Bishop Beckman joins a roster of speakers focused on the theme of ‘Weathering the Storm’
By Dan McWilliams
The fifth annual Appalachian Highlands Men’s Conference at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport on Feb. 28 drew a record 157 attendees, with Bishop Mark Beckman on hand to give his advice on how the participants could cope in “Weathering the Storm,” the event’s theme taken from Psalm 130:1.
The conference is open to men from Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, and while it draws many parishioners of St. Dominic and St. Mary in Johnson City in upper East Tennessee, this year’s event attracted men from as far away as Knoxville, Chattanooga, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Bishop Beckman said he enjoyed seeing a group of men assembled for one purpose.
“It’s fantastic. It’s great to see a roomful of men who have set aside an entire day just to be with each other and with God,” he said, adding that the conference “is a spiritual shot in the arm. ‘Weathering the storms of life’ was the topic, and everyone has storms to weather, and giving men an opportunity to reflect and have tools to weather the storms in life is very helpful.”
The printed program for the conference states that the gathering “is an opportunity for men to make new friends, learn more about their faith, and build the spiritual muscle needed to survive the challenges they face in the modern world.”
Bishop Beckman spoke to attendees in the parish life center after lunch and later celebrated Mass in
‘On being priests, prophet, and king’
ish life center basement meeting room at
lands Men’s Conference.
the church with host pastor Father Michael Cummins and St. Dominic associate pastors Father Bede Aboh and Father Anselm Edu. Deacon Bob Lange of St. Dominic was deacon of the altar, and Deacon Vic Landa of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman was deacon of the Word. Deacon Frank Fischer of the host parish served as master of ceremonies. Conference facilitator Kevin Musser, Grand Knight of Knights of
Columbus Council 6992 at St. Dominic, proclaimed the first reading at Mass. Parishioner Steve Hrivnak provided the music for the liturgy.
Knights State Deputy Eric Pelton of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga attended the conference, which was emceed by Paul Vachon of St. Dominic.
Keynote speakers were Father John Orr, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, and Steve
Beloved sons of God
Bishop Beckman spoke on several points in his talk in the downstairs meeting room of the parish life Men’s conference continued on page B2
Clerical father, son tackle Camino in return trip
Father Danny Herman and Deacon Joe Herman take on historic trek in the footsteps of St. James
By Bill Brewer
The Camino de Santiago has many stories to share over its more than 1,000-year history. Now add to those a unique father-and-son, Father-and-Deacon pilgrimage.
The clerical combination is Joe Herman, father to Danny Herman, with the twist that Father Danny Herman is an associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and son to Deacon Joe Herman, who serves at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Mountain City.
The familial/vocational tandem made a return visit to the Camino on Sept. 25 for a weeklong trek along part of the multi-route journey in the footsteps of St. James the Apostle. It was a matter of settling unfinished business.
In their first walk along the Way of St. James, Father Herman and Deacon Herman, with son and brother Josh Herman, set out to complete the 500-mile route that began in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and was to end in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The trio initially took on the Camino in 2019, when Deacon Herman was in his second year of diaconate formation for the Diocese of Knoxville and Father Herman was studying at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.
“He was in discernment and I was still in discernment. And this was something he wanted to do, so Father Danny and my youngest son, Josh, and I went. We did that
in June of 2019. It was a good experience for the most part. But I got really bad blisters about two weeks in. I took a day or two off hoping they would heal, but it wasn’t enough time for them to heal,”
Deacon Herman recalled.
Deacon Herman decided to end his pilgrimage early, and he and Josh returned home after two weeks. But Father Herman completed the 500-mile journey solo.
Deacon Herman explained that Father Herman was gone about six weeks on that first trip.
Memories of that incomplete adventure gnawed at Deacon Herman for six years and enticed him to return.
“I don’t know if that was a good thing. But I felt like it was a little bit of pride because I had gotten the blisters. I kind of felt like I had gotten whipped,” the deacon said, laughing. “I wasn’t as well prepared on the first trip as I should have been. My blister issues were because I didn’t have the right shoes, plus I was between 20 and 30 pounds heavier at that time.”
Last spring, Father Herman asked Deacon Herman about a return pilgrimage.
There was no hesitation—Deacon Herman was in.
The trio became a duo as Josh was unable to make the trip.
And the father-son/Father-Deacon team departed from Knoxville, flew into Paris, and took a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where they would retrace their steps but not go the entire 500 miles. This time, the
would end in Pamplona, Spain, due to time constraints.
Hemler. Breakout sessions were led by Father Orr, Mr. Hemler, Father Cummins, Deacon Landa, Jonathan Cardinal, Paul Simoneau, Jimmy Dee, and Father Tom Lawrence of St. Anne Parish in Bristol, Va.
journey
Deacon Herman, who is 57 and Camino continued on page B3
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Bishop Mark Beckman delivers a talk to the men assembled in the par-
St. Dominic Church in Kingsport for the fifth annual Appalachian High-
First day Deacon Joe Herman (left) and Father Danny Herman stand in front of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on the day they arrived in France from the United States. COURTESY
center at St. Dominic.
“I started off with a reflection on who we are. First and foremost, we are beloved sons of God, called to the Father by our baptism,” he said. “Then I reflected on being priests, prophet, and king. As priests, the sacrifice we offer is ourselves, just the way we are, to God every day asking His help to live well each day. Prophet, that we listen to God’s Word daily, and we speak that Word in truth in the world that so desperately needs it. And then as kings, we’re all entrusted with a sphere of influence, the authority God has given us, to use that to bring the light of Christ to the world.”
The bishop in his talk encouraged the conference men to begin their day with the Lord.
“You wake up in the morning and some part of us is resisting God. That’s why at the beginning of the day we say, ‘God, today I bring myself to you just as I am, good and bad. I want to give it all to you. Please free me, remove from me the things that hold me back from being the son that you created me to be so I can bring your light to people today,’” Bishop Beckman said. “So, that’s being a priest.”
He then asked “what a prophet is.”
“The prophet is the one who first and foremost listens to the Word of God spoken and secondly speaks that Word and tells the truth to the world today that the world needs to hear,” he said. “By the way, most often prophets are not well-received, right? You suffer for telling the truth. But the first part of it is listening to the Word of God. I have become convinced that if we really want to be good human beings, if we want to be good men, then we’ve got to start our day alone with the Lord.”
Bishop Beckman said he learned following seminary that there is no one but himself to bear the responsibility for starting each day in prayer.
“I had no community of support around me. I was like, ‘God, I need you.’ Nobody else is going to make me do this,” he said. “I’m not in a community surrounded by likeminded individuals. If I don’t take this time for myself, no one will take it for me. I’m responsible. I’ve gotten to this ritual now (since his priestly ordination): I get my mug of coffee in the morning, and I have my place of prayer, and I start with God.”
The bishop said he led a class once and asked those attending, “If you’re not praying every day, what’s your No. 1 reason why not?”
“You know what the No. 1 answer was? ‘Not enough time—I’m too busy.’ I’ve said to people since then: if we have time to get up in the morning and shower and shave and get ourselves dressed and do all the other physical things to get ready for the day, we have time to be with God, right? It’s more important to be spiritually ready every morning than it is to be physically ready,” he said. Bishop Beckman asked the men at St. Dominic to “imagine what would happen, just as an imaginary exercise for a moment, if every single human being on planet earth would get up in the morning and take 15 or 20 minutes even, that short a time, to try to listen for what God is telling them. Do you think this world would be different than it is today? I believe it would.”
“I tell you what’s going to happen, though,” he added. “If you’re not used to doing that, 15-20 minutes or 30 with God in the morning, the first thing that’s going to happen is you’re not going to like it. Your body’s not used to it; your brain’s not used to it. You’re going to be thinking of all the things you could be doing instead of sitting there with God, so all these things are going to start going through your brain: worries about what’s coming up, unresolved anger or fear about what happened yesterday or last week or last month. If the past and the future all start intruding, it is hard to stay focused on the here and now and simply listen.”
The bishop said there are apps such as Hallow that men can use to focus on God’s Word, “but I’m a bit old-fashioned, and my phone does too many things with dings and mes-
sages and all that stuff coming in. I like a book. I like to have a prayer book in my hand, some prayer of devotion. I listen to God in the morning, and I ask God to help me speak His truth throughout the day. There are times when I don’t want to speak God’s truth, and I pause and I tell God that: ‘God, I’m afraid to say this, and if you want me to speak this truth, God, then I pray that you will remove the fear and help me to say exactly what you want to say the way you would want me to say it and because you want me to say it.’
“God always speaks His truth, by the way, with the greatest tenderness, gentleness, and kindness toward the most vulnerable and to those who are the most selfrighteous and the bullies—that truth often happens like an arrow or a sword that penetrates into the person. It’s important to learn how God wants us to speak as much as what God wants us to speak.”
Following being priests and prophets, “the kingship of Christ,” Bishop Beckman said, means “all of us as men have some level of power and authority and influence that we receive from God. We all have what I call a sphere of influence: the ability to make an impact in this world in a positive way that God has given us. Some have a huge ability to make an influence on the world. Pope Leo, right? Pope Leo speaks and acts— his influence ripples around planet earth. My influence is smaller than Pope Leo’s,” he added to laughter.
“All of us, by what we say and do every single day, can either have a positive ripple in this universe, in this world God has given us, or a negative ripple. Lose my temper, become impatient—what happened to that ripple? Where did that go? See a person who is suffering and reach out and say, ‘How are you today?’ and listen. What kind of a ripple effect can that have?”
The bishop concluded his talk by saying what the men should know if they wonder “who you’re called to be.”
“You are called to be the light of Christ in the world today. You’re called to bring Him to the world,” he said. “If you want to figure out how to do that, if you want to listen to God’s Word, a great place to start are those eight beatitudes found in the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew.”
Bishop Beckman then stated the beatitudes and explained each one.
“All of those beatitudes—they are the shape of what it means to be a man in the world today. They always have been because they reflect who Christ is,” he said.
The bishop told the men: “Never forget who you are. You’re a beloved son of God. You matter to God. You belong to Him. He’s given you His light. We get up in the morning—we do it imperfectly but we say, ‘God, I want to give myself back to you. Please take away the things that stop that.’ We listen to God’s Word. He’s telling the truth, and then we use the God-given authority, the power and influence God has given us, to bring His light to the world. May God who has begun this great work in each one of you—or you wouldn’t be here today—bring it to fulfillment through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
‘We are here for Christian men’
After the bishop’s talk, Mr.
Musser presented him with a $1,000 check from the men’s conference for the Bishop’s Appeal and gave him a Knights shirt.
“Thank you, brothers. We will definitely put this to great use,” Bishop Beckman said of the check. “We’re doing a lot of things like promoting vocations, especially to the priesthood, so needed in our diocese. This will definitely help with that. Thank you.”
In his homily at Mass, Bishop Beckman spoke of a time many years ago when he was driving his car and a loose baseball or softball in the seat fell into the floorboards. Being distracted by the ball, his car ended up in a ditch. He joked with the Mass-goers that a car is not made for driving in a ditch.
“Just so, we are created to live in a certain way, and when we live that way, there’s something inside of us—despite the difficulties of life—
All together Bishop Mark Beckman, clergy from St. Dominic and other parishes, Knights of Columbus, and most of the 157 men attending the Appalachian Highlands Men’s Conference pose for a photo after the closing Mass.
DAN MCWILLIAMS (5)
Conference keynoter Steven Hemler (above) and Father John Orr delivered keynote talks at the fifth annual Appalachian Highlands Men’s Conference on Feb. 28 at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport. The conference theme of “Weathering the Storm” was taken from Psalm 130:1.
Men learn to ‘weather the storm’ In the top photo, Kevin Musser, Grand Knight of St. Dominic Knights of Columbus Council 6992, presents a council shirt to Bishop Beckman inscribed with the bishop’s name and added a check from the men’s conference for $1,000 for the Bishop’s Appeal. In the middle photo, Bishop Beckman celebrates Mass to conclude the conference. With him are (from left) Father Michael Cummins, Father John Orr, Father Bede Aboh, and Father Anselm Edu. At bottom, Bishop Beckman gives Holy Communion to Pat Bisson of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton, who is director of mentorship for the state Knights, as Knights State Deputy Eric Pelton awaits at right.
Men’s conference continued on page B8
was ordained to the diaconate on June 11, 2022, said he trained for the second pilgrimage, noting that his son enjoys staying in shape.
The do-over was a success.
“It was great,” he remarked, pointing out that the first excursion was done in summer temperatures while the second go-around was made in cooler weather. “This last time, Father Danny said, ‘Let’s enjoy it more. We were gung-ho the first time.’ The first day was a really nice day and a nice evening.”
On their most recent journey, Father Herman, who is 33 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 2024, and Deacon Herman enjoyed experiencing the Camino community, meeting the strangers who were also on pilgrimage, walking along the way. Some of them were Catholic, some were of other faith traditions, and yet others did not practice any faith.
“I can say I did it. I really wanted to do it again because I felt like I got whipped. I was part of the reason. But this time I got to complete our pilgrimage with my son, which was very special. It was very spiritual, too. The spirituality part of it was the biggest reason I wanted to do it,” Deacon Herman said.
Every day the Hermans walked the Camino de Santiago, they were able to attend Mass, which they agreed was most important to them.
Deacon Herman was moved by the life lessons the Camino pilgrimage taught. Among them was taking care not to carry anything that wasn’t needed.
“I knew from the first time just take what you need. Isn’t that how our life is? How much do we carry on our backs the things that we really don’t need, whether they are burdens, sins, or afflictions? Just the junk we carry around in our lives. I thought about that a lot, whether you are passing somebody or they’re passing you, all carrying a backpack of different weights,” Deacon Herman shared. “It reminded me that we are all carrying something in our life.”
On their second go-around, the Hermans learned to travel light. Along the route, each carried a 15- to 20-pound backpack. They frequently saw fellow sojourners discard excess weight at the end of a day to make their trek lighter. From a practical standpoint, Deacon Herman said on the second pilgrimage he carried less clothing, using only one additional pair of pants and shirt. One item he didn’t cut back on was socks. In fact, he would change socks in the middle of the day to cut down on moisture, which contributed to his blisters on the first trip.
The pilgrimage was not conducive to wearing clerics (black or gray formal shirts with clerical collars that priests and deacons typically dress in). So, to fellow pil-
grims their vocations were not apparent. However, in conversations with others, the Hermans would share their vocations and their stories of faith.
And rather than carry a Bible and a breviary in his backpack as he did the first time, Deacon Herman carried a digital Bible and breviary via his phone on the second trip.
He acknowledged carrying more than 20 pounds in his backpack and an extra 20-plus pounds around his waist on the first excursion.
At the end of each day, the Hermans stayed in hostels or albergues (specialized hostels for pilgrims), which were all along the way.
They walked together most of the time, but Deacon Herman noted that there were times when Father Herman walked ahead. “Of course, he had mercy on his old dad. If I got too far behind, he would stop and wait on me.”
While Father Herman had youth on his side for the challenge, he also had the advantage of military training. Prior to seminary, he spent more than two years in the Navy preparing to be an aviator. When it was time to receive his Naval aviator wings, he instead chose to answer God’s call.
According to Camino de Santiago facts, the Camino primarily goes through three main countries— Spain, Portugal, and France—as part of its most popular routes.
While the vast network of over 51,500 miles of routes stretches through 29 different countries, the majority of traditional pilgrim paths (such as the Camino Francés, Portugués, and Norte) are confined to the Iberian Peninsula.
Key geographical pilgrimage points include Spain, the destination for all routes, featuring the main hubs, particularly the final destination of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia; France, the starting point for the most famous, traditional route, which is the Camino Francés (French Way), often beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port; and Portugal, the starting point for the Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way), which runs from Lisbon or Porto to the Spanish border.
Deacon Herman said he especially enjoyed the pilgrimage because he was able to detach from the world for a short time.
“That walk was much like our pilgrimage here on earth—it has its uphills and it has its downhills. I think everyone in life goes through something, maybe big, maybe small. And those you meet along the way are pretty friendly, pretty open. Everyone was walking the same path. It didn’t matter if you were wealthy, if you were poor, or somewhere in between,” he said.
“Why can’t we all be like the Camino community? Regardless of your condition on the Camino and in life, during the ups and downs, God is always with us,” Deacon Herman observed.
Father Herman cherishes the pilgrimage he made with his dad, acknowledging those shared opportunities are rare.
“Walking the Camino with my father was a great gift, one I did not take lightly. Few people have the time, health, or means to make such a pilgrimage, and I was keenly aware of that grace from the beginning. Having already walked the entire Camino in 2019, I came with the advantage of experience. I knew how to avoid the rookie mistakes that can turn a pilgrimage into an endurance test rather than a prayer,”
Father Herman said.
He echoed his father’s sentiment that the repeat performance was more about quality, not quantity.
“This Camino was different. It was less about miles and more about presence. To walk beside the man who first taught me how to pray, how to work, and how to persevere became, in itself, a form of prayer. There was something deeply humbling and quietly consoling about sharing silence, meals, fatigue, and laughter with him, without the need to explain or impress,” the priest said as he acknowledged the challenges of the first trek.
“Six years earlier, we had not been so gentle with ourselves. Mistakes
piled up: packing too much, walking too far and too fast, misunderstanding the rhythm of life on the Camino. Frustration set in, and eventually my father and brother had to return home early. This time, experience gave us freedom. We let go of excess, respected our limits, and moved through the days like old pros, unhurried and attentive,” he added.
“The Camino slowed us just enough for gratitude to surface naturally. As we walked, I became more aware that God had been at work in our relationship long before I ever set foot on Spanish soil. The pilgrimage did not create that grace; it simply gave us the space to recognize and enjoy it.”
Father Herman’s expectations for their Camino II were simple, and the pair were intent on maintaining simplicity.
“Above all, I hoped for good prayer and greater detachment. I wanted space to listen to God more attentively and to loosen my grip on the things that clutter my heart. The Camino has a way of stripping life down to what is essential: walking, eating, resting, and praying. That simplicity created room for God to speak to us,” he shared.
Despite the challenge of flying to another continent to travel for days by foot over foreign ground, relying largely on individual resources, Father Herman had no concerns about making the pilgrimage with his dad. It was all about faith.
“No, never. From the beginning, there was a deep sense of peace. The Camino has always felt less like an undertaking and more like a response. You simply put one foot in front of the other and allow God to take care of the rest,” he said.
And there is no doubt. Spending time with his dad as they shared a spiritual journey was the high point of the trip for Father Herman.
“On this most recent pilgrimage, the greatest highlight was time with my father. Seeing familiar places through new eyes as a priest also stood out. Churches, relics, and moments of prayer carried a different weight now. I was no longer just a pilgrim seeking direction but a priest entrusted with souls, including the one walking beside me,” Father Herman remarked.
Walking the Camino de Santiago can affect pilgrims in different ways, and the Hermans certainly were no exceptions. Words of the prophet Isaiah about children leading come to mind.
“The Camino reminded me that I am not an island. I am someone others depend upon. Walking with my father shifted my focus outward. My attention was no longer on my own
Steps along the Way of St. James Above, Deacon Joe Herman and Father Danny Herman are on the Camino de Santiago between Roncesvalles and Zubiri in Spain on day three of their walk last September. At left, Father Herman and other pilgrims walk ahead of Deacon Herman on the Camino going from Orisson, France, to Roncesvalles on day two of their walk. The Camino is a 500-mile route that begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, and ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
pace or endurance, but on his safety, his health, and his needs. Spiritually and vocationally, this was deeply formative. It reinforced the truth that priesthood is fundamentally relational and paternal. My life is not my own. It is given for others,” Father Herman pointed out.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral priest believes it was God’s will and a blessing that his dad and brother ended their 2019 pilgrimage early, leaving him to complete it on his own.
“In 2019, I completed the Camino in 35 days. That pilgrimage was marked by freedom and interior openness. My brother and father had to leave on day 12, and it was after that point that I received significant clarity about my vocation. I was discerning priesthood, and the Camino helped me listen without distraction,” Father Herman said.
“In 2025, the experience was very different. We only had four days of actual walking, and I did not finish the Camino. The pace was more relaxed, and my attention was less personal and more paternal. I was focused on keeping my father safe and healthy. As a priest, I experienced the Camino not as someone searching for his path but as someone responsible for others on the path. There was also a note of sadness this time. Many people now approach the Camino as a vacation rather than a pilgrimage,” he added.
“When we would stop in at albergues and hostels, we would meet people and hear their stories, and when they asked us our stories, they were surprised that our goal was to reach Compostela to reverence the remains of St. James. Seeing the effects of secularism along a path meant to be sacred was painful. My heart was broken at times by how easily the spiritual meaning of the Camino can be lost. It encouraged me to be more evangelizing in my everyday life.”
The 2019 and 2025 pilgrimages have inspired the Hermans and serve as a revelation that their pilgrimage is ongoing.
“I look forward to continuing the Camino with my father sequentially, section by section, as life allows. There is no rush. The Camino teaches patience, fidelity, and perseverance, lessons that are learned over time, not in one long stretch,” Father Herman said. “I believe that each time we go back, we will learn new lessons like how to accept limitations with humility, how to walk at another’s pace, how to find God in repetition, and how holiness is often built quietly through consistency rather than intensity.” ■
Miles to go A fingerpost along the Camino walk indicates the distances in kilometers and travel time to Roncesvalles, Saint-Jean-Pied-dePorts, and other stops.
COURTESY OF DEACON JOE HERMAN (3)
Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy
Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the church. The book is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
St. Bridget, Dayton
The Women’s Council is hosting “Soup and Stations” at 6 p.m. on Fridays during Lent between the English and Spanish Stations of the Cross through March 27. The council’s “Hello Spring Bake Sale & Bazaar” will be held Friday, March 20, during the soup supper; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, and following the 5:30 p.m. Mass; and following the 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses on Sunday, March 22. Featured items include baked goods, handmade crafts, starter plants, gifts, and more.
Knights of Columbus Council 11424 hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on March 14. Members are in the planning stages for the annual Harry “Bunky” Jones Golf Tournament to be held on Thursday, June 11, at Dayton Golf & Country Club in Evensville. More details to come.
Father Jim Vick is holding a Lenten Bible study at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursdays, March 19 and 26. The study began March 12. The subject is the “History of the Messiah” from a Jewish and Christian perspective.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
The parish on March 1 began offering a nursery during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Lenten Friday fish fries will be held through March 20. Cost for adults is $9 and $30 max for families with small children.
St. Mary, Athens
Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate the 9 a.m. Mass on Thursday, March 19, and dedicate St. Mary’s new columbarium afterward.
The parish is awarding college scholarships for the 12th year. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 31. Applications and rules may be picked up in the parish office, or they may be viewed at saintmaryathens.org. The scholarship program is open to any incoming college freshman or returning college student from Meigs, McMinn, Monroe, or Polk counties. A total of $60,000 will be awarded this year with a maximum per-student award of $10,000. The scholarship committee reviews test scores, grade-point averages, recommendation letters, and overall need to arrive at award decisions.
The parish thanked Lou Dionne, who is retiring, for serving as St. Mary’s maintenance coordinator for many years.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
The Knights of Columbus will hold a St. Patrick’s Day party and dance in the Knights hall from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The Knights recently named Roger Qualey as Knight of the month and Mike and Wanda Williams as family of the month.
Parish children are invited to meet the Easter Bunny and take part in an Easter egg hunt following the 11 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Anniversaries: Gene and Peggy DeLett (60), Randy and Rosemary Powell (50) Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
The parish held a St. Patrick’s Day potluck on March 15 in the church hall.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
The parish has numerous ministries and other services, including the Wel-
come Ministry, led by Pam Brophy; Ministers of Care, who help homebound parishioners receive the Eucharist (contact Sally Kowalski); the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, led by Christine Marino; Stephen Ministers— contact Larry Helm, Jody Mech, or Jay Londre; columbarium—Bob Loghry or Donat Renaud; Lending Room, for those receiving unexpected company and need items ranging from baby cribs to adult walkers—contact Cathie Fugiel; prayer blankets or shawls—call Susan Bivens or Diane Swanson; We Care Ministry, for assisting parishioners with short-term needs or rides— contact Eric Wheeler or Maureen Fortier; funeral Mass or choir information— call Eric Wheeler at 502-403-5744; and bulletin items—call Mary Terraforte in the parish office at 931-484-3628.
A healing Mass is planned for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
The Council of Catholic Women is collecting items for its charity sale from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the rectory basement.
The Knights of Columbus recently thanked parishioners for their generosity in their “40 Cans for Lent” project.
Golfers interested in joining the Friars golf group should contact Don Chrobot at 931-456-2171 or friars.fg@gmail. com
The Pastoral Care Ministry will host a free End-of-Life series from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14; Wednesday, April 22; and Tuesday, April 28. Topics will include Catholic teaching on end-of-life decisions, estate-planning strategies, advantages of a reverse mortgage, naming a patient advocate, and pre-planning for home and assisted-living care, hospice, and funerals.
Anniversaries: Paul and Mary Eva Demet (63), John and Charleen McMahan (55), Michael and Rebecca Countess (53), Chuck and Linda McDermott (53)
St. John Neumann, Farragut
The parish is taking part in a baby-bottle drive to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center. Bottles should be returned to the bin in the narthex by Palm Sunday, March 29. The Knights of Columbus will provide a $400 match for every $2,000 donated up to a $2,800 match for a goal of $14,000.
An adult retreat on “Following Christ: A Gift of Faith, Grace, and Call to Commitment” was held on March 14 to help parish men and women prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Parish priests and deacons presented the retreat.
St. Joseph, Norris
The St. Joseph Table, honoring the parish patron for answering prayer petitions, will be set up on Sunday, March 22. Donations for the table of nonperishable items, gift cards, and cash will benefit the food pantry at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Crazy Quilt Friendship Center in Newcomb.
Parish men will host a Lenten fish fry from 5 to 6:45 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for children 5 to 12.
Five Rivers Deanery
Notre Dame, Greeneville
The Knights of Columbus will hold a fish fry from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 20. The meal will also include coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries or baked potato, and tea or lemonade. Stations of the Cross will follow at 7 p.m.
Parishioners will pick up trash along Holly Creek Road after morning Mass on Saturday, March 21, as part of the Adopt-a-Greene-County-Road program.
Notre Dame is holding two-hour Lenten
Parish notes continued on page B8
St. Mary-Gatlinburg CCW hosts social hour during Priest Study Days
The Council of Catholic Women at St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg hosted a social hour for diocesan priests during their Priest Study Days in Gatlinburg Feb. 9-11. CCW members pictured from left are Toni Wolff, Ellice Martin, Margaret Donnenhoffer, Alexis Hood, Diann Simonis, Jeanette Schwab, Deb Peachey, Paula Barreras, and Patti Gould.
Our Lady of Fatima CCW holds game day
The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa hosted a Family/Friends Game Day for all parishioners Feb. 15. Lunch and non-electronic games were provided after Mass. Children and adults enjoyed an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and interaction with one another.
Lenten penance service schedule
Here are the Lenten penance services received as of press time. Note that many parishes are having, instead of penance services, extended or additional times for confession during Lent: Five Rivers Deanery Tuesday, March 24—St. Henry, Rogersville, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, March 25—St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton, 6 p.m.; Thursday, March 26— Notre Dame, Greeneville, 7 p.m. Smoky Mountain Deanery
Thursday, March 26—St. John XXIII, Knoxville, 6:30 p.m. (pizza served at 6 p.m.) ■
COURTESY OF DEB PEACHEY (2)
Bishop Mark Beckman will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the Chrism Mass, diocesan priests renew their priestly vows. Bishop Beckman will bless the sacred chrism, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of the sick that will be used in parishes of the diocese for the next year. The Mass will be livestreamed on the cathedral’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/ @shcathedral
Bishop Mark Beckman invites young adults ages 18-35 to explore the mystery of Catholicism at meetings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on selected Tuesdays at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery. Young adults interested in a systematic exploration of being Catholic are invited to attend. The series began Sept. 9 and continues March 24, with dates subject to change because of the bishop’s schedule. Attendees are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Visit dioknox.org/ events for more information.
The diocesan Office of Vocations is holding a Men’s Discernment Group for men interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. The group will be hosted by Father Mark Schuster from 9 a.m. to noon on fourth Saturdays in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at the Chancery office in Knoxville, with the next meeting March 28. If you are interested in joining the Men’s Discernment Group, fill out the form at forms.office.com/r/ CmSwudiVnf or e-mail vocations@ dioknox.org. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area.
The Diocese of Knoxville and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee invite clergy, parish leaders, lay ministers, Catholic school counselors, and faith-based partners to “Accompaniment and Healing in Christ: Building a Culture of Care,” a one-day summit on strengthening parish-based care for mental and emotional health through the Church’s mission of accompaniment, compassion, and healing in Christ. The summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 20, in Cathedral Hall at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. RSVP to Sloane at sschneller@ccetn.org
The Knoxville St. Gianna Guild of the Catholic Medical Association invites health-care professionals to a Lenten retreat on “The Healer’s Heart: Charity, Truth, and Courage.” The retreat will be held at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. Father Bo Beaty will lead the retreat. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Confession will be available. RSVP by Thursday, March 19, to GailMarie Walter at gmkwalter@gmail. com
The Women of Faith Council of Catholic Women at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland will be hosting a Women’s Lenten Morning Reflection on Saturday, March 21, led by Deacon Jim Bello on the topic “Reclaiming Silence: Knowing the Still, Small Voice of God.” Mass will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the presentation in the family life center gym from 9 a.m. to noon. To register, e-mail karenagnello@gmail. com
Tennessee Right to Life will hold its annual Pro-Life Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 24, at the Cordell Hull State Office Building, 425 Fifth Ave. N. in Nashville. Those attending will meet at 9:30 a.m. Central Time at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, 401 Gay St. Pro-Life Day on the Hill offers an opportunity for citizens from across Tennessee to engage directly in the legislative process and affirm the importance of protecting human life through public policy. The gathering brings hundreds of pro-life Tennesseans together at the Capitol to demonstrate unity, civic engagement, and respectful advocacy. Tickets are $40. Register at tinyurl.com/mpbd7s7s For more information, contact Michelle Tassart at 615-298-5433 or michelle@ tnrtl.org
The 40th annual auction benefiting St. Mary School in Johnson City, with the theme “An Evening in Nashville,” will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. The event is the school’s biggest fundraiser. Parishioners and local businesses may donate auction items such as services and gift cards. Purchase tickets at dioknox. org/events/an-evening-in-nashville For more information, contact Bethany Buchanan at 815-342-7985 or Tanya Chavez Ezeadi at 423-220-6796 or tanya.chavez@stmarysjc.org. Dress code is “denim and diamonds.”
The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold its annual oratory and art contest for high-school students at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, in its office at 3214 Tazewell Pike, Suite 205, in Knoxville. Contestants must deliver a speech of 5 to 7 minutes or produce an original work of art on the topics of abortion, euthanasia, infanticide, or stem cell research. Registration deadline is Friday, April 10. Contest forms and rules may be found at prolifeknox.org. For more information, call the Knox County TRL chapter at 865-689-1339 or e-mail trlknox@prolifeknox.com
Young adults are invited to Theology on Tap at Bearden Beer Market, 4524 Old Kingston Pike in Knoxville, at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Father Bo Beaty will be speaking on living vocations faithfully. For more information, contact Mary Iverson at maryiver1@ gmail.com
The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a Spring Event: Peace, Unity & Love, a day of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal with guest speaker Lisa Tuggle and singer/songwriter Danielle Rose, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at St. Mary Church in Athens. The day will begin with a Mass of remembrance celebrated by Monsignor Al Humbrecht at 9 a.m., and a continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Real-time audio Spanish translation headset services will be available. View a flyer and details on hotel arrangements at dioknox. org/events/kdccw-spring-eventpeace-unity-and-love. The host hotel is the Comfort Inn, 2811 Decatur Pike in Athens. Reserve a room by Friday, April 10, by calling 423-225-6427 and mention “KDCCW.” Room rate for Friday and Saturday is $120 per night plus tax, with a maximum of four to a room. A hot breakfast bar is included. For more information, e-mail Brenda Ratcliff at brenda.ratcliff0506@gmail. com or Sue Granger at sgranger756@ hotmail.com
The eighth annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament will be held at Knoxville Catholic High School on Saturday, April 18. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center and ultrasound van. See a schedule of events, purchase tickets, and learn about advertising opportunities at www.knights cup.org
Regnum Christi-Knoxville invites men to a Friendship & Mission with Christ event, where they can “explore a path of spiritual growth, brotherhood, and apostolic purpose for those desiring more” in a three-part series at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut set for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, April 18, May 2, and May 9. The speaker will be Father Brian Hoelzen, LC. Friendship & Mission is designed to cultivate a living relationship with Jesus grounded in daily prayer; a mission-centered vision for life, work, and family; an ongoing personal formation toward mature Christian leadership; a one-on-one accompaniment that strengthens and challenges; and brotherhood—walking alongside men striving for holiness and mission. Men may come to one or all sessions. First-time guests are welcome at each event. View a flyer at dioknox.org/events/ friendship-and-mission-1. Register at forms.gle/d2qAd4aRWeoFCdM18
St. Mary School in Oak Ridge will hold its annual Gala of Lights from 6 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, in the school gym. The gala is the
Calendar continued on page B8
Exemplification ceremony elevates 34 men to Fourth Degree Knights
The Knights of Columbus Father Patrick Ryan Fourth Degree Assembly in Chattanooga on Feb. 21 conducted an Exemplification of Patriotism in which 34 men became Fourth Degree Knights. The Fourth Degree, the Knights’ highest degree, exists to foster the spirit of patriotism, enlightened by the Catholic faith. The exemplification was conducted by Ken Warren, Tennessee district master. The honoree was Father Michael Hendershott, and the host faithful navigator was Brandon Panganiban. From left are Mr. Warren; Joe Flaherty, vice supreme master of the Bienville Province of Fourth Degree Knights; Eric Pelton, Tennessee Knights State Deputy; Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga; Father Hendershott, pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge; and Victor Williams, former district master.
Julius Abuh,
Palm
of
COURTESY OF FATHER JULIUS ABUH
Preparing for Ash Wednesday
Father
pastor
St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville, burns palms from
Sunday last year on Feb. 17 in preparation for the parish’s Ash Wednesday Mass the next day.
COURTESY OF RALEIGH COOPER
COURTESY OF RALEIGH COOPER Knights at St. Jude honor family of the year
Gary Gabor (left), Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 8576 at St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga, recently presented the council’s family-of-theyear award to Raleigh and Alice Cooper. Also pictured is St. Jude pastor Father Charlie Burton.
Praying
for Perspective
by George Valadie
The magic of a candy jar and a listening ear
Sharing time with students might be the enduring legacy of Catholic schools
It’s a simple candy dish, but it’s like it has magical, magnetic powers. I don’t understand it … but I do love it.
In the interest of full disclosure— and please don’t tell her I’m giving her credit—it’s an idea I stole from my wife.
In what might be a somewhat unusual working relationship for some, Nancy was my administrative assistant during 20 of the 31 years I served as a Catholic school principal. We worked 15 feet apart and we were a good team.
Somewhere along the journey she came across a Fighting Irish-themed candy dish, and since we’re monster fans, she jumped on it. Stuck it on her desk there in the front office. Filled it with Hershey’s Miniatures. Broke it once and bought another.
And for years I watched it do its thing. All ages were welcome to come by and come by they did—before, during, and after school. Some needed a quick boost. Some needed the chat that came with it.
I’m not a school principal anymore, but I know a good thing when I see it.
Almost two years ago, while sitting on our back porch, I was notified the diocesan superintendent had accepted another position. It was late spring, too late for the Chancery to conduct the sort of search that usually follows such an announcement.
And my phone rang: “Any chance you might consider helping us out?” It’s hard to say no to any bishop, but especially when he’s one you admire as much as I do ours.
We did have to navigate the fact
Ithat our family resides in Chattanooga while the Chancery is housed in Knoxville. Nice guy or not, Nancy wasn’t moving anywhere.
We agreed to some split time, different for sure—but not unmanageable—especially given the interim basis of our agreement.
So, some days I’m in Knoxville; some days I’m not. The kitchen table works but isn’t always best-suited, so the folks at Notre Dame High School were kind enough to find me a spot where I could crash every now and again.
It’s a small corner of an office that has served multiple purposes and people through the years. When the school first opened in 1965, it was a photo darkroom for newspaper and yearbook staffs and whatever other shenanigans might happen with the lights out. When film developing died, so did that need.
All sorts of people have moved in since. Like me.
And because it sits at the intersection of three hallways, one of the first things I did was get a candy dish.
It’s more of a clear glass bowl really, not nearly as fancy as hers was, but it’s proven to be every bit as magical.
And—just as the scenes I saw unfold at her desk virtually every day—kids and teachers have dropped in out of nowhere. Mostly for the candy—but sometimes for an ear. Since it’s been a few years since I was here, I know very few of these kids and I’m pretty sure they don’t know me.
“What exactly do you do here?” is a not-uncommon question. I usually reply with, “I used to work here.”
Seems like the easier answer, since
they have no clue and don’t care what a superintendent does. But they do know a good piece of candy when they see one.
Some peek in from the door; some wander on in. “Would it be OK if I have a piece of your candy, please?”
“Absolutely! I’m Mr. Valadie, what’s your name? How’s school going?” or “How was your report card?” or “Good luck in the game tonight!”
Some grab one piece; some grab more. I’m not entirely sure what impact all that sugar is having down the hall, but I’m OK with it.
Every now and again teachers will drop in as well. “Can I please have a piece of your chocolate? I need it bad. Or I might kill someone.” And we take a moment to chat about their classes—and some of their kids who are probably hyped up on sugar.
I’ve been there. It’s what Nancy always said. She remains absolutely certain her candy jar saved more than a couple of young student lives.
And as you might guess, free candy brings in a few regular customers.
“Mr. Valadie, you gotta help me, I’m not doing that well in econ,” a young lady pleaded as she reached for some energy and pulled up a chair. “Can I hang out in here next period?”
“Absolutely not. But tell me, what’s the problem?”
“I bombed that last quiz bad.”
“Did you study?” (This was beginning to sound like our home back in the day.)
“Well, here’s the thing …” and I just laughed.
“OK, have you talked to the teacher?”
“I love that woman, I do, but she takes this stuff seriously.”
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon Bob Hunt
“I hope so, that’s why she got hired. Did you go to her tutoring sessions?”
“Well, here’s the thing …”
I was sensing a pattern.
I wish I could tell you how many of these casual sorts of chats happen in a given day across our Catholic schools. Some end in laughter; some are shared through tears. And they don’t always—in fact hardly ever— involve candy.
And not just in the random guy’s office on the three-way corner, but with teachers and counselors, priests and Sisters, cooks and janitors, security guards and secretaries. Each and every one offering their time and a listening ear whenever a student has need.
Kids will tell you anything—if they know you care.
If I have a favorite thing about Catholic schools—this might well be it. Everyone can find someone. And everyone can be that someone.
“Look, you probably need to go wherever you’re supposed to be and do some work. Have you figured out how you’re going to explain this?”
“Explain what?”
“How you’ll explain to your folks that you’re not going to graduate. You know this is a required class, right? Either that or go talk to your teacher.
“And here, you’re gonna need some more candy.”
Dear God—Please bless all of us in need. May we find a human ear—and never forget you have one, too. Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
Sin ‘is not the end of the story’ for us
The grace received in the sacrament of reconciliation is powerful and transformative
am a sinner. There’s no use beating around the bush. Yes, I am a Catholic. I am a Catholic husband, and a Catholic father, and a Catholic grandfather. I am even an ordained permanent Catholic deacon. All of that is true. Even still, I am a sinner. How is it that, after so many years, decades even, of dedicating myself to Christ and of trying to live faithfully the teachings of the Gospel, I still fall into sin and fall so easily and quickly?
It’s as if the devil knows exactly what buttons to push. “Let’s see what Deacon Bob is up to,” he seems to say. “I know exactly what temptations he’s most likely to succumb to. No use re-inventing the wheel. Those same standard temptations are just as effective as anything new I could devise. Plus, they’ve been so successful in the past. Let’s just put this old faithful temptation in front of him and … yep, there he goes! As good and reliable a sinner as I’ve ever known.”
One of my favorite Gospel passages is that of the woman caught in adultery. The group of men who had discovered her sin brought her to Jesus, accusing her of having broken the Law of Moses by sleeping with another woman’s husband. (Naturally, they didn’t bring the man to Jesus!). And she was guilty. Everyone knew she was. Jesus knew she was. They wanted Him to condemn her so they could get on with the stoning. But He didn’t condemn her. Instead, He reminded her accusers of their own sinfulness. I find it interesting that the Scriptures say they dropped their stones and walked away, “beginning with the elders.” Yes, the older we get, the more we
are aware of our imperfections, our disappointments, our sins. Knowing that none of them were without sin, the condition Jesus placed on their assuming the privilege to stone her, they walked away. When no one was left but Jesus and the woman, He asked her if anyone was there who had condemned her. She answered, “No one, sir.” “Neither do I condemn you.”
This Gospel pericope was so controversial because of Jesus’ radical forgiveness that there was debate in the early Church over whether it should be kept in the text of John’s Gospel. The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, wisely discerned that it belonged, that it was, indeed, the inspired Word of God. But Jesus’ mercy is not the end of the story. After refusing to condemn her, He told her, and this is important, “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” He didn’t condemn her, but neither did he leave her off the hook. She was responsible for her sin. Her sin was forgiven. Then came the hard part: sinning no more.
Fear is at the root of a great deal of sin, I think. Gluttony is rooted in the fear of starving, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Pride is rooted in the fear of not being respected. Lust is rooted in the fear of not being loved. Avarice is rooted in the fear of not having enough, of genuine poverty, again either physical, emotional, or spiritual. Sloth is rooted in the fear of being given responsibilities or expectations we think are beyond our capacity, and then failing. Anger is rooted in the fear of not being taken seriously. And envy is rooted in the fear of not measuring up. All these sins, finally,
are rooted in the fear that God will not come through for us, that He is not to be trusted, that He will not keep His promises. It is lack of faith, pure and simple.
Isn’t that what the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with in the garden; the idea that God was a liar, that He was selfishly keeping divinity for Himself, and that He would not come through for Adam and Eve in His promise to provide for them? So, they took matters into their own hands. And when they did so, they paid dearly for it. God surely keeps His promises. He also keeps His word: “when you eat from it, you shall die” (Genesis 2:17), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
Death as a consequence of sin is, I think, less a punishment and more the natural consequences of not trusting in God. God, after all, created us and sustains us (Colossians 1:16-17). If we reject our Creator and Sustainer, how could we hope to live? Hope for God’s forgiveness and eternal life is based on trust that God will keep His promises. Experience has proven to me that He does exactly that.
Happily, sin is not the end of the story. Just as the woman caught in adultery could have been stoned to death, she also could have been left in her sin by Jesus. Yes, Jesus protected her from being condemned by the crowd of men, but He could have turned to her and told her that she was to be punished by God, struck down in her sin. Jesus, who challenged the one who was without sin to cast the first stone, could have stoned her Himself, since He was without sin.
But the mission of Jesus, and of His Church, is not to remind us how our sins keep us from God. Ultimately, His mission is reconciliation with the Father. To accomplish that, He took on sin when He hung on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, sin died on the cross. The cross is the altar of “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” He gave the power to forgive sins to the Apostles of His Church. The successors of the Apostles, namely, our bishops, share that power with their priests, so that even more people can be reached by the merciful hand of the Father.
The grace received in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is powerful and transformative. We confess our sins because we are genuinely sorry for having committed them. I know it sounds cheesy, but God has given each of us so much; why do we then turn from Him like ungrateful children? The possibility of being forgiven is a gift, which is to say it is a grace, which is to say it is what the sacrament of reconciliation is all about: to receive the free gift/ grace of God’s mercy. But to do that, it is necessary to go to a priest, who represents Jesus—alter Christus—and the Church and speak our sins to Jesus. And Jesus, knowing every detail of the good and the evil we have committed, gives us His absolution, His forgiveness, and we start anew. What better way is there to prepare for Easter? Go to confession this Lent. Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.
Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father
Randy Stice
The large role Scripture plays in Mass
The liturgy—including prayers, songs, and kneeling— is ‘totally permeated by the Word of God’
If you attend Mass regularly, you probably know more Scripture than you realize. In addition to the readings in the Liturgy of the Word, much of the Mass is drawn from Scripture: “the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the Scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning.”1 In this column, I want to share examples of these elements of the Mass that “are scriptural in their inspiration and their force” and of signs and actions that are taken from Scripture.
Mass begins “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” which comes from Jesus’ command to the Apostles in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Trinity. The options for the greeting that follows are all from Scripture: “The Lord be with you” is from Ruth 2:4; “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit” is from 2 Corinthians 13:13 (v. 14 in some translations); and “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” is found in several of St. Paul’s letters, including Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, and Ephesians 1:2.
Many of the collects (the opening prayer) include or are interwoven with passages from Scripture. One collect for Lent refers to the “riches hidden in Christ” from the description in Colossians 2:3 of Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” An-
other asks for us “while still on earth to be partakers of the things of heaven,” an allusion to 2 Peter 1:4 that we may “become partakers of the divine nature.” An Easter collect refers to “Christ our High Priest, interceding on our behalf,” combining Hebrews 2:17, Jesus, “a merciful and faithful high priest,” and 7:25, who “lives forever to make intercession.”
A collect for Ordinary Time addresses “God, who has prepared for those who love you good things which no eye has seen” from 1 Corinthians 2:9, quoting Isaiah 64:3: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Another collect addresses “God of might, giver of every good gift” from James 1:17: “Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
The eucharistic prayers are also interwoven with Scripture. Perhaps the most familiar, Eucharistic Prayer II, asks the Holy Spirit to come upon the bread and wine “like the dewfall,” an allusion to the appearance of manna in Exodus 16:13-14: “when a layer of dew all about the camp…evaporated, fine flakes were on the surface of the wilderness.”
Following the consecration, we offer to God “the bread of life,” from Jesus’ statement in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life,” and “the chalice of salvation,” from Psalm 116:13: “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” The petition to bring the Church “to the fullness of charity” is from 1 John
4:18: “perfect in love”; and the petition to “welcome [the dead] into the light of your face” is from Psalm 89:16: “Blessed the people…who walk in the radiance of your face, Lord.”
Texts that are said or sung at every Mass are also drawn from Scripture. The Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus) combines two passages. The beginning is from Isaiah 6:3, the song of the seraphim: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory,” and the “Blessed is he who comes…” is from Matthew 21:9, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, quoting Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” The Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) is from John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
At several points during the Mass, we are quoting biblical figures. When we say the “I confess” (confiteor) and confess “I have greatly sinned,” we are quoting King David after he had carried out a census in 1 Chronicles 21:8, sinning by trusting more in his military strength than in the Lord. John 1:29 appears again when the priest shows the host and chalice and says, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world,” quoting John the Baptist pointing out Jesus to his disciples. And when we say, “Lord, I am not worthy,” we are quoting the Roman centurion’s plea in Luke 7:6-7 for Jesus to heal his servant.
The postures and gestures of the Mass are also derived from sacred
Holy Trinity celebrates first Communion
Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City celebrated first Holy Communion on Feb. 8. Nine youth received the sacrament that day, and seven are pictured with pastor Father Jim Harvey. Father Harvey presided at the Mass, assisted by Holy Trinity Deacon Matt Pidgeon.
Daily readings
Sunday, March 15: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13; Psalm 23:1-6; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
Monday, March 16: Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; John 4:43-54
Tuesday, March 17: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; John 5:1-16
Wednesday, March 18: Isaiah 49:815; Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18; John
5:17-30
Thursday, March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24
Friday, March 20: Wisdom 2:1, 1222; Psalm 34:17-21, 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Saturday, March 21: Jeremiah 11:1820; Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12; John 7:40-53
Sunday, March 22: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130:1-8; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45
Monday, March 23: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23:1-6; John 8:1-11
Tuesday, March 24: Numbers 21:49; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21; John 8:21-30
Wednesday, March 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Isaiah 7:10-14 and 8:10; Psalm 40:7-11; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38
Thursday, March 26: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-9; John 8:51-59
Friday, March 27: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-7; John 10:31-42
Saturday, March 28: Ezekiel 37:2128; Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11:45-56
Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, at the procession with palms—Gospel, Matthew 21:111; readings at the Mass, Isaiah 50:47; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Philippians 2:6-11; Matthew 26:14–27:66 Monday, March 30: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11 Tuesday, March 31: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; John 13:21-33,
Scripture. Kneeling, a sign of worship, is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 6:13, Ezra 9:5, and Psalm 22:30. The imposition of hands as a sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is found in Acts 8:17-19; 13:3, and 19:6. The priest proclaims the prayers of the Mass with his arms extended, a gesture found in the Old Testament (Exodus 9:29; Psalms 28:2, 63:5, and 134:2; and Isaiah 1:15) and taken over by Christians in memory of the Lord’s passion, as described by Tertullian, “Not only do we raise our hands, but also hold them outstretched, so that by imitating the Lord in His passion, we bear witness to Him as we pray.”2
The liturgy, said St. John Paul II, is “totally permeated by the Word of God.”3 In the prayers, we hear words of sacred Scripture and sing the song of the seraphim. At every Mass, we repeat the words of John the Baptist, pray the prayer of the Roman centurion, and confess our sins with King David. We kneel like King Solomon and Ezra and listen to the priest as he imposes his hands and invokes the Holy Spirit and, like John the Baptist, shows the people Jesus, the Lamb of God. Our participation in the Mass imbues our lives with the power and meaning of sacred Scripture. ■
1 Sacrosanctum Concilium, 24
2 Ceremonial of Bishops, 104 3 Vicesimus Quintus Annus, 10
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@ dioknox.org.
Chesterton students hold rosary rally at Planned Parenthood In place of their going to the National March for Life in January, a trip canceled out of an abundance of caution because of the weekend’s weather forecast, students at the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow in Knoxville instead participated in a rosary rally at Planned Parenthood on Jan. 22. The school’s motto is “cultura vitae—a culture of life.” Father Alex Hernandez, seen in the bottom photo, led the rally.
Wednesday, April 1: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Matthew 26:14-25
Holy Thursday, April 2: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, April 3: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16 and 5:7-9; John 18:1–19:42
Holy Saturday, April 4: Easter Vigil, Genesis 1:1–2:2; Psalm 104:12, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35; Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Exodus 14:15–15:1; Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18; Isaiah 54:5-14; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12:2-6; Baruch 3:9-15 and 3:32–4:4; Psalm 19:8-11; Ezekiel 36:16-28; (when baptism is celebrated) Psalms 42:3, 5 and 43:3-4 or (when baptism is not celebrated)
Isaiah 12:2-6 or Psalm 51:12-15, 1819; Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Matthew 28:1-10 Easter Sunday, April 5: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Monday, April 6: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15 Tuesday, April 7: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; John 20:11-18
Wednesday, April 8: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Luke 24:13-35 Thursday, April 9: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Luke 24:35-48 Friday, April 10: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14 Saturday, April 11: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 Monday, April 13: Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-9; John 3:1-8
Tuesday, April 14: Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; John 3:7-15 ■
COURTESY OF ANDREA JARNAGIN
COURTESY OF PRISCILLA MCKINNEY (2)
that is remarkably well-constructed,” he said.
The bishop referred to the Gospel reading from Matthew 5, where Jesus tells His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
“I’ve discovered in life that when I practice that law in my day-to-day activities, I do experience joy and peace and gratitude—closeness to God,” Bishop Beckman said. “When I don’t, I create a barrier between God and myself. When I stop loving, no matter who it is, I inflict harm upon my own soul, more so even perhaps than the one I am holding that darkness toward.
“All of this is wrapped up in the words at the end (of the Gospel reading): ‘you must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ Perhaps the word ‘perfected’—you must be perfected because we’re all in this process of getting back on the road, aren’t we? We all know what the ditch is like in human life, so we pray today, ‘God, help us to live the law that you have implanted and inscribed in our hearts,’ which is the law of love because God is love.”
Deacon Landa led the intercessory prayers, stating that the Mass intention was for the men attending the conference.
Mr. Musser spoke at the end of Mass and led a round of applause for Father Cummins for his support of the conference. A reception concluded the event after Mass.
Breakout sessions at the conference were led by Mr. Hemler on “the science and significance of eucharistic miracles—what are they and how does mother Church verify true miracles with science”; Deacon Landa on “Holy Spirit not holy leftovers—why honoring and worshiping the Holy Spirit is not only
Calendar continued from page B5
school’s signature fundraising event. The formal, sit-down affair features a curated silent and live auction, a program, and music and dancing. This yea,r the gala will be honoring Father Michael Woods, who served at St. Mary Parish from 1994 to 2006, the last 10 years as pastor. Father Woods will celebrate his 60th anniversary in the priesthood on June 19. Learn more about the event and Father Woods by clicking on the link at dioknox.org/events/gala-of-lights. For information on sponsorship, donations, or event tickets, contact the school advancement office at advancement@ stmarysoakridge.org or 865-482-2875, extension 3138.
A Bayou Bash, celebrating “The Little Cajun Saint,” Servant of God Charlene Richard, will be held in the pavilion at Holy Spirit Church in SoddyDaisy at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The event will offer Louisiana food, yard games, and a talk on Charlene Richard. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the parish food pantry. Register at dioknox.org/events/ bayou-bash
The Council of Catholic Women at Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy will hold a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, with proceeds benefiting the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich.
The Diocese of Knoxville Care of
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mini-retreats on Saturdays based on series by Dr. Brant Pitre, facilitated by parishioner Tyonia Burns. The final one is on March 28 on the topic “Jewish Roots of Holy Week.” A Bible study on Dr. Pitre’s Sin and Salvation, focusing on the Book of Romans, will begin on Saturday, April 18, in the Marian room and continue on third Saturdays after morning Mass.
The parish confirmation retreat was held March 6-7. Bishop Mark Beckman will confirm the students on Saturday, March 21.
Anniversaries: Mike and Linda Jones (62), Ernest and Gigi Hampton (58) St. Mary, Johnson City
Judges with science knowledge are needed for the annual St. Mary School
important but necessary”; Jonathan Cardinal on “What now? How to continue fellowship after one has accepted Christ”; Paul Simoneau, director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, on “demonology—how and why demons manifest and influence our secular world”; and Jimmy Dee on “formal vs. informal prayers—which situations call for either type and helpful hints to further your prayer life.”
A second session of breakouts featured Father Orr on “the importance of fasting”; Father Cummins on “the call of the wild—getting closer to God through the beauty of His creation”; Father Lawrence on “presenting the Mass through the early Church fathers (walking from Apostolic times up to the time of Justin Martyr)”; Mr. Cardinal on “Mariology 101—why Mary is so venerated in our Catholic tradition with a focus on Scripture”; and Mr. Hemler on “why would a loving God allow evil, pain, and suffering?”
Mr. Musser said at the reception that the conference “has developed a team, a very, very good team, who have helped expand our reach, our knowledge, and our skill out there in the countryside. A lot of people have taken notice of that. It’s a delight to have the bishop here. We’re thankful for that. We’ve had men from more parishes than ever before and in great numbers from each of those parishes. Every year our numbers have increased.”
Mr. Musser said some 15-18 parishes were represented at this year’s conference, and he thanked priests and diocesan offices for their support.
Mark Pendley of the Knights council at St. Dominic served on the conference committee team for the fourth year.
“I love it. We’ve gone above and beyond this year. We’re grateful for
Creation Commission invites all parishioners to a special Laudato Si’ event on Wednesday, May 27, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Presentations on ecological spirituality and creation care will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman at 6. Refreshments will be provided.
Knoxville Catholic High School is again hosting its annual Camp Irish summer camps. In May, June, and July, the school will host camps for girls basketball, boys basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, dance, math, cheerleading, football, and softball. Two allsports camps are planned, as well as a junior theater camp and an Irish Arts Theatre Workshop. For individual camp dates and other information, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/camp-irish or e-mail camps@knoxvillecatholic.com
Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga’s annual summer camps will be held in May and June. They include camps for volleyball, girls and boys basketball, wrestling, theater, cheerleading and dance, boys and girls soccer, golf, and STEM. For costs and dates, visit www.myndhs.com/ athletics/summercamps
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual
Science Fair, set for 12:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Friday, March 27, in the school gym. Those interested should e-mail Teresa Bumgarner at teresa.bumgarner@st marysjc.org
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
The Knights of Columbus fish fries continue on Fridays, March 20 and 27. Costs are $14 per person or $45 per family.
A Haiti Super Bowl event raised $2,420, all of which will go to support IC’s sister parish of St. Francis Xavier in Fonddes-Blancs, Haiti. IC thanked Kevin and Susan Wyatt for managing the effort.
Parish young adults attended a brunch at Barley’s on Jackson Avenue follow-
Bishop Beckman being here and all the speakers seem to be very wellreceived this year,” he said.
Attendance at the conference “has ticked up each year, but this year it shot up dramatically, so we’re really pleased to see that,” Mr. Pendley added. “Having the bishop here is a huge draw, but also we paid attention to what feedback was from prior conferences, what the men were wanting to hear and see, and which speakers (they wanted to have)—we invited some back this year.”
Father Orr spoke to the full group of men on “the seven penitential psalms and the examination of conscience during Lent as part of everybody’s ‘Weathering the Storm,’” he said. “I went through the Ten Commandments as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, briefly.”
Father Orr was one of those returning speakers at the Appalachian Highlands Men’s Conference.
“There are guys here from West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky—they’re coming from all over so they can grow in their faith and have fellowship and be challenged,” he said.
David Austin, financial secretary of Knights Council 6992, is the treasurer for the men’s conference, which he says is an interdenominational event.
“We are here for Christian men of the East Tennessee and southwest Virginia area. This is our fifth year, and fortunately this year we had 157 men come to the conference. We had people from as far away as Pennsylvania, and we had at least a dozen from Knoxville. We had people from Chattanooga, Rogersville, and Greeneville, and Morristown was represented here,” he said. “It’s grown every year, and at the end we always say, ‘If you enjoyed yourself, bring somebody with you next year.’ We’ll be very friendly.”
healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561315-5911 if you have any questions.
Catholic in Recovery is a 12-step recovery ministry that holds meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport and each Sunday at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church in Knoxville. CIR provides hope and healing from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction are also encouraged to attend. Meetings combine the spiritual principles of 12-step recovery and the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Join others in recovery as the meetings overlap Scripture from Sunday Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. The St. Dominic gatherings are hybrid meetings, in person in the St. Thomas Aquinas Room of the parish life center or online at tinyurl.com/cir-zoom-tricitiestn. For more information, visit www. catholicinrecovery.com. For more details on the meetings at St. Dominic, contact Jena at cir.tricities.tn@gmail. com or call Oscar at 423-213-2434. For the meetings at All Saints, call Martin Ohmes at 865-438-4905 or e-mail CIR AllSaintsKnoxville@gmail.com
Father Arthur Torres and Father
ing the 10 a.m. Mass on March 15.
The Roane Choral Society’s full chorus performed at IC on March 8, and the Knoxville Catholic High School Singers gave a farewell concert at IC on March 1 before the group’s pilgrimage to Italy.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville
Knights of Columbus Council 5207 is holding its annual Lenten fish fries in the school cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays through March 27. Costs are $10 per person, $30 for families (dine-in only), and $10 per person for take-out.
The next Movie Night with a Priest is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, in Cathedral Hall, featuring the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and over only. The event is free; RSVP at
Mr. Pelton, the State Deputy, attended the conference for the first time.
“The Knights of Columbus have organized a fantastic conference. I was just proud to be able to come up here and spend the time with them today,” he said. “This was very wellorganized and well-attended and very well-executed. They’ve got a lot of participation.”
One of the men attending the conference—for the second time—was Stephen Wang of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City.
“I thought it was really well put together. It was beautiful the way the Church in Virginia, Tennessee, and the Highlands really came together,” he said.
Mr. Wang said “it’s always great to have the bishop join us and lead us in prayer,” before adding that “there were a few good breakout speakers like Deacon Vic, and Father Orr spoke very well. I thought they were very knowledgeable and were faithful men who could lead well through their talks.”
Jared Yates attends Sunday Mass at St. Mary in Johnson City, even though he travels from Beckley, W.Va., some 2 1/2 hours away.
“This is my first time” at the conference,” he said. “I was invited by Stephen. It was excellent. It was very well-organized. I attended two of the breakout sessions, one on prayer and one on the organization of the Mass. I thought they were both excellent.”
Mr. Yates said the event “was definitely full” with its high attendance. “The atmosphere was like a very good community.”
Having Bishop Beckman present “was excellent. I didn’t know he would be here. It was good to be able to talk to him. I think he’s a very good bishop, which is shown by him being here with his people at the conference.” ■
Miguel Vélez are serving as spiritual directors on a Guadalupe: In the Heart of Mexico pilgrimage to the nation’s sacred shrines May 25-31. Places visited will include Mexico City, Tulpetlac, Teotihuacan, Puebla, Coyoacán, and Xochimilco. Cost is $2,949 based on double occupancy and includes round-trip airfare, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, land transportation, firstclass hotels, daily Mass, breakfast and dinner, and a medical protection plan. The trip will depart from Atlanta. To see a daily itinerary and more details, or to register and purchase travel insurance, visit trip.nativitypilgrimage.com/torres-mex-2026. For more information, call 844-400-9559 or 832-406-7050, or e-mail info@nativitypilgrimage.com
Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Shrines of Mexico Sept. 22-Oct. 1. The group will visit the Santuario de San Toribio Romo, built in honor of the Mexican martyrs of the 1920s; Cristo Rey, the second largest statue of Christ in the world; and the church of Santa Cruz de Los Milagros, where St. Junipero Serra stayed before his journey to begin the Franciscan Missions, which the group will visit before going on to Mexico City. There the pilgrims will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Tepeyac Hill, where Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego; and many other holy and sacred sites. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com n
moviewithapriest.org. The fish fry that evening costs $10, or attendees may bring their own food.
St. John XXIII, Knoxville
The parish recently thanked Madeleine Hassil, who has guided the linen ministry for more than 25 years. The ministry needs volunteers to wash and iron purificators and altar cloths; to help, call Pat Murphy at 865-548-6583.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The remaining Lenten Friday meals feature an Italian theme on March 20, with the Women’s Group serving, and a Hispanic celebration on March 27. Meals begin at 5 p.m., and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. Proceeds benefit the family life center fund. n
Catholic schools
KCHS boys, NDHS girls basketball reach final four
Knoxville Catholic loses in four-overtime thriller while Notre Dame makes semifinals for first time ever
By Dan McWilliams
The boys basketball team at Knoxville Catholic High School and the girls basketball squad at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga made statetournament history in different ways this month.
The KCHS boys advanced to the state tourney for the first time since 2022 before falling 75-72 in a fourovertime heartbreaker on March 5 in the Division II-AA semifinals against eventual state champion Briarcrest Christian.
The Notre Dame Lady Irish made the state tourney for the first time in program history, losing to University School of Jackson 61-44 on March 6 in the II-A semifinals.
The Division II tourney semifinals and finals were played at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville.
Marathon match
Knoxville Catholic and Briarcrest set a Division II state-tourney record with their four-overtime battle. The overall record for overtimes in a state-tourney game is six, when Knoxville East defeated Hampton in 1962.
Cade Murphy of KCHS (24-7), a
Mr. Basketball finalist and Eastern Kentucky signee, led the Fighting Irish against Briarcrest with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six
assists. He was the only Knoxville Catholic starter not to foul out in the game. Teammates Travis Martin added 18 points and Malachi Brown 10.
Joshua Huggins led the Saints (31-3) with 32 points, going 18-for20 at the free-throw line as Briarcrest went to the stripe 40 times in the contest. Fred Smith, the Mr. Basketball winner for II-AA, scored 21 for the victors, whose three losses included one to the Irish in a regular-season game.
Knoxville Catholic trailed the Saints 15-8 after the first quarter. The Irish fell behind by eight on three occasions in the second period before Briarcrest entered halftime with a 27-21 lead.
KCHS was down by nine soon after the break but cut the deficit to as little as a single point. Jovis Erwan made a layup with 2 seconds left in the third quarter to bring the Irish to within 38-35 going into the fourth.
A dunk by Malachi gave Knoxville Catholic its first lead of the game at 41-40 with 6:30 remaining in regulation. The Irish led 50-46 when Landon Lee made a foul shot with 1:38 to play. Fred tied the game at 51-51 by sinking two free throws with 11 seconds on the clock to send the game into overtime.
Brady Renfree put KCHS ahead 57-55 on a 3-pointer with 2:04 left in the extra session, but Joshua made
COURTESY OF CHESTERTON ACADEMY (2)
Chesterton students visit state legislators in Nashville Eighteen students from the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow in Knoxville visited Nashville on Feb. 3 and met with several local legislators. Will Brewer, a Knoxville attorney who is legislative liaison and legal counsel for Tennessee Right to Life, met with Chesterton students to speak about current pro-life issues in the state. The students asked all of the legislators they met what bills they were working on and what they were passionate about. The school thanked Danika Begley of Americans for Prosperity, which sponsored the trip. In the top photo, Chesterton students meet with state Rep. Ryan Williams of Cookeville.
From left, with the school’s director of student and community support, Misty Weber, are students Jenna Witkemper, Cameryn Lawson, Felicity Weber, Clare Freeze, and Sarah Kos. In the bottom photo, the students pose with Chesterton assistant headmaster Jared Kimutis at left, next to headmaster Zach Summers.
a layup with 45 seconds to go and the first OT ended at 57-all.
The second overtime was a back-and-forth affair with the Irish behind 64-62 in the final moments.
Cade missed a 3-pointer, but Warren Brown rebounded the shot and made a layup as time expired to tie the game at 64-64.
Each team scored only four points in the third OT. Cade nailed a 3-pointer with 2:12 showing for a 67-66 KCHS lead. He made the second of two free throws with 1:04 remaining before Fred scored on a layup with 25 seconds on the clock to send the game into a fourth extra frame knotted at 68.
Cade made two free throws in the final OT to bring the Irish to within 72-70, and teammate Finn Kerschbaum tied the game at 72-all with a tip-in at the 51-second mark. Joshua sank two free throws with 29 seconds remaining for the go-ahead points and Fred made one foul shot with 3 seconds left for the final margin.
Briarcrest would go on to defeat Pope St. John Paul II 62-52 for the state title two days later.
Knoxville Catholic head coach Travis Mains was proud of his team after the loss.
“These boys came together amazingly with five transfers from three
different states. We had a great year playing against the best competition we could,” he said. “Four of our losses were to nationally ranked Knox Webb (three) and nationally ranked Bartlett.”
Malachi is a Michigan signee and one of three seniors on the squad.
“These kids sacrificed for each other and had success because of how much they cared about one another. We definitely had some ups and downs, but overall every day was a lot of fun,” Mr. Mains said.
“Very talented group and figuring our chemistry was really pretty easy due to the leadership of our seniors: Malachi Brown, Cade Murphy, and Luke Mishu. They made sure the pieces fit with their teamfirst attitudes and just being really good people.”
Mr. Mains saluted his wife, Missy, who served as an assistant coach for the Irish boys team.
“I was very fortunate to have a new staff along with my wife that really helped cultivate an environment of serving the young men and all their needs. We were one play away from playing for a state championship this year and have a good group returning that hopefully can take the experiences and
Layup attempt Senior Cade Murphy of Knoxville Catholic, a Mr. Basketball finalist in Division II-AA, puts up a shot in the state-tournament semifinals against Briarcrest’s Parker Pounds. Looking on are the Saints’ Joshua Higgins (left) and Fred Smith, who won the Mr. Basketball Award.
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Airborne shooter Sophomore MiMi Lee elevates to try a shot against University School of Jackson defenders Lilly Teague (5) and Haylen Ayers (20) in the state semifinals. Emma Wright of the Lady Bruins is seen at left.
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KCHS senior receives Eagle Scout award Knoxville Catholic High School senior Alvaro Pint of Troop 146 recently received his Eagle Scout award, the highest honor in Scouting. For his Eagle project, Alvaro helped refurbish and do a face-lift on a low-ropes course at Maryville College. The work benefited other Scout troops, local school systems, sports teams, and professional groups that come to the course for leadership and team building.
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Catholic schools
return with a burning to try to take a step further,” said the Irish head coach.
The Mr. Basketball awards were presented March 10 in Murfreesboro, and Cade was among the three finalists.
“Cade Murphy set a standard for our program with his work ethic and how to treat others. Amazingly talented high-IQ player who always showed up ready to work and lead both vocally and with his effort,” Mr. Mains said. “Cade is going to be a standout at EKU next fall and was recognized for all his hard work at the Mr. Basketball presentations.”
A school first Notre Dame’s girls basketball program had never advanced to the final eight, much less the state semifinals, until this season.
The Lady Irish walloped Trinity Christian 80-54 on their Phifer Gymnasium home court at NDHS in the quarterfinals on Feb. 27 to move on to the state semis.
That followed an epic 87-85 tripleovertime win over Christian Academy of Knoxville in the region tournament semifinals at Notre Dame on Feb. 20. The Lady Irish trailed in that game by 22 points in the second quarter. Sophomore MiMi Lee scored 37 points to lead Notre Dame, and Erin Spurgeon—the only Lady Irish starter who had not fouled out—hit the game-winning shot with 2.5 seconds left in the third overtime.
The Lady Irish made the state semis despite a 56-47 loss to The King’s Academy at Phifer Gym in the region final on Feb. 21.
Against USJ in the state tourney, Notre Dame took its only lead of the game at 5-3 early in the first quarter on a layup by Javeah Myricks. The Lady Bruins, who finished 25-6 after a 60-49 loss to Providence Christian in the state-championship game, led the Lady Irish 21-14, 28-23, and 4333 at the quarter breaks.
MiMi made a three-point play to pull Notre Dame to within 28-26 early in the third quarter, but USJ stretched its lead to the final margin of 17, its biggest advantage of the game. MiMi poured in 26 points to lead the Lady Irish, whose final record was 26-8.
Haylen Ayers scored a game-high 31 for the Lady Bruins.
“We have finished 10-0 in our district the past two seasons, winning back-to-back district championships. The farthest we have ever been was an opening-round state game in the round of 12,” Notre Dame head coach Jason Hill said. “Making it to the final four this year was the first time in school history. We graduate one starter (Callie McCormick), so our program is young and motivated to make another deep run next year.”
The Lady Irish used a word containing their school’s initials as motivation.
“The girls started a motto this past summer called the ‘staNDard’ with the ‘ND’ capitalized to signify their dedication to how they will approach everything within our program on and off the court,” Mr. Hill said.
“They raised the bar extremely high for their expectations in the classroom, in our program, and in the community. The greater Notre Dame community, the fans, the alumni, have just been extremely supportive of our girls the past few years, and
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Annual ‘Off to the Races’ Derby Auction raises $125,000 for St. John Neumann School The annual “Off to the Races” Derby Auction benefiting St. John Neumann School in Farragut was held Feb. 28 in the school gym. The Mardi Gras–themed event raised $125,000 that will help fund two projects related to the Claude and Lydia Melli Building, a middle-school expansion scheduled to open in October that will provide space for students as well as parish ministries. The projects are the expansion of the cul-de-sac outside the building to accommodate pick-up and drop-off, and construction of a 1,400-square-foot covered patio.
Final-four teams The Knoxville Catholic High School boys basketball team reached the state semifinals before bowing out in a four-overtime loss, and the Notre Dame High School girls team reached the state’s final four for the first time in school history.
we are so proud to place the Lady Irish in the discussions as one of the best programs in the state.”
Mr. Hill serves two Catholic sports programs.
“I have been the athletic director and PE teacher at St. Jude School in Chattanooga since 2002 and have been the head coach at Notre Dame since 2015. They are both dear to my heart, and I am extremely blessed to be a part of both schools and some of the greatest kids in the world,” he said. “George Valadie hired me in 2015, and I credit him for his mentorship and being the best role model throughout my career at Notre Dame.” ■
Catholic Dads awards School Support
The Catholic Dads board of directors recently presented a $750 check as the first of the organization’s new School Support Grants to the leadership of Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville.
The grant program, which launched in January, allocates resources for schools in the Diocese of Knoxville to assist with specific needs or projects that align with Catholic values and positively impact the school community.
“As our Catholic school communities grow here in East Tennessee, we recognize that budgets can be stretched. These awards are our way of helping ensure our schools have the resources they need to thrive academically, spiritually, and physically,” said Tom Basile,
representing the Catholic Dads board of directors.
All school principals have been notified of the availability of the funds and provided with the link to the online application.
“We are deeply grateful to Catholic Dads for their generous donation to our school community,” said Sacred Heart principal Valerie Hanks. “This gift will be used to purchase new Mary statues for our teachers’ classrooms, helping to keep Our Blessed Mother at the heart of daily prayer and instruction. In addition, the donation will support our Virtues of the Month initiative, reinforcing the formation of faith, character, and discipleship in our students. We thank Catholic Dads for partnering with us in
Grant of $750
nurturing both the spiritual lives of our teachers and the virtue-filled growth of our students.”
Catholic Dads is a nonprofit public charity that encourages stronger fellowship among Catholic fathers, as they play an integral role in the faith formation of their children, their families, and their nation.
“Catholic Dads was created to ensure our fathers are supported and our schools continue to flourish in their work to prepare the next generation of the faithful. This grant is the first of what we hope will be many that we will provide to aid our school communities. We thank all our dads and the businesses who have contributed to help make this program a reality. We look forward to seeing the new
statues and following the success of Sacred Heart’s Virtues of the Month program,” Mr. Basile said. ■
JENNY MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
State tournament continued from page B9
‘Deeply grateful’ Pictured with the Catholic Dads check are (from left) Seth Sinclair, David Scharer, Sacred Heart assistant principal Mark Amrein, principal Valerie Hanks, Tom Basile, and assistant principal Kendall Doogan.
