Saint Henry Advent Newsletter 2024 by StHenryChurch

A MESSAGE FROM FR. ERIC

Dear Friends,

“MARANATHA, COME LORD JESUS”

I am excited and looking forward to my first time to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season as your pastor! This sacred and beautiful time of year is also a time of many memories and cherished traditions for families and friends I am thankful to now begin creating new memories with my St Henry parish family My first months with you have truly been a blessing and I am grateful to all of you for making me feel so warmly welcomed into this vibrant community of faith It is truly a blessing to have the opportunity to celebrate this joyful season with my new family

The season of Advent invites us to embrace and prepare for the coming of Christ We are especially invited to prepare ourselves for His coming in three ways. First, the sacred scriptures and our prayers will help us to focus on His coming again in glory. We reflect upon how prepared we are to meet the Lord at the end of time, and at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. We humbly ask Our Lord to remove from our lives all that is not worthy of Him, so that we are prepared to meet Him face to face, and enter into the glory that He has prepared for us Second, we prepare to celebrate His coming in time at His Incarnation, with our hearts and minds renewed with the peace and joyful message of Christmas Third, we open our hearts to His coming in this present time by inviting Him to be born more fully into our lives If we truly embrace these three aspects of the coming of the Lord, we will have much to be grateful for in this beautiful season of grace.

ET VERBUM CARO FACTUM EST ET HABITAVIT IN NOBIS

“AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US”

With thankfulness and a sense of awesome wonder, we bow and genuflect when we proclaim these words of His Holy Incarnation Christ is born, let us glorify Him by our lives!

Prayers and best wishes for you and your loved ones for a truly grace filled season!

In His Love,

Fr. Eric Fowlkes, pastor St Henry Catholic Church

2024 A YEAR OF CELEBRATION

FATHER KIBBY CELEBRATED 40 YEARS A PRIEST

We commemorated 40 years of dedicated priesthood for our cherished senior priest, Father Pat Kibby, on June 1, 2024 Friends gathered from across the diocese and beyond to attend the special Mass celebrated by Bishop J. Mark Spalding.

A PARISH PICNIC FOR THE AGES

In honor of 1,000 years of our patron St Henry II, we hosted a parish picnic on August 3, 2024 The evening began with a blessing of our new St. Henry statue prior to the 5 p.m. Mass. Following the service, everyone gathered at the school playground for a cookout organized by the Men’s Club, supplemented by potluck dishes brought by our parishioners. Jason Broderick, Kevin Klein, Danny Preston, and Tony Winkler provided live music entertainment, while families enjoyed activities like face-painting, games, cake walks, cornhole tournament and more. This joyful event touched the hearts of all who attended as we celebrated our cherished parish community.

A SHEPHERD ANSWERED THE CALL

This year, Most Reverend J. Mark Beckman, our pastor of nine years, accepted the call to serve as Bishop of Knoxville. Bishop Beckman undoubtedly made a significant impact on St. Henry Church and School. The parish bid him an emotional farewell on June 30, 2024, as he celebrated his final Mass as our pastor Many took the journey to Knoxville on July 26 to witness the joyful Episcopal Ordination and Installation, marking the moment when our Father Mark became the “Bishop of the Mountains.”

OUR NEW PASTOR BRINGS SOUTHERN CHARM

On July 1, 2024 we began a new chapter at St. Henry with Father Eric Fowlkes joining our parish as pastor. His gentle and reverent nature, beautiful homilies, and excellent sense of humor have made us all feel at ease during this transitional year We look forward to years to come, and new memories with Father Eric

40th anniversary reception Middle top: Matt Donlon and Charlie Grimes celebrate winning the parish picnic cornhole tournament Middle bottom: Bishop Beckman enjoys a song from Tony Winkler at his farewell party Bottom: Father Eric Fowlkes officially installed as our pastor by Bishop Spalding Front cover: parishioners enjoy the Parish Picnic

A NEW CHA

REVEREND ERIC FOWLKES

Where were you born? Waverly, Tennessee

Why did you choose to convert to Catholicism?

I became increasingly drawn to the Catholic Faith during my teenage years. Although, I received a strong spiritual foundation in the Church of my upbringing, I felt attracted to the Catholic Faith because of the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, a spiritual connection to the Blessed mother and the saints, and a respect for the importance of Apostolic Succession. Because of these reasons, I converted to the Catholic Faith at the age of 16

When did you feel called to become a priest? I began to experience a call to priesthood during the time of my conversion.

Where did you attend seminary? I attended college level seminary at St Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa Then I continued my formation at the North American College in Rome and studied at the Gregorian University and the Alphonsianum.

Favorite saint and why? I have a great devotion to St Therese of Lisieux Her deep spirituality and emphasis on a vocation of love continue to inspire me. She also had a great love for priests. I am grateful for her prayers.

Person who had an impact on your life and how?

My paternal grandmother had a great influence in my life. She helped to raise me and was such a loving, caring, and hopeful person who was truly a blessing in my life and always a source of encouragement.

Something parishioners would be surprised to learn about you. I served as a reserve chaplain to the Navy while I was a seminarian in Rome.

FinalthoughtfromFr.Eric:Ihavebeenblessedto serveaspastorofImmaculateConceptionin Clarksville,St PatrickinNashville,OurLadyofthe LakeinHendersonville,theCathedralofthe Incarnation,andnowatSt Henry!Iamverygratefulfor thekindnessandwarmwelcomethatIhavereceived atSt.Henry.Itisajoytoserveasyourpastor.

PTER A Q&A WITH OUR NEW PASTOR & SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

SISTER JOHN MARY FLEMING, O.P.

Where were you born? I was born in a little town outside of Chicago, Illinois, called New Lenox I was raised in a Catholic home and went to Catholic grade school and high school

When did you feel called to become a sister? I cannot say that there was a particular moment when I thought of religious life or knew that I had a religious vocation. Being around the sisters/friars in high school allowed me the freedom to pray for God’s will in my life It was the most natural prayer What is God calling me to do? Where does He want me to serve Him? Through that prayerful conversation with God, the idea of entering religious life became clear to me I visited the Sisters in Nashville on a retreat in my sophomore and junior years and felt this is what God is asking of me I have been blessed over and over again in answering God’s invitation to become a Dominican Si t

me is an d Mother John was

What excites you most about being back at St. Henry? I am delighted to be back at what we in the community call, The Big H - St. Henry School and Parish It is a joy to be serving families who have been at St. Henry for many years and whose parents were students when I served as principal my first go round!

What are some of your hobbies/interests: I love to read, I believe good stories and literature can form and reform you. You can read a good book and later go back and read it again and find something new each time.

Something parishioners would be surprised to learn about you. I am a canon lawyer.

Final thought from Sr. John Mary: I really want the parishioners to know how delighted I am to serve the families of St Henry School alongside the wonderful faculty and staff who are serving there now and have served in the past The faculty and staff are excellent, and the school has been blessed over many years with great faculty/staff who love the St. Henry School! It is an honor to serve with them.

1 Father at his diaconate ordination in Rome 2 Father at his priestly ordination 3. Fr. Eric and Sr. John Mary greet the Pre-K students during the blessing of St. Henry School this year. 4. Fr. Eric with his dogs, Picasso and Fellini 5 Sr. John Mary and Fr Eric on the first day of school

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE

DECEMBER 5 | 5:30 P.M.

Reconciliation is an essential part of the Catholic Faith. By acknowledging our shortcomings and pursuing forgiveness from God and others, we foster spiritual growth and reinforce our commitment to Christian values.

We ready ourselves for the Advent season with song, prayer and scripture at this special penance service held on December 5th at 5:30 p.m. It is followed by private confession with one of several priests from the Diocese of Nashville will be present to hear confessions.

Did you know: St Henry Church offers several opportunities for confession each week including Thursdays during Holy Hour beginning at 4:00 p m , Fridays after morning Mass, and Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p m

CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG

DECEMBER 12 | 5:30 - 6:30 P.M.

Get your whole crew in the Christmas Spirit attending a fun holiday sing-a-long featuring our amazing Music Ministry! We'll be serving up hot cocoa in the fellowship hall as we belt out some holiday classics together! Just like Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” So, tune those vocal cords and let’s jingle bell rock the community with our merry melodies!

This is a free event. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children, a leader in providing high-quality early childhood education for the children of Nashville during their most formative years

ANNUAL GIFT GALA

DECEMBER 17 | 6 P.M.

This is a Women's Club tradition that is too much fun to pass up! Bring 4 unwrapped identical gifts and leave with 4 gifts you select in this fun, fastpaced, gift-grabbing extravaganza. The cost to attend is $40 (free if you have paid your Women’s Club dues) and includes mix-and-mingle drinks, dinner catered by the amazing Laurel Williams, a table decorating contest, and door prizes. Scan the code to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there!

A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM

DECEMBER 15 | 4-6 P.M.

If you haven't experienced St. Henry's A Walk Through Bethlehem, be sure to save Sunday, December 15th on your calendar. Beginning outside the fellowship hall, this captivating event recreates Bethlehem during the time of Jesus' birth, featuring live animals, a census taker, and Roman soldiers. Visitors can sample food at the Bethlehem Inn, watch pottery being made, and enjoy children's activities. The experience culminates at a live Nativity scene with a choir of angels singing in the Narthex. This is a cherished St. Henry tradition that you won't want to miss!

See our full list of Advent events: www sthenry org/advent

DECK THE HALLS & CHURCH

DECEMBER 22 | 12 P.M.

Stay after the 11:00 a.m. Mass on December 22 to help our decorating team move poinsettias into the church. Watch the beautiful transformation first-hand as St. Henry prepares for the week of Christmas.

CHILDREN’S MASS

DECEMBER 24 | 4 P.M.

Before this Christmas Mass, Father Eric will bless the nativity in the narthex. The children will be invited to the altar steps for a story during the homily, and our talented Children’s Choir will enhance the Mass with their angelic voices. We expect this service to be busiest of all the Christmas Masses. Come early for the best seats, but please make room for others as the church fills up.

IN MEMORY

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES

If you would like to honor a loved one this Christmas, consider a donation to our flower fund. On Christmas Eve, St. Henry will become a beautiful display of Christmas cheer as poinsettias are spread throughout the church, narthex and fellowship hall. A booklet with the names of those memorialized will be available at the Christmas Masses on the information stations around the church. Please send in your memorial requests by December 17th by scanning the QR code above.

SERVE AS A EUCHARISTIC MINISTER

Did you know that on average 12 Eucharistic Ministers are needed to serve at Mass each weekend? By serving as a minister, you can strengthen your relationship with God by serving your parish, experiencing God’s healing presence and be an example of Christ’s love. If you would like to become a Eucharistic Minister please contact Amy DeBusk, Director of Liturgy, at adebusk@sthenry.org.

GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SOCIAL ACTION GIVING TREES

Spread the joy of the Christmas season and select a tag from one of our Social Action Giving Trees the weekends of November 30th and December 7th. Each tag will have a wish list of items for one of the charitable organizations supported by our Social Action Ministry. Our Social Action team will collect your donated items at the church on the weekend of December 14th at all weekend Masses.

To learn more about these organizations visit: https://www.sthenry.org/social-action.

FULFILL A NYE RESOLUTION FIND A GROUP THAT APPEALS TO YOU!

Have you started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions yet? If one of those is: I want to feel connected in my community or I want to get involved in my church, here’s an easy way to start working towards that goal! Look through the ministry booklet and highlight the groups or ministries that call to you. Then either fill out the ministry form or look at the back of the ministry booklet and reach out to the chair!

YOUTH MASS RETURNS

JANUARY 26, 2025 | 6 P.M.

After a holiday hiatus we are excited to welcome back youth Mass! This Mass is especially for 5th grade through high school students, lead by one of our priests. We invite students from all schools to attend. If you can’t make Mass in January, don’t worry! Youth Mass occurs throughout the school year, so check the bulletin for upcoming dates. To stay up to date on youth events, email Meghan Nicholson at mnicholson@sthenry.org to join the mailing list.

THE 24TH ANNUAL

CHILI COOK-OFF

MEN’S CLUB CHILI COOKOFF

GET YOUR TASTEBUDS READY!

Join the Men’s Club for their 24th Annual Chili Cookoff after 5:00 p.m. Mass on February 8th in the Fellowship Hall and light up your taste buds! From sweet and savory to down right spicy, try all of the creations Men’s Club members cook up this year. Join this free, family friendly event and vote for your favorite chili to help crown the winner of the BEST chili at St. Henry Church!

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SWEETHEART EVENTS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Calling all rising K-5th graders to join us for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School from 9:00-12:00 p.m., June 2-6, 2025! This year’s adventure will lead them through the wilds of Alaska, as students learn about keeping Jesus as their true north! Registration opens in January, with a fee of $60 per child. Stay tuned for more information in the weekly e-news and bulletin.

ST. HENRY MEN’S CLUB PRESENTS

2025 STEWARDSHIP APPEAL

FOSTER THE GROWTH OF ST. HENRY

Our faith calls us to stewardship, a joyful sharing of our God-given gifts with others As Catholics, we understand that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are merely caretakers of these gifts during our time on earth. Our responsible stewardship reflects our gratitude towards God and our commitment to His work.

We ask you to fulfill your stewardship pledge for 2025 to support our mission Your contribution will enable us to continue our work as a community of faith, supporting our ministries and providing outreach. Fill out your pledge or set up a recurring gift by scanning the QR code.

ANNUAL REPORT

HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO SEE IT YET?

Recently each registered parish family was mailed the 2023-2024 St. Henry annual report. This booklet highlights what’s been happening within the parish the past year. Some features include: how the parish has walked along those in their Catholic faith, helped those in our community and how the church is doing financially. If you didn’t receive one, you can scan the QR code or pick one up from one of the church information centers.

COMMEMORATE A LIFE EVENT

LEAVE A MEMORY IN THE PRAYER GARDEN

Have you or a loved one experienced a major life event? Maybe a sacrament like first communion, confirmation, marriage, or passing of a loved one? A great way to honor that life event is through a paver in the Prayer Garden of the Good Shepherd, which will be located outside between the narthex and parish office. These pavers will be installed during the construction of the prayer garden, which will enhance both the structure and visual appeal of the area. The cost for a 4x8 paver is $150, while an 8x8 paver is priced at $350.

Please note that all current Walk of Faith pavers will be honored and reinstalled in the new space

Scan the QR code to begin the process of leaving a lasting memory in the Prayer Garden of the Good Shepherd or contact Claire Hale at chale@sthenry.org

2024 OFFERTORY DEADLINES

MAKE YOUR GIFT COUNT TOWARDS 2024!

There are a variety of ways to ensure your year end gift is counted. You can use your Christmas offering envelope in your envelope packet, online giving, or you can scan the QR code to the right. Any year-end donations made via cash or check, need to be received in our parish office by December 28 and online donations by December 31. All gifts received after the above dates will be recorded for the 2025 tax year. Thank you for your support of our parish and our community at large.

BEHOLD THE LORD

FIRST FRIDAY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

A full day of Eucharistic Adoration is held on the first Friday of every month beginning after the 8 a.m. Mass. At least one person volunteers to stay awake in prayer with our Lord each hour as adorers come and go throughout the day and night. If you would like to join the adoration team, email Jacque Trailov at jtrailov@gmail.com.

NEW PARISHIONERS WELCOME

FEBUARY 1 | AFTER 5 P.M. MASS

Calling all who have joined St. Henry Church in this past year. This night will be for you, a casual time to visit with our priests, parishioners, and other newcomers. Join Saturday night Mass at 5:00 p.m. in the church and then join us after for this special evening of connection in the fellowship hall. This newcomer gathering will feature delicious food, adult drinks, and fellowship.

We are grateful you have chosen to be part of our faith community and as you continue to settle in, it is our hope that you feel at home here.

If you are a newcomer and have questions about St. Henry or would like to get connected within our parish, please contact Janie Sizemore, Director of Engagement, at jsizemore@sthenry.org.