The diocese’s shepherd visits both high schools and four elementary schools during August and September
By Dan McWilliams
Bishop Mark Beckman made several school visits in August and September as he traveled to Notre Dame High School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and St. Jude School, all in Chattanooga, as well as to Knoxville Catholic High School, St. Dominic School in Kingsport, and St. Mary School in Johnson City.
At Notre Dame, where as a seminarian he received clarity that God was calling him to be a priest
Bishop Beckman on Aug. 21 celebrated Mass and chatted with students at Notre Dame High School in the morning and later toured Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
The Mass took place in the Michael & Eleanor Miller Theater. Bishop Beckman recalled his seminarian days in the 1989-90 school year when he taught religion at the Chattanooga high school.
“I am so glad to be with all of you here this morning at Notre Dame,” he said to begin Mass. “Some of you all may have heard that I taught here one year 35 years ago. Some of your parents may have been students of mine when I taught at Notre Dame High School. And it was in that year that I got real clarity that God was calling me to be a priest, so I’m really grateful to be back in Chattanooga.”
Ten priests from the Chattanooga Deanery concelebrated the Mass, with Father Mike Nolan and Father David Carter as principal concelebrants. Father Peter Iorio, a native of the deanery who is now pastor at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in
Alcoa, also concelebrated. Deacon Hicks Armor was deacon of the Word and of the altar at Mass. Students proclaimed the readings, presented the gifts, and sang at the liturgy.
George Valadie, interim superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese, attended the Mass, as did Notre Dame head of school Dr. Eric Schexnaildre and an auditorium filled with faculty, staff, and students.
Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit in Soddy-Daisy, was among the priests at Mass.
The future Bishop Beckman served summer assignments as a seminarian at two different parishes led by Monsignor Humbrecht when he was pastor of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain in 1986 and as pastor of OLPH in 1987.
“Chattanooga has for me very wonderful memories, and I’m so glad now to be here as your bishop,” Knoxville’s new shepherd said.
The Mass took place on the memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Today, we celebrate the Queen-
ship of Mary, that final moment when, after Mary having entered into the fullness of life with the Lord forever, began to reign with Christ,” Bishop Beckman said. “We today are invited by the Lord to share in that great mystery.”
The bishop began his homily by recalling a significant experience.
“One of the great moments of my life as a priest was when I had the opportunity to visit for the first time the Holy Land, the places where Jesus Himself was born and lived and ministered around the School visits continued on page B2
A profession of gratitude for God’s mercy
Two Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., who served in the diocese make their perpetual vows
By Maggie Parsons
Great joy surrounded the congregation in the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw, Mich., on Aug. 16 to celebrate four Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., professing their perpetual vows.
Sister Mary Simone Haakansson and Sister Maria Amata Rossi, who both previously served in the Diocese of Knoxville, professed their perpetual vows. Sister Mary Simone was the executive secretary to the apostolic administrator, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, for a year before also assisting the bishopelect, now Bishop Mark Beckman. Sister Maria Amata also served the bishop’s office as executive secretary under Bishop Emeritus Richard F. Stika.
On the day of the profession of perpetual vows in the Saginaw cathedral, friends and family attended for the Sisters, having traveled many miles, coming from Canada, Sweden, and even Australia.
“As we gather this day on this joyous occasion, we lift our hearts and minds in gratitude for all the Lord has given to us, but more importantly what the Lord has done through these Sisters who have presented themselves for these final vows,” Bishop Robert D. Gruss, bishop of Saginaw, said in the opening prayer of the Mass. In attendance from the Diocese of
Knoxville were Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor and chief operating officer of the diocese; Father Mark Schuster, director of vocations for the diocese and pastor at St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville; and Father Christopher Floersh, parochial administrator at St. Albert the Great Parish in Knoxville.
The four Sisters who were to profess their vows walked down the aisle during the procession holding lit candles, symbolizing that the perpetual vows they profess are rooted in their baptismal promises.
“Each in their own unique way, I think, is a specific acceptance of the mystery of Christ lived out within the Church. You always remember that these vows do not constrain or limit your freedoms in any fashion, shape, or form. These vows make true freedom and sacrificial love possible, whereby you’re able to freely give your life away for the sake of the kingdom of God,” the bishop said in his homily.
As part of the vows ceremony, the bishop asked the congregation to kneel and pray for the servants whom he has called to religious life. While the congregation knelt, the four Sisters laid prostrate before the altar as the congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints.
“As we laid prostrate on the floor and together with the whole congregation, we asked the saints, who
COURTESY OF THE RELIGIOUS SISTERS OF MERCY OF ALMA, MICH.
loved God so much during their earthly life, to intercede for us so that we may follow in their footsteps and seek to grow in love of God and our neighbor each day of our lives,” Sister Mary Simone said, speaking of the love she felt while lying at the altar during the Litany of the Saints.
After the litany, each Sister knelt before Mother Mary Christa Nutt, RSM, superior general of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, professing their handwritten vows. The superior general responded to each Sister saying, “I accept your vows.” The superior general gave
Sister Mary Simone permission to profess her vows in Swedish, her native language. Sister Mary Simone said that was very special to her, especially with her family in attendance.
Adding to the beauty of the ceremony, the Sisters who professed their vows received a ring. Engraved on the inside of each ring was a motto chosen by the Sister. Sister Mary Simone chose “My Love Is Crucified,” while Sister Maria Amata chose “Abide in My Love.” The superior general invited each
Sister to kneel in front of her one at RSM vows continued on page B3
The bishop returns A sign during his Aug. 21 visit welcomes Bishop Mark Beckman back to Notre Dame High School, where as a seminarian in the 1989-90 school year he taught religion.
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Professed Bishop Robert D. Gruss poses with (from left) Sister Maria Amata Rossi, Sister Maria Jose Perez, Sister Gianna Marie Savidge, and Sister Mary Simone Haakansson after they made their perpetual vows.
Sea of Galilee, where He was crucified and died and rose from the dead,” he said. “I will tell you, I never thought I would actually see those places. I never had a strong desire to go. I was a bit afraid, actually, of going to a place like that in the world that is so often troubled with war and violence as it is today.
“But my associate pastor went, and he came back and was so full of excitement that I could see it had changed him. It made me think: I want to go there. One of the places that I will never forget was the city of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and spent most of His life, about 30 of those years until He began His public ministry.”
As God had a special plan for Mary, He has one for the students at Notre Dame, Bishop Beckman said.
“I want to say this: every single one of you has also been created by God with great intentionality and love. He formed you from the clay of the earth and breathed into your nostrils the breath of life,” he said. “God, too, has a plan for each one of you. There’s something that you can offer this world that no one else can offer. You have a unique role and vocation in God’s plan.
“I’d like you today to think about God’s invitation to you, saying, ‘I want you to say yes to my call in your life.’ And how do you discover what it is God is calling you to do? He’ll always, I believe, put the desire in your heart at the deepest level, and when you discover what that core desire is and say yes to it, it fits. It feels right. That’s what I discovered the year I was teaching here at Notre Dame, trying to get clarity: ‘God, are you calling me to be a priest? Are you sure about this?’
“The clarity I got was listening to my heart to the deepest desire on the inside, and I knew by the end of that year it was true. ‘God, this is what you are calling me to do,’ and the peace that I felt was profound. So, on this feast of Mary, I want you for a moment to pause and imagine that the Lord Himself is inviting you to say yes again today, and to listen to your heart. Say to yes to the Lord, and continue to let that yes unfold.”
Bishop Beckman concluded his homily by expressing good wishes for the students.
“I hope all of you have a fantastic school year. I know it’s still brand new—it just started last week, right?” he said. “Some of you all are new here, freshmen. Welcome to Notre Dame. It’s good that you are here. Some of you are seniors, preparing for your last year, looking to the future already probably. Enjoy this year. Be good leaders, be good role models. And all of you between, sophomores and juniors.
“I loved teaching here. My religion class, you go out that auditorium door right back there, head down the hall to the right—my classroom was on the right-hand side of the hallway, three sophomore classes, one freshman class, and a senior class that year.”
Some hands went up when the bishop asked if any of the students’ parents were taught by him at Notre Dame.
“It is good that we are here today. It is good to know that Mary is praying for us from her place with the Lord, and she is praying that we’ll say yes—yes, Lord,” he said. In his closing remarks at Mass,
Bishop Beckman thanked three groups, all of whom received a hearty round of applause.
“This morning, a few words of acknowledgement and gratitude. I want to thank all of my brother priests for being here today,” he said. “What a blessing it is to have so many members of our presbyterate right here in the deanery but also even beyond the deanery. I welcome you, brothers, and I’m grateful for your presence here at Notre Dame.
“All of you probably know that the name Notre Dame means Our Lady, so this school is under her protection always. It was created a long time ago by the Dominican Sisters. It’s so nice to have the Sisters here today as well, back in the ministry of the high school, and Deacon Hicks for his continuous ministry, but all of you for your roles today, especially those of you in the music ministry—what a gift you are to help us to celebrate well.
“A final word of gratitude to all of you involved in Catholic education—our administrators, we have our superintendent of schools here today, the head of school, all of those of you working on the staff and faculty, the administration. The role that you play preparing young people for their mission in life and indeed for eternity is irreplaceable. Thank you for doing what you are doing.”
The bishop met afterward with Notre Dame seniors over lunch. He then took numerous questions from students.
Bishop Beckman was asked about his family and his day-to-day life as a bishop. Having just been ordained and installed July 26, he answered, “I don’t know yet” to the latter query.
He said his favorite part of his new role is “meeting everybody and celebrating the Eucharist with you.” If he were not a bishop, he said with a laugh, “I’d be a pastor of a parish back in Nashville. If I were not a priest, I might be a professor at a college or a park ranger.”
If he could teach school again, he said, “If I was a professor, probably history—I was a history major as an undergraduate, or certainly religion or theology.”
He was asked what brought him to his vocation, and he credited the inspiration of Father John Kirk, who served as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in the bishop’s native Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
“God probably reached out to me through a pastor who was sent to our parish when I was a teenager. I was in the seventh or eighth grade when he arrived,” Bishop Beckman said. “He was a priest who was born in Knoxville, Tenn., Father John Kirk. It was the first time he was a pastor. He was so incredibly good for us as a pastor. He really cared about the young people. He did a lot of activities with us. He seemed very close to God, and I remember thinking at one point, if I could be as a close to God as he seems to be and as close to people as he seems to be, I would like to be a priest. That was the seed that got planted in me.”
Questioned about his hobbies, the bishop said, “If you ask me when I’m in my happiest place, it’s usually when I’m outside hiking somewhere. I love exploring the national parks of the United States. I’ve been to most of them. I love hiking, love camping, love backpacking, so anytime I’m outside—mountains,
ocean—I’m happy. I love good films. I love reading good books. I like having dinner with friends. Those are some of my favorite things to do.”
The bishop said his favorite places to visit include Banff National Park in Canada along with Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and the Desert Southwest, adding that he completed a visit to every U.S. state this summer when he “got my 50th.”
He added that there are only a few hard-to-get-to national parks that are among the few he has not been to.
Bishop Beckman was asked about his favorite Bible passage, and he said the first one that came to his mind was Matthew’s Gospel account of Jesus saying, “come to me, all of you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.”
Asked for advice for those struggling with finding a relationship with God, the bishop said, “Every single one of us is already held in God’s care and love, so we’re always close to God whether we know it or not. God is always close to us. How do we get in touch with God? I think we get in touch with God by going into our hearts and finding that place of realness and authenticity and by talking to God about where we really are today.”
For those having difficulty in discerning a vocation, Bishop Beckman said, “I think that when God created each one of us, He gave us certain gifts and aptitudes, things that we enjoy doing, so if you discover something you love to do and you’re good at it, then that would be a great vocation.”
That reply led to the bishop recommending that students take part in SEARCH for Christian Maturity weekends.
He said his biggest role models growing up included his parents and grandparents, teachers, and Father Kirk.
Bishop Beckman was asked about his favorite moment from his year of teaching at Notre Dame, and he recalled a funny incident involving longtime principal Jim Phifer.
“Day one, I was a brand-new teacher at Notre Dame High School. I taught one freshman class, three sophomore classes, and one senior class. I walked into one of the sophomore classes, and there was a student on the front row, and she said, ‘Mr. Beckman, I’m so glad you’re here. I found you’re our new tennis coach.’ She said, ‘Our coach last year didn’t know anything about tennis.’
“Well, Mr. Phifer was the principal, and he never told me I was coaching tennis. After class, I walked up to the office, and Mr. Phifer was there, and I said, ‘Mr. Phifer, one of my students thinks I’m coaching tennis this year.’ He said, ‘Oh, I forgot to tell you, yeah, you’re going to coach tennis.’ I said, ‘I don’t know anything about tennis,’ and he said, ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter, the kids know everything, you just show up.’ I said, ‘OK.’ That was one of my funny moments at Notre Dame. The students always made me laugh. What great moments in class that inspired me.”
The bishop was asked if he had met Pope Francis, and he said he had not but would in September when he attended a school for new bishops at the Vatican.
At OLPH, principal Dr. Caroline Carlin led the bishop, accompanied by pastor Father Arthur Torres and associate pastor Father Matthew Donahue, on a tour of the school.
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DAN MCWILLIAMS
Gift bearers Bishop Mark Beckman accepts the gifts from students during the Mass he celebrated at Notre Dame High School on Aug. 21.
BILL BREWER
Blessing from the bishop Bishop Beckman gives a blessing to students during Communion at Knoxville Catholic High School on Aug. 15.
A closer look Bishop Beckman peers through a microscope as students in a science class at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School watch.
EMILY BOOKER
Feast of St. Dominic Students at St. Dominic are wearing miters with the school’s patron saint as Bishop Beckman speaks to them on Aug. 8.
a time and placed the rings on their fingers saying, “Receive this ring, for you are betrothed to the eternal King; keep faith with your Bridegroom so that you may come to the wedding feast of eternal joy.”
After the ceremony, the guests were welcomed to the basement of the church for a reception, where guests could speak with the Sisters and express their congratulations to the four who professed their perpetual vows. The Sisters also invited the guests back to the church after the reception for a holy hour to pray the rosary and participate in evening prayer with the religious community.
“It was an experience of profound gratitude, gratitude as I walked in and saw my family members and friends from so many different years and places,” Sister Mary Simone said, sharing her feelings surrounding the joyous day.
“Gratitude for this religious community, which truly is the greatest blessing in my life! And most of all gratitude to God, for the infinite mercy He has shown me in my life, for leading me and guiding me each step of the way.”
A tradition of the Sisters following the final profession of vows every Aug. 16 is to go to Merrill Dairy Bar, an ice cream shop in Saginaw.
Dozens of Sisters came to the ice cream shop in many cars, and all ordered their ice cream, which varied from regular vanilla to shakes, sundaes, and many more. Accord-
ing to the Sisters, the first time they visited the shop, its employees couldn’t believe all of the customers who flooded in, and they were amazed there were dozens of Sisters. When the four Sisters who professed their vows that day arrived at the ice cream shop, their community gathered around and welcomed them with a song, which is another tradition.
“This is a fun, joyful tradition!” Sister Maria Amata remarked, noting the shared ice cream is an additional way the Sisters celebrate together.
The Religious Sisters of Mercy were founded by Venerable Catherine McAuley in 1831. After the Second Vatican Council, many religious orders reflected on what to do with their orders, and with the help of the Church, the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., were established in 1973. Within the Diocese of Knoxville, there is a convent near the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Religious Sisters of Mercy’s values are mercy, union, and charity. The Sisters follow the corporal works of mercy and serve their community in diverse ways.
In the Diocese of Knoxville, the Sisters help run the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, which provides free health care to the uninsured in East Tennessee. They also serve the diocese at the Chancery offices. The Sisters take a vow of obedience and can be placed around the country or in other countries.
The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, while they live a very obedient life, also live a very joyous one. Their order is a strong community of faith and love, where they take care of each other and live their lives for the Lord.
“I remember wondering as a child, ‘What if God called me to do something? What would He ask me? How would I hear Him?’ I had no idea that one day I would indeed hear the Lord calling me to follow Him in a radical way, and I have learned well that God has a far
better plan for my life than I could come up with myself!” Sister Maria Amata said about her journey to religious life.
“If God is calling you to religious life, He is calling you to a more beautiful adventure than anything you could ever have hoped for or imagined for your life,” Sister Mary Simone said.
“It is a call to a new and special bond of love with Him, to get to know Him more closely, and to let Him lead you each step of your life,” she noted. ■
The bishop visited teachers and students, getting an opportunity to look through microscopes in a science class.
KCHS: ‘It is great to see a church full of young people’ Bishop Beckman celebrated Mass with the students and staff of Knoxville Catholic High School at All Saints Church on Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was Bishop Beckman’s introduction to the KCHS community, and during his visit he also toured part of the school and had lunch with a group of school leaders.
Bishop Beckman shared with the students at Mass that one of his greatest joys as a young priest was working with high school students. He served in high school ministry as a teacher, as a chaplain, and as an administrator for about eight years. He also noted that he served with the SEARCH retreat program for high school students for 13 years while in the Diocese of Nashville.
“It is great to see a church full of young people,” the bishop said to begin the Mass.
Concelebrating the all-school Mass was Father Doug Owens, pastor of All Saints Parish, Father Randy Stice, who serves at the school, Father Chris Michelson, who serves as an adviser to KCHS, Father Joe Reed, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, and Monsignor Patrick Garrity. Deacon Joe Stackhouse assisted at the Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Beckman described to the students his visit to the Holy Land a number of years ago and the profound impact visiting the landmarks unique to Mary,
such as the site of the Annunciation, had on him.
“Mary said, ‘Yes. Let it be done to me,’” he told the students, explaining that as the angel appeared to Mary, she was very afraid. “And yet her openness to God was so great that she said yes.”
The bishop then pointed out to the students that God has singled out every one of them, and they have been called by God to do something great.
“He created you with a purpose,” Bishop Beckman said, emphasizing that God made each one of them and breathed life into each one.
“There is something in you that no other person in this world has been given that you can offer our world today. And your willingness to say yes, as Mary did, is an opening to allow the love of God to use you to do something beautiful in the world.”
The bishop assured the students that he will be praying for them as they continue their education at KCHS and beyond, and that on their journey they will be open to the voice of God, who is calling to them, and like Mary, they will say yes to God.
Bishop Beckman then had lunch with about 20 student leaders, who asked him questions about his priesthood, about becoming a bishop, and about some of his personal interests, like hiking.
Joining the bishop and students at the lunch were George Valadie, interim superintendent of diocesan schools, KCHS president Dickie Sompayrac, Dr. Sedonna Prater, KCHS vice president of academics, Father Michelson, Father Stice, and Sister Madeline Rose Kraemer, OP, who chairs the KCHS religion
department.
Visiting St. Dominic School and Parish on their patron’s feast day
Bishop Beckman made his first school visit in the Diocese of Knoxville at St. Dominic School in Kingsport on Aug. 8. Appropriately, it was the feast day of St. Dominic.
Bishop Beckman visited classrooms and met with each grade level.
That evening, he celebrated Mass with the St. Dominic Parish community who were celebrating their patron’s feast day.
“This is the first time I’ve been up to the Tri-Cities as your bishop. I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to come to this edge of the diocese,” Bishop Beckman said. “It is good to be with you, especially on your parish feast day.”
In his homily, the bishop spoke of St. Paul and St. Dominic’s joyful evangelism for Christ.
“Paul undoubtedly never forgot how he had persecuted the Church of God and the moment the Lord knocked him to the ground and he was left stunned, and yet, the grace of God in him transformed him from the inside,” Bishop Beckman said. “He became a profound witness to the power of the crucified and risen Christ. And because of that so many centuries later, 1,200 years or so, Dominic had also heard the Good News of Jesus, became transformed by him and became a preacher of the Gospel. It is said that Dominic had such a gentleness, such a radiance, such an attractiveness, that people were drawn to the Gospel.”
This love of Christ and joy in sharing the Gospel is what will lead others to Him, the bishop said.
“I’m convinced that’s what drew people to Jesus, through Paul, through Dominic, and so many others through the lives of the Church.
‘I accept your vows’ Mother Mary Christa Nutt, RSM (right), superior general of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, leads the profession of vows for (from left) Sister Maria Amata Rossi, Sister Mary Simone Haakansson, Sister Gianna Marie Savidge, and Sister Maria Jose Perez.
Offertory song Bishop Beckman awaits the gift bearers as students sing during Mass on Aug. 9 at St. Mary School in Johnson City.
‘An experience of profound gratitude’ Sister Maria Amata, Sister Mary Simone, Sister Gianna Marie, and Sister Maria Jose sing during the Mass on Aug. 16 where they professed their perpetual vows.
Called by Christ Sister Maria Amata Rossi (left) and Sister Mary Simone Haakansson carry lit candles in the procession during the Mass where they made their perpetual vows. The lit candles symbolize the Sisters’ baptismal promises.
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Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy
Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the church. The book is This Other Eden by Paul Harding. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
St. Bridget, Dayton
Father Jim Vick resumed his Bible study classes on Oct. 15 on the topic of “Genesis: The Sagas of Faith, Patriarchs & Matriarchs.” Classes are held at 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the parish community room. Sign up in the church vestibule.
The St. Bridget Women’s Council fall bake sale and bazaar was held Oct. 12-13 with the theme “Fall into the Holidays.” In addition to baked goods and craft items being available at the event, donations were accepted for this year’s quilt, which features a Christmas design. Quilt donations will continue to be taken until a drawing at the council’s Advent/Christmas party following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Dec. 7.
Knights of Columbus Council 11424 held its barbecue pork fundraiser in early October, accepting a $50 donation for a whole shoulder and $30 for a shredded half shoulder. Several members gathered Oct. 2 to prepare and smoke the pork and distributed the finished product the weekend of Oct. 4-5.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
A public rosary for life will be prayed at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, on the west side of the soccer field. St. Jude School students will participate. In case of rain, the gathering will be in the church.
The annual Trunk or Treat will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, featuring hot dogs, funnel cakes, hayrides, photos, games, and more. Sign up in the outer vestibule to decorate vehicles and give out candy.
A Cheers for the Years Oktoberfest Buffet will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the parish life center. Older parishioners are invited for an hour of socializing and snacks and are asked to bring their favorite German or nonGerman finger food. Pretzels with mustard and cheese as well as dessert and beer will be provided.
The Knights of Columbus are collecting “Coats for Christmas” through Nov. 1. Coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, toiletries, and new socks and underwear, especially in adult sizes, are needed. Collection boxes are in the vestibule. Donations will be distributed to the Chattanooga Homeless Center and the Ladies of Charity.
A Mass with a remembrance procession is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in honor of All Souls Day. The youth group will construct luminaries that may be purchased for $5, personalized to honor a love one, and placed on the memorial procession path.
The St. Jude Craft Fair & Hobby Show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in the family life center gym. There are 45 spots available for members (or relatives) of St. Jude parishioners and the greater Chattanooga-area Catholic community. Rental fee is $45 with a table or $30 if you provide your own table. Additional tables of up to three per space may be brought. A hobby show, with no fee to set up, will take place on the walking track upstairs. Items at the hobby show are not for sale. Register for the craft fair on forms that can be found in the outer vestibule. Fees will benefit the St. Jude Hospitality Ministry.
An Octoberfest Potluck Luncheon took place Oct. 17. A special Mass was celebrated before the meal. Pastor Father Charlie Burton provided the main dish, and parishioners brought side dishes. Father Burton presided at a blessing of animals Oct. 12.
St. Mary, Athens
A Ladies Chili Night is set for 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the family life center.
The parish yard and bake sale Aug. 23-24 raised $11,211.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 6099 will have an Autumn Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Knights Hall at 7615 Lee Highway in Chattanooga. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event will run from 7 to 10. The evening includes live music by Midlife Crisis, a 50-50 raffle (tickets are $10), adult beverages and soda for sale, and a costume contest. Cost is $15 and includes a full dinner. Proceeds will go to the council’s Wheelchair Fund.
Anniversaries: James and Sandy Mullin (59), Mike and Wanda Williams (56), Tony and Janie Duke (54), Bill and Fran Balsis (50), John and Judy Czerwonka (50) John and Ro Wensel (45), Gary and Kelly McEntire (40)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
A CYO All Hallows Eve party starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in Blessed Sacrament Hall. Snack food including homemade sugar cookies will be available.
The Ladies Guild held a fundraiser Oct. 5-20 to support Life Choices Medical Center in Harriman. Participants took tags from a display in Blessed Sacrament Hall and purchased selected baby items, or they made cash donations.
An eight-week class on “Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well” is taking place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 20 in the parish center conference room. The class answers questions about life, death, and eternal life from a Catholic perspective.
The Knights of Columbus sponsored a picnic after Mass on Oct. 6. They grilled brats and served hot dogs and hamburgers, and a bounce house and other games and activities for kids were available.
A Fatima Rosary Rally was held Oct. 12 in front of the Blessed Mother statue.
St. Alphonsus, Crossville
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner again this year, on Nov. 17. Cost is $5 for those 12 and up, and signups will be held on the first two weekends of November.
Pastor Father Mark Schuster led a Franciscan retreat Oct. 4 with the theme “The Stigmata: An Ascent of the Mind.”
St. Ann, Lancing
Ambrose Martin Hutson, second child of Charles and Connie Hutson, was baptized Sept. 29, with a potluck celebration following.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
We Are One, a multi-denominational nonprofit organization in Crossville, recently thanked the parish for its generous support of a Back-to-School Boost event that helped children going to school this fall have new shoes. The event also provided supplies for all Cumberland County schools.
Parishioners took part in “33 Days of Merciful Love” retreat sessions that began Sept. 16 and will last through Oct. 22. Kathy Donley and Cherie Trapp led the group on a journey with St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Faustina that concludes with a consecration to Divine Mercy.
The Knights of Columbus led a rosary Sept. 18 to pray for an end to abortion in the United States.
The Grief Support Ministry began a 13-week session Sept. 10 that will last through Dec.10. It includes a video, workbook, and discussion. Call Mary Hall King at 931-210-0107 or Brett Petro at 931-200-9739 to learn more.
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AND
St. Bridget Parish picnic draws 100-plus
More than 100 people from St. Bridget in Dayton attended the annual parish picnic Sept. 21, hosted by Pat and Barbara Bisson at their Fox Lookout Farm in Decatur. A bilingual vigil “Mass in the Barn” was followed by a potluck supper with music provided by DJ Jose Carlos Marquez and a fireworks show after dark. In the top photo is the bilingual choir. From left are Sandy Lutz (accompanist), Sister Maria del Pilar Hinojosa-Aguilar, MAG, Janet Spraker, Roxana Oceguera, Carole Hanish, pastor Father Jim Vick, Bill Ward, Pat Bisson, Louise Ganss, and Anne Lee. The Knights of Columbus provided hot dogs and hamburgers for the picnic. Shown at the grill at left is Knight Daniel Smith, assisted by Jim Ganss. Below is the crowd at the “Mass in the Barn.”
Sabatinis of Fairfield Glade celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Raoul and Adoracion Sabatini on their 50th wedding anniversary celebrated Sept. 28. They were married at Mount Carmel Church in Chicago.
Their son, Raoul Sabatini III, lives in Chicago, and they have one grandchild.
Mr. Sabatini retired from the Lawn Co. and Mrs. Sabatini from Reinsurance Co. of America. They moved to the Glade in 1999. ■
Cathedral says goodbye to receptionist, welcomes another
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus said farewell to receptionist Beatriz Sullivan (left) after she had served in the role for two years. She and her husband are returning to California to be with family. Her last day was Sept. 27. New receptionist Sandra Portocarrero Cubas (right) began on Sept. 30. She trained with Mrs. Sullivan for a month. Ms. Portocarrero Cubas has been a parishioner at the cathedral since 2017, and her daughter is an eighth-grader at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. E-mail her at spcubas@shcknox.org.
PHOTOS BY JOSE CARLOS MARQUEZ
JEFF TEMPLIN
The diocesan Office of Vocations is holding a Men’s Discernment Group for men interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. The group will be hosted by Father Mark Schuster at 9 a.m. on fourth Saturdays in the John Paul II Conference Room at the Chancery office in Knoxville, with the next meeting Oct. 26. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area. Register at forms. office.com/r/CmSwudiVnf
Bristol-area Christians from various denominations are taking part in the 40 Days for Life vigil to end abortion. Through Nov. 3, they will pray, fast, and have a peaceful, non-confrontational, 12-hour prayer vigil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the public areas around Bristol Women’s Health, an abortion clinic at 2603 Osborne St. in Bristol, Va. The Knights of Columbus of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City will pray at the clinic at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22. Signs and support materials are available at St. Anne Church, 316 Euclid Ave. in Bristol, Va. (enter the side door by the fountain). Contact Angie Bush at 423-482-2123 or 40daysbristoltn@gmail.com or visit www.40daysforlife.com/bristol to sign up for vigil hours or to learn more.
The diocesan Young Adult Ministry Office is inviting Catholics to participate in a Marian consecration Oct. 20 to Nov. 21—33 days of prayer and preparation, followed by placing trust in the guidance, protection, and intercession of Mary. Sign up as an individual or group at the bottom of the page at dioknox.org/events/dioknoxmarian-consecration to receive resources and weekly recaps/encouragement. A celebration of the consecration will be held Thursday, Nov. 21.
Knoxville Catholic High School is holding its 38th annual Shamrock Open Golf Tournament on Monday, Oct. 21, at Tennessee National Golf Club, 8301 Tennessee National Drive in Loudon. The tourney will honor “Irish legend” Dan Fleming and family. Tee time is 9 a.m. Cost is $250 per player or $1,000 per team. The day will include 18 holes of golf, lunch, beverages, souvenirs, and goodie bags. Register or make a donation at kchs. ticketspice.com/2024-shamrockopen. Multiple levels of sponsorship opportunities are available; visit kchs. ticketspice.com/shamrock-opensponsors. Since 1986, the Shamrock Open has raised $1,165,000 to benefit the students of KCHS.
Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville is holding its fall festival from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. The event features face painting, a petting zoo, inflatables, Kona Ice, Compadres Street Tacos, funnel cakes, and games and prizes. Participants can also throw a pie at a teacher. A trunk or treat will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, Ala., the only Catholic boarding school in the state, invites prospective families to its open house set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT on Friday, Oct. 25. This event provides an opportunity to discover the academic, social, and athletic programs offered at the school. Visitors may meet current students, who will serve as ambassadors and tour guides, sharing their personal experiences and offering insight into life at St. Bernard, both as a day school and boarding school. Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be available throughout the event. St. Bernard Prep is a coeducational boarding and day school serving grades seven through 12. Registration is free; register at stbernard prep.com/open-house/
The Tennessee Right to Life Leadership Conference, a free event, is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday, Oct. 26, in Nashville at the TRL office. The event will have updates by pro-life leaders from across the state, and participants will learn about upcoming legislation and prolife challenges unique to Tennessee as well as receive tools to help communicate effectively with their community, fellow church members, and legislators. RSVP or register at tinyurl. com/35kf9njf
Deacon Bob Hunt will lead a retreat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at Holy Family Church in Seymour on “The Eucharist: Jewish Roots & Catholic Sacrifice.” The retreat will explore the Jewish roots of the Eucharist in the story of the Exodus and the Passover as well as the Eucharist as the mystery of presence, sacrifice, and communion. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to 865-573-1203 no later than Sunday, Oct. 20.
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is presenting an American Guild of Organists recital at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, part of the Cathedral Concert Series. Organists Hyunju Lee, Karl Jacob, Michelle Walter, and Byong Suk Moon will perform the music of Bach, Mendelssohn, Gawthrop, Couperin, and Tournemire on the cathedral’s pipe organ, Casavant Frères Opus 3927. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Tickets are available online via the Eventbrite link at shcathedral.org/ cathedral-concert-series
Holy Fire, a daylong conference for middle school students in which they are invited and challenged to embrace their baptismal call and the powerful, relevant Gospel of Jesus, will be hosted by the Diocese of Nashville from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. The event will take place at the diocese’s Catholic Pastoral Center, 2800 McGavock Pike, entrance No. 4, and will also include Mass at 4 p.m. Through talks by dynamic speakers, witness by peers, inspirational praise and worship, and rich experiences of the sacraments, Holy Fire helps young people feel welcomed and invited into a life-changing commitment to Christ. This year’s event will feature Maggie Craig, Joe Melendrez, Thomas Muglia, and Oscar Rivera. For details on transportation from Knoxville and Chattanooga, registration, cost, and more, visit dioknox.org/holy-fireregistration. For more information on the schedule, T-shirt availability, and meals, visit brushfire.com/eqsaints/ holyfire-nashville-2024/575973
St. Jude School and Knights of Columbus Paul Breen Council 8576 in Chattanooga are sponsoring the 26th annual St. Jude Golf Classic at noon Friday, Nov. 15, at Creeks Bend Golf Club in Hixson (rescheduled from Sept. 27 because of weather). Cost is $125 per player and includes 18 holes of golf with a cart; unlimited range balls; a goody bag; closest-to-the hole, longest-drive, and putting contests; and lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages. There will be two flights with prizes. To register, visit mysjs. ejoinme.org/sjgolf24. For more information, contact Kathie Preston at prestonk@mysjs.com
The fourth annual Christmas Market will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. (note new times) on Saturday, Nov. 16, in the gym at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. The event is free with free parking. More than 45 local vendors will take part, offering crafts, custom art, jewelry, baked goods, and Christmas décor. A food truck will be at the event. For more information, contact Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com
SEARCH for Christian Maturity Retreat 174 will be held on the weekend of Nov. 22-24 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. SEARCH provides an opportunity to think, talk, question, and wonder about life and faith in an accepting and challenging environment. It is an opportunity to experience God and God’s family in a personal and real way. The weekend is youthand peer-oriented. The weekends are for any high school juniors and seniors. The program is both rooted in the Catholic faith and open to young people of any denomination or creed. Cost is $100, and scholarships are available if needed. Register at dioknox.org/ events/search-nov-2024. Forms can also be obtained through parish youth ministers or at the office of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 8. For more information, contact Chattanooga SEARCH coordinators Irene Scoggins
Calendar continued on page B8
Basilica names two recipients of the Servant of God, Father Ryan Award
The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga announced two recipients of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award, on Sept. 29.
Parishioners Jim Gallagher and Carmen Hernández received the award this year.
Mr. Gallagher has been a lifelong Catholic and a parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul since 1998. He said he very much enjoys all the changes, new programs, and lively spirit that have enveloped the parish over the past decade. He said he also enjoys sharing in the daily noon Mass. In recent years, he has been involved in several ministries to help those in need, including serving as a reader at funeral Masses.
In 2015, with the help of basilica rector Father David Carter and several parishioners, Mr. Gallagher launched a committee to help the basilica’s sister parish in Haiti, and they initiated mission trips to Haiti. Mr. Gallagher has been with the Chattanooga Deanery’s prison ministry over the past seven years.
He has also recently agreed to take on a new assignment as the Catholic Charities parish ambassador representing Sts. Peter and
Paul, in concert with other parish ambassadors throughout the diocese. Because of his efforts to reach out to those who need material and spiritual support in their daily lives, Mr. Gallagher has been chosen as a recipient of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award in 2024.
Ms. Hernández, originally from Guatemala, has been participating at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul for six years. During the time she has been with the parish, she has never refused to give her time and resources to help others. Patience and joy have always been her greatest virtues, and she uses them as a catechist for parish children, when she teaches them the prayers they must know to receive their first Holy Communion.
Ms. Hernández’s service is not limited to catechesis. She also participates with the women’s group of the Bienvenidos ministry, where she is an example of courage and kindness for other women. She has always shown humility, and her help has been silent and generous. For these and many other reasons, Ms. Hernández has been chosen to receive the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award in 2024. ■
St. Stephen Parish hosts
Picture of Love retreat
A Picture of Love retreat for engaged couples, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, took place Sept. 28 at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. Fourteen volunteers assisted with the weekend, not including the clergy and parishioners of St. Stephen who welcomed the group to the parish hall and the Saturday-evening Mass. St. Stephen pastor Father Manuel Pérez celebrated the liturgy.
Basilica honorees Carmen Hernández and Jim Gallagher each received the basilica’s Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award for 2024 COURTESY OF MARIA RIST (2)
Praying for Perspective by George
Valadie
Our leaders aren’t having a beer anymore
The way we despise the opposition with a depth of vileness cannot help but impact our children
It’s a story my wife has recounted countless times. And one for which I have given her grief in equal number. But it comes to mind these days.
At the time, she was driving one of the many ratty cars we have owned. She was used to inconvenience. Flat tires, dead batteries, issues with starters, and that one time it wouldn’t go in reverse. It was what we could afford.
Still, this particular time she was in a fast-food drive-thru lane when—moments after she had placed her order—it just died. Cars in front, cars in back, kids in tow. This was a world before cellphones. No way to call. Nowhere to go. It’s the sort of situation we’ve all experienced where those little beads of sweat break out on your forehead, your face flushes red, and you’re absolutely sure each and every onlooker is staring at you with every manner of disparaging looks. And the horn honks … lots of horn honks.
“Dang it! I can’t believe this!” she muttered.
Then Sarah, our youngest and strapped into her backseat car seat, offered, “That’s a ‘dammit,’ isn’t it, Mommy?!”
Not only did she know what to say, she had already mastered the context in which to say it. She was 3.
The grief I always give my bride is the result of the debates—dare I say arguments—we had when she became pregnant with our first. And again when the next one came and the one after that.
We weren’t the first nor the last. “Maybe going to work wouldn’t be
Ta horrible idea” was the solution I offered for our problem. “They’ll be OK.”
“Well, maybe you need to find a different job,” she would counter.
“Because as long as we can, you know I want to stay home until they’re all in school. I think it makes a difference.”
“Well, you’re doing good there, honey. She’s mastered potty-training and cussing.”
We laugh about it still.
They pick up everything, don’t they? Vocabulary, usage, tone of voice, emotion. They grasp facial expressions and comprehend body language.
They’re conniving little gremlins, too. We can’t get them to clean their rooms or do their homework. “I didn’t hear you say that.” So, we assume they’re not listening to anything else.
But they are and they do.
But more than learning from us, they have a need to be like us. Maybe a genetic need.
According to a recent study quoted in the Science journal, “The findings suggest that over-imitation—in which a child copies everything an adult does, even irrelevant or silly actions—is a universal human trait...
“Researchers already knew that over-imitation was a human-specific quirk. In previous studies, dogs and chimps (who were) taught to open a box and retrieve a toy copied their teacher’s toy-seeking behavior only when it proved efficient.
“(In other words,) when the instructing adult added irrelevant actions, such as brushing a feather along the edge of the box before
opening it, the animals skipped those, doing only what was necessary to get to the hidden toy.
“But human children copied every detail, even the pointless brush of the feather.”
“Animals focus on getting the job done,” explains Mark Nielsen, a psychologist at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. “Humans seem to almost forget about the outcome and copy everything we see.”
And whom do they copy more than their moms and dads?
And who “forgets about the outcome” more than those same moms and dads?
I mention it all as we find ourselves in what might well be the ugliest electoral season ever—certainly one not seen in recent memory.
So, what do we think? More importantly, what do we say? How do we act?
And what do they learn?
A month ago, we recalled the anniversary of 9/11. I’m of the opinion that in the days, weeks, and months that followed, we became a different country for a while—a sadder one but a better one in some ways.
Our entire nation was fully aware the terrorists hadn’t sought to kill any singular faith, creed, or political party. We grieved as one. We actually were one.
Sorta what I imagine God had in mind from the get-go.
With the elections in our near future, we’ve been given the opportunity to teach young people a lot about the way it’s supposed to be.
Yes, we have our differences and yes, we disagree. But it can and
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon Bob
Hunt
should happen with civility. And tolerance. Perhaps without the anger or the hate. Or the name-calling.
Lost in our phone or TV or reading the news, how often we forget that they do indeed hear and absorb it all.
“I hate him!” or “I despise her!” is heard and imprinted way more than we think or can know.
Is it no longer possible to argue then go to dinner?
In the newly released movie “Reagan,” the Speaker of the House congratulates the newly inaugurated president, “Mr. President, you enjoy tonight because tomorrow we go 10 rounds … you plan on going 10 rounds every day now, that’s how we do things here.”
“Well, just remember every day has a 6 p.m.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well as of 6 p.m., we’re not political enemies, we’re just two Irishmen having a beer.”
“Deal!”
Sadly, there are no more such deals. Our leaders aren’t having a beer anymore. Nor are we.
And way too often we’re despising the opposition with a depth of vileness that cannot help but impact our children in a manner we likely do not intend.
That’s a dammit, isn’t it?
Dear God—Please bless the idea of ideas. And may we never forget you created that person, too. Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the newly released book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
To ‘bring Christ,’ love others as He does
He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved—we are called to do the same
he universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean to be holy? Most simply, I think, it means learning every day how to love a little better. This is how we love others—by being Christ for them, bringing Christ to them, and seeing Christ in them.
Last month I wrote on being Christ for all. This month, I will write on bringing Christ to all. How do we do this? Again, it begins in the home. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the Christian home the “domestic church” (no. 2204). It is, as Pope St. John Paul the Great called it, “the university of love.” The Catholic home is where we first encounter the faith, not only in the prayers and discussions about the faith that, hopefully, take place in the home but also in the witness of Christian action taken by the parents and observed by the child and impressed upon the mind and heart of the child. Simply being gracious to each other and treating each other with kindness is a start. As the family is often the most difficult place to practice these virtues, it can then be the place where those virtues become firmly entrenched.
For many Catholic families, the only experience of family prayer is grace over meals. I can say it in nine seconds, and that’s slow. I think we can all agree that, for formation in the faith, nine seconds of family prayer a day isn’t going to cut it. There is a simple formula of prayer that families can adopt, with the parents leading the way, of course. Begin with the sign of the cross, then read the Gospel of the day,
then each member of the family gets an opportunity to offer his or her intentions, then perhaps a litany of family saints (St. Robert, pray for us … St. Margaret, pray for us … etc., including the saint of the day), then end with the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and “May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life,” as the family makes the sign of the cross to close. If we are to bring Christ to others, we must be deeply formed in the faith. Prayer is an integral part of this formation. It prepares us, nourishes us, and fortifies us in our bringing Christ to others. Without a life of prayer, we cannot bring Christ to others because we will not have enough in ourselves to bring to others.
Then there is Catholic action. Taking the family to help serve at the parish food pantry, or the clothing ministry, or the pro-life march. All of these and more are opportunities to bring Christ to others, especially if we offer the salutation “God bless you” to those we serve, making our motives clear. Again, the children see this, and it makes an impression on how they are to live the life of Christ and not simply claim it. Teaching the faith is a way of bringing Christ to others. The primary responsibility of teaching the faith to children belongs to the parents. I firmly believe that every child has a right to approach his or her mother or father with a question about the faith and receive an answer other than “Go ask Father.” Even if one doesn’t know the answer, there is a shelf wall of resources one can exploit to find the answer. Or, perhaps, in the end a parent can go to Father with their child for the answer (please let Fa-
ther know beforehand that you’re coming with your question, so he can prepare, too!).
Teaching the faith, even in the formal environment of a classroom, is not only a matter of making sure the students know about the doctrines and dogmas, or simply obtaining the head knowledge of those who claim the faith. To live the faith means putting that knowledge to life in the words and actions of the man or woman of faith. This means teaching how to pray, how to practice the virtues, how to serve others. Bringing Christ to all means a life so transformed by one’s love and devotion to Christ that others desire to know what is the energy that
motors your life. Then you can tell them about Jesus. It means bringing yourself to others because you have become the image of Christ in this world.
“Bring Christ to all” means loving others as Christ loves them. He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved. We are called to do the same.
Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville. He is author of the book “Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews.”
Lil Eagles at Sacred Heart do their part for flood relief
Sacred Heart Cathedral School Lil Eagles, students in kindergarten, collected flood-relief items and delivered them as a class on Oct. 2 to the collection point on the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus campus. The students were joined by Father Danny Herman, associate pastor at the cathedral. The items were loaded onto a tractor-trailer belonging to the Danny Herman trucking company, which is the logistics business owned by Father Herman’s family and run by his father, Deacon Joe Herman of Mountain City.
Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father
Randy Stice
The biblical understanding of sacrifice
‘The Eucharist,’ in the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, ‘is a sacrifice in the strict sense’
At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of His impending death as a sacrifice. He offered His disciples His body “which is given for you” and His blood “which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20)—He is offering them the sacrifice of His body “given” and of His blood “poured out.” In this column, I want to explore the Mass as a sacrifice, beginning with the biblical understanding of sacrifice.
Sacrifice was “the central act of Israelite worship”1 and consisted of three essential aspects: gift, expiation, and communion.2 Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross definitively fulfilled these three aspects of sacrifice, for “it completes and surpasses all other sacrifices.”3 First, Christ did not offer His Father a gift of an animal or vegetable sacrifice, he offered the Father Himself. He Himself was the gift: Christ “through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God” (Hebrews 9:14). Second, Christ’s sacrifice healed our broken relationship. Christ “gave Himself for our sins” (Galatians 1:4) as “the sacrifice of the New Covenant,” restoring us “to communion with God by reconciling [us]…through the ‘blood of the covenant, which was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”4 Third, Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the Old Testament sacrifice of communion. In the eucharistic banquet we receive Christ’s body and blood that “brings about in a sublime way the mutual ‘abiding’ of Christ and each of His followers: ‘Abide in me and I in you’ (John 15:4).”5
How is the sacrifice of the Mass related to the sacrifice on Calvary?
Humble, joyful witness of the Lord.”
At the end of the Mass, a group of youths on behalf of the parish presented Bishop Beckman with a gift basket full of items representing Kingsport and East Tennessee. St. Dominic pastor Father Michael Cummins thanked Bishop Beckman for his presence.
“I wanted to take the opportunity on behalf of the whole parish, Bishop, to thank you for being here with us, thank you for celebrating our parish’s feast day with us, and thank you for your ‘yes’ to be our shepherd in this diocese. We believed we are graced, and please know that we are here to support you and to work with you in building up the kingdom of God here.”
After Mass, the parish community held a celebration in the parish life center, where they had dinner and met with Bishop Beckman.
On to St. Mary School in Johnson City
Bishop Beckman visited St. Mary School in Johnson City on Aug. 9. He celebrated St. Mary’s first allschool Mass of the school year. In his homily, Bishop Beckman
Daily readings
Tuesday, Oct. 15: Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church, Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Luke 11:37-41
Wednesday, Oct. 16: Galatians 5:1825; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:42-46
Thursday, Oct. 17: Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr, Ephesians 1:1-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Luke 11:47-54
Friday, Oct. 18: Feast of St. Luke, evangelist, 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9
Saturday, Oct. 19: Memorial of Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs, Ephesians 1:15-23; Psalm 8:2-7; Luke 12:8-12
Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and His sacrifice in the Mass “are one single sacrifice: ‘The victim is one and the same…the same Christ who offered Himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner’” in the Mass.6 Christ is both the one who offers and the one who is offered. On Calvary and in the Mass, Christ is the one who offers: “It is Christ Himself, the eternal high priest of the New Covenant who, acting through the ministry of the priests, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.”7 At the same time, Christ is the one who is offered—“it is the same Christ, really present under the species of bread and wine, who is the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice.”8 Furthermore, the body of Christ offered on the cross and the body offered in the Eucharist are not different bodies. “In the Eucharist, Christ gives us the very body which He gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which He ‘poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins’ [Matthew 26:28].”9
The Mass as a true sacrifice has sometimes been a source of confusion and controversy. It can appear to contradict, for example, the teaching in Hebrews that Christ “offered one sacrifice for sins and took His seat forever at the right hand of God” (10:12), doing this “once for all” (7:27) and so “has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (10:14). To say that the Mass is a true sacrifice seems to suggest that every celebration of the Mass repeats Christ’s one sacrifice offered once for all. However, to understand the teaching of the Catholic Church, it is necessary to understand the dis-
told the students how Jesus calls us to love one another and help each other.
“The words of Jesus are always inviting us to be different from the world that surrounds us,” he said.
He commented on a recent news story of an Olympic runner who fell. A fellow competitor stopped to help her.
“She wasn’t concerned with herself. She was concerned with what had happened to her competitor…. That’s the way of the Gospel, of Jesus Christ. We are nothing without each other. Lift each other up, help each other throughout the race. Help each other across the finish line.”
After Mass, Bishop Beckman toured the school, meeting with each grade level and answering students’ questions about himself and his life as a new bishop.
While meeting with the eighthgrade class, Bishop Beckman recalled his own Catholic schooling at Sacred Heart School in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. He reminded the eighth-graders that they had a responsibility to the younger students.
“You all are the leaders of the school this year,” he said. “I know you’ll be good role models.”
Monday, Oct. 21: Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 12:13-21
Tuesday, Oct. 22: Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 12:35-38
Wednesday, Oct. 23: Ephesians 3:212; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 12:39-48
Monday, Oct. 28: Feasts of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles, Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 6:12-16
Tuesday, Oct. 29: Ephesians 5:21-33; Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 13:18-21
Wednesday, Oct. 30: Ephesians 6:19; Psalm 145:10-14; Luke 13:22-30
tinctive nature of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, known as the Paschal mystery.
The Paschal mystery of Christ is a unique historical event. “All other historical events happen once, and then they pass away, swallowed up in the past. The Paschal mystery of Christ, by contrast, cannot remain only in the past, because by His death He destroyed death, and all that Christ is—all that He did and suffered for all men—participates in the divine eternity, and so transcends all times while being made present in them all.”10 “The Eucharist is a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross.”11 At every celebration of the Mass the once for all sacrifice of Christ is made present, “celebrated, not repeated. It is the celebrations that are repeated.”12
The culmination of the eucharistic sacrifice is “the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord’s Body and Blood…the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion.”13
Sacramental communion is inseparable from the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice. This is most clearly signified when all receive hosts consecrated at the same Mass. Priests must receive hosts and blood consecrated at the same Mass, but it is also “most desirable that the faithful…receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the cases where this is foreseen, they partake of the chalice, so that even by means of the signs Communion may stand out more clearly as a par-
ticipation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated.”14
“The Eucharist,” wrote St. John Paul II, “is a sacrifice in the strict sense.” Christ’s sacrifice is “the gift of His love and obedience to the point of giving His life…for our sake, and indeed that of all humanity, yet it is first and foremost a gift to the Father, a sacrifice that the Father accepted, giving, in return…the grant of new immortal life in the resurrection.”15 When we receive this immense gift we make our own the words of St. Thomas Aquinas: “Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore…Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.”16
1 Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, and Roland E. Murphy, eds., New Jerome Biblical Commentary (Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1990), p. 1268.
2 NJBC, p. 1272.
3 Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 614.
4 CCC, no. 613.
5 Pope St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 22.
6 CCC, no. 1367.
7 CCC, no. 1410.
8 CCC, no. 1410.
9 CCC, no. 1365.
10 CCC, no. 1085.
11 CCC, no. 1366.
12 CCC, no. 1104.
13 CCC, no. 1382.
14 General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 85.
15 Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 13.
16 CCC, no. 1381. ■
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.
SCHOOL
COURTESY OF ST. JUDE
A spiritual bouquet presented at St. Jude in Chattanooga
Bishop Beckman visited St. Jude School in Chattanooga on Sept. 30.
He celebrated an all-school Mass with St. Jude pastor Father Charlie Burton and associate pastor Father Alex Waraksa. Assisting were Deacon Brian Gabor and Deacon Hicks Armor.
Victoria Bewley, an eighth-grade student, presented Bishop Beck-
Thursday, Oct. 31: Ephesians 6:10-20; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Luke 13:31-35
Friday, Nov. 1: Solemnity of All Saints, Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Saturday, Nov. 2: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40
Monday, Nov. 4: Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, Philippians 2:1-4; Psalm 131:1-3; Luke 14:12-14
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Philippians 2:5-11; Psalm 22:26-32; Luke 14:15-24 Wednesday, Nov. 6: Philippians 2:12-18; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Luke 14:25-33
Thursday, Nov. 7: Philippians 3:3-8;
man with a spiritual bouquet from all of the students. To his delight, it included homemade cookies. The cookies were made by eighth-grade teacher Jordan Kidwell. Bishop Beckman visited multiple classrooms and the cafeteria. He was escorted by eighth-graders Ali Osborne and Ava Lovelace. ■
Emily Booker and Bill Brewer contribited to this article.
Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 15:1-10
Friday, Nov. 8: Philippians 3:17–4:1; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 16:1-8
Saturday, Nov. 9: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22
Monday, Nov. 11: Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, bishop, Titus 1:1-9; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 17:1-6
Tuesday, Nov. 12: Memorial of St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr, Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29; Luke 17:7-10
Wednesday, Nov. 13: Memorial of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Titus 3:17; Psalm 23:1-6; Luke 17:11-19 Thursday, Nov. 14: Philemon 7-20; Psalm 146:7-10; Luke 17:20-25 ■
School visits continued from page B3
A gift for the bishop Victoria Bewley presents Bishop Beckman with a spiritual bouquet from the students at St. Jude School.
at 423-596-0053 or irene.scoggins@ gmail.com or Amanda Henderson at 423-458-2401 or stygcleveland@ gmail.com. The diocesan Youth Ministry Office is hoping to inspire former SEARCHers to create a SEARCH team in their community. To get started, contact Carolyn Krings at 865-584-3307 or ckrings@dioknox.org
A SEARCH for Christian Maturity retreat will be held for high school juniors and seniors on the weekend of Nov. 22-24 at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. See the announcement above for details about SEARCH. Cost is $100, and scholarships are available if needed. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 8. Register, download a flyer, or learn more at dioknox.org/ events/knox-search-nov-2024. For more information, e-mail Donna Jones at djones@dioknox.org
The sixth annual Green and Gold Gala benefiting Notre Dame High School will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at The Chattanoogan Hotel. The event features a plated dinner, an open bar, live music, and dancing. Proceeds will go toward reliable and safe transportation to school events. General admission cost is $125, and VIP admission is $175. To register, learn about sponsorship opportunities, or donate items for a silent, online, or live auction, visit tinyurl.com/5hdpcn9e
The annual Green and Gold Gala benefiting Knoxville Catholic High School is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in the University of Tennessee Student Union Ballroom. The event will honor
Speaker Mary Maeder presented a program Sept. 17 on Marian apparitions.
The Parish Life Ministry sponsored a celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 3 at the Fairfield Glade Center. The event featured a buffet dinner, a cash bar, and music by the Orfeo String Quartet.
The annual blessing of animals with pastor Father Michael Woods took place Oct. 4 at the church.
Bishop Mark Beckman celebrated the parish’s feast day with a Mass on Oct. 4. A social followed in the parish hall.
With October being the month of the rosary, the Knights prayed a rosary after the vigil Mass on Oct. 5.
Father Woods celebrated a healing Mass on Oct. 10.
Anniversaries: Jack and Virginia Smith (63), Larry and Myra Opatik (62), John and Susan Gauerke (60), Michael and Diane Treanor (60), Steve and Pat Jennings (58), Ken and Kathy Bromberek (58), Robert and Jane Madon (58), Anthony and Mary Jane Gradle (57), Raymond and Carole Brzezinski (55), Donat and Terry Renaud (54), Joseph and Rita Schurger (54), Greg and Loni Monahan (51), Charles and Kathryn Randall (50), Jim and Karen Petrus (45), David and MaryAnn Urban (45), Gus and Margaret Garcia (40), Donald and Lori Williams (40), Steve and Mary Jane Hoffsmith (40), Paul and Rachael Birchall (15) St. John Neumann, Farragut
An Adult Social Chili Supper & Pie Contest is set for Saturday, Oct. 26, in the school gym. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Chili, hot dogs, fixings, and water will be provided (BYOB). RSVP to sjncc womensclub@gmail.com
The fourth annual church and school “Harvesting for Him” fall festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2627. The first day includes the Mustang Miler fun run and 5K race. Sunday will feature inflatables, food trucks, a cake walk, and more. The Mustang Miler is a professionally timed race with age-group prize categories for men and women. The course begins at the school and proceeds along the greenway in Farragut. The fun run will follow a shorter route on the same course. Cost for the 5K and fun run is $32.80 for each event through Oct. 25. To volunteer for setup or other festival duties, visit tinyurl.com/ymvznzu5. To register for the 5K or fun run, or to learn more,
“Irish legend” Bob Petrone of the class of 1967 and family.
Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion are invited to attend a Catholic Charities Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat on the weekend of March 28-30 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is March 21. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561315-5911 if you have any questions.
Join Father Mike Nolan from May 1223 on a pilgrimage to Malta, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast with an optional extension to Rome from May 23-26 to celebrate the Jubilee next year. Pilgrims will be visiting the places where St. Paul preached and spent time, including Mdina, Rabat, Valletta, and Taormina, to name a few, and will explore the Amalfi Coast. They will visit Our Lady of Mellieha Sanctuary, which is dedicated to Our Lady and is a very important part of the Catholic history of the island of Malta, and continue with a visit to the “Mosta Rotunda,” a domed church in
visit tinyurl.com/zrtuz27w
The parish Ministry Fair was held Sept. 29 in the school gym.
St. Joseph, Norris
The annual Trunk or Treat will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, in the church parking lot. To donate goodies, sign up at either entrance or contact Kelly Dake at 865-805-9458 or kellye dake@gmail.com
The Council of Catholic Women invites parishioners to a guided tour of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. Mass will be celebrated at noon, with lunch to follow. Carpooling will be available, leaving St. Joseph Church at 10 a.m. Sign up at the bulletin board by the coffee pots or see Karen Meiring for more details.
The CCW thanked all who attended the annual tea Oct. 5 and made donations to Bridge Refugee Services, resulting in the making of 21 women’s toiletry kits.
The Senior Moments group met Oct. 17 at IHOP in Oak Ridge.
Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
The Knights of Columbus sponsored a fall spruce-up to help clean up the church grounds Oct. 19.
The Knights held their annual Tootsie Roll Drive on the weekends of Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13.
A blessing of animals was held Oct. 5 at the church.
Anniversaries: Gregory and Brenda Sue Foreman (55), Tommy and Brandy Arnold (20)
Notre Dame, Greeneville
Members of the Council of Catholic Women served in all Mass ministries at the 8 a.m. Mass on World Mission Sunday, Oct. 20. The council held its monthly meeting later that day in the parish hall, with Chief Steve Spano of the Greeneville Police Department attending.
Trunk or Treat will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30. Mass will begin at 6 p.m. Children are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite saint. Hot dogs and nachos with cheese will be available after Mass along with games and activities in the pavilion before there is trick-or-treating from trunk to trunk in the parking lot.
Mosta. Travelers will walk through the streets of Mdina, Malta’s first capital, and visit the cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. As they tour Valletta, the capital of Malta, they will become acquainted with the history of the island, perhaps best known as the seat of the Knights of St. John, more commonly known as the Knights of Malta. The pilgrims will also see the story of St. Paul’s shipwreck as told in paintings found in the church of the same name. Our Lady of the Rock is one of Taormina’s most popular destinations, with a panorama of the surrounding city and Mount Etna. Next, they will continue to Messina for a panoramic tour and a visit to the cathedral. The Cathedral of Messina’s bell tower contains the world’s biggest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock. For those going on the Rome extension, they will visit St. Peter’s Basilica and walk through the holy door for the Jubilee and visit St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, Holy Cross, and the Catacombs. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com
Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk from June 16-27 on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima, including Mount St. Michel, the island considered one of the world’s wonders. The island, one of the top pilgrimage destinations of Christendom through the ages, floats like a mirage with the abbey that dominates the landscape. Pilgrims will visit the beaches of Normandy and the home of St. Thérèse and the basilica in Lisieux. They will visit the Miraculous Medal Chapel and St. Vincent de Paul Chapel in Paris and take a high-speed train to Lourdes, the home of St. Bernadette,
A Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast will be held at Aubrey’s restaurant from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Purchase tickets after Mass beforehand, as no tickets will be available at the door.
Those interested in singing or playing an instrument at the annual Madrigal Dinner on Dec. 13-14 may sign up in the narthex or call Wanda at 423-4706906. Practices are being held on Sunday afternoons.
St. Patrick, Morristown
The Council of Catholic Women is hosting a baby shower to benefit Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the church basement. Women are asked to bring an unwrapped baby gift to the event.
An international rosary will be prayed after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The parish Trunk or Treat is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, featuring candy, activities, games, and contests. All ages are welcome. Wrapped candy donations may be brought to the church office by Sunday, Oct. 27.
The Knights of Columbus held a winter clothing drive for veterans Sept. 1-30. Items were delivered to the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City during the first two weeks of October.
Anniversaries: John and Joan Pavlicek (53), Charles and Betsy Martin (30), Robert and Carol Bricker (25), Edgar and Marcela Gonzalez-Castillo (15), Yener and Idalma Morales-Perez (10)
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
Karl Jacob will mark his 15th anniversary as IC’s music director and organist with an organ recital at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. The special guest will be former pastor Father Ron Franco, CSP. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Parishioners took part in a Faith & Blue ice cream social to support the Knoxville Police Department on Oct. 14 at the Jacob Building in Knoxville.
The parish and Knights of Columbus Council 645 are having a baby-bottle drive to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center. See a Knight if you need a baby bottle to fill with spare change, cash, or
celebrating Mass at the grotto where Our Lady appeared to her, and join in a candlelight procession. The travelers will go on to Avila, the walled city dedicated to St. Teresa, the great mystic and the first woman named doctor of the Church. They will visit the crypt of La Santa Convent, built on the site of the house where she was born, and La Encarnacion Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun and which is home to the most comprehensive museum dedicated to her life. The pilgrims will arrive in Fatima, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, which is well-known for the story of the apparition of Our Lady to three shepherd children in 1917, and attend Mass at the basilica. They will stop at the parish church where the visionaries were baptized and other places associated with their young lives. The group will participate in a candlelight and Blessed Sacrament procession. The travelers will go on to Santarem to venerate the Miracle of the Eucharist and continue to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, one of the most beautiful and historic European cities. They will see Belem Tower, the longest bridge in Europe, and the 300-foot-high statue of Christ the King and the Church of St. Anthony. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com
Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 2 p.m. each Sunday and at 6 p.m. most Mondays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information on the extraordinary-form Masses, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net n
checks made payable to Catholic Charities. Return bottles by Sunday, Oct. 27, to the locked collection box in the narthex. For more information, e-mail KofC645@gmail.com or visit KofC.org/ ASAP or ccetn.org/pregnancy-help
IC parishioner and University of Tennessee chemistry professor Dr. Al Hazari held his 34th annual Chemistry Magic Show on Oct. 16 at Buehler Hall on the UT campus.
The Women’s Group’s annual craft fair will take place after all Masses on Nov. 9-10. Crafters and bakers are urged to participate. All proceeds from the craft table, themed baskets, and bake sale will go to flood victims in the region. For more information, e-mail ic womensgroup@gmail.com
The IC children’s and youth ministry will have a night of pumpkin carving beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the parish hall. All families are welcome and are asked to bring their own carving utensils and a snack. Pumpkins will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for best pumpkin carving.
Irish harp and guitar duo Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman performed at IC on Oct. 4.
Anniversaries: Dan and Margo Phillips (50), Tom Dunne and Cynthia Thornburg (45)
St. John XXIII, Knoxville
A baby-bottle drive to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center was held Sept. 21-22.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The parish is planning on building a family life center. Detailed construction plans have been made and a capital campaign begun.
A sale of handcrafted rosaries took place Oct. 12-13, and a blessing of pets was held Oct. 5.
Trunk or Treat is set for Sunday, Oct. 27, after the 12:30 p.m. Mass. Participants are encouraged to decorate the trunk of their vehicle about the life of a chosen saint, fill it with candy, and dress up in a costume.
The Knights of Columbus announced that their recent annual yard sale was a tremendous success and set a sales record. More than 1,200 people attended the sale, which benefits the Knights’ charities that they support in Monroe and surrounding counties. n
Parish and community
St. John XXIII salutes Nancy Brennan Strange
The longtime parishioner is stepping down from her role as Sunday-morning music leader she has held since 1993
After 31 years as the Sundaymorning music director at St. John XXIII Parish on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Nancy Brennan Strange is stepping down from the role.
The parish hosted a retirement party for Ms. Brennan Strange after the 11:15 a.m. Mass on Sept. 22.
Ms. Brennan Strange shared her memories with the St. John XXIII family in the Sept. 22 parish bulletin.
A graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School in 1969, she came to the parish—which had just been established the year of her graduation—during the winter of 1970. Its Catholic Center worship space would be dedicated in April 1970.
“St. John XXIII was brand new,” she recalled. “The music director was Kay Bacon, and the secretary was Mary Claire Sheridan, who I had known as the secretary of Knoxville Catholic High School.
“St. John XXIII was a wonderful, warm, and welcoming place. I didn’t live on campus, and it was my place to hang out and feel a sense of belonging.”
The idea of a “folk Mass” was new at that time, “having guitars at Mass and new songs, many of which were written by seminarians,” Ms. Brennan Strange said.
She said she played music then at clubs on “The Strip” (Cumberland Avenue).
“It does not look anything like it does now!” she said.
Ms. Brennan Strange became a newly single mom in 1993 and “needed to find a stable job to support myself and my young daughter,” Stella, when she read a notice in the university’s campus newspaper.
“In 1993, I picked up a UT Daily Beacon and looked at the job-opportunity section,” she said. “There was an ad for a song leader at St. John XXIII! At the time, Father Stan McNevin was the pastor, and
Father John Ardis was the associate pastor. I went for an interview with Father Stan, and he hired me to lead the music at the morning Masses.
“So, I started working at St. John XXIII in November of 1993. I met so many wonderful people, including Rosey and John Platfoot. Both are still active members at our church. Rosey plays guitar and sings at the Sunday 9 a.m. Mass, and John clicks the slides. Back then, we had an old slide carousel, and we had to climb up a giant ladder (about 10 feet up!) to put the physical slides in the projector.”
Ms. Brennan Strange has known many of the Paulist Fathers who have served at St. John XXIII since the community came to the parish in 1973, as well as founding parishioners, other longtime members of the campus parish, and numerous fellow musicians.
“In my 31 years at St. John XXIII, I have enjoyed working and singing with so many wonderful musicians. It has been a ‘good stop,’ as Father Bob Scott would say.”
She recalled working with Father Eric Andrews, a former St. John XXIII pastor who went on to become president of the Paulist Fathers. Before he became a priest, Father Andrews served as a producer for Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets. Father Andrews and Ms. Brennan Strange once did a jazz show at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
“Another great memory is Father Eric’s 40th-birthday party, when his former roomie from the seminary dressed up as Big Bird,” she said.
She talked about her “favorite thing” about St. John XXIII.
“There is a strong, upbeat sense
of community at St. John XXIII,” she said. “People are friendly, and there’s a very warm and welcoming atmosphere in our parish. The Christmas children’s Mass is always so much fun (even with the pandemonium rehearsal!). It’s always packed with parishioners and their families wearing crowns and halos. Last year, a lot of former choir members (like Moira
Ely and Charlie Riddell) attended with their now-adult children, who used to be in the pageant, and their grandchildren!”
Ms. Brennan Strange will remain in her position as a receptionist at Knoxville’s other Paulist parish, Immaculate Conception. She also plays with the Tennessee Sheiks, a Knoxville band that performs jazz, swing, and blues. n
Alumni among those enjoying Community Tailgate at KCHS Knoxville Catholic High School held its 13th annual Community Tailgate on Oct. 4 at Blaine Stadium before the Fighting Irish played their homecoming game against Montgomery Bell Academy. Among the groups enjoying the event is the KCHS class of 1989, seen above at their 35-year reunion tent.
Music ministry Nancy Brennan Strange performs at a Christmas Mass at St. John XXIII Catholic Center. Along with photos of her then and now (upper left), she is seen below at a Paulist Fathers celebration, with the 9 a.m. Mass musicians (bottom right), and at a Mardi Gras event with former pastor Father Eric Andrews, CSP.
Eighth-graders receive Light of Leadership medals Eighth-graders at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge received blessed Light of Leadership medals during a recent all-school Mass. The annual ceremony acknowledges the special leadership role that accompanies students when they enter their final year at St. Mary. They wear the medals throughout the year to remind them of the role. Above are (from left, front row) Janet Topper, homeroom teacher, eighth-graders Anggel Arellano, Anthonie Pham, Jayden Garcia, Betty Johnson, and Arianna Paoletto and St. Mary principal Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP, and (back row) St. Mary pastor Father Ray Powell, who blessed the medals, and eighth-graders Wyatt Patterson, Sahir Ramos, Gabriel Hatton, and James Lutz and Deacon John DeClue.
Lego Masters from St. Joseph School stand out at fair Students at St. Joseph School in Knoxville did well in two different Lego competitions at the recent Tennessee Valley Fair. Eighth-grader James Zengel was awarded best in show in the Lego free build for his original creation, “Birds in a Birdbath” (above, right), for which he took home $15 and a Lego building kit. The teams also competed in the fair’s Lego Extravaganza. Students had a limited time to use a random assortment of Legos to build a masterpiece. The “SJS Lego Masters” (top photo) won first place for their creation of a barnyard, inspired by the fair’s theme, “Point of Ewe.” Team members (from left) are fourth-grader Brendan Hennessy, James, sixth-grader Johnny Zengel, fourth-grader Billy Zengel, and kindergartner Lucy Zengel, also pictured above at left. The team was awarded two Lego building kits.
New faculty and staff join Notre Dame High School
Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga welcomed several new faculty and staff for the 2024-25 school year. From left are (front row) Ronnie Bradford, dean of faculty; Victoria Jones, science instructor; Katie Reed, math instructor; Laurie McGinley, head volleyball coach and administrative assistant; and Claudia Iorio, campus minister; and (back) Dominic
and
Eric Schexnaildre,
Catholic
new faculty and staff
School has many
From
are
on the
and
for
Mariani, theology instructor; Brent Hill, head football coach
history instructor; Abe Cates, weight-training instructor; and
head of school. Not pictured is Matt Matoh, head boys basketball coach and PE instructor.
Knoxville Catholic welcomes
Knoxville
High
new faces
faculty
staff
the 2024-25 school year.
left
Bridget Anderson, Abby Koelsch, Jennifer Nelson, Kate Hoots, Emily Lapp, Katrina Rouse, JaJuan Smith, Mike Kinney, Bryn Tucker, Jake Lawson, I’tavius Mathers, Ally Rogers, Julia Weech, Mike Spooner, Beau Whitsett, Anastasia Wright, Lori Kinney, and Patrick Daigle.
Maggie Frana is KCHS homecoming queen Knoxville Catholic High School crowned Maggie Frana (far left) as homecoming queen on Oct. 4. Last year’s queen, Maeva Cox, placed the crown on Maggie’s head. Members of the homecoming court are (above, from left) Rachel Hendon, Maeva, Rhian San Gil, Elizabeth O’Malley, Maggie, Ryan Davenport, Rylinne Tonne, Sophie Bunch, Addison Tonne, and Charley Blache.
Notre Dame High School crowns homecoming king and queen Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga crowned its homecoming king and queen on Oct. 4 when the Fighting Irish took on BoydBuchanan. At left are homecoming queen Kadi Collins and homecoming king EJ Carter. Above is the homecoming court, (from left) Paula Palacios, Mia Igot, Kadi, Sophia Dockery, Samantha Brown, Gaas Herman, Cooper Jones, Keegan Smith, EJ, and Seth Hart.
KCHS drive raises $11,000 for the Ladies of Charity Knoxville Catholic High School held a Spirit Week Food Drive during homecoming week Sept. 30-Oct. 4 and capped the drive by presenting an $11,000 gift to the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville. From left are Dickie Sompayrac, KCHS president; Joni Punch, school vice president of institutional advancement; Susan Unbehaun, executive director of the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville; Dave Roulier, Ladies of Charity volunteer; and KCHS teacher and organizer of the food drive Francesca Miles.
