NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE
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‘Everyone said I was crazy to do this’ By Dan McWilliams
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an Roman completed a charity bicycle ride of 5,000plus miles from coast to coast this spring and summer, putting up with considerable weather and bike issues along the way, but all to honor his late father and support research into and raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease, which his dad suffered from. The parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes in South Pittsburg left his home in the diocese’s southwestern corner on May 13, started cycling the next day from Portland, Maine, and reached his destination of San Francisco on Aug. 3. “Since my dad was always into helping others and raising funds for the needy, I decided to honor him by cycling to raise money for Parkinson’s,” Mr. Roman said. “My dad, Roger, was a cradle Italian Catholic. My dad and mom (Sharon) are/were active members of their parish in Stockton, Calif., and had been married for almost 68 years at the time of my dad’s passing. He was the kind of man who spoke through his actions. He was a proud husband, son, dad, papà, and Catholic man. He was a Knights of Columbus member for decades, volunteered at food banks, right-tolife events, the Salvation Army, and United Way, and was a member of Rotary and numerous other local clubs.” The elder Roman “started riding a bike seriously at around age 50 or so,” Dan Roman said. “Around the same time he started cycling, he would get extremely tired and went to numerous doctors and specialists. He wasn’t diagnosed with Parkinson’s until about 25 years later.”
Dan Roman’s bike ride came full circle as his family celebrated the country’s Bicentennial in 1976 while he marked the United States’ 250th anniversary this July on his road west. “In 1976, we took a family vacation across the country to celebrate the Bicentennial,” he said. “My dad and I noticed dozens and dozens of people cycling over the Rocky Mountains carrying all their gear. Decades later, my dad and I spoke about this, as he wanted to ride across America, too. That was always one of his dreams, which unfortunately never came to fruition. I wanted to ride across America before my dad passed away so he could see the country through my experience. Unfortunately, he passed before I could accomplish this.” The departure date on his crosscountry ride, May 13, was the oneyear anniversary of Roger Roman’s funeral service. The distance of the bike ride has a significance. “I decided to cycle 5,150 miles because everyone said I was crazy to do this by myself and because I was going to be 100 percent self-contained,” Mr. Roman said. “Since I’m retired law enforcement from California, I decided 5,150 miles was appropriate because the California Welfare and Institutions Code for being ‘crazy’ is 5150. I figured my dad would get a kick out of that.”
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Dan Roman of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish rides across the country to honor his father, raise funds for Parkinson’s
In memory of Dad Dan Roman proudly shows off a poster after he completed his bike ride of more than 5,000 miles from Portland, Maine, to San Francisco.
From Maine to San Francisco
Mr. Roman could truly sing “I’ve Been Everywhere,” a song mentioning multiple cities recorded by Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, and many other artists. “I have ridden through 25 states,” he said. “My route has taken me
from Maine through New Hampshire to Eden, Vt., near Canada, back down through Massachusetts to Rhode Island, through Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and
Ohio. I ended up crossing the Ohio River seven times. “Then I rode to Kentucky, up to Indiana, to Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, up to Wyoming through Yellowstone, past parts of Charity ride continued on page B2
Diocese holds first sensory-friendly Mass By Dan McWilliams
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he Diocese of Knoxville’s new Special Friends ministry sponsored its first sensoryfriendly Mass on July 25 in the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School. The liturgy did not make use of music, bells, or microphones, which can be a distraction for some Mass-goers. Father Randy Stice, director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy and a chaplain at KCHS, celebrated the Mass. “I enjoyed it. We want to make Jesus accessible to everybody. And I’ve had experience doing (similar) Masses, like for deaf communities. So, I’ve learned that we have to make some adjustments so that Jesus can really touch everybody.” And that’s the biggest takeaway. “Yes, that’s what we want,” Father Stice said. In his homily, the KCHS chaplain spoke of the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew 13. “Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a great treasure and to a valuable pearl. The kingdom, the treasure, the pearl, is not a thing—it is a person. It is Jesus Himself. He is the great treasure. He is the pearl of a great price,” Father Stice said. Pope Benedict XVI said that “wherever Jesus is, there is the
kingdom. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the king, he is God, he is the savior, but we also see Him in the Gospels as a teacher, a healer, a server, one who serves others, a brother, a friend, and a comforter,” he added. “We know that during His earthly ministry, men did not receive Him, they did not treat Him well, He was rejected, He was betrayed, He was made fun of, He was abused, He forgave.” Jesus “understands what we go through because He went through everything that we go through. He understands what we struggle with, how we can be mistreated. … And He is for us a comforter, a healer, and a friend,” Father Stice said. And Jesus “is present with us now. He is present because we have come together in His name,” the KCHS chaplain said. “He is present in His word, and in a few minutes He is going to be present substantially on the altar, under the appearances of bread and wine. So, the Gospel, I think, invites us to ask: What do we need from Jesus today? Do we need a friend? Do we need a healer? Do we need a comforter? Do we need a teacher? Take a moment to think about what it is we want from Jesus today and ask Him for that.” Sarah Warner Sperl, assistant director of the diocesan Office of
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The liturgy in the KCHS chapel provides a ‘calming experience’ without music, bells, or microphones
‘Making Jesus accessible to everybody’ Father Randy Stice celebrated a sensory-friendly Mass on July 25 at Knoxville Catholic High School. With him above are (from left) Liz Gottschall, Sarah Warner Sperl, Carolyn Krings, and Julie Radachy. Mrs. Sperl, Ms. Gottschall, and Ms. Radachy are leaders with the Diocese of Knoxville’s Special Friends ministry. Mrs. Krings is the director of the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life. Christian Formation, is a leader with the Special Friends ministry. The idea of a sensory-friendly Mass “came about through several families who contacted the diocese, and they also contacted Julie Radachy,” Mrs. Sperl explained. “They were interested in looking for support and resources for their children with special needs.” Ms. Radachy is the team leader
for the Special Friends ministry, which has seven members after being created about two months before the first sensory-friendly Mass. Mrs. Sperl said she thought the Mass at KCHS “was very beautiful. It was a nice, intimate setting. We had several families who signed up who did show up, and everyone seemed to really appreciate the Special Friends continued on page B3
Montana, down to Idaho, Utah, and then I crossed the Nevada desert on Highway 50—also known as America’s Loneliest Road—to Tahoe and over to San Francisco. Highway 50 from Delta, Utah, to Tahoe is truly America’s longest, loneliest road.” The flagship campus of the University of Colorado saw him celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial. “On the 4th of July, I was in Boulder, Colo., in a small local restaurant. I had one local beer to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, and of course I had an American cheeseburger,” Mr. Roman said. Through such apps as Couchsurfing and Warmshowers, Mr. Roman found hosts to put him up for a night. “These are usually like-minded individuals who have done hiking or biking in the United States or different countries. Most of the host families have been in my situation: needing a place to sleep, a hot shower, or a hot meal. It’s free, and you meet some extremely generous people,” he said. His overnight stays varied along the way. “I’ve stayed about 12 nights with family and friends throughout the country, and 10 nights with individuals from Warmshowers. I have stayed in people’s backyards, city parks, campgrounds, hotels, and some very, very shady motels,” he said. “I was also advised by a member at our church to contact Hilton and inform them of my charity bicycle ride and ask if they would sponsor me. I stayed 15 nights at different Hampton/Hilton properties in which they either completely comped my room or gave me a substantial discount, which was very generous. I usually used them when I was desperate for a place to sleep because of horrible weather like major rainstorms, high winds, tornadoes in the area, or extreme heat.”
‘Horrible weather’ and bike problems
Mr. Roman did not exaggerate with his adjective for the weather he encountered. “My trip was plagued with 27 days of rain and over 15 days of torrential downpour, which was so bad at times that my waterproof pannier bags leaked. Five of my six bags were wet or damp inside, and my maps and paperwork were mostly ruined,” he said. “I had days so windy that I was only able to ride at 4 mph. The weather started off horrible upon my arrival on May 14 in Portland, Maine, where it rained for three consecutive days all the way up to Vermont. I later learned that the only thing that was predictable was the unpredictable weather throughout our country.” His conveyance also posed an obstacle at times. “My bike charity ride was a challenge with bike issues from broken spokes, flat tires, crank bearings going out, wheel hub issues, chains stretching, brake cable issues, breaking a shifting cable, and breaking my seat. This occurred when I lifted
my bike to move it by lifting under my seat; evidently my bike was way too heavy and snapped the support bracket of my seat,” Mr. Roman said. “I had major issues with horrible weather and bad maps taking me on roads that were for hiking and snowmobiles. I later learned this while talking to a local ranger who informed me to use vehicle maps instead of maps for cycling. He said they get more 911 calls from bikers and motorcyclists who are directed by the maps to take alternate routes to stay away from traffic, which takes you on horrible trails with 20 percent grades, mud, soft sand, thick dirt, and rocks the size of basketballs, which break parts on motorcycles and bicycles and cause them to be disabled. I also later verified these issues with numerous other cyclists, police departments, and park rangers. I definitely learned a lesson to change my route directions.” One weather-related detour led him down America’s most famous highway. “At one point during my ride, going through Missouri, I was informed by the local fire department to head south down Route 66 because of the tornadoes in the area I was cycling and heading to. They said I should probably hunker down for one to three days,” Mr. Roman said. “The weather was an issue throughout my whole ride. At one point, I hit the four H’s, which are headwinds, hills, heat, and humidity. This occurred over and over and over throughout Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas.”
Friends along the way
But Someone was watching out for him from above, not to mention his loved ones who followed his progress. “Even with all the issues on my bike and the weather, I was blessed by so many family and friends who constantly texted me, called me, and e-mailed me that they were praying for me—from the Divine Mercy chaplet and the rosary to daily prayers,” Mr. Roman said. “This occurred so often I could hardly respond back to my family and friends. This also occurred with the dozens and dozens and dozens of individuals I met along the way. So often I was very frustrated with all my bike issues and the horrible weather, and each time an individual came into my life almost immediately. “I have no doubt God was teaching me to be patient and ‘trust in Him.’ This occurred so many times in so many different ways that it could only be of God. Being a believer and a practicing Catholic, I was in awe. God really took control of everything.” With a “feels like” temperature in the triple digits at one point on his trip, Mr. Roman received some welcome assistance. “One day while cycling through Missouri and the heat index was 101 degrees, I was out of water and stopped on the side of the road when a vehicle pulled up. A husband and his wife asked me if I needed anything, as I desperately needed some water. They gave me a
From sea to shining sea Dan Roman holds a vial of water that he collected from the Atlantic Ocean and from the Pacific Ocean at the beginning and end of his cross-country bike ride. He said he plans to put a little of the water on his father’s grave. B2 n AUGUST 2026
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Charity ride continued from page B1
Marking July 4 en route west The United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4 occurred as Dan Roman was making his way across the United States on a bicycle ride to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. At left are Mr. Roman’s parents, Sharon and the late Roger Roman.
few ice-cold bottles of water, and we talked about our faith and my ride,” he said. Another friendly soul helped him before his cross-country journey even began. “On my training ride out in the back hills of Tennessee in early May—an 80-mile ride—I was flagged down by an individual who most certainly wasn’t wealthy. He stopped in the road and yelled, ‘Sir, sir! I saw you miles back and it looked like you were struggling,’” Mr. Roman recalled. “He then gave me a sausage egg muffin he had bought from a store a few miles away. This young man was about 25-30, in an older vehicle like a 1995 two-door sedan. He was missing three fingers and slightly unkempt, but he had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. He told me he just wanted to help me and drove off. His name was John. I’ll always remember his face.” Major weather issues plagued Mr. Roman less than a month into his ride. “The day I left our son’s home on June 9 from Lexington, Ky., it poured for six hours straight. I was freezing and wet as ever. It was a horrible day. I was bummed because I had just left our grandkids and my wife, who had driven up to see me,” he said. “Hundreds of cars drove past me at high speeds, sending dirty, muddy water all over me. There was so much rainfall that the gutters were literally three, four, and five inches deep as I pedaled through them, stopping at traffic lights with rainwater gushing up to my ankles. I shivered all day and had no rain gear from the waist down.” And that was just how the day started. “About seven hours later, when the sun came out, I started sweating profusely. I pulled over and attached
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my rain jacket to the back of my bike. An hour later, upon arriving at a local hotel, I noticed my rain jacket had fallen off somewhere and was lost. I was in a terrible mood, and I knew that the rain was going to continue throughout the following day,” Mr. Roman said. “I was wet, dirty, hungry, and in despair because all my bags had also leaked that day, and now I had no rain jacket to keep me dry and warm. Upon arriving at the hotel, I asked the clerk if they were willing to give me a discount for my charity Parkinson’s ride. The lady, Carol, said in a whisper that this hotel doesn’t do that, then she said she would take $20 off the bill. We started talking, and she took another $30 off the bill. “She knew I had lost my rain jacket. She knew I was tired and hungry. She walked to the back room, came out, and gave me her rain jacket. I initially said no, that I would find a Walmart and purchase my own. She said there’s not a Walmart for 50 miles in any direction, and the storm tomorrow is going to be cold and extremely wet. She handed me her rain jacket and said, ‘Please take it. I have a car to drive; you have a bike and a charity ride to finish.’ I once again was in awe. She was like an angel, as I told her I should be giving her the jacket off my back.” Mr. Roman saw the generosity of local residents earlier in his trip. “When cycling through the bottom of Vermont, I went to a town called Bellows Falls. It was hot and humid. I went to rest, eat, and go over my maps in a local ice cream restaurant. I was 20 miles off course and away from my location,” he said. “The young waitress, about 22 years old, served me. We had a basic conversation. I told her I was riding across the country. When I went to pay my bill, she had paid for my Charity ride continued on page B3 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
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meal. She and the other waitress started asking me questions. I told them I was riding for Parkinson’s. They got very excited and wanted pictures with me, as I did, too. “I thanked them for buying my lunch. I asked them if I could post a picture on Facebook. Both of the young waitresses said yes and wanted to post my Parkinson’s charity ride on their Facebook page. A few hours later, they sent me the article they wrote, and I received seven different donations on my Parkinson’s GoFundMe page, along with a lot of encouragement from them and the people in their town. “These two young girls, about 22 years old, were so kind and generous, and obviously they don’t make much money, yet they went out of their way to buy me lunch and donate to my Parkinson’s charity. I’ll never forget these two young girls.” A potentially lonely spot in Wyoming led to Mr. Roman finding another friend. “I was in need of a place to sleep because there were no hotels or campgrounds. I contacted Jeffrey from Warmshowers in southeast Wyoming. He said he could host me but wouldn’t be home until midnight. I arrived at his place, and he had his nephew let me in,” he said. “The following day I met him, and we went out for coffee. We spoke for about an hour and a half to two hours. He was a cyclist, too, and extremely nice and generous. His friends couldn’t believe he let a stranger into his house when
Jesus ‘understands what we go through’ Father Randy Stice delivers the homily during the sensory-friendly Mass in the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School. has an “All Saints Bash” planned for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at he wasn’t home, but he told them, ‘Hey, the guy’s cycling across the country for Parkinson’s. He can’t be that bad.’ Jeffrey and I really hit it off. “That day I was cycling to Medicine Bow, Wyo., about 60 miles away, and then on to Rawlins, Wyo. About halfway, my crank on my bike started clicking and seized up. I was able to contact the bike shop in Rawlins, about 100 miles away. The bike mechanic had me do some tests and basically confirmed the bearings were going out or seized up, as I could see part of them coming out of my crank itself. I was able to gently ride about 30 miles to Medicine Bow, where I stopped and got a hotel room. There was no way my bike was going to make it another 40 miles, and I needed to stay on schedule. “Jeffrey texted me and asked how my ride was going. I told him about my crank issue. He immediately said that he was going to be driving toward Rawlins to meet his cousin and go camping. Jeffrey said he would pick me up. He went about 100 miles out of his way, immediately came and picked me up, and drove me to Rawlins to get my bike fixed. Jeffrey stated that he was delayed about three hours because of packing issues, and if he had left on time, he would have been 100 miles past me. Jeffrey was so kind to drive so far out of his way and delay his trip for hours upon hours to come and rescue me and get me to the proper place to help get my bike fixed—this being a man whom I had just met and who had let me stay at his home
Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. For more information, contact Mrs.
Lonesome roads Dan Roman is pictured on one of his many routes in open country as he made his way across the United States. the previous night.” Mr. Roman said he has “a dozen more stories of people helping me— from family and friends, from my wife helping me in Kentucky, my sister and her husband getting me bike parts in Sacramento and driving them 950 miles to Rawlins, Wyo., to have my bike fixed and keep me on my schedule, from family and friends who have sent me money to pay for hotel rooms and campsites (sponsoring me), to friends who drove up from San Diego to meet with me and buy me dinner in Wyoming or in Nevada, my brotherin-law who stayed behind me for three days on Highway 50 to keep cars from running into me where there’s no shoulder and to carry extra water for me because there’s no service for 80-plus miles, along with 107 people who have donated to this charity so far, along with the hundreds of text messages and e-mails I’ve gotten from family, friends, and individuals I’ve met along the route to encourage me and thank me for this charity ride.” That group includes “a cyclist I met at a coffee shop in Kansas. We spoke for about an hour. We exchanged numbers, and he later donated $100,” Mr. Roman said.
How to help Final resting place Dan Roman’s bicycle rests at his father’s gravesite. Roger Roman died in April 2025 at age 90. TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
Sperl at 865-584-3307 or ssperl@ dioknox.org. ■
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Mass.” Two of those attending the first sensory-friendly Mass were 2025 Knoxville Catholic graduates Melina Avalos and Kaspar Winston. “It was a really calming and soothing experience. I really liked how quiet it was. It was just really, really relaxing,” Ms. Avalos said. Mr. Winston said the Mass “definitely left a lot more room to have some self-reflection and prayer time without so many distractions like the music or the bells that they normally use.” The next event for the Special Friends ministry is the annual Bishop’s Very Special Day, set for 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. on what will be a faith-filled day of fun for specialneeds individuals and their families. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. The day will include activities, skits, and lunch. Register or sign up to volunteer at dioknox.org/events/bishopsvery-special-day. E-mail questions to Julie Radachy at dre@sjnknox.org. Sensory-friendly Masses will be held on fourth Saturdays, with the next one at 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the chapel at KCHS, followed by a Mass on Oct. 31 and on Nov. 28 at KCHS. The Special Friends ministry also
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Mr. Roman’s ride has raised more than $16,000. His total distance was 5,003 miles.
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“I climbed 170,836 feet in 71 days of cycling, an average of 70 miles per day,” he said. “My longest ride was 120 miles in one day. The most I climbed in one day was 7,736 feet.” To donate to Mr. Roman’s GoFundMe and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, in honor of Roger Roman, visit go fund.me/622eee61d. The site has more information on Roger Roman. A Catholic radio host also served as inspiration for Dan Roman. “I listened to Relevant Radio daily. The Patrick Madrid Show has a saying about ‘keep going, keep going,’” he said. “I started hearing this in April while on my training rides. That was a major motivation for me on hard, tough days. I listened to his show daily, and I love the ‘keep going’ part. As my dad would never quit or give up, neither would I. I would say I’m stubborn—the more stuff that happens to slow me down or gets in my way, the more determined I am. “I will honestly say God definitely took control, put so many people in my life, and taught me so much— patience, resilience, and trust in Him and in His people. I am definitely a different person. Thank you to everyone who supported me, prayed for me, encouraged me, pushed me, helped me, believed in me, and taught me that there is so much love for strangers.” ■ AUGUST 2026 n B3
Parish notes Chattanooga Deanery
Al and Sharon Henry (35)
Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the church. The book is The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com.
The St. Thérèse Women of Faith Council of Catholic Women is holding an Ice Cream Social/Kickoff Party at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, in the family life center gym. To get on the group’s email list, contact Amy Schaefer at 901485-1965 or ajschaef21@gmail.com.
St. Bridget, Dayton
Cumberland Mountain Deanery Sister Pilar Hinojosa, MAG, will lead a retreat Aug. 29-30 at St. Bridget titled “Curso Nueva Vida.” Those interested in attending should call the parish office at 423-775-2664. Several members of the Women’s Council treated pastor Father Jim Vick to lunch at El Toro Authentic Mexican Grill in Dayton on Aug. 5 to celebrate his ordination anniversary. The council will resume its monthly meetings in September after a summer hiatus. Members of the Knights of Columbus assisted with a classroom restoration project on Aug. 10. They continue their monthly visits to Dayton and Spring City area nursing homes, leading residents in song. Registration for religious-education classes is ongoing, with classes set to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Planning is underway for the annual parish picnic to be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Fox Lookout Farm in Decatur, home of parishioners Pat and Barbara Bisson.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade The parish hosted a meeting on the Traveling Mary statue on July 13. The Muffins with Mary group on July 14 heard speakers Mike and Joyce Halles share details of their visit to Ephesus in Turkey. An Our Lady of Fatima adoration and reparation chaplet was prayed on July 15. An Our Lady of Mount Carmel feast day Mass was celebrated on July 16, as was a 33 Days of Merciful Love consecration. The Divine Mercy Chaplet was prayed and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament took place on July 17. Cross Catholic Outreach’s Boxes of Joy for Christmas were available after Masses on July 18-19.
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Holy Spirit Parish celebrates Monsignor Humbrecht’s 80th birthday Numerous parishioners of Holy Spirit in Soddy-Daisy attended an 80th-birthday celebration for their pastor, Monsignor Al Humbrecht, on Aug. 9. Monsignor Humbrecht will turn 80 on Aug. 18.
The parish welcomed Father Glenn Meaux from the Kobonal Missions in Haiti from July 20-27. St. Francis of Assisi Parish ministers to inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex in Pikeville. To join the team that visits there, call Jim Auckland at 931-210-7706.
St. Jude, Chattanooga A free “Heart of the Gospel” men’s retreat for those 18 and up will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, in the parish life center. Deacon Paul Nelson and Deacon Brian Gabor will facilitate the retreat, which has been developed by the Knights of Columbus together with Father John Riccardo and the Acts XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission apostolate. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP at Heart. of.the.Gospel.RSVP@gmail.com. The Holy Family Hour group for families with younger children has a picnic scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Camp Columbus. The annual Trivia Night, sponsored by Knights Council 8576, will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Siener Hall. Cost is $50 for a table of up to eight people. Bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. Ages 21 and up only. Registration forms are in the outer vestibule. The second annual St. Jude Fall Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. The parish is planning for its 13th annual Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21. Vendor registration forms may be found in the outer vestibule or at stjude chattanooga.org. The Knights named as families of the month Deb Weise for April, Edgar Gonzales and Alicia Bueno for May, and Bob and Julie Bomar for June. Council 8576 also recently welcomed new members Nicholas Shank, Micah McDaniel, and Mark Mariani. St. Mary, Athens St. Mary’s family picnic will follow the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Aug. 15. The Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring “Hillbilly Bingo” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the family life center.
The parish Grief Support Group invites and encourages anyone who needs support to join a 13-week recovery group. Call Larry Helm at 563-940-5201 or Reene Petro 614-352-4997 to learn more. Deacon Paul Benfanti will lead “The Great Adventure: The Story of Salvation,” a Bible-study journey through Scripture from creation to the establishment of the Church, starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21. Register in the parish hall. A $20 fee will cover the cost of materials. Anniversaries: Dennis and Colleen Richardson (65), Bill and Pat Maas (61), Don and Sherry Koch (61), Patrick and Patricia McGraw (61), Samuel and Janet Chiappetto (60), Dave and Barb Sheperd (60), Wayne and Carol Fasske (59), Raymond and Laurie Falk (58), Richard and Monica Jahn (57), Jim and Rosemary Wells (57), Don and Cheryl Chrobot (56), James and Terri Auckland (55), Jan and Martie Novak (55), Richard and Darla Kepner (55), John and Kathleen Johnson (54), Mike and Geri White (54), Dick and Becky Bishop (54), Jack and Jan Anderson (53), Steve and Cindy Clark (53), Kevin and Debora Boyle (51), Val and Mercedes Moss (51), Robert and Mary Laflamme (51), Chet and Janet Saniuk (45), James and Marjorie Mathisen (25) St. John Neumann, Farragut JoAnna Manard is the school’s new Learning Lab counselor. She and her husband, Ben, have two children, Walter and Mary Beth. A Newcomers Adult Social barbecue buffet is set for Saturday, Aug. 22. Email welcometosjn@gmail.com for details. The annual Trivia Night Adult Social is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29. A welcome reception for new parochial vicar Father Michael Raj Joseph was held between the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Masses on Aug. 9 in the school gym. The annual parish picnic, hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 8781, took place in the pavilion on Aug. 1.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga St. Joseph, Norris The parish is holding a Men’s Welcome Retreat on Aug. 15-16 and a Women’s Welcome Retreat on Sept. 19-20. The Knights of Columbus recently named Kenn Stroop as Knight of the month and Brendan and Betsy Jennings as family of the month. Anniversaries: Rick and Laurene Hirko (45), Oliver and Tess Deocampo (40), B4 n AUGUST 2026
The Council of Catholic Women will hold a yard sale on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22.
Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The Knights of Columbus will have Parish notes continued on page B8
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Notre Dame CCW, youth celebrate country’s 250th, senior parishioners In keeping with the theme of the USA celebrating its 250th birthday this year, the St. Agnes Guild of the Council of Catholic Women at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville hosted a “Mommy & Me” cooking class followed by a Spirit of ’76 birthday party on July 11 at the church. Under the direction of the parish’s resident cake baker, Margaret Ayers, students learned to make cupcakes in different flavors and how to frost and decorate them. Five students attended with a family member and created cupcakes to serve that afternoon at a birthday party for those ages 76 and older. The students decorated the room in red, white, and blue and greeted the honorees with hospitality. Each received a keepsake glass that lights up on the bottom and was filled with a beverage. “Happy Birthday” was played by Fred Ricker as everyone sang and then released poppers filled with streamers. Participants enjoyed a game of music trivia as well. Pictured at the dessert table are (top photo, from left) Amelia, Ryleigh, Theresa, Emma, Sasha, and Mrs. Ayers. At the party table are (from left, seated) honorees Margaret May, Jean HagenBurger, Judy Collins, Jerry Collins, and Barbara Price and (standing) Ryleigh, Theresa, honoree Fred Ricker, Connor, Melanie, Sasha, Amelia, and Susan Collins, St. Agnes Guild chair.
St. Jude Knights of Columbus earn prestigious Star Council Award
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nights of Columbus Philip Paul Breen Council 8576 in Chattanooga was awarded the distinction of Star Council, the international organization’s top honor for local councils. The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of growing membership, promoting Knights of Columbus insurance benefits, sponsoring Catholic faith-formation programs, and volunteering time through serviceoriented activities. Council 8576 is an active part of St. Jude Parish, with members serving as ushers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, readers, eucharistic adorers, parish-council members, and participants in OCIA and religious education. Over the past eight years, the council has helped fund
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church renovations and strengthened parish community through Lenten fish fries and other events. Its charitable work supports Tennessee Special Olympics, the Orange Grove Center, the American Wheelchair Mission, the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center, and Chattanooga Blood Assurance. The council also supports parish youth by recognizing sacramental milestones, sponsoring “Breakfast with Santa” and an Easter egg roll, and hosting an altar server appreciation event each spring. For information on joining the council, contact membership director Thomas Campbell at 423-3167678 or optionwakesetter@gmail. com. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
Calendar The Evangelizing Sisters of Mary will mark their Golden Jubilee with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. A reception will follow, and all are welcome to attend. Bishop Mark Beckman invites young adults ages 18-35 to explore “Encountering Jesus in the Gospels” at meetings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on selected Tuesdays at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery. The series begins Sept. 8 and continues Sept. 22 and 29 and Oct. 6 and 20, with dates subject to change because of the bishop’s schedule. More dates will follow. Attendees are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Register at dioknox.org/ encountering-jesus-updates. The diocesan Office of Vocations is holding a Men’s Discernment Group for men 18 or older interested in discerning whether God is calling them to the priesthood. The group will be hosted by Father Mark Schuster and Father Arthur Torres from 9 a.m. to noon on fourth Saturdays in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at the Chancery office in Knoxville, with the next meeting Aug. 22. If you are interested in joining the Men’s Discernment Group, fill out the form at forms.office.com/r/ CmSwudiVnf or e-mail vocations@ dioknox.org. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area. The annual Bishop’s Very Special Day is set for 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. Join Bishop Mark Beckman for a faith-filled day of fun for special-needs individuals and their families. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 celebrated by Bishop Beckman. An ASL interpreter will be at the Mass. The day will include activities, skits, and lunch. Register or sign up to volunteer at dioknox.org/events/bishops-veryspecial-day. E-mail questions to Julie at radjulie31@gmail.com. Registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 22. The Diocese of Knoxville’s new Special Friends ministry is sponsoring a sensory-friendly Mass on the last Saturday of each month. The next liturgy is at 4 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School. The ministry provides support and resources to those with special needs and their caregivers. Additional sensory-friendly Masses are set for 4 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 28 at KCHS. The ministry has an “All Saints Bash” planned for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. For more information, contact Sarah Warner Sperl at 865-584-3307 or ssperl@dioknox.org. “Lead in His Image,” a diocesan retreat for all men, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, in Cathedral Hall at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Deacon Bob Hunt will speak on “The Role of Men as Fathers & Spiritual Leaders.” The day will begin with Mass at 8:05 a.m., followed by a continental breakfast at 8:30 and an opening prayer at 9. The first presentation, on “The Fatherhood of God,” will start at 9:10 a.m., and the second presentation, on “The Fatherhood of the Saints,” will begin at 9:55. Lunch will be at 11 a.m. Additional presentations will be on “The Domestic Church” at 12:30 p.m. and “Practical Ideas for the Catholic Family” at 12:45. Smallgroup discussion will follow all four presentations. A session on a Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center project is planned for 1:30 p.m., with a closing prayer at 2:20 and dismissal at 2:30. To see a detailed schedule and learn how to register, visit dioknox.org/events/lead-in-hisimage. Learn more about Deacon Hunt at deaconbobretreats.com. Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is holding a 150th-anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. The day will offer something for all ages include face painting, balloon artists, and inflatables; local food trucks; tours of the high school; and a history timeline and memorabilia. Learn more or RSVP at dioknox.org/events/notre-damehigh-school-150th-celebration. The TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
high school is also holding an Admission Tailgate, featuring food, a chance to meet faculty, and student activities, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Retrouvaille (“retro-vi”), a Christian program that is Catholic in origin and helps struggling couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship, will have gatherings on the weekends of Aug. 21-23 in Mount St. Francis, Ind. (held by the Louisville, Ky., community); Sept. 4-6 in Dickson, Tenn. (Nashville community); Sept. 1113 in Atlanta; and Oct. 2-4 in Hickory, N.C. Presenters are not trained marriage counselors but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love. For costs and other details, e-mail 3043@helpourmarriage. org, visit helpourmarriage.org, or call 931-820-2115. The address of the weekend facility will be provided when the registration is processed. The Haiti Outreach Program at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will host a special “Voices for Haiti” multimedia program benefiting its medical mission from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School gym. Those attending can enjoy an evening of inspiring stories and music by the cathedral’s music ministry. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will host the Tennessee Wind Symphony at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, part of the Cathedral Concert Series. Under the direction of Dr. John Zastoupil, the musicians will present a concert themed “The Songbook.” Works performed will range from the music of Renaissance England and the American South to the Broadway and jazz traditions of George Gershwin and the legacy of African American spirituals. The program includes “The Earle of Oxford’s March,” followed by Donald Grantham’s “Southern Harmony,” Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and Benjamin Horne’s “Spiritual Symphony.” Admission to the concert is free, but seating is limited. Doors open one hour before the concerts. Tickets are available via the Eventbrite link at shcathedral. org/cathedral-concert-series. The events will also be livestreamed, recorded, and archived with access available at m.youtube.com/c/ SacredHeartCathedralKnoxvilleTN. In celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Father Michael Willey will preside at a Mass at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at All Saints Church in Knoxville, and another Mass will take place at noon on Sept. 1 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation kicks off the Season of Creation Sept. 1-Oct. 4, a time for the faithful to renew their relationship with their Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. Learn more on the Care of Creation page at dioknox. org/care-of-creation. Knoxville Catholic High School’s 40th annual Shamrock Open will take place Friday, Sept. 4, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. Tee time is at 9 a.m. The event will honor John Wilkerson as an “Irish legend.” The day includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, beverages, a golf shirt, and goodie bags. Costs are $175 per player and $700 per team. Register or become a sponsor at knoxvillecatholic.com/ shamrock-open/. Since 1986, the Shamrock Open has raised $1,255,000. Knights of Columbus Council 6099 of St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga will hold its 36th annual Charity Golf Tournament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Brainerd Golf Course. To register a team, sponsor a hole or a golf cart, or volunteer, call 423-899-9989. 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 Sept. 18-20 at Christ Prince Calendar continued on page B8
COURTESY OF KIMBERLY TOBY
St. Patrick Knights hold fundraising wiffle ball/golf event Knights of Columbus Council 6730 hosted a charity event on the grounds of St. Patrick Church in Morristown on June 13: “The Wiffle Ball Masters Golf Championship.” The event raised funds for special-needs youth at Morristown East and West high schools, the Food on Foot food pantry, Manly day care for special-needs children, and Area 6 Special Olympics. The inaugural Wiffle ball golf event drew a field of 32 men and women aged from the mid-20s to the early 80s. The 18-hole course layout proved to be no challenge to golfers and nongolfers alike. St. Patrick associate pastor Father Hoan Dinh is pictured above.
COURTESY OF JANET SPRAKER
Knights from St. Bridget in Dayton visit nursing homes Members of Knights of Columbus Council 11424 from St. Bridget Parish visit local nursing homes in Dayton and Spring City each month, playing music and leading residents in song. Shown recently at Life Care Center in Dayton are (from left) Bill Runge, Pat Bisson, Jim Conners, Chris Hill, and Steve Thorn.
COURTESY OF RALEIGH COOPER
Knights from seven councils mow the grass at retreat center Seven Knights of Columbus councils, on a rotating weekly basis, mow the grass at the Diocese of Knoxville’s Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton, saving the diocese thousands of dollars each year. Recently, Knights from Council 8576 from St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga did the mowing. From left are Royce Rohling, David Cowan, Raleigh Cooper, Grand Knight Lee Norris, Fos Goodwin, and Jason McCaulley. The other six councils are 8781 from St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, 15585 from St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville, 8396 from St. Mary in Athens, 4572 from St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland, 3832 from Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, and 6099 from St. Stephen in Chattanooga.
TIM SHAW
Notre Dame youth receive first Holy Communion Nine students from Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville received their first Holy Communion on April 26. Mass was celebrated by Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, assisted by Deacon Wil Johnson. The students helped with Mass ministries. The catechists who prepared the students were DJ Dalton, assisted by Carmen Espinoza and Susan Collins, the parish director of religious education. A reception was held after Mass for the students and their families. Pictured are (from left, front row) Sabastian Mendoza, Cedar Reid, Malaki Mendoza, Rex Lowe, and Alice Py and (back row) Santiago Galarza, Fernando Galarza, Father Kuzhupil, Deacon Johnson, Jaquelyn Huertas, and Norlan Sierra Videa.
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Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful
by Deacon Bob Hunt
Catholics have contributed much to U.S. history They have served in battle, founded communities of priests and Sisters, and much more
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his year the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of our founding, or the Semiquincentennial for those out there enamored of the sometimes-grandiose overloading of the English language. Catholics have contributed much to the founding and history of this great nation, sometimes for good, sometimes for ill. This column will focus on the good. Those who fought with General Washington’s army, for instance, and made it into an army capable of outlasting the greatest military in the world at the time, included Commodore John Barry, who is known as the “Father of the American Navy,” and Thomas FitzSimons, who served in the Continental Army and became one of two Catholics to help frame and sign the U.S. Constitution. Charles Carroll of Carrollton was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, while Charles’ brother, Daniel, was the other Catholic active in the framing of the U.S. Constitution, which he signed. A third brother, John Carroll, became the first bishop of the United States. Mary Waters was an Irish American nurse from Philadelphia who worked tirelessly caring for the wounded of the war. After the war, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton established some of the first parochial schools in the country, founding the Daughters of Charity to teach the children. She is the first American-born canonized Catholic saint. Then there are the Polish generals, Casimir Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who were responsible for whipping the ragtag American misfits into a genuine, disciplined army. George Washington’s favorite, the Marquis de Lafayette, was Catholic, though only devoutly so later in life. Still, he made a significant contribution to the Revolutionary War effort and was hailed as a hero by the people of the United States for the rest of his life. Catholics who had an impact on 19th-century America include Archbishop John Hughes of New York, who ministered to immigrants, began the Catholic parochial school system, and was a fierce defender of the Catholic faith, so much so that he was given the nickname “Dagger John”! Bishop St. John Neumann was the first to establish a diocesanwide parochial school system when
he was bishop of Philadelphia. Orestes Brownson was a wellrespected Catholic intellectual who hoped to mold a consistent thought between Catholic theology and American ideals. Father Isaac Hecker, founder of the Paulist Fathers, some of whom serve the Diocese of Knoxville, sought to reconcile Catholic faith and American culture. Father Hecker was responsible for converting many American Protestants to Catholicism. Terence Powderly was an Irish-born American Catholic who founded the Knights of Labor, a union that campaigned for the eight-hour workday, child labor laws, and equal pay for women. Catholics contributed to both sides during the Civil War. Gen. William Rosecrans was a convert who carried his rosary into battle for the Union, and Philip Sheridan was the great cavalry leader whose victories in Appalachia were instrumental in bringing the war to a close. Perhaps the most famous of Catholics who fought for the South is Gen. Pierre Beauregard, victor of the First Battle of Bull Run who, after the war, became a leader in the campaign to win suffrage for Blacks in New Orleans. James Longstreet, who fought alongside Robert E. Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia, supported his friend President Grant in Reconstruction and became U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Longstreet converted to Catholicism in 1877 and remained a devout Catholic for the rest of his life. The greatest contribution of Catholics during the Civil War doubtless was that provided by the women religious orders, such as the Daughters of Charity and Sisters of Mercy, who nursed the thousands of wounded on both sides during our country’s greatest conflict. Hawaii did not become part of the United States until 1898, but the Church in America considers the ministry of St. Damien de Veuster thoroughly her own. Father Damien served the lepers of Molokai with courage and passionate dedication for several years in the middle of the 19th century, losing his own life to the dreaded disease. He is one of four Catholic priests honored in Statuary Hall in our nation’s Capitol Building. No accounting of the history of Catholicism in the United States
is complete without mentioning Father Michael McGivney who, in response to the financial plight of immigrant widows and orphans, founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 as a mutual aid and insurance company. As the 19th century turned into the 20th, the great Catholic figure spanning the transition was Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore. Cardinal Gibbons, a friend of Theodore Roosevelt, was instrumental in convincing the Holy See to allow Catholics to join labor unions. A strong supporter of the separation of church and state, he relieved many Protestants of the fear that Catholics wanted to take control of the government. After founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1891, St. Katherine Drexel dedicated her life and fortune to assisting Native and Black Americans. She founded Xavier University in New Orleans, still the only Black Catholic university in the country. Another towering figure of the Church in America spanning the 19th to 20th centuries was St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who arrived from Italy in 1889 and founded almost 70 institutions to serve the poor in New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and other cities. The first American citizen to be canonized, Mother Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants. In 1921, Father Edward Flanagan, an Irish immigrant, established Boys Town in Omaha, which has become a beacon of hope for troubled boys and girls. Dorothy Day, along with French Catholic immigrant Peter Maurin, founded the Catholic Worker in 1933, a pacifist lay ministry that participated in the labor movement and the Civil Rights movement, and provided housing and food to the destitute. Dozens of Catholic Worker houses now dot the country, inspired by Day’s unwavering ministry and philosophy of nonviolence, peaceful civil resistance, and service to the poor. Dr. Tom Dooley was consistently named one of the most admired men by Americans for his work providing medical care to the victims of communist aggression in Vietnam during the 1960s. Archbishop Fulton Sheen graced the TVs of Americans for decades with his program “Life Is Worth Living,” teaching millions about the Catholic faith and giving
inspiration to all. Famous American Catholic converts of the 20th century include figures such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Black Elk, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Dave Brubeck, Thomas Merton, Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade), Tim Conway, Dominique Dawes, Abby Johnson, Patricia Neal, Richard John Neuhaus, and Jeb Bush. Demonstrating that the Church is an instrument of redemption, one unlikely convert was Mildred Gillars, better known during World War II as “Axis Sally.” Gillars ran Nazi propaganda radio programs, hoping to inspire despair among Allied soldiers. After the war, she was caught and imprisoned. During her confinement, she repented, converted to Catholicism, and, upon her release in 1961, became a nun and taught at a Catholic school in Ohio. American Catholics contributing to civil life today are numerous. Six of the nine Supreme Court justices are Catholics, including Chief Justice John Roberts. Of course, Vice President J.D. Vance is a convert to Catholicism. Marco Rubio, secretary of state, is a devout Catholic, as is Sean Duffy, secretary of transportation. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida are two prominent Catholic governors. The list of American Catholic intellectuals is long and prestigious: Father John Courtney Murray, Cardinal Avery Dulles, Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, George Weigel, Robert George, Peter Kreeft, Justice Antonin Scalia, Bishop Robert Barron, and Francis Beckwith. Catholics have contributed to the tradition of American literary genius, as well, with names such as Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy, Joyce Kilmer, and Dean Koontz. It is impossible to name all the Catholics who made significant contributions to the political, military, artistic, literary, and civic history of this great nation. Suffice it to say that Catholics have earned their place in America and graced this country with an intellectual, political, and spiritual heritage equal to any. 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.
Holy Family Knights celebrate silver anniversary The council was chartered in June 2001 and renamed for Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz’s brother, George, in 2005
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nights of Columbus George S. Kurtz Council 12961 at Holy Family Parish in Seymour celebrated its 25th anniversary with a catered dinner on June 27. Guests included families and friends of council members, parishioners, and state Large group A total of 82 guests gathered for Knights officers. The coun- the Holy Family Knights of Columbus council was chartered on June cil’s 25th-anniversary celebration. 26, 2001, with 36 members and Tim McIntyre as its first Grand Knight. made more than $1,500 On Aug. 28, 2005, Council 12961 was renamed in donations this year. to honor George Kurtz, brother of Knoxville’s The Knights in Seysecond bishop, now-retired Archbishop Joseph mour serve as ushers, E. Kurtz. George Kurtz, a Fourth Degree Knight, eucharistic ministers, died on Jan. 27, 2002. Bishop Kurtz presided at and readers and asCOURTESY OF KEVIN QUILLIAMS (2) the Mass when the council was rededicated in sist with CCD, youthhonor of his brother. ministry meetings, the A quarter-century of service Holy Family pastor Father Bill McNeeley During the 25th-anniversary dinner, charter liturgy committee, floral stands with Knights State Deputy Eric Pelton (third from right) at the anmembers of the council were recognized, and a arrangements, the choir, niversary dinner. Also pictured are (from left) state and Council 12961 presentation showed how the council consists and the parish council. officers Terry Neuenschwander, Phil Oakley, Deacon Dean Burry, Grand of members that support four parishes of East Members also support Knight Kevin Quilliams, David Zwissler, and Alan Stanley. Tennessee: Holy Family, Holy Cross in Pigeon Holy Family events such Forge, St. Francis of Assisi in Townsend, and St. as Sunday doughnuts and coffee, the parish picEric Pelton and wife Melody, state treasurer Alan Mary in Gatlinburg. nic, Breakfast with Santa, Stations of the Cross, Stanley and wife Paula, state secretary David The George Kurtz Council now has 96 active Lenten fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and more. Zwissler, state membership director Terry Neuenmembers, having merged with the Pigeon Forge Holy Family pastor and council chaplain Father schwander, and district warden Phil Oakley. council in 2024. Knights in the council totaled Bill McNeeley led the opening prayer at the anMr. Pelton during the dinner presented a mesmore than 4,400 volunteer hours last year and niversary dinner. Guests included State Deputy sage from the Supreme Council of the Knights. ■ B6 n AUGUST 2026
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TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
Encountering God in the Liturgy
by Father Randy Stice
St. Faustina and the graces found at each Mass ‘Almost every feast of the Church gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace’
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Her virtue of silence.”6 During the Christmas Midnight Mass she saw a vision of “the little Infant Jesus, extremely beautiful, joyfully stretching out His little arms to me. After Communion, I heard the words: I am always in your heart; not only when you receive me in Holy Communion, but always.”7 At the Mass of the feast of Epiphany, she was “absorbed in the infinite majesty of God…I became aware of how much God abases Himself for my sake…. Taking advantage of the intimacy to which the Lord was admitting me, I interceded before him for the whole world.”8 At the start of Lent, St. Faustina wrote that she began it “in the way that Jesus wanted me to, making myself totally dependent upon His holy will and accepting with love everything that He sends me.”9 Her intention for Lent was “to beg divine mercy for poor sinners, and for priests, the power to bring sinful hearts to repentance.”10 She also noted that “Lent is a very special time for the work of priests. We should assist them in rescuing souls.”11 At Mass on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, she wrote, “Jesus gave me to understand how much he had suffered in that triumphal procession. ‘Hosanna’ was reverberating in Jesus’ heart as an echo of ‘crucify.’ Jesus allowed me to feel this in a special way.”12 The Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday— particularly illustrates St. Faustina’s close union with “the spirit of the Church.” During the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), “when the moment for Holy Communion came, I saw the suffering face of Jesus in every host.”13 On Good Friday, “At 3 o’clock, I saw the Lord Jesus crucified, who looked at me and said, I thirst. Then I saw two rays issue from His side, just as they appear in the image…I offered my-
self, together with the dying Jesus, to the Eternal Father, for the salvation of the whole world.”14 At the Easter Sunday Mass, she wrote, “I saw the Lord in beauty and splendor, and he said to me, My daughter, peace be with you. … My heart was fortified for struggle and sufferings.”15 Experiences of the Trinity characterized the graces of the Easter season. On Divine Mercy Sunday, she wrote that, after Communion, “I was united to the Three Divine Persons in such a way that when I was united to Jesus, I was simultaneously united to the Father and the Holy Spirit…if only souls would want to understand how much God loves them!”16 On the feast of the Ascension of Our Lord she wrote that, after receiving Holy Communion, “my soul was drawn into the glowing center of love. I understood that no exterior works could stand comparison with pure love of God … I saw the joy of the Incarnate Word, and I was immersed in the Divine Trinity.”17 On the feast of Christ the King, the conclusion of the liturgical year, she felt God’s desire to save sinners and described her part: “I traverse the world’s length and breadth and venture as far as its ultimate limits and its wildest lands to save souls… through prayer and sacrifice.”18 Feast days were also important for St. Faustina. During Mass on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, “I heard the rustling of garments and saw the most holy Mother of God in a most beautiful radiance…She said to me, ‘You give me great joy when you adore the Holy Trinity for the graces and privileges which were accorded me.”19 And on the feast of the Sacred Heart, the Lord gave her during Mass “the knowledge of the Heart of Jesus and of the nature of the fire of love with which He burns for us and of how
He is an ocean of mercy.”20 Although we may not experience some of the more extraordinary graces that St. Faustina received, her example and experiences can help us deepen our participation in the Mass. The special graces she received during Mass can encourage and strengthen our faith, her fidelity to the liturgical spirit of the Church is a disposition we can cultivate, and her dedication to preparing for each feast and season is a practice that we can emulate. ■ Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 102. This column is adapted from chapters five and six of Eucharistic Amazement: Experience the Wonder of the Mass by Father Randy Stice (Pauline Books and Media, 2025). 2 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1163 3 CCC, 1104 4 Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul (Marian Press), paragraph 481. All subsequent references are to the Diary. 5 Paragraph 481 6 1398 7 575 (words spoken by Jesus are in italics) 8 870 9 1625 10 934 11 931 12 1028 13 413 14 648 15 1067 16 1073 17 1121 18 745 19 564 (words spoken by the Blessed Virgin Mary are in italics) 20 1142 1
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@ dioknox.org.
COURTESY OF DEBRA CLICHE
he liturgical year, which begins with Advent and concludes with the solemnity of Christ the King, “unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from the incarnation and birth until the ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and of the coming of the Lord.”1 When Christ’s mysteries are celebrated in the liturgy “the riches of her Lord’s powers and merits…are in some way made present for all time, and the faithful are enabled to lay hold upon them and become filled with saving grace.”2 Each time Mass is celebrated, “there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that makes the unique mystery present.”3 We have a generous example of the unique graces of each Mass from St. Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Mercy. She was born Helen Kowalska in 1905, entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925, and died of tuberculosis on Oct. 5, 1938. Through her, the Lord gave the Church the image of the Divine Mercy, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter. St. Faustina received different graces during Mass throughout the liturgical year and on special feast days, and she recorded them in her Diary. “Almost every feast of the Church,” she wrote, “gives me a deeper knowledge of God and a special grace.”4 Receiving special graces at each Mass led St. Faustina to prepare herself for each Mass, writing, “That is why I prepare myself for each feast and unite myself closely to the spirit of the Church.”5 She explained her preparation for the beginning of the liturgical year: “Advent is approaching. I want to prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord Jesus by silence and recollection of spirit, uniting myself with the Most Holy Mother and faithfully imitating
Daily readings Saturday, 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 Sunday, Aug. 16: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Romans 11:1315, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 Monday, Aug. 17: Ezekiel 24:15-23; Deuteronomy 32:18-21; Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday, Aug. 18: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 19: Ezekiel 34:111; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 20: Memorial of St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, Ezekiel 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 21: Memorial of St. Pius X, pope, Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40 TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
Saturday, Aug. 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ezekiel 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 23: Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 Monday, Aug. 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle, Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Tuesday, Aug. 25: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26 Wednesday, Aug. 26: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18; Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5; Matthew 23:27-32 Thursday, Aug. 27: Memorial of St. Monica, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, Aug. 28: Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1 Corinthians 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday, Aug. 29: Memorial of the
Passion of St. John the Baptist, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21; Mark 6:17-29 Sunday, Aug. 30: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 Monday, Aug. 31: 1 Corinthians 2:15; Psalm 119:97-102; Luke 4:16-30 Tuesday, Sept. 1: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37 Wednesday, Sept. 2: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21; Luke 4:38-44 Thursday, Sept. 3: Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church, 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 5:1-11 Friday, Sept. 4: 1 Corinthians 4:15; Psalm 37:3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Luke 5:33-39 Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 Corinthians 4:615; Psalm 145:17-21; Luke 6:1-5 Sunday, Sept. 6: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20
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Founding families The “49ers” group, representing the original 49 families from the beginning of Holy Spirit in SoddyDaisy, gathered on Aug. 4 with Father Mike Creson, the founding pastor of the parish. Old friends reconnected with smiles and heartfelt hugs at the event. Holy Spirit is preparing for a Church Tours and Arts & Craft Festival set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Pictured are (left front) Sharon Nixon and (back row, from left) Bob Kirn, Don Cambron, Sharon Woodard, Barbara Garrison, Father Creson, Kathleen Maxwell, Tim Malo, Charlene Kirn, Jack Cooper, Mary Cooper, and Kenneth King.
Monday, Sept. 7: 1 Corinthians 5:18; Psalm 5:5-7, 12; Luke 6:6-11 Tuesday, Sept. 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Micah 5:1-4; Psalm 13:6; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 Wednesday, Sept. 9: Memorial of St. Peter Claver, priest, 1 Corinthians 7:25-31; Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17; Luke 6:20-26 Thursday, Sept. 10: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 2324; Luke 6:27-38 Friday, Sept. 11: 1 Corinthians 9:1619, 22-27; Psalm 84:3-6, 12; Luke 6:39-42 Saturday, Sept. 12: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18; Luke 6:43-49 Sunday, Sept. 13: Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35 Monday, 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 ■ AUGUST 2026 n B7
Calendar continued from page B5 of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Friday, Sept. 11. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-7764510 or sandi@ccetn.org. Learn more at www.ccetn.org/events. Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate a Mass with young adults of the diocese at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. A dinner will follow Mass. More details to come. The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will host its annual Celebrate Life Banquet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Bridgewater Event Center in Knoxville. Dr. George Delgado, a pioneer in abortion-pill reversal, will be the featured speaker. Cost to attend is $50, and sponsorship opportunities are available. To make reservations, contact the chapter at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@ prolifeknox.com. The 28th annual St. Jude Golf Classic benefiting St. Jude School in Chattanooga, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at Creeks Bend Golf Club in Hixson. The tournament, co-sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8576, benefits the school’s Classroom Adoption Program and the ministries of the Knights. Shotgun starts will be held for an 8 a.m. round and for a 1 p.m. round. Check-in begins at 7 and 11 a.m. for those rounds. Lunch will be served to players in both rounds, and there will be snacks, drinks, and dinner at the end of the afternoon round. Sponsorship levels are available at Eagle ($2,500), birdie ($1,000), or par ($850) levels. Four sponsorships of $300 each are available for the longest-drive and closest-tothe-pin contests. Hole sponsorships are $150 each and a dinner/awards reception sponsorship is $750. Individual golfers may register for $150 and foursomes for $600. To register an individual or a team, the deadline is Monday, Sept. 7. To become a sponsor or make a donation, visit mysjs.ejoinme.org/ classic2026 or e-mail Mary Jungels at jungelsm@mysjs.com.
and the dignity of migrants (dioknox. org/news/tenn-bishops-on-immigration-enforcement-dignity-ofmigrants) and the U.S. bishops’ special message on immigration (www.usccb. org/news/2025/us-bishops-issuespecial-message-immigration-plenary-assembly-baltimore), the Diocese of Knoxville will host a regional gathering on the Church’s response to migration from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The gathering, themed “Deepening Our Moral Witness,” serves the dioceses in Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, West Virginia, and Virginia. The day will include training and essential information on Catholic social teaching on migration, solidarity with immigrant communities in a time of mass deportations, communication strategies, and diocesan and parish planning. Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate the noon Mass and, along with Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., will give a presentation at the event. Catholic Charities workers and volunteers, parish leaders, leaders of social ministries, those in Catholic health care or Catholic education, members of communications teams, and those serving in Hispanic and multicultural ministries are invited to participate. Registration is $25 and includes breakfast and lunch. If financial support is needed, e-mail Monica Andrews at mandrews@hope border.org. Register or learn about hotel arrangements at dioknox.org/ events/deepening-our-moral-witness. Knoxville Catholic High School is holding its 17th annual Community Tailgate from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, before the Fighting Irish’s homecoming game against Ensworth. The event features tailgate food, games, and more. Alumni, families, friends, and fans are welcome to attend. Advance tickets are on sale for $15 per person, which includes food and a game ticket. To register online (which includes a fee of $1.45) or make a donation, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/tailgate/.
Following the Tennessee bishops’ statement on immigration enforcement
Catholic youth ages 6-20 are invited to a Scouting retreat, a day of faith and fellowship, at the pavilion at Sacred Heart Cathedral School on Saturday, Oct. 10. There will be activities, games,
Parish notes continued from page B4 a “Night in New Orleans” event after Mass on Saturday, Aug. 15. Cost will be a donation taken at the door.
sorship levels are available. To assist, call event chairs DJ Dalton at 423-5880150, Andrea Pletsch at 423-823-7165, or Susan Collins at 423-470-2560.
The Knights’ Wives and Widows Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. after Mass on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Perkins Restaurant in Dandridge.
St. Dominic, Kingsport
The Knights in June elected their new officers for the 2026-27 fraternal year. The officers, who were installed on July 14, are: Randy LaBauve, Grand Knight; Matt Giardiello, deputy Grand Knight; Jim Fernandez, chancellor; Tim Kafel, financial secretary; Erik Perry, treasurer; Michael Sulkowski II, recorder; Carl Moser, warden; Tom Richards, lecturer; Tom Wissemann, Martin Witberg, and Frank Ginnie, board of trustees; Jack Fletcher, advocate; Rajkamal Singh, inside guard; Mike Seminetta, outside guard; Father Jim Harvey, chaplain; and Deacon Jim Prosak, assistant chaplain. To learn more about the council, call Randy LaBauve at 561-310-4897.
lunch, reconciliation, and Mass. The day begins at 10 a.m., concluding with Mass at 5 p.m. Cost is $10 and includes activities and lunch. For more information, e-mail Kimberly Turnmire at kimberly.turnmire@gmail.com. Young adults are invited to a retreat Friday evening to Sunday morning, Oct. 23-25, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The retreat will center on St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Only 30 spots are available. Cost is $150, with a $50 deposit due at registration. Register at dioknox.org/events/ frassati-retreat. Our Lady of the Mountains Rosary Guild meets one Sunday each month at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, with the next meeting set for 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, in Seton Hall. The guild also meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on first and third Wednesdays in the art room at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. The guild works to place rosaries into the hands of those longing for prayer, peace, and hope—both locally and throughout the world. For more information, contact the guild at olmrgknoxvilletn@gmail.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. 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 each Sunday at 4 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
thru pet blessings from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. Parishioners are asked to bring a donation to support Paws of Love, a local elderly dog rescue and retirement home.
Smoky Mountain Deanery A Women’s Welcome Retreat will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2223, at the church. RSVP or learn more at tinyurl.com/2s3wdub4. Call or text Casondra at 757-535-9007 for details. The St. Dominic Seniors group is planning to see the musical Come from Away at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va., at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Those interested should contact senior ministry coordinator Amy Makemson at seniors@saintdomchurch.com or 423288-8101, extension 117.
Holy Family, Seymour The parish picnic will follow the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27. New parish council members are Theresa Foster, Jason Davis, Rose Margetson, and Sherrie Campos. Holy Ghost, Knoxville Men of the parish are taking part in a Hiwassee River tubing day on Saturday, Aug. 15.
St. Mary, Johnson City The parish picnic will be held after the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Aug. 22, on the church grounds or in the lower level of the church if there is rain.
Anniversaries: Ronald and Anna Laarz (60), Bobby and Patricia Carroll (35), Walter and Nancy Crapiz (35), Stephen and Sheila Moffett (5)
St. Mary School thanked all who helped with flooring and painting projects to prepare for the new school year.
Notre Dame, Greeneville
St. Patrick, Morristown
Parish volunteers assisted with Tusculum University’s move-in day on Aug. 13. Notre Dame supplied desserts for the event.
A “kermés” cultural culinary experience hosted by parish ministry groups will follow each Mass on Sunday, Aug. 23. Those attending can learn about opportunities to get involved and serve at St. Patrick. There will be inflatables for children. Purchase tickets at the gate. The money raised will support religiouseducation programs at St. Patrick.
An overnight retreat for girls in sixth through 12th grades and women of all ages is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, at 326 Milligan Lane in Blaine. Check-in is at 6 p.m. on Friday or 9 a.m. for those attending Saturday only. Pickup is at 7 p.m. Saturday. Costs are $46 for overnight and $31 for Saturday only. Contact Emilia Klinzing at fidelisholy ghost@gmail.com for more details.
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-tricitiestn. 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 865-438-4905 or e-mail CIR AllSaintsKnoxville@gmail.com. Father Michael Cummins, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is leading a retreat to Yellowstone National Park Oct. 11-16. The retreat will consist of daily wildlife watching led by professional wildlife guides, daily Mass and retreat sessions offered by Father Cummins, talks by park naturalists and wildlife experts, and days ending with dinner prepared by a local chef. Retreat cost is $3,100, not including airfare. A deposit of $500 per person (refundable with a $75 charge up to a month before the retreat) by check should accompany the registration form. Final payment is due Tuesday, Sept. 1. For more information, call Roberta Somerville in the office of St. Dominic Church in Kingsport at 423-288-8101. A “Sacred Shrines of France” pilgrimage sponsored by Holy Family Parish in Seymour is set for Feb. 15-25. Holy Family pastor Father Bill McNeeley will be the chaplain and spiritual director for the pilgrimage, and Sherri McNeeley will be the group leader. Sites visited and saints focused on include Normandy/ Omaha Beach, Lisieux (Basilica of St. Thérèse), Mont Saint-Michel, Chartres Cathedral, Paris (Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, SacréCoeur, Notre Dame Cathedral, Église Saint-Sulpice, the Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul, Gallery of the Kings, the Louvre, Saint-Chapelle, and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene), Nevers (Convent of St. Gildard), Paray-le-Monial (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), Ars (St. John Vianney), and Lourdes (St. Bernadette). Cost is $5,250 for a double room or $6,249 for a single room. For more information, visit www.canterburypilgrimages. com/tour/14046. n
Scripture readings, inspirational comments, and music. A parish celebration of National First Responders Day on Wednesday, Oct. 28, is planned. Call the IC office at 865522-1508 by Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a first responder’s name and area of service. Call Pat Ryan at 865-466-9828 for more information. St. John XXIII, Knoxville The fall schedule resumes Sunday, Aug. 16, with Masses at 9 and 11:15 a.m. and 5:30 and 9 p.m. on Sunday and the vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Sunday Supper will be held at 6:30 p.m. The sacrament of reconciliation returns Monday, Aug. 17, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The daily Mass schedule of 1 p.m. Monday through Friday began Aug. 10. The parish contributed $43,733.61 toward the 2026 Annual Paulist Appeal, which recently topped $1 million. St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The parish thanked Ruth Campbell for her recent efforts to clean, declutter, and reorganize the kitchen cupboards, drawers, pantry, and women’s group closet.
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
Notre Dame sponsored a Back to School Family Night on Aug. 5, with Mass at the church followed by pizza at the Splash Pad in Greeneville. Planning for the annual Fall Festival of Nations on Sept. 19 is underway. Silent-auction and yard-sale items as well as prizes for the games tent are needed, and raffle tickets are on sale for $2 each for three chances to win $500. Vendor and committee sign-up forms are in the narthex. Multiple sponB8 n AUGUST 2026
St. Patrick is collecting snacks and treats through Tuesday, Sept. 22, for local police officers and first responders. Parishioners will deliver goodie bags to them before the feast day of St. Michael and the Archangels on Sept. 29. The parish will have its annual drive-
The parish at weekend Masses on Aug. 8-9 held a blessing and commissioning of teachers, administrators, and parents as the new school year began for diocesan and Knox County schools. Abby Sporsen, who has served as IC’s coordinator of religious education for three years, and her family are moving to Ohio. The parish is searching for a new CRE. Applicants should e-mail pastor Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, at frcharlie@gmail.com. IC’s Haiti Committee is holding an ecumenical prayer service at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. The service will have
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The Knights of Columbus are accepting donations for their upcoming annual charity yard sale set for Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 27-29. Parishioners can have an exclusive day of access to the sale from noon to 7 p.m. on Aug. 27. The sale will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 29. Gently used items for the sale may be brought to the church, or donors may call Ed Harless at 423-494-4761 to arrange a pickup time. An ice cream social to kick off the new faith-formation year will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, in the parish hall. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
BEE GOODMAN (6)
Parish news
BEE GOODMAN (4)
Celebrating Irish traditions Immaculate Conception Parish in downtown Knoxville held its 17th annual Irish Fest on the Hill fundraiser on Aug. 8. Those attending enjoyed Irish food, drinks, dessert, and music, and a Gaelic games demonstration was held. There were also tours of IC Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the diocese.
Cathedral hosts third annual Polish Festival The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus hosted its third annual Polish Festival on Aug. 1. The evening offered Polish food, traditional folk dancing, and live entertainment. A bake-sale table provided cakes, pastries, cookies, and traditional paczki (Polish doughnuts).
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Catholic youth
KCHS hosting baseball tourney in honor of alum Wes Rucker both St. Joseph School in Knoxville and KCHS, receiving his diploma from the latter in 2000. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and covered Vol sports in print, radio, digital, and television media for two decades. His work earned national recognition, and he held votes in prestigious awards such as the Heisman Trophy and national polls. Donations in Mr. Rucker’s memory can be made to the family’s GoFundMe (www.gofundme. com/f/support-teamrucker) or to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital (www.dollychildrens.org/). ■
COURTESY OF KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (2)
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noxville Catholic High School will host the first Wes Rucker Classic from April 8-10, 2027, honoring the alumnus who passed away on Feb. 19. KCHS baseball head coach Caleb Moore, a friend and former teammate of Mr. Rucker, said the tournament is scheduled to coincide with many schools’ spring breaks, making it accessible for both instate and out-of-state teams, WBIRTV reported. The tournament will feature a $300 entry fee per team, with all proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Mr. Rucker was a graduate of
Knoxville Catholic hosts a variety of summer camps Knoxville Catholic High School hosted its annual Camp Irish summer camps from May to July. Pictured are participants and leaders in a girls basketball camp. Additional camps were held for baseball, robotics, junior theater, boys basketball, softball, cheerleading, all-sports, football, volleyball, soccer, math, and dance, with an Irish Arts Theatre Workshop July 6-24.
KCHS self-imposes penalties for football recruiting violation
KATHY RANKIN (2)
F St. Joseph soccer team finishes second in KISL tourney The soccer team at St. Joseph School in Knoxville placed second in the Knoxville Independent School League tournament. The Bulldogs played Episcopal School of Knoxville in the championship game.
ollowing a thorough internal review of its football program, as well as ongoing communication with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), Knoxville Catholic High School determined that a recruiting violation occurred involving a nonfaculty assistant football coach, the school announced on July 9. The violation involved impermissible communication from a coach to a prospective student-athlete via text encouraging him to consider transferring to Knoxville Catholic. “This violation represents a clear departure from TSSAA regulations and from the standards of accountability and integrity we hold ourselves to as an institution,” the school’s press release stated. As a result of the violation, KCHS is self-imposing a two-year probationary period for the football program, which will include a one-year postseason ban for the 2026 season. “While the violation did not involve a member of the school’s faculty or administration, we are not here to assign individual blame. We recognize our responsibility to ensure that every aspect of our athletic program operates fully within both
the spirit and letter of TSSAA regulations and in alignment with the values of Knoxville Catholic High School,” the release continued. “This decision was not made lightly. As a Catholic school, we are committed to integrity, accountability, and the formation of young men and women grounded in character and faith. While we are proud of the many student-athletes, coaches, and families who represent our school with honor, we recognize the importance of addressing concerns directly and responsibly whenever expectations are not fully met.” KCHS president Dickie Sompayrac stated: “Our role as Catholic educators calls us to uphold the highest standards of honesty, responsibility, and integrity. We believe these self-imposed measures are the appropriate steps forward as we work to strengthen oversight, reinforce compliance, and ensure that our athletic programs fully reflect the values and mission of our school and the TSSAA.” In a July 7 letter to Mr. Sompayrac, the TSSAA said it “has accepted the measures that are being implemented by the administration” of KCHS. ■
COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT
Doughnuts delivered to St. Dominic School highlight polio project The staff at St. Dominic School in Kingsport was surprised on April 29 by a visit from the Rotary Club of Rogersville and St. Dominic school-board member Bill Hewitt and his wife, Lena, who delivered four dozen Purple Pinkie Donuts. Mr. Hewitt is pictured above with Carrie Dolan (left) and Deborah Singleton. The Rotary Purple Pinkie Project is an initiative in the fight against polio, representing support for polio vaccination efforts through a simple act of painting a person’s pinky finger purple after he or she donates to the cause. Launched internationally in 1985, the Purple Pinkie Project raises funds for polio vaccines for children around the world. The purple dye is used to mark children who have already received the vaccine, helping ensure they are not vaccinated more than once. Schools and community groups often participate by hosting events where individuals can donate and have their pinkies painted. Each one-dollar donation helps cover the cost of a single polio vaccine. B10 n AUGUST 2026
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