NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE
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State bishops meet with governor, legislators The three get in front of lawmakers to advocate on topics important to the Church
RICK MUSACCHIO
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Shepherds and governor Gov. Bill Lee welcomes Tennessee’s three bishops, (from left) Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, and Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, to Catholic Day on the Hill. darity,” added Bishop Talley. “We can speak with one voice about the goodness of God and our desire to love God and neighbor by serving neighbor.” The bishops, along with members
of the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission, representatives of Catholic Charities, the superintendents of the Catholic schools of the dioceses, and health-care workers, spoke to the politicians about
KATIE PETERSON
he shepherds of the Catholic Church in Tennessee—Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, and Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville—came together to meet with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, members of the General Assembly, and state officials to discuss Catholic social teaching during the 2022 Catholic Day on the Hill on March 23. Catholic Day on the Hill is an opportunity for leaders of the Catholic Church to get in front of state legislators in a one-on-one environment to discuss topics important to the Church and the laws that affect the people of Tennessee. The Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission has organized a Catholic Day on the Hill annually for more than 20 years. “It’s important for the voice of the Catholic Church to be heard by our political leaders, and what we find in the state of Tennessee is a positive reception to the voice of Catholics concerning the needs of our people,” said Bishop Spalding. “I think being there in person, all three (bishops) together, speaks powerfully whether we’re talking to the executive or legislative branch.” “Having the three men who have been called by the Lord and by the Holy Father to be shepherds of the three dioceses being together and brothers, it gives us a sense of soli-
By Katie Peterson/The Tennessee Register
Sitdown meeting Bishops (from left) Spalding, Talley, and Stika meet with Sen. Randy McNally, the lieutenant governor, who is a parishioner of St. Mary in Oak Ridge. Also pictured is Rick Musacchio, executive director of the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission.
seven key points of Catholic social teaching, with special emphasis on the respect for life from conception to natural death, the care for the vulnerable, education, and health care. While expressing these points, the bishops also thanked legislators for their efforts, particularly with the General Assembly’s support of legislation preparing Tennessee to end abortion on demand in the event that the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the precedent put in place following the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade. “It’s important for the bishops of our three dioceses to let the governor and our legislators know how supportive we are of their efforts to promote the dignity of every human person, their efforts to lift up the poorest of the poor, their efforts to help bring prosperity and jobs to Tennessee, because that affects all of our people,” said Bishop Talley. And no matter what comes from the discussions, “we’ve already been successful today because we’re able to listen to our legislators and the governor, and they’re able to listen to us,” Bishop Talley said. “There’s been an interaction, a listening to one another’s hearts, and Bishops continued on page B2
Father Sturm installed as pastor of two parishes
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ather Sam Sturm recently had the feeling that it was déjà vu all over again, to quote the great Yogi Berra. Although Father Sturm has had his current assignment for some time, Bishop Richard F. Stika installed the priest as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette on Feb. 13. Father Sturm, however, is also pastor of Christ the King in Tazewell, so Bishop Stika installed him there on March 6. After the second event in Tazewell, Father Sturm commented on the double installation. “I feel I have a split personality,” he said. “No, it’s great. I’m still getting used to the drive between the two counties. I live in LaFollette in Campbell County, and I drive 40 miles to Claiborne County,” home
of Christ the King in Tazewell. Bishop Stika greeted the assembly at OLPH, a parish of some 70 families, at the start of Mass. “It’s a great joy for me to be here with you at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Even though Father Sam has been here for a bit, today I’m going to officially install him,” he said. The bishop’s homily followed the Gospel reading from Luke 6. “Are you the kind of person who says a glass is half-full or halfempty? Or perhaps, are you the kind of person when confronted with good news or bad news, you would prefer the bad news first, or the good news first? That’s kind of like the Gospel that we have today,” Bishop Stika said. “First of all, Jesus is very positive. And when we look Father Sturm continued on page B2
By Dan McWilliams
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Bishop Stika performs the rite at OLPH in LaFollette and again at Christ the King in Tazewell
All smiles Bishop Richard F. Stika and Father Sam Sturm shake hands after the document signifying Father Sturm’s installation as pastor of Christ the King Parish in Tazewell was officially signed and witnessed.
the more we communicate values to one another, the better it will be for us to walk along the way.” “It’s successful for dialogue, for conversation,” added Bishop Stika. “In order to accomplish something, its talking person to person, it’s putting a face to a particular area or a particular work, and you can’t beat human relationships.” Although Catholics only make up 4 percent of Tennessee’s population, the presence of the Church is still widespread across the state with 158 churches spread across 77 of the state’s 95 counties, 45 schools from elementary to college, eight hospitals, and six senior-living facilities. “We’re a minority Church, but we have this huge impact, this tremendous impact,” said Bishop Stika. “If you combine the three dioceses, Catholic Charities would be the No. 1 (social services) agency outside of government service, and it’s the same with education. “It’s nice to make that connection (with state legislators) because we do have many things in common in the care of people,” Bishop Stika said. And that’s in line with the overall message of the day, he said.
KATIE PETERSON (3)
Bishops continued from page B1
Capitol Hill friends Bishop Richard F. Stika greets Knoxville Catholic High School senior Spencer Stovall at Catholic Day on the Hill. Spencer recently received an appointment to West Point. “The Catholic Church will continue to make a difference because the Catholic Church is here for people,”
Bishop Stika said. “For example, with Catholic Charities, probably the majority of the people we serve
Catholic Day encounter Bishop Stika stands with Sen. Randy McNally. The senator and lieutenant governor was among a number of legislators the three state bishops met with at Catholic Day on the Hill.
at it on the surface, it seems now, how could you be blessed when you are hungry or when you are in need of something? How can you be blessed? There are some folks who believe that the more we acquire, the more possessions we have, the more comfortable we are now— that’s all it takes. And yet, in different places in the Scriptures, God tells us that that’s not always going to be the case. So the question that is raised: do you possess possessions, or do possessions possess you? You see about possessions, how they can control us and distort us and cause us to be people that we would rather not be. “I think the lesson of the Gospel today, what Jesus is saying to us, is there are things that are the opposite of what we believe, and we have to be careful that that balance is never disrupted, because it doesn’t take much. Have any of you ever committed a white lie? Don’t confess now. But we do. People do. And then all of a sudden one white lie is built on another white lie and another white lie, and all of a sudden someone at a door says they’re from the IRS. So be cautious. Be honest, and believe in what Jesus is calling us to be. The only thing that we can possess in some ways is just ourselves, and we present that to God after a long or a short life. . . . There’s another adage out there: if you were arrested tomorrow and charged with being a faith-filled Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict you?” In the pastor-installation rite, the bishop asked questions of both Father Sturm and the people assembled. “As he formally begins his service, it is right to remind both pastor and people of the mutual commitment that you make to one another in this new relationship,” Bishop Stika said. “So I ask Father, are you willing to continue to proclaim the Word of God in the tradition of the Apostles with compassion and faithfulness to the people now trusted to your care? Are you willing to continue to celebrate the sacraments B2 n APRIL 3, 2022
of the Church and thus nourish and sustain your brothers and sisters both in body and in spirit? Are you willing to guide, counsel, and cooperate with the good people of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the work of building up the Church and in the work of service to all who are in need?” Father Sturm answered “I am” to each question. “And now I ask you all, my sisters and brothers and the members of this parish you represent, are you willing to continue to hear with open ears and open hearts the Word of God as it is proclaimed to you?” the bishop asked. “Are you willing to encourage and support Father in his responsibility to continue to lead you in prayer, nourish you in your faith, and especially to celebrate with you the Lord’s sacrifice of the Mass? And are you willing to cooperate with him as he exercises the service of pastor, enabling this community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to grow in the light of the Gospel?” The people answered “yes” to the bishop’s queries. Following the profession of faith by the assembly, Father Sturm laid his hand on the Bible and took the oath of fidelity. “I, Father Sam Sturm, in assuming the office of pastor, promise that in my words and in my actions I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church. With great care and fidelity, I shall carry out the duties incumbent on me toward the Church, both universal and particular, in which, according to the provisions of the law, I have been called to exercise my service. In fulfilling the charge entrusted to me in the name of the Church, I shall hold fast to the deposit of faith in its entirety. I shall faithfully hand it on and explain it, and I shall avoid any teachings contrary to it. I shall follow and foster the common discipline of the entire Church, and I shall maintain the observance of all ecclesiastical laws, especially those contained in the Code of Canon Law. With Christian obedience, I shall follow what the bishops, as authentic doctors and teachers of the faith, declare, or
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Two bishops Bishop Stika (left) and Bishop Spalding concelebrate Mass at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Church at the start of Catholic Day on the Hill. Father Sturm continued from page B1
are non-Catholics, but it’s part of our mission that Jesus has taught, so we continue to do it.” n
Making it official Father Sam Sturm signs the document installing him as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette as Bishop Richard F. Stika and witnesses Charles Herman and Olivia Kuhens stand by. what they, as those who govern the Church, establish. I shall also faithfully assist the diocesan bishops so that the apostolic activity, exercised in the name and by mandate of the Church, may be carried out in communion with the Church. So help me God, and God’s holy Gospels on which I place my hand.” Two witnesses from OLPH parish, Olivia Kuhens and Charles Herman, joined the bishop and Father Sturm in signing the documents of installation. “Father Sam is now officially the pastor,” the bishop announced, and a round of applause followed. At Christ the King, the bishop also greeted the faithful. “Today I will officially install Father Sam as the pastor here at Christ the King. Is it all right? Do you want to keep him?” he said. In his homily, the bishop talked about the children being killed in
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Ukraine and the more than 1 million refugees from the country. “There is evil in the world. How do we know that? Because it’s in the Scriptures. It’s the reminder to all of us that Jesus talked about the devil and how he is the prince of lies, that he likes to convince, cajole, and sometimes demand,” Bishop Stika said. “I always find it interesting, anytime there’s an exorcism that needs to be done, they don’t call Ghostbusters. They always call a Catholic priest. Why? Because we believe that goodness always conquers evil. Goodness always wins. Truth always wins.” The bishop said that people can be like rivers, which—apart from flood stages—take the path of least resistance. “Sometimes our lives can be like that,” he said. “There are two adages that I always enjoy: if you want to Father Sturm continued on page B3 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
do they learn all the things that eventually separate them? From others. They allow experiences to touch their lives and then to distort. I think that the Gospel we have today is just reminding us of that. That’s why the season of Lent is such a beautiful season. It causes us to step back a little bit and to take a look at our lives to see how well we relate to God when He says, ‘come and follow,’ how well we relate to God when He says, ‘I need you to do this. I need you to trust.’ “All of us are touched by sin, and what the Lord says to us is your sins can be forgiven if you admit what those sins are. A saint is somebody who realizes that they are a sinner.” Bishop Stika’s rounds of pastor installations have been delayed by the COVID pandemic. “Father Sam’s been here a while, right? We know he’s shy and he doesn’t like to say anything,” he said. To which Father Sturm replied, “I think your beanie’s on a little tight.” “But I know he loves it here,” the bishop said, “and it seems like you all like him. I’m going to officially install him as pastor. It’s a canonical thing. Normally, I would say, I’m going to tell you all the secrets of the parish, and there are secrets about this parish that you don’t tell. You’re loving. You’re caring. You’re a community of faith. You represent the Church well. You’re also a church of hospitality, when the invasion [of tourists] comes in the summertime. But thank God, because it helps pay for the bills. That’s really not a secret, because that’s what a Catholic parish, that’s what a community of faith, does. They care for each other. They forgive each other. They work together, and they pray together.” As Father Sturm and the assembly did at LaFollette, the priest and people at Christ the King made pledges before the bishop, and Father Sturm took the oath of fidelity again. Jim and Joan Rowe were the witnesses to the signatures in Tazewell. “At the end of the creed, there’s a
Helping hand Bishop Stika was assisted at Mass at Christ the King Church by server James Barker. little formula he does with his hand on the Bible, and if he’s not sincere, he’ll get vaporized,” Bishop Stika said. “He’s the father of this community, even if you don’t like it and [as a baby cried in the pews] you want to cry about it, he’s still the father of this community. Let’s pray for each other.” When the signing of the documents was complete, Bishop Stika announced, “Father Sam is now the official pastor. You can clap if you like,” which the faithful did. Afterward, Father Sturm said he thought the ceremony at Christ the King “went very smoothly, and the people participated really well. They would have done that anyway,” he added with a laugh. Christ the King, which has about 75 families, “is a nice parish,” Father Sturm said. “They’re almost selfsufficient because they’ve had to be over the years, I think. But I find the people very ingratiating and welcoming. They’ve enjoyed and asked
for things like, ‘Can we get music in the liturgy?’ and so since that used to be my background, I said, ‘Sure, no problem.’” The people at Christ the King cleared up one mystery for Bishop Stika, who like other travelers from Knoxville passed through the town of New Tazewell before reaching Tazewell. “Is there an Old Tazewell?” the bishop asked. “You’re in it,” replied one voice from the seats. “Please know of my affection for you all,” the bishop said. “Whether it’s a small community or a large community, you’re all my communities. You’re all very, very important to me as bishop, everything that you do. In this area, there’s not a multitude of Catholics, right? That’s why we witness to others about our faith and our beliefs and what we stand for. We don’t have to apologize for that. That’s who we are.” n
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make God laugh, then tell him what your plans are for the rest of your life, and that God writes straight with crooked lines. The homily at Christ the King fell on the first Sunday of Lent and followed the Gospel from Luke 4, about Jesus’ temptation by the devil. “It’s just a reminder to all of us about temptation. Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil. He could outquote the devil from the Scriptures,” Bishop Stika said. “We, too, are tempted sometimes, right? Sometimes it might not be this great temptation to break one of the Ten Commandments. Sometimes it could be just something as simple as, we’re caught in a corner, and we just feel like lying’s the best way to do it. Do you cheat on your income tax? I don’t worry about that one.” Sin causes a sense of distortion, as when a wearer of glasses takes them off and tries to focus, the bishop said. “That’s what sin does. It distorts who we are as a child of God,” he said. Bishop Stika spoke of a Rite of Election homily he had delivered to the newly elect the day before at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. “I told them one of the ways that I can make a Catholic really nervous—I won’t do it to you today—is to ask them if they’re holy,” he said. “You might say, ‘You know, I don’t think I’m so holy.’ And yet in Genesis, what does it say to us? It says all of us were created in the image and in the likeness of God. So we are holy, but we have to discover that. And that’s what the journey of faith is all about. It’s the process of uncovering the sins, the baggage that we carry with us, uncovering all of that and discovering that we truly are holy, because God has touched us at that moment of conception when life was instilled.” The bishop said that “when babies are born, they’re not prejudiced. They’re not racist. They’re not angry. . . . They’re born pure, right? Where
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Father Sturm continued from page B2
BILL BREWER
Signing ceremony Joan Rowe and husband Jim were the witnesses to Father Sturm’s and Bishop Stika’s signatures on the document installing Father Sturm as pastor of Christ the King Parish.
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DAN MCWILLIAMS
The body of Christ Bishop Stika and Father Sturm distribute Holy Communion at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette.
A hello from the bishop Bishop Stika meets Dr. Ted Edwards and wife Trudy at Christ the King Church.
Group photo Bishop Stika greets a family at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette.
DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY
Eight confirmed at St. Joseph the Worker Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed eight young people March 27 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. Pictured with pastor Father Julius Abuh are Mariele Almanza, Kimberly Almanza, Katie Mora-Frutos, McKenzie Medina, Pamela Medina, James Lynn, Ashley Perez, and Christopher Portillo. See the confirmation story on page A7.
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Parish notes
The parish presented a teaching and exposition of a Vatican collection of sacred relics March 23. More than 150 relics, some as old as 2,000 years, were present, including relics of the Apostles, St. Joseph, St. Maria Goretti, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Faustina Kowalska. There was also a portion of the Veil of Our Lady and one of the largest remaining pieces of the True Cross in the world. St. Jude, Chattanooga The annual Jockey & Juleps fundraiser for St. Jude School is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Stratton Hall. A dinner, dance, and auction will benefit the school’s play areas. To donate auction items or sponsor the event, contact Kathie Preston at prestonk@mysjs.com. The Knights of Columbus announced that Royce and Nancy Rohling have been recognized as the March family of the month and Kevin Gabor as the Knight of the month. The Knights also recognized John and Ann Fuerer as family of the year and Duane Carleo as Knight of the year. A men’s Lenten retreat took place April 9 in the parish life center. A girls night/retreat for high schoolers with the theme “Self Care and Self Love” was held April 2. The Knights sponsored a basketball free-throw championship March 26 at St. Jude School for boys and girls in grades five through eight. The parish thanked Alan and Crystal Koenig for providing snacks for the Hospital Hospitality Ministry in February. St. Mary, Athens The parish recently prepared Easter food baskets for parishioners in need of the ministry. St. Stephen, Chattanooga The 14th annual St. Stephen Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, April 23, at Brainerd Golf Course. The fourperson, select-shot event begins with registration at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8. Cost is $90 per person and includes doughnuts and coffee, greens fee, a cart, two mulligans, hot dogs at the turn, lunch, a $10,000 hole-inone prize, awards for first and second place, and men’s and women’s longest-drive and closest-to-the-pin contests. All golfers are welcome: singles, couples, male or female of any skill level. Donated prizes and gifts are needed for door prizes. Proceeds will help the parish reupholster the church pews. Sign up in the vestibule to play, volunteer, sponsor a cart or hole, or donate. For more information, see the poster in the narthex, e-mail info@ ststephenchatt.org, call the office at 423-892-1261, or contact John at 423309-5133 or jvannucci@epbfi.com. The Council of Catholic Women met April 5 in the Small Hall. The meeting’s topic was “Preparing for Holy Week.” St. Stephen hosted volunteers to assemble Easter baskets for the Ladies of Charity on March 21 and 22. The baskets will be sold in the Ladies’ resale shop, donated, or made available to local charitable organizations at a reasonable price.
The Knights of Columbus recently collected canned food to help the less fortunate in the community. New parishioner Tom Catalano was the speaker for the Council of Catholic Women’s March meeting. He is an author and poet who offered insights from his book, “ Poems for His Glory.” Pastor Father Michael Woods bestowed a special healing blessing to those who attended Mass on March 29. Anniversaries: James and Lynda Tjaarda (62), Blaine and Lenore Drake (59), Paul and Mary Demet (59), Ralph and Juli Miller (55), Monty and Dolores Carolan (54), Douglas and Linda Smiltzer (40), Andy and Jean Mathovicu (40), Robert and Pam Arce (25), Tim and Glory Sullivan (20), Mike and Rhoda Hiller (15)
COLEEN SCHNEIDER
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga
Bach music with a box lunch on Wednesdays during Lent. Sacred music was performed by vocalist Kevin Salter and the Orfeo String Quartet of Cookeville.
Four confirmed at St. Elizabeth Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed four young people at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton on March 19, the 13th anniversary of his installation as the bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. They are (from left) Natalie Schneider, Yasmin Mendez, Lexi Culler, and Josie Johnson, with pastor Father Dennis Kress at right.
St. John Neumann, Farragut The parish spring women’s retreat is set for April 29-May 1 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. To learn more or sign up, call Yvonne Kidder at 865-363-2239. Upcoming events include a trivia night adult social May 21 and vacation Bible school June 13-17. VBS will be held in the mornings at St. John Neumann School. Volunteers are needed. To help, contact Becca at blg2790@gmail. com. The annual Daddy-Daughter Dance took place April 9 in the school gym. Melissa Foley of the Loved Already ministry spoke on the topic “Am I Worth Dying For?” on March 31 in Seton Hall in an event for women and teen girls. St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City The Council of Catholic Women will host its annual luncheon and card party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at the church. All women— and men—are urged to attend, bring friends, and be a part of this annual fundraiser. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, April 20. Contact Bette Purvis at bette410@gmail.com.
COLEEN SCHNEIDER (2)
Chattanooga Deanery
Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The spiritual life committee sponsored a Lenten meal of homemade soups and salads March 25. Donations will help fund the committee’s week of feeding volunteers with the Appalachian Outreach building projects in July. The parish thanked Archie Archambault, Jack Fletcher, Gordon Marshall, Dave Orzechowski, and Jim Pickering for repairing the door on the HVAC fence. The men saved the parish at least $2,000 by not having to replace the fence. Notre Dame, Greeneville Sandy Alter, the parish’s administrative assistant and bookkeeper, is retiring. Orders are being taken for a Council of Catholic Women plant sale. Plants are scheduled to arrive Friday, April 29, and be ready for pickup April 29 and 30.
Anniversary: Ken and Mary Stroop (59)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Hispanic ministry will have a sale of Mexican food April 30 to benefit the parish.
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman Parents of current high school seniors who would be interesting in applying for the Blessed Sacrament women’s annual scholarship should contact the office at 865-882-9838 or blessedsacramentoffice@gmail.com.
A parish Lenten retreat April 9 featured talks by Sister Peter Miriam Dolan, RSM, director of Christian formation for the diocese. Notre Dame hosted a meeting of diocesan directors of religious education and youth ministers March 31.
St. Francis of Assisi-Fairfield Glade Choir director Eric Wheeler offered B4 n APRIL 3, 2022
Several members of the Knights of CoParish notes continued on page B8
Two receive first Communion at St. Elizabeth Princess Torres (top photo) received her first Holy Communion on Feb. 26 at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton. She is pictured with Father Dennis Kress, St. Elizabeth pastor, and her parents, Naneth and Fred Atwood. Madeleine Grubb (bottom photo) received her first Communion on March 23 at St. Elizabeth. She is pictured with Father Kress.
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TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
Calendar
“Dwelling in His Heart,” a free retreat for women ages 18 to 40, is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 24, in Chattanooga. The day will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and continue at 10:45 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus fellowship hall, 313 Sylvan St. Sister Rosemary Esseff, OP, will be the guest speaker. Brunch and snacks will be provided. Register by Sunday, April 17, at tinyurl.com/cathchatt. Contact Josie at jhhartney@gmail.com or Katie at katiekjoyce5@gmail.com for more information. The Sending of the Neophytes Mass will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. New Catholics who enter the Church this Easter will be formally sent forth by Bishop Richard F. Stika at the annual ceremony. The annual Diocesan Confirmation for Adults is set for 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Richard F. Stika will confer the sacrament of confirmation on adults from around the diocese. Any adult 18 and over who has had the sacraments of baptism, first Holy Communion, and reconciliation but has not been confirmed can receive the sacrament on this date. Interested candidates should call their parish office for more information. Learn more at https://dioknox.org/adult-confirmation. Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s annual Race for Kids 5K and Family Walk will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. The fundraiser supports CCETN’s programs for children and families. Registration is $30 for adults ($35 on race day) and $15 for children under 18 ($20 on race day). To register or learn more, visit ccetn.org/raceforkids. Women ages 18 to 35 are invited to a Saturday morning “Tea with the Sisters” with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23, at the Mary, Mother of Mercy Convent, 6832 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville. The TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
The Covecrest Summer Camp, open to rising high school freshmen through graduating seniors, is planned for June 6-11 at Life Teen Covecrest, 25 Falls Drive, Tiger, Ga. Cost is $675 and includes transportation, meals, and a shirt. For forms required for youth and adult participation, a flyer, and a camp packing list, visit dioknox.org/events/ covecrest-2022. For more information, contact Brittany Garcia at bgarcia@dioknox.org or 865-776-9635. Engaged Encounter weekends are set for April 22-23 and July 22-23 at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend to plan for a sacramental marriage. It is designed to give couples the opportunity to talk privately, honestly, and intensively about their prospective lives together—their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, and goals, and their attitudes about money, sex, children, family, and their role in the Church and society—in a guided format. Cost of the weekend is $175 per couple, which includes a certificate good for a $60 discount on the couple’s marriage license in Tennessee. To receive a $60 discount, couples must attend a marriage-preparation weekend within one year of purchasing the license. To learn more or to register for a weekend, visit knoxville.engagedencounter.com or call Leslie Consoli at 865-803-6790. The annual God Camps, “Reach” and “Discover,” for incoming fifth- through eighth-graders, are taking place in June at the Harrison Bay State Park Group Camp in Harrison in the Chattanooga Deanery. The Reach camp for upcoming seventh- and eighth-graders is set for June 20-23, and the Discover camp for upcoming fifth- and sixthgraders will be held June 23-25. Camp activities include a big water day, a pool day, outdoor sports, bonfires with s’mores, prayer services, skits, crafts, the celebration of Mass, team-building activities, group interaction, and time to enjoy the park. Some highlights include four square, basketball, volleyball, capture the flag, hiking, and (for Reach) an Escape Room Adventure and (for Discover) a Treasure Hunt Adventure, along with some surprise activities planned by the leaders. God Camps give participants the opportunity to make new friendships, grow in their relationship with God, and discover who God created them to be. Costs are $140 for the Reach camp and $115 for the Discover camp and include lodging, all meals, a pool pass, activities, dance (Reach camp), and a T-shirt. For more information, contact Donna Jones at 423-622-7232 or djones6029@gmail. com. Registration forms are available at https://dioknox.org/events/reachcamp-2022 and https://dioknox.org/ events/discover-camp-2022. Registration deadline is May 27. Search for Christian Maturity retreat No. 165 in the Chattanooga Deanery is set for the weekend of April 22-24 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 Calendar continued on page B8
COURTESY OF MARIA WHISTON (2)
Singers, choir directors, organists, clergy, and others interested in sacred music are invited to the seventh Southeastern Summer Sacred Music Workshop, to be held midday Friday, July 29, through Saturday, July 30, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. The workshop is an ideal opportunity for participants to learn Gregorian chant or improve their chant skills and to prepare and sing polyphonic music for Mass Saturday afternoon. Presentations will include the history and purpose of Gregorian chant, what the Church teaches about sacred music, improving parish music programs on a limited budget, free online sources of liturgical music, and more. Cost of the workshop, including all materials, is $75 per person. Online registration is available now. Southeastern Sacred Music is a chapter of the Church Music Association of America. For more information, visit https://southeasternsacredmusic. com/, e-mail mary@holyghostknoxville. org, or call or text Mary Weaver at 865-437-8620.
Knoxville Catholic High School is hosting “Camp Irish”: a variety of summer camps this year. Camps include allsports, baseball, boys basketball, Lady Irish Future Stars, football, volleyball, junior theater, robotics, band, dance, lacrosse, soccer, and math camps. For more information, visit knoxvillecatholic. com/camp-irish/.
Lenten presentation at St. Michael the Archangel On March 18, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin welcomed Miguel Perez-Avila from California to give a bilingual Lenten presentation to parishioners. His talk included music, reflection, and prayer. Afterward, the attendees enjoyed light refreshments and fellowship.
COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY
The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the Chrism Mass, diocesan priests renew their priestly vows, and Bishop Richard F. Stika blesses the sacred chrism, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of the sick that will be used in parishes of the diocese for the next year.
morning will include prayer with the sisters as well as an opportunity to chat with them all about their vocation and personal stories. Tea, coffee, and breakfast snacks will be served. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Paola at pwolaver@dioknox.org or fill out the form at dioknox.org/events/ tea-with-the-sisters.
Elizabeth Conway recognized by Holy Spirit Knights council Knights of Columbus Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy honored Elizabeth Conway as its family of the month for February. Mrs. Conway, who contributes parish news to The East Tennessee Catholic, is pictured with Grand Knight Kevin Perry and Holy Spirit pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht.
COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT
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 “The Holy Family: Our Guidance and Strength.” 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. Visit www.kdccw.org/conventions.html to register or learn more.
St. Henry Knights present check Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville on Feb. 21 presented a check to Chip Hale House executive director Lana Young in the amount of $1,695 from the KIND Foundation. The KIND Foundation is a Knights of Columbus organization providing grant opportunities to those with special needs. After the presentation, Ms. Young shared information about the programs the Chip Hale House offered and some of the successes they have seen in the Rogersville community.
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APRIL 3, 2022 n B5
Praying for Perspective
by George Valadie
Getting ready for ‘Tornado Season 2022’ Does God get a good laugh watching us prepare our lives for an eternity we know is coming?
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n-ni-ver-sa-ry plural: anniversaries—1. The annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event, e.g., a wedding anniversary. Happily, that’s most often the context in which we use the word, marking a festive occasion of our past, a celebration with food, family, friends, and the memory of someone’s joyful day. But not always. History also marks the anniversaries of Pearl Harbor and 9/11. History won’t remember, but I’ll always recall the day my mom died, and Nancy can tell you when hers passed away as well. Around our house, we’re coming up on the two-year anniversary of the most recent tornado that destroyed a big old chunk of the city in which we live. Thankfully, all we lost was power and two slats of an old wooden fence. But two streets over, all that was left were the two streets. It was Easter Sunday night, 2020. Nancy pays more attention to our weather than the local meteorologists. Right this minute, she can tell me the highs and lows of the next five days and if there’s anything freaky in the forecast. She was all over it that night, too. She knows all about Doppler and vortexes and whatever that hook echo thing means. We were in bed, watching the weather tracker tracking toward us when she asked, “Do you think we ought to go get in the bathroom?” I’m usually a hard “no,” but for whatever reason, I agreed. And off we went—us and our black lab that did not understand vortexes, the hook, or why we were suddenly playing this stupid game at this ungodly hour. We have a full bath attached to
[W]e’re coming up on the two-year anniversary of the most recent tornado that destroyed a big old chunk of the city in which we live. Thankfully, all we lost was power and two slats of an old wooden fence. But two streets over, all that was left were the two streets. our bedroom, but we also have a half-bath on the same floor; it’s a lot smaller, and we knew enough to seek out the less spacious of the two. As we walked the 15 feet to get there, we could suddenly hear debris banging up against the back of the house in a way we’d never heard before. Don’t get me wrong, all total we were probably in there 15 minutes, if that; shortly thereafter, we were back in bed just before the power went out. As daylight broke, aware only that a tornado had been near, we went to see what we could see. In a matter of a few hundred feet, we discovered the world had come down for many and on top of many. I’d never actually seen anything approaching that sort of destruction in such an up-close and personal way. We never heard the train, but we could see the tracks. Officially, the National Weather Service designated it an EF-3 tornado that hugged the ground for nine miles at a width of 15 football fields reaching wind speeds of 145 mph. Two years later, and several of the neighborhoods are nowhere close to what they used to be. So not only do we recall the events of the past, but we also pay heed to the tornado season of the present. Our eldest daughter and her family lived here then as well, but she, her family, and their home were all well removed from the storm’s path. But her anxiety wasn’t.
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful
So this year, vowing to be as prepared as they could, she has invested in what is referred to as a “safe room.” Apparently available from “tornado-shelters-r-us,” the company brought it, installed it, and temporarily soothed her fears. With her having no basement available, she purchased three walls, a door, and a roof of quarter-inch steel plate, all boxed together and attached to and through their fourinch concrete garage floor with 14 pretty hefty looking bolts. Step off a 4-by-5-foot spot in your living room, and you’ll see she purchased barely enough standing room for her family of four and their two small dogs. The specs say it’s built for six, but I’ve been in it, and if Nancy and I happen to be visiting, we’ll likely be lashing ourselves to the “six-point locking door” from the other side. Some models advertise seating, but Katy says that costs more: “We only had enough to buy life.” Rated for EF-5 winds of 250-plus mph, their new addition is providing her with a peace of mind that means a lot these days, especially if you get anxious and have two kids who get freaked out by any old rain. I was a little bothered by the oneyear warranty and even more worried that it excludes “acts of God,” which I believe would be an apt description of Mother Nature. But she’s happy. And we’re happy for her. I have to admit I don’t typically worry about such things—certainly not as much as I should. Even so, on our end of town, my daughter’s parents cannot afford such security. We didn’t even purchase an emergency generator, even though having lost power for a week should have been motivation enough.
The timeframe of Katy’s recent purchase roughly coincided with my wife’s decision to have our kitchen cabinets painted. Similar dollars, different priorities. What can I say? On the upside, it came with a lot of de-junking of the junk we’d been storing in those cabinets. I happened to visit that half-bath we will inhabit during the next close call while the cabinet doors were all removed and sent off-site for refinishing. And to my surprise, I found the one retractable dog leash I thought we’d lost years ago. “Nanc, look here. I found this old dog leash I’ve been looking for everywhere. I almost broke down and bought one the other day cause he’s always getting tangled up in these others. I can’t imagine how it got in here?” “Oh, I moved it in there after that tornado two years ago.” “Why, might I ask?” “Leave it right there. It’s so you can hold on to Gipper. I don’t want him to blow away.” True story—that and a flashlight are how we have prepared for Tornado Season 2022. In a similar way, I imagine God gets a good laugh—or perhaps it’s a good cry—watching us prepare our lives for an eternity we know is coming. His knowing He’s all we need, knowing we know that, too. Yet we cling to the wrong things or fail to get ready at all. I wonder if He’s ever tempted to choke the free will right out of us? Dear God—You died—literally and voluntarily—so we could someday be with you. May we enjoy the journey without losing sight of the path. Amen. ■ George Valadie resides in Chattanooga and is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church.
by Bob Hunt
We have reason to sing our ‘Alleluias’ What an outrageous idea: that we, as Christians, should dare to have joy in this world “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”—1 Peter 3:15 “We are an Easter people, and ‘Alleluia’ is our song!”—St. Augustine of Hippo
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here is a great deal of trouble in the world. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominates the news, of course, while here in the United States we have our own troubles with increased crime, skyrocketing inflation, high gas prices, an insecure southern border, an opioid epidemic, political incivility, and the remnants of the pandemic. The list goes on. It seems outrageous to speak of hope and “alleluias” amidst the current political, social, and cultural milieu. How is it possible for us to remain hopeful when the world seems to be falling apart all around us? Because our hope is not founded on the cracked foundation of the promise of worldly peace or success. The Book of Revelation is an often-misunderstood book of the Bible. Many evangelical and fundamentalist Christians read Revelation as if it provided a road map to the end times. That is a dangerous approach and has led some to follow
Daily readings Friday, April 1: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-21, 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday, April 2: Jeremiah 11:1820; Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12; John 7:40-53 Sunday, April 3: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11 Monday, April 4: Daniel 13:1-9, 15B6 n APRIL 3, 2022
leaders who insisted on a specific date for the second coming, leaving everything behind, only to be disappointed. It is the faith of the Church that Christ will certainly return, and that His return will be preceded by a time of intense persecution, to the point where the Church will be almost annihilated, only to be saved by our Lord’s second coming. Written at a time when the early Church was suffering persecutions by Roman emperors, Revelation is a series of obscure visions given to John while in exile on the island of Patmos. The book is filled with bizarre images, creatures, colors, and battles. Ultimately, the book is a word of encouragement to the Christians of the first century that the victory of Christ is not only assured but also already won. If they but remain faithful, they will share in Christ’s victory over death. That message is meant for us today, and for Christians of all ages. I recall reading an interview with Daniel Berrigan, the Jesuit priest and peace activist. He was asked what gave him hope; was it the fact that more and more young people were joining the peace move-
ment? No, Berrigan answered. That more young people were joining the peace movement was good, but hope is something that keeps you going when you are all alone. “What gives you hope?” he was asked. “Only this,” he replied: “the promises of Jesus.” It is the promises of Jesus that give us hope. Not the promise of peace. Not the promise of safe neighborhoods. Not the promise of reasonable prices at the grocer or gas station. Not the promise of public civility or vaccines and medications that protect us from illness. Yes, of course, those in government, medicine, and other societal leaders, as well as the Church, are obliged to do all that can be done to secure these things as a matter of justice. But the Scriptures regularly remind us not to put our trust in “princes or mortal men” (Psalm 146:3). Good people do the best they can, but even that is not enough to bring life from death. We have reason to sing our “alleluias,” because our hope is founded on something beyond anything this world has to offer. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central claim of our faith and the
foundation of our hope. Our hope is that we, too, will be raised from the dead, that death has no hold on us. This ought to inspire in us an attitude toward daily living that rises above the cynicism and pessimism rampant in our contemporary culture. This ought to inspire in us a perspective rooted in the confidence that there is more to life than what this world has to offer. This ought to inspire in us a way of walking through this world that reflects our hope and our joy. Joy! What an outrageous idea: that we, as Christians, should dare to have joy in this world. The verse from 1 Peter implies that Christian hope would be so apparent to others that it would inspire them to inquire about the cause of that hope, so that we should be ever ready to give an explanation. And what is that explanation? The promises of Jesus. The promise of the resurrection, the promise of the victory of Christ not merely assured, but already won. Thanks be to God! Alleluia! ■
17, 19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23:1-6; John 8:12-20 Tuesday, April 5: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21; John 8:21-30 Wednesday, April 6: Daniel 3:1420, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-42 Thursday, April 7: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-9; John 8:51-59 Friday, April 8: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-7; John 10:31-42
Saturday, April 9: Ezekiel 37:21-28; Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11:45-56 Sunday, April 10: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion: At the procession with palms—Gospel, Luke 19:28-40; readings at the Mass, Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14–23:56 Monday, April 11: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11
Tuesday, April 12: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; John 13:21-33, 36-38; Chrism Mass, Isaiah 61:1-3, 6, 8-9; Psalm 89:21-22, 25, 27; Revelation 1:5-8; Luke 4:16-21 Wednesday, April 13: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Matthew 26:14-25 Holy Thursday, April 14: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Exodus
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Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville and is a candidate for the permanent diaconate.
Readings continued on page B12 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
Catholic youth
KCHS basketball teams reach state tourney The Fighting Irish fall in the championship game, while the Lady Irish advance to the semifinals
By Dan McWilliams
Closely guarded Blue Cain of Knoxville Catholic guards Chandler Jackson of Christian Brothers during the first half of the Division II, Class AA statechampionship game. Blue scored 31 points and tourney MVP Chandler 20 in the contest. trimmed the deficit to 40-38 and 4240 in the third period before Christian Brothers went on a 10-0 run to make it 52-40 with 2:45 left, capped by a jumper by Mr. Basketball winner and state-tournament MVP Chandler Jackson. Three-pointers by BJ and Blue and a jumper by Yesan left KCHS down 58-48 after the quarter ended. Knoxville Catholic made the game close down the stretch. Three free throws by BJ and a jumper and two free throws by Blue cut the deficit to 59-55 with 6:12 left. Another field goal and two free throws by Blue made it 63-59 Christian Brothers with 4:46 remaining. With 3:18 left, BJ nailed a 3 to trim the lead to 63-62, but the Purple Wave would pull away from there, leading by as many as nine points. A layup by Deondrea with 5 seconds left provided the final margin. The Purple Wave shot 66 percent from the floor, going 31-for-47 and making numerous layups. “It was a very tough game,” BJ said afterward. “We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds, I feel like. We gave up a lot of points as well.”
Mr. Hutchens said he was proud of the current Fighting Irish players. “These last three years are three of the best teams in the history of Catholic,” he said. “We won the state. We’re playing in one of the toughest divisions in the state of Tennessee. This year we traveled all over the place; 14 of our first 15 games were away. They just fought every night and got themselves to this point. I guess there’s a lot of other teams KCHS basketball continued on page B12
Last dance Michael Hutchens shouts instructions to his KCHS team during the state finals, which was Mr. Hutchens’ last game as Fighting Irish head coach.
BILL BREWER (2)
COURTESY OF STEPHANIE GREINER (2)
and Deondrea made the all-tournament team for KCHS. “I just try to play my role, play whatever the game needed,” Blue said afterward. “I think today we needed a little bit of scoring, so I just tried to do that.” For Knoxville Catholic (29-4), the loss ended a 19-game winning streak. KCHS finished the season unbeaten against Knoxville-area teams. The KCHS boys ended Brentwood Academy’s unbeaten season with a 63-55 triumph in the semifinals March 3 in Cookeville. “I wish we could have won, but I couldn’t get upset with these guys the way they’ve played the last four years,” Coach Hutchens said after the championship game. “It’s been phenomenal. They’re a class act, all of them.” The Lady Irish fell to eventual state champion Ensworth 65-43 in the semifinals March 3 at Tennessee Tech. Sydney Mains scored 20 and Jazmine Williams 10 for the KCHS girls. The KCHS boys trailed at the end of each quarter against Christian Brothers (28-0). Yesan Warren hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 17-17 with 45 seconds left in the first period, but the Purple Wave answered with a trey with 2 seconds left to take a 20-17 lead into the second quarter. Knoxville Catholic, which held several leads in the first quarter, trailed throughout the second stanza. The Purple Wave stretched their lead to 32-22 with 3:31 remaining before a layup by Blue, a steal and layup by BJ, two free throws by BJ, and a free throw and 3-pointer by Blue helped cut Double-teamed KCHS’s BJ Edwards tries to the deficit to 36-32 at make a move against Christian Brothers’ Zion halftime. Owens (left) and Hunter Pratt. The Fighting Irish
DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)
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noxville Catholic High School’s basketball teams again advanced far in the postseason as the Fighting Irish boys team finished as the state runner-up and the Lady Irish fell in the state semifinals. The runner-up finish for the KCHS boys follows a state-semifinal appearance last year and a state championship in 2020. The championship-game loss also ended the career of Fighting Irish head coach Michael Hutchens, who retired after this season. The KCHS girls, making their second straight state-tournament appearance, finished runnerup last year. Undefeated Christian Brothers ended the Fighting Irish boys team’s season in the Division II, Class AA state-championship game March 5 with a 79-72 win in the BlueCross Basketball Championships in the Hooper Eblen Center on the campus of Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. Blue Cain racked up 31 points for the Irish, University of Tennessee commitment BJ Edwards added 21 points and nine rebounds, and Deondrea Lindsey contributed 13 points with 10 rebounds. Blue, BJ,
Bishop Stika meets with DYMAC members at Sacred Heart Bishop Richard F. Stika met with members of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council (DYMAC) on March 26 in the Shea Room at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. During the meeting was a “Who knows Bishop Stika Best?” trivia time, where Brittany Garcia, director of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry for the diocese, read statements about Bishop Stika (like he is a Red Sox fan or he was born on the Fourth of July—the first statement is false: he is an ardent St. Louis Cardinals fan, but the second statement about his birthdate is true). The teens answered “true” or “false,” and whoever got the most right at the end won. Bishop Stika discussed the topic of pastoral care and what that means to him. The meeting ended with a time of Q&A where DYMAC members could ask Bishop Stika any question regarding the Catholic faith. From left are Mrs. Garcia, Sean McCormick, Natalie Osorio, Jack Osorio, Bishop Stika, Nicole Hirtreiter, Anna Lisowski, Christin Casey, and Donna Jones, Chattanooga Deanery coordinator of youth ministry. TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
St. John Neumann youth completes Eagle Scout project Mason Marlowe, an eighth-grade student at St. John Neumann School in Farragut, completed his Eagle Scout project on a recent weekend. Mason, who is also a member of St. John Neumann Parish, raised funds for, designed, and led the construction of a gaga ball pit for the school. Some of his troop members and school friends assisted in the construction. Mason put in more than 140 hours of time in the project. Because of Mason’s hard work, dedication, and excellent planning and leadership skills, students at St. John Neumann will enjoy the fruits of his labor for years to come. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in Boy Scouts.
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APRIL 3, 2022 n B7
COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD (4)
Notre Dame High School Green & Gold Gala raises $100,000 The third annual Green & Gold Gala at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga on Feb. 26 raised $100,000 that will be used for signage around the school, including a new entrance sign and landscaping. The gala is Notre Dame’s premier fundraiser each year.
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Calendar continued from page B5 main focus of the retreat is 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. To learn more, contact Donna Jones at djones@dioknox.org or (to register) visit dioknox.org/events/ search-165. Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is currently accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year. Visit www.myndhs.com to apply online. Call Laura Goodhard at 423624-4618, extension 1004, for more information. St. Joseph School in Knoxville is now enrolling pre-K (4) through eighth-grade students. Contact azengel@sjsknox.org, call 865-689-3424, or visit www.sjsknox. org for more information. Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Homeschool Support Group is a Catholic homeschool support group in Knoxville and surrounding areas that is recognized by the diocese as a Private Association of the Faithful. The group supports one another as families who choose to educate their children at home in order to live, teach, and preserve their Catholic Christianity. The group celebrates Mass together and has a monthly holy hour; has regular park gatherings, field trips, and feast day celebrations; offers faith-based small groups for children, teens, and adults, as well as many other activities. For more information, contact Lenore Pacitti at lmgouge@gmail.com or 865-684-6358, or Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com or 865-742-3534. Catholic Charities is hosting a free 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, one-onone counseling is available with counselors who have been trained in this area. The deadline for registration is April 29. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is set for April 29-May 1 in Johns Creek, Ga. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org, call 678-242B8 n APRIL 3, 2022
WWME, or e-mail applications@GATNwwme.org. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www.foryourmilitarymarriage.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. Father Julian Cardona of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City is leading a pilgrimage to Mexico to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other religious points of interest. The departure date is Sept. 26 and the return date Oct. 2. Mass will be celebrated each day in special churches. To download the brochure, visit www.selectinternationaltours.com. In the search box type “Jim Gecsei.” Call Mr. Gecsei at 865-8033555 for more information. Father Bill McNeeley of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will be the spiritual director for a pilgrimage to Ireland from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. Pilgrims will visit Dublin, Wicklow, Glendalough, Tipperary, the Rock Of Cashel, Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Shannon, the Cliffs Of Moher, Corcomroe Abbey, Galway, Corrib Lake, Clonmacnoise, and Knock. Cost is $3,759 per person from Knoxville. For more information, visit www.pilgrimages. com/frmcneeley. 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.KnoxLatin Mass.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 information. n
lumbus attended a ribbon-cutting of the Hope Center’s Honeysuckle Studios Maternity Apartments in February. The Knights donated $5,000 for furnishings for the apartments. The Hope Center in Greeneville offers pregnancy services. Anniversaries: Mike and Linda Jones (58), Jim and Barbara Williams (54) St. Dominic, Kingsport An eight-week grief-sharing group began March 24. Ray Vachon is the facilitator. A Holy Week Seder ritual and meal took place April 13. The Knights of Columbus, in collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, are conducting a “Forty Cans for Lent” food drive. Youth in grades six through 12 hiked to a waterfall in Church Hill on March 5.
(among many other things). Associate pastor Father Michael Hendershott was retreat master for “Our Lady, Spouse of the Holy Ghost,” a women’s silent Lenten retreat March 25-26 at St. Mary Church in Athens. Pastor Father Bill McNeeley began a 12week Bible Study on “The Bible and the Church Fathers” on April 6 at St. Joseph School. Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The Haiti committee announced that this year’s drive-through meal raised more than $7,000 to supplement the parish’s usual giving to St. Francis Xavier School in Fond des Blancs, Haiti. The committee thanked both the IC women’s group for making cakes for the event and youth who helped in the kitchen and served meals. The IC Bees held a quilt show and sale April 9 and 10 after Masses.
St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus sponsored a “March Madness” Medic blood drive March 31 at the church. The Knights held a recruitment drive March 26 and 27 after Masses. State Deputy Fred Laufenberg and other state officials were on hand to answer membership and insurance questions. Anniversaries: Charles and Betsy Michel (60), Kevin and Catherine Davis (25), Jeffrey Thomas and Nora Moore (20), Frank and Barbara Semeraro (10)
Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville The second annual Chant Camp for youth is set for 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, May 23-25, at Holy Ghost Church. Mary C. Weaver, director of music ministry at Holy Ghost, will again share her expertise. Two sessions are set: from 9:15 to 10 a.m. for non-readers ages 4 and up, and 10 to 11:30 a.m. for strong readers ages 7 and up. Parents are welcome to drop off or stay. For more information, visit holyghostknoxville.org or e-mail mistyweberrn@gmail.com. John Saucier was named Knight of the month for March for his efforts with the St. Joseph School Mardi Gras fundraiser and the Knights’ spaghetti dinners
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The Knights of Columbus served breakfast March 27 after each Mass. The women’s group recently wrapped up 75 fleece and yarn, new and gently used blankets to be donated to the Meals on Wheels program. St. John XXIII, Knoxville The Refugee Welcoming Committee has worked with a family of nine from Afghanistan since October. The six children have now been placed in schools, and the father has received an Employment Authorization Card. A parishioner presented the wife with a sewing machine and a surger, as the wife and a daughter are accomplished seamstresses who make many of the clothes the family wears. The father needs a car. To sell one at a low price or donate it, call committee chair Carey Chambers at 865-924-3718. St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The Knights of Columbus held their spring flower sale on April 9 and 10. The Knights sponsored a Silver Rose prayer service March 30. The service honors not only Our Lady of Guadalupe and expresses the unity of the Knights, it also reaffirms the Knights’ dedication to the sanctity of human life. Anniversary: Mike and Karen Morgan (40) n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C
COURTESY OF WALTER HANSON (3)
Parish and community news
COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS (2)
Knights hold 30th Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner Knights of Columbus Ted H. Denning Jr. Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut held its 30th annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner on Feb. 17. About 110 people dined in the school gym, including some 40 clergy and religious. Cardinal Justin Rigali (above) and Knights State Deputy Fred Laufenberg (second from left above) were among the guests, as were the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia (top right photo), the Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., and St. John Neumann’s own Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, plus several deacons and priests. Father Christopher Floersh (bottom right photo), diocesan director of vocations, received $2,000 from the Knights council to support four diocesan seminarians.
Notre Dame Parish youth paint cans for Healing With Flowers Middle school and high school students at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville recently participated in a service project for Healing With Flowers. The students painted cans that will be used for flower vases for people in area nursing homes and hospitals. Some facilities will not allow glass vases for flowers for reasons of patient safety. Flowers are donated from weddings, funerals, etc., to the nonprofit group Healing With Flowers in Greeneville. Volunteers come together to arrange flowers and bring them to area facilities. The group was closed because of the pandemic but is back up and running and in need of volunteers. This is Healing With Flowers’ sixth year of service, and they have delivered more than 32,000 arrangements in the community.
COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT
St. Henry Knights recognize Williamses as family of the month Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville on March 27 recognized the Williams family as its family of the month for April. Brigette Maria Williams accepted the honor on behalf of her family after Mass. She was presented red roses by deputy Grand Knight Beverly Carmack and a certificate of appreciation. Mrs. Williams’ husband, Richard R. Williams, passed away in 2002. He was a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of chief master sergeant. The Williamses have four children and six grandchildren. Mrs. Williams devotes many volunteer hours to St. Henry by helping coordinate the Christmas bazaar and rummage sale. This past year she organized the entire event, which raised thousands of dollars for the parish. Other ways Mrs. Williams stays busy include helping organize and straighten the pews after Mass with help from her granddaughters. She also volunteers at the spaghetti dinner fundraisers for the Knights and parish. Brigette and her daughter provide snacks and juice for Sunday School attendees. In the photo from left are Grand Knight Bill Hewitt, Mrs. Williams, St. Henry pastor Father Bart Okere, and Mr. Carmack.
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MARIA WHISTON (3)
Parish and community news
DEACON SCOTT MAENTZ (3)
St. Michael the Archangel parishioners attend family Lenten evening St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin held a family Lenten evening March 9 to help create a praying box to be used to remember and pray “The Way of the Cross for Children.” More than 80 parishioners attended. St. Michael pastor Father Tom Charters led the Stations of the Cross and ended the evening with a prayer.
Holy Spirit Parish celebrates Deacon Spencer’s 90th birthday On Feb. 8, Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy celebrated the 90th birthday of Deacon Mick Spencer. Deacon Spencer came to Holy Spirit in January 2008. He was ordained a deacon on Nov. 30, 1997. Born Feb. 8, 1932, he was married to Barbara, who has passed away. He is pictured with Holy Spirit pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht (right) and Father Bertin Glennon, ST. B10 n APRIL 3, 2022
COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY
COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY
Gus Lloyd leads retreat at cathedral, hosts radio show from Chancery Gus Lloyd, author and host of radio show “Seize the Day” on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel, led a two-day Lenten retreat in March at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and hosted his radio show from the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery. On March 23, he invited Father David Boettner (above), rector of the cathedral, and Sister Maria Juan Anderson, RSM (top right), executive secretary to Bishop Richard F. Stika, on as guests. On March 24, Bishop Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali (bottom right), along with Deacon Walt Otey, director of evangelization and faith formation at the cathedral, joined the show.
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Holy Spirit names Knight of the month Knights of Columbus Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Parish in SoddyDaisy in March honored Bob Gruder as its Knight of the month. He is pictured with Holy Spirit pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Grand Knight Kevin Perry.
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COURTESY OF CHRISTINA PINT (3)
Catholic youth
DAN MCWILLIAMS
COURTESY OF PHIL OAKLEY
Cathedral celebrates Scout Sunday The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrated its Scout Sunday Mass on Feb. 6. Cathedral rector Father David Boettner (above) was the celebrant. Receiving religious-emblem awards were (above, front row, from left) Ravi Liurukara of Troop 6, William Karnes of Pack 22, Gregory Antunes of Pack 251, Rusi Liurukara of Pack 22, and Nathaniel Antunes of Pack 251; (second row) Anthony Killen of Pack 22, William Wortham of Pack 22, and Álvaro Pint of Troop 146; (third row) Thad McLaurin of Pack 22, Emma Brinkmann of Troop 20544, and Marisa McBrayer of Troop 20544; and (back row) Miriam Campfield of Troop 20544, Celestina Pint of Troop 20269, and Molly Brinkmann of Troop 20269. Not pictured is Charlie Jackson of Pack 22. Awards received included the Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altari Dei, and Spirit Alive. Scouts who brought up the gifts for the offertory were Leila McLaurin, Nora Miller, Ravi Liurukara, and Anton Pint. Several Scouts also assisted with greeting before Mass.
BILL BREWER (4)
KCHS cheerleaders honored at basketball state tournament The Knoxville Catholic High School cheerleaders received the spirit award given to the best cheer team at the Division II, Class AA BlueCross Basketball Championships at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.
St. Joseph students place at Knights’ state free-throw contest St. Joseph School in Knoxville saw five of its students place in the Knights of Columbus state free-throw shooting contest held in early March at St. Rose of Lima School in Murfreesboro. From left are Logan Allen, second place among boys age 12; Caleb Bales, third place, boys age 11; Holden Sharp, second place, boys age 10; Savannah Jarvis, second place, girls age 9; and Anna Starnes, second place, girls age 10.
Annual Sister Jolita Supper raises $31,300 The 21st annual Sister Jolita Supper and Sing-Along took place March 13 at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. The event raised $31,300 for the Sister Jolita Fund, which is used for families with financial difficulties. Sister Jolita’s sisters, Therese Hurley and Mary Catherine Willard (from left, bottom right photo) have helped keep the event going. “Two years ago, we weren’t able to gather together because the whole nation shut down in March. Last year, we had to have a drive-through supper event. This year, not even a blizzard could stop Mary Catherine Willard and Therese Hurley!” said St. Joseph principal Andy Zengel (who is pictured with the two sisters). Sister Mary Jolita Hughes (1935-2001) was a Sister of Mercy who taught at St. Joseph from 1994 to 2000 as well as in earlier stints from 1969-72 and 1988-89. After her death in 2001, family and friends of Sister Jolita organized the benefit to honor her life. The Sister Jolita Supper has now raised $284,000 in its 21 years. “The event was scheduled for March 12, the same day Knoxville was hit by 6.5 inches of snow. We got the word out to our local parishes and postponed the event to that Sunday, and people still came!” Mr. Zengel said. “We weren’t sure if the weather would keep people away or if the date change would prevent others from coming, but it was a very successful event this year.” TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C
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Catholic schools
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noxville Catholic High School honored an “Irish Legend” and celebrated its 90th year March 4 with the 11th annual Green & Gold Gala at The Press Room in Knoxville. Julia Driscoll Schriver of the class of 1946 was the legend honoree. More than 300 gathered for the gala, and the event raised more than $140,000. “Julia’s accomplishments are many, and she has been an ardent supporter of KCHS, playing an instrumental role in establishing the current Fox Lonas campus as well as the Schriver Fine Arts Suite,” said Knoxville Catholic president Dickie Sompayrac. Mrs. Schriver recalled her days at KCHS. “When I went to Catholic High School, it was a small, small school,” she said. “In my class, there were around 23 students, and seven of them were boys,” she added with a laugh. “So, you see, the girls didn’t have much choice.” In those days, KCHS was in the
old Ashe House on Magnolia Avenue in East Knoxville. “It was just a big old-fashioned house with huge rooms,” Mrs. Schriver said. “Oh, it was a wonderful place. We thought that was just heaven at Catholic High. They built the gym, and next to it was a science room.” She remembers her physics teacher. “I can remember Sister Mary Irene taught physics,” Mrs. Schriver said. “Now, I took physics, and I couldn’t tell you what physics is.” After graduating from KCHS, Mrs. Schriver met her husband of 62 years, Robert. “Some friends introduced us,” she said. “That was in ’51, and we got married.” The Schrivers had three children, Robert, Suzanne, and Father Ragan Schriver. The Raise the Paddle portion of the Green & Gold Gala live auction raised more than $35,000 for the Fine Arts Department at KCHS. n
DR. KELLY KEARSE (3)
Julia Schriver honored as ‘Irish Legend’ during KCHS’s Green & Gold Gala
‘We thought that was just heaven at Catholic High’ Monsignor Pat Garrity, a former principal of Knoxville Catholic High School, greets Julia Schriver at the Green & Gold Gala.
“Julia’s accomplishments are many” KCHS president Dickie Sompayrac presents the “Irish Legend” award to Julia Schriver. Mrs. Schriver, of the class of 1946, is a longtime supporter of KCHS.
Birthday candles The KCHS Green & Gold Gala was also an occasion to celebrate Julia Schriver’s 93rd birthday. More than 300 attended the gala, which raised more than $140,000.
that would love to be here. They’ve got nothing to be ashamed of or hold their head down about at all. I appreciate the fact they wanted to win it for me, but I wanted to win it for them.” Against Brentwood Academy (30-1), the Fighting Irish trailed 1310 after the first quarter and 24-23 at halftime before tying the contest 38-38 at the end of three periods. A jumper by BJ gave Knoxville Catholic the lead for good at 42-40 with 5:49 left in the game. Four free throws by Deondrea and two field goals by BJ helped make it 51-44 with 2:49 remaining. A layup by Blue, a BJ steal, and a dunk by Deondrea (assisted by Blue) put KCHS up 55-46 with 1:24 left. Six free throws by BJ and a layup by Yesan down the stretch provided the final margin. BJ finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, Blue with 16 points, and Presley Patterson with 11. The Lady Irish (22-10) trailed Ensworth (25-4) only 15-13 after one quarter but were down 35-23 at halftime and 52-28 after three periods. Layups by Sydney and by Caroline Krueger and a foul shot by Caroline made it a 12-11 deficit for KCHS with 2:08 left in the first quarter. Two free throws by Sydney, who was 10-for-10 from the line for the
game, left the Lady Irish down 14-13 with 1:12 remaining in the quarter. Four more foul shots by Sydney cut the Ensworth lead to 22-17 with 5:33 left in the half before the Tigers pulled away. The Fighting Irish finished second in the statewide rankings of all boys teams by USA Today sportswriters. The KCHS boys placed first among Knoxville-area teams ranked by the Knoxville News Sentinel. BJ was a Division II-AA Mr. Basketball finalist. The Lady Irish finished 17th in the statewide rankings of all Tennessee girls teams by USA Today sportswriters. Among Knoxville-area teams ranked by the News Sentinel, the KCHS girls finished third. Sydney was a Division II-AA Miss Basketball finalist. For the KCHS boys, Blue said he has “learned a ton” from watching BJ playing. “He probably doesn’t even know when I’m watching, but I’m just watching what he does, watching how he operates, how hard he works,” he said. BJ said he was “definitely proud, very proud” of the Irish’s season. “I just can’t thank Coach enough, my teammates enough. It was a fun ride,” he said. Mr. Hutchens said, “These guys
BILL BREWER
KCHS basketball continued from page B7
Second in the state Presley Patterson holds the silver state-runner-up trophy for the KCHS boys team. The Fighting Irish have a state championship, a runner-up finish, and a state-semifinal appearance in the last three seasons. have done a lot.” “It doesn’t feel good right now, but they’ll know what they’ve done in a few years when they look back. It’ll mean a lot to them,” he said. The Fighting Irish head coach finished his 33rd season coaching at Knoxville Catholic and 40th season overall. “I’m happy to be able to make it this long,” he said. “It’s been great fun to have a job that’s fun. I almost feel guilty, to enjoy something so much, but all good things come to an end.” Retirement “probably won’t hit me until basketball season starts
next year,” he added. “Just to get to coach these guys and be with them and see how much they’ve brought themselves up and what they’ve accomplished. That’s what the fun of coaching is.” Luke Smith, a former player under Mr. Hutchens who just recently finished his career as a player for Belmont University, will succeed Mr. Hutchens as head coach of the Irish. “That’s my boy,” Mr. Hutchens said. “I’ve had him in camp since he was 7 years old. That part helps me, because they’ll love him. He’ll do a great job.” n
20:11-18 Wednesday, April 20: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Luke 24:13-35 Thursday, April 21: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Luke 24:35-48 Friday, April 22: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14 Saturday, April 23: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 24: Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31 Monday, April 25: Feast of St. Mark,
evangelist, 1 Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mark 16:15-20 Tuesday, April 26: Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; John 3:7-15 Wednesday, April 27: Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-9; John 3:16-21 Thursday, April 28: Acts 5:27-33; Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-20; John 3:31-36 Friday, April 29: Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church, Acts 5:34-42; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; John 6:1-15 Saturday, April 30: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; John 6:16-21 n
Readings continued from page B6
12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 Good Friday, April 15: Isaiah 52:1353:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16 and 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42 Saturday, April 16: Easter Vigil, Genesis 1:1-2:2; Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35; Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Exodus 14:15-15:1; Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18; Isaiah 54:5-14; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12:2-6; Baruch 3:9-15 and 3:324:4; Psalm 19:8-11; Ezekiel 36:16-28; B12 n APRIL 3, 2022
(when baptism is celebrated) Psalms 42:3, 5 and 43:3-4, or (when baptism is not celebrated) Isaiah 12:2-6 or Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Romans 6:311; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Luke 24:1-12 Easter Sunday, April 17: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Monday, April 18: Acts 2:14, 2233; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15 Tuesday, April 19: Acts 2:3641; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; John
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