June 3, 2012, ET Catholic

He dwells among us.................. 2 Lumen Christi finalist.................. 5 Diocesan calendar................... 10 Deanery news.......................... 11

This issue

The East Tennessee

La Cosecha............ center pullout Catholic youth......................... 15 Columns............................. 18-22

dioknox.org June 3, 2012 Volume 21 Number 10

Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville

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Health inspections Knoxville clinics under fire

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Vatican approved Blessing for unborn created in diocese

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First-rounder Harrison Smith headed to Vikings

‘God shining down on them’ — the Rinnie miracle In aftermath of tornado, family rebuilding with a hand from St. Alphonsus, Catholic Charities

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hannon Bice and husband Paul Vickers have lost almost everything—and they consider themselves blessed.

The Cumberland County couple continues to pick up the pieces after a tornado destroyed their house and belongings on Feb. 29. But as horrific as the storm was, and the aftermath that left Mr. Vickers jobless, Mrs. Bice is thanking God for her children’s safety and for the support of parishioners at St. Alphonsus Church and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCET).

Mrs. Bice had just arrived at her Rinnie community home with her three daughters and an 18-month-old grandchild on the afternoon of Feb. 29 when disaster struck suddenly. She was aware that storms were in the area but had noticed that skies over her home were only overcast, with no rain or wind.

“Thank you, God, that my girls are alive. It happened so fast. Something told me to get my girls in the bathroom.”

Shortly after entering her home, however, she felt a sudden change in the atmosphere and quickly ushered the children into a bathroom. While huddled in that interior room, the tornado ripped their house apart.

In the few seconds that it lasted, Mrs Bice said the violent storm also destroyed the homes of two neighbors,

Miracle continued on page 4 The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Bill Brewer

Picking up the pieces St. Alphonsus parishioners Shannon Bice and Paul Vickers, pictured with daughters Aubrey, 4, Makayla, 6, and Taylor, 5, survived a tornado’s strike on Feb. 29, although their house was a total loss. With the help of the St. Alphonsus Catholic community and emergency response from Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, the family is making plans to rebuild.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop Stika’s schedule

Close to your heart

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

Let there be nothing closer to your heart than Christ, Our Eucharistic Lord and Savior

ith the end of the Easter season, we enter into another season that the Church calls Ordinary Time, which in truth is anything but ordinary— we are, after all, fully into the baseball season!

But seriously, between now and the beginning of Advent on Dec. 2, the Church will lead us through an exciting season of faith that is meant to turn the “ordinary” of our life into the “extraordinary.”

It is worth examining all the solemnities and feast days that mark the Church’s calendar that are meant to excite and increase our faith and love. Any missal you find in a pew will provide this listing.

One such solemnity that we will celebrate on June 10 that I particularly love is known to us as Corpus Christi—“The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ”—the source and summit of our faith.

I remember as a young boy attending grade school at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in South St. Louis how stories of the saints would spark our imaginations and inspire thoughts of wanting to be like them when we grew older.

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

But there was one particular saint I distinctly remember being taught about because he wasn’t much older than we were at the time he was martyred. He was St. Tarcisius—the “boy martyr of the Eucharist”—who suffered martyrdom in the third century while protecting the Eucharist from desecration. He was beaten and clubbed to death for not giving up the Eucharist that he was trying to bring to Christians in prison who were awaiting their martyrdom during the terrible time of Roman persecution.

As a seminarian, Cardinal John Carberry, archbishop emeritus of St. Louis, would present me a prayer card of St. Tarcisius when I became an acolyte. But St. Tarcisius would become so much more real to me because of two men I would meet as a priest, whose lives had become “extraordinary” because of their deep love of Christ in the Eucharist.

They were Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (d. 2002) of Vietnam and Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte (d. 2005) of Belgium.

These two men were modern day defenders of the Eucharist, both born in April 1928, but in different

parts of the world and drastically different circumstances. They would risk their lives for love of the Eucharist and become Eucharistic in turn in offering themselves as a sacrifice of love for others. Both would die in their old age, but like St. Tarcisius, with the Eucharist close to their hearts.

Cardinal Van Thuan was archbishop of Saigon when South Vietnam fell to the Communists in 1975 and was arrested shortly thereafter on trumped-up conspiracy charges.

He would spend 13 years in prison, nine of them in solitary confinement. Incredibly, he was able to celebrate Mass frequently with crumbs of bread and small amounts of wine smuggled into the prison to him by people with the same courage of faith as St. Tarcisius. Cardinal Van Thuan would offer Mass without altar, paten or chalice, using only what he had in place of these sacred vessels—the palm of his hands.

By living in the present moment, never living as if waiting for a better day or his release from captivity, he instead sought only to consecrate each moment in thanksgiving and

The East Tennessee

June 3: 12 p.m., Confirmation at St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland June 3: 5 p.m., Mass and Ceremony for Missioning of the Neophytes at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 4-7: Fall Creek Falls Convocation June 8: 7:30 p.m., Mass with the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, Mount Grace Convent, St. Louis June 10: 9 a.m., Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 10-16: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Spring Meeting in Atlanta June 17: 11 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 21-July 4: Fortnight for Freedom June 22: 7 p.m., Snacks and Chat with DYMAC at the bishop’s residence June 23: 5:30 p.m., Confirmation at Holy Family Church in Seymour June 24: 8:30 a.m., Confirmation at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Newport

Bishop continued on page 3

Schedule continued on page 3

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

Bill Brewer

Margaret Hunt

Anyone who has actual knowlEditor Administrative assistant edge of or who has reasonable 805 Northshore Drive, S.W. • Knoxville, TN 37919 cause to suspect an incident of The Diocese of Knoxville sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. civil authorities first, then to the The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. n

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Health inspections find violations at clinics Citizen group calling for improved safety, regulation at women’s centers

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Bishop continued from page 2

to be a Eucharistic offering himself.

I would meet this most incredible man of faith in Rome years after his release from captivity. His cause for canonization officially began in 2010.

I also would have the honor of getting to know another hero of the Eucharist—Cardinal Schotte—who was a close friend of Cardinal Justin Rigali, who I worked for at the time when Cardinal F. Rigali was archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Cardinal Schotte would constantly remind people of the great importance of always keeping the Eucharist close to their hearts.

These words came from an experience that would direct the rest of his life.

He shared with me one day that when he was a young boy in Nazioccupied Belgium during World War II his town became of great strategic importance to advancing Allied troops. Given the flat counThe East Tennessee Catholic

June 29: 12 p.m., Mass to celebrate Father Mark Scholz’s 10th ordination anniversary at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 30: 5 p.m., Mass and Dedication of Parish Life Center, St. Mary Church, Athens July 1: 10:30 a.m., Confirmation at Blessed Sacrament Church, Harriman n

Jobs available Sacred Heart Cathedral School, a SACS accredited, K-8, faith-based educational community, is seeking a qualified, creative and energetic teacher for middle school English and literature.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

young woman who emerged from a Knoxville abortion clinic and laid down in the fetal position has sparked an investigation that uncovered health violations at two Knoxville clinics.

Concerned citizens Lisa Morris, maternal–fetal medicine specialist Dr. Rod Briggs, and registered nurse Maryann Briggs, all parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral, addressed the violations at a press conference May 15 at Tyson Park, across Concord Street from Volunteer Women’s Medical Center.

The group, led by Mrs. Morris and the Briggses, said they plan to push for stronger enforcement of health laws governing clinics like Volunteer Women’s Medical Center and Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health on Clinch Avenue in Fort Sanders.

By Dan McWilliams

Schedule continued from page 2

Addressing the media Dr. Rod Briggs, Lisa Morris, left, and Maryann Briggs hold a press conference May 15 in Tyson Park near the Volunteer Women’s Medical Center.

“Certainly at this point there are a number of questions that the health department needs to address regarding the perception of a variance tryside, the townspeople knew the bell tower of the town’s Catholic church would be used by the Nazis to observe and direct their fight against the Allied troops. Fearing the town would suffer destruction from the battle that would center around this key observation post, the townspeople made the excruciating last-minute decision to destroy the church to remove the town’s tactical importance to the opposing armies and hopefully save the town from destruction.

With time of the essence, explosives were quickly rigged in the church as the parish priest retrieved the Eucharist from the tabernacle.

Fearing its desecration, but wanting to stay and minister to the needs of the townspeople, he chose “the fastest boy in the village” he knew— Cardinal Schotte, who was only 12 years old at the time. That was perhaps the same age as St. Tarcisius when he was martyred. Entrusting the Blessed Sacrament to him, the

in enforcement between abortion clinics and other ambulatory surgical treatment centers,” said Paul

Clinics continued on page 7

priest instructed the young boy to run as fast as he could to a nearby village and give the Eucharist to the priest there.

Because the Nazis at this moment of impending battle would suspect every man, young and old, of wanting to aid the Allied army, the danger was great.

Protectively holding the Eucharist close to his heart, Cardinal Schotte said he ran like he had never run before, pausing only to look when he heard the explosion that destroyed the church’s bell tower. The church that was so beautiful had been sacrificed to save the town, an image of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary to save us. But Christ didn’t leave us orphaned. He gave Himself to us in the Eucharist, reminding us, “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

So I close with the words that both Cardinal Schotte and Cardinal Van Thuan lived—keep the Eucharist close to your heart! n

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Applicants must be certified and hold a current Tennessee teaching license.

Excellent benefits and opportunities for extracurricular involvement are included.

Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to Sedonna Prater, principal, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, 711 Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919. E-mail resumes to: djackson@ shcknox.org. Sacred Heart Cathedral School is an equal opportunity employer.

St. Stephen Catholic Church is seeking a part-time coordinator of youth ministry to implement the parish’s commitment to youth as outlined in the 1997 USCCB document, Renewing the Vision.

The coordinator collaborates with the pastor and staff in implementing the mission of the parish by participating in the comprehensive planning and evaluation of parish goals and objectives, with specific focus on our youth.

These activities should include, but not be limited to, socials, recreation, athletics, outreach programs, youth oriented liturgies, retreats and community service opportunities.

Please send a cover letter with resume including, education, previous experience, personal and professional references to: Father Gilbert M. Diaz, Pastor/St. Stephen Church, 7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN. 37421. n

June 3, 2012 3

killing two residents. She feels certain that God intervened to protect her children. Surrounded by menacing storm clouds after the tornado disappeared, Mrs. Bice looked up and where the roof had been moments earlier she saw a ray of sunshine beaming down.

“It was a little circle of sunlight shining on us and I said, ‘Thank you, God.’ I remember saying, ‘Thank you, God, that my girls are alive,’” Mrs. Bice said. “It happened so fast. Something told me to get the girls into the bathroom.”

Afterward, she was told the funnel cloud had winds of 130 mph and lasted 33 seconds. Mrs. Bice knows that the winds were strong enough to strip the clothes off her 4-year-old daughter .

“All I could think was thank you, God. I know that we could not have survived and I could not have held onto those children without God. God was holding me down and I was holding my girls down.”

Except for a minor cut, neither she nor her children—Makayla, 6, Taylor, 5, Aubrey, 4, or the 18-monthold grandchild—were injured. Mr. Vickers was trying to make his way home from work when the tornado hit.

When news broke on Feb. 29 that tornadoes again had touched down in communities across East Tennessee, Father Ragan Schriver braced for the worst. It didn’t take long for word to reach CCET that Crossville was one of the hardest hit areas and emergency help was needed.

The EF-2 tornado that left a path of destruction nearly seven miles long and two miles wide damaged or destroyed more than 50 residences and businesses.

Father Antony Punnackal at St. Alphonsus in Crossville contacted Father Schriver, CCET executive director, with details of the disaster and a plea to Catholic Charities for help.

So, Catholic Charities’ disaster re-

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

Miracle continued from page 1

Where could it be? Aubrey Vickers, 4, looks for a favorite cup amid the destruction at her family’s house near Crossville on May 18.

Aubrey’s parents, Shannon Bice and Paul Vickers, had their property insured and plan to rebuild, but in a different location. Their fourbedroom, two-bath house was a total loss after the Feb. 29 tornado, which killed two of their neighbors.

sponse program kicked into gear.

Father Schriver recounted the harrowing scene of sunlight appearing down on Mrs. Bice and her children, illustrating the faith of a family in harm’s way and the Catholic community coming to their aid.

“She interpreted it as God shining down on them, and it gave her a sense of peace and to know everything would be OK. These are the intangibles.”

“She interpreted it as God shining down on them, and it gave her a sense of peace and to know everything would be OK,” Father Schriver said. “These are the intangibles.

People need help and you can get them help.”

Catholic Charities, which is part of the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster network,

lent assistance as the St. Alphonsus staff quickly helped Mrs. Bice and Mr. Vickers reach extended family members in those crucial first hours after the twister. The family’s property was insured, but debris removal was not a covered cost, so Catholic Charities has assisted with cleanup.

Catholic Charities has been assisting several families affected by the storms. Father Schriver calls the organization a second line of defense during emergencies.

VOAD, a regional network of organizations that mobilize during disasters to aid in rescue and recovery, also includes the Red Cross, Salvation Army, church organizations, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, rescue squads, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Father Schriver explained that

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

CCET was first drafted into emergency response in August 2005, the day after Hurricane Katrina hit. The nonprofit organization was flooded with calls for housing as thousands of residents fled the Gulf Coast.

Now, that single hurricane disaster response has grown to be one of about 20 social programs CCET provides. And that list is expanding.

The longer Father Schriver serves as executive director of CCET, the more needs he sees arising.

“Needs just bubble up. And we have to find a way to respond to them,” Father Schriver said. “We have to shift priorities when the need arises.”

Another need that has “bubbled up” is assistance for low-income veterans.

Father Schriver said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approached CCET about overseeing an outreach prodioknox.org

Vatican approves diocese-inspired blessing Archbishop Kurtz, Father Brett make idea for unborn children a reality

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By Bill Brewer

Vatican-approved special blessing for unborn children has been a labor of love for Archbishop Joseph Kurtz and Father Frank Brett, who developed the idea for the blessing during their time working together in Knoxville.

The “Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb” was approved by the Vatican for printing in English and Spanish and released in a combined booklet for parishes in time for Mothers’ Day. The blessing was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It can be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.

U.S. bishops collaborated on development of the blessing and welcomed an announcement of the recognitio, or approval, by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.

Formal announcement of the Vatican’s approval arrived March 26, the feast of the Annunciation.

The text of the blessing is posted online and is being published as a booklet addendum to the Book of Blessings/Bendicional. The blessing will be included in future editions of those liturgical volumes.

The blessing originated when thenBishop Kurtz of the Diocese of Knoxville, now archbishop of Louisville, asked the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities to see if a blessing existed for a child in the womb. When none

was found, the committee prepared a text and submitted it to the USCCB’s Divine Worship committee in March 2008. It was approved by the full body of bishops in November 2008 and then sent to Rome for editing and final approval.

Archbishop Kurtz said the blessing received unanimous approval by U.S. bishops, and he credited Father Brett with conceiving the idea.

“Father Brett, who is retired and still very active in the pro-life apostolate, mentioned there was not a blessing on children in the womb. Sure enough, there was no such blessing,” Archbishop Kurtz said. “It’s an experience of faith and an experience of joy and a strong a way to express our liturgical convictions.”

He was on a USCCB pro-life com-

gram for low-income veterans in the area. The nonprofit organization has responded to a federal request for proposal for the program that would assist veterans in getting housing, health care and mental health counseling.

Samaritan Place, a Catholic Charities facility that provides emergency shelter and transitional and longterm supportive housing for seniors, currently houses six veterans.

Three veterans at Samaritan Place expressed gratitude at having access to a facility that can assist them with basic necessities.

“I’m very grateful. It is giving me tips on jobs and housing and pointing me in the right direction,” said James McKeon, an Army veteran who served from 1980-1984.

Sherryl Buza, another Army veteran who served from 1986-1988, said she has been at Samaritan Place about a year. “It’s helped me quite a bit since I’ve been here. It’s very important to have a program for veterans. We need to have something to fall back on,” said Buza, who added

that she is transitioning from Samaritan Place to permanent housing.

Navy veteran Charles Freels, who served from 1973-1977, echoed comments by Mr. McKeon and Ms. Buza.

Catholic Charities also is looking into doing professional counseling over the phone that would use an innovative approach to reach people who have no transportation or means to obtain mental health care.

Other programs Catholic Charities is more known for include Columbus Home Children’s Services, Children’s Emergency Shelter, Parent Place, Five Rivers and Horizon houses, and Crazy Quilt Friendship Center.

Catholic Charities’ annual budget comes from federal and state sources such as grants. But nearly 50 percent comes from local sources, including fundraising. In many cases, the organization must raise local dollars to match federal grant funding.

“It requires the support of our community,” Father Schriver said.

“People are always going to have

a tough time. The poor will always be with us, but we should always work to reduce the impact of poverty. With Jesus’ help, we can work toward this.”

In the meantime, Shannon Bice and Paul Vickers continue to piece together their family life. After the tornado, he was laid off from his job.

Mrs. Bice lost her job late last year, but is planning to return to school once they rebuild.

Although a St. Alphonsus parishioner with her husband for some time now, she also plans to join her husband in the Catholic Church after going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults—at Father Punnackal’s gentle urging.

Mrs. Bice and Mr. Vickers have been overwhelmed by the outreach from St. Alphonsus parishioners.

“It was amazing. They have been wonderful,” Mrs Bice said. “Everything that happened that day happened for a reason. It was God. I know we lost everything, but we are fortunate. Our neighbors lost their lives.” n

The East Tennessee Catholic

Blessing continued on page 23

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Lourdes Garza is Lumen Christi finalist Lourdes Garza, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Knoxville, has been named a finalist for the 35th annual Lumen Christi Award presented by Catholic Extension.

The Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Award is presented to an individual or group working in one of America’s mission dioceses who shares the light of Christ with their communities. There are 12 finalists for the 2012 Lumen Christi Award, and the award recipient will be announced this summer or fall.

As a finalist, Ms. Garza receives a $5,000 grant to support her ministry. A $50,000 grant, shared equally by the recipient and the nominating diocese, goes to the winner, who is chosen based on public voting on Facebook and a panel of judges that reviews records of service.

Catholic Extension provides funding and resources to dioceses and parishes through programs and services that invest in people, infrastructure and ministries. This support is given based on need, passion and commitment to growth of the Catholic faith. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has distributed nearly $500 million to communities across America. n

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June 3, 2012 5

NFL’s Vikings take KCHS grad Harrison Smith in first round Minnesota move ‘just another extension’ of experiences at Sacred Heart, Knox Catholic, Notre Dame

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noxville Catholic High School and University of Notre Dame graduate Harrison Smith is now a Minnesota Viking after the NFL team drafted him April 26 as the 29th overall pick in the first round.

Getting the phone call from an NFL team on draft day “is something you’ve been waiting on for so long and working hard to get to,” Mr. Smith said in an April 30 interview in Knoxville. “But it’s not the end goal—it’s really the beginning.”

Mr. Smith captained the Notre Dame defense as a senior. As a junior, he recorded 93 tackles and seven interceptions. He made three interceptions in the 2010 Sun Bowl against Miami after picking off a pass against USC to seal a win in the season finale.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in management-entrepreneurship and was accepted into the university’s graduate management-entrepreneurship program.

Mr. Smith won a state decathlon championship at KCHS and earned all-state and Mr. Football awards as a running back and safety. He was a Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee for 2006. He scored 25 touchdowns rushing and receiving his senior season in high school and starred on defense.

Mr. Smith attended Sacred Heart Cathedral School from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“Starting here at Sacred Heart, just being around a group of people who care about your well-being and care about your education, then kind of playing with that same group of guys all the way up to Catholic (High), you kind of build a bond. You play off one another and work with one another,” he said.

Mr. Smith’s NFL draft party was at his parents’ house in Knoxville.

“There was a bunch of friends and family around,” he said. “It was pretty funny—the Packers were making their pick on TV, and they hadn’t announced it yet, so I’m on the phone and everyone around me thinks I’m going to the

By Dan McWilliams

High draft pick Harrison Smith, a graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral School and Knoxville Catholic High School, shares a light moment with the KCHS football coaching staff and KCHS Dean of Students Stan Branson, while visiting the school April 30.

Packers. Then the Ravens have the next pick, so after the Packers picked and it wasn’t me, they thought I was going to the Ravens. I was on the phone with the Vikings, and they’re all yelling in the background, and they figured out I was a Viking, so it was kind of funny.”

Minnesota made a couple of deals in order to be in position to pick Mr. Smith.

“They had the third pick overall,” he said, “and they traded back to the fourth and got a fourth-rounder for that, then traded that plus their 35th pick to get up to 29, and they took me at 29.”

The Vikings’ trading up to pick him was an honor, Mr. Smith said.

“It just shows how confident they are in me to come in and do a good job there,” he said. “I’m just glad to be on a team that really wants me and I’m excited to play for.”

Thirty-two teams pick in the first round of the draft. Mr. Smith said he

heard that he might be picked anywhere from 20th overall to 40th. He added that he didn’t want to dwell on exactly when “because I didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on myself.”

Mr. Smith is a son of Dr. Steven and Susan Smith of Sacred Heart Parish.

He has two older siblings, Garrett and Natalie, and a younger brother, Stuart.

“My mom and dad are definitely the most influential people in my life,” Mr. Smith said. “I didn’t realize it until I got older, but I see how they go about their daily lives, how they interact with one another, how they raised all of us kids, and just the care that they have for us and what they’ve done for all of us just to kind of help us along our path—I really look up to them and watch how they go about their business.”

Stuart Smith, a member of the KCHS football team, also plays safety. Mr. Smith said he didn’t know whether Stu-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

art would follow in his footsteps.

“I don’t know exactly what he wants to do, but it’s fun to watch him. He plays golf, too, so it’s fun watching him golf and play football, too.”

Mr. Smith said he enjoys playing safety because “you get to do everything.”

“You do a mix of whatever everyone else gets to do. So when the linebackers are up close to the line, every now and then I’ll be up there close with them.

The corners are always covering, and I get to do that some. You get to be up, you get to be back, you get to blitz, you get to play man-to-man—you get to do pretty much every job.”

His Notre Dame experience prepared him well, Mr. Smith said.

“Just moving to a new place far away from the family and doing everything on your own for the first time—I think is good and it lets you grow as a person

Draft continued on page 9 dioknox.org

Diocese of Knoxville’s founding bishop dies at age 73

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ishop Anthony J. O’Connell passed away at age 73 on Friday, May 4, at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, S.C. The bishop, who would have celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest in 2013, had been in poor health in recent years.

Bishop O’Connell served as the Diocese of Knoxville’s shepherd from its founding in 1988 until 1998.

He was appointed the third bishop of Palm Beach, Fla., in November 1998 and was installed there Jan. 14, 1999.

On March 8, 2002, he resigned as bishop of Palm Beach after admitting there was a factual basis to allegations of sexual improprieties.

Since his resignation he had been living as a Trappist at Mepkin Abbey.

Bishop Richard F. Stika visited Clinics continued from page 3

Simoneau, director of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Justice and Peace. The young woman was observed by Mrs. Morris and others in October coming out of the Concord Street clinic. She sat down on the sidewalk near the clinic’s front door and eventually laid down.

“We were concerned that she may have been discharged after a surgical procedure with no one responsible for her well-being,” Mrs. Morris said. “It was an hour before her ride came. She seemed very despondent, and we were concerned for her emotional and physical well-being.”

The incident led to a request for the Tennessee Department of Health to review Volunteer Women’s Medical Center and Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health “in regard to their day-to-day operations and whether they were in compliance with state guidelines for ambulatory surgical centers. The complaint was transferred to the Knoxville health 9department branch for action, and The East Tennessee Catholic

with Bishop O’Connell recently and reported that Bishop O’Connell was extremely sorrowful for the scandal he had caused.

“The death of our founding bishop reminds all Christians of the importance of praying for the dead,” said Bishop Stika. “Many important developments occurred during the early days of the Diocese of Knoxville under his leadership. All the more tragic has been the revelations of his actions that caused great harm to individuals. Again this reminds us that sin can exist in places where we least expect it to be.

“I offered my sympathy to the members of his family and my gratitude to the members of the monastery where he lived as a Trappist for the last 10 years. I also offer my prayers to those who were harmed by his actions. The Diocese of Knox-

in March the citizens were told that “the investigation has been completed and deficient practices were cited, which requires the facility to submit a plan of correction.”

Violations included: • An autoclave to sterilize instruments and equipment in examinations and medical procedures tested positive for the presence of bacteria; • Potential transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B and MRSA because of the presence of blood on lab equipment; • A medical “crash” cart that was not properly equipped with mandatory life-saving equipment and medications; • Expired birth-control pills; • Concerns regarding licensing of personnel.

“No one should have to wonder when they go into a clinic if they are being treated with unsterilized instruments that might be contaminated with blood-borne pathogens, if they are being given medication that

FILE PHOTO

Anthony J. O’Connell had been in poor health in recent years following resignation in Florida

Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell

ville continues to make its pledge to protect all who are involved with the Church as well as invites those

is expired, if they are being treated by properly certified and licensed personnel, or—if they should have problems—that the necessary, mandatory life-saving equipment would be present.

“These violations demonstrate that was not the case. Patient safety was clearly at risk,” Mrs. Morris said She said the violations went beyond the pro-life/pro-choice debate.

“We just wanted to come together and to voice the concerns that we have in the interest of public safety, and we do just want to preface right off the bat that this is a women’s health issue, no matter what you feel about pro-choice, pro-life—this is not the issue here today. The issue here today is women’s health and what has gone on in the name of women’s health and what they’ve been exposed to,” she said.

Dr. Briggs said he was asked to review the violations at the two clinics because they fell under his specialty.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Dan McWilliams

who have been harmed to contact local legal authorities.”

Bishop O’Connell was born May 10, 1938, in Lisheen, Ballynacally, Ireland, the eldest child of John and Mary Touhy O’Connell. He was educated at the local school in Lisheen and later in high schools operated by the Presentation Brothers and the Christian Brothers in Cork and Ennis. He attended Mungret College, a Jesuit institution in Limerick City, Ireland.

He came to the United States in 1959 and studied for the priesthood at the St. Louis Roman Catholic Theological Seminary, now known as Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Jefferson City, Mo., on March 30, 1963. The future bishop also studied physics and chemis-

O’Connell continued on page 8

“Let me stress that I was asked to give my medical opinion,” he said.

“This is not pro-choice, this is not a pro-life opinion. It is a medical opinion. The violations after I read them were so egregious that an hour or two after calling Lisa, I called the state health department and went up the chain of command.”

On the violations concerning the machines, “the environment that we see . . . from a microbiologist’s standpoint, would be a virtual cesspool,” said Dr. Briggs.

He said that no one knows how long the violations have been going on.

“My concern after reading these reports is one thought and one thought only: where are these women, and what are they going through? What is the potential morbidity? What is the potential mortality of this? Have they been notified since the state inspection? Were they notified at all, ever? I don’t know.

No one knows,” Dr. Briggs said. n June 3, 2012 7

Diller is Knight of the Year

B

ob Diller, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade, has been named Knight of the Year by the Tennessee Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Diller is with Knights of Columbus Council 8152 and is an honorary life member, with some 35 years of service in the organization.

He also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and is on the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Pastoral Council. Mr. Diller also serves with the Fairfield Glade Community Club as vice president and also is on the club’s financial audit and tennis committees.

He received the award April 28 at the Tennessee Knights of Columbus annual convention in Nashville.

When asked why he should receive the Knight of the Year recognition, the individual nominating Mr. Diller said, “A purpose-filled life describes O’Connell continued from page 7

try at the graduate level at Quincy (Ill.) College and the University of Missouri.

His first assignment was as professor and director of students at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary. While there he taught English, physics, and chemistry. He was spiritual director of the seminary in 1968-70 and rector from 1970 to 1988. He also was diocesan director of vocations from 1969 to 1988.

When Pope John Paul II created the Diocese of Knoxville, Father Anthony O’Connell was named its first bishop. As the leader of the growing diocese—its number of registered Catholics went from 32,000 in 1988 to 46,000 in 1998—Bishop O’Connell dedicated many new churches and oversaw a large number of seminarians.

The number of parishes grew by six during his leadership, and the diocese added one new school and began expansion programs at both of its high schools.

8 June 3, 2012

the life of Bob Diller. “Leadership with a purpose! The ‘heart’ of Bob’s leadership is the essence of inspiring others to become catalysts who empower and effect change by Bob Diller recognizing the needs and then reaching out to help others fulfill those needs.”

Mr. Diller, who with wife Marion has three grown children, Michael, Lori Whitaker and Richard, said the recognition is humbling.

“When I found out about it, I was very, very humbled. The Knights of Columbus is about helping people who need help. That’s what we do, we help our fellow man,” he said. n

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Bishop O’Connell ordained more than 20 priests and was also active in ecumenism and interfaith ministry.

He chaired Region V of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1992-93 and later served on the bishops’ Committee on Home Missions and on the board of Catholic Relief Services. Bishop O’Connell was among the 25 bishops and archbishops signing “At Home in the Web of Life,” a 1995 pastoral message on the human ecological crisis confronting the people of Appalachia.

He also served on the Catholic Committee of Appalachia and was active in environmental concerns.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, May 7, at Mepkin Abbey with Abbot Stan Gumula as the principal celebrant and homilist.

Diocese of Knoxville priests were among the concelebrants.

Catholic News Service and Florida Catholic contributed to this report. n The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Trips to Scotland, France, Ireland, Shrines of Europe and much more… ranging from $3,599—$4,699 for 2012.

Giving thanks The Minnesota Viking’s newest defensive back, Harrison Smith, met with Bishop Richard F. Stika shortly after Mr. Smith’s NFL draft selection in April. Mr. Smith credited his experiences at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Knoxville Catholic High School, and the University of Notre Dame for preparing him for an NFL career.

Draft continued from page 6

and figure out who you are. Then also, it’s just another extension of Catholic school: Sacred Heart, Catholic High, and then Notre Dame.

“At Notre Dame, it’s such a national stage, and there’s always so many eyes on you. When you go to practice, everything has to be like a game because there are so many cameras there and everybody’s always judging you, so you have to be aware of that. Also, just interacting with people and doing interviews—it definitely has made me open up more as a person and be more outgoing, so [being at Notre Dame] helped me a lot and really prepared me.”

His Notre Dame career also readied him for starting in the NFL, Mr. Smith said. “But at the same time, nothing can completely prepare you for the NFL. Week in, week out, you’re playing the best competition.”

Mr. Smith said that the Vikings and he “haven’t really talked about” whether he would be a starter to begin the football season.

“I know when you get drafted in the first round, they want you to come in and play, but to me it’s really just about coming in and competing and letting it go from there and letting me show I was worthy of where they took me.”

His primary goal is to “work hard,” The East Tennessee Catholic

he said. “I do want to be on the field making plays. I don’t know exactly what role that’s going to be in, but I want to be out there, and I want to be helping the Vikings win.”

Mr. Smith played for the North team in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 28. The North team was coached by the Vikings’ staff, including head coach Leslie Frazier, defensive coordinator Alan Williams, and defensive backs coach Joe Woods.

Mr. Smith said he didn’t realize at the time what a good impression he had made on the Minnesota coaches.

“They really didn’t talk to me all that much after the Senior Bowl. I didn’t think about it too much, but being able to play for Coach Frazier and Coach Williams and Coach Woods—they all got a good feel for me as a player and what I’d be like day in and day out, and that’s what they said really sold them on me.”

Mr. Smith said he has already looked at the Vikings’ schedule and the opposing receivers and quarterbacks he’ll be facing. “I’ll be playing Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Aaron Rodgers—every week you’re playing Pro Bowl talent,” he said. “I’m not intimidated. I’m really kind of excited to measure myself against those guys and go make plays against them.” n

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France: September 11-23, September 25-October 7, October 9-21, October 23-November 4 Holy Land/Jordan/Egypt: November 8-21 www.proximotravel.com email: anthony@proximotravel.com

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

855-842-8001 | 508-340-9370 Carmela A. Dupuis, Executive Director

June 3, 2012 9

Diocesan calendar

by Margaret Hunt The diocesan Youth Leadership Institute will take place July 13-16 at Horn’s Creek Resort in Ocoee. The institute will feature workshops on faith development, leadership styles, methods of prayer, tips for facilitating meetings, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to try the low ropes course, swim, and meet other youth from throughout the Knoxville Diocese. The retreat is limited to high school students, and the deadline for registration is Friday, June 15. The cost is $239 per person.

Contact Al Forsythe, director of the diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry office, at 865-862-5754 or aforsythe@ dioknox.org for more information. Forms can be downloaded at bit.ly/hM8U57.

The “Not Your Average Joe” Catholic men’s conference, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, will be held at All Saints Church in Knoxville from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. The conference will focus on St. Joseph’s example for men to become better husbands, workers, and fathers. Jeff Cavins, a Catholic author of several books, including The Great Adventure Bible Study, and Steve Wood, founder of St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers, will be the keynote speakers. Bishop Richard F. Stika will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the conference’s Mass. The cost is $40 per person before July 15 or $50 thereafter. Register online at stjosephsociety.org/conference.

Monday, June 4, at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville. The open tournament offers afternoon competition on the Donald Ross course and a club-catered brunch and hors d’oeuvres reception with a hosted bar. Cost is $1,500 for a four-person team and includes all amenities. For more information, contact development director Freddi Birdwell at freddi@ccetn.org or 865-524-9896.

National Natural Family Planning Awareness week will be July 22-28. A free introductory session of the Creighton Method will be given following the noon Mass at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland on Sunday, July 29, in the Trinity Room. The presentation will include an introduction to the Creighton Model System’s monitoring of a couple’s fertility along with information on the Church’s teaching on Natural Family Planning. To RSVP or to register, contact Judi Phillips, FCP, at 423-8924668 or jphillips-nfp@hotmail.com.

A Mass of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. Father David Carter will be the principal celebrant. A light lunch in Father Henkel Hall downstairs will follow Mass. St. Escrivá was the founder of Opus Dei, a Catholic institution that helps people turn their work and daily activities into occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for improving society. All are welcome. For more details, call Andres Bachman at 865-977-9791.

Knoxville Catholic High School will be hosting the 26th annual Shamrock Open golf tournament Friday, June 8, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. There will be 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. flights. The $100 entry fee includes golf fees, lunch, and more. To be a sponsor or learn more, contact Megan Locke at mlocke@knoxvillecatholic.com.

The Sevier County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life is having its fourth annual Summer March for Life at 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 9. Participants should meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Pigeon Forge Community Center parking lot before the event. Contact Terry Aparicio for more information at 865-654-7685 or e-mail seviercountyrighttolife@yahoo.com.

The third annual Common Good Classic, a golf fundraiser for all Catholic Charities programs in the greater Knoxville area, is set for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fourth annual Paulist Open Golf Tournament will take place at Willow Creek Golf Course in Farragut on Saturday, June 9. The tournament will begin with a

10 June 3, 2012

shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and will have a scramble format. Several other activities will take place the day before and the evening after the tournament, including a welcome dinner and silent auction from 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday, June 8, at The Foundry and Mass at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a cocktail hour and awards banquet at the University of Tennessee Visitor Center. To register, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit www. paulist.org/golf or contact Izabella Downs at 800-472-8547 or ilopez@paulist.org.

There will be a forensic chemistry camp for middle school students in the Knoxville area from 1:30 to 5 p.m. weekdays June 11-15. Contact Dr. Al Hazari of Immaculate Conception Parish for more information at 865-974-1065 or ahazari@utk.edu.

The Mobile Mexican Consulate, cohosted by Catholic Charities, will be in Knoxville June 12-15 at All Saints Church. To learn more or to make an appointment, call 877-639-4835 or call Nathaly Perez at 865-971-3550.

The diocesan office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring three God Camps at Harrison Bay State Park. The Dare to Dream camp for ninth- through 12th-graders will be held June 1822, the Reach camp for seventh- and eighth-graders June 25-28, and the Discover camp for fifth- and sixth-graders June 28-30. Enrollment forms and more details are available online at bit.ly/ IEpv3b or by contacting Donna Jones at 423-267-9878.

The Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Committee on Scouting is sponsoring its 10th annual retreat for youth ages 13-18 at Misty River Cabins & RV Resort in Walland on June 23-24. The retreat is open to both Scouts and non-Scouts of any denomination. Visit retreat.kdccs. org to learn more or contact George LeCrone at lecroneg@charter.net.

Fathers David Carter, Tom Moser, and John Dowling will lead a pilgrimage to Italy from June 30 through July 8.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Sites on the tour will include Rome, the Vatican, four major basilicas, the catacombs, the Coliseum, Tuscany, Florence, Assisi, and Venice. To register or learn more, visit www.proximotravel. com or call 855-842-8001.

Father Patrick Resen will be the chaplain on a pilgrimage to southern Italy from Sept. 8-20. Pilgrims will visit Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Sicily, Catania, Mount Etna, Syracuse, Taormina, and Calabria.

Cost is $3,999. E-mail anthony@proximo​ travel.com or call 855-842-8001.

Father William Oruko is leading a pilgrimage to Kenya from Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Father Oruko will facilitate a three-day mission in Nairobi on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and visit his home parish for the opening of Laura’s Educational Resource Center. Contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lccte@bellsouth.net.

The Ulster Project of Oak Ridge is sponsoring a visit of Catholic and Protestant teens from Northern Ireland from June 28 through July 27.

Families are needed to house the teens and participate in numerous activities designed to promote peace and reconciliation including service projects, shared worship services, discovery sessions, and recreation. Participating families must have a teen between the ages of 14 and 16 in their home and be able to provide a bed and closet space for the visiting youth. Contact John Hough at 865-4055929 or jhough20@comcast.net.

The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held July 2729 in the greater Knoxville area. To register, call Jason or Carmen Jeansonne at 865-377-3077. For more information on Engaged Encounter, contact Jerry or Mary Daugherty at 865-458-4117 or ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www. rc.net/knoxville/cee/.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Calendar continued on page 11 dioknox.org

Chattanooga Deanery calendar The youth-ministry office at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga is planning a Family Mission Week from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, July 17, through Saturday, July 21, for families with youth who are rising seventh- through 12th-grade students.

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery

Families will participate in a variety of service projects in the downtown Chattanooga area, followed by recreational activities, talks, and spiritual reflections. For more information, call Alicia Bradshaw at 423-870-2386. n

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain Junior high summer-service days are set for Tuesday through Thursday, June 5-7. Small groups of rising sixth- through eighth-graders will serve different community organizations during the day, then meet at the church for an evening program. The event will end with a closing Mass and a cookout.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill

COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY

The parish collected baby items for the Women’s Enrichment Center of Blue Ridge, Ga., on the weekend of May 5 and 6. The center supports women and their families who are experiencing crisis pregnancies by providing pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, counseling, childbirth classes, baby clothing, and other assistance as needed.

Monsignor Humbrecht celebrates 40th anniversary Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy, is pictured with his family as they and many friends gathered May 5 to help him celebrate his 40th Anniversary of ordination as a priest. Monsignor Humbrecht was ordained a priest May 6, 1972. With him in the picture are (from left, front row) Libby Clifton, Mason Clifton, and Mildred Humbrecht; (middle row) Bette and Jerry Dortch and Pat McRae; and (back row) Susan Morgan, Wilson Clifton, Diane Leaver, Deborah Barron, and Bob and Kaye Frensley.

St. Jude, Chattanooga St. Jude Parish collected $4,906 through its recent baby-bottle drive on behalf of Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center.

A youth Mass for graduates is set for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3.

St. Mary Church, Athens St. Mary Parish is having a vacation Bible school July 16 through 19. Registration details have not been finalized. Call the parish office at 423-745-4277 for more information.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga St. Stephen will have a hot dog and ice cream social after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, June 2.

The Ladies of Charity of Chattanooga thanked the sewing crew at St. Stephen for providing items for the layettes distributed by their organization during April.

The hours for the parish’s vacation Bible school June 18-22 have been changed to 6 to 8 p.m. daily. n

COURTESY OF WAYNE COLLINS

Calendar continued from page 10

Knights donate to Ladies of Charity Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 6099 in Chattanooga recently donated $1,500 to the Ladies of Charity to support their layette program, which provides baby essentials to new mothers in need. Pictured from left are Council 6099 Grand Knight Corky Evers, layette program coordinator Pat Wright, and Council 6099 1pro-life director Clarence Bodnar.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Knoxville, at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, and at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for updated information.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www. saintthomasknoxville.org for details.

Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the old Holy Ghost Church, 1031 N. Central St. in Knoxville. For times of holy-day services or for more information, visit www. knoxbyz.org or call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880. n

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 3, 2012 11

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery All Saints, Knoxville

The annual All Saints adult social fundraiser will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 8, in the Knoxville Catholic High School gym. The event will feature “Late Nite Catechism 2: Sister Strikes Again” as part of the evening entertainment as well as a silent auction. The $45 ticket price includes admission to the show, food, and beverages. Tickets are available in the parish office or can be purchased after all weekend Masses. Contact Ida Randall, social chair, at 865-771-9204 for more details, or Michele Wilson, auction chair, to donate auction items at 208-9777.

COURTESY OF BOB CAPELL

The men’s ministry honored four Knoxville Catholic High School students with $500 scholarships. The recipients were Anderson Gass, Jim Hunter, Libby Sullivan, and Stevie Gleason.

Knights donate $6,900 to Michael Dunn Center Knights of Columbus Father Callahan Council 8273 presented checks totaling $6,900 to the Michael Dunn Center (MDC) on March 13. The council from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman applied for and received a grant of $5,000 from the Tennessee State Knights of Columbus MR Foundation, which supports intellectually challenged citizens by funding housing, educational, transportation, and recreational programs.

The grant will be used to help renovate a bathroom in one of the group homes to accommodate wheelchair service recipients. The foundation is supported by its 77 councils and 11,000 members throughout the state through its annual Tootsie Roll fundraising drives. The council also presented a check for $1,900 as a result of its local 2011 Tootsie Roll Drive. In attendance were (from left) district deputy Fred Laufenberg, MR Foundation board of directors; Joe Cochran, Knight; Wade Creswell, MDC director of development; James Griffin, Knight; and Bob Capell, council financial secretary.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission, Maynardville The mission held a yard sale May 4 and 5 to support the building fund.

Christ the King, Tazewell On Thursday, June 21, after morning Mass there will be a holy hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in solidarity with the “Fortnight for Freedom” movement.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, LaFollette On Friday, June 22, after morning Mass there will be a holy hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in solidarity with the “Fortnight for Freedom” movement.

Anniversaries: Nick and Mary Roth (66), Guy and Billie LaBorde (64), Joe and Millie Walisinski (62), Bob and Genie Gruber (60), Don and Bernie Gundy (59), Herb and Pat Moreland (59), Curtis and Marcella Clayton (57), John and Gerry Eisenlord (57), Dan and Mina Napierala (57), John and Geraldine Hurak (56), Bob and Joanne Ames (56), Don and Rosemary Verbrugge (55), Robin and Carol Campbell (54), Tom and Peg Loughran (54), Frank and Ann Zingheim (53), Walt and Dianne Burling (53), Joe and Amy Dickens (52), C. Thomas and Mary Anna Teall (52), Tom and Dorothy Powers (52), Ron and Virginia Reynolds (52), Don and MaryLou Wiskow (52), Patrick and Anna Chowning (51), John and Bernadette Sommerville (52), Joseph and Mary Partlow (51), Anthony and Bernice Mattioli (51), James and MaryAnn Lintz (50)

St. John Neumann, Farragut The adult faith-formation committee is sponsoring a men’s retreat themed “Men: Shepherds of God’s Flock” from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, in the community room. Sister Elizabeth Wanyoike, ESM, will be the facilitator. Register through the parish office by calling 865-966-4540.

St. Mary, Oak Ridge St. Mary parishioners are planting a vegetable garden again this year to provide produce for the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry and for the volunteers who help maintain the garden. n

12 June 3, 2012

COURTESY OF COLLEEN BLACK

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

Group gives away more than 200 prayer blankets Since September 2008 the Senior Coffee Group at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge has given away more than 200 prayer blankets. Above are (from left) Deacon Joe Armento, Father Bede Aboh, and Deacon Gary Sega with prayer blankets blessed on the altar at St. Mary. The senior group sews pockets on the blankets that are filled with rosaries, wooden crosses, prayer cards, Mary prayer cards for healing, and a card explaining the prayer-blanket ministry. Blankets have been distributed to cancer patients, nursing-home residents, those having surgery, and those who are seriously ill or grieving.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City A baby-bottle drive supporting Life Outreach Center began on Mother’s Day, May 13, and will continue through Father’s Day, June 17.

COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS

The parish rummage sale collected a total of $3,554. The funds will be used to reduce the parish debt and to purchase a new upright freezer for the kitchen in the parish life center.

Confirmation class presents corporal works of mercy The sophomore confirmation class at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville presented its “Matthew 25 Project” to the elementary religious-education students, catechists, and parents during religious-education classes on Palm Sunday, April 1.

The idea came from the 25th chapter in the gospel of Matthew to raise awareness of Catholic Relief Services. The class transformed the entire youth house into representations of the corporal works of mercy. As parishioners toured the house, the first stop was “Welcome the Stranger,” presented by Matthew DiBella. The second room featured Charlie DiBella presenting “Visit the Imprisoned.” The third room was “Care for the Sick” by Lindsey Morris. The next room had Anikka Michaud in worn-out clothes for “Clothe the Naked.” The next room included burlap bags with grain as Eddie Sanchez sat cross-legged on a mat for “Feed the Hungry.” The last room was “Give Drink to the Thirsty” by R. J. Woods.

First communicants: Amelia Gill, Laura Hawkins, Joshua LaMonte, Austin Sexton, Emily Sexton, Jazdin Weatherbie.

Newcomers: Dean and Barbara Adams, Mike and Charlene Stefoniak Anniversaries: Don and Betty Jo Carbaugh (58), Ken and Karen Booker (56), Jim and Lillian Katzbeck (54), Lawrence and Veronica Merryman (53), Dick and Bette Zyla (52), George and Mary Morin (30)

Notre Dame, Greeneville Connor Fenter will represent Notre Dame on the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council during the 2012-13 school year.

Full payment for the middle school and high school youth-ministry day trip to Doe River Gorge on Saturday, Aug. 4, is due Friday, June 15. The total cost is $26 per person and includes lunch. Contact Susan Collins at 423-639-9381 for more details.

Anniversaries: George and Lois Toth (61), Jack and Jean Siersma (58), Roger and Margaret Gardner (57), Justin and Rheta Finegan (54), Kevin and Jennifer Dempsey (10)

St. Anthony of Padua, Mountain City The St. Anthony’s Bread food pantry served more than 175 families in the month of April.

St. Dominic, Kingsport The Route 66 Party on May 14 raised more than $11,000. Nearly 200 people attended the event. Proceeds will benefit St. Dominic School.

COURTESY OF PEGGY HUMPHREYS

Parish families are invited to go to the Briarwood Ranch Safari Park in Morristown on Saturday, June 9. Those who wish to carpool should meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. Register for the trip no later than Tuesday, June 5, in the church vestibule. Tickets are $14. For details, contact Chris Terry at 423-239-8744 or visit www.briarwoodsafari.com.

Bishop speaks at men’s Cursillo weekend Bishop Richard F. Stika spoke March 16 at a men’s Cursillo weekend in Apison, Tenn. Also pictured above is Father Alex Waraksa, the Cursillo spiritual director.

The East Tennessee Catholic

St. Mary, Johnson City St. Mary School celebrated its 100th year in existence May 25.

A potluck honoring seminarian Arthur Torres was held May 26. Mr. Torres served a pastoral internship at the parish for the last nine months.

St. Patrick, Morristown The parish’s Shamrock Shenanigans fundraiser brought in $12,426.96 for parish debt reduction. n

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

June 3, 2012 13

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Saturday, June 16 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Participants are asked to bring a book to discuss with the group. Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. RSVP

Blessed John XXIII, Knoxville Confirmandi: Tori Hanold, Carmen Kail, Emily Lupoli, Eric Moore, Florence Sanfilippo, Sarah Sanfilippo First communicants: Oliver Bonovich, Wyatt Brace, Anna Enkema, Jacob Smith, Emily Tate, Sylas Williams

at 865-523-7931.

The Haiti Outreach Program at Sacred Heart Cathedral is hosting its 11th annual Medical Benefit at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 16. RSVP to events@give​ haitihope.org or contact Jennifer Neil for further information at 865-329-3290. n

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The women’s group raised more than $1,100 at its annual plant sale May 5-6.

The proceeds will be donated to the roof and ceiling repair fund.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa Tom Witt was named the Knights of Columbus council’s Knight of the month for April. Frank and Ruth Pietrick were named family of the month.

The Haiti Outreach Committee thanked Lillian Bray’s seventh-grade CCD class for collecting $105.90 for the parish’s sister high school in Thomonde, Haiti.

COURTESY OF JIM RICHMOND

Baptism: Andrew David Calloway, son of James and Amanda Calloway

Cardinal celebrates confirmation at Holy Ghost Cardinal Justin F. Rigali confirmed 20 youth May 6 at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. The cardinal is pictured with Holy Ghost pastor Monsignor Xavier Mankel above. Members of the confirmation class are Monica Lynn Armstrong, Amy Marie Barraza, Bianca Ruby Barraza, Hannah Leigh Clancy, Derek Tomas Connolly, Mary Rose Cortese, Michael Anthony Dunn, Lucy Alice Hansen, Jessica Elizabeth Howerton, Tia Camille Knight, Kurtis Anthony Kyle, James Joseph Long, Brianna Catherine Montgomery, Chynna Ann Montgomery, Stanley Harold Pickering, Andrew Michael Raabe, Dakota James Raines, Hannah Elizabeth Raines, Anthony Minh Truong, and Lucy Catherine Wood.

Youth of the parish are invited to participate in the Totus Tuus catechesis program scheduled for June 24-29. The grade school program for children entering grades one through six will meet from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the junior high and high school program will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Contact Dana Hogan or Beth Parsons at 865-982-3672 for more information.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville The parish sponsored a diaper drive for the Ladies of Charity emergency-assistance pantry May 13.

Totus Tuus vacation Bible school will be returning to Sacred Heart Cathedral July 22-27. Students will have daily catechesis, participate in skits, learn songs, and play games. Mass and confession (for those who have already received the sacrament of penance) will also be available. Contact Brigid Johnson at 865-5844528 or e-mail BJohnson@shcknox.org for more information.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville Maria Armento has been hired as the music director for the parish and will begin work Aug. 15.

The parish vacation Bible school, “Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God,” will meet from 9 a.m. to noon June 11-15 for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Contact Angela Nelson to volunteer or to request more information at anelson@gmail.com. Registration is available online at www.overboard. cokesburyvbs.com/SATGKnoxville.com. Registration is required to attend the VBS. n

14 June 3, 2012

COURTESY OF JONATHAN DRAYNA

Council 5207 of the Knights of Columbus received five state awards at the 109th Knights of Columbus State Convention held April 27-29 in Franklin. The council was presented a State Deputy’s Award, Chaplain’s Award, 50th Anniversary Council Award, Pro-Life Award, and Bishop’s Award.

Seminarian instituted as reader Anthony Budnick (kneeling, in black), a seminarian for the Diocese of Knoxville and a St. Albert the Great parishioner, was one of eight students instituted as readers at a March 21 rite at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis. Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, of Memphis presided at the institution Mass.

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Catholic youth

KCHS has Gatorade soccer player of the year Tim Baker wins the honor after a standout season for the Fighting Irish.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Tim Baker

senior midfielder was a first-team All-State selection by both the Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association and the Tennessee Sports Writers Association. Tim has committed to play soccer for Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., this fall.

In addition to his being an out-

standing athlete, Tim has maintained a 3.78 GPA in the classroom.

He is a volunteer youth soccer coach and works with many KCHS community-service projects.

“Tim has been a starter on the Irish soccer team for four years, and throughout that time he has been instrumental in the success of our program,” said KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas. “His unselfish play, his ‘team first’ attitude, and his ability to push his teammates makes him so deserving of this prestigious award from Gatorade.”

Knoxville Catholic High School is a co-educational secondary school operated under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville. KCHS is dedicated to teaching the Gospel, igniting a love for learning, and nurturing individual growth in body, mind, and spirit, as students are prepared to be disciples of Christ who influence a constantly changing world. More than 4,500 students have graduated from the school, founded in 1932. n

Notre Dame High School students earned state awards at the 34th annual Technology Student Association State Conference held April 1-4 at the Chattanooga Trade & Convention Center.

Gus White was the state champion in the Career and Comparisons category. Gus served this past year as state vice president of TSA and was selected as a candidate for national office.

Jerry Lawlor, Anna Loy, and Olivia Graves were the state champions in the Music Production competition. These three also teamed up with Cooper Manley and David Withey and won second place in the On Demand Video competition.

Ella Stites and Grace Signiski were semifinalists in the fashiondesign competition.

First-place winners will compete at the National TSA Conference, which will be held in June at the Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville. n

Siblings crowned Mr. and Miss Notre Dame at prom Siblings Patrick and Catie Ward were crowned Mr. & Miss Notre Dame at the high school’s recent 2012 prom. Other candidates were Liz Cao, Austin Coombes, Grace Courter, Blaise DiStefano, Ashley Henry, Grayson Mullin, DeNisha Orr, and Brandon Sapala. n

COURTESY OF KAREN CLARY

Sacred Heart parishioner earns Eagle Scout award John David Clary of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville recently received his Eagle Scout award in a Court of Honor ceremony in the Shea Room at the cathedral. John has earned 33 merit badges and served as a patrol leader, chaplain’s aide, troop guide, and instructor. For his Eagle project, he restored the fencing, gates, and handrails on the grounds of Sacred Heart Cathedral and School.

Eagle Scout candidates enlist the help of volunteers to complete their project, and John’s effort required more than 145 man-hours. John is the son of Dr. Mike and Karen Clary (pictured). He is a junior at Knoxville Catholic High School.

COURTESY OF MEGAN LOCKE

O

n May 15, the Gatorade Co., in collaboration with ESPNHS, announced Knoxville Catholic High School senior Tim Baker as its 2011-12 Gatorade Tennessee Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Tim is the first Gatorade Tennessee boys soccer player to be chosen from Knoxville Catholic High School but joins previous awardwinners Megan Ferowich and Joanna Thompson as the third athlete from KCHS to win the distinguished award.

The award recognizes not only the athletic excellence of the studentathlete but also his or her academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the field. Tim is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award.

Tim scored 29 goals and passed for 16 assists this past season and led the Irish soccer team to the District 4-AAA Tournament semifinals and a 15-2-3 overall record. The

NDHS students earn state awards at technology conference

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June 3, 2012 15

Catholic youth

16 June 3, 2012

St. Joseph wins KISL middle school soccer title St. Joseph School’s varsity soccer team has claimed the Knoxville Independent School League middle school championship for the second consecutive year. The Bulldogs finished the 2012 season with a 9-0-1 record after defeating St. Mary School of Oak Ridge 2-1 in the championship game on May 7 at St. Joseph. The Bulldogs advanced to the championship game against St. Mary by defeating Kings Academy 4-3 in a game decided by seven penalty kicks. St. Mary finished the season with a 5-3 record and was 2-1 in playoff action.

Eagle Award for David David Anthony Francescon recently received his Eagle Scout award in a Court of Honor held recently at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. At right, George LeCrone Sr.—chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting and Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 8781 at St. John Neumann—presents David with a certificate from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. Mr. LeCrone also presented David with a certificate from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and a letter from national chairman Col. John J. Halloran Jr., national chaplain Father Stephen B. Salvador, and Mr. LeCrone.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

A team of Knoxville Catholic High School Latin students finished third overall in its division this year in the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention on April 13 in Murfreesboro.

The 24 KCHS students were joined by more than 800 other Latin students from more than 35 schools from across the state for a day of fun and competition in the spirit of the Roman world. Students took academic tests in 10 different categories and competed in costume contests, a mythology spelling bee, English oratory, Latin oratory, essay and poetry contests, and skit and graphicarts competitions.

Knoxville Catholic also finished first in the banner competition, first for spirit (Rhett Dunlap), first for scrapbook (Kerry Campbell, Danielle Rosen­ zweig), second in intermediate certamen (Corey Patton, Peter Ponce, Rebecca Dietz, Ben Nadolsky), second in the toga relay (Brent Cooper, Tanner Hamil, Elliott Allen, Zach Gee), third for the chariot race (Evan Nelson, Henry Norris, Rhett Dunlap, Patrick McFall, Charlie Simmins), and in first place for skits (Brent Cooper, Ashley Gensheimer, Sarah Parsly, Zach Gee, Danielle Rosenzweig, Charlie Simmins, Evan Nelson, Kerry Campbell, Tanner Hamil, Patrick McFall). n

JUDY PICKERING

KCHS Latin students shine at convention

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Our priests

IC assignment gives Paulist priest southern exposure Father Gerard Tully embraces Mother Mary after leaving Ma Bell

F

ather Gerard Tully, CSP, is the associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville, his first assignment in the southern United States.

He has served in Arizona, Texas, Oregon, Rome, and Canada. Father Tully was the elder of two sons born to Anne and the late Matthew Tully in New York. He was educated in Catholic schools through high school and graduated from Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, the minor seminary for the Archdiocese of New York. Father Tully graduated from Manhattan College and worked for Bell Telephone Co. as a trainer for several years prior to joining the Paulists. He was ordained May 14, 1994, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New York by Bishop Frank J. Rodimer.

When did you first think about a vocation to the priesthood?

I think the seeds were planted in elementary school. I remember once when I was in fifth grade, we were doing one of these projects about what you want to be when you grow up and we had to do research. At the time, one thing that fascinated me was aerospace.

I was thinking I wanted to be an airline pilot or an astronaut. I told this to my fifth-grade teacher, Sister Rowena, and she said, “No, you’re going to be a priest.” I said, “Really, you think so?”

What process did you follow to test your vocation?

When it was time for high school, I was encouraged by one of our parish priests to look at going to the minor seminary. I had four very happy years there, but at that time I wasn’t really too sure—I still wanted to test it a litThe East Tennessee Catholic

By Margaret Hunt

realized was that if I became a diocesan priest, I was pretty much going to be in a parish by myself and I really didn’t want that. I really need people around me, people to live with, and that’s why I felt that I really wanted a religious community to live in.

Father Gerard Tully

tle bit. I decided to go to a liberal arts college, Manhattan College, run by the Christian Brothers.

I ended up being hired by the Bell system and afterwards worked for Nynex, the spinoff of Bell, for a couple of years. During that time, my father had gotten sick and I didn’t want to do anything until I saw how that all settled down. My father died in 1986 and at that point I was glad that I had waited and I remember about two years after that, I finally said to myself, OK, I don’t see myself staying in corporate America and I knew it really wasn’t for me.

I realized I wanted to do something in terms of a more ministerial background, so I started the process up again.

Did you ever consider being a diocesan priest or were you prepared for what it would mean to be an order priest?

When I was looking at and thinking about becoming a diocesan priest, one of the things that I

What are some of the other things you enjoy about being a priest?

I enjoy working with children.

When you talk to the kids, they have a way of bringing you back down to earth. When you’re talking to some of those kids and you listen to their understanding of who Jesus is and how God loves them, it just really, for me as a priest, just brings me back to where I need to be functioning in that ministry. I find, too, that I enjoy doing hospital ministry. What I often find is it’s always great to go see the patients, but sometimes a lot of the work you can do as a priest is with the staff.

What do you find most challenging?

When people come at you with that rhetorical, age-old, metaphysical question, “Why?” Why is this happening to me? Or where is God, particularly when you find people encountering setback after setback. It’s a tough one to answer and I just tell people that’s the meaning of the Incarnation, the Word made flesh. God truly entered into the human estate to be one with us and share with us in all these experiences and that’s what people really need to be reminded of. You’re not going through this alone because you have a faith community around you. n

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Bishop makes appointments Bishop Richard F. Stika announced the following appointments to diocesan clergy and staff: Father Patrick Brownell’s appointment as chaplain of Notre Dame High School has been extended through the 2012-13 school year.

During the assignment, which was effective May 15, Father Brownell will be in residence at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain, and he will serve as a substitute priest there.

Father Mathew Thelly has been appointed parochial vicar of St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga effective June 1.

Father Thelly will be in residence at the Alexian Brothers’ facility in Signal Mountain.

Deacon Loris Sinanian has completed all the requirements to obtain diaconal faculties within the Diocese of Knoxville.

Deacon Sinanian will provide diaconal support to Father William Patrick Resen and the parish at St. Catherine Labouré in Copperhill.

Deacon Sinanian’s assignment was effective May 18. n

June 3, 2012 17

Living the readings

Weekday Readings Sunday, June 3: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40; Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 1820, 22; Romans 8:14-17; Matthew 28:16-20 Monday, June 4: 2 Peter 1:2-7; Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16; Mark 12:1-12 Tuesday, June 5: Memorial, St. Boniface, bishop, martyr, 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18; Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16; Mark 12:13-17 Wednesday, June 6: 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12; Psalm 123:1-2; Mark 12:18-27 Thursday, June 7: 2 Timothy 2:815; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Mark 12:28-34 Friday, June 8: 2 Timothy 3:10-17; Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168; Mark 12:35-37 Saturday, June 9: 2 Timothy 4:18; Psalm 71:8-9, 14-17, 22; Mark 12:38-44 Sunday, June 10: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 Monday, June 11: Memorial, St. Barnabas, apostle, Acts 11:21-26 and 13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:1-12 Tuesday, June 12: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 5:13-16 Wednesday, June 13: Memorial, St. Anthony of Padua, priest, doctor of the Church, 1 Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11; Matthew 5:17-19 Thursday, June 14: 1 Kings 18:4146; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26 Friday, June 15: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9; Isaiah 12:2-6; Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19; John 19:31-37 Saturday, June 16: Memorial, the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1 Kings 19:19-21; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-10; Luke 2:41-51 Sunday, June 17: 11th Sunday in Readings continued on page 19

18 June 3, 2012

by Father Joseph Brando

Into ordinary time

L

June is a transitional month bridging Easter with ordinary time

iturgically, June is a transitional month bridging Easter with ordinary time. The bridge consists of three feast days. They are the feasts of the Most Holy Trinity, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and of John the Baptist. The only numbered Sunday this month is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Yet, as we are finding out this year, there still is a common theme threading through each Sunday’s Scripture readings that ties them together. This month the key idea is “adoption.” The Liturgies of the Word will center on God’s adoption of Israel, John the Baptist, and Christians. We will learn about God’s adoptive love and what that means to us.

It all begins with the Old Testament reading from the Book of Deuteronomy on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The reading calls for the people of Israel to look into themselves. We, as well, should challenge ourselves to look into our hearts and ask the same question Moses proposed. Did anybody in the history of the world ever hear the voice of God as you have heard?

In our prayer lives, do we not communicate with God? Think about that. Isn’t that amazing? Not everyone has that experience. Having that experience tells us that we have a special relationship with God. We have been adopted! Once we admit that fact, the rest of the month’s readings will apply to us.

At the feast of Corpus Christi we read of the Israelites’ response to God’s invitation to adoption. They conducted a formal covenant-making ceremony sealing the deal with God. It consisted of killing bulls, sprinkling half of the blood on an altar Moses constructed, with the other half sprinkled on the people. The

significance was tremendous. Since the same blood covered both the altar and the people, it united them with God. Another aspect of the ceremony is that bulls were extremely valuable. Naturally, the best bulls made sure the cattle would keep the finest bloodlines. Bulls also functioned as a tractor, a plow, a pick-up truck and other farm, construction, and building equipment. The sacrifice of a bull indicated the people had to rely more heavily on God. He would be their sole protector. They would be his adopted children.

On the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Old Testament reading maintains the same depth of meaning as on the feast days. Here, Ezekiel adds a lesson to anyone who wants to learn how God deals with his own. When we belong to God we are like a branch taken from the top of a mighty cedar. God transplants that branch on a high and lofty mountain where we will grow, and eventually become majestic ourselves. At any given time before maturity it might look as if we were only a branch or only a small sprout.

But, under God’s loving care, we will reach the high destiny God expects of us. That describes Israel and us as well. Both are the chosen ones of God. On the feast of St. John the Baptist we read the famous passage from Isaiah, chapter 49, which begins, “The Lord called me from birth.”

This could apply to Israel, to John, to Mary, or to the Church. Isaiah’s next idea describes adoption by God most tellingly. “He made me a polished arrow and hid me in his quiver.” When we think of ourselves as useless or forgotten by God, think of this concept. Think of the American myth of the Lone Ranger. He saved specially made silver bullets

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to serve as his ‘calling card’ or when O he only had one shot at a target and l it had to be absolutely perfect. Each t of us, as an adopted Child of God, G p has a unique role in God’s plan.

We’re not being wasted but being t saved for the perfect moment. We o merely need to wait for it to come l and be prepared to be at our best. l With a month of wisdom from the Old Testament basically telling us that we are specially chosen by God and should acknowledge that status, we start looking at what the New Testament tells us about what it means to be adopted by God. We begin this study back on the feast of the Holy Trinity as we read from the classical eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. “You received p a Spirit of adoption,” Paul writes. t Therefore, we can call God by name, P “Abba, Father.” That assures us our B requests of God will be granted as p o long as it conforms to God’s will. w Our status rises even further in Paul’s estimate as he states that the S J Holy Spirit joins with our spirit proclaiming we are children of God. a Then, Paul warns us that if we are o God’s children and seek to be glori- g B fied as Jesus is glorified, then we C must suffer with Christ. t The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews that serves as the sec- ond reading on the feast of Corpus G Christi reveals the rewards of suf- v fering with Christ. The author says w Christ’s entering into the sanctuary J has gained us “eternal redemption” t and “cleanses our consciences from r Z dead works to worship the living God. Therefore, as adopted children n h of God, we enjoy an active life of loving and worshiping God. That is the joy of living in the state of grace.

The second reading for this June’s only Sunday in Ordinary Time comes from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. It describes the attitude a Christian develops as an adopted child of God. It is one of outstanding courage. Our desire to be with God will grow to be so strong that we can’t wait to go to heaven. dioknox.org

Our courage will lead us to want to leave our bodies and to go home to the Lord. Being an adopted child of God makes the joys of this world pale in comparison to what we come to know about heaven. That’s where our Father is and that’s where we long to be. In short, we completely lose our fear of death.

We’re not being wasted but being saved for the perfect moment. We merely need to wait for it to come and be prepared to be at our best.

The last of the New Testament passages for the month is from the Acts of the Apostles. There, Paul speaks and refers to John the Baptist, whose feast day it is. John proclaimed that he is not the son of David. He admitted he was not worthy to unfasten Jesus’ sandals.

So, that makes us (who share in Jesus’ sonship to the Father) a peg above the Baptist. Of course, that is only figuratively speaking. John is a great saint. Still, we get Paul’s point.

Being a child of God and a sharer in Christ’s life is an exalted position in the eyes of God. Now we get to June’s Sunday Gospels. Let’s look at them in reverse chronological order starting with the Gospel for the Feast of John the Baptist. It’s the story of the naming of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s son. The angel who spoke to Zechariah in the temple told him to name the child “John.” Zechariah, however, doubted such an event

could be possible. For his doubting, Zechariah was struck dumb. Zechariah needed to redeem himself. His son’s naming was to be the event where this would take place. As expected, the family and friends present disagreed with what seemed to be Elizabeth’s choice of names. They called on her husband and he wrote, “His name is John.” With that another miracle took place. He spoke and praised God. That incident shows what happens to a child of God. When he or she abides by the will of God there is life, fulfillment, joy and prophetic utterances. It worked for Zechariah; it can work for us.

On the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time we listen to Jesus using the image of seed in general and then the specific instance of the mustard seed in order to explain the Kingdom. Seeds, once planted are on their own. The farmer does little to make the new sprout grow. He does tend the crop by hoeing, watering, weeding and the like. But the actual growth is completely mysterious to him. Then, there is the mustard plant, which is a weed. No one in Israel wanted them. They were pests; yet, they still grew and spread rapidly, like kudzu. Similarly, God gives his life to those he wishes and he gives it in abundance. In regard to our adoption as his children, God gives his grace to those He wills. Although some people may consider the quality of those God has chosen to be questionable, with God’s help, we will grow, multiply and accomplish our mission.

On the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood we have one of the

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most magnificent Gospel scenes imaginable: the Last Supper. The passage contains Jesus’ words of institution. Jesus tells his disciples to take and eat his body. We hear those same words spoken at the consecration. When we eat the Body of Christ and drink his Blood we share in his life. If Christ is the Son of God, then we are children of God and heirs of heaven. When we receive that inheritance we will see Jesus’ words have come true.

We will share the cup with him in heaven.

We have now returned to the first Sunday in June, to the feast of the Holy Trinity. We finish with the last scene of the Gospels, the Ascension of the Lord. In Matthew’s Gospel the scene is located in Galilee and only the 11 are present. Jesus tells them that all power resides in him.

Because he has the power, we can accomplish his final commission, which is to make disciples of all nations, baptize them and teach them to observe all the Lord has commanded. Notice the implication in Jesus words. His divine power empowers us to accomplish the threefold commission he gives us.

We have become united with Christ so intimately that his power is our strength. If we have trouble comprehending that, then Jesus’ last words before his Ascension makes the whole concept of “Adoption” become clear. “I am with you always until the end of the age.” n Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

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Readings continued from page 18 Ordinary Time, Ezekiel 17:22-24; Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34 Monday, June 18: 1 Kings 21:116; Psalm 5:2-7; Matthew 5:38-42 Tuesday, June 19: 1 Kings 21:1729; Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16; Matthew 5:43-48 Wednesday, June 20: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Psalm 31:20-21, 24; Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18 Thursday, June 21: Memorial, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious, Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15 Friday, June 22: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18; Matthew 6:19-23 Saturday, June 23: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34; Matthew 6:24-34; vigil Mass for Nativity of St. John the Baptist solemnity, Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Peter 1:8-12; Luke 1:5-17 Sunday, June 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80 Monday, June 25: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13; Matthew 7:1-5 Tuesday, June 26: 2 Kings 19:911, 14-21, 31-36; Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11; Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Wednesday, June 27: 2 Kings 22:8-13 and 23:1-3; Psalm 119:3337, 40; Matthew 7:15-20 Thursday, June 28: Memorial, St. Irenaeus, bishop, martyr, 2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9; Matthew 7:21-29; vigil Mass for Sts. Peter and Paul solemnity, Acts 3:110; Psalm 19:2-5; Galatians 1:1120; John 21:15-19 Friday, June 29: Solemnity, Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles, Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 Saturday, June 30: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Psalm 74:1-7, 20-21; Matthew 8:5-17 n

June 3, 2012 19

Father’s Day gift idea: sharing lessons learned

By Marian Christiana June is the month that we formally celebrate fathers. Father’s Day is June 17 and as we try to find that perfect gift for the fathers or father figures in our lives, let’s consider some of the lessons we’ve learned from them.

Those lessons can range from the practical—learning how to change a tire—all the way to the sublime—learning about the deep meaning of the Eucharist. These lessons stay with us our entire lives.

We share a joke at our house that our children may not have learned how to camp from their father, but what they did learn from him was how to order room service.

While this is true, they also learned many other valuable lessons from him about living a life of faith and integrity.

They learned the importance of giving back to the community, being trustworthy, and how to be a good friend, spouse and father. The most important lesson that they learned from him was how to live out their faith on a daily basis.

This June, why not think about the lessons that you have learned from your father or the important father figure in your life, and use them as a marriage enrichment activity?

Here is the suggested exercise: 1. Take some time to reflect on your relationship with your father or the adult male in your formative years. Write a list of the lessons learned.

2. Share the list with each other.

3. Discuss how these lessons have played out in your marriage.

by Paul Simoneau

From Cross to Crucifix

Marriage continued on page 21

20 June 3, 2012

Life and dignity

M

We can learn to rejoice with St. Paul in our sufferings by making an offertory gift of them in the Mass

emorial Day has special meaning for me as it does for so many, particularly for those who have lost loved ones in the service of their country.

Six years ago on this day, at my retirement from the Marine Corps, I had the great honor to lay my uniform down upon the hallowed ground of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in France. Here, nearly 2,300 U.S. war dead have their resting place where once a horrible battle raged during World War I. The memory of their terrible suffering now has seemingly been transformed by the beautiful landscaped grounds and memorial honoring their sacrifice. As I contemplated their sacrifice and those of friends lost during my career, my mind turned to another sacrifice—the only sacrifice to have ever truly transformed suffering—that of Christ’s on Calvary, perpetuated in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

In a prayer book written for those serving during World War II, the Servant of God, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) reflected on the spiritual meaning of sacrifice. In no way romanticizing war, he recalled the words of the French Dominican, Father Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire (1802 –1861), who believed “The vocation of a soldier is next in dignity to the priesthood, not only because it commissioned him to defend justice on the field of battle and order on the field of peace, but also because it called him to the spirit and intention of sacrifice” (Wartime Prayer Book [Sophia Institute Press, 2003], 15).

Understood properly, these words remind us that our call to holiness is a call to sacrificial love, no matter our vocation in life. Dying to our self for love of others must be a daily expression of what Christ taught—“Greater

love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Suffering and sacrifices often frighten us and we can be tempted to flee them at any cost. But if St. Paul could say, “I rejoice in my sufferings…” (Colossians 1:24), it was only because he had discovered their meaning in Christ’s own sufferings for love of us. Here I am reminded of a wonderful quote from a Second Vatican Council document whose Latin title—Gaudium et Spes— means “Joy and Hope.”

“Through Christ and in Christ, the riddles of sorrow and death grow meaningful. Apart from His Gospel, they overwhelm us.” Our sufferings,

These words remind us that our call to holiness is a call to sacrificial love, no matter our vocation in life. when joined with those of Christ, become meaningful and transformed— they become instruments of redemption. But too many today do not understand this and the loss of this meaning represents, as Blessed John Paul II observed, a source of further suffering and loss of hope.

So often we resemble the figure of Simon of Cyrene, who is described as being “seized” and “compelled” to carry the Cross of Christ (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26). Our sufferings also can “seize” us, and the suffering of others forced upon us so that we feel “compelled” to carry what we do not believe should be ours to bear.

But there are two ways to respond to our cross, represented by the two thieves crucified with Christ. And just as Christ did not offer Himself alone on Calvary but took the of-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

fering of the Good Thief and united to His own (Luke 23:42-43), so we are invited to make an offertory of our sufferings with Christ’s in every Mass. Here is where suffering is transformed by sacrificial love.

Offertory prayers of Mass are an opportunity to offer more than a material gift in the collection basket—it is a time to offer the very gift of our self to God with all of our sufferings and sacrifices. In the offertory, Christ unites our desires and prayers to His own offering of Himself to the Father. As our intentions are joined to the Passion of Christ, they assume the value of the Passion in the eyes of God…. The daily life of a Christian should be a series of offertories; the events of our day become the host we offer, and God uses them to help us celebrate our own Mass (The Roman Catholic Daily Missal [Angelus Press, 2004], 859, 867).

Archbishop Sheen encourages us at the moment of consecration, when we hear Christ’s words pronounced over the gifts on the altar—“This is my body! This is my blood!”—to repeat these words with our sacrifice saying, “This is my body! Take it.

This is my blood! Take it. They are yours. I care not if the accidents or species of my life remain, with my daily work, my routine duties. But all that I am substantially, take, consecrate, ennoble, spiritualize; turn my cross into a crucifix, so that I am no longer mine, but Thine, O Love Divine!” (Seven Words of Jesus and Mary [Liguori/Triumph, 2001], 59).

Every Sunday then is Memorial Day when we join our sufferings to Christ’s in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where they are transformed and become salvific. n Mr. Simoneau directs the diocesan Justice and Peace Office. dioknox.org

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

Marriage continued from page 20

Invoking the Holy Spirit: The epiclesis

O

Official prayer of the Church is an essential element of the Mass that is always answered

ne of the essential elements in every liturgical celebration is the epiclesis, the invocation of the Holy Spirit, for in every liturgical celebration “there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that makes the unique mystery present” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1104, 1106). According to liturgical scholar Michael Kunzler, the epiclesis is “an official prayer of the Church which is ‘always answered’” (The Church’s Liturgy, 49).

The epiclesis is accompanied by a gesture dating to the Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit is given through the imposition of the Apostles’ hands. “The letter to the Hebrews lists the imposition of hands among the ‘fundamental elements’ of its teaching [6:2]. The Church has kept this sign of the all-powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in its sacramental epiclesis” (Catechism, 699).

The Eucharistic Prayer has two epicleses: the consecratory epiclesis and the communion epiclesis. The Catechism explains: “In the epiclesis, the Church asks the Father to send his Holy Spirit (or the power of his blessing) on the bread and wine, so that by his power they may become the body and blood of Jesus Christ [consecratory] and so that those who take part in the Eucharist may be one body and one spirit [communion]” (Catechism, 1353).

The consecratory epiclesis was described by St. Cyril of Jerusalem in the fourth century in his explanation to the newly baptized: “we call upon God in his mercy to send his Holy Spirit upon the offerings before us, to transform the bread into the body of Christ and the wine into the blood of Christ. Whatever the Holy Spirit touches is sanctified and completely transformed.”

The East Tennessee Catholic

In Eucharistic Prayer II, often used at weekday Masses, the consecratory epiclesis reads as follows: “Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall.”

At these words, the priest holds his hands over the bread and wine.

“The life-giving power of the Spirit, who moved over the waters in the first days of creation and overshadowed Mary in the moment of the incarnation, is vividly expressed by the ancient gesture of bringing together the hands with the palms downward and extended over the elements to be consecrated” (Introduction to the Order of the Mass, 118).

The communion epiclesis from

The epiclesis is accompanied by a gesture dating to the Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit is given through imposition of Apostles’ hands.

Eucharistic Prayer II asks “that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.” This is based on the Eucharistic Prayer found in the Apostolic Tradition from the year 215: “Gather all those who share in your holy mysteries and grant that by this sharing they may be filled with the Holy Spirit who strengthens their faith in the truth.”

In the sacrament of Baptism, “the baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer of epiclesis…. The Church asks God that through his Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water, so that those who will be baptized in it may be ‘born of water and the Spirit’” (Catechism, 1238). This epiclesis reads as follows: “May the power of the

Holy Spirit, O Lord, we pray, come down through your Son into the fullness of this font, so that all who have been buried with Christ by Baptism into death may rise again to life with him.”

In some sacraments the epiclesis is less explicit although still present. For example, in the Sacrament of Anointing priests “pray over the sick in the faith of the Church—this is the epiclesis proper to this sacrament” (Catechism, 1519). So, too, in the Sacrament of Marriage: “In the epiclesis of this sacrament the spouses receive the Holy Spirit as the communion of love of Christ and the Church. The Holy Spirit is the seal of their covenant, the everavailable source of their love and the strength to renew their fidelity” (Catechism, 1624).

The Catechism describes the Our Father as a summary of the epiclesis: “Placed between the anaphora (the Eucharistic prayer) and the communion, the Lord’s Prayer sums up on the one hand all the petitions and intercessions expressed in the movement of the epiclesis and, on the other, knocks at the door of the Banquet of the kingdom which sacramental communion anticipates” (2770).

Jesus said he came so that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). The Holy Spirit is “the giver of life” (Nicene Creed).

He gives this life in response to the epiclesis. “Sent by the Father who hears the epiclesis of the Church, the Spirit gives life to those who accept him and is, even now, the ‘guarantee’ of their inheritance” (Catechism, 1108). n Father Stice directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

4. If you have children, can you see any of those lessons in your own practice as a parent?

5. Together say a prayer of thanksgiving for your fathers or those important men in your early life.

Not all of the lessons may have been positive, but they all helped mold you into the person you have become. There is always a reason to be grateful.

Find that reason and incorporate it into your prayer.

As a special Father’s Day gift this year, why not write a card to the fathers and father figures in your life and list the special lessons you have learned from them. Affirmation is a powerful gift to share with someone you love.

And an idea to consider if you have children and you are trying to help them think of a gift for their father this Father’s Day is start a Father’s Day journal. The children can buy or make a journal and each year at Father’s Day write a heartfelt letter or note to their dad in that journal. It is a gift their father can enjoy each year and reread at any time.

Finally, I want to wish a happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers throughout our diocese.

I hope that you have a very blessed day.

In particular, I would like to wish my husband a very happy Father’s Day. Thank you for being such a wonderful example to our children. They have grown up to be young adults that I am very proud of, and they all excel at ordering room service! n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

June 3, 2012 21

Sending the Neophytes highlights RCIA class

Once upon a time

God does not punch a clock as he builds

By Sister Timothea Elliott A Mass and ceremony of “sending the Neophytes” held on Trinity Sunday, June 3, at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is bringing to a significant conclusion the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program in the Diocese of Knoxville for this year.

Fourteen weeks ago, on one of the first days of Lent, the RCIA participants declared themselves desirous of becoming members of the Catholic Church. Those who had not received valid baptism were designated Catechumens.

Those who had been baptized in another Christian denomination, the Candidates, prepared to make their profession of faith in the teachings of the Catholic Church and to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

In their parishes they signed The Book of the Elect and were sent to the Rite of Election on the first Saturday or Sunday of Lent. Bishop Richard F. Stika presided over this rite in each of the four deaneries of the diocese. During the Rite of Election, he signed each of the parish Books of the Elect and met each individual about to become a member of the Church.

Following the Rite of Election, the Catechumens and Candidates participated in an intensive period of preparation during the season of Lent. At the Easter Vigil they made their profession of faith, received the Sacraments of Initiation, and became Neophytes (newly converted).

During the Paschal Season, the seven weeks after Easter, the Neophytes met with their RCIA teams and unpacked the mysteries they had experienced.

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

A

Jubilees mark growth of the Catholic Church as dioceses plan for milestone celebrations

s we continue to bask in the glories of the faith during April, May and June, we have an opportunity every year to examine, review, reflect and remember such great mysteries as the Incarnation, the Redemption, the Passion, Resurrection, Ascension of our Lord and the coming of the Holy Spirit into the Church and into our individual lives at Pentecost.

Another concept that we find useful as we flip the pages of our calendars every day, week or month is the notion of jubilee. In Old Testament times the jubilee was a collection (seven) of Sabbaths (seventh day) or 49 years, or roughly every 50 years.

Even when the life expectancy of many people did not reach into their 70s, many people did live to see one or two great jubilee years in their lives.

Christians celebrate jubilee years in multiples of 25. As we process the observance of the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Nashville (18372012) and the silver jubilees of the eastern dioceses of Kentucky and our own state (Lexington: March 25, 1988; and Knoxville: Sept. 8, 1988), we have cause for great joy. I wonder just how much (or little) Pope Pius VI (1775-1799) knew about the baby United States when he established Baltimore as its primatial see in 1789.

His successor, Pope Pius VII (18001823) never traveled to our part of the world. How glorious would he have considered the geography of the

Diocese of Bardstown (1808), which today includes (as the province of Louisville) the dioceses of Covington, Owensboro, Louisville, Lexington, Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville?

For that matter, what information would Blessed John Paul II have had in establishing the diocese of Knoxville on Sept. 8, 1988? Well, he had available to him much, much more about you and me than any pope who established dioceses prior to that time had due to modern means of data collecting and some personnel who handled data masterfully.

Tennessee was so blessed to have the skills of Father Steve Klasek, a native of the state who had a degree from the University of Tennessee– Chattanooga in urban planning.

Father Steve put together a 50 page “case” for the formation of a new diocese in eastern Tennessee to be taken completely from the territory of the then-diocese of Nashville, which covered the entire state from 1837 until Memphis became a diocese for western Tennessee in 1970. The 36 counties include mountains, lakes, rivers, and valleys and principal towns like Chattanooga, Cleveland, Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Morristown, Johnson City and Kingsport along with many others that enable us to be 47 parishes and three missions at this time.

Our mother diocese, Nashville, currently is celebrating a 175th anniversary under the leadership of Bishop David R. Choby. Nashville’s founding bishop, Richard Pius Miles,

O.P., (1838-60) is entombed in the proCathedral of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows in downtown Nashville. His remains are being moved to a third location within the building as the beautiful first permanent cathedral for Tennessee is being restored for the present jubilee. The remains of the founding bishop of Knoxville, Anthony J. O’Connell (1988-98), were recently laid to rest at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, S.C. The Diocese of Knoxville has grown and grown and grown— thanks be to God —from being about 2 percent of the population in 1988 to nearly 3 percent of the overall population.

Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced preliminary plans and dates for our own diocesan jubilee. It will begin with a Eucharist Congress in September 2013 and conclude with another major celebration about one year later. Deanery and parish celebrations will occur throughout the jubilee time. We have so very much for which to thank God as this great jubilee approaches. Let’s do it. n (Editors note: Monsignor Mankel has served as vicar general for the three bishops of Knoxville during their times of service here. He was appointed on September 7, 1988. Prior to that time he was a diocesan consultor for the Diocese of Nashville and participated in the studies that enabled Bishop James D. Niedergeses of Nashville to petition the Holy Father to erect the Knoxville diocese.)

RESERVE THE DATE! Diocese of Knoxville’s 25th Anniversary Jubilee Kickoff Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 Eucharistic Congress Keynote speaker: Timothy Cardinal Dolan

RCIA continued on page 23

22 June 3, 2012

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

John XXIII celebrates Rich Andre ordination

Job opportunity

efer to him as Father Richard R. Andre now. He is no longer Deacon Rich.

The associate at Blessed John XXIII parish was ordained into the Paulist priesthood on May 19 at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City, the Paulist’s Mother Church.

The ordination was celebrated by Bishop Walter A. Hurley of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Father Andre has been assigned to John XXIII, where he will be the associate pastor and serve under Father Charles Donahue. Father Andre arrived at John XXIII in January to serve as deacon until his ordination.

Prior to completing his formation, Father Andre was an optical engi-

The Diocese of Knoxville is seeking a qualified, experienced coordinator with prior leadership experience to administer programs and events and to develop leaders within the youth and young adult Hispanic community who do not speak English.

R

Blessing continued from page 5

mittee and brought the idea to their attention, noting that especially appropriate times for the blessing are on the feasts of the Annunciation and the Immaculate Conception as well as Mothers’ Day. Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship, urged parishes to begin looking at ways the blessing can be woven into the fabric of parish life.

“We hope the use of this blessing will provide not only support and God’s blessing for expectant parents

neer, designing equipment for the Kepler Telescope used by NASA. “I was singing at my first ordina-

tion—at the St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh, as a member of the Diocesan Choir for the Diocese of Pittsburgh—when I had a ‘lightning bolt’ moment, feeling God inviting me to consider a vocation to the priesthood.

The date was May 26, 2001,” Father Andre said.

Father Donahue said John XXIII students and parishioners have had a “wonderful” experience journeying with Father Andre to priesthood.

“Rich’s gifts add a great deal in remembering that our paths are rooted in Christ. Plus, we Paulist Fathers are meant to live and work in community-for-mission. So it is great to have a fellow tenant in the vineyard with myself and Dr. Ruth (Queen Smith).”n

and their child in the womb, but also another effective witness to the sanctity of human life from the first moment of conception,” Archbishop Aymond said.

Father Brett said the blessing will be a good catechetical tool for younger and older parishioners.

“We needed this type of liturgy that was visual for the young and old alike. I’m elated that it went through,” Father Brett said. “I presented the idea to Archbishop Kurtz. He deserves a lot of the credit. Archbishop Kurtz got it to Rome

and Rome did the rest.”

Archbishop Kurtz said he looks forward to when the blessing makes it into the Book of Blessings and when all parishes adopt it as part of their outreach to mothers.

“We need to make sure the effort touches the hearts of families young and old, mothers and fathers and people of all ages,” Archbishop Kurtz said. “It’s the great joy and blessing of children. This blessing has a way of joining us with that child in the womb and being a great blessing to us.” n

Father Richard Andre

Advertise in The East Tennessee Catholic ••• Contact us at 865-584-3307 or bbrewer@dioknox.org Find us at dioknox.org

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

The coordinator must speak Spanish and English fluently and understand the Hispanic culture and must be able to work in the U.S. legally.

To apply, send a statement of interest that includes: prior leadership experience, activities developing programs for Hispanic youth, and how you manage time and develop priorities, along with your resume to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, 805 Northshore Drive, Knoxville TN 37919. Statements of interest will be accepted until June 15, 2012. Please, no phone calls. n

RCIA continued from page 22

This is referred to as the period of Mystagogy.

Now, at the end of the Paschal season, the Neophytes come together again with Bishop Stika for a Mass. At the end of the Mass the bishop sends them forth to their parishes, with their goal of becoming members of the Catholic Church completed.

Their focus now is to become true disciples of Jesus Christ in their parish communities. This will be realized by means of a lifetime of ongoing conversion, study of the profound riches of their faith, and active participation in the Church’s worship and in loving service of others. n

June 3, 2012 23

‘For Greater Glory’ tells of Catholics’ fight against government WASHINGTON (CNS)— In the upcoming movie “For Greater Glory,” Catholic actor Andy Garcia plays a Mexican Revolution-era general lured out of retirement a decade later to head the insurgent “Cristero” forces doing battle against their own government’s severe curbing of religious freedoms, which included the murder of priests, the desecration of churches, and laws designed to reduce the visibility of the Catholic Church in the overwhelmingly Catholic country.

It is a battle that the Cuban-born Garcia feels strongly about.

Garcia, 56, was taken by his family out of Cuba when he was 5 years old after Fidel Castro grew more firmly entrenched in power. “I’m a Cuban exile,” Garcia says.

He followed Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Cuba in February.

“It’s good that he went,” Garcia

24 June 3, 2012

said while promoting “For Greater Glory.”

“I’m glad the Catholic churches have a little more religious freedom now. Because Fidel Castro abolished the church when he took over. So it’s good that the church has more freedom. But what about the synagogues in Cuba? Are they open? Because Castro abolished them, too, at the same time,” the actor added.

Also starring in “For Greater Glory” are Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) as Garcia’s wife, singer Ruben Blades as Mexican President Plutarco Calles, Nestor Carbonell (“Lost,” “The Dark Knight”), Peter O’Toole as a foreign-born priest whose life is in mortal danger from the new laws, and Eduardo Verástegui (“Bella”).

Some moviegoers may spot some connection between Mexico in the 1920s and the current debate in the

United States over religious liberty issues. “There may be some relevance,” Garcia said, “but people can see relevance in other countries,

like in my (home) country.”

Garcia’s character, Enrique Gorostieta Velarde, is portrayed as a man without much religious faith, especially compared to that of his wife or their two daughters, whose confirmation has been delayed due to their church being shuttered by the government. However, after he takes on the task of training a peasant Cristero army and leading them into raids against the better-armed Mexican government forces, his faith is reawakened within him.

Garcia was in Mexico in midApril for the Mexican premiere of “For Greater Glory,” which he said broke box-office records there; the film premiered in the United States on June 1.

“It’s a very sensitive subject” in Mexico, Garcia said. “And it’s still taboo in many quarters. People don’t know the history and they don’t understand the history.” n

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