April 7, 2019, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

State bishops back Human Life Protection Act But legislators pass ‘heartbeat’ abortion ban despite misgivings expressed by bishops, Tennessee Right to Life

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he state House of Representatives passed a “heartbeat” abortion ban March 7 despite the concerns expressed by the Tennessee state bishops and Tennessee Right to Life that it would not pass legal muster and despite the presence of a stronger measure making its way through the legislature that would take effect with the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

The heartbeat bill would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. In a joint statement Feb. 26, Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, and Archbishop Joseph E.

Kurtz, who was serving as administrator of the Diocese of Memphis, expressed their doubts about the bill.

“The heartbeat bill has been passed in various forms across the country and has been consistently struck down by state and federal courts alike for being unconstitutional,” the bishops wrote. “In these legal cases, a victory is handed to the pro-abortion plaintiffs, and we must remember that every pro-abortion victory in the courts further strengthens the Roe v. Wade precedent and makes Roe that much more difficult to overturn.

“Given the field of legal realities

that we must consider, we believe it would not be prudent to support the heartbeat bill knowing the certainty of its overturning when challenged, in addition to the courtordered fees that would be paid to the pro-abortion plaintiffs. Instances like these remind us that we must be prudent and support other prolife pieces of legislation that stand a better chance of being upheld in the courts and, possibly, become the vehicle that forces the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe once and for all.”

Instead, the bishops pledged their support for the Human Life Protec-

By Dan McWilliams

tion Act introduced in the state legislature Feb. 13.

“Given the unjust laws recently signed in New York and Virginia, we pray urgent support will be given to the Human Life Protection Act being considered within the legislature that would automatically ban abortions in Tennessee should the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision be overturned,” the bishops concluded.

The Human Life Protection Act (HLPA) is much more legally acceptable than the heartbeat bill, said Brian Harris, president of Tennessee HLPA continued on page B2

Instruments tell the story with Violins of Hope

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Avshi Weinstein’s family began collecting and restoring the violins once owned by Jews during the Holocaust several years ago. From their shop in Tel Aviv, Israel, they collected instruments along with stories of their owners. Now, the violins travel in an exhibit to share the history of musicians in the Holocaust.

These instruments have survived concentration camps, ghettos, pogroms, and many long journeys to tell remarkable stories of injustice, suffering, resilience, and survival.

Today there are 72 violins in the collection.

“We are getting more and more stories all the time,” Mr. Weinstein said. He brought three of the violins to Knoxville Catholic High School.

Mr. Weinstein shared stories of musicians and their experiences of the Holocaust. Some played music from their villages as they sat in refugee camps hundreds of miles away after the war. Some were

Instrument of history Avshi Weinstein shows Bishop Richard F. Stika one of the violins that is part of the Violins of Hope exhibit that traveled to Knoxville in January. spared from the gas chambers by playing in concentration camp bands. Some, after being liberated from the camps, never wanted to play again.

Gordon Tsai and Ruth Edwards of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performed a piece from the movie “Schindler’s List” on two of the violins.

Mr. Weinstein hoped that the students saw how music and instruments can speak across time and language barriers.

“Music is an international language. If you take two musicians, even if they won’t be able to talk because they come from two different places in the world, and even if the music that they know is different, they can still play and show emotion and basically talk through

EMILY BOOKER

usic is a powerful messenger that can communicate across language and culture. Sometimes, the instruments themselves can tell a story.

Bishop Richard F. Stika, Knoxville Catholic High School students, and guests were treated to a special program featuring restored violins from the Holocaust on Jan. 22. The violins are part of the Violins of Hope exhibit, which was in Knoxville in January.

Violins of Hope displays a collection of violins that survived the Holocaust. Though a witness of unimaginable tragedy, the instruments are also signs of hope in that they ensure the stories of the victims of the Holocaust will not be silenced.

The instruments serve to educate and memorialize the lives of prisoners in concentration camps through concerts, exhibitions, and other projects. The collection is owned by father-and-son team Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein, who are both violin makers.

Violin duet Ruth Edwards and Gordon Tsai from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performed at Knoxville Catholic High School on two of the violins rescued from the Holocaust.

music,” he said.

The Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School was honored to bring Violins of Hope: Strings of the Holocaust to Knoxville in January.

This program was brought to Knoxville to educate the community through unique, inspirational, and interfaith multimedia events.

On Jan. 23-24 at the Tennessee Theatre, more than 30 of the violins once silenced by the Holocaust sounded again as the center of two performances featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Hallerin Hilton Hill.

The two evenings of poignant music, interwoven with powerful experiences of Holocaust survivors and the incredible stories of the violins, provided an emotional journey for those who attended. n

PAM RHOADES

EMILY BOOKER

By Emily Booker

EMILY BOOKER

Restored violins that survived the Holocaust come to Knoxville Catholic High School and are part of a special performance

Special insignia This violin in the exhibit features a Star of David design.

The Violins of Hope were made or owned by Jews who were victims of the Holocaust.

Remembering through music Bishop Stika holds one of the violins from the exhibit alongside Mr. Weinstein, whose family works to find and preserve the instruments.

PNAC PHOTO SERVICE

COURTESY OF MECHTILD BOLES

Seminarian installed as acolyte Diocese of Knoxville seminarian Matthew Donahue, a student at the Pontifical North American College, was installed into the ministry of acolyte on Feb. 24 in Rome.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

COURTESY OF CAROLINE ZENGEL

Serra Club of Chattanooga recognizes members On Jan. 24, the Serra Club of Chattanooga honored members at the 2019 Serra Annual Vocation Dinner. From left are (front row) Father Jim Vick, 20-year ordination; Carl Labbe, Lifetime Membership Award; and Sister Judy Raley, SCN, longest vocation; and (back row) Father Christopher Floersh, chaplain; Betty Anne Neal, president; Ralph Christiana; Michael St. Charles; Jean Payne; and George Valadie.

Bishop blesses new parish center at St. Teresa of Kolkata Bishop Richard F. Stika and Deacon Larry Rossini stand outside the Patricia Cassels Parish Center at St. Teresa of Kolkata Church in Maynardville. The bishop blessed the parish center during his visit Feb. 2 to dedicate the parish’s new church building. For coverage and more photos, see the March issue of The East Tennessee Catholic Magazine.

HLPA continued from page B1

Right to Life.

“In contrast to heartbeat bills which have been struck down in each state where it has passed, the Human Life Protection Act mirrors statutes in other states that have been on the books for years without legal challenge,” he said. “Such laws establish that upon the reversal of Roe v. Wade, in whole or part, a state’s protective pro-life statutes will be immediately restored. This is key in Tennessee where our pre-Roe abortion regulations were stripped from state law books in the 1980s.

“Similar protection acts have existed for years in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota without legal challenge. Another was recently passed in Arkansas, and others are presently moving quickly in Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. As states like New York prepare for the overturn of Roe v. Wade by passing laws to remove any restrictions for abortion, Tennessee also seeks to prepare for that eventuality by ensuring that we have in place protections for our children, women, and girls.”

There is hope that Roe will get struck down or amended, allowing the HLPA to go into effect, Mr. Harris said.

“Observers on both sides of the abortion debate recognize that Roe v. Wade has no constitutional foundation, was wrongly decided, and cannot stand the test of time,” he said. “They also recognize that the cultural momentum is on the side of life. That being the case, and with recent appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court by a president who vowed to appoint only pro-life justices, the right-to-life movement is clearly closer than ever to the goal of significantly altering, if not outright overturning, the 46-year-old decision and its progeny.

“This underscores, however, why it is so important to put the right cases before the courts at the right time with the right judges so that advocates for the unborn do not unintentionally end up building additional pro-abortion case law that must be stripped away before we can achieve our ultimate goal of overturning Roe and returning the matter to the states.”

A Nashville Tennessean article stated that the HLPA has not received the same momentum in the legislature as the heartbeat bill. That comes despite the state bishops’ favor of the HLPA. “Tennessee Right to Life and other pro-life advocates throughout the state are deeply grateful for the B2 n APRIL 7, 2019

principled pro-life leadership of the Catholic bishops,” Mr. Harris said.

“This is true not only on this current matter but especially during the long and difficult fight to pass pro-life Amendment 1 to the Tennessee Constitution in 2014. Bishop Stika and the late Bishop [David R.] Choby of Nashville remain heroes for many of us who helped to lead the amendment campaign. Their determination and sacrifice played a significant role in the ultimate success and victory that other states have followed.

“While the state House has now passed the heartbeat bill, it was with the votes of many who share the same concerns of an unsuccessful legal challenge. Passage of the heartbeat bill is far from assured, and there is a growing sense that leadership in the state Senate is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the possible unintended consequences of passing a law that is going to be struck down and the possibility of building additional case law in support of Roe.” There is no “question as to whether there will be a lawsuit or whether or not the heartbeat bill will be struck down,” Mr. Harris said.

“Planned Parenthood joined the ACLU of Tennessee in early March announcing their commitment to file suit on day one if the bill is passed,” he said. “In the other states where the heartbeat bill has been passed and signed into law, not a single child or mother was saved from abortion because the bill never went into effect. Instead, the laws were immediately enjoined and ultimately overturned by the federal courts.

“Upon appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, not a single justice asked for the heartbeat ban to be brought forward for review so the lower-court rulings in opposition stand. As a result, hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars were awarded to Planned Parenthood in legal fees and court costs. Passing unconstitutional bills may make some feel good for the moment, but, as a movement, we must take a long view and look carefully at the possible harm of unintended consequences.”

The more important question about the heartbeat bill is whether it will “be enforceable and upheld as constitutional,” Mr. Harris said.

“And tragically the answer remains no, not now,” he said. “The goal of pro-life legislation should always be to protect the largest number of vulnerable persons with the least risk to existing legal safeguards. Tennessee Right to Life has

Members of three parishes chip in to clean up Calvary Cemetery Immaculate Conception parishioner Mary Catherine Willard spearheads a cleanup of Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville every second Saturday of the month. Anyone is welcome to come help rake, “weed eat,” trim ivy, pick up branches and sticks, and help with general yard work. On March 9, IC’s Family Summit Ministry joined the Willard family for the cleanup. The kids planted pansies and helped pick up trash and sticks. Middle and high school students earned service hours. The adults raked, trimmed ivy, removed old stumps, and even reset a sunken headstone. Families from IC, St. Albert the Great, and All Saints joined in the effort. Mrs. Willard invites anyone willing to help take care of Calvary Cemetery to join her every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon with their own yard tools and tarps for dragging debris to the road for pickup. Everyone gathers at noon for a closing prayer. every confidence that Governor [Bill] Lee is a sincere pro-life advocate and that he will look carefully at all the factors and probable risks to existing pro-life policies before making a final judgement on the heartbeat bill.”

State Sen. Dolores Gresham (RSomerville) and state Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mount Juliet) introduced the HLPA that, upon reversal of Roe v. Wade, would restore full legal protections for unborn children.

“With the possibility that there might soon exist a majority on the U.S. Supreme Court willing to give states greater latitude on the matter of abortion, we want to be proactive to ensure that Tennessee continues to lead the way to the fullest possible protection for human life,” Sen. Gresham said.

Rep. Lynn added: “It has always been the priority of Tennessee’s pro-life movement to restore protection to the largest number of unborn children and women in our state. While states like New York

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are moving to strip any limits to abortion—even at the moments just before birth—Tennessee wants to be known for protecting our children.”

Unlike some other pro-life proposals, the HLPA (SB 1257/HB 1029) avoids constitutional challenges by taking effect upon reversal, in part or in full, of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. It restores Tennessee’s pre-Roe law and prohibits abortion except to save a mother’s life.

“Medical technology and understanding have come so far in the past decades since Roe was decided, including the development of ultrasound imagery,” said Stacy Dunn, vice president of Tennessee Right to Life. “Such images make clear the humanity of unborn boys and girls, and it’s our responsibility to do everything constitutionally possible to protect them.”

Tennessee Right to Life urges concerned pro-life citizens to contact their state representative and state senator to urge their active support and sponsorship of the HLPA. n

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

Parish notes

A luncheon Feb. 20 celebrated pastor Father Charlie Burton’s birthday. The honoree celebrated Mass, with a potluck lunch following. Father Burton’s birthday is Feb. 17.

St. Mary, Athens As a fundraiser, the parish is collecting recipes for a cookbook. A box has been provided in the narthex to put recipes in. Deadline is May 1.

The basilica’s annual May crowning devotion to honor the Blessed Mother will be held at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, May 12.

Bring flowers for the procession. All are encouraged to participate. Mothers will receive a special Mother’s Day blessing at all weekend Masses.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The parish’s fall festival is set for Sept.

22.

Newcomers: Hipolito and Evana Morales; Alain and Denise Michaud, son Dante, and grandson Jacob; Roberto Rubio; Francisco and Carmen Garcia; John and Anna Arnott; Sherilynn Dobbs; and Dulce Cepeda Lora St. Stephen, Chattanooga All women of the parish are invited to attend a Recognition Tea on Tuesday, April 9, honoring them for their character, courage, and commitment. Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the large parish hall, followed by the tea and a light lunch in the small parish hall.

Knights of Columbus Council 6099 sponsored a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance Feb. 9 in the parish hall.

Anniversaries: Charles and Helen Saylor (68), Ebon and Cecile Grubb (66), Chuck and Cynthia Laplante (64), Ken and Mary Stroop (56), John and Joan Lord (54), Gene and Peggy Delett (53), Frank and Anna Anthony (51), Phillip and Doreen Wirchansky (50), Don and Irene Bucci (30), Howard and Laura Grody (30), Mark and Angela Vallee (10) Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul has recently catalogued its collection of more than 80 authenticated relics, as well as numerous others that are not yet authenticated. Authenticated relics are now being displayed in a rotation on the reredos of the two side altars, on niches that were specially designed for this purpose during the basilica’s recent renovation. A directory of relics, with information about the saints, is available at each side altar. A memorial plaque honoring the late John George Jerome Holland III, who donated more than 175 relics to the basilica, is now on display in the vestibule. Special thanks to Therese Ohotnicky, basilica parishioner, who organized the basilica’s relics, compiled the directory, and produced the memorial display honoring Mr. Holland as part of her American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes Award. The relics display was presented at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on March 31. The directory of relics will be available on the parish website, stspeterandpaulbasilica.com. Basilica visitors are encouraged to take the opportunity to venerate the saints.

Friday, May 3, is the eighth anniversary of the dedication of Sts. Peter and Paul as a minor basilica and is a day of plenary indulgence opportunity for those who visit the basilica. The anniversary will be commemorated with a sung solemn Mass in English at noon, in addition to a simple Mass in English at 7 a.m. Confessions will be offered before the noon Mass. First Friday adoration will be offered following the noon Mass until 5:30 p.m. and will resume from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. Saturday. A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, eucharistic Communion, and prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, is granted to the faithful who visit the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on May 3, June 29, Sept. 8, Oct. 22, or on one day of their choice during the year.

Therese Ohotnicky, assistant organist and singer at the basilica, will give her senior organ recital concert at TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

The Council of Catholic Women hosted the annual St. Patrick’s Day covereddish dinner March 17.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade For the 2019-20 years, the parish theme will be “Welcome Home.” Using this theme, the ministries of the parish will focus upon those Catholics in Fairfield Glade who no longer participate in parish life by inviting them to come home and experience the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi.

COURTESY OF AL LESAR

The Knights of Columbus congratulated the Knight of the month for April, Al White, and the family of the month, John and Marlene Haigh.

New Cumberland Mountain Deanery CCW officers installed The new officers for the Cumberland Mountain Deanery Council of Catholic Women for 2019-21 were recently installed. From left are Barbara Lawson, treasurer; Karen Miller, secretary; Donna Curry, vice president; and Joan Rowe, president.

Prejnas celebrating 60 years of marriage

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t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Frank and Patricia Prejna, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary April 18.

They were married at St. Constance Church in Chicago with Father Leonard Mezyello officiating.

Their four children are Diane of Appleton, Wis.; David of

Mundelein, Ill.; Karen Mulder of Maryville, Tenn.; and Christine, deceased. They have seven grandchildren.

The Prejnas retired from the Continental Can Co. and Jewel Tea Co., both in Chicago, and moved to the Glade in 1996.

An anniversary celebration is planned for April 20. n

The Knights of Columbus are conducting a food drive during Lent for the second year. The program is called “40 Cans for Lent.” Parishioners are encouraged to donate a can of food or its equivalent in dollars each day during Lent. The cans are distributed to the needy through SACS (St. Alphonsus Community Service), the Peavine Care Center, and the Crab Orchard Care Center.

The Council of Catholic Women is conducting a Spiritual Adoption program to address the issue of abortion by actively praying for the children in the womb who are in danger of abortion for nine months.

Father Michael Woods is conducting classes concerning elements of the faith directed at RCIA participants but including all of the parish. The first two were on the Mass and the sacraments.

COURTESY OF JANET GRAY

St. Jude, Chattanooga

the basilica at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5. This will be the first concert on the basilica’s historic pipe organ after its renovation with its two final ranks, the trompettes and clarinets (122 pipes).

Admission is free. A reception will follow in Varallo Parish Hall. For more information, visit www.stspeterandpaulbasilica.com.

St. John Neumann, Farragut For this year’s apostolic service project, the SJN Challenge girls youth ministry has decided to help the Catholic Charities Pregnancy Help Center in LaFollette. The girls collected donations of new and gently used baby clothing after all Masses on April 6-7.

Members of youth ministry will be making their annual Appalachian Experience trip to Osage, W.Va., April 13-18, for a week of service to needy people.

Women of the parish attended a Lent

by Light event March 21 in Seton Hall. The guest speaker was Siobhan O’Connor.

The St. John Neumann School concert band performed at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra concert assessment at Maryville College on March 7. The band scored three superior ratings with the stage judges and another superior rating with the sightreading judge for an overall score of superior. The band’s next competition will be at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg on Friday, April 26.

Father Sweeney speaks at St. Alphonsus CCW retreat The Council of Catholic Women of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville held a retreat for all women in the parish Feb. 26 after the morning Mass. Father Michael Sweeney of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman was the guest speaker. He discussed baptism and what it means from a historic perspective in the Jewish culture up to the modern-day Catholic Church. He also covered many other topics, including the Mass, the family, suicide, and prayer.

Glade’s Morenos mark 50th anniversary

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t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Gay and Tony Moreno, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 23.

They were married by Father Wesley Geary in Honolulu.

Their children are Anthony and Dana, both of Clifton, Va., and they have one grandchild.

Mr. Moreno retired from the

U.S. Army and L3 in Fairfax, Va. The couple moved to the Glade in 2009.

The Morenos celebrated their anniversary in Crossville with friends in March, and in June they plan a family cruise to Alaska.

Mr. Moreno is a golfer, and Mrs. Moreno enjoys playing mahjong; they both volunteer in their parish at St. Francis of Assisi. n

St. John Neumann School partnered with Blaze Pizza for its February Give Back Night on Feb. 27. For four and a half hours that evening, the pizza place donated 20 percent of all net sales back to SJN. St. Joseph, Norris The Cumberland Mountain Deanery Council of Catholic Women (CMDCCW) held its spring meeting at St Joseph on Feb. 21. The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic continues to receive contributions from the deanery affiliates and was one of the projects at the Knoxville Diocesan CCW Convention Parish notes continued on page B4 www.di o k no x .o rg

COURTESY OF JACK SMITH

Chattanooga Deanery

Spirit of Ireland comes to St. Francis-Fairfield Glade On St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish spirit came to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade, bringing joy, dancing, singing, and tall tales. Father Michael Woods (left), pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, comes from a small Irish town where he inherited his Irish spirit.

From the beginning of the day through a “Wearing of the Green” dinner, Father Woods dressed in green to sing and dance and tell everyone who would listen about the miracles brought to Ireland by St. Patrick. The traditional corned beef and cabbage was served to a packed hall, and the room was filled with Irish music. At the dinner, one woman professed that although she was 100 percent Polish, on this day she was Irish. The Irish hope is that this spirit of joy will continue throughout the year.

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Calendar The Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Chrism Mass is one of the most important liturgical events of the year, when the priests of the diocese renew their priestly vows. Bishop Richard F. Stika will also bless and distribute the holy oils used in the sacraments celebrated in each parish of the diocese throughout the year.

The second annual soiree and benefit for St. Jude School in Chattanooga, Jockeys & Juleps, is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, at Westin Chattanooga. To purchase tickets, visit www.jockeysandjuleps-stjude.com.

The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville, at 120 W. Baxter Ave., will host their third Remote Area Medical clinic Saturday, April 13. The Ladies are currently requesting professional help for the vision and dental clinic. Sign up on the RAM website at www.ramusa.org.

To make an appointment for vision or dental services, contact the Ladies of Charity at ladiesofcharityknox.org or 865-474-9329. This clinic is by appointment only.

Greater Chattanooga Right to Life is a new chapter of Tennessee Right to Life. Annual membership is $25 per year; join online at tnrtl.org/renew_my_ membership and put “Chattanooga” in the “Donation made in honor of” field. The chapter is hosting an Oratory Contest for high school students.

Cash prizes are available at the local, state, and national levels. The chapter is promoting the Choices Pregnancy Resource Center’s Walk for Life on April 27. More information about it can be found at choiceschattanooga.org/ events/. Greater Chattanooga Right to Life will have an Outreach Booth at Jfest on May 18, providing positive pro-life public education and some giveaways. More information about Jfest can be found at jfest.com. Follow the RTL chapter on Facebook at www. facebook.com/righttolifechattanooga.

The diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment is searching for the longest-married couple from each parish. The winners will receive a certificate of achievement in June. The longest-married couple in the diocese will be submitted to Worldwide Marriage Encounter for its search of the longest married couple in each state and the nation through its Longest Married Couple (LMC) Project. For the last four years the Diocese of Knoxville has had the longest-married couple in the state. Winners of the LMC Project are selected solely from nominations submitted and may not be submitted two years in a row. If you would like to nominate a couple for this honor, submit their names, their wedding date, and what parish they belong to

by Tuesday, April 30, to Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@ dioknox.org.

Parish notes continued from page B3

14, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The retreat is open to young adults ages 18 to 35. Cost is $45. To register, contact Erica Pereira at epereira@dioknox.org or 215-390-0963.

Abby Johnson, a heroine of the prolife movement, founder of And Then There Were None Ministries, and former Planned Parenthood director, will speak at a luncheon Thursday, April 11, at St. Mary Church in Athens.

The movie “Unplanned” is based on her story. RSVP to Emily at 423-7443005 or on Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/ Abby-Johnson.

A Trivia Night Fundraiser is set for Friday, April 26, at the Knights Hall, 313 Sylvan St. in Chattanooga (for ages 21 and up). Proceeds benefit Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Jude, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and St. Augustine youth ministries. Doors open at 6 p.m. with trivia starting at 7. Cost is $25 per person or $150 for a table for eight and includes dinner. The event, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 610, features a cash bar (beer and wine), a barbecue dinner, a Chinese auction, and prizes. Register through a parish youth minister or by mail at Chattanooga Deanery Youth Ministry, 501 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412. For more information, contact Donna Jones at 423-622-7232 or djones6029@gmail.com.

The 12th annual St. Stephen Parish Golf Tournament will be held at Brainerd Golf Course on Saturday, April 13. Format is four-person select shot. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8. Cost is $90 and includes doughnuts and coffee, green fee, cart, one mulligan, two free drinks, hot dogs at the turn, and lunch. There is a $10,000 hole-in-one prize. The tournament will raise funds to replace the Christmas Nativity scene. 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 423-296-0537 or jvannucci@epbfi.com.

The newly formed Monsignor Xavier Mankel Schola seeks singers of all voice parts and of any faith. The schola was created to sing the great works of the Church’s musical tradition, particularly the polyphonic music of the Renaissance and Gregorian and English chant. The schola sings for the 7:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the first and third Sunday of each month and will also occasionally put on concerts and support other events and liturgical functions. The group rehearses every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. To learn more, visit https://dokmusic.org/ audition/ or contact Mary Weaver, the schola’s director: 865-437-8620 or mary@b16schola.org.

The annual God Camps sponsored by the Diocese of Knoxville Youth Ministry Office are set at Harrison Bay State Park. The Reach camp for incoming seventh- and eighth-grade students will take place from June 2427. Cost is $130. The Discover camp for incoming fifth- and sixth-graders is scheduled for June 27-29. Cost is $105. Activities will include swimming at the Olympic-sized pool, outdoor sports, prayer services, Mass, teambuilding activities, and games. Space is limited. More information may be found at www.dioknox.org/event.

The Knoxville Catholic High School Alumni Office is hosting a special brunch from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13, to honor KCHS grads from 1969 and earlier. Cost is $15. RSVP at joni.punch@knoxvillecatholic.com.

The High School Catholic Youth Camp for all incoming ninth- through 12th-graders is set for June 4-8 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. The theme is “The Lord Came in a Whisper” from 1 Kings 19:12.

Cost is $220 and includes housing, all meals, snacks, activities, and a T-shirt.

For more information, contact Deacon Al Forsythe at 865-806-1343 or aforsythe@dioknox.org, or visit https://dioknox.org/event/catholic-youth-camp/.

The Roueché Chorale and Orchestra, an interdenominational chorale based in Chattanooga and directed by St. Stephen parishioner Jeff Roueché, will present a free Holy Week work titled “Colors of Grace” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Brainerd Baptist Church, 300 Brookfield Ave. in Chattanooga.

For more information or directions to the church, call 423-855-2981 or visit www.therouechechorale.org.

A women’s English Cursillo weekend is scheduled for April 25-28 at the Foothills Camp and Retreat Center in Louisville, Tenn. Call, text, or e-mail Kevin or Stephanie Gabor at 423-7153592 or stephaniegabor65@gmail.com or visit www.knoxvillecursillo.org/index. htm.

on April 4-5 at St. Mary in Oak Ridge.

Campaign.”

The new 2019-21 CMDCCW officers were installed after a Mass celebrated by Monsignor Bill Gahagan with Deacon Dan Hosford assisting.

The new president is Joan Rowe of Christ the King Parish in Tazewell; the vice president is Donna Curry of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City; the treasurer is Barbara Lawson of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman; and the secretary is Karen Miller of All Saints in Knoxville (see photo on page B3).

A senior ministry Card Club has been formed and began meeting on the second Mondays of each month on March 11. Anyone interested in playing bridge should contact Charlotte Pubal at 423-946-3869 or cpubal@embarqmail. com, and those interested in playing pinochle should contact Jeanne Meyers at 423-534-9672 or jeannemeyers@ charter.net.

The St. Joseph CCW held a Valentine Bake Sale, raising more than $1,000 for the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic.

St. Patrick, Morristown The St Joseph Table was held March 17, with proceeds going to the food pantry at the Crazy Quilt in Newcomb.

St. Joseph has joined with other churches in Norris to make the Clothes Closet a reality. There are a women’s room, men’s and infants’ rooms, a coat room, and a room with sheets, blankets, and towels. This is open during the Norris Food Pantry Day, the third Thursday of every month.

The parish every Friday during Lent has held a Soup Supper, with a different weekly focus. The meal is followed by Stations of the Cross. Topics for each week have been (or will be) March 8: CCW; March 15: spiritual life; March 22: liturgy committee; March 29: CCD; April 5: parish council; and April 12: confirmation/youth.

Parish council president Bill Donaldson and wife Margaret recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.

St. Therese, Clinton The parish is holding a “No Greater Love” Lenten Bible study on Wednesdays during Lent.

The Social Action Committee collected Bottles for Babies in February to benefit Choices Resource Center in Oak Ridge.

An Italian Night on Feb. 8 benefited Diocese of Knoxville seminarians.

Anniversary: George and Tootie Krebs (64)

Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Stacy Dunn of the Knoxville chapter of Tennessee Right to Life spoke to the Council of Catholic Women in their meeting April 8.

B4 n APRIL 7, 2019

Search for Christian Maturity retreat No. 158 in the Chattanooga Deanery, an event for high school juniors and seniors, is set for May 3-5 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Cost is $75; Calendar continued on page B5

A pancake breakfast benefiting the parish’s upcoming 60th-anniversary celebration was held March 9 at Applebee’s in Morristown.

A ’50s Sock Hop took place Feb. 23, with proceeds going toward the 60thanniversary celebration.

Smoky Mountain Deanery Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The women’s group will collect handmade or purchased lap quilts and afghans for distribution to Meals on Wheels participants the week before Easter. A collection box is in the back of the church.

The parish held “Oil on Troubled Waters: A Lenten Afternoon with Isaac Hecker,” founder of the Paulist Fathers, on March 9.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa A middle school ministry “Life” retreat is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13.

The 24th annual spaghetti dinner and auction was held April 7.

The Spring Harvest of Blessings event, created to allow all of the parish ministries an opportunity to raise funds for their respective projects, took place March 16-17. The event gave parishioners an opportunity to meet members of various ministries.

Bruce Damrow coordinated the Harvest of Blessings.

Father Dustin Collins led an “Evening of Recollection for Men” on Feb. 19.

The event included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the sacrament of reconciliation, a meditation based on the writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, and a short talk on virtue.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

The Holy Trinity CCW hosted the Five Rivers Deanery CCW meeting March 23.

Father Dan Whitman, the CCW spiritual adviser, celebrated Mass during the event.

The parish held a three-day Lenten mission March 17-19 as Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, presented “The Mystery of the Cross in John’s Gospel.”

Parishioner Myrtle Reidell turned 103 on Feb. 28. A birthday party was held for her March 2.

Anniversary: Stephen and Mary Ellen Ocuto (54) Newcomers: William and Peggy Gilger

A Passion Sunday young-adult retreat, led by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in collaboration with Father David Mary Engo, FFM, will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and end at 5 p.m. Sunday, April

The parish welcomed Father Hilario Rivera of Cross Catholic Outreach, who spoke on behalf of the poor in developing countries, at all Masses on the weekend of Feb. 17.

St. Dominic, Kingsport The Knights of Columbus, in collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, are having a “Forty Cans for Lent” drive, one can of food for each day of Lent. The food will be distributed by the SVDP Society to families they serve and shared with local food kitchens and pantries serving the needy. A Peggy Dailey Memorial Soup & Bread Dinner on Feb. 27 kicked off the food drive.

Fifth-grader Graciela Mondragon of St. Dominic School won an American History Essay Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her essay was titled “The Women’s Suffrage

www.di o k no x .o rg

Dr. Bruce Spangler, CEO of Volunteer Ministry Center, spoke on “The Myths and Truths About People Who Are Homeless” on March 20.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville A friend of pastor Father Julius Abuh, Archbishop Protase Rugambwa, will celebrate the Easter Triduum with the parish this year. Archbishop Rugambwa is a native of Tanzania and was a bishop of Kigoma Diocese, Tanzania, before he was called to serve in the diplomatic services in Rome. He is currently the secretary general of the Congregation for Evangelization of the People in Rome. He will be at St. Joseph the Worker from Good Friday until Easter Monday.

The Knights of Columbus are planning a spring flower sale for the weekend of April 27-28. Both hanging baskets and bedding plants will be available for sale.

On May 17 and 18, the Knights will conduct a huge yard sale, with all proceeds going toward the many charities they support. A variety of items are eligible to be contributed for the sale. For more information, contact any Knight or call Ed Harless at 423-884-2575.

The Knights of Columbus held their annual Fat Tuesday Gumbo Feast on March 5. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

DR. KELLY KEARSE (4)

KCHS Green & Gold Gala raises more than $110,000 Knoxville Catholic High School thanked all of its sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers that helped make the eighth annual Green & Gold Gala a success. More than 250 alumni, parents, and friends, including Sister John Catherine Kennedy, OP (above), attended the event, held Jan. 26 at The Press Room in Knoxville. More than $110,000, a record amount, was raised to support KCHS academic programs and classroom technology. Next year’s gala will be held Jan. 25, 2020. This year’s gala is past, but donors may still contribute to KCHS by visiting www.knoxvillecatholic.com/giving.

Conversation for two Crystal Deinhart and Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, principal of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge, have a talk at the Green & Gold gala.

Father Manning and friend Kathy Kearse shares a laugh with Father Christopher Manning, KCHS chaplain, at the Green & Gold Gala.

Father Reed attends gala Xrisanthe Christopoulos and Father Joe Reed, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, smile for the camera at the gala.

Calendar continued from page B4 scholarships are available. Registration deadline is Monday, April 22. For more information, contact Donna Jones at 423-718-4387 or djones6029@ gmail.com or visit https://dioknox.org/event/ chattanooga-search-weekend-158/.

The next Picture of Love engaged couples retreat is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, May 31, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in the parish life center at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon. The cost is $135 per couple, which includes a certificate good for $60 off a marriage license. To receive a $60 discount couples must attend the entire program and attend the program within one year of purchasing the license. Mass will be celebrated during the event.

For more information, contact Marian Christiana of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox. org, or visit dioknox.org/marriage-preparation-andenrichment/ and click on the “programs designed for engaged couples” page. A print promo may be found at https://tinyurl.com/PoL-2019-registration.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are set for May 3-5 and June 21-23. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org or call 678-242-WWME. A Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat for those who have experienced emotional or spiritual difficulties from an abortion is scheduled for the weekend of April 26-28 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. One-on-one counseling is available with a trained counselor for those who cannot attend a weekend retreat. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org, or visit https://dioknox.org/event/ rachels-vineyard/.

There will be an informational meeting Tuesday, April 9, for those interested in a pilgrimage to Mexico in September 2020. The meeting will be held at the Chancery offices (805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville) at 6:30 p.m. This is a meeting to go over the proposed itinerary and gauge interest for a journey to the holy and sacred sites of Mexico, including Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Morris at lisam@select-intl.com or 865-567-1245.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will be leading a pilgrimage to Poland, May 25-June 4, along with Cardinal Justin Rigali and Deacon Sean Smith. Participants will visit Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice (the birthplace of Pope St. John Paul II), the Divine Mercy Sanctuary, and Auschwitz before journeying on to Zakopane, Budapest, and Vienna. All-inclusive price is $4,395. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Join Father Bill McNeeley on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wis., and other holy and sacred sites along the way June 18-22. The pilgrimage includes a tour of Mundelein Seminary, a visit to the Shrine of Maximilian Kolbe and Holy Hill, and a visit to the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians before it continues on to Green Bay for a two-night stay. Participants will visit TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

and have Mass at St. Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay and visit the National Railroad Museum before returning home with a one-night stay in Indianapolis.

Total cost per person based on double occupancy is $1,100. For more information contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Father Charlie Burton and Gail Black of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga will lead a Holy Land and Jordan pilgrimage Oct. 30 to Nov. 11. Participants will visit a number of sites, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Gethsemane, the Nativity Church, Capernaum, Tel Aviv, Petra, and Amman. Cost is $4,699 and includes airfare, five-star accommodations, taxes, tips, fees, transportation, breakfast, and dinners. Register through www.procatholictours.com or call 612-730-2890 or 769-220-2702.

A Danube River pilgrimage with Father Leo Patalinghug of EWTN is set for Nov. 3-13. All-inclusive land and air starts at $4,395. For more information, contact Lisa Morris, Select International Tours, at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

The St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op meets at 8:30 a.m. Fridays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Registration for the 2019-20 school year will be open through April 30.

The co-op is looking for teachers and volunteers to help on Fridays with the co-op classes, including science, history, religion, and special topics.

Helpers must be Virtus-trained before serving. Visit stspeterandpaulbasilica.com and select Ministries > Homeschool Co-op for more information. Contact stambrosecoop@gmail.com to learn more or sign up.

The newly renovated Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga is now normally open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, with extended hours on some weeknights. The weekday schedule includes daily Mass at 7 a.m. Monday (ancient form), Wednesday, and Friday and noon Monday through Friday. Confessions are offered at 11:30 a.m. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday. Morning prayer is offered after the 7 a.m. Mass on Monday/ Wednesday/Friday. Adoration is offered on first Fridays and all Fridays of Lent following the noon Mass, concluding with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Adoration continues from 9 p.m. (8 p.m. during Lent) until 7 a.m.

On Wednesdays during Lent, the basilica offers Vespers at 5:45 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m.

On Fridays during Lent, the basilica offers adoration following the noon Mass, concluding with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. and Vespers at 5:45 p.m., followed by Stations of the Cross in English at 6 p.m. and a traditional fish fry at 6:30 p.m., hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 610. Stations of the Cross in Spanish is offered at 7:30 p.m., with continued adoration through the night from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Holy Week and Easter at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will include the following: • April 14: Palm Sunday procession and solemn entrance at the 11:30 a.m. Mass in English and 1:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish; simple entrance at the 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturday vigil Masses; www.di o k no x .o rg

• April 18: 6:30 p.m. Holy Thursday solemn multilingual Mass; adoration in the rectory chapel until midnight; • April 19: 1-3 p.m. confessions; 3 p.m. bilingual Stations of the Cross; 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Passion of the Lord solemn multilingual liturgy; • April 20: 9:15 p.m. Easter Vigil solemn multilingual Mass with incense (56 candidates and catechumens); • April 21: Easter Sunday 9 a.m. simple English Mass with incense; 11:30 a.m. solemn English Mass with schola, incense, ad orientem; 1:30 p.m. solemn Mass in Spanish; • April 28: 10 a.m. Divine Mercy holy hour with sung chaplet (normal Mass schedule this weekend).

A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. On April 28 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the Octave of Easter (Low Sunday). On May 26 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the Fifth Sunday after Easter.

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; and at 5 p.m. each fourth Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The traditional Latin Mass of Easter will be offered again this year at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville at noon on Easter Sunday, April 21. This special Mass will be accompanied by motets and sacred polyphony, with the variable proper parts of the great Easter liturgy sung in Gregorian chant and the fixed ordinary parts (the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, etc.) in a choral setting by the Renaissance composer Giovanni Palestrina. All area Catholics and their friends are invited to share this festive celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Further details about the Mass and sacred music will be posted at www.knoxlatinmass.net.

The complete traditional Latin liturgy of the Sacred Triduum will be offered during Holy Week this year at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville for the first time in a half-century. The two services each day include • Tenebrae at 5 a.m. and Mass of the Last Supper at 3 p.m. on Holy Thursday, April 18; • Tenebrae at 5 a.m. and Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday at 6 p.m. on April 19; and • Tenebrae at 5 a.m. and the Easter Vigil at 10 a.m. on Holy Saturday, April 20.

The three Sacred Triduum celebrations of Tenebrae (Latin for “darkness”) feature the chanting of Psalms and the Lamentations of Jeremiah in pre-dawn darkness. No liturgical service during the entire Church year is more biblical. Latin-English booklets will be provided at all these Sacred Triduum services. See www.knoxlatinmass.net for additional information.

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 865584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details. n APRIL 7, 2019 n B5

By Dan McWilliams outh and adults were honored March 9 at the annual Bishop’s Scouting Mass and dinner at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Boy and Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life boys attended the 5 p.m. vigil Mass.

“To all those involved in the Scouting program, to all the adults who guide them I say thank you,” Bishop Stika said at Mass.

Martin Vargas, emblems coordinator for the Knoxville Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, introduced 10 Scouting emblem of faith recipients, who drew a round of applause after their awards were presented.

At the dinner in the cathedral parish hall, Mr. Vargas introduced two adults who received the Bronze Peli-

Y

can Award for their service.

“The first award is for Rachael LeBlanc for keeping us together, guiding us forward, and always doing an outstanding job,” Mr. Vargas said. “The second award is to Kimberly Turnmire, who does an outstanding job guiding our retreats and helping get Scouts along their path to God.” Bishop Stika, a former Cub Scout himself, complimented adult Scouts at the dinner.

“In the Scouting program there are adults who give a lot of time because they see a value in helping other people,” he said.

Mr. Vargas presented Bishop Stika with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s Quality Diocese Award, which the Diocese of Knoxville has earned for more than 15 years running.

DAN MCWILLIAMS (5)

Bishop presents Scout awards at annual Mass

Award from the bishop Bishop Richard F. Stika presents one of 10 emblem of faith certificates at the Scouting Mass.

“My other hope with this award is those of you who are participating in the Scouts, you youngsters, that

someday you, too, will be leaders in the Scouting program,” the bishop said. n

Certificates on display Bishop Stika and Martin Vargas stand with the 10 emblem of faith recipients at the Scouting Mass. Boy and Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Trail Life boys attended the liturgy.

The Body of Christ Bishop Stika gives Holy Communion to an American Heritage Girl attending the Scouting Mass. In the background is Father Arthur Torres.

Bronze Pelican Award Bishop Stika and Mr. Vargas present a Bronze Pelican Award to Rachael LeBlanc.

Second presentation Bishop Stika and Mr. Vargas give a second Bronze Pelican Award to Kimberly Turnmire.

Trail Life USA program for boys is new to DOK

By Dan McWilliams here’s a new organization in the Diocese of Knoxville that falls under the Scouting umbrella.

Trail Life USA now has a troop based out of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Trail Life is a Christian-based program for boys, similar to the Christian-based American Heritage Girls program that has been in the diocese for a number of years.

Peter Ohotnicky is troopmaster of Troop 0629 at the basilica. He spoke after the Scouting Mass on March 9.

“Trail Life started, I want to say, in 2014, and it’s a Christian organization for boys that’s focused on character development, leadership, and outdoor adventure,” he said. “It was started by families who were hoping to have this type of outdoororiented program for boys that had a more Christian focus to it, and so that’s what inspired the leaders that started Trail Life USA.” Troop 0629 is the first one in Tennessee to be founded by a Catholic church, Mr. Ohotnicky said.

“All Trail Life troops have to be chartered by— it’s normally a Christian church that will found them,” he said. “Since it’s been founded, there have been troops that have converted from Boy Scouts into Trail Life or there have been churches that have started their own Trail Life troops.

Our troop at Sts. Peter and Paul was founded just this past fall. We started

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

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Basilica troop Thomas Ohotnicky, a member of Trail Life Troop 0629 in Chattanooga, receives his emblem of faith certificate from Bishop Richard F. Stika at the Scouting Mass. meetings in August of 2018.

“We’re pretty small. We have just six or seven families that are involved in our troop right now.

Our family in particular has been involved in Trail Life since it started.”

Mr. Ohotnicky is retired from the U.S. Air Force, and his family has lived around the country, with Trail

Life being a part of their life at virtually every stop.

“We were living in Alaska at the time, and we and a number of families founded a troop up in Alaska.

I’ve moved around a bunch, so this is the fourth troop that we’ve been in, and we’ve started three troops in different places,” he said.

www.di o k no x .o rg

Trail Life is for boys from kindergarten through age 25, Mr. Ohotnicky said.

“Our troop—we have boys as young as kindergarten, and the oldest boy we have in the program is in ninth grade,” he said.

Troop 0629 is named for the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul: June 29. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

By Dan McWilliams he fourth annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament at Knoxville Catholic High School, set for Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27, will feature an NAIA conference final-four tournament as well as plenty of prep and youth action.

“Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in East Tennessee and the entire country,” said Knights Cup organizer Tom Ciaccia. “There has been an explosion in participation at the youth level the past few years that is reflected by new high school teams coming online every year.

Sports fans who have never seen a live lacrosse game should come out to Knoxville Catholic and experience the fast-paced, hard-hitting action in what is known as ‘the fastest sport on two feet.’

“The Knights Cup is an excellent and inexpensive opportunity around which parish ministries, especially those serving the youth in our community, can organize a group outing. Parishioners, as individuals or groups, can come out to Knoxville Catholic and have a great time while assisting the children and families who are served by this event.”

The Knights Cup “is an expanded event that will feature youth, middle school, high school boys and girls, and championship college action in a three-day showcase of highly competitive lacrosse at every level of participation,” Mr. Ciaccia said.

The NAIA Independent Conference Final Four Championship Lacrosse Tournament will be played Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at KCHS. Independent Conference teams include Missouri Baptist University of St. Louis; Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design; Lindenwood University of Belleville, Ill.; Keiser University of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Robert Morris College of Chicago.

“The success of the first three Knights Cups was instrumental in bringing the NAIA Independent Conference Final Four Championship Tournament to Knoxville to be part of this year’s event,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “The conference, which includes colleges from Missouri, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia, will be sending its four highest ranked teams to Knoxville to compete for a place in the NAIA national championship tournament the following week.”

This is the third consecutive year the Knights Cup has brought col-

T

legiate lacrosse to Knoxville in an event that will include six high school games with girls and boys teams, a middle school tournament, and several games among youth lacrosse organizations.

Teams will be coming to Knoxville from Memphis, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Roane County, and Blount County.

“For the first time since the beginning of the Knights Cup in 2016, girls high school lacrosse will be added to the event with a doubleheader on Thursday, April 25, that will be built around the Knoxville Catholic senior-night activities,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “The Roane County Lady Knights, West Knox Warriors, CAK, and KCHS will participate in the doubleheader with youth teams from Knoxville Youth Sports and Farragut Youth Lacrosse playing at halftime of the two games.”

The Knights Cup has attracted increasingly larger crowds each year as lacrosse continues to experience growth in Knoxville and East Tennessee. Each year, more high schools in Knoxville and Tennessee respond to this growth by adding lacrosse to their varsity athletic programs. In 2021, the TSSAA will recognize lacrosse as a sanctioned varsity sport in Tennessee.

“The Knights Cup is organized

by Knights of Columbus councils at Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Our Lady of Fatima parishes,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “As has been the case since the Knights began these athletic events back in 2004, the proceeds from the event benefit the wide range of child and family services provided throughout the diocese by the Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Office of Pregnancy Services.

The first three Knights Cup have raised close to $30,000, and with the addition of the girls doubleheader and the NAIA championship tournament, we expect the 2019 Knights Cup to be the most successful of the 16 events we have put on since 2004.

“The extraordinary work that is done by [CCET’s] Sandi Davidson and her staff and cadre of volunteers goes to the very core of what we believe in as Christians. This is an event everyone in our community can get behind. The Knights expect to continue these events for many years to come.”

The schedule of events at Blaine Stadium on the campus of KCHS is: Thursday, April 25: high school girls—5:30 p.m.: Roane County vs.

Christian Academy of Knoxville; 7:30 p.m.: West Knox Warriors vs.

CHAMPIONSHIP COLLEGE LACROSSE

RETURNS TO KNOXVILLE NAIA INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE FINAL FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

THURSDAY April 25 2019 - saturday April 27 2019 e tur

Fea

nt

Eve

BLAINE STADIUM

of

Knoxville Catholic High School

FOURTH ANNUAL KNIGHTS CUP LACROSSE TOURNAMENT benefiting Knights of Columbus Charities in Knoxville and East Tennessee

APRIL 25 2019 - High School Girls

APRIL 27 2019 - Youth, Middle School, High School Boys,

5:30PM Roane County Lady Knights v CAK 7:30PM West Knox Warriors v Knoxville Catholic

NAIA Independent Conference Championship

Farragut Youth v Knoxville Youth Sports at Half-Times

APRIL 26 2019 - NAIA Independent Conference Final Four Championship Tournament

6:00PM Semi-Final Game 1 8:00PM Semi-Final Game 2

Tickets

8:00AM Youth Lacrosse and Middle School Tournament 10:00AM Collierville High School v CAK 12:00PM NAIA Independent Conference Championship 2:30PM Middle School Tournament Championship 4:00PM Boyd Buchanan High School v West Knox Warriors 6:00PM Roane County Knights v FCA Chattanooga 8:00PM Blount County High School v Knoxville Catholic

Adults

Advance

Group of 10

Students

Advance

Group of 10

$10.00 $6.00

$8.00

$7.00

$4.00

Available At

$3.00

Knoxville Catholic High School; Friday, April 26: NAIA Independent Conference Final Four Championship Tournament semifinals—6 p.m.: seed 2 vs. seed 3; 8 p.m.: seed 1 vs. seed 4; Saturday, April 27: youth, middle school, high school boys, NAIA Independent Conference Championship— 8 a.m.: youth lacrosse and middle school tournament; 10 a.m.: Collierville High School vs. Christian Academy of Knoxville; noon: NAIA Independent Conference Championship game; 2:30 p.m.: middle school tournament championship game; 4 p.m.: Boyd Buchanan High School vs. West Knox Warriors; 6 p.m.: Roane County Knights vs. FCA Chattanooga; 8 p.m.: Blount County Lacrosse vs. Knoxville Catholic High School.

“Youth and middle school games featuring teams from Knoxville Youth Sports, Farragut Youth Lacrosse, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, CAK, Roane County Knights, Hardin Valley, and Kingsport will take place throughout

the day on Saturday, April 26,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “The youth and middle school games are an attractive feature of the Knights Cup as lacrosse fans can see the progression in skills and quality of play as the kids move from under-7 to middle school competition.

“Fans coming out to the Knights Cup are always impressed by the intensity and quality of play at the middle school level. The skills and knowledge of the game have developed to the point where kids at that level put on some highly entertaining and exciting games.”

Information on being a Knights Cup sponsor or game program advertiser can be obtained at the event website, http://www.knightscup. org, or by contacting Tom Ciaccia at tciaccia@att.net or 865-765-4046.

Tickets are available at the event website and at the gate during the event. One ticket is good for all games over the three-day event.

Discounted advance purchase tickets for individuals and groups are available at the website. n

Boy, I wish our Church wasn’t growing so fast...

DAN MCWILLIAMS

How will we afford it?

2018 battle Knoxville Catholic High School took on Christian Academy of Knoxville in last year’s Knights Cup.

Good thing we have the Catholic Foundation!

The COURTESY OF KATHLEEN ETHERTON PRESTON

Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee invests in two essential needs for the Diocese of Knoxville

Seminarian Education and Land for New Churches Helping to provide for a growing Church for 30 years!

Judge visits St. Jude School second-graders Judge Justin C. Angel of the 12th Judicial Court visited with Andrew Barnett’s second-grade social studies class at St. Jude School in Chattanooga. Judge Angel presented a lesson on civics and local government.

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

www.di o k no x .o rg

Learn more @ GiveCFET.org or call John Deinhart @ (865) 584-3307

APRIL 7, 2019 n B7

DAN MCWILLIAMS (6)

Fourth Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament set

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

A longer-than-40-day wandering in the desert A 17-year-old student found himself ‘on a path no one should be forced to walk’

I

n the interest of full disclosure, I’ve been a whole lot better at keeping my Lenten promise this year. So much better than last year, that’s for sure.

Yes, I know, whatever we choose to do should be a personal matter.

“Pray in private; fast in secret; don’t do what you do the way the hypocrites do.”

But after last year’s utter failure, I’m feeling good about myself. Not there yet by any means, but closer.

Like most, I always begin with good intentions. But what do they say about the road to hell and how it’s paved? A good strip of last year’s path was mine.

Not only is it embarrassing to admit when we can’t hold it together—whatever “it” is—for 40 days, but it’s also humbling. Especially when we imagine the 40 days that started this whole thing. Christ wandering in the desert, literally, having faced all that’s out there.

I don’t really want to imagine all that’s out there. I mean I’ve never been in a desert—but I’ve seen movies.

Throw in what’s likely not out there—like food and water—and my own 40 days of self-imposed desert wandering are more aptly described as a casual stroll through the land of milk and honey and Captain D’s on Fridays.

But on occasion, some journeys through the modern-day desert of life are not only more challenging, they’re not of our choosing. Some find themselves on a path no one should be forced to walk.

In spite of all that he shared—amazingly, truly amazingly—he could still manage to laugh a little. And as you might expect, he cried a little, too. I tried not to. . . . More amazing than Austin’s story was the fact that it turned out to be true.

I remember one such trip. The kid—we’ll call him Austin—knocked on my office door and asked if he could come in for a minute.

He was a senior, and though not quite 18, he was just six weeks from graduating. He sat down with a facial expression I don’t see every day.

It was a combination of emotions, somewhere between stress and sadness, both mixed with a huge dose of please-tell-me-you-can-help-me.

Turns out he’d been wandering in his own desert for quite a while.

And hadn’t told anyone.

So we sat there through most of fourth period and all of fifth as he poured out his soul. The little that was left of it.

He was a smart kid, popular with his peers, but a teenager who didn’t need to tally them up as a measure of his self-worth. And like too many young people these days, his parents were no longer together.

His mom had been a drug addict, and you could tell he hated her for it. And how their lives had changed because of it. Though he would have gladly preferred it, she wasn’t entirely out of their lives, which kept his wounds forever fresh.

Sadly, he wasn’t all that close to his father either. He recognized

Marriage Enrichment

the man had been trying as best he could to hold it all together, but he sensed his dad was losing control.

Of everything.

He needed a superhero for a dad but realized he got a human being instead. So his emotions wavered back and forth between being disappointed in and feeling sorry for the man of the family that was left.

He told me about their incessant arguing that never failed to turn ugly. His dad would spew at him about no longer wanting to be the father of four. The boy admitted firing back about how he wasn’t any good at it anyway.

They didn’t just hurt each other.

They tried to.

As if that weren’t enough, what prompted the visit to my office was actually worse.

His dad had found a new girlfriend and was spending most of his nights at her house. He’d arrive home somewhere in the wee hours to get the younger ones to school.

But for that, Austin was on his own.

Most recently though, his younger siblings had moved from dad’s house to mom’s. Austin refused to go, so for all practical purposes he’d been living on his own.

Remarkably, the boy had a job, but no car. He had a house but no one in it. He had a family, but it didn’t feel like it.

And as some sort of cruel and final insult, only days before his father informed him the only house he had ever known was soon to be foreclosed. See if you can find a place to live.

Seventeen years old? See if you can find a place to live?

Are you kidding me?

Seriously! Are you kidding me?

In between the serious stuff, I was also curious about the not-soserious stuff. Did you order any graduation invitations? Do you have money for a tux and the prom?

How are your grades holding up?

Though not as much, those things matter, too, if you’re clinging to normal as tightly as you can.

In spite of all that he shared— amazingly, truly amazingly—he could still manage to laugh a little.

And as you might expect, he cried a little, too. I tried not to.

Soon thereafter, I set out to see how much of his tale was true. I had to. I’ve known a manipulative teenager or two.

More amazing than Austin’s story was the fact that it turned out to be true. Pretty much all of it.

Thankfully, things got a little bit better. We helped where we could.

We found others to help where we couldn’t.

His healing’s not finished; I’m not sure it ever will be, not entirely, not for a long time.

Some wander in the desert far longer than 40 days.

Dear God—Your son prayed and prepared for 40 days. And then we killed him. These days we’re better at killing the spirit. Please spare us—from us.

Amen. ■ George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

by Marian Christiana

Call to Love conference spiritually uplifting

One participant says, ‘Our marriages are the fire, the warmth, and the light of God’s love in the world’

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ur first Call to Love Marriage Conference was held March 23 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sixty-four couples participated in this bilingual event. There were both English and Spanish tracks, and all the participants ended their day at the 5 p.m. vigil Mass celebrated

by Bishop Richard F. Stika in the cathedral.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Stika led the couples through a renewal of their marriage vows with Father Arthur Torres translating. I am happy to report that the day was very well received by all who attended. The day was so impactful that I want to share with you a bit about the format of the conference and some takeaway messages of the day as shared by our participants on their evaluations.

Jorge Paredes and Viviana Martinez, founders of the apostolate “God With Us,” presented John Gottman’s The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work to a full house. This all-day workshop took the couples through a series of presentations and exercises that taught them how to incorporate the seven principles into their day-to-day lives. These principles are intricately connected to trust, commitment, honor, and respect of each other. One of the attending couples said that they learned that they must continually work on their marriage, that marriage is lived every day, and that the wedding day is just the very beginning of the journey. All of us who live the vocation of marriage must continue to grow closer to our spouse and to God. Dr. Tom Neal, academic dean and professor of spiritual theology at

This time we did get to witness the seeds of love planted many years ago starting to flower. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, but if we live in hope and fidelity to our vocation of marriage, our love will echo through the generations.

Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, opened the English track with a talk on the “Hearth of Love: Marriage and Family in the Mission of the Church.” At the heart of Dr. Neal’s talk was this insight shared by one of our participants: “Our marriages are the fire, the warmth, and the light of God’s love in the world.” This insight spoke to me on a very personal level because it reaffirmed the work this office does with engaged couples.

During our diocesan Picture of Love marriage-preparation program, we stress to couples that through their sacramental marriage they bring Christ’ light into the world and reflect His love. Dr. Neal also stressed that it is around the family hearth that we learn to love, trust, forgive, offer forgiveness, and accept ourselves and each other. He compared it to participating at Mass. Our Picture of Love marriage-preparation program also compares family life to what is happening at Mass. We build a prayer table around the family dining table stressing how this family school of love, trust, forgiveness, and acceptance reflects the elements of the Mass. I loved the image of the hearth and will be tweaking my presentation for the engaged couples to reflect that imagery.

Another of Dr. Neal’s insights was to show us how suffering shapes us into the people we are

meant to be. We can look at our trials and complain or we can look for the blessings that have followed because of those trials and rejoice.

Dr. Neal used an example of the relationship between his autistic half-brother and his stepmother.

His stepmother says that loving his brother and being loved by him has changed her in ways she never dreamed possible and all for the better. Altering our perspective on suffering can be a real game-changer for marriages when we realize that our trials can be our call to holiness. With the proper perspective, we can change our sufferings into a gift for our spouse and the world by using them to reflect the love of our Lord.

Father Michael Cummins, pastor of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, spoke about the “Garden of Love: Christian Family and Vocation” through the use of Scripture stories.

A very popular insight from Father Michael’s talk was that “you plant the tree knowing that you will never sit in its shade.” All five Scripture stories illustrated the fact that we must live our vocation of marriage for the benefit of future generations.

Like Abraham, Sarai, Mary, and Joseph, we must place our trust in the Lord. We must realize that we may not see the fruits of faithfully living out our wedding vows but that living out those vows will have an effect on our children and on future generations. We are a people of hope.

I love to garden so this imagery of planting a garden of love spoke directly to my heart. It is difficult, however, to acknowledge that we may not always see the results of our efforts. I have been reflecting on this particular insight and think its

imagery can be very helpful to couples whose adult children have left the Church or are estranged from the family.

Recently I have experienced this in a very personal way. My nephew had not spoken to his parents for two years. Our extended family is very close, so my nephew’s absence left a large hole in the family. We all joined his parents in praying for his return. My sister and her husband continued to keep their family hearth burning brightly for him and showed us all what hope in the Lord looks like on a daily basis. Last week our prayers were answered when he came home for a visit.

One visit did not sort everything out, but we still rejoice in his return and pray that the relationship will continue to improve. This time we did get to witness the seeds of love planted many years ago starting to flower. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, but if we live in hope and fidelity to our vocation of marriage, our love will echo through the generations. The Scriptures promise this to us.

As is usual when we have a marriage-enrichment event, I feel spiritually uplifted and renewed in my marital vocation. It is definitely one of the perks of the job. If you missed this conference, I hope you will join us at our next marriage-enrichment event. Special thanks to Blanca Primm, Rocio Gonzales, and Karen Byrne for collaborating on this Call to Love Marriage Conference! Their commitment, hard work, and attention to detail were appreciated by everyone in attendance! ■ Marian Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Chrism Mass set for Tuesday, April 16, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus The Chrism Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the B8 n APRIL 7, 2019

Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Chrism Mass is one

of the most important liturgical events of the year, when the priests

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of the diocese renew their priestly vows. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

by Bob Hunt

Let’s truly celebrate Easter Whatever prayers you’ve taken on for Lent, continue them for Easter as acts of thanksgiving

S

o, how’s your Lent going?

We’re in early April now, so by this time our Lenten commitments, much like our New Year’s resolutions come the first week of February, have either proven the test of time or petered out long ago.

I’m holding up pretty well, though not perfectly. I’ve had to drop a couple of things I wanted to do.

I’ve found that I can’t fast the way I used to. My blood sugar protests too loudly. Still, I’ve managed to keep up most of my commitments, having turned some years ago from an emphasis on giving up things to one of taking on extra activities: prayer, worship, giving, small sacrifices. My imperfect practice is tempered by my faith that Lent is a season of mercy and every day is a beginning. I pick myself up and start the journey anew. Today is the day of salvation.

Lent gets a lot of attention among Catholics. The pews are generally full on Ash Wednesday, signaling, I believe, a desire in all of us to start the journey anew. The pews become less and less full each succeeding week of the long Lenten season, signaling, perhaps, a loss of faith manifested by a loss of energy. Do we lose faith in ourselves or in God? Do we lose faith in God’s mercy or in our need for His mercy? Either way,

Weekday readings

family prayer and good times.

Speaking of family prayer, Easter is a time to renew a commitment to pray together as a family. Choose something as simple as an evening prayer. Read the Gospel for the day and offer the prayers of the Church together, giving family members an opportunity to offer their intentions.

Read a spiritual classic. Lots of folks have added this to their Lenten devotion, and Easter is an excellent time to take up the practice, too.

I recommend any of the following: • Treatise on the Love of God by St. Francis de Sales; • Autobiography of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux; • Abandonment to Divine Providence

by Jean-Pierre de Caussade; • Loaves and Fishes by Dorothy Day; or • Love Is Stronger Than Death by Peter Kreeft.

We’ve spent almost seven long weeks in penance preparing for Easter. Let’s take the seven weeks of the Easter season to celebrate and give thanks.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■

Wednesday, April 10: Daniel 3:1420, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52-56; John 8:31-42 Thursday, April 11: Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-9; John 8:51-59 Friday, April 12: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-7; John 10:31-42 Saturday, April 13: Ezekiel 37:21-28; Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11:45-56 Sunday, April 14, 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 15: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3, 13-14; John 12:1-11 Tuesday, April 16: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 72:1-6, 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 17: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31, 33-34; Mat-

thew 26:14-25 Holy Thursday, April 18: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-15 Good Friday, April 19: 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 20: 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; (when baptism is celebrated) Psalm 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; Luke 24:1-12 Easter Sunday, April 21: Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23;

Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Monday, April 22: Acts 2:14, 2233; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15 Tuesday, April 23: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; John 20:11-18 Wednesday, April 24: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Luke 24:13-35 Thursday, April 25: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Luke 24:35-48 Friday, April 26: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14 Saturday, April 27: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28: Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31 Monday, April 29: Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church, Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-9; John 3:1-8 Tuesday, April 30: Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; John 3:7-15 n

Bob Hunt is a husband, father, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

BILL BREWER

Monday, April 1: Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; John 4:43-54 Tuesday, April 2: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; John 5:1-16 Wednesday, April 3: Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18; John 5:17-30 Thursday, April 4: Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106:19-22; John 5:31-47 Friday, April 5: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-21, 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Saturday, April 6: Jeremiah 11:1820; Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12; John 7:40-53 Sunday, April 7: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126:1-6; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11 Monday, April 8: Daniel 13:1-9, 1517, 19-30, 33-62; Psalm 23:1-6; John 8:12-20 Tuesday, April 9: Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21; John 8:21-30

it’s a loss. That lost faith in God or in ourselves ought not keep us from the pews or from the confessional.

Lent and Easter are all about recovering what is lost.

Palm Sunday introduces Holy Week, and finally the Easter Triduum. I love the Triduum, though I’ve often missed some or all of it over the years because of my schedule as a nurse (I work nights, and hospitals don’t close). I love the Easter Vigil, the darkness of the church, broken by the lighting of the Easter candle and that light slowly disseminating throughout the congregation as it is shared among all. I love the readings that tell the story of salvation from creation to the empty tomb. I love the chanting of the Exultet that proclaims our faith that God lives in the eternal now, and He has broken into human history on this night.

The liturgical season of Easter gets short shrift, I think. So much attention is given to Lent, to sacrificial

practices, penance services, extra devotions, days of recollection, etc., that Easter seems almost going back to normal. Easter is seven weeks of rejoicing and celebrating the resurrection, ending with the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Could anything be further from normal?

At this point, Easter is only two short weeks away. Let me suggest beginning to reflect now on how you can each make the Easter season a memorable one, a season of deeper spirituality and communion with our Risen Lord. Here are a few ideas: Whatever added prayers you’ve taken on during Lent, continue them for Easter, only this time not as acts of penance but as acts of thanksgiving for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

As well, there is nothing that recommends that the giving of our time, our talents, and our treasure need stop because Lent is over. Like our prayers, whatever offerings of time, talent, or treasure we make can be offered in thanksgiving for God’s grace won for us by the death and resurrection of Christ.

Easter isn’t a season for fasting.

Rather, a family celebration would be in order. Gather as many family members together as possible for an Easter reunion and celebrate with

[T]here is nothing that recommends that the giving of our time, our talents, and our treasure need stop because Lent is over. Like our prayers, whatever offerings . . . we make can be offered in thanksgiving for God’s grace won for us by the death and resurrection of Christ.

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES

COURTESY OF FATHER BART OKERE

Legacy Clinic receives share of Doc Rock proceeds Sister Mariana Koonce, RSM, MD, accepts a check for $2,749 from members of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Alliance. The check was presented to Sister Mariana and the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic for the clinic’s share of proceeds from the 14th annual Doc Rock fundraiser, which was held Jan. 26 at the Concourse at the International near downtown Knoxville. Presenting Sister Mariana with the check are, from left, Kirstin Kropilak, Cynthia Gash, Nancy Sewell, and Robin Hutchins. The KAMA members with Sister Mariana attend the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Doc Rock is a battle of the bands that features music groups with at least two members who are doctors. Each band represents a nonprofit health care provider in the community. Those attending Doc Rock vote on their favorite band and nonprofit organization.

Special thanks to Officer George at KCHS Jan. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Knoxville Catholic High School students, faculty, and staff thanked Officer Thomas George for keeping KCHS safe every day.

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

St. Patrick’s Day at St. Henry Father Bart Okere and parishioners of St. Henry in Rogersville got into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with the wearing of the green.

Ten from KCHS make All-East band

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noxville Catholic High School recently congratulated 10 band members who made the All-East district band.

Percussionist Alex Dally also drummed her way into the All-

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State band. Other All-East band students are Devon Srdoc, Baylor McCubbin, Carly Slough, Natalie Dale, Laura Daffron, Adam Cieslik, Collin Patton, Alonso Vela, and Olivia Jones. n APRIL 7, 2019 n B9

Notre Dame student receives governor’s award Notre Dame High School freshman Jackson Love was recently honored for his service with the Humane Educational Society at the annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards. He was chosen as the youth nominee from Hamilton County. While volunteering at the Humane Society’s shelter, Jackson can be found walking dogs or working with them in the play yards, which is extremely important in enriching their lives, both physically and mentally. Jackson is pictured with Miss Tennessee, Christine Williamson.

Jake Renfree of KCHS wins indoor nationals, earns state and national honors noxville Catholic High School senior Jake Renfree, days after winning state and national runner-of-the-year honors, won the New Balance Indoor Nationals in early March with a personal-record time of 4 minutes, 6.39 seconds.

Jake won the boys 1-mile run by a margin of .29 seconds over Cole Sprout of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Callie Tucker and Eleanor Mancini of KCHS also raced at the indoor nationals.

Jake finished second in the New Balance Boys Mile final on Feb. 9 at the 112th Millrose Games in New York City. His time of 4:09.27 was .15 seconds behind winner Matt Rizzo of Bronxville, N.Y. The KCHS senior has maintained a weighted 4.33 GPA in the classroom and will attend the University of Notre Dame this fall on scholarship for cross country and track. He will head to South Bend, Ind., as a third-generation pre-med student.

Jake was recently named National Senior Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) and was named the 2018-19 Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Eric Hess, executive director of the NHSCA, said that “Jake is an excellent example what this award stands for. He has excelled as much in the classroom as he has as a runner. We congratulate Jake on an outstanding high school career and wish him success at Notre Dame.”

Jake is the second Tennessee runner to win the NHSCA Senior Boys’ Cross Country Runner of the Year Award. Andrew Bumbalough of Brentwood Academy won the award in 2005.

In its 34th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, the Gatorade Co. announced Jake as its state runner of the year. Jake is the first Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross Country Runner of the

Year to be chosen from Knoxville Catholic High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Jake as Tennessee’s best high school boys cross country runner.

The 6-foot-3, 155-pound senior finished second at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships this past season to earn firstteam All-American status. Jake also won the Division I Large state meet in 15:25.58, breaking the tape 15.27 seconds ahead of his next-closest competitor. He was the Metro Knoxville Cross Country Runner of the Year.

A member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Jake has volunteered locally at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and he has donated his time to multiple community-service initiatives through Youth Leadership Knoxville.

“Jake works through the ups and downs of racing to succeed at the finish line,” said Ashley Powell, head coach of Bearden High School.

“He is a fun runner to watch.”

Jake joins Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross Country Runners of the Year Carter Coughlin (2017-18, Webb School of Knoxville), Brodey Hasty (2016-17 and 2015-16, Brentwood High School), Adam Barnard (2014-15, Daniel Boone High School), and Aaron Templeton (2013-14, Hardin Valley Academy) as athletes who have won the cross country award since its inception in 2007.

As a part of Gatorade’s marketing platform “Play it Forward,” Jake has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of his choosing.

He is also eligible to submit an essay to win one of 12 $10,000 spotlight grants for the organization of his choice, which will be announced throughout the year. n

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

COURTESY OF DEACON SEAN SMITH KATHY RANKIN COURTESY OF CISSY WEST

St. Joseph girls win KISL tourney title St. Joseph School eighth-grader Mary Eunice scrambles for a loose ball against Apostolic Christian. The St. Joseph girls defeated their fellow Knoxville team in the finals of the Knoxville Independent School League Varsity Small division postseason tournament. The Lady Bulldogs finished with a record of 25-1. Jazmin Williams was named tournament MVP. The Bulldog boys team fell to Webb School of Knoxville in the Varsity Large tourney finals, completing a 23-3 season.

B10 n APRIL 7, 2019

More honors for Jake Knoxville Catholic High School’s Jake Renfree recently won National Senior Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year and Gatorade Tennessee Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year recognition.

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Keegan Smith wins 17th national title Keegan Smith, a sixth-grader at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, captured his 17th national title when he won gold in the 3,000-meter run in early March at the AAU indoor nationals in Landover, Md. Keegan set a new national record for the second straight year with his 2019 time of 9 minutes, 44.44 seconds, in the 13-year-old boys division, breaking the old mark of 9:56.42. Keegan, who is 12, won the event by a margin of 46.08 seconds.

OLPH first-graders design lunch bags for Ladies of Charity program During their recent retreat day, first-grade students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga participated in a service project to design lunch bags for the Ladies of Charity to use for their free lunch program. The students were educated about the Ladies of Charity mission, serving the local community with emergency assistance. Volunteers Joanie Hotchkiss and Nancy Nolan answered the students’ questions about the Ladies of Charity mission in downtown Chattanooga.

PAM RHOADES

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

Catholic schools

NDHS has eight commit to colleges on Signing Day Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga celebrated the recent National Signing Day with eight senior student athletes signing letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers on the collegiate level. Joe Reilly signed with Rhodes in golf, Ally Mildenberger with Birmingham Southern in volleyball, Daniel Anderson with Bryan in baseball, MacKenzie Johnson with Young Harris in basketball, Monroe Beard and Tarik Nelson with the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, in football, Jordan Ford with Garden City College in football, and Cameron Wynn with Florida Atlantic in football. Above are (from left) Cameron, Tarik, and Monroe.

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