April 4, 2021, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Ground broken on KCHS auditorium The St. Gregory the Great facility is a missing link for the campus and a long-overdue project

By Bill Brewer

DR. KELLY KEARSE

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‘We’re building . . . on soil with a solid foundation’ Bishop Richard F. Stika and a number of dignitaries and students turn the earth as Knoxville Catholic High School breaks ground on a new auditorium. to the campus annually.

It will be the first dedicated auditorium in KCHS history. The original high school on Magnolia Avenue in East Knoxville was built without one.

The absence of an auditorium for two decades at the newer school has meant that performances and events were held in classrooms, the school’s indoor commons area, or the gymnasium. In 2005, the Megan Birkel Performing Arts Center was a welcome addition to the school, giving students a large classroom-sized space to display their talents.

“We’re building an auditorium, not on sandy soil, but on soil with a

COURTESY OF JOHNSON ARCHITECTURE

n auditorium that was part of the master plan for Knoxville Catholic High School when the West Knoxville campus was developed two decades ago is coming to life thanks to an “army” of supporters who say the addition’s time has come.

Bishop Richard F. Stika was joined

by KCHS faculty, students, and supporters Feb. 22 to break ground on the $5 million, 13,500-square-foot St. Gregory the Great Auditorium that will serve as a dedicated venue for concerts, plays, musicals, ceremonies, and other events hosted by the high school.

Construction began in March on the auditorium, which is being built on greenspace on the front of the school between the main entrance and the separate two-story classroom “B” building. When completed in December, the auditorium will feature: n 375 seats; n A stage that is 55 feet wide by 40 feet deep; n A 1,385-square-foot scene shop; n A 4,000-square-foot lobby; n An audio-video suite; n An 871-square-foot green room; n Full theatrical lighting; n Full accessibility.

According to KCHS, Irish Media Network productions, guidance nights, honor-society inductions, and diocesan and foundational school events also will be hosted in the auditorium, which will be open for use by the community at large, too. KCHS estimates the auditorium will attract more than 10,000 visitors

From the outside An architect’s rendering shows the exterior of the new Knoxville Catholic High School auditorium.

solid foundation, a strong foundation. This school for many years has had a strong foundation, from the previous campus to where we are today. Now, we expand this campus and this building and dedicate it to one of the great popes in the history of the Catholic Church, St. Gregory the Great,” Bishop Stika said.

“I just want to thank all of you for being here and some of our major donors, and all of the many people who have helped make this possible by whatever donation they make, including their donation of prayer for Catholic education in East Tennessee, our 10 schools, but in particular Knoxville Catholic High School.

I would like to thank Dickie (Sompayrac) and Father Chris (Michelson) and all the many people who have been involved in this project,” the bishop said in remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony.

KCHS faculty, staff, and supporters agree the auditorium has been a visible missing link keeping the campus from reaching its full potential.

Modern athletics facilities have helped Fighting Irish athletes win accolades and even state championships in multiple sports, attracting new students to the campus.

Supporters believe the auditorium will have a similar impact.

“I couldn’t be happier for the many students and staff that will

benefit from this awesome venue.

School plays, band and choral concerts, coffee houses, prospective family open houses, athletic and academic signing days, and guidance parent nights are just a few of the many events that we will host throughout the school year,” said KCHS president Mr. Sompayrac.

Mr. Sompayrac explained that the current Blackbox Theatre space will be converted into an 1,800-squarefoot Innovation Lab that will house the school’s robotics program and allow for more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the curriculum.

“The total projected cost of these projects is right at $5 million, and we currently have more than $4 million in pledges. I would like to thank Bishop Stika for his permission to proceed with this project and all the donors who have made this important addition possible,” Mr. Sompayrac said.

According to Mr. Sompayrac, a plan has been in place for several years to get a new auditorium off the ground. But diocesan fundraising priorities had to be followed, and then the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Father Michelson was pastor of All Saints Parish when KCHS was built adjoining All Saints. He helped lead the project to develop KCHS in West Knoxville and said an audiAuditorium continued on page B6

Pilgrimage for Life held at Memorial for Unborn

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he Chattanooga National Memorial for the Unborn is dedicated to healing generations of pain associated with the loss of aborted and miscarried children.”

This was the site for the 2021 Pilgrimage for Life: Together Strong, Life Unites held Jan. 30.

The traditional March For Life in Washington, D.C., was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Thinking creatively, the diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry team united to offer this event, so the message of life would not be lost. A pilgrimage was a great opportunity to unite voices with other organizations holding prolife events across the United States.

Brittany Garcia, director of the office, rejoiced in the collaboration of the many valuable people: “The various speakers, the Knights of Columbus, the Office of Justice & Peace, and ‘our team’ all played an important role in this event.”

What a joy to experience this pilgrimage journey with the youth, families, and ministers of hope from around the diocese. Chattanooga is the largest city in the United States without an abortion clinic, and the amazing healing that is coming from this memorial were two reasons the site was chosen. A Chattanooga abortion clinic used to be housed at the current location of the memorial. As a people of faith, we are thankful for the many souls who went before us there to pray for the clinic doors to close.

Those prayers were answered in 1993.

Anne Rudd, a young 20-something, mentioned that her mother was an integral part of the Chattanooga pro-life movement in the 1990s. Anne’s mother spent hours outside the abortion clinic and undoubtedly played a part in the abortion clinic’s closing. Anne had visited the memorial many times before the pilgrimage and was swept away by the reality that she was probably

By Carolyn Krings

COURTESY OF CAROLYN KRINGS AND SUE GRANGER

Diocesan youth ministry office organizes event that unites pro-lifers from throughout East Tennessee

In memory Stuffed animals and other gifts line the wall of names at the Chattanooga National Memorial for the Unborn. there for the very first time in her own mother’s womb. Another beautiful expression of life came from

soon-to-be parents Brittany and Pedro Garcia at the memorial site. Two Pilgrimage continued on page B8

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Emma on meatless Fridays: ‘I didn’t sign up for that!’

A grandchild’s statement spurs thinking on a number of things we ‘didn’t sign up for’

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wasn’t the first to say it, certainly wasn’t the first to think it. But I wish I had. Because I’ve repeated it often.

“If we had known grandkids were this great, we’d have had them first.”

We have four. Two are here in town; the other two live too far.

Anywhere that’s not here is too far.

Brady came along first; he’s 10 now, a super sensitive kid, smart and perceptive about everything except perceiving what he himself is capable of doing. A little more confidence and a little less anxiety and he’ll accomplish remarkable things.

Finley is 6 and three-fourths. Her mom said when she was born she foresaw a future at the ballfields with gloves and cleats and postgame Cokes. Nope. The girl’s a dancer and a gymnast. And a drama queen. Daylong recitals are now what their future is about.

Fischer is 5 and short for his weight. Like his dad, he’s in love with animals and four-wheelers and getting dirty. If it’s dead and in the street, he’s probably bringing it home. Golf is his new thing; he sleeps with his putter.

Emma is 8, a princess and a free spirit who would wear make-up and pink hair to school if they’d let her. And she’s absolutely sure she’s the funniest person she knows.

Not too long ago, Emma and her mom, Katy, were driving along when the conversation unfolded somewhat like this: “Emma, I know we don’t have them very often, but you like hamburgers and hot dogs, don’t you?”

“Yes, I love hot dogs, and Dad is the best hamburger cooker around! Mom, we should invite BB and Grumpy (my wife and I) to a cookout.”

“OK we’ll do that for sure. I think

Guest Column

The lie you never saw coming, the bad habit that’s only gotten worse, the attitude you thought you could overlook but has never gotten any better. Yes, I took a vow, but I didn’t sign up for that.

Adults aren’t alone. Teenagers face it, too. they’d like that.”

“OK then, we’ll do it Friday.

Sounds like fun.”

“Emma, we can’t eat meat on Friday.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, in our Church, we don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent as a sacrifice for Jesus.”

“Well, I didn’t sign up for that!”

She’s 8. And she was serious. Repeat it out loud with a little snark and some attitude, and you’ll have a look at my daughter’s future.

“Well, Emma, what DID you sign up for?”

“I told our religion teacher I was going to listen to you more and mind you better.”

“How’s that working out?”

“Not so good.”

“Well then, we won’t have meat on Friday.”

What do they say? Kids say the darndest things.

But here’s the thing: have you ever felt like Emma?

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of life and suddenly thought to yourself . . . Well, I didn’t sign up for that?

Finley’s mom got an e-mail informing her that their most recent dance recital would involve three outfits and eight straight hours in an auditorium on a Sunday afternoon.

She smiled at Finley but texted us: I didn’t sign up for that.

When moms and dads choose Catholic education, they also choose tuition and uniforms and field trips.

But then along comes auctions and candy bars, selling concessions and building scenery, and helping with their homework—but not too much.

How often are we tempted to say, I didn’t sign up for that?

We’ve experienced other surprises.

“I used to love this job, but working from home all the time? I didn’t sign up for that.”

“I know things are tight—I’m happy to have my job—but you want me to do that guy’s job, too? I didn’t sign up for that.”

“You want me to teach to the online kids at the same time I’m teaching the kids in front of me? I didn’t sign up for that.”

“You want me to come to school in a pandemic and have kids in the same room as me? I didn’t sign up for that.”

Similarly, we knew married life wasn’t going to be all candy and roses. We probably knew it wasn’t even gonna be honey buns and clean T-shirts. Not every day anyway.

But that’s OK. It’s not daily life that’s the problem. It never is.

It’s always the unexpected realization that is reason for our pause.

The lie you never saw coming, the bad habit that’s only gotten worse, the attitude you thought you could overlook but has never gotten any better. Yes, I took a vow, but I didn’t sign up for that.

Adults aren’t alone. Teenagers face it, too.

They love being in love. Having a boyfriend or a girlfriend seems to make life better or happier. And who doesn’t want his or her child to find someone special? But when their date wants to try something uncomfortable: “I didn’t sign up for that.”

When their text group goes rogue and starts making fun or bullies some poor kid—“I didn’t sign up for that.”

Little ones don’t even get spared.

The cool kid says, “Let’s don’t play with her.” You don’t have to be an adult to feel that’s not right—I didn’t sign up for that.

The question is—each and every time—so what do we do now? No, you didn’t sign up for it, but here you are.

Faced with a decision, there’s usually a right and a wrong answer. In fact, there’s almost always a right and a wrong answer. And we’ve known which is which since we were Fischer’s age and played in the dirt.

The challenge lies in the choosing.

Doesn’t it always?

How do we keep a friend, a job, a spouse and be the person we know we should be?

Is it obvious? Yes. Is it easy? No. But then He never said it would be.

I wish I had more than that for you. I don’t. I’m no better at it than anyone else.

Thankfully, though, not all such choices are critical.

We’d been married four months when we got invited to our first Halloween costume party as a married couple. Nancy wanted to dress as a bumblebee and wanted me to dress as a sunflower. Absolutely not, no way, not gonna happen—I didn’t sign up for that.

Turned out my yellow petals were pretty cute.

Dear God—You came to earth to die—and you actually did sign up for that! No one has ever loved us more.

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

by Leila S. al-Imad, Ph.D.

St. Joseph: a man of faith that moves mountains The Scriptures’ ‘silent man’ did what the Lord commanded without hesitation

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intent to marry, but he was not yet married, as consummation of the marriage in such a tradition came sometimes way later, if the families had arranged such marriage when their children were very young.

Be it as it may, Joseph, one would speculate, must have been raised by parents who taught him proper manners (godly manners); otherwise he would have never, in his day and age, been able to restrain himself from making Mary’s plight, pregnant without a spouse, a horrible and horrid one. Joseph proved to be an obedient man who did not question the Lord whose message he heard in a dream. In contrast, Moses argued with God whether he was the right person to go and save his people from the wrath of the Pharaohs. He even asked God why He, the Lord, could not ask someone else; Joseph humbly accepted to marry Mary and to become the

COURTESY OF MARIA RIST

he silent man of the Scriptures, but one of the most influential characters of the New Testament. His strength and power come from his acceptance without reluctance the command given to him in a dream. He was, if one could speculate, chosen, even before he knew it. God in His wisdom knew, as He always does, that Joseph if told or asked will always obey Him. He, the Lord, knew that Joseph will never abandon the woman who He had chosen to carry His son.

Joseph’s silence is powerful, as we know from the Scriptures, even before the dream in which the Lord spoke to him; He was willing in silence to divorce Mary so as not to have her be shunned or even killed when she was found carrying a child. He had been promised Mary as a wife, and in the Jewish tradition, which has a ketubah, an agreement or document signifying his

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foster father of Christ. Furthermore, he was even told to name him Jesus.

Contrary to tradition of the Ancient Middle East, where the father would always name the newborn baby boy, Joseph did what the Lord commanded without hesitation.

He accepted and did God’s will, totally trusting in His Creator, as he embarked on an unknown voyage directed by God. Joseph’s faith cannot be matched.

A man who delivered the Son of God alone and accepted that his own abode become the House of the Lord, never stopped doing the right thing for Jesus …. He carried him to the land of Egypt when the Lord told him to do so. Obedient and faithful, he left his home, tribe, family, and career and sought refuge, as an immigrant and refugee in the unfamiliar land of Egypt.

What an example of faith that moves mountains Joseph was and

is. He no doubt, even if he did not understand all that was ordained for him, acted accordingly. He perceived and believed in doing what was the right thing to do. He was a very responsible father and a great supporter of Mary. When Jesus was discovered to have been left behind, in the House of the Lord, he traveled back with Mary to find the child, and he readily accepted what Jesus gave as an answer why he stayed behind. No ill feeling or anger was emitted by him that we know of. Joseph was an ideal father and husband of Mary, an example of an honorable, humble character who is a model of a spouse and father for that era and for ours. ■ Dr. Leila al-Imad is an associate professor of Middle Eastern history and the history of Islam at East Tennessee State University. She is a member of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City.

St. Joseph Table at the basilica The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga had a traditional St. Joseph Table on March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph, through the weekend of March 20-21. The St. Joseph Table is a legendary tradition that started in Sicily and evolved in gratitude for the intercession of St. Joseph during a famine. It is a way to practice charity as an opportunity to give to the poor in honor of St. Joseph, who provided for the Holy Family and is patron of the universal Church. It is also normally an opportunity to festively celebrate St. Joseph on his solemnity when the table is blessed during Lent. The basilica’s St. Joseph Table was blessed by Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano after the noon Mass on March 19, after a statue of St. Joseph was brought to it in procession. This year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, all the food placed on the St. Joseph Table as well as monetary donations were given to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen to benefit the poor, as part of a Lenten fundraiser and food drive organized by Knights of Columbus Council 610. More information on the Knights’ collection for the Community Kitchen may be found at www.stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/events/knights-fundraiser-for-chattanooga-community-kitchen.

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

Scripture and the Spiritual Life

by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

The resurrection and the Gospels: apostolic eyewitnesses The Apostles realized that the risen Jesus’ humanity was changed, but He was the same person

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he readings during the Easter season, especially during the octave of Easter, the eight days from Easter Sunday to Divine Mercy Sunday, go through several apparitions of the risen and glorified Jesus to his Apostles and disciples. There are several different stories, and not all of them appear in all the Gospels.

This may lead one to question their veracity: Why didn’t the Gospel writers share the same stories? Why did some talk about Jesus’ resurrection appearances in detail, like John, and some almost not at all, like Mark? Do such discrepancies mean that the resurrection is a falsehood?

Quite the contrary, actually. The diversity of the Gospel accounts of the resurrection attests more strongly to their authenticity. The reasoning goes like this: if the Gospel writers were going to make up the resurrection of Jesus or if the Apostles taught a made-up doctrine to the first Christians, they would have been united in their story. It would have been something rehearsed, perhaps even memorized, among the Apostles and evangelists. Instead, each Gospel writer offers a unique perspective.

As Craig L. Blomberg, author of The Historical Reliability of the New Testament, writes: “ … [T]he fact that the four writers each include enough unique material to their narratives, while overall clearly narrating the same event, suggests a greater degree of literary independence . . . decreasing the likelihood of collu-

Hear more from Sister Anna Marie on her podcast, Scripture and the Spiritual Life. sion.” In other words, the Gospel writers each had a way to tell the great story of Jesus. They also had audiences they were attempting to reach, so their resurrection reports, like the rest of their Gospels, vary in some of the details, while agreeing in the essential points.

One of those essentials is that the new humanity of the risen Jesus was different than before. The resurrection seemed so unbelievable that Jesus himself had to convince his Apostles time and again that it was really He who was in their midst.

That is why He ate with them, even cooked for them, and invited St. Thomas the Apostle to touch His wounds. Thomas’ exclamation has echoed down the ages in the Church as the quintessential act of faith in the risen Jesus: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

In fact, the Apostles were absolutely certain that the Jesus who appeared to them was the same Jesus who had died on Good Friday.

His humanity was changed, but he was the same person. Only God could do such a thing, could create such a new reality. That is the message that the Apostles proclaimed from the very beginning when they preached. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us,

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

“Christ’s apostles knew that they were called by God as ‘ministers of a new covenant,’ ‘servants of God,’ ‘ambassadors for Christ,’ ‘servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God’” (No. 859). Their relentless witnessing to Jesus, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit and mandated by Jesus himself, got them into trouble time and again, but they did not stop. They and their followers were arrested by the Jewish authorities and sometimes killed. If they were not executed by the Jews, then they were killed by the Roman government. Both St. Peter and St. Paul, for example, were martyred in Rome. The only apostle who did not suffer martyrdom was St. John, the beloved disciple, although he did endure torments and exile. They went to their deaths proclaiming the reality of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and salvation for all people through him. Before they died, the Apostles ensured that the life and person of Jesus would continue to be preached and that the sacraments would be celebrated. Recall that during the resurrection appearances, Jesus conferred authority on his Apostles. In Matthew, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18).

In John, Jesus breathes on the disciples, imparting to them the Holy Spirit: “‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send

you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23). As the Catechism states: “Thus the risen Christ, by giving the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, entrusted to them His power of sanctifying: they became sacramental signs of Christ. By the power of the same Holy Spirit they entrusted this power to their successors” (No. 1087). The Apostles made sure that their authority would not die with them. Since it came from Jesus Himself, it was meant to be a part of Jesus’ Church forever.

The Holy Spirit pushed the Apostles out and into the world, to preach and teach people about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Forgiveness of sins was offered in Jesus’ name, and the Apostles had the authority to teach that and to offer that forgiveness to each and every person. They were impelled to share the Gospel, to freely give away what they had received. They passed on that apostolic mission to their successors and, in this way, empowered the Church of all times to make disciples of all nations. ■ Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, is the former director of the Office of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville. She also writes for SimplyCatholic.com, a ministry of Our Sunday Visitor. This column originally appeared at SimplyCatholic.com.

by Bob Hunt

Each Eucharist is a promise of eternal life The Church, in her prayers, professes her faith in the Eucharist as the whole saving action of Christ

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he Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life. . . . For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch” (No. 1324).

It is the faith of the Church that with each celebration of the Mass the sacrifice of Christ for our salvation is made present so that the faithful may participate in the saving action of our Lord and enjoy the fruits of that sacrifice. Christ is not sacrificed again, but the one sacrifice of Christ is made present.

For centuries the Jewish people have celebrated Passover in remembrance of what God had accomplished for them in freeing them from bondage in Egypt. This was the great saving act of God under the old covenant. At the Last Supper, when He celebrated the Passover meal with His Apostles, Jesus initiated a new covenant and placed Himself at the center of the celebratory meal of God’s people. Eat my body. Drink my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.

Each Eucharist is both sacrifice and meal. It is the sacrifice of Christ

Daily readings Holy Thursday, April 1: 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 of the Lord’s Passion, April 2: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25; Hebrews 4:14-16 and 5:7-9; John 18:1–19:42 Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil, April 3: 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 3:32–4:4; Psalm 19:8-11; Ezekiel 36:16-28; Psalms 42:3, 5 and 43:3-4; Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Mark 16:1-7 TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

on Calvary and the paschal banquet of the saints. It achieves in us the effects of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross: forgiveness, reconciliation, and sanctification. As well, it achieves the communion of the saints in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. When we receive Holy Communion, we receive the body of Christ offered on the cross, and we become the body of Christ that is His holy Church. St. Augustine of Hippo preached about receiving the Blessed Sacrament: “Believe what you see, see what you believe, and become what you are: the body of Christ.”

We receive the body of Christ offered on the cross. It is the same Christ who was crucified who is present in the Eucharist. It is also the same Christ who was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. It is, then, not only His suffering, crucifixion, and death that is made present but also His resurrection and ascension into heaven. We receive, too, the Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father, where He lives forever, interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25). The Eucharist is everything Christ did to save us made present before us so that we can par-

ticipate in and receive grace from the whole saving action of Christ.

Understanding this can transform our appreciation and gratitude for the gift that is the Eucharist.

Pope St. John Paul II, in expounding on this mystery, wrote: “Christ’s Passover includes not only his passion and death but also his resurrection. This is recalled by the assembly’s acclamation following the consecration: ‘We proclaim your resurrection.’ The eucharistic sacrifice makes present not only the mystery of the Savior’s passion and death but also the mystery of the resurrection that crowned his sacrifice. It is as the living and risen One that Christ can become in the Eucharist the ‘bread of life’, the ‘living bread.’” Pope Benedict XVI also affirms this, writing, “In instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus anticipates and makes present the sacrifice of the cross and the victory of the resurrection.”

The Church, in her prayers, professes her faith in the Eucharist as the whole saving action of Christ. In the anamnesis of Eucharistic Prayer I, immediately following the consecration, the Church prays: “Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial

of the blessed passion, the resurrection from the dead, and the glorious ascension into heaven of Christ, your Son, our Lord, we, your servants and your holy people, offer to your glorious majesty from the gifts that you have given us, this pure victim, this holy victim, this spotless victim, the holy bread of eternal life and the chalice of everlasting salvation.”

Each Eucharist, then, is a promise of eternal life. Each Eucharist is a victory over death, over the death of sin, and over the death of the soul that is separation from God. Each Eucharist is a preview of the heavenly banquet, where all the saints will rest from our labors. Each Eucharist is a sharing in the body and blood of Christ in anticipation of that day when we will share in God’s divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We could not possibly be closer to God in this mortal coil than in receiving into ourselves He who is food for our journey and the destination of our journey.

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

Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of the Lord, April 4: The Mass of Easter Day, Acts 10:34, 37-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Monday, April 5: Acts 2:14, 2233; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Matthew 28:8-15 Tuesday, April 6: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22; John 20:11-18 Wednesday, April 7: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Luke 24:13-35 Thursday, April 8: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Luke 24:35-48 Friday, April 9: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27; John 21:1-14 Saturday, April 10: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1, 14-21; Mark 16:9-15 Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 2224; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31

Monday, April 12: Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-9; John 3:1-8 Tuesday, April 13: Acts 4:32-37; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; John 3:7-15 Wednesday, April 14: Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-9; John 3:16-21 Thursday, April 15: Acts 5:27-33; Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-20; John 3:31-36 Friday, April 16: Acts 5:34-42; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; John 6:1-15 Saturday, April 17: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; John 6:16-21 Sunday, April 18: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-9; 1 John 2:1-5; Luke 24:35-48 Monday, April 19: Acts 6:8-15; Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; John 6:22-29 Tuesday, April 20: Acts 7:51–8:1; Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 17, 21; John 6:30-35 Wednesday, April 21: Acts 8:1-8; Psalm 66:1-7; John 6:35-40

Thursday, April 22: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; John 6:44-51 Friday, April 23: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 117:1-2; John 6:52-59 Saturday, April 24: Acts 9:31-42; Psalm 116:12-17; John 6:60-69 Sunday, April 25: Acts 4:8-12; Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-29; 1 John 3:12; John 10:11-18 Monday, April 26: Acts 11:1-18; Psalms 42:2-3 and 43:3-4; John 10:1-10 Tuesday, April 27: Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 87:1-7; John 10:22-30 Wednesday, April 28: Acts 12:24– 13:5; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; John 12:44-50 Thursday, April 29: Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church, Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; John 13:16-20 Friday, April 30: Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-11; John 14:1-6 n

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

APRIL 4, 2021 n B3

Parish notes Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga Anniversary: Barry and Joann Hand (40) St. Jude, Chattanooga The third annual Jockeys & Juleps fundraiser to benefit St. Jude School will celebrate Siener Hall’s 60th anniversary this year. Proceeds will make improvements in the hall’s flooring, sound panels, ceiling, painting, and more. An auction opens Monday, April 19; visit https://jockeys2021.ggo.bid/ bidding/package-browse. A live “Fund the Need” appeal will begin at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 1. To donate items or learn more, call 423-877-6022 or email prestonk@mysjs.com.

St. Jude congratulated its nearly 65 youth who were confirmed in February.

The parish took part in a baby-bottle drive through Easter Sunday to assist the Pregnancy Help Center.

St. Jude Parish celebrated the Year of St. Joseph with a traditional St. Joseph Altar that was decorated by offerings from parishioners and displayed from the beginning of March through the saint’s feast day March 19.

The stability team at Northside Neighborhood House thanked parishioners for their donation of food through the Good Samaritan collection.

The parish thanked Kathy Mara and Patty Marsh for providing snacks for the Hospital Hospitality Ministry for January.

St. Jude is looking ahead to fall events, including a family-style trivia night Saturday, Sept. 25; Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 29; and the St. Jude Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 20.

St. Mary, Athens The One Heart Colombia Mission thanked all of those who supported the recent Aubrey’s breakfast fundraiser.

All proceeds will go toward purchasing food bags for 200-plus families in dire need in the rural Andes Mountains of Colombia in the village of Marsella.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga The 13th annual St. Stephen Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, at Brainerd Golf Course. The four-person select-shot event starts with registration at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun or individual tee-time start at 8 a.m. Social distancing and the use of face masks will be observed during registration. Proceeds of the event will go toward a camera-and-security system. Cost is $90 per person and includes doughnuts and coffee, greens fee, a cart, two mulligans, hot dogs at the turn, lunch to go, a $10,000 hole-in-one prize, awards for first and second place, and longest-drive and closest-to-the-pin contests for men and women. Singles, couples, male or female, at any level of play are welcome to register. Sign up in the vestibule to play, volunteer, sponsor a cart or hole, or donate. Donated prizes and gifts are needed for door prizes. 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.

A confirmation retreat is planned for 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, with confirmation taking place at 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 24. First Holy Communion practice is planned for Wednesday, April 28, with first Communion day set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1.

Call Karen Underwood at 423-8922957 with any questions.

Anniversaries: Ebon and Cecile Grubb (67), Ken and Mary Ann Decker (58), Eugene and Peggy Delett (55), Frank and Anna Anthony (53), Randy and Rosemary Powell (45), James and Kristina Jurka (25), Mark and Angela Vallee (15), John and Christine Shumpert (10) Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul is B4 n APRIL 4, 2021

consolidating offerings related to Catholic social teaching at stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/catholic-social-teaching, where people can find out what the Church teaches about various issues and also ways of living out those teachings today in the local community. The basilica started this page during the fall election season—it includes a forum rector Father David Carter hosted about “Catholics and Elections”—and the parish plans to keep the page updated with current issues and opportunities. Topics planned for April and May include the “La Paz de Dios” nonprofit serving the Chattanooga-area Hispanic community, Ecumenical Outreach in Chattanooga with Deacon Tom McConnell, the St. Ambrose Homeschool Co-Op serving the Chattanooga-area Catholic homeschooling community, and more.

NANCY POWELL (2)

Chattanooga Deanery

The basilica’s pro-life ministry is inviting people to pray and to sign a petition against Planned Parenthood’s expansion to Chattanooga, and to circulate these prayers and the petition posted at stspeterandpaulbasilica. com/prolife. To view a news story on the efforts, visit wdef.com/2021/03/24/ pro-life-supporters-gather-after-concerns-over-planned-parenthood/. Contact Deirdre Cooper, basilica pro-life ministry coordinator, to learn more or to get involved in this cause.

On March 17, Father Carter interviewed Nathan Bird, a parishioner who is engaged in understanding local politics and who is the founder of the Chattanooga Civics website and podcast. Chattanooga was holding a run-off election for mayor and several city council seats April 13. View the full interview at www.youtube.com/watch ?v=0YMcxSCpYns&feature=youtu.be.

Visit Nathan Bird’s Chattanooga Civics website and access his podcast at chattanoogacivics.com.

On Feb. 24, Father Carter interviewed Adam Foster, a parishioner and active member of Knights of Columbus Council 610. In the interview, Mr. Foster speaks about the history and mission of the Knights of Columbus as well as activities and opportunities to join and support the Knights of Columbus today. Visit KofC.org or www.stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/ fr-patrick-ryan for more details. View the interview at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=NjF1ErYmecU. On Feb. 5, Father Carter interviewed Sandy Pricer, a parishioner and president/co-founder of the RISE UP Cooperative, a new social-service initiative to help at-risk teens and young adults gain life skills. View the interview at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OY76nANY8MY and visit www.riseupcooperative.org/ for more details.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The parish offers a weekly communication e-mail that includes in-depth prayer requests, announcements, funeral arrangements, “Father’s Penny Catechism” (trivia), and information from the parish. To receive the e-mail, contact Christine Roschli at Blessed​ SacramentCommunication@gmail.com.

Those without access to e-mail or the Internet who would like to receive the information should call the parish office at 865-882-9838.

Music for weekend Masses can now be found on the parish home page at www.blessedsacramentchurchand missions.com.

St. John Neumann, Farragut The parish is holding a Year of St. Joseph men’s retreat themed “Balancing Your Life by the Example of St. Joseph.” The retreat is set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 30, to noon Sunday, May 2, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. For more information, call the church office at 865-966-4540.

St. John Neumann thanked all who participated in the Off to the Races online auction to benefit the parish school. More than $40,000 was raised.

Parish notes continued on page B8

Beautiful glass The God the Father (top) and God the Son windows are pictured at St. Stephen Church.

Conversation with pastor leads to stained-glass project

By Mark Vallee few years back, I had the good fortune to spend some time with Father Manuel Pérez, pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga, when Angela and I renewed our wedding vows.

After the ceremony in the St. Stephen chapel, we gave the attendees some stained-glass ornaments that we had made. Everyone could see the excitement in Father’s eyes as we stood in the lobby of the church. With great passion, Father Pérez asked if I would lead an effort to add more stained-glass windows to St. Stephen. Father Pérez is a hard person to say no to, so the process began.

The three blank window sections in the main entranceway of the church were selected by Father Pérez as the first stained-glass project. A location in the administration building was updated to include a working area for making stained-glass windows. Tools and supplies were acquired to complete a good work site. Father Pérez asked for volunteers, and a team was assembled. To prepare and train our volunteers, small panel windows were made for the rectory and door side-panel windows for the church main entrance.

The Trinity windows are unique to each dimension of God but also share elements of symbols, patterns and colors. Each window has an arched panel and a rectangular water scene as the door transom window. A red border surrounds each piece, similar to the glass behind the altar.

Centered in each arched window is a cross structure or foundation for the Church. The volume of pieces used in each window reflects the activity volume in the Bible. There is white glass in or around the center of each window representing the purity of God. The God the Father window has the most detail and number of pieces. The arched window symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant, the burning bush at Mount Sinai, and the all-seeing eye of God. The two angel figures look over the three contents of the Ark hidden in the burning bush. There are two tablets framed/outlined in lead, Aaron’s shaft with green shoots (the bushes center stock), and the gold bowl of manna between the arches of the tablets.

The burning bush center is glowing the brightest, signifying the voice of God speaking to Moses.

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There are 12 green leaves in the bush to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The leaves are four shades of green to reflect the four wives/ concubines of Jacob (Israel).

The pattern and color of the leaves are laid out directionally in the bush as the campsites for the tribes like a map with the top considered north. There are three streams of smoke rising off the burning bush representing the Trinity. The gray smoke rises up through the heavens past the seven stars that represent the seven days of creation. The smoke moves right through the red window border since God has no limits.

The transom window for God the Father is a water scene that displays the parting of the Red Sea. The red tornado clears and dries the path for God’s chosen people.

This window is the start of the water motion for all the water windows. It displays a lot of physical energy.

The God the Son window is a celebration of Easter. The window is designed to show motion. Christ’s resurrection is mission complete.

The dynamic impact is centered on the unoccupied cross. The cloth used to bring His body off the cross can’t be still. In the light you can see the shape of the cross through the white fabric.

The glass is cut and laid out in rings radiating out from the center of the cross like a pebble dropped in still water. With the cross becoming the impact zone, all the power is radiating outward. The waves get bigger and bigger as the impact of the resurrection grows.

Six color chips are randomly placed in the background to reflect the six primary seasons of the Church, similar to the glass behind the altar.

The Greek symbols for the Alpha and Omega are placed to the left and right of the cross. In the glass around the cross there are also 12 rays similar to the glass behind the altar that represents the Twelve Apostles. Five of the rays touch the red border to show the five Apostles that were crucified to death on a cross.

The water transom window for God the Son is not as rough as the parted seas. The water continues to lower and smooth out as it moves to the right. The seas hold a leaded shape of two fish and five loaves of bread in the colored waters.

Stained glass continued on page B5 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

Calendar

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Race for Kids Virtual 5K and Family Walk is set for Sunday, April 18, through Wednesday, April 28, and is an opportunity for individuals or families to combat child abuse in Knoxville and greater East Tennessee. Registrants may complete their 5K race at their leisure when and where they want between April 18-28. Proceeds support CCETN’s Children’s Emergency Shelter and Columbus Home Assisting Parents (CHAP) program. For registration or other information, visit ccetn. org/RaceForKids.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Youth Ministry is inviting high school boys to “Unstoppable,” a weekend retreat in the youth center at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge from 7 p.m. Friday, April 30, to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 2. Parents are invited to attend the closing Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The retreat theme is “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” Cost is $50. To learn more or to register, visit dioknox. org/events or Eventbrite. If you have questions, contact Beth Parsons at bparsons@dioknox.org or 865-5843307, extension 5761.

The 10th annual Green & Gold Gala at Knoxville Catholic High School is scheduled Friday, April 16, on Hollin Field at Blaine Stadium. Judge Tim Irwin is the honoree this year. The gala is the premier fundraising event for KCHS. Alumni, past and current parents, and corporate and community friends are invited to a casual night “under the lights.” Cocktails and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7:30. A live auction will start at 8 p.m., followed by dancing to The Coveralls at 9. Proceeds from the event will support campus technology and tuition support for school families impacted by COVID-19. Cost is $100 per person. Rain date is April 17. To donate an auction item or become a sponsor, e-mail Megan Locke Erpenbach (’03), director of alumni and events, at Megan.Erpenbach@knoxvillecatholic.com. Visit www.knoxville​ catholic.com/gala/ for more details.

St. Mary School in Oak Ridge is hosting its Gala of Lights dinner and auction at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Pick-up meals are available for $35 each or in-person tickets for $50 each. Purchase tickets or learn about becoming a sponsor at school. stmarysoakridge.org/support/gala-oflights. Call the school office for more information at 865-483-9700.

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is sponsoring summer camps in basketball (two sessions), baseball, and volleyball with a sports development camp and a dance-andcheer camp also scheduled. For more information, visit www.myndhs.com/ athletics/camps.

Knoxville Catholic High School camps, including a spring softball TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

Catholic Charities is hosting a Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat the weekend of April 23-25 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center, 250 Locke Lane in Benton, for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 16. If you are unable to attend a weekend retreat, one-on-one counseling is available with counselors who have been trained in this area. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org. All COVID-19 restrictions will be followed during the retreat.

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT (3)

The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its 31st annual convention at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 10-12. Guest speakers are Maria Johnson, Katherine Bogner, and Sonja Corbitt. The early-bird registration cost of $115 is good through May 13 ($130 afterward). Special rates are available for Thursday only, Friday only, and Saturday only; for high school and college students Saturday only; and for full registration (all three days) for a priest, religious, spouse, or high school/college student. For more information, contact Mary Cooper at 865-207-3666 or mpkcoop@gmail. com or Michelle Peckham at 865-9850321 or misha1109@yahoo.com. To learn more, including information on hotel arrangements, or to register, visit http://kdccw.org/conventions.html.

camp and summer camps in all-sports, theater, robotics, football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, math, band, volleyball, dance, physics, writing, boys and girls soccer, and girls lacrosse, are registering now. To learn more or register, visit www.knoxville​ catholic.com/camp-irish/.

St. Henry Knights help with Easter egg hunt On March 20, Area 32 Special Olympics coordinator Christy Thacker held an Easter egg hunt for special-needs individuals at Rogersville Park. Approximately 60 special-needs children and adults with their caregivers attended the event on a Sunday afternoon. More than 400 eggs were hidden for groups to search for during each group’s time slot. Gifts were provided through the sponsorship of Food City and Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville.

Every special-needs individual received a gift. Above, the Knights set up the Easter baskets.

The St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-Op is registering through June 15 for the 2021-22 school year.

The co-op meets from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. Fridays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in downtown Chattanooga. Classes begin Aug. 20 for nursery-aged children through highschoolers. Classes offered include Latin, Spanish, theology, history, geography, and science. Visit www. stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/home​ school-co-op for registration forms and more information. To schedule a visit or learn more, e-mail stambrose​ coop@gmail.com.

A Regina Caeli Academy information session is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 18, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 313 Sylvan St. in Chattanooga. Regina Caeli Academy assists homeschoolers by providing a classical, accredited University-Style Hybrid education in the Catholic tradition.

Academic and extracurricular classes are offered to preschool through 12thgrade students two days a week. The parent remains the primary educator by homeschooling the other days following the plans provided by the RCA. The session includes a presentation by the founder and executive director, Kari Beckman, and a Q-&-A session.

Regina Caeli Academy has nearly 20 locations in the United States, and Chattanooga could be next in 2021.

RSVP to shannonk.hinson@gmail.com or call 423-991-8352.

Above, Holly with her bunny ears is searching for eggs assisted by her caregivers. At left, a visually impaired child takes part in the hunt with the help of one of the intern volunteers.

Notre Dame High School is accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year. Visit www.MyNDHS.com to apply. To schedule a tour or shadow day, contact Laura Goodhard at 423624-4618 or admissions@myndhs. com.

St. John Neumann School in Farragut is accepting new applications.

Contact Mary Marlowe at mmarlowe@ sjncs-knox.org to learn more or schedule a tour.

St. Jude School in Chattanooga is currently accepting applications for grades pre-K3-8 for the 2021-22 school year. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact admissions director Kathie Preston at prestonk@ mysjs.com or 423-877-6022. Visit mysjs.com for more information.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year for grades pre-K3 and 4 through elementary and middle school. Call 423-6221481 to schedule a visit or go on a virtual tour at school.myolph.com (click on “admissions”).

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is set for April 2325. This will be a virtual event/Zoom meeting, so there is no overnight stay in a hotel. Apply online at GATNwwme.org or call 678-242-WWME. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www. foryourmilitarymarriage.com.

The next Retrouvaille program, designed to help couples rebuild their Calendar continued on page B6

NANCY POWELL

NOTE: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous events around the diocese have been canceled or postponed. The events below were still scheduled to take place as of press time; however, those planning to attend/participate should contact the event organizers or visit their websites to make sure the event will be held.

Completing the Trinity The God the Holy Spirit window is the third of the three new windows at St. Stephen Church.

Stained glass continued from page B4

The God the Holy Spirit window has the fewest number of pieces.

The intent of this window was to show a powerful strong image of the Holy Spirit descending upon us and delivering the seven gifts.

In the daylight you can see the cross structure through the white dove.

The seven rays coming down from the Holy Spirit reflect the Pentecost colors of red and gold mixed in a dramatic blend. Shadow rings shaped like the Holy Spirit ripple out in three expanding rings. Over the Holy Spirit is the seven-color spectrum for

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the rainbow to represent God’s promise to never flood the world again.

The water transom window for God the Holy Spirit continues to lower as it moves to the right.

The waves become smoother and longer, giving it a more peaceful feeling. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are etched into the sky over the water under each ray in the proper order.

Note: I am continuing this ministry by starting a new set of stainedglass windows in the sanctuary. Six arched windows will represent the Twelve Apostles. n APRIL 4, 2021 n B5

From the inside The new KCHS auditorium will seat 375 with a 55-footwide, 40-foot-deep stage. children graduated from there.

He agrees with Mr. Connor and “Hopefully our grandchildren will Mr. Petrone that the auditorium will graduate from there. They attend Sagive more students a reason to atcred Heart School. If my granddaugh- tend KCHS. ters have an interest in the arts, there “We realize there is much more will be a great program and facilities than sports at the high school. It’s for them. It’s the same if they’re internot just about sports. It’s about the ested in athletics,” he said. whole high school community. This Mr. Faris has been a longtime auditorium gives more kids a reason supporter of KCHS programs. The to come to Knoxville Catholic High school is important to him and his School,” Mr. Faris said. n wife, Sondra. It is where their four sons, who were active in athletics, graduated from in recent years.

The Farises have been involved in KCHS athletics, academics, and arts projects, but they agree now is the time to get behind the auditorium project.

“The school is growing, but the one thing missing is an auditorium. There are needs we have at the school, but we need that space,” Mr. Faris said. “This is exciting.

It’s exciting to be part of it. And it’s exciting to see the KCHS com- Key contributors Supporters of the auditorium project include John Faris (left), Bob Petrone (cenmunity get behind ter), and Mike Connor. this.”

DR. KELLY KEARSE

achieved.

Athletic fields and courts that rival the best in the area give KCHS athletes a stage on which to compete.

The school’s football and boys basketball teams have even competed on a national stage against nationally ranked opponents.

Mr. Connor, Mr. Petrone, Mr. Faris, and others agree the time has come to give students active in the arts a bigger stage.

“We don’t have a place for students to show their skills in the arts,” Mr. Connor said. “I knew we could get an auditorium built. It’s just the timing of it I wasn’t sure about. I knew there was enough enthusiasm for it.”

The three supporters credited Bishop Stika with recognizing the importance of the project.

“We’re fortunate to have his support,” Mr. Petrone said. “Our great bishop has allowed us to raise funds at what has been a difficult time.”

Mr. Petrone noted how KCHS has been a top 50 parochial school in the United States, which illustrates the success of its faculty and staff, its programs, and its students. And the school is competitive with other high schools—public and private— in the arts, academics, and athletics, as well as for students.

Knoxville Catholic’s strong spiritual foundation sets it apart from other high schools.

The new auditorium is important to maintaining a competitive advantage.

“It’s badly needed. It’s very important for the continued growth of the school,” Mr. Petrone said. “It’s very important to keep our Catholic students in our system. I’m excited about what is happening at the high school.

KCHS is so well-rounded, with a strong base spiritually, academically, and athletically. You put that together and you have a great school. It takes an army to keep it successful.”

Mr. Petrone is a 1967 graduate of KCHS, and like the Connors and Farises, his and his wife Margaret’s

BILL BREWER

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES

torium was always part of the high school master plan.

“I knew it would take a while to build, but I’m not sure I thought it would take 21 years. In God’s time, not ours,” Father Michelson said.

“I am thrilled that this auditorium is becoming a reality. Our mission from day one was to meet the needs of all our students. This fulfills our original mission.”

Father Michelson, who is pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish in Knoxville and president of St. Joseph School, believes the auditorium will have a profound impact on the KCHS community.

“I know from my work at St. Joseph School that the majority of students not attending KCHS is because of the arts. They are gifted and want to develop those gifts. Now KCHS is in a position to meet those needs. I believe enrollment will continue to grow as a result of the new auditorium,” he said.

So now, the time for St. Gregory the Great Auditorium has come. The papacy of its namesake, Pope St. Gregory I, was from Sept. 3, 590, to March 12, 604. He is the patron of musicians, singers, students, and teachers.

Johnson Architecture of Knoxville designed the addition, which is being built by Rouse Construction, also of Knoxville.

The auditorium is personal for Bob Petrone, Mike Connor, and John Faris, key backers of the project. Mr. Petrone and Mr. Connor are KCHS graduates, and Mr. Faris’s four sons graduated from there in recent years.

“We’ve been involved in KCHS forever. I’ve been really interested in the high school since we graduated,” said Mr. Connor, class of ’69, whose wife, Carol, parents, siblings, and children also are KCHS graduates.

As a lifelong member of the KCHS family, Mr. Connor said he is proud of the way the high school has grown and taken on a prominent role in the Knoxville community.

He’s also proud of the academic and athletic success the school has

COURTESY OF JOHNSON ARCHITECTURE

Auditorium continued from page B1

Prayer first Bishop Richard F. Stika leads the members of the groundbreaking ceremony as well as KCHS students in a prayer before the event.

Calendar continued from page B5 marriages, is scheduled for Sept. 3-5 in Nashville. Call 800-470-2231 or 615838-6724, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com or www.retrotn.com.

Join Father Mike Nolan and Deacon Steve Ratterman on a pilgrimage to Italy, including Rome, Assisi, San Giovanni, Pompeii, and Sorrento, from June 7-18. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to be present at the Wednesday papal audience in St. Peter’s Square and visit St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, the Holy Stairs, and Gesu Church, where they will see the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Pilgrims will go on to Assisi, with a stop along the way to visit the Miracle of the Eucharist of Bolsena. They will stay two nights in Assisi and have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Chapel of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his call to rebuild the Church. The group will then go on to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio, and visit Manopello, the old Capuchin Monastery. The pilgrimage includes Mount Sant’Angelo, Pompeii, and Capri. For a more detailed itinerary and registration information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Join Father Michael Cummins on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Sept.

6-16. Pilgrims will walk in the footsteps B6 n APRIL 4, 2021

of Jesus, visiting the holy and sacred sites of His life, death, and resurrection.

They will journey to Bethlehem, Bethany, Masada, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and the Sea of Galilee area, including the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Capernaum, Magdala, and Tabgha.

They will also journey on to Mount Tabor, Jericho, the Mount of Temptation, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea, and travel to Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall, and walk the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa, on the feast of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@ select-intl.com.

Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk will lead a pilgrimage to Mexico from Oct. 1827, visiting the shrines of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sanctuario de Santo Toribio Romo, built for one of the 25 Mexican martyrs who was martyred during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. Pilgrims will explore San Juan De Los Lagos, which is famous for its Basilica of the Virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos, the mission churches established by St. Junipero Serra founded in the Sierra Gorda region of Mexico, and the Guanajuato statue of “Cristo Rey,” which is the world’s second largest statue of Christ the King. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul

Building begins Rouse Construction began work on the KCHS auditorium in March. in Chattanooga has an updated Mass schedule, with the addition of a 7 a.m. Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, spoken) and an 11:30 a.m. Sunday extraordinary-form Mass (Latin, sung). Also on the schedule are a 5:30 p.m. Saturday vigil (English ordinary form, spoken); a 9 a.m. Sunday Mass (English ordinary form, sung); a 1:30 p.m. Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, sung); 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken); and noon Monday through Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken). Morning prayer takes place at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Vespers are held at 5 p.m. daily (6:30 p.m. Saturday). Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Mass (except 7 a.m.). Adoration is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on first Fridays. For more information on the basilica’s Mass schedule, visit www.stspeterandpaulbasilica. com/mass-times.

Father Valentin Iurochkin will give a piano recital at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Father Iurochkin will play Chopin, Beethoven, and more on a grand piano in the basilica. The free recital will last about 30 minutes. Donations to defray the cost of Father’s grand piano rental will be welcomed. Listen to Father Iurochkin’s 2020 quarantinetime virtual piano recitals at www. stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/events/ piano-recital-by-fr-valentin-iurochkin.

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The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul is teaching a men’s vespers schola at 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Many men never learned to sing after their voice changed. The basilica is offering an opportunity to rediscover your God-given voice and use it in His praise. Father David Carter, rector of the basilica, is teaching the schola, open to anyone whose voice has changed into the lower octave. Sung vespers in English follows at 5 p.m. No musical experience is required. E-mail music@stspeterand​ paulbasilica.com to ask questions or be added to the e-mail list.

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

For more information, visit www.Knox​ LatinMass.net.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy every first, second, and fourth Sunday at 3 p.m. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865621-8499 or visit www.facebook.com/ SaintThomasKnoxville/ for more information. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

Knoxville Catholic quartet signs Feb. 3 with universities

By Dan McWilliams our student-athletes committed to colleges Feb. 3 at Knoxville Catholic High School in KCHS’s second athletic signing day of the school year.

Luke Davenport committed to Middle Tennessee State University as a preferred walk-on in football.

Emma Schaad signed with Tusculum University in softball. Kennedy Noe signed with the University of North Georgia in golf, and Landon Cox committed JT Quinones to Carson-Newman University in football.

Already signed in November during the early signing period was KCHS’s Cassie Kuerschen with Penn State University in volleyball.

And JT Quinones, a two-sport athlete at KCHS, has signed to play football for Carson-Newman.

Family, friends, and coaches joined the students Feb. 3 as they formally committed to their universities.

Knoxville Catholic athletics director Jason Surlas welcomed the gathering to the signing.

“Athletics at Knoxville Catholic involve way more than winning games,” he said. “Of course, we

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DAN MCWILLIAMS

Knoxville Catholic announces two National Merit Finalists Peter Ayo (left) and Riley Smith of Knoxville Catholic High School have been named National Merit Finalists.

About half of the finalists will win a National merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

Special guest joins signees Bishop Richard F. Stika stands with Knoxville Catholic signees (from left) Luke Davenport, Emma Schaad, Landon Cox, and Kennedy Noe.

DR. KELLY KEARSE

NDHS senior named National Merit Finalist Isabella Wade of Notre Dame High School has been named a National Merit Finalist. High school seniors from throughout the nation compete annually for approximately 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Catholic schools

Joining the Hurricanes Kaden Martin (third from left) stands with some of his teammates and sports the Miami cap that he donned to indicate his college choice March 3 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Mom Toya and brother Cannon were among those attending the announcement.

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noxville Catholic High School junior Kaden Martin, a standout in football and baseball for the Fighting Irish, narrowed his collegiate choices to Tennessee, Miami, Fla., Arizona State and Oregon, schools that would offer him the chance to play both sports.

On March 3 at KCHS, Kaden announced to the media that he had chosen the Hurricanes of Miami as his collegiate destination.

Kaden is a son of Tennessee quarterback legend Tee Martin. His mother, Toya, and brother Cannon, 8, were at his side when he made the announcement at Knoxville Catholic.

“It’s been an ultimate dream of mine to be able to play baseball and football at the Division I level,” Kaden said. “With that being said, I will be attending the University of

Miami.”

Fighting Irish baseball head coach Caleb Moore was among those on hand for the announcement.

Coach Moore said that “Kaden is a very talented player.”

“We’ve been lucky to have him here at Catholic,” he added. “We’re looking forward—no matter what school he chooses, he’s part of the Irish family.”

Tennessee offered Kaden, a fourstar recruit, a baseball and a football scholarship earlier this year. The Irish junior is a quarterback in football and a center fielder and pitcher in baseball, and he is ranked as one of the top players in the country in both sports.

Kaden has thrown for more than 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns and run for more than 600 yards and 18 TDs in his KCHS football career. n

COURTESY OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA RIGHT TO LIFE

KCHS two-sport standout Kaden Martin going to Miami

want our athletes to excel in the athletic arena and experience the highs of winning, but we also want them to learn from the times when we didn’t win.

“But, more importantly, we want them to learn all the wonderful things that come along with playing sports. Commitment, accountability, time management, good sportsmanship, and how to handle adversity and pressure, just to name a few.”

Mr. Surlas then introduced the four signees.

“Parents, families, and friends, but especially parents, close your eyes and go back in time,” he said. “I am sure you can remember the anxiety of signing them up for sports. Was he or she ready? Is it the right time?

Would they have a meltdown?

Would they get hurt? But then remember the first time they tried their very first uniform on. Their first practice. Their first game or match. My guess is all of these four had giant smiles on their faces.”

Mr. Surlas had a final message for the student-athletes themselves.

“Thank you for making that decision to take a game and turn it into a passion. Over the last few years, the sport you started playing at a young age for fun turned into something more complex,” he said.

“More time commitment, more preparation, and more sacrifice was required. You dedicated yourselves entirely to your sport.” n NDHS junior nets first in oratory contest Greater Chattanooga Right to Life held its third annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on March 27 in Hixson.

Participants are required to research, write, and present an original fiveto seven-minute pro-life speech, using factual and current information, on abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem cell research, or euthanasia.

Belle Flasch, a junior at Notre Dame High School and daughter of Andy and Missi Flasch, placed first with a speech on abortion, receiving a $150 award plus expenses to the state contest. Belle will represent Greater Chattanooga Right to Life on April 24 in the Tennessee Right to Life Oratory Contest in Madison.

Diocese receives scholarship grant from Black and Indian Mission Office

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he Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools Office received great news March 17: the Black and Indian Mission Office in Washington, D.C., announced the awarding of a $15,000 scholarship grant toward tuition assistance for Black students at Notre Dame High School, which has 49 Black students in a student body of 380.

The Black and Indian Mission Office formerly consisted of three separate missions founded by the U.S. Catholic bishops in the late 1800s and early 1900s before being combined under one mission office in 1980. The Mission Office cooperates with diocesan communities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and respond to real

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and pressing needs on the ground.

Notre Dame High School president George Valadie expressed his gratitude to the Mission Office for Notre Dame High School being its first recipient of this scholarship grant in the diocese. Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of Catholic Schools, also expressed her gratitude for the grant. “It has always been the goal of Catholic education that no one who wants to attend a Catholic school would be turned away,” she said, “and with this grant, we are assisted in standing by this promise.”

For more information, visit blackandindian mission.org. n w ww.di o k no x .o rg

APRIL 4, 2021 n B7

Pilgrimage continued from page B1

and blanket in hand. Below my feet were tons of beautifully formed rocks of all shapes and sizes. A large rock named the Ebenezer rock marks the historical importance of this site and God’s victory at the memorial’s location. A breathtaking sculpture of an angel caught my eye. The pure white marble wings thrust into the sky were a profound reminder of the unseen messengers that are among us.

The garden sprung to life with the heartfelt prayer of Father Mike Nolan. Those attending responded, “Lord, hear our prayer,” and we began to march. Melissa cut the chill in the air with her warm welcome.

Melissa shared that she was thankful for all those attending and for remembering that “life is a gift from our creator, God.” Melissa ended with Terry’s powerful story from the book Empty Arms: More Than 60 Life-Giving Stories of Hope From the Devastation of Abortion by Ann Caldwell and Wendy J. Williams. Terry is the sculptor of

COURTESY OF CAROLYN KRINGS AND SUE GRANGER (2)

years earlier, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia experienced a painful miscarriage. Mr. Garcia reflected that their child due in May is actually God’s second gift given to them.

Melissa Gwen, a board member of the memorial and first speaker at the event, relayed that “the Remembrance Garden was added to the memorial site in 2007 as a peaceful sanctuary for mothers, fathers, and other family members to honor their miscarried child.” The private garden holds engraved pavers that share personal stories and provide encouragement to other parents seeking peace after a miscarriage.

Mr. Garcia remarked, “We have an engraved paver at home honoring our first child. I did find the Remembrance Garden to be a consoling place to wander.”

Open 24 hours a day, the Memorial is a place of love, forgiveness, and healing tucked in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. In nearfreezing temperatures, I entered the gates of the memorial with my chair

Sister speaks Dominican Sister Mary Rebekah Odle-Kemp (right) leads one part of the service at the memorial as Sister Dominica Bickerton, OP, follows the readings.

Parish notes continued from page B4 The parish thanked a dozen auction sponsors and more than 40 auction item donors.

Mary Donahue of American Heritage Girls Troop TN0413 at St. John Neumann is working toward achieving her Stars and Stripes Award, the highest award in AHG. Her project involves building four storage cabinets and making a variety of therapeutic games to benefit the Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR).

Knights of Columbus Council 8781 held its annual basketball free-throw contest at St. John Neumann School on Jan. 24. Eleven boys and girls ages 9 to 13 participated. The eight local champions are Cesar Fernandez, Maggie Frana, Megan Frana, Finn Kerschbaum, Madie Pagel, Mary Pagel, Mikey Pagel, and Brady Renfree.

St. Therese, Clinton The parish thanked cook Don McCarthy and his team of volunteers that put together the Souper Friday meals throughout Lent.

The Council of Catholic Women held a bake sale after Masses on the weekend of March 27-28.

Five Rivers Deanery

ners with a convenient way of purchasing religious items.

Anniversaries: Fred and Billie Bitner (51), Doyle and Peggy Hinton (45) Newcomer: Sara Armistead

Sister Francesca Silver, who grew up in St. Dominic Parish, recently thanked parishioners for their prayerful support of her vocation throughout the years of her formation. She made her permanent vows with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist on March 27 at the motherhouse in Meriden, Conn. To send her a note or card, write to Sister Francesca Silver, Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Ave., Meriden, CT 06451-3607.

It is estimated that Jesus walked 3,125 miles during his three-year ministry.

Parish nurse Delores Bertuso challenged St. Dominic parishioners to walk (as a group) 3,125 miles during Lent. Special paths were set up around the church with prayer, healing, and scriptural themes.

The parish Knights of Columbus in collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul Society held a 40 Cans for Lent food drive: one can of food for each day in Lent.

St. Patrick, Morristown

The spiritual-life committee thanked everyone who contributed to a housebuilding project in Haiti sponsored by Food for the Poor. The $3,800 donation will be matched, and construction will begin.

Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City thanked all St. Patrick parishioners for their recent donations of clothing, formula, and toiletries and for their praye rs.

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shadows. I am silent no more!” she proclaimed.

This year is a very special time for the Church, as Pope Francis proclaimed it “The Year of St. Joseph.”

We remember St. Joseph’s virtue as he valiantly protected Jesus in Mary’s womb. Pope Francis described St. Joseph “as a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.”

Fourth-year diaconate student Jim Bello spoke about an encounter he had as a young man with his niece.

“The baby locked eyes with me; we held each other’s gaze for at least three minutes. This encounter told me that I was pro-life,” he said.

Jim found being pro-life was difficult. He began to question whether he would ever be able to speak up for life. This question began his own journey of faith, deep into his own heart out of the shadow. This is where the Lord invites all men.

Jim reminded us of the impact one courageous young man can have.

St. José Luis Sánchez del Río was 14 years old when he was captured and asked to renounce his Catholic faith.

Yet he proclaimed, “I will never give in. ¡Que viva Cristo Rey y Santa Maria de Guadalupe!” (“Long live Christ the King and St. Mary of Guadalupe!”)

Take courage; find your deep hearts by developing a prayer life.

Let us all come to value human life as God’s precious gift to be accepted and loved rather than a burden to be destroyed. God’s merciful love and forgiveness is to be received and shared—Together Strong, Life Unites! n

eral Knights of Columbus from Holy Ghost cooked and collected food for an Easter Sunday meal at CareCuts for the hungry in the neighborhood.

Seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Joseph School made Easter cards and care packs to be distributed during the weekend.

community neighbors participating in the Meals on Wheels program.

A first Holy Communion retreat for children, parents, and godparents is set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 17, at Holy Ghost.

An Easter egg hunt took place April 4 in the field behind the church.

An event for women based on the book Mary’s Way of the Cross by Richard Furey was held in the church March 23.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The women’s group has its annual plant sale set for the weekend of May 1-2 in the parish courtyard, a Pentecost Welcome Back Celebration planned for May 22-23 at the church entrance, and a business meeting scheduled for June 5.

The parish thanked all members of IC who helped make the Drive-Up Mardi Gras feast a success. Special appreciation went to the Knights of Columbus and to the women’s group. Between donations and the 230-plus meals served, the event was able to make a profit of more than $5,000. The funds will in part benefit IC’s sister parish of St. Francis Xavier in Haiti.

Immaculate Conception congratulated Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, on his installation by Bishop Richard F. Stika on March 7 as the 25th pastor of IC.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville A parish-wide Lenten retreat March 1 and 2 included an English retreat led

by Father Felix Just, SJ, focusing on the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of Mark, and a Spanish retreat led by Father Rafael Ramirez focusing on the parable of the prodigal son and on the book of Jonah.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville The parish established a “Pandemic Emergency Fund” to meet food and housing needs of the suffering in the community and to meet the shortfall in the offertory. Donations will be divided between outreach to the community and the parish. Donations marked “Pandemic Emergency Fund” may be mailed to the parish at 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville, TN 37916.

Current recipients of donations are FISH Emergency Pantries, the Knights of Columbus at Holy Ghost Parish, the Ladies of Charity, the Riverside Community Catholic Worker, and the Love Kitchen.

St. John XXIII held a Lenten food drive on the weekends of March 21 and March 28.

During October, November, and December, Knox Area Rescue Ministries received 47 donations from those connected to St. John XXIII University Parish. This resulted in $140 in gift cards that the parish donated to the Ladies of Charity for distribution.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

Anniversary: Steve and Nan White (50)

Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville

His Majesty’s Gift Shop in March celebrated six years of providing parishio-

the white marble angel. Terry had created the sculpture out of his pain from the loss of two children to abortion. I found myself lost in Terry’s story, enjoying the beauty of how God works through the storms of our lives, restoring hope, and bringing healing through our creative gifts and our cooperation.

Within the Memorial for the Unborn stood a massive 50-foot granite wall that holds plaques erected by hurting mothers, fathers, and families to memorialize the lives of those who were “loved a little too late.”

Each plaque has its own unique message of love with a similar theme: “Please forgive me.” Below the plaques was a layer of unique gifts to an unborn child.

Joshua, an eighth-grade student, shared that the large granite wall and the gifts left behind had the biggest impact on him. “It made me so sad,” he said. Joshua’s mother was impacted by the deep pain held in the many letters left by the mothers of the aborted children. She was glad to attend the pilgrimage as a family and was moved by Esther’s talk.

A Silent No More speaker, Esther bravely shared her painful story of desperation. “I made the decision to abort because I felt caught in a trap like an animal.” Esther said. “I stuffed the pain deep down, achieving many great things, but inside I was dying. I lost a part of my heart, my joy, through my choice.” After hearing about Rachel’s Vineyard in a church bulletin, she went on a retreat of healing. She discovered “the devil kept me in silence and in the

St. Dominic, Kingsport

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish congratulated the men of Holy Trinity who completed the 33 days of consecration to St. Joseph on March 19, the solemnity of St. Joseph.

At the memorial Young people and others from around the diocese take part in the Pilgrimage for Life at the Memorial for the Unborn.

Michael and Melanie Wrinkle and sev-

The women’s group continued its February Wrap It Up activity that has taken place since February 2007 but was put on hold last year because of the pandemic. Yarn, fleece, and handmade blankets and quilts were distributed to

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During the Year of St. Joseph, Father Julius Abuh, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, and the parish council are encouraging parishioners to think of ways the parish can honor and celebrate its patron. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

ELIZABETH CONWAY (4)

COURTESY OF RALPH CHRISTIANA

Parish and community news

Knights officers installed at Holy Spirit in Soddy-Daisy Knights of Columbus Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy recently held an officer-installation ceremony. The installing officer was Raleigh Cooper. Above is council chaplain and Holy Spirit pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht. Below are officers taking their pledges. In the second photo down is Grand Knight Karl Nesmith (center). In the bottom photo are men waiting to go up to receive their individual office: Grand Knight Mr. Nesmith, deputy Grand Knight Kevin Perry, financial secretary Bob Hanselman, two-year trustee Bob Greuter, and inside guard Bruce Peters. Officers not pictured are chancellor John Purvis, treasurer Bruce Speer, recorder Robert Estoye, advocate and one-year trustee Bob Kim, lecturer Ken Frische, warden Wes Bell, outside guard Cliff Munns, and three-year trustee Francisco Romero.

Contribution to FOCUS From left are Eric Pelton, president of the Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga; Will Stone, president of the UTC Catholic Student Center; Father Valentin Iurochkin, chaplain of the Catholic center; Amanda Tuck, FOCUS team director; and Deacon Brian Gabor, director of the Catholic center.

Chattanooga Serrans make $4,000 gift to FOCUS missionaries working at UTC

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The missionaries of FOCUS are trained in Church teaching, prayer, sacred Scripture, evangelization, and discipleship. They encounter students in friendship where they are, inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accompanying them as they pursue lives of virtue and excellence.

To learn more about the Serra Club and its ongoing mission to foster and promote vocations, follow the club on Facebook at The Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga.

To find out more about FOCUS campus missionaries and how you might support their work of evangelization, contact Amanda Tuck at amanda.tuck@focus.org for further information on the important work they do to meet college students in friendship with the good news of Jesus Christ. n

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

he Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga recently made a $4,000 contribution through the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Catholic Student Center to support the evangelization efforts of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionaries who work on UTC’s campus.

FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate outreach whose mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel with college and university students.

The mission of the Serra Club is to foster, affirm, and promote vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life. The board of directors of the Chattanooga-area Serra Club felt that a contribution to aid the FOCUS missionaries on UTC’s campus was very much in line with its mission.

ELIZABETH CONWAY

ELIZABETH CONWAY

Knights field agent presents Father Okere with early-1900s Mass kit Recently Father Bart Okere, pastor of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville, held Mass with corporate Communion for St. Henry Knights of Columbus Council 8860.

After Mass, Peter Nelson, Knights field agent on behalf of the Bristol, Tenn., Knights, presented Father Okere, also the Council 8860 chaplain and the Knights of Columbus state associate chaplain, with a Mass kit from the early 1900s. Pictured are the Knights with Father Okere and the Mass kit. From left are Jim Egbert, Chuck McCann, Michael Opiela, Bill Hewitt, Father Okere, Mr. Nelson, and Stephen Derosia.

Soddy-Daisy Knights donate to school’s special-ed department Knights of Columbus Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy recently donated $200 to the special-education department at Soddy-Daisy Middle School. Deputy Grand Knight Kevin Perry presents the check to principal Jane Reynolds.

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Knights cheer patients at health center with Valentine balloons The Knights of Columbus of Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy gave the Soddy-Daisy Health Center Valentine balloons in February. Every year in the past, the Knights would deliver each patient candy and/or flowers. This year because of the COVID-19 restrictions they had to leave only balloons at the entrance. Pictured delivering them are deputy Grand Knight Kevin Perry (left) and Grand Knight Karl Nesmith, assisted by Suzanne Perry.

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APRIL 4, 2021 n B9

Catholic schools

KCHS girls hoops team reaches state finals The defending-champion Knoxville Catholic boys make the semifinals in their bid to repeat

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Knoxville Catholic junior BJ Edwards receives state Mr. Basketball Award

State runner-up trophy Senior Jeila Greenlee holds the second-place award earned by the KCHS Lady Irish at the state tournament. apiece. Sydney also led the KCHS girls with eight rebounds, while Jazmine recorded seven boards and Jeila six. Jazmine accounted for six assists for the Lady Irish.

The Lady Irish received a bye into the state quarterfinals, where they defeated Pope John Paul II 5440 at KCHS on Feb. 27 to advance to the state tourney.

The Knoxville Catholic girls team earned the quarterfinal berth with a district-tournament championship-game win over Baylor 47-44 on Feb. 19. Sydney scored 17 points and Jazmine 14 in the victory.

Coach Mains said he is confident that his Lady Irish can return to the state tournament in 2022.

“I’m very confident,” he said.

“It’s not going to be easy. We’ll lose Jeila. We’ve got to work hard and get better.”

The Lady Irish were a young team this season.

“A lot of freshmen and sophomores. A lot of kids who had never even really played basketball,” coach Mains said after the finals. “[Junior] Ella Renfree, who had [five] blocks today, she was a JV kid last year who didn’t even play [varsity]. There’s a lot of potential

we’re trying to mine.”

The KCHS girls team lost 16 games in the regular season against a tough schedule but scrapped its way to the state tourney.

“It’s a storybook. I thought we’d maybe finish it off by hitting a 3 at the buzzer,” coach Mains said. “It takes good kids. It takes good parents. It takes good administration. . . . You’ve got kids who are filling roles. It’s pretty easy to coach when you’ve got kids who want to fight and parents who are going to back you as the coach. That’s a hard thing to find.”

The Fighting Irish boys team lost to eventual state champion MBA 60-49 in the semifinals March 5.

Junior BJ Edwards led Knoxville Catholic (21-4) with 16 points, while sophomore Blue Cain added 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

ACTIONPIXTN.COM

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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noxville Catholic High School junior BJ Edwards won the Mr. Basketball award for Division II, Class AA, after finishing runner-up for the honor last season.

Mr. and Miss Basketball awards were presented in Division I and II at the conclusion of the championship game for each classification.

“This is such an outstanding honor for all 30 of the young men and women recognized at the Mr. and Miss Basketball awards,” said Bernard Childress, executive director of the TSSAA. “They were here not only due to their athletic ability that they displayed on the court throughout the season, but just as much for their outstanding character and academic achievements.”

BJ averaged 19.9 points per game with a .522 field-goal percentage and a 74 percent freethrow average. He made 7.04 rebounds per game and 5.08 assists (117 total) with 2.4 steals per game.

“He has scored over 1,600 career points going into his senior year,” said Fighting Irish head coach Mike Hutchens. “BJ is one of the top point guards in

America. He is ranked as the No. 17 point guard in the country by ESPN.” KCHS was the defending state champion this year before falling in the semifinals.

“BJ has led our team to the state championship and state semifinals the last two seasons in the toughest league in the state in any classification,” Mr. Hutchens said.

“He makes his teammates better and is totally unselfish. He will end his career as one of the best players in Knoxville history.” n MBA led KCHS 12-10 after the first quarter before a 19-point second period gave the Fighting Irish a 29-25 halftime lead. MBA allowed only four KCHS points in the third quarter to retake the lead 39-33.

Brentwood Academy defeated Christian Brothers 69-61 in the other boys semifinal before MBA topped Brentwood Academy 72-51 in the finals.

The Fighting Irish reached the state semifinals with a 45-36 win over McCallie in the quarterfinals Feb. 27 at KCHS. Knoxville Catholic had received a bye into the quarterfinals.

The Knoxville Catholic boys squad finished the season in first place in the Knoxville News Sentinel’s final rankings of metro-area teams, followed by Greeneville in second, Bearden, Oak Ridge, and Knoxville Webb. n

DAN MCWILLIAMS

DAN MCWILLIAMS

he Knoxville Catholic High School girls basketball team made school history as it reached its first-ever state tournament and came home with a runner-up finish.

The Fighting Irish boys team, the defending champions in Division II, Class AA, fell in the state semifinals this year.

KCHS was the only school in Tennessee to send both its girls and boys teams to the state tournament.

The Lady Irish lost 41-34 to Hutchison in the state-championship game March 6 at the Hooper Eblen Center on the campus of Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.

Senior Jeila Greenlee led the KCHS girls (15-17) with 11 points.

Team leading scorer Sydney Mains, a freshman and daughter of Lady Irish head coach Travis Mains, added nine points and sophomore Jazmine Williams eight.

Jeila and Sydney made all-tournament for the Lady Irish.

“The kids know what it feels like to lose a state-championship game,” coach Mains said. “They know what it feels like to come down and be this close. Let that fuel the fire and hopefully it’ll build a lot of momentum for us in the future.”

Hutchison, from Memphis, bolted out to a 17-5 advantage at the end of the first quarter and led 26-11 at halftime and 34-20 after three periods. Hutchison led by as many as 19 in the third quarter, but KCHS cut it to 39-34 on a 3-pointer

by Jeila with 36 seconds left in the game.

“I’m proud of their effort, their fighting,” coach Mains said. “There are some things that we should have done in the first half, but they didn’t quit. It mirrored our season.

We were down a bunch, and then we fought back but didn’t have enough at the end. I was proud of them and their character.”

The Lady Irish outpaced Father Ryan 50-38 in the semifinals March 5, bolting out to quarter leads of 13-8, 31-13, and 39-20. Sydney poured in 23 points to lead all scorers, and Jazmine and Jeila added 12

By Dan McWilliams

St. Jude teacher presented with grant for greenhouse Teacher Lucinda Millard at St. Jude School in Chattanooga was presented March 24 with a $5,000 grant for a hydroponic solar greenhouse that will be an excellent addition to the school’s outdoor classroom. The grant project was jointly sponsored by TVA and EPB to promote STEM-related education in the Tennessee Valley. Gathered for the presentation are (from left, front) Eloise Overton, Teagan Chrnalogar, and Luci Hill and (back) Mrs. Millard (second from left) and principal Jamie Goodhard (second from right), flanked by the school’s TVA and EPB representatives.

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ACTIONPIXTN.COM

COURTESY OF KATHIE ETHERTON

Freshman vs. senior Knoxville Catholic freshman guard Sydney Mains dribbles against Hutchison senior guard Maxine Engel during the girls state tournament finals.

First state tourney for Lady Irish Sophomore point guard Jazmine Williams drives on Hutchison’s Maxine Engel.

Guards go at it Two sophomore guards, ball-handler Blue Cain of Knoxville Catholic and Marcel Reed of MBA, battle against each other during the boys state tournament semifinals. Blue recently received a scholarship offer from Tennessee.

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