April 25, 2010, East Tennessee Catholic

CNS/A. GOLEC, AGENCJA GAZETA

Poland bids farewell Soldiers follow the gun carriage with the coffin containing the body of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in Krakow, Poland, April 18. Poland’s president; his wife, Maria; and other officials were among the 96 people killed in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia, April 10.

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 19 • Number 16 • April 25, 2010

The

N E W S PA P E R

of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E w w w. d i o k n o x . o r g

Knoxville’s campus parish holds symposium focusing on consecrated life

Priest permanently suspended Father Bill Casey admits there is credibility to a sex-abuse charge and is removed from ministry. By Dan McWilliams

BY DA N M CW I L L I AMS

John XXIII continued on page 3

Please pray for our priests Dear Lord: We pray that the Blessed Mother will wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy and filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Amen.

St. John Vianney, pray for us. ■ Download prayers and a rosary booklet: bit.ly/priestprayers.

ather Bill Casey of Greeneville has been permanently removed from ministry after admitting there is credibility to an Indiana man’s accusation of sexual abuse against him.

Bishop Richard F. Stika announced at a press conference April 15 at the Chancery that the 76-yearold retired priest, who has since been arrested, has been permanently suspended from ministry.

Warren A. Tucker, 44, of Jeffersonville, Ind., said that Father Casey “sexually abused me in every way imaginable” from the time he was 10 1/2 to about age 15. At the time Father Casey was pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, Tenn., and Mr. Tucker was a student at St. Dominic School.

“I want to assure you that Father Casey has now been removed from ministry, and he will never again function as a priest of the church,” said Bishop Stika, later adding that “as bishop of the Catholic Church of East Tennessee, I want to apologize to Mr. Tucker, to his family, and to anyone else who has been harmed by Father Casey.”

Mr. Tucker contacted the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), which urged him to come forward with his allegation.

SNAP of Tennessee’s East Tennessee coordinator, Su-

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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Bishop Stika addresses media at a press conference April 15 at the Chancery, during which he announced that Father Bill Casey “has now been removed from ministry and . . . will never again function as a priest of the church.”

SOMBER NEWS

san Vance, was with Mr. Tucker when he went public with his story April 14 by reading a statement to

local media in the parking lot of the Chancery office in Knoxville.

He gave diocesan chancel-

lor Deacon Sean Smith and a member of the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board a detailed account the same day. At that point, as per diocesan policy, Father Casey was suspended from ministry, pending an investigation. That evening Bishop Stika met in person with the priest, who “admitted that there is credibility to Mr. Tucker’s statement,” said the bishop.

Father Casey was then permanently removed from ministry. [Editor’s note: Because William Casey can no longer represent himself as a priest, we will hereafter refer to him as Mr. Casey on second reference, except in direct quotes.]

“Father Casey is ashamed of his actions and truly saddened by the harm he has caused Mr. Tucker, his family, the church, and all the faithful of the church,” said the bishop, who along with Deacon Smith apologized in person to Mr. Tucker on April 15 at the Chancery.

The alleged abuse took place in Kingsport, in Greene County, and on trips he took with Mr. Casey to McDowell County, N.C., said Mr. Tucker. He filed a criminal complaint against Mr. Casey in September in Marion, N.C., because North Carolina—unlike Tennessee—does not have a statue of limitations on charges of childhood sexual abuse.

Casey continued on page 2

More than 90 clergy join bishop at Chrism Mass ‘We are the church of East Tennessee, surrounded by the beauty of the faith so amply lived,” Bishop Stika says to a standing-room-only gathering.

B Y D A N MCW I L L I A MS

he annual Chrism Mass is a Holy Week liturgy that celebrates priestly service and the blessing of the oils used throughout the church year, but Bishop Richard F. Stika said it also places a “focus on the Church” itself.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s shepherd presided over his second Chrism Mass on March 30 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. A standing-room-only gathering of the faithful filled the pews and side aisles, and more than 90 clergy participated in the liturgy.

“We are the church of East Tennessee, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the lakes and the beauty of the faith that is so amply lived as a small community and yet as an instrumental community of faith in this area of the

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DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

ome 36 University of Tennessee student parishioners of Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville met Bishop Richard F. Stika and more than a dozen clergy and women religious March 31 at the first Consecrated Life Symposium hosted by the campus parish.

Host pastor Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, welcomed the entire gathering in the Paulus Room, where John XXIII celebrates Sunday Mass. The men then remained there, and the women religious and students departed for the dailyMass chapel. After the groups split, the visitors introduced themselves to the students, told what they loved about the consecrated life, and fielded questions from the young people.

The Catholic Student Association organized the symposium. Brandi Panter, a CSA director, was the coordinator.

“It was a remarkable experience because we brought together

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Priests, deacons, and servers surround Bishop Stika at the altar during the annual Chrism Mass. After the homily, the priests stood before the bishop and renewed their commitment to serve, and Bishop Stika asked the assembly to pray for their priests and for him.

PRIESTS RECOMMIT TO SERVE

Chrism Mass continued on page 6

EDITOR

Reader proposes ‘truth commissions’

I appreciate Bishop Stika’s letter addressing the recent case of child sexual abuse by a priest in the Knoxville Diocese. [Editor’s note: See the bishop’s column, page 3, for the full text of the letter. A video presentation of the letter is available online at bit.ly/d51GcS.] He does not stoop to the shameful practice of defending Church leaders, who are collectively responsible for failing to adequately address the sexual abuse and cover-up that continues to plague our Church worldwide, but he also does not say what our bishops should do.

We, Roman Catholic laity and religious everywhere, must insist on a series of universal directives and policies for dealing with this crisis. If the Vatican does not take action, American bishops must lead the way for the rest of the Church.

Local or regional truth commissions composed of religious and laity, men and women from outside dioceses and independent of local bishops, should be convened for as long as needed to hear from anyone with knowledge or suspicion of abuse.

Every sister, deacon, brother, priest, and bishop must immediately report to the commission every instance of known or suspected abuse and cover-up. Any religious who fails to do so and is subsequently found to have such knowledge should be immediately removed from office and duties.

In cases where the alleged abuser is still alive, the Church must immediately suspend the accused from duties and deliver to civil authorities the full case files for disposition.

All those in authority who refused to act in the best interest of the abused should publicly repent of their sins: cowardice, self-preservation, and choosing to protect an institution over innocent individuals.

All those who report to the commission should be treated with compassion and justice. Legal counsel should be provided to all accused to encourage prompt disposition of criminal cases, with special attention given to clearing the names and returning to duties those falsely accused.

Only through such a process—one that is transparent, independent, clear in its consequences, and universal in its application—will our Church begin to heal and reverse the damage from generations of criminal behavior by abusers and poor judgment by those who failed to report abusers to civil authorities. ■ —Thomas Burns Oak Ridge Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length.

Submit them by e-mail or mail: news@ dioknox.org, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.

Diocese offers ongoing Virtus child-protection training sessions he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth—a three-hour seminar called “Protecting God’s Children”—is offered regularly throughout the diocese.

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

The following training sessions have been scheduled: ■ St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 26; 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 21;

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9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15; 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 18 (sessions will be held in St. Anne Hall) ■ St. Mary Church, Oak Ridge, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 11 (session will be held in the youth center) ■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 13; 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15; 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 9 ■ Our Lady of Lourdes Church, South Pittsburg, noon Sunday, May 16 ■ St. Albert the Great Church, Knoxville, 6 p.m. Monday, May 17.

To register for a session, visit virtusonline. org. ■

Diocese of Knoxville procedure for reporting sexual abuse Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities first, then to the bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.

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APRIL 25, 2010

living the

READINGS

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

enjoy it. Very soon they were met with violent abuse and contradiction. The consolation didn’t last long. Nonetheless, the two apostles must have remembered Jesus’ words that the Father is still in charge. They made the best of the situation and brought many Gentiles to the faith.

Our second reading makes the same point but in the opposite sequence. John had been confined to a prison colony on the island of Patmos. It was not meant to be a happy place. Despite that, John had visions of immense consolation. He saw a great multitude and was told, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress.”

So after the final stress of resistance to the Good News, consolation does come if we persevere—and it will last for all eternity. ■

Consolation and resistance If we depend on the Lord, nothing can separate us from him.

In the spiritual life you can be sure of two things: you will be able to experience the deep joy and overwhelming consolation of unity with God, and you will encounter strong resistance.

Today’s Gospel lays out this theme. Jesus tells us that as our Good Shepherd, he speaks to us, and we can hear his voice. That is the goal of our spiritual quest: to have such a relationship with Christ that we can comprehend his messages to us.

What a fantastic experience.

But there is an implied warning in Jesus’ next sentence: “No one can take them out of my hand.” It seems as though

the Lord is reassuring us, and he is. He is letting us know, however, that certain forces are bent on taking us out of his hands. If we do not depend on Christ and the Father, there is the very real chance we could give in to temptation or fear.

Look at the story of Paul and Barnabas in the first reading. They had a most uplifting experience on the second Sabbath they spent in Antioch in Pisidia. On the first Sabbath they preached. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city turned out to hear them, so successful were they in communicating the message that they had seen Jesus, a man executed by the Romans, gloriously alive.

Surely that huge and enthusiastic crowd brought great joy to Paul and Barnabas—yet they had very little time to

In threes Jesus teaches the why, how, and what of love.

uman beings tend to see reality in threes. We think of things under such categories as beginning, middle, and end, or the past, present, and future. The list could go on and on. The Scriptures, as one might expect,

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teach us in threes as well.

Today’s Gospel presents Jesus’ teaching us the greatest commandment. All he does is present it three times, each with a slightly different angle. First, the commandment is

April 25, fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 13:14, 43-52 Psalm 100:1-5 Revelation 7:9, 14-17 John 10:27-30

stated simply: “Love one another.” In the second iteration, Jesus tells us how to love: “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Finally, he lets us know the desired result of following this law: “This is how all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus has thus told us the what, how, and why of his

commandment.

That’s everything we need to know.

Threes come again in the second reading from the book of Revelation. There, John uses the device of threes to tell us about Readings continued on page 3

May 2, fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 14:21-27 Psalm 145:8-13 Revelation 21:1-5 John 13:31-35

WEEKDAY READINGS Monday, April 26: Acts 11:1-18; Psalms 42:2-3 and 43:3-4; John 10:1-10 Tuesday, April 27: Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 87:1-7; John 10:22-30 Wednesday, April 28: Acts 12:24– 13:5; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; John 12:44-50 Thursday, April 29: Memorial, Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of

Tuesday, May 4: Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-13, 21; John 14:27-31 Wednesday, May 5: Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 122:1-5; John 15:1-8 Thursday, May 6: Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96:1-3, 10; John 15:9-11 Friday, May 7: Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 57:8-10, 12; John 15:12-17 Saturday, May 8: Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5; John 15:18-21 ■

the Church, Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; John 13:1620 Friday, April 30: Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-11; John 14:1-6 Saturday, May 1: Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 98:1-4; John 14:7-14 Monday, May 3: Feast, Philip and James, apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:18; Psalm 19:2-5; John 14:6-14

Casey continued from page 1

On April 19 Mr. Casey was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, which “received information that he was wanted in McDowell County, N.C., on a first-degree sexual-offense charge,” reported The Greeneville Sun. Prosecutors later changed the charge to a felony crime against nature, the law that was on the books in 1977, when the abuse was alleged to have occurred in Marion, because the first-degree sexualoffense charge did not become official until Jan. 1, 1980, reported The McDowell News.

Bishop Stika reported the charges to Nashville Bishop David R. Choby because the alleged abuse occurred when East Tennessee was part of the Diocese of Nashville.

Mr. Casey served his entire nearly 41-year priesthood in

ETC FILE PHOTO

letters to the

William Casey

East Tennessee, which was part of the Diocese of Nashville until the Knoxville Diocese was created in 1988. A native of Clearwater, Fla., he is a convert from the Baptist faith. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Joseph A. Durick on May 2, 1969.

Casey continued on page 6

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W .

He served as associate pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga for the first three years of his priesthood. He became pastor of Notre Dame and of St. Henry in Rogersville in June 1972 and served both parishes for four years. From 1976 to 1987 he was pastor of St. Dominic and from 1987 to 1997 he served as pastor of St. John Neumann in Farragut.

Mr. Casey returned to Greeneville in 1997 as pastor of Notre Dame. He also became pastor of Good Shepherd in Newport. He retired in 1999 to his home in Greeneville and has assisted at Notre Dame Church and elsewhere as needed.

Notre Dame parishioners were stunned by the news concerning the priest who had served in their parish for so

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn.

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TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

he dwells

AMONG US

BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA

Healing and justice The bishop addresses the faithful after a priest is accused of sexual abuse.

My dear friends in Christ: As the bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, I want to apologize to you all. The sexual abuse of minors by anyone is a travesty of the greatest magnitude and is an abomination before God. Last Wednesday a report of sexual abuse was brought to our attention, and I want to outline the steps we took as soon as we learned of it.

On Wednesday morning, April 14, Warren Tucker met with our chancellor, Deacon Sean Smith, and a member of our Diocesan Review Board.

Mr. Tucker accused Father Bill Casey, a retired priest of the Diocese of Knoxville, of sexually abusing him while Father Casey was pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport between 1975 and 1980. At that time St. Dominic was a part of the Diocese of Nashville.

Within two hours of learning of the allegations of sexual abuse, we immediately took a series of steps, according to the procedures outlined in our longstanding diocesan policy on sexual misconduct.

This policy is available on our diocesan website (at bit.ly/ bQsdSW). We notified the district attorney’s office and the police department in the jurisdiction in Tennessee where the offenses were said to have taken place as well as the jurisdiction where Father Casey currently resides. That evening I met with Father Bill Casey, and he admitted that there was credibility to Mr. Tucker’s statement. Father Casey is ashamed of his actions and truly saddened by the harm he has caused Mr. Tucker, his family, the Church, and its faithful.

On Thursday morning I held a press conference at the

Chancery to inform the community of our findings and to ask the media’s help in disseminating news of this case so that if there are other victims, they may also courageously step forward so that healing can begin.

As bishop of the Catholic Church of East Tennessee, I want to apologize to Mr. Tucker, his family, and to anyone else who may have been harmed by Father Casey or by anyone in authority in the Diocese of Knoxville. I applaud Mr. Tucker and all the brave men and women—the victims and their families—for seeking healing and justice, and I strongly encourage any victim of abuse to come forward.

As your shepherd, I want to assure you that we have acted swiftly to remove Father Casey from ministry and that he will never again function as a priest in the Catholic Church.

I know that you look to the Church for guidance and support. You have a right to expect your children to be safe at church and at school. And so, when we hear details of individuals abusing and molesting children, we are horrified, repulsed, and even heartbroken. Some of you may feel as though you have lost your faith in God and in the Church, in the midst of these difficult circumstances.

It is my prayer that you will not allow the emotions of the moment to sway your thoughts, beliefs, and most of all, your faith.

I also want to publicly address my good and faithful brother priests. Every time an incident of sexual abuse involving a priest comes to light, it is like a punch in the gut to us. It brings us to our knees in sorrow, prayer, and penance—profound sorrow and prayer for the victim.

These are our children too, and we hurt for the victims and their families. I also hurt

for my brother priests who will once again have doubts about how people will look at them and what people will think. The abuse of children is not a problem that is limited to priests or caused by celibacy. It is a widespread problem in our society, and we must face it together.

I ask you to join me in praying for all victims of abuse throughout the world. I also ask you to pray for Father Casey. God’s mercy knows no bounds, but for Father Casey, who must now answer to the justice that is due, we pray that his own prayers and penance will bring divine assistance in bringing healing to the victims and to our local Church.

In conclusion, know that as I pray the Divine Office each morning and evening, I will be praying for all of you, that you will receive God’s healing embrace, his comfort, and his peace. ■ Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop Richard F. Stika BISHOP STIKA’S SCHEDULE These are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments: April 25: 5 p.m., concelebrant, investiture of Dr. Dave Mueckl as Knight of St. Gregory, St. Louis April 28: 9:45 a.m., Mass, Knoxville Catholic High School April 29: 8:40 a.m., Mass, Knoxville Catholic High School; 7 p.m., confirmation, St. Albert the Great Church, Knoxville April 30: noon, luncheon and Mass, St. Jude Catholic School, Chattanooga May 1: 5:30 p.m., confirmation, St. Mary Church, Oak Ridge May 2: 9:30 a.m., confirmation, St. Patrick Church, Morristown; 6 p.m., confirmation, St. John Neumann Church, Farragut May 3: 7 p.m., confirmation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga May 4: 7 p.m., confirmation, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus May 7: 8 a.m., first Friday Mass with schoolchildren, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus May 9-20: diocesan pilgrimage to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany ■

OFFICE

Bishop Stika expresses thanks for response to seminarian expression ishop Richard F. Stika expressed his deep gratitude to all who contributed to the special second collection for seminarian education that was taken up on Easter weekend. The annual cost of priestly formation is approximately $45,000 per man. ■

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Readings continued from page 2

the love God has for us. In John’s vision of the New Jerusalem, a loud voice tells him, “He will dwell with them, they will be his people, and God himself will always be with them.” Here we have the what, why, and how long of God’s abiding presence. He is with us; that makes us his people; and this will last forever.

You’d expect the first reading to show a significant use of threes as well, and you would not be disappointed. Luke narrates for us what Paul and Barnabas did for the new Christian communities they had established during what we call Paul’s first missionary journey.

First, “they strengthened the spirits of the [newly converted] disciples.” This is the why of Jesus’ teaching on his commandment to love.

The churches would be united as a permanent sign of the love of God. They must persevere against all resistance. Next, “they appointed elders for them.” These men—presbyteroi in Greek, or priests—functioned to keep the Church together and to celebrate the Eucharist.

This is the how of being in a love relationship with God, namely through the sacraments.

Finally, “by means of prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord.” That is the what of Jesus’ commandment. Loving is, at its most basic level, being one with the triune God. ■ Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

Faith-formation classes continue he 2010 series of adult faith-formation classes will continue throughout the year and in locations around the diocese. Classes are offered at no charge to all interested adults in the diocese. Sessions take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7 p.m. and end at 9. Online registration is available at bit.ly/faith-formation.

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Spirituality, taught by Father Michael Woods.

Explores the foundations of how our faith is expressed and deepened through prayer and spirituality. The class will examine the concept of spiritual development and how intimate communion with God is available to all people.

■ Tuesday, May 11, Notre Dame Church, Greeneville What we believe, taught by Deacon David Lucheon. Explores the foundations of what we profess as Catholics. The class will examine the principal truths of the faith as expressed in the creeds of the Church.

■ Thursday, Oct. 14, St. Mary Church, Johnson City ■ Tuesday, Nov. 9, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga

DAN MCWILLIAMS

John XXIII continued from page 1

religious sisters and priests to talk about how they felt called to their vocation and how their ministries sustain their vocation,” said Bishop Stika. “Through their testimony, and especially through their joy, I think they had a great influence.”

Knoxville’s bishops have taken questions from students at John XXIII before, but the parish had never attempted anything quite like the symposium, said Father Donahue.

The Year for Priests and the diocese’s new Called by Name vocation program [April 11 ETC] helped give momentum to the idea, he said.

“This is the first time we’ve done it this way,” he said. “With this being the Year of the Priest and the Called by Name program starting up soon, we wanted to have something on consecrated life, what it means, and how different people here in East Tennessee are living out the consecrated life.”

Priests joining the bishop and Father Donahue at the sym-

from the bishop’s

Sister Yvette Gillen, RSM, speaks at the Consecrated Life Symposium at Blessed John XXIII. With her are Brandi Panter (left), who coordinated the event, and parishioner Lisa Elder.

‘LIVING THE CONSECRATED LIFE’

posium were Father Gerard Tully, a Paulist assisting at Immaculate Conception in Knoxville; Father John Behnke, CSP, the novice director and superior of the Paulist house in Washington, D.C.; Father Michael Woods, pastor of All Saints in Knoxville; and Father Brent Shelton, associate pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa. Deacon Dean Burry and wife Karen attended, as did Paulist novice Jay Duller.

Dominican Sisters

T H E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

John Catherine and Andrea Marie came to the symposium and were joined by Mercy Sisters Albertine Paulus, Yvette Gillen, Margaret Turk, Mary Christine Cremin, Mary Sarah Macht, Timothea Elliott, and Maria Lin Pacold.

Miss Panter told the students to ask the guests any questions, such as “What is your favorite color?”

“Black,” Bishop Stika responded to the hypothetical query.

One question from the men’s group led to a discussion that

made an impact on Father Donahue because it highlighted the word life in “consecrated life,” he said.

“I think the real interest was in sustaining this life as one grows up and grows old, and that was really a beautiful thing for us to be talking about because we were looking at it as the consecrated life, not necessarily the consecrated year or the consecrated couple of years.

“It’s a whole life of walking with people in ministry and service.” ■

www.d ioknox.org

Personal morality, taught by Father Michael Sweeney. Explores the foundations of what we believe as Catholics and why we believe it. How do we know the Church’s position on moral issues is correct? How do we live as faithful Catholics in a world that seemingly rejects the Church’s teachings at every turn? This session will examine the concepts of human dignity, freedom, law, sin, virtue, and conscience as well as current moral issues. It will also provide insight into how we may explain the Church’s position to those searching for answers in a confusing world.

■ Tuesday, Oct. 5, St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga ■ Thursday, Nov. 4, location TBD

Catechetical days The diocese’s catechetical formation program for adults also continues in 2010, with one catechist-orientation session remaining. It will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on May 22 at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge.

The program, presented in collaboration with Aquinas College in Nashville, is intended for parish catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and other interested adults.

The orientation introduces participants to the various dimensions of catechetical ministry: spirituality of the catechist, the catechetical process, catechetical documents and resources, ecclesial methodology, and the development of a catechist portfolio. The course is primarily for catechists but is open to any interested adult. There is no charge.

For details about both programs, contact Father Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@ dioknox.org or 865-584-3307. ■ APRIL 25, 2010

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BY TONI PACITTI

■ Grandparents Day will be held Friday, April 30, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. The day will include Mass, brunch, entertainment by students, an art show, and a book fair.

■ Ann Meinert of OLPH School was named an outstanding educator by the Hamilton Place Rotary Club. Mrs. Meinert has been teaching for 19 years.

■ Anniversary: Frank and Joyce Delaney (55)

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City ■ The parish has begun praying for vocations with the Elijah Cup, a chalice presented to a family each Sunday at the end of Mass to use as a focal point while praying each day.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill

St. Mary, Oak Ridge

■ The Saturday vigil will be celebrat-

■ The parish will host a dinner and concert at 7 p.m. Friday, May 7, to support Father John Appiah’s Ghana medical mission. Music will be provided by JB and the Honey Beans. Cost is $30. A cash bar will be provided.

Ages 21 or older. RSVP by Friday, April 30. Call Father John Appiah at 423329-0202 or the St. Mary Ministry Center at 482-2875.

ed at 6:30 p.m. from May 1 through September. The Mass is held at 5:30 p.m. the rest of the year. Other Mass times are unaffected.

St. Jude, Chattanooga ■ Parish middle school–aged youth helped their parents clean the church April 10.

■ The parish website committee needs volunteers to help with development and maintenance. Call Tom Picard at 423-870-2386.

■ Knights of Columbus Council 8576 will host a breakfast in Siener Hall after the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, April 25. Donations will be accepted.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga ■ The parish’s Memorial Hospital

lunch program provided sandwiches, cookies, and soft drinks to intensivecare waiting rooms April 7.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ The annual parish picnic will be held Sunday, May 16, in the Knights of Columbus hall on Sylvan Drive in North Chattanooga.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville ■ The parish hosted a Mass on April 19 to pray for the Polish government leaders and others who died in a jet crash April 10. The liturgy included Polish hymns.

■ The third annual plant sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 30, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, on the Cedar Bluff Road side of the church. The featured plant this year is red heather. Sale proceeds will be used to purchase plants and supplies for the church grounds. Call Angela Otey at 865-679-4972.

■ A May crowning will be held after the 9 a.m. Mass Tuesday, May 4.

Parishioners are encouraged to bring flowers and process in song to the outdoor statue of the Blessed Mother.

■ The parish’s adult social, themed “Roaring Into the ’20s,” will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 7, at Knoxville Catholic High School. Cost is $25 through Sunday, May 2, and $30 afterward. Ages 21 and older. Call the parish office at 865-531-0770.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ Mother’s Day cards are available in the narthex for remembering deceased and living relatives and friends at a Mass on Sunday, May 9. Donations will be used for parish activities on behalf of the Council of Catholic Women.

OLPH, LaFollette ■ The social-justice committee will sponsor a retreat beginning with dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 23, and an evening session at the home of Diane Roberts. The retreat will continue with breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 24, followed by the retreat session at 9.

Former pastor Father Michael Sweeney will direct the retreat.

■ A dinner, with the theme “Honor Thy Mother,” to raise money for Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center in LaFollette will be served at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in the church’s community room. Dinner will include grilled salmon or flat-iron steak, potatoes, vegetable, salad, drinks, and dessert. Costs are $25 for anyone over 12, $15 for children 8 to 12, and free for children under 8.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City ■ The parish celebrated its annual birthday party for its most senior members April 18. Ten parishioners ranging from 90 to 105 years old were honored this year.

■ The biannual rummage sale is set for Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8. Infant clothing through size-12 children’s clothes will be accepted (no adult clothing). Items for the sale may be dropped off after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 2, until 3 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, May 3 through 6. Baked goods are needed for the sale. Call Betty Jo Lavelle at 865397-4332 or Pat Karpick at 397-6770.

Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ The Council of Catholic Women sponsored a bake and craft sale after all Masses on the weekend of April 17 and 18 to benefit various activities of the CCW and the kitchen fund.

St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ The parish is collecting paperback books and magazines for donation to area prisons. Categories are limited to war, westerns, mysteries, biographies, science fiction, history, inspirational, self improvement, and devotional. Magazines are limited to Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, and Prevention, as well as small religious magazines. Place donations in the box outside the church-office door. Contact Billye Whitaker at 423-239-3199 or billyeann@charter.net for more details.

■ Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate the confirmation Mass at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 2.

■ The baccalaureate Mass for graduating seniors will be held at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 5.

■ There will be a teacher-appreciation brunch at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, May 9, in the parish center.

■ The Hispanic ministry will sponsor a Mother’s Day social at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 9 in the parish center.

■ Knights of Columbus Council 6730 will provide entertainment at Project Graduation, an after-graduation party at College Square Mall, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

rian J. Bacon Jr. is the new director of music at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade.

Mr. Bacon is also the director of choral activities for Encore Chorales of Tennessee and a local private voice instructor.

He has been the director of worship, director of music and liturgy, and director of music for many churches throughout the Tennessee and Missouri area, including St. Mark the Evangelist Church in Independence, Mo.; Our Lady of

B

Brian Bacon

Guadalupe Church in St. Joseph, Mo.; Sand Branch United Methodist Church in Knoxville; United Church, Chapel On the Hill in Oak Ridge; and First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rockwood.

He was educated at

Roane State Community College in Harriman and Maryville College, where he received his bachelor of arts in music. Mr. Bacon has performed with the Knoxville Opera Company Chorus, the Cumberland County Community Chorus, and many others.

Mr. Bacon is married to Amanda Bacon, who is originally from Crossville, and has three daughters, Autumn Catherine, 5, Savannah Rose, 2, and Lillian Grace, 5 months. The Bacons currently live in Cookeville. ■

Father Appiah speaks at Notre Dame CCW meeting Twenty-two members of the Council of Catholic Women at Notre Dame in Greeneville met in the parish hall March 28. President Denise Michaud introduced Notre Dame pastor Father John Appiah, who presented a talk about his recent trips to Haiti and to Notre Dame’s sister parish of Immaculate Conception de Roseaux, located about 200 miles north of Port-au-Prince. As a result of the devastating earthquake in Port-Au-Prince, Immaculate Conception will be affected by displaced families needing food and shelter. Above, Mrs. Michaud presents Father Appiah with a certificate of appreciation. The council’s next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 22, in the parish hall.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville ■ The eighth-grade class will sell flowers from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 7, in the pavilion to raise money for a special class gift to honor Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Contact Linda McDermott at 865-207-0539 or jlmcd45@ comcast.net.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville ■ A parish celebration and appreciation day will be held Sunday, April 25.

The event will include an outdoor Mass at 11 a.m., a picnic, games for children, a blessing of the St. Albert the Great statue, and entertainment by parishioners, including music director Eva George. Rain date is May 2. ■

APRIL 25, 2010

St. Francis in Fairfield Glade has new music director

■ The women’s group will sponsor a thank-you party for altar servers and youth volunteers Monday, May 10, at Skatetown in Fountain City. E-mail Moira Connelly at Connellyfam6@ bellsouth.net to RSVP.

spring tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in Father Sheehan Hall. Cost is $5.

■ Father John Dowling will lead a nine-week Bible study on the book of Romans from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays beginning May 3.

■ Anniversaries: Ed and Joan Bullock ■

St. Thomas women’s guild donates items to help refugees Women’s guild members at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City responded enthusiastically to a request for household-item donations for Knoxville’s Bridge Refugee Services. Bridge facilitates the resettling of refugees in the local area. From left are Sandy Peterson, guild program chair; Marilyn Bresnan, Bridge executive director; and Lil Pendergast, guild president.

St. Patrick, Morristown

■ The social-life committee will host a

4

COURTESY OF DANA HOGAN

OLPH, Chattanooga

(60), Nelson and Nancy Birtsch (56), Dick and Caroline Cieszenski (55), Dan and Bonnie Schmitt (54), John and Ellie Gratton (52), Norm and Carol Adams (45), Sam and Ann Hall (35), Arthur and Betty Albert (5)

COURTESY OF MAGGIE MAY

Chattanooga Deanery

COURTESY OF SHIRLEY COPELAND

NOTES

COURTESY OF ROSEANN STRAZINSKY

parish

Sprucing up the St. Patrick grounds St. Patrick Parish in Morristown held a Spring Spruce-Up day on the church grounds April 10. Above, St. Patrick pastor Father Joseph Hammond, CHS, stops to visit parishioners Marlene and John Karwowski, who transplanted periwinkle to the oncebare bank behind them.

www.d ioknox.org

TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

BY TONI PACITTI

The second annual Father Albert Henkel Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, April 23, at Knoxville Municipal Golf Course. Check-in and breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Players and sponsors should contact Joe Fuhr at 865-693-1810 or jfuhr4221@aol.com.

The 12th annual Catholic Charities of East Tennessee “Kids Helping Kids” Fun Walk benefiting Columbus Home is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

CCET executive director Father Ragan Schriver will lead the walk, and former All Saints associate Father Augustine Idra, AJ, will make a return visit. Costs are $25 per family (four T-shirts maximum) or $10 per person, each increasing by $5 on the day of the event.

Register at active.com (enter “Kids Helping Kids” in the search box) or call Lisa Ingle at CCET at 865-524-9896, extension 102, for a brochure. To volunteer, call Linda McDermott at 5883181. To sponsor the event, contact Mike Martin at 694-0629 or mike martin1@knology.net.

The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville are holding their annual “Helping Hands and Generous Hearts” fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 7, at The Foundry, 747 World’s Fair Park Drive in Knoxville. The evening includes dinner, a live auction, a cash bar, and entertainment by The Chillbillies. Father Ragan Schriver, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, will be the auctioneer.

Cost is $75; RSVP by Thursday, April 29. To RSVP or learn more, call the Ladies of Charity at 865-524-0538.

The seventh annual Chattanoogans for Life banquet has been set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, at the Chattanoogan hotel. The theme is adoption. Singer and pro-life advocate Jaime Thietten is the guest speaker this year. Tickets are $50 or $400 for a table for eight. To reserve a spot or a table, call Sue Shranko at 423-8255912. To learn more or volunteer, call Kitty at 322-8356 or 290-7314 or visit chattanoogansforlife.org.

Advance registration is under way for Diocese of Knoxville young people who plan to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Total cost is $3,321 per person, which includes accommodations (double occupancy), daily American buffet breakfasts, WYD fees, and airline taxes and fuel charges. A deposit of $250 is needed by Tuesday, June 15, to hold a reservation and entitle the registrant to a $75 discount. Second and third payments of $500 each are due by Oct. 31 and Feb. 15, with the final payment due no later than May 15, 2011. For more information, contact Al Forsythe, diocesan director of Youth and Youth Adult Ministry, at 865-584-3307 or aforsythe@dioknox.org, or Lucille of Regina Tours at 800-CATHOLIC, extension 208.

George Kurtz Columbian Squires Circle 2655 is holding “A Night for Mom,” an evening for mothers and sons, with dinner and dancing from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in the Knoxville Catholic High School gym. Tickets are $65 for a mother and son, plus $5 for each additional son. Proceeds benefit the Pregnancy Help Center in Knoxville. RSVP by Saturday, May 1.

Send checks, payable to Columbian TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

Squires Circle 2655, to the KCHS office (attention: Philip Icuss) or to Columbian Squires, 10105 Lonesome Pine Road, Knoxville, TN 37932.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School is accepting applications for grades kindergarten through eight. A kindergarten-readiness screening makeup day will be held Friday, April 23. For more information, call admissions at 865-558-4136, visit www.shcschool. org, or follow SHCS on its Facebook and Twitter (twitter.com/SHCSEagles) pages.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is now taking applications for the 2010-11 school year.

Contact Teresa Hennen at 423-6221481 or Teresahennen@catholicweb. com to request a registration packet or schedule a tour.

Anyone who has ever been on a Search retreat is invited to gather on the weekend of July 16 through 18 at All Saints Academy in Chattanooga for a “Re-Search” retreat. Contact Donna Jones at 423-267-9878 or djones 6029@gmail.com.

The Chattanooga Deanery’s summer God Camps will be held in June and July at the Harrison Bay State Park group camp in Harrison. “Dare to Dream,” for rising high school students, will be held June 21 through 26.

Cost is $130. Early registration deadline is June 4. “Reach,” for rising seventh- and eighth-graders, is set for June 28 through July 1. Cost is $95.

“Discover,” for rising fifth- and sixthgraders, will be held July 1 through 3.

Cost is $80. Early-registration deadline is June 11 for the Reach and Discover camps. Fees are $20 higher after the deadlines for all three camps. Contact Donna Jones at 423-267-9878 or djones6029@gmail.com. Download registration forms at bit.ly/bFPcU8.

A free two-hour seminar on the annulment process will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at the Chancery in Knoxville and at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. Father David Carter will be the presenter.

Contact Marian Christiana at 423-8922310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org.

The next “Picture of Love” engagedcouples retreat will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 11, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland.

This marriage-preparation retreat is a supplement to couples’ marriage formation with their parish priest and is designed to help couples gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges of living the sacrament of matrimony in their day-to-day lives. Cost is $135 per couple and includes meals.

The retreat certificate is good for a $60 discount on a marriage license. To register or learn more, contact Marian Christiana of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@ dioknox.org.

The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life is asking pro-life supporters to submit their names for inclusion in its annual Mother’s Day ad in the Knoxville News Sentinel. Cost (to help pay for the ad) is $10 per person or $15 per family. For more information, contact the chapter at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@knology.net.

The chapter has also announced that former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum will be the guest speaker at its annual Celebrate Life Benefit Banquet, set for Oct. 21 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The Sevier County chapter of Tennessee Right To Life is holding a “Play for Life” picnic and game day for high school students Saturday, May 22, at Northview Park in Sevierville. Activities include a double-elimination flag-football competition with prizes for the winning team. For details, call Lizette Aparicio at 865-654-7685.

Registration is under way for Catholic Charities’ inaugural golf tournament, set for Monday, May 10, at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville. Cost is Calendar continued on page 8

COURTESY OF DAWN GARIBAY

St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge is holding its seventh annual Haiti Run for Health at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 8, to benefit health care in Haiti. The event will take place at the church and will feature a four-mile run and a two-anda-half-mile walk. “Virtual runners”— donors who don’t run or walk—also receive a T-shirt. Register online at www.epivox.com/ortc. Race-day registration will be held from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. for runners and walkers and 6:45 to 9 a.m. for virtual runners. Entry fee is $20 for runners and walkers through April 30 and $25 afterward.

The fee is $12 anytime for youths 18 and under and $20 anytime for virtual runners. Proceeds will be used to purchase medications for St. Mary’s twin parish in St. Louis du Nord, Haiti. Call Peggy Gruzalski at 865-482-2910 for more information.

Catholic Charities dinners raise $178,170 Father Ragan Schriver, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, greets Josalyn Whitehouse, a first-grader at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge, during the annual fundraising dinner for the Knoxville Division of CCET on March 18 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Josalyn is on the Irish dance team at St. Mary, which performed that evening. Father Schriver, sporting green headwear, is also in the St. Patrick’s spirit for the dinner, themed “An Emerald O’ccasion.” Bishop Richard F. Stika and Father Schriver co-hosted all three CCET dinners, including the Chattanooga Division’s fundraiser March 11 at the Chattanoogan hotel and the Jonesborough Division’s dinner March 26 at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport.

CCET’s goal for all three dinners was $170,000. This year’s events raised $178,170.

The Knoxville dinner exceed its goal by 12 percent. Mercy Health Partners, Scripps Networks, and the parishes of All Saints in Knoxville, St. Albert the Great in Knoxville, and St. Mary in Oak Ridge cosponsored the Knox dinner. Alexian Brothers Senior Ministries was the presenting sponsor for the Chattanooga dinner, with Catholic Health Initiatives serving as a major sponsor. St. Dominic Parish and the Eastman Foundation sponsored the Jonesborough fundraiser.

Bishop Stika celebrating missioning Mass on May 30 ishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate the annual Mass and rite of missioning—for all those received into the Catholic Church at the Easter vigil—at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 30, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Approximately 300 people throughout the diocese celebrated

B

the rite of baptism or made a profession of faith, followed by confirmation and Eucharist, at the Easter vigil. Those new Catholics will be recognized with certificates from the bishop.

Sponsors, family members, and guests are invited to attend the Mass and a reception afterward in the gym. ■

COURTESY OF FATHER RICHARD ARMSTRONG

CALENDAR

Thirty-five attend annual ‘Frazzled’ retreat St. Patrick Parish in Morristown hosted the eighth annual Frazzled in the Vineyard catechetical-leader’s retreat Feb. 19 and 20. Author and speaker Pat Livingston of Tampa, Fla., was the retreat leader. Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, the retreat drew 35 participants.

COURTESY OF BUCKY DEARING

on the

OLPH football team gearing up for 2010 season The football team at Our Lady of Perpetual Help will begin spring practice in early May. The 2009 Rams (above) enjoyed an outstanding season, as both teams combined to finish 15-1. The middle school team captured the inaugural Christian Football League championship with a 7-1 record. The 12-and-under team went 8-0, finishing first in the Y School League. The Rams had 32 players in ’09 and were coached by Billy Dearing, Bucky Dearing, Rob Kidwell, and Michael Blake. The football program celebrated the championship season March 27 with its annual banquet.

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APRIL 25, 2010

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5

long, and they held a prayer service the evening of the press conference.

Bishop Stika said that “whenever I hear of a case of abuse, it’s like someone punches me in the stomach again and again, because faithful men in the priesthood are there to serve God’s people, to build community, to show people that they can be loved by others.”

The bishop had only recently made public statements about clergy sex-abuse cases from the United States and Europe. On April 9 he released a pastoral letter on sexual abuse that may be read online at bit.ly/aumdpk.

“Last week when I spoke to the media about the topic of clergy sexual abuse, I was not aware of any credible allegation against any priest of the Diocese of Knoxville,” he said at the press conference. “Knowing how difficult it is for a victim of sexual abuse to come forward, I want to personally thank Mr. Warren Tucker for his courage in bringing this allegation to our attention. I know that SNAP has been working with Mr. Tucker, and I appreciate their assistance.”

Bishop Stika said that the diocese “had no knowledge of Mr. Tucker’s experiences” until Mr. Tucker met with Deacon Smith. When he became the diocesan shepherd last year, Bishop Stika said he “read every priest’s file to make sure that there’s nothing lurking in someone’s past. Last night, I once again went through [Mr. Casey’s] file just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I can assure folks there is nothing in his file. We have not had any complaints over his years as a priest.”

The bishop wrote a letter that was read at all weekend Masses on April 17 and 18 “to inform all of the parishioners of these allegations” and to “invite any others who may have been harmed to please come forward.” Bishop Stika said that Mr. Casey “indicated that there potentially could be other victims early in his priesthood.”

“If anyone else has been harmed, the church wants to reach out to them and also [wants them] to report this to the legal authorities,” said Bishop Stika.

No other potential victims have contacted the diocese, the bishop said.

Mr. Casey said that “some of this happened in the early days of his priesthood, that at some point he realized how wrong it was and decided to stop, and that for the last number of years, a significant amount of years, he has not abused any children,” the bishop said.

Bishop Stika said he pledged to “help Mr. Tucker and his family in his healing process in any way that we can.”

The bishop said that his first words to Mr. Tucker in the meeting following the press conference would be “I’m sorry.”

“I know they’re just words, but I don’t think there’s more of an abomination in the world than for an adult to sexually abuse a child, and I will apologize to him.”

Bishop Stika said that sex abuse by priests cannot be blamed on the church’s celibacy requirement. “This has nothing to do with celibacy . . . it has to do with people out there who are sick and for whatever reason were able to become ordained ministers, priests, or whatever. It has nothing to do with the formation; it has to do with the person.”

The bishop said the sexual abuse of children is a “plague that’s a part of the society in which we live.”

“If there’s someone out there who would harm a child, it’s an abomination against God,” he said. “For whatever reason they might give for what they’ve done, it’s an abomination against God and it’s not to be tolerated.”

Bishop Stika urged any victim of abuse by a priest or any church worker or volunteer to “go immediately to law enforcement, and then come to the church and inform us.”

Deacon Smith said the diocese has notified the district attorney’s offices in Greene County, where Mr. Casey lives now; Sullivan County, where he served at the time of the alleged abuse; and even Knox County, because the diocese is headquartered there.

Bishop Stika said that he “feels bad for Father Casey, but I feel horrible for Mr. Tucker, and I’ll work with both of them. We’re not going to abandon Father Casey. We’re going to try to help him cope with what he’s done and learn from his experience, but also make sure he lives a good life, an abiding life, and that he’s monitored and accountable.”

The bishop said the diocese will always remain transparent in its response to abuse allegations “and not hide like some people accuse” the Church of doing. Mr. Tucker, in meetings with the bishop and Deacon Smith and in remarks to local media, said that because of its response to him “the Diocese of Knoxville can serve as a model” to the rest of the country.

Father Ragan Schriver and Father David Boettner are coordinating efforts to hold deanery-wide meetings in which the faithful will be able to discuss their thoughts and feelings with a trained counselor. The meetings will be held in the next several weeks. Check the diocesan website, dioknox.org, for further information as the sessions are scheduled. ■ 6

■

APRIL 25, 2010

Chrism Mass continued from page 1

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Casey continued from page 2

HOLY OILS Bishop Stika blesses the oils during the Chrism Mass. Assisting him are seminarian Christopher Manning (left) and Father Randy Stice, diocesan director of Worship and Liturgy. The bishop blessed the oil of the sick and the oil of the catechumens and mixed and consecrated the chrism.

United States,” said Bishop Stika in his homily. “And even though we might be small, the challenge for all of us— priests, deacon, bishop, and laity—is to present to one another the face and the person of Jesus Christ.”

Concelebrating with the bishop were Father David Boettner, rector of Sacred Heart and the diocesan moderator of the curia and episcopal vicar; Monsignor Xavier Mankel, diocesan vicar general; and all four deans, Father Bob Hofstetter, Father Bill McKenzie, Father Chris Michelson, and Father George Schmidt. Father Christopher Riehl and Father Randy Stice emceed. Deacon Moises Moreno, who is preparing for the priesthood, and the newest member of the permanent diaconate, Deacon Dan Alexander, assisted.

More than 50 priests and 30 deacons from throughout the diocese attended the Mass as well, along with several Sisters of Mercy, Dominican Sisters, and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Holy oil “is something that is so synonymous with our Church from the Old Testament days to this day in March,” said Bishop Stika.

“Oil is so much a part of our sacramental life, and the presence of the Spirit, especially in chrism, reminds us of our unique and special relationship with God.” The bishop encouraged the faithful to be strong in their Catholic beliefs.

“We are a Church sometimes attacked and misunderstood. ‘You Catholics, why do you believe in this?’ My friend, we believe in it because it is life-giving. We believe in it because of Christ.

We believe in it because of the Scriptures.”

Moments before the priests renewed their commitment to the priesthood before him, Bishop Stika thanked them for their service.

“In the name of all the people who surround you with love and friendship and at times devotion, but especially the people who surround you in trust, I can say without doubt: thank you.”

A Chrism Mass is a reminder to priests “of the [ordination] commitment that you made when you put your hands in the hands of the bishop and promised respect and obedience, when you made vows to the Church in priestly service, and when you made vows to the Church in giving your life totally to the Lord,” said the bishop.

The bishop welcomed the soon-to-be Catholics in his www.d ioknox.org

audience who were looking forward to reception into the Church at the Easter vigil.

“I speak in the name of this Church, and I say welcome and thank you. . . . The Church needs each and every one of you. And I, as the one lucky enough to be the shepherd of this diocese, need you to be the face of Jesus and to help to build the kingdom.”

Bishop Stika also addressed the clergy sex-abuse cases in Europe and America and what the answer could be to the situation.

“It might sound simplistic, but it’s fidelity, fidelity, fidelity to Gospel values.”

The bishop encouraged his listeners to pray for Pope Benedict XVI as he deals with “that sin in the Church that is without explanation.”

Bishop Stika read from the Palm Sunday homily delivered by his friend and fellow St. Louis native, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York. Archbishop Dolan defended the pope against “unrelenting insinuations . . . as certain sources seem frenzied to implicate the man who perhaps more than anyone else has been the leader in purification, reform, and renewal in the Church these days.”

For a podcast of the bishop’s Chrism Mass homily, visit dioknox.org/audio/podcastchrism-mass/.

After the homily the priests stood before the bishop and resolved to “renew their dedication to Christ as priests of his new covenant” and to “teach the Christian faith without thinking” of their own profit, “solely for the well-being of the people you were sent to serve.” Bishop Stika addressed the assembly and asked for their prayers, both for their priests and for himself.

In the procession of the oils, the oil of the sick was presented by Sister Martha Naber, RSM, and Sister Janice Brink, RSM, of Mercy Medical Center St. Mary’s. The oil of the catechumens was brought forward by Chad Butcher and Matthew Weaver, catechumens from St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge.

The diocese’s senior active priest, Monsignor Philip Thoni, presented the balsam, and its most recently ordained priest, Father Riehl, presented the olive oil. Sacred chrism is a mixture of balsam and olive oil.

The five newest Chancery staff employees, Karen Byrne, Dorothy Curtis, Al Forsythe, Tracy Hare, and Maura Lentz, presented the gifts.

Bishop Stika blessed the oil of the sick and the oil of the

catechumens in prayer. He mixed the balsam and oil to form the chrism, breathed over it, praying that the Holy Spirit would be present in it, and said the consecratory prayer over the chrism.

The bishop at the end of Mass gave a special “thanks to all of you folks from all the parishes that make up East Tennessee.”

“You’re the Church. You’re a part of the family that we call the body of Christ. You represent good people, the people of faith who make such a wonderful difference in our diocese, so whatever parish you might be from, I just want to thank you and convey my greetings to all your brothers and sisters in those parishes.”

Many of the diocese’s 10 seminarians—“a group that I’m especially proud of,” said the bishop—served at the Mass.

That number of seminarians could grow by at least five come September, Bishop Stika said.

“To all you good people out there, keep up the prayers because they’re coming from your families and your parishes and your friendships,” he said. “Continue to pray for vocations to the Diocese of Knoxville and pray for the various religious communities of women who serve our community in such a great and wonderful fashion.”

The bishop encouraged the faithful to contribute to the Easter Sunday second collection he instituted to benefit seminarian education, an expense that will increase with the additional students enrolling this fall.

“Please be generous because it will really help us next year in September when it comes to providing a quality education,” said Bishop Stika.

“Don’t forget: these are the guys who will be with your families for a long time. They will be the ones who baptize your children and your grandchildren and generations to follow, so pray for them that they might persevere.”

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has a second collection for seminarians at Christmastime, and a seminarian once came to Bishop Stika’s former parish of Annunziata in Ladue, Mo., to encourage parishioners to give generously.

“He said, ‘Now, if you really like Monsignor Stika and the way he does his pastoring, give a lot to his collection, but if you don’t like him and you want a better priest, give even more,” recalled the bishop. “You know, the collection used to go up every year.” ■ TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

our

PRIESTS

BY MARGARET HUNT

Encouraged by the saints’ example Father John Orr says his ‘love for Christ and his people’ has been deepened through his parish experience.

ather John Orr, a native of Coral Gables, Fla., was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 2001, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He attended Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He is the youngest of three children born to Victoria and the late Charles Orr. He serves as associate pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville and is one of two East Tennessee priests who regularly celebrate Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin Mass”).

How did your family influence your vocation?

At home we always prayed together before our family dinner, and we always went to Holy Mass together as a family. This taught me the importance of prayer and God. My brother and sister and I all were sent to schools run by the Church, which further reinforced the Christian faith of our parents.

DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

F

Father John Arthur Orr

Nine years of experience in pastoral ministry mostly spent in four parishes (rural and urban, wealthy and not) and two schools (secondary and primary) have deepened my appreciation for the Lord’s gift of the priesthood and the Church.

My love for Christ and his people has been reinforced through these experiences.

I am encouraged in my vocation by God’s grace received in prayer and through the sacraments and by the example of the saints and of faithful people God has put into my life.

Bishop James Vann Johnston and Father John Dowling were instrumental in God’s Providence in bringing me to Knoxville.

Bishop Stika challenges the priests and faithful to “be the face of Jesus” to all they meet. How have you met that call with difficult people or situations?

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face can help us to a mature appreciation of “seeing the face of Jesus.” The Little Flower was devoted to the Face disfigured by the Passion, so when others are suffering, I see this Face in them—and when I suffer, likewise, it is in the mirror.

What do enjoy most about being most being a priest?

I most enjoy the administration of the sacraments, leading public worship, and helping others to understand the faith in my priestly ministry.

What methods do you use to teach the faithful and evangelize those who desire a closer relationship with the Lord?

I have used audio (WITA-AM 1490 and adrationem.com podcasts), visual (Year of St Paul and St. John Neumann Church picture books), and text (summaries of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in parishes and for RCIA and binders on dogma, morals for devotional aspirants, and Rome for pilgrims) in order to fulfill my promise of ordination to proclaim and explain the Catholic faith.

What did you learn in the seminary that helps you most in the priesthood?

In the seminary Archbishop George J. Lucas taught us about fidelity to prayer, especially the Divine Office. Father James Swift taught us to “think with the Church,” and Sister Zoe Glenski taught us to love the Council (Vatican II), reading it in the context of nearly 2,000 years of Church history—especially that of the Fathers of the Church. These were some of the greatest things Kenrick taught me. Pastoral counseling with Dr. Suzanne Harvath and canon law with Monsignor James Ramacciotti came in next. ■

How have you grown in your vocation since ordination?

Who and what most encourages you in your vocation?

Mrs. Hunt is administrative assistant for the diocesan Media Office.

Were you employed before you entered seminary, and how did your job help you as a priest?

Before ordination I worked as an assistant to the tennis professional at a local club and in a retail store specializing in cards and invitations. These experiences gave me an exposure to a wide variety of people and deepened my sense of responsibility and diligence.

Victims of IC Easter-vigil fire released from hospital

A

Bishop Richard F. Stika visited the victims April 6.

Deacon Vinh, part of the diocese’s diaconate class of 2007, was in critical condition at one point. A refugee from Vietnam, Deacon Vinh, 51, serves the Vietnamese Catholics who attend IC. The fire “flashed” during the service and set the vestments of the deacon and servers ablaze. All three suffered burns to their faces and upper bodies. IC pastor

Joseph Stegin Dowling, 87, of Chattanooga, the father of Father John Dowling of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and Father Kevin Dowling of the Diocese of Nashville, died Thursday, April 15, at his home.

Mr. Dowling graduated from Savannah High School in Georgia and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh. During World War II he served in the military, training fighter pilots, and was later licensed as a private pilot.

He was a member of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus.

Mr. Dowling was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Angela Ryan Dowling; parents, William and Marie Dowling; brother, the Rev. William Dowling; and sister, Mary Rossiter.

He is also survived by a daughter, Marie Bergheimer and husband Alan; son, Mark Dowling and wife Paulette; daughter, Barbara Dowling; son, Brian Dowling and wife Beth; daughter, Katherine Northrop and husband George; eight TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

dam Kane is a Philosophy II student at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana. He is the son of Robert and Lisa Kane of Lynchburg. His home parish is St. Mary in Johnson City.

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What is your most challenging course in seminary and why?

The most challenging course for me has been logic. I have a more analytical mind by nature, Adam Kane but I have always had difficulty with word problems. Unfortunately, logic [class] is mostly word problems, but I got through it all right with the help of my brother seminarians and a lot of caffeine.

What is your favorite course and why?

Medieval philosophy, mostly because I developed a new understanding of the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine. They both knew that Jesus is the one and only truth, but they also knew that God gave us an intellect so we could explore his creation to better understand ourselves and him.

What do you most look forward to in your future life as a priest?

Celebrating the Mass because Jesus comes to us as real food. Heaven is poured down upon the altar, and the God who made the entire universe and died for us on the cross comes down to us in the most vulnerable way imaginable. We know as Catholics that what looks and tastes like bread and wine is truly the very body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who freely gives himself so that we might have eternal life. No other denomination, or religion for that matter, can make that claim except the one true Church that Jesus Christ founded himself on the rock of St. Peter. I also look forward to reconciling people to Jesus Christ and his Church in the sacrament of confession by helping to heal the wounds caused by sin. God gives us so many ways to show us how much he loves us; we only need to take him up on his offer.

Who are your inspirations as a seminarian, and why?

The priests I most look up to are Father John O’Neill, Father Michael Cummins, and Father John Orr. The two saints who inspire me are the English martyrs St. Thomas Becket and St. John Fisher. They both chose death rather than compromise their Catholic faith.

How old were you when you first considered the priesthood?

What things about you have changed the most as a seminarian?

Deacon Hieu Vinh (right) and Deacon Tim Elliott process during Deacon Dan Alexander’s ordination Mass on Feb. 7.

RECOVERING AT HOME

Father Joe Ciccone, CSP, suffered injuries

to his hands but was not hospitalized. ■

I think I have changed most in learning how to live in a community of people with diverse backgrounds and opinions. I enjoy working with people of different backgrounds and opinions. It makes life interesting, and that’s why I majored in anthropology in college, but there is a big difference between working with and living with. The funny thing is that the guys I most strongly disagreed with are the ones who have become my closest friends.

Along with their prayers for you, is there another way East Tennessee Catholics can support you?

Deaths JOE DOWLING

BY DA N MCW I L L I A MS

I was not always Catholic, but I converted from the Southern Baptist community when I was about 20 back in 2003. I was asked whether I had ever thought about the priesthood when I was in line for my first confession. I responded with a quick “no” because I was kind of nervous and preoccupied with my first confession, but that question did start me thinking about it.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

ll three parishioners of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville who were injured during the lighting of the Easter fire at the Easter vigil April 3 have been released from the hospital.

Deacon Hieu Vinh and daughter Trang, who was serving at the Mass, underwent skin grafts at Vanderbilt Burn Center and were released April 11. Server Patrick Connelly was released on April 6.

Q and A with DOK seminarian Adam Kane

grandchildren; and two sisters, Lillian Odom and husband James) and Ann Farr and husband Joseph.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, April 19, at St. Jude Church with Fathers John and Kevin Dowling officiating and Bishop Richard F. Stika attending in choir. Interment followed in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Church building fund or to the Hospice of Chattanooga.

ASUNCIÓN PÉREZ

Asunción Jorge Rodriguez Pérez, 62, the mother of Father Manuel Pérez of Sacred Heart Cathedral, died Friday, April 16, after a brief stay in the hospital.

Mrs. Pérez was born May 15, 1947. She is survived by her husband, Raul; six children; and eight brothers and sisters.

The funeral Mass was held Sunday, April 18, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Cuchicuato, Mexico. ■ www.d ioknox.org

I think most guys will tell you that they enjoy getting letters from back home. It’s a running joke in the mailroom when someone just gets a magazine or book in the mail. We jokingly say that we have to pay people to send us mail. So notes and letters make us feel more connected to home. ■

The good we do lives after us— when we remember to make a will.

Only you can divide your own property as you want it divided.

A bequest to your church can be a living memorial to the nobility of your life.

APRIL 25, 2010

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Calendar continued from page 5

$1,000 per four-person team and includes hospitality, prizes, and player gifts. For more information, contact Mike Smith at 865-250-1215 or irish100@chartertn.net.

Knoxville Catholic High School’s spring production, Steel Magnolias, will be performed Thursday through Sunday, April 29, through May 2. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, contact Tori Proctor at 865-414-7658 or steelmagnolias production@gmail.com.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will host a bilingual celebration at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport on Saturday, July 31, to honor married couples and their commitment to the sacrament of marriage. The celebration will include Mass, an opportunity to renew wedding vows, and a luncheon for couples and their family and friends following the liturgy. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. To attend the luncheon, RSVP to Marian Christiana of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org or Karen Byrne at 865-5843307 or kbyrne@dioknox.org.

St. John’s University School of Theology-Seminary will host the Collegeville Conference on Music, Liturgy, and the Arts from Monday, June 21, through Thursday, June 24, in Collegeville, Minn. This year’s theme is “New Music, New Texts: Preparing for a New Missal.” Sessions will include reasoning and theology of the new Missal with an emphasis on understanding liturgical texts, music, and revised ritual acts. Keynote presenters are Paul Ford; Father Anthony Ruff, OSB; Johan van Parys; Sister Delores Dufner, OSB; Kim Kasling; and Lynn Trapp. Cost is $510 and includes registration, housing, and meals, or $120 for single-day registration. Visit www.csbsju. edu/sot/CCMLA, call 320-363-3154, or e-mail ccmla@csbsju.edu for more information.

“Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art,” one of the largest collections of art, documents, and historically significant objects ever to tour North America, will be displayed at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis from May 15 through Sept. 12.

Highlights of the exhibition include artwork by Michelangelo, works by masters such as Bernini and Giotto, venerated relics (bone fragments) of St. Peter and St. Paul, the first geographical map of Australia, objects discovered at the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, and historical objects from the modern and ancient basilicas of St. Peter in Rome. Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000 or 877-2VATICAN (877-282-8422).

Tickets are $19.50 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $13 for children ages 6 to 12). For details, visit mohistory.org or vaticansplendors.com.

The next charismatic Mass in the diocese will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City will be the celebrant.

Additional charismatic Masses will be celebrated Aug. 29 and Oct. 24 at Holy Spirit. Call Dee Leigh at 423-842-2305 for more information.

The Serra Club of Knoxville meets on second and fourth Thursdays in the Shea Room at Sacred Heart Cathedral’s office building. Meetings begin with Mass at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and a speaker at 12:30 p.m.

The next Marriage Encounter weekend is scheduled for Aug. 27 through 29 at the Hilton Garden Inn in West Knoxville. To register, contact John or Manuela Ptacek at 865-531-1719 or celebrate-love@ earthlink.net, or visit www.loveinthesmokies.org. For more information, contact John or Anne Wharton at 423-581-1815 or ACW193@bellsouth.net.

The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held May 21 through 23 at the Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center in Newport. To register, call Mike or Charla Haley at 865-220-0120.

For information on Engaged Encounter, e-mail Paul or Pam Schaffer at ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www.rc.net/knoxville/cee.

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Saturday, April 24, at John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Linda Doyle will give a talk titled “Some Experiences With Mindful Meditation.” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. To RSVP, call 865-523-7931.

Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 3:30 p.m.

Sundays at Holy Ghost Church, 1041 N. Central St. in Knoxville. Call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865256-4880.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, and at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details. ■ 8

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APRIL 25, 2010

life and

DIGNITY

BY PAUL SIMONEAU

Persecution and hope A brief walk through one country’s history reveals why people migrate.

In the turbulent early years of the 20th century the Catholic Church seemed to face persecution almost worldwide.

In his book on the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, Triumph (Forum, 2001), H. W. Crocker III writes of one particular country that in 1917 became “the first explicitly socialist, anti-religious, and constitutional revolutionary republic in the world” (p. 395). In the two decades that would follow, the Catholic Church in this country would witness all its property confiscated and nationalized and more than 40,000 Catholics killed and martyred, including 90 priests (equivalent to two-thirds of the Catholic population of East Tennessee and all of its priests and deacons).

Three papal encyclicals would be written between 1926 and 1937 concerning the dire situation in a country where 4,500 priests once served—but by 1935, according to some reports, fewer than 340 would remain to minister to a much persecuted and suffering Catholic population. At the turn of the millennium Pope John Paul II canonized 25 of this nation’s saints and martyrs from this period.

You may be surprised to learn that the country in question is not the Soviet Union but Mexico, and included in the list of those martyred were 70 Knights of

the catholic

Columbus, eight of whom have since been declared saints. Pope Pius XI would include Mexico with the Soviet Union and Spain in describing the “terrible triangle” of terror afflicting the Church at this time in history. But the blood of martyrs is never shed in vain, and much was shed in Mexico.

As one would expect, as a result of persecutions and the resulting civil war (19261929), large numbers of Mexicans were uprooted and fled from the terror. Up to onequarter million people were internally displaced in the 1920s, with an additional half million people emigrating to the United States, sharing in the tragic mystery of the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt in order to escape Herod’s murderous rampage. Although by mid-century the persecution eventually gave way to a reluctant but nonetheless still harsh tolerance of religion, it was not until 1992 that many anti-Catholic restrictions were officially lifted.

With the advent of World War II, the United States turned to Mexico to help fill its vast labor shortages in industry and farming. In the decades that followed, the demand for foreign laborers only increased, especially for temporary and seasonal workers in the Southeast and Southwest. As a result of the economic crisis in Mexico of the 1980s the number of its people living in poverty increased dramatically.

As poverty and migration are so often intimately linked, many people are surprised to learn that one of the largest

DIFFERENCE

BY GEORGE WEIGEL

The limits of the papacy The media mistakenly think of the pope as CEO of Catholic Church Inc.

During the preparation of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Pope Paul VI proposed that the constitution’s discussion of papal primacy include the affirmation that the pope is “accountable to the Lord alone.” This suggestion was rejected by the Council’s Theological Commission, which wrote that “the Roman Pontiff is also bound to revelation itself, to the fundamental structure of the Church, to the sacraments, to the definitions of earlier councils, and other obligations too numerous to mention.” Pope Paul quietly dropped his proposal.

Yet the image persists that the Catholic Church is a kind of global corporation, with the pope as CEO, the bishops as branch managers, and your parish priest as the local salesman. And according to that image, the pope not only knows what’s going on all the way down the line but also gives orders that are immediately obeyed all the way down the line. Or, to vary the misimpression, the Church is like the U.S. Marine Corps: there, at least according to legend, when the commandant issues an order, everyone from the highest-ranking four-star to www.d ioknox.org

the lowliest Parris Island recruit staples a salute to his forehead and does what he’s told.

This distorted and distorting image of the pope as dictatorial CEO or Marine commandant is, admittedly, reinforced by the language of the Code of Canon Law. Thus Canon 331 states that the “Bishop of the Church of Rome . . . has supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power in the Church, and he can always freely exercise that power.” Yet although both theology and law tell us the pope enjoys the fullness of executive, legislative, and judicial authority in the Church, his exercise of that power is circumscribed by any number of factors.

It is circumscribed by the authority and prerogatives of local bishops. According to the teaching of Vatican II, bishops are not simply branch-managers of Catholic Church Inc. Rather, they are the heads of local Churches with both the authority and the responsibility to govern them. Moreover, the pope, according to the Council, is to govern the Church with the College of Bishops who, with him and under him, share in responsibility for the well-being of the entire people of God, not only for their own local Churches.

The pope’s capacity for governance is also shaped by the quality of his closest associ-

and most efficient programs for directly reducing global poverty levels is not a specific kind of aid program or global charitable effort but the result of remittances—money that foreign workers send back to their families. According to a 2007 World Bank study, remittances represented almost $170 billion in external financing for needy countries in 2005, a figure that today is likely well in excess of $200 billion.

The reasons for migration are complicated, as a snapshot of Mexico’s past century proves, but solutions are even more complex. Comprehensive immigration reform is as much about fixing a broken immigration system as it is about addressing the “push” factors behind migration— and none of these will be easy to address.

When it is difficult to be the face of Jesus to others, it is often because we first fail to see Jesus in the other person. Perhaps this is why God especially hears the cry of the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner (Exodus 20:20-22) and reminds us to be particularly mindful of their needs.

The widows and orphans of our time are the unborn and the despairing pregnant women whose boyfriends or husbands have abandoned their responsibilities to them.

But let us not forget the third figure of this scriptural mandate, in whose history we share. For we too sojourn as foreigners in this life’s pilgrim journey and struggle to learn the one language that is most essential to learn: the language of faith.

Ending with my traditional play upon the words of Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace,” care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. ■ Mr. Simoneau directs the diocesan Justice and Peace Office. ates and by the accuracy and timeliness of the information he receives from the Roman Curia via the nuncios and apostolic delegates who represent the Holy See and the pope around the world. An example of how this fact of ecclesiastical life can impede a pope’s ability to respond promptly to situations comes from the American crisis of clerical sexual abuse and episcopal misgovernance in 2002.

Because of grossly inadequate reporting from the apostolic nunciature in Washington between January and April 2002—when the firestorm was at its hottest— John Paul II was about three months behind the news curve in mid-April 2002.

What appeared to be (and was often presented by the press as) papal disinterest in the U.S. crisis was in fact a significant time lag in the information flow.

Papal governance can also be undermined by inept subordinates. Thus the image of an uninterested John Paul II was reinforced in 2002 by Cardinal Dario Castrillon’s disastrous presentation of the pope’s annual Holy Thursday letter to priests that year, during which Castrillon blew off questions about the U.S. crisis by saying that John Paul had more important things to worry about, such as peace in the Middle East.

These very real human limits on the exercise of papal power seem almost impossible for some editors and reporters—and indeed for some Catholics—to grasp. Yet the fact remains that the overwhelming responsibility for turning the scandal of clerical Weigel continued on page 12

TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

Diocese of Knoxville Annual Financial Report

Dear friends in Christ: Our diocese completed its 21st fiscal year on June 30, 2009. Each year you have the opportunity to view a full report detailing all our diocesan finances in The East Tennessee Catholic.

During the Annual Stewardship Appeal we strive to provide you with detailed information about services offered throughout the diocese. As you read the financial report that follows, you will see how you, the Christian faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville, have provided the funds that keep our diocese operating—through your generous response to the Annual Stewardship Appeal and with bequests and other charitable gifts. We, as good stewards, strive to continue being both fiscally responsible and transparent.

Since arriving here one year ago, I have witnessed your faithfulness. I have seen your generosity of spirit and the support and cooperation that grow from a life rooted in faith. I have been upheld by the many prayers offered for my well-being, and I know I am blessed to be the shepherd of a prayerful people. I am grateful to our good and gracious Lord for placing me in this diocese, where I witness the face of Jesus all around me.

As you can see in the accompanying letter from an outside independent auditor, the diocese has practiced good stewardship of its financial resources. We continue to use donated funds for the purposes for which they were specifically earmarked, as has been the diocese’s tradition.

Please allow me to express a special word of thanks to the members of the Diocesan Finance Council, with whom I work closely throughout the year, and to our diocesan finance officer, Deacon David Lucheon, for his continued commitment to serving the growing financial needs of the diocese.

Thank you—and may we continue striving to be good stewards of all our gifts.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bishop Richard F. Stika

Statement of Activities June 30, 2009 Source of funds $3,958,595* Other income/ service fees and net gain on sales $382,145 6.53%

Use of funds $6,417,716

Contributions/bequests $333,112 5.69%

Capital campaign $86,989 1.48%

Grants $357,500 6.11%

Annual Stewardship Appeal $981,371 16.76%

Education $732,048 11.41%

Deposit/loan fund interest income $1,031,763 17.62%

Unrealized gains/investments Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 124 requires that investments be recorded at market value rather than at cost, and this results in the recognition of unrealized gains/losses.

Catholic Charities grant $411,827 6.41%

Parish assessments $2,681,823 45.81%

Deposit/loan fund interest expense $1,024,192 15.96%

health insurance and retirement; newspaper assessment for The East Tennessee Catholic; school assessment for the operation of the Catholic Schools Office; assessment for the diocesan diaconate program.

Promotion of vocations $359,894 5.61%

Diaconate formation $30,509 .48%

Diocesan governance/ administration $1,286,893 20.05%

Communications $278,784 4.34%

Religious personnel development/care $1,114,248 17.36%

Pastoral $1,179,321 18.38%

try; Evangelization; Justice and Peace; Family Life and Adult Christian Living; Worship and Liturgy.

Education Religious Education and Catholic Schools offices.

Pastoral Parish assessments Administrative assessment for diocesan governance/administration; reimbursement for priest TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

Grants to parishes and institutions; Diocesan Council of Catholic Women grant; ministry formation; Youth Ministry; Hispanic Ministry; Campus Miniswww.d ioknox.org

*Investment income/losses The total for “source of funds” includes a net loss of $1,896,108 in investment income/losses. ■ APRIL 25, 2010

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Diocese of Knoxville Annual Financial Report

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APRIL 25, 2010

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TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

Diocese of Knoxville Annual Financial Report

TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

www.d ioknox.org

APRIL 25, 2010

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WIRE

Atheist, Catholic apologist square off at Notre Dame NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS)—Interest in an April 7 debate between atheist author and columnist Christopher Hitchens and Catholic apologist and author Dinesh D’Souza was so high on the University of Notre Dame campus that the event sold out 90 minutes after tickets became available.

The mostly student audience of 900 was enthusiastic but polite as Hitchens and D’Souza conducted a lively discussion of the question “Is religion the problem?”

Hitchens is considered to be a leader of the New Atheist movement, along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett. The title of Hitchens’s 2007 book sums up his attitude toward God and religion: God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (Twelve Books).

D’Souza is a leading authority on international issues and was a White House policy analyst under President Ronald Reagan. Recently he has focused on responding to the arguments of the New Atheist movement. His 2008 book—What‘s So Great About Christianity? (Tyndale House)—is a response to several recent books touting atheism. His book Life After Death: The Evidence (Regnery) came out in 2009.

The evening brought out no new arguments from either of the men, who have debated each other on the topic frequently, but their quick wit kept the audience engaged.

Hitchens presented his case first, urging the audience to discard “the faith position” and adopt “the only respectable intellectual position,” which is one of “doubt,” he said.

“Religion is a problem principally because it’s manmade,” Hitchens claimed, saying that religion was humanity’s first attempt to make sense of our universe, a “crude, most deluded, worst attempt” that is riddled with superstition.

Hitchens blamed much of the past and present violence and evil in the world on religion, citing the Palestinian–Jewish conflict, the jihadist movement, and the Inquisition. He also took a verbal swing at the Catholic Church for what he said was its sexual abuse of deaf children, a reference to recent news stories about a Wisconsin priest accused of abusing deaf children decades ago.

D’Souza said his argument would meet Hitchens on his own ground and be built on reason rather than revelation, Scripture, or authority.

When Hitchens speaks about evolution, D’Souza said, he doesn’t explain the presence of matter, merely its transition.

“Evolution requires a cell: So how did we get it?” D’Souza asked, saying it was “preposterous” to claim life evolved from random molecules in a warm pond. Nor does evolution explain the fact that humans have a moral conscience, unlike animals, whose instinct is self-preservation, he said.

The “God explanation” is much better, D’Souza said, because the cell reflects intelligent design, and the universe shows rationality. And if religion is the primitive thing Hitchens claims it to be, D’Souza asked, why hasn’t it disappeared instead of enjoying the revival it is having in the 21st century?

In his rebuttal, Hitchens said he did not find the revival in religion to be a good thing, claiming that Jesus “operates on the fringe of mythology and history,” with no proof that he ever lived or rose from the dead.

D’Souza responded that religion is not incompatible with science, just different, asking questions science can’t answer: “What is the purpose of our life? Where are we going? What happens after we die?”

The debate was sponsored by more than 10 Notre Dame departments and organizations.

Moderator Michael Rea, director of Notre Dame’s Center for Philosophy of Religion, explained at the beginning of the program that the idea for the debate came from students.

Rea said that the center is a think tank for Christian philosophy but recently has been looking for ways to promote more serious debate. He said he hoped Notre Dame students would ask their theology and philosophy professors to discuss with them some of the issues that came up at the debate. ■ Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Weigel continued from page 8

sexual abuse into a full-blown Church-wide crisis lies at the feet of irresponsible local bishops—and unfortunately of bishops who bought the conventional wisdom about therapeutic “cures” for sexual predators.

That underscores the imperative of getting episcopal appointments right and of removing bishops whose failures destroy their capacity to govern: see “Ireland today, Catholic Church in.” ■ George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. 12

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APRIL 25, 2010

Pope meets privately with abuse victims Benedict is ‘deeply moved’ while hearing the stories of those abused by priests. By Carol Glatz VALLETTA, Malta (CNS)—Pope Benedict XVI met with eight victims of priestly sex abuse in Malta and promised them the Church would do “all in its power” to bring offenders to justice and protect children.

The pope was “deeply moved by their stories and expressed his shame and sorrow over what victims and their families have suffered,” a Vatican statement said after the private encounter April 18.

“He prayed with them and assured them that the Church is doing and will continue to do all in its power to investigate allegations, to bring to justice those responsible for abuse, and to implement effective measures designed to safeguard young people in the future,” the statement said.

“In the spirit of his recent letter to the Catholics of Ireland, he prayed that all the victims of abuse would experience healing and reconciliation, enabling them to move forward with renewed hope,” it said.

The meeting at the apostolic nunciature in Rabat came after a group of victims had asked to meet with the pope to tell him of their ordeal and ask for an apology.

The encounter was not part of the pope’s official itinerary and was announced by the Vatican after it had taken place.

Participants said the victims cried as they told their stories, and that the pope had tears in his eyes as he listened.

“We now have peace in our hearts, even because the pope found time to meet us. We now look forward to the end of the court case, and closure of this chapter,” one unidentified victim told the Times of Malta.

The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, told journalists that the private meeting in the chapel of the nunciature lasted about 20 minutes. He said the pope, Archbishop Paul Cremona of Malta, Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo, and eight male victims of abuse began the encounter kneeling in silent prayer.

The pope then stood by the altar and met with each victim one by one to hear his story and speak with each privately, Father Lombardi said.

The victims were in their 30s and 40s.

At the end of the meeting, participants said a prayer together in Maltese, and the pope blessed the victims. One victim said the pope gave each of

CNS PHOTO/ALESSIA GIULIANI, CATHOLIC PRESS PHOTO

from the

‘TAKING OUR PAIN SERIOUSLY’ Pope Benedict XVI prays inside St. Paul’s Church in Rabat, outside Valletta, Malta, on April 17. During his visit to the island nation, the pope held a private meeting with eight men who as boys were abused by priests.

He listened to the stories of the victims and promised to pray for them.

them a rosary and promised they would be in his prayers.

One of the victims, Lawrence Grech, told the Maltese paper that the two bishops with them shed tears during their meeting. Another said the pope had tears in his eyes.

“I admire the pope for his courage in meeting us. He was embarrassed by the failings of others,” said Grech.

Grech, one of the victims who had asked for the papal meeting, has said he and others were abused as boys by four priests at the St. Joseph Orphanage in Santa Venera.

The meeting came after the pope returned from a public Mass to the nunciature, where the pope stayed during his April 17 and 18 pilgrimage to Malta.

During his public events in Malta the pope did not refer explicitly to the problem of the sexual abuse of minors by priests. He did make two subtle references to the problem when he spoke to journalists aboard the papal flight from Rome to Malta.

Speaking about the vitality of the Catholic faith in Malta, he said even when the body of the Church “is wounded by our sins, God loves this Church, and its Gospel is the true force that purifies and heals.”

He then spoke of how St. Paul turned the tragedy of being shipwrecked on Malta into a positive opportunity when he decided to heal the sick and preach the power of Christ.

Out of tragedy can come a new beginning and “life’s shipwrecks can be part of God’s plan for us and they may also be useful for new beginnings in our lives,” the pope said.

Father Lombardi told journalists aboard the plane that the pope’s comments were in reference to the sex-abuse crisis facing the Church.

Archbishop Cremona had met April 13 with a group of victims, including Grech, at their request. That meeting,

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which lasted two and a half hours, was “a great help” to the victims, Grech told reporters. Grech said Archbishop Cremona listened carefully to each victim.

Grech said his only wish was that the meeting with Archbishop Cremona had happened earlier.

Grech has been critical of the length of time it has taken his case and others to be handled by the Response Team established by the Church in Malta to look into sex abuse.

“We have been waiting for seven years for our case to end, but justice has not yet been done,” he told reporters April 16.

Welcoming the pope at Malta’s international airport April 17, President George Abela said “the Catholic Church remains committed to safeguarding children and all vulnerable people, and to seeing that there is no hiding place for those who seek to do harm.”

“It is therefore the Church and even the state’s duty to work hand in hand to issue directives and enact legislation so that effective, transparent mechanisms are set up, together with harmonized and expeditious procedures in order to curb cases of abuse so that justice will not only be done but seen to be done,” he said.

A group of 10 victims announced April 16 that they had been granted a meeting with the promoter of justice in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Monsignor Charles Scicluna.

The meeting with the monsignor, who handles the cases local dioceses have brought against allegedly abusive priests, was to take place sometime in June at the Vatican.

Grech said of the planned meeting at the Vatican: “This is very good news for us.

It shows that the Maltese Church and the Vatican are now taking our case and our pain seriously.”

In an extensive interview with the

Times of Malta April 11, Monsignor Scicluna, who is from Malta, said the Church is still “on a learning curve” concerning the handling of sexabuse allegations and that they “should learn to do things more expeditiously.”

“I think that efforts to render the process more transparent will only help the Church,” he said.

He said the doctrinal congregation has had to deal with “the frustration some of them [cases of abuse] made us feel because justice was not meted out as it should be.”

Justice has not always been served, he said, “because of a misplaced sense of protection of the institution; the mentality that you don’t criticize the clergy because otherwise you’re going to betray the institution,” he said.

The fear of criticizing exists on all levels within the Church and includes “even the inability of certain people to denounce abuse against minors,” he said.

Although he has said there is “a culture of silence” in Italy, he added that that same culture of not speaking out about abuse exists in all parts of the world.

The Archdiocese of Malta has said that since it was set up in 1999, the Response Team has received accusations against 45 priests in connection with more than 80 allegations of sexual abuse against minors.

Since 1999 three priests have faced criminal trials in civil courts after the victims decided to go to the police because they were unhappy with how the Response Team was handling the case.

The Archdiocese of Malta said that of the 45 cases investigated by the Church’s Response Team, 19 were found to be baseless, 13 were still ongoing, and cases against 13 members of the clergy have been forwarded to the Vatican. ■ Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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