Diocese navigates new step in Synod process
Dialogue sessions hosted during Lent; diocesan report will be sent to the Vatican
By The East Tennessee Catholic
When Pope Francis called the Church to synodality three years ago, no one guaranteed the path would be certain. In January, dioceses in the United States were made aware of an unexpected round of local dialogue called for after the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded its session in Rome in October 2023.
With guidance and assistance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dioceses jumped into action—with most of them, including the Diocese of Knoxville, hosting their dialogue sessions during Lent.
“Getting the sessions put together quickly presented a few challenges. Deciding how they should work and making sure people were aware were critical,” said diocesan communications director Jim Wogan. “Originally, we planned to have them in early March, but at the recommendation of a pastor, we moved them to mid-March. It was a good suggestion.”
The sessions in the Diocese of Knoxville were held on March 16 and March 19 at the Chancery office. Participants were able to join the discussion in person and online.
Referred to as the Interim Session of the Synod, the meetings were held almost two years after parishes, schools, and ministries conducted “listening sessions” that resulted in the Diocese of Knoxville producing a 10-page Synthesis Report that was delivered to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in May 2022. That report eventually made its way to be included in discussions during the 2023 General Assembly in Rome.
“We had a great response during the listening sessions in 2022, with more than 4,600 people par-
ticipating in an online survey,” Mr. Wogan said. “Additionally, parishes, schools, and ministries conducted their own sessions, and the diocese, through Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, made a real effort to reach out to people living on the margins.”
The 2022 effort was led by Dea-
con Sean Smith, chancellor of the Diocese of Knoxville, and Lisa Healy, recently retired executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. Deacon Al Forsythe and Mr. Wogan organized the dialogue sessions for the Interim Stage.
Turnout in March was light but Synod continued on page B2
Breakout sessions a hit at third men’s conference
St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport hosts the annual event that keeps ‘growing and improving’
Adding breakout sessions to the third annual East Tennessee Catholic Men’s Conference, held March 9 at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport, proved to be a popular decision.
Two breakout segments took place between the talks by the conference’s keynote speakers: Piotr Ulmer, who spoke in the morning on “Laymen in the World,” and Jim Connors, who spoke in the afternoon on “How to Study in Prayer.”
Father Michael Cummins, pastor of St. Dominic, said he thinks this year’s men’s conference “went very well.” Just under 100 men attended.
“This was the third year that it was held, and every year I think it grows and it improves,” Father Cummins said. “I know this year, one of the main changes was having breakout sessions, and from what I’ve heard, the men really appreciated that, because it allowed for a variety of topics and then also even more discussion time.”
The conference lasted some eight hours and began with breakfast and Mr. Ulmer’s talk. Father Cummins presented a brief talk on the sacrament of reconciliation, after which there was time for adoration, a rosary, and confession. Breakout sessions one and two followed, with a break between them, before lunch. Mr. Connors led off the afternoon part of the conference with his talk. Father Cummins celebrated Mass, and the taking of a group photo and a social concluded the day.
Mr. Ulmer is an immigrant from Poland who came to the United States in 1992. He has been involved in Cursillo and the Troops
of St. George. He is a manual physical therapist and a functional wellness coach in private practice. He and wife Agnes worship at either Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville or St. Mary in Athens.
Mr. Connors was born in Florida and grew up in Bossier City, La. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in June 1974. In the Navy, he qualified as a nuclear engineer and as a surface warfare officer. He also worked in the commercial nuclear industry before retiring. Mr. Connors, who also has attended a Cursillo weekend and sponsors several children in the Zion Home for Children orphanage in Kenya, and wife Lynne live in Spring City. They are parishioners of St. Bridget in Dayton.
The first breakout session’s talks were “Spiritual Combat and the Battle for Purity, part one,” by Paul Simoneau, director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace; “Modesty, Humility, and the Secular Concept of Power,” by Father Bart Okere, pastor of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville and St. James the Apostle in Sneedville; and “Discernment: Following God’s Will in Your Life,” by Father Andrew Crabtree, parochial vicar at St. Dominic.
In the second breakout session were part two of Mr. Simoneau’s talk; “The Treasure of Our Early Church Fathers,” presented by Deacon Frank Fischer of St. Dominic; “The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” by Kevin Roth, a St. Dominic parishioner who with five other men started The Highest Call Men’s Conference in Franklin, Tenn.; and “Strategies for Bringing Family (and Friends) Back into the
By Dan McWilliams
‘Discernment: Following God’s Will in Your Life’ Father Andrew Crabtree, parochial vicar at St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, leads a morning breakout session at the third annual men’s conference.
Church,” by Jonathan Cardinal, a regional director for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS).
Book suggestions by conference speakers included The Liber Christo Method: A Field Manual for Spiritual Combat, by Dan Schneider; Credo: Compendium of the Catholic Faith, by Bishop Athanasius Schneider; Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, by Brant Pitre; The Wisdom of the Saints: 365 Days of Inspiration, introduced by Matthew Kelly; The Art of Living: The Cardinal Virtues and the Freedom to Love, by Dr. Edward Sri; and The Church’s Mission in a Polarized World, by Father Aaron Wessman, GHM.
A conference gift bag each man received contained a program for the day that included a detailed Catholic examination of conscience, a breakdown of the Ten Commandments and the ways each can be violated, a how-to guide to confession, and the joyful mysteries of the rosary. Each gift bag also contained two books, Theology of the Body for Beginners: Rediscovering the Meaning of Live, Love, Sex, and Gender by Christopher West, and Holiness Revolution, by Dan DeMatte. Father Cummins spoke on confession early in the conference.
“It was really just talking about the beauty of the sacrament of confession and the healing grace that Men’s conference continued on page B2
DAN MCWILLIAMS Interim Session of the Synod The group attending the March 19 Synod dialogue session at the Chancery discusses a topic. At right, diocesan Hispanic Ministry director Blanca Primm provides a Spanish translation for one of the participants. DAN MCWILLIAMSworth the effort, Mr. Wogan said. “Participation was much less than we expected, but the conversation during those sessions was inspiring,” he said. “First, opposing views were voiced—but it was done in a thoughtful and civil manner. We’re so accustomed to social media these days where there’s no real human connection and a lot of anonymous anger. The people who participated in our sessions were considerate, articulate, had a deep understanding of our shared faith, cared about the Church, were respectful, and were not afraid to share their concerns. As a moderator, I didn’t participate, but hearing some of the discussion reaffirmed my personal faith in people and in the Church.
“Also, keep in mind that this session came a couple of years after we held the original local listening sessions. More than 4,600 people participated in the online survey back then, and many others participated in townhall-type meetings at parishes and schools. There were well-attended training sessions in Johnson City, Chattanooga, and Knoxville for volunteers who led the local sessions. So, overall, I think the diocese has had good participation.”
The sessions on March 16 and March 19 lasted close to two hours.
Participants were updated on the Synod timeline, prayed an invocation to the Holy Spirit and then reviewed two “guiding questions” provided by the Vatican to help with the discussion:
n How can we encourage and enhance stronger relationships between the Church’s structures/ organizations/ leadership/life of each baptized person that moves us toward greater unity as one body of Christ in proclaiming the risen Lord and His Gospel?
n Where have I seen or experienced challenges and/or difficulties within the Church that hinder the mission, and how do I think the Church can better address these challenges and difficulties?
After that, it was a wide-open discussion that utilized small groups rather than the townhall format used during the listening sessions in 2022.
“We had people attending from parishes in the diocese’s major population centers—Chattanooga, Tri-Cities, Knoxville,” Mr. Wogan said. “We also had participation from people at parishes in Rogersville, Maynardville, Dunlap, Athens, Fairfield Glade. There were laity, religious, clergy, and people of many age groups—young adults and older parishioners. The Office
‘The conversation during those sessions was inspiring’
‘It’s always interesting listening to other people’ Carolyn Krings, administrative assistant with the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment, shares a laugh with P.J. Cowley of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville during the Synod dialogue session March 19 at the Chancery.
of Hispanic Ministry participated and helped translate for Spanishspeaking participants. In that regard, I think the diocese fulfilled the Holy Father’s goal of getting different voices.”
Just like in 2022, the diocese compiled notes and feedback from those who attended the sessions. The feedback was included in a brief three- to-five-page summary to the USCCB, which was due April 8. As the report was being completed, the preliminary review of the notes revealed a few trends.
“Feedback touched on different issues and themes,” Mr. Wogan said. “Some of them were like the responses we received in 2022. People don’t like ambiguity. There’s a prevailing sense of frustration with this. Clearly, many people think the Church can manage itself better. Inclusivity, women deacons, and a concern that the pope is trying to change the Church were all mentioned. If the goal was getting everyone in the Church to discuss issues, this process seems to have done that.”
While turnout was lower than anticipated for the March sessions, those who participated engaged in back-and-forth discussion.
“I think some of the questions led us in that way, to look for places where things were going well and
also look for places where things could be improved. I think that we had a lively discussion over there (at our table),” said Immaculate Conception parishioner P.J. Cowley.
“It’s always interesting listening to other people. You realize that other people have very different angles, approaches to their faith and to their community and how they participate in their church,” he added.
A parishioner from St. Mary in Oak Ridge thought the small-group format worked well.
“Absolutely. I did not know we were going to be doing that when I came in, but I thought that it was a great way to really get us talking, and having some people facilitate the questions I thought was great, too,” she said, requesting anonymity.
“We got to cover a lot of different issues, successes, and not-so-great things about the Church. We talked about how we thought that community was key, and learning about each other in our own parishes was a great idea, and we have room for improvement in that area. A lot of room,” she added.
The report to the USCCB, like all Synod documents, will be available on the Diocese of Knoxville website Synod page: dioknox.org/ synod-2023 ■
Men’s conference continued from page B1
comes from that, which we all need, and encouraging the men who felt the need that the sacrament would be available during the time of adoration,” he said.
The St. Dominic pastor’s homily in the afternoon touched on fraternal correction, a subject that is addressed twice in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in nos. 1435 and 1829.
“That is what we’re called to do in the Christian life and in our walks of faith, to help one another, and when those moments do come, maybe in truth and charity correct one another,” Father Cummins said. “I remembered a quote from one of my spiritual directors in seminary, who would always say, ‘Speak the truth, but always speak it in charity.’”
Jimmy Dee of Holy Ghost in Knoxville, also director of evangelization and faith formation for the state Knights of Columbus, attended the conference.
“We were very excited to see this outreach to men of all ages to help them grow in their faith and in fellowship,” Mr. Dee said. “We wanted to be part of it and to hopefully carry this back to other parts of our diocese.”
The conference drew more than 50 percent of its attendance from the ranks of the Knights this year, event coordinator Kevin Musser said.
“There were a tremendous amount of Knights, but it was really, truly an event that included all facets and all people from all different ministries and various parishes around the Tri-Cities,” Mr. Dee said.
Mr. Dee could name his favorite part of the conference.
“I think the fellowship was truly one of the most wonderful parts of being together with our brothers for the day, but I think the speakers and the breakout sessions provided us with incredibly good information
about how to live our faith and how to help others return to the faith,” he said.
Mr. Musser agreed with Father Cummins in saying that the conference went “very well.”
“We risked trying some new approaches by going to breakout sessions,” he said. “We had a number of excellent speakers, and we were hoping to take advantage of as many as we could, and it turned out over the top.”
Mr. Ulmer and Mr. Connors “were exactly what we had hoped for. We knew they were great opening and closing speakers,” Mr. Musser said.
Mr. Ulmer’s talk on “Laymen in the World” and Mr. Connor’s ses-
sion on “How to Study in Prayer” both impressed Mr. Musser.
“Piotr is a very polished speaker and a man who can articulate that topic and did so extremely well,” he said. “Jim has a sort of mellowness about him that is sweet, and yet he knows his subject very well. When he talks about study, he had multiple examples.”
David LaJoye of St. Dominic attended the men’s conference for the first time this year.
“It was phenomenal. I loved it a lot,” he said. “I liked the community part of it, just the fact that you’re having so many men, because a lot of times when you go to Sunday Mass, you don’t see as many men.
I liked that part of it. The book suggestions were good, too.”
Mark Pendley of St. Dominic was on the conference organizing committee with Mr. Musser, Jose Velasco, Sean Fernandez, and Paul Vachon.
“From the feedback I’ve been getting so far, everybody had a good time and really enjoyed it,” Mr. Pendley said. He also cited the breakout sessions as his favorite part of the event, saying the addition of them this year arose out of requests from attendees at the 2023 conference.
“This was one of the things we did this year: listen to our feedback
Men’s conference continued on page B3
from the guys from last year,” he said. “They wanted a little bit of a variation. We had some great speakers last year as well, but this year we kind of fine-tuned it age-groupwise, whether it was young or middle-aged to more of the mature crowd. We wanted to make sure we had all the topics covered that we could within that group.”
Father Cummins and Father Okere heard confessions at the conference. Having Mass and confession “to me is like the pinnacle” of the conference, Mr. Pendley said.
“Last year I felt about it the same way as I do this year. To me, it just wraps it up and brings all of that back into the meetings and the breakouts. To me, it gives a little bit more meaning with the group. It seems to me like the guys enjoy that as well,” he said.
Cameron Coutts attended his first men’s conference this year. He is not Catholic but has attended Mass for two years at St. Dominic and is planning to join RCIA classes this
fall. His wife of two years, Danica, is Catholic.
“I had a really good time” at the conference, he said. “It’s really nice to get a lot of one-on-one time with people in this community, and it all revolves around faith, so it’s a great thing. Everyone’s here for the same purpose. The breakout sessions were phenomenal. I liked them because they were in a small setting, so they were way more personal.”
Father Crabtree’s talk was his favorite part of the event, Mr. Coutts said.
“Father Andrew and discernment: not rushing into decisions right off the bat and using faith and the four steps to look at decisions and possible outcomes and really use faith in God to make those decisions,” he said.
Mr. Vachon, a parishioner of St. Dominic and member of the event organizing committee, said he was pleased with the turnout at this year’s conference.
“I was also pleased that we tried several new things this year, one
Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville holds Lenten eucharistic mission Feb. 21-25
Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville held a eucharistic mission Feb. 21 through Feb. 25. The Vatican International Exhibit: The Eucharistic Miracles of the World was on display for the five days of the mission. The display was made available through contact with the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wis. The display included 158 eucharistic miracles from 22 countries. The exhibition was conceived and designed by Blessed Carlo Acutis.
To open the mission, Mass was celebrated Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., followed by a soup supper hosted by the Council of Catholic Women. A documentary on Blessed Carlo was shown during the meal. Carlo was an artist, cartoonist, and avid computer enthusiast. He created the art for the eucharistic miracles panels before his death from leukemia at age 15. His goal during his short life was to help bring others closer to Jesus through awareness of the mystery of the Eucharist. He is the first millennial to be declared blessed.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was held in the church several times during the mission. In addition to daily Mass and Friday Stations of the Cross, adoration gave parishioners and guests the opportunity to spend extra time with the Lord during the Lenten season.
A parish eucharistic Lenten retreat took place on Feb. 24 with Mass celebrated at 8:30 a.m. by Father John Orr and concelebrated by Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, pastor of Notre Dame. Fellowship followed with coffee and doughnuts before a presentation by Father Orr, who is pastor of St. Mary Parish in Athens and has written numerous books, including The New Evangelization: Pastoral Reflections series on the Creed, the sacraments, the Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and the rosary, and the litanies of the Sacred Heart and of Our Lady.
Father Orr gave two 45-minute talks on the Eucharist at the Lenten retreat, utilizing many books on the
being having a large variety of talks for men to choose from. I feel like that was a good thing and was wellreceived,” he said.
As to his favorite part of the conference, Mr. Vachon said he’ll “have to sit and ponder that one for a while.”
“I loved the adoration,” he added.
“It’s hard to top adoration and confession.”
Mr. Musser said he and his team are already looking forward to the fourth men’s conference next year.
“We have several ideas in process, but we won’t let the cat out of the bag yet,” he said. ■
topic, including some of his own. He referenced the importance of the Blessed Mother and her role within the Church. The morning included a Holy Hour and confessions, with Benediction following at 12:30 p.m.
The mission concluded with a Lenten meeting of the CCW at 5 p.m. on Feb. 25. Kathleen Kelly was the presenter, and her topic was “Come and see Jesus as you have never seen Him before.” More than 50 women were in attendance as Ms. Kelly spoke about the Eucharist and engaged the ladies in an activity on the body of Christ. Ms. Kelly is a past Spirituality Commission chair for the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and for the Cumberland Mountain Deanery CCW. She currently serves as CCW president at St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville and is a well-known retreat master, author, teacher, and more.
“My passion is to empower others to know how precious, loved, and valued by God they are,” she said, “and how deeply our God desires their free offer of love in return. In my own life, I know how
everything.” n
Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the church. The book is Barbara Isn’t Dying by Alina Bronsky. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
St. Augustine, Signal Mountain
A women’s luncheon was held April 9 in the parish life center.
St. Augustine’s vacation Bible school is set for July 16-19. Adult and youth volunteers for the VBS should contact religious-education coordinator Heather Chapman at heather@staugustine catholic.org
The St. Vincent de Paul Society thanked parishioners for their generosity in February as the society was able to assist 71 families, providing $4,138 in food value and $8,204 in rent and utilities to those in need.
St. Bridget, Dayton
A confirmation Mass was held April 10 with 16 young people being confirmed. First Holy Communion is set for Saturday, April 20. Nineteen youth will receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time at the Saturday vigil Mass.
The St. Bridget Women’s Council celebrated March and April birthdays at a luncheon at Referee’s in Dayton. Plans are underway for a Spring Bazaar and Bake Sale for May 18-19. The theme is “Spring is Blooming with Possibilities.”
St. Jude, Chattanooga
A Mass for deceased Knights of Columbus at St. Jude will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 22. A covereddish dinner will follow. For more information, call Eric Pelton at 423-593-1510.
The parish Good Samaritan ministry’s donation bags to benefit the Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults in Chattanooga went out April 6-7 and were picked up April 15.
Aaron Yeargan, student safety officer at St. Jude School, taught a personalsafety and situational-awareness class April 9 in the parish life center.
St. Jude parishioners spent an hour in adoration during “Jesus in Jerusalem,” a eucharistic adoration journey from March 24 through Holy Thursday, March 28. The Blessed Sacrament was perpetually exposed during the four days, except for Mass times.
St. Mary, Athens
The parish held a Lenten retreat for youth March 22-23.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
The Ladies Auxiliary’s baby shower was held April 11 in the small hall. All donations benefited the Ladies of Charity layette program.
Anniversaries: Ebon and Cecile Grubb (71), Kenn and Mary Stroop (61), Clarence and Pat Bodnar (60), Mark and Angela Vallee (15)
Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga
The basilica’s Catholic Motherhood ministry held a black-tie Easter cocktail party at the home of Patrick and Caelan Shurina on April 6. Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed attendees.
Sts. Peter and Paul is doing a trial of offering paid parking to the public at All Saints Academy, to see if it is a good use of the basilica’s property.
A meet-and-greet for new parochial vicar Father Michael Hendershott and Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez, who is serving a pastoral year at the basilica, was held April 7 in Varallo Parish Hall.
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
The prayer-blanket ministry needs
blankets for adults that measure 50 by 100 inches. Handmade crocheted, knit, quilted, or tied blankets of washable materials have been found to work the best. To help, make a blanket and bring it to the parish office. Donations of yarn are also accepted.
The parish collected rice and cereal in March for the Hands of Mercy food pantry in Roane County.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade Lenten events included adoration led by Deacon Gary Brinkworth on March 11; a men’s Bible study on March 12 and 13; the presentation of the image, novena, chaplet, and hour of Divine Mercy on March 12 and 21; a Knights of Columbus rosary and meeting on March 14; and adoration on March 15.
A Divine Mercy Sunday service was celebrated at 3 p.m. on April 7.
On March 17, a St. Patrick’s Day party was held in the parish hall. St. Francis of Assisi’s Irish pastor, Father Michael Woods, sang a few songs at the gathering.
A Muffins with Mary event March 19, sponsored by the Hearts Afire team, featured speaker and parishioner Larry Helm. His topic was “Reflections on a Pilgrimage.” Mr. Helm shared his thoughts, insights, and experiences of Jesus, His Church, and His many saints through the simple format of a pilgrimage. By his recounting of the sights and sounds of Rome and Assisi along with the spiritual moments encountered, he hoped to bring everyone the feeling of the power and presence of this life-changing point in time.
St. Francis of Assisi hosted the annual 6 a.m. Easter sunrise services on March 31, sponsored by the Council of Churches in Fairfield Glade. The other churches participating were Christ Lutheran Church, Fairfield Glade Community Church, Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Ted Brown and Carol Lamb were the representatives of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Anniversaries: James and Lynda Tjaarda (64), Paul and Mary Demet (61), Blaine and Lenore Drake (61), Ralph and Judi Miller (57), Monty and Dolores Carolan (56), Michael and Rebecca Countess (51), Chuck and Linda McDermott (51), Edward and Janis Petru (45), Ken and Jane Messerich (35), Raymond and Linda LaRocque (10)
St. John Neumann, Farragut
Newcomers events designed to introduce people to the church, the community, and each other took place April 8 and 15, with a third session set for 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Monday, April 22, in the school library. Send any questions to Barbara Lane at barbara donnellylane@gmail.com
Registration is open for the parish vacation Bible school set for 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, June 17 to 21. Ages 4 through rising sixthgraders may attend. This year’s theme is “Cathletics: Training to Be Champions for Christ.” Scan the QR code in the March 31 bulletin to register. Contact Becca McCaskey at blg2790@ gmail.com to learn more or volunteer.
The women’s club held a Bingo Night potluck April 13 in the school gym.
Dr. Kelly Kearse of Knoxville Catholic High School presented a program sponsored by the parish senior ministry, “Science and the Shroud of Turin,” on April 14 at the church.
St. Joseph, Norris
The Council of Catholic Women’s card ministry made Easter cards for the residents of Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The CCW sponsored the St. Joseph Table on March 17. Donations and canned goods were provided to Catholic Charities’ Crazy Quilt Friendship Center in Newcomb.
The St. Joseph Men’s Club sponsored
Parish notes continued on page B8
Immaculate Conception cantor receives Hecker Award
Cantor Amanda Peavyhouse of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville received the Paulist Fathers’ Spirit of Isaac Hecker Award at the end of Mass on March 10 as the Paulists celebrated their 50th anniversary in Knoxville that weekend. With Ms. Peavyhouse above are Father Joe Ciccone, CSP (left), former pastor of IC, who celebrated the Mass that morning, and the downtown parish’s current pastor, Father Charlie Donahue, CSP.
Blessed Sacrament hosts Lenten Bible study
Twenty-nine women parishioners of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman participated in a Lenten Bible Study. This inaugural study, “Walking with Purpose: Living in the Father’s Love,” written especially for women, touched on many topics. They included doubts about Our Father’s love, searching for purpose, struggles to measure up in today’s world, and how to forgive. The group met each Thursday afternoon of Lent from Feb. 15 through March 21. A study is planned in the fall, continuing with “Walking with Purpose’s Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point.”
St. Bridget welcomes six into the faith
St. Bridget Parish in Dayton welcomed six people into the faith at the Easter Vigil with an additional six individuals being confirmed. Pictured from left are (front row) instructor Sister Maria del Pilar Hinojosa, MAG, Thalia Ruiz, and instructor Dianne Pfeiffer and (back row) Axel Lopez, Melissa Cruz, Brissia Hernandez, Jesus Rodriguez, Jorge Rodriguez, Ruben Santiago, and Isabel Roblero. Not pictured are Sandra Bartizal, James Blanton, Jaime Castellon, and Jose Alberto Leyte.
St. Therese in Clinton honors 95th birthday of parishioner Ruth Zenner
Being part of a church community that genuinely cares for its members and recognizes their dedication is truly fulfilling.
St. Therese Parish in Clinton celebrated a special occasion over the weekend of March 9 and 10, offering Masses to honor the 95th birthday of one of its longest-serving members, Ruth Zenner of Clinton.
After spending years away from the area, Mrs. Zenner, who was raised locally and returned with her family in 1970, was one of the first to join the recently established parish along with her husband, Donald Zenner, and their three children, Donald Jr., Frank, and Wayne.
On Saturday evening following Mass, the parish hosted a social event in honor of Mrs. Zenner that was attended by many church members and longtime friends of the honoree.
Zenner
The Zenners would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the event, Deacon Pete Chiaro and wife Jean; Annette Brown, daughter Melissa, and daughter-in-law Joyce Klee; as well as many other parish members who made the event happen. n
The
Neophytes
set for 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at the
Heart of
Catholics who entered the Church this Easter will be formally sent forth at this annual ceremony.
Tennessee Right to Life will hold a post-abortion healing seminar for pastors and church leaders from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at Bearden Banquet Hall in Knoxville. The event will feature speakers dedicated to helping men and women involved in abortion find healing. Sandi Davidson of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee will discuss the Rachel’s Vineyard retreats and inform pastors and church leaders of CCETN’s adoption program so that clergy can have this information when approached by a person in crisis. To learn more, e-mail trlknox@ prolifeknox.com. RSVP by Tuesday, April 23.
Apostolic administrator Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre will ordain Deacons Bo Beaty, Daniel Herman, and Michael Willey to the priesthood and seminarian A.J. Houston to the transitional diaconate for the Diocese of Knoxville in a Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
EnCourage, a ministry dedicated to praying for family members who suffer from same-sex attraction and supporting each other’s spiritual life, meets at 6 p.m. on second Thursdays in the lower level at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. The next meetings are April 11, May 9, and June 13. Zoom is also available to anyone who would like to join virtually. For more information, contact Father Zach Griffith at zachgriffith92@gmail.com
The class of 1974 from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is looking for classmates for a 50th reunion. If you or someone you know graduated from OLPH in 1974 or attended any years with this class, call or e-mail Pam Franklin at 423-6227232 or pfranklin@myolph.com
The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s annual Mass of Remembrance, honoring each woman of the diocese who died between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, is set for 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. All are welcome to attend, especially family and friends of the deceased women. For more information, e-mail Michelle Peckham, KDCCW president, at michelle. kdccw@gmail.com; Pam Wilcoxon, Chattanooga Deanery CCW president, at pam61259@gmail.com; Karen Marabella-Miller, Cumberland Mountain Deanery CCW president, at kmiller 068@yahoo.com; Kathy DeAngelis, Five Rivers Deanery CCW president, at krdeangelis@yahoo.com; or Patricia Forde, Smoky Mountain Deanery CCW president, at patrforde@gmail.com
Women are invited to a Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women event themed “Come to the Table: A Renewed Encounter with Jesus,” scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Author Genevieve Kineke will speak at the event. The day will conclude with Mass at 5 p.m. There is no registration fee. Register at kdccw.org or tinyurl.com/4njxdcz2
The fifth annual Jockeys & Juleps event to benefit St. Jude School in Chattanooga will be held Saturday, April 27, at The Chattanoogan hotel. A VIP cocktail party starts at 5:30 p.m., with general admission at 6:30 and the event concluding at 10:30. General-admission tickets are $75 and VIP tickets $125. Purchase tickets or become a sponsor at mysjs.ejoinme.org/jj2024 To learn more or donate, call 423-8776022 or e-mail prestonk@mysjs.com
The Rees Skillern Cancer Institute and CHI Memorial will host the 2024 Southeast Regional Oncology Symposium from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Embassy Suites in Chattanooga. The symposium has been approved for continuing-education credits for physicians, advanced allied health providers, nurses, and other health-care providers. Symposium top-
ics include: “Management of Metastatic Brain and Spine Tumors,” “Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer,” “How Artificial Intelligence Is Helping Improve Lung Cancer Survival, “ “Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer,” “OncologyRelated Lymphedema,” “Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Counseling,” “Minimally Invasive HPB Surgery,” “Cardio-Oncology Protocols,” “Oncology Support Services,” “Survivorship from a Physician’s View,” “Modern Management of Colorectal Cancer and Perioperative Expectations,” and “Promise of Bispecific Therapy in Heme and Solid Tumors.” The symposium is appropriate for primary-care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, interns, residents, and medical and nursing students involved in the care of oncology patients. The cost to attend the symposium is $125 for physicians, $70 for advanced practice providers, and $35 for allied health professionals. To register for the Southeast Regional Oncology Symposium, visit etsu.cloud-cme.com/course/ courseoverview?P=5&EID=4398. Register in advance to reserve your spot. Embassy Suites is located at 2321 Lifestyle Way, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
St. Joseph Parish in Norris will celebrate its 75th anniversary at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28. Vespers will follow the celebration. All are welcome to attend. For ticket information, e-mail stjosephnorristn@gmail.com
Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions are invited to attend a Catholic Charities Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat on the weekend of May 3-5 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 26. 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 865776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org
Young adults are invited to a bilingual vocational retreat, themed “Thy Will Be Done,” sponsored by the Diocese of Knoxville offices of Vocations and Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry that is to be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. The event is geared toward those discerning priesthood, religious life, marriage, or any big life decision. A discussion will take place on all the fears and “what ifs” that go into discernment. Priests, deacons, married couples, and religious Sisters will share their vocational stories at the retreat. Cost is $30. Contact Lizzie Morris at lmorris@dioknox.org to register. You may also register or view a flyer at dioknox.org/events/ thy-will-be-done-vocational-retreat
A Life in the Spirit Seminar presented by members of the Alleluia Community of Augusta, Ga., will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 10, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain. To register or learn more, visit www.staugustinecatholic.org or call 423-886-3424.
The St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op, a ministry of the Basilica of Sts. Peter in Paul in Chattanooga, is registering nursery through high school students for the 2024-25 school year through Friday, May 10. Visit www.stspeterandpaul basilica.com/homeschool-co-op for a list of classes by age group, a handbook, frequently asked questions, a class schedule and fees, and all forms.
The students of the Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow will put on a spring concert at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. The students will sing sacred music by Mozart, Palestrina, Mendelssohn, and Caccini as well as a few secular works.
The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Vocations and St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville are hosting a Voca-
Parishioner’s ‘Cards for Catholics’ will assist St. Jude’s capital campaign
When St. Jude Church and School in Chattanooga found themselves having to replace an aging heating and cooling system costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, the church sprang into action to raise funds. The Journey Together Again Capital Campaign was launched.
Almost 20 years ago, a similar campaign, Journey Together, was established to build a family life center housing a gym and several classrooms. Various groups were asked to stage their own events to help raise the money.
Parishioner Sandee Jenkins was then and still is a member of Emmaus, the ensemble that provides music for the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Jude each Sunday. The group led music at numerous events, including special Masses, retreats, conferences, weddings, and funerals. They were one of the groups chosen to lead the ordination Mass for the first bishop of Knoxville with 5,000 in attendance.
Ms. Jenkins encouraged the group to record and sell an album to raise funds for the Journey Together Campaign. It took several months to complete the project.
“It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, but somehow we managed to record 12 songs, some written by Daniel Hixon, who is now in the music ministry at St. Stephen in Chattanooga.”
Songs for the Journey raised more than $3,000 in album sales.
When the need arose again for the school, Ms. Jenkins began to think about other ways to help.
“I knew our group was not able
to devote the time needed to record another album,” she said. “I wondered what I could do to help. Then I thought, ‘I’m in the greeting card business—I can design, print, and sell greeting cards especially for Catholics.’”
She did some research and learned it was difficult to find cards specifically for Catholic occasions. She interviewed managers of Catholic gift shops to see what they needed. Then she spent her vacation time designing the cards and selecting appropriate Scripture verses for each one. She worked with artists to prepare them for printing. She did the collating and boxing herself with help from family and friends.
“Cards for Catholics” was born. Six designs are included in a set: first Holy Communion, baptism, confirmation, anniversary of ordination, “happy birthday, Father,” and “happy birthday, Deacon.”
“My thinking for a fundraiser is to gift a set to each person or couple attending a church or school event and include a note encouraging the receiver to donate to the campaign, hoping they would be even more generous than the retail price,” Ms. Jenkins said.
Cards for Catholics retails at $10 per set of six, and individual cards go for $2 each.
“My goal is to match the $3,000 we raised with the album,” Ms. Jenkins said. “I want to encourage people to use their God-given gifts and talents for His church.”
To view the cards, visit www. cardsbysandra.com or e-mail Sandee Jenkins at cardsbysandra@ gmail.com n
All Saints Parish’s Creation Care Team helps clean up site
The Creation Care Team from All Saints Parish in Knoxville sponsored a site in the 35th annual Ijams River Rescue on March 9. Despite the rainy weather, there was a great turnout, and more than 20 bags of trash and many larger items were removed from the Ten Mile Creek Greenway area.
Holy Spirit Parish Knights read passages of the Stations
Members of Knights of Columbus Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Parish in SoddyDaisy read the passages of the Stations of the Cross, led by Deacon Jim Bello, at the church on March 15. Pictured from left are (front row) Rich Faulkner, Kevin Olley, Deacon Bello, Jim O’Connell, Patrick Parks, and Joey Smetek and (back row) Tom Ywanauskas, Rip Osborne, Bob Kirn, Dave Strubhart, Ernie Landry, Derek Kukura, and Marc Steger.
Glowackis of St. Francis-Fairfield Glade celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Walter and Leonore Glowacki, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 23. They were married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Woodlynne, N.J. Their son lives in Cookeville, and they have one grandchild.
Mr. Glowacki retired from the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center and Mrs. Glowacki from Time Warner Cable.
The Glowackis moved to the Glade in 2018. n
Iby George Valadie
‘Most everything’s working. It’s all good’ God would love to ‘climb out of bed, survey the universe,’ and think those words to Himself
’m not the weather fanatic my wife is, but I know this much: if our daughter in Little Rock gets hit by something crazy, odds are pretty good Chattanooga is sitting in the same path.
Not nearly as bad, thank goodness, but windy and wet and happy to live on the outer edges. This time she texted while hunkered down in their basement crawlspace. So, I knew something couldn’t be far behind.
And sure enough …
I have written before about my retirement volunteer gig. No canonization awaits. I just drive a Toyota Corolla shuttle around the hospital parking lot. A once-a-week, fourhour shift of offering rides.
It’s a remarkable institution that’s gotten bigger and better through the years—new drugs and doctors, more patients and parking. But as they have grown, geography and engineering have forced their expansion to grow outward rather than upward.
So, there are a lot of entrances, and there’s a lot of blacktop. And even if one’s been there before, folks don’t always land exactly where they want to be. And seldom as close as they try to be.
It all looks flat and manageable unless your legs hurt or your hip’s bugging you or your breathing is labored or you’re on a walker or a hundred other reasons why you might be at the hospital.
It looks flat and manageable to the healthy, too, until they’re actually walking it.
Still, the majority who cross my path opt to do just that.
“No thanks, the steps will do me good.”
“It’s not that far, right?”
“I’m heading in to exercise, I’d feel funny riding to the front door. I better not.”
Rain has a habit of changing all that, though. And I don’t blame them. Little Rock’s wet weather had arrived right on schedule.
So, the man waved me down and ducked into my shuttle, no hat, no umbrella, arms crossed over his
INancy says there’s something wrong with my “listener.” She’s probably right. I know my ears don’t hear as well as when I was younger, but I’m pretty sure she’s not talking about that. . . . I’ve realized my “word-keeper” is a bit hit-and-miss as well.
soaking-wet head, trying to fend off the downpour.
“How are you today?” he asked with a voice that was smiling in spite of his morning.
I could imagine he made the best of whatever came his way.
“Well, I’m dry and you’re not,” I teased, “so things are pretty good for me. How about you?”
“Well, it’s like I used to tell the guys at work,” he offered. “I’d tell them, ‘Got up today. Most everything’s working! It’s all good.’”
What a perfect outlook … most everything’s working.
It seemed a little forward of me to ask what was and wasn’t. He was my age after all, and there are some aspects of my own health I wouldn’t particularly want to share.
My bones and joints are in good shape, so there’s that. I’m actually pretty limber for a guy who’s 70 1/2.
I mention the “half” like our grandkids used to when we would ask, “How old are you?” And they’d hold up some fingers but always add “and a half” whenever they crossed that milestone.
They were proud … as I am now. Another half-year these days is every bit the accomplishment it was when we were youths.
In spite of my years, and at the risk of jinxing my entire life, I’m blessed my innards all function smoothly with the exception of some acid reflux that needs medicinal attention.
Some brain surgery six or seven years ago left me with a touch of double vision and some facial numbness, not unlike the sort you get when you’ve been to the dentist and you’ve almost gotten that normal feeling back. But not quite.
I’ve had more than a few broken bones, two cataracts, and a mela-
noma. But each is healed. Each is doing its thing.
So all in all, “most everything’s working.”
Most.
When the sun came out, and the hospital visitors went back to their walking, I was left with a bit of time to ponder the parts of my life that aren’t exactly working as they should.
Nancy says there’s something wrong with my “listener.” She’s probably right. I know my ears don’t hear as well as when I was younger, but I’m pretty sure she’s not talking about that.
“Did you find my earring under the bed?”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“I asked you to look because I think I heard one fall under there the other night.”
“I didn’t because you never said anything to me about that.”
“Yes, I did, and you said, ‘OK.’ You just don’t listen.”
She may have a point. I’d tell her “but most everything’s working,” except I don’t think she’d care.
I’ve realized my “word-keeper” is a bit hit-and-miss as well. Though I’m glad it hits more than it misses.
I tell the grandkids we can go to the movie on the weekend. Or I tell Nancy I’ll take down the “Let it snow” flag. Or I tell my sisters we’ll get together for dinner soon.
But I don’t always keep my word.
It’s probably because I give myself a pass since none of these feel like major commitments—to me. I’m guessing their outlook is different whenever I disappoint.
I’ve also realized my “forgiver” is particularly out of whack. And I think it’s tied to whatever part of me that’s supposed to let go of anger.
When I am wronged—and we all are on occasion—I’m not sure why I’m willing to forgive some but not others. They stay “in my box.” I borrowed it from my wife; it’s where she keeps all my past sins.
And it’s there some people seem to stay. I don’t know why. Like most
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon
Bob Huntfolks, being angry just eats at me. I haven’t noticed it impacting them all that much.
Not to mention we’re called to forgive. Everyone. Like the Savior who forgives me. Over and over.
I just don’t know if He forgives my unforgiving.
But “most everything’s working. It’s all good.”
I wonder how our Creator feels. When He rises in the morning, how does He view the world He spun into existence?
What jumps out more? The conflicts in Haiti and Gaza and Ukraine? Or the peacemakers trying to solve them?
The hatred between red and blue? Or those in the middle fighting to expand the common ground?
What catches his eye more? The decline in church attendance? Or the holy who serve and pray then serve some more?
Where is His focus? The hungry? The homeless? The hopeless who never seem to go away?
Or the many who share with the “least” of his brethren.
I can’t imagine what it’s like being God. Must not be easy.
In His omnipotence, He created then gave away that free-will thing. Then chose to sit back and watch humanity try to use it. Some figure it out, many do not.
Is the world as bad as the media reports? I don’t know about all that, but I know we could do better.
And don’t you know just one time He’d love to climb out of bed, survey the universe and think to Himself …
“Most everything’s working. It’s all good.”
Dear God—Please bless those who give their lives to those who are suffering, bedridden, walking their final journey home. Give them wisdom to add peace to the passage. Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the newly released book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
If you are Catholic, the Mass is ‘what you do’ The Mass is where we are saved, the purpose for which Jesus came, and where Jesus is lifted up
n one of the most profound Old Testament passages, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the Lord establishing a new covenant with His people. “The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt … this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
In the new covenant, rather than writing His law on stone tablets, God will write His law upon the hearts of His people. When we think of our heart, we think of the emotional center of ourselves, but for ancient Jews, the heart was the intellectual center of the person, where his or her will reigned supreme. What does this mean? That God will give His law in such a way that His people cannot ignore it or break it, for it will be a part of their very selves. This is why no one will need to be taught about God by others, but all will know the LORD, from the least to the greatest, because
they will experience His mercy, the forgiveness of their evildoing, when God will remember our sins no more. When God freed Israel from chattel slavery in Egypt, He commanded them to celebrate the Passover sacrifice every year in remembrance of this central saving act in the lives of His people. But in this new covenant, won for us by the life of Jesus, a life lived in perfect obedience to the will of the Father even unto death, God’s law is written on our hearts, is part of our very being, so that if we listen to that law we will be saved. The Letter to the Hebrews reads, “Son though He was, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Even though He was God’s only begotten Son, Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to the will of the Father through suffering on our account. “And when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). When was Jesus made perfect? When His life of perfect obedience to the will of the Father culminated on the cross, He embraced, not setting it aside out of fear.
In the old covenant, the lamb was slain, its blood poured out and its
roasted flesh eaten in a meal of communion by God’s children. In the new covenant, Jesus reveals Himself as the Lamb of God who is slain on the cross and is eaten in a meal of communion at every Mass. At every Passover seder, the event of the Exodus is made present so those present throughout the ages and today can participate in that saving act of God. At every Mass, the life, passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus is made present on this altar so that we, gathered here today, may participate in that saving act. When God freed Israel from slavery, He commanded them to celebrate the Passover sacrifice in remembrance of Him and that central saving act in the life of His people. When Jesus saved us by His sacrifice, He commanded us to “do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus is the sacrificial lamb who is slain and eaten according to the new covenant. And we do this in remembrance of Him because of who we are as His brothers and sisters, co-heirs with Him to the kingdom.
We call the Mass “the Sacred Liturgy.” The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek leitourgia. It means “the work of the people.” One’s leitourgia is what one does that tells the world what one is. So, a fire-
fighter’s leitourgia is to fight fires. If you don’t fight fires, you’re not a firefighter. A teacher’s leitourgia is to teach. If you don’t teach, you’re not a teacher. As Catholics, our leitourgia is the Mass, the Sacred Liturgy. So, if we don’t do this, we’re not Catholic. The Sacred Liturgy is what we do that tells the world what we are as Catholics. If you are not doing this, you are not Catholic. If you are Catholic, the Mass is what you do. The Mass is the one sacrifice of Jesus made present on our altar so that those gathered may participate in that sacrifice. The Mass, then, is where we are saved. The Mass is the purpose for which Jesus came into the world. The Mass is where Christ the Son is made perfect in obedience and becomes the source of our eternal salvation. The Mass is where Jesus is lifted up. “And when I am lifted up from the earth,” Jesus said, … when He is lifted up on this altar … “I will draw everyone to myself” (John 12:32).
Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville, and he is the author of “Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews.”
Eby Father Randy Stice
