Nov. 6, 2022, ET Catholic, B section

Father Schuster installed as St. Alphonsus pastor Bishop Stika presides and also blesses a bell that will go in the Crossville parish’s new church

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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arishioners of St. Alphonsus in Crossville received a double kindness when they attended Mass on Oct. 9 as Bishop Richard F. Stika formally installed Father Mark Schuster as their pastor and at the end of the liturgy blessed a bell that will go in the new church now under construction there.

Father Schuster, a priest of only a little more than three years, is a pastor for the first time. He became St. Alphonsus’ shepherd in summer 2021.

“It’s with great relief that I’m officially the pastor,” he said. “To be named that and to be entrusted with this, it’s a great honor.”

St. Alphonsus parishioners have been meeting for Mass in a parish life center dedicated in May 2003, a building in which they have to move chairs into place for every Mass and then clear them away as the center is used for other needs.

The drive for a new church has gained ground in recent years. Father Schuster said the finish line for the new building is in sight.

“I think the early prediction is the end of January 2023. So hopefully, very soon,” he said.

The church bell “will go in the new bell tower to the front-left of the new church being built now,” he said.

Deacon Peter Minneci assisted at the installation Mass.

In his homily, Bishop Stika spoke of a recent trip he made to Colorado, where he saw Pikes Peak shrouded in mist. He said the famous sight was thus a mystery to him that visit.

“Today, we celebrate mystery,” he said. “We celebrate the mystery of your faith, my faith, faith that allows us to go beyond ourselves, faith that allows us to do things that we never thought we would be able to do. Faith, trust, looking into the future, not knowing what that future will hold but giving thanks for that future.”

Gratitude also was a theme of the

‘I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church’ Father Mark Schuster takes the Oath of Fidelity at his installation Mass on Oct. 9 at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville. bishop’s homily, which followed the proclamation of the Gospel reading from Luke 17.

“Isn’t that the lesson of the Gospel today? Ten lepers, and only one came back to say thank you,” the bishop said. “I don’t know about you, but my mom made sure that I would always say thank you, to be gracious and grateful for all that God has done for us. For all those moments that might seem insignificant, but they’re there. Isn’t it nice to hear thank you from people? Whether it was a small thing or almost like saving your life, to express from our heart gratitude.

And that’s why it is so special for me to be with you today.”

Bishop Stika recalled a meeting at St. Alphonsus a few years ago when some parishioners told him they would like the parish life center to be the new church.

“I said no,” he said. “Oh, I got a

few letters after that. I said, ‘This is a hall. It’s a beautiful hall, but I don’t see how it could ever be a beautiful church.’ Churches need windows, for one thing. This was never meant to be a church. It was always meant to be a hall. In some ways, that no was a challenge. By the grace of God, things have worked out.”

The bishop asked the assembly about Father Schuster’s leadership.

“Has it worked out so far?” he said. “Yes!” came the enthusiastic response.

William and Maureen Schuster of All Saints Parish in Knoxville, the St. Alphonsus pastor’s parents, attended his installation Mass. The bishop introduced them to a round of applause.

Bishop Stika also looked back to the time he assigned Father Schuster to St. Alphonsus.

“When I got Father Schuster in,

I said, ‘I’d like you to be the eventual pastor of a parish, Crossville.’

And he looked a little stunned,” the bishop said. “Then part two was, ‘I need you to build a church.’ It took me 25 minutes to find him—he just went off. No, he was excited about that. There are always doubts when you go into a community brand new, and all of a sudden you want to build and collect money to build and all that, but I knew that he was the right person. He’s a good and holy priest. And by the mystery of God, it has come together, right? It took a while, but it always takes a while.

“I ordained Father Schuster, and I don’t ordain junk. He came into the diocese a little bit older, wiser, and I knew he was the right person.

That’s why I asked. That’s why today, with the mystery of God, he Father Schuster continued on page B2

More than 900 attend Holy Fire Nashville event Diocese of Knoxville and Diocese of Nashville youth are among those present

By Katie Peterson/Tennessee Register

Holy Fire continued on page B3

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he Catholic Pastoral Center was on fire with the Holy Spirit on Oct. 1 as more than 900 middle school youth and adults from around the Diocese of Nashville and surrounding dioceses gathered in Sagrado Corazon Church for Holy Fire Nashville.

The large turnout was a last-minute development the morning of the event, as just a little under 800 were expected only a few days prior, said Jenny Haug, assistant director of catechesis for the diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

“It’s beautiful. That’s the Holy Spirit,” Ms. Haug said. “The Holy Spirit knew we needed more people, and God provided.

“I hope all these middle schoolers who are coming, whether they’re coming from our diocese or a surrounding diocese, are rejuvenated in their faith and respond to the call to go out and proclaim the Gospel,” she said. “#BeSaints.”

Along with youth groups from parishes around the diocese, groups from the dioceses of Knoxville; Birmingham, Ala.; Evansville, Ind.; Louisville and Owensboro in Kentucky; and Biloxi, Miss., were in attendance.

More than 65 students from the Diocese of Knoxville attended the event, with groups going to Nashville from the Knoxville and Chattanooga areas.

The event, put on by EQ Saints and Declan Weir Production Inc., in partnership with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, was emceed by musician Dana Catherine and

‘The Holy Spirit knew we needed more people, and God provided’ The Diocese of Nashville hosted Holy Fire Nashville for more than 900 youth and adults Saturday, Oct. 1, in Sagrado Corazon Church at the Catholic Pastoral Center. The event was put on by EQ Saints and Declan Weir Production Inc., in partnership with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The event was emceed by musician Dana Catherine and included performances by Catholic musicians PJ Anderson and Joe Melendrez, and a keynote address was given by Noelle Garcia, a Catholic recording artist and speaker. Attendees also had opportunities to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and attend adoration before ending the day with Mass celebrated by Bishop J. Mark Spalding.

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

‘This day we install Father Schuster as pastor’ Bishop Stika delivers the homily at St. Alphonsus Church.

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

Witnessing the signatures Bishop Richard F. Stika smiles as Elizabeth Dolfie, who along with John Peaslee, witnessed the signatures of the bishop and Father Mark Schuster (left) on the pastor-installation documents. Also pictured is Deacon Peter Minneci.

The new pastor signs Father Schuster puts his signature on the documents officially installing him as pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish as Bishop Stika and Deacon Minneci look on.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

DAN MCWILLIAMS

‘Are you willing to celebrate the sacraments of the Church?’ Bishop Stika leads the pastor-installation rite for Father Schuster as Deacon Minneci watches.

He wants Communion, too Deacon Minneci gave a blessing to a young St. Alphonsus parishioner, who then extended his hand for Holy Communion as his mother extended her hands.

Blessing of the bell Bishop Stika blesses the bell that will go in the tower of the new St. Alphonsus Church. The bell was made in the 19th century by the Henry Stuckstede Bell Foundry Co. of St. Louis.

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becomes the pastor here, following in the line of pastors.”

Bishop Stika eyed a return trip to Crossville.

“I look forward to coming back to consecrate and dedicate the church,” he said. “It’s a beautiful ceremony: anointing the walls and instituting the Eucharist in the tabernacle—a grand celebration, but that’s for later. For today, by the mystery of God, like being that one leper who comes back and says thank you, we say thank you to God for the creation of this parish. By the grace of God and the mystery of God, this day we install Father Schuster as pastor, and he will guide you into the future. I don’t plan on moving him, at least for another half-year or so. I ain’t going to fix what isn’t broken.”

In the installation rite, the bishop asked Father Schuster, “Are you willing to continue to proclaim the Word of God in the tradition of the Apostles, compassionately and with faithfulness, to the people trusted to your care? Are you willing to celebrate the sacraments of the Church, and thus nourish and sustain your brothers and sisters in body and spirit? Are you willing to continue to guide, counsel, and cooperate with the people of St. Alphonsus in the work of building up the Church and in the work of service to all who are in need?”

Father Schuster responded, “I am,” to each question.

The assembly, in turn, answered, “We are,” as the bishop asked questions of them: “Are you willing to hear with open ears and open hearts the Word of God as it is proclaimed to you all? Are you willing to encourage and support Father in his B2 n NOVEMBER 6, 2022

responsibility to lead you in prayer, nourish your faith, and especially to celebrate with you the Lord’s sacrifice of the Mass? Are you willing to cooperate with him as he exercises the service of pastor, enabling this community of St. Alphonsus to grow in the light of the Gospel?”

The bishop then led the assembly in the profession of the faith, and Father Schuster took an oath of fidelity: “I, Father Mark Schuster, in assuming the office of pastor, promise that in my words and in my actions, I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church. With great care and fidelity, I shall carry out the duties incumbent on me toward the Church, both universal and particular, in which, according to the provisions of the law, I have been called to exercise my service.

In fulfilling the charge entrusted to me in the name of the Church, I shall hold fast to the deposit of faith in its entirety. I shall faithfully hand it on and explain it, and I shall avoid any teachings contrary to it.

I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the entire Church, and I shall maintain the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law. With Christian obedience, I shall follow what the bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or what they, as those who govern the Church, establish.

I shall also faithfully assist the diocesan bishops so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church. So help me God, and God’s holy Gospels on which I place my hand.”

The signing of the official documents of installation followed, witnessed by John Peaslee and Elizabeth Dolfie.

“They’re also signing off on the debt,” the bishop quipped as the witnesses signed their names.

When the bishop, Father Schuster, and the witnesses finished signing, the bishop announced: “Sisters and brothers, I officially proclaim Father Mark Schuster now the pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Crossville, Tenn.,” which was followed by a long round of applause.

The blessing of the bell concluded the Mass.

“I love church bells. I must confess, I drove up the cost of this new church a little bit because I asked for a steeple and a church bell,” Bishop Stika said. “Church bells have been so important in calling people to worship. There’s even a special blessing in the Book of Blessings for blessing a bell.”

The bishop recalled when he was in charge of Pope St. John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis in 1999 that he encouraged all churches, Catholic or not, to ring their bells during his visit.

The bell at St. Alphonsus also originated in the bishop’s hometown of St. Louis.

“This one was made in St. Louis over a hundred years ago. It’s solid,” Bishop Stika said, before joking that “I think they bought it on eBay. It’s going to add to the beauty and will call people to worship.”

In the blessing of the bell, the bishop said, “My dear sisters and brothers, bells have a special place in the life of God’s people. The peal of bells marks the hours of prayer and calls forth people to the celebra-

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tion of the liturgy. Bells alert us to important events, both happy and sad, in the life of the Church and of the community. Let us now participate devoutly in this celebration so that whenever we hear the ringing of this bell, we will remember that we are one family, coming together, called forth by a bell, to show our unity in Christ.”

In his prayer during the blessing, Bishop Stika said, “The sounds of bells should summon Your people to prayer and to mark the hour. So, by the blessing, accept this bell in Your service. May its voice direct our hearts toward You and prompt us to come gladly to Your church, there to experience the presence of Christ, to listen to Your Word, and to offer You pure prayers, and both in joy and sorrow be friends to one another.”

The bishop then rang the bell, which drew an ovation from the assembly.

“Just now, an angel got its wings,” Bishop Stika said, quoting from the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The bishop added another message for the St. Alphonsus faithful.

“I need all of you, especially when the new church is built, to invite people by your witness and by your voice to come and to pray,” he said.

“The world in which we live now, there is an emptiness, and I think that’s why people are so angry.”

He added that “I hope to be back soon, God willing and the creek don’t rise—is that what they say?”

Bishop Stika again mentioned Father Schuster’s parents.

“His mom and dad gave the gift of life to Father Schuster, so if you have any complaints about him, Father Schuster continued on page B3 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

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Honorary bishop Bishop Stika frequently names an honorary bishop at his parish visits, and at St. Alphonsus the recognition went to Sebastian Pimentel, 10.

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A priest and his parents William and Maureen Schuster join their son, Deacon Minneci (left), and Bishop Stika for a photo.

‘Every time a bell rings . . .’ Bishop Stika, as Deacon Minneci assists, reads the text of the bell blessing at St. Alphonsus.

Construction in progress Building of the new St. Alphonsus Church was in progress Oct. 9.

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he said. “Also, they have a very famous company that makes stainedglass windows, Emil Frei. This church bell was made in St. Louis I think in the 19th century. Church bells, as in the prayer of blessing, call people to worship, they praise God, and of course every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.”

Readers wishing to contribute to the St. Alphonsus building fund may mail their donations to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 151 St. Alphonsus Way, Crossville, TN

did the heavy lifting for me today.

Thank you so much for everything that you do that allows me to serve as a priest, and thank you for your hospitality.”

After Mass, Bishop Stika elaborated on the company that made the St. Alphonsus bell, the Henry Stuckstede Bell Foundry Co., which operated from 1892 to 1931, following other Stuckstede foundries that dated back to 1855.

“St. Louis had a foundry that made, among things, church bells,”

38555. They may contribute electronically by visiting stalonline. org. Select the Online Giving tab, then click the Give Now box and look for “Building Fund.” For more information, call the parish at (931) 484-2358.

“This parish is growing,” Bishop Stika said. “It’s going to build a church. It does wonderful charitable acts with the food pantry and stuff, the Knights of Columbus, all the different organizations, but they’re going to have a home now.” n

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we’ll give you their phone number,” he said.

Father Schuster was introduced at the end of Mass to another round of applause.

“I recognize that my ministry here is done with so many other people. They bore the stress of today,” the new pastor said. “I felt completely fine, which meant that I knew that other people were doing the heavy lifting, and so I’m very grateful to also people who

Diocese of Knoxville contingent Dozens of youth from the Diocese of Knoxville attended Holy Fire Nashville. Adults pictured above include Brittany García (front row, far right), director of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry for the Diocese of Knoxville, and Donna Jones (second row, second from right), coordinator of Middle School Ministry for the diocese and youth ministry coordinator at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga.

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included performances by Catholic musicians PJ Anderson, with an accompanying house band, and Joe Melendrez.

Noelle Garcia, a Catholic speaker and author, delivered two keynote addresses.

During her morning talk, Ms. Garcia told the story of the time her son got lost in a hotel when he wandered into an open elevator, and it closed. While Ms. Garcia’s mom was in a panic, Ms. Garcia just laughed because “this always happens with Diego.”

“This is an analogy for our faith relationship with God. What have we gotten ourselves into that has carried us away from where we belong?” Ms. Garcia asked, before then moving to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis and noting things often missed in the story.

“The tree in the garden is not because God’s trying to test their faithfulness. God puts that tree in TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

the garden to give them a choice because God loves us so much that he’s willing to let us walk away from Him forever,” Ms. Garcia said.

“That is true and pure love because it is not forced, it’s not coerced, it’s not manipulative. It is free. You can choose to love Me and stay with Me but there is a choice for you to walk away.”

Then, when Adam and Eve committed the first sin, “God came up with a plan of rescue. … When our humanity was lost, God sent His Son and said, ‘Go and rescue My children and bring them back,’” she said. “Jesus was on a rescue mission.

“It has to change your life and my life that He came in the flesh, and He died naked on the cross,” she continued. “What a miracle it is that that instrument of death and torture has become a victory because He conquered death and rose again.”

In her second address, Ms. Garcia

told her personal story of how her life was changed once she realized that she wasn’t alone while listening to a talk about the passion and death of Christ during a retreat when she was 15.

“Hearing that it’s not that God doesn’t care, but that He is in this with me, He’s present with me, He’s been through this, and He’s gone through this pain to show me this is not the end of the story . . . saved my life,” Ms. Garcia said.

“Jesus knows you’re not just a spirit, just a soul that’s trapped in this body. You are body and soul, and so Jesus comes to us through the Church physically and spiritually.

“Every Mass, you receive the living God,” she added. “This kind of experience demands response.”

And attendees did respond, as Ms. Garcia led them in renewing their baptismal promises before participating in eucharistic adora-

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tion and benediction and ending the day with Mass celebrated by Bishop J. Mark Spalding. During his homily, Bishop Spalding kept with the theme that God does not leave us alone.

“In all of our lives, we have dark nights, difficult times, anxieties and fears and troubles and trials, but always, especially in Mass, the Holy Spirit is trying to say to us and whisper into our hearts, ‘You’re not alone. You’re never alone,’” Bishop Spalding said, noting that the Spirit comes most especially through the life of Christ. “The light will come to you and most especially, we’ve discovered the light in the life of Jesus Christ. We are a people on fire with the light that is Jesus Christ.

“We’re on fire with that Spirit that He promised He would give to the Church, and it’s still sustained to this day, and it calls us to lift our heads, open our eyes, and see our Holy Fire continued on page B8 NOVEMBER 6, 2022 n B3

Parish notes

St. Jude’s “Trivia Knight” at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, features an Italian dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus as well as music, door prizes, and cash prizes for the top teams. Register your team of eight by calling the St. Jude parish office at 423-870-2386.

The Knights are sponsoring Breakfast With Santa on Sunday, Dec. 4, in Siener Hall. Children of all ages may attend and have their picture taken with Santa.

The Knights recently recognized altar servers John Rothenbach, Nicholas and Kaylee Pendergrass, Luke Bryant, Fatima Isabel Camarena, Anai Meza Fuentes, Fatima Sophia Hernandez, Mollie Kate Muse, Tate Chrnalogar, Emmanuel Irigoyen, Janett Irigoyen, and Jasmine Avigail Mencias.

Selected as family of the month by the Knights were Dick and Judy Smith for July, Richard and Laura Bryant for August, and Lee and Charlotte Norris for September. Luke Bryant was honorary Knight of the month for August.

Several Knights, over four mornings, recently replaced all the lights in St. Jude School and its cafeteria, some 900-plus lights, with new LED bulbs.

Silver Rose prayer services honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe took place in October. The rose was on display during the vocation Mass on Oct. 10 and the 8:15 a.m. Mass on Oct. 11. The Knights hosted a rosary and prayer service after each Mass.

St. Mary, Athens The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring an adults-only Spaghetti Bingo Night after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Lou Dionne was nominated as Knight of the Month for September. Mr. Dionne is extremely active in the council and headed the successful parish yard sale in August, which funded the remaining budget for the church lighting project. Mr. Dionne is also chairman of the council’s membership committee.

He organized and oversaw the latest degree ceremony that was held in September.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga St. Stephen recently welcomed its 900th family to the parish.

The St. Stephen Healing Hearts Ministry will have a meeting Nov. 16, during which a discussion will be held regarding grief during the holidays.

Recognized at the recent Ladies Tea were Pat Bodnar and Priscilla McLean.

Anniversaries: James and Theresia Costello (57), James and Sandy Mullin (57), Bob and Karen Adney (56), Tony and Janie Duke (52), Joe and Truyen Rahm (50), Walter and Laurene Vamprine (45), William and Shaun Merolle (30), William and Theresa Cole (15)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery All Saints, Knoxville The parish is hosting a potluck dinner Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, for anyone interested in celebrating the day with others in the community.

No one should have to be alone on this day. The All Saints parish hall will be open for preparing food for the meal beginning after the 9 a.m. Mass.

Gathering and setup will start around 2 p.m., food items should be there by 3:30 p.m., and dinner will begin at 4 p.m. We will wrap things up around 6 p.m. with the cleaning effort going until about 8 p.m. Deacon Robert Rust will cook the turkeys that All Saints is providing for this event. We are using SignUp.com to help with the planning part of this event. Go to https://signup. com/go/esZDAjx to indicate what you would like to bring to the potluck.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The office is working on the angel tree B4 n NOVEMBER 6, 2022

for Christmas. Those who need help with Christmas presents for their children should contact the office at 865882-9838 or blessedsacramentoffice@ gmail.com.

Blessed Sacrament supported Bowers Elementary School’s fall festival on Oct. 20, sponsoring a game booth with prizes.

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St. Jude, Chattanooga

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade The Knights of Columbus and parishioners prayed a rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother on Oct. 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, at the Cumberland County Courthouse in Crossville.

The Stephen Ministry program, “The Loss of a Spouse,” was held Oct. 14, conducted by Mary Hall-King. It included a video with discussion afterward, and everyone received a free booklet to help them through their loss. For information, call Ms. Hall-King at 931-210-0107 or the church office at 931-484-3628.

The Council of Catholic Women announced that its profits for this year’s rummage sale were $12,000. They thank everyone who worked hard to sort each item and help display items for sale to the public. Many shoppers found “treasures” while they helped the parish’s 14-plus charities.

A new service has been added for parish members called “We Care.” Several volunteers formed a caring group to help those of the parish family in need of help such as driving them to appointments, light housework, basic needs, etc. For information, call the parish office at 931-484-3628.

A women’s Bible study is held every Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the new meeting room. The study will continue until Dec. 12, then return after the holidays. Participants are studying the Book of Daniel, chapter 8. For information, call Diane Burling at 931-4568756 or Joan Larson at 931-484-6777.

Legion of Mary praesidium established at St. Henry A Legion of Mary praesidium was established Aug. 26 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville and began meeting every week on Sept. 12. The following officers were elected to lead the praesidium through its infancy formation: president, Barbara Sandleben; vice president, Margaret Palko; secretary, Christine Salvalaggio; and treasurer, Josephine Wall. Initially, the mission will be evangelization in the parish and Rogersville community and prayer as members mature through the Blessed Mother’s inspiration and come to have a greater love more closely with Christ. Pictured at top is St. Henry pastor Father Bart Okere blessing statues of the Blessed Virgin on Aug. 26. In the second photo are (from left, seated) Ms. Salvalaggio, Rose North, Ms. Palko, Ms. Wall, Ellen McCoy, Patricia Knopp, and Patrick Knopp and (back) Father Okere and Ms. Sandleben.

The parish thanks Father Bernard Campbell for being there for three months while pastor Father Michael Woods was in Ireland visiting his family. Parishioners will miss Father Campbell’s caring ways, depth of knowledge, personal style, and sense of humor. Father Campbell visited the sick and homebound and the dying and presided at funerals. He also helped St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville when Father Mark Schuster was away. He blessed firefighters and police officers on Sept. 11 and blessed animals on Oct. 4. His three-day retreat sessions gave parishioners much to think about. A thank-you social in his honor was held Oct. 29 after the vigil Mass.

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Chattanooga Deanery

Anniversaries: Stephen and MaryLou Knowles (75), Eugene and Marlyn Schmitt (66), Vincent and Phyllis Fodera (63), Mike and Susan Spitler (61), Robert and Janice Cahill (61), Tom and Mary Dega (59), Eugene and Janet Standaert (58), Joe and Veronica Martin (55), Wayne and Alice Duckstein (55), Dave and Mary Ann Golden (53), Jack and Twyla O’Kane (53), Fred and Donna Laufenberg (52), John and Ruth Hughes (51), Dan and Miriam Fenton (40), Edward and Marilyn Seastrand (40), Howard and Patricia Crandall (25), Harold Holmes and Judith Wharton (20), Edwin and Edwina Glowacki (15) St. John Neumann, Farragut The parish has a Seven Sisters Apostolate group. Seven Sisters is a national apostolate that forms groups of seven women who commit to praying for a specific priest in front of the Blessed Sacrament for seven days. The St. John Neumann group is praying for pastor Father Joe Reed. Visit seven sistersapostolate.org or call Yvonne Kidder at 865-363-2239 for details.

Knights of Columbus Council 8781 Soccer Challenge winners were Megan Frana, age 11 girls; Lily Breeden, age 13 girls; Mark Pagel, age 9 boys; Alex Ellsworth, age 10 boys; and Mike Pagel, age 12 boys. Lily, Mark, and Mike Parish notes continued on page B7

Father Owens blesses pets at All Saints In celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Creation Care Team at All Saints Parish in Knoxville coordinated a blessing of the animals Oct. 2 at the pavilion. Artwork from Girl Scout Troop 20263 depicting the Prayer of St. Francis was displayed along the walkway. Pets received a blessing and a treat from pastor Father Doug Owens.

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Calendar

The Smoky Mountain Deanery Council of Catholic Women will have its fall general meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10, at St. Mary Church in Gatlinburg.

The meeting will begin with Mass at 10 a.m. During lunch, the council will welcome a representative of the Sacred Heart Apostolate, who will discuss enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus at home. Members should RSVP to their CCW president. Lunch cost is $10.

The Diocese of Knoxville Frassati group is presenting Theology on Tap at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Bearden Beer Market, 4524 Old Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Father John Orr will be the speaker. The topic will be Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical “Fides Et Ratio.”

There will be a healing service at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, in the main church. Leaders will be happy to pray over you for any physical, emotional, or spiritual needs that you have.

You may invite anyone you know who would like to be prayed over. No reservations needed. Call Toni at 561-3155911 for more information.

“Encounter With God’s Call,” an event for young men ages 16 to 25, is set for Nov. 12-14 at Conception Seminary College in Missouri. Participants can visit the college, get to know seminarians, learn about seminary life, and discern God’s call. Cost is $50 and includes transportation, lodging, and food while at the seminary. Participants will need to cover the cost of their food while traveling. Register at https://dioknox.org/events/encountergods-call or contact Beth Parsons at bparsons@dioknox.org.

All women are invited to the 2023 Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention, to be held April 20-22 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. The convention will feature keynote speaker Melissa Foley and Father John Orr. Breakout sessions will allow participants to choose from a variety of interactive sessions geared to their interests.

Early-bird registration begins Jan. 15, 2023. For more information, visit KDCCW.org.

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

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

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Homeschool Support Group is a Catholic homeschool support group in Knoxville and surrounding areas that is recognized by the diocese as a Private Association of the Faithful. The group supports one another as families who choose to educate their children at home in order to live, teach, and preserve their Catholic Christianity. The group celebrates Mass together and TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

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has a monthly holy hour; has regular park gatherings, field trips, and feast day celebrations; offers faith-based small groups for children, teens, and adults, as well as many other activities.

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

Chattanooga Search for Christian Maturity Retreat No. 166 is coming Nov. 18-20 to Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Search helps Catholic high school juniors and seniors take a fresh look at their own faith journey, reflecting on their place within their families, schools, parishes, and community as a disciple of Christ.

This is accomplished through activities and experiences that lead participants to a renewed understanding of Christ at work in their lives. Search is facilitated by teens for teens with the guidance of adult Search coordinators. The main focus of the retreat is threefold: motivating the youth to seek a personal relationship with Christ, getting young people involved with their respective parishes, and promoting leadership. Register at https://dioknox. org/events/search-166. Chattanooga Search 167 is set for Feb. 24-26, 2023.

Those struggling with the pain of an abortion are invited to take part in the Chattanooga Spirit & Life support group. For more information, call or text Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or e-mail her at sandi@ccetn.org.

“Shrines and Sites, a Pilgrimage to Switzerland,” is set for April 17-27, 2023. Join Father Michael Maples to experience the sacred sites and beauty of Switzerland. The group will have three nights in Lucerne, with stops at Muri Abbey to celebrate Mass and in Solothurn to visit St. Ursus Cathedral.

There will be an excursion by coach to Engelberg Abbey and then by cable car to the top of Mount Titlis, considered one of Switzerland’s top destinations.

Pilgrims will discover Europe’s highest train station on a full-day train tour to Jungfraujoch. On arrival, they will view the UNESCO-listed landscape and explore summit attractions, such as the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory, with views over Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest glacier. They will take the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express boat on Lake Lucerne before boarding a train to Lugano, where they will have a two-night stay. A day of sightseeing that includes Santa Maria Degli Angeli Church and a cable-car ride to Monte San Salvatore will follow. The exploration continues with a visit to the Cathedral of Lugano, St. Mary’s, the Rocco Church, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and the Museo D’ Arte. The group will visit the Marian Shrine of Switzerland to see the statue of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Einsiedeln, and go on to Zurich. Pilgrims will visit St. Gallen Abbey and Library, the oldest in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat ride down the Limmat River under the bridges and a visit to the Fraumunster Church to see the Chagall stainedglass windows will follow. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Youth attend one-day retreat at St. Michael the Archangel On Oct. 16, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin saw more than 31 youth and young adults attend a National Evangelization Team (NET) one-day retreat.

This missionary organization focused on inviting the Catholic youth into a deeper relationship with their community and Jesus. Young adults and middle-school and high-school students attended the retreat with the theme, “Love One Another.”

NET shared how the youths’ relationships with the people in their lives are meant to reflect their relationship with God and bring them closer to Him. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for them, they were reminded how they are given the grace to forgive; thus, helping them enter into more authentic friendships. Parents and parishioners helped support their youth by preparing and serving wonderful foods.

Join Father Mike Nolan on a pilgrimage to Northern Ireland and Scotland from June 12-23, 2023, and visit St. Patrick’s Church in Armagh and his gravesite in Downpatrick. Pilgrims will stop in Glenarm and Ballycastle and drive the Causeway Coastal Route.

They will experience the beauty of Giant’s Causeway and stay two nights in a beautiful coastal town before visiting Belfast, where they will have the opportunity to see the Peace Wall and visit the Titanic Belfast Exhibit, St. George’s Market, and more. The group will then take a ferry to Scotland, visiting Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-5671245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

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

18-29, 2023. Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” as pilgrims visit the places where St. Paul preached the Gospel— Thessaloniki, Philippi, Corinth, and Athens—and visit the Meteora MonasCalendar continued on page B7

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

In celebration of National Adoption Month, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Adoption Services is hosting an adoption education panel at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. The free event will feature experts who can answer questions about legal issues, the home study process, birth and adoptive parent services, and the adoption process.

Featured panelists are Ted Kern, a family and adoption lawyer with more than 36 years’ experience serving the Knoxville community; Sandi Davidson, CCETN’s Pregnancy Help Center program leader; and Chasity Galyon, CCETN adoptive parent case manager.

The panel will also include birth and adoptive parents who will share their personal experiences. RSVP to adoption@ccetn.org.

St. Henry parishioners take part in Silver Rose ceremony Knights of Columbus Council 8860 members and parishioners of St. Henry in Rogersville gathered at the church Oct. 19 to participate in a Silver Rose ceremony. The Silver Rose program is a national devotion in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Coordinating the ceremony was council trustee Stephen Derosia, and deputy Grand Knight Forest Wylie and Ron Campbell also assisted with the presentation. The celebrant was Father Bart Okere, Tennessee state Knights chaplain and pastor of St. Henry.

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NOVEMBER 6, 2022 n B5

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Wishing for a tally of lifetime Masses attended And remembering ‘those who have gone before us,’ even those who may be forgotten

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very so often this odd thought comes over me when I wish I had a running tally of the number of lifetime Masses I have attended.

Don’t ask me why, I have no idea, doesn’t happen often, but when it does, this urge to know such a thing usually comes over me while I’m actually attending a Mass, likely during some moment in which my mind has wandered afar . . . very far afar.

Which—to make matters worse— then leads my brain to meander even further astray, as I begin an effort to count them. Yes, I literally count them.

And yes, I should do better.

As you might guess, it’s a pointless attempt at best that always (yes! I’ve done this multiple times) begins with nothing more than a random guess as to how many Sundays my mom dragged us tykes along before we enrolled in Catholic school.

Because the numbers get a lot easier to calculate once we got there.

I’m certain the Sisters made sure we attended morning liturgy all 180 days of the school year times the eight years I attended. Well, minus the days I was home with chicken pox. And minus that other week my grandparents took me to New Orleans in sixth grade for Mardi Gras. (You can tell I’ve thought about this way too much and way too often.)

Sadly, once I moved on from grade school, and attendance was left to my free will, I have to confess the arc of my graph slopes downward in dramatic fashion.

Most of these Masses I attended in person in a pew. Though I can recall others having sat on folding chairs, benches, in a pasture, in a friend’s home, and at the lake. I’ve been the only person in the chapel, and I’ve been one of 100,000.

Also included are the ones for which I had the privilege of being an altar server (there’s a classic story about a gypsy funeral I can tell).

And lately, we can all add those we’ve watched on Facebook.

All that being said, I’m not in any way bragging about the number of these Masses because when

Perhaps sadder (to me) than those who have died without church fanfare are all who have passed without family. Without friends. Without a single visitor to walk with them toward whatever final light awaited their journey’s end. compared to some other folks I know (and some I’m related to), it’s embarrassingly low and not one of which I’m particularly proud.

Still, I’ve been a faithful Catholic and all told, a “bunch” is about as close as I can come to putting a mathematical number on my tally.

Enough, though—and this is the point—enough that I ought to know all the Mass prayers that are routinely recited: ours and the priest’s.

“Ought to know” . . . being the key.

Have you ever been sitting at Mass when a reading or a prayer— one you’ve heard “a million times”—stirs your consciousness like never before? Words you’ve read or listened to suddenly break through to touch your head, your heart, and your soul in a manner not previously experienced?

It happened to me on a recent Sunday when we visited a nearby parish whose pastor we’ve known for years. Perhaps it was the voice we don’t hear all that often or his style of delivery that’s slightly different.

Regardless, the words were certainly familiar, but I’d never before heard them quite this way.

“Therefore, Lord, remember now all for whom we make this sacrifice, . . . all the clergy, those who take part in this offering, those gathered here before you, your entire people, and all who seek you with a sincere heart.

“Remember also those who have died in the peace of your Christ and all the dead, whose faith you alone have known.”

There it is. Right there at the end.

Take a second and read it out loud this time; things register differently that way.

“Remember . . . all the dead, whose faith you alone have known.”

In our Church, this is the month we recall those who have gone before us: the saints and the souls.

Commonly referred to as the Month

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

of Remembrance, November is also the final month in the Church year.

Thus, we traditionally take the final days of this liturgical calendar to look toward the final days of earthly life as well—ours and others—with hope for an eternity with the Creator while giving thanks and prayer for those who have gone before us.

According to Google, the number of “those who have gone before us” totals somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 billion people. It’s a sophisticated approximation—give or take—of every human born dating back to Adam and Eve and their family of four.

According to our Church, of those 100 billion God-created souls, some 10,000-plus have been recognized as saints (though apparently no official listing exists as many of the names have been lost to history.)

Still, names or no names, the honored saints of the Church represent a mere 0.000001 percent of the planet’s total population. These alone have been officially designated as the “heroically virtuous.”

I have no doubt they are, or were, each and every one deserving of the title and honor. Many are martyrs, and that’s a decision those folks didn’t make lightly. Murdered or not, the Church makes it a lengthy and restrictive process requiring multiple miracles be attributed to their intercession.

I won’t lie, I like praying to folks who have a proven track record of success. I know Sts. Anthony, Christopher, and Michael have all been a frequently called-on part of my prayer life.

And they’ve done good work for my family and me.

But for the first time that recent Sunday, I began to think about the many, many others who have passed without that sort of spiritual fanfare. Or any at all for that matter.

Good folks they were, some really good folks, but they’re not saints now, and they’re not gonna be either.

I know we have an All Souls Day for that purpose. But for me anyway, and the Church, too, for that matter, these two days have never been the same.

I began to ponder the common

souls. The billions of them. Those who left with no fanfare at all. Perhaps no sacrament of the sick nor even a church funeral.

For them, the Mass prayer I finally heard feels perfect indeed, “Please God—please remember all the dead whose faith you alone have known.”

But more than asking God to remember them, I think the intent of that prayer includes an unspoken reminder that a person’s faith cannot be—or should not be—a matter for our judging.

I should do better in that regard, too.

Perhaps sadder (to me) than those who have died without church fanfare are all who have passed without family. Without friends. Without a single visitor to walk with them toward whatever final light awaited their journey’s end.

It happens. A lot. More than it should. Human beings buried without fanfare. Worse, buried without farewell.

Not only is God the only one who knew their faith, He might well be the only one who knew they were even gone.

During this November, while we pray for the dead, let’s also reach out to the living: the sick, the incarcerated, the family member who has slipped away.

It’s a common practice in our faith for parishioners to submit names of loved ones who have died. The names are gathered, given a place of honor, and prayed for by the Church throughout the month.

Similarly, I can recall a prayer book we kept outside our school’s chapel where students and staff, parents and alums could record the names of those for whom they wanted our school family to pray.

These practices are nice; they’re meaningful; they’re the way things should be.

But some names aren’t written. And some people aren’t remembered.

And that’s not how it should be.

Dear God—Please remember all the dead whose faith you alone have known.

And please forgive us when we think we knew. Amen. ■ George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.

by Deacon Bob Hunt

Delving deeper into the Book of Revelation The message of the text is one of hope, not fear, at least for those who put their hope in Christ

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or the last few weeks, I’ve been immersed in a deeper study of the Book of Revelation. November is a good month to study Revelation, for at the beginning of the month we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls, and at the end of the month we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King. The eternal reward of the saints and the victory of Christ are central themes in the Book of Revelation.

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of confusion surrounding this book, largely due to an interpretation of Revelation as something of a road map to the last days and the second coming of Christ. The notion that Revelation provides us with a timeline of events to watch for in order to identify the end of the world and the coming of Judgment Day is a common misunderstanding.

It’s not a new misunderstanding, but it has become more popular, I think, especially among our Evangelical brethren and in light of world events that some cannot resist the temptation to interpret according to the symbolism of Revelation.

So demonic locusts become Apache helicopters, Vladimir Putin is the

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Antichrist, and the battle of Armageddon will be fought between the forces of the United States, Russia, and China on Mount Megiddo in Israel. A dear loved one once told me that she won’t read Revelation because it frightens her. That’s a shame, because, while the book doesn’t mince words when it comes to the sufferings people will endure, including God’s faithful, the message of Revelation is one of hope, not fear, at least for those who put their hope in Christ.

The key text of the book is Revelation 1:19, where Christ comes to His servant John in a vision and tells him, “Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.” As such, the Catholic Church understands the Book of Revelation to be part commentary on the situation of the Church in the first century (in particular in Asia Minor, where John is told to write to seven churches of the region) and part a prophecy of what the faithful in Christ can expect in the future, not so much in the specific details of historic events to come, but of the torments the faithful will endure until the final victory of Christ over Satan.

In the Gospel According to John, Christ tells His disciples, “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). That word of encouragement from Christ Himself is a good perspective to keep when reading the Book of Revelation. God gave us this revelation through John, not to cause anxiety and distress among His people, but so that we might find peace in Christ knowing that, while we cannot expect to avoid tribulations in this temporal order, especially from those who are enemies of Christ, we know that the final victory belongs to Him, that He is Christ the King, and that His kingdom will never end.

And what a kingdom that will be!

After the final battle between God’s forces and those of Satan, when Satan is thrown into the pool of fire (Revelation 20:6), John sees a vision of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, com-

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ing down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.

He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.’ The one who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new’” (Revelation 21:1-5a).

This is the glory awaiting those who are victors in Christ.

We have a foretaste of that time when God will dwell among us in the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Christ reserved in the tabernacle for our adoration. Even as we face whatever adversities may come, our hope is firmly grounded in our faith—faith not that Christ will be victorious, but faith that He already is.

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

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

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS (3)

Father Boettner leads pilgrimage to the shrines of France Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was the spiritual leader for a recent pilgrimage to the shrines of France. The group of 33 pilgrims visited Mont Saint Michel and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (group pictures). Father Boettner was the main celebrant at a Mass at the grotto where Mother Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France, to name just a few of the holy and sacred sites the group visited. The pilgrimage group carried with it the prayer intentions of family, friends, and the diocese.

Calendar continued from page B5 teries. The Aegean cruise stops on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos and will also visit the ancient city of Ephesus, featuring some of the most magnificent excavations in the world, and visit Mary’s house. Contact Lisa Morris at 865-5671245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

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

16-26, 2023, with an optional extension to Jordan from Oct. 26-29. Pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting the holy and sacred sites of His life, death, and resurrection. They will journey to Bethlehem, Bethany, Masada, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and the Sea of Galilee area, including the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Capernaum, Magdala, and Tabgha. They will journey on to Mount Tabor, Jericho, the Mount

of Temptation, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea, then travel to Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall. They will have the blessing of walking the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa. There will be the opportunity to extend the pilgrimage for three days, visiting Jordan, including Petra. 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; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 6 p.m. most Thursdays at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net. n

ment of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, Nov. 13-15, at the church. The mission is presented by the Sacred Heart Apostolate of the Diocese of Knoxville. Daily topics are “Jesus is alive and needed in the world now more than ever,” “healing of relationships and forgiveness will enable us to open our hearts and homes to Jesus,” and “building a civilization of love.” Cost of the mission is free, and an offering will be taken each night. Light refreshments will be served. For more details, call the parish office at 423-282-6367.

Oct. 1 for the conversion of nations, the culture of life, the sanctity of marriage, peace on earth, vocations to the priesthood, and the sanctity of the Church and its members. A rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet were followed by eucharistic adoration and benediction.

Oct. 16 to raise funds to support their adventures for 2022-23.

Parish notes continued from page B4 advanced to the regional competition at St. John Neumann.

The Knights held a charity sale at Belk’s from Oct. 28-30. A $5 ticket enabled buyers to obtain in-store discounts for a private sale.

Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish’s annual fall festival was held after Sunday Mass on Nov. 6.

The Knights of Columbus hosted an Italian Night dinner Oct. 22 after the 5 p.m. Mass.

A blessing of animals was held Oct. 8.

The Knights thanked all parishioners who helped support their annual Tootsie Roll Drive benefiting individuals with intellectual disabilities. More than $800 was raised.

St. Mary is reopening its adoration chapel on the feast of Christ the King, Sunday, Nov. 20. An open house will follow all Masses that weekend. On Nov. 20, adoration in the church will take place at 3 p.m., with a procession around the campus at 3:30 and the reopening of the chapel at 4.

St. Patrick, Morristown

The Troops of St. George will be hosting a father/son breakfast following the 8 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Nov. 12, in Henkel Hall. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. For more information, visit troopsofsaintgeorge.org/troop/ troop-311.

The second annual Holy Ghost Christmas Market, featuring local vendors exhibiting handmade gifts, art, and food items, is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in the gym at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. Entry is free. Sign up on the Holy Ghost website at holy ghostknoxville.org. For more information, contact Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@ gmail.com.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

The Council of Catholic Women honored Respect Life Month in October with a baby shower Oct. 18 to benefit the Life Outreach Center.

The Knights of Columbus held a fall food drive to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, collecting nonperishable food items Nov. 5 and 6.

Anniversaries: John and Joan Pavlicek (51), Bill and Diane Hughes (45), John and Susan Hutchinson (45), David and Linda Lande (40), Harold and Mary Lou Carman (25), Roger and Angela Pryor (20), Juan Cruz-Mora and Aurora Moreno-Jaime (15), Mateo Gomez-Silvestre and Candalaria Martin (10), Armando Hernandez-Rangel and Esperanza Carreto-Vicente (5)

Paulist Fathers president Father René Constanza, CSP, joined St. John XXIII Parish on Oct. 15 for football and fellowship and visited IC for Sunday Mass on Oct. 16.

The women’s group at St. Joseph the Worker has begun holding monthly food drives on the second weekend of the month to resupply the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, which has seen an increase in demand because of economic conditions.

The parish’s first fall fest at Back to Me Roots Farm in Talbott was held Oct. 22 and featured a hay ride, animal feeding, and more.

Notre Dame, Greeneville

The parish pastoral council announced that the parish has adopted the men’s lacrosse team at Tusculum University.

A baby-bottle drive to celebrate Respect Life Week in October was held to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

Anniversaries: Joseph and Marie Ramby (30), Matthew and Nicolette Hicks (15)

The Knights of Columbus held their annual pancake breakfast at Aubrey’s on Nov. 5.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

Bernardo Bailon Ramos was named October Knight of the month by the Knights of Columbus.

St. Patrick celebrated Oktoberfest on Oct. 29 with an adults-only event featuring Hispanic foods.

Notre Dame has joined area churches in providing a Thanksgiving meal for neighbors in the region.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish held its fall picnic potluck Oct. 2. Even though the weather was beautiful, the parish held it indoors. It was sponsored by the WES (Welcoming, Events, and Social) Team.

Pulled pork and fried chicken were supplied by the parish. Parishioners filled in the rest of the meal with salads, sides, and desserts. One of the fun highlights was the “passing of the mic” so both newer and older parishioners could introduce themselves to each other. More than 70 people attended the potluck.

The parish recently introduced its parish council representatives, John Alpers, Kim Carideo, Laura and Paul Cutler, Steve DeWitt, Joe Haas, Charles B. Jones Jr., Rosey Mattson, Patrick Mulligan, Michelle Esther Odoi, Fred O’Hara, and Emma Standley.

Kingswood School recently thanked parishioners for their generosity in sending the students food.

Newcomers: Corey and Nicole Beaudreau; Anthony DeAngelo; Eric, Heather, and Ian Kallal; Michael Mastellone; Madison Schaekel; Debora Short

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

St. Francis of Assisi, Townsend

IC parishioner and retired chemistry professor Dr. Al Hazari held his 32nd annual presentation of “The Magic of Chemistry Show” on Oct. 11 at the University of Tennessee.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

The youth group held a Trunk or Treat event Oct. 30, featuring games, hayrides, bobbing for apples, food, music, and candy.

The parish family picnic was held Oct. 23 in Tellico Plains.

A blessing of pets took place Oct. 22.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville St. Mary, Johnson City A parish mission on “The EnthroneTH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

Holy Family, Seymour The parish hosted a day of prayer

Cub Scout Pack 22, sponsored by the cathedral, sold popcorn after Mass on

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Parishioners were invited to join a National Life Chain in Tellico Plains on Oct. 2. n NOVEMBER 6, 2022 n B7

bright future in Christ; not an easy one, a very challenging one, but a worthy, purpose-filled life in the Spirit,” he said.

“It is good that you have taken this time and this day together to remind yourself of how wonderful it is to be a believer, that God created us . . . and today, we say to you, ‘You’re never alone.’

God loves you immensely,” Bishop Spalding added. “He wants you to live your life to the fullest.

“He’s placed a wonderful dream within you, and as you love, as you care, as you show compassion, as you’re just and forgiving, you make God’s dream that is within you come true,” he concluded, referring to the first reading from Habakkuk. “Just open your eyes. It’s not dark. There is a light, and it will lead you, and we call that light Jesus Christ.”

Ms. Haug said she was pleased with how the event turned out.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “I think everyone has rekindled that fire, and they’re going to go home, and they’re going to set their diocese on fire for the faith.” n

Daily readings Tuesday, 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 Wednesday, Nov. 2: The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls), Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 6:3-9; John 6:37-40 Thursday, Nov. 3: Philippians 3:3-8; Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 15:1-10 Friday, Nov. 4: Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, Philippians 3:17–4:1; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 16:1-8 Saturday, Nov. 5: Philippians 4:1019; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 8-9; Luke 16:9-15 Sunday, Nov. 6: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5; Luke 20:27-38 Monday, Nov. 7: Titus 1:1-9; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 17:1-6 Tuesday, Nov. 8: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29; Luke

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COURTESY OF TENNESSEE REGISTER

Holy Fire continued from page B3

On fire for the Lord More than 900 youth and adults attended Holy Fire Nashville.

17:7-10 Wednesday, 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 Thursday, Nov. 10: Memorial of St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church, Philemon 7-20; Psalm 146:7-10; Luke 17:20-25 Friday, Nov. 11: Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, bishop, 2 John 4-9; Psalm 119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18; Luke 17:26-37 Saturday, Nov. 12: Memorial of St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr, 3 John 5-8; Psalm 112:1-6; Luke 18:1-8 Sunday, Nov. 13: Malachi 3:19-20; Psalm 98:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19 Monday, Nov. 14: Revelation 1:14 and 2:1-5; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 18:35-43 Tuesday, Nov. 15: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22; Psalm 15:2-5; Luke 19:1-10

Wednesday, Nov. 16: Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 150:1-6; Luke 19:11-28 Thursday, Nov. 17: Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious, Revelation 5:1-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Luke 19:41-44 Friday, Nov. 18: Revelation 10:8-11; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Luke 19:45-48 Saturday, Nov. 19: Revelation 11:4-12; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Luke 20:27-40 Sunday, Nov. 20: Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43 Monday, Nov. 21: Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Revelation 14:1-5; Psalm 24:16; Luke 21:1-4 Tuesday, Nov. 22: Memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, Revelation 14:14-19; Psalm 96:10-13; Luke 21:5-11 Wednesday, Nov. 23: Revelation

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15:1-4; Psalm 98:1-3, 7-9; Luke 21:12-19 Thursday, Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Day, Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 145:2-11; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19; memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and companions, martyrs, Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23 and 19:1-3, 9; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 21:20-28 Friday, Nov. 25: Revelation 20:1-4 and 20:11–21:2; Psalm 84:3-6, 8; Luke 21:29-33 Saturday, Nov. 26: Revelation 22:17; Psalm 95:1-7; Luke 21:34-36 Sunday, Nov. 27: First Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44 Monday, Nov. 28: Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday, Nov. 29: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday, Nov. 30: Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle, Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22 n

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COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS (4)

Parish and community news

NANCY POWELL (4)

Notre Dame Parish completes playground project Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville has completed its playground project. Because of COVID restrictions, the project took three years to complete under the partnership of the St. Agnes Guild of the Council of Catholic Women. The charism of the guild is directed to mothers with children, and a playground fits that description.

The members held many fundraisers to make this project a success, including iGiveCatholic, a yard sale, food sales, private donations, and grants. On Sept.

25, Notre Dame pastor Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, officially blessed the new playground with the elementary religious-education students and catechists present. The children were excited to see this project become a reality. Above, Valeria Lopez tests out one of the new pieces of playground equipment.

More than 500 attend St. Stephen picnic On a beautiful, cool, and windy Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga held its family picnic for the first time in three years. The parish thanks pastor Father Manuel Pérez for the return of the event and the more than 70 volunteers from the parish who made it happen. The picnic was well attended by a record crowd of more than 500 parishioners who had missed this annual community gettogether. Knights of Columbus Council 6099 cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, the Ladies Auxiliary prepared cakes for a cake walk, and the parishioners brought food or drink. There were inflatables, a petting zoo, a raffle wheel, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a balloon artist, the Chattanooga Fire Department, and sports activities for the children and the young at heart. Good music was provided, and there was even a surprise visit from Laurel and Hardy.

Knights grill master Steve Reker and his crew are pictured above.

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COURTESY OF SISTER MARY JOHN SLONKOSKY, OP

Catholic schools

BILL BREWER

DR. KELLY KEARSE

St. Mary-Oak Ridge students study the virtue of hope Each year, St. Mary School in Oak Ridge engages in the study and practice of the virtues that restore our likeness to God, who created us in His image and likeness. No one has perfected living all the virtues all the time, yet each of us is given the grace and experience in practicing different virtues. This year St. Mary is focusing on the virtue of hope. The motto is “Anchored in Hope, we trust our savior, Jesus Christ.” Utilizing the Virtues in Practice program developed by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, each month the teachers instruct and guide students in studying and practicing a virtue related to the virtue of hope. Included are different saints who exemplify a specific virtue, and each grade-level group studies different saints. The homeroom teachers nominate a student in their class, and a teacher or staff member is also chosen to highlight their exemplary practice of the virtue. The students receive a certificate and recognition over the intercom. They are immensely proud to be recognized and walk with a little more confidence in practicing the virtues in their daily lives. Pictured are (from left) Leilani Cooper, Brissa Zambrano, Sadie Pellegrin, James Lutz, Ezekiel Monroe, Josephine Shanahan, Kara Beck, St. Mary principal Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP, Aniston Bishop, pre-K4 teacher Candace Meador, and Cooper Marquez. Not pictured is Joseph Greeson.

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

KCHS, NDHS football teams both win in Knoxville Knoxville Catholic High School receiver Braylon Harmon (top photo) makes a catch in the Fighting Irish’s 43-42 home win over Father Ryan on Sept. 30. The Irish stood at 3-6 after ending the regular season with a 56-24 loss at Montgomery Bell Academy on Oct. 28. KCHS played at Christian Brothers in Memphis in the first round of the playoffs Nov. 4. Above, Notre Dame High School players break the cheerleaders’ run-through sign as they competed at Christian Academy of Knoxville on Oct. 21.

The Fighting Irish of Chattanooga defeated the Warriors 35-30. Notre Dame finished the season 4-6 with a 17-12 win at The King’s Academy in Seymour on Oct. 28.

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COURTESY OF ANDY ZENGEL

Notre Dame student creates award-winning sculpture A Prometheus sculpture was created by former Notre Dame High School student Tucker Lesar, class of 2022, during a summer internship with the Sloss Metal Arts program. The sculpture won first place in a display art show and also has a buyer. The sculpture is being displayed on loan in the NDHS art room.

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

NDHS teacher has works printed in Korean poetry book English department chair Chuck Newell at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga has printed works in the newly released book “Sijo, Korea’s Poetry Form.” Mr. Newell began teaching students how to write sijo poetry in 2013.

At that time, Notre Dame hosted many international Korean students, and some had a difficult time adjusting to life in America and fitting in at school.

The Sejong Cultural Society, located in Chicago, sponsors a sijo writing competition every year, and Mr. Newell thought that would be a great way to introduce Korean culture to the school. Over the years, Mr. Newell has had quite a few students win prizes in this national competition, and he has been invited by the Sejong Cultural Society to teach other teachers about sijo both online and in person. The society has just published a book about sijo for classroom teachers. The book includes some of Mr. Newell’s sijo and lesson plans about writing haiku and sijo. It can be purchased on Amazon.

Notre Dame presents Alumni Awards Joe Coleman (’72) and Ken Mara (’68) were recognized for their commitment and service to Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga at the school’s recent 2022 Alumni Awards Ceremony. Mr. Coleman received the Distinguished Service Award for his citizenship, community involvement, leadership, and personal achievements. Mr. Mara was honored with the Jim Phifer Service Award for his deeply rooted connection and support of Notre Dame. Both graduates exemplify the true meaning of stewardship, and the school thanks them for their contributions to the Notre Dame and Catholic communities. Above, Mr. Mara (left) stands with wife Kathy and Mr. Coleman with wife Julie EdwardsKitchen Coleman.

KCHS student’s Eagle Scout project benefits St. Joseph School Lawrence Mancini (left), a student at Knoxville Catholic High School, completed his Eagle Scout project with St. Joseph School in Knoxville as the beneficiary.

Lawrence did all the planning, fundraising, and work for a new flagpole to be installed at St. Joseph. The school held the inaugural flag-raising with Lawrence’s family in attendance Oct. 5. w ww.di o k no x .o rg

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