We must sow the seed, not hoard it.”

— St. Dominic

St. Dominc continued on page 13

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

October 2, 2016 5

Youth urged to be fearless in building God’s kingdom Bishop Stika celebrates annual diocesan Mass for young people, asks them to be bold in their faith

6 October 2, 2016

EMILY BOOKER

T

Young leaders Bishop Stika commissions the new members of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council (DYMAC) at the Youth Mass Sept. 10.

“Let’s move together. Let’s build the kingdom. Let’s not be afraid to talk about Jesus. ... Let’s not be afraid.”

— Bishop Richard F. Stika the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Diocese of Knoxville confers on an adult whose service to youth ministry is exceptional.

Recipients of the Companions on the Journey Award were Pauline O’Keeffe from St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville and the Cumberland Mountain Deanery; Susan Collins from Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville and the Five Rivers Deanery; and Sue Granger from St. Mary Parish in Athens and the Chattanooga Deanery.

This year’s recipients of the youth recognition Discipleship Award were: Phoebe Campbell, Briana Cooter, Jackson Ducote, Sarah Fillers, Tabitha Fitzwater, Gabby Grove, Katherine Guandique, Julian Hernández, Kersten Hicks, Liz Labbe, Tristan Lucas, Robert Lyszczarczyk, Tess Massey,

EMILY BOOKER

he strong and energetic leadership within the youth ministry of the Diocese of Knoxville was celebrated on Sept. 10 with the annual diocesan Youth Mass and awards ceremony.

Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the Mass at the Lighthouse Knoxville event center. He reminded the youth that their young age should not stop them from being bold in their faith.

“In your parishes, in your families, lead people to Jesus. Pope Francis talks about it all the time. … Never let an adult tell you that what you do is not important. Because Jesus chooses you like he chooses an adult, like he chooses a saint.”

Following Mass, the diocesan youth awards were given out to students and adult leaders who have served their parishes and deaneries.

“I get to travel all around the diocese, and I get to work with a lot of these young people who are really on fire for their faith and really contribute a lot to their communities,” said Deacon Al Forsythe, director of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The St. Timothy Award is the highest recognition the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Diocese of Knoxville confers on high school youth. It is presented to students who generously serve their peers and youth ministry.

The St. Timothy Award honorees this year were Iris Anguiano from St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge and the Cumberland Mountain Deanery; Hannah White from Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountain Deanery; Samuel Murillo from St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin and the Five Rivers Deanery; and Brianna Wisti from St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland and the Chattanooga Deanery.

The Companions on the Journey Award is the highest recognition

Building the kingdom Bishop Stika celebrates the Youth Mass Sept. 10 at the Lighthouse Knoxville event center.

Samuel Murillo, Sloane Perry, Paley Perry, Eddie Ramirez, Emily Roach, Kenneth Saine, José Salazar, Evelyn Sandoval, Peyton Scoggins, Lissette

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

By Emily Booker

Silva, Karla Soto, Kaylee Tolleson, Savannah Tucker, Courtney Wells, Hannah White, Brianna Wisti, and Kaitlyn Zander.

This year’s recipients of the adult recognition Light of the World Award were: Karen Burry, D.J. Dalton, Román Díaz, Deacon Jim Fage, Luis Garcia, Erika Garrido, Kristen Girton, Rebecca Harber, Amanda Henderson, Colleen Jacobs, Karina Jasso, Irma Morales, Joe Myers, Doug Perry, Heidi Poore, Jason Taylor, Luis Velasco, Joni White, and Zane Wilkinson.

Bishop Stika also commissioned this year’s Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council (DYMAC). From the Five Rivers Deanery: Gabrielle Grove, Gabriel Isaac, Elena Orozco, Eddie Ramirez, Alexandra Reynoso, Kenneth Saine, José Salazar, Kaylee Tollefson, and Thomas Witkowski.

From the Cumberland Mountain Deanery: Iris Anguiano, Tabitha Fitzwater, Clara Hay, Paley Perry, and Sloane Perry. From the Smoky Mountain Deanery: Jackson Ducote, Eduardo Hernandez, Bryce Tuggle, and Courtney Wells. From the Chattanooga Deanery: Isaac Bird, Jonah Bird, Luke Eckler, Kersten Hicks, Josh Martin, Thatcher Miles, Emily Roach, Evelyn Sandoval, Lissette Silva, and Savannah Tucker.

The bishop asked the youth for their help in spreading the Gospel and building the kingdom of God in East Tennessee.

“Let’s move together. Let’s build the kingdom. Let’s not be afraid to talk about Jesus. Let’s not be afraid to invite our brothers and sisters to come to Mass with us on a Sunday.

Let’s not be afraid to open the Bible, to read about the Old Testament and the New Testament. Let’s not be afraid. That was one of the mantras of St. John Paul. …When he was first introduced to the whole world, his message was ‘Be not afraid,’” Bishop Stika said. ■ dioknox.org

Pope Francis canonizes Church’s beloved Mother Teresa Vatican Mass celebrates the ‘Saint of the Gutters’ who was admired around the world for her faith-filled service

W

ith a large tapestry bearing the portrait of the woman known as the “Saint of the Gutters” suspended above him, Pope Francis proclaimed the sainthood of Mother Teresa of Kolkata, hailing her courage and love for the poor.

Despite the formality of the occasion though, “her sanctity is so close to us, so tender and fruitful, that spontaneously we will continue to call her

‘Mother Teresa,’” Pope Francis said to applause at the canonization Mass Sept. 4.

“Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded,” the pope said in his homily during the Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

An estimated 120,000 people packed

the square, many holding umbrellas or waving fans to keep cool under the sweltering heat of the Roman sun.

However, upon hearing Pope Francis “declare and define Blessed Teresa of Kolkata to be a saint,” the crowds could not contain their joy, breaking out in cheers and thunderous applause before he finished speaking.

The moment was especially sweet for more than 300 Albanians who live in Switzerland, but came to Rome

By Catholic News Service

for the canonization. “We are very proud,” said Violet Barisha, a member of the Albanian Catholic Mission in St. Gallen.

Daughter of Divine Charity Sister Valdete, a Kosovar and one of the Albanian group’s chaplains, said, “We are so happy and honored. We are a small people but have had so many martyrs.”

Born in 1910 to an ethnic Albanian

St. Teresa continued on page 32

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta becomes St. Teresa of Kolkata As Pope Francis elevates revered nun, Maynardville parish celebrates canonization with an official name change

By Bill Brewer

“Peace begins with a smile.”

– Mother Teresa

The East Tennessee Catholic

BILL BREWER

P

eace was apparent Sept. 11 in a storefront along Highway 33 in Union County, and smiles were abundant as one of the Diocese of Knoxville’s newest parishes celebrated the changing of its name from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to St. Teresa of Kolkata.

St. Teresa Parish celebrated its fifth anniversary in September, which was marked by Mother Teresa’s canonization on Sept. 4. The parish was officially formed Sept. 1, 2011.

Bishop Richard F. Stika led Mass at St. Teresa of Kolkata Church, which occupies temporary quarters until it relocates to a new church planned for Maynardville. Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, pastor of St. Teresa, concelebrated the Mass that was followed by a second Mass in Spanish celebrated by Father Pawelk, with Bishop Stika in choir.

Bishop Stika presented himself as a secondclass relic to St. Teresa members, drawing laughs as he explained that he met Mother Teresa in 1988. During that encounter, she made the sign of the cross on his forehead, kissed him on the cheek, and gave him a miraculous medal that she was renowned for giving out.

Bishop Stika spoke reverently and fondly of St. Teresa’s devotion to God and the Church and her selfless service to God’s people.

“In St. Teresa of Kolkata, we see a woman who had three calls in her life, three vocations.

One was to be baptized. … Eventually she felt another call. She responded to Jesus and she

Honoring St. Teresa Bishop Stika celebrates Mass and Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, concelebrates as the former Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville changed to St. Teresa of Kolkata.

joined a religious community: the Sisters of Loreto, which took her from her home to Ireland.

And she eventually traveled to India, where she served as a headmistress of a school and where she observed immense poverty. That’s where she

had another call, a call within the call, to serve the poorest of the poor and establish a home for the dying,” Bishop Stika said.

“A call within the call is to be Jesus to other

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

Parish continued on page 31 October 2, 2016 7

Sisters continued from page 1

Seven Sisters of Mercy first came to the future diocese of Knoxville in the 1890s, alighting at downtown Knoxville’s parish school to succeed another order of sisters in the education ministry.

“The sisters came here at the request of Bishop [Thomas S.] Byrne to take over teaching at St. Mary’s School, which was at Immaculate Conception, in 1896,” said Sister Albertine. “At first it was a little awkward because the other sisters were loved and appreciated, and we were seen as interlopers or usurpers. Fortunately, that didn’t last long.”

St. Mary’s School was founded in 1876 and remained open for nearly a century, closing in 1970. Sister Yvette and Sister Mary Jude Toben were the final two sisters to serve at the school “Two of us were left,” Sister Yvette recalled. “When Father Jim Murray came as pastor and saw the school, he said he was no longer going to keep the school open because he remembered the [1958 Our Lady of the Angels] school fire in Chicago. St. Mary’s was an old

8 October 2, 2016

Sister Margaret Turk, RSM, left, gives comfort to a patient at Tennova Healthcare’s Physicians Regional Medical Center, where she served for years before her retirement in September.

building, straight up and down, and he was afraid it was a firetrap.

So we closed the school that year.”

Most of the St. Mary’s students went to St. Joseph School in Knoxville, which had opened in 1963, succeeding the old Holy Ghost School.

Sister Yvette recalls the multi-story St. Mary’s School building that stood next to Immaculate Conception Church. The convent was on the floors facing east.

“When I first went there in 1967, there were eight of us sisters who lived in the convent,” she said.

“Five of us were from Knoxville Catholic High School and three of us taught in the grade school. We all lived there until 1968. One day Father [Francis R.] Shea came over to the convent because there had been a fire in front of his rectory; we were at the back of his rectory and he was afraid another fire could happen, so he moved us to the hospital to live.”

Sister Yvette remembers the St. Mary’s School days as “probably

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

An education mission

Helping hands

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

tor of pilgrimages after serving as a teacher for more than three decades and as the diocese’s longtime director of evangelization. Sister Yvette Gillen is the pastoral associate at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa after serving in the same role for many years at St. Therese in Clinton. Sister Martha Naber is mission liaison with Tennova Health at the old St. Mary’s Hospital.

Sister Albertine has been a Sister of Mercy for 67 years, Sister Martha for 58, and Sister Yvette for 55. Sister Marie Moore has been a Sister of Mercy for 65 years. Sister Margaret Turk, who has been a Sister of Mercy for 64 years, retired in September and returned to the Sisters of Mercy convent in Nashville.

Leading the roundtable Sister Marie Moore, RSM, center, engages in light-heart-

ed discussion with Becky Dodson and Dan Hix of Tennova Healthcare.

one of the best years of my community life, and I would say that was true for most sisters who lived there, because we were very bonded together.”

The bedrooms at the school convent were very small.

“You almost had to come out to

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

change your mind,” Sister Yvette said.

Sister Albertine and Sister Martha are St. Mary’s alums. One vestige of St. Mary’s remains at Immaculate Conception today, according to Sister Albertine.

Sisters continued on page 9 dioknox.org

“When you go up the steps next to the church, that gateway and that fence formed the path through which school was dismissed in my day, in the ’30s and early ’40s. We went out in line, and the principal stood by the gate. Same gate, same fence,” she said.

The history of St. Mary’s School overlapped that of Holy Ghost School.

“We were from St. Mary’s School, and the ‘Holy Ghosters’ were our sworn enemies – until we got to Catholic High, when we became the best of friends,” Sister Albertine said.

Holy Ghost School, which opened in 1908, was one of several schools the Sisters of Mercy staffed from the very start.

“With the announcement of the new church [Holy Ghost] Sr. Patricia Soete, RSM was the news that the Sisters of Mercy would have the school,” Sister Albertine said.

She added that the Sisters of Mercy were there from the beginning, not only at Holy Ghost but also at Knoxville Catholic High School, Sacred Heart School [now Sacred Heart Cathedral School], St. Dominic School in Kingsport, and St. John Neumann School in Farragut. The sisters also served at St. Mary School in Johnson City and at the former schools of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, St. Elizabeth in Elizabethton and St. Genevieve in Dayton.

The sisters also taught CCD in Morristown and LaFollette.

“In 1976 we had sisters as pastoral associates in the Norris-LaFollette Missions, which included Norris, Clinton, LaFollette, and Helenwood,” Sister Yvette said.

The East Tennessee Catholic

“Sister Patricia Soete is still pastoral associate at St. Jude in Helenwood; she also does a lot of work with the poor there,” Sister Albertine said.

A health-care ministry

The Sisters of Mercy’s long service at St. Mary’s Medical Center began with the facility’s founding as St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in 1930.

“The sisters have been here since 1926 when Sister Pauline Gray and Sister Mary Thomas Dauner came and knocked on the door of Mrs. Guy Darst. Together they began the process of trying to see if there would be support from the physicians in the community to begin a Catholic hospital,” Sister Martha said. “They also addressed fundraising, which became a major issue with the coming of the Depression.”

The seeds of the hospital were planted well before 1930, she added.

“In 1919 some Knoxville doctors had approached the

bishop of Nashville requesting a sisters’ hospital in order to meet the growing needs of health care,” Sister Martha said. “At that point the bishop had no resources and dismissed it. Then in 1926, Daniel Dewine offered to donate the property here on Oak Hill Avenue, and he was giving it to the bishop with

PHOTOS BY DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

Sisters continued from page 8

Gifted hands Top photo, Sister Yvette Gillen, RSM, takes part in a building project while Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, provides sacred music to the religious order that has been serving East Tennessee for decades.

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

the stipulation that a Catholic hospital would be built on the property. The bishop then approached the Sisters of Mercy, who were teaching in Nashville and beyond.

“All the Sisters in Tennessee at that point were teachers, so it was a step in faith that they were willing to accept the mission of beginning a hospital. Five sisters went off to study: Sister Annunciata Dannaher studied administration; Sister Magdalen Clarke, radiology; and three sisters studied nursing.”

Sister Annunciata served as the St. Mary’s hospital administrator from 1930 until her death in 1963.

“They said she was the best ‘businessman’ in Knoxville,” Sister Albertine said. “This was true through most of the hospital’s history: the sisters who were responsible for the administration, for the financial growth, and for the excellence of the institution have been extraordinarily acute and most excellent. They often dealt with the top financial minds of the city and were held in great respect.”

Sister Marie served as hospital administrator for 12 years.

The sisters in Knoxville carry on despite St. Mary’s having been sold to an investor-owned corporation in 2011.

“We do the same things we did before the sale. We’re fortunate to have the chapel, daily Mass, and the religious artifacts that are so important to people who come here, regardless of their religion,” Sister Martha said. “The sisters’ faith, commitment and dedication, their generosity and compassion – all these are qualities that are in the memories of thousands and thousands of people. Every day I meet people who say, ‘I wouldn’t go to any other hospital.’

“It is a rich, rich heritage that we have, and today I feel we’re standing on the shoulders of all those giants who have gone before us.

Sisters continued on page 10 October 2, 2016 9

“Whatever ministry we’re in, the sisters go regularly to funeral homes to support employees who have lost loved ones. Often the deceased is someone who worked here long ago,” she said. “That comes from Catherine’s legacy – she lived the works of mercy. And that’s part of our legacy, too.”

Sister Albertine said “We do our level best to live out” the mercy charism.

“Our lives are given to being the mercy of Jesus to everyone we meet,” she said. “In a practical way, that’s the spiritual and corporal works of mercy; there are many different ways to bring people to the Lord.”

“Our community spread to most of the English-speaking parts of the world,” Sister Albertine said. “Missionary bishops from Ireland wrote to Mother Catherine, who was an Irish foundress, asking for sisters to come to serve their immigrant flocks. That’s how we came to have a huge community in Australia, a huge community in New Zealand.

We have a community in England.

There are sizable communities in Guam and Jamaica and the Philippines. We’re now in 47 different countries on six continents.”

Foreign ministry Sister Albertine Paulus is director of pilgrimages for the diocese

and has led thousands of Catholics on journeys to the holiest places on Earth.

There have been about 120 sisters throughout 86 years who have served here at St. Mary’s.”

Some people have trouble calling Physicians Regional Medical Center by its present name. “‘It will always be St. Mary’s’ – I hear that all the time,” Sister Yvette said.

The legacy of old St. Mary’s Hospital also includes its School of Nursing, in operation from the beginning of the hospital in 1930 until 1988.

“It’s really neat; working in a parish I meet a lot of people who went to the School of Nursing here. They were disappointed when it closed, but they are proud to be graduates,” Sister Yvette said.

Until she had a recent operation, Sister Marie was a stalwart at visiting patients, one of the Sisters of Mercy’s principal ministries at the hospital.

“Every morning she’s up and over in the holding room at 6 a.m., praying with people who are going to have surgery, regular as clockwork,” Sister Albertine said. “Then on one day she would go to Turkey Creek to visit patients, another day

10 October 2, 2016

to LaFollette, another to Tennova North, and to Jefferson City and the residential hospice.”

Living out mercy

The sisters today continue to live out the charism of their foundress, the Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley.

Sister Martha sees the sisters’ charism as their “compassion and caring for people.”

“In the hospital, our primary role is caring for patients and their families as well as employees. We support both employees and doctors, and are there if they personally need assistance. That’s our real legacy right now, caring for and supporting people.”

To that end, Sister Martha administers a benevolence fund for employees of the hospital.

“So many of our employees struggle because they’re single parents, and if they don’t get a full paycheck for whatever reason, they can’t pay their bills,” she said. “We also have a mission fund that we are able to use for patient needs.”

Sister Yvette said “We’re really carrying out the works of mercy in all ways.”

Into the future

The sisters’ numbers are down from their peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when four sisters served at St. Joseph School, five at Knoxville Catholic High School, three at St. Mary’s School at Immaculate Conception, four at Sacred Heart, two at Alcoa and 10 to 15 at the hospital.

What does the future hold for the Sisters of Mercy? Sister Albertine has the answer.

“It’s in the hands of God,” she

Sisters continued on page 11

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

Sisters continued from page 9

Sister Yvette mentioned “another way the sisters carry on the works of mercy.”

“We have established Mercy Associates, and we have a large group here, laypeople who don’t take vows. They make promises, and they join us in spreading the word of mercy in their works,” she said.

“We have men, we have two priests [Father Bill McKenzie and Father Bill Gahagan], and a lot of women who live out mercy in their lives.”

Sister Martha added, “We meet regularly with the associates, and we have days of prayer and reflection, with time together to build community among ourselves.”

Wise counsel Sister Martha Naber, RSM, right, is involved in various facets of di-

ocesan health care, including the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic and Foundation.

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

dioknox.org

said. “Really, we don’t know. Corporately, it doesn’t look like the Sisters of Mercy are going to disappear, but I don’t think we will continue to be in East Tennessee.”

The Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., have been serving in the diocese since 2009 and are worthy ministers of the spirit of mercy and its life in many apostolates,” Sister Albertine said.

“We’re glad that we have (our) sisters here, because the work of mercy continues,” she said. “It’s the same ministry, the same foundress, the same charism – in the plan of God, that’s what’s going forward.”

Sister Yvette cited the Mercy Associates as one key to the future for the mercy charism.

Highlights for the sisters over the years include everything from commercials with Peyton Manning to fundraising efforts.

“I roller-skated several years for the Kidney Foundation and abused children. I figured it out one day – I raised about $45,000 over five years,” Sister Yvette said. “But working with people” is a more important highlight.

“Everybody used to ask me, when I worked in pastoral care at the hospital, how I could be around patients who I knew had terminal cancer? It could be very draining, but the rewarding part overpowered the ‘draining-ness.’ Working with these patients and being there when they were dying and with their families was wonderfully rewarding. It gave me a much different outlook on death. I was almost envious of the person dying, because I saw how close they were to God. I got to walk that last walk with them. It was very, very rewarding,” Sister Yvette added.

For Sister Martha, being with people is a time of great blessing for the sisters.

“Often I experience God’s presence, an awareness of God’s grace The East Tennessee Catholic

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

Sisters continued from page 10

Giving thanks Sister Martha Naber, RSM, left, and Sister Margaret Turk, RSM, exchange words of gratitude with staff mem-

bers at Tennova’s Physicians Regional Medical Center.

touching their spirit and mine.

What a privilege to be God’s instrument, being used by God to encourage, support or assist another just by being there, being attentive and responding with respect and regard for their well-being.”

Sister Albertine added, “As I look back over a long life, I have gained the most from working with people. Whether they are little folks, high school kids trying so hard to grow up, college students facing adult life, adults growing in grace and knowledge of the faith, or pilgrims seeking a deeper connection with God – they are such signs of hope as they grow in maturity and comprehension, in faith and understanding and love.

“And when I chance to meet them again as adults or seasoned Catholics or senior citizens, to see

Support system Sister Yvette Gillen, RSM, pastoral associate at Our Lady of

Fatima Parish in Alcoa, center, is surrounded by friends and helpers.

them grown into really fine Christian people – what humbling and delightful gratitude fills my heart!

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

In all the different ministries where I have served, that is what has mattered to me the most.” ■ October 2, 2016 11

PHOTOS BY DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

Stocking the pantry Sister Martha Naber, RSM, who is placing canned goods on

Burning brightly Sister Marie Moore, RSM, who is making sure all the altar can-

a pantry shelf for those in need, also continues the health-care mission of the religious order for the Diocese of Knoxville.

dles are lit, continues to serve the Diocese of Knoxville as a Sister of Mercy of the Americas. Sister Marie formerly was administrator of St. Mary’s Hospital.

Sister Margaret Turk retires after 64 years as a Sister of Mercy

By Dan McWilliams ister Margaret Turk, RSM, a familiar face around Physicians Regional Medical Center (formerly St. Mary’s Medical Center) since 2002, is retiring to Nashville.

Sister Margaret has been working in pastoral services at PRMC, which allows her to visit patients and pray with them. She is retiring for health reasons.

“God said to me, ‘Time to go, Margaret,’” said Sister Margaret, who joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1952.

“I love what I’ve been doing the last six years [in pastoral services].

I’ve been visiting patients, and it’s just been a privilege to pray with people and be with them.”

Sister Margaret has frequently prayed with oncology and coronary/ pulmonary unit (CPU) patients.

“The faith of people in this area is just wonderful, so it’s just been a joy to

S

12 October 2, 2016

be with them,” she said. “When hard times come, it’s good to have somebody of faith to be with you.”

Will she miss her fellow Knoxville sisters with whom she has lived for many years?

“Of course I will,” she said.

Before arriving at St. Mary’s, Sister Margaret Sr. Margaret served in the Family Crisis Services department of Clinch Valley Community Action in Lebanon, Va. She was a sexual assault prevention educator, did advocacy work on behalf of victims, and counseled abuse survivors through support groups.

Sister Margaret is a native of Memphis and is one of 10 children: seven boys and three girls.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said of her time in Knoxville. ■

A

Join us for

Celebration

Mercy of

Honoring the 150 Year Legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in Tennessee Sunday, October 30, 2016 • 2:00 P.M. • Cathedral of the Incarnation Mass followed by an Irish Gathering with Tea and Scones in the Fleming Center For more information go to to celebration@mercysc.org

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

Mercy Convent 2629 Pennington Bend Road Nashville, Tennessee 37214

dioknox.org

St. Dominic continued from page 5

“As I’ve said from the very first day that I arrived in Knoxville over seven years ago, we have to be the face of Jesus, we have to be the hands of Jesus, we have to be the feet of Jesus, the voice of Jesus, because by the Eucharist that nourishes us in our faith, even when it means sometimes to walk in a dark room of uncertainty, [we need] to be the presence of Jesus,” he said.

“And so if there is any one message that I bring to you today, it’s to thank you for being His hands: hands of charity and kindness. Thank you for being the smile of Jesus, knowing that another person, by the virtue of our smile, feels like they’re cared for.

Thank you for being the feet and the legs of Jesus, willing to walk toward someone, like those police officers, and ambulance (crews) and firefighters, as instead of running from 9/11 in those buildings, they entered the buildings to assist another person.

But especially, my sisters and brothers, I just want to say to you thank you for being the heart of Jesus.”

Bishop Stika urged the St. Dominic family to “continue to be that shining star, that light on a hill. Don’t hide yourselves under a bushel basket, because after all it’s Jesus Christ himself who says to you as individuals, but also as a community, to baptize, to teach the faith, and to love one another as Jesus has loved us all.”

At the end of Mass, Father Cummins said, “as our bishop so well put it, today we celebrate 75 years of faith, 75 years as a parish community. We give thanks to God for these blessings. Today is a wonderful day of celebration for us as a parish.”

Kingsport Mayor John Clark, a St. Dominic parishioner, then spoke to the assembly.

“I’m honored to be here today as a fellow parishioner to celebrate 75 great years for this incredible church,” he said. “One of the things I always say about Kingsport is King-

JESUS CHRIST, the FACE of the FATHER,

“RICH IN MERCY” (Eph 2:4) A Symposium for Laity and Men / Women Religious Saturday, October 22, 2016 Cardinal Rigali Center | 20 Archbishop May Drive | Saint Louis MO The symposium will feature speakers addressing the mercy of God encountering the misery and needs of mankind including: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Former Archbishop of Saint Louis, Bishop Richard Stika, Bishop of Knoxville, Tennessee, Sister Ann Shields, S.G.L., Dr. Theresa Burke, Founder of Rachel’s Vineyard and From Grief to Grace, Father James Mason, President-Rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Father Paul Hoesing, Dean of Seminarians, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Sister Dominga, MC and Sister Brenda Dolphin, RSM, Postulator for the Cause of Canonization of Mother Catherine McAuley.

9:00 – 9:45 am

Bishop Richard Stika: The Mercy of God Invites Us 15 min break

10:00 – 10:45 am

Sister Ann Shields, SGL: The Mercy of God and the Power of Forgiveness 15 min break

11:00 – 11:45 am

Dr. Theresa Burke: Touched by Mercy, Moved by Love 15 min break

12:00 – 12:45 pm

Father James Mason: Mercy and Memory

1:00 – 1:45 pm

Lunch

2:00 – 2:45 pm

Father Paul Hoesing: They have no more wine Discovering Mary, Mother of Mercy 15 min break

3:00 – 3:45 pm

Sister Dominga, MC: You Did It To Me, (Mt 25:40) Seeing Jesus in His Distressing Disguise 15 min break

4:00 – 4:45 pm

Sister Brenda Dolphin, RSM: Venerable Catherine McAuley Gifted by Mercy 15 min break

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, Cardinal Rigali Center

6:30 pm

Dinner, with Keynote Presentation following: A Conversation Between Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Stika: Discovering God’s Mercy

$65 includes Symposium, Lunch, and Dinner To register online: archstl.org/mercysymposium Please register by Monday, October 17, 2016 Email for details: ConsecratedLife@archstl.org or call: 314.792.7250

St. Dominic continued on page 17 The East Tennessee Catholic

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

October 2, 2016 13

World Youth Day ‘life-changing’ for diocesan pilgrims Youth from East Tennessee among 3 million people who traveled to Poland to see Pope Francis

COURTESY OF BETH PARSONS

A

s some 3 million pilgrims from around the globe descended on Poland July 26-31 for World Youth Day 2016, including a half-dozen from the Diocese of Knoxville, there was not a stranger among them.

That assessment by Beth Parsons, youth director at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa, made the diocesan contingent feel right at home as they shared their common Catholic faith, varied cultures, and unique stories in the presence of the Holy Spirit and Pope Francis.

“Gathering with these youth from all over the world, speaking, praying, attending Mass with them, is something I will never forget.

We were all gathered for a common reason. No one was a stranger, and no one was alone. It was a beautiful thing, one I hope and pray we can carry with us to our home parishes and communities,” said Mrs. Parsons, who traveled with her son, Logan, a seminarian.

In addition to Mrs. Parsons and her son, those from the Diocese of Knoxville traveling to Poland were Doug Perry, Paley Perry, Sloane Perry, Becca Harber, and Carolyn Lubthisophon.

Those from the Diocese of Knoxville joined a group of about 60 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Denver under the spiritual direction of Father Rocco Porter, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in the Denver Archdiocese.

By Bill Brewer

East Tennessee pilgrims From left, Paley Perry, Sloane Perry, Doug Perry, Becca Harber, Logan Parsons, and Beth Parsons attend the closing Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at World Youth Day.

The East Tennessee pilgrims’ 15day journey began in Warsaw for an eight-day tour of Poland leading up to World Youth Day. Highlights of the pilgrimage for the East Tennesseans were a trip to Niepokalanów and the monastery that St. Maximilian Kolbe founded; Glogowiec, the birthplace of St. Faustina, her tomb and the miraculous Image of the Merciful Jesus; Mass at the Jasna Gora monastery to see the icon of Our Lady of Cze-

stochowa before visiting the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps; and Mass at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is St. John Paul II’s baptismal parish, and a tour of St. John Paul II’s home.

“Our visit to Jasna Góra Monastery, where the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa is displayed, and the home and parish where St. John Paul II grew up were two of my favorite days; personally life-

changing for me. Another part of our trip, we traveled to Niepokalanów, the monastery founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe. The crowds had started to gather and our time at the monastery was longer than we had planned. Everyone began to gather back on the buses and we were waiting for two more people, two priests from the Archdiocese of Denver. After probably 15 minutes they hurried on the bus with a

Youth continued on page 23

World Youth Day: A look back at Poland, a look ahead to Panama Pope Francis offers words of hope, encouragement to Krakow pilgrims as WYD 2019 is set

T

he youthful face of God’s mercy can change the hearts of people who have lost hope, Pope Francis told World Youth Day pilgrims in Krakow, Poland.

A young person who is touched

14 October 2, 2016

by Christ is “capable of truly great things,” the pope told thousands of young men and women July 28 at the welcoming ceremony of World Youth Day. “Today the church – and I would

add, the world – looks to you and wants to learn from you, to be reassured that the Father’s mercy has an ever-youthful face and constantly invites us to be part of his kingdom,” the pope said.

By Catholic News Service Arriving at Blonia Park in his popemobile, Pope Francis was enveloped in a sea of red, yellow and blue as pilgrims donned brightly colored ponchos to shield them from the rain.

World continued on page 23 The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Diocese hosting youth conference in Pigeon Forge

T

he Diocese of Knoxville has been chosen by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry to host one of the first NFCYM regional Catholic conferences for middle school youth The conference for students in grades six to eight will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Pigeon Forge at the LeConte Lodge. Workshops for parents also will be available.

Deacon Al Forsythe, director of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, said about 2,000 participants are expected for the regional conference that will attract young faithful from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana.

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, in association with Declan Weir Productions, is inviting middle school youth to attend the one-day faith experience, called Holy Fire, that will feature dynamic speakers, music, and the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist “like they have never before experienced.”

“Holy Fire encourages young people to embrace their baptism and engage with the relevant and powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an exciting opportunity for the young Church to witness faith and reflect more deeply on the gifts of the Holy Spirit they receive in the sacrament of confirmation,” event organizers said.

Similar to the National Catholic Youth Conference, the regional conference will be designed around a community of prayer, witness, and joy.

“We anticipate thousands of youth at each event, sharing in a unique experience for middle schoolers.

The NFCYM and DWP will be providing world-class production and renowned speakers and musicians,” the organizers said. “The Holy Father challenges our communities to become missionary disciples who are not afraid to be faith-filled witnesses of the Gospel. The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and Declan Weir Productions believe that by gathering thousands of young people to celebrate and learn about their faith, the young Church will see themselves as witnesses of Christ and members of the larger Catholic Church.”

Among those taking part in the conference will be emcee Tony Vasinda of Project YM, performer Moriah Peters, the Josh Blakesly Band, keynote speaker Dr. Ansel Augustine, and Robert Feduccia, who will lead the parent track. ■ The East Tennessee Catholic

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

October 2, 2016 15

Year of Mercy sets theme for diocesan Ministries Day More than 250 parish leaders take part in ministry leadership workshops at All Saints Church

T

16 October 2, 2016

COURTESY OF FATHER RICHARD ARMSTRONG

COURTESY OF FATHER RICHARD ARMSTRONG

he Diocese of Knoxville’s Ministries Day, now in its sixth year, attracted 256 participants Aug. 20 to All Saints Parish, where parish leaders throughout the diocese gathered to strengthen their faith as they learned new approaches to strengthening the faiths of everyone involved in parish ministries.

The theme of Ministries Day 2016 was mercy, which coincides with the Year of Mercy, and 23 workshops were offered in addition to a Spanish track. The opening address was given by Bishop Richard F. Stika.

Workshops featured presenters In praise of ministries Bishop Stika addresses those attending the Diocese of Knoxville’s Ministries Day at All Saints Church. from within the diocese, including Father Michael Sweeney, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harrilearn a few things, and walk away man, St. Ann Parish in Lancing, and with a new vigor and zeal for our St. Christopher Parish in Jamestown; Catholic faith. All indicators reveal Father Randy Stice, pastor of St. that it was successful,” said Father Armstrong, a conference organizer.

Mary Parish in Athens; Father Da “The greatest asset in the diocese is vid Carter, rector of the Basilica of our own people, and Ministries Day Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga; gives us the opportunity to showcase Father John Orr, pastor of St. Joseph that. The majority of presenters live the Worker Parish in Madisonville; and work in the diocese, and each in Father Richard Armstrong, assistant his or her own way has contributed to director of the diocesan Office of building up the Church here in East Christian Formation and pastor of Tennessee,” Father Armstrong added.

St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Susan Collins, youth minister and Catholic Mission; Deacon David director of religious education at Lucheon of All Saints Parish; Deacon Notre Dame in Greeneville, said a Tim Elliott, director of the diocesan Office of the Diaconate and Deacon Formation; Deacon Bill Jacobs of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa; Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, former direc- Priestly instruction Father Richard Armtor of the diocesan Office of Christian strong leads a Ministries Day workshop for parish leaders in the diocese.

Formation; Paul Simoneau, director of the diocese’s Office of Justice and Peace and vice chancellor for admin- College in Nashville, Tom McCabe istration; Alicia Mora; Elena Morales from Ascension Press, Carol NichAyuso; Jorge Saenz; Dave Wells, ols from Pflaum Publications, and director of adult faith formation for Michael Trujillo from Catholic Relief Sacred Heart Cathedral; Bob Hunt; Services.

Marty and Chris Silver; and Annie “We were extremely pleased with Nassis, director of youth ministry at how the day went. Several workAll Saints Parish. shops filled up to capacity two weeks Presenters from outside of the diobefore the event. Our hope was that cese were Jason Gale from Aquinas participants would enjoy the day, The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

The East Tennessee Catholic

workshop on apologetics with Father Sweeney was one of the most popular sessions, as was a two-hour catechist orientation with Mr. Gale from Aquinas College.

“Our local presenters – priests, deacons, religious, and laity – did an excellent job,” Mrs. Collins said. “I saw lots of smiles and heard wonderful remarks about the organization and content of the day. All Saints Parish is a great facility for such an event, and Deacon Tim Elliott offered assistance above and beyond expectations.

“Each session was unique, and each presenter had their own style.

Our catechists came away with something new to utilize in their classroom. From Michael Trujillo’s session, where participants went outside for a visual aid on the dignity of our global brothers and sisters, Father Richard Armstrong’s session with the bells and beautiful objects of the Byzantine rite, which is only one of over 20 churches in communion with the Catholic Church, the honor of Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, with Father John Orr, the sanctity of marriage with Father David Carter, encountering the mystery of mercy in the Mass by Father Randy Stice, the slide show on mercy and the end-

Ministries Day continued on page 21

dioknox.org

The East Tennessee Catholic

‘75 years of actively glorifying God’ St. Dominic associate Father William Oruko, AJ,

speaks during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Looking on are Bishop Richard F. Stika, Father Alex Waraksa (center), and St. Dominic pastor Father Michael Cummins.

ing an Elks Hall and in rooms above a hardware store and restaurant.

Kingsport was a mission of Johnson City at the time, the Dominicans having come to Johnson City in 1916 and serving Kingsport as well.

Father M.Q. Goldrick was responsible for building St. Dominic’s first church, at a cost of about $50,000. The church, on Center Street, was named St. Dominic in honor of the Dominicans who served there. Its cornerstone was laid in 1940, and the church was dedicated April 20, 1941, in a Mass

celebrated by Nashville Bishop William L. Adrian.

Diocesan priests took over serving the Kingsport parish in 1945. Father Leo Baldinger was St. Dominic’s first diocesan priest. Milton Robelot became St. Dominic’s first permanent deacon Sept. 14, 1974.

The saddest day in parish history was Feb. 19, 1983, when the first church building was destroyed by fire. Masses then were held in the parish’s “cafegymtorium” for four years.

A 20-acre site for a new church was

DAN MCWILLIAMS

sport is a very special place with special people.”

The mayor presented a proclamation to Bishop Stika that highlighted the history of the local church.

Reading from the proclamation, Mayor Clark said, “I think this next paragraph really speaks volumes of our church: ‘Through peaceful and turbulent times, lean times and times of prosperity in our city, the congregation of St. Dominic’s has steadfastly provided worship opportunities, leadership, and the sharing of God’s wisdom and wonderful grace with our community. Throughout the years St. Dominic’s Catholic Church has continued to grow physically and spiritually with now over 1,000 registered families and a growing Hispanic population. And so St. Dominic’s Catholic Church is blessed to be celebrating 75 years of actively glorifying God and working for the betterment of our community.’”

The mayor proclaimed that day, Aug. 14, as St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Day in Kingsport.

“I encourage my fellow citizens to join in celebration of its 75th anniversary and express our appreciation for its many ministries, its service to God, and the continuing spiritual strengthening of our community,” he said.

“So on behalf of a very grateful city, we say thank you to this parish for the many wonderful contributions to Kingsport and the surrounding area over the past 75 years.”

After Mass and before a reception in the parish life center, the bishop blessed a rosary garden of the archangels at St. Dominic.

“Jesus is the one who reminds us of the importance of the angels,” he said.

“They are a creation of God, just like we are. They give praise and thanks to God on a constant basis.”

Father Callahan celebrated the first Mass in Kingsport in spring 1914.

Mass wasn’t celebrated in a church for nearly 30 years. Churchgoers attended Mass in several locations, includ-

DAN MCWILLIAMS

St. Dominic continued from page 13

Sharing a laugh Kingsport Mayor John Clark, pictured with Bishop Stika, pro-

claimed Aug. 14 as St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Day in Kingsport.

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

chosen on John B. Dennis Highway, and the parish’s new building was dedicated Aug. 8, 1987, the feast day of St. Dominic.

St. Dominic broke ground on a $1.8 million parish life center in October 2001, with Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz and longtime pastor Father Charlie Burton taking part in the groundbreaking.

Bishop Kurtz dedicated the parish life center on Sept. 14, 2002.

Among those at the reception after the 75th-anniversary Mass was Mary Ann Burem Reed, a cradle Catholic and lifelong member of St. Dominic.

“My mother was one of the very first here, 75 years ago,” she said.

“She played the organ and was one of the first parishioners who went where there was no church. She brought us up, my brother, my sister, and I, and we’ve all been here all our lives. I left a couple of years and came back.”

Mrs. Reed said she was “very involved in the old church” building at St. Dominic.

“To receive all my sacraments there, it was really hard to see that go. It was very hard. It took a lot of grieving, but we got through it, and we’re in a beautiful facility now,” she said.

Claudio Carlin has been a parishioner of St. Dominic since about 1956.

“We flew up here. We left all our stuff to be shipped with the Andrea Doria, and then the Andrea Doria went down with the catfish,” he said.

The S.S. Andrea Doria was an Italian passenger ship that was struck by the Swedish American ocean liner M.S. Stockholm off the coast of Massachusetts in 1956 and sank.

To Mr. Carlin, St. Dominic “means a place where we can go and pray. It means friends,” he said.

He, too, misses the old St. Dominic Church building.

“It was a nice building, but this one here is really fantastic,” he said.

In his concluding remarks at Mass, Bishop Stika said, “Just think of how this community would be missing something so spectacular without the presence of St. Dominic’s.” ■ October 2, 2016 17

Deans named for Five Rivers, Cumberland Mountain deaneries

By The East Tennessee Catholic

F

ather Michael Cummins, pastor at St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, and Father Doug Owens, pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City, have been appointed by Bishop Richard F. Stika to serve as deans in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Cummins will lead the Five Rivers Deanery, and Father Owens will lead the Cumberland MounFr. Michael Cummins tain Deanery.

Bishop Stika thanked Monsignor Patrick Garrity, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, and Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City, for the years of service and effort they put in as deans for the diocese.

“I am so appreciative of the leadership of Monsignor Garrity and Father Peter,” Bishop Stika said.

“Monsignor Garrity and Father Peter have devoted a great amount of time and energy as deans while

at the same time leading two of our larger parishes.”

The Diocese of Knoxville is composed of four deaneries, or regional units of the diocese. The other two deaneries are Chattanooga and Smoky Mountain.

“In a diocese as vast as ours, our deans assist me in many ways. Their counsel and advice help me make decisions that benefit the entire diocese,” Bishop Stika said.

“I have much gratitude for Monsignor GarFr. Doug Owens rity and Father Peter and for what they did, and I welcome Father Michael and Father Doug into their new roles.”

Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, has accepted Bishop Stika’s invitation to continue as dean of the Smoky Mountain Deanery for another term.

Father Charlie Burton, pastor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga, is continuing as dean of the Chattanooga deanery. ■

The East Tennessee Catholic wins national award for WMOF coverage Newspaper cited by Catholic Press Association judges

By The East Tennessee Catholic

T

he East Tennessee Catholic, which has been providing news and information about the Diocese of Knoxville since 1991, was recognized by the Catholic Press Association for its coverage of the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States last year.

A panel of judges for the CPA awarded the diocesan newspaper its first-place award for best cover-

18 October 2, 2016

age of the World Meeting of Families by a diocesan newspaper.

The East Tennessee Catholic also earned second-place honors for writing about the WMOF. The East Tennessee Catholic’s October 2015 issue, “The Francis Effect,” was dedicated to Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia, where the WMOF took place.

The CPA judges recognized a team of East Tennessee Catholic con-

Make a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime and Helps the Church

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

Here’s how it works:

You make a gift and in return you will receive:

• Fixed-rate annuity payments for life, for one or two people – between 4%–9%, based on age • Immediate and future tax benefits • A payment schedule tailored to meet your needs

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

• Knowing your gift will help Catholics in our Diocese • The minimum age is 55

For a personalized proposal contact:

Deanene Catani

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

Award continued on page 19 The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

St. Thérèse is role model for Little Flowers Club for young girls Our Lady of Fatima Parish starts chapter that encourages youth to grow in virtue

Y

Award continued from page 18

tributors, including Bishop Richard F. Stika, Cardinal Justin Rigali, The East Tennessee Catholic editor Bill Brewer, diocesan communications director Jim Wogan, The East Tennessee Catholic associate editor Dan McWilliams, diocesan communicaThe East Tennessee Catholic

Little Flowers Club already has grown to more than 15 participants, ages 5-12.

Every month, the Little Flowers focus on a different virtue, such as faith or love of neighbor.

The girls read about a saint, learn a song, and memorize a Scripture verse related to each virtue. To earn badges, they complete activities on living that virtue.

Haley Dirmeyer, who Flower power Daughters in the Little Flowers Club presented carnations to their mothers. leads the group, said, “I like to talk about the virtues with the girls and show that virtue in their lives at get their ideas for how they can school or with their families, es-

pecially with siblings, and I just like to hear how they see these issues as relevant to their own lives.”

Even though the girls are young, they understand that small, loving acts will help them grow in mercy and establish great virtues.

The club also helps the girls get involved in parish life. In 2015, the Little Flowers raised money for Water for Life by selling lemonade at the annual Harvest Blessings. Water for Life is an organization that provides clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to places in need.

Also, by partnering with the Council of Catholic Women the girls got to know and work with women in the parish that they might not otherwise.

Miss Dirmeyer said she loves getting to work with the girls each week.

“The friendships they get to have at church are huge because they get to know the other girls and have some social time with them,” she said.

She added, “The girls get to learn a lot about their faith, and they get to know the stories of some wonderful female role models in the Church.”

Inspired by the saints they learn about and the virtues they study, the Little Flowers have told Miss Dirmeyer that they want to be saints themselves, and that’s what the club is working toward. ■

tions specialist Emily Booker, and diocesan correspondents attending the World Meeting of Families: Marian Christiana, Rhetta Botts, Suzanna Pickering, Luis Gabriel Velasco, and Suzanne Erpenbach.

While the correspondents were with Pope Francis in Philadelphia,

States papal visit earned a “bravo” and were “exceptionally well done and bring to life the experience for those who were not there.”

The Catholic Press Association judges also praised the The East Tennessee Catholic’s use of photography from the event. ■

PHOTOS BY EMILY BOOKER

oung girls are growing a garden of virtues through the Little Flowers Club at Our Lady of Fatima Parish.

Named after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as “the Little Flower,” the Little Flowers Club encourages young girls to grow in virtue. Several mothers in the parish wanted a Scouting-like program for their daughters that would not contradict Catholic teaching. Last year they discovered the Little Flowers Club online and began their own chapter at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, OCD, born Jan. 2, 1873, was a French Discalced Carmelite widely venerated in modern times. She is popularly known as “The Little Flower of Jesus” or simply “The Little Flower.”

St. Thérèse has been a highly influential model of sanctity for Catholics and for others because of the “simplicity and practicality of her approach to the spiritual life.”

Together with St. Francis of Assisi, she is one of the most popular saints in the history of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius X called her “the greatest saint of modern times,” while his successor, Pope Pius XI, called her the patroness of the gardens of Vatican City, granting her the title of “Sacred Keeper of the Gardens.”

Her feast day is on Oct. 1.

Starting with just six girls, the

By Emily Booker

Lives of virtue Little Flowers Club members at Our Lady of Fatima Parish are pictured at their badge ceremony. The girls earn a badge for each virtue they learn.

Bishop Stika joined the nation’s bishops in meeting with the pope in Washington, and Cardinal Rigali celebrated Masses with Pope Francis in Philadelphia.

The East Tennessee Catholic’s series of articles covering the World Meeting of Families and the United

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

October 2, 2016 19

Ladies of Charity working to get Knoxville operation to the next level Elevator project will allow charitable organization to open spacious second floor to public for office, meeting space

O

20 October 2, 2016

BILL BREWER

Digging in Ladies of Charity supporters break ground on an elevator project that will offer better access to the second floor of the charitable organization’s facility to the public as well as to employees and supporters. The project is expected to be completed next spring in time for the Ladies of Charity’s Diamond Jubilee.

BILL BREWER

ne of Tom Shannon’s goals for the Ladies of Charity thrift store, food pantry, and donation center in Knoxville has been the installation of an elevator.

In fact, the longtime volunteer has been working with Ladies of Charity Executive Director Susan Unbehaun in planning for an elevator as a way to provide better access to the Baxter Avenue building’s second floor. The only access now to offices and meeting space on the upper floor is by stairs, which is a major obstacle for those with disabilities and many older people.

Mr. Shannon was on hand Sept. 2 when Ladies of Charity supporters broke ground on the elevator project. He was selected as one of the individuals to don a hardhat, pick up a shovel, and dig up the dirt for the groundbreaking ceremony, but a temporary health condition forced him to use a walker and he had to sit out the breaking-of-ground ceremony.

The irony wasn’t lost on Mrs. Unbehaun, who pointed out that Mr. Shannon – a Ladies of Charity fixture with his wife, Pat, wouldn’t have been able to attend a meeting of the Ladies of Charity’s elevator committee if it ever met upstairs while he was using a walker.

But all that is about to change.

Construction on the $163,000 elevator project began last month and will be completed next spring, in time for the 75th anniversary celebration of the Ladies of Charity in Knoxville.

Monsignor Xavier Mankel, longtime spiritual moderator of the Ladies of Charity, and Father John Dowling, pastor of Holy Ghost Church and the Ladies of Charity’s current spiritual moderator, were joined by Barney Baker, Mark Brodd, Karen Burry, Phyllis Denning, Chris Lucheon, John Mahoney,

By Bill Brewer

Lending a hand The Shannon Family at

the Ladies of Charity groundbreaking.

Lisa Morris, Pat Murphy, Kathi O’Hara, Geri Sutter, and Andy Shannon, who stood in for his father, Tom Shannon, in officially breaking ground for the project.

Andy Shannon is a Knoxville architect who also worked on the project.

Mr. Brodd, a vice president for

general contractor Blaine Construction Corp., said the project will take about six months to complete as the elevator shaft is built on the north side of the building and a two-stop elevator is installed.

Mrs. Unbehaun has been trying to get the elevator off the ground since shortly after being named executive director in March 2015. In fact, it was a point of discussion before she was hired.

“This project was in my interview process when they asked me what did I see missing from the building,” Mrs. Unbehaun said, noting that she immediately responded “access to the second floor.”

She said the lack of an elevator also is impeding the nonprofit organization’s mission. “The second part of our mission is spirituality and community. Our older members can’t participate in meetings held upstairs. Also, community groups interested in using the second-floor space are at a disadvantage,” she

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

noted.

Mrs. Morris, who is co-president of the Ladies of Charity for 2016, thanked the women who have served in the Ladies of Charity through the years as the organization prepares for its 75th anniversary next year.

“We look at this building and we know that from where we started 75 years ago … and we look at what God has done during this time through the Ladies of Charity for the community, our hearts are very grateful to God and all of you for what has been accomplished through the Holy Spirit,” Mrs. Morris said.

She was joined by Mrs. Lucheon, who is Ladies of Charity co-president for 2016. Mrs. Lucheon said the event was ground-breaking in many ways.

She said opening the upstairs to more people will allow the Ladies of Charity to launch more programs to Elevator continued on page 39 dioknox.org

The Year of Mercy is an open door for St. Mary students Oak Ridge parish school receives a lesson on Holy Doors during visit to Sacred Heart Cathedral

Ministries Day continued from page 16

of-life decisions by Paul Simoneau, to the importance of catechesis with Marty and Chris Silver there was so much for our participants and more.

I would personally like to thank all the presenters who took the time to prepare, travel, and pass on the information they are passionate about in the Catholic faith.”

Blanca Primm, who is with the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, said Ministries Day also was a success for the diocese’s Hispanic community.

“We had 83 people registered in the Spanish track, and many other The East Tennessee Catholic

EMILY BOOKER

O

ne goal of the Year of Mercy is to take extra time to contemplate the mystery of God’s love. The students of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge did just that when they made a pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Cathedral and its Holy Door on Aug. 22.

The young pilgrims celebrated the Year of Mercy by preparing themselves for the pilgrimage through prayer, walking the grounds of Sacred Heart Cathedral, and entering through the Holy Door. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass.

After Mass, the children learned more about what made a church a cathedral and about the new Sacred Heart Cathedral under construction.

It was an exemplary day for St. Mary students to take a pilgrimage, as it was the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Oak Ridge, said Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, principal of St. Mary School.

Prior to the pilgrimage, Sister Marie Blanchette visited each class to share the history of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, or Holy Year. The students viewed images of the Holy Doors in Rome and the Basilica of Saints

A celebration of mercy Bishop Stika celebrates Mass for St. Mary-Oak Ridge

students and parishioners at Sacred Heart Cathedral as part of a Year of Mercy pilgrimage.

Peter and Paul. They learned that pilgrimages involve prayer, walking, visiting the church, walking through the Holy Doors and praying for loved ones and especially for the pope.

In explaining the purpose of the trip to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sister Marie Blanchette said, “We decided to have an All School Pilgrimage because

none of the students have ever lived through a holy year. This is a historic time, and we want them to know what a holy year is and how to celebrate it. In addition to learning about holy years in general and the Year of Mercy in particular, the students were also able to celebrate the holy year by putting their knowledge into action. The next time a jubilee year is proclaimed,

parishioners who were Hispanic attended the English breakout sessions as well. At lunch everybody came together at the parish hall at All Saints Church, and you could feel the joy of one community. Even though we spoke more than one language, we felt united by the Holy Spirit in the mission we have ahead of us,” Mrs. Primm said.

“In the Spanish track we had four presentations that illustrated God’s infinite mercy toward His people since the beginning. The presenters were graduate students from our Catholic Bible School four-year program who now are members of our

Hispanic Biblical Institute. They were Elena Morales, parishioner at St. John Neumann Church, who discussed the book of Amos, the prophet of social justice; Jorge Saenz from St. Thomas the Apostle Church, who talked about the book of Oseas (Hosea) that shows us God’s unconditional love for His people; and Alicia Mora from St. Joseph the Worker Church, who talked about the book of Isaiah, with a focus on the hope for God’s mercy. Our last breakout session was on how we find God’s mercy in the Mass,” she added.

Father Armstrong sees Ministries Day as invaluable to the formation of

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

By Emily Booker

the students will know what to do to celebrate it.”

“Making a pilgrimage is a reminder that we are pilgrims on this earth, journeying to God’s Kingdom of Heaven. Sometimes the way is difficult, but God gives us the graces necessary to continue the journey closer to Him,” the principal added.

“Our pilgrimage also tied us into the universal Church. What we did on a very small scale, the Church is doing on a large scale. Millions of pilgrims are traveling to Rome during the course of this year to participate in the Year of Mercy and to ask for God’s special blessings.”

St. Mary students, faculty and parishioners began the day with prayer in the main hallway of the school. The journey continued to St. Mary Church, where special prayers were offered in honor of the feast day of the parish. Afterward, everyone boarded buses to travel to Sacred Heart, where the students continued their prayer and reflection before passing through the Holy Doors at the cathedral.

The day concluded with the students learning about the history of the cathedral and some unique as-

Holy Door continued on page 22

pastoral ministers in the diocese and is looking forward to future Ministries Days.

“Ministries Day is important because it gives those who work with the Church an occasion to deepen their own faith. Those involved in parish ministries are the ones serving the faithful throughout the diocese.

Ministries Day is our opportunity to serve those who serve. Each time we help form one pastoral minister, he or she in turn goes out and forms countless others in the parish. Thus, what we do at Ministries Day has a ripple effect throughout the diocese,” Father Armstrong said. ■ October 2, 2016 21

Annual Postal Report

Cathedral Construction

United States Postal Service Statement of ownership, management, and circulation Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685 1. Publication title: The East Tennessee Catholic 2. Publication number: 0007-211 3. Filing date: Sept. 26, 2016 4. Issue frequency: Bi-monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 6 6. Annual subscription price: $15 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, Knox County, TN 37919-7551 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; editor, Bill Brewer, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; managing editor, Dan McWilliams, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 10. Owner: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: The East Tennessee Catholic 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Aug. 7, 2016 15. Extent and nature of circulation

Average number copies each

Number copies of single

issue during preceding 12 months

issue published nearest to filing date

A. Total number of copies (net press run) JIM WOGAN

Filling in the dome Workers place one of the concrete window frames on the dome of the new Sacred Heart Cathedral.

subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

21,207

21,042

0

0

(3) Paid distribution outside the mails

0

0

(4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail

0

0

21,207

21,042

(1) Free or nominal rate outside-county copies on Form 3541

434

436

(2) Free or nominal rate in-county copies on Form 3541

0

0

(3) Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes

0

0

(4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail

0

0

E. Total free or nominal-rate distribution

434

436

F. Total distribution

21,641

21,478

G. Copies not distributed

426

422

H. Total

22,067

21,900

I. Percent paid

98.0

98.0

D. Free or nominal rate distribution

pects of the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, due to be dedicated in 2018.

Pope Francis called for the Jubilee of Mercy, which began on Dec. 8, 2015, the 50th anniversary of the closing of Vatican II. The Holy Year will conclude on Nov. 20, the Solemnity of Christ the King. At the conclusion of the Holy Year, the Holy Doors of the four basilicas in Rome are to be sealed with concrete and will not be removed until the next holy year occurs.

The holy year always begins with the pope praying in front of the Holy Door and then opening it to receive the millions of pilgrims who will travel through it seeking God’s grace.

Jubilee years or holy years were declared every 50 years and then every 25 years. The pope can declare a holy year within the established time frames. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen several jubilee years. â–

22 October 2, 2016

21,900

(2) Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

C. Total paid distribution

Holy Door continued from page 21

22,067

B. (1) Mailed outside-county paid

16. Electronic copy circulation 17. Statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 2, 2016, issue of this publication.

18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: William B. Brewer, editor. Date: Sept. 26, 2016 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

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

dioknox.org

Youth continued from page 14

World continued from page 14

The pope was welcomed by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow and six young men and women representing Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa and Australia.

Following the Gospel reading, the pope thanked the youth for their presence, greeting them warmly saying, “At last, we are together.”

Encouraging them to cheer for St. John Paul II, the pope thanked his predecessor for initiating World Youth Day. “From heaven, he is with us, and he sees all of you: so many young The East Tennessee Catholic

dancing, laughter. When he drove by our section, we were less than 10 feet from him. Our hands were shaking, cameras and tears rolling. It was the chance of a lifetime,” the youth director said.

Catholic pilgrims from around the world reported thoroughly enjoying interacting with other Catholics during the six-day event, sharing their

faith and their excitement at seeing Pope Francis.

“My faith was strengthened every step we took at daily Mass, adoration, and visiting these holy places, but mostly through conversations with those in our group and other pilgrims along the way. I learned we are all coming from different life experiences, ethnicities, and places on

our spiritual journeys,” Mrs. Parsons said. “It doesn’t make us better or worse; we are all equal in His eyes.

The Church and the sacraments help us grow deeper in love with Him, but there is nothing we can do to make Him love us more.”

World Youth Day was started by St. John Paul II in 1985. Since then, it has been held in Italy, Argentina, Spain, Poland, the United States, the Philippines, France, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. The next one is set for 2019 in Panama.

Mrs. Parsons said pilgrims from the diocese have traveled to World Youth Days in the past, and she’s hopeful East Tennessee youth will continue to go.

“World Youth Day was so special to me for several reasons. The opportunity to travel to the country of St. John Paul II’s home along with so many other saints and follow in their footsteps is a joy that will never leave me. Each day was the best day, something new, beautiful, and Catholic! Secondly, to witness the universal Church showed me the Church is alive and youthful. Last, but certainly not least, traveling with our son, Logan, was a gift. He is one of eight, and now a seminarian for our diocese, these one-on-one moments are few and far between,” Mrs. Parsons said. ■

people from such a variety of nations, cultures and languages, but with one goal: that of rejoicing that Jesus is in our midst,” he said.

The pope noted the festive atmosphere of World Youth Day and praised the “enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy” of the young men and women who make God’s love palpable to the world.

However, while extolling the virtues of a young, merciful heart, the pope also lamented young people “who seem to have opted for ‘early retirement.’”

“It worries me to see young people

who have ‘thrown in the towel’ before the game has even begun, who are defeated even before they begin to play, who walk around glumly as if life has no meaning,” he said.

The celebration in Poland, the pope continued, offers an opportunity for young men and women to help each other and “not be robbed of the best of ourselves.”

Pope Francis encouraged the youths to look to Jesus to receive a “true passion for life” and to “give the very best of ourselves.”

As World Youth Day 2016 concluded, attention turned to Panama,

which will host the event in 2019.

Cardinal Jose Lacunza Maestrojuan of David, Panama, said the country will serve as a bridge between young people just as the Panama Canal connects continents.

At a news conference in Krakow July 31, the cardinal said Panama was well-placed for air, road and sea communications with North and South America and would give the World Youth Day a distinctive character.

“We truly hope this will be a blessing for our country, placing it at the center of the whole world’s attention,” Cardinal Lacunza said. ■

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETH PARSONS

small box in one of their hands. Inquisitive, I asked Father Rocco what was in the box. He slowly opened it.

It was a first-class relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe. He had asked at the end of our visit for a third-class relic.

After a lot of scurrying around they gave him the first-class one. It was beautiful,” Mrs. Parsons said.

Mrs. Parsons said at World Youth Day, the young people from East Tennessee were especially moved by the opening ceremony, morning catechesis, Stations of the Cross with Pope Francis, prayer vigil with the Holy Father as well as adoration and a candlelight vigil before the closing ceremonies.

Mrs. Parsons said for her, walking in the footsteps of St. John Paul II was a life-changing experience. But seeing Pope Francis in person also was a moving experience.

“One of the key moments for me was seeing the pope for the first time. We were told not to expect to get too close to him. At the papal welcome on July 27, Pope Francis arrived and rode around the complex with over 300,000 people in attendance. As soon as we discovered the route he was taking we ran up to the edge of our roped-off section.

The energy and anticipation from the crowd was incredible; singing,

Youth movement Diocese of Knoxville youth Logan Parsons, Sloane Perry, Becca Harber, and Paley Perry at Divine Mercy Church in Zabki, Poland.

Sharing faith-filled cultures Beth Parsons

with young pilgrims in front of the Jasna Góra Monastery, where the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa is displayed.

Saintly presence Beth and Logan Parsons with the statue of St. John Paul II at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saint’s baptismal parish.

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

October 2, 2016 23

Diocesan calendar

by Dan McWilliams The 2016 Diocesan Youth Conference, themed “Set Sail on the Discipleship,” will be held from 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville. The event features a keynote and concert by Chris Padgett. All high school youth in grades 9-12 are welcome to attend this overnight event. The cost to participate is $95 per person, which will include all activities, speakers, and three meals (no lunch on Sunday). An additional night is an available option for groups that wish to come on Friday evening, Oct. 28, for $23 per person. The deadline to register and receive a T-shirt is Oct. 12. Registrations after Oct. 12 are welcome but will not include a T-shirt (cost remains the same).

The “Holy Fire” Middle School Conference for youth in grades six through eight, a one-day faith experience with dynamic speakers, music, and the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, is set for 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge.

The diocese has been chosen by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry to host one of the first NFCYM regional Catholic conferences for middle school youth. Parent workshops will be available.

About 2,000 participants are expected.

Cost is $51.50. To register or learn more, visit www.dioknox.org/calendar.

Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from an abortion are invited to a Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat Oct. 28-30 at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ ccetn.org or Catherine McHugh at 865696-7720 or peace4lilith@aol.com. If you aren’t able to commit to an entire weekend, the Sisters of Life are conducting a post-abortion day of prayer and healing for women called Entering Canaan. It will be held at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center on Saturday, Nov. 12. For more information, contact the Sisters of Life at 866-575-0075 or hopeandheal-

24 October 2, 2016

ing@sistersoflife.org or Theresa Bonopartis at Lumina@postabortionhelp.org.

Complete confidentiality is honored at all times for both opportunities.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate one more bilingual Mass in the diocese in honor of the sacrament of matrimony.

Couples will have the opportunity to reaffirm their vows during Mass and continue to celebrate with family and friends at a luncheon following Mass. The Mass is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 (register by Jan. 19), at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. Register by the due date and receive free gifts from the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, a commemorative certificate, and one professional photo with Bishop Stika.

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

Saturday, Oct. 22, is the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, secondary patron of the Diocese of Knoxville, and it is also the fifth anniversary of the inauguration of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga as a minor basilica. In addition to the parish’s regular 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass, the basilica will be hosting two public events on this day. The basilica will celebrate the feast of Pope St. John Paul II with a bilingual sung Mass in the ordinary form at 11 a.m. Oct. 22. Relics and images of recently canonized popes St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII will be displayed in the front of the church. A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, eucharistic Communion, and prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, is granted to the faithful who visit the basilica on May 3, June 29, Sept.

8, Oct. 22, or on one day of their choice during the year. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chamber Singers and Chattanooga Singers will present a Marian concert in honor of Pope St. John Paul II at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the basilica.

Literature for the concert will range from the early Renaissance work of Guillaume DuFay to works written very recently, including a setting of the Magnificat commissioned for this concert by Ethan

McGrath. Choirs will be conducted by Dr. Kevin Ford and graduate student Michael Mitchell.

In light of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment will be hosting three more Mornings of Reflection for couples presented by Monsignor Al Humbrecht, Missionary Priest of Mercy.

The remaining host parishes are Holy Trinity in Jefferson City on Saturday, Nov. 12 (RSVP by Nov. 4); St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade on Saturday, Nov. 19 (RSVP by Nov. 14); and St. Stephen in Chattanooga on Saturday, Jan. 14 (RSVP by Jan. 6). Each event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Cost is $20 per couple. For more information on baby-sitting or other details, contact Marian Christiana at 423892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org.

The 14th annual St. Joseph School Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Oct. 14, at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville. For more information, contact Howie Sompayrac at 865804-8977 or hsompayrac@sjsknox.org.

The St. John Neumann School Golf Classic will take place Friday, Oct. 21, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford.

To register or learn more, contact tournament coordinator Janet Harrigan at 865777-0077 or jharrigan@sjncs-knox.org.

A Lenten pilgrimage to the Holy Land under the spiritual direction of Monsignor Al Humbrecht is planned for March 6-19.

The full package (air and land) is $3,499 (payment by check) or $3,698 (credit card). The land-only package is $2,949 (check) or $3,148 (credit card). For more information, contact group coordinator Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, at 865-2074742, 865-545-8270, or smaevang@yahoo.com. Download a brochure at www.

GoCatholicTravel.com/PaulusHL. A Jubilee Pilgrimage to Barcelona, Lourdes, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, and Fatima under the direction and spiritual leadership of Father Randy Stice is set for Aug. 21 through Sept.

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

2, 2017. All-inclusive air and land costs are $3,995. To learn more or to register, contact Lisa Morris, group coordinator for Select International, at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

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

A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on fourth Sundays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. On Oct. 23 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost. On Nov. 27 at 5 p.m, a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the First Sunday of Advent.

The Basilica’s Gloria Dei Schola and Jubilate Deo Youth Schola will sing for both Masses. All are invited to a potluck in Varallo Parish Hall after each Mass.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon (note new time) each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland (no Latin Mass on Oct. 2); at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. 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 each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All services are in English.

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

Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church (Ruthenian), located at 6515 Millertown Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924, celebrates Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and at 7 p.m. on holy days. For more information, contact Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880 or check the website www.knoxbyz.org. ■ dioknox.org

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga

COURTESY OF BETTY MILES

The Knights of Columbus Council 6099 Soccer Challenge Competition for boys and girls ages 9-14 will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the OLPH soccer field. This event is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district, and state competitions. International champions are announced by the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Conn., based on scores from state-level competitions. All are eligible to participate and will compete in their respective age divisions. Participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. Registration forms are available in the church vestibule.

Yard sale benefits St. Augustine’s school in Haiti The Haiti Committee of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain recently held its annual “Highway to Haiti Yard Sale” in conjunction with the 501 (3) c American Haitian Foundation that operates and sustains a kindergarten-through-12th grade Catholic school in rural Haiti. Parishioners donated treasures and volunteered to pick up, price and sell items during the two-week sale. More than $38,000 was raised and will be used to educate and feed 1,500 students who attend St. Antoine School, which opened in 1998 and was built by parishioners as a social justice mission. You can follow news of the school at www.Facebook.com/ameriHaitian or visit www.americanhaitianfoundation.org to help support the parish mission.

The OLPH Annual Fund sponsored the 2016 OLPH School Golf Tournament on Sept.

26 at Black Creek Golf Course.

St. Jude, Chattanooga The parish picnic is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting “Coats for Christmas” – coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, toiletries, new socks, and new underwear – along with donations after Mass on Oct. 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23.

The 10th annual International Day of the Rosary, featuring the praying of the rosary in many different languages, took place Oct. 6 at St. Jude Church.

Father Charlie Burton led a blessing of pets Oct. 1.

The Knights of Columbus held a social meeting and potluck dinner Sept. 26 in the parish life center.

In September the parish congratulated John and Ann Fuerer as the Knights of Columbus family of the month and Jason McCulley as the Knight of the month.

COURTESY OF MARY ANN GUBANC

St. Mary, Athens

St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary-Oak Ridge receives gift The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge has received $1,000 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation. From left are Robert Humphries, SVdP treasurer; Wendy Howard, customer service manager; Joe Yearout, store manager; Judy Osucha and Joshua Frederick, SVdP members; and Mary Ann Gubanc, SVdP president. The society’s St. Joseph Food Pantry will use the gift to feed its 400 monthly clients by serving them every Wednesday from 10 to 11:45 a.m. “In our current tight economy, it is comforting to have organizations that are willing to help provide alternative ways to meet the needs of our community,” said Ms. Gubanc, also director of the pantry. The parishioners of St. Mary established the St. Joseph Food Pantry to ease hunger among those in need throughout the area. The pantry serves clients from all across the community without regard to religious affiliation. The funds from Food Lion will help supplement and stretch food goods while also purchasing products not covered by SNAP (food stamps).

The East Tennessee Catholic

Newcomers: Barry and Charlene Maples; Rafael Fernandez and Gladys Perez; Daniel Orozco and Susan Mancilla and Anabell; Joseph and Delanie Domzalski and children Ethan, John, Joey, Sydney, Isabella, and Vincent; Jose and Paloma Garcia and children Skye and Juley; Pedro Garcia and Mayra Median and children Pamela, MacKenzie, and Roberto; William and Judith Miller; and Clint and Jane McWaters

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland The Respect Life Bake Sale was held Sept. 24 and 25 after all Masses. All proceeds will go toward sending St. Thérèse high school students to Washington, D.C., for the 2017 March for Life.

The parish homecoming was celebrated Oct. 2 after a noon Mass outdoors.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The next fourth-Sunday basilica potluck is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in Varallo Parish Hall. ■

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

October 2, 2016 25

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery The Knights of Columbus have set the dates for their annual Tootsie Roll Drive for the intellectually challenged. The last collection will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the traffic light at the Rocky Top Market in Rockwood. Sign up in the narthex to help.

The Council of Catholic Women’s annual bazaar is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in Blessed Sacrament Hall. Items that may be donated include books, decorating items, homemade crafts, small appliances, and framed pictures (no clothes or shoes).

Christopher Angros recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle project, he planned and oversaw the construction of a faux well within the fort walls at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston.

COURTESY OF SARA CAREY

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

Youth and adult choirs at St. Alphonsus perform The youth and adult choirs at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville performed “Tales of Wonder: The Stories of Salvation History” to a packed house Aug. 28. More than 30 participants, including St. Alphonsus pastor Father Jim Harvey, rehearsed all summer guided by parish music director Marian Sullivan and Cumberland County Playhouse education director Weslie Webster. Nearly $1,000 was donated by audience members and will be used for youth ministries in the parish.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

St. John Neumann, Farragut A parish mission, “Encountering the Incarnation, Christ’s and Our Own Becoming Disciples: From Attitude to Action,” presented by Maryknoll Father Doug May of the Diocese of Buffalo, will be held Oct. 15-19. The mission features morning and evening presentations and a celebration of daily Mass, including a Coptic Rite Mass on Oct. 19. For more information, contact Sister Elizabeth at 865-777-4313 or srelizabeth@sjnknox.org.

The Six Dates for Catholic Couples series will continue from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 and Nov. 6. Registration is $15 per couple (child care available upon request). To register, contact Sister Restituta at 865-777-4319 or srresty@sjnknox.org.

New Knights officers installed at St. Therese in Clinton Father Julius Abuh joins the Knights of Columbus of St. Therese Parish in Clinton during an Aug. 16 installation of new officers. With Father Abuh are (from left) Jerry Brown, trustee; Allen Witt, warden; Mike Haka, Grand Knight; Don McCarthy, treasurer; and Stan Bieleski, chancellor.

Kiecks of Fairfield Glade mark 50th anniversary

St. Therese, Clinton The annual trunk or treat will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

Sign up in the parish hall to volunteer, or contact Amanda Dials at 865-806-8075 or kpadelta@yahoo.com or Fran Pisano at 865-482-6879 or fppmd2@gmail.com to learn more or sign up.

St. Therese recently welcomed new parish bookkeeper Regina Sowko.

The parish took part in the annual Walk for Life for Choices Resource Center on Oct. 1.

St. Therese’s fall rummage sale and bake sale was held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. ■

26 October 2, 2016

COURTESY OF OLIVIA KUHENS

Anniversaries: Charles and Mary Russella (68), Guy and Victoria Bretl (68), Milton and Regina Jerabek (67), Dion and Emile Frate (66), William and Arlene McShane (63), Herb and Ginny Adams (61), Eugene and Elaine Riggleman (59), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (58), Roy and Jackie Richardson (57), Tom and Pauline Higgins (57), Rudy and Denise Difazio (56), Ron and Catherine Debels (56), Mark and Karin Salsbury (55), Michael and Judith Byrd (55), Fred and Dottie Belvo (55), John and Virginia Smith (55), Pat and Sara Tripiciano (54), Lawrence and Myra Opatik (54), Charles and Pat Bunnell (54), John and Susan Gauerke (52), Michael and Diane Treanor (52), Ed and Margaret Kubit (51), Ed and Romona McCrory (51), Bob and Mary Tobey (51),Robert and Carole Soldon (51), Robert and Martha Takac (50), John and Mary Anne Kieck (50), Robert and Jane Madon (50), Barry and Barbara Reed (50), Robert and Rosemary Barth (50), Ken and Kathy Bromberek (50)

J

ohn and Mary Anne Kieck of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 17.

They were married at St. Luke Church in Whitestone, N.Y., with Father Dennis Dore officiating.

Their daughters are Julie Kieck of Auburn, Mass., and Kathleen

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

Hanson of East Templeton, Mass., and Mr. and Mrs. Kieck have two grandchildren.

The Kiecks were self-employed in Mendon, Mass., and moved to the Glade in 1996. They will be celebrating their anniversary with a trip in the spring. Gardening and fishing are their hobbies. ■ dioknox.org

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

RONNIE HOUSLEY

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Parishioners are participating in the international campaign 40 Days for Life, which began Sept. 28 and runs through Nov. 6. The pillars of the campaign to end abortion are prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful vigil.

Events in the campaign began Sept. 28, when Stacy Dunn and Leslie Hunse of Tennessee Right to Life delivered a pro-life talk to the sixth- through 12th-grade CCD classes. Father Patrick Resen led a Prayer Chain for Life in front of the church Oct. 1. A Candlelight Vigil for Life is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19.

On first Fridays, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m., parishioners will pray in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic on Cherry Street in Knoxville. The parish will also have a spiritual adoption of the unborn, in which people pledge to pray each day for nine months for an unborn baby in danger of being aborted.

Letters of invitation to join the effort have been sent to members of the Jefferson City and Dandridge ministerial associations.

Holy Trinity’s fall festival, with trunk-or-treating, is planned for Sunday, Oct. 30, after Mass in the parish life center.

Holy Trinity parishioners ‘spiritually adopt’ an unborn child Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City recently participated in a “Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn,” in which parishioners pledged to pray each day for nine months for an unborn baby in danger of abortion. A “baby shower” was held at the church at the end of the nine months to collect donations for Life Outreach Center of Jefferson City, a pregnancy assistance center. Pictured are (from left, front) Judy Hall, head of the Spiritual Life Committee at Holy Trinity; Cathy Gleason, director of Life Outreach Center; and Evangeline Webster, a member of the Spiritual Life Committee; and (back) Father Patrick Resen, Holy Trinity pastor; and Marlene Yurick, pro-life coordinator for Holy Trinity.

Father Jolibois of Holy Trinity’s twin parish in Haiti recently thanked parishioners for a $3,000 donation that will help build a chapel.

Anniversaries: Bill and Mary Lou Jenkins (58), Ed and Peggy Kertis (57), Darryl and Judy Hall (54), Gary and Joan Colclasure (52), Albert and Ellen McNab (51), Gary and Betty Noel (45), Mark and Patricia Simmons (45), John and Donna Pusateri (20), Kevin and Peggy Lehman (10)

Notre Dame, Greeneville There will be a parish family night at Myer’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, featuring hot dogs cooked over an open fire and a wagon ride to the maze. Cost is $5 for adults and free for youth.

Notre Dame’s annual golf tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 10, at Andrew Johnson Golf Course. Tournament sign-in is at 11:30 a.m. with a putting contest at noon, lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Sign up in the narthex.

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

St. Dominic, Kingsport

Notre Dame Parish holds vacation Bible school Vacation Bible school was held each Wednesday night in June at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. “Wilderness Adventure Through the Sacraments” was the theme this year under the direction of Susan Collins, director of religious education and youth ministry. The youth and staff gathered each night for a meal followed by an opening music session conducted by Lindsey Morris. The picture includes Notre Dame pastor Father Dan Whitman in the center before he was presented with a VBS T-shirt signed by all the children and staff in attendance.

The East Tennessee Catholic

“What Would Jesus Brew?,” a young-adult casual fall series, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays downtown at Hibbert-Davis Urban Brews through Nov. 7.

Discussions will vary and be taken from the Symbolon Series Part 2: Living the Faith. Connect with St. Dominic young adults at facebook.com/ETNcatholics.

Call Erin Bailey at 423-963-8391 or Stephanie Scofield at 423-429-8333 for more details or directions. The event is for those 18 and over.

St. Dominic School’s annual fundraiser, a “Denim and Diamonds Country Western Party,” took place Oct. 1.

St. Patrick, Morristown The parish’s annual picnic took place Oct. 2 following the 10 a.m. Mass.

The Council of Catholic Women held its September social and meeting Sept. 20 in the parish center. The guest speaker was Debbie Thayer, director of the Senior Citizens Center in Morristown. ■

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

October 2, 2016 27

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Family, Seymour The annual bazaar and bake sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8; and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 9.

Holy Ghost, Knoxville The Chestertonian Men’s Society, an “adventure of philosophical meandering” through the works of G.K. Chesterton for unmarried men, accompanied

by Father Michael Hendershott, meets at 1:30 p.m. Sundays in the rectory.

A Bible Timeline Study will include 24 videos presented by Jeff Cavins. The study will take place in four six-week segments beginning either Tuesday evening, Oct. 11, or Thursday morning, Oct. 13. For more information, contact Rosilyn Flanagan at 865-680-6545 or phillipcrosilyn@bellsouth.net.

EMILY BOOKER

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

Ninth Irish Fest held at IC Immaculate Conception Parish in downtown Knoxville hosted its ninth annual Irish Fest on the Hill on Aug. 13. The festival featured live Irish music, tours of the historic church, Celtic goods, a silent auction, Irish food and drinks, and activities for children.

A Haiti Fest, a chance to celebrate Haitian culture and support children’s education at St. Francis Xavier, IC’s sister parish in Fond des Blancs, Haiti, is set for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Father Belizaire, pastor of the sister parish, is planning to attend. For more information, call Viviane Manigat-Jackson at 865-679-0070 or Teresa Kiser at 865-661-3906.

The Downtown Catholic Twenties and Thirties group is having a pub trivia night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. To learn more about the group, e-mail DowntownCatholicTNT@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/ DowntownCatholicTNT/.

The parish celebrated the 130th anniversary of the dedication of the church Sept. 19. The 12:10 Mass that Monday was offered for the intention of all present and former IC parishioners, living and deceased, since the parish was founded in 1855.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

A seminar focusing on different types of prayer, including formal prayer, spontaneous prayer, praying with visual art, adoration, and praying with Scripture (Lectio Divina), continues Mondays, Oct. 17 and 24; Nov. 7, 21, and 28; and Dec. 5. Contact Deacon Bill or Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 or deaconbill@ ourladyoffatima.org for more information.

Zachary Davis recently completed his Eagle Scout project. He organized and put in an outdoor Stations of the Cross at Our Lady of Fatima. The Scouts did the bulk of the work on the project Aug. 27.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville An Italian/Polish Dining Out event is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in the parish hall. Cost is $10 and includes entrees, desserts, and drinks.

Tickets are sold after Masses, and ticket sales will end Sunday, Oct. 9.

The Knights of Columbus are preparing a veterans’ memorial at the church. ■

28 October 2, 2016

COURTESY OF LUIS RAMOS

The Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the parish to an appreciation dinner at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the Fatima Center. There will be a special presentation by the Handmaids of the Precious Blood.

Our Lady of Fatima CCW holds High Tea/Fashion Show The Council of Catholic Women of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa recently hosted a High Tea/Fashion Show. Ladies decorated tables in various themes and wore their Sunday best. Fashions were provided by JC Penney. Proceeds benefited the CCW Scholarship Fund. Approximately 170 ladies were in attendance. Jeanine Dixon and Mary Burkhart (above) were co-chairs for the event.

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

dioknox.org

JIM WOGAN

Parish and school news

KCHS wins annual Irish Bowl 54-9 over Notre Dame Knoxville Catholic High School receiver Amari Rodgers (above) takes a 70-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chase Cunningham to the end zone, as a KCHS assistant coach on the sideline gives the early TD signal, during the Fighting Irish’s 54-9 victory at Notre Dame in the annual Irish Bowl on Sept. 9. Below, Bishop Richard F. Stika presents the Irish Bowl trophy to KCHS senior Tony Scott as head coach Steve Matthews looks on. Joshua Brown opened up the scoring for Knoxville Catholic with a 9-yard run before Rodgers’ 70-yard TD. Chase Kuerschen made it a three-touchdown lead for KCHS with a 20-yard reception from Cunningham. Joe Fluker added a 4-yard run for the visitors before Notre Dame scored on a safety and on a 39-yard run by Akil Sledge.

Before halftime, Kuerschen scored on a 54-yard pass from Cunningham, and Rodgers tallied again on a 50-yard pass. Jeffery Wood scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter for KCHS, and Bryce Nicely recovered a fumble in the end zone for the final TD. Paxton Robertson kicked six extra points for KCHS. Knoxville Catholic started off the season 4-1 but was undefeated on the field, its only loss coming on a forfeit. NDHS also began 4-1 through five weeks.

COURTESY OF ALLEN KELLER

Council 6730 names Knight and family of the year A longtime member of the Morristown community and his wife received a great honor from the Knights of Columbus during the group’s annual Wives Appreciation Dinner at the Country Club on Aug. 14. Council 6730 from St. Patrick Parish in Morristown honored Ruth and Steve Taylor as family of the year for their dedication to the parish and the community. Above, Grand Knight Allen Keller presents the award to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Taylor is a past president of the Morristown Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the United Way campaign. He serves on many boards in the Lakeway area including Lakeway Achievement Center, Helping Hands Medical Clinic, and St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic. Mrs. Taylor is a past director of religious education at St. Patrick and is currently coordinator for the Christian initiation program for new members. The council’s Knight of the year was John Karwowski, a past Grand Knight and member of many church committees.

JIM WOGAN

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS

The East Tennessee Catholic

Diocesan pilgrims travel to Ireland A group from the Diocese of Knoxville poses at the Tobernalt Holy Well during a recent pilgrimage to Ireland. At a time when Catholics in Ireland could not practice the faith without being persecuted, they had to celebrate Mass by hiding on rocks such as these. Father Mike Nolan (above, center) celebrated Mass on this rock for the pilgrims.

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

October 2, 2016 29

COURTESY OF SARAH TRENT

Parish and youth news

St. Mary-Johnson City cultivates garden for those in need Members of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City again cultivated a garden over the summer to donate fresh vegetables for those in need. The garden takes up part of the St. Mary Church grounds, where parishioners grow corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, pumpkins, and other produce. Some of the parishioners involved in the annual project above are Nancy Bailey, James Bailey, Ana Smith, Carl Bailey, Debbie Bailey, Marie Bailey, Jeanette Bailey, and Bill Bailey.

COURTESY OF SEDONNA PRATER

Anderson County mayor visits St. Mary-Oak Ridge students Fifth-grade students at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge welcomed Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank to their class Aug. 31. Mrs. Frank shared details about her role in local government with the students, who are currently learning about the branches of government in their social studies class. The mayor outlined a recent initiative from her office to encourage everyone to be “Litter Free in Tennessee.� She gave the students T-shirts with the newly created logo and booklets on the Constitution. The class of Sister Anna Ruth, OP, thanked the mayor for the visit.

BILL BREWER

Teachers participate in professional-development activities Teachers from Diocese of Knoxville schools took part in professional-development activities over the summer. These teachers participated in workshops on argumentative writing and creating a rigorous and relevant digital classroom. Other workshops included ones on teaching mathematics with a Catholic worldview and problembased learning.

30 October 2, 2016

COURTESY OF FATHER MICHAEL MAPLES

Sam Melhorn earns Eagle Scout award An Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony for Sam Melhorn was held in Seton Hall at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut on July 27. Sam is a parishioner of St. John Neumann. In the photo are (from left) Susan Melhorn, Sam, St. John Neumann associate pastor Father Michael Maples, and Christopher Melhorn.

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

dioknox.org

Parish continued from page 7

The East Tennessee Catholic

Bishop in waiting Bishop Stika meets a young friend at St. Teresa of Kolkata.

BILL BREWER

Spreading the Good News Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, enjoys a moment with St. Teresa of Kolkata parishioners who gathered for Mass and marked the official parish name change from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

BILL BREWER

people, like Teresa of Kolkata,” he added.

A week after her canonization by Pope Francis, St. Teresa’s presence was strongly felt in the small East Tennessee parish, where Father Pawelk displayed a statue of the Church’s newest saint and a poster depicting the diminutive yet powerful nun in a large-as-life image.

Parishioners were excited about the name change and Bishop Stika’s presence to make the change official.

Bishop Stika described how Cardinal Justin Rigali, as an aide to Pope John Paul II, witnessed the relationship between St. Teresa and St. John Paul and their reverence toward one another.

The bishop described how the Church’s newest saints evangelized by example and left an indelible imprint on the world.

“What is your call?” Bishop Stika asked the St. Teresa congregation. “Your call is to be a Christian by virtue of your baptism, to be Catholic in terms of the sacraments that we celebrate. But what is your call within that call; to be of service to God’s people?”

He said Teresa was a person of life, of emotion, and that her relationship with God was true and real. “She used to say you have to kneel before Jesus,” he noted, adding that she would be condemned because of her beliefs, but she still persisted in carrying out her calling to give assistance to the poor and provide shelter to the impoverished dying in the gutters of Calcutta, India, so they could die with dignity.

The bishop said we all are called to be the face of Jesus, and St. Teresa was that; we all are called to be the hands of Jesus, and St. Teresa was that, too; and to be the feet of Jesus: she walked thousands of miles in service to God’s people.

“It’s a real honor for me to be with you to share this with you, working together – all of us – to be the hands, the face, and the person of Jesus. That’s our call within a call,” he said.

The bishop said he has now issued three decrees for the young Union

BILL BREWER

“What is your call? Your call is to be a Christian by virtue of your baptism, to be Catholic in terms of the sacraments that we celebrate.

But what is your call within that call; to be of service to God’s people? A call within the call is to be Jesus to other people, like Teresa of Kolkata.”

— Bishop Richard F. Stika

Quilt of many colors St. Teresa of Kolkata members show Bishop Stika one

of the quilts they make and sell to raise money for the Maynardville parish.

County parish. One was to establish a Catholic mission; the second was to elevate the status of the mission to a parish; and the third was to rename the parish from Blessed Teresa to St. Teresa of Kolkata.

“Hopefully, one of my next visits will be to

bless your new building, because with God all things are possible,” Bishop Stika said.

Father Pawelk announced to parishioners that St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish has met a fundraising goal qualifying it for a matching grant from

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

Parish continued on page 32 October 2, 2016 31

St. Teresa continued from page 7

Parish continued from page 31

Catholic Extension. From July 2015 to July 2016, St. Teresa raised $100,000. “That is just incredible. So with that comes the $50,000 matching grant from Catholic Extension,” he said.

The parish is in the process of getting an architect under contract to design the new church building.

Father Pawelk thanked Bishop Stika for his support of St. Teresa and its parishioners. And, in turn, Bishop Stika praised Father Pawelk and the St. Teresa parishioners for their faith and service in building the Church in Union County.

Bishop Stika said he was proud of St. Teresa Parish as well as of St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in

32 October 2, 2016

and the presence of the church which sustains and offers hope — must be,” the pope said.

Mother Teresa, he said, lived out this vocation to charity through her commitment to defending the unborn and bowing down “before those who were spent, left to die on the side of

the road.”

She also “made her voice heard before the powers of this world so that they might recognize their guilt for the crime of poverty they created,” Pope Francis said. “For Mother Teresa, mercy was the ‘salt’ which gave flavor to her work; it was the ‘light’ which

shone in the darkness of the many who no longer had tears to shed for their poverty and suffering.”

For all Christians, especially volunteers engaged in works of mercy, the life of the saintly nun remains an example and witness to God’s closeness to the poorest of the poor, he said.

“Today, I pass on this emblematic figure of holiness!” Pope Francis said.

“May this tireless worker of mercy help us to increasingly understand that our only criterion for action is gratuitous love, free from every ideology and all obligations, offered freely to everyone without distinction of language, culture, race or religion.”

As she made her way through the tight security and past several closed streets to St. Peter’s Square, Maria Demuru said, “I couldn’t miss this. Even if there’s no place left for me to sit.”

The small Italian woman said, “Mother Teresa is a sign of the times.

In her smallness, she revealed the calling we all have. She said we are all saints by our baptism and we must recover our original holiness. She lived in humility and simplicity like the poor of the earth and was never ashamed of that.” ■

Rutledge and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission in Erwin for growing their congregations. All three communities are led by Glenmary Home Missioners priests.

Father Pawelk, who also leads St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, likewise praised the Glenmary-led churches, singling out the Maynardville faith community.

“For a little congregation of just over 100 families, they’ve managed their portion of the capital campaign within a year’s time.

Fundraising for the next two years will be for the building fund. We have a matching grant from Catholic Extension of $50,000, which was matched when St. Teresa raised the $100,000. That’s just incredible gen-

erosity for a small parish to work so hard through fundraisers and other ways to reach that goal,” said Father Pawelk, noting that the next step is to break ground on the new church.

“We think we have the financial plan to get it started. It is an incredible blessing. We give thanks to Jesus, the bishop, Mother Teresa, and all of these folks interceding on our behalf,” Father Pawelk said.

Helen Freeh, who is a founding member of St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, said it is “great” to see Mother Teresa elevated to sainthood, “the honor she deserves,” and that the diocese’s newer parish can be part of the celebration. “She is a very saintly person, and we

need to imitate a lot of the things she does. It’s a very beautiful blessing for our county here.”

Mrs. Freeh said that although she never had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa, she did meet sisters in her religious order in Mexico City recently and found them to be welcoming, friendly, and giving, all characteristics of Mother Teresa.

Carole Wilson, also a founding parishioner at St. Teresa, is involved in making blankets that are sold to raise money for the building fund.

Her husband, Jim, serves on the St. Teresa building committee.

“She is a true saint. She is a modern-day saint,” Mrs. Wilson said.

“We’ve been thrilled to be a part of this.” ■

CNS PHOTO/JEFFREY BRUNO

family in Skopje, in what is now part of Macedonia, Mother Teresa went to India in 1929 as a Sister of Loreto and became an Indian citizen in 1947. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.

Mother Teresa, Sister Valdete said, is a shining example of how “Albanian women are strong and our people are hard-working.”

In his homily, Pope Francis said God’s will is explained in the words of the prophets: “I want mercy, not sacrifice.”

“God is pleased by every act of mercy because in the brother or sister that we assist, we recognize the face of God, which no one can see,” he said. “Each time we bend down to the needs of our brothers and sisters, we give Jesus something to eat and drink; we clothe, we help and we visit the Son of God.” Like Mother Teresa, he said, Christians are called not simply to perform acts of charity, but to live charity as a vocation and “to grow each day in love.”

“Wherever someone is reaching out, asking for a helping hand in order to get up, this is where our presence —

Captivated audience Missionaries of Charity nuns in Kolkata, India, watch St. Te-

resa’s canonization broadcast live from Rome on Sept. 4.

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

dioknox.org

Living the readings

Weekday readings Saturday, Oct. 1: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; Luke 10:17-24 Sunday, Oct. 2: Habakkuk 1:2-3 and 2:2-4; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14; Luke 17:5-10 Monday, Oct. 3: Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10; Luke 10:25-37 Tuesday, Oct. 4: Galatians 1:13-24; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Luke 10:38-42 Wednesday, Oct. 5: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14; Psalm 117:1-2; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, Oct. 6: Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, Oct. 7: Galatians 3:7-14; Psalm 111:1-6; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, Oct. 8: Galatians 3:22-29; Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 11:27-28 Sunday, Oct. 9: 2 Kings 5:14-17; Psalm 98:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19 Monday, Oct. 10: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, and 4:31 5:1; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 11: Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 12: Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, Oct. 13: Ephesians 1:1-10; Psalm 98-16; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, Oct. 14: Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 15: Ephesians 1:15-23; Psalm 8:27; Luke 12:8-12 Sunday, Oct. 16: Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; Readings continued on page 34 The East Tennessee Catholic

by Father Joseph Brando

The end of the road

Christ’s journey that we have been taught is our journey as well

W

ay back on June 26, the Gospel for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time was taken from Luke 9:51-62.

“When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey up to Jerusalem…” That journey ends, appropriately enough, with Jesus arriving at Jerusalem and commenting on the temple.

Every Sunday Gospel since June has come from Luke’s narrative of that journey and what Jesus said and did on the way. The account of Jesus’ arrival begins on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary time with Jesus saying, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” On the very next Sunday, the feast of Christ the King, and the last day of Ordinary Time, we hear Jesus predict that many of us will share in Jesus’ suffering.

The journey we have followed from spring to autumn is our journey as well. The liturgy, every three years, gives us the time and the appropriate Scripture passages to prepare ourselves to follow Christ. The last eight Sundays of Ordinary Time rushed us precipitously into Jerusalem. What seemed like a long time will soon be over. Meditations on the events of this journey, Christ’s parables, confrontations and challenges have raised our awareness that the kingdom of God surrounds us.

Our last leg of the journey begins on Oct. 2, the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time. During this last stage of the Gospel readings, the Church offers us a parallel. Readings from 2 Timothy accompany us most of the way. This New Testament book (and the other pastoral epistles) seem to be a collection of Pauline letters that were pieced together by a follower or

Paul thunders back his strong thoughts on the same topic. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.” Whether the judge is God or man, there must be “wisdom for salvation through faith.” followers of Paul to give us an idea of what situations faced the Church in the generation of Paul and give us the benefit of good advice attributed to Paul himself. In addition, we know that Luke was a follower of St. Paul. So insights from Paul can illuminate what Luke tells us about Jesus. We’ll put these passages next to one another to see what we can learn.

In this first passage from Luke, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. It’s a critical request. Jesus responds that only a little will accomplish great things. Paul underlines the necessity of asking this question, pointing out that faith is a gift directly from God. The amount of faith we have is not as important as what we do with it. What we do is “stir it into flame.” We should “guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.” It looks like this was a deeply considered topic among Christians nearing the end of the first century.

On the 28th Sunday, Jesus was confronted by 10 lepers. Luke tells us Jesus is traveling along the Galilee-Samaria border. When only one returns to give thanks for being cleansed from the leprosy, Jesus announces the reason for this healing.

The leper was saved because of his

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

faith. That is to say Samaritans have faith also. In the passage from 2 Timothy, Paul has come up with the same insight. He writes, “The Word of God is not chained. I (Paul) bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen so that they, too, may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus.”

So Jesus’ message is expanded. It is more than attributing faith to a Gentile; it is demonstrating to us that it is Jesus’ will that he responds to the faith of Jews and Gentiles alike.

On the 29th Sunday, Luke gives us a glimpse of Jesus preparing his disciples for difficult times when their faithfulness in prayer would be tested. He tells them a parable of a widow who couldn’t get justice from a crooked judge. But she remained persistent. Then Jesus floors us by ending the story with three powerful questions. “Will not God secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Paul thunders back his strong thoughts on the same topic. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.” Whether the judge is God or man, there must be “wisdom for salvation through faith.”

On the 30th Sunday, Jesus tells another parable. It’s the story of the two people who happened to be praying in the temple at the same time. One, a Pharisee, spoke this prayer to himself: “O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity.” And another, a tax collector, prayed: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke concludes with Jesus’ verdict: “the one who exalts himself

Journey continued on page 34 October 2, 2016 33

Readings continued from page 33 Journey continued from page 33

will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

With the illustration of the Pharisee and the publican as background, check out how Paul stands in regard to his own prayer life. “I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.”

Paul is not afraid of meriting a crown. Yet by no means does he pray to himself. He prays as part of the throng who have longed for the Lord’s appearance. And it is correct to add ourselves to those longing for the Lord.

On the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus and his retinue have made it to Jericho. He’s near the Dead Sea, which at its deepest is about 2,300 feet below sea level. Jerusalem is about 16 miles away but almost 5,500 feet higher. That road is the last leg of the trek.

One of the objects of the journey was to gather all the disciples. All would have the joy of joining Jesus for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jericho would be the last place to find worthy folks. But Luke’s spotlight falls on a short tax collector. Just the fact that Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus started the people groaning.

By the time the tax collector got down from the tree he had climbed to see Jesus, an argument had developed. The vast majority of the crowd warned Jesus this man was a turncoat collecting taxes for the Romans. He

34 October 2, 2016

had adopted the dress and culture of the Hellenistic overlords who were running the economy and the government as well. That alone warranted being called a sinner.

But, in addition, he was getting rich in the process. Then, spontaneously, Zacchaeus volunteers to give half his net worth to the poor and retribution to anyone he may have cheated.

Jesus’ response was to accept his change of life and proclaim that he truly is a son of Abraham. Subsequently, Jesus goes to the tax collector’s house with the words, “Today, salvation has come to this house…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

The parallel reading this Sunday is not from 2 Timothy but from 1 Thessalonians. Paul wrote this letter to a group of new Christians among whom some were so excited by the coming of the Lord soon at the last day that they stopped working.

Paul’s advice to them was: “not to be shaken out of your minds….that the day of the Lord is at hand.” For sure, hosting the Son of God in his house had to be a cause for great excitement for Zacchaeus and to follow him to Jerusalem and perhaps even to participate in Palm Sunday would stir his emotions. Yet, Jesus’ admonition to the Thessalonians would be meant for Zacchaeus and for us.

On the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus meets a major sect of Judaism that was strongly opposed to him. They did not believe in life after death and mocked those who did believe in heaven. Luke has a good illustration of such contempt when they confronted Jesus with the example of a woman with seven husbands.

Who will be her husband in the

Visit the diocese on Facebook: on.fb.me/ dioceseofknoxville

afterlife? Jesus’ answer was serious and twofold. First, those who enter into the resurrected state do not die again nor marry. Rather, they are like angels. Second, God is (note: present tense) the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. If so, the patriarchs are still alive. He is not the God of the dead.

On the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Jesus and his followers have reached the city of Jerusalem and gathered around its brilliant showpiece, the temple. Immediately, the Lord predicts its destruction. He also predicts terror on all sides and persecutions against Christians. Then Jesus turns the scene around. Persecution presents the opportunity for us to give testimony. A time of terror is the exact time for us to bring ultimate peace to the world. By not preparing our answers, the world will hear a wisdom it cannot refute. St. Paul clarifies this scenario, telling the Thessalonians to keep busy and not act in a disorderly way. So Christians can control the terrorism of the world by providing it order.

The final Sunday of Ordinary Time is not known by a number at all. It is the feast of Christ the King. The feast demonstrates through a historical event what the readings of the previous Sunday claim.

The event is the crucifixion and death of the Lord. Jesus speaks with the thieves who were crucified with him. The atmosphere is hectic as death and hostility run rampant.

Nevertheless, at the request of one of the thieves, all the noise and clamor fade away, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Out of the unexpected silence, the words of the Gospel win the day, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” ■ Follow the diocese on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ knoxdiocese

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

2 Timothy 3:14 4:2; Luke 18:1-8 Monday, Oct. 17: Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 12:13-21 Tuesday, Oct. 18: 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9 Wednesday, Oct. 19: Ephesians 3:2-12; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 12:39-48 Thursday, Oct. 20: Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Luke 12:49-53 Friday, Oct. 21: Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 22: Ephesians 4:7-16; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 13:1-9 Sunday, Oct. 23: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14 Monday, Oct. 24: Ephesians 4:32 5:8; Psalm 1:14, 6; Luke 13:10-17 Tuesday, Oct. 25: Ephesians 5:21-33; Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 13:18-21 Wednesday, Oct. 26: Ephesians 6:1-9; Psalm 145:10-14; Luke 13:22-30 Thursday, Oct. 27: Ephesians 6:10-20; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Luke 13:31-35 Friday, Oct. 28: Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 6:12-16 Saturday, Oct. 29: Philippians 1:18-26; Psalm 42:2-3, 5; Luke 14:1, 7-11 Sunday, Oct. 30: Wisdom 11:22 12:2; Psalm 145:12, 8-11, 13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:11 2:2; Luke 19:1-10 Monday, Oct. 31: Philippians 2:1-4; Psalm 131:13; Luke 14:12-14 ■

dioknox.org

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Life’s like a bowl of cherries — pits and all

Coming to terms with what we want and what we really need as children of God

I

suppose this train of thought left the station while I was at a recent meeting of school principals.

Our superintendent, a Sister of Mercy, had invited the 10 of us to have our late-summer meeting at her order’s newly constructed convent. It’s an attractive, welldeserved setting near the cathedral.

We gathered there to plan the year ahead, to pray, to reconnect with colleagues, welcome new ones, but mostly to see the new digs.

As a special part of the day, Sister Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, had arranged for us to enjoy an unusually nice lunch, far exceeding the norm for our typical such gatherings. And among the many tasty menu offerings that day was an overflowing bowl of fresh cherries (Sister said she got a great deal on them).

I love cherries, you know those deep, dark, red ones. Yes, they have stems and seeds and I guess you might die while choking on one, but I love them. And I ate more than my share.

Later that same evening, while we were rehashing our respective days, I casually mentioned to my wife my love of cherries and suggested that maybe we could get some for our house.

“Are you kidding me,” Nancy retorted, “do you know how much those things cost? We’ll have to wait until payday if we do. Besides, don’t forget, you’ve been wanting me to try to pay off the house note early. Getting those will probably slow that down. You know, you’re gonna have to go to the store more often, you don’t have a clue, do you?”

Head bowed in defeat, I had to admit I didn’t, but darn, I didn’t get The East Tennessee Catholic

that sort of reaction when I talked about getting golf lessons that never seem to help. But she was right, I had no idea; cherries must really be some kind of expensive.

Here’s where I must acknowledge that she is the financier of our household. I tackle the school where I work; she handles the homefront.

In all honesty, I know we get paid, but I couldn’t tell you when.

I know we owe for the house but can’t tell you how much. We have a little retirement stashed away, too, but I wouldn’t know how much or where to go to get it.

If she passes on, I might as well.

So if the woman says cherries will have to wait, I’ve got to respect that.

That took us to the next morning.

Have you ever used a hammer to brush your teeth, to get that last squidgen of toothpaste out of the tube? You know those days, when you had long ago used the final remnant but you kept rolling up the tube anyway.

You’ve been there – staring at your last six salty fries with no more ketchup; squeezing every last millimeter of that little red packet, hoping for a hint of a taste. Six tastes would be better.

Well, I had done all that, too, but my efforts to get even one last sighting of our cavity-fighting Crest had been fruitless. If there was any in there, it was fighting back, holed up like a turtle.

So there I was, hammer in hand, pounding on the tube, counting on the physics of force to win out over what was apparently no longer there.

“Honey, can you add toothpaste to the grocery list?”

Uh-oh, I did it again! “I just

knew you’d say that,” she rebutted. “When I used it this morning, I thought to myself, I bet George comes in here and asks for some more toothpaste. You always do that. There’s at least a week’s worth in there if there’s a drop. Maybe when we get paid. Do you remember we’re trying to pay this house off early?”

That brings us to the next stop on this train ride. We were getting ready for work just two mornings later when I turned the corner from the bathroom to see what looked an awful lot like a suspicious new box of shoes on our bed. Just not mine.

Hmmm … (note to self: be smart, tread lightly).

Granted, some ladies do store every pair in their original box so they’ll continually look shiny and new. But in our house, if we have a shoe box anywhere, it’s being saved in the laundry room for some future gift-wrap emergency.

But this shoe box – this one was definitely new. I could tell. It had that new shoe box sorta smell, the sort only husbands can sense.

She stood up from the bed and casually asked, “What do you think about my new shoes? How do you like them? Be honest.” Bingo! Got her!

“Well, I think they look a lot like the reason my cherries and toothpaste are on hold. Did we get paid?”

“No, but …, ” spotting the quizzical look on my face, “no, but I really needed some new shoes. You know how hard it is for me to find shoes that don’t rub my feet the wrong way.”

“Did they come with a free tube of toothpaste?”

Cherries continued on page 39

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

Upcoming Virtus training sessions The Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is offered throughout the diocese.

The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children and vulnerable adults.

The following training sessions are scheduled: ■ St. Dominic Church, Kingsport, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17; 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 ■ Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 ■ St. Bridget Church, Dayton, 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 ■

Receiving The East Tennessee Catholic The East Tennessee Catholic offers print or online delivery for parishioners registered in a Diocese of Knoxville parish. Parishioners wanting to receive the diocese’s monthly newspaper and magazine should contact their parish office. For more information, contact assistant editor Dan McWilliams at dan@ dioknox.org for delivery. ■

Advertise in The East Tennessee Catholic ••• Contact us at 865-584-3307 or bbrewer@dioknox.org Find us at dioknox.org October 2, 2016 35

Marriage enrichment corner Schedule continued from page 2

Mornings spent reflecting on mercy

University Parish and Catholic Center Oct. 15: 11 a.m., White Mass for health-care professionals at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga Oct. 16: 5 p.m., annual Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee Dinner at Fox Den Country Club Oct. 18: 7 p.m. CDT, vespers with Bishop Martin Holley at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis Oct. 19: 2 p.m. CDT, concelebrating the installation Mass for Bishop Martin Holley at the Memphis Cook Convention Center Oct. 22: Symposium on Mercy at the Cardinal Rigali Center in St. Louis Oct. 24-27: Lake Junaluska priest retreat Oct. 28-30: Investiture of the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Washington, D.C. ■

Father Okere to serve at St. Henry, St. James the Apostle Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Father Bartholomew Okere as parochial administrator for St. Henry Church in Rogersville and St. James the Apostle Church in Sneedville.

Father Father Barth Okere Okere, who previously served as a chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, will be serving for St. Henry and St. James the Apostle pastor Father Joe Campbell, who has taken a medical leave of absence and will be living at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade near Crossville. ■

36 October 2, 2016

by Marian Christiana

Parishioners urged to explore one of God’s greatest gifts with Monsignor Humbrecht

O

n Sept. 10, Monsignor Al Humbrecht partnered with the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment to offer the first of four Mornings of Reflection on Mercy.

As one of about 1,000 missionary priests of mercy in the world designated by Pope Francis to carry his message of mercy to the faithful, Monsignor Humbrecht led participants at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut through the various ways that we give and receive mercy.

Monsignor Humbrecht centered his reflection on Pope Francis’ books The Name of God is Mercy and Amoris Laetitia, The Joy of Love. Starting with the mercy of God, we worked through other aspects of mercy, such as the mercy of the Church, the mercy of individuals, and in particular how couples can give and receive mercy between themselves and their families.

Without giving too much away about this first reflection, I did want to focus on part of the monsignor’s presentation. Monsignor Humbrecht, who is pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy and has been designated a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis, read the parable of the prodigal son to us. He then gave everyone an exercise to enrich our discussion on the mercy displayed by the father in this parable.

His exercise reminded me of another one I had read about using the same parable. In that exercise, the reader is asked to read the parable of the prodigal son and picture themselves as someone in the story. Are you the father? Are you the son who leaves and returns, or are you the brother who stayed at home?

I have to admit that when I did this exercise I was pretty sure that I would be the merciful father. But as I meditated on the parable I was surprised to realize that sometimes I have been

all three characters. Which character I identified with depended on the situation. Sure, sometimes I model the merciful father, or mother in my case, but I would hate to poll my children to see how often I truly succeeded in modeling mercy. How often did they hear me say that I forgive them but…?

The but… doesn’t model true mercy.

There are no stipulations on the mercy of God. He provides it freely as a gift and wants to celebrate with us. It can be hard for us to accept God’s gift of mercy if we’ve never experienced true mercy in any other aspect of our lives.

I was lucky as a child. My dad was very good at forgiving transgressions without stipulations. Any admission of wrongdoing was always celebrated with big hugs from dad. We were never punished by dad that I can remember. My mother was the disciplinarian, but as I have mentioned, she died when I was young. My father modeled the mercy of God for me.

There are times when I feel like the brother: jealous of the positive attention others may get after they skated through something or messed up while I was plugging along doing what I was supposed to be doing.

My husband and I joke that I do all the work while he gets all the glory.

Sure, sometimes I feel like I do all of the work but I know that isn’t true. We are a team and together we make our lives work. I realize that I am modeling the brother in this parable whenever I give in to self-pity. It is hard to see your many blessings when you focus on the negatives of a situation.

The third character in this story is the son who asks for his inheritance and then after squandering it returns home to ask his father’s forgiveness. This son’s return is motivated by starvation, not regret. I know we all have asked for forgiveness for reasons other than actual sorrow for our actions.

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

My personal example of being this son is when I was a teenager and borrowed a friend’s sweater. My friend had a weekend job and paid for all of her own clothes. She lent me her new wool turtleneck sweater so I could wear it to a party. After the party I decided to wash the sweater for her but I didn’t read the washing instructions.

When I finished washing it, the sweater would have fit my 3-year-old niece. I apologized to my friend and offered to buy her a new one.

My main motivation for offering the apology was that I didn’t want her to be mad and possibly stop talking to me for a while. I was busy making excuses for myself because of the accident instead of expressing sincere regret. My friend was incredibly gracious. She showed me mercy when I know she had to be disappointed. She told me it was OK and then she let it go. Even as a teenager she was able to reflect the mercy of God to me. In this example I was definitely modeling the prodigal son.

I hope I have piqued your interest in exploring the gift of mercy through this type of prayer meditation. You also can join Monsignor Humbrecht and me at one of the three remaining Mornings of Reflection on Mercy for a more in-depth look at mercy. The next one will be at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade on Nov. 12. The two sessions following that are on Nov. 19 at Holy Trinity in Jefferson City and at St. Stephen in Chattanooga on Jan. 14. You and your spouse will be happy that you joined us.

To register or for information, go to http://dioknox.org/marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/marriage-enrichment-opportunities/. ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office. dioknox.org

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

Pope Francis on the sacrament of penance Priests must remember that in the confessional it is Christ who listens, forgives

I

n a recent message for National Liturgical Week in Italy, Pope Francis wrote that “all the liturgy is a place where mercy is encountered and welcomed in order to be given; a place where the great mystery of reconciliation is made present, announced, celebrated, and communicated.”

The sacraments and sacramentals reveal the mercy of God, the pope said, “according to the diverse circumstances,” but “the gift of mercy is resplendent in a particular way in the sacrament of reconciliation.”

In this column I would like to review Pope Francis’ teaching on the sacrament of penance, which is so central to the Jubilee of Mercy.

In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis described this sacrament as “an encounter with the Lord’s mercy which spurs us on to do our best.” He also noted that “a small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life that appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties.” Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love,” he concludes, “which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.”

As part of the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis sent out missionaries of mercy, priests from around the world sent as “living signs of the Father’s readiness to welcome those in search of his pardon” (Bull of Indiction). In his address to these missionaries on Feb. 9, he highlighted three aspects of the sacrament of penance: the motherhood of the Church, the desire for forgiveness, and shame.

Pope Francis began by summarizing the three ways in which the Church is Mother. “The Church is Mother because she always generates new children in the faith; the Church is Mother because she nourishes the The East Tennessee Catholic

faith; and the Church is Mother also because she offers God’s forgiveness, regenerating a new life, the fruit of conversion.” The celebration of the sacrament must express the Church as a forgiving Mother.

“We cannot run the risk,” said the pope, “that a penitent not perceive the maternal presence of the Church, which welcomes and loves each one.

Should this perception fail, due to our rigidity, it would do serious harm in the first place to the faith itself, because it would impede the penitent from feeling included in the Body of Christ. Moreover, it would greatly limit the penitent’s sense of belonging to a community.” The missionaries of mercy (and indeed every priest) must remember that in the confessional “it is Christ who welcomes, it is Christ who listens, it is Christ who forgives, it is Christ who grants peace.”

The second aspect addressed by the pope is the desire for forgiveness. He explained the birth and fruit of this desire, so crucial in the life of every Catholic. “This desire is the fruit of the grace of God’s action in people’s lives, which allows them to feel nostalgia for him, for his love and for his house. Let us not forget that this very desire is at the start of conversion.

The heart turns to God acknowledging the evil committed, but with the hope of obtaining forgiveness.

This desire is reinforced when we decide in our own hearts to change our lives and want to sin no more. It is the moment in which we entrust ourselves to the mercy of God, and have full trust in being understood, forgiven and supported by Him. He urged the missionaries and all priests to nurture this life-giving desire: “Let us give great space to this desire for God and for his forgiveness; let us help it to emerge as the true expression of the grace of the Spirit which impels the conversion of heart.”

Finally, Pope Francis spoke about shame, an aspect that he acknowledged “is seldom mentioned, but which instead is determinant,” because it can make it difficult for one to approach the sacrament. “It is not easy to place ourselves before another man, especially knowing that he represents God, and confess our sins. We feel ashamed both of what we have done and of having to confess it to another. Shame is an intimate feeling which influences our personal life….

So often shame silences us.”

He then recalled the account of the sons of Noah, who covered their father’s nakedness (Genesis 9:20-23).

The pope offered this as an image of the sacrament: “Being a confessor in accordance with the heart of Christ is the equivalent of shielding sinners with the garment of mercy, so they may no longer be ashamed and may recover the joy of their filial dignity, and may also know where to find it.”

In The Face of Mercy, Pope Francis noted signs of new interest in the sacrament that 32 years ago St. John Paul II noted was in crisis. “So many people, including the youth, are returning to the sacrament of reconciliation; through this experience they are rediscovering a path back to the Lord, living a moment of intense prayer and finding meaning in their lives. Let us place the sacrament of reconciliation at the center once more in such a way that it will enable people to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands. For every penitent, it will be a source of true interior peace.” May we be docile to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and touch the grandeur of God’s mercy during this Jubilee of Mercy. ■

Bishop Stika’s prayer intention for October We pray through Mary, Our Lady of Life, for our nation as we discern leadership for the future. We pray that our choices may reflect a true respect for life, especially for those who are yet to be born. ■

New deacon ordained Oct. 1 at St. Albert the Great Church Larry Rossini was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Knoxville at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville on Oct. 1.

Bishop Richard F. Stika welcomed Mr. Rossini as a member of the second class of deacons ordained in the diocese. Mr. Rossini wasn’t able to participate in the ordination of Larry Rossini 23 classmates in June at Sacred Heart Cathedral due to a medical issue.

Deacon Rossini will be assigned to St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in Maynardville. ■

Father Stice is pastor of St. Mary Church in Athens and directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

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

October 2, 2016 37

Once upon a time

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

Basking in the graces of the Risen Lord God has blessed our diocese with men and women who are committed to spreading the faith

A

s the Diocese of Knoxville celebrates its 28th anniversary, we ask ourselves where did all this come from.

The term “created” is used in a broad sense. The Diocese of Knoxville that was created Sept. 8, 1988, came from the Diocese of Nashville. The Diocese of Nashville created Sept. 16, 1838, came from the Diocese of Bardstown (Louisville), which was created Nov. 4, 1810, from Baltimore (Archbishop John Carroll was consecrated Aug. 15, 1790). Baltimore came from England, and one could draw the existence through Europe all the way back to the apostles.

We have heritage and we have history.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was blessed originally as a parish church in 1956. Its church, rectory, convent, and school served the parish well for years.

A new cathedral now being built to replace the present one will be dedicated in 2018 and is being constructed to last at least 200 years.

Voters continued from page 4

will appear on the ballot.

Archbishop Gomez’s foreword to the booklet also reflected on Catholics in the public arena.

“This book is a kind of ‘question and answer catechism’ on some of the deepest issues of faith and public life,” he said. The archbishop described the booklet as “a must-read for all of us who are trying to engage the culture and to proclaim the Church’s beautiful vision for human life and human society.”

“The Church needs clear and courageous teaching and witness to confront the idols of a secularized,

38 October 2, 2016

As we continue to bask in the grace of the Risen Lord, let us thank God for all of these graces and benefits.

The Diocese of Knoxville has grown at a rapid pace since 1988.

Vibrant schools and schools of religion continue to help parents plant and grow the faith.

Many changes have occurred in the Church during this last halfcentury, and many more will occur in the future. Perhaps a significant one that Bishop Richard F. Stika has brought us is more sisters. The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., have built a local convent in the diocese, and others have followed suit. More priests and deacons have given the Church more presence as the years fly by.

Each year a sufficient number of adult folks become Catholic, and these converts have been generous with their tithes. In the next 50 years, more priests, deacons, and lay leaders will be present, and more building will occur!

I have not mentioned Cardinal post-Christian America,” Archbishop Gomez said.

Bishop Olmsted suggested that some Catholics have been “frightened into silence and even confused by charges that they are imposing their morality on others.”

“Of course, if one’s faith does not impact on one’s whole life, including one’s political and social responsibilities, then it is not authentic faith; it is a sham, a counterfeit,” he countered.

“A democratic society needs the active participation of all its citizens, people of faith included,” he added.

“This is not an imposition on other’s morality. It is acting with integrity. …

Justin Rigali so far. His presence is great, but it is unusual for a diocese of any size to have a cardinal living in a small see city. History will tell the blessings that having a cardinal in our midst has brought us. Where else is the service of a cardinal happening in the United States in a diocese as small as ours?

We are fortunate to have these Church leaders, Bishop Stika and Cardinal Rigali, serving God and His people in our diocese!

As we continue to bask in the grace of the Risen Lord, let us thank God for all of these graces and benefits.

Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders occurred among the people. Nevertheless, more and more believers, men and women in great numbers, were continually added to the Lord (Acts 5:12a, 14). ■ Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general and the historical archivist for the Diocese of Knoxville.

The active engagement of Catholics in democratic processes is good for society, and it is responsible citizenship.”

Archbishop Gomez said Catholic social teaching provides “a vision of the world as it could be and as it should be. The world as God created it to be.”

“The Catholic vision is spiritual not political. Catholics belong first of all to the ‘city of God.’ But we have a duty to build up the ‘city of man,’ to correct injustices and seek a world that reflects God’s desires for His children — what Jesus called the kingdom of God and the Apostles called the new heaven and new earth,” he said. ■

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

Pope Francis prayer intentions for October That journalists, in carrying out their work, may always be motivated by respect for truth and a strong sense of ethics.

That World Mission Day may renew within all Christian communities the joy of the Gospel and the responsibility to announce it. ■

Catholic Charities’ Chattanooga offices relocating After 19 years of service on McCallie Avenue, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is moving to a new office in Chattanooga at 5720 Uptain Road, Building 6100, Suite 4200.

The move was effective Oct. 5. The new location offers more parking and office space to better serve clients. The office is conveniently located near Brainerd Road, Interstate 75, and CARTA bus routes.

“We have faithfully served people in need in the Chattanooga area from our offices on McCallie Avenue for almost two decades. Our commitment to provide assistance to vulnerable members of our community remains the same.

Nothing is changing, except our address,” said Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. ■

dioknox.org

Year of Mercy

Pope Francis urges faithful to be free with forgiveness, love In Year of Mercy, Holy Father says God wants people to be merciful VATICAN CITY — ­ God wants people to be merciful, which means forgiving others and giving freely with love, Pope Francis said.

“We don’t have the power to condemn our brother who makes a mistake, we are not above him. Rather we have a duty to return him to the dignity of a son of the father and to accompany him on his path of conversion,” the pope said Sept. 21 at his weekly general audience.

In his talk, the pope focused on a reading from the Gospel of Luke (6:3638) in which Jesus tells the disciples to stop judging others and be merciful just as God is.

Elevator continued from page 20

serve the community and God. “We will be having, God willing, several new programs, and we are working on a new strategic plan.

Please pray for our board and all the leadership involved in that process that we listen to and follow God’s will and are able to do what He’s calling us to do through this new opportunity to use our upstairs. We are extremely blessed and thankful to all of you and our past presidents,” Mrs. Lucheon said.

Father Dowling blessed the construction site, offering a prayer and sprinkling holy water on the buildCherries continued from page 35

“No, but I had a $10 coupon. You can’t find shoes like this for that price. I had to get them; I saved us $10. Do you want me to pay off this house or not?”

It’s all so trivial and silly, isn’t it? “First-world problems” are what they’re called. And we both know it. Hassles for the people who have. We laugh at each other’s insanity knowing we are blessed The East Tennessee Catholic

By Carol Glatz/Catholic News Service

The motto for the Year of Mercy, “Merciful Like the Father,” comes from this biblical verse, the pope said.

But more than a pithy catchphrase, the motto is a lifelong commitment to give to others the love one has received — without merit — from God, he said.

It is a call to reflect upon all that God does for humanity so as to be inspired “to be like him, full of love, compassion and mercy,” he said.

But what does it mean to be merciful, the pope asked his audience. Jesus said it means to forgive and to give, he said.

Mercy is shown by forgiving and not judging and condemning, the pope said.

“A Christian must forgive,” he said.

“Why? Because he was forgiven! All of us here in the square have been forgiven; not one of us never needed God’s forgiveness in life.”

“If God has forgiven me, why shouldn’t I forgive others? Am I greater than God?” the pope said, underlining that “judging and condemning one’s brother who sins is wrong.”

“Not because one doesn’t want to recognize the sin, but because to condemn the sinner breaks the bond of fraternity with him and ignores the mercy of God, who does not want to give up on any of his children.”

By asking his disciples not to con-

demn, “Jesus does not mean to undermine the course of human justice,” Pope Francis said, rather he shows that suspending judgment is needed to hold together a Christian community and maintain fraternal ties.

The other essential element of mercy, he said, is that it is freely giving to others because it flows from having received such abundant gifts from God. Also, by giving to others, God will return that measure once again, showing “it is we ourselves who decide how we will be judged” after death, the pope said.

For a Christian, he said, merciful love is the only path to follow. ■

ing, which was purchased by the Ladies of Charity in 2009. Through generous gifts, the building was paid off in 2012. Prior to relocating to the Baxter Avenue building, the Ladies of Charity operated in the old Holy Ghost Church on North Central Street.

The organization’s mission is to provide service to the poor. The areas of special focus are emergency assistance and requests for food, clothing, housing, and medical needs. Since its beginnings in wartime 1942 and for more than 70 years, the Ladies of Charity has continually addressed the emer-

gency needs of the underserved, unemployed and underemployed, regardless of socioeconomic or religious background.

Each year, the organization provides tens of thousands of free services, with nearly half of its clients being children. The Ladies of Charity is served by nearly 200 volunteers.

“To all the members and volunteers who have embraced our mission and given so much for so many years, thank you. May we always be the helping hands of Jesus to those in need,” Mrs. O’Hara said. “The Ladies of Charity has

come a long way since a very humble beginning in 1942, but our mission to assist those in need remains unchanged. What has changed is our location, and that move has enabled us to expand beyond belief.

Today, we begin the project of taking our expansion upward with the addition of an elevator.”

Mr. Shannon said having to use a walker has given him new perspective on how important it is to have improved access to the second floor.

“There are all kinds of things that we can do on that floor. We are really excited about it,” he said. ■

beyond measure to get to shop at all, much less be picky about what we buy.

And forget buying for the house, how lucky are we to even have a house!

I’m hoping our Creator doesn’t want us to feel guilty for what we have. I’d rather not. But I know I do, and I think I should whenever I fail to be mindful of all those who don’t or can’t; when I fail

to offer help; when I fail to give thanks; when I fail the least of our brothers.

And the worst part? He leaves it up to me to decide if my guilt and my sin are the same thing? I hate that part.

Sensing my borderline frustration and utter confusion, Nancy continued, “You know, I think we just need to sit down tonight and have a serious discussion about

our finances. I need to know what you really want me to do about this house.”

Honestly, I just wanted a few cherries in it.

Dear God – We know we have days when our lives couldn’t get us through the needle’s eye. Help us stay ever thin. Amen. ■

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

George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

October 2, 2016 39

40 October 2, 2016

Fight Cancer with Protons.

These fans are happy they did!

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you deserve a second opinion.

PROTON THERAPY CENTER

ProtonGuys.com

|

865.862.1600

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

dioknox.org