Feb. 6, 2022, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Schools work to include special-needs students Diocese of Knoxville educators accommodate children with a wide range of learning needs

By Gabrielle Nolan

GABRIELLE NOLAN

comply with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, the 1990 civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.

“We don’t have stairs, we don’t have a basement, we don’t have a second floor. We’re a one-floor facility,” said Michelle Dougherty, coordinator of the learning lab at St. John Neumann School. “That makes us accessible, especially to students who have mobility issues.”

One such student is Caroline Ayres, a second-grader at St. John Neumann. Caroline has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to move about in her classes.

“Some might assume that because Caroline has cerebral palsy, meeting her needs would be a daunting task,” said Sabrina Talley, academic dean at St. John Neumann. “However, we’ve discovered quite the opposite. Our school community is stronger because of Caroline.”

“Her lively spirit and sense of joy permeate throughout the building on a daily basis,” Mrs. Talley continued.

In addition to its accommodat-

‘We wanted him to be with our people’ Joseph Weber stands with St. Joseph School pre-K teacher Sarah Daddabbo (left) and kindergarten teacher Bridget Cannon.

COURTESY OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN SCHOOL

T

he Diocese of Knoxville has been serving students with special learning needs for more than 20 years.

The Office of Catholic Schools’ Special Services Handbook, which is revised every five years, is “a living document and a living practice of doing accommodations,” said Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Knoxville.

“We’ve had huge successes with meeting the learning needs of all of our students,” Dr. Prater said.

“We’re going to do the very best that we can to serve all of the children,” she added. “But having said that, we want to do it with justice, so we’re going to be very honest and truthful in what we can reasonably do and what families can expect.”

Currently, most Diocese of Knoxville schools do not have students who are severely handicapped, but there is a wide range of special needs, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities.

Each Catholic school has a different capacity in accommodating children with special needs, as resources and school infrastructures vary across the diocese.

“Our facilities, most of them were built pre-1960, and so they’re not necessarily ADA-compliant,” Dr. Prater said.

St. John Neumann School in Farragut, built in 1997, has accessible doors and bathroom facilities that

Reaching milestones St. John Neumann second-grader Caroline Ayres poses for a picture with learning lab coordinator Michelle Dougherty. ing physical needs, the school also strives to cater to students with varying intellectual needs.

Most people are unaware that about 30 percent of students currently enrolled in local Catholic schools have some type of individualized support learning plan, Dr. Prater said.

At St. John Neumann School, around 42 children have an official disability diagnosis out of an enrollment population of more than 400 students.

“That can range anything from ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disabilities in reading, writing, and math,” Ms. Dougherty said. “We just kind of run the gamut.”

Two years ago, St. Joseph School in North Knoxville enrolled its first student with Down syndrome.

After a negative experience of public preschool for her son, Joseph, Misty Weber called the Catholic school to see if it could potentially work out a plan.

“We wanted him to be with our people, people who valued his life as much as we did,” Mrs. Weber

said.

After a meeting involving the school’s principal, a learning specialist, and pre-kindergarten teachers, a decision was made to enroll Joseph at the school.

He was enrolled part-time in pre-K for the first year, going two days a week, and then transitioned to full-time the second year. This school year, Joseph is in kindergarten.

“The thing that I could not provide for him that they really do is a sense of order,” Mrs. Weber explained. “Like, I know when he was in pre-K, every 15 minutes they had a new thing that they were doing. I cannot pull that off at home.”

The inclusivity of Catholic schools allows students with special needs or learning disabilities to remain in the same classrooms with their peers.

“They do everything that our students do; we don’t hold any testing out. For example, if the school is doing standardized testing, the students are going to take standardized testing along with all of the Schools continued on page B2

Divine Mercy Parish celebrates Year of the Tiger

D

ragons, tigers, and Xoi, oh my! No, it wasn’t Oz; it was better. You might even say it was heavenly.

The Church of Divine Mercy offered a cornucopia for the soul and senses on Jan. 30 as members of the Knoxville Vietnamese community celebrated Mass to welcome the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which in 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.

Divine Mercy members and their priest, Father Dominic Nghia Nguyen, CRM, invited Bishop Richard F. Stika to join in their celebration and serve as celebrant of the Jan. 30 Mass. Deacon Joseph Hieu Vinh served as deacon of the Word and Eucharist.

A standing-room-only group of more than 250 parishioners greeted Bishop Stika, who shared with

them the joy he receives by visiting Divine Mercy. And as the bishop entered the West Knoxville church, he was met by long table after long table covered in Vietnamese delicacies like the Xoi rice, chicken, beef, and hot soup that would be served for a celebratory dinner after Mass.

No one left hungry.

Many parishioners were dressed in colorful attire representative of their native Vietnam, and Bishop Stika acknowledged the significance of the celebration.

“It is so good to be with all of you. It has been a while since I’ve been to Divine Mercy, one of my favorite parishes to visit. As I’ve said many times, I have a deep love and affection for the Vietnamese people and for all of the people here at Divine Mercy continued on page B3

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

Knoxville’s Vietnamese community welcomes both the Lunar New Year and Bishop Stika

‘It is so good to be with all of you’ Bishop Stika speaks at the end of Mass at Divine Mercy alongside pastor Father Dominic Nghia Nguyen, CRM, and Deacon Joseph Hieu Vinh.

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

A retiree enjoys volunteering at the hospital Driving patients to and from their cars leads to laughter and learning about ‘bonus days’

Schools continued from page B1

COURTESY OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN SCHOOL

students,” Dr. Prater said.

“The curriculum is diocesan curriculum created by teachers,” she added. “We do accommodations and modifications based on the child.”

Dr. Prater also mentioned that money from Title 1, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, can be used to support students with learning needs and pay for interventionists.

“An interventionist is somebody who works with students who need support in the classroom, whether it is academic issues or delays,” said Ms. Dougherty.

“Or, even on the other realm of the spectrum, if they need more of a challenge, if they need enrichment opportunities,” she added. “Mostly, I work with students who are working toward grade level.”

“It is just so fun to see when they have that light-bulb moment, or when things start to click with them, and you can see the progress.

You can see how proud they are of the progress or the milestones that they have reached,” Ms. Dougherty said.

If a family with a special-needs child wants to hire and pay for an instructional assistant, the school will interview the individual and ensure they meet the child-safety requirements and a background check.

‘Irreplaceable’ learning Secondgrader Caroline Ayres reads in her classroom at St. John Neumann School.

B2 n FEBRUARY 6, 2022

ways the same. Thus, in the dead of winter, or on a rainy day, it’s been especially nice to be able to lend a hand.

The hospital utilizes golf-cart shuttles, too, and this is a lot like that—only better.

As you would imagine, I try to keep the conversations casual and upbeat. You never know why folks are here. Sometimes it’s to celebrate the good news of good health; but sometimes not.

In this setting I’ve already found it to be a risky question, but most often I ask, “How are you today?” I try to be cheery, even if the weather is not.

It was just my first day when a rider lamented, “I’m here to get my pacemaker checked. They say I’ve only got two months left.”

“Oh, dear,” I offered, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Oh, I don’t mean me. I mean my pacemaker. I think I’m gonna have to get a new one in two months.”

He laughed. I laughed. Both our days were better.

Another passenger asked if I was a volunteer.

“Yes, ma’am, I am. I’m trying to get to heaven,” was my reply.

Folks are grateful for the lift and seem to like that I’m trying.

The Pew Research Center estimates that approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers have turned 65 every single day since 2011 and will continue to do so until 2030. With about 70-plus million Americans born into that generation, it’s apparent that more and more of us will be available to help out.

But I also recently read, “The boomers’ interest in volunteerism will depend on whether the

It was just my first day when a rider lamented, “I’m here to get my pacemaker checked. They say I’ve only got two months left.”

“Oh, dear,” I offered. “I’m sorry to hear that.” “Oh, I don’t mean me, I mean my pacemaker. I think I’m gonna have to get a new one . . .“ tion badge with directions on the back detailing emergency codes and procedures. But let me be clear from the outset: I am not saving lives.

They didn’t ask me to do that. They prefer that I don’t actually. “Call somebody!!” were their exact words.

I’m not counseling the forlorn. I’m not taking temperatures, nor am I providing masks or directions. I’m not in the cafeteria or the gift shop.

All would have been fine with me.

I even volunteered to mop floors.

As it turns out, I don’t think I’m doing anything they can’t actually live without. But Tuesdays are a good day.

I passed the background check and presented my vaccination cards, which I expected would be required.

But then I also had to pass the eye test. That seemed like a lot.

Turns out my vision is important since I am driving a used Toyota, and they are liable. It’s a hospitalleased courtesy car, and my assignment is to cruise the parking lots, with a stated mission of shuttling patients and visitors to and from their cars.

I’ve got a map for when they are lost and a radio for when I am.

It’s a darn big place with lots of entrances, parking lots, and employees. Not to mention sick people—no shortage of those for sure.

So where you want to park and where you actually park aren’t alAdults aren’t the only ones to help, however. Classmates and other students often pitch in to assist their peers.

“The kids are helping [Joseph], too,” explained St. Joseph kindergarten teacher Bridget Cannon. “No Joseph… you cut that wrong or you used the wrong color—here, let me show you what you need to do. The children are doing that as well.”

In addition, 20 middle-school honors students were trained at St. Joseph School to work one-on-one with Joseph for 30-minute increments during the day to assist him in his class.

“These are tremendous young people! They adore my son and are learning life skills about helping and serving,” Mrs. Weber said.

“I just enjoy being around him,” said St. Joseph eighth-grader Chase Tucker. “He’s always in a great mood, and he’s just amazing to be around, and he’s just a great person.

Every time I see him… that’s probably my favorite part of the day.”

Adjusted curriculum plans for special-needs children who are below grade level allow students to remain with their age group and friends instead of being retained.

“In my job capacity, I get the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small groups with students, and I get to follow some of the students who I started working with in kindergarten, depending on if they still need support,” Ms. Dougherty said.

“I think what is most meaningful to me is to see kids who are reluctant learners sometimes, or misunderstood learners, who start to like school,” she added.

In a written testimony in 2020 to St. John Neumann School, Caroline’s mother, Amy Ayres, wrote that “in just a few short months, we have seen Caroline flourish. There is no denying that full acceptance and inclusion changes the spirit!”

“Caroline’s growth academically, socially, and emotionally has brought us such great encouragement. And most importantly, what she is learning and experiencing regarding the Catholic faith is ir-

(nonprofits) can offer roles that match their interests, values, and preferences.”

Shame on us. While some of that is true, I suppose, I don’t know that it’s the duty of the nonprofit sector to cater to me. We (all 70 million) have enjoyed the lives and years that have come from living in a time and in a country where those before us made our days better.

My mom was no saint, but I do think she had it “figured out.” We should pay back when and where we can. I’m of the opinion that nonprofits have enough to do without trying to match my “interests, values, and preferences.”

You certainly don’t have to be retired to be grateful—or volunteer— but I’ll admit, you have more time to.

“How’s your day been going?” an elderly gentleman asked as he piled into the car.

“Well, I’m in this car with a heater, so I’d have to say pretty good so far.

How about you?” I replied.

“Well, it’s a bonus day for me. So all is good.”

“A bonus day?” I asked.

“Yep, my brother used to say that every day you wake up is a bonus day, so we should enjoy it and do something good with it. It’s how I try to look at it anyway.”

I gave him a ride. He gave me more.

Dear God—You said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons.” We’re hoping pitching in at the food bank counts, too.

Amen. ■ George Valadie resides in Chattanooga and is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church.

GABRIELLE NOLAN

I

t’s becoming one of the most enjoyable days of my week: Tuesdays—the day I volunteer at the hospital.

Long before I’d ever officially announced my leaving, I knew I had no intention of retiring only to sit around waiting for the end.

Though I won’t lie, a little bit of my “sitting around” has proven to be remarkably relaxing in these first few months since I stepped away from the school where I’d been principal.

They’re still battling COVID. I am not.

While some retirees plan to travel or start a new business or learn to cook and paint and play the piano, I left the day-to-day work world with no plans at all and could only tell my wife, “We’ll figure it out.”

When my mom retired at 80, I worried that she wouldn’t figure it out, that she wouldn’t know what to do with herself. I’ve never been so wrong.

She threw herself into volunteering because she said her job had always prevented her from helping out with all our school events, trips, games, etc., when we were young.

She believed this newfound opportunity to give of herself was her way of paying back for the many moms and dads who had stepped in to help her kids when she could not.

Even at 80—especially at 80—the woman was a lot to live up to.

And though Nancy and I are yet to have totally figured out all aspects of this retirement thing, I’ve always known I wanted to volunteer somewhere. I told the coordinator to put me where you need me.

You know me; you know what you need; just let me know.

As a result, I wear an identifica-

‘My favorite part of the day’ St. Joseph School eighth-grader Chase Tucker assists Joseph Weber in counting blocks and identifying colors. replaceable!” Mrs. Ayres continued.

“Everyone involved has blown us away in their openness, hospitality, accommodations, and amazing kindness that has been shown to our Caroline and us, as her family.”

Similarly, Mrs. Weber has given accolades for the difference that St. Joseph School has made in her son’s life.

“I am so grateful for the staff and family at St. Joseph School,” Mrs. Weber said. “It is a true testament to the Catholic faith and culture.”

“I think the main thing that St. Joseph School has done for my son, outside of the whole acceptance part, is they’ve expected good things from him, and they’ve expected him to do hard things,” she shared.

“And that’s what we need for kids who have special needs. We can’t just put them in the back of the room and hope for the best. We call them forward, and that’s what they’ve done,” Mrs. Weber continued. “The more they call him up, the more he’s going to be able to do to reach his potential.”

The Catholic Church has long called for inclusion within its school systems, as it is part of the mission to educate and serve all children, Dr. Prater explained.

“My message is that we want to

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

work with you, our families, to educationally serve your children,” Dr. Prater said.

For parents interested in potentially enrolling their special-needs child in a Diocese of Knoxville school, the schools first meet with the family and child for an assessment to see if they are the best educational option to support these students.

“I would say definitely come and check us out,” Ms. Dougherty said.

“Yes, it’s true we don’t have all the related services that the public schools can offer, but we have a lot more than you think, and the fact that we try to include students in our school, I think that gives them a sense of community and family and belonging, and so definitely come and check us out for those reasons.”

“Just reach out to your local Catholic schools and see what they’ll do, because inclusion in Catholic education is a movement,” she added. “And it’s not just something that’s happening here in Knoxville; it’s happening all across the United States.”

Reporter’s note: Enrollment of special-needs students is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and varies among each Catholic school. Student evaluations do not guarantee admission. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

by Bob Hunt

God as the eternal watchmaker or violinist St. Thomas Aquinas and philosopher William Paley offer different proofs for the existence of God

R

ecently, I had the honor of leading a Communion service at my parish on the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, where I offered a reflection on St. Thomas. It seemed to go over well, so I thought I might share it here: In honor of St. Thomas, I am going to make a statement that may be regarded as controversial inside the walls of this church. I do not believe that God exists. Now, I am going to make a statement that will certainly be regarded as controversial outside the walls of this church. I know that God exists.

Belief is the language of faith. But the Church has taught since the days of St. Paul (Romans 1:20) that faith is not required to hold for the existence of God. Reason or rational thought is sufficient to know that God exists. Faith, then, is what we believe about the God whose existence reason demonstrates. Our Creed does not begin, “I believe in God … .”

Our Creed begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty … .” You see, there’s a comma there, not a period.

It doesn’t take faith to know that God exists. We can know God exists as a matter of reason, of rational thought. It does take faith to believe that God is a loving Father who cares for us and desires a relationship with

Daily readings Tuesday, Feb. 1: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, and 18:30–19:3; Psalm 86:1-6; Mark 5:21-43 Wednesday, Feb. 2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 Thursday, Feb. 3: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Mark 6:7-13 Friday, Feb. 4: Sirach 47:2-11; Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51; Mark 6:14-29 Saturday, Feb. 5: Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, 1 Kings 3:4-13; Psalm 119:9-14; Mark 6:30-34 Sunday, Feb. 6: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 138:1-5, 7-8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11;

us. I know that God exists. I believe that God is my Father, my Redeemer, my Advocate. Why do I believe this? Because God has revealed this to us, through Scripture, tradition, the Church, and, not incidentally, through personal encounters with Him. Catholics, and the Jews before us, are peculiar in that way: we know there is a God, and we believe that He has made the truths about Himself known to us by revelation.

My second point relates to St. Thomas’ idea of God as the First Cause. Thomas is most famous among Catholics and non-Catholics for his Five Proofs for the Existence of God. Unfortunately, Thomas’ proofs are often misunderstood, which is why there continue to be so many atheists in the world, atheism being foundationally an irrational claim.

When we think of cause and effect, we think quite naturally of one thing causing another thing to happen. A first billiard ball hits a second and causes the second ball to start moving. Michelangelo sculpted the Pietà, so Michelangelo was the cause of the Pietà coming into existence. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa, so Leonardo was the cause of the Mona Lisa coming into existence. Cause and effect. In

the middle of the 18th century, a philosopher named William Paley came up with the idea of God as a sort of eternal watchmaker. When he looked at the various parts of a watch, the intricate details of each part, and how they required being placed in just the right way in relation to each other in order for the watch to work, he expanded that to the idea of the universe being like a great watch that included many intricate parts that required being placed in just the right way in relation to each other to make the universe work as it does. He understood God, then, as the eternal Watchmaker.

There’s a problem with the idea of God being an eternal watchmaker, or sculptor, or painter. Once the watch is made, or the sculpture sculpted, or the painting painted, the watch, sculpture, and painting no longer need the watchmaker, sculptor, or painter to continue to exist. Michelangelo is long dead, but the Pietà still stands at the Vatican. Leonardo is long dead, but the Mona Lisa continues to hang at the Louvre. If you’re wearing a watch, there’s no watchmaker who follows you around all the time making certain of the watch’s continued existence.

Thomas thought of God as the First Cause less as a watchmaker, a sculptor, or a painter and more like a violinist. Now, he didn’t use that analogy. He used others like it. The point is the same. When the painter moves on or dies, the painting continues to exist, independent of the painter. But when a song is played on the violin, the song never exists independent of the violinist. If the violinist should move on or pass away, the song would stop. So long as the violinist continues playing, the song continues to exist. God as First Cause is more like an eternal violinist and the universe His song.

God brought all creation into being, and He sustains it in being. Of course, that includes us!

When you hear the lilting notes of a violin wafting through the air, you may believe it is a lovely tune or an ugly one. You may believe that the performance is that of a maestro or an amateur. These opinions can be resolved by debate or investigation.

But what you don’t believe—rather, what you know—is that there is a violinist somewhere playing his song. ■

Luke 5:1-11 Monday, Feb. 7: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Psalm 132:6-10; Mark 6:53-56 Tuesday, Feb. 8: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 2730; Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11; Mark 7:1-13 Wednesday, Feb. 9: 1 Kings 10:110; Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40; Mark 7:14-23 Thursday, Feb. 10: Memorial of St. Scholastica, virgin, 1 Kings 11:413; Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40; Mark 7:24-30 Friday, Feb. 11: 1 Kings 11:29-32 and 12:19; Psalm 81:10-15; Mark 7:31-37 Saturday, Feb. 12: 1 Kings 12:26-32 and 13:33-34; Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22; Mark 8:1-10 Sunday, Feb. 13: Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26

Monday, Feb. 14: Memorial of Sts. Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop, James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67-68, 71-72, 75-76; Mark 8:11-13 Tuesday, Feb. 15: James 1:1218; Psalm 94:12-15, 18-19; Mark 8:14-21 Wednesday, Feb. 16: James 1:19-27; Psalm 15:2-5; Mark 8:22-26 Thursday, Feb. 17: James 2:1-9; Psalm 34:2-7; Mark 8:27-33 Friday, Feb. 18: James 2:14-24, 26; Psalm 112:1-6; Mark 8:34–9:1 Saturday, Feb. 19: James 3:1-10; Psalm 12:2-5, 7-8; Mark 9:2-13 Sunday, Feb. 20: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38 Monday, Feb. 21: James 3:13-18;

Psalm 19:8-10, 15; Mark 9:14-29 Tuesday, Feb. 22: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, apostle, 1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Mark 16:13-19 Wednesday, Feb. 23: Memorial of St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, James 4:13-17; Psalm 49:2-3, 6-11; Mark 9:38-40 Thursday, Feb. 24: James 5:1-6; Psalm 49:14-20; Mark 9:41-50 Friday, Feb. 25: James 5:9-12; Psalm 103:1-4, 8-9, 11-12; Mark 10:1-12 Saturday, Feb. 26: James 5:13-20; Psalm 141:1-3, 8; Mark 10:13-16 Sunday, Feb. 27: Sirach 27:4-7; Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45 Monday, Feb. 28: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9-10; Mark 10:1727 n

Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville and is a candidate for the permanent diaconate.

Divine Mercy. It is good to be with you all,” Bishop Stika said at the beginning of Mass.

As Bishop Stika began his homily in English, he asked Father Nguyen to translate it into Vietnamese.

But that didn’t mean the bishop wouldn’t be speaking Vietnamese.

“When I come to this parish, one of the beautiful things I see is so many young people. And I know the importance in the Vietnamese culture of families. And I think it’s important for those who have been around a bit longer to remind the young people of the journey that eventually led to this church,” Bishop Stika said. “A journey that started a number of years ago when the Vietnamese community only gathered one Sunday a month at Immaculate Conception Church.

It’s a journey that eventually led the parish to have a Vietnamese deacon and eventually led it to Knoxville

Catholic High School, and now to your home here.”

The bishop also spoke of the struggles older Vietnamese members faced in their native country.

“It all comes down to the idea of divine mercy. And so what’s the motto? Jesus, I trust in you. I can see that this is true in your community and in your families. And as long as you make that your main theme of life, to trust in Jesus, this parish and its traditions will continue to grow, and you, yourself, will continue to grow because you are never alone,” Bishop Stika continued. “Now, as your community celebrates a new year, the Year of the Tiger, it’s just a reminder to recommit yourselves to what the Gospel tells us today: You cannot serve God and man. I’m reminded of the late great Bishop (François-Xavier Nguyen) Van Thuan, who I actually had lunch with in Rome. How he, daily in his

Accepting the gifts Parishioners of the Church of Divine Mercy bring forward the gifts at Mass. Bishop Stika was the Mass celebrant.

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

BILL BREWER (2)

Divine Mercy continued from page B1

Taming of the dragons Bishop Richard F. Stika is shown with Church of Divine Mercy youth dressed in dragon costumes for a Vietnamese New Year’s celebration. life, trusted in Jesus. Even in those moments when he was completely alone, he was never alone because he always knew he was with Jesus and Jesus was with him.”

Bishop Van Thuan was ordained a priest in June 1953. He was appointed bishop of Nha Trang, South Vietnam, in April 1967. In April 1975 he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Saigon in South Vietnam, then six days later Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army. He was held in confinement for 13 years, nine years in solitary confinement, because of his faith and his family connections.

He was a nephew of South Vietnam’s first president. In November 1988, he was released by the communist government, and in 1991 he was allowed to visit Rome but not to return to Vietnam. He died of cancer in Rome on Sept. 16, 2002, at the age of 74. And on May 4, 2017,

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

he was named venerable by Pope Francis as his cause for sainthood began.

“As you begin this new year, maybe it’s a good opportunity to once again make a commitment to always remind yourself that Jesus is with you, and that Jesus invites each and every one of you to allow yourselves to be one with Him. Do so with the strength of a tiger, just don’t bite anybody,” the bishop advised. “Once again, it’s a joy to be with you to celebrate this special day on your calendar. And always remember to pray, Jesus, we trust in you.”

Divine Mercy’s dozen-member choir led the music liturgy in Vietnamese for the Mass as youth in the parish took part as altar servers and gift-bearers.

The beginning of Divine Mercy Divine Mercy continued on page B6 FEBRUARY 6, 2022 n B3

Parish notes

A Trivia Night is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, in Siener Hall.

Teams of up to eight may compete for a first-place prize of $400, a secondplace prize of $250, and a third-place prize of $100. Participants may bring their own dinner/snacks and beer, wine, or soda. Registration forms are in the church vestibule. Cost is $50 per table.

Incoming high school freshmen through seniors are invited to the Stuebenville Conferences in Atlanta July 8-10. Cost is $100. Contact Irene Scoggins at 423-596-0053 or irenescoggins@gmail. com to learn more or to register.

A youth mission trip to the Franciscan Tau House in Cincinnati is set for July 17-22. The trip is open to middle school (grades seven and eight) and high school students who want to actively participate in youth ministry and fundraising efforts. Tau House offers youth groups the opportunity to spend a week living in community while volunteering during the day for area nonprofit organizations. Cost is $175.

Contact Ms. Scoggins (see above) for more details.

Doughnut sales to help parish youth and adult chaperones take part in the Steubenville and Cincinnati trips will take place after all weekend Masses on Feb. 19-20. Doughnuts will be $10 a dozen.

The parish will celebrate pastor Father Charlie Burton’s 70th birthday Thursday, Feb. 17. Parishioners are asked to remember him with a prayer, a Facebook message, or a card, mailed to 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

The fifth annual Father Charlie Chili Cookoff was held Jan. 24 in the parish life center.

St. Jude School held an open house Jan. 30.

After 15 years, parish manager Tom Picard is retiring. St. Jude welcomes Richard Bryant as the new parish manager.

St. Mary, Athens St. Mary is beginning its eighth year of awarding college scholarships this year. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, March 31. Applications along with rules may be picked up at the church office. The program is open to any incoming college freshman or returning college student from Meigs, McMinn, Monroe, and Polk counties. A total of $60,000 will be awarded in 2022 with a maximum of $10,000 per student.

The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus are planning a short memorial program for Memorial Day weekend to honor deceased veterans in the parish family.

Schools thanked parishioners for remembering them with gifts at Christmastime of new toys and clothes, which were provided for 230 children.

COURTESY OF MARIA WHISTON

St. Jude, Chattanooga

A new committee will be offered this year called the Guardian Angel Program, featuring new parishioners being welcomed to the parish.

The entire parish was invited to attend the Council of Catholic Women meeting Jan. 12 to hear speaker Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life.

A prayer service was held Jan. 13 to give thanks for the past year and pray for a peaceful 2022 with special thoughts for the Church, world government, and especially families.

A regional cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests with Father Richard Cortese, U.S. national director, was held Jan. 13 at St. Francis of Assisi with prayers, a rosary, a consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Mass.

Anniversaries: Paul and Barbara Thrower (65), Dick and Helen Gerlach (62), Gerald and Barbara Phillips (60), Herman and Frances Eichner (59), Joseph and Loretta Kreskowiak (58), Carmin and Lynne Lynch (57), Mark and Carol Hafford (56), Emanuele and Isabella Palmeri (56), Edward and Sue Czysz (54), Robert and Martha Heck (54), Douglas and Christina Nawrocki (51), John and Diana Schornack (50), Richard and Judy Lodes (50), Ted and Judy Piotrowski (45), Dominic and Patricia Janusky (35)

Youth at St. Michael the Archangel attend retreat St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin on Nov. 20 sponsored a National Evangelization Retreat for middle and high school youth and those preparing for their confirmation. More than 28 youth attended. The event was made possible because of a surprise donation made specifically for the youth programs.

Glade couples celebrate anniversaries

S

t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Rich and Judy Lodes, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 26. They were married at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Charlesburg, Wis., with Father Mark Stangel officiating.

Their daughter, Amy Beth Schlei, lives in Germantown, Wis., and they have two grandchildren.

Mr. Lodes retired from Aladdin Label Co in Waukesha, Wis., and

Mrs. Lodes from MGIC in Milwaukee, and they moved to the Glade in 2016. Mrs. Lodes is a member of the parish choir. A summer celebration is planned in Wisconsin. n St. Francis of Assisi Parish congratulates Gerald and Barbara Phillips, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Feb. 24.

They were married at St. Peter Claver Church in Middletown, Ohio. They retired to the Glade in 2000. n

St. John Neumann, Farragut The “Off to the Races” gala and auction benefiting St. John Neumann School is set for Saturday, March 5, in the gymnasium. Visit sjncs-knox.org/ support-sjncs/derbygala/ to donate auction items or packages. E-mail pwade@sjnknox.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.

International speaker and retreat leader Melissa Foley is giving a talk, themed “Am I Worth Dying For?,” at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 31, at St. John Neumann. Light refreshments will be served in Seton Hall, followed by the talk and adoration. Those with questions should e-mail kringsck@icloud.com.

Knights of Columbus Ted H. Denning Council 8781 conducted a membership drive after Masses on Jan. 29 and 30.

The Knights held their annual basketball free-throw championship Jan. 30 in the school gym. Winners advanced to a district-wide competition in February.

Jim Lambert of the parish council at St. Jude in Helenwood thanked St. John Neumann parishioners for their donations to help children in the St. Jude area at Christmastime. A total of 212 children from 72 families received the donations.

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

Chattanooga Deanery

St. Henry Knights recognize family of the month Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville recognized Alan and Carol DeGroff as its family of the month for their volunteerism, in a ceremony after Mass on Jan. 9. The DeGroffs moved to Rogersville in 1995, and Mr. DeGroff began helping the Knights with their pancake breakfasts and the parish with yard sales and spaghetti dinners. Mrs. DeGroff took a role as volunteer coordinator and was a reader, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, an altar server, a greeter, an usher, and a counter, and served multiple times on the parish council. Throughout this time, with both Alan and Carol’s active work schedule, they raised three children in the Church who now have families of their own. The DeGroffs have four grandchildren. Before the couple’s honeymoon, Mrs. DeGroff’s mother-in-law said to Mr. DeGroff, “Take care of her.” For 60 years, Mr. DeGroff has done just that. From left are Grand Knight Bill Hewitt, Alan and Carol DeGroff, visiting priest Father Dan Whitman, and deputy Grand Knight Beverly Carmack.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

Five Rivers Deanery

The youth group took part in its second annual Backpack Ministry in late January, filling backpacks for the homeless with items such as hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, snacks, hats, gloves, and more.

Anniversaries: Norman and Joyce Shelton (61), Ken and Mary Decker (59), Steven and Lis Hawk (15)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade The children of Cumberland County B4 n FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish held a Valentine movie night Feb. 4 featuring the film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Anne and Dave Orzechowski hosted the event.

COURTESY OF JOAQUIN RAVENTOS

Knights of Columbus Council 6099 is holding its 21st annual Super Bowl Right to Life Pork Loin Sale from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13. The menu is pork tenderloin and chicken strips.

Prices are $25 per loin and $5 for chicken strips. Freshly baked pastries will also be available from the Ladies Auxiliary. Call 423-899-9989 or email corkye@aol.com to order. Inside pickup and curbside delivery will be available. All proceeds will support the Knights’ right-to-life program.

The Knights of Columbus offered their annual brunch following Mass on Jan. 30. The menu included scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, assorted casseroles and muffins, baked ham, and luncheon items.

The Knights’ family of the quarter for the last quarter of 2021 was Alberto and Sandy Miranda.

Newcomers: Robert Jr. and Dixie Heininger Notre Dame, Greeneville A Mass was celebrated at 6 p.m. on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, Friday, Feb. 11, also called World Day of the Sick. Anointing of the sick was available.

Parish notes continued on page B8

St. Anthony Bread feeds the needy at Thanksgiving time St. Anthony Bread (SAB), an outreach ministry of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Mountain City, distributed food at Thanksgiving time. The ministry believes that feeding people in need is one way it can show the love of Christ and build trusting relationships with people in the community. Parish and community volunteers order, pick up, organize, bag, and distribute food to needy individuals and families living in the community who are dealing with difficult life circumstances.

Clothing and hygiene products are also available to SAB clients. SAB provides help to people in Johnson County through the generosity of individuals and groups who donate to support the ongoing work of the food pantry. In addition, 10 percent of the parish weekly offertory collection goes to SAB to help fund the ministry. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. SAB is open on first Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on third Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Free health care is available at St. Anthony Church on first Thursdays and is provided by Crossroads Medical Mission and First United Methodist Church.

Leni Smith and Richard Thum are the SAB coordinators.

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

The third annual Green & Gold Gala, Notre Dame High School’s premier fundraiser, will be held from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at Stratton Hall, 3146 Broad St. in Chattanooga. The Mardi Gras–themed evening includes dinner, a bar, live and silent auctions, a DJ, and casino games. All proceeds will go toward new brick entrance signage at the school. Individual tickets are $50, and sponsorships are available. To purchase tickets, visit myndhs.ejoinme.org/ tickets or call Kathy Martin at NDHS at 423-624-4618.

A women’s silent Lenten retreat, themed “Our Lady, Spouse of the Holy Ghost,” is set for Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, at St. Mary Church in Athens. Father Michael Hendershott will be the retreat master, and members of the Sisters of the Children of Mary religious community will be assisting.

The next Picture of Love engagedcouples retreat is scheduled for 6:45 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriage-preparation program for engaged couples explores the joys and challenges of living out life together as a married couple with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life.

The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon. The cost is $135 per couple, and the experience will qualify couples for a $60 discount on a Tennessee marriage license.

Snacks, a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations if needed. For more information, e-mail kbyrne@dioknox.org or call Karen Byrne at 865-584-3307 or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ picture-of-love-program-for-engagedcouples-registration-177346356727.

Search for Christian Maturity retreat No. 164 in the Chattanooga Deanery is set for the weekend of Feb. 25-27 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The weekend begins between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday. Search helps Catholic high school juniors and seniors take a fresh look at their own faith journey, reflecting on their place within their families, schools, parishes, and community as a disciple of Christ.

This is accomplished through activities and experiences that lead participants to a renewed understanding of Christ at work in their lives. Search is facilitated by teens for teens with the guidance of adult Search coordinators. The main focus of the retreat is TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

Decorators beautify Holy Spirit Church at Christmastime A number of decorators made sure Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy was beautifully decorated inside and out at Christmastime. Decorators were Mark and Judy Speck, Julie and Jessie Pohl, Eddie Belko, Mimi Pulliam, Aimee Barbre, Cecy Dunning, Cheryl Cambron, Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, Ken Frische, Scott Victoria, Jack Perry, and Christina Dobson.

Catholic Charities is hosting a Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat the weekend of May 6-8, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center, 250 Locke Lane in Benton, for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. If you are unable to attend a weekend retreat, oneon-one counseling is available with counselors who have been trained in this area. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org. All COVID-19 restrictions will be followed during the retreat.

COURTESY OF MARIA WHISTON (2)

The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will pack 40,000 meals for children and family in developing countries in an event Saturday, March 26, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Two shifts are available, 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To learn more or sign up, contact Patty Johnson at sheltonpatty@citlink.net.

St. Joseph School in Knoxville is now enrolling pre-K (4) through eighth-grade students. Contact azengel@sjsknox.org, call 865-6893424, or visit www.sjsknox.org for more information.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is set for Feb. 25-27 in Johns Creek, Ga. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org, call 678242-WWME, or e-mail applications@ GATN-wwme.org. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www.foryourmilitary marriage.com.

Join Father Jerry Daniels and Deacon Al Forsythe on a pilgrimage to Italy from May 2-13, including Rome, Assisi, San Giovanni, Pompeii, and Sorrento.

Pilgrims will have the opportunity to be present at the Wednesday papal audience in St. Peter’s Square and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, the Holy Stairs, Gesu church, where they will see the relics of St. Francis Xavier, to name just a few of the many sites they will visit in Rome.

The travelers will go on to Assisi, with a stop along the way to visit the Miracle of the Eucharist of Bolsena. They will stay two nights in Assisi, where they will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Chapel of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his call to rebuild the Church. The pilgrims will go on to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio, and visit Manopello, the old Capuchin Monastery. The pilgrimage includes Monte Sant’Angelo and Capri. For a more detailed itinerary and registration information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@ select-intl.com.

Father Arthur Torres of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga, Father Miguel Velez of St. Patrick in Morristown, and Father Fredy Bonilla of Shepherd of the Valley in Central Point, Ore., are leading an 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land from July 4-14. Cost from Atlanta is $3,790 per person. For more information, call 832-406-7050 or e-mail info@nativitypilgrimage.com.

St. Michael the Archangel parishioners attend Family Advent Night St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin held a Family Advent Night for adults and children Dec. 1. The evening was filled with food, laughter, popcorn, and pizza, and there was the making of an Advent wreath and a movie showing of “The Nativity.” More than 70 participants enjoyed the evening.

COURTESY OF LANA SMITH

The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its 32nd annual convention Thursday through Saturday, April 28-30, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. The theme this year is the Holy Family.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate the opening Mass at 4:30 p.m. April 28. Deacon Scott Maentz will deliver a keynote talk at 7:30 p.m. Arlene Webb and Leah Carroll will give presentations on April 29, and Sister John Catherine Kennedy, OP, will give a presentation April 30. Early-bird registration is $115.

Visit www.kdccw.org/conventions.html to register or learn more.

threefold: motivating the youth to seek a personal relationship with Christ, getting young people involved with their respective parishes, and promoting leadership. Cost is $85, and the registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 14.

To learn more, contact Donna Jones at djones@dioknox.org or (to register) visit dioknox.org/events/search-164.

Search 165 is April 22-24.

St. Dominic parishioners take part in Pro-Life Prayer Chain The Knights of Columbus at St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport sponsored the city’s annual Pro-Life Prayer Chain that was held Jan. 23. Forty-two people were present, representing seven churches. St. Dominic had 29 in attendance, including pastor Father Michael Cummins, associate pastor Father Emmanuel Massawe, AJ, Deacon Frank Fischer, and Glenmary Brother Ken Woods.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 6 p.m. most Thursdays at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914, meets for Divine Liturgy every first, second, and fourth Sunday at 3 p.m. All services are in English.

Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-621-8499 or visit www.facebook. com/SaintThomasKnoxville/ for more details. n

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

Ash Wednesday is March 2. The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, for the Chattanooga and Five Rivers deaneries and at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 6, for the Cumberland Mountain and Smoky Mountain deaneries, both at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Catechumens will be baptized and confirmed and receive their first Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil, while candidates will be confirmed and receive their first Holy Communion.

COURTESY OF MONSIGNOR AL HUMBRECHT

Calendar

Committee, Knights donate $1,750 to Special Olympics On Dec. 20, the chairman of the KIND Committee at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville, Ron Campbell (third from left), along with members of Knights of Columbus Council 8860, presented a check for $1,750 to Area 32 Special Olympics coordinator Cristy Thacker. She was accompanied by Kelly Middleton, Special Olympics assistant, and Justin, an athlete. All are pictured along with St. Henry Grand Knight Bill Hewitt (fourth from right) and St. Henry pastor Father Bart Okere (right). The funds were made possible through a KIND foundation grant program.

KIND is a Tennessee state Knights foundation.

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

FEBRUARY 6, 2022 n B5

Parish goes back to the early 1990s, when an idea for a Vietnamese Catholic community in the Knoxville area was first spoken. As Bishop Stika reminded the Jan. 30 congregation, their community got underway with a monthly Mass at Immaculate Conception before moving to Knoxville Catholic High School. Then in 2012, Bishop Stika announced to the community that it had its first permanent priest, Father Hoan Dinh, and a name: Divine Mercy Catholic Mission, with plans to relocate to their own place of worship.

Mass times were increased from twice a month to each Sunday, with daily Masses on Tuesday and Wednesday. By this time, the community had grown from about 35 members to about 400, or some 150 families.

On Nov. 17, 2013, Bishop Stika dedicated the Church of Divine Mercy, which is located at 10919 Carmichael Road, not far from the intersection of Lovell Road and Pellissippi Parkway. Father Nguyen has served as parochial administrator of Divine Mercy since June 2019. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 2009.

At the end of Mass, longtime Divine Mercy parishioner Jonny Pham, representing the parish, welcomed Bishop Stika and thanked him for celebrating Mass on such an important day for the Vietnamese community. He also welcomed several Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., who attended Mass.

“Dear Bishop Stika and the Sisters of Mercy, on behalf of the staff and Church of Divine Mercy Parish, we want to take this opportunity to say thank you and welcome you to our Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration Mass. It is a great blessing to have all of you here with us today,” Mr. Pham said. “Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tet in our language, is the most important annual celebration in Vietnam, with both cultural and historical significance. It is a celebration that brings the whole

family together. It is a time for food, festivities, and most importantly, family and friends.”

“It’s a time for new beginnings.

It’s a time for a fresh start. It’s a time to make some resolutions.

It’s a time to forget the past and celebrate a new start,” Mr. Pham continued. “Grace and peace to you from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Happy New Year to all the members of our congregation, church staff, and all of you visiting with us today. We are so thrilled that you have chosen to wake up early and rejoice in this new year of life with us at the Church of Divine Mercy. … The Year of the Tiger.”

Mr. Pham explained to Bishop Stika that a Vietnamese tradition at New Year’s is giving gifts, and he invited the shepherd of the Diocese of Knoxville to accept a small gift as luck and success for the coming year.

Several Divine Mercy youth presented the bishop and Father Nguyen with flowers, and then the bishop and priest were asked to pick a small scroll from a basket with a New Year’s wish written on it.

Bishop Stika selected a scroll and then read it aloud. “It’s from the Gospel of St. Matthew: ‘You are the light of the world.’”

The bishop then read the scroll in Vietnamese, which drew a round of applause. As he ended Mass, the bishop told the congregation, “I’m happy to be here. And remember, we’re all the light of the world.”

Myhien Bui, who has been a member of the Church of Divine Mercy for nine years and attends with her mother, remarked how the Vietnamese Catholic community is growing significantly in East Tennessee. She pointed out how a similar community is organizing in Chattanooga and hopes to form a Diocese of Knoxville church there.

And she said there is a significant number of Vietnamese Catholics in the Morristown area.

“I think it’s amazing. I moved

Vietnamese smorgasbord Members of the Church of Divine Mercy take part in a buffet of Vietnamese delicacies following a Mass to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year. here from Minnesota, and I’m thrilled my children can learn the faith, the culture, and the traditions,” Ms. Bui said.

She shared Bishop Stika’s positive impression based on the number of children in the community and the overall growth, especially in the face of the COVID pandemic.

And as if the Vietnamese community’s New Year’s celebration wasn’t divinely inspired enough, the Year of the Tiger got off to an unexpectedly strong start when the Cincinnati Bengals caught the professional football world off guard by unexpectedly winning their way to the Super Bowl. n

The body of Christ Bishop Stika and Father Nguyen distribute Holy Communion.

COURTESY OF BRITTANY GARCIA (4)

Say it with flowers Church of Divine Mercy youth present Bishop Stika and Father Nguyen with flowers in commemoration of the Vietnamese New Year.

BILL BREWER (3)

Divine Mercy continued from page B3

DYMAC members deliver gifts to residents of Samaritan Place Members of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council (DYMAC) deliver gifts from Chancery staff members to residents of Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Place in December. The young people chatted with residents (below), called bingo (top right), and sang “O Holy Night” (bottom right).

B6 n FEBRUARY 6, 2022

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES (2)

COURTESY OF CATHY CLIFFORD (2)

Catholic schools

Championship hardware Devyn Dunn holds the state tournament MVP plaque and the team state-title trophy for Knoxville Catholic High School following the Lady Irish’s championship run last fall.

KCHS’s Dunn, Smith named Gatorade Players of the Year

Bishop Stika visits OLPH School Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga enjoyed a visit from Bishop Richard F. Stika on Jan. 28. The bishop presided at a Mass celebrating the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of students and universities. Bishop Stika reminded his audience that Thomas Aquinas was a student at one time and inspired students that they, too, can be teachers even at their age. After Mass, the bishop visited each of the classrooms and met with almost every student. Bishop Stika shared stories with the students that were filled with both wisdom and humor. In return, middle school students shared the skills they have been developing in the SmartLab, specifically with the air compressor and the green screen. Students in elementary school shared their knowledge of Spanish and exchanged jokes. The bishop also had many moments to pray with students.

DR. KELLY KEARSE (2)

I

KCHS basketball teams take on Webb Knoxville Catholic High School’s basketball teams took on Webb School of Knoxville for the first time in seven years when the Fighting Irish hosted the Spartans on Jan. 14. Above, Knoxville Catholic’s BJ Edwards puts up a shot over Webb’s Markeis Barrett. At left, the Lady Irish’s Sydney Mains attempts a free throw.

The KCHS boys topped Webb 62-56, while the Lady Irish outscored the visitors 46-38. The Fighting Irish have since improved to 20-3 with a road win over Webb, 6350, among the victories.

The Lady Irish improved to 17-7 with a 56-39 win at Webb on Jan. 28 and a 61-28 victory over Girls Preparatory School of Chattanooga on Feb. 1.

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

n its 37th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade on Jan. 11 announced Devyn Dunn of Knoxville Catholic High School as its 2021-22 Gatorade Tennessee Volleyball Player of the Year and on Jan. 31 announced Keegan Smith of KCHS as its 2021-22 Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross Country Player of the Year.

Devyn is the first Gatorade Tennessee Volleyball Player of the Year to be chosen from Knoxville Catholic High School. Keegan is the second Boys Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Knoxville Catholic High School, after Jake Renfree, now at the University of Notre Dame.

The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.

Devyn, a 5-foot-8 junior setter, led the Fighting Irish to a 34-10 record and the Division II-AA state championship this past season. Devyn compiled 737 assists, 253 digs, 73 kills, and 61 service aces. The MVP of the state tournament, she is a two-time All-Region selection and was named the 5Star Preps Player of the Year.

Devyn has volunteered locally on behalf of youth volleyball programs.

Devyn has maintained a 3.36 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

Keegan, a 5-foot-8, 115-pound freshman, won the Class AA, Division II, state meet this past season with a time of 15:29.09, breaking the tape 24.28 seconds ahead of his next-closest competitor and leading the Fighting Irish to a fifth-place finish as a team. Keegan set a national freshman record with his secondplace finish in 14:53.79 at the 5K Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Ala., and he was the only freshman boy in the country to qualify for the national Eastbay Cross Country Championships, where he finished 35th. Before high school, he won 21

national championships in outdoor and indoor settings in association with the AAU, the Junior Olympics, and the Track and Field Coalition of the United States. He still holds five age-specific national records.

In his most recent meets, Keegan was the only freshman to run in the 114th Millrose Games Time Trials in New York City in late January.

He placed seventh out of 25 runners with a time of 4:20.97 (mile).

Keegan recently ran in Louisville, Ky., at the Southern Showcase. He placed fifth in the 800 meters out of 43 runners and set a new personal record of 1:58. He placed first in the mile out of 56 runners and set a new personal record of 4:20.36. As a result, Keegan is currently the No. 1–ranked freshman in the USA in both the 800 and the mile. He also broke the freshman national crosscountry record, running 14:53.79 at the Southern Showcase, which was also the fastest time recorded by any runner in Tennessee this season.

A member of the Knoxville Catholic High student council, Keegan has volunteered locally on behalf of the Knoxville Bridge Ministry and at the Columbus Home children’s shelter.

He has also donated his time as part of multiple community service initiatives through his school’s Rotary International Interact Club, which conducts “service above self” initiatives to benefit the community.

Knoxville Catholic cross country coach Sean O’Neil said, “Keegan’s cross-country season this year was incredible, especially when you consider that as a freshman basically every experience was new to him.

He was at a new school with a new team and a new coach, racing a distance that he was not used to, and on courses that were unfamiliar to him. None of that mattered. Keegan is phenomenally talented, has a great work ethic, and he handled his freshman year like a seasoned veteran. He has absolutely earned all the accolades he has coming his way.”

Players of the year continued on page B10

Top runner A freshman at Knoxville Catholic, Keegan Smith has already compiled numerous state and national accolades.

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

FEBRUARY 6, 2022 n B7

CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Meeting the Holy Father Pope Francis touches a boy’s head during a meeting with children from Italy’s Catholic Action at the Vatican on Dec. 18. The Catholic Action children’s groups have spent months on a religious-education program with the motto “Tailored for You.”

Pope to kids: Jesus loves you, wants you to love others ‘We are not photocopies; we are all original!” the Holy Father tells children

A

t a rather formal meeting in the Apostolic Palace and a more relaxed one with balloons and silly hats in the Vatican audience hall, Pope Francis told children that Christmas is a sign of how much God loves them, and they are called to share that love.

Meeting in the ornate Clementine Hall on Dec. 18 with young members of Catholic Action children’s program, a parish-based program for youngsters 4-14, the formality was not complete.

As a toddler roamed the room,

By Cindy Wooden/Catholic News Service

checking out everything, Pope Francis told the parents to let him be and told the other kids that they, too, should have the courage to investigate their surroundings.

The appointment Dec. 19 in the Vatican audience hall was one that included gifts of warm coats and sweets for the little ones and a slightly belated and slightly marred birthday cake for the pope—two of the little ones who helped present the cake each ran a finger through the icing before the singing was over.

Pope Francis had turned 85 on

Dec. 17, and the children from the Vatican’s St. Martha pediatric clinic helped him celebrate. The clinic, run by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, helps families in need both of medical care and of help with clothing, food, and diapers. Many of the parents are foreign workers or migrants without access to Italian government assistance or health care.

The Catholic Action children’s groups have spent months on a religious-education program with the motto “Tailored for You.”

“I like this theme,” the pope told them, because it starts with the idea of “clothes made to measure, with accessories appropriate for different people.”

“It is beautiful because each of us is a unique person. No two are alike,” he said. “We are not photocopies; we are all original!”

“This is how Jesus sees you,” Pope Francis said. “He loves you as you are, even if someone does not respect you and thinks you count for little.”

“Jesus, who came into the world

sored a right-to-life rosary on Jan. 23 at the church.

percent to the council.

IC is celebrating its annual Haiti Fest with a drive-through fundraiser for its Haitian sister parish’s school. On Saturday, March 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. or Sunday, March 6, from 12:45 to 2 p.m., parishioners may pick up Caribbean cuisine from their vehicle. Cost is $15 for one dinner or $50 for a family of four or more.

Pope continued on page B10

Parish notes continued from page B4 The St. Elizabeth’s Guild at Notre Dame was honored by the Tennessee Health Care Association as the volunteer group of the year in recognition of the guild’s care and concern for patients at Life Care Center of Greeneville.

The main church and parish hall recently had no running water, and Notre Dame thanked Jim Williams, Pedro Gonzalez, John Seehoffer, and Charlie Cronan among others for tracking down the problem and fixing it.

Notre Dame’s sister parish in Haiti recently received a donation of $6,000 from parishioners to help with repairs to the church and rectory following a recent earthquake.

The parish donated $1,687 after two special collections to benefit tornado victims in the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky. The St. Catherine’s Guild recently delivered 50 crocheted and loom knit hats to the Greeneville Isaiah 117 House.

The parish helped feed six high school girls basketball teams playing in the annual Ladies Classic tournament at Greeneville High School in December.

St. Dominic, Kingsport The Martha and Mary ministry will play bunco at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Blessed Virgin Mary room of the parish life center. Nationally known speaker and author Dr. John Bergsma will lead Martha and Mary’s retreat June 4.

Anniversary: Rick and Nancy Lemieux (40) St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton The St. Elizabeth youth group sponB8 n FEBRUARY 6, 2022

In the fall, the Knights of Columbus collected from parishioners more than 2,000 diapers and baby wipes as well as baby clothing, blankets, bottles, pacifiers, books, and $575 in monetary donations for Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center in Johnson City. They received donations from parishioners in the amount of $1,220 to help students with intellectual disabilities. In addition, the Knights collected 262 pounds of food at the church in their annual Advent food drive for ARM (Assistance and Resources Ministry) in Elizabethton.

Contributions of wrapped gifts and money from the parish as well as from teachers and staff at Harold McCormick School made Christmas possible for 91 underprivileged children at the school in the annual Angel Tree program.

Parishioners married 50 or more years in 2021 included Bill and Elaine Pate (53), Margaret and Edward Vines (55), Ric and Norma Martin (55), Jim and Sandy Laurilla (58), Dede and Jerry Noyes (57), Daniel and Teresa Bellar (61), Mike and Delores King (55), Jack and Delores Arnett (59), Paul and Laura Gurdak (50), Jim and Mary Stapleton (64), Nick and Marilyn Schicker (55), and Jennie and Ray Mace (54). Other special anniversaries at St. Elizabeth in the last half of 2021 were Ronald and Vivian Clark (30), Jeff and Kip Anderson (35), Michael and Nina Marchioni (40), and Mel and Deanna Irick (30).

St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus are continuing their Freddy’s Steakburgers fundraiser. Those who eat at Freddy’s in Morristown from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, and June 23 should mention “Knights of Columbus,” and the restaurant will donate 15

Parishioners are invited to attend a “Sacred Art Retreat: Pottery, Pysanky, and Prayer” on March 18-19, hosted by the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, N.C. Participants can make their own kiln-fired bowl with personalized prayer stones and learn the ancient craft of making pysanky eggs. Attendance is limited; register by calling 828-3277441, e-mailing info@catholicconference.org, or visiting www.catholicconference.org/art-retreat.

Anniversaries: Arturo and Margarita Russell (15), Jason and Lauren Carroll (10), Jose Mercado and Marisol Romero-Pascual (5), Marty and Rosa Vaughn (5)

The parish celebrated the birthdays Feb. 1 of both pastor Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, and priest in residence Father Jim Haley, CSP. The IC women’s group will sponsor a “Making a Plastic Mat” workshop at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in the parish hall. Two parishioners of St. Albert the Great in Knoxville will instruct participants. The mats will be given to the homeless.

Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville The Knights of Columbus will serve spaghetti lunches after the 10 a.m., noon, and 2:30 p.m. Masses on Sunday, Feb. 27. Ron Henry will deliver a 10- to 15-minute talk on how the Knights can help parish families’ financial needs.

The Knights thanked Bill Ellithorpe, Phil Oakley, and John Saucier for keeping council members fed at each monthly meeting.

“Christmastide at Holy Ghost” included a yuletide ball on Dec. 27, a potluck of soup and bread and a children’s Nativity play Dec. 28, a eucharistic procession Jan. 1, and an Epiphany gala and silent auction Jan. 8.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Knights of Columbus Council 645 will celebrate its 120th anniversary Saturday, Feb. 12. On that day, after the 5 p.m. Mass, an anniversary dinner will be held at The Foundry in Knoxville.

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

The women’s group is collecting blankets—fleece or yarn—and quilts for its annual “Wrap It Up” project that runs until the beginning of Lent. New or gently used blankets and quilts may be placed in the marked basket at the entrance to the church. The blankets will be given to people in the Meals on Wheels program.

Jim Rodgers has joined the parish staff as its new director of facilities and systems maintenance.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville The cathedral parish is holding a free Lenten retreat March 22 and 23 featuring Gus Lloyd, Sirius/XM Radio host.

The talk each night will begin at 7 p.m. A Lenten reflection will be offered March 22, and on March 23 Mr. Lloyd will talk about his book Magnetic Christianity: Using Your God-Given Gifts to Build the Kingdom.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville The Refugee Welcoming Committee, Parish notes continued on page B10 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

List of essay contest winners

K

indergarten winner: Ian Ceballos, St. Joseph School, Knoxville n Kindergarten honorable mention: Henry Sowards, St. Joseph School n First-grade winner: Billy Zengel, St. Joseph School n Second-grade winner: Gabriel Parrilla, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge n Second-grade honorable mention: Emilia “Millie” Stitz, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge n Second-grade honorable mention: Sadie Pellegrin, St. Mary School, Oak Ridge n Third-grade winner: Alexis Koronka, St. Joseph School n Third-grade honorable mention: Johnny Zengel, St. Joseph School n Fourth-grade winner: Harper Widener, St. Joseph School n Fifth-grade winner: Isabelle Swindeman, St. Joseph School

n Sixth-grade winner: Eliana Barker, St. John Neumann School, Farragut n Sixth-grade honorable mention: Ross Fox, St. Joseph School n Seventh-grade winner: Mary Zengel, St. Joseph School n Eighth-grade winner: Nathan Jungels, St. Jude School, Chattanooga n Eighth-grade honorable mention: Ryan Fillauer, St. Jude School n Eighth-grade honorable mention: Gracie Gicakara, St. Jude School n Eighth-grade honorable mention: Megan Steere, St. Jude School n High school winner: Andrew Chapman, Notre Dame High School, Chattanooga n High school winner: Rylie Lumley, Notre Dame High School n High school winner: Gracie Wade, Notre Dame High School n

Essay contest entrants love their Catholic schools

T

o celebrate the gift of Catholic school education, Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of Catholic Schools, sponsored a Catholic Schools Week essay contest for kindergarten-throughgrade-12 students in any of the 10 Catholic schools.

Students were asked to write on what Catholic school means to them and to describe in their own words the benefits of attending Catholic school and the impact of Catholic school education on their life now and in the future. Students competed against students in their own grade level. There were more than 270 entries. Students in kindergarten through second grade were encouraged to illustrate their writing, and students in grades three through five were asked to write in cursive or use the computer for a final copy. Winners were selected based on evaluative criteria, including their grammatical and expressive-writing ability, creativity, and how closely the content captures or exemplifies the mission of Catholic schools: to prepare scholars, leaders, and saints. Listed below are excerpts from the essays with a little about each of the winners.

Ian Ceballos, kindergarten student from St. Joseph School in Knoxville, shared his reasons for loving St. Joseph. He stated, “I love St. Joseph because my teachers read to us. Our school has different cultures.” Henri Sowards, kindergarten student also from St. Joseph, shared his love by saying, “We can pray.” Any schoolteacher knows that a key part of any school day is lunch. First-grade student Billy Zengel, St. Joseph, stated emphatically, “We have the best lunches and the BEST part is the blessing.” Billy also loves “the singing at Mass.”

Second-grade winner Gabriel (Gabe) Parrilla from St. Mary

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

School in Oak Ridge wrote that he loves his Catholic school “because the teachers care for us. Also I get to go to the chapel and see God.” Gabriel loves that “the Fathers come to our classroom to talk to us. And his friends are nice.” Emilia Stitz and Sadie Pellegrin, both secondgrade students at St. Mary, wrote about their love of the atrium and being able to pray to Jesus. St. Mary School has an atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd that is a focal point of the school.

The message of God’s love and infinite forgiveness was beautifully conveyed by third-grade student Alexis Koronka when she said that “Catholic school has taught me that I do not have to be perfect because God loves me anyway. Catholic school teaches us how to forgive each other. When we make a mistake, the teachers help us to learn from them. Catholic school makes me feel safe and loved every day.”

Fourth-grader Harper Widener shared that “the teachers teach us all we need to know about God from the time of Adam and Eve to Jesus’ resurrection. This will make us better Christians in adulthood.”

And fifth-grade student Isabelle Swindeman wishes she went to a bigger school, but then she remembers that other schools are not Catholic schools. She shared how the school pushes her to be a better person and shared how she instituted a fundraiser called Art for the Heart. Giving to others has taught her how she wants to live her life.

She also shared about reading the book about the Afghanistan girl that could not go to school, Malala.

She stated, “Whenever I have a bad day or get tired of school, I imagine if someone took away my right to go to school. I love school.”

Eliana Barker was a new sixthgrade student at St. John Neumann

School in Farragut. She wrote in her winning essay that Catholic school has already made a big impact on her life. “I made new friends who were very welcoming to me as new students. They have taught me about kindness to others by showing they really care about me. Catholic school has given me so many opportunities that I didn’t have before like art, Spanish, and music.

My teachers have learning games to help the students understand the topic in a fun way. These new experiences have pushed me to explore new interests. I have learned to share Christ’s love.”

For Mary Zengel, seventh-grade winner, she “can learn things in the light of my faith.” She also wrote about the sense of community and stated that “there are no bullies, ‘mean girls,’ or groups like that at our school. I think going to a Catholic school will help me stay in the Church my whole life because I learned about and was allowed to talk about my faith at school.” For Nathan Jungels, Catholic school demonstrates excellence. The St. Jude School eighth-grade student stated that Catholic school has taught him that “greatness will never be achieved overnight, in morality nor general and social life.

Greatness only emerges from arduous labor, hope, and faith in God, and most importantly, truly wanting and reaching for success.” This school represents his “hope for a bright and successful future.”

The three winners at the high school level candidly revealed their struggles and the changes that have occurred in their lives because of Catholic school. Andrew Chapman, Notre Dame High School, stated, “When I first came to Notre Dame, I was instantly welcomed. I had no friends, all of which I left in Georgia. The teachers care so much more

w ww.di o k no x .o rg

here and help me learn how I need to learn. They are nice and friendly and even make jokes with me.” In his previous school, Andrew did not feel that he always got the help that he needed, but the teachers at his Catholic school give the care and attention that he needs, and he found that his grades stayed the same—they were always A’s— but the amount he learned grew astronomically.

Rylie Lumley confided that as a non-Catholic the concept of Catholicism intimidated her. She had not been very religious before enrolling at Notre Dame High School. On her first day, she heard Father Chris Manning speak at an all-school Mass. Through the following weeks she began to listen more. “I paid more attention to the words he was saying. I stopped listening to his words from a religious standpoint, but from a general life standpoint; it is simply the want and intention to be a better person. I am truly happy with my education at this school, and the happiness I have gained since transferring here is something I never thought I would find.” Gracie Wade also shared how her “faith in God has risen,” and she has pushed herself to seek out ways she can live through the eyes of God. “They motivated us to go out and individually find our place with God and understand that every experience is different.” Gracie has found her experience at her Catholic school has made her life more fulfilling.

“These students are only a few students who have shared their voices about the transformation that occurs each day in our Catholic schools,” Mrs. Prater said. “Catholic schools make a difference in the lives of students and families every day. To experience this difference, we invite you to visit one of our 10 Catholic schools in the diocese.” n FEBRUARY 6, 2022 n B9

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES (2)

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES

Catholic schools

DAN MCWILLIAMS

James couple establishes scholarship endowment at KCHS As it kicked off Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 31, Knoxville Catholic High School announced a $500,000 legacy gift that establishes the Therese A. and Charles L. James Scholarship Endowment. Chuck and Terry James are passionate advocates of Catholic education and great friends of the Fighting Irish. The Jameses’ gift is an example of generosity that will impact Knoxville Catholic long into the future.

From left are Joni Punch, KCHS director of institutional advancement; Terry and Chuck James; Dickie Sompayrac, Knoxville Catholic president; and Father Chris Michelson, special consultant to the president of KCHS.

National Signing Day event takes place at KCHS Eight Knoxville Catholic High School students signed national letters of intent on National Signing Day on Feb. 2 to chart their future academic and athletic careers. From left are RaaPhell Mayes, who signed in football with the University of Virginia-Wise; Eli Jones, Western Kentucky, football; Hayden Todd, Western Kentucky, football; Tommy Winton, East Tennessee State University, football; Javis Mynatt, Wofford College, football; Josh Turbyville, University of Tennessee, football; Laney Barber, Chattanooga State, softball; and Landon Lutterman, Volunteer State, baseball. See more on Signing Day in the March issue of The East Tennessee Catholic.

New addition to KCHS staff Adarius Bowman, also shown during his Oklahoma State playing days, is Knoxville Catholic’s new associate director of Admission Outreach and International Enrollment.

Knoxville Catholic hires NDHS grad, CFL star Adarius Bowman

Pope continued from page B8

photocopies.”

Especially as Christmas approaches, Pope Francis asked the children to be close to others just as Jesus is close to them, to help their friends and relatives and anyone who seems in need. And, he said, don’t forget to talk to Jesus.

With the children in the audience hall the next morning, the pope encouraged them to learn to listen and to see what other people need.

“Listen” is an important word, he told them. “Someone who doesn’t listen to others only listens to themselves. And it’s boring to only listen to yourself.” ■

K

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

as a child, believes in a world on a child’s scale, on the scale of everyone,” he said. “He made us understand this by being born in Bethlehem. But even today He makes Himself close to the children of every country and people, and He does so every day. It is the style of God, which is described in three words: closeness, compassion, and tenderness. This is God’s style, there is no other.”

But the pope asked the children to be attentive because “the bad thing is when we want to imitate others and do the things that other people do, from originals we become

‘Listen’ is an important word Pope Francis greets a boy during a meeting with children assisted by the Vatican’s St. Martha pediatric clinic in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Dec. 19. The pope offered Christmas blessings and urged the children to listen to and help people in need.

Parish notes continued from page B8 consisting of six parishioners and one friend of the parish, has been helping an Afghan family of nine settle into their new home in Knoxville. See the story on page A1.

The parish Mardi Gras party at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25, will feature a dinner, music, dancing, and a silent auction. The parish is asking for donations (above $20 in value) and gift baskets.

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee sent the parish a thank-you letter following St. John XXIII’s donation of $676 via a baby-bottle drive for the Pregnancy B10 n FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Help Center, displaced by a Nov. 28 arson fire.

The parish wished a happy birthday to pastor Father Don Andrie, CSP, on Dec. 30.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville St. Joseph the Worker welcomed new parish council members David Olako and Carole Summer and also welcomed youth representative Conrad Kemble, a freshman at Cleveland State Community College, to the council. n

noxville Catholic High School on Jan. 10 announced the hiring of Adarius Bowman as associate director of Admission Outreach and International Enrollment.

Mr. Bowman recently completed his stellar career in the Canadian Football League, where he was a three-time All Star, and he was recently honored as a member of the CFL’s All-Decade Team (2010-20) as a wide receiver. He led the CFL in receiving yards three seasons and helped lead the Edmonton Eskimos to a Grey Cup Championship in 2015.

Despite Mr. Bowman’s achievements on the field during his CFL career, he noted, “the accomplishment I am most proud of is winning the 2017 Tom Pate Memorial Award.” This award is presented to the CFL player with outstanding sportsmanship who has made a positive and significant contribution to the community. Mr. Bowman founded the nonprofit

“Adarius 4 Autism,” which creates awareness and establishes programs to help children with autism.

Mr. Bowman is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he was a two-time All-American.

He was also a Heisman Trophy semifinalist and a Biletnikoff Award finalist in 2006. He was named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2006.

Mr. Bowman is a 2003 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. In football, he was a two-time Mr. Football winner, a two-time Associated Press first-team All-State, and a 2003 U.S. Army All-American. In basketball, he was a 2003 Mr. Basketball finalist while leading the Irish to two straight state-semifinal appearances. In track and field, Mr. Bowman was a threetime high-jump state champion.

At Knoxville Catholic, in addition to his student development and outreach duties, Mr. Bowman will assist Fighting Irish football as a wide receivers coach. n

Players of the year continued from page B7

“Keegan had a killer season,” said Chelsea Osborne, head coach of Farragut High School. “To see him accomplish everything he did as a freshman was pretty amazing. He just has the drive to be the best.”

Keegan has maintained an A average in the classroom. He will begin his sophomore year of high school this fall.

Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and understands how sports instill valuable lifelong skills on and off the field. Through Gatorade’s “Play it Forward” platform, Devyn and Keegan have the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national organization of their choosing that helps young athletes realize the benefits of playing sports.

Devyn and Keegan are also eligible to submit a short video explaining why the organization they chose

www.di o k no x .o rg

is deserving of one of 12 $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $3.5 million across more than 1,300 organizations.

Since the program’s inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners, and educators.

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners, or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com or follow on social media on Facebook at facebook. com/GatoradePOY, Instagram at instagram.com/Gatorade, and Twitter at twitter.com/Gatorade. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C