An annual multilingual rosary unites the faithful to pray for migrants and refugees
By Emily Booker
It was an evening of sacred prayer, inspiring song, and joyful celebration as faithful Catholics, representing dozens of cultures and backgrounds, gathered to pray for migrants and refugees at the fourth annual multilingual rosary.
The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry hosted the rosary event at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville on Oct. 3, preceding the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Oct. 5.
The annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees emphasizes the positive contributions and inherent hope of migrants and refugees. Before he passed away, Pope Francis chose “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope” as this year’s theme.
The Diocese of Knoxville multilingual rosary celebrates the diverse backgrounds of the diocese and offers prayers for those uprooted from their homes.
“This is a rosary that gathers everyone, in particular, the immigrant individuals and families present in our diocese, in this case, the ones in the Knoxville area, to pray together as brothers and sisters to commemorate National Migration Week that ends with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, and this year, also, with the Jubilee of Migrants,” said Blanca Primm, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Bishop Mark Beckman welcomed the participants, with Deacon Fredy Vargas translating the bishop’s
words into Spanish.
“Good evening. It is good to welcome you to our cathedral church tonight. The many voices of God’s people will be represented here tonight, as at Pentecost. All the languages of humanity are beautiful to God, and so are you.”
Each section of the rosary, such as the Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, and Hail Mary, was prayed in different languages. Nearly 20 languages were represented, including Akateko, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Kinyarwanda, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, Tamil, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
“It was beautiful to hear prayers in languages that are not familiar to us and to know that somewhere close and far, there are people and communities that pray the same prayers we do,” Mrs. Primm said.
After each decade, a song was performed from a different culture. A Korean choir sang a song expressing the words of a Korean martyr, while a Swahili choir sang two Marian tunes, “We Thank You Mom Maria” and “Mother Mary.”
A Spanish choir sang about Christ’s love for His people and His creation in “Donde Nace la Flor.” A bilingual choir sang the last song, “We Are the Body of Christ,” in both English and Spanish and encouraged the faithful to sing along.
At the end of the rosary, the Salve Regina was prayed in Latin.
After the conclusion of the rosary, there was a special prayer for Rosary continued on page B2
Our Lady of Fatima Parish celebrating 75th anniversary
The East Tennessee Catholic
Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa will cap a yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Bishop Mark Beckman will preside at a bilingual Mass at 5 p.m., with pastor Father Peter Iorio and priests of the diocese concelebrating. A music prelude will begin at 4:30, and the Mass will be followed by a dinner and program at 6:30 at the Hilton Knoxville Airport hotel in Alcoa. The dinner will feature
live entertainment and recognition of those who have been instrumental in the parish’s growth and service.
In honor of Pope Francis designating 2025 as a Year of Jubilee and a time for Catholics to renew themselves as “pilgrims of hope,” Our Lady of Fatima is calling its celebration through the year a pilgrimage. Another anniversary kicked off the milestone year on March 11 as Our Lady of Fatima marked 25 years in its current church building. A
Anniversary continued on page B3
She writes to Pope Leo XIV—and receives a reply
Notre Dame High School senior Selena Mullinax’s ‘surprise’ leads to a gift blessed by the Holy Father
By Bee Goodman
Many have written fan mail to celebrities and imagined getting a reply. In 2017, an 11-year-old kid was granted his wish to mow the White House lawn after sending a request to President Trump. Now, high school senior Selena Mullinax of Chattanooga has received a special blessing from the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV.
Selena is an 18-year-old senior at Notre Dame High School and is a parishioner of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. In September, she wrote a letter to Pope Leo but wasn’t sure if she’d receive a reply. The letter passed through diocesan levels to the papal nuncio, the American representative of the Vatican, in Washington, D.C., and to her surprise, Selena received an envelope from the nuncio. It started as a senior prank, or more a “senior surprise.” Selena and her friends discussed how unique it would be if the Holy Father could make a visit to their Chattanooga school. The idea arose that she would write a letter and have it sent to Bishop Mark Beckman. Selena shared that, during a recent visit by the bishop to Notre Dame, she became instantly connected to him. She spoke highly of how kindhearted he was.
Selena discussed with peers how it would be a funny prank to invite the Holy Father to the school. She shared that she’d rather do some-
thing kinder: “I thought this would be the perfect prank—it’s very wholesome. I don’t like the mal-intent behind pranks to get back at a teacher or someone you don’t like,
A rosary blessed by Pope Leo XIV Selena Mullinax, a senior at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, holds a rosary blessed by Pope Leo XIV and a letter from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, that came with the rosary.
like sticking the football field with forks for somebody else to clean. I don’t like that kind of thing.”
The bishop had previously visited the school and spoken to students,
answering many of their questions. Selena shared that her fellow classmates “adored him and wanted him to visit again…He’s an incredibly nice person. I think that was so special for the seniors, and it would be awesome if we could see him again. Getting his approval on this kind of thing feels really special.”
Bishop Beckman was happily surprised to find that Selena received a response. He said, “That is fantastic. I’m glad she was able to do that. It is a great gift and a testament of her faith.”
Selena said that she felt she needed someone to give her a boost of confidence in her faith.
“I was overwhelmed and stressed, and it got better with this,” she said. “I went to God and thought ‘OK, whatever you want, get a letter back, get nothing back, Pope Leo coming or not—I will be satisfied.’ But I think I needed someone to go to and it happened to be the pope.”
Selena received a manila envelope containing a letter from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio. Along with the letter from Cardinal Pierre was a special gift blessed by Pope Leo.
Selena opened a small navy pouch with an adorned rosary inside. With white beads, the rosary also includes a pendant showing the Vatican crest on one side and a
of St. Mary holding a young Jesus on the other. Getting a response from the
was
but receiving a gift blessed Letter continued on page B3
portrait
nuncio
special,
Love for Mary A group of women sing the Marian songs “We Thank You Mom Maria” and “Mother Mary” in Swahili during the multilingual rosary for migrants and refugees on Oct. 3.
migrants and refugees: “Loving Father, we pray that you provide your divine protection to all migrants, especially those who are driven from their home due to war or violence, who are uprooted due to environmental degradation and climate change, or whose material poverty pushes them to find opportunities elsewhere. Show us how we might reach out to these vulnerable populations and help them to begin a new life in a new home. Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for all who come in search of refuge. Give us the courage to welcome every stranger as Christ in our midst.”
“We lifted up our prayers to God for all immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons in our country and around the world. We prayed for their safety on every journey, for strength in every trial, and for hope in the face of fear and uncertainty. We prayed for peace,” Mrs. Primm said.
She also expressed her gratitude to all who participated in the gathering.
“I am very grateful to Bishop Beckman, Father Peter Iorio (pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, who led prayer in Portuguese), and Deacon Fredy Vargas for their participation and accompaniment. Everyone was happy to pray the ro-
sary as a community with them.
“I think this year there were more people in the audience, as well as more volunteers saying the intentions, reciting the prayers, and singing.”
the rosary, a reception with international foods was
the Chancery, where people shared stories of favorite customs and foods from their home countries. Guests feasted on tamales, pupu-
Following
held at
sas, chicken biryani, chickpea pilaf, Vietnamese eggrolls, Korean fried chicken, mandazi bread, Indonesian mie goreng, and more. There were also Brazilian, Mexican, Peruvian, and Arabic desserts ■
Sharing our common faith Bishop Mark Beckman joins other participants for a group photo following the multilingual rosary for migrants and refugees at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Oct. 3. Members of the Diocese of Knoxville community led prayers and songs in nearly 20 languages, demonstrating their diversity of backgrounds and cultures.
EMILY BOOKER (9)
by none other than the Holy Father himself was a high honor, Selena said.
“I still feel like I’m in shock. I couldn’t even hold the rosary at first. I prayed with it the next night. It’s really beautiful,” she said.
Selena shared that many of her peers insisted she put the rosary away in a special place for safekeeping, but she protested this because she feels that she was given this blessing to continue growing in her faith, and it would be an injustice to not use the rosary as it was intended.
Selena recalls the moment she received an envelope at NDHS’s office. “I never get called to the office, and so when I did, I was confused. I got the envelope and thought, ‘Oh, they just sent it back, oh, no.’”
To her surprise, she saw when she flipped the envelope that it was addressed from the nuncio in Washington.
“I opened it and pulled all this stuff out. It felt kind of cinematic. It was very otherworldly.”
While everyone was rooting for Selena to receive a reply, many didn’t expect it to actually happen. She said that many thought it was never going to happen, but she argued, “I just knew something in my heart. I knew something would happen.”
Selena continued that she rehearsed affirmations from her faith that she would see good results, saying, “You’re going to get something back. You’re going to get a response. I am getting a response.”
While Cardinal Pierre expressed that the Holy Father would not be able to make a visit to Notre Dame, the nuncio did share with Selena that “the prayers that you and your
bilingual confirmation Mass and reception on May 13, a picnic and a walk on the Alcoa Greenway on June 13, a concert with members of the Knoxville Opera Chorus and local instrumentalists on July 13, and a day of adoration on Oct. 13 were among the parish’s 75th-year events.
Six events were held from May to October, with a “Fatima Pilgrimage Passport” given to all parishioners that could be stamped at each event. Those receiving all six stamps will receive special recognition on Nov. 22.
The events after March were held on the 13th of those months in commemoration of the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, that occurred on the 13th of each month from May through October 1917.
Catholics in Blount and Sevier counties attended Mass in a private home on rare occasions before September 1950 but usually drove cars or rode buses to Knoxville for Mass. A survey requested by Nashville Bishop William L. Adrian to determine the number of Catholics living in the two counties was made in summer 1950 by Father John Tierney. As a result of the survey, the Mission Parish of Maryville was established, with Father Paul Clunan appointed pastor.
On Sept. 3, 1950, the first Mass was celebrated in a funeral home in Maryville. During the search for a proper church site, succeeding Sunday Masses were celebrated in the community room at Eagleton Village. Packing cases stored in the building served as a makeshift altar. If there were not enough chairs available, attending members stood throughout the Mass.
In November 1950, a two-story house at 211 Ellis Ave. in Maryville was leased and remodeling was begun. The new parish was officially named Our Lady of Fatima. The living room and downstairs of the house were converted into the church. The kitchen became the church office. A three-room apartment was constructed for Father Clunan.
The first Mass was celebrated in the new church at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1950. Shortly afterward, a meeting of the women of the parish was held and the first guild was organized. There were 38 ladies present.
The initial high Mass was celebrated in the new church on Christmas Day in 1950. The choir was
fellow students offer for His Holiness are a real source of strength and a blessing that he carries out in his ministry.”
“And then he said something like ‘to help you feel the pope’s closeness to you, I enclose this photograph. His photograph and a rosary that was blessed by him,” Selena said.
As she shared the “pope selfie,” Selena laughed at how she and so many younger people find Pope Leo to be “such an adorable person, and (he) has a sweet-looking smile.”
She recalled sharing the letter with her older brother and how he noticed a filing number on the document. They researched and found that the Vatican archives all the letters and gifts shared with the Holy Father. Selena told of her excitement: “Oh, my gosh, I’m there, I’m everywhere. I thought it was really cool.”
While the Vatican receives hundreds of gifts and letters, most do get a reply. While Pope Leo himself doesn’t usually reply, he has a staff dedicated for reading and responding to letters that is responsible for doing so in a way that is centered on how the pope would respond. Though rare, the pope does provide direct contact through some letters and gifts.
Selena said that both of her parents were shocked when she received a response.
“My dad is very stern, and when he was reading it, he was smiling the whole time, and he was just like, ‘Wow, my daughter did that.’ Then my mom helped me the whole way. She wanted it to be my project, so she didn’t really want to have her toes in it, but she helped me a lot.”
Selena added how grateful she is to be a part of the Catholic family.
composed of 10 members who were accompanied on an old donated pump organ. On Sunday, Jan. 21, 1951, Bishop Adrian dedicated the little chapel and celebrated the 10 a.m. Mass.
Parishioners were already hoping to purchase property and build a church and rectory in the near future. There were approximately 50 families attending Our Lady of Fatima at that time. Several days after the first anniversary of the church, 4 1/2 acres of land were purchased from the Aluminum Company of America. The site was centrally located and easily accessible for both Alcoa and Maryville parishioners. The tract was at the intersection of Hunt and Wright roads in Alcoa. About 80 percent of the parishioners lived in the vicinity of the property. The parish served about 80 families at that time.
Parishioners borrowed earthmoving equipment to landscape the grounds, and volunteers painted, sowed grass seed, and planted shrubs for their new red-brick church.
Bishop Adrian dedicated the church on Saturday, Dec. 6, 1952. A parishioner donated and installed a secondhand pipe organ in the new choir loft, but after the Gloria several keys on the organ refused to play and the choir sang the rest of the Mass a cappella.
Our Lady of Fatima School opened its doors in September 1955, becoming the first Catholic grade school in the area. Two Sisters of Mercy and two lay teachers completed the staff. The school was in operation until 1970.
In 1975, after numerous years of hard work and sacrifice, a very happy group of parishioners met in the church hall to participate in a mortgage-burning ceremony. Both the church and school were debtfree. In the ensuing years a rectory was also built.
By April 1986, the parish had grown to over 300 families, and Our Lady of Fatima’s rolls expanded gradually into the 1990s. Father Joe Brando became pastor in 1993 as the church was bursting at the seams, with weekend Masses often standing-room only. Options considered were to expand the existing facilities or find 25 acres of new property.
In fall 1994, the AT&T building, now the Fatima Center, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 129 and Louisville Road came on sale at a bargain
Her parents were Baptist and converted sometime after their eldest son was born and before adopting Selena and her sister.
“My sister and I have always been Catholic,” she said. “We were adopted into it, and thank God we were. Thank God for putting me into a family that was Catholic because I found my faith very young. I’ve always had that.”
She cherishes time she gets to spend in Mass and recalls a time she had a special moment with someone after Mass, where if she hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have happened. She joked that she’s developed F.O.M.M., “Fear of Missing Mass,”as she called it, as opposed to the more common abbreviation F.O.M.O., Fear of Missing Out.
While Selena received guidance and help from others, she was the sole writer of the letter to the pope. She asked numerous teachers to check her grammar and spelling repeatedly because she wanted everything to be correct—so correct that Selena spent several days practicing her signature in a notebook. She noted that she had never signed anything particularly serious before this, so her first “real” signature went to Pope Leo.
She shared a moment with Notre Dame dean of faculty Ronnie Bradford.
“He holds the door open every single morning for everyone. And I told him, ‘I’m currently writing a letter to the pope, and I’m asking him to be our senior prank.’ And he just starts dying laughing,” Selena said, “and I told him, ‘No, I’m serious.’ And he said he was proud of me. I told (school chaplain) Father A.J. (Houston), too, and he said he
was so proud of me.”
Selena recalled that after telling her mom she planned to write the letter, she asked ChatGPT when she could expect a response. The AI tool led her to believe that it would take several months to receive a response. Selena worried she was too late and only had a small window for the chance of Pope Leo to receive the letter and respond before her class graduated. Luckily, ChatGPT was incorrect, and Selena received her response in just a couple of short weeks.
Many others might probably fall to the pressures of anxious feelings and never send the letter, or have no real hope of receiving any correspondence, but the NDHS senior had no such misgivings about her project. Selena sent off her letter and never had a doubt she’d receive a blessing in return.
Though she didn’t get a direct response from Pope Leo, Selena said she wants to continue the line of communication.
“I think I’ll send him something for graduation, like how some people send an invite. I’ll do something like that,” she said hopefully.
Selena hopes to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga or East Tennessee State University in fall 2026. Though she is caught between the choice of accounting and international business or political science, she is sure of one thing: she wants to do good.
So, Pope Leo isn’t quite available to visit the Chattanooga school. But there’s no doubt that Notre Dame High School is full of faith. The Holy Father surely has much to be proud of with this faithful community, regardless of whether he can take part in a senior surprise or not. ■
price. A house that is currently the rectory, in front of the AT&T building, also went on the market, and the parish purchased both properties. In a 173-to-6 vote on May 13, 1995, parishioners elected to move to the new location after at first being evenly split on the two options given.
Renovation of both properties took place, and the sale of the old church property had to be negotiated. The old property was sold to Praise Temple, and on June 6, 1996, the last Mass was held at the Wright Road location. Everything was moved—in the rain—to temporary storage in the present Fatima Center. Weekend Masses were celebrated in the Fine Arts Center at Maryville College, and daily Masses were held in the basement of the present rectory. In August 1996, the parish moved into the Fatima Center for weekend Masses.
Construction on the new church began in September 1996. On Dec. 8, 1999, a statue of Our Lady of Fatima was placed in the niche above the entry doors of the new church, a ceremony that also took place in the rain, as had happened when the
statue was removed from its niche in the old church three years before. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz on March 11, 2000, and Father Alex Waraksa was installed as pastor several months later.
Father Clunan was pastor through 1957, and those who succeeded him also include Fathers John Baltz, James Murphy, Herbert Prescott, Paul Wortmann, James Murray, and Francis Schilling, and Father and now-Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. Purchase tickets for the anniversary dinner at www.ourladyoffatima. org/75years. If cost is a barrier to attending the dinner, scholarship opportunities are available. Contact the parish office at 865-982-3672 or communications@ourladyoffatima. org For more information on the history of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, visit www.ourladyoffatima.org/ history. The early history above was compiled by Charlotte Rowan and Betty Sodemann in April 1986, and a full history may be found at the link. ■
Anniversary continued from page B1
Dedication day At top, the new Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa in 2000 still shows signs of construction activity as dedication day nears. Below, Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz blesses the altar at the new church at the dedication Mass on March 11, 2000. Pastor Father Joe Brando watches at right.
EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC FILE PHOTOS
Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy
Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the church. The book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
St. Bridget, Dayton
The Women’s Council raised more than $2,500 from its “Fall into the Holidays” bake sale and bazaar held the weekend of Oct. 11-12. The council continues to host free monthly bingo events, with the next one set for 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, in the parish hall. Refreshments and prizes are included. The council’s Christmas luncheon is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the parish hall.
Knights of Columbus Council 11424 raised over $3,000 for local charities in its recent smoke- pork-shoulder fundraiser (see photo on page B5). The Knights are collecting new and gently used coats in the church vestibule and continue their monthly visits to nursing homes in Dayton and Spring City.
Planning for the annual parish Advent/ Christmas Potluck is underway. The event follows the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec. 6.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
The parish’s monthly luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 20, will be a Thanksgiving celebration. Mass at 11:15 a.m. will be followed by a potluck-style lunch.
The 12th annual Craft Fair & Hobby Show will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, in the family life center gym. More than 40 local crafters and artisans will be selling handmade items such as stained glass, jewelry, art, pottery, and canned goods. The Knights of Columbus will provide lunch at the show.
A Star Tree in the vestibule, a project co-sponsored by the Ladies of Charity and St. Jude School “elves,” will benefit area children this Christmas. Take an envelope from the tree and return it to the lock box by the tree by Sunday, Nov. 23, so that gift cards may be purchased for families early enough for them to shop for gifts. Envelopes may also be selected and donations made online for the child designated. Donate online at tinyurl.com/33npy47j
The Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults in Chattanooga thanked St. Jude parishioners for their recent donation drive to help the organization’s Victim Support Services.
A Literati Book Fair to support the St. Jude School library was held on the family life center walking track on Nov. 9.
A Belk Charity Sale Nov. 7-9 benefited the parish vacation Bible school.
The Council of Catholic Women will meet Tuesday, Dec. 2, for an ornament exchange and Christmas party.
Knights Council 8576 recently named families of the month, honoring Steve and Sylvia Chardos for July, Mark and Christine Galloway for August, and Raleigh and Alice Cooper for September.
St. Mary, Athens
The Knights of Columbus will sponsor their annual Spaghetti Bingo event after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Nov. 22. The dinner and bingo will be in the family life center. Admission will be $7 at the door. Beverages will be available, and the event is for adults only.
Middle- and high-school youth enjoyed pizza and pumpkin-carving on Oct. 29 in the youth room. The youth and their parents gathered in the parish hall on Nov. 9 for Advent wreath-making.
St. Mary pastor Father Christopher Manning thanked Bill Buckley and Julia Marlow, who recently stepped down from the parish finance council, for
their years of service.
The Knights served a pancake breakfast on Oct. 26 while the Council of Catholic Women held a chili supper on Oct. 21.
A parish Angel Tree, open to St. Mary families with children from infants through high school, will help provide Christmas gifts for kids in families facing financial hardship.
The CCW has selected Isaiah 117 House, which has a facility for McMinn and Monroe counties, for its outreach project this year. Named for Isaiah 1:17 (“defend the cause of the fatherless”), the organization provides a welcoming house for children who have been removed from homes for safety reasons as they await placement.
The Knights are sponsoring a coat drive. Donations of new or gently used clean coats, hats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves will be accepted through Jan. 31.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 6099 held an Autumn Celebration on Nov. 8 in the Knights hall on Lee Highway. Midlife Crisis provided live music. The event featured a dinner, a raffle, and a costume contest, with proceeds benefiting the council’s wheelchair fund.
The Knights recently named Steve Reker as Knight of the month and Jose Cararena and Maribel Ayala as family of the month.
Anniversaries: Bob and Pat Smelas (61), James and Sandy Mullin (60), Joe and Truyen Rahm (53), John and Judy Czerwonka (51), Charles and Geri Toeller (50), Russ and Sherry Ferguson (40), Paul and Mary Wurm (35), Michael and Ann Flanagan (15)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
All Saints, Knoxville
A Harvest of Blessings hosted by the parish women’s ministries will take place after all Masses on the weekend of Nov. 22-23. A bake sale will benefit the women’s ministries. Baked goods may be dropped off at the parish hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, or before the Mass you attend.
A Santa’s Gift Shop will also be open during the Harvest of Blessings, inviting children to shop and purchase $2 items for siblings or parents. Donations for the gift shop—such as new or gently used small toys and stuffed animals, coffee mugs, individual tools or gift bags, tags, and tissue paper—will be collected in the church entranceway through Friday, Nov. 21. An Amazon wish list is new this year for gift-shop donations. Visit allsaintsknoxville.org/harvest to learn more or volunteer or e-mail tina. amick@gmail.com with any questions.
The Prime-Timers are volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Caravanning from All Saints is available at 8:30 a.m., or members can meet at Second Harvest at 136 Harvest Lane in Maryville. The group is also preparing casseroles and desserts for Ronald McDonald House for delivery on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Call Donna Terzak at 865531-3839 for more information.
The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Santa Breakfast on the weekend of Nov. 29-30.
A women’s Advent by Candlelight will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Lights will be lowered at 7 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
The Knights of Columbus are having their annual sale of Keep Christ in Christmas cards and other articles such as magnets, yard signs, and ornaments. Review a brochure in the narthex or talk to a Knight in the church hall after weekend Masses. Call Frank Knies at 865-603-6913 to learn more or place an order.
Blessed Sacrament is again having an Angel Tree for Christmas. Those
More than 70 men from all over the region gathered for the first Southeast Tennessee Men’s Conference at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland on Nov. 1. The special All Saints’ Day event featured Mass, prayer, fellowship, and several inspirational speakers on the theme of “A Pilgrimage to Christian Masculinity.” In the top photo, Father John Orr, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, speaks to the full group. Shown below are Father Orr and Deacon Vic Landa of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman. Also speaking were Jimmy Dee, director of evangelization and faith formation for the Tennessee state Knights of Columbus, and Deacon Wade Eckler of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. The conference began with the office of readings and morning prayer followed by Mass.
Advent penance services scheduled around the diocese
Here are the Advent penance services received as of press time. Note that many parishes are having, instead of penance services, extended or additional times for confession during Advent:
Bishop Mark Beckman will preside at the diaconate ordination of Diocese of Knoxville seminarian Daniel Cooper at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville. The ordination Mass will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/@ stalbertthegreatcatholicch8949
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 Nov. 18, Dec. 2 and 9, and Jan. 13, 20, and 27, with dates subject to change because of the bishop’s schedule. More dates will follow. Attendees are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. 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 Nov. 22. If you are interested in joining the Men’s Discernment Group, fill out the form at forms.office.com/r/ CmSwudiVnf or e-mail vocations@ dioknox.org. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area.
The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic is holding its fourth annual Share the Warmth Drive through Sunday, Nov. 30. Donations of new or gently used warm clothing for men, women, and children of all ages may be dropped off in the large bin in the reception area of the Chancery office in Knoxville. Items accepted include coats and jackets, sweaters, gloves and mittens, socks, hats and scarves, cold-weather gear, and blankets. Items should be new or freshly washed and in good condition. Socks must be new, and summer clothing will not be accepted. All items will go to patients at St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic sites in December and January. For more information, call 865-212-5570 or e-mail mrichardson@smlcares.com
Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga will kick off its 150thanniversary celebration with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman and a breakfast on Tuesday, Jan. 6. The school’s seventh annual Green & Gold Gala is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, at The Chattanoogan Hotel, and a 150th Jubilee campus celebration will take place Sept. 12.
Called by Name is a diocesan-wide campaign to identify faithful young Catholics, both men and women, who could be future leaders in the Church. This includes those who may be called to priesthood and religious life but also anyone who is serving the Church with their gifts and talents. Bishop Mark Beckman is asking all parishes to participate on the weekend of Jan. 17-18. Parishioners are asked to submit the names of young people in high school or older, boys and girls, who show love and devotion to the Church and who possibly could be called to priesthood or religious life. Parishioners can submit names using pew cards or by visiting dioknox.org/ called-by-name-form. The Office of Vocations (dioknox.org/vocations) will offer support to the young people as they discern their vocations. More information is available at dioknox.org/ called-by-name
All Saints Parish in Knoxville will host a Catherine of Siena Institute Called & Gifted Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The event is designed to help those attending learn how God is calling them to serve and what their gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit are. To register, visit www. allsaintsknoxville.org/called-giftedworkshop-1 or dioknox.org/events/ called-gifted-workshop-2025
The Council of Catholic Women at Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy is holding an Advent women’s retreat
themed “Reflections on Hope,” featuring Father Bill Marquis, OP. The retreat, open to ages 16 and above, will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. A continental breakfast (8-8:45 a.m.) and lunch are included. Limited seating is available. Entrance fee is $10. Contact Paige Eveland at 407-921-1627 or peveland@gmail.com for more details. Register at holyspiritsoddydaisy.com/ adventretreatregistration
The Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow invites all current eighth-graders to its Odyssey Day set for 7:50 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Chesterton campus, 217 Fox Road in Knoxville. The schedule includes Mass at 8 a.m., and parents will have an opportunity take part in tours and presentations. RSVP or learn more at knoxchesterton.com/odysseyday Chesterton Academy will celebrate its fourth annual Vision Gala (formerly called the Pearl Gala) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at On Broadway Event Center, 4683 Old Broadway in Knoxville. Bishop Mark Beckman will attend. The event is free, with signature cocktails, a catered dinner, performances by Chesterton Academy students, table games and entertainment, and presentations about Knoxville’s first classical Catholic high school. Formal attire is requested. The academy’s enrollment doubled last year, and enrollment is expected to double again next year. For more information on the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow, visit knoxchesterton.com or e-mail zach@knoxchesterton.com. RSVP for the gala at knoxchesterton.com/gala
Those serving in marriage ministry or who are interested in the ministry in the Diocese of Knoxville are invited to a wine-and-cheese social set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, hosted by Brandi and Kevin Rademacher. RSVP to brandirad@gmail.com
Regnum Christi of Knoxville and Nashville invites lay leaders to a day of reflection and formation with Father Daniel Brandenburg, a priest of the Legionaries of Christ, on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Liguori Hall at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville. This one-day workshop, based on Father Brandenburg’s 2025 book Leader Like No Other: What Secular Leadership Models Reveal about Jesus, offers a transformative look at leadership through the lens of contemporary models and the timeless example of Jesus. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. The schedule (all times Central) begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m., registration at 9, and a welcome at 9:30, with the workshop going until 4:30 p.m. The day includes keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions. Cost is $50 per person or $80 per couple. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included. Register at dioknox.org/events/leaderlike-no-other. Visit rcnashvilletn.org for more information.
Knoxville Catholic High School will host its 15th annual Green & Gold Gala on Friday, Jan. 23, at the University of Tennessee’s Student Union Ballroom. Tom and Mindy Coulter will be honored as “Irish Legends” at the event. Alumni, past and current parents, corporate partners, and other community friends are welcome to attend. The evening will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $175 per person and include all food and beverages for the night. Proceeds from the gala will support Knoxville Catholic’s campus technology and security. Become a sponsor or RSVP at knoxvillecatholic.com/gala/
Picture of Love retreats for engaged couples are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and Saturday, Feb. 7, at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. Each retreat will meet from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and Mass at 5 p.m. A wineand-cheese reception will conclude the retreat at IC. This marriage-preparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage
Calendar continued on page B8
St. Dominic Knights help with Special Olympics
In September, Area 32 Special Olympics organized two bowling events in Hawkins and Sullivan counties. More than 50 athletes participated at Warpath Lanes in Kingsport on Sept. 22, while 90 athletes competed at the Rack & Roll lanes in Rogersville on Sept. 23. Knights of Columbus Council 6992 from St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport played a significant role in the activities, with members volunteering their time to assist with award ceremonies, event setup, and meal service for participating athletes as well as volunteers, coaches, teachers, and staff supporting the events. In the top photo, Knights are pictured with Junior Miss Kingsport, Bailey Kiser. With her (from left) are Bill Hewitt, Carl Belcher, Mark Fleming, Kevin Musser, Mickey Washchyshak, Ray Vachon, and Dave Budek.
Hosts and honorees From left at the
Barbecue are Sidney Chinskey, Ladies of Charity; Tim Bodnar, host; Dianne Zeglan, Choices Pregnancy Resource Center; Alvis Carr and Dave Dake, Dream League; Lindy Blazek, Special Olympics; Emmanuel Costello, athlete; Krista Marinero, Signal Centers; Wayne Collins, Orange Grove Center; and Bill Balsis, KIND Fund director for Knights of Columbus Council 6099.
Knights
Council
6099
awards $5,625 to pro-life organizations
Knights of Columbus Council 6099 in Chattanooga held its Pro-Life Barbecue on Sept. 27 to honor and celebrate several area pro-life organizations and hand out donation checks totaling $5,625.
The annual event, directed by council member Tim Bodnar, recognized the work of Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, which offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and counseling services; the Ladies of Charity, which operates a local thrift store and serves needy individuals and families; the Orange Grove Center, which provides services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Signal Centers, serving those with disabilities, providing early-childhood education and fostering self-sufficiency; Special Olympics; and the Dream League, a baseball league for players with physical and/or men-
tal challenges that promotes teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a fun, inclusive environment.
“This is the culmination of a yearlong series of fundraising events,” Mr. Bodnar said. “It starts with our annual Super Bowl pork-loin sale, which sold out this year, and includes a couple of KIND church drives, which Bill Balsis runs.”
KIND Charities of Tennessee is a Knights program that provides financial assistance and services to those with intellectual disabilities.
The Pro-Life Barbecue also raised more than $700 and was supported by Council 6099’s in-house band, Midlife Crisis, which featured member Knights and family members. More than 60 supporters attended, particularly members of St. Stephen, the council’s home parish, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. ■
COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT (2)
bowling activities
COURTESY OF BRENDAN JENNINGS
Pro-Life
St. Bridget Knights smoke pork shoulders for fundraiser Members of Knights of Columbus Council 11424 at St. Bridget Parish in Dayton gathered Oct. 1 at the home of Chip Faucette to prepare and smoke more than 130 pork shoulders for an annual fundraiser. From left are Steve Thorn, Jerry Corvin, Ray Spraker, Grand Knight Jeff Templin, Larry Dagata, and Bill Runge.
JANET SPRAKER
Praying
for
Perspective by George Valadie
Making Sundays stressful is a talent for some
While seeking the unknowable balance between petition and gratitude
Fourteen minutes, no more. Always the same. If it varies at all, it’s never more than 60 seconds either way.
That’s all it takes to get from our house to Sunday Mass.
What’s your drive like? When our girls were little, the ride was much different.
“Did everyone go to the bathroom before we left? Really? Well, then can we all at least go before we sit down? Let’s try anyway. And let’s all kneel up when we’re supposed to. If everyone behaves, maybe we could go to the 7-Eleven for a snack.”
They’ve been on their own for a while now, so we fill these Sundaymorning drives with a different sort of chitchat about the various stops we need to make afterward.
“After Mass, do you think we can stop by Walmart for a minute to pick up those groceries I ordered?
“Maybe Walgreens, too? Walmart didn’t have that deodorant you like.
“And we should go by the bank, too, so I can get that cash for the birthday cards.”
Today was no different—she was rattling off a similar list—though while she was, I realized I hadn’t been paying a bit of attention, lost instead in the midst of trying to compile my own mental list of things and people for which I wanted to be sure to pray when we got to the church.
A mom and a dad of two different friends had recently passed away. At one of those funerals, I was told of a former student recently diagnosed with stage 4. One relative has gone dark. One had a sudden medical is-
Tsue. Another has us worried all the time.
I’m always praying for our schools and all the people in them. I have a weekly ask to win the Powerball on their behalf.
I’m hoping my upcoming retirement won’t be boring. I’d like to sell some more books. I’m hoping to produce an audio version without losing money.
One grandson will soon be trying to make a team while the other is just trying to make a friend.
It was beginning to feel like a lot.
As Mass began, I was lost in delivering all my requests—trying to word them just so—when the youth choir interrupted me with their rendition of the day’s responsorial psalm.
“The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”
Are you kidding me?
I had to laugh. I’m guessing He was laughing, too. But I felt compelled to argue a little. Respectfully, I mean. To at least make my point. I get what you’re saying but I beg to differ—there are all sorts of things I want. Kinda need. And I’ve barely gotten through the highlights of my list.
A second refrain, “ ... there is nothing I shall want.”
OK, I hear you.
As Mass continued, I’d love to say I was praying along with the Eucharistic Prayer, but that’s just not true.
Instead, I was locked in an internal debate, arguing with myself about the things I take to God, the things I should take to God, and what exactly should be the purpose and prayers of my Sunday liturgy.
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by
A reminder of what
Erika Kirk forgives
his world, and our country at this time, is a violent, destructive, dehumanizing place. Even still, every once in a while, there is a moment of grace that reminds us of God’s love and challenges us to live up to the promises of the Gospel. One such moment took place on the evening of Sept. 21 at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona.
I honestly don’t know a lot about Charlie Kirk. I have rarely listened to any of the plethora of videos on YouTube where he debates or discusses controversial topics with those who disagree with him. I’ve heard a lot about him recently, from both supporters and detractors. But I don’t have an opinion about him one way or the other because I just don’t know enough about him, except to say that he was a defender of free speech, a principle that is essential for our continued existence as a free people. It is disconcerting how many young people seem to think that free speech should be shut down, but only for those who disagree with them: www.cato.org/ blog/new-polling-suggests-kidsare-not-alright-free-speech
But all of that isn’t the point of this column because this column isn’t about Charlie Kirk. This column is about his widow, Erika Kirk, who gave to us one of those moments of grace I spoke of above. On the night of her husband’s memorial service, less than two weeks after he was savagely assassinated, Mrs. Kirk had the opportunity to speak about her husband, her love for her husband, the kind of man he was to her, and the kind of marriage they had. She did just that, and I thought
If any of that time was to be spent in confession, the first thing I’d need to admit is spending way too much time on Facebook. Guilty as charged.
But now and again I find the occasional pearl of wisdom I feel compelled to share. I’d probably find a lot more if I traded some of that time perusing Scripture.
But the one I found that often echoes through my mind—and was for sure on this particular Sunday— was a quote that asked:
“What if you woke up tomorrow with only those things for which you thanked God today?”
Here I was in His presence asking. Probably pleading a little. But I hadn’t offered a single word of gratitude. Not one.
Ungrateful? Not really. Thoughtless? More like it.
So, I reversed field and began to list the many gifts I had been given. Family, friends, grandchildren. Opportunities. Warm house. Full refrigerator. Running car. A job to retire from.
Admittedly, it was a hastily fashioned list. With not nearly as much forethought as my requests. But grateful all the same.
And then it was time for Communion. Back kneeling in my pew, I suddenly recalled the words of St. Teresa of Avila, who had once offered this thought:
“His Majesty is not accustomed to paying poorly for His lodging if the hospitality is good.”
She had been speaking of receiving Communion, suggesting that when a person “hosts” Jesus in their soul, “His presence is a gift that will
Deacon Bob Hunt
be richly reciprocated by God in response to a faithful hospitality.”
In other words, when you get back to your pew, that’s a pretty good time to ask for God’s favor as long as you are the sort of host where He’d like to take up residence.
I try to be. So, asking is OK, right? Maybe not too much? But don’t forget all you do have? Maybe more of the latter and less of the former? All in all, this particular Sunday Mass had been stressful. Lots of praying, not much praising. And absolutely no answers.
Often in my life I am reminded I am neither theologian nor Scripture scholar. Like many of you, I’m just trying to get to heaven to be with family and friends and the Creator in whom I so firmly believe. “A flawed mortal fumbling toward enlightenment.”
He made us, thus I’m guessing He understands our human nature. But since we were made in His image, and must have it in there somewhere, He might prefer we exude a little more of Him and less of us. He wouldn’t be wrong.
In this season of giving thanks, may we find a moment to compile that list of blessings we need to mention way more than we probably do.
Dear God—You’re not generous, you are generosity. You’re not loving, you are love. May we be a little bit more of both. 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.”
following Christ means
‘that young man’ charged with assassinating her husband
she spoke well. No matter where you stand on Charlie Kirk, you cannot (I hope) begrudge a grieving widow the memories of the man she loved. (In the hours following Charlie Kirk’s senseless killing, police took into custody a young man and filed charges against him related to Mr. Kirk’s death.)
But Erika Kirk, a devout Catholic, did more than memorialize her husband. She did so much more. In a strong voice that did not shake, and after several deep breaths and repeating “that young man” in a low voice almost to herself, she told us that such a young man was exactly the type of young man her husband hoped to save from a meaningless, disjointed life. Then she announced with the conviction of a believer in Christ who believes what she is saying, “I forgive him.”
In that moment, Erika Kirk raised herself above all of the culture wars, all of the debates about policy, all the noise that the media and politicians create to keep us distracted from what matters, to speak about what matters. In that moment, too, she challenged us to put the teachings of Jesus front and center in our own lives by putting it front and center in hers. When asked by Simon Peter if forgiving another seven times was sufficient, Jesus said, “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven times.” In other words, forgive until there’s nothing left to forgive.
Firmly convinced of her husband being held now in the arms of his Savior, she was able to let go of the bitterness and rage toward “that young man” she must have felt in her heart when she first heard the news of what had happened. Being
able to let the bitterness and rage go, what was left was compassion for a soul so wounded and confused that he came to the conclusion that killing another was the only way he could find peace in this world. This is the algorithm of our generation: You disagree with me, I kill you. That has become the solution for so many wrinkled souls trapped in the grip of an ideology, a demon, really, that demands an abiding allegiance to its dark thoughts and divisive actions. “We cannot live in this world together,” the demon says. “Your very existence is contrary to mine because you cannot, will not, see it my way.”
Just yesterday, the same demon demanded that another wrinkled soul carry out his hatred for Mormons by driving his truck through the front door of their church in Grand Blanc, Mich., firing his gun into the congregation, then setting the church on fire. At least four were killed and dozens more injured. He hated Mormons. We don’t know why, yet. But does it matter? In his twisted mind, he was convinced that he and they could not occupy the same planet, so it was going to be them who would be sacrificed, and he would do the sacrificing. One of the victims was 6 years old. What does a 6-year-old contribute to your anger? How is killing him or her going to set the world on a course more attuned to your small thinking?
My prediction? The killing will continue. We are applying all the wrong answers and all the wrong policies toward stopping the killing, so it will continue. We think fewer guns and more gun laws will stop the killing. We think greater access
to guns for “good people” will stop the killing. None of that will work. What will work? Remembering, once again, that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God. We live in a pluralistic society, among people who think differently and believe differently. What do we owe to each other in that pluralistic society? The respect afforded one who is made in the image and likeness of God. That is, before anything else, what we owe to each other. We must embrace the truth of the imago Dei in each of us, the image of God in each of us. Somehow, we have lost that. Today, what is first in many people’s minds is whether someone sees the world the same way they do. And if he or she doesn’t, then too often the response is, “I want nothing to do with you. Your views are a threat to me. People like you shouldn’t be allowed to speak, vote, live peaceably … exist.”
She forgives him. Why? Because it was what Christ did. Because, after all is said and done, she is a woman who is able to see the imago Dei, even in the person of her husband’s murderer. She is a follower of Christ who wants to follow Christ’s example of forgiveness. That is a lesson this society needs to hear. That is a lesson the Church needs to embody. Thank you, Erika Kirk, for reminding us of what following Christ means, and for having the courage to speak it boldly for the whole world to hear.
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
Explaining three profound aspects of the Mass
‘Memorial,’ ‘covenant,’ and ‘sacrifice’ are spoken in every liturgy, but what do they mean?
As we celebrate the memorial”—“The new and eternal covenant”—“May the Lord accept the sacrifice.” We hear these phrases at every Mass, and the three italicized words—memorial, covenant, sacrifice—express three profound aspects of the Mass. If a visitor asked you after Mass how the Mass was a memorial, a covenant, and a sacrifice, how would you answer?
In this column I want to offer concise answers to each of these questions. I will begin with “memorial” since it explains the sacramental manner of the renewal of the covenant. Next, I will discuss the Mass as a “covenant” because that explains the structure and movement of the Mass. Finally, I will consider the Mass as a sacrifice, the central act of the covenant.
When the priest says that we “celebrate the memorial of His suffering, death, and resurrection,” what does “memorial” mean?
In sacred Scripture, “memorial” refers to God’s saving works that are made present when they are celebrated in the liturgy. With the coming of Christ, “memorial” receives its definitive meaning: in the liturgy His saving death, resurrection, and ascension are made real and present in a sacramental way, through
liturgical signs and symbols such as bread and wine, water and oil, words and gestures, candles and incense. The Holy Spirit acts through these signs to communicate the saving work of Christ to His children.
What does the reference to “covenant” in the words over the chalice mean?
A covenant is an agreement or contract, but only in the Bible do we find covenants between God and humans. The Mass as a covenant is prefigured by God’s covenant with Moses and Israel on Mount Sinai. It was ratified by three actions.
First, the benefits and requirements of the covenant were read. Second, the covenant was sealed by a sacrifice, and the blood was sprinkled on the altar and on the people, symbolically uniting the people with God. Third, it was completed by a banquet in the presence of God. The words over the chalice, “the blood of the new and eternal covenant,” refer to two Old Testament passages. “Blood” refers to the blood of the covenant on Sinai. The “new and eternal covenant” refers to a prophecy in Jeremiah 31 that God would replace the Sinai covenant, which Israel broke, with a new covenant written not on stone but on hearts.
This covenant is definitively ful-
Daily readings
Saturday, Nov. 15: Wisdom 18:14-16 and 19:6-9; Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 4243; Luke 18:1-8
Monday, Nov. 17: Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious, 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 6263; Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Luke 18:35-43
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2 Maccabees 6:1831; Psalm 3:2-7; Luke 19:1-10
Friday, Nov. 21: Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Luke 19:45-48
filled in the Mass. In the Liturgy of the Word, the readings, and the homily, the blessings and requirements of the new and eternal covenant are announced. In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the covenant is confirmed by Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and in Communion, the eucharistic banquet, the sacrifice is completed and the covenant renewed. Understanding the Mass as a renewal of the covenant makes clear the relationship of the different elements and the dynamic movement of the Mass. The word “sacrifice” occurs several times during the Mass. How is the Mass a sacrifice?
A sacrifice is a gift freely offered to God that heals our broken relationship and restores our communion with Him. This is what took place on Calvary: giving Himself to the Father in love, Christ “offered one sacrifice for sins and took His seat forever at the right hand of God.”
He did this “once for all” and “has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:12, 7:27, and 10:14).
This event, however, is unlike all other historical events in that, although it took place at a specific time and place in history, it does not remain in the past but abides for all time and can be made present again and again. The sacrifice on Calvary
and in the Mass are the same sacrifice, but the manner is different. On Calvary, Christ offered Himself in a bloody manner, and in the Mass He offers himself in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine. Both on Calvary and in the Mass, Christ is the one who offers the sacrifice and is Himself the sacrifice that is offered, and the body He offers is the same body, only the manner of the sacrifice is different—one bloody, the other under the appearances of bread and wine. This free gift that heals our wounded relationship with God and unites us to Him is accomplished at every Mass.
Conclusion
Memorial, covenant, sacrifice. When we attend Mass, we are not just participating in a familiar religious service; we are renewing our personal and corporate relationship with God. And we do so most fruitfully when our hearts and minds are attuned to the way the Holy Spirit works through liturgical signs and symbols to make sacramentally present the saving sacrifice of Christ, the memorial of His Passover. ■
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox. org.
Saturday, Nov. 22: Memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, 1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9:2-4, 6, 16, 19; Luke 20:27-40
Sunday, Nov. 23: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 2 Samuel 5:1-3; Psalm 122:1-5; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43
Monday, Nov. 24: Memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, and companions, martyrs, Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3:52-56; Luke 21:1-4
Tuesday, Nov. 25: Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 3:57-61; Luke 21:5-11
Wednesday, Nov. 26: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3:62-67; Luke 21:12-19
Thursday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day, Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 145:2-11; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19; readings for the Thursday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time, Daniel 6:12-28; Daniel 3:68-74; Luke 21:20-28
Friday, Nov. 28: Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33
Saturday, Nov. 29: Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3:82-87; Luke 21:34-36
Sunday, Nov. 30: First Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Monday, Dec. 1: Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11
Saturday, Dec. 6: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147:1-6; Matthew 9:35–10:1 and 10:5-8
Sunday, Dec. 7: Second Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2,
7-8, 12-13, 17; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
Monday, Dec. 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 1112; Luke 1:26-38
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13; Matthew 18:12-14
Thursday, Dec. 11: Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145:1, 9-13; Matthew 11:11-15 Friday, Dec. 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zechariah 2:14-17; Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-38 Saturday, Dec. 13: Memorial of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, Sirach 48:14, 9-11; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:9-13
Sunday, Dec. 14: Third Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; Psalm 146:6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 ■
COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF
Parishes celebrate St. Francis feast day with blessing of pets Parishes around the Diocese of Knoxville celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4 with a blessing of pets. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Clockwise from top left are Father Arthur Torres at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga, a pet blessing at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, Father Julius Abuh at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville, and Father Charlie Burton at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga.
COURTESY OF ST. JUDE
COURTESY OF ST. MARY PARISH
DARREN FUSARO
and family life. The program will help a couple gain insights into their relationship, as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate to present to their county clerk and receive a $60 discount on their marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. Cost is $175 per couple. Registration is available for the St. Stephen retreat at dioknox.org/events/picture-of-loveretreat-jan-2026 and for the IC retreat at dioknox.org/events/picture-of-loveretreat-feb-2026. Early registration is encouraged, with the IC retreat having a deadline of Jan. 23 for free parking. Late registrations are accepted if space allows (cost is $200 by credit card only). Also at the websites are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to com-
who need help with providing presents for their children ages 18 and under should contact the parish office at 865882-9838 (leave a message on line 1, including contact information, if no one answers) or blessedsacramentoffice@ gmail.com
The Knights held a Chili Supper and Movie Night after Mass on Oct. 25.
The Young Adults Group hosted a game night with board games and refreshments on Nov. 5 in Blessed Sacrament Hall.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
The parish celebrated its patron’s feast day on Oct. 4 as speaker and author Allen Hunt and wife Anita led a miniretreat after an 8 a.m. Mass. Mr. Hunt, formerly a Methodist megachurch pastor, said his search for truth and a deeper relationship with Christ led him to convert to Catholicism.
The Council of Catholic Women sponsored coffee and doughnuts after the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses on Oct. 5, and the Fairfield Glade Council of Churches— which includes St. Francis of Assisi—held a combined choir concert at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church at 3 p.m.
Father John Matejek celebrated a “We Are a Eucharistic People” Mass on Oct. 6 with the homily by Deacon Gary Brinkworth. Afterward, pastor Father Michael Woods led a blessing of animals.
A Mass on the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary was held on Oct. 7. Father Woods celebrated the Mass, which was followed by adoration and a rosary.
A healing Mass on Oct. 8 was led by Father Woods and Father Matejek, with a blessing of prayer blankets and shawls.
The parish celebrated “Supporting the Fourth Quarter of Life” with a social after the 4 p.m. Mass on Oct. 9.
Father Woods and Deacon Paul Benfanti gave a presentation on “A Prayerful Community,” with Mary Maeder leading a reflection on the message of the parish’s Marian icon.
A six-week study on “Women Prophets of the Bible” started Oct. 22 at the home of Deb LaPorte. For more information, call Mrs. LaPorte at 630-745-7586.
St. Francis of Assisi is assisting the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic Share the Warmth clothing drive through Nov. 30. Call Barbara Brown at 614-205-3958 for details.
Anniversaries: Vincent and Phyllis Fodera (66), Mike and Susan Spitler (63), Eugene and Janet Standaert (61), Joe and Veronica Martin (59), Wayne and Alice Duckstein (58), Jack and Twyla O’Kane (56), Fred and Donna Laufenberg (55), John and Ruth Hughes (54), James and Lori Davis (40), David and Suzanne Meloy (35), Daniel and LouAnn Sopata (35) St. John Neumann, Farragut
Knights of Columbus Council 8781 is in need of regular and substitute drivers, loaders, and people to clean food bins
plete the exercises in advance and bring them to the retreat—see the websites for more details. Contact Carolyn Krings for more information at 865-584-3307 or ckrings@dioknox.org
Catholic speaker and author Christopher West will give a talk themed “Made for More” on Wednesday, March 4, at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, with music by Mike Mangione. Mr. West will discuss “where do we come from and where are we going” to help those attending understand what it means to be human and how to orient lives and actions toward authentic fulfillment. The event will offer presentations with live music, movie clips, YouTube videos, and sacred art for “an evening of beauty and reflection on the meaning of life, love, and human destiny.” Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the talk going from 7 to 9:30. All ages are welcome to attend. Register or learn more at tobinstitute.org/events/made-formore-chattanooga-tn/ Contact Mary Pat Haywood for more information at
weekly to ensure food safety for the council’s deliveries of perishable food to help families in Appalachia served by Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. To learn more or volunteer, contact food-delivery coordinator Michael Muir at 865-254-0357 or McCMuirRetired@ gmail.com
The Knights are sponsoring their eighth annual Coats for Kids Drive this fall. Since 2018, parishioners have contributed more than 800 new coats for the drive.
A women’s-only Advent by Candlelight event is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, in the school gym. For more information, e-mail sjnccwomensclub@ gmail.com. To host a table, RSVP with the number of guests to the same email. Reservations required by Thursday, Nov. 20.
More than 50 senior parishioners attended an Oktoberfest celebration, featuring German food and music, on Sept. 27 in the pavilion.
St. Joseph, Norris
A brick house next door to the church, previously used for CCD classrooms, storage, and many other activities, has been remodeled into a rectory for pastor Father Dennis Kress. Parish pastoral council chair Karen Thompson and PPC member Randy Garver headed the renovation project, and numerous parishioners assisted.
St. Joseph parishioners will take part in the Norris Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Norris Religious Fellowship at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23.
The parish honored all veterans living and deceased, after Mass on Nov. 9. Families brought pictures of veterans that were displayed in the social hall.
Children in CCD and parishioners stayed after Mass on Nov. 9 to make ornaments to decorate a tree that the CCD class will donate to the Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville, which benefits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
The parish is collecting “Coats for the Cold” for Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies. Donations of unused coats, blankets, hats, mittens, or scarves will be accepted as well as new purchases of any of these items. Items should be clean, in good condition, and placed in a bag. A “Coats for the Cold” box is in the narthex for donations through Nov. 30.
Holy Trinity is taking part in Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse, with parishioners taking home shoeboxes and filling them with toys, personal-care items, and school supplies to help kids in need around the world.
Knights of Columbus Council 12838 awarded prizes after a drawing during its Italian Night fundraising dinner on Oct. 11. Mike Paolercio won the first prize of a three-night stay at a cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains, donated
mphaywood@myolph.com
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561315-5911 if you have any questions.
Join Father Mike Nolan on a pilgrimage April 13-23, 2026, to France and Spain. The group will visit Lourdes, exploring the birthplace of St. Bernadette and experience the healing waters from the springs of Lourdes, Stations of the Cross, a candlelight rosary procession, and a blessing of the sick. Pilgrims will visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas at the Jacobins Church as well as Pamplona, the birthplace and childhood home of St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century
by one of the Knights. The second prize of two Dollywood tickets went to Dave Gaul, and the third prize of four Knoxville Smokies baseball tickets was won by Lynn Maloney. Fourth and fifth prizes of $25 gift cards to Ruby Tuesday went to Jim and Sue Pickering and to Chris Zastrow.
Anniversaries: Wally and Mary Ann Pepsnik (55), Ralph and Marlene Holt (53)
Notre Dame, Greeneville
The Council of Catholic Women is collecting frozen turkey breasts, frozen turkeys, and canned hams (3 to 5 pounds) to support Friends for Greene County, which prepares baskets of food for people in need. Sign up in the narthex and bring items to the parish hall by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Call Nancy Clark at 423-327-0112 for more information.
The third annual Cookie Walk and Craft Bazaar will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the parish hall. Craft tables are $20 each; call Dianne Curry at 815-347-0024 for more information.
The St. Agnes Guild of the CCW is hosting a Giving Tree in the narthex that will contain the wishes of children supported by the guild’s local foodbank ministry. Parishioners are asked to remove a tag from the tree, purchase the item, and return the unwrapped gift to the tree with the tag attached by Sunday, Dec. 7.
St. Patrick, Morristown
The 21st St. Patrick Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. Vendors may sell handmade goods, baked treats, crafts, and faithbased creations. Vendor applications are being accepted. E-mail Whitney at wlk8px@gmail.com for details.
Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the parish center. The Council of Catholic Women is collecting Christmas and other holiday decorations to sell at a Christmas resale shop on the same date.
Thomas Simerly of the parish Knights of Columbus thanked parishioners for supporting the council’s annual winterclothing drive for veterans held through Sept. 30. Items were delivered to the VA hospital in Johnson City in early October.
Anniversaries: Gary and Nancy Zander (35), Gabriel Russell-Alvardo and Paula Ventura-Pegeros (10)
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Holy Ghost, Knoxville
In advance of next year’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of its current church building, Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville is creating volumes of “Our Dearly Departed” to be placed permanently near the St. Joseph altar. The parish would like to devote one page to each of its deceased members with a goal of praying for the repose of souls in purgatory. To have a page for a loved one placed in the books, submit an 8 1/2-by-11 page for each person.
evangelist, and will visit Xavier (Navarre), where they will tour the castle where St. Francis Xavier was born. The group will go on to Zaragoza, home to the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and Montserrat, site of the Benedictine monastery and the Black Madonna. Pilgrims will visit the small town of Verdu, the birthplace of St. Peter Claver, and go on to Barcelona, visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Basilica of the Holy Family, La Sagrada Familia, the almostfinished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi, and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Cathedral by the Sea. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at lisam@ select-intl.com or 865-567-1245.
Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 2 p.m. each Sunday and at 6 p.m. most Mondays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net n
Pages will be placed alphabetically in the books, which will be where parishioners may view them. Pages can be simple with facts such as names and dates of birth and death taken from a family Bible or more elaborate, with first Holy Communion or marriage photos. A page may contain an obituary or funeral prayer card. Pages may also be submitted for those outside one’s family such as friends, classmates, or women and men religious. Bring pages to the parish office or give them to Linda Bolen or Donna Charron. Call 865-524-7957 for more information.
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
A Haiti Fest dance is set for Saturday, Nov. 15, at Timeless Ballroom in the Karns community, 7544 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville. Professional dance instructors will lead parishioners in line dancing and salsa to island music. The event benefits IC’s twin parish in Fond-des-Blancs, Haiti. Make a donation or learn more at icknoxville.org/ haiti-committee
A Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree featuring treats and pumpkin carving was held Oct. 29 in the parish hall.
Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa
The Council of Catholic Women will be collecting soap and shampoo for Family Promise after all Masses during Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 29-30. Family Promise supports and guides homeless families on their journey toward secure and stable housing. Donations may also be dropped off at the parish office through Friday, Dec. 5.
The CCW will present Advent by Candlelight on Monday, Dec. 1, in the sanctuary. A music prelude begins at 6 p.m., with readings and reflections by Deacon Leon Dodd at 6:30, and the evening will end with Benediction.
The parish hosted the Smoky Mountain Deanery CCW’s fall general meeting on Nov. 8.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville
The latest Movie Night with a Priest featured the 2025 film “Triumph of the Heart,” about St. Maximilan Kolbe, on Nov. 7 in Cathedral Hall.
St. John XXIII, Knoxville
The annual parish Thanksgiving dinner will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. Sign up in the lobby to bring a turkey or side dish.
For Respect Life Month in October, parishioners took part in a baby-bottle campaign to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The annual parish picnic, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, was held Nov. 2 at Hidden Lake Campground & Resort in Tellico Plains.
The fundraising committee announced that a gala to benefit the family life center project is set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Yacht Club at Tellico Village. n
Parish notes continued from page B4
Living legacy Ten of the 11 living Grand Knights of Father John Savoca Council 12633 gather for a photo at the council’s 25th-anniversary gala at Tellico Village Yacht Club. The 11 living Grand Knights are William Twohig, Jerald Dougherty, Dennis Preston, Daniel Hanley, Edward Valente, Lance Lyons, Donald Hoyle, James Gecsei, Joseph Filosi, Jim Gold, and current Grand Knight Kenan Guarino. The council’s first three Grand Knights, Robert Fox, Alexander Stuve, and Stephen Popovich, have passed away.
St. Thomas the Apostle Knights council celebrates 25th anniversary
Knights of Columbus Father John Savoca Council 12633 of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City celebrated its 25th silver jubilee on Sept. 7 with a gala at Tellico Village Yacht Club.
The Knights’ Supreme Council in January 2000 authorized the council and its 36 charter members to assemble and work as a fully constituted Knights of Columbus council. Since its formation, the council has grown to greater than 200 members and made approximately $1 million in donations to various charities.
Over the past 25 years, there have been 14 Grand Knights elected to lead the council. The first three, Robert Fox, Alexander Stuve, and Stephen Popovich, have
St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge holds 75th annual Fall Festival
An estimated 1,000 people attended the 75th annual Fall Festival at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge Oct. 17-18. A spaghetti dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus and a live auction kicked off the festival on the first day. On Oct. 18, the event continued with live entertainment; a hayride to a pumpkin patch; regional vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, and seasonal treats; the White Elephant Sale; tamales and more at the Cantina Booth; classic carnival games and inflatable attractions; face painting; and a silent auction. The photos depict St. Mary pastor Father Ray Powell with parish director of religious education Monica Price, and St. Mary School third-grader Ka’Lyah Smith soaking associate pastor Father Jhon Mario Garcia with her accurate throw at the dunking booth. Ka’Lyah, on crutches with an injured knee, asked a classmate to hold her crutches so she could make the toss. Also pictured are headmaster Zach Summers and students of the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow in Knoxville at their festival booth, where they pressed apples for fresh cider for attendees and invited them to press their own cider. Mr. Summers also took a turn in the dunking booth.
Men’s Emmaus Retreat coming to the Diocese of Knoxville next year
AMen’s Emmaus Retreat will be held for the first time in East Tennessee on the weekend of April 24-26 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton.
An estimated 1.4 million men and women throughout the world have completed the Catholic Emmaus Retreat.
passed away. Ten of the remaining 11 attended the gala and received a memento to commemorate their service, with one unable to attend due to illness.
The council has seen five Grand Knights go on to serve as district deputy: Mr. Popovich, William Twohig, Jerald Dougherty, Daniel Hanley, and Jim Gold.
Mr. Fox served as Grand Knight through 2002, Mr. Stuve in 2002-03, and Mr. Popovich in 2003-05. Succeeding Grand Knights in order have been Mr. Twohig, Mr. Dougherty, Dennis Preston, Mr. Hanley, Edward Valente, Lance Lyons, Donald Hoyle, James Gecsei, Joseph Filosi, Mr. Gold, and current Grand Knight Kenan Guarino. ■
The retreat is based on Luke 24, where Jesus joins two of His disciples as they walk from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. The walk takes the disciples from being dejected and filled with anxiety and stress to being full of life and filled with joy after Jesus joins them and their eyes are opened to recognize Him as their Lord.
In the early 1980s, the Emmaus
Retreat, under the direction of Father David Russell, was developed at St. Louis Parish in Miami as a retreat for women. The men of the parish, seeing how the women had been transformed, worked with new pastor Father James Fetscher and modified the retreat slightly to be more in tune with what men need and conducted the first Men’s Emmaus Retreat in 1985.
Michael and Helen Hart of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain were part of the Emmaus Retreat in Miami, and Mr. Hart is bringing the retreat to East Tennessee. Men ages 18 and over are welcome to attend. Registration will begin in January. Contact Mr. Hart at 423-414-4532 or mikehartfl1987@gmail.com ■
St. Elizabeth
St. Elizabeth
COURTESY OF JIM GOLD
PHOTOS BY DAN MCWILLIAMS (7) AND RUSSELL OVERLAND (FATHER GARCIA)
Parish holds annual rosary rally
Parish in Elizabethton recently held its 15th public rosary rally in downtown Elizabethton to pray for the nation. The rally took place at the Veterans Memorial.
COURTESY OF JIM DOBES
Catholic golfers shine in state tourney
Teagan Walker of KCHS ties for third as her team places third, and Sophia Parsons of Alcoa ties
By Dan McWilliams
Catholic high school golfers stood out at the recent TSSAA girls state tournaments held at Sevierville Golf Club.
The Knoxville Catholic High School girls golf team finished third in the Division II, Class AA state tourney, held on the club’s Highland Course on Oct. 6-7. Alcoa High School’s girls team, which includes Sophia Parsons, a freshman who is a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, placed fifth in the Division I-A state tourney played on the same course Oct. 9-10.
Junior golfer Teagan Walker of KCHS shot 76 and classmate and team captain Linzy Johnson carded a 79 in the East Region tournament at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford to qualify for the state event.
In the state competition, the Lady Irish shot 145 in the first round and 156 in the second for a total of 301, placing them behind champion Baylor (298) and Harpeth Hall (299). Knoxville Catholic led the tournament after the first day with a one-stroke edge over Baylor.
“Our girls had a great season,” KCHS head coach Peter Medlyn
said. “They came third in the state tournament, three shots behind Baylor, who also beat them by three shots at the regional tournament at Egwani Farms.”
In the individual competition, Teagan shot 69-72—141 to tie for third overall. Linzy’s scorecard was 76-84—160, good for a tie for 14th.
The Lady Irish team also includes Hannah Heupel, Ava Holmes, and Anna Kate Coatney.
The Lady Tornadoes of Alcoa scored 165-154—319 to finish behind Greeneville, who tied Murfreesboro Central at 300 and won the I-A state title on the first hole of a playoff, Summertown (311), and Signal Mountain (314).
Sophia tied for 11th in the state individually with a two-day score of 84-74—158 as the all-freshmen Lady Tornadoes played in the progam’s first state tournament. Sophia earlier shot a team-best 81 to help her team finish second behind Greeneville in the regional tourney held at Springbrook Golf and Country Club in Niota.
Sophia is the daughter of Jeff and Beth Parsons. Mrs. Parsons is the Vocations Office manager for the Diocese of Knoxville.
“One thing I would love to share:
award Lady Irish
stand with head coach Peter Medlyn as they hold their East Region runner-up award.
COURTESY OF BRENT CARTER
Lady Irish volleyball team places third in the state tournament
The Knoxville Catholic High School volleyball team finished third in the Division II, Class AA state tournament held Oct. 21-23 in Murfreesboro. The Lady Irish, under head coach Brent Carter, finished the season 25-10. KCHS began the tournament in the double-elimination round on Oct. 21 with a 20-25, 1925, 25-23, 25-23, 15-10 loss to Briarcrest at Providence Christian Academy. The Lady Irish, later the same day, knocked out Baylor in a 25-17, 25-11, 25-14 sweep in the losers’ bracket before Christ Presbyterian Academy ended KCHS’s season on Oct. 22 with a 25-14, 25-16, 25-15 victory. The latter two matches were also played at PCA. Briarcrest defeated CPA in five games for the championship at Middle Tennessee State University on Oct. 23. The Lady Irish are pictured on their home court after rallying to defeat Lipscomb Academy 25-19, 14-25, 13-25, 25-22, 15-9 in the quarterfinal round on Oct. 18 to earn a berth in the state tourney.
for 11th
said. “She makes sure to wear her medal every day. When
we woke up for the tournament on day two, she had her golf clothes laid out, and her medal was on the top. That makes my mom heart happy—it is so important to her!”
Chesterton Academy Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated at Holy Ghost
Father Neil Blatchford, chaplain for the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow in Knoxville, celebrated a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 10 at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville with students, staff, and families attending. The Mass is a Chesterton Schools Network tradition to celebrate the start of the academic year, in which faculty and students gather to invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance and blessing. Relics that included the Blessed Virgin’s veil were provided by Tom Charron, a Holy Ghost parishioner, and displayed in front of the altar during the Mass. In the top photo, students stand and profess the Oath of Conduct that followed the homily. At bottom left, 11th-grader Sarah Daigle signs the Oath of Conduct as Father Blatchford witnesses. At bottom right, ninth-graders (from left) Oliver Carr and John Toliver hold a scroll with the Oath of Conduct, and headmaster Zach Summers and music teacher Mary Weaver hold a scroll with the Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium that the faculty professed and signed. Behind them is Samuel Daigle.
Sophia has a special devotion to St. Andrew. It is her confirmation saint. He is the patron saint of golfers,” Mrs. Parsons
Third at state Knoxville Catholic assistant coach Tre Mullins poses with
Lady Irish state tourney golfers (from left) Hannah Heupel, Linzy Johnson, Teagan Walker, and Ava Holmes.
COURTESY OF PETER MEDLYN
The Parsons family State-tourney golfer Sophia Parsons stands with her family. From left are Riley, Maggie, Jeff, Sophia, Beth, Felicity, and Cece Parsons.
COURTESY OF BETH PARSONS
Additional
golfers (from left) Linzy Johnson, Teagan Walker, and Ava Holmes
