Oct. 11, 2009, East Tennessee Catholic

CNS PHOTO/LESLIE E. KOSSOFF

‘Hail Mary, full of grace’ Second-grade students from St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in Woodbridge, Va., pray the rosary during the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Oct. 2.

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 19 • Number 3 • October 11, 2009

The

N E W S PA P E R

of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E www.d ioces eof kn ox ville.or g

Rigali continued on page 6

Please pray for our priests Dear Lord: We pray that the Blessed Mother will wrap her mantle around your priests and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.

We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse.

May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross.

May your priests be holy and filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls.

Amen.

St. John Vianney, pray for us. ■ Download prayers and a rosary booklet: bit.ly/priestprayers.

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., begin serving East Tennessee Catholics this month. By Dan McWilliams ishop Richard F. Stika announced upon his arrival in Knoxville early this year that one of his prayers was for the diocese to establish a new convent of religious in East Tennessee.

His prayer was answered in an unexpected way, as prayers often are.

When he was hospitalized recently, he was contacted by Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan, superior general of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich. Members of the order have taught seminars in the bishop’s hometown of St. Louis, and Bishop Stika’s longtime friend Cardinal Justin F. Rigali has known the sisters for many years.

Mother Mary Quentin offered the

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DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY

WASHINGTON (CNS)—In a statement to mark Respect Life Sunday on Oct. 4, Cardinal Justin F. Rigali of Philadelphia called attention to those who are most vulnerable in the ongoing debate on health-care reform: the unborn, the poor, elderly people, and immigrants.

He urged Catholics to “examine how well we, as a nation and individually, are living up to our obligation to protect the rights of those who—due to age, dependency, poverty, or other circumstances—are at risk of their very lives.”

Although the U.S. bishops’ Respect Life program has been a year-round initiative since its establishment in 1972, U.S. Catholics across the country have used the month of October to focus on life and human dignity.

Many parishes hold a special Respect Life Mass on Oct. 4, the first Sunday of Respect Life Month.

Cardinal Rigali, who heads the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life

Diocese welcomes new order

Cardinal Justin F. Rigali of Philadelphia blesses the new St. Justin Convent for the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., on Oct. 3. On the ends above are Father David Boettner (left), diocesan moderator of the curia, and Bishop Richard F. Stika. With them are (from left) Mother Mary Patricia Glowski; postulants Sister Kathryn Anne Polakovic, Sister Gladys De Santiago, and Sister Lauren Reiss; Sister Mary Sarah Macht; and Sister Maria Michalik.

CONVENT DEDICATION

services of a registered nurse to help take care of the bishop. The bishop soon

invited the Alma sisters to establish a foundation in the diocese. Mother Mary

Quentin accepted, and three of her sisters are now living in a newly blessed con-

vent in West Knoxville. A just-created diocesan office awaits Convent continued on page 3

Sister Albertine Paulus stepping down after ‘great ride’ She shared the Good News for nearly two decades as director of the Evangelization Office, following a teaching career of more than 30 years.

BY DAN MCWI LLIAMS

inding an East Tennessee Catholic who hasn’t been touched by the ministry of Mercy Sister Albertine Paulus might be a difficult task as the diocese prepares, upon her retirement this month, to celebrate her decades of service to the church.

As director of the Evangelization Office since the

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diocese’s early days, Sister Albertine has implemented parish RCIA programs through which several thousand new Catholics have entered the church.

Untold numbers of elementary and high school students received instruction from her in her 32-year teaching career. Hundreds of the faithful have participated in pilgrimages she led

to the Holy Land and elsewhere around the world.

Her assignments have also included teaching college in Cincinnati, directing the three Renew programs offered in East Tennessee since 1986, and serving as superior of the Sisters’ retirement home in Nashville.

Sister Albertine, who received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 2006 for her

MARY C. WEAVER

Respect Life message stresses health-care needs of vulnerable

MUSIC FOR MASS Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM (center), works with Jane Hubbard (left) and Louise Wyman to plan the music for Bishop Richard Stika’s ordination March 19. Mrs. Hubbard is music director at St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland; Mrs. Wyman is former music director for Holy Ghost in Knoxville.

service to the church, said she doesn’t plan to dwell on her legacy.

“We all do what we can while we’re here on this earth. I don’t think it’s about legacies; it’s about doing the best you can while you have the chance. After that, it’s all in the Lord’s hands because it’s his work, not ours.”

A new Christian Formation Office, announced recently by Bishop Richard F. Stika (Sept. 20 ETC), will replace both Sister Albertine’s office and the Religious Education Office.

Sister Mary Timothea Elliott of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., will head the new office. Sister Albertine will retire Oct. 19.

“Sister Albertine and the Sisters of Mercy who have been here for a while have been such a great blessing to the diocese,” said Bishop Stika. “Sister Albertine has been a part of the structure of the diocese for 21 years.

She was honored by the Holy Father, but she has honored the diocese by her presence. Even though she’ll be retiring from her position, she’s still going to be very much a part of the church, and I’m going to rely on her and her wisdom for years to come.”

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letters to the

EDITOR

All can become ‘as single-minded’ as saints

I cannot let another day go by without expressing the feelings of, I am sure, all the people in the Diocese of Knoxville on the departure of our beloved Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM. Sister was one of the founding members of our Diocese of Knoxville and has continued to serve hundreds of people since our beginning.

I guess every member of our diocese has a good memory of Sister and something that she has done for them or a memory of how she has led us through good times and hard times. Because Sister grew up in Knoxville, she was aware of the delicate nature of the Catholic religion in this community, and she was always reaching out to make our religion known to people of all faiths.

It is with deep sorrow that we must bid farewell to her, but I just had to express the feelings of all the people in the diocese who loved her so dearly. Since I went to Knoxville Catholic High School with Sister, I am especially sad. May she continue to serve our community in some related way, as the Sisters of Mercy from Cincinnati have done since the 1850s.

Sister, we will miss that special sparkle in your eyes and that welcoming smile. ■ —Julia Driscoll Schriver Knoxville We welcome letters to the editor and carefully consider all submissions. Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail, mail, or fax: mary@dioceseofknoxville.org, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127, 865-5848124. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.

Faith-formation classes continue he 2009 series of adult faith-formation classes began in February, with additional classes scheduled throughout the year and in locations around the diocese. Classes are offered at no charge to adults in the diocese. All sessions begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9.

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Personal Morality, taught by Father Michael Sweeney. Explores the foundations of what we believe as Catholics and why. How do we know the church’s position on moral issues is correct?

How do we live as faithful Catholics in a world that seemingly rejects the church’s teachings at every turn? This session will examine the concepts of human dignity, freedom, law, sin, virtue, and conscience as well as current moral issues.

It will also provide insight into how we may explain the church’s position to those who are searching for answers in a confusing world.

■ Tuesday, Oct. 27 (new date), Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Chattanooga The Sacraments, taught by Amy Roberts. Explores the foundations of what we celebrate as Catholics. The class will examine how we encounter the living Christ through each of the church’s seven sacraments.

■ Tuesday, Nov. 10, St. Dominic Church, Kingsport What We Believe, taught by Deacon David Lucheon. Explores the foundations of what we profess as Catholics. The class will examine the principal truths of the faith as expressed in the creeds of the church.

■ Tuesday, Nov. 17, Sacred Heart Cathedral Catechetical formation sessions, presented in collaboration with Aquinas College in Nashville, will also be held this fall for catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and other interested adults. Each session takes place on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes hourlong modules on the Creed, the sacraments, morality, prayer, and methods.

Choose one session: ■ Oct. 17, St. John Neumann Church, Farragut ■ Nov. 7, St. Elizabeth Church, Elizabethton ■ Nov. 14, St. Jude Church, Chattanooga.

To register, visit dioceseofknoxville.org, click Resources/ETC, then click Event registration in the left frame. For further details, contact Father Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@dioceseof knoxville.org or 865-584-3307. ■

living the

READINGS

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

Why be good?

The answer means ridding ourselves of the temporal to receive eternal life.

Today’s Gospel tells the story of a man who bothered Jesus with a question just as he was setting out on a journey.

Yet Jesus dropped everything to answer his question. Later in the story Mark tells us Jesus looked at him and loved him. Then Jesus responded with a more challenging question: “Why do you call me good?”

The man had quite innocently called Jesus “good teacher.” Jesus always listened closely to the names people called him. This name “good” was not a casual reference. It was rather the result of this man’s judgment regarding who and what Jesus was. If he

had not perceived Jesus as good, he probably would not have asked his question. Jesus, realizing the importance of the question and the insight behind it, forgot about his trip and entered into a deep conversation with the man.

The original question was, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus forced the man to recognize that he had actually answered his own question. It is not what one must do but what one is that determines eternal life. The man perceived goodness in Jesus and concluded that he should know what’s necessary for eternal life. Jesus is telling him that what one needs for eternal life is to be good.

Then Jesus offers the man the post-graduate class in eternal life. To be good, we have to rid ourselves of what is temporal in order to receive the life

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OCTOBER 11, 2009

Oct. 11, 29th Sunday in ordinary time Wisdom 7:7-11 Psalm 90:12-17 Hebrews 4:12-13 Mark 10:17-30

Good being with others A group in which all the members are happy must be adopting an attitude of service.

ast Sunday’s conversation between Jesus and the man who went away sad was not a brief aside in Mark’s Gospel. It cut to the essence of Mark’s message. He wanted his Gospel to show future Christians what it took to be a true disciple. Unfortunately, many who hear the right answer, like the rich man, go

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away thinking that it is impossible for them to shed all their possessions and become good as Jesus is good.

For example, in today’s first reading we hear Isaiah’s definition of being good— namely to be crushed in infirmity, to give one’s life as an offering for sin, to justify many through suffering. That seems far

too radical a position for any normal person to take.

The rich man probably left saddened for the same reason. Yet not even the Twelve whom Jesus invited to be his closest followers fared any better. In today’s Gospel, James and John, two of Jesus’ most intimate disciples, come under the microscope to see what kind of

disciples they would make.

Mark presents them as glory-seeking. The Lord lets them off easily at first, telling them they do not know what they’re talking about. Then Jesus gets to the point, asking, “Can you drink of the cup that I drink?”

Readings continued on page 8

Oct. 18, 29th Sunday in ordinary time Isaiah 53:10-11 Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 Hebrews 4:14-16 Mark 10:35-45

W EE KDAY RE ADINGS Monday, Oct. 12: Romans 1:1-7; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 13: Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 14: Romans 2:111; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, Oct. 15: Memorial, Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church, Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130:1-6; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, Oct. 16: Romans 4:1-8;

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 17: Memorial, Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr, Romans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43; Luke 12:8-12 Monday, Oct. 19: Memorial, John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, martyrs, and their companions, martyrs, Romans 4:20-25; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 12:13-21 Tuesday, Oct. 20: Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21; Psalm 40:7-10, 17; Luke

12:35-38 Wednesday, Oct. 21: Romans 6:1218; Psalm 124:1-8; Luke 12:39-48 Thursday, Oct. 22: Romans 6:1923; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 12:49-53 Friday, Oct. 23: Romans 7:18-25; Psalm 119:66, 68, 76-77, 93-94; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 24: Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 13:1-9 ■

co-director of Renew for the diocese. I’d never heard of Renew at that point. I was teaching mathematics and happily so. I loved teaching.”

Sister Albertine accepted the job after consulting with her parents, Dr. Albert, a papal honoree himself, and Ella Paulus.

As the Renew program ended in December 1989, Knoxville founding Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell was making plans for a new office that would move Sister Albertine from Nashville back to East Tennessee.

One month later, the Evangelization Office took flight.

“The bishop said that Renew put a great focus on evangelization, so that’s how I got hired,” Sister Albertine said.

The new director had a free reign from Bishop O’Connell as she began her new duties.

“The only direction I ever got for this office in the beginning was: ‘You know those RCIA ceremonies we’re supposed to have? Be sure we have them.’ I’ve been doing that merrily ever since.”

Sister continued from page 1

The Alma order and Sister Albertine’s, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, have the same foundress in Mother Catherine McAuley.

Sister Albertine grew up in Knoxville and was teaching at her alma mater in 1986 when she received a call from Nashville Bishop James D. Niedergeses that would begin a 23-year ministry at the diocesan level.

“I was teaching at [Knoxville] Catholic High and got a call from Bishop Niedergeses asking whether I would be interested in being director or

805 Northshore Drive S.W.

Sister continued on page 6

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Take note of ETC deadlines e welcome submissions about parish and community events. Send notices by e-mail (mary@dioceseofknoxville.org), fax (865584-8124), or mail (P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939). To make sure we receive information about upcoming events in time for publication, please submit it by the following deadlines: ■ Monday, Oct. 12, for the Oct. 25 issue ■ Monday, Oct. 26, for the Nov. 8 issue ■ Monday, Nov. 9, for the Nov. 22 issue ■ Monday, Nov. 23, for the Dec. 6 issue.

When submitting photos or information about past events, please keep in mind that we have a backlog of submissions. ■

that is eternal. One must sacrifice the human to receive the divine. The lecture took Jesus one sentence and was spoken with a loving glance. It may have taken the man a lifetime to put it into practice.

There is an ancient pious thought that the man asking the question in today’s Gospel was Mark himself. How else would Mark know that Jesus looked at the man with love?

A better guess, however, would be that Jesus is talking to each of us. He is looking at us with love. For we have seen the goodness of Jesus’ giving himself on the cross.

We have learned from that event what being good means.

From that cross Jesus asks us a variation of his question to the man: “Would you give up everything in the world and give all that remains in you to the Father?” If we can, we have eternal life. ■

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn.

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Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioceseofknoxville.org • web: dioceseofknoxville.org The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in the United States. Make checks payable to the Diocese of Knoxville. www.dioceseofk noxville.org

THE E A S T TE NNE S SE E CATHOL I C

he dwells

AMONG US

BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA

More than a slogan ‘Respect Life’ is also ‘a prayer expressed in each mystery of the rosary.’

As many of you know, I was recently reminded of how precious the gift of life from our Creator is. My neardeath experience of Aug. 16 brought this home to me loud and clear. Just as we must care for our bodies, we are responsible for feeding our souls with the best spiritual food.

Oct. 4 was Respect Life Sunday, and I’d like to share a couple of thoughts with you all.

“Respect Life” is more than a license-plate slogan. It is a call always to honor the fundamental principle from which every law and human right should flow—the sanctity and dignity of every life—from conception to natural death.

For this reason the church gives special attention to this theme each year during the month of October, a month in which the church has also traditionally celebrated Our Lady and her holy rosary. I have always believed that to be the face of Jesus to others, the rosary is invaluable. As

we pray the rosary, we contemplate with Mary the face of Jesus and take on, in everincreasing ways, his likeness—we become more like him. Throughout history the popes have reminded us that the rosary is a most effective spiritual weapon against the evils afflicting society.

I could write much about why the church reverences the life and dignity of every person, but I would rather encourage you instead to take up, with special dedication this month, the rosary and to pray it every day. As a mother assists her child daily with love, so Our Mother assists us with our lessons of life and love.

Learn from Our Lady and embrace the mysteries of life that the rosary contains.

Through them we reflect on the mystery of life’s beginning in the womb and on birth, infancy, and the perils of this life and threats to the family.

With Our Lady and Christ, we reflect upon the mystery of marriage and Christ’s love for his bride, the church.

As you know, we are the church, the body of Christ.

We are also encouraged to reflect on our call to holiness

and our pilgrim walk in life.

Together with Our Lady at the foot of the Cross, we also learn greater appreciation for the mystery of suffering and our own sharing in the sufferings of Christ. We contemplate God’s great mercy and learn to become merciful. We learn to hope in the promise of Christ resurrected.

“Respect life” is not a slogan but a prayer that is beautifully expressed in each of the mysteries of the rosary that we pray. Indeed, the rosary is a lesson on life’s true sanctity, from conception to our earthly journey’s natural end.

Of the many noteworthy activities in which we can participate this month, I wish especially to recommend the 40 Days for Life campaigns in our diocese. Please take the time, to pray and stand vigil against the culture of death with your rosary in hand. ■ BISHOP STIKA’ S SCHE DUL E These are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments: Oct. 13: 11 a.m., general priest meeting, Chancery Oct. 16: 8 a.m., school Mass, Sacred Heart Cathedral Oct. 17: 11 a.m., Marian Mass with Hispanic community, Sacred Heart Cathedral Oct. 18: 3 p.m., Mass and celebration for Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, Sacred Heart Cathedral; 6 p.m., dedication of family life center, Holy Family Church, Seymour Oct. 19-22: priest retreat, Maggie Valley, N.C. ■

staff

CHANGES

Chancery receptionist to retire Oct. 30; replacement named helby McMillan, longtime Chancery receptionist, is retiring Oct. 30, announced Father David Boettner, moderator of the curia, in a Sept. 29 memo.

“For more than 13 years Shelby McMillan has been the face of the Diocese of Knoxville to all those who call or come by the Chancery,” he wrote. “Her warmth and hospitality have been a gift to our diocese and our visitors.”

Dorothy Curtis, who has worked at The Paraclete bookstore for 18 years, has been hired as the new receptionist. She began training parttime with Mrs. McMillan on Oct. 6 and will assume the post full time on Nov. 2. ■

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Administrative assistant position available at Chancery he Diocese of Knoxville seeks an administrative assistant to provide secretarial support for the diocesan offices and staff. Responsibilities include word processing, and typing reports and correspondence. The position is full time, with benefits.

Candidates must have skills in writing, public relations, and word-processing and computer use as well as organizational ability, good judgment, and confidentiality. Requirements include proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Previous secretarial experience is required.

Send resume to Father David Boettner, moderator of the curia, at dboettner@dioceseofknoxville. org. Deadline for applications is Oct. 23. ■

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Positions open at cathedral school acred Heart Cathedral School seeks a parttime middle school librarian/media specialist, a part-time sixth- and seventh-grade literature teacher, and a part-time middle school drama teacher and director of two school plays.

Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to Sedonna Prater, Principal, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, 711 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, or email praters@shcschool. org. Sacred Heart Cathedral School is an equal opportunity employer. ■

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Want to try online delivery? he East Tennessee Catholic is now offering online delivery for those who would prefer to read a digital copy and to discontinue the print edition. If you would rather read the ETC online, visit snipr.com/onlineETC to sign up.

If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, you can return to a print subscription at any time. If you have questions, e-mail mary@dioceseof knoxville.org. ■

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Child-protection training sessions he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth is based on training developed by Virtus and is offered regularly throughout the diocese. A three-hour seminar for adults, “Protecting God’s Children,” is required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and is recommended for parents and grandparents.

The following training sessions have been scheduled: ■ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church,

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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SISTERS GO SOUTH Sister Mary Christine Cremin (left), Sister Maria Lin Pacold (center), and Sister Mary Sarah Macht of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., are living in the new St. Justin Convent. They will be joined later by Sister Mary Timothea Elliott. Sister Mary Christine is the superior of the convent.

the arrival of a fourth sister who will direct it.

“I’ve known the community for a long, long time,” said Bishop Stika. “I’m good friends with their mother general. They’ll be another part of the diocese that will allow us to continue our growth. Any religious community coming into the diocese is a blessing.”

Sister Mary Christine Cremin is the Knoxville convent’s superior. She will serve at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee as a family therapist. Sister Mary Sarah Macht is the RN working with the bishop. She will also coordinate hospitality at the bishop’s residence. Sister Maria Lin Pacold, a physician, is the third sister at the convent.

With the order’s arrival the bishop created the Office of Christian Formation to replace the diocesan offices of Evangelization and Religious Education. Sister Mary TimoTHE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC

thea Elliott of the Alma order, who is the sister of Deacon Timothy Elliott of All Saints in Knoxville, will direct the new office.

Deacon Elliott is the director of the permanent diaconate and coordinator of ongoing formation of deacons. Sister Mary Timothea will lead the deacon-formation program as the diocese prepares for its next diaconate class, and she “will also be involved in vocation promotion of religious life for women,” the bishop wrote in his Sept.

14 letter announcing the order’s arrival (Sept. 20 ETC).

The sisters will live in St. Justin Convent in West Knoxville. Cardinal Rigali dedicated the house, whose name in part honors him, on Oct. 3.

Sister Mary Christine entered religious life before Vatican II with the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor. That order, post–Vatican II, merged

with several other Dominican communities to form the Dominican Sisters of Hope. The Alma community formed in September 1973, and Sister Mary Christine transferred to it the following month as her former community went out of existence.

She has served the Sisters of Mercy of Alma “in a few different ways” over the years, she said. “I have the advantage of having been in a while.”

“I’m a nurse and a social worker and also an anthropologist. I have worked as a social worker in a hospital in Lansing, Mich., for a number of years, primarily with families who had newborns either premature or born with some kind of birth defect. Also [I have worked with] families who had children who were critically ill in the pediatrics unit.

“I had a private practice for

Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12 (session will be held in the parish life center) ■ St. Alphonsus Church, Crossville, 1 p.m. CDT, Sunday, Oct. 18 ■ St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 (session will be held in St. Anne hall) ■ Sacred Heart Cathedral, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 (session will be held in the Shea Room).

To register for a session, visit virtusonline. org. ■

Diocese of Knoxville procedure for reporting sexual abuse Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities first, then to the bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.

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www.dioceseofk noxville.org

OCTOBER 11, 2009

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BY TONI PACITTI

Chattanooga Deanery

OLPH, Chattanooga ■ The eighth-grade class took part in Hats on Day, a nationwide event to raise awareness of pediatric cancer, on Sept. 16.

■ The Knights of Columbus sponsored a pancake breakfast Sept. 27.

■ Parishioners Christopher R. DeBarge, Conor M. Delaney, and Katherine C. West of Notre Dame High School were recently named National Merit Scholarship finalists.

■ OLPH School class of 2010 officers are Dean Magat, president; Danika Dorris, vice president; Thomas McGuire, secretary; and Connor Simpson, treasurer.

■ Anniversary: Deacon Mark and Mary Gang (50)

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain ■ The parish celebrated Deacon Gordy Kilburn’s 25th ordination anniversary following Mass on Sept. 27.

Deacon Kilburn was ordained Sept. 29, 1984.

■ The Interfaith Homeless Network of Chattanooga needs gently used furniture and working washers and dryers for families making a transition to permanent housing. Call Evelyn Davis at 423-886-5054 or 364-7754.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill ■ The annual youth breakfast will be held Sunday, Nov. 22.

St. Jude, Chattanooga ■ High school youth collected gently used clothing, bedding, and beds for the Relative Caregiver Program clothing swap Sept. 26. RCP is a resource for those who have gained custody of the children of another family member.

■ The Council of Catholic Women will hold its third annual International Day of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the church. Parishioners will pray the rosary in several languages. A potluck will follow in Siener Hall.

■ Students in the middle school will attend a performance of Holes at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Chattanooga Theatre Center.

■ Cub Scout Pack 3172 will sell popcorn after Masses on the weekend of Oct. 17 and 18. Contact Cubmaster Joe Welch at 423-875-8640 or jmbwelch@comcast.net.

■ The Knights of Columbus will sponsor an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Applebee’s in Northgate Mall. Tickets: $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under.

■ Anniversary: Bill and Gloria Demi (40)

St. Mary, Athens ■ The Knights of Columbus will pray

the rosary before each Mass during October, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Sundays.

■ Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, pastoral associate at John XXIII in Knoxville, will speak from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, expanding on her June 22 talk about lectio divina. Bring a Bible and bag lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. Call the office at 423-7454277 or Paul at 478-7798 to register.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga ■ The youth took a hiking trip Sept.

27.

■ The parish picnic will be held after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ Father Daniel Liu of the Diocese of Austin, Texas, a former parishioner, celebrated the 9 a.m. Mass on Oct. 4.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville ■ The annual All Saints Hoedown will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the parish hall. A barbecue dinner will be served. Call Chris Kite at 865966-5160 or Patti Gibson at 777-1342 to volunteer or learn more.

■ The men’s club will meet after the 9 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a workshop titled “How Men Relate to Women.”

■ The annual children’s Halloween party, hosted by the Catholic singles group, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 25, at the playground pavilion. Call Mary Mix at 591-4710 to volunteer or learn more.

■ An appreciation luncheon was served Oct. 4 for all parish volunteers

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OCTOBER 11, 2009

and their families.

■ A planning meeting for the spring adult social was held Oct. 6.

■ Baptism: Elijah Lee Price, son of Jason and Sarah Price

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ Council of Catholic Women mem-

bers will serve as greeters, readers, ushers, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion on “Ladies Day,” Sunday, Oct. 25.

COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY

NOTES

Christ the King, Tazewell ■ A going-away party for Leo and Judy Banasiak will be held Friday, Oct. 9, at Father Joe Campbell’s float house at Flat Hollow Marina. Pick-up times are 6:30 and 7 p.m. Bring an appetizer and a Tennessee gag gift. Adults only.

■ A Halloween-themed potluck dinner will be served Sunday, Oct. 25.

Meat will be provided. Bring a side dish or a dessert. Games will be available for children. Prizes will be given for the best costumes in various age groups.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade ■ Council of Catholic Women mem-

bers will serve as readers, greeters, and servers on CCW Sunday, Oct. 11.

■ The monthly meeting of the CCW will be held after the 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Guest speaker will be Drew Landrus of the Crab Orchard Care Center.

■ Anniversaries: Walter and Delores Novak (63), Dion and Emile Frate (59), Dick and Virginia Murphy (59), Roger and Marguerite Audette (59), Tom and Pat Bluemle (56), Herb and Ginny Adams (54), Tom and Terry Boylson (53), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (51), Michael and Diane Treanor (45), Charles and Kathryn Randall (35)

St. John Neumann, Farragut ■ Andy Forsythe has been hired as the new 10:30 a.m. choir director.

■ Knights of Columbus Council 8781 held a youth Soccer Challenge on Oct. 4.

■ Parish resource guides are available for a donation of $1, which will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Additional donations are welcome.

■ The St. Vincent de Paul Society will sponsor a bake sale after all weekend Masses on Oct. 10 and 11. Bring baked goods to the school between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

St. Mary, Oak Ridge ■ The Knights of Columbus sponsored

their third annual public-square rosary in honor of Our Lady of Fatima on Oct. 3.

■ A potluck dinner was served Sept.

28 for senior citizens. Seniors brought the main course, and high school youth supplied dessert.

■ Parishioners Tim Vineyard and Becca Kocak were named homecoming king and queen for 2009 at Oak Ridge High School.

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City

Deacon Michael Kucharzak (left) and Holy Spirit pastor Father Mike Creson begin the outdoor Mass celebrating the parish’s 10th anniversary Sept. 13. Tyler Brogdon plays the bagpipes for the ceremony. In the foreground are Mary Weaver and Bruce Speer. Natalie Moore (obscured) and Tony Estoye are the cross bearers; the candle bearer is Jessica Cecil.

TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Holy Spirit Parish holds 10th-birthday celebration oly Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy recently turned 10 years old, and about 420 people enjoyed food and festivities in an all-day celebration Sept. 13.

An outdoor Mass started with a procession accompanied by bagpipes, played by Tyler Brogdon, before Father Mike Creson celebrated a bilingual Mass for parishioners and guests. Artisans of the parish constructed an outdoor altar for the event.

One of the obstacles overcome was finding enough room for the large combined choir, which performed some of the same music sung at the

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was served, with pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs Benedict. Made-to-order omelets were also available to complement the abundant food brought in by parish members.

Planners made golf carts available to transport participants to and from the parking lots. The youngsters enjoyed hayrides and large inflatable games at the celebration.

Holy Spirit Church is at the top of the hill at 10768 Dayton Pike and has one Mass on Saturday evenings and two on Sundays. Call 423332-5300 for times or more details. ■

first Mass 10 years ago.

In September 1999 the congregation now called Holy Spirit held its first Mass at First Presbyterian Church on Dayton Pike, with 49 families in attendance. The two congregations shared that facility for about five years before the Holy Spirit Church building was constructed.

Since the first Mass the parish rolls have grown to more than 400 families.

Many people were responsible for the organization, planning, setup, and teardown of the 10th-anniversary event. A full brunch

Forkapas of Fairfield Glade married 50 years aul and Carole Forkapa of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the 5 p.m. Mass on Aug. 22 and renewed their vows before pastor Father John O’Neill with friends and family members present.

They were married at St. Philomena Church in East Cleveland, Ohio, with Father Thomas Rowe officiating.

The Forkapas have three children, Barbara Shaw of Dallas;

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COURTESY OF ROSEANN STRAZINSKY

parish

Carole and Paul Forkapa

Joann Kress of Lake Zurich, Ill.; and Robert Forkapa of Stafford, Va. They also have seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Forkapa retired as a project engineer from Choice Insulation in Morgantown, W.Va., and Mrs. Forkapa as a teacher from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in Pittsburgh. They moved to the Glade in April 2001.

Their anniversary reception with 21 family members and friends was held at the Fairfield Glade Conference Center.

Both are extraordinary ministers, and Mr. Forkapa has served on the parish council. ■

■ Bishop Richard F. Stika installed Fa-

ther Christian Mathis as pastor at the 9 a.m. Mass on Oct. 4.

■ The third annual Ministries Fair will be held after all Masses on the weekend of Oct. 10 and 11.

■ Cookies are needed for the Kairos Prison Ministry weekend, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, through Monday, Oct. 26, at Morgan County Correctional Complex. Contact George Smith at 423-884-3844 or kit707@yahoo.com or Chuck Stridde at 865-458-8520 or chastrid@aol.com.

■ RCIA classes are now forming. Call Bill or Linda Parker at 657-9086 or the church office at 986-9885.

■ Baptisms: Leandro Manuel Espinoza, Courtney Daniel Jeffries, Junior Gonzalez, Victor Guillermo MejiaLopez, Lizbeth Frutos-Zavala Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City ■ Pets were blessed Oct. 4 for the

feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

■ The parish and family life committee will sponsor a chili supper after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Tickets: $8 each or $25 for a family of four or more. Proceeds will benefit the new pavilion.

■ The annual Life Outreach Center Walk for Life will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Parishioners are invited to walk and/or pledge monParish notes continued on page 5

Craft bazaars set in Seymour, Gatlinburg, Newport hree parishes are hosting fall craft bazaars in October and November.

■ Holy Family Parish in Seymour will hold its Holiday Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10, and after Mass on Sunday, Oct. 11.

The bazaar will offer crafts for all ages and needs, as well as a “granny’s attic” featuring new and used items. Refreshments will be available.

Call 865-429-3999 or 983-6611 for more information.

■ St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg is hosting the Smoky Mountain Bazaar from 10 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and 10 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the church parking lot.

The event will feature door prizes, free face painting and popcorn, a bake sale, floral arrange-

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ments for fall and Christmas, decorated mini-trees sized 1 to 4 feet, custom-designed wreaths and garlands, gift baskets, and items crafted by parish Council of Catholic Women artists.

Proceeds will benefit the Sevier County Food Bank, the Women’s Care Center, the Humane Society, and scholarships for area children.

Call St. Mary Church at 865436-4907 for more information.

■ Good Shepherd Parish in Newport is having its first holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the parish hall.

Featured items will include Thanksgiving and Christmas wreaths, many crafts, knitted and crocheted items, baked goods, prizes, and refreshments.

For more information, call the church at 423-623-5051. ■

Rosaries scheduled this month at shrine in New Hope alk-around rosaries are scheduled at 2 p.m. CDT every Sunday in October at the Virgin of the Poor

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www.dioceseofk noxville.org

Shrine in New Hope, which is near South Pittsburg.

To request directions or schedule picnics, reunions, or

other events at the shrine, call Father Mark Scholz at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in South Pittsburg at 423-837-7068. ■

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

CALENDAR

The Diocesan Discernment Program for 2009-10, for men considering a call to a priestly vocation, will offer a day of reflection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chancery office in Knoxville. The topic will be prayer and discernment. Upcoming days of reflection are set for Nov. 14, on celibacy and chastity, and Dec. 12, on the life of a diocesan priest, both at 10 a.m. at the Chancery. For more information, contact Father Michael Cummins at the Catholic Center at East Tennessee State University at 423-926-7061 or etsucatholiccenter@yahoo.com.

The Holy Family Prayer Group at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut is sponsoring a free Catholic Charismatic Renewal Life in the Spirit Seminar this month, featuring a DVD presentation by Father Larry Hess. The seminar will be held in the music room of St. John Neumann School at 625 St. John Neumann Court, next door to the church. Sessions are scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturdays, Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 31.

Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. each day at the church. Those who are interested in learning more about the Charismatic Renewal are encouraged to attend. The first week’s theme is “God’s Love,” followed by “New Life,” “Receiving God’s Gifts,” and “Transformation in Christ.” Father Hess is the liaison for the Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Allentown, Pa. Organizers would like to know how many plan to come to the Life in the Spirit Seminar. Those planning to attend should call Crystal Simoneaux at 865-584-1746.

The last charismatic Mass in the diocese for 2009 will be held at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 18, at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City will be the celebrant. Call Dee Leigh at 423-842-2305 for more information.

Knights of Columbus Council 8152 in Crossville is holding its 19th annual Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10, at the Knights Activity Park, 2892 Highway 70 East, three miles east of Crossville. Visit www.crossvilleoktoberfest.com or see the Sept. 20 ETC for more information.

Rachel’s Vineyard is a retreat for those suffering because of abortion.

The next area retreat is set for the weekend of Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 in Maggie Valley, N.C. For more information, contact Shelley at 828-670-8192, 230-4940, or sglan1234@aol.com. A retreat is also scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 6 through 8 at a retreat house in the Cherokee National Forest.

Contact Sandi at 865-694-4971 or sandi@ccetn.org or Catherine at 6944971 or Peace4Lilith@aol.com. The Sisters of Mercy convent at 2629 Pennington Bend Road in Nashville is the site of a retreat on the weekend of Nov. 20 through 22. Visit www. hopeafterabortiontn.com, call Phil Trevathan at 615-525-8239, or e-mail info@hopeafterabortiontn.com for details. For a listing of retreat dates and locations and other information on the ministry, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org or call 877-Hope-4-Me. Confidentiality is honored at all times.

Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville is sponsoring a golf tournament to benefit Catholic Charities. The tourney will begin with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Fees include 18 holes of golf, gifts and prizes, brunch from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the club’s Grand Ballroom, and beverages.

Entry is limited to the first 25 four-person teams. The format is select-shot.

Contact Mark Moon at mmoon@ cherokeecountryclub.com or Laura Seymour at laura@ccetn.org or visit www.ccetn.org for more information.

The seventh annual Chattanoogans for Life banquet has been set for Friday, April 23, 2010, at the Chattanoogan hotel. The theme is adoption.

For more information, call Cindy Kedrowski at 423-290-7314 or visit chattanoogansforlife.org.

The Serra Club of Knoxville is sponsoring an essay contest for grade school children, offered in memory of Serrans Paul and Katherine Murphy.

The theme is “A Year for Priests.” Winning essays will be selected from two THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

Knox TRL chapter’s Celebrate Life banquet Oct. 20

BY TONI PACITTI

divisions: one for third, fourth, and fifth grades, with a maximum length of 150 words, and one for sixth- through eighth-graders, with a maximum length of 300 words. Winners will be announced during vocations week in January. Prizes will be awarded at the January Serra Club meeting. First-place finishers in each division will receive $50 and a plaque, and runners-up will be awarded $25 and a plaque. Submit essays to Catholic school teachers or CCD teachers. A parent must sign the entries of homeschooled students. Essays, with the entrant’s name, grade, address, and telephone number on the first page, should be mailed to Colette Seitz, 3630 S. Creek Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Deadline for entries is Monday, Nov. 30.

The diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment will sponsor “Building a Bridge: Heart to Heart,” a communication workshop for couples, Saturday, Nov. 7, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga.

The day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. and end by noon. Licensed professional counselor Judy Magnussen of the Elbow Tree Christian Counseling Center will facilitate. Cost: $20 per couple.

Those who attended an engagementpreparation program in 2009 may attend for free. Register by contacting Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or e-mail mcrhistiana@dioceseofknoxville. org before Monday, Nov. 2. Baby-sitting will be provided at an additional cost. Register for babysitting by calling Pam at OLPH at 423-622-7232.

The Knoxville Catholic High School baseball team will host a seasonal flu-shot fundraiser to benefit Catholic Charities, available for those age 12 and older, after all Masses the weekend of Oct. 24 and 25 at the churches listed below. This shot is not for the H1N1 (swine) flu. Cost is $25. The shot will be offered at All Saints, Holy Ghost, Immaculate Conception, and Sacred Heart parishes in Knoxville; St. John Neumann in Farragut; St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City; St. Mary in Oak Ridge; and Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa. E-mail Dr. James Harrison at info@ohseast.com with questions.

The Secular Franciscans will hold an information meeting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in the office building at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The order is open to practicing lay Catholics and diocesan clergy who seek to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis and Franciscan spirituality. Orientation classes will follow on third Sundays at 1:30 p.m. (on the first Sunday in December). Call Secular Franciscans Carol Paul Pavur at 865-458-4208, Janette Irwin at 671-7220, Mary Ramsey at 247-6815, or Nancy Singh at 482-1810.

he Knox County Chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold its annual Celebrate Life Benefit Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Rothchild Catering & Conference Center in West Knoxville.

Mathew D. Staver,

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founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel and a professor of law at Liberty University, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Staver is the author of Eternal Vigilance: Knowing and Protecting Your Religious Rights (B & H Publishing Group, 2005).

Bishop to celebrate Marian Mass at cathedral Oct. 17 ishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate his first diocesan Marian Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The annual Mass features a procession of Marian images honored in Spanish-speaking countries.

Those attending are encouraged to bring their own Marian images from home for a special blessing and to wear typical costumes from

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A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Oct. 17 at John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Father Bob Hofstetter will give a talk titled “St. Thomas and Scholasticism: Dead or Alive?” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Bring a bag lunch. RSVP to 865-5237931.

Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission holds Divine Liturgy celebrations at 5:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Family Church in Seymour. All are welcome to attend, and explanations of the ceremony will be given. Call 865609-1081 to learn more.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery in Knoxville and Vespers at 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Chancery. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307.

Calendar continued on page 8

the country of their birth.

The Mass will be in Spanish, but the Mass program will be bilingual.

Everyone is invited.

A reception at Sacred Heart Cathedral School will follow the liturgy.

For details, contact the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office at 865637-4769 or lacosecha@dioceseof knoxville.org. ■

Fourth Degree assembly installs new officers The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Trinity Assembly 2607 recently installed officers for 2009-10. The installation was conducted by vice supreme master Michael Horten and district master William Gunter at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. A dinner was held after the induction ceremony for officers, wives, family, and friends in Breen Hall at the church. The Trinity Assembly is composed of Knights from Council 4572 in Cleveland and Council 8396 in Athens. From left are (front row) Mr. Gunter; Claude T. Hardison Jr., outer sentinel; Edward Zablotny, faithful navigator; Tom Fortsch, admiral; Joseph Mauser Jr., pilot; and William Milmine, inner sentinel; and (back row) William Markiewicz, comptroller; Robert Parnell, purser; Gerald Orman, three-year trustee; Father Antonio Giraldo, the friar for 2009; Don Meagher, one-year trustee; Joseph Mauser, captain; George Martel, two-year trustee; and Mr. Horten. Not shown are Lewis Talmadge, scribe, and Father Michael Maples, the friar for 2010.

Golf tourneys kick off St. Joseph, Oak Ridge fall fests ere is a look at upcoming fall festivals in the diocese: ■ The 29th annual St. Joseph School Fall Festival will be hosted Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, by St. Albert the Great Par-

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ish in Knoxville because of construction at the school.

In conjunction with the festival is the seventh annual Red Kidd Memorial Open on Friday, Oct. 16, at Three Ridges

Parish notes continued from page 4

The ninth annual Sacred Heart Cathedral School Fall Golf Classic will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. Individuals as well as teams are welcome. The event will begin with breakfast at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call Rick Davis at 865-805-9343, pick up a brochure at the school office, or visit www.shc school.org/support-fundraisers.asp.

The dinner is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Knox County TRL chapter’s work.

Registration is required by Oct. 14. To register, visit trlknox. org or contact the chapter at 865-6891339 or trlknox@ knology.net. ■

COURTESY OF CLAUDE T. HARDISON JR.

on the

ey. Call Patty Hosea at 865-809-5516 for more information.

■ Anniversaries: Christopher and Stacy Mynuk (15) ■ Newcomers: Seth and Bridget Jolly and children Logan, Sean, and Erin; Ronald and Andrea Henry and children Nicklaus and Sarah; Thomas and Joan Hawkins and children Sarah and Laura

Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ The Knights of Columbus will dis-

tribute “prayers for priests” cards to parish families at Masses on Oct. 10 and 11.

St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ The annual parish family picnic was

held Oct. 4 at Bays Mountain Park.

■ The parish recently realized one of its Growing in Faith Together campaign goals with the purchase of a new youth bus. Those with a commercial driver’s license are needed to drive the bus on an occasional volunteer basis.

Call 423-288-8101.

■ Old bicycles are being recycled by the fifth-grade CCD class for children in the Kingsport area this Christmas.

Call Chris or Marty Silver at 239-9521.

St. Patrick, Morristown ■ Parish youth will travel to Dolly-

wood on Monday, Oct. 12. Drivers are needed.

■ The Knights of Columbus hosted an altar server’s appreciation event Sept. 27 in Knoxville.

■ The annual Oktoberfest celebration was held Oct. 4.

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

Golf Course in Knoxville. Lunch begins at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Entry fee is $125. The format is four-person scramble. Tournament proFestivals continued on page 6

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville ■ Representatives of the Diocesan

Council of Catholic Women led a discussion Sept. 15 on the role of Catholic women in the church and society.

■ A newcomer’s dinner was held Oct. 4.

■ Crafters may now reserve booths for the women’s group’s craft fair, set for the weekend of Nov. 14 and 15. Cost is $15. Contact Beth Meyer at 865523-4173 or ejmeyer1@hotmail.com for details.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa ■ The Knights of Columbus will serve

a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in Fatima Hall to fund two $500 scholarships for the parish youth.

Cost: $11 for adults ($15 at the door); $5 for children 6 to 11.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville ■ Casa Mia, an Italian restaurant in

Maynardville owned by a parishioner, offers a 20 percent discount for parishioners of St. Albert the Great.

Call Gloria Cattafi at 745-1723 for more information.

■ Baptism: Emme Charles, daughter of Stuart and Shana Hackworth

St. Francis of Assisi, Townsend ■ The third annual fall bazaar was held Oct. 3.

■ The parish is selling its first cookbook, Bless This Food, Amen, which contains 400 recipes, for $10. Call Lisa at 865-984-4639. ■

OCTOBER 11, 2009

■

5

he Sisters of Mercy recently led the Mercy Health Partners’ celebration of Mercy Month at the system’s 27 different health-care facilities.

“It was 182 years ago, on Sept. 24, 1827, that Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy to help the poor and needy in Dublin, Ireland,” said Sister Mary Martha Naber, regional liaison for Mercy sponsorship.

“We and the associates of our Mercy system continue in the spirit of the foundress of our community as we minister to God’s people in our day and time.

“During Mercy Month the sisters travel to our facilities to renew with associates our commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus and to extend gratitude for their generous service. The renewal prayer includes a special anointing of hands for service, asking God’s blessings on the daily work of the associates,” Sister Martha said.

“Many of our associates testify that our faithbased ministry sets Mercy apart from other health-care systems,” said Becky Dodson, MHP’s vice president for Mission. “They look to the sisters for support and encouragement in their own time of need as well as when providing compassion and care to their patients.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika was a “special guest” for the Mercy Day event at St. Mary’s Medical Center’s main campus, said Sister Martha. “We were delighted to welcome him to St. Mary’s for his first visit and an introduction to our leadership and associates.”

Other Sisters of Mercy helping in the celebration were Sister Mary Janice Brink, Sister Patricia Connolly, Sister Marie Moore, Sister Mary Albertine Paulus, Sister Margaret Turk, Sister Yvette Gillen of St. Therese Parish in Clinton, and Sister Pat Soete of St. Jude Parish in Helenwood. ■

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40 Days continued from page 9

He called those present to “be a prophetic voice to this generation, to this city, this country—let us be hope for others. That is our calling.” ■ Sign up online to participate in the 40 Days for Life vigil at 40daysforlife.com/Knoxville. To learn more about healing retreats for those hurting after abortion, see the information about Rachel’s Vineyard retreats on page 5.

Festivals continued from page 5

ceeds benefit St. Joseph students.

For more information on the tourney or on serving as a sponsor, call Danny Clancy at 865539-2835 or 384-3861. Sponsorships are available at several levels, from $25 to $3,000.

Barbecue chicken and ribs will be served from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at St. Albert the Great.

Games and entertainment—including face painting, a children’s parade, and pie and carved-pumpkin contests—will take place from 5 to 9.

Games and rides, a country store, a cake wheel, crafts, a dessert shop, and a white-elephant sale will be featured from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, along with more barbecue.

Call the school at 689-3424 for more details.

The country store needs canned or fresh produce, baked goods, candies, and country gifts.

Call Carole Willard at 938-1996 or Sara Clem at 687-9542.

■ The 59th annual St. Mary Fall Festival is set for Oct. 8 through 10 at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge.

The festival will kick off with its third annual golf tournament Thursday, Oct. 8, at Centennial Golf Course, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A Putt-Putt tournament for women will also start at 1.

For more information on the tourney, call Tony Wright at 865-384-3753 or Nancy Howard at 966-7042.

The Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supper will start at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the parish life center. Silent and live auctions and youth activities, including an Xbox tournament and movies, will also be held that evening.

Live-auction items include vacation packages, a twin-engine airplane ride, and a pontoon-boat rental.

The festival on the parish grounds will follow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

Featured will be a craft and gift shop, inflatable rides, a rock-climbing wall, a silent auction, a bake shop, many kinds of food, and entertainment.

The event’s “used car lot” will have a 1994 seven-passenger Dodge Caravan and a 1987 Sea Ray 17-foot boat up for bids.

Festival food and drink will include hot wings, Mexican fare, and German beer and brats. Entertainers include The Magnetos, the Faith Promise Puppeteers, and the Salsa Knox dancers.

To learn more about the festival or how to become a sponsor, call Michaela or Bernie Martin at 771-0014 or visit www.stmarysoakridge. org/Parish/fallfest.html. ■ 6

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OCTOBER 11, 2009

Sister continued from page 2

All of the soon-tobe Catholics—as well as their godparents, sponsors, family, and friends—who have attended a rite of election since 1990 have seen Sister Albertine in action. Before every rite began, she donned her schoolteacher hat again to instruct each group in the assembly on the proper responses they were to make during the rite.

Sister Albertine’s involvement with pilgrimages began as the Jubilee Year of 2000 was approaching, when Pope John Paul II was encouraging Catholics to make a pilgrimage to Rome.

People began asking Sister Albertine whether the diocese would be sponsoring such a trip. That led to a meeting with Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz. Sister Albertine told him that she had led student trips as far back as 1971 and maintained several contacts in the travel world.

The bishop asked her to see whether enough people would be interested in going.

“I ended up with a list of 80 people. I went back and told Bishop Kurtz. He looked at me, and his eyes got big and he said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I said, ‘Yes sir, we will.’

And we did.”

People were already asking her about the next pilgrimage on their way back from Rome in 2000, Sister Albertine said. That led to trips to Rome and Assisi, to the shrines of France, and to Greece and Turkey, plus two more pilgrimages to

Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM

the Holy Land.

Several Chancery staffers, including longtime administrative assistant Barb Daugherty, have assisted Sister Albertine over the years. Elizabeth Bunker, the RCIA coordinator at Holy Ghost in Knoxville, has helped Sis-

“I’ve known Barb since she was in college. She was on my floor in the dorm, so we go back a long way too. She’s been just a wonderful blessing because there’s almost nothing she can’t do.”

Chancery workers have heard Sister Al-

A Mass in honor of Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, with a reception afterward. Everyone is invited to attend.

ter Albertine for many years and is assisting her as she cleans out her office.

“Elizabeth is my friend, and she’s coming to bail me out of 21 years of stuff,” said Sister Albertine.

“She’s done RCIA as long as I have, and she’s a retired schoolteacher, as I am, so she has the same habits and the same skills. I met Elizabeth when I taught her kids in high school.

That’s a long time ago.

bertine’s talents on the keyboard during Masses that precede monthly staff meetings and during the staff’s Christmas parties. She has played the piano or organ for numerous events for decades, including Mass at her childhood parish in downtown Knoxville.

“I’ve been playing organ since I was in fifth grade when I was 10 at Immaculate Conception. I was parish organist by the time I was in the

COURTESY OF SISTER ALBERTINE PAULUS, RSM

Sisters of Mercy lead annual Mercy Month celebrations

IN JESUS’ STEPS During a 2006 diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, and another pilgrim carry the cross along the Via Dolorosa, the route in Jerusalem that Christ took to Golgotha. Sister Albertine organized the pilgrimage, one of several she’s led for the diocese.

eighth grade,” she said.

Sister Albertine has also provided the printed programs for many a Mass around the diocese and has helped plan the music for the ordinations of Bishop Kurtz and Bishop Stika.

“I’ve worked with liturgy and music all of my life, and to be able to do so many things here has been a real joy because it means I’ve stayed current with liturgical practice,” she said.

Sister Albertine has also worked with the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association, which has provided materials for her office. She oversaw several Landings programs, a Paulist ministry that reaches out to inactive Catholics.

She said that “having enough energy in my body and time in the day to keep up with the demands” has been her biggest challenge.

Her biggest reward?

“The people. Always the people and their generosity and willingness and their gratitude for being trusted to really work hard. The priests have been just marvelous—they’ve been supportive, they’ve been helpful, and they’ve let me help.

All three of those things are wonderful, and I’m so grateful to them.”

Sister Albertine will continue to direct pilgrimages for the diocese and encourages priests to enlist her help if they want to organize a trip. She probably wouldn’t turn down a suggestion to go back to her favorite place.

“The Holy Land, without a doubt. I’ve been there three times all together. I’d go back in a minute.”

Sister Albertine, who will continue living at the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas convent in Knoxville, said her service as Evangelization director “has been a great ride. I’ve had one marvelous time.”

“Evangelization is so all-embracing—it gets in your blood,” she said. “It just means that the Good News is such good news that you can’t not share it, and I don’t think I ever realized that before this year.” ■

Rigali continued from page 1

Activities, noted that the lives of the unborn are those most at risk in America, with abortions numbering more than 1 million annually.

He said that even though 67 percent of Americans are against taxpayer-funded abortion, “all current health-care proposals being considered by Congress would allow or mandate abortion funding, either through premiums paid into government programs or out of federal revenues.”

Cardinal Rigali also noted that undocumented immigrants and poor legal immigrants were

both at risk of not getting health care under current reform proposals, and he called for policies that recognize the humanity of the immigrant.

“How can a just society deny basic health care to those living and working among us who need medical attention? It cannot and must not,” he said.

The cardinal also criticized the view of some that the costs of expanding health care to those who cannot afford it should be covered by “curtailing the level of care now given to elderly Americans” or determining the level of treatment

www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g

based on a patient’s quality of life.

Cardinal Rigali addressed the cultural attitude that views some people as not worth protecting because of their perceived “low quality of life.”

“It should not be surprising that the neglect and even the death of some people are offered as a solution to rising health-care costs,” he said.

“Population-control advocates have long espoused aborting children in the developing world as a misguided means for reducing poverty.

Rigali continued on page 8

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C

time, talent,

AND TREASURE

Annual Stewardship Appeal set for Oct. 17-18 Donations from the faithful help support Catholic Charities, evangelization, justice and peace, and more.

he theme of this year’s Annual Stewardship Appeal (ASA)—“Feed my lambs . . . tend my sheep . . . follow me”—from John 21:15-19 was chosen to reflect Jesus’ words of commission as they continue to relate to the people of the Diocese of Knoxville.

Jesus’ lambs and sheep in our 14,000square-mile diocese are people of all ages and needs. Bishop Richard F. Stika, as the shepherd of our diocese, both canonically and caringly serves in guiding approximately 59,534 infants, youth, and adults toward a deeper relationship with God and to lives as disciples of the Gospel. The number of Catholics represents about 2 percent of the total population.

The ASA is the foundation for parish and diocesan ministry services, providing benefits no individual parish could give. The diocese has 44 parishes, two missions, and one quasi-parish, served by 73 priests.

Of these parishes, 39 have a resident priest, with the others assisted by a neighboring priest. On average, a single

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priest in the Diocese of Knoxville serves 816 Catholics.

Our diocese currently has nine men studying for the priesthood. ASA support for vocation development, seminarian education, and priestly life helps provide for the ministry of future priests who will serve East Tennesseans.

In 2010 Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Inc. (CCET) will receive 40 percent of budgeted ASA dollars. Last year CCET provided children’s services, mental-health counseling, budgeting education, senior services, housing, pregnancy and adoption services, and outreach or assistance to 23,581 peo-

Learn more about how your ASA dollars are used. Watch our online video, with a message from the bishop and reflections from priests: how the appeal helps the needy and how to respond in gratitude. Visit dioceseofknoxville.org.

ple. The agency operates from several locations in East Tennessee. The need for CCET services has increased greatly this year because of the weak economy.

Education is another ministry fostered through ASA. Last year 8,432 students in the diocese received Catholic instruction in a Catholic school or a religious-education program. Other diocesan-sponsored youth, family life, and adult-education programs also serve people throughout the area. In addition, priests minister on university campuses.

Diocesan-dedicated ASA financial gifts also support evangelization, formation programs, family and adult services, and justice and peace efforts throughout East Tennessee. Last year 1,252 infant and minor “lambs” and 83 adults were baptized, with 232 received into full communion in the church. Nearly 1,100 people received first Holy Communion, 659 were confirmed, and 211 marriages were performed. Diocesanwide, 393 deaths were recorded. The individuals and families involved reASA continued on page 9

Bishop Stika speaks to the faithful about stewardship Sept. 23, 2009 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Let me begin first by thanking you all for your continued prayers and get-well wishes. I am indeed feeling better than ever now, and I am resuming my schedule to get out to the parishes and meet you, the faithful people of God who make up the Diocese of Knoxville. Your prayers have sustained me, and I am thankful for them and for each of you.

The Annual Stewardship Appeal is fast approaching, and I would ask each of you to prayerfully consider how you will participate in this year’s appeal, not only as individuals but also as members of the body of Christ. For 21 years the Annual Stewardship Appeal has enabled our church to meet the many challenges we face together as a community of faith. The appeal has been conducted as both a parish and diocesan effort that provides the financial support to enable our church to provide for the educational, human, pastoral, and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Knoxville.

The Annual Stewardship Appeal is an example of Gospel stewardship and reflects God’s request to us “to love one another as I have loved you.” Our Father has provided us with many blessings in our lives, and it is our responsibility to gratefully “cherish and steward these gifts in a faithful manner.”

Every day we witness outstanding examples of volunteerism and giving at both the THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

parish and diocesan levels.

Our parishioners themselves are stewards—generous and faithful people who make our parish communities and diocesan families strong, vibrant, and in service to those we love and to those we do not even know who continue to feel supported in loving union with the ministry and mission of our church.

Stewardship is more than contributing 10 percent of your income. It is purposely being the hands and feet of Christ, being the face of Jesus, to our families, parishes, communities, and the diocese at large. How can you give back to Our Lord? What good things has he blessed you with that you can share?

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and perhaps be a reader at Mass?

Have you ever volunteered to help teach our young people religion or to bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound? Could you join the Knights of Columbus or the Ladies of Charity?

I ask each of you to prayerfully consider these questions and then commit to actively participating in your parish.

Furthermore, I ask that you strongly consider offering a monetary gift in support of the Annual Stewardship Appeal. Your gift will help sustain our parish and diocesan Christian-formation and ministry programs. These programs include religious education, adult faith formation, seminarian education, priest formation, deacon formation, evangelization, marriage preparation and enrichment, youth and young-adult ministry, campus ministry, and various justice and peace ministries.

Your gift will allow Catholic Charities to continue responding to those in need: abused children, homeless families and seniors, immigrants, pregnant mothers, and a wide variety of other needy individuals.

If every registered family in our diocese regularly attends Mass and faithfully contributes to the work of the church, we will have not only the means we need to sustain our parish and diocesan ministries but also the ability to assist others in need and thus fulfill the call of the Lord Jesus to serve him by serving one another. Please be generous, and encourage your fellow parishioners to become deeply involved in the work of the parish. Your parish and your diocese need your help!

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Mercy programs help prevent, understand breast cancer ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Mercy Health Partners is hosting several educational programs to help women reduce their risk of breast cancer, recognize the importance of early detection, and learn more about treatments available for breast cancer.

The October Healthy in the City program focuses on early detection and treatment options and will feature Caren E. Callaher, M.D., a Mercy Wellnesse for Women board-certified general surgeon. The hourlong monthly Healthy in the City program will begin at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Café 4 on Market Square in downtown Knoxville. There is a $5 fee for the program, which includes lunch and a gift. To register, call the Ask Mercy hotline, 865-632-5200, by Oct. 16.

Understanding how to lower the risk of breast cancer with a healthy diet is the topic of a onehour presentation by Teresa McCusker, a registered dietitian with the Mercy Cancer Centers, beginning at noon Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Baptist Hospital West in Turkey Creek.

“The American Institute for Cancer Research found that a predominantly plant-based diet may reduce your cancer risk and the fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in this type of diet are a powerful tool in weight management as well,” McCusker said. To register, call the Ask Mercy hotline at 865-632-5200.

A third program in October focuses on breastcancer awareness. The Red Hot Mamas will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Foundry on the World’s Fair Park. Robin Wilhoit, WBIR TV-10 anchor and Buddy Check spokesperson, will be the special guest host. Wilhoit will introduce the program’s featured speaker, George Webber, M.D., a board-certified surgeon, who will provide information of special interest to menopausal women. The Red Hot Mamas program includes a free lunch and a gift. Space is limited. Call 865-632-5200 by Oct. 19 to register.

Registration for all Mercy programs is also available online at www.mercy.com. Follow the links to Classes and Events. ■

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Agencies sponsor ‘Strolling for Change’ to help families, children ive Knoxville area home-visitation programs are collaborating to inform the public about a variety of free services. From 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, several agencies will conduct “Strolling for Change” at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. The goal is to ensure that all parents receive the support and information they need for their children’s optimum growth and development.

Working together are Healthy Families East Tennessee, Birth to Kindergarten, Child and Family’s Project Babies, Catholic Charities’ Columbus Home, and the Lisa Ross Birthing and Women’s Center.

Participants in Strolling for Change can take part in family-oriented activities, games for children, a silent auction, and coin donations. The event also includes food and shopping with community vendors. Parents will stroll through the park to support programs that work to enhance early child development, encourage bonding with children, and provide medical care and social services. Robin Wilhoit of WBIR will be the event’s grand marshal.

Healthy Families East Tennessee is designed to support first-time parents through home visitation and in group settings. Birth to Kindergarten’s mission is to empower, support, and encourage parents as their child’s first and most influential teacher so their children may succeed in school and in life. Project Babies is designed to help high-risk, low-income Knox County moms have healthy pregnancies and happy babies. Lisa Ross Birth and Women’s Center provides high-quality women’s health and maternity care with a personal approach. CCET’s Columbus Home Assisting Parents is an in-home family-support program that builds on family strengths.

For details, call the Helen Ross McNabb Center at 865-523-8695, extension 1265, or e-mail rachel.nielsen@mcnabb.org. ■

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The good we do lives after us— when we remember to make a will.

Only you can divide your own property as you want it divided. A bequest to your church can be a living memorial to the nobility of your life.

Most Rev. Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

OCTOBER 11, 2009

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Rigali continued from page 6

“Death is not a solution to life’s problems,” Cardinal Rigali said. “Only those who are blind to the transcendent reality and meaning of human life could support killing human beings to mitigate economic, social, or environmental problems.

“The antidote to such myopia is to recover an appreciation for the sanctity and dignity of each unique human being,” he said.

The Respect Life program stresses the value and dignity of human life from conception to natural death. It is observed in the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States. This year’s theme is “Every Child Brings Us God’s Smile.” ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Readings continued from page 2

By now the other 10 disciples had gotten wind of what James, John, and Jesus were conversing about. Now Jesus had to deal with a case of pride within his community.

Interestingly, the answer to that question is also the reason why a person would want to adopt Jesus’ and Isaiah’s definition of goodness.

One needs only an attitude of service.

Think of an organization you would like to join. The people in it attract you. All the members seem to be happy and fulfilled.

Chances are, the group is made up of members who serve one another’s needs. They give without counting the cost. The group is attractive and joy-filled because among its, say, 100 members, 99 are serving you just as you are helping to satisfy the needs of the others.

Jesus’ words to us do not make sense if we think in terms of the singular. If we become community-minded, however, they not only make sense but also become a blueprint to true joy. ■ Father Brando is a retired priest of the diocese.

Declaration continued from page 10

said. He cited the churches’ different views on human sexuality and ecclesial decision-making as two areas where dialogue must continue.

Archbishop Gregory also offered those gathered two recommendations for going forward: to foster what he called a ressourment similar to the mid-20th century period “that made possible a whole range of ecumenical projects and dialogues“ and to pray, pray, and pray.

“Prayer is the soul of ecumenism,” he said.

The Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, echoed Archbishop Gregory’s sentiments that dialogue must continue and move forward. He thanked the theologians who “labored with diligence” to form the joint declaration and those who continue to work in ecumenism today.

Rev. Noko said he was grateful that the declaration, despite being rooted in the past, did not look behind but forward.

“The joint declaration is a complete testimony to what and how much can be achieved when we faithfully bear witness to the Gospel together,” Rev. Noko said. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Calendar continued from page 5

St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City will host a retreat for men and women from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, led by Paula D’Arcy.

The psychotherapist, writer, and spiritual director will speak on “Seeing the Second Half of Life Through New Eyes,” sharing reflections, lessons, and knowledge to aid those seeking to more fully experience their spiritual journey. Tickets are $30 and include retreat materials and lunch. To order tickets by mail, make checks payable to the St. Thomas Women’s Guild and include an SASE. Mail payments to Jan Joyce, 517 Dudala Circle, Loudon, TN 37774. Call Mrs. Joyce at 865-458-4550.

called to

FOLLOW

BY SUZANNE ERPENBACH

Faith into action The Annual Stewardship Appeal leads us to consider others’ needs.

My favorite backyard tree is beginning once again to lose its leaves.

One of many trees, it’s different from any other.

Standing especially tall, with broad branches, it provides shade, privacy, support to the environment, and beauty. It adds to the grand expression of purposeful creation.

Thinking of trees prompts reflections on human relationships with God and on stewardship. Our unique gifts are shaped through the experiences we have wherever we are “planted.” We join our gifts with those of other individuals in communities of family, neighborhood, parish, and more to offer caring and thoughtful service.

Christ taught us a path that leads to life, emptying himself as a slave and servant to all by coming in human likeness.

He humbled himself, showing faithfulness and obedience to his Father, and sacrificed himself, accepting death on a cross.

He came to teach us values, the Gospel values we reflect in faithful living and which serve as the basis of Catholic social teaching. These Gospel values are derived from the two greatest commandments Christ gave: to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Gospel values are formed in us through a particular connection to Christ’s words, actions, and instructions. The way we manifest these values reveals our appreciation and gratitude for God’s gifts.

The Catholic Church universally teaches the Gospels and further extends Christ’s invitation to follow, linking people to faith-filled living. As individuals we come to our parish church, carrying what is in our heart. We each bring our cares, concerns, interests, and abilities to the house and table of the Lord. Uniting as part of a worship community, we join together to learn, share, and spread the Gospel message and to help address the needs of individuals and society. Through collective efforts we build Christ’s church and further his ministry and mission.

Living as a member of a

family and connecting with others in communities, we realize that everyone can benefit from working together and in support of one another.

Like groupings of trees, our faith roots intermingle to sustain us as worship communities. Our ministries branch out to reach many people and needs.

Each fall our diocese conducts the Annual Stewardship Appeal (ASA). It prompts individuals to consider their participation and support as a member of a parish and as part of the Diocese of Knoxville. Individuals and parishes unite to nurture the local church and support the development and outreach of the vital ministries of the diocesan church. The ASA focuses our perspective beyond individual faith development, leading us to consider others’ needs.

Recently Pope Benedict XVI commented on a Gospel reading with two questions: “Who is Jesus of Nazareth for you?” and “Is your faith translated into actions?”

Seasons change, and we move forward in life. We’re constantly challenged to think, make decisions, and act in response. May our relationship with God and Gospel values guide all we think, say, and do. May God bless you. ■ Mrs. Erpenbach directs the Stewardship and Development office.

A historical survey of the Mass in the vernacular

BY FATHE R R ANDY S TI CE

n my column last month (“Who, what, when, where, and why: the new translation of the Roman Missal,” Sept. 6 ETC) I introduced the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal, which is due to be completed by the end of 2010.

This month I would like to put this new translation in context by giving a brief history of the translation of the Mass into the vernacular.

The translation of the Mass into vernacular languages was first proposed at the Council of Trent (1545-1563), at which the Catholic Church formulated her response to the Protestant Reformation.

Although the council fathers recognized “the great catechetical value contained in the celebration of the Mass” (GIRM, No. 11), they felt the timing was not opportune for such a change. They did, however, direct pastors “to give frequent instructions during the celebration of Mass,” including “some explanation of the mystery of

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this most holy Sacrifice” (Ecumenical Council of Trent).

The Second Vatican Council (1961-1965), recognizing “the instructive and pastoral character of the sacred liturgy” (GIRM, No. 12) and acknowledging that “the use of the vernacular language may frequently be of great advantage to the people” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, No. 36.2), gave permission for the restricted use of the vernacular. The enthusiasm that greeted this change led the bishops and the Apostolic See to grant permission for its wider use in all liturgical celebrations (GIRM, No. 12).

Following the initial reform of the liturgy and its translation into the vernacular, “there came a period of practical experience, which necessarily required a considerable space of time” (Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, CDWDS).

In 1988 Pope John Paul II published his apostolic letter Vicesimus Quintus Annus (VQA) on the 25th anniver-

sary of the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, in which he reflected on the implementation of the Council’s reform of the liturgy. With this letter, notes the CDWDS, “there began a new gradual process of evaluation, completion, and consolidation of the liturgical renewal.”

The pope included in this process the translation of the liturgy into the vernacular and the principles that should guide the translation (VQA, No. 20). In 1997 the pope asked the CDWDS to codify its work over the intervening years concerning liturgical translations.

In response to the pope’s request, the CDWDS published two instructions, intended to be read together, to guide the next stages of the liturgical renewal. The first, Varietates Legitimae (“Legitimate Differences”), was published in 1994 and dealt primarily with the question of the inculturation of the liturgy. According to this document, the Vernacular continued on page 9

Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of Greater Knoxville (40 and over) include the following: ■ Wednesday, Oct. 14: Knoxville Greenways walk at Bearden Village Greenway. Meet at the former Bi-Lo on Forest Park Boulevard at 6 p.m. Call Randy S. at 865-556-3781.

■ Thursday, Oct. 15: Deadline to submit articles and events for the November-December newsletter.

■ Friday, Oct. 16: October birthday celebration, 6:15 p.m. Hosted by Sandra J. at Altruda’s Italian restaurant, 125 N. Peters Road. RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 14. Call 602-6773 (daytime) or 504-913-1610.

■ Sunday, Oct. 18: All-day road trip to Blowing Rock, N.C. Meet at All Saints Church at 7 a.m. Call Randy S. at 556-3781.

■ Saturday, Oct. 24: Oktoberfest at Gail B.’s home, 7 p.m. RSVP to Gail at 966-8205 or gbraunsroth@ charter.net by Oct. 21. ■ 8

■

OCTOBER 11, 2009

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville and at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details.

Teachers gather for annual diocesan in-service day Bishop Richard F. Stika speaks at the annual in-service day for teachers in the diocese’s Catholic schools. The event took place Oct. 2 at All Saints Church and Knoxville Catholic High School. The presenter for the day was Steve Chardos, a psychologist and member of Chattanooga’s St. Jude Parish. www.dioceseofk noxville.org

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

respect

LIFE

from the

BY MARY C. WEAVER

40 Days for Life kicks off with prayer The Knoxville campaign opens as people of all ages attend a service near an abortion clinic. noxville’s third annual 40 Days for Life campaign began Sept. 23 as it will continue through Nov. 1: with an abundance of prayer and a silent witness outside a Concord Street abortion clinic.

This year’s campaign was organized

by Lisa Morris of Sacred Heart Cathedral and Paul Simoneau, director of the diocesan Justice and Peace Office. Both are members of the Prolife Coalition of East Tennessee (ProCET).

Similar campaigns are taking place in at least 211 other communities, according to the national 40 Days for Life website (40daysforlife.com).

That’s an increase from 177 communities last year.

Beginning with an 8 a.m. service of song and prayer, the kickoff drew about 100 people, including clergy, students from Knoxville Catholic High School, and others of all ages.

The vigil site is just outside Tyson Park, across from 313 S. Concord St. A common theme of the speakers who addressed the crowd was hope: hope for pregnant women, that they will be empowered to carry their babies; hope for those who have chosen abortion, that they will experience God’s healing and forgiveness; and hope for those who sup-

MARY C. WEAVER

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‘THEY WILL RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSING’ Father Tony Dickerson delivers one of several brief reflections given during Knoxville’s 40 Days for Life kickoff, held Sept.

23 across the street from a Concord Street abortion facility. Behind him are (from left) campaign co-organizer Lisa Morris and Stephanie Miles, executive director of the Choices Resource Center in Oak Ridge.

port abortion, that they will be converted, like St. Paul.

“I can’t help but think of St. Paul,” said Mrs. Morris.

“Look at him. He was the biggest persecutor of the Christians, just thinking he was doing the right thing.”

Through his experience with Christ on the road to Damascus, “he was changed completely, from the inside out,” she said.

“That’s my prayer for our president and our public officials who support abortion. . . . We need to pray to St. Paul for their conversion because we know it can happen.”

Father David Boettner, moderator of the curia for the diocese,

began the event with a prayer for all those who have suffered from violence of any kind. Abortion, he said, “is not just an act of violence against the unborn child but also an act of violence against the mother, against the father, against the entire community.”

“When a community suffers from violence, it ruptures the bonds that unite people together.”

Stephanie Miles, the executive director of Choices Resource Center in Oak Ridge, spoke of the women and men she meets through her job—and the words of hope the center’s staff try to convey. Abortion facilities, she said, offer a negative mes-

sage: “You can’t have a baby right now. You can’t be a mother.

You really can’t do this.”

Quoting cartoon character Bob the Builder, she said, the more accurate message for people in crisis pregnancies is that with help and support, “Yes we can!”

In fact, she said, pregnancy-help centers help more than 350,000 women in the United States each year. “That’s 50,000 more each year than [the number who] receive abortions from Planned Parenthood,” said Ms. Miles.

In his reflection, KCHS co-chaplain Father Tony Dickerson spoke of the Beatitudes and their message for those who suffer.

“Those who are mourning, those who are hurting will be given life. They will receive God’s blessing,” he said. “[Jesus] also exhorts his followers to extend hope to others—to be a light to the world. . . . That’s why we are here: to pray, to enter into the breach, to intercede for those who are hurting, who are downtrodden, who have made mistakes.

“We can be the light that says, ‘God can help you,’” he said. “God has been hope for me, and God can be hope for you.”

40 days continued on page 6

Convent continued from page 3

a time also doing primarily marriage therapy. I taught at Michigan State in medical anthropology, supervising students learning interviewing techniques, and I worked in Germany as a visiting nurse and as a social worker in the equivalent of a day-care center for emotionally disturbed adults.”

Sister Mary Christine then went to Rome, where she first served as a superior. The Alma sisters in Rome, among other duties, staffed the visitors office the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established for English-speaking pilgrims and served at the clinic at the Pontifical North American College.

She said she is looking forward to her work at Catholic Charities, which will also take her to the Chattanooga and Five Rivers deanery CCET offices.

“My understanding is that, because the percentage of Catholics in Knoxville is small, finding a Catholic family therapist for families who wish that is pretty difficult, but I’ll be happy to be of service,” she said.

Sister Mary Christine met Bishop Stika briefly in his St. Louis days.

“He has a wonderful reputation that has preceded him, and I’m looking forward very much to working with him,” she said.

Sister Mary Timothea is a Scripture scholar on the faculty at St. John Vianney TheoTHE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC

logical Seminary in Denver.

She will be in the Diocese of Knoxville full time once her contract expires in May but will be in East Tennessee numerous times before then, whenever her school has a break.

Before entering the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Sister Mary Sarah worked on the political-action committee for the National Right to Life Committee in Washington, D.C. “That’s when I discovered my vocation, through prayer and discernment and a lot of assistance from friends,” she said.

The Alma sisters are called to higher education, and Sister Mary Sarah said that “one of the ways we serve the church is through those educational degrees that allow us to provide care to fulfill that third vow we take, to serve the poor, the sick, and the ignorant.”

Sister Mary Sarah has been in religious life for about a decade, and her service has taken her far and wide, starting with her nursing studies in Denver at Regis University.

“Then I worked at St. Francis Hospital, where our sisters are, in Tulsa, Okla.,” she said.

“Then I had the privilege of serving as a nurse at the North American College for almost three years in Rome. I went back to Tulsa and worked in pastoral care, and now I’m here in Knoxville.”

Sister Maria joined the sis-

ters about four years ago and is still in temporary vows.

“I graduated from medical school just before I entered the sisters,” she said. “I hadn’t worked as a doctor, but I had just finished my degree before I entered.”

She has also served in Tulsa, in pastoral care, as well as Sydney, Australia, “which is one of our new foundations,” she said. “I was there for about a year, and I came back to the United States earlier this year.”

Sister Maria is not yet sure what her assignment in Knoxville will entail.

“I came as kind of temporary help just to start the new foundation in Knoxville,” she said. “I’ve been helping to get the convent started, basically.”

The sisters are already enjoying their new convent and East Tennessee hospitality.

“It’s a privilege to come to a place and found a new convent, and the people of East Tennessee, especially Knoxville, have been incredibly warm and generous,” said Sister Mary Sarah.

The Alma sisters are based in the Diocese of Saginaw, Mich., and serve in more than a dozen dioceses. Their U.S. presence had primarily been in the East, Midwest, and West—until now.

“One special thing about this convent is that it’s our first foundation in the South,” said Sister Maria. “This is a little bit of a new region for us. It’s very exciting.” ■

www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g

PARACLETE

BY VONNIE SPICER

A new chapter hoever lives in the strong faith that nothing happens without the knowledge and will of God is not easily disconcerted by astonishing occurrences or upset by the hardest of blows,” wrote St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

“He will stay quiet and face the facts clearly; he will discover the right guidelines for his practical behavior in the overall situation.”

It is with great joy and a good amount of sadness that we announce to you that Dorothy Curtis has accepted a position as receptionist at the Chancery (see the story on page 3). Dorothy was not looking for a job, but they made an offer, and she could not refuse.

Dorothy started at the Paraclete as a volunteer 18 years ago.

Six months later she became a full-time employee. Over the years she has made many close and wonderful friendships with clergy and laity alike, which should stand Dorothy in good stead in her new position. Dorothy has been a great asset

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to the Paraclete. She will be greatly missed.

We have been blessed over the years with employees who have stayed with us for extensive periods of time: Dorothy, 18 years; Melanie, 21 years; and Tricia, 22 years. I too have been here 22 years. The longevity of our staff has enabled us to have many loyal customers. We hope to continue that service with the help of our two new staff members, Mary Rose and Bethany Marinac.

Please come in and introduce yourselves to our new people.

Both bring a wealth of good qualities along with a strong work ethic and excellent customer-service skills, all of which will help us through this time of transition. We hope to meet or exceed your expectations as we move into this new chapter of life at the Paraclete. ■ The Paraclete is a fullservice Catholic book and supply store. Visit 417 Erin Drive in Knoxville, near Sacred Heart Cathedral, or call 865-588-0388 or 800-333-2097.

Vernacular continued from page 8

translation of liturgical books is “the first significant measure of inculturation” (VL, No. 53). It summarizes the importance of language in the liturgy thus: “In liturgical celebrations its [language’s] purpose is to announce to the faithful the good news of salvation and to express the church’s prayer to the Lord. For this reason it must always express, along with the truths of the faith, the grandeur and holiness of the mysteries which are being celebrated” (VL, No. 39).

The second Instruction, Liturgiam Authenticam (“Authentic Liturgy”), published in 2001, specifically addresses the use of vernacular languages in the liturgy. It offers the church “a new formulation of principles of translation with the benefit of more than 30 years’ experience in the use of the vernacular in liturgical celebrations” (CDWDS).

In a relatively few pages it states principles that must be applicable to the several hundred languages currently used in liturgical celebration around the world. These two documents—Varietates Legitimae and Liturgiam Authenticam—have guided the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal.

Next month I will discuss the nature of the liturgy according to these documents.

To learn more, visit these links: ■ summary and introduction to Liturgiam Authenticam: bit.ly/1Q2rtj ■ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website on the new translation: bit.ly/6DpYy. ■ If you have questions or comments, e-mail Father Stice at frrandy@dioceseofknoxville.org. Father Stice is the director of the diocesan Worship and Liturgy Office.

ASA continued from page 7

ceived care and support through various ministries and programs.

The “lambs” and “sheep,” both serving and served in the diocese each year, depend on the generous support provided through the Annual Stewardship Appeal.

All East Tennessee Catholics are asked prayerfully and reflectively to read the appeal materials and identify commitments of prayer, time, talent, and treasure they can offer to parish and diocesan ministries.

October 17 and 18 is the designated weekend for the return of commitment cards and time-and-talent forms. Cards and forms may be returned in the offertory basket or mailed to your church. All financial contributions should be given through your parish’s offertory collection.

An ASA video will be posted to the diocesan website (dioceseofknoxville.org) shortly.

Check the right frame of the home page. ■ OCTOBER 11, 2009

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9

WIRE

Vocation directors discuss ways to foster priestly vocations B Y CHA Z MUTH

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CNS)—Vocation directors from Catholic dioceses throughout North America converged in East Rutherford to discuss ways to help those who are called to serve God recognize the signs that they have a vocation.

Organizers of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors’ 2009 Convention— held Sept. 27 through Oct. 1 just across the river from New York City—said the 46th annual gathering was particularly meaningful because it fell during Pope Benedict XVI’s Year for Priests.

The theme of the convention, hosted by diocesan vocation directors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, was “Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.”

When he announced the special Year for Priests, Pope Benedict said he hoped it would help priests “grow toward spiritual perfection,“ value the need to be effective ministers, and help the faithful “appreciate more fully the great gift of grace which the priesthood is.”

Church leaders also hope the special designation will attract more men to the priesthood.

Father David L. Toups, a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Fla., and the associate director of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, told the vocation directors that many young people said in a study that they had not received a great amount of support from diocesan priests when they expressed an interest in the priesthood or consecrated life.

“If we love the priesthood, we will speak of the priesthood,” Father Toups said. “If we love consecrated life, we will speak of consecrated life.

This gift . . . to the church is essential to the growth and furtherance of the building up of the kingdom of God.” In a special reflection for vocation directors, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Harrisburg, Pa., said the pope sees this year as an opportunity to help the world recognize the importance of the priest’s mission in contemporary society.

“And Pope Benedict sees this year as a favorable opportunity for asking the Lord to give numerous holy priests to the church,” Bishop Rhoades said.

“We cannot truly speak of the Catholic priesthood without reference to the priesthood of Christ,” Bishop Rhoades said. “In our work on behalf of priestly vocations, we should be filled with a spirit of wonder in contemplating the mystery of the priesthood.”

The sacrament of priesthood transforms the ordained into “living instruments of Christ, the eternal high priest,” he said.

Vocation directors attended workshops to help them envision the seminary of the future and priestly formation, welcome international candidates and seminarians, and better use psychological testing for seminary selection.

Last year the Vatican released the document “Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood.” Approved by Pope Benedict, it was written by the Congregation for Catholic Education.

The Vatican document emphasizes that psychological consultation and testing are appropriate tools in “exceptional cases that present particular difficulties” in seminary admission and formation.

Ronald J. Karney, current chief psychologist and director of outpatient services at the St. John Vianney Center in Downington, Pa., told vocation directors it’s important to let candidates know exactly what is involved in the process before the psychological evaluation begins.

Though Karney said psychological testing isn’t a crystal ball for predicting a candidate’s suitability for the priesthood, it will help identify potential issues that may make it difficult for candidates to carry out their duties.

The point stressed to the vocation directors often was that it is incumbent on them—as well as parish priests, teachers in Catholic schools, and others in the church—to help young people recognize when they are being called to serve God through a vocation.

Father Randall Vashon, vocation director for the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., said some of the lessons learned during the convention were not always easy to hear.

“Sometimes we have to be reminded of going back to the basics,” Father Vashon said. “It’s not our message—it’s passing on Jesus Christ’s message.”

Vocation directors have to get past their initial impressions when they feel as though a candidate is not suited for the priesthood so they can conduct a thorough and unbiased evaluation, he said.

“That’s hard to do because sometimes [the man] might be an individual” with whom the director does not connect, Father Vashon said. “But that’s not what it’s about. It’s about Christ calling.

Sometimes we have our perfect candidate in mind, whom we want, and [this person is] not whom we want, but it’s Christ who is calling.” ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 10

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OCTOBER 11, 2009

True choice for pregnant college students A Charlotte center hopes to build a campus-based maternity residence. By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS)— Lacy Dodd, a 33-year-old banking professional and mother of one, knows precisely where supporters and opponents of legal abortion can find common ground.

It’s on nearly four acres donated by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey in Belmont, N.C., where Room at the Inn, a Charlotte-based pregnancy resource center, hopes to build the nation’s first campus-based maternity and after-care residence for pregnant college students.

Dodd, an alumna of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and a member of the board of directors of Room at the Inn, knows firsthand how daunting it can be for a young woman in college to face an unplanned pregnancy. In 1999 she was a Notre Dame senior, pregnant and under pressure to have an abortion from the counselor at a local women’s clinic and from her boyfriend, also a Notre Dame senior.

She never considered abortion, and with the help of supportive family members and friends is now the proud mother of a 9-year-old daughter, whose name she prefers not to make public.

Dodd told her story to Catholic News Service and to radio listeners on Christopher Closeup, the half-hour weekly radio interview produced by the Christophers, to mark Respect Life Month in October.

The radio interview aired on Oct. 4, Respect Life Sunday, on the Catholic Channel and on the Relevant Radio network; it is available online as a podcast at christophers. org/CloseupPodcast.

“The great, unique thing about our project is that it’s nonpartisan; it’s an initiative everyone can support,” Dodd told CNS on Sept. 29. “Prolife or pro-choice, if we want women to feel they have a choice, this is where we can all agree.

“The lack of resources is a huge cause of abortion,” she added. “If women feel they don’t have the emotional resources, the financial resources, the educational resources” they need to choose to give birth, “we can focus on giving them that choice.”

Dodd found the resources she needed at pregnancy-resource centers in South Bend, Ind., and Clearwater, Fla.,

CNS PHOTO/COURTESY OF LACY DODD

from the

Lacy Dodd, an alumna of the University of Notre Dame and a member of the board of directors of Room at the Inn, is pictured with her daughter in an undated photo. Room at the Inn is a pregnancy-resource center based in Charlotte, N.C., that organizers hope will be the nation’s first campus-based maternity and after-care residence for pregnant college students.

‘AN INITIATIVE EVERYONE CAN SUPPORT’

and from friends and family, including her twin sister, Amanda, also a Notre Dame senior at the time. She graduated from Notre Dame on schedule with a bachelor’s degree in American studies and received her ROTC commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

The Army deferred her service until after she gave birth, but then she and her daughter traveled to Giebelstadt Army Airfield in Germany, where her twin sister was stationed with a different unit. When Lacy Dodd was deployed to Iraq for three months, Amanda Dodd cared for Lacy’s daughter, who attended day care on base.

After five years in the military, Lacy Dodd and her daughter moved to Charlotte, where she “finally had some stability in my life” and “felt called to get involved with a pregnancy-resource center.”

That led her to Room at the Inn, the only Catholic pregnancy-resource and maternity after-care facility in Charlotte.

Prompted by studies that showed that most young women do not perceive college campuses as places where pregnant students can get support, even when such resources are actually available, and thanks to the monks’ donation of the land in 2005, the Room at the Inn board began a $3 million capital campaign to build a resi-

dence that they hope will be a national model for other college campuses.

The facility—which will be open to students at other colleges or vocational schools in the region—will have two residential wings housing up to 15 mothers, 15 infants, and eight toddlers, as well as a chapel, laundry, playroom, kitchen, and family-style dining room. Staff members with social-work backgrounds will be on duty 24 hours a day.

The capital campaign is about halfway to its $3 million goal, Dodd said, adding that she hopes it will be a model for other Catholic colleges nationwide, including her alma mater, Notre Dame.

She said she is encouraged at the decision by Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame, to form a Task Force on Supporting the Choice for Life to recommend ways the university can support the sanctity of life.

“I hope this is an initiative that Father Jenkins’ task force will consider because it would meet the goals of the task force,” Dodd said.

“This is a way campus administrators can start walking the walk to help” pregnant and parenting students, she added. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Catholic, Lutheran leaders mark 10th anniversary of historic document

BY J OYCE DUR IGA

CHICAGO (CNS)—National leaders of the Catholic Church and Lutheran World Federation gathered in Chicago on Oct. 1 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.

It was an evening to honor a historic moment and took place in a historic church, Old St. Patrick, the oldest church and oldest public building in the city.

Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, co-presided at the Vespers service with Bishop Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

USCCB and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America co-sponsored the event. Cardinal William H. Keeler, retired archbishop of Baltimore, also attended.

The declaration said the

Catholic and Lutheran churches’ consensus on basic truths means that the doctrine of justification—how people are made just in the eyes of God and saved by Jesus Christ—is not a church-dividing issue for Catholics and Lutherans even though differences between them remain in language, theological elaboration, and emphasis surrounding those basic truths. The World Methodist Council affirmed the declaration in 2006.

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, delivered the evening’s homily, saying that it was a night to celebrate the Catholic–Lutheran fellowship that “is real and grounded in a common profession of faith in Christ.”

“Jesus Christ is the gift that unites us. He is the power that sustains us on the ecumenical journey,” Archbishop Gregory

www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g

told the congregation.

He went on to describe the baptismal garment worn by all baptized Christians and asked that the leaders of the ecumenical movement who have gone before—such as Martin Luther, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Pope John XXIII—be remembered for their witness to Christ.

“The garment belongs to all who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb,” he said.

It is not possible to separate the garment from Christ, he added.

Although much progress has been made in the name of ecumenism, people of faith must look forward, the archbishop said.

“Honesty requires that we acknowledge how much more work needs to be done by both our communities” for the declaration to take root in the Catholic and Lutheran communities, the archbishop Declaration continued on page 8

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C