Feb. 5, 2017, ET Catholic, A section

FEBRUARY 5 | 2017 VOL 26 NO 3

IN THIS ISSUE

LAWMAKER A4 TOP New Lt. Gov. Randy

A5

McNally hails from St. Mary-Oak Ridge

HISPANIC MINISTRY

Blanca Primm is new diocesan director

A11 FINANCIALS Diocese of

Knoxville financial report

He dwells among us ......................... A2 Deanery news .................................... B2 Diocesan calendar ............................ B3 Catholic youth and schools ............. B5 Columns ............................................. B7 La Cosecha ............................Section C

Hundreds take part in Knoxville March for Life Pro-life community joins together in support of women and their unborn children

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

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In step with life Diocese of Knoxville teens take part in the annual March for Life on Jan. 22 at World’s Fair Park near downtown Knoxville. More than 500 people participated in the march through the Fort Sanders community. brief update on Amendment 1, an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution approved by a majority of voters in November 2014 that allows the state to regulate clinics in Tennessee that provide abortions. Even though the amendment passed with 53 percent of the vote, Planned Parenthood challenged the results in federal court. A federal judge sided with Planned Parenthood and ordered a recount of the ballots.

But she said that ruling has been challenged, and the matter is now before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

She told the marchers that recently released statistics show abortion numbers are declining in the United States. Citing statistics from the Guttmacher Institute, a research arm of Planned Parenthood, Mrs. Dunn said the number of U.S. abortions has fallen to

BILL BREWER

omen, men, and children of all walks of faith joined together Jan. 22 to pray for an end to abortion and show solidarity to mark the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the country.

Knoxville’s annual March for Life, coordinated by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life, attracted 542 prolife enthusiasts who held babies, banners, signs, and rosaries as they voiced their support.

It was a precursor to the national March for Life that was held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 27. Vice President Mike Pence addressed the national march and was joined by people of all faiths from around the country, including a contingent from the Diocese of Knoxville.

The Knoxville march began at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park with prayer, music, and remarks before participants walked six blocks from the amphitheater to the front of Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health at Clinch Avenue and 16th Street near the University of Tennessee campus. The center offers medical and surgical abortions for Knox and surrounding counties.

Among Diocese of Knoxville participants in the march were Father John Dowling, pastor of Holy Ghost Church; Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Church; Deacons Scott Maentz, Mike Gouge, and Gordy Lowery; and members of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and the Irish Fighting for Life student group from Knoxville Catholic High School.

Stacy Dunn, director of TRL’s Knox County chapter, gave a

A rosary for the unborn Members of the Diocese of Knoxville urge others of faith to join in praying the rosary for America.

926,190 based on 2014 data, down from as high as 1.6 million a year.

The Guttmacher report showed that in 2013 and 2014 the abortion

numbers were below 1 million for the first time since 1975.

“Even though the study was March continued on page A9

Funeral Mass held at basilica for Monsignor George Schmidt

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here was no better place for the funeral Mass for Monsignor George Schmidt than the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, “this place that he loved so much,” as Bishop Richard F. Stika called it.

Monsignor Schmidt, a child of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and a pastor and later rector of the basilica from 1986 to 2013, died peacefully Thursday evening, Dec. 29, after battling illness in his retirement years. He was 72.

Bishop Stika presided at the funeral Mass on Jan. 4 and directed his first homily remarks to Monsignor Schmidt’s family, asking them to look at the assembly that filled nearly every pew in the basilica.

“All you have to do is see behind you, to see how much he was loved

and will continue to be loved, for he touched the lives of many,” the bishop said.

Concelebrating the funeral Mass were Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, formerly bishop of Knoxville; Bishop David R. Choby of Nashville; Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala., a longtime friend of Monsignor Schmidt; Monsignor Owen Campion, retired associate editor of national Catholic publications Our Sunday Visitor and The Priest; Monsignor Xavier Mankel, a vicar general for the Diocese of Knoxville; basilica rector Father David Carter; Father Bertin Glennon, ST, former longtime priest in residence at Sts. Peter and Paul; and Father Charlie Burton, dean of the Chattanooga Deanery Funeral continued on page A2

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Priests join Bishop Stika in celebrating longtime Chattanooga pastor

Farewell to a good and faithful servant Bishop Stika leads Diocese of Knoxville priests in prayer during the funeral Mass for Monsignor George Schmidt at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Monsignor Schmidt was a longtime pastor and rector at Sts. Peter and Paul.

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Our days are numbered How will we use the time we have left? Three important tips for making the most of our moments

I

t doesn’t happen that often, but this year it does. We will be in Ordinary Time for the whole month of February.

That’s right – Lent begins on March 1. So, what message could we glean for the shortest month of the year, one that is often the coldest, at least here in Tennessee, and is blanketed this year

by Ordinary Time? I offer these thoughts in a three-part reply: First, Ordinary Time. “Ordinary” in the language of the Church has a different meaning than our common use of the word in English. In the liturgical cycle, it comes from the Latin word that means “ordered” or “numbered.”

It refers to the fact that the weeks of the year are numbered and follow in succession.

It further reminds us that our time is ordered around the mystery of Christ: his conception, birth, hidden life, public ministry, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and reign in glory. As the beautiful words of the blessing of the paschal candle at the Easter Vigil liturgy say: “Christ yesterday and today; the Beginning and the End; the Alpha and the Omega; all time belongs to him and all the ages…”

Time is a gift from God, and it belongs to Him. The important question we need to ask ourselves is, “How will we use it?” We

Follow Bishop Richard Stika on Twitter @bishopstika and Facebook for news and events from the diocese. also can ask ourselves, is there a certain orderliness in my life or are things “out of order?” Being disciplined and having regular routines is an immense help to our overall good spiritual and physical well-being. For this very reason, I’m a strong advocate for praying the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. It helps us to develop a spiritual rhythm and order to our day.

There’s a great passage from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings that comes to mind. In the first book, Frodo tells Gandalf that he wished he lived in different times, because he doesn’t want to face the terrible things that he foresees will happen in his own lifetime. “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

It’s good to remember that our days are numbered, and I don’t mean just in a calendar. We have only so many days left on earth.

We want to be ready at any time for our Lord to call us home. This has become all the more clear to

me in the past year as I accompanied and ministered to some very dear friends, my brother Larry, and brother priests in their last moments on earth.

Let’s use our time well. Love and forgive one another. Go to confession. Care for others. Be kind and patient. Exercise regularly and watch your diet. Make healthy choices. Most of all, be intent on having good spiritual health. Pray every day. Go to Mass on Sundays and more often if you can. Read and meditate on Scripture. Be merciful. Have hope.

My second point is an emphasis on hope. The main color of liturgical vestments for Ordinary Time is green, the color we associate with hope. When I think of hope, one of the Psalms regularly prayed in the Liturgy of the Hours comes to mind: “Why are you cast down my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God, I will praise him still, my savior and my God” (43:5). Hope directs our heart to God, who is Lord of both time and eternity, which together with faith is what draws heaven into our present moment.

This is the hope that St. Paul says “does not disappoint, because the

and pastor of St. Jude in Chattanooga, where Monsignor Schmidt lived in retirement.

Also present were more than 30 priests, 12 deacons, and women religious and parishioners from throughout the diocese.

Bishop Stika, who arrived in the Diocese of Knoxville in 2009, talked about Monsignor Schmidt telling him, when they first met, about the basilica’s Tiffany stained-glass windows, 3-D Stations of the Cross, and newly renovated organ.

“I thought, ‘This is a wonderful priest, obedient and proud of his assignment,’” Bishop Stika said. “And as I was leaving to go back to Knoxville, he said, with perfect obedience, ‘Bishop, if you decide to move me, I’ll retire.’ So much for obedience,” the bishop added, drawing laughter from his audience.

Monsignor Schmidt was “a simple man, frugal, as we all know,” the bishop said. “But, you know, I think in some ways it’s fitting that he decided to cooperate with God when God reached into his life and said,

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Funeral continued from page A1

Marking a milestone Monsignor George Schmidt is joined by Bishop Stika and Cardinal Rigali at a 2014 Mass to mark the monsignor’s retirement.

‘Good and faithful servant, come home.’”

Bishop Stika said Jesus invites everyone “to believe in and to know the love of God.” “Monsignor George heard that invitation from Jesus, and this was his parish, the parish of his youth and eventually the parish of his priesthood,” he said.

The “people of God of this parish

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

saw the evolution of Monsignor George or Father George or ‘George,’ if he was your brother,” Bishop Stika said, “and how he carried on the work of the Apostles so many centuries prior, to enter into the lives of people and to bring healing by friendship, to bring healing by sacraments like the anointing of the sick, to enter into family relationships, and to celebrate the goodness of what it

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love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

And finally, No. 3. In our Catholic tradition, what is February dedicated to? We know May is to Mary; June to the Sacred Heart; October is to the rosary. What about February? It’s dedicated to the Holy Family.

May Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph be our inspiration in how we can better love and treasure our families. I give you one more Scripture verse to bring to prayer and put into practice in your lives: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).

In conclusion, let us take to heart the words of St. John Paul II: “Do not be afraid to give your time to Christ!” He “knows the secret of time… and time given to Christ is never time lost, but is rather time gained.”

During this blessed Ordinary Time, I wish you and your families extraordinary grace and peace from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus that beats unceasingly out of love for you. Happy St. Valentine’s Day! ■ meant to be a person of goodness and faith.”

The University of Tennessee football team now has a strong advocate for it in heaven after the passing of Monsignor Schmidt, a longtime Vol fan, who—according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press in 2004—often sported an orange blazer over his clerical wear at home games.

“I was going to look under his sleeve to see if he had an orange shirt on for the University of Tennessee,” Bishop Stika said. “I don’t think he ever missed a game until he got to the point where he couldn’t attend.”

Monsignor Schmidt “was so much a part of this community, a man of Chattanooga.”

The bishop referenced the “Chattanooga Strong” phrase that arose after the 2015 fatal shootings at two military installations in the city.

“One of the reasons that Chattanooga is strong is because of people of faith and those who shepherd the people of faith, like Monsignor George,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop singled out Father Funeral continued on page A7

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St. Mary-Oak Ridge parishioner is new lieutenant governor Sen. Randy McNally is first Catholic to hold state’s second-highest elected office

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

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Legislative leaders Tennessee’s new lieutenant governor, Sen. Randy McNally, left, and Rep. Bill Dunn of Knoxville take part in a Society of Professional Journalists public forum in January. eral Assembly began in 1978 with a successful run for a House seat representing Oak Ridge.

He was elected to the Senate in 1986. Now, nearly 40 years later, he begins his 20th General Assembly.

His senate district includes all of Anderson and Loudon counties and part of Knox County.

Since first taking office in 1979, he also has represented Roane, Monroe, Union, Claiborne, and Campbell counties.

He brings to the lieutenant governorship an upbringing rooted in the Catholic faith. He says that faith has served him well in the House and Senate.

“Faith is very important. It serves as a great guidance, and also in real tough times, a great consolation. My mother always impressed on us the Golden Rule, and dad impressed on us that you need to do what is right despite the consequences,” Lt. Gov. McNally said.

The 72-year-old parishioner of St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, acknowledges being lured on occasion to the “beautifully done” Latin Mass.

“Every now and then I slip over to Holy Ghost for the Latin Mass,” he said, revealing a predilection for traditional Church celebrations.

In the nearly 40 years serving in the state legislature, Lt. Gov. McNally has built a reputation as a lawmaker with a strong moral compass and character. He attributes that to being wellSenator continued on page A6

BILL BREWER

hen Diocese of Knoxville priest Father Michael Woods delivered the invocation to convene the 110th General Assembly in Nashville on Jan. 10, Sen. Randy McNally was putting his imprint on a longtime tradition in the state legislature.

He was making sure faith would continue to have a place in the halls of Tennessee government – this time with a Roman Catholic flavor.

As the longtime Republican state legislator makes history by becoming Tennessee’s newest lieutenant governor and Senate speaker – and the first Catholic to hold those positions – he will rely on his faith to continue making sound decisions for the people of Tennessee.

Sen. McNally, who succeeds Tri-Cities Republican Ron Ramsey, apparently is the first Catholic to hold the state’s second-highest elected office, according to the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

After being unanimously nominated for lieutenant governor in November, the Senate formally voted him into the position Jan. 10 as the legislature convened.

Regarded as Tennessee’s fiscal conscience, James Rand “Randy” McNally III is only the second Republican Tennessee Senate speaker in modern history and the first from Anderson County in nearly 150 years.

As chairman of the Senate’s Finance, Ways and Means Committee for a decade, Sen. McNally oversaw the General Assembly’s only constitutionally required duty: passage of a balanced budget. Recognized across the state as a finance and budget expert, observers say Sen. McNally’s leadership has been critical in keeping Tennessee’s budget in balance.

In addition to serving for more than 25 years on the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee, McNally also served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee in the 102nd and 103rd General Assemblies.

As a result of his work in the legislature, Lt. Gov. McNally has been recognized with the American Conservative Union Conservative Achievement Award, National Federation of Independent Business Guardian of Small Business Award, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Legislative Award and the Tennessee Press Association Open Government Award.

The Senate speaker received his undergraduate degree from Memphis State University in 1967 and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 1969. He served as a hospital pharmacist at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge from 1979 until his retirement in 2010. He and wife Janice have two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Lt. Gov. McNally’s long tenure in the Gen-

Catching up Bishop Stika and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, a retired pharmacist, engage in a conversation following a 2015 White Mass.

The East Tennessee Catholic marks silver anniversary with new look

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he East Tennessee Catholic newspaper, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016, marks the beginning of its second 25 years with a new look.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s bimonthly publication, which highlights the happenings of Catholic parishes, schools, organizations, and homes throughout East Tennessee, is

returning to a traditional broadsheet format recognizable by its larger pages, larger photos, and easier-toread text.

The East Tennessee Catholic, which first published in September 1991 as a tabloid, converted to a broadsheet format some years later before going back to a tabloid several years ago.

Now, the transition from a tabloid

format to a fresher, brighter look should make for an improved reading experience. The newspaper and The East Tennessee Catholic Magazine are available to all registered parishioners.

The East Tennessee Catholic continues to rely on the parishes, schools, organizations, and parishioners that it covers for information that can

lead to stories, announcements, and photographs.

And we hope the new look also will be appealing to advertisers who will consider The East Tennessee Catholic as an effective tool to promote their products and services.

Contact us at 865-584-3307, or bbrewer@dioknox.org, or dan@dioknox.org to subscribe or advertise. ■

Bishop Stika’s calendar of events These are some of Bishop Stika’s upcoming public appointments:

February Prayer Intentions “That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees, and marginalized, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.”

–– Pope Francis

”Let us pray that as we enter the great Church retreat of

Lent we may have open hearts to the Holy Spirit to purify our lives by acts of charity and penance.”

Upcoming Virtus training sessions set A4 n FEBRUARY 5, 2017

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–– Bishop Stika

he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is offered throughout the diocese.

The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children and

n Jan. 29-Feb. 4: Catholic Schools Week n Feb. 1: 10 a.m. Taping “A Call to Discipleship” at Knoxville Catholic High School n Feb. 3: 9:45 a.m., monthly guest interview on Relevant Radio n Feb. 4: 5 p.m., Mass and dinner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City in celebration of the consecrated religious n Feb. 6-8: Gatlinburg study days n Feb. 10-12: Vocations Come and See Retreat at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton n Feb. 14: 11 a.m., Presbyteral Council meeting at the Chancery n Feb. 15: 10 a.m., visit St. Mary School in Oak Ridge n Feb. 15: 6 p.m., confirmation at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge n Feb. 16: 6:15 p.m., 26th annual Clergy Appreciation Dinner and Concert at St. John Neumann

vulnerable adults.

The following training sessions are scheduled: n St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission, Erwin, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. n All Saints Church, Knoxville, 10:30 www.di o k no x .o rg

Church in Farragut n Feb. 19: 10:30 a.m., confirmation at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy n Feb. 19: 3 p.m., second confirmation at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy n Feb. 21: Catholic schools accreditation process begins n Feb. 22: 10 a.m., visit St. John Neumann School n Feb. 24: 10 a.m. CST, Catholic Public Policy Committee board meeting in Nashville n Feb. 26: 12:15 p.m., confirmation at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga n Feb. 26: 5:30 p.m., second confirmation at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga n March 1: noon, Ash Wednesday Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral n March 9: 6 p.m., 32nd annual Emerald O’ccasion Catholic Charities of East Tennessee dinner at the Knoxville Marriott n March 25: 11 a.m., placement of cornerstone for new Sacred Heart Cathedral. ■

a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. n Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. n St. Mary Church, Athens, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 14; 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry has new director Veteran assistant Blanca Primm, who succeeds Lourdes Garza, will help parishes answer discipleship call “We, the Hispanic community of the Diocese of Knoxville, clothed in our faith and with the help of the Holy Spirit, declare as our mission statement: To live and promote the integral growth, personal and as a community, of all members of the Hispanic community, creating leadership through organization, formation, and participation, to live our faith, evangelizing in all our surroundings, embracing our brothers and sisters, recognizing our cultural diversity, improving our quality of life in solidarity to continue, in this way, the mission of Jesus to create the kingdom of God on earth.”

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lanca Primm is planning to carry out that mission of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry as she has now been named its director.

Mrs. Primm received her promotion on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, by Bishop Richard F. Stika. Bishop Stika and diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith then announced it to priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, and Chancery staff on Dec. 15. Mrs. Primm succeeds Lourdes Garza, director of the office from 2004 until her death last July after a long battle with cancer.

The new director served as an administrative assistant to Ms. Garza from 2006 until Ms. Garza’s death, when Mrs. Primm was named interim director of the office.

“I am very pleased that Blanca accepted my invitation to become director of our Hispanic Office. She had an excellent relationship with Lourdes and following her death has carried on the legacy of this important outreach as the acting director,” Bishop Stika said. “She has been given a good foundation from former directors and will continue to build upon it with her own gifts and talents. She is also a great blessing to me as bishop as a co-worker in building up our local Church.”

The V Encuentro currently underway is a large undertaking for the Hispanic Ministry office, which is taking the lead in bringing Encuentro to parishes, missions, and schools in the diocese. The V Encuentro is focused on developing leadership and discipleship at the parish level.

“Right now this year we are work-

By Dan McWilliams

“We are following Pope Francis’ teachings as to being more pastoral, good shepherds, being closer to our people, more at reach, easy for them to talk to us. ... I definitely think that it’s very important that we all collaborate and work as a family. I feel a part of a family. I feel supported by them, and they know they can count on me.”

— Blanca Primm, Office of Hispanic Ministry director

Blanca Primm

ing at full speed with the V Encuentro—every diocese is trying to help with the effort, led by the bishops,” Mrs. Primm said.

“Last year was a year of preparation for the V Encuentro. We formed a diocesan team, and we also provided training to parish teams. This year we are going to live through the heart of the Encuentro, which is helping parishes provide parishioners with the five sessions. This is the crucial time when we are going to hear from the people and help them become missionary disciples and also help them with missionary activities. We are here to help in that process,” she added.

The Hispanic Ministry Office also is “going to continue the work we have been doing,” Mrs. Primm said, trying to achieve “the goals that we have: to support families, support marriages, and support ministries like Marriage Encounter.”

“We are also helping to grow the Natural Family Planning ministry, an effort that has already started, but we need to continue supporting it, and maybe providing more classes; not only classes, but our goal is to have local instructors who speak Spanish. Our goal is not only to teach the method but to get leading couples who could then become instructors. That is really very important.”

Ms. Garza pioneered the Catholic Bible School, sponsored by the Catholic Extension Society, the University of Dallas, and the Office of Hispanic Ministry. The four-year program encompassed in-depth study of the entire Bible and produced more than 50 graduates from across the diocese. These graduates

now facilitate their own Bible studies.

“The other goal that we have is to continue working with our graduates of the Escuela Bíblica Católica, the Catholic Bible School, to strengthen them and keep providing them with formation so that they will continue facilitating Bible groups at the parishes,” Mrs. Primm said, adding that she also plans to continue working with the different offices in the Chancery.

“I still need to meet with different offices to find the best way that we can collaborate with each other in topics like Christian formation and marriage preparation and see what the best practices are so that we are all working together,” she said.

The Hispanic Ministry Office also can “definitely be a resource for parishes as they set up Hispanic ministries and coordinate with them, be a resource for them,” Mrs. Primm said. “Another aspect is to help with social justice and work with the community as an outreach for the Catholic Church, especially in topics of diversity and immigration. I know that Lourdes did an amazing job in the community, and she was a spokeswoman for the Hispanics in general, for diversity and justice. I want to support that, too.”

The Catholic Church “should look for the common good in the promotion of the dignity of a person,” Mrs. Primm said. “We can provide to the community that certainty or sense that they are at home when they are in the Church, and it’s very important how much the Church can mean safety perhaps to some Hispanics who are immigrants. . . .

In our office, people can come here to talk to us, to ask for help and find refuge, and use us as a resource to find community, to find support, and to find Jesus.”

Mrs. Garza left a lasting legacy for her successors to follow.

“One of the many things that I have learned from Lourdes is to help the people identify what is the

best that they can offer and to serve with that talent that God gave them, to bring out the leadership they have,” Mrs. Primm said. “Another thing I remember was, she never felt that any task could be too big. We could do anything that we planned or envisioned. I love the vision that she had. We always have to do what is the most important, and what is the most important is to take one to Jesus, to help that person know Jesus. That is the most important thing of our job, to evangelize, to be an example of how Jesus can be seen through me.”

Mrs. Primm has two temporary assistants helping her, Natalia Velasquez and Yesica García.

“We are following Pope Francis’ teachings as to being more pastoral, good shepherds, being closer to our people, more at reach, easy for them to talk to us,” she said.

Mrs. Primm credits Ms. Garza for promoting leadership and Bible literacy in the Hispanic community, and Mrs. Primm hopes to continue that work.

“She was always encouraging me and many people to get formation on the Church teachings as well as promote leadership. She helped me become a better leader,” Mrs. Primm said. “She was really good at discovering the talents of people and making them flourish to serve in their parishes, to serve the community.”

Mrs. Primm said that working with the Hispanic community in the diocese is like a family. The years of friendships and connections she has developed will help her in her new role as director of Hispanic Ministry.

“I definitely think that it’s very important that we all collaborate and work as a family,” she said. “I feel a part of a family. I feel supported by them, and they know they can count on me.”

Mrs. Primm and her husband of 15 years, Charles, have two children, Matthew, 11, and Maria, 7, who attend St. Joseph School. ■

Monsignor Mankel receives MLK Commission award

By Bill Brewer

“We want to focus on individuals who really shine a light on justice and equality. Since serving as vicar general, historical archivist, and a consultor for the Diocese of Knoxville, Monsignor Mankel has remained steadfast in supporting equal rights and justice for all citizens.

Through his tireless efforts in serving the youth and adult citizens of Knoxville, he has remained focused on bridging the gap between all citizens.”

— Clarence Vaughn III, Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission

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he Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has presented its 2017 Chair’s Award to Monsignor Xavier Mankel for his work in support of justice and equality.

In revealing its selection, the MLK Commission cited Monsignor Mankel’s work with the commission and the Knoxville community through the years.

“On behalf of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, we would like to share in our collective decision of honoring you as our 2017 MLK Chair’s Award recipient. The Chair’s Award is provided to individuals whose life’s work exemplifies that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In your assignment as monsignor of the Diocese of Knoxville, you have remained steadfast in voicing your support of justice and equality for all citizens. Through service as the former principal of Knoxville Catholic High School and superintendent of Catholic schools, we recognize your concentrated efforts to provide resources and opportunities to our future leaders,” the MLK Commission said.

The award was presented Jan. 16 during the commission’s annual memorial tribute program at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Knoxville. Monsignor Patrick Garrity, diocesan vicar for priests and pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, accepted the award for Monsignor Mankel,

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

Monsignor Mankel

who was unable to attend.

Clarence Vaughn III, who chairs the MLK Commission, emphasized that the Chair’s Award is presented to an individual whose life’s work exemplifies Dr. King.

“We want to focus on individuals who really shine the light on justice and equality. Since serving as vicar general, historical archivist, and a consultor for the Diocese of Knoxville, Monsignor Mankel has remained steadfast in supporting equal rights and justice for all citizens,” Mr. Vaughn said. “Through his tireless efforts in serving the youth and adult citizens of Knoxville, he has remained focused on bridging the gap between all citizens.”

Mr. Vaughn added that Monsignor Mankel has served on the MLK Commission and is a partner in the interfaith prayer service the

commission is involved in.

Monsignor Mankel said he is grateful and very appreciative to be selected as the 2017 recipient of the Chair’s Award in recognition of Dr. King and his civil rights ministry. He noted that outside of Atlanta, Knoxville’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the largest in the country.

The monsignor also said he has worked, as a representative of the diocese, with the MLK Commission for 20 years and also has worked to establish good, solid relations between the diocese and the African American community in Knoxville.

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“Doing this work, I have met a lot of fine people who have been interested in civil rights,” Monsignor Mankel said. “I believe in it. It has been good for the Church.”

In accepting the award during the commemoration service, Monsignor Garrity described Monsignor Mankel as a mentor and friend.

“This is an honor and I am humbled to be here representing my good friend and mentor Monsignor Mankel. He is truly a man of Knoxville and a man of this community,” Monsignor Garrity said, Award continued on page A9

FEBRUARY 5, 2017 n A5

Former Vols coach Phillip Fulmer to headline Emerald O’ccasion Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s 32nd annual fundraising dinner to be held March 9 at Knoxville Marriott Hotel

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he 32nd annual Emerald O’ccasion Catholic Charities fundraising dinner in Knoxville will be complemented with a dash of orange this year.

Phillip Fulmer, unquestionably one of the biggest names in University of Tennessee sports history, will be the guest speaker for the March 9 event at the Knoxville Marriott Hotel.

“This is as good as it gets.

The Diocese of Knoxville and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee are happy to have Coach Fulmer as our guest speaker this year,” Bishop Richard F. Stika said.

“I have been a Tennessee fan since I arrived in Knoxville, and I am excited to meet Coach Fulmer personally.

His teams were winners.

His approach was family oriented. There is a lot to be impressed with, and I am looking forward to hearing some of his stories.”

The Catholic Charities dinner typically draws 300-350 attendees.

Proceeds enable Catholic

Keynote speaker Former Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer will be the featured speaker at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s fundraising dinner on March 9.

Charities of East Tennessee to provide services to the poor and vulnerable in our region. Each year, Catholic Charities serves more than 4,000 individuals through innovative programs that include counseling, housing, pregnancy support, and

education. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online at www.dioknox.org or www.ccetn.org.

Mr. Fulmer won 152 games in 17 seasons as head coach of the UT football team, second most in school history behind legendary

Vols head coach Robert Neyland.

Mr. Fulmer’s fearless approach to scheduling saw his teams face some of the biggest programs in college football outside of the Southeastern Conference. A win over nationally ranked

Syracuse in 1998 set the tone for a remarkable season that saw Mr. Fulmer’s Volunteers win the BCS national title with a 23-17 win over Florida State in Tempe, Ariz.

Tennessee won six division titles and two SEC championships with Mr. Fulmer as its head coach.

Mr. Fulmer also was a standout player at Tennessee and won two SEC titles while playing as an offensive lineman from 1968-71.

Mr. Fulmer has received unprecedented recognition from his peers—the second coach in history to earn the Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Trophy, the presidency of the American Football Coaches Association, and national, regional, and conference coach of the year honors.

Emcees for the March 9 dinner will be Kristin Farley, news anchor at WATE-TV, and Jim Wogan, sports director at WATE-TV for 24 years who now is communications director for the Diocese of Knoxville. ■

Bishop’s Appeal underway in all Diocese of Knoxville parishes Funds raised benefit Catholic Charities, seminarian education, youth, justice and peace, St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic

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he Bishop’s Appeal 2017— a critical source of annual funding for diocesan works of mercy, formation, evangelization, education, and charity — is underway at all 51 parishes and mission churches in the Diocese of Knoxville.

The theme for the Bishop’s Appeal 2017 is “Called to Serve” — words inspired by a prayer attributed to St. Teresa of Calcutta.

“Everything St. Teresa says is powerful and carries meaning, because she actually lived the words she

spoke,” Bishop Richard F. Stika said.

“Mother Teresa’s words were rooted in her love for Jesus, her work, and the people she served. Without action, words mean almost nothing.

When we abide by our words, we give them meaning.”

“The Bishop’s Appeal is vital to our mission as the Catholic Church in East Tennessee because it helps fund our works as a diocese — by supporting all of the programs we undertake throughout the year,” Bishop Stika added.

The Bishop’s Appeal 2017 kicked off in late January with an information weekend at all parishes and mission churches around the diocese.

Commitment Weekend was held Jan. 28-29.

Bishop Stika has called the appeal the “lifeblood” for diocesan ministries.

Gifts to the annual Bishop’s Appeal fund a variety of critical programs, including Catholic Charities of East Tennessee; seminarian and clergy formation; justice and peace

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programs; Christian formation; the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic; and youth, young adult, and campus ministries.

“Catholic Charities of East Tennessee receives a significant portion of our annual operating budget from the Bishop’s Appeal. Without it, our programs and our ability to serve those in need would suffer greatly,” said Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee.

The Bishop’s Appeal expects to Appeal continued on page A8

COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION

Senator continued from page A4

grounded in his faith early on.

As a child, his family relocated to Oak Ridge from Massachusetts in 1948 when his MIT-educated father took a job as a physicist as the United States segued from World War II and the Manhattan Project to the Cold War. Lt. Gov. McNally was in the first graduating class at St. Mary School and went on to graduate from Oak Ridge High School in 1962 before getting his bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University and a degree in pharmacy from the University of Tennessee-Memphis. While in Memphis, he met his wife, Jan, and they were married there in 1968.

As a precursor to his election to the House a decade later, Lt. Gov. McNally worked on a few political campaigns to gauge his interest.

Long before his elevation to Senate speaker, Sen. McNally made a name for himself – unintentionally – in one of the most highly publicized scandals in Tennessee government history. It was an episode that cemented his reputation as an honest, just protector of the public trust.

While he carries mixed feelings about this chapter of his life, the lieutenant governor said it was a time when he really leaned on his faith to make it through, and he believes it has made him a stronger person and legislator as a result.

The episode began in 1986 when the FBI launched Operation Rocky Top, the code name for a public corruption investigation into state government. The Oak Ridge lawmaker went to the FBI in Nashville after being approached with a bribe and learning that other lawmakers had taken bribes. The investigation centered on illegal activities in charity bingo, including the illegal sale of bingo licenses.

Then-Rep. McNally agreed to secretly work with the FBI, wearing an electronic wire to record offers of bribes. The three-year investigation resulted in more than 50 convictions, including several politicians, and prompted new limits on politi-

Taking an oath Sen. Randy McNally, a St. Mary-Oak Ridge parishioner, is sworn in as Tennessee’s new lieutenant governor on Jan. 10 during a ceremony at the state Capitol as departing Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (rear) watches. cal contributions and new restrictions on lobbying.

It was a dark period for the lawmaker, who, with the state, emerged stronger by shining light on corrupt practices. His voluntary participation was critical in rooting out corruption and maintaining public confidence in state government.

He said his faith was tested when he was approached by the FBI for assistance after he informed them of the bribe offers.

“I know one thing that brought me closer to the Church was the Rocky Top investigation. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to do. Was I overreacting? Should I contact authorities? Or should I turn my head and not participate in what they wanted me to do? I remember I was in a Rotary Club meeting, and something in the invocation caused me to think that I needed to address things that were wrong and to have faith that everything would turn out all right.

I went back to the office and called the local FBI office in Nashville.

That helped me come back to the Church.”

He acknowledged that there was a time when his faith wasn’t as strong, but the Church always has been a sanctuary for him and he eventually became more active.

“I think coming back into the Church has made me a much stronger person. It has become an important part of my life. It is very helpful in my duties, especially giving me a good guide in working with people.”

Lt. Gov. McNally’s favorite Bible verses, about the centurion’s faith in God, seem appropriate given his new post as the state’s second mostpowerful government official.

In that post, the St. Mary parishioner is steeled for the job ahead, with experience forged from hard work, faith, and a determination to do what is right instilled by his parents.

He said faith will continue to play a role in the legislature, whether it is by someone like Father Woods giving an invocation, hearing the inspirational stories of Tennesseans overcoming obstacles, the influx of faithful at the capitol attending Catholic Day on the Hill, or simply keeping the Bible in a desk.

“We have a lot of people who are deeply committed to the Christian religion and individuals from the Jewish faith are deeply committed.”

Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, said he and Lt. Gov. McNally currently are the only East Tennesseans serving in the legislature who are Catholic. Rep. Dunn has known and

www.di o k no x .o rg

By Jim Wogan

worked with Lt. Gov. McNally for 22 years, since the Knoxville Republican was first elected to the House in 1994 and took office in 1995.

“He was there when I was first elected, so I have known him all that time. He and I have carried different bills together. He is an institution.

When I first got there, it didn’t take long to realize that he was someone to look up to; he was a man of morals; he was a man of faith. It has been a pleasure serving with him,” said Rep. Dunn, who agrees with Lt. Gov. McNally that faith begins shaping an individual at an early age.

The House member also agrees with his colleague in the Senate that faith has an important role in state government.

“I think people would be surprised at how much faith plays a role with politicians,” Rep. Dunn said, noting that politicians often face negative public opinions. “In Nashville, we have a weekly devotional on Wednesday mornings, there is Bible study, there is a prayer caucus, we begin every session with a prayer, and so many people will get up during announcements and ask for prayers for loved ones who might be sick or going through something.

“So you see a whole lot of faith there, and I think it really helps because there is a certain standard and you don’t want to fall short of those standards. What I find is that the people who are coming to Nashville and serving seem even more passionate about their faith, doing what is right, and serving their community.”

Perhaps the veteran lawmakers like Dunn and McNally are influencing the next generation of legislators.

Rep. Dunn believes they won’t have a better role model than the lieutenant governor.

“There will not be any question about his integrity. In any organization, it is important to have a good person leading it. If you have the right person leading, then good things will happen,” he said. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

BILL BREWER

Funeral continued from page A2

Celebrating a brother priest Diocesan priests are led by Bishop Stika and joined by Archbishop Joseph Kurtz and Bishop David Choby in prayer. for Sen. Kennedy’s brother, Robert, saying that the latter would have wanted “to be remembered simply as a good and decent man.”

“I believe that this is a succinct description of my brother,” Mr. Schmidt said. “He was called in high school to become a priest, and he was faithful to that decision for more than 50 years.”

In his closing remarks, Bishop Stika said there were “three times I really surprised George.

“One was when I phoned him from Rome [in 2011] to tell him that the Holy Father had designated the parish of Sts. Peter and Paul Church as a minor basilica. I wasn’t paying much attention to the time. I think I called him at 5:30 in the morning. He was so proud of that, because he was so proud of this church and of this parish.

“Another time I actually got a bear hug from him when he and a few other priests were at my residence in Knoxville [also in 2011], when I informed him that Pope Benedict had named him a prelate of honor, a monsignor. He had tears in his eyes and gave me a big hug, and I think he whispered something like, ‘Mankel ain’t the only one who’s a monsignor now.’ The other time I really surprised him was when I told him the cost of the symbols of a basilica,” the bishop added, nodding toward Sts. Peter and Paul’s ombrellino and tintinnabulum, “and he said, ‘Can’t we get something cheaper?’”

The late monsignor also had “three great loves, among many,” Bishop Stika said. “He was so proud of the fact that he was a graduate of Notre Dame High School.

“He was also very proud of the fact that he was involved in the Serra Club. For so many years he was their chaplain. He was also proud of the fact that he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.”

The bishop pointed out Father Burton and his “reputation among the priests for loving the retired priests. “He has a long history of doing that. He welcomed George.

He even had a room prepared, even

before I asked if Monsignor could move to St. Jude.”

Before the prayer of commendation at the end of Mass, Father Mike Nolan sang the “Celtic Hymn of Farewell” for Monsignor Schmidt.

George Edward Schmidt Jr. was born in Palmer, Tenn., on April 12, 1944, a son of George E. Schmidt Sr. and Maude Edna Goodman Schmidt.

He was baptized at Good Shepherd Church in Winchester. He attended first grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga in 195051 and grades two through 12 at Notre Dame elementary and high school from 1951 to 1962. The future priest was confirmed at Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

After graduating high school, he immediately went into the seminary at St. Pius X in Erlanger, Ky., receiving a degree in philosophy from there in 1966. For his theology studies, he attended St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock, Ark., before it closed in 1967; he would go on to graduate from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans in 1970 with a master of divinity degree.

He was ordained a priest on Jan. 24, 1970, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church by Bishop Joseph A. Durick of Nashville.

His early assignments included six months as associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville and as a part-time professor there at Father Ryan High School; four years as associate pastor at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, during which time he also was the Knoxville Deanery youth director; and six years as pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland. He returned to Nashville as associate pastor of Christ the King Church from 1981 to 1986 before his long term as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul began.

Hundreds of well-wishers, including about 50 priests, filled Sts. Peter and Paul on Jan. 24, 1995, for Father Schmidt’s silver jubilee in the priesthood. The homilist, Father Glennon, said the occasion was more than just celebrating Father Schmidt’s great qualities. “I realized that it is a whole

COURTESY OF THE CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS

Glennon, who lived and worked with Monsignor Schmidt for 27 years. Another good friend of the late priest Bishop Stika mentioned was Monsignor Mankel. The two future monsignors were instrumental at the founding of the Diocese of Knoxville in its early negotiations to separate from the Diocese of Nashville.

Bishop Stika said he always reminds priests, “especially at the funeral of a priest, that his (deceased priest’s) memory will never end in the eyes of the Church.

“For every baptism, every marriage, every sacrament of reconciliation—all those moments of grace continue on in the lives of individuals, generation to generation to generation. O death, where is your sting?” he said. “I’m sure each and every one of us has stories we can share, moments that we can celebrate, minutes in our lives that were touched by his gentle spirit.”

Bishop Stika said it took some doing to nudge Monsignor Schmidt into retirement as his health took a downturn in 2013.

“I remember the conversation when I said, ‘Maybe, George, it’s time to retire.’ I had to convince him a little bit because he didn’t want to let go of the parish because he loved this parish so much,” the bishop said. “But it was obvious his physical limitations were putting him in difficult situations.”

Bishop Stika recalled an early pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan, whose cause for sainthood was opened last year. Father Ryan did not abandon his people as he ministered to yellow-fever victims, the bishop said, Father Ryan dying of the disease himself in 1878.

“And I think that’s why it was so hard for Monsignor George to let go of being a pastor, because he felt in some ways maybe he was abandoning the people,” the bishop said.

The assembly prayed “in this Mass of Christian burial that (Monsignor Schmidt) might also witness the resurrection,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop encouraged everyone to “celebrate those stories” of Monsignor Schmidt “and rejoice with him, because we pray now that the bonds of his body that wore him down are now released, that he is free to be in the presence of God, that he is free to embrace all of us as we continue to pray with him.

“We also pray that through his intercession that this parish, this basilica, this diocese may continue to grow and to blossom and to bear great fruit, and if he has a little extra prayer, if he can help Tennessee win the national championship next year.

I’m not kidding,” he added.

“May his sins be forgiven, may his acts of kindness be rewarded, and may his gentle demeanor and his gentle smile always remind us of what it means to be a good person, to be a person of faith, and to be a person of joy.”

Monsignor Schmidt’s brother, Warren, delivered a eulogy.

“We celebrate my brother’s life and accomplishments, but we mourn his passing, and we will all miss him,” he said. “There is much I could say, but my brother would have encouraged me to keep these remarks very short.”

Warren Schmidt has not lived in Tennessee since 1975, so “many of you do not know me very well,” he said, “but I believe that I know something very important about you. You cared deeply for my brother, George.

When my brother was taken ill in 2013, I was able to come and be with him.

“During that time, I discovered some of the many things that you had given him: books; ornaments for his year-round Christmas tree; photos of your baptisms, confirmations, graduations, weddings; warm hats, so that he would not be too cold on frigid mornings; and of course nearly everything Tennessee orange, since you knew he was a Volunteer football fan. I’m sure he thanked you, but I want to thank you also. You showered him with love, when most of us, his family, were far away.”

Mr. Schmidt quoted Sen. Edward Kennedy from the memorial service

Lifelong Vols fan Monsignor George Schmidt was a passionate Tennessee football fan, as evidenced by his collection of orange and white gear. w ww.di o k no x .o rg

lot more that we are celebrating. It is not just a celebration of one man but a celebration of the sacrament of the priesthood, the story of Christ,” Father Glennon said.

Also in 1995, Father Schmidt was inducted into the Hall of Honors at Notre Dame High School. He served as dean of the Chattanooga Deanery beginning in 2009.

In 2010 the Serra Club of Chattanooga, for which Father Schmidt served as chaplain for 25 years, celebrated his 40th anniversary in the priesthood. At the time, he told The East Tennessee Catholic that he couldn’t say what his favorite part of being a priest would be. “The thing I really enjoy is worshiping with people,” he said.

In that interview, Father Schmidt recalled Father Francis Schilling, who taught him in high school, asking him whether he’d ever thought about going to the seminary. “I said, ‘Yes, I think all young Catholic guys have thought about going,’” and Father Schilling replied, “I think you ought to go.”

Before he was named a monsignor in 2011, the basilica honored Father Schmidt upon his 25th anniversary as pastor.

During his time as pastor, Monsignor Schmidt led several important projects at Sts. Peter and Paul, including the painting and redecorating of the interior and the remodeling of the basement from a storage area into a parish hall.

When the church became a minor basilica in 2011, Monsignor Schmidt became its first rector; he was rector emeritus in retirement.

Hundreds more people, including Bishop Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali, attended a retirement Mass for Monsignor Schmidt on March 1, 2014, at the basilica.

During that Mass, Monsignor Schmidt, who received a papal blessing upon the occasion, said that he “never intended to retire from Sts. Peter and Paul, but my health issues made that change necessary.

“As many of you know, my brother and I were altar servers in the parish during the ’50s and early ’60s. There were family events in the beautiful church. There was my ordination, my sister’s marriage, baptisms, funerals, and the celebration of my 25th anniversary as a priest. We shared many such events with many of our families, but now I need to take a slower pace as you know.”

Monsignor Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his brother, Warren, and wife Diane Schmidt of Cincinnati; his sister, Martha, and husband Lawrence Skelly of Lake Ridge, Va.; two nephews; six great-nieces and greatnephews; and many cousins.

Monsignor Schmidt was buried in the Priests’ Mound at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monsignor George E. Schmidt Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame High School, to the Priests’ Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Knoxville, or to the Hospice of Chattanooga.

Archbishop Kurtz said he was privileged to serve as bishop with Monsignor Schmidt for eight years.

“His deep love of the parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul and his faithful care of his dear mother were highlights of my impressions of his priestly service,” he said. “He also was the chair of the priest council for my first years as bishop, and he conducted the meetings in a very fair manner. I also came to respect Monsignor George as a friend. We had many enjoyable conversations in my frequent pastoral visits to Chattanooga. It was a privilege for me to be present for the Mass of Christian burial. May he rest in peace.”

Bishop Choby said he “had the pleasure of living with Monsignor Schmidt from 1981-1984 at Christ the King Parish in Nashville.”

“One of the things that impressed me was his sense of responsibility, first for the pastoral concerns for the people in his care. He was always quick to respond to peoples’ needs. I was also impressed with his abilities in business matters. Both the Diocese of Knoxville and the Diocese of Nashville benefited from that knowledge and experience.” ■ FEBRUARY 5, 2017 n A7

Home Campaign recognized nationally

Mass of dedication for new Sacred Heart Cathedral set for March 2018

By Jim Wogan

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he Home Campaign, a diocesan effort to build and strengthen the Catholic Church in East Tennessee, has been recognized nationally for its success.

The International Catholic Stewardship Conference presented the Diocese of Knoxville its 2016 Award for Excellence in a Capital Campaign at its annual conference in New Orleans in November. The award was presented to John Deinhart, director of stewardship and strategic planning for the diocese. ICSC includes more than 800 dioceses and archdioceses, parish communities, and other professional firms around the world.

To mark the success of the campaign, Bishop Richard F. Stika declared Dec. 17-18 as a “Weekend of Grace and Gratitude” for all parishes and mission churches for their “historic response” to the recent Home Campaign, which raised nearly $45 million for parish and diocesan initiatives.

“I knew this would be a tremendous challenge. I also knew that together we’d be successful if we simply put our trust in God, offering our prayer, and our time, and our generous hearts to Him,” Bishop Stika said.

The Home Campaign started in late 2014 with four pilot parishes, All Saints Church, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. John Neumann Church, and the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul leading the way. Over the next two and a half years, the rest of the

Father Brent Shelton receives NAACP Community Service Award Father Brent Shelton, pastor of St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, has received the 2016 Community Service Award from the NAACP for his work with two other Oak Ridge pastors in promoting a “Community Matters” public forum.

Father Shelton received the award from the Anderson County/ Oak Ridge chapter of the Father Shelton NAACP. The chapter also presented the award to Rev. Derrick Hammond of Oak Valley Baptist Church and senior minister Jake Morrill of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

According to the NAACP, the pastors made significant contributions toward the enhancement of service to others and the betterment of the communities within the Oak Ridge-Anderson County area. The awards were presented at a ceremony and dinner in October at the Oak Ridge Civic Center.

INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP CONFERENCE

Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced that a Mass of dedication for the new Sacred Heart Cathedral will be celebrated on Saturday, March 3, 2018. An exact time will be announced at a later date.

Bishop Stika said the Mass and Rite of Dedication of a church and its altar is one of the most solemn liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church. The rite is sacred and dates back to the early years of the Church. He noted that the Mass and the rite will elevate “this beautiful structure into holiness.”

“The Mass and Rite of Dedication of the Cathedral will be a truly historic event in the history of our young diocese. It is a beautiful and elaborate ceremony in which the walls will be anointed, the baptistery, ambo and tabernacle will be blessed as well as so many other items that play an important role in the liturgical space of a building,” he said.

“Special emphasis will be given to the altar of sacrifice, which will be anointed with the Holy Chrism that will indeed set it apart from just serving as a marble table. It will be in a very sacramental way Jesus himself.

Also, the blessing of the cathedra (chair of the bishop) will be a focal point for it is from this word in Latin that the name cathedral is drawn from. The cathedral is the mother church of the diocese from which the bishop presides from his chair,” the bishop added.

“From the dedication on, March 3 will be a day of celebration in the Diocese of Knoxville and will be remembered in a special way at all of our parishes in years to come.

Bishops from around the country and even in other parts of the world will be invited to attend. But truly it will be a celebration for all the faithful of the Catholic Church in East Tennessee.”

Award for Excellence John Deinhart, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development, accepts the 2016 Award for Excellence from ICSC officials Michael Murphy and Father Andrew Kemberling. diocese’s parishes and mission churches joined the campaign.

“You know, volunteers stepped forward in every parish. Over 800 of them volunteered across 51 churches and missions, working together, organizing meetings, discussing initiatives and helping call fellow parishioners to ask for their participation. It is a true demonstration of what is possible when we work together,” Bishop Stika added.

The Home Campaign focused on five goals to grow and strengthen the Catholic Church in East Tennessee: parish projects and initiatives, expanding charity, priest retirement support, Catholic education support, and the building of a new cathedral.

Bishop Stika extolled the efforts of parishioners and the financial support from more than 8,500 families that made a pledge to the campaign.

The campaign also has received praise from a com-

pany that helped coordinate the effort, and the Diocese of Knoxville will be used as an example for other Catholic dioceses around the country.

“The Home Campaign has been the most successful diocesan campaign we’ve been a part of,” said Nic Prenger, president of the Steier Group, a national capital campaign fundraising firm based in Omaha, Neb. “This campaign was a runaway success. We’ve already gotten a lot of questions about what happened here in Knoxville…how the diocese was able to do this and pull off a wildly successful campaign.”

Among its achievements, the diocese’s Home Campaign outperformed other larger U.S. dioceses in similar capital campaign efforts, one-half of all parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville surpassed their campaign goal, and diocesan parishioners doubled the average giving of other national diocesan campaigns. ■

The Diocese of Knoxville is seeking an administrative assistant to support the director of Hispanic Ministry in the Chancery offices.

The Office of Hispanic Ministry promotes the integral growth of all members of the Hispanic community, creating leadership through organization, formation, and participation; to live our faith, evangelizing in all our surroundings, embracing our brothers and sisters, recognizing our cultural diversity, improving our quality of life in solidarity to continue, in this way, the mission of Jesus to create the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Office of Hispanic Ministry is located in Knoxville. Employees enjoy a business casual work environment, opportunities for development, and an opportunity to make a difference.

A comprehensive benefit package is offered. Interested applicants please see full job description on dioknox.org and send your resume and cover letter to jmills@dioknox.org.

Sister Frances Ann Schaeffer, BVM, former diocesan teacher, dies DUBUQUE, Iowa — Sister Frances Ann Schaeffer, BVM, 84, died Dec. 26 at the Mount Carmel Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa. Burial was in Mount Carmel cemetery in Dubuque.

In the Diocese of Knoxville, Sister Frances Ann taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga and was a Montessori kindergarten teacher and director.

Sister Frances Ann was Sister Frances Ann born in Davenport, Iowa, on Sept. 25, 1932. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1956, and professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1959, and final vows on July 16, 1964. ■

A8 n FEBRUARY 5, 2017

JIM WOGAN

Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry seeks administrative assistant

A view from the inside As construction continues on the exterior of the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, work is advancing on the cathedral interior. The cathedral cornerstone will be placed next month.

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contribute $500,000 to Catholic Charities — nearly 13 percent of the organization’s approximately $3.8 million annual budget.

The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic is to receive $100,000 to assist its mission to provide free medical care to remote areas of East Tennessee.

The Bishop’s Appeal will contribute $500,000 to support clergy and seminarian formation in 2017.

“For me, it’s quite simple, if the Diocese of Knoxville didn’t have organizations and people with such giving hearts to help fund my education to go to seminary, I wouldn’t be a priest right now. I couldn’t afford to do it,” said Father Ray Powell, who was ordained in 2015 and serves at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette and Christ the King Church in Tazewell. Since 2014, the Diocese of Knoxville has ordained nine priests.

Nearly $430,000 is appropriated for Christian formation, including support for Catholic schools, parish-based religious education, catechist formation, marriage preparation and enrichment, and RCIA. Additionally, the appeal will provide $400,000 for youth, young adult, and campus ministry programs.

Even in the midst of a successful capital (Home) campaign, contributions to the annual www.di o k no x .o rg

Bishop’s Appeal have grown in recent years.

Bishop Stika credits the generosity of parishioners and their understanding that the annual appeal remains vital for the day-to-day ministry of the diocese. In the end, Bishop Stika says, it comes down to an acknowledgement of Mother Teresa’s example.

“I have told people that the Bishop’s Appeal is not about me. It’s about the good work we can do for our diocese. Cardinal (Justin) Rigali and I have contributed to the Bishop’s Appeal because we believe in it, because without it, we aren’t living up to the challenge Mother Teresa has presented,” Bishop Stika said. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Marching for life More than 500 people marched from the Tennessee Amphitheater through Fort Sanders to the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, which performs medical and surgical abortions, during the annual Knoxville March for Life on Jan. 22.

Showing support O’Brien and Katie Bennett marched with their children, Tucker, 4, Evan, 2, Kyrie Joy, 2, and Justus, 8 months.

“Stop Abortion Now” sign while clinging to his mother and father, shared his family’s motivation when prompted.

“We’re here to save babies,” said the 4-year-old Tucker, who was joined by brothers Evan, 2, and Justus, 8 months, and sister Kyrie Joy, also 2.

Tucker’s mother, Katie Bennett, echoed his sentiments.

“We’re here to stop abortion and overturn Roe v. Wade. We are praying for the Supreme Court justices,” she said.

Her husband, O’Brien Bennett, March continued on page A10

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marchers.

“Being with all these other people of faith lets me know we can help stop abortion. God is the creator of life, and I want to help stop abortion,” she said.

Mr. Blake believes prayer is important, but more is needed.

“I’ve been a believer for a long time, and I’ve known the evil of abortion. I’ve prayed it would end. I believe God calls us to more than prayer. He calls us to be light in the darkness and to stand with other people of faith,” Mr. Blake said.

Tucker Bennett, gripping a

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the marchers.

The long line of marchers that filed its way through the Fort Sanders community to the clinic, escorted by police, made an impression on Father Sullivan.

“I was so touched by the faith and spirit and love, people putting faith into action and publicly demonstrating their belief in life,” he said, urging prayers to overturn Roe v. Wade. “This is the most important issue of our lives.

The miracle of God’s creation, to destroy that is the tragedy of our human race.

“Being here empowered me. I just pray that people will have a change of heart. If you hear God, then you hear, ‘Harden not your hearts.’ Our hearts have become hardened. We must soften our hearts to hear the truth of God’s message. We must have change legislatively, and most importantly, in our hearts. I was inspired by being here.”

At the end of the march, Father Sullivan gathered a small group of Catholic parishioners behind the abortion clinic to pray the rosary.

Brent and Elizabeth Blake of Knoxville marched with their daughters, Ella, who is 13, Laney, 10, Heidi, 8, and Ayele, 6.

Mrs. Blake, like Father Sullivan, was inspired by the turnout of

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March from page A1

compiled by Alan Guttmacher, the research arm of Planned Parenthood, it did reluctantly admit that pro-life laws passed at the state level were making a difference,” Mrs. Dunn said. “In Tennessee, we are very proud to be one of the states where protective measures have been passed.”

“Another reason for the decline in the number of abortions in Tennessee is the incredible spiritual support we have from dedicated pastors and spiritual leaders who are not afraid to stand for life. We are all aware that abortion is a spiritual battle that manifests itself in so many ways. So we are thankful for leaders who take part in building a culture of life,” said Mrs. Dunn, who is a parishioner at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville.

It was the first time participating in the march for Father Sullivan, who was one of the area pastors to address the marchers. The Paulist priest was assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville on July 1.

Acknowledging St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, Father Sullivan led the multi-denominational group of marchers in praying the Hail Mary.

He then told them, “We walk for the children, the innocent victims of abortion who never were able to take their first step. We walk for them. We walk for the hearts of those who are forcing abortion upon our country. We pray for them. We stop by the Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health, and we will pray for those women who go there for abortions. We pray for a conversion coming around to understand the sanctity of human life, made in God’s very image, each child conceived.

“How do we care for each other; how do we love those children yet to be born? We walk together arm in arm, our hearts together moved by the notion that one day Roe v. Wade will be reversed, that we can become a nation of love and care. Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, each child a blessed moment in God’s creation,” Father Sullivan told

All lives matter Mike and Brooke Wesley are joined by their five children for the annual Knoxville March for Life. The Wesleys were among dozens of families supporting the pro-life movement during the march.

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noting that he and Monsignor Mankel served as principal of Knoxville Catholic High School.

“He’s been a great mentor and a great friend to me for over 40 years. In his name I thank you and I thank the commission for honoring his work and his love of this community in Knoxville,” Monsignor Garrity added.

The MLK Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works to reaffirm and reflect upon the ideals of freedom, justice, and peace. It works inclusively with community partners to lift and live the principals of non-violence, equality, and love as well as to tell the stories of struggles and provide education and leadership training for adults and youth.

Some 500 people attended the program at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church.

Also recognized during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service was Knoxville Police Chief TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

David Rausch, a Diocese of Knoxville parishioner, who received the MLK Commission’s Community Service Award. Luther Bradley, a retired Knoxville Fire Department deputy chief and fire marshal, received the MLK Commission’s Distinguished Service Award.

Chief Rausch and Deputy Chief Bradley said they were honored to be recognized with the awards.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this award, especially in this day and age as we see what’s going on around our country with the divisiveness and turmoil. I think it’s vital that we shine a light here on Knoxville. I’m proud of this community. I’m proud to serve this community,” said Chief Rausch, who was greeted with applause when he accepted the award. “It’s an honor to serve this community, and this award is an affirmation to me that we’re doing the right thing. We will continue every day, with every opportunity

Sisters in support Sisters Mary Charles Mayer, RSM, Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, Mary Clara Auer, FSGM, Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, and Anne Miriam Crouche, RSM, marched together for the unborn and their mothers.

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In recognition Monsignor Patrick Garrity accepts the Chair’s Award on behalf of Monsignor Xavier Mankel from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

I have, to assure that our department is working closely with this community to assure justice regardless of who sits in the White

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House. That doesn’t matter in our house. We will continue to do what’s right, and we will be a light to this nation.” ■ FEBRUARY 5, 2017 n A9

Vice President Pence joins national March for Life Highest-ranking elected official to appear at rally joined by Cardinal Dolan; East Tennesseans take part

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON — Leaders of the pro-life movement are used to having the ear of the president, as they had with Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

During their respective administrations, these presidents addressed the March for Life via telephone, but this year the event marking the Roe v. Wade anniversary had the highestranking government official ever to address the crowd in person.

“Life is winning in America, and today is a celebration of that progress,” the official, Vice President Mike Pence, told the March for Life rally on the National Mall Jan. 27.

“More than 240 years ago, our founders declared these truths to be self-evident — that we are, all of us, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” he said.

“Forty-four years ago, our Supreme Court turned away from the first of these timeless ideals, but today, generations hence — because of all of you and the many thousands who stand with us in rallies across this country — life is winning again in America.”

Vice President Pence said President Donald Trump had asked him to address the rally, which took place under a sunny sky with temperatures in the 40s. “He asked me to thank you for your support, for your stand for life and your compassion for the women and children of America.”

Other speakers included: New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ prolife committee; Kellyanne Conway, President Trump’s campaign manager and now special adviser to the president; Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; and Reps. Mia Love, R-Utah, and Chris Smith, R-New Jersey.

The evening before the march, Pence also hosted organizers at the Executive Office Building next to the White House. As a member of Congress, he had addressed the March for Life in 2002, 2003 and 2007.

“Our president is a man with broad shoulders, a big heart,” Vice President Pence said at the rally.

To loud cheers, he added, “His vision, his energy, his optimism are boundless, and I know he will make America great again.”

He pointed to Trump’s Jan. 23 executive action reinstating what’s called the Mexico City Policy, which bans tax dollars from funding groups that promote or perform abortion in other countries. He said the administration would work with Congress to stop taxpayer funding of abortion “and devote those resources to health care services for women across America.”

On Jan. 24, the House passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, making the 41-year-old Hyde Amendment permanent. The amendment, which has had to be approved each year as part of the

A common cause Tens of thousands of pro-life supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27-28 for the national March for Life.

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budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prohibits tax dollars from paying for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the woman’s life. The Senate has yet to act on a companion bill, but President Trump has said he will sign it into law when the measure reaches his desk.

“I urge you to press on,” Vice President Pence told the rally. “Let your gentleness be evident to all.

Let this movement be known for love, not anger. Let this movement be known for compassion, not confrontation. When it comes to matters of the heart, there is nothing stronger than gentleness. I believe we will continue to win the minds and hearts of the rising generation if our hearts first break for mothers and their unborn children and meet them where they are with generosity, not judgment.”

“You can sense the joy in people today,” Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, said. “I hope it’s not lost.”

Earlier in the week, march organizers predicted at least 50,000 would be there. But there were at least that many at the rally, and before it was over, marchers, including many busloads of parochial schoolchildren, covered the full width of Constitution Avenue, en route to the Supreme Court, for at least seven blocks.

President Trump drew considerable attention earlier in the week by

Equal worth Notre Dame High School students Lucy Bruce, left, and Sarah Eiselstein take part in the national March for Life in Washington, D.C.

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telling Republican lawmakers at a Philadelphia retreat that there could be as many as 600,000, eclipsing the Woman’s March Jan. 21, which had an estimated 500,000.

Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life organization, acknowledged that new spotlight.

“There has been a lot of talk about numbers over the past week. The

Strength in numbers A contingent of students and faculty from Knoxville Catholic High School demonstrates its pro-life stance in Washington.

By Catholic News Service

Women’s March has talked about numbers and Facebook likes, and people keep asking me about our numbers for the March for Life.

Well, it is hard to add up how many have come here over the last 44 years, but that really isn’t the point,” she said.

“The only number I care about, and the only number that we all care about is — 58 million. Since 1973, 58 million Americans have died as a result of abortion,” Ms. Mancini said.

“We stand here today for them — for the little innocent children who have lost their lives to abortion. We also stand here for the mothers who regret their abortion decision.”

Mrs. Conway took the podium before the vice president.

“I am a wife, a mother, a Catholic, counselor to the president of the United States of America, and yes, I am pro-life,” Conway said. “It is such an honor to stand with the vice president of the United States and so many leaders, families and students from places near and far (today).”

“Your courage, your conviction and your faith are impressive and consequential,” she told the crowd.

“This is a new day, a new dawn for life. Why are we here? What does it mean to stand together to be part of this incredible movement, to face criticism, ridicule, and laws and lawmakers (against life)? It means to protect and promote the most precious gift in the world — the gift of life. It means to stand up, stand tall, and stand together against the indifference and the indefensible and on behalf of babies in the womb.

Mrs. Conway added, “Allow me to make it very clear — we hear you, we see you, we respect you, and we look forward to working with you, and yes, we march, we walk, we run and endeavor forward with you.”

Congresswoman Love reminded the rally, “Every year, children, born and unborn, have the potential to open up our world and take us to places and spaces we never imagined.”

In her remarks, Sen. Ernst vowed to reintroduce legislation to strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding. She’d done that in 2015, but “back then, we did not have a president who respected life,” and President Barack Obama vetoed the legislation.

Rep. Smith, who is the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, called Obama “the abortion president” who “did serious harm.”

“No human rights abuse however need be forever,” Rep. Smith said.

“You and I are part of the greatest human rights struggle on earth. Because we recognize and enthusiastically accept our duty to protect the weakest and most vulnerable and to tangibly assist women in crisis ... to pray, fast and tenaciously work to protect women and children from the violence of abortion.” ■

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March continued from page A9

said the family was joining others of similar beliefs to support women and their unborn children.

“It’s wonderful to see a crowd come out and be a voice for those who don’t have a voice yet. It’s amazing to see a community come and rally around those without a voice. It is people of faith, but it also is people who care about others, especially women and babies,” he said.

Mike and Brooke Wesley’s children were enthusiastic in their support for the march, displaying signs and broad smiles.

Describing the family as “very pro-life,” Mrs. Wesley said the movement is very important to them.

“I have a brother and sister who are adopted. Their mother chose life even though the father wanted abortion,” she said. “We have fostered nine children. Thank God their mothers chose life for their children even though they had challenges.”

Immaculate Conception pa-

Prayerful Father John Dowling, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish, prays during the Knoxville March for Life. rishioner Eddie Allen was encouraged by the March for Life participation and said all the prayers for unborn babies and a solution to abortion sends an important sign to women who are

Post-march rosary Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, leads a group of marchers in praying the rosary. in crisis pregnancies: support in numbers.

Another Immaculate Conception parishioner, Sonia Justiniani, prays the rosary every Friday outside Planned Parenthood’s abortion clinic on Cherry Street in East Knoxville. But on Jan. 22, she

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brought her prayers to the March for Life and the Fort Sanders abortion clinic.

“To me, it’s very important.

I think it’s a good thing that it is the one time we are not just Catholics or Protestants, but we are one,” she said. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Diocese of Knoxville Annual Financial Report

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we begin our journey into 2017, I have been reflecting on the many positive things that have taken place in the Diocese of Knoxville over the previous 12 months. I am grateful to you for your support and generosity, and I offer you this report in The East Tennessee Catholic on the financial health of our great diocese.

We have accomplished quite a bit over the last year. The Home Campaign, which aims to strengthen us at the parish and diocesan levels, entered into its final stages and received national recognition for its success. We ordained 26 new deacons and a new priest. We opened Holy doors, joined Pope Francis in celebrating a Year of Mercy, held rallies and prayer vigils for the sanctity of life, and bolstered our charitable giving. We continued to educate our children in the ways of our faith, we began a Cause for Sainthood for a former priest in our diocese, and we rose to help those in need following devastating wildfires.

Because we recently celebrated the canonization of Mother Teresa, I would like to remind you of some words she gave us: “Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted according to the graces we have received, and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”

Saint Teresa has called us to serve and to do good work. Your efforts are fulfilling her call.

As your bishop, I want you to know that the resources you have entrusted to us — whether through time, talent, or treasure — are being administered with wisdom and respect, with the sole purpose being to continue the mission of Jesus.

I offer my thanks and blessings for the sacrifices you have made to strengthen the Diocese of Knoxville in 2016. I am honored to be your bishop, and I offer my love and prayers as we move forward as good stewards, working to build His kingdom.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Richard F. Stika Bishop of Knoxville

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V Encuentro update: Engaging in the heart of the process Parishioners urged to join a March 11 presentation on The Joy of the Gospel by Father David Boettner

V

Encuentro, a four-year process of ecclesial reflection and action that invites all U.S. Catholics to intense missionary activity, consultation, leadership development, and identification of best ministerial practices in the spirit of the New Evangelization, is entering the parish-orientation and facilitatortraining phase.

The V Encuentro is a priority activity of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 2017-20 strategic plan. V Encuentro starts at the grassroots level and calls for development of resources and initiatives to better serve the fast-growing Hispanic population in dioceses, parishes, ecclesial movements, and

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other Catholic organizations and institutions.

Following the V Encuentro parish team training held in December, every parish team should be organizing a V Encuentro parish orientation and facilitator training in preparation to conduct the V Encuentro sessions that are the heart of this four-year process. At the end of these sessions and toward the end of spring, every parish should hold a parish Encuentro to share the findings and results of the sessions.

The Diocesan Encuentro will take place Oct. 21 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Every person who participated in the five sessions at their parish is expected to attend.

Everyone is welcome. If you have not heard about the V Encuentro yet, ask your pastor.

As part of the Diocese of Knoxville’s V Encuentro efforts, the

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By Blanca Primm

offices of Hispanic Ministry and Christian Formation are organizing a presentation by Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City, 10 a.m.-noon on March 11.

Registration will start at 9:15 a.m., and a donation of $5 per person will be requested for expenses. The presentation will be in English and Spanish.

For more information on the V Encuentro, visit vencuentro.org or contact Blanca Primm at bprimm@ dioknox.org. ■

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