The Crusaders of the Holy Spirit priest was 79 and served in Hispanic ministry in the diocese for 27 years
By Dan McWilliams
Father Joseph Mary Hammond, CHS, a native of Ghana who had served in Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Knoxville since 1998, died Saturday evening, Aug. 9.
Father Hammond, who was 79, had been in residence for many years at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. He was a priest of the Crusaders of the Holy Spirit community for 36 years, passing away just four days after his ordination anniversary.
He had been diagnosed with stage four liver cancer more than a month before his death. In an Aug. 3 e-mail, St. John Neumann Parish stated “We humbly ask for your prayers for our
beloved Father Joseph Hammond during a difficult time… . As a community of faith, we find strength in coming together in prayer, especially for those who have served us so faithfully. Please join us in praying for Father Hammond’s peace, comfort, and the grace to feel God’s presence with him.”
Priests, deacons, religious, and the Catholic faithful of East Tennessee were informed of Father Hammond’s death on Sunday, Aug. 10, with Bishop Mark Beckman saying, “Father Joseph was a loving, humble, and good priest and will be deeply missed. I am grateful for his wonderful service in our diocese.”
The visitation for Father Hammond took place Aug. 15 at St. John Neumann, with a bilingual
Scripture service following. Monsignor Patrick Garrity, who served with Father Hammond at both St. Patrick in Morristown and St. John Neumann, led the Scripture service and spoke about his late friend.
Bishop Beckman and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz celebrated the funeral Mass on Aug. 16 at the Farragut church, with interment following at the new diocesan Holy Cross Cemetery in Lenoir City. Father Michael Maples, who served at St. John Neumann alongside Father Hammond from 2014 until accepting a position at Conception Seminary College in Missouri this summer, delivered the homily at the funeral Mass, and Deacon Jim Fage of St. Patrick Parish gave a eulogy after Communion.
Monsignor Garrity served as pastor of St. Patrick from 1997 to 2010 and then of St. John Neumann
until his retirement from full-time priestly ministry in 2018.
He fondly remembered serving at both parishes with Father Hammond.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Father Hammond since 1998 when he first came to the Five Rivers Deanery to do Hispanic ministry across upper East Tennessee,” Monsignor Garrity said. “At that time, he lived at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville and traveled to several parishes including St. Patrick in Morristown to celebrate the Spanish Mass. It is there that we first became friends.
“In 2001, he moved to St. Patrick in Morristown with me, and he continued his ministry to the Hispanic communities. He was very fluent in Spanish and had ministered for a number of years in Venezuela before coming to the United States.”
Father Hammond knew Monsignor Garrity’s parents, the late Galen and Sylvia Garrity.
“In the years that followed, my parents would come visit often. They also became very close with Father Joseph,” Monsignor Garrity said. “In fact, after my father died, and my mother was seriously ill, she moved in with us so that I could care for her. I think she adopted him, and he adopted her and that’s how he and I became brothers.”
That brotherhood continued a couple of counties away when both Father Hammond continued on page B2
SJN hosts A Very Special Day with the Bishop
The faith-based event offers fun for about 60 special-needs individuals and family members
By Bee Goodman
On Aug. 2, St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut hosted A Very Special Day with the Bishop. The event is a faith-based day of fun for special-needs individuals and their families.
Under Bishop Richard F. Stika in 2021, the Diocese of Knoxville held its first Bishop’s Very Special Day event, which saw 15 attendees. This year, the day with Bishop Mark Beckman had about 60 people in attendance.
The day opened with a celebration of Mass at 10 a.m. and was followed by numerous activities such as arts and crafts, lunch, and musical time led by Katie Helms, a longtime advocate for disabled and special-needs people.
“I love being here. I love all the people, kids, and adults here. I want to do everything I can for them,” Ms. Helms shared.
Ms. Helms returned this year and led the group in many songs and dances. As she led music time, smiles erupted all around the room. One child, Joseph Weber, excitedly pounded on a bucket drum, yelling the words to the songs he knew and dancing through the ones he hadn’t heard before—he never stopped smiling.
The event is special for a number of reasons. It brings together a community that is often left out or chooses to be excluded for necessity and comfort. The special day creates a time for fun activities outside of pressures and sensitivities the attendees and their families can
‘Each
face every day. Public outings can be especially difficult for those with special needs due to the need for physical and social accommodations. Restaurants with loud conversations, clinking utensils, and kitchen noise can be a problem. This can make celebrating Mass a difficult task for these families. A Very Special Day with the Bishop aims to create a safe, comfortable, and faith-
filled environment for everyone attending.
Julie Radachy helped organize the event and shared how Mass and other public settings can be difficult. “First, there are potential obstacles on the church campus for individuals with special needs. For example, there may not be enough room for walkers or wheelchairs within the church. Also, for those with sensory-processing issues,
lights, sounds (including the volume and the amount of reverberation) might make attending Mass and even certain parish events difficult. In addition, most missals and church hymnals are designed in a traditional font size for those who do not have visual difficulties, making it difficult for those who do to follow along,” she said.
“Second, there are other obstacles Very Special Day continued on page B3
Home country Father Joseph Hammond, CHS, on his first visit to the diocese in 1998, points to his native Ghana on a world map on the wall in the former office of The East Tennessee Catholic
individual is a treasure’ Sara Marquardt of St. John Neumann’s youth ministry speaks to a young friend, Robert, at A Very Special Day with the Bishop held Aug. 2 at the Farragut church.
Father Joseph Hammond, CHS
EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC ARCHIVE PHOTO
priests came to the Farragut parish.
“After my mother died, I was moved to St. John Neumann in Farragut, and Father Joseph took over as pastor at St. Patrick,” Monsignor Garrity recalled. “Three years later in 2013, he joined me in residence at St. John Neumann and continued Hispanic ministry, celebrating sacraments at Holy Ghost, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Alphonsus churches.”
Father Hammond and Monsignor Garrity celebrated a special jubilee on a special trip.
“In 2014, he took his first trip home in many years to Ghana, where he would celebrate his 25th ordination anniversary. For a week we toured the city of Accra and much of the surrounding area, including a couple of leper colonies that Father Joseph helped support over many years,” Monsignor Garrity said. “While there I stayed at the rectory of Father Andy Campbell at his parish, Christ the King.
“On Saturday, we celebrated Father Joseph’s 25th ordination anniversary with a big Mass. Lots of family and friends attended, and a great choir was present that sang and sang. I was privileged to preach his ordination anniversary Mass. At the reception dinner and party, I met much of his family, and we celebrated.”
That happy occasion did not stop there.
“The next day on Sunday, I joined Father Joseph at Sacred Heart Church in downtown Accra. I was privileged to preach their main Mass on Sunday morning, and I remember the outstanding choir sang and sang again,” Monsignor Garrity said. “The party continued after Mass. It was a regular Sunday Mass, but people stayed to eat and socialize for the whole afternoon. All in all, I was blessed because it was the best way to ever see Ghana!”
Father Hammond served for many years as the Five Rivers Deanery coordinator of Hispanic ministry after being appointed to the role by then-Bishop Kurtz, Knoxville’s second bishop, in June 2001.
“I will be getting more involved with the people, getting to know them and saying Mass more often,” Father Hammond told The East Tennessee Catholic for its June 24, 2001, issue.
He served as part-time associate pastor at both Notre Dame and St. Patrick and celebrated Masses in Spanish for those two parishes as well as for Good Shepherd in Newport and for Hispanic farm workers at the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the town of Unicoi. At that time, Unicoi County did not have a Catholic parish but was part of the territory of St. Mary in Johnson City.
Father Hammond became the fulltime associate at St. Patrick in April 2005 and continued in his deanery Hispanic ministry role until Bishop Richard F. Stika named him pastor of the Morristown parish in 2010. He lived in retirement at St. John Neumann but assisted with Hispanic ministry and confessions. He also served the Hispanic communities at Holy Ghost in Knoxville, Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, and St. Alphonsus in Crossville.
Knoxville’s founding Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell invited Father
Hammond to serve in the diocese in late winter 1998. Father Hammond visited East Tennessee at that time and first served as a volunteer at Notre Dame and at St. Patrick until he could obtain a resident visa in the United States.
Father Hammond was born July 21, 1946, and grew up in Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana), as one of three sons of Joseph Nii Quita Hammond and Rebecca Dedei Quarshie. The Hammonds had two other sons, Joshua Nii Ayi Hammond and Emmanuel Nii Armah Hammond. Raised a Methodist, the future priest was baptized as a Catholic when he was 9.
He became a Brother in the St. John of God order in Koforidua, Ghana. The Spanish order does hospital ministry. In 1972, the young Brother traveled to Spain to study nursing.
“(The order) had a hospital, and I had been thinking about becoming a Brother before,” Father Hammond told The East Tennessee Catholic in 2012. “One of the priests there recommended me, so I went with them.”
Serving as a nurse “was great,”
Father Hammond said. “I was taking care of the people when they were sick and giving comfort, especially to those who were dying. Sometimes they were left alone, and I tried to give them consolation and help them to die in peace.”
In 1979, he went to Liberia, where he worked in St. John’s Hospital in the capital of Monrovia.
He joined the Crusaders of the Holy Spirit in Salamanca, Spain, and his theological formation continued in England at the Mill Hill Missionary Institute.
“I had a confessor, Father Byrne, who was an SMA (Society of African Missions) father. He suggested I become a priest,” Father Hammond recalled in 2012. “I said yes, so he gave me the address of the CHS order, and I wrote to them, and they accepted me.”
CHS priests also serve in England, Ireland, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina.
Father Hammond was ordained a priest on Aug. 5, 1989, at St. Patrick Church in Walsall, near Birmingham, England, by Bishop Joseph Francis Cleary.
A Father Baffoe influenced his priestly vocation, Father Hammond said.
“I think the way he celebrated Mass is what caught my attention,” he said. “I liked the reverence in the way he said Mass and his personal holiness.”
Father Hammond noted that he became a Catholic through the school he was attending as a youth.
From England, he went to Venezuela and served the faithful of Our Lady of Peace Parish (Nuestra Señora de la Paz) in the town of Guanarito, Portuguesa State, for six years.
“I served in the towns and villages around Guanarito. I was in a parish where the previous pastor was a Franciscan priest who came there once a week,” Father Hammond said. “I was the first resident priest there for some time, and then also I had 15 substations, and I tried to visit those stations—more towns, more
villages—where there was no priest at all. I tried to visit all of them.
“On Saturdays and Sundays, I said four Masses (daily). I did baptisms, first Communions, and weddings whenever I was there. Right after I had gotten there, I had four weddings that year. The next year, the number shot up to 12, and it kept increasing. The presence of a priest also helps the people to come, and they can get their catechesis and so on.”
Father Hammond returned to his home parish in Accra for two years, serving there until his superior asked him to come to the United States, where at the time the CHS order had only one other priest, who was serving in New York state.
After arriving in America, Father Hammond contacted Father Tom Powers, whom he met when he was studying for the priesthood in London. Father Powers served in the Diocese of Knoxville in the early 1990s before retiring to Greer, S.C. Father Powers introduced Father Hammond to Bishop O’Connell, who issued his invitation with a view to Father Hammond serving in the diocese.
Father Hammond spent time with Jack Kramer, then the diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry, and met with future Monsignor Bill Gahagan, who was serving as pastor of St. Mary in Johnson City. Father Hammond said at that time that he was appreciative of the hospitality shown to him during his stay in the diocese, especially thanking nowMonsignor Al Humbrecht and Father David Boettner of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The monsignor at that time was pastor of Sacred Heart, and Father Boettner, now rector of the cathedral, was associate pastor there, and they invited Father Hammond to live at the cathedral rectory dur-
ing his first visit to East Tennessee. In early 2011, Father Hammond became a U.S. citizen, and his parish family at St. Patrick in Morristown helped him celebrate the occasion. He was among more than 165 people from 59 countries who took part in naturalization ceremonies Feb. 18 at the City-County Building in Knoxville. U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan presided and led the new citizens in the Oath of Allegiance.
“It was great,” said Father Hammond. “It was very moving and emotional, especially when the judge came and read the orders and rights and all the things you are supposed to do.”
The St. Patrick pastor said he had no trouble with the citizenship exam.
“The questions and answers were very straightforward and very easy,” he said.
About 15 St. Patrick parishioners attended the naturalization ceremony in Knoxville, and more than 200 turned out for a “Citizenship Celebration” for their pastor Feb. 26 at the parish center. At that event, Father Hammond received a new Marian chasuble, stole, and alb purchased by several parishioners.
The Cabrera family of St. Patrick joined their pastor in becoming U.S. citizens. José, wife Ana, and sons Eddie and Fermin Cabrera took part in the ceremony in Knoxville.
After Father Hammond’s death, the Cabrera family spoke about him, saying, “Father José was a true instrument of God, celebrating Masses and administering the sacraments in Spanish in the Five Rivers area. His hard work, dedication, spirituality, kindness, and good sense of humor were qualities that drew many individuals and families, including ours, closer to the Catholic Church. He personally invited my family and me to become active members of St. Patrick Parish, and over time, he became our spiritual guide. He also encouraged us to receive the sacraments regularly.
“Father José will always remain in our hearts and in our prayers.”
Father Hammond told The East Tennessee Catholic that “I prefer the pastoral work” when asked what gave him the most joy as a priest. “I go to the hospital and visit the sick and visit them in their homes. I find comfort doing that rather than sitting in the parish office.”
Father Hammond offered advice in the 2012 article to young men considering a vocation to the priesthood.
“I would say let the grace of God work through you,” he said. “Listen to Him and do what He tells you in your heart. Pray during your discernment and give God the control.”
■
Father Hammond
Father Hammond and young friends Father Joseph Hammond, CHS, stands on the altar steps at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut last Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with children from the parish Hispanic community dressed in the costumes of St. Juan Diego and Our Lady.
COURTESY OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN PARISH (2)
Surrounded by love Father Joseph Hammond, CHS, sits near a cake with many friends at St. John Neumann Church at a 79th-birthday celebration held for him on July 20 following the 12:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish. Father Hammond turned 79 the next day.
that are unique to each individual. For example, some need to stay on a certain schedule in order to be able to function, and the Mass time or event may not work with that schedule. Others may prefer to keep to themselves rather than, for instance, exchange the sign of peace at Mass or participate in parish events,” Ms. Radachy continued.
There are many things that could be done to help parishes become more inclusive to every person’s needs.
Ms. Radachy explained, “There are many types of ‘special needs’ that it’s important to first understand what those specific needs are. Some will be obvious, such as having an accessible place for those in wheelchairs, and others will not be obvious, such as those who have a processing delay and those who have difficulty reading or adjusting to the environment or even a new schedule, to name a few.
“That means that the first step to being more inclusive is to see what the needs are in each specific parish and then develop solutions to enable them to be included in the celebration of the Mass and in parish events. These solutions might just be making small modifications for those who need them. For example, for those who have difficulty reading, one volunteer created an adapted Nicene Creed that includes a big bold font, extra spaces, and images to help them comprehend the prayer more easily.”
Another goal for the event is to change the idea that special-needs and disabled individuals are different from others. They’re not—they are still amiable, clever, and just as adventurous as any other person. They just have different lenses of the world we live in, and events like this help to provide another point of view.
Many times, people fear interacting with any disabled person because they fear it will be awkward. It is only awkward because of a created distance between “normal” culture and the disabled or neurodivergent people. The truth is that these individuals shouldn’t be treated any differently than how you should treat everyone else. Treat them with respect, treat them how you would want to be treated, like Jesus tells us to love and care for each other.
As well as organizing, Ms. Radachy also participated in the event and helped with reading during Mass. She stood with Larissa St. Thomas as she read to the parish during the celebration.
Bishop Beckman celebrated Mass
and spoke of the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus is told His mother and brothers are waiting for Him outside. Jesus turns to His disciples saying they are His mother and brothers. We are all, through Christ alone, brothers and sisters, the bishop said. The message comes as a reminder that if we are obedient and follow the will of God, we are all the same. Different walks of life, and spoken words, still do not separate us. If we are the sons of Abraham, then we are brothers and sisters, Bishop Beckman added.
This can show that those who are differently abled than others are still seen as God’s children, and can also take into consideration that they are to be compassionate to their brothers and sisters.
Sara Marquardt is a youth and young-adult minister at SJN. She spoke to the participants there and led a few worship songs alongside Ms. Helms. Something that stood out to Ms. Marquardt is how she changed perspectives to never be above the person she spoke to. While she sat with another child, Robert, she chose to sit on the floor while Robert sat higher than her in a chair. As simple as the act may seem, it’s important, as it is a physical example of leveling that allows each person to meet eye-to-eye to communicate. For someone who may struggle socially, this can be a comforting measure because it doesn’t allow for any feelings of
being inferior to another person; it stops them from having someone above them.
Ms. Radachy explained that A Very Special Day with the Bishop and events like it are incredibly important.
“Many families thanked us for making the event possible and for our kindness. One comment that really stood out, though, was ‘they like to be included.’ That inclusion is so important—but not always present.
“When it is, though, it gives individuals and families a chance to have fun, make connections with others, and build a community that goes beyond an individual church’s walls. For the parishes that host such events, the volunteers have the opportunity to use their skills and talents to share the faith and to welcome those from other parishes in the diocese and, in this case, even the bishop himself,” Ms. Radachy said.
She added that everyone has the ability to help the community.
“It’s common to think that there’s a certain ‘age requirement’ to be able to help, but actually, there isn’t—everyone can do something! In fact, we even had a couple of second- and third-graders volunteering for The Bishop’s Very Special Day, and by giving of themselves, they made an impact. It just requires finding a gift or a talent that you can give to others—and give it, no matter how big or how small, even if it’s just a smile or a kind word.”
This year the event fell on the same day as the feast of Our Lady of the Angels and the memorial of St. Peter Julian Eymard, and those celebrations were implemented into the day to “offer the guests a unique faith-formation opportunity through specially designed activities and music.”
“Katie Helms set the Guardian Angel prayer to ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and wrote a song about transubstantiation since St. Peter Julian Eymard is the Apostle of the Eucharist,” Ms. Radachy said. “In addition, she created a craft that, when unfolded, makes the shape of a cross. Inside the cross is a chalice and a host, and when you lift up
the host, there is an image of Jesus to share that, when we receive the Eucharist, we are receiving Jesus Himself.”
Of course, events like these are created to help bring communities together to grow, but they require help to get started and be successful. Ms. Helms is a longtime volunteer to diocesan events, and her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, along with that of many other dedicated volunteers.
Ms. Radachy shared her appreciation: “All of our volunteers made the day a beautiful experience for everyone in attendance! Katie Helms shared the faith with songs and crafts tailored to the liturgical celebrations of the day; Yvonne Kidder’s team provided a delicious meal to give a chance for everyone to connect and talk; Misty Weber recruited and organized the child and teen volunteers from Knoxville Catholic, Chesterton Academy, and St. John Neumann; Jenny Martinez took pictures so that our guests could remember this day; Leslie Freeze and her team of volunteers used their artistic skills to do face painting; and Filipina Phan and Sara Marquardt assisted with food, music, and activities throughout the day.”
“The child and teen volunteers had the opportunity to be buddies with our special guests and to lead different activities throughout the day—including a photo opportunity with those in costume!” Ms. Radachy continued. “Last but certainly not least, the clergy who were in attendance—Bishop Beckman, Father Mark Schuster, and Father Adam Royal—helped make the day special by celebrating Mass for us and spending time with our guests.” If you are interested in participating next year’s or in other similar events, either as a guest or a volunteer, contact Julie Radachy at knoxcv julie@gmail.com
Ms. Radachy shares her love for this community and her hopes that other parishioners, and those outside a parish, can learn. “Each individual is a treasure, a beloved child of God, and getting to spend days like this together is a blessing for all of us!” ■
BEE GOODMAN
(3)
Music ministry Katie Helms takes a question from the audience during The Bishop’s Very Special Day. Ms. Helms led singing and dancing and made crafts for the event.
Morning Mass Bishop Mark Beckman delivers the homily at a 10 a.m. Mass at St. John Neumann Church to begin A Very Special Day with the Bishop, the second such event to be held after an earlier one in 2021.
Autograph time Bishop Mark Beckman writes a message on a lanyard for a young fellow attending The Bishop’s Very Special Day.
Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy
The St. Vincent de Paul ministry’s annual Back to School Supply Drive was held through Aug. 3. Donations provided classroom supplies to children whose families cannot otherwise afford them. School supplies were taken to five elementary schools.
Pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht held a book study on July 26 on The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene. The next book study will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga Bishop Mark Beckman rededicated the church, following the completion of renovations, on Aug. 16.
The parish is establishing a Council of Catholic Women in affiliation with the National CCW and will hold an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, in the parish life center.
OLPH has sold its baby-grand piano, a Nordiska model 165C. Proceeds from the sale will help fund a replacement for the piano that will take up less space following the sanctuary renovations.
St. Bridget, Dayton
The Women’s Council is hosting a monthly bingo event on fourth Fridays. They are open and free to all with prizes and refreshments provided. The first event held July 24 was a great success with 16 in attendance. The next one is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, in the parish hall.
The parish participated in the armed forces’ Operation Healthy Tennessee free health clinic and services held July 11-21 at Bledsoe County High School in Pikeville and Rhea County Middle School in Evensville. St. Bridget also sponsored a health screening event for both English and Spanish speakers on the afternoon of Aug. 3 in the parish hall.
Registration for religious-education classes got underway in late July with classes starting Aug. 10.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
A retirement party for St. Jude’s Deacon Brian and wife Donna Gabor, honoring their 15 years of service to the Catholic Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the center (cocktail attire).
The Cheers for the Years group for parishioners ages 60 and older will resume its gatherings with an hour of socializing and snacks at 6 p.m. Saturday. Aug. 30, in the parish life center.
St. Jude’s Community Rummage Sale is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Spots of 10-by-10 feet are available to rent for $10. To register, use forms available in the outer vestibule or visit stjudechattanooga.org/ news/rummage-sale. Spots are limited. Setup is on Friday, Sept. 19, in Siener Hall. For more information, contact Laura in the parish office at 423-8702386 or info@stjudechattanooga.org
Knights of Columbus Council 8576 recently named families of the month, honoring Tony, Mona, and Bella Bombassi for April; Dane, Julia, Baylor, Millie, Brooklyn, and Mae Bradshaw for May; and James, Summer, Noemi, Zeke, and Rowan Hartman for June. New Knights who joined the council are Thomas Campbell and Alan Koenig.
St. Mary, Athens
In honor of its 20th anniversary in its current church building, St. Mary is holding a 100 Envelope Challenge. Envelopes numbered 1 to 100 are posted on the back wall of the church. Parishioners may choose any envelope and donate the dollar amount written on it (e.g., envelope 42 equals a $42 donation). If all envelopes are filled, the parish will raise $5,050. An anonymous donor will match contributions collected above the $5,050 goal up to $8,000. The challenge runs through August,
and all donations need to be returned by Monday, Sept. 1. If the full match is met, the parish could reduce its deficit to just $1,000.
The Knights of Columbus will host a pancake breakfast after the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 24.
A columbarium question-and-answer session was held in the family life center after the 6 p.m. Mass on Aug. 13.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
The Knights of Columbus will hold a Sizzlin’ Summer Steak Out from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at their hall at 7615 Lee Highway in Chattanooga. Cost for adults is $20 for a New York strip steak, baked potato, salad, and dessert, and $7 for a kid’s meal of a hot dog or hamburger with chips. The event features a water slide for children of all ages. Proceeds will support the Knights’ charitable causes.
A Women’s Welcome Weekend retreat to help participants “discover what’s missing in their lives and what to do about it” is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21, at the church. RSVP by visiting the information table in the vestibule after Masses or by calling formation leader Lindsey Smith at 417415-2177, retreat leader Vanessa Lara at 423-803-7203, or the parish office at 423-892-1261.
The Knights recently named John Schopper as Knight of the month and Clarence, Pat, and Tim Bodnar as family of the month.
Anniversaries: Paul and Valerie Madron (40), Alfred and Evelyn Barnes (35)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
The Building Committee at a recent meeting addressed concerns about the kitchen and pantry at the church. They will remain in their current locations but will be reworked, and updates to the sink, floors, and countertops have been proposed. Additional shelving and cabinetry may be added to address storage needs, along with a larger microwave, a second refrigerator, and possibly a dishwasher. The committee also discussed adding a sidewalk on the far side of the church from the parking lot to the entry as well as providing HVAC access to the choir loft.
The Ladies Guild held its annual Craft & Bake sale on Aug. 16-17. As part of the sale, the guild sold Blessed Sacrament T-shirts and sweatshirts that featured a picture of the church on the front left and an image of a monstrance on the back with the church name. The Ladies Guild supports Life Choices Medical Center in Harriman and other parish and community-service projects.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
A patriotic rosary was recited by the congregation at Mass on July 4 for the consecration of the nation. Each Hail Mary became a state, starting with: “We plead the blood of Jesus over Alabama and every person in that state” before the first Hail Mary, and 10 states were mentioned for each decade. A patriotic song was sung for each decade.
A 33 Days to Merciful Love retreat began July 8 and concluded with a feast of the Assumption Mass on Aug. 15. For more information on the program, call Pat Hurley at 301-667-8108 or Colin Hurley at 410-603-8409. A 33 Days to Morning Glory retreat was held Wednesday evenings from July 9 through the Aug. 14 vigil Mass for the Assumption for those who could not attend the daytime Morning Glory sessions. For details, call Kathy Donley at 707-321-9563.
The Knights of Columbus recite the rosary after daily Mass on third Wednesdays for an end to abortion.
The Hearts Afire team invited parishioner Mary Lampugnano to speak about the St. Vincent de Paul Society after the 8 a.m. Mass on July 16 in the parish hall. A light breakfast was served.
Parish notes continued on page B8
Knights contribute more than $20,000 to mobile ultrasound program
Two Knights of Columbus councils have combined to donate more than $20,000 to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s mobile ultrasound program. Council 5207 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus presented a $10,000 check to Catholic Charities on Aug. 6 (top photo), and Council 16088 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade made a $10,034 check presentation on July 15 (bottom photo). The Council 5207 donation came from the proceeds of its annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament, held this year on April 25-26 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Holding the check at the Catholic Charities headquarters in Knoxville are (from left) Deacon David Duhamel, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee; Sandi Davidson, Catholic Charities program leader for Pregnancy Services; Jay Coatney, Council 5207 Grand Knight; and Seth Smith, the council’s lacrosse chair. At Fairfield Glade, Deacon Duhamel (third from left) holds the check alongside (from left) Ed Rubio, Council 16088 chancellor; St. Francis of Assisi pastor Father Michael Woods; Michael Spitler, Grand Knight; Al Garofalo, faith director; and Roland Wicker, life director. The mobile ultrasound van offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, STI testing, prenatal vitamins, and compassionate counseling, and it travels to parishes and rural communities across East Tennessee.
Good Shepherd’s St. Vincent de Paul sponsors construction manager
As Cocke County continues to recover from the Hurricane Helene flooding last fall, the St. Vincent de Paul conference at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport sponsored a construction-manager position by applying for grant funds and seeking donations. The manager, Charlie Sawyer, began working recently for the Cocke County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG). With more than 20 years of manufacturing experience and skills in residential construction, Mr. Sawyer will oversee home repair and rebuilding efforts for families affected by the flooding in September 2024. Funding for his position was provided by grants and donations from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Disaster Services Corp., the Knoxville District Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Good Shepherd conference, the Cocke County LTRG, the United Way of East Tennessee Highlands, and the East Tennessee Foundation. Pictured from left are Cocke County LTRG executive director Spring Duckett, Mr. Sawyer, and Good Shepherd St. Vincent de Paul conference treasurer Denise Reis.
DAN MCWILLIAMS
COURTESY OF DENISE REIS
DAWN HOUSHOLDER
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will feature its cantors in a “Voices for Haiti” performance at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, part of the Cathedral Concert Series. The cantors will sing works by Fauré, Saint-Saen, Mozart, Debussy, Puccini, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Lauridsen, Gjeilo, and more in an event that supports Sacred Heart’s Haiti Outreach Program and its twin parish in Boucan-Carré, Haiti. Glenn Kahler, the cathedral’s director of music and liturgy, will lead the concert, accompanied by Byongsuk Moon, assistant director of music and organist. Featured cantors will be Bethany Lay, soprano; John Overholt, tenor; Ashton Gallagher, soprano; Dylan Fink, bass; SarahClementine Mire, soprano; Joel Brown, baritone; Rebeca Reinoza, mezzo soprano; Ashlee King, soprano; AC Cabrera, baritone; and Michelle Pokelwaldt, soprano. A reception will follow the concert, as will a presentation on the Haiti Outreach Program. To learn more about the program, visit www.haitioutreachprogram.org. Admission to the concert is free, but seating is limited. Tickets are available via the Eventbrite link at shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series The event will also be livestreamed, recorded, and archived with access available at m.youtube.com/c/ SacredHeartCathedralKnoxvilleTN
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will hold a Swing Dancing Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, in Cathedral Hall. Recommended ages for attendees is 21 to 30. Sophie Holt will give a beginner’s swing dancing lesson followed by an hour of open dancing.
Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 6099 will hold its 35th annual charity golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Brainerd Golf Course, 5203 Old Mission Road in Chattanooga. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8. The event features a $10,000 prize for a hole in one plus prizes (for both men and women) for the top three teams, longest drive, and closest-to-the-pin. Tourney format is four-person selectshot. Cost is $100 per player and includes green fee, a cart, lunch, door prizes, and two mulligans. Sponsorship opportunities at four levels from $100 to $1,500 are available. To enter the tourney or sponsor it, visit KofC6099. com or contact Terry Duffy at 423605-1092 or tduffykofc@gmail.com Entry deadline is Thursday, Aug. 28. Proceeds support the Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund and the council’s other charitable causes.
The Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow will host the first talk of this year’s Cultura Vitae Lecture Series, titled “Making School Beautiful,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 217 Fox Road in Knoxville. The talk will be presented by Derek Brooks, founder of Benedictus Art and a nationally recognized artist and liturgical designer. Mr. Brooks has worked with numerous Catholic schools, parishes, and institutions across the country, helping them integrate beauty into their spaces and practices. In his presentation, Mr. Brooks will begin with an “apology for beauty,” exploring what beauty truly is through the lens of St. Thomas Aquinas: integritas (wholeness), consonantia (harmony), and claritas (radiance). He will then discuss how to view a school through the lens of beauty and offer concrete, practical ways to begin shaping the school environment accordingly. Educators, parents, and students are welcome to attend.
Knoxville Catholic High School’s 39th annual Shamrock Open Golf Tournament is set for Friday, Sept. 12, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. Tee time is 9 a.m. The event honors the Huber family as “Irish legends.” Proceeds will support many student initiatives at Knoxville Catholic. The tourney features 18 holes of golf, lunch, beverages, souvenirs, and goodie bags. Since 1986, the Shamrock Open has raised $1,215,000. To register as a team or individual, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit knoxvillecatholic. com/shamrock-open/
A Picture of Love retreat for engaged couples is scheduled for 6:45 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, includ-
ing Mass celebrated by Father David Carter, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy (note new location). This marriage-preparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help a couple gain insights into their relationship, as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate to present to their county clerk and receive a $60 discount on their marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. Cost is $175 per couple. Registration is available at dioknox. org/events/picture-of-love-retreatsept-2025. Registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 1. Late registrations are accepted if space allows (cost is $200 by credit card only). Also at the websites are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to complete the exercises in advance and bring them to the retreat—see the website for more details. Contact Carolyn Krings at 865584-3307 or ckrings@dioknox.org for more information.
A Hundredfold Vocation Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. The one-day workshop will provide practical tools and inspiration to help promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated life, marriage, and single life. The event offers a dynamic day of inspiration and practical tools to help promote vocations in a parish or reignite current efforts, with a goal of working together to build up the Church through holy priests, Sisters, and marriages. The day includes Mass with Bishop Mark Beckman and presentations from Vocation Ministry, the team behind the nationally recognized Hundredfold initiative. Lunch is provided. View a flyer or register at dioknox.org/events/ vocation-parish-workshop. Bishop Beckman encourages each parish to send at least one representative to the event to establish or strengthen vocation ministries throughout the diocese. Each parish registering will receive a Hundredfold resource book.
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee will host an evening of dinner and square-dancing at the second annual Barn Dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, in the Knoxville Catholic High School gymnasium. All funds raised will benefit CCETN’s A Loving Option adoption program and will provide necessary support to mothers facing crisis or unplanned pregnancies. Country attire is encouraged. BYOB. Purchase tickets by Saturday, Sept. 6, at dioknox.org/ events/ccetn-barn-dance
St. Meinrad Archabbey, a Benedictine monastery in southern Indiana, is hosting unstructured retreats for young adults. The cost is $50 and includes a guest room and all meals. Participants can join the monks in prayer, explore the beauty of the campus, and find time for quiet and rest with God. Father Simon Herrmann, OSB, director of young-adult engagement for St. Meinrad, and other monks will be available for one-on-one meetings. The next two retreats are scheduled for Sept. 19-21 and Nov. 7-9.
E-mail Father Herrmann at yae@saintmeinrad.edu or visit www.saint meinrad.org/retreats/young-adultretreats for more information.
The 16th annual community tailgate at Knoxville Catholic High School is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, before the Fighting Irish’s homecoming football game against Silverdale Academy. The event features tailgate food, games, and more. Alumni, families, friends, and fans are welcome to attend. Advance tickets are $15 per person, which includes a food and game ticket. Purchase tickets or make
Calendar continued on page B8
Father Burton celebrates 45th St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga celebrated pastor Father Charlie Burton’s 45th anniversary of priestly ordination with a Mass and a potluck luncheon on July 10. Father Burton was ordained on July 11, 1980. Pictured is a cake featuring the pastor’s favorite NFL team.
Former superior general leads parish mission at Notre Dame Notre Dame in Greeneville recently held a five-day parish mission. Father Abraham Vettuvelil, MSFS, the former superior general of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, led the mission. Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, the pastor of Notre Dame, is also in the same order. Both are pictured at left. Father Vettuvelil celebrated Mass and offered spiritual direction at the mission, which also included time for confession, holy hours, a rosary, and a first Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart.
OF DEBBIE EBERHARDT Methodist church takes interest in St. Francis-Townsend ministry
The congregation of Camp Ground United Methodist Church in Townsend recently became interested in St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend’s St. Vincent de Paul ministry and how it serves many local neighbors in need. The Methodist church’s pastor, Janice Keebler, met with parish St. Vincent de Paul president Debbie Eberhardt at the conference’s food pantry. Ms. Keebler was impressed at how the conference members fed so many and took what she learned back to her congregation, which then voted to send their “Easter Funds” to the St. Vincent de Paul pantry. Pictured is Bill Gathergood, editor and publisher of Gather Good News, presenting Mrs. Eberhardt with a donation check. The food pantry received donated subscription fees from Gather Good News, a Wears Valley monthly publication with 74 subscribers, including some from England and Asia. Some subscribers sent extra money in addition to their subscription fee.
COURTESY
COURTESY OF ST. JUDE PARISH (2)
COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS (2)
Deacon Frank Fischer speaks to medical students
The Heart 2 Fragile Heart organization at St. Dominic in Kingsport is directed by Deacon Frank Fischer of the parish, a retired medical doctor. He was recently invited to speak on the beginning and development of human life in the womb to a group of medical students at the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.
COURTESY OF MICHAEL MILLER
Praying for Perspective by
George Valadie
Back-to-school time for family routines
Lunches, homework, and uniforms have evolved but still need a schedule
Praying for Perspective—the back-to-school edition. Because can there be a family experience where we need it more?
In our diocese, as I write on this Sunday morning, teachers have been working a week already, and all the kids have been back for at least a day.
You know, those introductory get-your-feet-wet days, meet-yourteacher, catch-up-with-friends, stash-your-supplies, learn-how-towork-your-locker, and those firstday-of-whatever-grade photos.
And more than a few tears when some walk away for that first time— some moms, I mean.
My Facebook is full of kids who look so crisp and clean, remarkably bright-eyed in spite of a summer of sleeping in, nothing but possibility and promise in their faces. No matter how many times they had to reshoot that darn “happy” photo.
The same scenario is unfolding at colleges, too, where our moms and dads are dropping off their freshmen and fixing up their dorm rooms for what will surely be the last time that space looks presentable enough for a photo.
San Diego State University posts a great message: “Attention freshmen who are moving in tomorrow: A little request … when your mom wants to unpack all of your clothes and make your bed—let her. When your dad wants to introduce himself to all the people on your floor—let him. When they want to take pictures of your every move this weekend—let them. If they embarrass you or act crazy—let them. As you start this new chapter of your life,
Tremember, they are also starting a new chapter of theirs. And believe it or not, this is probably more difficult for them than it is for you. So let them treat you like a baby one last time.”
Kudos to them … and guilty as charged—we did all of that and more when it was our turn.
And I love that you don’t have to drop off at college to “feel all the feels,” as they say.
Similarly, I asked a dad of a highschool freshman girl how she had liked her first day. He said, “She loved it. Super excited. Handling the transition much better than her dad.”
On a different note, it was this same Sunday, five years ago, when my mom suffered an aneurysm that resulted in a massive stroke. She died two days later. We thought she’d live forever.
She’s buried in the local Catholic cemetery, next to my dad and beside his parents.
My mom was our world when we were growing up and going to school—me and my three sisters. She was a working-outside-thehome mom when many of my friends’ mothers worked at home— at a time when “working at home” meant something far different.
Our family owned but one car, so it was often she who rode the bus to and from downtown with a walk home from the bus stop and family dinner to be cooked waiting for her at the end of each long day.
She arose early every school morning to fix breakfast for each of us—buttered toast and hot cocoa, made from cocoa, sugar, and heated-up milk (pre-microwave days).
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by
At the same time, she was also cranking out four lunches, cheese or bologna or potted-meat sandwiches wrapped in wax paper, before “baggies” were a thing, all carried off in paper sacks with our initials on them. And a nickel for milk, I kid you not.
We kids were “crisp and clean,” too, but the preparation was a little different. Given that we, too, wore uniforms, our mom’s routine, though I don’t know where she found the time, included mountains of ironing: skirts, pants, and a dress shirt and three blouses for each of the week’s five school days, not to mention her own nurse’s uniforms.
No polos, no perma-press, no straight from the dryer to the hanger. Not much convenience at all.
The woman was a saint.
When I think of my mom now, I picture her grave, lying there under a big tree on the hillside. She comes to mind today for obvious reasons, but also because that nearby tree is not unlike the one that grew behind our church underneath which we school kids played at recess. It’s one of my favorite memories from my own grade-school days.
Both sad and understandable, progress and growth eventually required that tree be removed. It was the gigantic sort with its big old roots everywhere, some arching up out of the ground, high enough to be a resting stool during a game of chase, others giving shape to the perfect mini-stadium for the rounds and rounds of marbles we used to play.
Life is different now. And so are schools.
Progress is a good thing. There’s
Deacon Bob Hunt
a parish life center where that tree was. And for moms there are microwaves and baggies, hot chocolate, and Lunchables.
By definition, progress requires all sorts of changes. Our students and parents now live with laptops and e-mails and pre-paid cash on a lunch account. Drop-off and pickup procedures have replaced walking home or riding bikes. And volunteer training must precede a homeroom party of cookies and punch. Just to name a few.
But even with all the advancements in culture and convenience, our daughters (with children of their own) tell tales of home routines that seem to be as chaotic as ever. And they seem every bit as exhausted as I’m sure our mom was.
Multicolored calendars and phone apps seem to be a requirement families cannot live without. Practice and rehearsal schedules, dress clothes on Mass days, Accelerated Reader due dates. It’s nuts! Yes, school life is nuts! But it’s a good nuts—most of the time. If you’re a part of it—at any school and any age—may your year be filled with every bit of that “possibility and promise” you captured in the smile of that first-day photo. Dear God—Help us be ever mindful that all we do in our schools has a higher purpose—an eternity with the simplest of goals—life with you. Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
In Nicaea: settling the Arian controversy
The council 1,700 years ago used the word ‘consubstantial’ that remains in the creed
he Catholic Church in Alexandria, Egypt, was abuzz in the year 318. A priest of the diocese named Arius was preaching a doctrine that was attracting a lot of attention and growing in popularity. Just a few years earlier, the Catholics suffered the Great Persecution under the emperor Diocletian. Beginning in 303, Diocletian’s persecution was empire-wide and targeted clergy especially, but it also destroyed churches, confiscated Catholic holy vessels and texts, and tortured Catholics, demanding they renounce their faith. It was the worst persecution Catholics had faced, and it lasted eight years, finally coming to an end in 311, when Emperor Galerius proclaimed an edict of toleration. In 313, after his victory at the Milvian Bridge made him sole emperor, Constantine I issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. After the Edict of Milan, the persecutions having ended, welleducated Catholics finally had the luxury to reflect deeply on the teachings of Christ and of the Church. With great enthusiasm, these men introduced new thoughts on the redemptive mission of Christ, how we are to live the Christ-like life, and what is the relationship between the different persons of the Holy Trinity. It was that question, on the relationship of the Persons of the Trinity, that ignited the imaginations of the Alexandrian Christians who had been learning Arius’ doctrine. Arius was concerned that more pagans were not being drawn to the Catholic faith because they had a difficult time embracing the dogma of the Holy Trinity: three co-equal, co-eternal Persons, Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, in one divine Being. “If God is three Persons,” the pagans would ask, “why don’t you say you worship three gods?” They also struggled with the incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity in Jesus of Nazareth. The pagans wondered, “How could a god be a man, and then suffer as He did? Why didn’t He just destroy His enemies?” To address these concerns, Arius wrote a book called The Banquet that explained his teaching on the relationship between the Persons of the Holy Trinity. God the Father, Arius taught, is eternal, immutable God. God the Son is not eternal but is the first creation of the Father. Jesus Christ, then, is the most holy man who ever lived, who attained divinity by virtue of His life, lived in obedience to the Father, but He is still a creation of the Father. Arius wrote, “the Son who is tempted, suffers, dies, however exalted He may be, is not to be equal to the immutable Father.” The bumpersticker “motto” of the Arians was: “There was a time when He [Christ] was not.” Arius taught that the Holy Spirit was also the Father’s creation. Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, immediately recognized Arius’ error and condemned his doctrine, instructing him to no longer teach it. But by then, Arius’ teaching had become quite popular, and Arius himself had become famous for his teaching and admired by those who embraced his doctrine. He refused to be silent. Eventually, the controversy became so acute that Constantine I wrote to both Alexander and Arius demanding that they come to some sort of compromise, insisting that such “philosophical” matters were of no interest to the people in the pews.
But no compromise could be found. Arius was too tied to his doctrine, and Alexander would not compromise on orthodox doctrine regarding the identity of Christ and His relationship with the Father. Constantine wanted only unity for his empire, and the controversy was disrupting that unity. So, he called for a council of the bishops of the Church to settle the matter once and for all. Bishops from the Eastern provinces of the empire arrived in great anticipation of how the council would settle the controversy over “Arianism.” A handful of Western bishops also participated, including Hosius of Cordova, a survivor of the persecutions, as were other bishops who gathered, who presided over the Council. Pope Sylvester I did not attend but sent his legates Vitas and Vincent of Capua.
Constantine chose the town of Nicaea on the Anatolian peninsula for the setting for the Council. Nicaea was centrally located in the empire and not far from the emperor’s new capital, Constantinople. The bishops met from May to August 325. According to records by then-Deacon St. Athanasius of Alexandria, 318 bishops attended. Arius was given the opportunity to present his case. He certainly had his supporters, especially Eusebius of Nicomedia (who would later baptize Constantine on his deathbed). Arius also had those who, while not entirely supportive, were sympathetic to his views. These bishops were called semi-Arians and were mostly interested in securing peace and unity among the Council Fathers and in the empire. When push came to shove, however, it was clear that Arius’ teaching was unorthodox
and not consistent with the authentic teaching of the Church, given to her by the Apostles. When the bishops were asked to vote on approving or condemning Arius’ doctrine, 316 of those present voted to condemn Arianism. Now the challenge for the bishops became how to define or describe Jesus Christ’s relationship with the Father. This would be a real challenge, for, though the great majority of the bishops believed that Jesus was the incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity—the Son—they did not know how to speak of that relationship. So, they turned to the Greek language to solve the dilemma.
How should the bishops describe the relationship between Father and Son, co-equal and co-eternal God? The Western bishops favored the Greek word homoousios, which means “consubstantial,” or of the same substance. The Western bishops wanted to press the Arian bishops to deny Arius’ central proposition: that Christ was created by the Father. The semi-Arians preferred the Greek word homoiousios, meaning “of like substance.” This phrase was rejected by the Western bishops because it failed to make clear that the Father and Son were of the same substance, co-equal and co-eternal. Ultimately, they settled on “consubstantial” and used that word to describe the relationship between Father and Son in the statement of faith they produced. That statement of faith came to be called the Nicene Creed and, with some modifications, is the creed that Catholic and Orthodox Christians proclaim even to this day.
Deacon Bob Hunt continued on page B10
IRandy Stice
Spouses’ total gift of self ‘has
a eucharistic
dimension’
The integral relationship between the Eucharist and matrimony is profound
n recent columns, I have been discussing the relationship between the Eucharist and individual sacraments. The seven sacraments of the Church “touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase; healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith.”1 Together, they “form an organic whole in which each particular sacrament has its own vital place.” However, the Eucharist, the “sacrament of sacraments,” occupies a unique place within this organic whole, for “all the other sacraments are ordered to it as to their end.”2
St. Thomas Aquinas (died 1274) summarized how each of the sacraments is ordered to the Eucharist as its end. Baptism is ordered “to the reception of the Eucharist,” and confirmation perfects us by removing any fear of approaching the Eucharist. Holy orders is “directed to the consecration of the Eucharist,” and through the forgiveness of sin, penance and anointing prepare us “to receive the body of Christ worthily.” Matrimony is a sign of “the union of Christ with the Church, and of this union the Eucharist is a figure, so that the Apostle says (Ephesians 5:32): ‘This is a great sacrament, but I speak of Christ and of the Church.’”3 In this column, we will look at the relationship between matrimony and the Eucharist.
In Ephesians, cited by Aquinas, St. Paul compares marriage to Christ’s
sacrificial love for the Church:
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the Church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish…. ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24).
This is a great mystery, and I mean in reference to Christ and Church” [Ephesians 5:25-27, 31-32]. This passage is foundational for understanding the relationship between marriage and the Eucharist.
“Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her” by His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension.
St. John Paul II wrote, “The ‘sincere gift’ contained in the Sacrifice of the Cross gives definitive prominence to the spousal meaning of God’s love. As the redeemer of the world, Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church.
The Eucharist is the Sacrament of our Redemption. It is the Sacrament of the Bridegroom and of the Bride . . . .Christ is united with this ‘body’ as the bridegroom with the bride.” Ephesians, he continues, reveals that “the perennial ‘unity of the two’ that exists between man and woman from the very ‘beginning’ is introduced into this ‘great mystery’ of Christ and of the Church.”4
The integral relationship between the Eucharist and matrimony is profound. “The Eucharist is the very source of Christian marriage,” wrote St. John Paul II. “The Eucharistic Sacrifice, in fact, re-presents Christ’s covenant of love with the Church, sealed with His blood on the Cross.”5 Because it makes present “Christ’s sacrifice of love for the Church, the Eucharist is a fountain of charity”6 that continuously nourishes marriage. “The Eucharist inexhaustibly strengthens the indissoluble unity and love of every Christian marriage. By the power of the sacrament, the marriage bond is intrinsically linked to the eucharistic unity of Christ the Bridegroom and His Bride, the Church (cf. Ephesians 5:31-32).”7
In the Mass, which is the sacramental re-presentation of Christ’s covenant of love for his Church, “Christian spouses encounter the source from which their own marriage covenant flows, is interiorly structured, and continuously renewed.”8 Christ’s total gift of Himself for the Church is the inner reality of “the mutual consent that husband and wife exchange in Christ,” making a total gift of each to the other. This “establishes them as a community of life and love,” bringing into existence their marriage.
This total gift of self to the spouse “has a eucharistic dimension,” for in the Eucharist Christ continu-
ously offers Himself for his bride the Church. 9 Christ “never ceases to offer Himself for us.”10 Christ, through the priest, “offers the eucharistic sacrifice” and, under the appearances of bread and wine, Christ “is the offering of the eucharistic sacrifice.”11 Through the unceasing gift of Himself in sacramental communion, He strengthens and transforms the spouses to do the same for each other and manifest to all “Christ’s living presence in the world, and the genuine nature of the Church.”12 ■
1 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1210
2 CCC, 1211
3 An Aquinas Reader, ed. Mary T. Clark, p. 417
4 St. John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem, 26
5 St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 57
6 St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 57
7 Benedict XVI, The Sacrament of Charity, 27
8 St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, 57
9 Benedict XVI, The Sacrament of Charity, 27
10 Roman Missal, Preface III of Easter
11 CCC, 1410
12 Gaudium et Spes, 48
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox. org.
Annual God Camps held at Adventure Ocoee
This summer, middle-schoolers from across the diocese gathered for God Camps at the Adventure Ocoee campground in Polk County. The annual camps offered by the diocesan Youth Ministry Office included a Reach Camp that drew 60 incoming seventh- and eighth-graders June 20-23, with 12 high-school leaders, and a Discover Camp that was attended by 50 incoming fifth- and sixth-graders June 24-27, plus 13 leaders. Campers dove into a week filled with activities, transformative prayer experiences, and deepened friendships under the guidance of high-school leaders. The youths splashed at the water park and lake, experienced team-building challenges on the low-ropes course, and were immersed in a Christ-centered adventure. The high-school leaders served as mentors and role models for the campers, giving testimonies and leading the younger students in faith-formation activities such as prayerful reflections, praise and worship, and guided small-group discussions. The youth office thanked the college crew members and adult volunteers for their behind-the-scenes work, logistical support, and spiritual encouragement that made the camps run smoothly.
Daily readings
Friday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mass during the day, Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56
Saturday, Aug. 16: Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19:13-15
Sunday, Aug. 17: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:14; Luke 12:49-53
Monday, Aug. 18: Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-37, 39-40, 43-44; Matthew 19:16-22
Tuesday, Aug. 19: Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; Matthew 19:23-30
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Memorial of St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16
Thursday, Aug. 21: Memorial of St. Pius X, pope, Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5, 7-10; Matthew 22:1-14
Friday, Aug. 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16. 22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40
Saturday, Aug. 23: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11 and 4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12
Sunday, Aug. 24: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 1113; Luke 13:22-30
Monday, Aug. 25: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Matthew 23:13-22
Tuesday, Aug. 26: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139:1-6; Matthew 23:23-26
Wednesday, Aug. 27: Memorial of St. Monica, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 23:27-32
Thursday, Aug. 28: Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17; Matthew 24:42-51
Friday, Aug. 29: Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, 1
Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Mark 6:17-29
Saturday, Aug. 30: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1, 7-9; Matthew 25:14-30
Sunday, Aug. 31: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14
Saturday, Sept. 13: Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1 Timothy 1:1517; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 6:43-49
Sunday, Sept. 14: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 ■
COURTESY OF NOAH GRINSTEAD (4)
a donation at knoxvillecatholic.com/ tailgate/
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will hold its ninth annual Fly Fishers of Men retreat on the weekend of Sept. 26-28 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton, located near the Hiwassee River, one of the premier trout streams in America. Father David Boettner, rector of the cathedral, will lead the retreat. Fly fishermen and those who want to learn about fly fishing are welcome to attend. Participants must be 18 and over. To participate or learn more, contact Robb Morris at robert@morris.net or 865-567-5509.
The Diocese of Knoxville’s Young Adult Ministry is presenting “Emma Fradd Unplugged—A Night of Music & Community ” from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Gourmet’s Market & Café, 5107 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7. Ms. Fradd will perform an unplugged set featuring songs from her new album, “I Can Read Minds.” Tickets are $25 and include the concert and a taco bar. A limited cash bar will be available. Purchase tickets or learn more about Ms. Fradd at dioknox.org/ events/emma-fradd-unplugged
The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold its annual Celebrate Life Banquet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Bridgewater Place event center, 205 Bridgewater Road in Knoxville. The banquet is the chapter’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Reservations are required, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Download a sponsorship form or learn more at www.prolifeknox.org/2025_ celebrate_life_banquet_rsvp or contact the Knox County TRL chapter at trlknox@prolifeknox.com or 865-6891339. The TRL chapter will also have a booth at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville, set for Sept. 5-14. Sixty volunteers are needed to staff the booth for all 10 days. To volunteer for a 3- to 4-hour shift, contact the chapter’s office (see above). Tickets and parking
Council of Catholic Women members again this year distributed Cross Catholic Outreach boxes to fill with items for Christmas gifts for needy children in developing countries.
The parish has recently established a Senior Outreach Ministry. Those experiencing loneliness or an inability to leave home because of ongoing medical or physical challenges may ask for assistance. Call Mary Vivian White at 419-618-1647.
Another new parish ministry is the Angel Team, which welcomes new parishioners and introduces them to all aspects of parish life. Call Pam Brophy for more information at 931-248-0491.
Anniversaries: Dennis and Colleen Richardson (64), Bob and Earlene Froelich (62), Don and Sherry Koch (60), Patrick and Patricia McGraw (60), Bill and Pat Maas (60), Samuel and Janet Chiappetta (59), Dave and Barb Sheperd (59), Wayne and Carol Fasske (58), Raymond and Laurie Falk (57), Richard and Monica Jahn (56), Jim and Rosemary Wells (56), Don and Cheryl Chrobot (55), Jim and Terri Auckland (54), Jan and Martie Novack (54), Richard and Darla Kepner (54), Raymond and Claudette Purzycki (54), Ronald and Lynn Varcak (54), John and Kathleen Johnson (53), Mike and Geri White (53), Dick and Becky Bishop (53), Jack and Jan Anderson (52), Steve and Cindy Clark (52), Kevin and Debora Boyle (50), Val and Mercedes Moss (50), Robert and Mary Laflamme (50), Joseph and Margaret Medeiros (40), Jeff and Jennifer Banta (30), Richard and Paula Jimenez (30), Terrance and Melinda Adams (15), Thomas and Nikki Landry (5) St. John Neumann, Farragut
The annual Trivia Night Adult Social with potluck will take place Saturday, Aug. 23, in the school gym. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Those attending may bring a table of eight for a team or RSVP as a single or smaller group. E-mail sjncc womensclub@gmail.com to RSVP. For the potluck, those with last names starting with A-F should bring a side
are provided.
St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge will celebrate its 75th annual Fall Festival on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18. The festivities begin Friday with a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus that also features a live auction. On Saturday, the festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine with live entertainment all day; a hayride to a pumpkin patch; regional vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, and seasonal treats; the White Elephant Sale; tamales and more at the Cantina Booth; classic carnival games, inflatable attractions, and more; face painting; and a silent auction. For more information, contact the parish office at 865-482-2875 or follow St. Mary on Facebook at SaintMaryOakRidge and on Instagram.
Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion are invited to attend a Catholic Charities Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat on the weekend of Oct. 17-19 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Friday, Oct. 10. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org
Crafters and artisans are invited to take part in the fifth annual Christmas Market, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Hardin Valley Event Center pavilion in Knoxville. Market proceeds will support American Heritage Girls Troop 0413 and Trail Life Troop 1413 from St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut. Registration is open for new vendors. Contact Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com to learn more or register. Space is limited and will fill up fast.
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is set for Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 20-22, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. There will be two to three buses heading to NCYC from different points around the Diocese of Knoxville.
dish, G-L a dessert, M-S an appetizer, and T-Z a main dish. The event is for adults only and BYOB. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
She Shall Be Called Woman will resume this fall with the theme “Love Unveiled.”
The nine-week program begins Saturday, Sept. 6, in Seton Hall from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. The program explores what it means to embody the identity of Christ’s Bride in the world.
St. Joseph, Norris
The Council of Catholic Women will hold a yard sale Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23.
The Senior Moments group met for lunch at Woody’s Bar & Grill in Oak Ridge on Aug. 14.
The parish is assisting Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties with home-repair and improvement projects this summer. Volunteers, who must be 16 and older, of all skill levels and backgrounds are welcome to help. Email Madison Beaty at madison@adfc. org to learn more.
Parishioners of all ages made drawings after Mass on July 20 for Color a Smile, a nonprofit organization, to deliver to those in hospitals or nursing homes and to members of the armed forces.
Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
The Knights of Columbus council’s first Ride for Charity featuring cars and motorcycles was held Aug. 16 at the church. Funds raised benefited the St. Mary’s mobile medical clinic and Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies. The event included a raffle, a barbecue, and cornhole.
Holy Trinity collected $2,186 for a Food for the Poor effort, with a goal of $4,900 needed to be matched with money from another donor to build a home for a family in need.
The parish participated in the 30th
The group will be staying at a hotel in downtown Indianapolis within walking distance from the convention center. NCYC is a powerfully unique threeday experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high-school age) and their adult chaperones. NCYC is the premiere Catholic youth event on a national scale that gathers people from all across America for a life-changing encounter with Christ. The theme is “I AM.” Register a child or group at dioknox.org/ events/2025-national-catholic-youthconference
Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 22. Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate a bilingual Mass, followed by a dinner celebration. More details to come.
Catholic in Recovery is a 12-step recovery ministry that holds meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga and each Sunday at 6 p.m. at All Saints Church in Knoxville. CIR provides hope and healing from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction are also encouraged to attend. Meetings combine the spiritual principles of 12-step recovery and the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Join others in recovery as the meetings overlap Scripture from Sunday Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. The St. Dominic gatherings are hybrid meetings, in person in the St. Thomas Aquinas Room of the parish life center or online at tinyurl.com/ cir-zoom-tricities-tn. For more information, visit www.catholicinrecovery. com. For more details on the meetings at St. Dominic, contact Jena at cir. tricities.tn@gmail.com or call Oscar at 423-213-2434. For the meetings at All Saints, call Martin Ohmes at 865-4384905 or e-mail CIRAllSaintsKnoxville@ gmail.com. Contact Deacon Wade Eckler about the meetings at OLPH at
annual Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies effort July 14-17 to serve the elderly and indigent in the area with home repairs. Ninety-eight parishioners came together and helped feed work teams from Holy Trinity as well as Georgia and North Carolina, and they helped set up for and clean up after meals. Holy Trinity’s work team included Randy LaBauve, Jackie Castle, Dave Orzechowski, Jim Pickering, and Martin Witberg. The food ministry was led by Donna Dunn, Jamie Roberts, and Denise Frinzi. The Council of Catholic Women hosted an Italian dinner on July 14, and parish volunteers provided a sit-down dinner on July 17 as a sendoff to the teams.
The Knights hosted a “Night in New Orleans” dinner on Aug. 2. The council also received the Star Council distinction recently, in recognition of overall excellence in the areas of membership, promotion of fraternal membership benefits, sponsorship of faith-formation programs, and service-oriented activities. For more information on the Knights, call the parish office at 865471-0347 or Grand Knight Randy LaBauve at 561-310-4897.
Anniversaries: John and Mary Ellen Fletcher (62), Gary and Joan Colclasure (61), Dennis and Bonita Wolke (55), Douglas and Donna Ibbetson (52), Lynn and Maureen Roddy (45), Steven and Geannie Megazzini (30), Deacon Jim and Cheryl Prosak (30), Taylor and Colleen Neuharth (10), Harry and Cheryl Gioia (5)
Notre Dame, Greeneville
A Walking with Purpose women’s Bible study will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Marian Room. The book selected for this fall is “Passionate Disciple,” a nine-week course on Timothy’s letters that will help women know Christ and share Him with others. For more information, e-mail Elizabeth Girton at ElizabethSGirton@gmail.com
The parish on Aug. 2 again picked up trash along Holly Creek Road in Greeneville as part of the Keep Greene Beautiful adopt-a-road program.
423-322-3493 or weckler@myolph. com
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 if you have any questions.
Join Father Mike Nolan on a pilgrimage April 13-23, 2026, to France and Spain. The group will visit Lourdes, exploring the birthplace of St. Bernadette and experience the healing waters from the springs of Lourdes, Stations of the Cross, a candlelight rosary procession, and a blessing of the sick. Pilgrims will visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas at the Jacobins Church as well as Pamplona, the birthplace and childhood home of St. Francis Xavier, the 16thcentury evangelist, and will visit Xavier (Navarre), where they will tour the castle where St. Francis Xavier was born. The group will go on to Zaragoza, home to the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and Montserrat, site of the Benedictine monastery and the Black Madonna. Pilgrims will visit the small town of Verdu, the birthplace of St. Peter Claver, and go on to Barcelona, visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Basilica of the Holy Family, La Sagrada Familia, the almost-finished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi, and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Cathedral by the Sea. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at lisam@select-intl. com or 865-567-1245.
Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 2 p.m. each Sunday and at 6 p.m. most Mondays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net n
St. Patrick, Morristown
Carrie Manabat, director of religious education at All Saints Parish in Knoxville, will speak at the Lunch & Learn gathering scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, in the basement youth room. Those attending may bring a lunch and beverage.
The Shield and Shamrock group is holding a Monday-evening Bible study on the seven deuterocanonical books, beginning with Tobit, guided by the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Series developed by Dr. Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. Shield and Shamrock is open to all adults and families and is for those seeking to grow in faith, fellowship, and service at St. Patrick. E-mail shield andshamrock.stpatrick@gmail.com to join the study.
Knights of Columbus Council 6730 is again the beneficiary of a fundraiser through Ultimate Shine Car Wash locations in Morristown and elsewhere through Tuesday, Sept. 30. To take part, choose a wash and any additional services, hit the orange “enter fundraiser” code button, enter code 3163 before paying, then insert cash or a credit/debit card, and 30 percent of the sale will go to Council 6730.
Anniversaries: John and Marlene Karwoski (62), Theodore and Theresa Dreiser (57), James and Donna Golden (52)
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Holy Ghost, Knoxville
The parish has a swag store that offers short-sleeved T-shirts for adults and children, youth and adult baseball caps, onesies, tumblers and travel mugs, fridge magnets, and more. Contact the office at 865-522-2205 or phil@holy ghostknoxville.org to purchase items. Supplies are limited.
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
IC thanked Knights of Columbus Council 645 for its recent donation of $1,000
Parish notes continued on page B10
Parish notes continued from page B4
St. Christopher Parish celebrating 50 years
Bishop
Beckman
By Dan McWilliams
Band
longtime pastor Father Sweeney will mark the golden anniversary on Aug. 23
ishop Mark Beckman will celebrate a Mass honoring the 50th anniversary of St. Christopher Parish in Jamestown at 6:30 p.m.
CDT (7:30 p.m. EDT) on Saturday, Aug. 23.
A dinner in St. Teresa Hall will follow Mass.
Father Michael Sweeney, who has been pastor of St. Christopher since 1999 while also serving as the shepherd of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman and St. Ann in Lancing, will concelebrate the golden-anniversary Mass.
St. Christopher was organized in 1974 as the Jamestown Catholic Mission, connected at that time to Blessed Sacrament. For a short time, Mass was held in the home of Bill and Emily Craven, then at the Fentress County Bank. Mr. Craven, who established a building fund in the mission’s early days, became a Catholic in 1983.
Beginning in 1975, Masses were held at Allardt Presbyterian Church in Allardt, located southeast of Jamestown, which was the mission’s home for 33 years. Emily Craven located the Allardt Presbyterian church for the young Catholic mission. Fentress County Catholics honored the Allardt church in October 2002 upon its 100th anniversary.
The mission parish was renamed the Catholic Community of Fentress County upon the Diocese of Knoxville’s establishment in 1988.
Charter parishioner and Jamestown attorney Jim Romer, who married wife Denise on Oct. 11, 1975, at Allardt Presbyterian, has served as a parish leader for St. Christopher since 1990.
The Cravens were Denise Romer’s parents.
In 2000, a hillside property totaling 12.45 acres for a new church on Holt Spur Road in Jamestown was purchased from the Holt family by the diocese with the help of the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee. The site is just off a bypass near the major intersection of U.S. Highway 127 and state Highway 52, and the church can be clearly seen from 127.
Mr. Craven died in 2000. Just a few days after his death, the deed came in on the mission’s newly purchased property.
Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade and St. Mary in Gatlinburg, along with other East Tennessee parishes and Catholic Extension, contributed to the St. Christopher building fund.
Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz issued a decree on Nov. 9, 2005, approving parishioners’ choice of St. Christopher as the new name of the parish. “I was drawn positively to St.
Christopher because the word itself means ‘a bearer of Christ,’”
Bishop Kurtz said at the time. “The legend is that the Christ Child was borne across a river by St. Christopher.”
Bishop Kurtz said the saint “was at the top of the list” for Fentress parishioners when they formally petitioned him for a name.
The bishop was reminded of the eventual patron of Fentress County Catholics when he visited Cologne, Germany, during summer 2005 for World Youth Day.
“Very prominent in the cathedral is a statue of St. Christopher that has welcomed pilgrims over the centuries,” Bishop Kurtz said. “So, the notions of our being a pilgrim people, bearing Christ in our daily lives, and through baptism bearing Christ to the world make the name of St. Christopher especially appropriate. I was happy to issue the decree.”
Father Sweeney said in 2010 that “having the opportunity to have their own church was immensely important to the parishioners. This is one of the reasons why they wanted St. Christopher as the name and patron of their parish. They truly understand what it means to be a pilgrim people.”
In their petition to Bishop Kurtz, the Fentress Catholics said “the name…and the powerful message of St. Christopher best suits our history and our aspirations….St. Christopher has always enjoyed a special place in the hearts of the faithful of this faith community as we have sought to carry Christ in our hearts. We believe the name of St. Christopher Catholic Church will speak to all who become aware of our church and will be an instrument of greater acceptance and openness on the part of our neighbors.”
Father Sweeney and more than 35 couples and individuals signed the petition.
Ground was broken for a church at an outdoor Mass on June 10, 2006. Bishop Kurtz and Father Sweeney were joined in breaking ground by Mr. Romer and his wife, Denise, and Peggy Dalton, who along with Denise Romer had lived in Fentress County since the 1950s. Longtime parishioner Marie Cottrell also attended.
Construction began on July 30, 2007, and the first Masses after more than three decades in Allardt were held at the new church on June 7, 2008. The church cost $650,000, seats 130, and has 3,200 square feet each upstairs and down.
Bishop Richard F. Stika dedicated the new St. Christopher Church on its patron’s feast day July 25, 2009, with Father Sweeney and former
pastor Monsignor Philip Thoni concelebrating. Some 75 parishioners and guests attended.
“Just as incense rises to the heavens and our songs rise to the heavens, so today our prayers should rise to the heavens in gratitude again for the foundation of this church,” Bishop Stika said at the dedication, “for those who so long ago in the ’70s believed that the community could gather together in the name of the Lord Jesus to make a difference—a difference in faith and a difference in trust in God.”
Father Calvin Blankinship, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Fruitland, Idaho, also concelebrated. The Idaho parish donated the pews for St. Christopher Church. Deacon Sean Smith, diocesan chancellor, assisted at the Mass. The Rev. Don Padget of Allardt Presbyterian took part in the events before Mass and presented a gift to Father Sweeney at the end of the liturgy.
Charter parishioner Peggy Dalton presented the key to the church to Bishop Stika outside the front doors before Mass. Mr. Romer gave the church blueprints to the bishop. New parents Becca and Pat Padget, holding the youngest St. Christopher parishioner, 1-month-old Sophia, presented a picture of the church to Bishop Stika.
A relic of St. Rafqa (1832-1914), a Lebanese Maronite Sister canonized in 2001, was placed in the new altar.
Father Sweeney built sanctuary appointments such as tables, chairs, kneelers, candelabras, lamp stands, and more for St. Christopher. He said at the dedication that St. Christopher Parish’s experience was “unusual” as families paid rent to the Allardt church for 33 years and set up and took down the implements for Mass every week throughout that time.
“I called the experience the ‘church in a box,’” Father Sweeney said. “Everything the community owned fit into a small box. Families took turns bringing the box to church, setting up a makeshift altar, and preparing for the celebration of the Eucharist, then putting everything back in the box afterward and taking it home with them.”
The parish remained a mission of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman until Feb. 15, 2010, when the Diocese of Knoxville Presbyteral Council heard Bishop Stika’s petition regarding the status of St. Christopher along with that of another mission parish and quasi-parish in the diocese at that time. Being able to stand on its own financially made St. Christopher deserving of elevation to a full parish, Deacon Smith said in 2010.
Previous pastors at St. Christopher Parish were Jesuit Father Leo Schroeder from 1974 to 1976, based at Blessed Sacrament; three Benedictine priests, Father Charles Reiner in 1976, Father Gabriel Germann from 1976-78, and Father Paul Koehler from 1978 -83, all based at St. Alphonsus in Crossville; Salvatorian Father George Sheehan from 1983 to 1996; and then-Father Thoni, a longtime Diocese of Knoxville priest, from 1996 to 1999. Father Sheehan and Father Thoni lived at St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade while serving the faithful in Fentress County. With Father Sweeney’s arrival at Blessed Sacrament in 1999, care of the mission returned to its original parish in Harriman.
The 6:30 p.m. Saturday vigil at St. Christopher Church now draws around 80 people. A bilingual Sunday-morning Communion service that began in Advent 2008 has up to 20 people attending each week. ■
COURTESY OF JIM ROMER (3)
New church A look at St. Christopher Church as it appeared shortly before its dedication in 2009.
Topping it off Workers prepare to place the steeple atop the unfinished St. Christopher Church on Dec. 11, 2007.
Big bell Bob Criswell tolled the church bell at St. Christopher at the church’s July 25, 2009, dedication. The 650-pound bell, shown before its installation, was acquired in May 2005.
Catholic schools
Knoxville Catholic founding band director retires Jay Romines, the founding band director at Knoxville Catholic High School, retired this spring after serving in the role for 25 years. Above, he conducts his final concert and accepts a plaque from KCHS president Dickie Sompayrac. Mr. Romines built the band program from the ground up. Under his leadership, the band became one of East Tennessee’s most respected and awarded programs, earning superior ratings for 22 straight years. “From the stands at football games and pep rallies to the spotlight at fall, winter, and spring concerts, Mr. Romines led with energy, heart, and precision,” a school statement said at the time of his retirement. “Mr. Romines didn’t teach just music—he built a community. He inspired students to push beyond their limits, to love their craft, and to perform with pride. Thank you, Mr. Romines, for 25 years of passion, leadership, and unforgettable music. Your impact will echo through the halls of KCHS for years to come.”
Dr. Kelly Kearse retires from Knoxville Catholic after 24 years
Dr. Kelly Kearse retired this spring from Knoxville Catholic High School after serving there since 2001.
“Known for his sense of humor (look out for those practical jokes!) and love of music, Dr. Kearse has been more than just a gifted chemistry teacher—he’s a nationally recognized scientist and speaker, and a published researcher in the field of blood analysis, with a special focus on eucharistic miracles and the Shroud of Turin. His work challenges assumptions, explores new methods, and continues to draw the attention of scientists and theologians alike,” the school posted on Facebook.
“But Dr. Kearse isn’t just known for his incredible research—he’s also blessed our community with his incredible eye behind the lens. His photography has captured countless moments of joy, faith, and pride at KCHS. We are so thankful for Dr. Kearse’s faithful service, brilliant mind, and creative spirit. You leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Irish students and staff. Thank you,
Dr. Kearse! Enjoy your well-earned retirement—you’ll always have a place in our hearts and halls!”
Dr. Kearse’s photos have appeared many times in The East Tennessee Catholic over the years. He earned his bachelor of science degree in biology at the University of South Carolina, his master of science degree in biology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and his Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Kentucky. Following completion of postdoctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins (biochemistry) and the National Institutes of Health (immunology), Dr. Kearse became a principal investigator at NIH in immunology. After several years, he transferred to the East Carolina University School of Medicine to have the opportunity to do both research and teaching.
In 2000, he semi-retired from laboratory research to relocate to his original hometown and teach high school science, something that he had always been interested in doing. He was at Oak Ridge High School in the year before arriving at KCHS. ■
to the parish homeless ministry.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville
The cathedral recently welcomed Ryan Seaver as associate organist. A recent graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Mr. Seaver double-majored, earning degrees in both theology and catechetics with double minors in sacred music and music ministry. He is an alumnus of both Sacred Heart Cathedral School and Knoxville Catholic High School. He first discovered his love for the organ during his formative years. As a middle-school student, he regularly accompanied school Masses and by high school was serving as organist for the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Deacon Bob Hunt continued from page B6
In 381, the bishops of the world met again at the First Council of Constantinople, where they added to the Creed of Nicaea a greater affirmation of the faith of the Church in the Holy Spirit. The full name of
During this time, he studied under Dr. Edie Johnson and also served as organist at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. While pursuing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Seaver was named an organ fellow at the Pittsburgh Oratory of St. Philip Neri and studied with Professor Nicholas Will. At Sacred Heart, his responsibilities include accompanying liturgies and providing musical support across parish events, as well as serving in a teaching and mentoring role within the Cathedral Academy of Music.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The parish has surpassed its goal of $2 million needed to break ground on a family life center. As of early August,
the creed, then, is the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Again, in 451, the bishops of the Church met at the Council of Chalcedon to address matters of import for the Church. It was at Chalcedon that the creed was reaffirmed and declared the stan-
the total pledged for the center was $2,137,783.
St. Joseph the Worker and the That’s My Brick! fundraising company have launched a Family Life Center Courtyard Heritage Program, which will allow parishioners to own a personalized brick or tile.
The parish needs cooks and bakers to help the Community Café, a ministry that provides a free supper at First United Methodist Church of Madisonville to needy individuals and families.
St. Joseph the Worker helps the ministry every seven weeks on Tuesdays.
The Methodist church supplies the entrée, and St. Joseph the Worker offers side dishes, drinks, and desserts.
dard of Apostolic faith. This year, 2025, is the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Church, and the council that gave us our creed, the creed that has been and still is proclaimed at every Mass all
Dishes can be made at home and brought to the church. To help, e-mail Jodi Swiderek at jobentenn@gmail. com or call 423-404-2258.
The Knights of Columbus council’s annual yard sale is set for Thursday, Sept. 4 (parishioners only), and Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, with proceeds going to many charities the council supports. Needed items include home goods such as furniture, bedding, and kitchenware; clothing; jewelry; books; large or small appliances; electronics; power and hand tools; auto parts; lawn and garden equipment; sporting and camping gear; boats; crafts and toys; and musical instruments. To donate items or schedule a pickup for larger items, call Ed Harless at 423-4944761. n
over the world. Benedicamus Domino! Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.
COURTESY OF DR. KELLY KEARSE
DR. KELLY KEARSE (2)
Dr. Kearse with the King Dr. Kelly Kearse poses with an Elvis Presley cutout at top. At bottom right is a cake made in honor of his retirement from Knoxville Catholic High School that pays tribute to his chemistry talents. Dr. Kearse’s photographs have appeared on KCHS’s Facebook page and in The East Tennessee Catholic numerous times over the years.
COURTESY OF DR. KELLY KEARSE
Eighth-graders at St. Joseph School receive special blessing Father Chris Michelson imparted a special leadership blessing on the eighthgrade class at St. Joseph School in Knoxville after Mass on Aug. 8. Father Michelson is pictured at left with St. Joseph principal Andy Zengel.
