Oct. 7, 2012, ET Catholic

This issue

He dwells among us.................. 2 Diocesan calendar................... 10 Deanery news.......................... 11 La Cosecha............ center pullout

The East Tennessee

Catholic youth......................... 15 Mass times.............................. 21 Columns............................. 18-22

dioknox.org Oct. 7, 2012 Volume 22 Number 2

Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville

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Honor Roll Notre Dame, KCHS ranked in Top 50

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Amen John XXIII priests respond to Neyland prayer issue

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Leading the way Students honored at Youth Mass

Witnessing Second Vatican Council’s impact Cardinal Rigali, who was part of historic assembly, calls documents ‘more important than ever’

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By Bill Brewer

n October 1962, as the Cuban missile crisis gripped the world and civil rights icon James Meredith registered for classes at Ole Miss under federal marshal escort, Pope John XXIII convened the first ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church in nearly 100 years.

In the 50 years since the Second Vatican Council opened, the Catholic Church has been guided by documents forged during the momentous event while theologians continue to debate its effect on the Church.

But Vatican II isn’t a distant memory for Cardinal Justin Rigali, and there is no debate by him about its legacy.

Vatican II isn’t a distant memory for Cardinal Justin

The historic assembly that began a half century ago this month comes alive every day on the walls of his office at the Knoxville Chancery and as he carries out his daily devotion in performing Christ’s mission.

Cardinal Rigali, former archbishop of St. Louis and Philadelphia who is in residence in Knoxville, had a backstage pass to the last ecumenical council, serving as a young priest assistant to the bishops who created the 16 documents defining Vatican II. And the historic images hanging in his workspace are windows into history, offering glimpses of the Church at work at its highest

Vatican II continued on page 4

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Rigali, and there is no debate by him about its legacy.

Place in history Cardinal Justin Rigali points to the section in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome where he served bishops attending the Second Vatican Council. Cardinal Rigali was a 27-year-old priest assistant and participated every day in the first two years of the council. As a student of Vatican II, he has authored a book on the subject titled Reliving Vatican II: It’s All About Jesus Christ.

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

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He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop’s schedule

Building according to code

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

Home improvement jobs are a good lesson in how to approach our vote for a ‘country improvement’ project

ike many people, I have a favorite TV network I enjoy watching. Mine is the “DIY Network” featuring a number of “do it yourself” home improvement and landscaping programs. Coincidently, these popular programs are part of Scripps Networks Interactive that is based in Knoxville.

I think the appeal of these programs stems in part from the desire we all have to see the possibilities of life turned into reality and the things of our world transformed into something better.

We also like to have our creative spirit ignited and to have our confidence built up. Politicians and political campaigns aim to do no less. But when it comes down to choosing a “country improvement” project, we would do well to approach it in much the same way we should a major “home improvement” project.

Being overly inspired and underinformed can jeopardize the good outcome we desire in more than just home improvement projects. And inspiration can so easily become impulsive and overlook important details that might otherwise change our approach to an endeavor or even

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

Follow Bishop Richard Stika on Twitter @bishopstika as he tweets about news and events from the diocese. our decision to undertake it, which prompted someone to coin the saying, “the devil’s in the details.”

The home improvement programs I like to watch try to inspire and inform. One of the ways they do so is by helping the viewer develop a list of the materials needed and their cost, and to better understand how these items will be used within the overall design.

Political parties have this type of list as well, and conveniently enough for our analogy their individual items are referred to as “planks,” which taken as a whole form the “platform” of a party and its vision for improving our country. I highly encourage you to read each party’s platform available online.

But in doing so, I also would recommend you give reflection to God’s platform and read one of the Gospels as well, for earthly inspirations can lead even people of good faith to join voice with an all too familiar chorus,

“We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15).

By familiarizing ourselves with these platforms, we better understand that our vote is for more than just an inspiring vision for our country, but is a vote for all the means the party will employ to achieve what they believe a better society should represent. With our vote, then we are essentially approving for purchase the entire list of materials for that specific blueprint.

The part of this that should concern us is that these lists are unalterable— we can neither add nor delete items, nor can we even modify their use.

Only candidates in their elected capacity have this ability to the extent it is theirs to exercise. That is why it is so essential to know where the individual candidates stand on the issues and whether they completely support their party’s platform or with exceptions, supporting most, but on record of opposing others.

In comparing lists we will discover some areas where there can be legitimate debate about which option is better to choose, neither one necessarily being right or wrong but involving different tradeoffs and benefits

The East Tennessee

Oct. 4: 4:30 p.m., Mass and blessing of renovated chapel, Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga Oct. 6: 4 p.m., Mass celebrating 75th anniversary of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga Oct. 7: 11 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 9: 7 p.m., We the People Club members dinner at Bishop’s residence Oct. 10: 10 a.m., Visit St. Mary School, Oak Ridge Oct. 11: 11:30 a.m., Staff meeting at the Chancery Oct. 13: 11 a.m., White Mass at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, luncheon to follow Oct. 14: 9 a.m., Confirmation at Blessed Mother Teresa Mission in Maynardville Oct. 14: 5 p.m., Dinner with Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee, Fox Den Country Club Oct. 16: 11 a.m., General Priest Meeting at the Chancery Oct. 17: 10 a.m. Visit St. John Neumann School, Farragut Oct. 18: 7 p.m., Chattanoogans for Life fundraising banquet, Pier 2 Banquet Hall

Bishop continued on page 7

Schedule continued on page 3

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

Bill Brewer

Margaret Hunt

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

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Diocesan high schools ranked in U.S. top 50 Notre Dame, Knoxville Catholic on national honor roll; ACT scores surge

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The East Tennessee Catholic

Oct. 19: 10 a.m. CDT, Catholic Public Policy Meeting in Nashville Oct. 20: 9:30 a.m., Ministries Day welcome, St. John Neumann Church Oct. 21: 9 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 22-25: Priest Retreat at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina Oct. 26-28: Mid-Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Investiture in Baltimore n

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

otre Dame and Knoxville Catholic have been named two of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the country, according to the 2012-13 Catholic High School Honor Roll competition announced by The Cardinal Newman Society.

The Honor Roll has recognized excellence in Catholic identity, academics and civic education at Catholic high schools across the United States since 2004.

Students and faculty at Notre Dame in Chattanooga and Knoxville Catholic High School were notified of the ranking Sept. 20 during allschool assemblies.

Students, staffs and faculty at the schools greeted the news with cheers. The announcement also was well received by the diocese.

“The longer I’m in the Diocese of Knoxville, the more I’m impressed by the dedication of our parishes and schools. A case in point is these two high schools being named to this prestigious list. It shows the Catholic commitment to our community,” said Bishop Richard F. Stika.

Notre Dame and KCHS also were informed last month that their students’ scores on the ACT college entrance exam exceeded the state average in every category.

According to The Cardinal Newman Society, selection to the Honor Roll distinguishes each school as one of the finest Catholic schools in the nation, with the biennial list publicized nationally.

Schools apply for the Honor Roll by completing three surveys during the application period every other spring. Each school completes three surveys to gauge excellence in Catholic identity, academics, and civic education. Honor Roll staff members compile the survey data and use a complex scoring algorithm to determine excellence in the three areas.

By Bill Brewer

Schedule continued from page 2

Bishop names Father Riehl associate pastor Making the grade Notre Dame High School Principal Perry Storey, center, and Father Patrick Brownell, right center, join Notre Dame faculty, staff and students in celebrating the school’s selection to The Cardinal Newman Society’s 2012-13 Honor Roll of outstanding U.S. Catholic schools. Also pictured, from left, are Sister Marie Monique Uppgaard, Sister Margaret Mary Sallwasser, Tony Tortora, Sister Mary Evelyn Potts, Bridget Haywood, and Sister Celeste D’Souza.

The Cardinal Newman Society said this year’s top 50 Honor Roll schools are diverse: large and small, new and long-established, both highly selective and with open enrollment admissions policies, and high and low tuition rates.

Sister Mary Marta Abbott, superintendent of Diocese of Knoxville schools, said selection of Notre Dame and KCHS to the Honor Roll is a great thing for the diocese and its education mission.

“It’s exciting that both of our high schools have attained top 50 status,” she said. “It says a lot for our faculty and staffs.”

She pointed out that the schools are making repeat performances.

Notre Dame made the list in 2010 and KCHS was on it in 2008.

Notre Dame Principal Perry Storey called the recognition “a good team effort” and said the school celebrated the news Thursday with an assembly.

“It’s indicative of the great things occurring in Catholic education.

This gives us a benchmark of how we’re doing as a Catholic school in

the United States. It’s real validation that we’re on the mark with our education programs,” he said.

Mr. Storey and KCHS Principal Dickie Sompayrac noted there are more than 1,200 Catholic schools in the United States educating nearly 600,000 students, with many of those schools under consideration for the Honor Roll.

“It’s really a great honor for our teachers, staff, students and our parents,” Mr. Sompayrac said. “This honor of being named a top 50 Catholic high school in many ways validates our partnerships with our parents and supporting parishes as a truly authentic Catholic institution.

It validates the outstanding commitment and work of our faculty and staff.”

Sister Mary Marta Abbott presented Mr. Sompayrac and the KCHS staff and students with the Honor Roll certificate at an all-school Mass and assembly Sept. 20.

She, Mr. Storey and Mr. Sompayrac agree that inclusion on the Honor Roll sends a message that the

Bishop Richard F. Stika has appointed Father Christopher Riehl as associate pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, effective Sept. 17.

Bishop Stika also appointed Father Riehl as a diocesan minister responsible for celebrating the Extraordinary Mass (Summorum Pontificum) in the Five Rivers Deanery and at other locations (as needed) that currently have the Extraordinary form offered. n

Virtus training sessions scheduled Oct.-Jan. n St. Mary Church, Johnson City,

Wed., Oct. 22; 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22 n Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 7 p.m., Tues. Oct. 23; 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15 n Holy Cross Church, Pigeon Forge, 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 n St. Jude Church, Chattanooga, Monday, Nov. 5 n St. Dominic Church, Kingsport, 1 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11; 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11 n

Honor Roll continued on page 8

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October 7, 2012 3

level.

The significance wasn’t lost on the then 27-year-old Los Angeles priest who considers it a privilege to have played a “minor” role in the Second Vatican Council, the 21st such ecumenical council held by the Church in its history.

It was an experience that has shaped his career spanning more than 50 years as a priest, bishop, archbishop and cardinal who has worked closely with Popes Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II. He participated in the election of Pope Benedict XVI as a member of the College of Cardinals and continues to work in the Vatican.

“Yes, it was a privilege to play a minor role in Vatican II. But it was an immense personal enrichment that brings with it everlasting memories and also a sense of having heard what went on and having seen how seriously the bishops worked under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” said Cardinal Rigali, who, with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ blessing, responded to a call for young priests to assist the bishops attending the council in Rome.

It’s all about Jesus Christ Cardinal Rigali vividly recalls 2,500 bishops from around the world filing into St. Peter’s Basilica in procession on Oct. 11, 1962, closely followed by Pope John XXIII, to open the council, which concluded Dec. 8, 1965. Cardinal Rigali processed into St. Peter’s Basilica behind the pope.

As the young Father Rigali settled into his assignment, he began working closely with the bishops and cardinals in attendance, a list that reads like a Who’s Who among Catholic leaders.

A young priest named Joseph Ratzinger served as a theological consultant and would later become Pope Benedict XVI. An archbishop,

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Karol Wojtyla of Krakow, Poland, took part prior to becoming Pope John Paul II, as did the future Pope Paul VI, Milan Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini. And Bishop Albino Luciani, the future Pope John Paul I, also was in attendance. They were joined by such luminaries of the day as Bishop Fulton Sheen and Cardinal Francis Spellman.

Cardinal Rigali still quotes John XXIII in the pope’s opening remarks to the Second Vatican Council, “The principal aim of the Vatican Council is this: that the sacred deposit of Christian doctrine be more effectively guarded and taught.”

“In other words, Vatican II was there with the teaching of the bishops and the pope to emphasize once again everything that we believe,” Cardinal Rigali said. “There was a question of bringing forward all the teaching of the Church in its entirety, in its fullness, in its beauty, so that the Church would enter into a stage of reflection on its teaching as it’s been passed down to us from the time of the apostles.

“Then Pope John XXIII ended his speech by saying, ‘To Jesus Christ, our most loving redeemer, immortal king of peoples and of times, be love, power, and glory forever and ever.’”

According to Cardinal Rigali, Pope John XXIII, in convening the council, was trying to present to the entire Church the person of Jesus Christ and his teaching, which has been preserved for the people since the very beginning.

“And this was to be the beginning of a new era in the Church in which we would renew our fidelity to Jesus Christ and to his teaching in every sphere of our lives,” Cardinal Rigali said.

Reflections on the purpose of Vatican II and the documents that arose from it prompted Cardinal Rigali to write the 2006 book Reliving Vatican II — It’s All About Jesus Christ. The book’s 16 chapters correspond to the

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Vatican II continued from page 1

A lasting impact Cardinal Justin Rigali discusses the impact Vatican II has had on the Church over the past 50 years and its continued relevance today in his office in the Diocese of Knoxville’s Chancery.

16 documents of Vatican II. The documents and year when they were completed are: n Sacrosanctum Concilium, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 1963. n Inter Mirifica, Decree On the Means of Social Communication, 1963. n Lumen Gentium, Dogmatic Constitution On the Church, 1964. n Orientalium Ecclesiarum, Decree On the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite, 1964. n Unitatis Redintegratio, Decree on Ecumenism, 1964. n Christus Dominus, Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops In the Church, 1965. n Perfectae Caritatis, Decree On Renewal of Religious Life, 1965. n Optatam Totius, Decree On Priestly Training, 1965. n Gravissimum Educationis, Declaration On Christian Education, 1965. n Nostra Aetate, Declaration On the Relation Of the Church to NonChristian Religions, 1965. n Dei Verbum, Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation, 1965. n Apostolicam Actuositatem, Decree On the Apostolate of the Laity, 1965.

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Humanae, Declaration On Religious Freedom, 1965. n Ad Gentes, Decree On the Mission Activity of the Church, 1965. n Presbyterorum Ordinis, Decree On the Ministry and Life of Priests, 1965. n Gaudium et Spes, Pastoral Constitution On the Church in the Modern World, 1965. n Dignitatis

Meeting the world Amid renewed interest in the Second Vatican Council with the anniversary, the cardinal said it is important to know what Vatican II is — and what it is not, noting that the ecumenical council was not for the presentation of new teaching.

The council was a new effort to present existing doctrine.

“It’s Jesus Christ yesterday, today, and forever, and we were going to try to present him more effectively. … There is so much that is new and challenging in the world, so we have to come to meet the world, bringing something that is relevant, and what is relevant is the teaching of Jesus Christ as applied in so many different ways,” Cardinal Ridioknox.org

Ministries Day Oct. 20 at St. John Neumann gali said.

At the time, European countries healing from the scars of World War II were in the crosshairs of the Cold War, and the United States, with its only Catholic president, John F. Kennedy, was squaring off with the Soviet Union in the arms and space races. The turbulent ’60s had only just begun.

So, at a time of global unrest, Pope John XXIII convened an uncommon council to re-emphasize Christ’s teaching and the ways he has revealed himself.

Cardinal Rigali believes the most important development from Vatican II was the document on the Church because it delved into the nature of the Church as the people of God, the mystical body of Christ, the bride of Christ. It also treated the Blessed Mother as the mother of the Church and addressed the men and women religious of the Church, the laity, as well as the clergy.

“It is the greatest of these, because it is so important, it is so central in that none of this makes sense unless we understand the Church. It is the Church, the dogmatic constitution of the Church, that is so important,” Cardinal Rigali said.

Other documents dealt with revelation, liturgy, the Church in the modern world, communications, ecumenism, the eastern churches, missions, Christian education, the relationship with non-Christians, and religious freedom.

The cardinal attended each session of Vatican II for two of the four years the council met before accepting another assignment in the Vatican. Having spent much of his priesthood studying Vatican II, the cardinal wants Catholics to understand that Christ’s teaching was not altered by the council, just re-emphasized, although important changes did take place in liturgical discipline, or the way Mass could be celebrated.

He said the bishops and the pope The East Tennessee Catholic

agreed the time had come to take the risk of making the liturgy available to people around the world in their own languages. So, in U.S. parishes, for example, churches began celebrating Mass in English.

“We had had Latin, it was one language and we were able to control it. However, the fathers of the council thought the time had come when more people could participate and understand the word of God better when proclaimed in their own language rather than having to read it out of a book,” Cardinal Rigali said.

“That’s just one example. It really wasn’t Vatican II that did all that.

Vatican II just opened the door.”

He cited as another example the move to use permanent deacons.

“We sometimes talk about Vatican II making permanent deacons. It didn’t. Vatican II didn’t make any permanent deacons. Vatican II suggested that there be permanent deacons and they had a long discussion of the pros and cons of it. I was present and that was it, they suggested it. But it took the pope to work out all the details,” the cardinal noted.

Another change attributed to Vatican II that was a modification in liturgical discipline was the shift from priests facing the altar during Mass to facing the people. Vatican II also prompted active participation of more people during Mass and led to a three-year cycle of scriptural readings instead of a one-year cycle, which means a greater percentage of the word of God is presented to the people.

Cardinal Rigali explained that bishops at the Second Vatican Council worked in concert with Pope Paul VI in approving the 16 documents. The content was discussed and debated, but there was never formal opposition or vetoes of key items.

It was an immense amount of work, the cardinal remembers, with many people helping to prepare drafts of each document for the

bishops to vote on. As head of the council, the pope had to approve all the documents for them to take effect.

Cardinal Rigali said there were very few times when the pope would intervene personally, but he recalls one instance when a text was going to be presented to the council and the pope accompanied the text with an explanation of the precise way in which it was to be understood.

“That was quite extraordinary,” he noted.

Vatican II continued He said the implementation of ideas from Vatican II has taken much time and effort over the years and still is occurring.

With the world changing dramatically at the time, having suffered through two world wars and the Holocaust and facing more uncertainty, the cardinal still remembers a cry around the world for human dignity, peace and justice.

“Pope John wanted to offer the world something, so the best thing he could offer the world was the truth of the faith, the teaching of Jesus Christ, because this is the blueprint for finding solutions. The charity of Christ; his justice,” Cardinal Rigali said.

“Later on, Pope Paul VI would say, ‘If you want peace, work for justice. And if you want justice, defend life.’ So all of this is connected.

You can’t have peace without justice. You can’t have justice by killing people. Work for life. If you want life, embrace truth because there are wrong ideas in every age that have to be counteracted by the truth of God. So, that is where the Second Vatican Council came in,” the cardinal added.

Almost as important as what Vatican II did reaffirm about Christ’s teaching is what the documents didn’t mean, according to his

Vatican II continued on page 6

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

The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Christian Formation is sponsoring a Ministries Day on Oct. 20 at St. John Neumann School in Farragut.

This year’s theme is “The New Evangelization: Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ.” The event is open to all who share the Catholic Faith ... priests, deacons, parents, student youth leaders, youth ministers and core teams, RCIA teams, adult educators, liturgy and ministry teams, directors of religious education, catechists and assistants, etc.

More than 15 individual workshops will be offered, including a Spanish tract—there will be something for everyone. The cost is $20 before Oct. 15. After Oct. 15, the price remains $20, but lunch is not guaranteed. Sessions are first come, first served. Class sizes are limited, so register early to get your first choice.

Registration forms are available at each parish or online on the diocesan website under “Ministries Day 2012” on the Christian Formation webpage. For more information, contact Father Richard Armstrong, assistant director of Christian Formation at 865-584-3307 or by e-mail at rarmstrong@dioknox.org.

You also can contact Susan Collins, director of religious education and youth minister at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville, at 423-6399381 or 423-329-9173 or by e-mail at scollins51@hotmail.com. n

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The East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who wish to receive a digital copy and discontinue the print edition. Sign up for online delivery at bit.ly/subscribe-online. 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 mhunt@ dioknox.org. n

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“Vatican II was, as I say in the book, all about Jesus Christ and what he taught. It’s not about trying to liberate us from the cross or abolishing the commandments of God. It has nothing to do with that.” — Cardinal Rigali such as the sexual revolution, protests against the establishment and violence. It was a difficult era that threatened to overshadow the Second Vatican Council’s work.

“We have to admit that in the years following the Second Vatican Council, whether it be in the Church or outside of the Church, even though we had this great and beautiful treasure of all the documents of the Second Vatican Council, which people made a great deal of effort to apply, to understand, to study, there were also misunderstandings and some of them were obviously deliberate. And while there were good signs of the times during all this period, there were also other signs of the times that were anything but encouraging.

“We had the sexual revolution. We had all the craziness of 1968 and this tremendous impact on culture and humanity throughout the world. In the midst of all of this, there were people who were looking for selfjustification. A number of people turned to the Second Vatican Council and would start interpreting it without reading it, so it became ‘the spirit of Vatican II.’ And someone told them, or they made it up, that the spirit of Vatican II is do what you want. No, that wasn’t it. It was a new call on the part of Christ to conversion of life, to fidelity to the Gospel, all of these things that were a part of Christianity from the very beginning,” said Cardinal Rigali, who also noted that the vast majority of the Catholic Church’s members have tried to faithfully follow the true meaning of the Second Vatican Council.

COURTESY OF CARDINAL JUSTIN RIGALI

Vatican II continued from page 5

Eminence.

As a witness to Vatican II, he finds himself in a unique position to accurately portray what occurred during those four important council sessions over 41 months.

He continues to be concerned that the 16 documents be presented in the vein they were intended and be immune from some who take issue with Vatican II or attempt to rewrite history. He said many comments about the council and its work through the years have been without foundation.

“St. Peter himself, in one of his letters, said we must not use our freedom as a cloak for malice. Some people have even construed Vatican II as justifying all kinds of false liberties and making things that are sinful into ‘Oh, we don’t have to worry about those things anymore.’

“Vatican II was concerned with— you have to go back to the sentence—the ‘sacred deposit of Christian doctrine’…to more effectively guard it. You have to guard it. You have to make sure it’s not changed; make sure we don’t tinker with it.

It’s not enough to just guard it. It must be more effectively guarded and taught or presented,” he said.

Cardinal Rigali believes it is important for the Church, when talking to people younger to older, to adjust what is taught but not change it.

He takes issue with some people who weren’t at the council and have not read the documents but interpret “the spirit” of the council as being able to do anything you want.

“It’s absurd. Vatican II was, as I say in the book, all about Jesus Christ and what he taught. It’s not about trying to liberate us from the cross or abolishing the commandments of God. It has nothing to do with that,” he said.

Complicating efforts to put the work of Vatican II into practice throughout the Church were societal changes ushered in with the 1960s,

A front-row seat Cardinal Justin Rigali, seated in the aisle right center in St. Peter’s Basilica, served bishops sitting in the section to his right during Vatican II.

Still relevant Fifty years later, the Vatican council documents are still as relevant today as when they were approved, Cardinal Rigali said, because the documents are about Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He noted that “tremendous energy” behind the implementation and explanation of the documents has been generated, led by Popes Paul VI, who succeeded John XXIII during the council, then John Paul I, John Paul II and continuing with Benedict XVI. As an example of Vatican II’s relevancy, Cardinal Rigali pointed to the document on religious freedom and its timeliness to current issues—both for individual religious freedom and for the larger community.

“Are the documents still relevant?

The answer is yes, more than ever, because the truth of the Gospel, Christian doctrine, the teaching of the Church, is the source of life and it’s the source of happiness,” the cardinal said, adding that there still are lessons to be learned from the Second Vatican Council.

And will there be a Vatican III?

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Cardinal Rigali isn’t so sure. Dynamic growth of the Church around the world over the past 50 years has made the logistics of holding such an ecumenical council much more complex, he said, adding that smaller groups of bishops now meet at the Vatican in synods to carry out the Church’s work. Also, greatly improved communications reduces the need for the world’s bishops to gather at one place at one time.

“You just don’t have a council to get together and write 16 documents and then just say well, it’s been a while now and we have to have another council to write more. No, the council takes time to apply. And that’s what we’re still in the process of doing,” he said.

“The Second Vatican Council came about a hundred years after the First Vatican Council. The First Vatican Council came about more than 300 years after the Council of Trent. So, the people who think that it is perhaps time for a new council must remember that there’s still a lot of work to do in order to bring all the teaching of Vatican II into our lives.” n dioknox.org

Bishop Stika gives invocation at Romney-Ryan campaign event

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DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Leading in prayer Bishop Richard F. Stika delivers the invocation on Sept. 27 at a fundraiser featuring vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan that was held at the Knoxville Marriott. Standing to the left with head bowed is Gov. Bill Haslam and to the right of Bishop Stika is U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. To begin his invocation, Bishop Stika prayed, “Almighty God . . . We thank you for your goodness and blessings upon our beloved state of Tennessee and that of this great country of ours graced as one nation under your most merciful love.”

Bishop continued from page 2

to achieve a similar end. In a home improvement project, this might resemble the pros and cons of using costlier but more durable materials with a promise of future savings in lower maintenance costs compared to using those of lesser cost and quality but with the cost savings permitting the purchase of additional needed items.

But there are some things in the construction world, to continue with our analogy, that would violate established building codes, some of minor infraction and others significant. Even redefining something so as to put it in a different category of utility for a far different use than it is meant does not make it right to do.

You can call a “two-by-four” a The East Tennessee Catholic

“support beam” all you want, but it won’t fulfill that function for very long without dangerous consequences. I doubt any of us would choose a contractor to build an addition to our home who is known to ignore building codes, cut corners, or use materials improperly.

We should all be able to agree that some things are always and everywhere wrong, of which no excuse can permit. Can we ever imagine there being a reason why adultery could be OK to commit under some circumstances? Is there anything about this act that can be said to honor God or the image of God in one’s spouse much less that of our own dignity?

As you read over the platforms, what are those issues that fit this category? And for the sake of an earthly

ishop Richard F. Stika delivered the invocation at a fundraiser featuring vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan on Sept. 27 at the Knoxville Marriott.

“O God of wisdom, justice and might, we ask your guidance for those who govern our nation and for those who seek to further serve the common good in public office,” the bishop prayed. “In these challenging times, help us to understand that ‘a united society can indeed arise from a plurality of peoples— E pluribus unum: out Bishop Richard F. Stika stands with Gov. of many, one.’

Bill Haslam before a fundraiser for the “So, in thanksgiv- Romney-Ryan campaign on Sept. 27. ing, we ask for your grace that all Americans may choose wisely as we consider the future course of our nation and our state. And Lord, bless this bread that we break together so that it might strengthen us to continue the work of building a shining city on a hill.”

Gov. Bill Haslam also spoke at the fundraiser, and U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. of Knoxville led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. n

vision, are you willing to accept this as the price of progress? Asked another way, what building codes designed to protect public safety are you willing to overlook so that construction can begin?

The issues before us are many and the promises to address or correct them cannot be said to exist completely on any one single list—religious freedom, conscience rights, abortion, euthanasia, poverty, health care, comprehensive immigration reform, the economy and job creation, nuclear proliferation, wars, the environment…. In choosing a “country improvement” project, which list of materials best reflects the goodness of our God-given abilities and dignity?

Will we abide by God’s building codes or someone else’s interpretation

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

of them?

When I think of inspiration on a national scale, I think of the 30-minute speech President Kennedy first delivered in 1961 challenging us to do the seemingly impossible—to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade. At the time these words were spoken, we barely had managed a few weeks earlier to put our first astronaut into space, and only then for just a few short minutes.

And yet this baby step in the advent of space travel would become a “giant leap for all mankind” with the moon landing in 1969. But between the inspiration and the goal was a span of eight years that brought out the very best of man’s ingenuity and abilities. I pray we can say the same of the next four years. n October 7, 2012 7

Blessed John XXIII priests near center of Neyland Stadium prayer debate Father Donahue leads ministerial council’s invocation program as Father Andre delivers game message

Honor Roll continued from page 3

diocese is committed to outstanding Catholic education.

“It speaks very highly of the leadership of Bishop Stika and his mission of quality Catholic education.

He has done an outstanding job in this area,” Mr. Storey said.

St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville was the only other Catholic high school in Tennessee on the list.

The top 50 schools are located in 21 states, with Pennsylvania having the highest number of honorees with seven schools, followed by Texas with six and Michigan with five. Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School in Florida is the largest school with 1,489 students.

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School and Faustina Academy, both in Texas, are the smallest schools with 48 students each.

The Catholic High School Honor

8 October 7, 2012

DAN MCWILLIAMS

A

s Father Charles Donahue settled into his two-year stint this summer as chair of the ministers council on the University of Tennessee campus, he thought the independent, multidenominational group would be assisting the university with routine student orientations, workshops and counseling sessions.

Leave it to the Freedom From Religion Foundation to shake things up.

Just more than a month into the new school year, Father Donahue found himself uncomfortably close to a constitutional clash between UT and the Wisconsin-based group that bills itself as the nation’s largest association of atheists, agnostics and skeptics.

The foundation filed a complaint with UT challenging the nonsectarian invocations that members of the ministers council deliver before each football game at Neyland Stadium.

The foundation claimed tradi-

Prayer team Father Charles Donahue (left) pastor of Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center on the UT campus and Father Rich Andre (right), associate pastor at John XXIII, are shown with Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, parish pastoral associate, and her service dog, Lola.

tional prayers given before games were exclusive and violated a 1997 U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the Chaudhuri v.

State of Tennessee case that struck down sectarian prayers at public universities.

UT quickly responded last month

Roll was created by The Acton Institute in 2004. The Cardinal Newman Society assumed the program this year, consistent with its mission of helping Catholic families and promoting faithful Catholic education.

“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society.

“The Honor Roll schools are a re-

minder that Catholic education is getting better every day—not only academically, but in the renewal of Catholic identity—and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year.”

The common trait among the selected schools is an institutional commitment to providing an integrated and faithful Catholic education across all disciplines and in all areas of student activities, according to the society.

By Bill Brewer

that prayers given by ministers with the campus council are always nonsectarian and inclusive.

UT said it would continue the prayers and the foundation responded that it would not file suit at this time.

The foundation recently waged a similar campaign with the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and that school agreed to discontinue invocations before its games.

As UT-Knoxville officials weighed the Freedom From Religion Foundation demand, with the threat of a lawsuit hanging over the school, Father Donahue and the council’s other 29 ministers found themselves in a position to influence the outcome of a matter that strikes at the heart of their mission.

Father Donahue said secular alliances that fight prayer in public places are a growing movement on campuses across the country, but the Catholic Church and its priests

Prayer continued on page 24

The high schools’ good news extended to test scores as well.

Their composite ACT scores continued a five-year trend of rising and exceeding the state average, going from 24.3 in 2011 to 24.5 for the 2012 graduating year.

The state average composite score for 2012 graduates was 19.7, up from 19.5 in 2011.

The average ACT score in English at the Catholic high schools was 25.3. In math it was 23; in reading it was 25.2; and in science the average score was 24. n

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

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

dioknox.org

Missions find homes in Grainger, Knox RUTLEDGE—A converted storefront in a commercial strip center here that is now the spiritual home for the Catholic community in Grainger County already is feeling the effects of growth a year after forming.

Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission was overflowing with members on Sept. 16 as Bishop Richard F. Stika dedicated the mission’s new altar and celebrated Mass, where 26 adults and children received the sacraments of first Holy Communion and confirmation.

Glenmary priests Father Steve Pawelk and Father Aaron Wessman were concelebrants at the Mass.

Work on the mission began in

By Stephanie Richer

November 2011 by Father Pawelk and Brother Craig Digmann of the Glenmary Home Missioners, assisted by parishioners from St. Patrick Church in Morristown and the local community.

“People were attending Mass occasionally by making the drive to St. Patrick and there was no opportunity here for formation and instruction in the sacraments,” Father Pawelk said.

Bishop Stika authorized Father Pawelk to begin instruction as the mission was being formed.

“We had to cover a lot of ground to prepare them,” said Brother Craig, a Glenmary missionary.

The mission was completely filled on Sunday, with an overflow crowd

STEPHANIE RICHER

John Paul II, Divine Mercy see growth

Reaching the faithful Bishop Richard F. Stika, joined by Father Steve Pawelk, right, and Father Aaron Wessman, left, celebrates confirmation during Mass on Sept. 16 at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission.

listening from the parking lot outside. In his homily, Bishop Stika

asked the mission members to recall

Missions continued on page 20

Cardinal Rigali leading Holy Land tour

C

ardinal Justin Rigali will lead a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February that will include tours of some of the most historically significant sites in the world.

The former archbishop of St. Louis and Philadelphia, who is in residence in Knoxville as he continues to work at the Vatican, will lead the pilgrimage Feb. 12-21.

He will guide parishioners from the Diocese of Knoxville and other dioceses to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. While in Jerusalem, the group will stay at Notre Dame, a guest house/ hotel owned by the Vatican.

Registration for the trip, which is being directed by tour operator Select International, is under way. The pilgrimage is open to people in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Select International has been able to secure flights from Knoxville on US Airways at a cost of $3,695 per person based on two people per room. A limited number of single rooms are available at an additional cost of $695 per person.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The price includes buffet breakfast and buffet dinner daily, plus one dinner at the Bedouin Tent restaurant in Bethlehem.

The group also will be led by a Christian tour guide and will be able to meet with other Christians in the Holy Land.

Mass will be celebrated daily in the most sacred sites in the region, including the Basilica of Annunciation, where, according to the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary; the Mount of Beatitudes; and St. Catherine’s Church in Bethlehem next to the Grotto of Nativity.

“Traveling with his Eminence, Cardinal Rigali, provides the pilgrims with some exceptional experiences that they would not usually have on other pilgrimages because of his high ranking and his excellent connections in the Holy Land,” said Edita Krunic, president of Select International.

Final deadline for the $500-per-person deposit is Nov. 8, with final payment due Dec. 6. For more information or a copy of the trip flier, contact Select International at 800-842-4842 or go to www.selectinternational tours.com. n The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

October 7, 2012 9

Diocesan calendar

by Margaret Hunt The 2012 Celebrate Life Fundraising Banquet sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will be held Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Knoxville Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. Seating will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30. Tickets are $50. Contact the TRL office for tickets or more information at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@knology.net.

The Office of Christian Formation and Aquinas College are sponsoring the third course of their catechetical formation program for catechists, directors of religious education, RCIA directors, and those interested in broadening their understanding of Church teachings and Scripture. The class will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland and Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Chancery office, 805 Northshore Drive in Knoxville. Both sessions will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is no charge for the class. Register online at dioknox. org/events/event-calendar/ or contact Father Richard Armstrong at 865-5843307 or rarmstrong@dioknox.org.

Father David Carter will present an overview of the annulment process from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, in the parish life center at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport. The session will be simultaneously translated in Spanish.

For more details, contact Marian Christiana, coordinator of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org.

The Schools Office of the Diocese of Knoxville is sponsoring mandatory catechetical training days for teachers and staff employed in diocesan Catholic schools. The training day for Chattanooga-area teachers and staff is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15, and for Knoxville-area teachers and staff Friday, Oct. 26. Both sessions will meet from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Marie Garvey,

10 October 7, 2012

administrative assistant for the Schools Office, for more information at 865-5843307 or mgarvey@dioknox.org.

The St. Joseph School Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, Oct. 12, at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville. Contact Mollie Krueger at St. Joseph School at 865-689-3424 for more information.

The St. Joseph School Fall Festival will take place at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13. Games, food, crafts, a country store, and musical entertainment are planned for the 32nd annual fundraiser. Call St. Joseph School for more information at 865-689-3424.

The 62nd annual fall festival at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge will take place Oct. 11 through 13. The festival kick-off event will be a Road Rally at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11. The entrance fee per team is $30. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams who complete the race. An ice cream social will follow the road rally. At 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, the Knights of Columbus will have a spaghetti supper followed by silent and live auctions, a bake sale, and games for both children and adults. The final day of the festival will be on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the parish grounds. Activities will include live entertainment, inflatables, an obstacle course, a white-elephant sale, a car auction, crafts, a general store, games, and more. Tickets, armbands, T-shirts, and cups will be sold after all Masses on the weekend of Oct. 6-7. For more information, call festival committee cochairs Pete and Andrea Souza at 865803-3352, or Scott and Lynda Vinyard at 556-1355 or 556-1356.

The next “Picture of Love” engagedcouples retreat is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13, in Siener Hall at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga.

The retreat is Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and then continues on Saturday, going from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mass will be celebrated during the retreat. The cost is

$135 and includes a certificate good for a $60 discount on a marriage license.

Couples must attend the entire program to receive a certificate. To register, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org.

A Beginning Experience retreat for those who have lost a spouse through death or divorce is scheduled for Oct. 5-7. The event will be held at the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton. More information about the weekend can be found at www.beginningexperience.org. Contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org to register.

A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat will take place the weekend of Oct. 26-28 in Maggie Valley, N. C. The retreats are for women and family members who are struggling emotionally and spiritually from the aftereffects of an abortion. For more information, contact Carla at 828342-4655 or cwool76@frontier.com.

There are two charismatic Masses scheduled in the diocese during October and November. The next charismatic Mass will be at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28.

Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City will be the celebrant.

Singers and instrumentalists who would like to participate should arrive at 4:30.

The second charismatic Mass is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City. Prayers for healing will follow both Masses. Call Dee Leigh at 423-842-2305 for more information on the Soddy-Daisy Mass.

The Spiritual Direction Training Program being presented by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph in Maple Mount, Ky., begins Monday, Oct. 22.

The two-year program consists of eight weeklong sessions that will begin at noon Mondays and end at 1 p.m. Fridays. Each session will include classes on spiritual direction and provide the opportunity for reflection, prayer, and daily reception of the Eucharist. The program seeks to prepare participants for the ministry of spiritual direction from

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

a Catholic perspective. Members of all faiths are welcome. For more information, contact Sheila Blandford at 270229-4103, extension 804, or sheila. blandford@maplemount.org.

The next Marriage Encounter weekend in the diocese is scheduled for Nov. 2-4 in Kingsport. For more information, contact John or Anne Wharton at 423581-1815 or acw193@bellsouth.net, or visit www.loveinthesmokies.org or wwme.org.

The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held Oct. 1214 in the greater Knoxville area. To register, call Jason or Carmen Jeansonne at 865-377-3077. For more information on Engaged Encounter, contact Jerry or Mary Daugherty at 865-458-4117 or ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www. rc.net/knoxville/cee/.

Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Father William Oruko, AJ, will lead a 14-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land from March 3-16, 2013. The itinerary includes Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives, Jericho, Masada, Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Emmaus. The standard cost per person is $3,498 or a cash discount price of $3,299. The price includes economyclass airfare from Atlanta, accommodations in superior tourist-class hotels, meals, taxes, tips, and security fees.

Contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, for more information at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.com.

Father Charlie Burton and Father Michael Cummins will lead a 12-day pilgrimage to Ireland from June 10-21, 2013. The itinerary includes stops in Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Adare, Ennis, Connemara, and Galway. The standard cost per person is $3,398 or a cash discount price of $3,199. The price includes economy-class airfare from Atlanta, accommodations in superior tourist-class hotels, meals, taxes, tips, and security fees. Contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, for more information Calendar continued on page 11 dioknox.org

Chattanooga Deanery calendar A Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat for women affected by abortion will take place the weekend of Oct. 12-14 at a private retreat center in Athens. A 10-week program is also available for those unable to attend a retreat.

Contact Sandi Davidson for more information at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org.

The Oktoberfest Ram Run, an annual fundraiser for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13. The one-mile Family Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m. Both races will start in front of the First Tennessee Pavilion. The school will also have bratwurst for sale at its brat booth stationed in the Chattanooga Market during and after the event. To learn more or to volunteer at the Ram Run, contact Karen Smith at 423-710-6736 or klosmith33@gmail. com, or Cathy Sompayrac at 779-4580 or cathyrain@comcast.net. To volunteer at the brat booth, contact Cissy West at 622-1481 or cwest@catholicweb.com.

The Chattanooga-area pro-life banquet will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Pier 2 Banquet Hall next to the Southern Belle riverboat.

Featured speakers include New Orleans

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery

singer/songwriter Kara Kline and former New York Giant Chris Godfrey. Tickets are $50. Contact Donna Jones at 423267-9878 or djones6029@gmail.com.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga The parish will mark the 75th anniversary of its founding with a Mass celebrated

by Bishop Richard F. Stika on Oct. 6. The parish plans a yearlong celebration of the milestone, which will include parish renovation projects as well as other events.

Theology on Tap will continue in October and November in the Chattanooga area for young adults ages 18 through 39. The first meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Las Margaritas restaurant on Hixson Pike. The topic will be “Aging”. The next meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at El Meson in Hamilton Place.

The topic will be “What Now? What Can You Do as a Young Adult?” For details, call Donna Jones at 423-622-7232.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill The Blue Ridge Council of the Knights of Columbus recently held an officer-installation Mass and dinner at St. Anthony Church in Blue Ridge, Ga. Georgia State Deputy Rick Sisko spoke after the dinner. The following St. Catherine Knights were installed as officers for the 2012-13 fraternal year: Don Wirtz, deputy Grand Knight; Bob Slodysko, financial secretary; John Manning, treasurer; Dr. William Mitchell, two-year trustee; Dave Pierman, three-year trustee.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

The Brad Walker Orchestra, featuring singer Valerie Duke, will perform at a benefit for the World of Hope’s local Isaiah 58 chapter in the St. Jude Family Life Center from 7 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10. The evening will begin with a social hour at 7 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and free dance lessons and continue with Big Band era music and dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. The cost is $35 per person, $20 for students, or $250 for a table of eight. A cash bar will be available. Call 423-544-4445 or 7741160 to purchase tickets. n

New parishioners: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Grantham Jr., Mr. and Mrs. David Jaeger, Mr. and Mrs. Corey Jahn, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga Elizabeth Poston has entered the order of the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word in Birmingham, Ala. n

Calendar continued from page 10 at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.com.

ELIZABETH CONWAY

The Community of Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer and service to the poor. For more information, call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061. Everyone is welcome.

Soddy-Daisy Knights make contribution to high school Knights of Columbus from Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy present Soddy-Daisy High School counselor Nancy Zuber a $250 check for the high school’s efforts to gain recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most redheads.

Statistically SDHS should have 27 students with red hair; however, at this time 51 students are enrolled with ginger-colored hair. Pictured with Ms. Zuber are 1Knights officer Ed Klim (center) and Grand Knight Steve DeRight.

The East Tennessee Catholic

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

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

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

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

October 7, 2012 11

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery

The Council of Catholic Women of St. Therese Parish in Clinton is holding a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both Friday, Oct. 12, and Saturday, Oct. 13. The proceeds will be used for improvements to the family center and to fund the various activities the women perform for the church, including providing the meals for funerals and supporting diocesan charities. Donations will be accepted until Oct. 10. Donors may check in with the church office and deliver donations to the family center. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The parish congratulated Katie Schuman on her selection for a 2012 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Ms. Schuman is a third-year Ph.D. student in computer science at the University of Tennessee.

Ann Swicegood, the parish RCIA director, was recently thanked for her many years of service. Mary Jo Hooker has been appointed coordinator of the program.

Parishioners are invited to participate in The Bible Timeline study, a 24-week program that discusses the major people, places, and events in the Bible in chronological order. The entire program will be presented over a two-year period.

A sign-up sheet is in the narthex. For more information, contact John Andriulli at 865-376-3415.

The Blessed Sacrament Council of Catholic Women will sponsor its annual Fall Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, in the church hall. A wide variety of rummage-sale items, furniture, and potted plants will be available for purchase. Contact the parish office for more information at 865-882-9838.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Maynardville A vacation Bible school was held in partnership with a local Methodist church during the last week in July. This is the same church that the parish shared worship space with before it found a permanent location. The VBS averaged an attendance of 35, and the parish was assisted by volunteers from Maryland.

Having outgrown its current space, the parish has leased an additional adjoining unit and is in the process of expanding its worship space. This will provide seating for an additional 35 plus allow more room for the parish’s Christian education class.

Knights of Columbus Council 8152 in Crossville will hold its 22nd annual Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday, Oct.

St. John Neumann, Farragut

12 and 13. The festivities will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Friday and run through 9:30 p.m. On Saturday at 11 a.m. another day of German food, music, and dancing will begin and continue until 9:30 p.m. Admission tickets are $7.50 at the gate. Advance tickets are $6 and can be purchased by calling 931-707-7291 or visiting www.crossvilleoktoberfest.com.

Admission for children under 14 is free.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Women’s Guild will hold its fifth annual fall brunch and fashion show beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the St. Thomas Parish Life Center. Brunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. A representative from Kim’s Just for You will sell clothing and jewelry before and after the fashion show. Net proceeds from the show will benefit local charities supported by the women’s guild. Tickets are $13 and are limited to the first 200 attendees.

Tickets will not be available at the door.

Contact Diane Preston at 865-458-9004 or Nadine Mazienis at 423-884-2577 to purchase tickets or learn more. n

St. John Neumann Church is hosting an eight-week program for those who have experienced the death of a loved one titled “Harvesting Our Tears” beginning at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 6. Cost is $20. To learn more, contact facilitators Natalie Tabler at 3571818 or nprender@knology.net, or Ralph Ferraro at 671-8394 or ferrarorj@aol.com.

To register, contact Marilyn Derbyshire at 777-4312 or mderbyshire@sjnknox.org.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade The Council of Catholic Women will have its monthly meeting after the 8 a.m.

Mass on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Kathleen Kelly of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville will speak on the topic “Mind, Body, Spirit: God’s Whole Package.”

The prayer-blanket committee will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 in Sheehan Hall. Participants are asked to bring sewing machines, irons, and other sewing materials to complete the projects. Lunch will be provided. Contact the parish office for more information at 931-484-3628.

Anniversaries: Walter and Delores Novak (66), Dion and Emile Frate (62), Roger and Marguerite Audette (62), Tom and Pat Bleumle (59), William and Arlene McShane (59), Marvin and Patti LaPrese (57), Herb and Ginny Adams (57), Tom and Terry Boylson (56), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (54), Robert and Jacqueline Yoesting (54), Ron and Catherine DeBels (52), Fred and Dottie Belvo (51), John and Virginia Smith (51), Lawrence and Myra Opatik (50), Charles and Pat Bunnell (50) n

12 October 7, 2012

COURTESY OF CAROL ADAMS

A women’s guild is being formed at St. John Neumann Church to support the work of the Ladies of Charity. The group will collect food for the emergency food pantry and organize merchandise for the Ladies of Charity Thrift Shop next door to Holy Ghost Church. Call Phyllis Cada at 865-966-8862 or Mary Davidson at 6712786 for more information.

Festive Chorale in Glade includes St. Francis of Assisi members The Festive Chorale of Fairfield Glade, under the direction of Brian Bacon, director of music at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Glade, performed Never Thirst Again on June 10. This ecumenical church choir is currently made up of members from five area religious organizations: Christ Lutheran Church, Fairfield Glade Community Church, Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, St. Francis of Assisi Church, and Upper Cumberland Jewish Community. Founded by Mr. Bacon in 2010, the choir annually presents two large sacred choral works per year: usually in December and later in spring. This December the chorale will present Handel’s Messiah and soon after will announce their upcoming 2013 tour and a performance in Carnegie Hall.

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

dioknox.org

Five Rivers Deanery calendar A college-graduate/young-adult group for people ages 21-30 is being formed at the Catholic Center at ETSU. The group plans on meeting at 7 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesdays. For more information, call Kristen Reinhart at 260-413-7239.

The Tri-Cities 40 Days for Life prayer vigil will take place Sept. 26 through Nov. 4 in front of the Bristol Regional Women’s Center. Go to the 40 Days for Life website

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

to learn more or register online at 40days forlife.com/tri-cities/ or call Julianne Wiley for more information at 423-202-3469.

Blessed John Paul II, Rutledge In July the parish sponsored a vacation Bible school with the help of St. Claire Parish in Cincinnati. The Bible school was held under a tent at Central Point Trailer Park in Rutledge. It was followed by an additional two weeks of “Summer Fiesta” made possible with the help of two volunteer mission groups: one from New Jersey and another from Pennsylvania. The children, who would normally be alone while their parents worked in the fields, honed their math and reading skills with books and art supplies donated by a publishing company. A local grocery store supplied daily snacks.

The 11th annual Holiday Bazaar at St. Patrick Church in Morristown will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. A wide array of Christmas crafts will be available for sale. For more information, call Helen at 423-312-6950 or Diane at 865-607-8809. n

St. Mary parishioners take part in freedom rally

D

By Murvin H. Perry espite a small windy squall and the threat of a thunderstorm, more than 250 people gathered in a Johnson City park on June 21 to take part in a Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally. They were there in protest of the Health and Human Services mandate that all employers must provide health insurance that covers contraception,

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Holy Trinity Church participated in the 13th annual Walk for Life on Sept. 29 at Fred Miller Park in Morristown. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the ministry of Life Outreach Center.

sterilization, and abortion-causing drugs, despite traditional religious beliefs.

The rally was organized cooperatively by representatives of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City, the Holston Baptist Association, and Antioch Baptist Church. It was supported by Heritage Baptist Church, the Knights of Columbus, Hosanna

The Knights of Columbus recognized Roger and Kristine Mynatt as the family of the quarter.

Appalachian Outreach thanked Holy Trinity Church for participating in its schoolsupply drive for needy children. The parish filled 570 backpacks that were distributed to local children for the new school year.

Holy Trinity Church is hosting a candlelight vigil as part of the 40 Days for Life observance starting at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. The vigil will begin in the church, and participants will then process outside in front of the church property.

For more information, contact Dave Budde at dbudde6462@aol.com.

Rally continued on page 14

Anniversaries: Jan and Ed Krasinski (35), Marylin and Claude Keaton (35)

St. Dominic, Kingsport The parish collected personal-care items during the month of September to fill chemo bags for cancer patients at the Wellmont Center.

Mary Silver, a former parishioner at St. Dominic Church, has completed her prepostulancy with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in Meriden, Conn.

The parish’s annual family picnic was held Sept. 30 at Bays Mountain.

St. Mary, Johnson City

ALICIN SAHR

Bishop Stika will celebrate a White Mass for doctors, nurses, and other medically related personnel at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Mary Church. Call the parish at 423-282-6367 for more information.

Notre Dame youth receive first Communion Young people at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville recently received their first Holy Communion. Pictured with pastor Father Jim Harvey are (from left, front) Rachel Parker, Joseph Godwin, Roberto Vazquez, Viviana Jardinez, Haylee Richardson, Bryan Noria, Olivia Norris, and Johnathan Barekman and (back row) Kenneth Saine, Anthony Gonzalez, Imano Juarez, and Brentin Barekman. Catechists for the group were Sandy Alter, Alicin Sahr, and Bernadette Dutson, and Susan Collins is the director of religious education.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The parish will have a ministries fair the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14 in the gathering area of the church. Representatives from different parish ministries will be available to answer questions and recruit new participants. For more information, call the parish office at 282-6367.

St. Patrick, Morristown The youth yard sale was held Sept. 29 in the church basement. All proceeds support the St. Patrick youth program.

Anniversary: Dave and Kathy DeAngelis (25) n

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

October 7, 2012 13

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Cross, Pigeon Forge There will be a rosary rally for peace at noon Saturday, Oct. 13, in front of Holy Cross Church. For more information, contact Ursula Beckmann at missmouse53@comcast.net.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The Immaculate Conception women’s group will have a kitchen sale after all the Masses the weekend of Oct. 13 and 14. Proceeds from the sale will go toward air-conditioning the parish kitchen. Contact the parish office for details at 865-522-1508.

The parish rosary for life ministry meets in front of the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Cherry Street to pray for an end to abortion every Friday at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Lorie Weeden at 865-546-7622 or 806-1425.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville The annual silent prayer chain for Respect Life Sunday will be in front of the cathedral at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. For more information, call Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or Paul Simoneau at 862-5753.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville The parish welcomed Deacon Bob Smearing and his wife, Lee. Deacon Smearing was previously assigned to St. Patrick Church in Morristown.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The parish is looking for volunteers to help clean the church. Teams are scheduled on a two-week rotating schedule. The goal is to have six teams cleaning the church. Call the parish office at 423-442-7273 to volunteer.

St. Joseph the Worker welcomed Chase Nipper as its new coordinator of youth ministry. n

14 October 7, 2012

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Jen Froning will speak on the topic “Connecting to Christ with Mind, Body, and Spirit.” 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 at 865-523-7931.

Holy Family Parish in Seymour will have

its annual Fall Craft Fair, Granny’s Attic, and Bake Sale on the weekend of Oct. 12-14. Crafts, new and used household items, and drawings for handmade quilts and gift baskets will be featured during the event. The hours for the fair are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call Sharon at 865-573-0783 or Anita 7128252. n

Knights Council 8152 presents $9,318 in checks

K

By Andy Telli nights of Columbus Council 8152 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade and St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville recently presented two checks totaling $9,318 to Hilltoppers Inc., which provides housing and community services to people with intellectual disabilities in Crossville and the surrounding area.

The first check for $5,695 was presented to Hilltoppers executive director Jeanene Houston from funds raised during the Knights’ annual Tootsie Roll Drive. The money will be used to pay for renovations to the Rally continued from page 13

Fellowship Church, Tennessee Right to Life, Greater Kingsport Pro-life Volunteers, and 40 Days for Life.

Highlighting the rally were remarks by Congressman Phil Roe of Johnson City, who told the audience that the Affordable Care Act was a serious infringement on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion and a clear threat to other First Amendment rights.

Other speakers included state Reps. Matthew Hill and Dale Ford; Julianne Wiley of St. Mary’s Respect Life Committee; Rebecca Ketchie, Alliance Defense Fund attorney; and Peggy English and Lisa Morris of Silent No More, a support group of women who have suffered from

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

Micki Thompson Court apartments that house Hilltoppers’ service recipients.

The second check for $3,623 was from a grant awarded by the MR Foundation, which was established by the Knights of Columbus in Tennessee to help those with intellectual disabilities. The grant money will be used to buy three vehicles to transport service recipients of Hilltoppers.

Grand Knight Walt Peterson was accompanied by council members Art Albert, Vince D’Allessandro, and Fred Laufentberg, who also is a district deputy for the Tennessee Knights, when the checks were presented. n

abortion.

A color guard provided by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus of East Tennessee posted the U.S. flag and flags of Tennessee and the Diocese of Knoxville and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of the organizing committee included Ms. Wiley; Tracy Teal of the Holston Baptist Association; the Rev. Pete Tackett, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church; Louise Jennings of Kingsport Pro-life Volunteers; Michelle Gantz of Tennessee Right to Life; and Sheila Bedford, Jeanette Halkowitz, Genae and Steve Helmbrecht, Gail Taylor, Deacon Mike and Emma Jacobs, Geri Kistler, and Murv Perry of St. Mary Parish. n dioknox.org

Catholic youth

STEPHANIE RICHER

KCHS announces awards for student of the month

Irish take on Admirals John Mark Broussard (11) and Theo Sholly (57) pursue a Farragut ball carrier in Knoxville Catholic High School’s 34-21 loss to the Admirals on Sept. 1. Also pictured are the Irish’s Eric Perfetto (25) and Zach Cole (74). Knoxville Catholic started the 2012 season 3-2, with wins over Knoxville Central, Cleveland, and William Blount. The Irish’s other loss came against rival Webb.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Ad Altare Dei award presented to Jeffery Boy Scout Jeffery Norris received his Ad Altare Dei award at the 11:45 a.m. Mass on Sept. 23 at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

On hand for the presentation were All Saints pastor Father Michael Woods and George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. n

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

NDHS student named National Merit semifinalist Steven Dorris, a junior at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, was named a semifinalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Steven will now have the opportunity to compete for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million. Steven is the son of Richard and Suzanne Dorris, members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. Steven is pictured with Notre Dame’s principal, Perry Storey.

Knoxville Catholic High School congratulated its students who were selected as Students of the Month for September 2012.

Students are nominated by faculty and staff members for adherence to the school motto: Ut Christum Feram: “That I might bear Christ.” They are nominated based on spirituality, character, attitude, work ethic, academics, service, kindness, and/or school spirit.

Awards were announced at an all-school Mass on Sept. 20 by Mark Balog, director of campus ministry, and presented by principal Dickie Sompayrac.

The following students were awarded: freshmen winners: Liza Cunningham and Cullen Smith; sophomore winners: Abby Bower and Logan Lacey; junior winners: Gabby Cusick and Thomas Mc Kee; and senior winners: Molly Jones and Mitchell Krebs. n

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

October 7, 2012 15

16 October 7, 2012

Scouting awards given at St. John Neumann

S

couting awards were presented at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on July 29 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, with Father Doug Owens presiding.

Henry Hollow of Cub Scout Pack 22 received the Light of Christ award.

The Family of God award was presented to Mary Donahue, Elizabeth McCready, and Olivia McCormick of American Heritage Girls Troop TN0413 and to Margaret Hollow and Margaret Walter of AHG Troop TN0215.

The Mary, the First Disciple award was given to Meghan Donahue and Erin McCormick of AHG Troop TN0413 and to Mary Walter of AHG Troop TN0215.

The Spirit Alive award was presented to April Stuart and Nicole Stuart of AHG Troop TN0215. n

Scouting award recipients On hand for the Scouting awards presentation at St. John Neumann were (from left, back row) George LeCrone, chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; American Heritage Girls Troop TN0413 leader Lydia Donahue; and Father Doug Owens.

Marian Medal for Crystal Crystal Clark of Girl Scout Troop 408 (Middle Tennessee Council) received her Marian Medal on Sept. 2 at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Antony Punnackal. Sara Carey, director of religious education at St. Alphonsus, worked with Crystal as she went through the program, and Kathleen Kelly, president of the Council of Catholic Women, supported Crystal by financing the award for the presentation. Father Punnackal, assisted by George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, made the presentation. From left are Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Carey, Crystal, Father Punnackal, and Mr. LeCrone.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

A program at St. John Neumann School in Farragut was featured in the August-September issue of Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine.

St. John Neumann is the first Catholic school in East Tennessee to be a part of HABIT (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee), a nonprofit program of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the article stated.

The initiative for the program came from fourth-grade teacher Vicki McKernan, who had experienced HABIT while teaching in a public school.

She experienced the benefits of the human/animal bond in the classroom through Keric, a Labrador–golden retriever cross.

When Ms. McKernan came to SJNS, Keric came with her. Five more dogs are now part of the program at the school, the article stated.

At SJNS, dogs make weekly visits to two kindergarten classes, one third-grade class, and one fifth-grade class. Another dog spends three days a week in the office of special services teacher Bridget Everett, who is also his owner.

In a classroom, the dogs provide a sense of security with their friendly, non-judgmental presence. In almost every instance, scholastic improvement can be noted, the article stated.

Students read out loud to the dogs, and reading at every level has improved with the presence of the HABIT dogs. n

Catholic youth

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

St. John Neumann program highlighted in magazine article

Knoxville Catholic announces National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

K

noxville Catholic High School announced the names of its four National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. They are Jacqueline Chavez, Elliott Consoli,

Andy Fox, and Theo Sholly.

In fall 2011, 1.5 million students in 22,000 high schools took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Of these students,

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

only 16,000 were chosen as National Merit semifinalists. Jacqueline, Elliott, Andy, and Theo represent less than 1 percent of all high school seniors in Tennessee. n dioknox.org

Diocese of Nashville, 7 Catholic groups file suit over HHS mandate

By The Tennessee Register

NASHVILLE—The Diocese of Nashville and seven of the Catholic entities operating in Middle Tennessee have filed suit in Federal Court to block the implementation of mandates by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that require them to provide morally objectionable services under the Affordable Health Care Act through insurance coverage.

Diocesan entities, Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Father Ryan High School, Pope John Paul II High School, Mary Queen of Angels, Villa Maria Manor, and St. Mary Villa along with Aquinas College which is owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia are all independently incorporated under Tennessee law. There was broad support within each boards of directors for filing the suits, which are similar to more than 12 others filed around the country in late May and August.

“It is particularly important for us to file this action at this time because the insurance plan covering Mary Queen of Angels, Villa Maria Manor and St. Mary Villa were up for renewal in August. Because of the mandates enacted by the Department of Health and Human Services, they have been unable to establish broad health insurance coverage for their employees consistent with Catholic beliefs. Currently they have to include services that are morally objectionable,” said Rick Musacchio, director of communications for the Diocese of Nashville.

The three corporations are among the first in the nation to renew health insurance plans since the Obama administration established the mandate. The other entities will face the same issue as their plans come up for renewal and as the current law takes full effect over the course of the next year and the insurance carrier says they must include the coverage due to the new law.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Mary Queen of Angels, St. Mary Villa, and Villa Maria Manor, who share the same plan, discovered in November 2011 their health benefits plan coverage had mistakenly included coverage for oral contraception.

They immediately undertook efforts to remove the objectionable services from their plan.

During negotiations for its current health plan year, Mary Queen of Angels, St. Mary Villa Child Development Center, and Villa Maria Manor sought to have all of the objectionable services excluded from their employee health benefits plan. Their insurer, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, informed the organizations that it was unable to exclude coverage for oral contraceptives from the plan because of the requirements of the U.S. Government Mandate.

“It is not about whether people have a right to abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception. Those services are and will continue to be freely available in the United States, and nothing prevents the Government itself from making them more widely available,” the suit says. “But the right to such services does not authorize the Government to force the Plaintiffs to violate their own consciences by making them provide, pay for, and/or facilitate those services to others, contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs.”

The mandate was made final on Feb. 15 and now is the law for some or will be on Aug. 1, 2013, for others.

“Many have pursued and exhausted all other avenues to resolve this conflict without litigation, through efforts with the White House and Congress, but they have not succeeded. The first 12 lawsuits were filed on May 21. Several more were filed in August. We have joined with those suits now because of the recent impact upon Catholic corporations in the Diocese of Nashville,” the suit said. n

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

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

October 7, 2012 17

On a mission: Father Appiah brings medical care to Ghana homeland Medical professionals from throughout diocese volunteer for duty on teams delivering health care

The East Tennessee Catholic

MARK HUCKABEE

F

ather John Appiah can add medical missionary to his resume.

The associate pastor at All Saints Church has completed his third medical mission trip to Ghana and already is planning a fourth mission.

Father Appiah led the most recent mission trip Aug. 5-9 to East Africa, where he and a medical mission team served nearly 3,000 people in clinics in two villages. In addition to medical and pediatric care, the team included two dentists, an optometrist and an eyeglass fitting group.

The clinics were held in Father Appiah’s home village of NkonyaWurupong and in Abotoase.

The medical teams included Dr. Elaine Bunick, an endocrinologist; Dr. Randall Robbins, an orthopedic surgeon; Dr. Rodd Daigle, an emergency care physician; Dr. Peter Emanuel, an interventional radiologist; pediatricians Dr. Charles Campbell, Dr. Gregg Swabbe, and Dr. Leo Hamilton; Dr. Gerald Brocker, a pediatric anesthesiologist; and dentists Dr. Gary Cooper and Dr. David Hoffman.

The teams also included Dr. Tona Neal, an optometrist; Lucy Freytag, a family health nurse practitioner; registered nurses Carrie Freire, Abbey Conley, Bernadette DePrez, and Heather Schubert; and Deacon Michael Nestor, Alex Daigle, Cora Daigle, Tracey Robbins, Aryanne Robbins, Mary Ann Emanuel, Mary Julia Emanuel, Elizabeth Emanuel, Catherine Emanuel, Mark Huckabee, Ethan Huckabee, Ron Stellhorn, Erin Neal, Sidnay Fischer, Allison Miles, Andre Charitat and Karen Swabbe.

The medical staff of the team treated a total of 2,981 patients, 992 of them children and 1,989

Seeing eye to eye Sidnay Fischer of St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, a nursing student at Pellissippi State Technical Community College, was part of a recent mission to Ghana led

by Father John Appiah to provide medical care to residents there.

adults. The dental staff treated 169 patients by doing 339 teeth extractions and 16 other surgical procedures. The eye staff gave care to 1,255 patients and fitted residents with 355 prescription glasses, 500 reading glasses, and 400 sunglasses.

pain, sinus and respiratory infections, skin rashes, wounds and infections, abdominal pain, hypertension, diabetes, eye allergies and infections, ovarian dysfunction, and pregnancy.

The medical team also visited a leprosarium, where they were instructed in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and made Each missionary on the trip medical rounds on the hospitalwas showered with love and ized patients. appreciation that will not be Father Appiah said the medical mission weathered heavy rains, forgotten. bus breakdowns and other obstacles (numerous large potholes), Special procedures also were but was able to visit Elmina Castle, performed, including diagnostic Kakum National Park Walkway, ultrasound examinations, wound Wli Falls and the Art Center for debridement, abscess drainage, cultural and wildlife experiences seizure control and stabilization of before returning on the 17-hour a patient with septic shock, who flight to the United States. required transporting to a hospital Father Appiah said that for those 16 miles away. who had been to the village before, Father Appiah’s team reported they received a heart-warming that the most common medical welcome and special thanks for cases treated were malaria, parakeeping promises to return. sites, joint pain, back and neck He said for the new members The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Bill Brewer

of the mission team, it was a life changing experience to leave the comforts of home, to share limited amounts of food and water, and witness how people survive without fresh water, electricity, adequate food, toilets, and access to health and dental care.

Father Appiah noted that each missionary was showered with love and appreciation that will not be forgotten.

The team was welcomed with an opening ceremony led by Father Emil Kander and the chiefs from the villages with libations, prayers, music and dancing in full Ghanian tradition.

At the closing ceremony, head Chief Nana said all of the chiefs would donate land needed to build a medical clinic in NkonyaWurupong—a major commitment that will require significant fundraising to make the request a reality.

Father Appiah gave thanks to the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge, represented by Ron Stellhorn and Dr. Elaine Bunick, for providing funding for the medications and supplies for the pediatric clinics. A Bausch and Lomb Pharmaceutical Co. grant provided eye medications, and Americares provided medical supplies.

Father Appiah also expressed appreciation to those who donated money, supplies, medications, time and prayers to help make the mission trip a success because it served so many.

The fourth Ghana Medical, Dental and Eye Care Mission is scheduled for July 2014. Anyone interested in going on this mission or helping to support the medical mission team’s efforts are asked to contact Father John Appiah at All Saints Catholic Church, 865-5310770. n October 7, 2012 18

Youth Mass celebrates student leaders across diocese Program recognizes teens taking part in DYMAC, other diocesan youth organizations

The East Tennessee Catholic

BILL BREWER (2)

T

eens from across the Diocese of Knoxville who are emerging as youth leaders were recognized for their participation in Church-related organizations during the 2012 Diocesan Youth Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville.

Bishop Richard F. Stika was celebrant at the Sept. 8 Mass, which also was attended by the student leaders’ peers and parents as well as volunteers from the diocese’s four deaneries. Concelebrating at the Mass were vicar general Monsignor Xavier Mankel, Father Randy Stice and Fa, ther Christian Mathis. Deacons Dan Hosford and Jim Fage assisted.

Bishop Stika told the students the Youth Mass is for the diocese to “say to our young sisters and brothers of faith, thank you for the desire to take a leadership role in the Church.

Thank you for being Jesus Christ in your high school or in your parish.”

“Thank you for maybe teaching adults who can become so cynical that faith is something very much alive.

Thank you for just being a person of faith,” he said during his homily.

Bishop Stika, relating the miracle that Jesus performed in healing a man brought to him who was virtually mute and deaf, challenged the teens to not be in the silent majority but instead speak out for those treated unjustly, who live in poverty, children yet to be born, immigrants, and others whose voices may not be heard.

“What I say to you is don’t forget that you have an obligation to sometimes teach the adults who have forgotten what it means to be a Catholic, or a Christian, or a person of faith, a person who has lost hope, a person who is just kind of going with the system. That’s what the power of teenagers can do … remind us about choices and about life and about risk sometimes, but also about the gift of hope,” Bishop Stika said.

In his homily, the bishop remarked

By Bill Brewer

Honoring leadership Bishop Richard F. Stika presents Allyssa Raspa of St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Cleveland with a cross to mark her role as a youth leader. Allyssa received a Discipleship award during the Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville.

Go to www.etcatholic.org for a Youth Mass story and a full list of youth leaders and their awards. that the youths being recognized are part of a diocese that celebrated its 24th anniversary on Sept. 8 and that has grown from 22,000 parishioners, a few priests and a few parishes to nearly 70,000 parishioners served by 70 priests in the Chattanooga, Five Rivers, Cumberland Mountain, and Smoky Mountain deaneries.

“But the Church is not just that; the Church is you. The prophetic mission of the Church is you proclaiming Jesus Christ…,” he said, pointing out that the days ahead for them are filled with hope, possibilities, potential, and the opportunity to teach others about Jesus Christ.

“I just want to thank you for your willingness and your desire to make a difference over the course of this next year. My brothers and sisters, I pray that you never forget that you

are the voice of Jesus Christ. You are the face of Jesus Christ if you live out your faith. And you are the hands of Jesus when you help build up his kingdom and remind the rest of us of the beauty of life, the great gift of po-

tential and possibility that is blessed by hope. Coming together this day, let us ever be thankful for what God has given to us. Let us always be thankful for the gift of faith,” Bishop Stika told the students.

Al Forsythe, who heads the diocese’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry, introduced the youths being recognized for their leadership and the adults who work with the teens on leadership development.

Mr. Forsythe said Deacon Dan Hosford is instrumental in coordinating the youth events as is Karen Byrne of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

“We want to recognize the youth for their work but also recognize them for being role models,” he said.

“The kids really take ownership of this event. It motivates them to get involved in the life of the diocese.”

He said more than 170 youths and adults participated in the Youth Mass and dinner/social program that followed. He credited leaders of the diocese for taking such an active role with the youth. n

Deacon Dan Hosford, youth ministry coordinator for the Smoky Mountain and Cumberland Mountain deaneries, congratulates Maria D’Azebedo for being a youth leader.

To the right of Maria are youth leaders Dani Waldrop and Adrian Garcia.

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

October 7, 2012 19

Missions continued from page 9

the words of Christ when he appeared to the apostles after his resurrection: “Be not afraid.”

The community of Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission, the bishop said, should be unafraid in continuing to grow Christ’s church in rural East Tennessee.

Two members receiving first Holy Communion were brothers Edgar Esquivel Armendáriz, 21, and Juan Carlos Esquivel Armendáriz, 17, who were born in the Mexican state of Durango where they were baptized and confirmed as young children.

The young men have actively supported Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission, joining the work to transform the storefront.

“We came on the first day,” said Juan Carlos. “We came to clean, to paint, to take down walls. I want to see us growing up as a church, if God allows us.”

Blessed John Paul II isn’t the only Diocese of Knoxville mission that is planning for growth.

Divine Mercy Catholic Mission recently relocated from its home of nearly two decades, Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Knoxville, to the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School.

Father Hoan Dinh, who in July was named pastor of the mission that serves the diocese's Vietnamese community, said the relocation was necessary to reach more members, many of whom live in West Knoxville.

Divine Mercy held its first Mass in the KCHS chapel on Sept. 2, and Masses there have been at or near capacity.

“The move has gone very well. We have more people coming, including several for the first time. And I’m seeing new families,” Father Hoan said. n

The East Tennessee Catholic

United States Postal Service Statement of ownership, management, and circulation Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685 1. Publication title: The East Tennessee Catholic 2. Publication number: 0007-211 3. Filing date: Sept. 27, 2012 4. Issue frequency: Monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $15 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, Knox County, TN 379197551 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; editor, Bill Brewer, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 10. Owner: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: The East Tennessee Catholic 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Oct. 7, 2012 15. Extent and nature of circulation Average number copies each Number copies of single issue during preceding 12 months issue published nearest to filing date A. Total number of copies (net press run) B. (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (3) Paid distribution outside the mail (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS C. Total paid and/or requested circulation D. Free distribution by mail (1) Free or nominal rate outside-county on Form 3541 (2) Free or nominal rate in-county on Form 3541 (3) Other classes mailed through the USPS (4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail E. Total free or nominal-rate distribution outside the mail F. Total distribution G. Copies not distributed H. Total I. Percent paid

22,142

22,100

21,298 0 0 0 21,298

21,276 0 0 0 21,276

446 0 0 0 446 21,744 398 22,142 97.9

437 0 0 0 437 21,713 387 22,100 98.0

16. Statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 7, 2012, issue of this publication.

17. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Bill Brewer, editor. Date: Sept. 27, 2012 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

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

October 7, 2012 20

Christ the King, Tazewell Sunday noon Divine Mercy Mission, Knoxville (Vietnamese) Sunday 9:30 a.m. at KCHS OLPH, LaFollette Sunday 9:30 a.m.

St. Alphonsus, Crossville Saturday 5 p.m. (CT); Sunday 8:30, 11 a.m.; 1st Sunday 6 p.m.(Spanish) St. Ann, Lancing Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Bl. John XXIII, Knoxville Sunday 9, 11:15 a.m.; 5:30, 10 p.m.

Holy Cross, Pigeon Forge Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10:30 a.m.; 6 p.m.(Spanish) Holy Family, Seymour Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10:30 a.m.

Holy Resurrection Mission 9:30 a.m. (Ruthenian Rite)

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa Saturday 5, 7 p.m.(Spanish); Sunday 8:30, 11 a.m.

Sacred Heart Cathedral Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 7, 8:30, 10, 11:30 a.m.; 1:30 (Spanish) 6 p.m.

St. Joseph, Norris Sunday 9 a.m.

St. Jude, Helenwood Saturday 5:30 p.m.

St. Mary, Oak Ridge Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 7:30 (Spanish), 8, 10 a.m., noon St. Therese, Clinton Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 10:15 a.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City Saturday 5, 7 p.m. (Spanish); Sunday 9, 11:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Saturday 6 p.m.; Sunday 8:30, 10, 11:30 a.m.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 9, 11 a.m.

St. Thomas Byzantine Mission, Knoxville Sunday 10 a.m.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville Sunday 8,10 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. (Spanish); 2nd, 4th, 5th Sunday 3 p.m. (Latin)

Holy Ghost, Knoxville Saturday 7 p.m. (Spanish); Sunday 7, 8:30, 10, 11:30 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi,Townsend (Latin) Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 9, 11 a.m. (Latin) St. Mary, Gatlinburg Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 9, 11 a.m.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Five Rivers Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville St. Christopher, Jamestown Saturday 5, 7 p.m. (Spanish); Saturday 6:30 p.m. (CT) Sunday 8:15, 10, 11:45 a.m.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Blessed Sacrament, Harriman Glade Saturday 5 p.m.; Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10 a.m. (CT) Sunday 10:30 a.m.

St. John Neumann, Farragut Bl. Teresa of Calcutta Mission, Saturday 4:30 p.m.; Sunday Maynardville 8:30, 10:30 a.m.; 6 p.m.

Sunday 9, 11 a.m. (Spanish)

Notre Dame, Greeneville Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8, 11 a.m.; 3 p.m. (Spanish) St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.

St. James the Apostle, Sneedville Sunday 12:30 p.m.

St. Mary, Johnson City Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10 a.m.; noon (Spanish) St. Michael the Archangel Mission, Erwin Sunday 10 a.m.

Bl. John Paul II Mission, Rutledge Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. (Spanish) Good Shepherd, Newport Sunday 8:30 a.m.

St. Anthony of Padua, Mountain City Sunday 11 a.m.

St. Dominic, Kingsport Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11 a.m.

(Spanish); 12:30 p.m.

St. Henry, Rogersville Sunday 9 a.m.

St. Patrick, Morristown Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 9, 11:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. (Spanish)

Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul

Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 8, 10:30 a.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg Saturday 5:30 p.m.(CT); Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd of the Valley, Dunlap Sunday 8 a.m. (CT); Thursday 6:30 p.m.

(Spanish)

Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 9, 11 a.m.

Chattanooga Deanery

Cumberland Mtn. Deanery

Diocese of Knoxville Mass Times

OLPH, Chattanooga St. Augustine, Signal Mountain Saturday 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 7:30, 10 a.m.; noon, Sunday 10:30 a.m.

2 p.m. (Spanish); 2nd St. Bridget, Dayton Sunday 4 p.m. (Korean) Saturday 5:30 p.m.; St. Catherine Labouré, Sunday 10 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.

Copperhill (Spanish) Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.; 6 p.m. (Spanish) St. Mary, Athens Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday St. Jude, Chattanooga 10 a.m.; 1 p.m. (Spanish) Saturday 5:30, 7:30 p.m.

(Spanish); Sunday 8, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, 10:30 a.m.; 12:15, 5:30 p.m. Cleveland Saturday 6 p.m.; St. Stephen, Chattanooga Sunday 8 a.m. (Spanish) Saturday 5:30 p.m.; 9:30 a.m.; noon; 1st, 3rd Sunday 8:30, 11 a.m.

Sunday 3 p.m. (Latin)

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October 7, 2012 21

Living the readings

Weekday Readings

The radical Jesus

Sunday, Oct. 7: Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 128:1-6; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16 Monday, Oct. 8: Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10; Luke 10:25-37 Tuesday, Oct. 9: Galatians 1:1324; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Luke 10:38-42 Wednesday, Oct. 10: Galatians 2:12, 7-14; Psalm 117:1-2; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, Oct. 11: Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, Oct. 12: Galatians 3:7-14; Psalm 111:1-6; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, Oct. 13: Galatians 3:2229; Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 11:27-28 Sunday, Oct. 14: Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30 Monday, Oct. 15: Memorial, St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin, doctor of the Church, Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, and 4:31–5:1; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 16: Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 17: Memorial, St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr, Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, Oct. 18: Feast, St. Luke, evangelist, 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9 Friday, Oct. 19: Memorial, Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, martyrs, and their companions, martyrs, Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 20: Ephesians 1:1523; Psalm 8:2-7; Luke 12:8-12 Sunday, Oct. 21: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45 Monday, Oct. 22: Ephesians 2:110; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 12:13-21 Tuesday, Oct. 23: Ephesians 2:1222; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 12:35-38 Wednesday, Oct. 24: Ephesians Readings continued on page 23

22 October 7, 2012

by Father Joseph Brando

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Christ is not ‘right’ or ‘left’ but is deep in his radicalism

he Liturgy of the Word for the month of October pictures Jesus as a radical. That is not in the common political usage of the word. Jesus is not radical “right” or “left.” He is radical “deep.” The Lord this month takes us down to the roots of our relationship with God. If we want to be a disciple of Christ, we need to follow him heart, mind and soul to the depths of his relationship with the Father. This month’s liturgies challenge us to do just that.

The second readings for all four Sundays of October come from the Letter to the Hebrews. They basically tell us how radical Jesus is in his dual relationship to the Father and to us. Then, the Gospel readings, which come from the same 10th chapter of the Gospel according to Mark, show the “radical” Jesus in action.

We’ll start by meditating on Jesus as he is presented by the unknown author of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

On the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Oct. 7), he describes Jesus as coming from God and becoming perfect in his relationship to us humans through his suffering. Jesus is divine and he is human. That concept of the incarnation of the second person of the Holy Trinity is absolutely radical both in the two natures of Jesus Christ and in his call for us to join him.

The following week, the Epistle tells us the word of God is a twoedged sword cutting bone from marrow. It’s sharp, indicating that our thoughts and actions are an open book to God. Jesus, the Word of God, enters into our lives as a razor-sharp scalpel cutting through us without our feeling it. Jesus is that radically within us who desire to share our lives with him. On the

next Sunday, we hear the softer side of our relationship with our Savior.

Just as when Jesus walked the streets and roads of the Holy Land, so also he enters our lives as one who can sympathize with us. He can share our life; and, once there, he can free us from sin.

The last Sunday of the month we encounter a startling fact about the radicalism of Jesus. Like a high priest, the Lord deals patiently with us for “he, himself, [the high priest] is beset by weakness.” Just think of Jesus being tempted in the desert, and by the crowd that wanted to make him king, and by Peter who counseled him against sacrificing himself on the cross. Then, consider Jesus’ anguish as he strove to live out his radical decision to accomplish the will of his Father. And so, the passages from Hebrews provide us the background to appreciate October’s Gospels.

Preceding his 10th chapter, Mark had narrated the events of Caesarea Philippi where Jesus revealed that he was the Messiah and was going to Jerusalem to die and rise again.

The first two events of that journey already took place. The first was Jesus’ Transfiguration; and the second was the healing of a possessed boy. That brings us to chapter 10. In the first verse (which is not in our liturgical reading), Mark writes that Jesus crossed the border into Judea.

This was dangerous territory for him. The authorities would be after him. Accordingly, you could begin to feel the tension in Mark’s narrative.

The end of the chapter has Jesus going up the road from Jericho (which, at 1,000 feet below sea level has the lowest elevation of any city on Earth) to Jerusalem where the next event would be Palm Sunday.

On the first Sunday of October,

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Mark has the scribes questioning Jesus. They seem to have been waiting for him at the border. They wanted to know Jesus’ teaching on the grounds for divorce. He gave them a much more radical answer than they had ever heard before. He told them there are no grounds for divorce. He admitted Moses did permit divorce; but that was because of the people’s hardness of heart.

Jesus’ rationale comes from the Genesis passage quoted in the day’s first reading that God joined Adam and Eve and made them one. Therefore, “what God has joined, man must not separate.” (In Matthew’s presentation of the same event, he adds an exemption for ‘immorality,’ which refers to marriages that should not have been entered into at all as in the case of incest).

Mark’s rendition emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus’ position.

Marriage was a sign of God’s plan from the beginning. Divorce negates that sign because it is a symptom of human “hardheartedness” to which Moses acquiesced in the desert. No follower of Jesus should be hardhearted. Rather, matrimony, as a sign of the Kingdom, needs everlasting mutual love to make it real.

Since a hard heart cannot truly love, it should not exist within a marriage.

With no hard hearts there would be no divorce. Radical love would prevail. That’s what Jesus came to establish in his Kingdom.

The second Sunday’s gospel reading continues Jesus’ journey to where a rich young man asks the Lord what he can do to attain eternal life. The question already is radical. Jesus’ response is more so. After questioning the man further, Jesus determines the man would indeed make a good disciple. So, he gives him the ultimate answer. First, you have to sell everything you have, then give it all to the poor and come follow me. The answer was radical, but it came from Jesus’ loving heart.

He desired a positive answer. He didn’t get it. The cost of discipleship dioknox.org

With Divine Mercy

BILL BREWER

Divine Mercy Catholic Mission chaplain Father Hoan Dinh (right), celebrates Mass in the chapel at Knoxville Catholic High School, where the mission relocated in September from Immaculate Conception Church. Father Hoan, assisted by Deacon Hieu Vinh (left), said the move is for the mission to be closer to its members.

Thursday, Oct. 25: Ephesians 3:1421; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Luke 12:49-53 Friday, Oct. 26: Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 27: Ephesians 4:716; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 13:1-9 Sunday, Oct. 28: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126:1-6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52 Monday, Oct. 29: Ephesians 4:32– 5:8; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 13:10-17 Tuesday, Oct. 30: Ephesians 5:2133; Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 13:18-21

is “everything we’ve got.”

Jesus then makes the radical statement that still strikes to the core of affluent Christians. “It is easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” Over the years some have offered explanations that water down the basic meaning of those words. None of them pass the biblical experts’ credibility tests.

Mark meant for Jesus to be that radical. Elsewhere, Jesus says we can’t serve both God and money. He’s consistent. So, we should try to give ourselves totally to the Kingdom. If we have the courage to pay the price of discipleship, then we become free to love unconditionally.

On the third Sunday of October, the Gospel tells us of James and John asking Jesus for a favor. They want to be on Jesus’ right and left when he enters his glory. A few days earlier they were privileged to see Moses and Elijah on either side of the Lord.

Jesus does not treat them as if they were arrogant or out of place. Rather,

he asks if they can drink the cup.

Drinking of the cup means more than foregoing wealth. Ultimately, it means death. For the present, it meant getting rid of pride and becoming the slave of all. Jesus is calling James and John and us to be as radical as he is.

The final Sunday of the month presents one of the most overlooked personalities in the Gospels. On Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, Mark has described several people who spoke to him. Each could be judged as to how good a disciple he would make. None of them would merit more than an ‘incomplete’ on their report card. That is until the last stop before Jerusalem. There, Jesus finds Bartimaeus. The only gift he seeks of Jesus is pity. He has no money and no ego. His heart is earnestly focused on the Lord. He refused the rebukes of Jesus’ followers to be quiet. And he called Jesus “Son of David.” Jesus appreciated that name and realized the great insight of that blind man.

When he called him over, Bartimaeus

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The East Tennessee Catholic

Readings continued from page 22 3:2-12; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 12:39-48

“threw away his cloak, sprang up and came to Jesus.” This was a blind man. Doing this was akin to walking on water and not falling down out of fear. His only words directly to Jesus were, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus’ reply was “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” That was not the end. Mark reports that “immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” Jesus’ next and last stop was Jerusalem, and Bartimaeus was there with him.

Bartimaeus is the ideal disciple.

He would have no problem with divorce or giving up riches or drinking of the cup of suffering, or losing self-esteem. For him, following Jesus was an upgrade. He proves to us that becoming a true disciple of Christ is possible. We can attain to such a status. Let’s allow this month’s scriptures to motivate us to wholeheartedly giving our lives to Christ and entering the Kingdom of God. n Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 31: Ephesians 6:1-9; Psalm 145:10-14; Luke 13:22-30 Thursday, Nov. 1: Solemnity of All Saints, Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 Friday, Nov. 2: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40 Saturday, Nov. 3: Philippians 1:1826; Psalm 42:2-3, 5; Luke 14:1, 7-11 n

Nondiscrimination notice for schools The Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan program, and athletic and other school-administered programs. n

October 7, 2012 23

‘Hope Springs’ eternal when saving a marriage

By Marian Christiana

My position as coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment gives me an opportunity to explore material that could be beneficial to engaged couples as well as to long-term married couples.

The material comes from many sources, and some of the best sources are personal suggestions from friends or family. I recently received many recommendations to see the movie, “Hope Springs” that has been in theaters.

This movie stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell and is for an adult audience. Television advertisements portray this film as a comedy, and although there are some humorous scenes, it is very much a drama. “Hope Springs” is a frank portrayal of a couple’s personal marriage crisis, and while it does not come from a Catholic perspective of marriage, mature moviegoers will be able to identify its virtues while being aware of the film’s failings.

The premise of the film is that a couple finds their marriage in a stagnant state after 31 years.

The wife wants to reconnect but doesn’t know how to go about it. She convinces her husband to attend an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship. The hard work begins when they start to work their way through the suggestions and recommendations given to them by the counselor.

This movie could be used as a marriage enriching “date night.”

Not because you might be experiencing the same difficulties depicted in the film but because all marriages go through cycles of ups and downs. It is easy to get trapped in a “down” cycle because it is too much trouble to

Marriage continued on page 25

24 October 7, 2012

Prayer continued from page 8

at schools like UT have a duty to represent faith and defend it where needed.

“It shouldn’t be this difficult, but it is,” Father Donahue said. “There are some who want to stop prayer and won’t rest until they do.”

Members of the campus ministers council have been working with UT for several years in delivering invocations before home games and guidelines have been established so that each pre-game prayer isn’t affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious group.

“The university is creating a space for there to be public prayer offered by trusted ministers who have a stake in the university. Each one of us that gives the invocation at the invitation of the athletics director agrees to offer nonsectarian prayer,” Father Donahue said.

He is sensitive to those who argue the finer points of public prayer and the best practices of inclusivity, but he points to the larger battle to keep a place for prayer in the public square, noting that “questions and honest debates that involve religious identity and the role of faith help prepare us all for the world.”

“I think it is more important that we’re praying than who we’re praying to. I would die for Jesus Christ.

We’re offering these prayers to the one true God and we’re doing this in such a way that will allow anyone at the game to feel included,” Father Donahue said.

He pointed out that ministers in the campus council have discussed the nonsectarian issue at length and agree that they are going to be “inclusive and authentic” and will not act against their consciences.

“What can we call God inclusively? Almighty Creator, Divine Providence. This is not a Christian versus non-Christian issue,” he said.

“It’s been nonsectarian for years.

We’re not favoring one religion over another.”

As the dust-up settled between the

Freedom From Religion Foundation and UT, Blessed John XXIII associate pastor Father Rich Andre delivered the pre-game invocation at the next home football game with Akron on Sept. 22. And for at least one game, the opening prayer was anything but routine.

Father Donahue is impressed by UT’s willingness to accommodate faith in students’ lives. He said it is a welcome attitude compared to other campuses in California and Minnesota where he has served with the Paulist Fathers.

“This university goes out of its way to make sure students have the space to pursue their religious aspirations if they choose to while remaining secular without favoring anyone. Nothing is diminished or promoted,” he said.

When he first learned he would be giving the invocation at the UTAkron game, Father Andre assumed there would be passing interest in the game and the prayer would be routine. “Of course, as things turned out, the invocation was huge deal,” he said.

But he wasn’t too concerned about all the pre-game publicity and the attention that would likely be paid to the pre-game prayer.

“Frankly, I’m quite comfortable leading interfaith prayers. The Paulist Fathers have always been at the forefront of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. As a seminarian, I learned to pray in hospitals with Pentecostals, Unitarians, Jews, and agnostics, among others,” he said.

He pointed out that many of the national dialogues in this country between various Christian denominations and other faith traditions (Anglican-Catholic, OrthodoxCatholic, Lutheran-Catholic, SikhCatholic, etc.) are hosted at St. Paul’s College, which is the Paulist seminary in Washington, D.C. Father Andre said it only took him a few minutes to write the invocation for the football game. He noted that UT’s policies are consistent with

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

the standards for interfaith prayer.

“I was offering a personal prayer over the loudspeakers, but I was not speaking on anyone else’s behalf.

The only thing that could possibly offend someone was that I acknowledged the existence of a higher power,” he said.

While he was amply prepared to draft an appropriate invocation, it was the potential media queries involved in the first prayer following the UT-Freedom From Religion Foundation confrontation that caused him the most concern.

“The task that took me the most time was drafting some information about the Paulists’ commitment to interreligious dialogue, just in case anyone in the media had questions for me,” Father Andre said.

Father Andre delivered the invocation without a hitch and UT is moving forward with its plans for the remaining home games this season.

Kally Elliott of the Presbyterian Church is scheduled to deliver the prayer at the next home game, against Alabama. UT alumni president Jennifer Stanley will follow her for the Troy game. Brent Harriman of Reformed Fellowship and Deborah Oleshansky of the Jewish Center will complete the season at the Missouri and Kentucky games.

Father Donahue said it will be up to UT officials to determine the pregame prayer policy going forward.

But the campus ministers council is looking forward to next season and seasons beyond.

“None of us work for the university, but we are resources for the students, faculty and administration,” Father Donahue said.

Father Andre is putting the prayer controversy and his role in perspective.

“I’ve been told that the crowd cheered louder than usual at the end of the prayer, but I don’t think that had anything to do with me,” he said. “People were just happy that the tradition surrounding the invocation continues.” n dioknox.org

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

Marriage continued from page 24

Instituted by Christ

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The mysteries of Christ’s life are the foundations of what he would dispense in the sacraments

he Church has always taught that the sacraments were instituted by Christ himself. She is convinced that this truth is rooted in the Word of God and the tradition, as the Catechism affirms: “Adhering to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, to the apostolic traditions, and to the consensus… of the Fathers,” we profess that “the sacraments of the new law were…all instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1114, citing the Council of Trent).

However, as with many other aspects of the sacraments, this, too, has been the subject of debate and controversy. The Reformers maintained that only baptism and the Eucharist were instituted by Christ.

The Council of Trent responded to this erroneous teaching by stating, “If anyone should say that the sacraments of the New Law were not all instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, anathema sit [let them be cut off].”

Institution by Christ was again challenged by the Modernists in the late 19th century. In response, Pope St. Pius X said, “That affirmation is false which says that the sacraments arose from the Apostles’ and their successors’ interpreting an idea and intention of Jesus in a way appearing advisable to them in light of the circumstances and events of their time, or indeed enjoined upon them by such circumstances and events” (Lamentabili).

In the 20th century it was argued that Christ instituted some of the sacraments “only implicitly,” contending that they were “‘included’ in the foundation of the Church” (Paul Haffner, The Sacramental Mystery, 10). This, too, undermines the constant teaching of the Church The East Tennessee Catholic

and so must be rejected.

The Scriptures clearly attest to Christ’s institution of baptism (Matthew 28:19), the Eucharist (Luke 22:7ff, Matthew 26:17ff, Mark 14:12ff and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), and Penance (John 20:23).

For other sacraments there is clear apostolic tradition that “must be traced back to Christ himself inasmuch as the Apostles considered themselves to be no more than ‘servants of Christ and ministers of the mysteries of God’ (1 Corinthians 4:1)” (A General Doctrine of the Sacraments and the Mystery of the Eucharist, Auer, 85). Thus, we can affirm institution by Christ for confirmation from Acts 8:17 and 19:6; for the anointing of the sick from James 5:14ff; for holy orders from 2 Ultimately, the sacraments are a continuation of Christ’s earthly ministry.

Timothy 1:6, 2:2; and for Marriage from Ephesians 5:25 and Matthew 19:3-9.

Haffner suggests that for a number of the sacraments there are New Testament references to an institution before Easter and an institution after Easter. He writes, “The pre-Paschal institution lays the foundation for the sacrament, while the post-Paschal institution brings the sacrament about in its fullness. Only after the accomplishment of the Paschal Mystery can the sacraments become fully effective as they draw their efficacy from Christ’s Sacrifice and His Resurrection” (9). One example he cites is the sacrament of penance.

Christ promised the power before Easter (Matthew 16:19b) and bestowed it fully after His Redemptive Act was accomplished (John

20:22-23)” (Haffner, 139).

Finally, institution by Christ also is implied by soteriology (the study of salvation) “which teaches us that all redemptive grace can come only from Christ, and what the sacraments do is apply such redemptive grace to us” (Auer, 85).

For this reason as well, the sacraments must have been instituted

by Christ.

A related question addresses the issue of what aspects of the rites were established by Christ: What belongs to the essence or to the integrity of the sacrament, and what rites must therefore the historical Christ himself have established?

Not surprisingly, this question has received a number of answers throughout history.

Although the individual sacraments “must go back to a command of the historical Jesus” (Auer, 87), “it is evident that many aspects of the external rite were left to the Church to determine more fully” (Haffner, 10).

Ultimately, the sacraments are a continuation of Christ’s earthly ministry.

Jesus’ words and actions during his earthly ministry “were already salvific, for they anticipated the power of his Paschal mystery. They announced and prepared what he was going to give the Church when all was accomplished. The mysteries of Christ’s life are the foundations of what he would henceforth dispense in the sacraments, through the ministers of his Church, for “what was visible in our Savior has passed over into his mysteries” (CCC 1115). n

work on getting things back to the “up” cycle.

The film might help you reflect on the highs and lows of your own marriage and open a discussion on how you successfully worked through the down periods in the past. It is helpful to remember even the small successes because with each positive outcome your confidence in your relationship grows.

As illustrated in “Hope Springs,” sometimes a couple might need a third party to help them navigate the rough or, in this case, stagnant waters. Fortunately, we have Catholic Charities counselors ready to help. You can find a counselor in your area at www.ccetn.org or by calling the new phone counseling service at 1-877-790-6369.

Finally, it is important to remember that whenever we are trying to improve our relationships we should keep in mind St. Paul’s beautiful thought in his letter to the Corinthians: Love never fails. n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Sacred Heart holds golf tournament on Oct. 5 The 12th annual Sacred Heart Cathedral School Fall Golf Classic is set for Friday, Oct. 5, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford.

Breakfast is at 9 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To sign up for the tournament, e-mail Joni Punch at jpunch@shcknox.org or call 865558-4136. n

Father Stice directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

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

October 7, 2012 25

Funeral services held for Father George Mathis

CINCINNATI (CNS)—Father George Mathis, 84, a native of Euclid, Ohio, and a Glenmary Home Missioner for 61 years, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 26, in Kingsport, where he resided.

Father Mathis was ordained in 1955. He served in a wide range of roles as a Glenmarian, including as pastor of Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky missions; council member; department director; and liturgical environment artist, designer, and consultant.

“Father Mathis was a deeply spiritual, faithful, and artistically talented man who never hesitated to share his gifts with others,” said Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president. “He was a brother to us all and will be sorely missed.”

Following his ordination, he served as an associate pastor at missions in Franklin and Guthrie, Ky., and Swainsboro, Ga., before moving on to his first pastorate in Claxton, Ga., where he ministered from 1960 to 1965.

Father Mathis served in leadership roles in Glenmary for the next 13 years—as a council member, promotion and mission office director, and formation director—before pastoring missions in Pulaski and Fayetteville, Tenn.

(1979-83).

Following these assignments, he was appointed Glenmary’s personnel director (1983-87) before returning to mission areas to pastor two more Kentucky missions in Vanceburg (1987-88) and Grayson (1988-93).

A funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 30 at St. Matthias Church in Cincinnati. A burial followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Cincinnati.

Memorials may be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. n

26 October 7, 2012

Once upon a time

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

Who was the most influential person in your life?

I

For many, chances are it was a Sister who was a teacher during the formative school years

am forever amazed to find so many people who do not answer the question, “Who has been the most influential person in your life so far?” with either “Jesus, my Lord,” “the Blessed Mother,” “my own mother or father,” “my spouse,” “my child,” “my first boss,” “St. Joseph,” “my patron saint” or some figure from the world of athletics, the fine arts, from the movies, or some pastor, other priest, or deacon, but who will say “Sister Mary, who taught me in the …th grade.”

And the person answering the question says sister’s name with an awe and reverence that is very sincere. I think one of the disastrous effects of the decline in vocations to the priesthood, the brotherhood and sisterhood from 1965 until around 2000 not only has been the loss of masterful instruction in the classroom but also in the area of spiritual preparation for life. The loss of sisters in the classroom or hospital room or in the parish at large has impacted rather negatively on the present generation (X or Y or baby boomers, etc).

My parents were absolutely wonderful; they laid down their lives for my sister, my brother, and me. My godparents played a wonderful role in my formation. From the pastor who baptized me in late 1935, Monsignor Francis Dominic Grady, until now there have been great priests who have served as role models of the highest caliber and who, by their goodness, kindness, knowledge, faith, and wholesome sense of humor, have been true pillars upon which I can lay my own love of God, the faith, my love for people, and the Church.

And I must agree with those who admit being “influenced the most”

by a woman religious somewhere along the way. The renewal of religious life even in a tiny diocese like ours bodes very well as we complete our first quarter century as a unique local church and anticipate beautiful things during the next 25 years.

While it could be any group of sisters, Dominicans, Franciscans, BVMs, Sisters of Mercy, etc., who have served as the backbone of our high school faculties over the years since our mother diocese was formed in 1837, I would like to pay tribute to the Religious Sisters of Mercy of the Union who served at Knoxville Catholic High School during my days as a student, 1949-53.

I must agree with those who admit being ‘influenced the most’ by a woman religious somewhere along the way.

The transition from elementary school to secondary school can be quite traumatic, especially if it means a transfer of campus. Old St. Mary’s School at 414 W. Vine Ave. was less than a mile from home and an easy walk. KCHS was over twice that but easily accessible by city streetcars or buses. I had visited the 1610 E. Magnolia Ave. campus in first or second grades (for the dedication of the gymnasium/auditorium and the state-of-the-art chemistry lab and its real lab tables!) in 1942 and again in spring 1949 as we went to pre-register for ninth grade.

But the day-to-day challenge of high school began for me the day after Labor Day in 1949. Our homeroom teacher was Sister Mary Borgia, who also taught religion and English. Strict discipline prevailed—and strict justice, too. Sister

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would not raise my 92.5 average in English to the 93 required for an A-. To this day when we teach the alphabet to the younger members of our family it begins like this: A is for Almighty God who made us and sustains our life; B is for Borgia….

Other sisters we had that year were Sister Mary Alphonsa for Latin I (she taught my aunt at Holy Ghost in the 1920s and still was sharp as a tack). Sister Mary Canisius taught Ancient and Medieval history. A brilliant lady and the pastor’s own sister, she was to do the honors in sophomore modern history the next year. Sister Mary Loyola, also the principal, presided at the Algebra I desk. These sisters for the most part were in early middle age. They had mastered their subject matter and were still young and vigorous enough to wear down even the toughest teenager no matter how long the school day lasted.

The high school sisters resided at the 414 W. Vine convent with the grade school sisters. Imagine the brain trust (and spiritual, too) as these master educators gathered around the community room table on the second floor to prepare/review the next day’s material.

Sister Mary Joel came to Knoxville in 1950 for her first term at the school. She was from Cincinnati, a German, and even more strict than any other sister I had met. She was our homeroom teacher and taught religion II and algebra II with utter precision. I had been out sick for a day or so and Sister offered an “oral” make up test. I correctly figured out that “oral” had something to do with one’s mouth. By the time it was over I also realized that it also had something to do with the placement of a foot. Another dioknox.org

Year of Faith, Respect Life Month being observed WASHINGTON (CNA)—The U.S. bishops’ chairman on pro-life issues invited Catholics to commemorate the Year of Faith and the 41st annual Respect Life Month through prayer, education and advocacy.

Respect Life Month, along with the upcoming Year of Faith announced

by Pope Benedict XVI, provides a “vitally important” opportunity for Catholics to “spark a renewal of love and commitment to the true good of others,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston.

He stressed that a change in the wonderful teacher new to KCHS that year was the principal, Sister Marie Emmanuel White. She taught Latin II and English II. Years later the rector of St. Ambrose University Seminary College told me that Sister Emmanuel was the most brilliant lady whom he had ever encountered, quite a statement from Rev. Father Ed O’Connor. For our junior year we enjoyed Sister Alphonsa for homeroom, religion (the power of the green scapular), chemistry, and moderator of the junior-senior prom.

Within the pages of her wee black book were the names of all juniors and seniors. If one did not wish a date from sister’s list of pairings,

culture can only take place through the unwavering commitment and witness of the faithful, and their compassionate service to those in need.

The cardinal, who heads the prolife committee for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, released a Sept. 25 statement on the 2012 Respect for Life Month, which will be observed by the Catholic Church this month, beginning with Respect Life Sunday on Oct. 7.

During his recent trip to Lebanon, the pontiff emphasized this concept it really behooved one to come at the beginning of the school year with one’s date for the prom firmly scheduled. Sister Mary Joel taught plane geometry, Sister Marie Serena taught Spanish I, and Sister Marie Emmanuel taught English III. By 1952, the Korean conflict was well along and the question of what seniors would do after graduation included prospects as members of the armed forces.

A dynamic young priest, Father Philip F. Thoni taught senior religion and sociology, coached basketball and was the physical education teacher for the entire school’s approximately 55 boys. Sister Mary Joel led the solid geometry/trigo-

by stating, “The effectiveness of our commitment to peace depends on our understanding of human life,” which inspires us “to reject not only war and terrorism, but every assault on innocent human life.”

Throughout Respect Life Month and the Year of Faith, Cardinal DiNardo invited Catholics to grow in their understanding of their faith, in order to “live out these teachings more faithfully, witness them more radiantly in our actions, and propose them to others in fresh and engaging ways.” n nometry class (I never quite caught on to interpolations); Sister Marie Serena taught English IV; and Sister Mary Alphonsa taught physics.

Another sister who taught at KCHS 1949-53 was Sister Mary Felicia. Among other subjects, she taught art but those of us who took extra science courses did not have the pleasure.

So whether it’s popes or parents, siblings or other friends, I must say that I have been profoundly influenced by the Sisters of Mercy. May they grow and glow forever. n Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville.

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Former John XXIII priest passes away SAN FRANCISCO—Father Peter Gerard Shea, CSP, who formerly served at Blessed John XXIII Parish in Knoxville, died Sept. 23 in San Francisco.

A funeral Mass was held Sept.

27 at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. A funeral Mass also was celebrated Sept.

29 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oak Ridge, N.J. Burial took place after the funeral in the Paulist section of St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery.

Father Shea, 80, entered the Paulist Fathers’ novitiate Sept.

8, 1958, and was ordained May 11, 1962. He had just celebrated 50 years of Paulist priesthood last spring. He was serving as associate pastor of Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco when he died.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Father Shea and his seven siblings attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, served by Sisters of St. Joseph.

Father Shea was ordained by Cardinal Francis J. Spellman at the Paulist mother church, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan.

He became director of Blessed John XXIII Parish at the University of Tennessee in 1984.

Father Shea went to St. Peter Church in Toronto in 1988. He became associate pastor at Old St. Mary’s in San Francisco in 1996. Still in active ministry until his death, Father Shea celebrated liturgies, helped with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program, directed a “Saturday for Engaged Couples” program, and tended to the other pastoral needs of the community.

“I love the work, working with people,” Father Shea said, “It is fascinating and inspiring to me and my own faith.” n

October 7, 2012 27

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—With his personal charisma and energetic pastoral style, Blessed John Paul II famously inspired a generation of vocations to the priesthood—to the point that men whose discernment or formation had been decisively shaped by his 27-year pontificate came to be known as “John Paul II priests.”

Now Pope Benedict XVI, in his eighth year as pontiff, is making his mark on a new generation of future priests, who have embraced many of his ideas and priorities.

For Danny Pabon, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Newark, who just began studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, reading Pope Benedict’s account of the meaning of Jesus’ life and teachings was a turning point in the process of his discernment of a vocation, revealing for him “that this is the Jesus of Nazareth I want to follow.”

Even before he became a Catholic

28 October 7, 2012

CNS PHOTO

Pope Benedict XVI making an impression on seminarians

Making their mark The pope is having an impact on seminarians like (from left) Stephen Gadberry, Danny Pabon, Nathan Ricci, Timothy Ahn and Michael Hendershott.

in 2009, Timothy Ahn said he already saw Pope Benedict “as a great theologian” who “diagnosed the problems of the world.” Ahn is now a seminarian at the North American College from the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C. Nathan Ricci, who comes to the college from the Diocese of Providence, R.I., said he especially admired Pope

Benedict’s courage in promoting Catholic teaching in a world where many “want to ignore the faith.”

Michael Hendershott said a crucial role for priests is as an intermediary, helping draw people up to God and bringing God closer to people is the people’s need for grace from the sacraments. The seminarian from the

Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn., said it was his exposure to the traditional Latin Mass, which his parish started to offer in 2005, “that really showed me, really clarified in my mind the idea of the priest as a man ordained to offer sacrifice for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

Such influence is not surprising, said the college’s rector, Monsignor James F. Checchio, because Pope Benedict “is very rich in his writings about faith and the priesthood and speaks very endearingly to priests.”

Men discerning a vocation “pick that up” right away, he said.

The college has been “at capacity” for the last two years with 232 seminarians, Monsignor Checchio said, up from 150 men when he became rector in 2005. That reflects a national trend in U.S. Catholic seminary enrollment, which last year saw its highest numbers in almost a quarter century. n

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