June 3, 2018, ET Catholic, B section by Diocese of Knoxville

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Father Jim Haley celebrates golden jubilee The Paulist priest returns to Immaculate Conception Church for an anniversary Mass ‘with a deep sense of gratitude’

DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)

he Immaculate Conception community and parishioners from around the United States and Canada all came together May 3 to wish Father Jim Haley, CSP, a happy 50th anniversary in the priesthood. Knoxville’s downtown parish hosted a Mass for Father Haley’s golden jubilee on the feast day of St. James the Apostle, and a dinner attended by nearly 300 followed at The Foundry. Father Haley was principal celebrant of his anniversary Mass, with Father Eric Andrews, CSP, president of the Paulist Fathers, concelebrating. Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali attended in choir. “Thank you for coming,” Father Haley said to the assembly at IC, where he has served two assignments as pastor over the years. “We gather with a deep sense of gratitude on my part for 50 years of priestly ministry; and as you join with me in praising and thanking God for this time, in many ways the Lord has been with me and all those I have served. I invite you to also take a moment and think of a moment in your own life where you would like to also give gratitude to almighty God and to join your prayer of gratitude with mine, as we gather before a heavenly and most forgiving Father.” Among the 20 priests present were six additional Paulist Fathers, including the four local Paulists: IC

Fifty years in the priesthood Father Jim Haley, CSP (center), shares a laugh during his anniversary Mass with Deacon Joe Stackhouse (foreground left) and Father Eric Andrews, CSP, president of the Paulist Fathers. At back left is visiting priest Father Sean Foley, CSP. pastor Father Ron Franco and associate pastor Father Tim Sullivan, and St. John XXIII pastor Father Donald Andrie and associate pastor Father Bob O’Donnell. Also attending were homilist Father John Duffy, CSP, a former president of the Paulist Fathers, and Father Sean Foley, CSP, a former vice president of the Paulists. What makes ‘a good priest’ In his homily, Father Duffy quoted Pope Francis on “what should be the characteristics of a good priest, a true pastor of the people.” He said

‘Good priests exude a sense of joy’ Father John Duffy, CSP, a former president of the Paulist Fathers, delivers the homily at Father Haley’s anniversary Mass.

a good priest “‘knows the smell of his sheep,’” in the words of the Holy Father. “He knows the smell of his sheep because he is available and is in direct contact with them. . . . He is present; he is incarnate in the lives of the people with whom and for whom he is called to serve. . . . The greatest present that a priest can give to the people is his presence.” To proclaim the Good News, Father Duffy said, “good priests exude a sense of joy, a positive attitude, a feeling that no matter what might be happening, all is in God’s hands; in the end all will work out.”

By Dan McWilliams

A good priest, the homilist added, “takes seriously the importance of preaching, proclaiming God’s Word.” Father Duffy said he “took the liberty to speak with a few lay leaders in communities where Father Jim has been stationed this half-century. And the qualities mentioned by Pope Francis very much resonate with their experience of Father Jim.” “Yes, [Father Haley] has been present, in a quiet way to people, always available, with that inviting smile, to proclaim the Good News,” Father Duffy said. “And to proclaim the Good News, one has to be Good News. The words of one source: he is very funny, with a dry sense of humor; people relate to him easily, both as a priest and as a friend.” As a proclaimer of the Good News, “a priest must be steeped in the Word of God. To quote one of my contacts: ‘Father Jim has the ability to make a deep or challenging point . . . with just the right words. He is in contact with the real lives of people and speaks to that,’” Father Duffy said. Father Haley “draws upon the insights of others,” the homilist continued. “Another quote: ‘at meetings, he listens carefully to all concerns, ideas, and questions before he puts in his word or his answer, or makes his decision.’” “Why did Father Haley join the Paulists?” Father Duffy asked. “He wanted to be a missionary Father Haley continued on page B6

At the altar Father Haley, assisted by Deacon Stackhouse, celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The anniversary Mass marked a return to Immaculate Conception Church for Father Haley, who twice served as IC’s pastor.

New Catholics are formally sent forth in Neophytes Mass The 225 newcomers to the faith in the diocese this year are the first group to take part in the ceremony at the new cathedral By Dan McWilliams

Neophytes continued on page B6

DAN MCWILLIAMS

he class of new Catholics coming into the Church in East Tennessee this Easter was the first to be formally sent forth at the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the annual Sending of the Neophytes ceremony. Many of the diocese’s 162 candidates and 63 catechumens who became Catholics this spring attended the Mass, held on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 8. The occasion gave celebrant Bishop Richard F. Stika a chance to remind the assembly of his episcopal motto, taken from the words of St. Faustina: Jesus, I trust in you. The new Catholics entered the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, but their formation continues beyond the Easter vigil, the bishop said. “Now that you’re in the process of completing the RCIA, you’re not finished yet,” Bishop Stika said.

Hello from the bishop Bishop Stika greets young Josie Schaefer of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport during the Sending of the Neophytes Mass.

Parish notes

The parish’s vacation Bible school will be offered on Wednesday evenings in July (July 11, 18, and 25). The senior high youth ministry will help lead the evenings for rising first- through fifthgraders from 5 to 8 p.m. St. Jude is sponsoring another Holiday Craft & Hobby Show, set for Saturday, Nov. 17. The Home and School Association board thanked parishioners for taking part in its Jockeys and Juleps fundraiser, which brought in more than $40,000. Proceeds will help the children of St. Jude School receive a new library and an updated computer lab. St. Mary, Athens The parish congratulated the 2018-19 St. Mary Scholarship recipients: Cabrina Pascarella, Lissette Silva, Miguel Silva, Bethany Hembree, Jasmine Morris, Hailey Parente, Evelyn Sandoval, Juan Hernandez, Shelby Wilson, Addison Liner, Haley Land, and Katie Garcia. A bake sale will be held after Masses June 9-10. To learn more or volunteer, call Kay Prevatt at 423-453-2049. Funds raised will help reduce the church deficit. Vacation Bible school at St. Mary is set for July 15-18. Newcomers: Amailla Shelly, Khadine and Crystal Gongora, Jennifer Rodriguez, Gerald Hodges, Michelle Davis, Jim Hill St. Stephen, Chattanooga The parish thanked Knights of Columbus Assembly 3250 for its recent donation of pancake breakfast proceeds of $313 to the St. Stephen Bible study group. Anniversaries: Ray and Rosemarie Bertani (59), Clarence and Pat Bodnar (54), Dr. Andres and Dr. Hilda Alisago (53), Gino and Jeannie Bennett (52), Art and Dena Vonwerssowetz (40), John and Mary Kay Weaver (10) Confirmandi: John Butler, Madison Campbell, Ricardo Cansino, Alex Casas, Daniela Covarrubias, Alyssa Dela Cruz, Kimberly Delgadillo, Anthony Do, Christian Flores, Alexis Gallagher, Delaney Godwin, Tongun Gore, Elly Ireland, Hailey Lopez, Gabriella Marrero, William de Oca Miranda, Alexander Obsitnik, Erik Ornelas, Hennessy Pell, Rebecca Pendon, Angel Perez, Luis Giovanni Ramirez Perez, Melanie Pons, Gisell Ramirez Hernandez, Sergio Reza, Alan Rivas de Leon, Christopher Scheiwe, Carson Simms, Matthew Thomae, Emma Wesolowski First communicants: Angel Chavez, Maya England, Aubri Higgins, David Huerta, Dulce Huerta, Alejandro Lara, Humberto Vergara Lopez, Andrea Mata, Jonah Pendon, Emmanuel Rios Ramirez, Trinidad Rocha, Nanci Rodriguez, Bonnie Schaffner, Jack Aaron, Christopher Avalos, Alejandro Quintero, Sebastian Quintero, Jonothan Ramirez Hernandez, Manny Zarragoza Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga On Sunday, June 3, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul celebrated the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ with its fifth annual Corpus Christi procession and first Holy Communion. The 11:30 a.m. English Mass will conclude with adoration. The procession around the city block will begin at the church at 1 p.m., returning for Benediction, followed by the 1:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish. Father David Carter, rector, will lead the procession with the Blessed Sacrament, followed by other clergy; the Knights of Columbus bearing papal symbols; dozens of children receiving first Holy Communion for the first time that day; and choirs and lay faithful, singing eucharistic hymns. Hundreds of participants are anticipated. All are encouraged to join in. Vacation Bible school will be offered at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul the B2 n JUNE 3, 2018

The solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul will be celebrated at all Masses at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul June 29-July 1 in honor of the church’s patronal feast day and the 128th anniversary of the church’s dedication: Friday, 7 a.m. and noon; Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. in Spanish. A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, eucharistic Communion, and prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father, is granted to the faithful who visit the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul the following dates: May 3, June 29, Sept. 8, Oct. 22, or on one day of their choice during the year. Confessions will be offered 30 minutes before the noon and weekend Masses as usual. At 7 p.m. Sunday, July 15, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will host the organ and trumpet trio Trumpette Bombarde in a free concert. This will be the final concert before the renovation of the sanctuary begins July 23. The basilica’s pipe organ will be played by recitalist Jim Fry with trumpeters Tommy Bulman and Dan Hanson. Donations to support concerts at the basilica will be gratefully accepted. A reception will follow in Varallo Parish Hall. The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will undergo a sanctuary renovation beginning July 23, fully funded by parishioner donations to the Home Campaign. The project will include the enhancements that parishioners recommended at a parish-wide town hall meeting in July 2014, including the return of the tabernacle to the center of the altar and other architectural restorations. At the conclusion of this project, the historic pipe organ will be completed with the final two ranks that were planned in its design. The main church will be closed off for construction from July 23 through the fall, and all Masses will be celebrated in Varallo Parish Hall during this time, following the usual schedule. The anticipated return to the renovated sanctuary is later this year, for Advent and Christmas. The completion of the organ will follow early in 2019, through Lent.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The Knights of Columbus hosted the annual Mother’s Day Brunch after Mass on May 13. The Council of Catholic Women collected donations for the Madonna Plan and Water for Life in cooperation with Catholic Relief Services, after Masses on May 12 and 13. St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade Anniversaries: Bob and Genie Gruber (66), Vern and Jean Bolish (66), John and Jean Sohnly (64), Richard and Caroline Cieszenski (63), Dan and Mina Napierala (63), John and Gerry Eisenlord (63), Bob and Joanne Ames (62), Ed and Carolyn Mayo (61), John and Ellie Gratton (60), Irvin and Carol Stenger (60), Tom and Peg Loughran (60), John and Yvonne Marciniak (59), Frank and Ann Zingheim (59), Walt and Dianne Burling (59), Medard and Laura Kaluszka (58), Norm and Judith Charest (58), John and Anna Moyer (58), C. Thomas and Mary Anna Teall (58), Ron and Virginia Reynolds (58), Don and Mary Lou Wiskow (58), Mitchell and Joan Kaminski (57), John and Barbara Coye (57), Patrick and Anna Chowning (57), James and Jane Trame (57), Fred and Kitty Sasse (57), Joseph and Mary Partlow (57), Anthony and Bernice Mattioli (57), Ed and Marjorie Lewis (57), Ramon and Barbara Clark (56), James and Mary Ann Lintz (56), Joseph and Nancy Grunduski (55), Joe and Marti Maxwell (55), Shelton and Patty Johnson (55), John and Norma Hall (55), Tom and Anne Marano (55), John and Cathy Manning (54), Jim and Anita Renick (54), Dean and Mary Ericksen (54), Terry and Nancy Allen (54), Joe and Susanna Bour (54), B. Dean Parish notes continued on page B3

COURTESY OF JANET BLANKENSHIP

St. Jude, Chattanooga

week of June 18-22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages pre-K to sixth grade. A registration form, due by June 8, is available at stspeterandpaulbasilica.com. Call the parish office at 423266-1618 for more information.

Father Okere speaks at National Day of Prayer event in Rogersville “Pray for America” was the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer in Rogersville on May 3. A prayer for unity was led by 10 clergymen representing six denominations, including St. Henry Parish’s Father Bartholomew Okere (speaking above). Prayers were said for the nation and government, churches, pastors and leaders, families, schools and teachers, military and protective services, the media, TV, movies, music and newspapers, local drug problems and families dealing with them, and a revival of the nation.

Women honored on Mother’s Day at St. Henry

he women of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville were honored in a special ceremony on Mother’s Day, May 13, by the Knights of Columbus. Father Bartholomew Okere gave a special blessing to all the women in attendance as two Knights, Stephen Derosia and Dr. William Hewitt, in full regalia, stood guard. Bob McDaniel, deputy Grand Knight, read a special poem dedi-

cated to the women, and the other Knights, Grand Knight Steven Meyers, Ron Campbell, Pat Knopp, Terry Weaver, and Michael Opiela, presented roses to each lady in honor of her special day of recognition. After the ceremony concluded at the church, Father Okere, Dr. and Mrs. Hewitt, and Michael Opiela handed out the remaining roses to the patients at Signature Health Care of Rogersville. n

Grattons celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulated John and Ellie Gratton, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary May 3. They were married at St. Mary Church in Ballston Spa, N.Y., with Father John J. Hardiman officiating. Their children are Deborah Anne Dean of Lago Vista, Texas; John Gratton of Marathon, Fla.; and Jay Joseph Gratton of Beaufort, S.C.; and they have five grandchildren with their

first great-grandchild due in June. Mr. Gratton retired from the U.S. Air Force, and the couple moved to the Glade in 2001. They will celebrate their anniversary with a cruise to Australia and New Zealand. The Grattons enjoy golf, Mahjong, sailing, and traveling. They have lived all over the world, in Japan, Hawaii, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Thailand. Mr. Gratton is an author of 19 books, a detective series of eight plus a Civil War series of four. n

Glade couples celebrating 50th anniversaries

t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulated three couples who are celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries: n John and Denise Ranger are celebrating their 50th anniversary June 8. They were married at St. Simeon Church in Bellwood, Ill., with Father Christe Malone officiating. Their children are Joseph of Knoxville and Jim of Golden, Colo., and they have two grandchildren. The Rangers retired from education in Illinois and moved to the Glade in 2002. The celebration for their anniversary will be held at the Verucchi’s Ristorante in Spring Valley, Ill. The Rangers both enjoy golf, bocce ball, card games, and especially volunteering in the community and at St. Francis of Assisi Church, where Mr. Ranger is a cantor and both are altar servers. n William (Bill) and Gail Boland are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on July 27. They were married at St. Rosalie Church in Harwood Heights, Ill., with Father Thomas Brown officiating. Their children are Michele of Wellington, Fla.; Cheryl of Jasper

Highlands, Tenn.; and Daniel of Wayne, Pa.; and they have seven grandchildren. Mr. Boland was self-employed, and Mrs. Boland retired from Jewel Foods in Algonquin, Ill.; they moved to the Glade in 2013. They plan to celebrate their anniversary with a first-time trip to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The Bolands love spending time with family and doing things for others. n Joseph Ronald and Janeene Lemieux will celebrate their 50th anniversary July 3. They were married at Our Lady of Grace Church in Dearborn Heights, Mich., with Father Eugene Mrocka officiating. Their children are Stephen of Clarkson, Mich.; Lori Beirne of Knoxville; Jeffrey (deceased); and David of Kihei, Hawaii; and they have seven grandchildren. Mr. Lemieux retired from Spectrum Painting in Detroit and Mrs. Lemieux from Doner Advertising in Southfield, Mich., and they moved to the Glade in 2003. A celebration with their children is planned. The Lemieuxes enjoy golfing, bowling, crafting, and traveling. n

COURTESY OF JANET GRAY

Chattanooga Deanery

CCW hears from nurse about Alzheimer’s Vicki Houston, an RN from Senior Perspectives in Crossville, discussed the signs of Alzheimer’s disease and programs available to people 65 and older, at the St. Alphonsus Council of Catholic Women meeting April 10.

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

Calendar

Tennessee Right to Life is holding its annual rummage sale on the weekends of June 8 and 15 at St. Joseph School in Knoxville, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Donations of household items including furniture, toys, books, and clothes will be accepted (no large televisions or infant car seats). Donations may be brought to the school cafeteria from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays through June 13. For more information, contact TRL at 865-6891339 or trlknox@trlknox.com. The Knoxville Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is sponsoring a Catholic Scouting Retreat on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15, at the Whispering River Resort in Walland. To register or learn more, contact Kimberly Turnmire at 865-936-0235 or kdccsyouthretreat@gmail.com. The next Picture of Love engaged couples retreat is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the parish life center at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon. The cost is $135 per couple, which includes a certificate good for $60 off a marriage license. Couples must attend the entire program to receive the certificate. Mass will be celebrated during the event. For more information, contact Marian Christiana of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org, or visit dioknox.org/ marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/ and click on the “programs designed for engaged couples” page. A Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat, for those who have experienced emotional or spiritual difficulties from an abortion, is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 26-28 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. One-on-one counseling is available with a trained counselor for those who cannot attend a weekend retreat. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org. The Knoxville diocesan Catholic Cursillo Movement is hosting a men’s English-speaking weekend June 2124. For more information, visit www. knoxvillecursillo.org. The 2018 summer youth camps in the diocese are set. The Discover camp for incoming fifth- and sixth-graders, with the theme “Discover the Joy of Christmas This Summer,” will take place June 21-23 at the Harrison Bay State Park Group Camp. Cost is $105. The Reach camp for incoming seventh- and eighth-graders, with the theme “Reach for the Gifts of Christmas: Love, Peace, and Joy,” is set for June 18-21 at the Harrison Bay State Park Group Camp. Cost is $130. For more information on the Discover and Reach camps, contact Donna Jones at 423-718-4387 or djones6029@gmail.com. A Summer Challenge Survivor Camp for Girls is set for July 17-19 and a Summer Conquest Survivor Camp for Boys is scheduled for July 24-26, both at the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Both camps are designed to help youth entering grades five through eight meet teens their own age, celebrate life, explore nature, and discern what the will of God is for their lives. Cost is $105 for each camp. Contact Margaret Merrill at 865-696-5906 or marg.anne.merrill@ gmail.com for more information on the girls camp or contact Deacon Al Forsythe at 865-806-1343 or aforsythe@ dioknox.org for more information on TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

the boys camp. The diocese is signing up youth 18 and up to attend World Youth Day in Panama next Jan. 21-27. For more information, visit dioknox.org/ offices-ministries/youth-and-youngadult-ministry/#event|world-youth-daypanama|4033.

COURTESY OF SARA CAREY

Knoxville Catholic High School is offering a number of summer camps in June and July. There are programs for band, robotics, math, writing, allsports, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The camps include the Smith & Smith Catholic Football Camp, set for July 12-13 and featuring instruction offered by NFL players Harrison Smith and Lee Smith. For dates and online registration for the KCHS camps, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/camps.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are set for June 15-17 and Aug. 10-12. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org or call 678-242-WWME. Father David Carter and Deacon Gaspar and Barbara DeGaetano will lead a pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland from July 6-19 in honor of Servant of God Father Patrick Ryan. Pilgrims will visit Our Lady of Knock, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, Cork, Blarney, Dublin, Edinburgh, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and more. Cost is $3,999 for 14 days; includes air, 4-5-star hotels, taxes, tips, fees, transportation, breakfasts, and dinners. For more information, call Barbara at 423-432-4841 or Deacon Gaspar at 423-596-9669. Register through www.procatholictours.com or call 769-233-6515 or 769-220-2702. A World Meeting of Families pilgrimage to Ireland with Father Mike Nolan is set for Aug. 21-Sept. 1. This pilgrimage is sponsored by the Diocese of Knoxville Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment. The itinerary includes a Mass with Pope Francis and visits to many holy and beautiful sites such as Glendalough, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Our Lady of Knock shrine. Mass will be offered daily. For a full description of the itinerary, go to dioknox.org/marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/ or contact Marian Christiana at 423-8922310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Father Randy Stice, “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus!,” will take place Sept. 19-29. Pilgrims will spend time in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where they will have a chance to visit the Church of the Nativity, Shepherd’s Field, and Bethany to visit the tomb of Lazarus. They will also take a cable car to Masada, visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and spend time in Nazareth. Pilgrims will also visit the Sea of Galilee area and the Mount of Beatitudes, ascend to Mount Tabor and the Church of the Transfiguration, and visit the baptism site on the River Jordan, the Mount of Temptation, the Dead Sea, Magdala, and Jericho. All-inclusive package, air and land, is $3,995. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-5671245 or lisam@select-intl.com, group pilgrimage coordinator for Select International Tours. Monsignor Al Humbrecht will lead “A Spiritual Journey to Mexico,” a 12-day pilgrimage from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11. Full package, air and land, from Knoxville or Chattanooga is $2,899 (cash, check, or money order) or $3,078 (credit card). Full package, air and land, from the Tri-Cities is $3,099 (cash) or $3,278 (credit card). Land-only package is $2,299 (cash) or $2,478 (credit card). For more information, contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, at 865-207-4742, 545-8270, or smaevang@yahoo.com. Download a brochure at www.GoCatholicTravel. com/18077. Father Michael Cummins will lead a retreat/pilgrimage in Yellowstone National Park from Oct. 14-19. The retreat, “God and His Creation,” will consist of wildlife watching each day in the park led by the wildlife tour company “The Wild Side” and talks given by Father Cummins on faith and creation and Bays Mountain Park wolf naturalist Rhonda Shipley Goins on wolves and the dynamics of the wolf pack. Talks will also be offered by local wildlife experts. Mass will be offered daily as well as night prayer and opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation and spiritual direction. For a full description of the retreat/pilgrimage, call the parish office of St. Dominic in Kingsport at 423-288-8101. Cost is $2,140 per Calendar continued on page B4

St. Alphonsus youth learn about the life of Jesus during Lent The elementary-age students of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville spent their Lent learning about the life of Jesus. Each Sunday morning they heard a new story about Jesus—from his birth to his ascension—and hung a corresponding ornament on the Jesus Tree (background left). This was a continuation of the Jesse Tree (background right) they created during Advent.

Glade’s Stengers celebrate 60th anniversary

t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulated Irvin and Carol Stenger on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary May 17. They were married at St. James Church in White Oak, Ohio (Cincinnati), with Father Harold Thorburn officiating. Their four children are Karen Walker of Mount Vernon, Ind.; Jeff Stenger of Palmer, Alaska; Elizabeth Meyer of Sun City

West, Ariz.; and Mark Stenger of Batesville, Ind.; and they have 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The Stengers retired from Frank Messer Construction Co. in Cincinnati and Maxwell Construction in Lawrenceburg, Ind., and moved to the Glade in 2009. They enjoy golf and volunteering at parish ministries, and Mrs. Stenger is a member of the parish choir. n

Parish notes continued from page B2 and Betty Clement (54), Norm and Carol Adams (53), James and Ann Brendel (53), Bob and Kathleen McCone (53), Ed and Connie Bock (53), Frank and Karen Goluszka (53), Jerry and Connie Kleckner (53), David and Sally Kowalski (51), Theodore and Joann Bronske (51), James and Pat Masson (51), James and Judith McClure (51), Charles and Dolores Gruet (50), Stephen and Roseann Strazinsky (50), John and Denise Ranger (50), Ken and Gail Dede (50) St. John Neumann, Farragut The school’s 16th annual summer sports camps are set. A PE games camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 20-22, and a basketball camp is set for 9 a.m. to noon (first through fourth grades) and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (fifth through eighth grades) from July 9-11. Fees are $75 per child (siblings $65). Registration forms are available in the church narthex. St. John Neumann’s vacation Bible school will run from June 25-29. The Your Faith Anew meeting May 23 featured a talk by Cardinal Justin Rigali. St. Mary, Oak Ridge The parish will celebrate its 75th anniversary Wednesday, Aug. 22, with Mass at 6 p.m. and a banquet following in the family life center. The celebration also included a Mass and dedication of a Founders Wall on May 23 in the parish life center and will include a Mass and dedication of the St. Mary Walking Trail at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 27; a Mass and dedication of the St. Mary Social Hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, in the present cafeteria; an outdoor Mass and parish picnic at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23; a Mass and commemoration of the 1958 dedication of the Our Lady of Oak Ridge Peace Statue at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17; and a parish open house at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5. St. Therese, Clinton The annual parish picnic was held after Mass on May 20. The Council of Catholic Women’s endof-the-year dinner took place May 15 at Calhoun’s in Oak Ridge.

lor Mundelein, Maryville College; and Madeline Johnson, UTC. Holy Trinity thanked the Parish-Family Life Committee for its successful rummage/bake sale April 27-28, which raised $3,800. Anniversaries: Clyde and Joyce Ward (65), Ken and Karen Booker (62), Jim and Lillian Katzbeck (60), Gordon and Kathy Marshall (53), James and Sue Burch (50), William and Rosemarie Louberti (50), Cedric Manalili and Irene Pacia (20), Chris and Katie Richards (20), Michael and Tina Sexton (20), James and Sandra Fjerstad (15), Ezequiel and Karina Donjuan (10) Confirmandi: Natalie Dean Arnold, Faviola Donjuan, Jay Heaberlin, Nick LaMonte, Marydeary Lehman, Daniel Pedraza, Selena Salazar, Dominik Jan Solarz, Jackie Wentling First communicants: Caroline Boothe, Ivan Donjuan, Johanna Juarez, Eli Mynuk, Johan Pena, Chloe Prosak, Emery Richards, Angelina Torres, Miles Weatherbie Notre Dame, Greeneville The next committee meeting of the Fall Festival of Nations event is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21. The festival is Saturday, Sept. 22. Chairpersons are still needed in several areas. Call festival chair Rich Jones at 423-638-3153 to assist. Anniversaries: George and Lois Toth (67), Roy and Mary Drulard (53) St. Dominic, Kingsport Vacation Bible school at St. Dominic will take place June 25-29 at the parish school. A Diamond Mass and a luncheon were held May 16 to honor parishioners 75 years old and older. The Knights of Columbus hosted a Council Awards Night and Clergy Appreciation Dinner on May 10 at Giuseppe’s in Kingsport.

Confirmand: Ish Palacios Jr.

The parish congratulated its 70 candidates who were confirmed by Bishop Richard F. Stika on April 22 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Five Rivers Deanery

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

The parish congratulated its college graduates: Ben Allen, from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; Lily Johnson, University of Kentucky; Tay-

IC congratulated its elementary, high school, and college graduates. Cameron Allen, Desiree Beda, Selvar Parish notes continued on page B4

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COURTESY OF JANET GRAY

St. Alphonsus neophytes receive a rosary from the bishop RCIA neophytes from St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville joined all the parishes in the Knoxville Diocese to meet Bishop Richard F. Stika at Mass and the Sending of the Neophytes ceremony April 8. Everyone received a rosary. Pictured waiting in line are (from left) are Jennifer Grant, Linda Spangler, and Samantha Milstead. See the Sending of the Neophytes story on page B1.

COURTESY OF BETTY ANNE NEAL

Diocesan pilgrims receive tour of St. Bernard Abbey Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala., leads a tour of the North Alabama campus May 11 for pilgrims from the Diocese of Knoxville. Abbot Cletus, a native of Cleveland, Tenn., provided a history of the Benedictine abbey, founded in 1891. Abbot Cletus also showed the recently renovated library for St. Bernard Preparatory School. On the pilgrimage, the Diocese of Knoxville parishioners also visited EWTN facilities in Irondale, Ala., as well as the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala.

COURTESY OF FATHER JOHN ORR

BILL BREWER

Parish and community news

Ginger Hutton professes final vows Sister Marie Augustine Hutton, formerly Ginger Hutton, made her perpetual profession of vows as a nun May 8 with the Monastery of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Monte Maria, in Rockville, Va. Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond presided over the Mass. Concelebrating were Diocese of Knoxville priests Father Peter Iorio (left) and Father John Orr. As Ginger Hutton, Sister Marie Augustine was a columnist for The East Tennessee Catholic for a number of years.

Holy Trinity parishioners take part in prayer chain for life On March 10, parishioners of Holy Trinity stood in witness to the sanctity of life in a “Prayer Chain for Life” on Highway 92 in front of the church in Jefferson City. Holy Trinity members participate in several pro-life events during the spring and fall 40 Days for Life campaigns to end abortion (40daysforlife.com).

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

Serra Club presents Marian Garden to UTC Newman Center The Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga, under the direction of Jerry McCrary, Mechtild Boles, and Charlene Reynolds, recently presented to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Newman Center a Marian Garden. Father Colin Blatchford, Serra Club chaplain, blessed the garden with Newman Center students and Serra Club members in attendance.

Catholics among group praying at Planned Parenthood On April 27, pro-life members of area churches gathered on Cherry Street in Knoxville in front of Planned Parenthood to join in the National Day of Prayer and Protest of Planned Parenthood to witness and pray for an end to abortion. Churches represented included Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, Holy Ghost in Knoxville, Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle, Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City, True Vine Baptist Church in Knoxville, and Reformata Baptist Church in Seymour. From left are (front row) Kay Sheldon, Will Estabrook, and Orville Fisher; (middle row) Millie Croley, Ceci Passi, and Shirley Moore; and (back row) Jerry Harkenrider, Curt Sheldon, and Tammy Estabrook.

Parish notes continued from page B3 Hanna, Scout Herber, Drake Light, Dalton Stiles, and Eleanor Weedman graduated from St. Joseph School. Jason Houbre, Robert Howard, Bethany Lacey, Caleb McLaughlin, Jessica Summit, and Elena Swindeman graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School. Gillian O’Bryant, granddaughter of Dorothy Romines, graduated from White County High School in Georgia. Laura Brown and Caroline Graham graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

fleece, and fabric blankets for its Wrap It Up project. Fifty-four blankets were delivered to the Meals on Wheels program. First communicants: Emma Barker, Patrick Belland, Gehrig Rivera, Declan Morales, Savannah Wade, Gabby Christof, Nico Myers, Eleanor Mowrer, Josephine Weedman, Joey Johnson Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

The women’s group is sponsoring a family picnic at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at New Harvest Park in Knoxville. The Christ the Child Baby Shower, sponsored by the IC women’s group, took place May 19 and 20 in the parish hall. Donated gifts were given to Mary’s Cradle, the baby layette ministry of the Ladies of Charity. The women’s group thanked all who donated yarn,

Catholic War Veterans Post 1973 will hold a flagretirement ceremony after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 10. Scout Troop 800 will assist. Those with an old or worn-out flag that needs to be disposed of should bring it to the church office or the Angel’s Corner, or bring it to the ceremony. The veterans post is hosting a barbecue dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 8.

Vacation Bible school will be held June 25-29 at Our Lady of Fatima. A graduation Mass for all high school graduates took place May 20. St. John XXIII, Knoxville The parish held its VOLunteer Appreciation Luncheon on May 4 for musicians, readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, Sunday Supper volunteers, and all other parish volunteers. Confirmandi: Isabel Brown, Keileen Cullen, Anna Enkema, Olivia Enkema, Lisa Greene, Ana Hern, Logan Howard, Mac Howley, Nicholas Kurzak, Lawrence Mancini, Keanan Resendes, Malia Resendes, Kerry Willard, Jenna Rose Williams, Kendall Williams, Sylas Williams n

Calendar continued from page B3 person (airfare not included), which covers lodging, all ground transportation, and all meals from the 15th through breakfast on the 19th. Space is limited to 15 participants. A Low Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally offered every Monday morning at 7 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on fourth Sundays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. On June 24 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. On July 22 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated B4 n JUNE 3, 2018

for the ninth Sunday after Pentecost. A fourth Sunday potluck will not be offered this summer. The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga offers morning prayer after the 7 a.m. Mass on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul offers adoration every first Friday following the noon Mass, concluding with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Adoration continues from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., with songs and prayers through the night led by the Hispanic community. All are invited. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latwww.di o k no x .o rg

in”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net. The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., preceded by Great Vespers on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

By Dan McWilliams

noxville Catholic High School graduate Joanna Thompson placed 10th in the women’s division of the Boston Marathon on April 16, and she said she thinks her time could have been better had the weather been more cooperative. “It was about 38 degrees and raining sideways,” she said. “We had a headwind for the whole way, 20 mph, with gusts up to 30.” Miss Thompson finished the Boston route in a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, 31 seconds (the winning time was 2:39:54). “Honestly, I think if the conditions had been good, I would have run significantly faster and gotten the A standard for the Olympic Trials,” she said. “As it was, I’d only run one other marathon previously, and that was two years ago, and it was actually at the Olympic Trials. It was incredibly hot, and I imploded, so this was a 6-minute PR [personal record] for me, so I can’t complain too much. Marathoning’s funny that way.” The A standard for the trials is 2 hours, 37 minutes, for women, and the B standard is 2:45, Miss Thompson said. “The A standard would allow you, if you came in the top three at the trials, to go on to the Olympic Games,” she said, adding that her goal is to be on the 2020 Olympic team. “I think anybody who’s running at the elite level would be lying if they didn’t say that their ultimate goal is the Olympic Games,” she said. “As of right now, my primary

goal is just to qualify for the trials and make it there. Once I’m in the trials I want to obviously compete as hard as I can, and if that ends up being top three, that would be a dream come true, and if not I’ll try again in 2024.” Her Boston prize money was $4,200 for 10th place. “This is my full-time job right now, so being able to earn a little bit of a bonus was a bigger deal than having the bragging rights,” said Miss Thompson, who is also an alum of St. John Neumann School in Farragut. Her first career run was a 5K in 2007 at Cherokee Boulevard in Knoxville, an all-comers meet at which she placed 48th. “I would say that I never started out in this sport expecting to reach this level,” she said. “Obviously, I just wanted to do the best that I could at any given race or any given practice. Because of that I haven’t gotten discouraged easily. I just try to come at every race as a new experience and a fun experience and just really enjoy what I’m doing, no matter how I end up finishing, so I was thrilled with 48th place.” Miss Thompson’s parents, Joe and Debby Thompson of All Saints Parish in Knoxville, are both runners and are her inspirations in the sport, she said. “Absolutely. My mom actually ran in college at East Tennessee State University.” Miss Thompson won the Class AAA cross country title in her senior year at KCHS in fall 2010 and placed second as a junior, but

Knoxville Catholic standout Joanna Thompson was a state champion during her high school career with the Irish.

COURTESY OF JOANNA THOMPSON (2)

KCHS grad Thompson places 10th in Boston Marathon

Crossing the finish line Joanna Thompson, during her North Carolina State career, completes a race ahead of an Ohio State runner. her biggest running honor in high school was a 10th-place finish at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championship in California. That run earned her All-American honors. In college at North Carolina State, she finished 11th nationally in the 10K track event and 32nd nationally in cross country, which won her All-American status again. Miss Thompson currently lives in Blowing Rock, N.C., and works with Zap Fitness. “We’re a nonprofit organization. It’s based in Blowing Rock,” she said. “What Zap does is it’s partly an Olympic development center for professional distance runners. We have 10 athletes on our roster. We live there full time and train and we get food and housing and health insurance paid for. We receive a small monthly stipend. We have a contract with Reebok and with another nutritional company called Generation UCAN, and they provide us with recovery drinks and with shoes and apparel and some travel. “We go all over the country and all over the world and compete in different events and ultimately have the goal of making the world championships or the Olympics. In the summer we also host running camps. We have retreats for adults and then we also have some colleges who come in and use our facility. We have high school teams.

Catholic actually sent up a team last summer, which was really cool to see. We do a lot of the grunt work for that, like keeping the yard mowed, scrubbing out the toilets, and helping serve food, that kind of thing. Never a dull moment.” What does the future hold for Miss Thompson? “That’s a good question,” she said. “I’ll be running another marathon this fall. Not sure which one yet, maybe New York, maybe Frankfurt, maybe Osaka. I’m hoping that my next marathon will be at that pace (2:37). The soonest I can do that is probably Chicago, but I think I’m probably going to take a little bit of time this summer to focus on some shorter road races and be able to compete in the 20K championships or the 10K championships.” Miss Thompson’s agent is Ray Flynn, a parishioner of St. Mary in Johnson City who formerly served on the board of the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation. Mr. Flynn was at the Boston Marathon to greet Miss Thompson after she finished. “He actually represents me and several other members of my team, multiple Olympians,” she said. “Ray’s great. He’s a good family friend of ours. My mom went to ETSU, so they’ve known each other since college. He’s been just an incredible supporter throughout my career.” n

By Dan McWilliams

he third annual Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament on April 21 was a success as 32 teams from as far away as Memphis and West Virginia came together for 24 games across four fields, all in one day. Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine Stadium and John Tarleton Field in Knoxville hosted the games, which drew crowds of close to 1,000 spectators to the daylong events. Tournament organizer Tom Ciaccia earlier called the tourney “the most ambitious and successful of the 15 athletic events that the Knights have sponsored going back to 2004 to support the wide range of services Catholic Charities provides to children and families throughout our diocese.” Games at the youth, middle school, high school, and collegiate levels were played, with the college game between Lincoln Memorial and Davis & Elkins marking the debut of NCAA lacrosse in the city. LMU walloped its West Virginia opponent 24-4 at KCHS. In other tourney action, Collierville High School from West Tennessee defeated the West Knox Warriors, Signal Mountain overcame a spirited effort by the Roane County Knights, and “Christian Academy of Knoxville fought off a young, tough but rebuilding Knoxville Catholic team that obviously has a bright future in lacrosse,” Mr. Ciaccia said. In addition, youth and middle school teams from Farragut Youth Lacrosse, Knoxville Youth Sports,

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Knox Cannons Lacrosse, and Sacred Heart Cathedral School rounded out the full day of action. “Lacrosse has enjoyed an explosion of popularity in Knoxville as an increasing number of kids start playing every year,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “Youth teams are springing up all over our community, a growth that will eventually impact more high schools’ athletic departments. The Knights Cup has played a significant role in promoting lacrosse in our community.” Knights of Columbus councils at Sacred Heart, All Saints, and Holy Ghost parishes in Knoxville “came together to support this event and ensure its success,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “As a result of their efforts, the Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament delivered a $10,000 check to Catholic Charities to support the extraordinary work of its Pregnancy Services programs. “The work of Sandi Davidson and her staff, many of whom are volunteers, to save lives and salvage families goes to the very core of what we believe in as Knights. It’s been a great 15-year partnership that will certainly continue for another 15 years.” The Knights also “appreciate the continuing support of Knoxville Catholic High School and athletics director Jason Surlas for making Blaine Stadium available for the Knights Cup,” Mr. Ciaccia said. “Knoxville Catholic has been a great partner in these events and has been instrumental in achieving the success these events have experienced.” n

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Knights Cup Lacrosse Tournament draws 32 teams

KCHS battles CAK Chase Fuller (above) looks to make a pass for the Fighting Irish in their Knights Cup game against Christian Academy of Knoxville. Below, Jack Hancock of KCHS collides with a CAK player during tourney action.

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Father Haley continued from page B1

in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, the jubilee priest’s hometown. She said the anniversary Mass was “beautiful.” “He’s so loved here,” she said. “I didn’t realize that people were so close to him. He’s so well-respected, and that’s really kind of nice.” Father Haley’s other sister, Dorothy Alward of Halifax, Nova Scotia, attended the Mass and dinner with husband Dave. A brother, Hugh, was unable to attend. DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)

to North America—his background has served him well. Born in the United States but his formative years in Canada—and I think the latter has been a gift to the Church, his experience of being raised north of the U.S. border. We in this country frequently use the image of the United States as a melting pot. The image Canadians use is that of their country as a unified mosaic. I would ask, does not the idea of a mosaic capture more truly the image of the Catholic Church?” Father Haley has served in numerous assignments for the Paulists, with stops in Utah, West Virginia, Michigan, Toronto, and New York City among them. Father Duffy spent two summers in Utah when he was a seminarian and came to know Father Haley when the latter was associate pastor at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Layton, Utah. “The diversity of North America—he is so adaptable to many different situations and people: a truly Catholic priest,” Father Duffy said. Father Duffy called Father Haley “a gentleman.” He said the jubilarian described his relationship with the Lord throughout the years thusly: “He has always been a companion to me.”

‘The body of Christ’ Father Haley and Father Andrews distribute Holy Communion during the anniversary Mass. Louis baseballers. “It was good that the Lord sent a gentle breeze into the world when he called forth a young man who decided to say yes when Jesus Himself called him to the priesthood,” Bishop Stika said. Instead of the usual ad multos annos wish, Bishop Stika said he would rather offer Father Haley the Polish sto lat: “may you live to be 100.” The bishop posed a question about Father Haley. “With all those assignments, didn’t he really have a hard time keeping a job?” he asked. “It just shows that he was open to the Holy Spirit, when he had those invitations to go and serve particular communities in particular places in this world. What a tremendous gift he has been to the Diocese of Knoxville, to pastor this parish, this wonderful and historic parish of the Immaculate Conception, twice. “And last year when I had a great need, he accepted my invitation to serve at St. Mary in Athens. He stepped up to the plate when I needed a pastor in a beautiful community, again dedicated to the Blessed Mother, St. Mary in Athens. It’s authentic when I say ad multos annos or sto lat, because you never

‘A gentle breeze’ Bishop Stika spoke at the end of Mass. “Father James, in the name of his eminence, Cardinal Rigali, and myself, and actually in the name of the entire Diocese of Knoxville, and maybe I’ll stretch it out to all the people you’ve served throughout these 50 years—it’s very easy to say thank you for your priestly service.” The bishop remarked on 1968 being the year that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated and on being the year of Blessed Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae, the infamous Democrat Party Convention, the ongoing Vietnam War, the Cardinals losing to the Tigers in the World Series, and Bob Gibson’s ERA record for the St.

‘Everybody just loved you’ Monsignor Bill Gahagan spoke at Father Haley’s dinner on behalf of Diocese of Knoxville priests.

know when I might need another pastor real quick. So may you live to be 100 with many more years. Congratulations.” A long applause and a standing ovation followed the bishop’s words. ‘Wonderful, wonderful’ Mary Catherine Willard has been a parishioner of IC for more than 60 years and recalled Father Haley’s terms as pastor of the parish from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1998 to 2003. “When he came back the last time, he came to George, my husband, and he said, ‘Now, George, you think it’s OK if I come back again?’” Mrs. Willard said with a laugh. When asked what Father Haley has meant to IC, Mrs. Willard said, “Oh, wonderful, wonderful. Just think of all the children he’s baptized, all the first Communions he’s had, all the weddings he’s had, all the funerals. I remember my mother-in-law’s funeral, Helen Willard— he did such a wonderful job. He embodied everything that all of the people here wanted out of a priest. He was a wonderful, wonderful pastor.” Janet MacNeil, one of Father Haley’s sisters attending the Mass, lives

‘One of our most beloved’ Paulists Father Haley said the Mass “was wonderful. It was just a great expression, and I’m kind of overwhelmed by it all.” He said IC “has always been very special” to him. Father Andrews, a former pastor of St. John XXIII Parish on the University of Tennessee campus, has been president of the Paulist Fathers since 2014. “Father Jim has been one of our most beloved and faithful members of the Paulist Fathers,” he said. “Father Jim has served in so many different arrays of assignments, from parish to campus ministry to serving the community in the treasurer’s office to being a superior of our motherhouse. Father Jim has done it all and with great grace. I know as president when I’ve asked him to do some difficult things, he’s always told me what he felt, but he would always serve where he was needed best.” Father Haley and IC “go together,” Father Andrews said. “They’re just meant for each other. Father Jim’s temperament and his way and his easy style suits East Tennessee and has suited the people of Immaculate Conception. I think he knows all the Catholics of this parish and how they’re all related to each other, so he’s a great resource to the rest of us.” He ‘will always be there for you’ Father Andrews emceed the dinner following Mass. “Jim is one of those rare Paulists who if you call on him and you have Father Haley continued on page B7

From one down-easter to another Father Haley laughs during Monsignor Gahagan’s talk.

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“You’re not finished until you stand before Jesus in heaven.” The bishop told the newcomers to “not give up on your learning, the process of discovery. Continue to pray and discern and to listen to what the Lord might be saying to you at any given moment, the challenges that He is going to make to you to build His kingdom, to teach the faith, to share the faith with generations to come. “Keep that conversation with Jesus alive. Don’t ever think you’ve graduated from learning about the faith.” As bishop, “I want you to know how privileged I feel and honored to be able to welcome you at the rite of election but also today as we celebrate this Mass of welcoming you into the Church as another phase of your life,” Bishop Stika said. “But if there’s anything I would like to challenge you with at this moment today, for all of us who are Doubting Thomases at times, it’s to make that prayer your prayer: Jesus, I trust in you.” Each new Catholic came forward and received a rosary at the end of Mass from the bishop, who told the newcomers of all the saints represented in the cathedral statuary and artwork.

Sisters sing Women religious, including the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., sing at the Sending of the Neophytes Mass. At right is Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation. “I just want to welcome you in the name of the cardinal [Justin Rigali] and myself, all your catechists, everybody who was involved in your religious formation. I just want to

welcome you here to the cathedral,” Bishop Stika said. Later he reminded the neophytes: “If you got a rosary today, remember: use it. Don’t let it get dusty, and

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if you break it, I’ll give you another one, so don’t worry about it. And if you don’t use it, it vaporizes, and that little magnetic thing inside will let me know.” n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

a need, first he’ll tell you what he thinks about what you’ve just asked him to do, in a very Canadian and gentle spirit of course, but then will always be there for you, however you might need,” Father Andrews said in his opening remarks. The dinner tables sported American and Canadian flags. Parishioners attending came from places Father Haley has served, including Toronto; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Morgantown, W.Va.; and his current assignment of St. Mary-Athens. IC parishioners provided the loudest cheer when called upon, and St. John XXIII parishioners and Paulist Associates also were present. Father Andrews also welcomed IC’s three deacons, Joe Stackhouse, Hieu Vinh, and Doug Bitzer, as well as Sisters of Mercy who attended. In a video that played during the dinner, Deacon Vinh spoke of Father Haley’s influence on his call to become a deacon. The hit of the video with the dinner crowd was IC’s ROMEO group: Real Old Men Eating Out. The ROMEOs later presented a gift to Father Haley.

shine, and to bring forth his inner potential, alive as demonstrated by his involvement with the Church community.” Mrs. Alward recalled the future priest’s moneymaking effort of hunting nightcrawlers after rains—he would sell the worms to fishermen. Father Haley’s many travels included a trip to Las Vegas. “I know Jim liked to play cards, but you have to really see him at the blackjack tables and the one-armed bandits,” Mrs. Alward said. He also liked to kayak, until one outing when a motorboat passed him and turned his craft upside down, Mrs. Alward said. “I think that was his last kayaking trip,” she said. Mrs. Alward spoke of the Paulists. “They became his family, and his parishioners were like family to him. But Jim always loved to come back home to visit his brother and sisters,” she said, adding, “Jim to me will always be my big brother. Thanks, Jim, for everything, and a special thanks to the Paulists for bringing you happiness and contentment in life.”

The Paulists ‘became his family’ Mrs. Alward, one of Father Haley’s sisters, spoke at the dinner. “It’s just so wonderful to be here, with all of Jim’s friends and colleagues, celebrating his 50th anniversary,” she said. “Seeing the numbers here today certainly shows what a great impact Jim has had on the people he’s met while in the ministry. . . . When Jim told me about this celebration, I knew we had to come and celebrate with him. I knew our mom and dad would want us here.” As a young man, “Jim described himself as being quite shy,” Mrs. Alward said. “Well, he certainly has blossomed! I think leaving home, family, and friends at the age of 19 was very courageous. He obviously had a desire to fulfill, and that desire led the way to a more spiritual life, and he ventured into the unknown. Answering his calling has certainly helped Jim to open up, to

$5 into $500 Monsignor Bill Gahagan, who hails from Maine, a “down-easter” along with those from Nova Scotia, spoke on behalf of Diocese of Knoxville priests. “Jim is indeed a great friend to me, and on behalf of all the priests in the diocese, the bishop, and cardinal, we just thank him for the love and ministry he has given to us in this city,” he said. Monsignor Gahagan told of a gambling trip to Cherokee, N.C., with Father Haley. “The one time we went, I said, ‘How much money did you bring, Jim?’ He said, ‘$5.’ I said, ‘$5! You can’t play for $5. You’ve got to have some more money than that.’ He said, ‘You go your way, and I’ll be on my way.’ When he came back about five hours later, we were sitting where we were going to meet, and I said, ‘How did you do?’ He said, ‘I won about $500.’ He said,

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Father Haley continued from page B6

‘Sto lat—may you live to be a hundred-plus’ Bishop Richard F. Stika offers his best wishes to Father Haley at the anniversary dinner. ‘How did you do?’ I said, ‘I lost about $400.’ That quiet, gentle approach . . .” Recalling Diocese of Nashville days before the Knoxville Diocese was formed, Monsignor Gahagan spoke of the honor Father Haley had of being voted the first Paulist chair of the Knoxville presbyterate: “Everybody just loved you and enjoyed what you gave to us that time,” the monsignor said. “So that being said, God love you and bless you, and next time bring $10 when we go to Cherokee.” Also at the dinner, Father Duffy led the Paulist anthem, “Lead Us, Great Teacher Paul,” and Father Andrews led a singing of “Rocky Top.” Earlier Father Andrews led the singing of “O Canada” over the video’s end credits. ‘Gee, I hope some people are going to show up’ Father Haley received his second standing ovation of the evening when Father Andrews introduced him at the dinner. “Well, you know me, I don’t have many words,” Father Haley said. “I just want to express my sincere thanks for your being here and for all these tributes. I don’t think I recognize myself. I remember talking to somebody about the dinner, and I said, ‘Gee, I hope some people are going to show up.’” Father Haley said, “It’s been a wonderful 50 years. There were times I wondered whether I was going to make the year 50. But it’s been great. It’s been a lot of memories, a lot of good times, and a lot of blessings. I have much to be thankful for and much to be grateful for, especially to almighty God, but especially to all the people I’ve served and touched in some way. “I want you to know, and I speak I think for every priest, the ways that you have touched us are much more important sometimes than the ways that we have touched you. I’m so grateful for the many people I’ve met and the many people I’ve been with and the associations and the

‘Thank you for all the thousands and thousands of people you have touched in 50 years’ Bishop Stika led the closing prayer at the dinner. “As I said earlier, I just want to thank you, from the other bishops who have served in this diocese and all the priests that Monsignor Gahagan represents and all the people from IC and around the world,” the bishop said. “I just want to say thank you for all the thousands and thousands of people you have touched in 50 years—thousands. As you were saying, it’s not so much how we feel we are ministering to all of you—you’ll never know the effect that you have on all of us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and the cardinal’s heart and all the people who know you and love you and care for you a great deal. “Remember I said sto lat—may you live to be a hundred-plus, because I’m going to have another assignment for you down the line.” The dinner concluded with a singing of “Happy Anniversary to You,” to the tune of “Happy Birthday to You.” n

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A round of applause Father Haley joins in one of many ovations at his dinner.

memories and the blessings that I was able to share with you. A priest can only be a priest because of the people that we serve, and it’s the people we serve who make us really who we are, and I think I speak for all of us priests. “And so as you are thanking me, I just want to offer my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for helping me and being with me and guiding me during this time. There are times in every profession when you wonder whether you are really doing the right thing, but I have a deep sense of God being with me and God guiding me all this time. It’s been a great journey and a great time, and I am sincerely grateful to each and every one of you. I would pray that let us continue the journey together and continue to pray and continue to support one another. Thank you very much.”

Bishop blesses new columbarium at Sacred Heart Bishop Richard F. Stika and rector Father David Boettner dedicated the columbarium at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on April 6 following the noon Mass. Located behind the south transept of the cathedral, the columbarium is a return to the tradition of burial on church grounds to be near family and the faith community. The columbarium has 1,440 niches, or 720 per side. Each can hold up to two urns. For more information about the columbarium, contact Scott Barron at columbarium@ shcknox.org. TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

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Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

A man and wife make their final reservations The purchase of a cemetery plot is conducted with family and friends—the future visitors to Mount Olivet—in mind

e finally made our reservations. We’ve been talking about it for some time now. It’s not that we’re all that pumped about going. You know the sort of thing I’m talking about, one of those events you dread but will likely turn out to be fun after you actually get there. On the good side, we’re going to be there with so many families we know and like: Nolan and White, Frassrand and St. Charles, Herbst and Bundschu and Crowe. It just seemed like time for us to finally to get it done. So there we were, Nancy and I, gazing over a broad expanse of gorgeous green grass where they will lay us down one last time. We bought our cemetery plot. There was never any doubt where we would go. We’ve long wished to be buried there. Like the theme song from the old TV hit Cheers, we want to be “where everybody knows your name.” Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. It’s the sort of place where if your car zips by too quickly, you won’t even know it’s there. There is little visible signage, no traffic light, and surprisingly, as big as it is, it’s not all that noticeable from the main road. But if you step back a ways and cast your eyes upward, it’s then you can take in the only view of the hillside on which so many of those markers keep watch over the living. Section VIII—84B … our new home. Turns out you get to have your own address in case anyone ever comes to visit.

We’re sure hoping they do because cemeteries can be lonely places. There were plenty of souls there the day we shopped, but not a single living one. I’m the first to admit I’m not all that good at visiting either. My dad’s there, three grandparents, and my best friend—still, I don’t go nearly enough. So we want visitors for sure— you’re all invited. And with you in mind, we tried to think ahead as we made our selection, wanting it to feel welcoming and homey should you come our way. Thankfully, the superintendent had the patience of Job. “We have a spot right here. What do you think?” “I don’t know,” we said. “People don’t like to stand out in the sun all that much. We’d rather have a spot in the shade. Do you have any of those?” “How about this one?” “Gosh, that’s right up against the drive; we don’t want folks to accidentally run over us.” “Here’s a spot. Nobody’s claimed it yet.” It wasn’t bad but Nancy said, “Sorry, we don’t want to look over the highway down there; do you have anything with a great view?” He didn’t actually say, “What sort of view do you think you’ll have from under there?” But I know he had to be thinking it. I sure was. You have to picture us there, relaxing on a nearby bench while directing him to and fro as he studied his plot map, walking here to there, looking up each time with a hopeful

Marriage Enrichment

I suppose I was moved to strike out on this morbid adventure because of the number of funerals I’ve attended lately. Seems like a lot to put on our girls when the time comes. So I gingerly brought it up to Nancy, who to my surprise was willing to come along. I quickly discovered her reasons. Mostly, she’s a control freak and would never trust me with any sort of decision as to where she might someday reside. That—and she had been planning all along to purchase it with a frequent-flyer credit card . . . face. He traversed from 64-C across to 73-D and then over and down to 111-A, before finally landing on the jackpot spot. “Here’s one … ” “That’s it!” we yelled simultaneously. “It’s perfect!” When he said, “Here’s one,” he wasn’t kidding—it’s just one. But it turns out that’s all we’ll need since if you pay a little extra, they’ll dig the first hole deep enough to accommodate the both of us. Snug—but together. We know folks all over the place: Ireland and Terrell, Munson and Weidner, Cotter and Eagar and Fillauer. Nancy has family nearby as well, while I have colleagues and classmates and way too many former students there, too. Families that feel like family. But we’ll have new neighbors, too—we just haven’t met them yet. Jim and Betty are on one side while Rosalind will keep us warm on the other. All three have been there awhile; we’re hoping they’ll show us around. I suppose I was moved to strike out on this morbid adventure because of the number of funerals I’ve attended lately. Seems like a lot to put on our girls when the time comes. So I gingerly brought it up to Nancy, who to my surprise was

willing to come along. I quickly discovered her reasons. Mostly, she’s a control freak and would never trust me with any sort of decision as to where she might someday reside. That—and she had been planning all along to purchase it with a frequent-flyer credit card so we could earn the travel miles and visit our kids while still in the land of the living. I knew the woman was smart when I married her. Turns out, though, you can’t purchase land with a credit card—at least not this kind. So we’re now on the installment plan, paying two house payments at once, so to speak. We won’t exactly be land barons, but it will be all ours. We’ve decided on a simple marker—maybe two if the insurance holds out. But one nearby caught my attention. On theirs, the family had inscribed a verse from Isaiah, “I have called you by your name. You are mine.” It really will be perfect. Dear God—We hope to make it your way—just not too soon. Amen. ■ George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

by Marian Christiana

A few tips for reducing conflict on family vacations Meeting together before the trip and going over expectations can help ‘avoid ruffled feathers’ on the journey

ummer is upon us, and many of us will be using our vacation time to visit family. My husband, Ralph, and I just returned from such a vacation. I say “vacation” but I am using that term very loosely. “Traveling” would be much more like it. We spent a week in Los Angeles visiting our extended families and old friends. Ralph’s brother, Phil, and his wife, Gayle, flew down from Oregon, and the four of us rented a place at the beach together. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Well, it was nice, but I have a very large family in the L.A. area, not to mention the fact that our daughter lives there. When our son, who lives in San Francisco, first heard of our plans and that we were thinking about a California trip, he and his wife decided to drive down and join us. Don’t get me wrong. We were thrilled to see our children. Spending time with them is always very special. However, as each additional person joined our “vacation,” my idea of sitting on the beach reading a book went right out the window! Ralph and his brother planned to visit their older sister and her adult children and grandchildren while we were there. I have three siblings living in the area with all of their adult children and grandchildren who I wanted to see, too. We were also planning to visit Ralph and Phil’s childhood neighborhood, schools, and old haunts along with attending a Los Angeles Dodgers game, as well as spending an afternoon at Santa Anita Park, home of thoroughbred horse racing in south-

The conversation with my siblings reminded me how important it is to acknowledge each person’s unique story . . . Sometimes in families there is a tendency to become the collective ‘we’ when reminiscing, and our individual experiences are no longer considered. ern California. On top of all that, my 93-year-old stepmother has been in a skilled nursing facility for the last month, and I needed to visit with her. I felt like a ping-pong ball as we drove up and down and all around the freeway systems of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Vacations come with all kinds of expectations. We knew before we left that I would not be able to spend much time with my siblings. To ward off hurt feelings, I explained to them before I left Chattanooga that our schedule was full. I invited them to join us on the few free days that we had, but as it worked out I only saw them once. By explaining up front what our plans were, there were no hurt feelings over unfulfilled expectations. Communicating about our expectations before we leave for vacation has served us well over the years. Our worst vacations have been the times when my husband and I had different expectations about the trip and neglected to share them with each other. We have found that even after 38 years of marriage, we are still not mind readers. One expectation that I did have was that the trip would be full of love and laughter. I am happy to say I was not disappointed, and

that expectation was met! One expectation that I did not have, though, was that while spending time with my siblings we would rehash old negative memories regarding my stepmother. I was amazed at how strong some of my siblings’ feelings were after all of these years. I had expected those old hurts to heal by now. My stepmother married my father 50 years ago, and my father passed away 37 years ago. They did not have any children together. My stepmother hasn’t been a central part in any of our lives since the passing of my father, but she has been a very attentive grandmother to all of our children. My siblings and I have 18 children and 19 grandchildren between us. Until very recently, my stepmother has remembered every birthday, baptism, Communion, confirmation, graduation, and wedding of our children and grandchildren. Apparently none of the love and attention she has shown to our children over the last 37 years counts for much when wounds from childhood are still festering. The conversation with my siblings reminded me how important it is to acknowledge each person’s unique story, and to realize that we all do not have the same feelings about a particular experience. Sometimes in families there is a tendency to become the collective “we” when reminiscing, and our individual experiences are no longer considered. We forget that in reality we are individuals whose life experiences may change the collective “we” narrative. It is important to remember

that the other person’s story is just as important as our own story. To expect another person to have the same thoughts or feelings about an experience, or topic, without some open and honest communication, is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. Along these same lines, everyone has his or her own hopes and dreams for time off from school or work. If you are planning a vacation this year, let me suggest that you add another element to your planning strategy. Set aside some time for good communication with all of the participants, even the young ones. Listen to each person describe his or her expectations for the trip. Pay attention to body language. Listen respectfully to everyone involved. Ask everyone to be respectful of the others involved. Create a list of expectations. Certainly, not all of those expectations will be met. Allowing the person with a particular set of expectations, however, to express his or her hopes to the group, followed by an open, honest explanation as to why it may not be possible for everything to turn out as hoped for will help avoid ruffled feathers during the actual vacation. Set priorities as a group and plan a trip that has a little something for everyone. From experience I can tell you that managing expectations prior to the trip will help reduce conflict while on your journey. I hope you all have a summer full of love and laughter. Safe travels! ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Knoxville Catholic High School offering summer camps in June and July

noxville Catholic High School is offering a number of summer camps in June and July. There are programs for band, robotics, math, writing, all-sports, baseball, basketball,

B8 n JUNE 3, 2018

lacrosse, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The camps include the Smith & Smith Catholic Football Camp, set for July 12-13 and featuring instruction offered by NFL players Harrison www.di o k no x .o rg

Smith and Lee Smith. For dates and online registration for the Knoxville Catholic camps, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/ camps. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

KCHS’s Renfree chosen for elite running event Knoxville Catholic High School junior Jake Renfree has been selected to compete in the mile at the Brooks PR Invitational on Friday, June 8, in Seattle. His mile time of 4 minutes, 8.11 seconds, met the meet standards to be an automatic qualifier. The prestigious event brings together the fastest 12 high-school milers in the country for a race to end the track season. Alumni from this race include collegiate national champions, U.S. national champions, world champions, world record-holders, and Olympians. In the Volunteer Track Classic held April 20-21 at the University of Tennessee, Jake won the mile run in a time of 4:14.40 in a field of 69 runners, and he captured the 800-meter run in a time of 1:54.02 in a field of 66 runners.

SJNS ‘Tiny Saints’ commissioned to serve

Freeman Pinkney

children with a blessing following their pledge of service. “St. John Neumann School and Parish are very proud of the loving, charitable accomplishments of this group and for the prayerful support of our diocesan family as they continue to participate in their ministry, which has already done so many good things in our community. “Many thanks to Bishop Stika and all who made this Mass and commissioning such an inspiration for the children and their parents,” said Joanne Behnke, SVDP coordinator of the Tiny Saints. n

COURTESY OF STEVE COY

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

SHCS graduation Sacred Heart Cathedral School held its eighth-grade graduation Mass, presided over by rector Father David Boettner, on May 17 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. More than 60 young people graduated.

COURTESY OF STEVE COY

Sacred Heart student earns his class a pizza party Katie Cobb’s class at Sacred Heart Cathedral School enjoyed a pizza party from Catholic Charities that student Liam Justice earned by raising the most money out of any participant in the Kids Helping Kids Fun Walk. The walk, an annual fundraiser for Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, took place May 6 at Knoxville Catholic High School.

DR. KELLY KEARSE

Seven take part in Academic Signing Day at KCHS Knoxville Catholic High School hosted its annual Academic Signing Day on May 7 in the gym. The event honors those students who have been offered academic scholarships covering all of their tuition and fees at the college where they plan to attend next fall. Josie Boder signed with Fordham University, Garrett Mesmer with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Ginny Miller with the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Jason Houbre with Tennessee Tech University, Matthew Ramos with the University of Tennessee, Hannah Rapien with Berea College, and Jessica Summitt with Middle Tennessee State University.

DR. KELLY KEARSE

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

Catholic. His infectious energy and positivity, grouped with an enormous amount of basketball skill and knowledge, is exactly what our program needs. I wish the season could start tomorrow.” n

Scouting awards presented at St. Mary-Oak Ridge Nine boys received the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei religious Scouting awards at the 10 a.m. Mass on April 15 at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. They are pictured with Cubmaster Ray Audet (left), St. Mary associate pastor Father Dustin Collins, an Eagle Scout himself, and George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. This was the first award presentation for Father Collins since he was appointed by Bishop Richard F. Stika as chaplain for the diocesan Scouting committee. Boys pictured from left are James Lutz, Samuel Strickland, Gabriel McCallum, Anthony Lenzi, Davey Johnson, Maverick Fitzwater, Matthew Azel, Isaac O’Rourke, and Ian Griffis.

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

St. Vincent de Paul Youth Ministry A total of 44 students became lifetime members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the commissioning ceremony April 26 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut.

he St. John Neumann School St. Vincent de Paul Youth Ministry celebrated its commissioning ceremony on April 26 at the all-school Mass. “The Tiny Saints,” a SVDP Youth Conference, has been established at SJN, and 44 students participated in the celebration as they became official lifetime members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Bishop Richard F. Stika sent an inspiring letter blessing those being commissioned. Father Michael Maples celebrated the Mass, and Deacon Jim Lawson read the bishop’s letter and commissioned the

KCHS names new girls basketball head coach noxville Catholic High School on May 15 announced Freeman Pinkney as the new head coach for the Lady Irish basketball program. Mr. Pinkney, originally from Clarksville, played collegiately at Walters State and Bethel University. After earning his degree, he spent two years playing basketball professionally in Mexico and for several semi-pro teams in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and California. Mr. Pinkney has been the club director at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley for the past year, also while coaching the Webb School of Knoxville middle school girls basketball team and multiple AAU teams. He is also the founder and CEO of Ambition Sports. “It’s an honor and a privilege for me to be at KCHS,” Mr. Pinkney said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime; I’m excited and eager to bring something positive to the program.” KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas added: “Coach Free is an outstanding fit here at Knoxville

COURTESY OF RICHARD TABLER

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

Catholic youth

Knoxville Catholic athletes sign with colleges Knoxville Catholic High School held a spring signing day April 11 for 12 athletes moving on to the collegiate level of competition. Joshua Brown signed with the University of Charleston in football, Jake Mahoney with Middle Tennessee State University in football, Ian Sauter with Lindsey Wilson College in football, Meredith Bonee with Maryville College in volleyball, Olivia Kozemko with Newberry College in volleyball, Shila Kapaya with East Tennessee State University in cross country and track, Devin Sullivan with the University of Tennessee in cross country and track, Matthew Fine with Carson Newman University in baseball, Luke Semaan with Maryville College in soccer, Miriam Janoyan with Milligan College in soccer, Vanessa Belanger with Berry College in soccer, and Tristan Stouffer with Tennessee Wesleyan in lacrosse.

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JUNE 3, 2018 n B9

SISTER MARY MARTA ABBOTT, RSM (2)

Catholic schools

St. John Neumann students win first place in state History Day event Students at St. John Neumann School in Farragut stood out at the Tennessee State History Day Competition in Nashville on April 7. A total of 7,500 students originally entered the contest at the school level earlier this year. The 210 students from across Tennessee who made it to Nashville represented the top 2 percent in the state and included eight St. John Neumann seventh-graders: Adriana Zablah, Flynn Harrigan, Mason Burkhardt, Vivi Christopoulos, Paul Liulevicius, Nick Gerkins, Cole Fuller and Ben Sompayrac. Vivi and Paul (above, pictured with Tim Henderson, executive director of Humanities Tennessee) won first place in the Junior Group Documentary category with their project titled “The Power of ‘No’: The Greek Resistance of World War II.” They will represent St. John Neumann School at the national competition at the University of Maryland in June.

COURTESY OF SARAH TRENT

COURTESY OF JANET HARRIGAN

Knoxville Catholic, Notre Dame hold graduation ceremonies Knoxville Catholic High School (above) held its graduation ceremony May 19 at Blaine Stadium, and Notre Dame High School (right) conducted its graduation May 20 at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga. A total of 246 students graduated from the two high schools, and they combined to earn more than $30 million in scholarships.

St. Mary-Oak Ridge students place in state math contest The 62nd annual statewide High School Mathematics Contest was held April 10 at various testing centers across the state. The Tennessee Mathematics Teachers’ Association sponsors the annual contest in six divisions: Algebra I/Integrated I, Geometry/Integrated II, Algebra II/Integrated III, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus/Advanced Topics. Four eighth-grade students from St. Mary School in Oak Ridge completed the Algebra I test at Roane State Community College in Harriman. Miko Zolnierczuk placed first, Ryan Rearden second, Elliot Barnes third, and Sinclair Cunningham fifth. From left are middle school math teacher Marsha Sega, Sinclair Cunningham, Ryan Rearden, Elliot Barnes, and Miko Zolnierczuk.

Student is a Presidential Scholar semifinalist

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

noxville Catholic High School senior Caroline Consoli has been named a semifinalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. She is among approximately 630 semifinalists who have been selected from a pool of more than 5,100 candidates. Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored almost 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in Washington. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize

Caroline Consoli students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. n

Seventh-grader places fourth in state geography bee St. John Neumann School in Farragut congratulated seventh-grader Paul Liulevicius, who won fourth place out of 100 qualifiers in the state for this year’s Tennessee National Geographic State Bee competition at Tennessee State University in Nashville.

Weekday readings Friday, June 1: 1 Peter 4:7-13; Psalm 96:10-13; Mark 11:11-26 Saturday, June 2: Jude 17, 20-25; Psalm 63:2-6; Mark 11:27-33 Sunday, June 3: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116:1213, 15-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 Monday, June 4: 2 Peter 1:2-7; Psalm 91:1-2, 14-16; Mark 12:1-12 Tuesday, June 5: 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18; Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16; Mark 12:13-17 Wednesday, June 6: 2 Timothy 1:13, 6-12; Psalm 123:1-2; Mark 12:18-27 Thursday, June 7: 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Mark 12:28-34 Friday, June 8: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9; Isaiah 12:2-6; EpheB10 n JUNE 3, 2018

sians 3:8-12, 14-19; John 19:31-37 Saturday, June 9: 2 Timothy 4:18; Psalm 71:8-9, 14-17, 22; Luke 2:41-51 Sunday, June 10: Genesis 3:9-15; Psalm 130:1-8; 2 Corinthians 4:135:1; Mark 3:20-35 Monday, June 11: Acts 11:21-26 and 12:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:1-12 Tuesday, June 12: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 5:13-16 Wednesday, June 13: 1 Kings 18:2039; Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11; Matthew 5:17-19 Thursday, June 14: 1 Kings 18:41-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26 Friday, June 15: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16; Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14; Matthew 5:27-32 Saturday, June 16: 1 Kings 19:1921; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-10; Matthew 5:33-37 Sunday, June 17: Ezekiel 17:22-24;

he Council of Catholic Women at St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville announced that this year’s recipient of its four-year scholarship is Caleb N. Lester. Caleb is a senior at Cumberland County High School. He plans to attend Roane State Community College in the fall. This year’s CCW scholarship is given in memory of Al and Patricia Kregel. n

Caleb N. Lester

Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34 Monday, June 18: 1 Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-7; Matthew 5:38-42 Tuesday, June 19: 1 Kings 21:1729; Psalm 51:3-6, 11, 16; Matthew 5:43-48 Wednesday, June 20: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Psalm 31:20-21, 24; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday, June 21: Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15 Friday, June 22: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; Psalm 132:11-14, 17-18; Matthew 6:19-23 Saturday, June 23: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Psalm 89:4-5, 29-34; Matthew 6:24-34; vigil for solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Peter 1:8-12; Luke 1:5-17 Sunday, June 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Isa-

iah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80 Monday, June 25: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 1315, 18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13; Matthew 7:1-5 Tuesday, June 26: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36; Psalm 48:2-4, 10-11; Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Wednesday, June 27: 2 Kings 22:813 and 23:1-3; Psalm 119:33-37, 40; Matthew 7:15-20 Thursday, June 28: 2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9 Matthew 7:21-29; vigil for the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 19:2-5; Galatians 1:11-20; John 21:15-19 Friday, June 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, Acts 12:111; Psalm 34:2-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 Saturday, June 30: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19; Psalm 74:1-7, 20-21; Matthew 8:5-17 n

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COURTESY OF MARY GEAHAN

COURTESY OF JANET HARRIGAN

Senior wins St. Alphonsus CCW scholarship

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