June 4, 2023, ET Catholic, B section

Women challenged to ‘Be the One’ at KDCCW Convention

St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City hosts the annual three-day event attended by more than 130

Women of the Diocese of Knoxville were challenged to confidently embrace their God-given purpose and actively live it out at the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City April 20-22.

The theme of the convention was “Be the One.” More than 130 people attended the three-day convention, which featured keynote speaker Melissa Foley.

Donna Curry, president of the convention host Cumberland Mountain Deanery CCW, explained that the theme arose from a prayer card handed out to St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners that said, “Be the one to say, ‘Here I am, Lord.’”

“It resonated with the planning committee,” Ms. Curry said.

Patti Macken, the convention committee chair, elaborated, “That was really what we wanted our ladies to think about. Think about being the one to step up, take the lead, make others feel included and welcome, and just say to the Lord, ‘Here I am, use me.’

“Ever since COVID, some of the affiliate CCWs are struggling to stay strong, and we were struggling to keep our numbers up. We thought this theme may call to our women to ‘Be the One’ and become involved.”

The convention opened April 20 with the Mass of Remembrance for members of the KDCCW who died in the past year.

Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the Mass. Fathers Ray Powell, Dan Whitman, Peter Iorio, Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, Mark Schuster, and Michael Woods concelebrated.

In his homily, Bishop Stika thanked the women of the KDCCW for their work and their faith.

“At my first assignment [as a priest], my pastor, a wonderful man, he’d always have different kinds of expressions for unique words it seems. So, he would never use the

word beautiful. If he would see a beautiful woman or a beautiful sunset or a beautiful this or beautiful that, he would say, ‘Oh, it’s always pleasing to the eye.’ It took me about two months after I got there to figure out what he was talking about.

“Well, as I said in the beginning of Mass, seeing all of you here in faith is pleasing to my eye, not just your outward beauty, but also because of your faith you live and share. That is a beautiful thing. And there’s a phrase—I think it’s in the Gospel— that talks about the eye of God. God sees. He sees our witness to our faith.”

The bishop noted the importance of women in the Church.

“You know, the Church would be in trouble without women. First of all, we wouldn’t have any kids running around. But also, so often in the Church, and I know this is true at the Chancery, you women do so many things.”

He encouraged the women attending the convention to enjoy their time together and return home renewed in their witness.

“What we do together today is very pleasing to the eye of God. In these next days, to listen and to share and to grow in faith: I think it’s wonderful that you gather together. And to start off with Mass, the great sacrifice.”

Bishop Stika also encouraged the women to invite others to join the organization and activities of the KDCCW.

“I would encourage you to continue to witness. Because the strongest invitation you can give to another person to join this group, this wonderful group, is your witness. And that’s the invitation. How it makes a difference in your life? And how much it makes a difference in the life of the Church? I hope these days are a beautiful thing for you.”

Finding your purpose

Following Mass was a dinner with

keynote speaker Melissa Foley. Mrs. Foley is a retreat director, trained inner-healing minister, and founder of the healing ministry Loved Already, which operates out of Georgia.

“I love the title of this convention: Be the One,” she said. “Because we are all searching for something in this life. Whether you call it significance or purpose or meaning or mission. There’s an innate desire in all of us that our lives matter, that we matter, that we have significance and purpose. Each of us longs to be something, to be someone. But all too often we look at things like age, career status, wealth, relationships, accolades. We look to those things to give us purpose. We look to temporary solutions rather than a permanent solution. And as followers of Christ, you know the truth: that nothing on this earth can satisfy your longing for significance and worth apart from God.”

Mrs. Foley talked about how through working with people she sees how many struggle to know their purpose. They feel lost or confused. The burdens of the world weigh on them. There is a longing for purpose and change, but the voice of the devil convinces

By Emily Booker

them that changing the world is impossible.

“There’s nothing you can do. It’s too much for you. What are you going to do to save the world, right? Even though he is the father of lies, he’s partially right. You can’t do anything to change the world. But with God’s grace and obedience, and you doing what He asks you to do—bam—you and Jesus together can do all kinds of good in this world. It’s the secret sauce. No, you can’t do it alone. But you and Jesus, you better believe it. Not only are you called to do something with God, but you were made for it,” she said.

Mrs. Foley mentioned the creation in Genesis, how God created mankind in His image and declared all of His creation, including His faithful, good. This, she said, is the root of who we are and of our purpose.

“God spent six days creating everything in the world, right? And He said it was good. And his final act when He creates human beings—actually, sorry fathers and men in here—but his final act was woman. The crescendo of the symphony of creation was us. Here we

Father Paul Hostettler celebrates 100th birthday

The native of Nashville who long served East Tennessee Catholics marks his centenary

Long lives run in Father Paul Hostettler’s family. He’s fallen right in line with his relatives.

On May 12, family and friends, including Bishop J. Mark Spalding and several priests of the Diocese of Nashville, helped Father Hostettler celebrate his 100th birthday.

“I would have to say we hit the gene jackpot,” said Connie Radford, Father Hostettler’s niece and goddaughter. “His father was the youngest of the children in his family. The oldest in the family was our Uncle John. He lived to be 102. So Uncle Paul’s new goal is to be 102 and a half.

“Uncle Paul can be a little competitive,” Ms. Radford said with a huge smile.

The birthday party, celebrated at the Nashville Center for Rehabilitation and Healing where Father Hostettler is living, “was a tremendous success, better even than I was hoping for,” said Ms. Radford, who grew up in Nashville, attended Holy Rosary Academy and St. Bernard Academy, and now lives in Louisville, Ky. “All the people I wanted to be sure come, did come and honor him on his incredibly special, special day.”

Father Hostettler is a Nashville

native whose family settled in Tennessee in the 1880s after emigrating to the United States from Switzerland. The family first settled in Signal Mountain near Chattanooga, Ms. Radford explained. “His grandfather walked to Nashville from Signal Mountain and started this big Hostettler family here.”

After Father Hostettler graduated from Father Ryan High School, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nashville on June 3, 1950.

After his ordination, Father Hostettler served in parishes around the state, including Memphis, Jackson, Cleveland, and Athens, among others. As pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland, he led efforts to build a church there.

When the Diocese of Knoxville was established in 1988, Father Hostettler became a priest of that diocese.

“My favorite place was Copperhill,” in the southeast corner of the state along the borders of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, Father Hostettler told the Tennessee Register in 2015 at the time of the 65th anniversary of his ordination. When he was a pastor in Cleveland

Father Hostettler continued on page B3

By Andy Telli/Tennessee Register

KDCCW continued on page B2

Encouragement and blessings KDCCW spiritual adviser Father Dan Whitman gives a blessing to keynote speaker Melissa Foley at the KDCCW Convention.

EMILY BOOKER

Happy 100th, Father Paul! Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding talks with Father Paul Hostettler, who was celebrating his 100th birthday on May 12.

are. Made in His image, right? And it’s kind of easy to quickly pass over that account of creation. If you’ve been a follower of Christ for any amount of time, you’ve heard it over and over and over again. That you and I were made in the image of God and that you are good. You are good. You were made good.

“And if you think about it, the consequence of God making us in His image is huge. We are a visible representation of God’s nature, and we are meant to live that out moment by moment and day by day. Of course, sin gets in the way, right? But the foundation of our existence is still there,” she pointed out.

One’s purpose in life springs from being a child of God—individually made and loved by God, Mrs. Foley explained. Everyone has worth. Everyone has a purpose. Finding your purpose is not something done out in the world; it comes from knowing yourself and your Creator.

“Living your purpose is an inside job. Nobody else can give it to you. You already have it. I want you to begin to really believe that everything about meaning and purpose in your life was already given to you by God when He created you,” she said.

“Your God-given purpose is real. It is a pre-planned, personalized calling that God has specifically designed for you to impact the world and glorify His name based on how He made you,” she added.

“So, it’s your spiritual responsibility as a believer to listen and to look and to sense what has been revealed to us about our purpose through God and by observing ourselves and our lives. Fulfilling our God-given purpose is not only a service to other people, but we also reap the benefits in our own lives from the inside and out when we begin to pursue our calling. God desires for you to fulfill your purpose. His purpose is for you,” she continued.

She pointed out that we shouldn’t be frustrated or disheartened when our purpose doesn’t seem clear or everything doesn’t fall into place at once.

“He’s not in a rush. This isn’t a rush job for Him. It’s a maturing, it’s a growing into, it’s a process. It’s a journey from exploration and discovery to program to preparation, to build momentum, to fulfill it in different ways in different seasons of your life,” she said. “He’s already given you the value and all the meaning and all the purpose you’ll ever have. I mean, it’s actually really good news. You don’t have to go find it. We just start living it.”

Choosing your course

On Friday and Saturday of the convention, the women participated in a series of breakout sessions, covering a range of topics from saints and prayer to poetry and pro-life work.

“We wanted breakout sessions because we wanted to do something

different and interactive. Sometimes the word ‘convention’ brings up the thought of sitting in a seat and having speaker after speaker. We wanted something else to draw the ladies in, to make them think, ‘I need to go see what this is all about,’” Mrs. Macken said.

Breakout sessions included:

n “Adoption: A Loving Option” by Ada Hernandez-Bell, program manager of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Adoption Services

n “Caring for Women and Their Maternal Health in a Post-Roe v. Wade World” by Sandi Davidson, director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Pregnancy Services

n “For the Girls Sewing Project” by Jeanette Fanfarillo, leader of the St. Tabitha Circle at All Saints Church in Knoxville

n “Funny Poems about Life” by Tom Catalano, author and poet

n “Holy Holidays” by Anne Wharton, former KDCCW president and National CCW board member

n “Lemons and Love” by Kathleen Kelly, KDCCW Spiritual Commission chair

n “Life After Roe: What Does it

Mean and What Now?” by Stacy Dunn, president of Tennessee Right to Life

n “Patriotic Rosary” by Karen Vacaliuc, former KDCCW president

n “The Heart—Crunchy on the Outside with a Fruit-Filled Center” by Deacon Jim Bello, director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation

n “We Are Always Better When We Are Together” by Kathy DeAngelis, KDCCW Leadership Commission chair

n “Women Doctors of the Church” by Sara Carey, master catechist for the Diocese of Knoxville.

“We wanted the ladies to be able to choose what they were interested in, and we think the breakout sessions did just that,” Mrs. Macken said.

There also were several booths representing various ministries like the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, Cross Catholic Outreach, and Legion of Mary, where women could get involved and serve others.

Throughout the convention, items were collected for Isaiah 117, an interfaith ministry that provides

‘Witness to the faith’ Bishop Richard F. Stika gives the homily during the opening Mass of the KDCCW Convention on April 20 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. More than 130 people attended the three-day convention, which focused on finding and living one’s God-given purpose.

physical and emotional support for children awaiting foster-care placement.

During the annual business meeting of the KDCCW, members voted to change the bylaws regarding future conventions. Going forward, KDCCW conventions will be held in odd-numbered years with other diocesan-wide events being held in even numbered years. This was passed in the hope of reaching more people, holding more familywide events, and having the flexibility to provide various forms of gatherings.

New KDCCW officers were installed at the end of Mass on April 22. The new officers are president Michelle Peckham, vice president Donna Curry, secretary Mary Cooper, and treasurer Donna Dunn.

Amelia Sweeney, a parishioner of St. Mary in Gatlinburg, was named the new province director, representing the National CCW across the Province of Louisville, of which the Diocese of Knoxville is a part. She will be installed into the role at the NCCW Convention in Salt Lake City in the fall.

Father John Orr, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Athens, closed the convention on April 22 with a talk on the Eucharist as “Food for the Journey.”

He spoke about how food sustains the body, but the Eucharist sustains the soul. Catholics are nourished by His grace. He shared how he once visited the Visitation Sisters, who actually made the hosts used for the Eucharist. It made him wonder: how many grains make up a host? It’s hard to say, but each grain is important, contributing to what ultimately becomes the whole.

“You women of the diocese are like that,” he said to the attendees. “Each one is important, contributing to forming the whole of the diocese and of the Church.”

Mrs. Macken was pleased with the turnout and response to this year’s convention.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It is always nice to get together with likeminded women. Getting to know new women from across the diocese was something I will treasure. There are so many wonderful women, and spending time together is the highlight of my year,” she said.

To learn more about the KDCCW, visit www.kdccw.org n

Bearing the torch New KDCCW officers are installed at the closing Mass of the KDCCW Convention in April. From left are president Michelle Peckham, vice president Donna Curry, secretary Mary Cooper, and treasurer Donna Dunn.

EMILY BOOKER (3)

and later in Athens, he served St. Catherine Labouré Church in Copperhill as a mission. When he retired for the first time in 1993, he volunteered to go back to Copperhill to serve there full time and stayed for 13 years.

“It’s a very small town. When I was living there, there were only about 400 people living in the town, and I got to know a whole bunch of them,” said Father Hostettler. “I loved that part of the state. Something about it got into my blood.”

Father Hostettler retired for the second time and moved back to his hometown of Nashville to be closer to family. For several years, he served as chaplain at Mary, Queen of Angels Assisted Living Facility, celebrating Mass there.

“I love him so much,” Ms. Radford said. “He’s been the most wonderful uncle in the world.”

Her affection for her uncle is shared by many who know him. “I think people love his humility,” Ms.

Radford said. “He’s very funny. … He charms everyone.

“I know people who say because of him they have come back to the Church … even more devoted to the Catholic Church and to Jesus,” Ms. Radford said. “He was always a wonderful example to me, just watching someone live a godly life.”

Father Hostettler is a man of many talents, his niece said. “He was a great golfer. … He was a horseman,” serving as the riding instructor at Camp Happy Hollow, the forerunner to Camp Marymount. Her uncle is also “a very talented artist,” she added. “Just intelligent. And I think that’s why people like him. He’s such a well-rounded person.”

Father Hostettler has loved being a priest, Ms. Radford said. “Being a loyal, godly priest is his life,” she said. “All of the flocks that he has cared for have cared for him and really appreciated him.”

Celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments for people is the most fulfilling aspect of being

a priest, Father Hostettler told the Tennessee Register in 2015. “That’s when you’re another Christ. When you say this is my Body, this is my Blood … that’s a great privilege to

do that for the people.”

“In my opinion,” Ms. Radford said, “Uncle Paul has lived the life of his dreams. How many people get to do that?” n

Notre Dame Parish celebrates first Communion

The sacrament of first Holy Communion was celebrated at the 11 a.m. Mass on April 30 at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, was the celebrant. The students participated at Mass by being greeters, readers, ushers, and gift bearers. DJ Dalton was the catechist for their religious education, assisted by Carmen Espinosa. A reception was held after Mass for the students and their families. From left are (front row) Jaylene Hernandez, Robert Miller, Emma Shortridge, Olivia Hodge, Kody Cedillo, and Genesis Sanchez and (back row) Carmen Espinosa, Father Kuzhupil, and DJ Dalton.

Blessed Mother crowned at St. Bridget Church

Miley Corvin placed a crown of roses on the Blessed Mother on Mother’s Day, May 14, at St. Bridget Church in Dayton. Ms. Corvin came into the Church at the Easter Vigil this year.

Bishop Stika confirms youth at Our Lady of Fatima

Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed 14 youth on May 10 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. Those pictured with the confirmandi include the bishop, pastor Father Peter Iorio, and parochial vicar Father Adam Royal.

Notre Dame Parish honors high school graduates

The high school graduating seniors of Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville were recognized at the 11 a.m. Mass on May 21. Pastor Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, was the celebrant and extended a special blessing to the students. A dinner followed for the graduates and their families sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women. The graduates received a gift from the parish and from the Knights of Columbus for their accomplishment. From left are Alan Galvan, Alex Vertiz Ramos, Aidan Alter, Father Kuzhupil, Riley Stone, Ellie Sahr, and Anderson Ramirez. Not pictured is Lilliana Jimenez.

Graduates recognized at St. Michael the Archangel

On April 13, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin celebrated its 2023 graduates with a Mass, blessings, and a monetary gift for their educational endeavors. Pictured is St. Michael’s pastor, Glenmary Father Tom Charters, giving a blessing to the students.

Father Hostettler continued

TIM SHAW

A priest turns 100 Father Paul Hostettler, who was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Nashville in 1950, celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family on May 12.

Soddy-Daisy Knights hold sale Knights of Columbus Council 14079 of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy held a Smoked Meat Sale on May 20 in Soddy-Daisy. Proceeds help support parish and council programs throughout the year.

Chattanooga Deanery

St. Bridget, Dayton

The St. Bridget Women’s Council raised nearly $700 at its bake sale held Mother’s Day weekend. The council presented the annual Service Award to high school senior Isaac Zavala following the 10 a.m. Mass on May 28.

Father Jim Vick continued his Bible study May 16 and May 23 with a short study of the Bread of Life Discourse from the Gospel of John, Chapter 6.

The Women’s Council and the Knights of Columbus will host a Father’s Day party following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, June 17. The festivities will include a celebration of Father Vick’s ordination anniversary.

St. Jude, Chattanooga

Knights of Columbus Council 8576 is collecting used American flags that are no longer a fitting emblem of display. Flags may be placed in a marked container in the vestibule through Flag Day, June 14. Father Patrick Ryan Assembly 1084 conducts a flag-retirement ceremony at Camp Columbus each year on Flag Day.

The fourth annual Jockeys & Juleps event for St. Jude School on May 6 raised $148,371 plus a $50,000 donation that brought the total to $198,371.

Sheri Fava of Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center thanked pastor Father Charlie Burton and parishioners for St. Jude’s recent donation of $2,745.26 through a baby-bottle drive.

The parish thanked Brian and Abby Bray for providing snacks for the Hospital Hospitality ministry for April.

St. Mary, Athens

Deacon Andrew Crabtree of St. Mary was ordained a priest June 10, and he celebrated his first Mass June 11 at St. Mary. A celebratory luncheon will follow. Sign up at the church as there is a limit of 200 attendees. Call Kay Prevatt for more details at 423-453-2049.

First communicants: Izabella Ardoin, Kayden Ardoin, Jeronimo Cardona, Janitza Cornejo, Lakelynn Faust, Jose Charlie Gonzalez, Gwen Lakomiak, Leonardo Ledesma Lemer, Anabell Macilla, Javier Mora Jr., Zuleyma Portillo, Victor Sanchez

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

The St. Stephen Schola performed at the vigil Mass on May 27 and will perform at the Corpus Christi Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 11.

The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary met June 8 to work on baskets for the Maclellan Shelter for Families in Chattanooga and to plan snacks for St. Stephen’s vacation Bible school.

A number of youth events are scheduled Wednesdays through July 26, including a water night June 14, outdoor games June 21, a sports night June 28, and a movie night July 5.

The Knights thanked parishioners for donating more than $1,800 on a recent weekend that will benefit charities in Tennessee, most of which are in the Chattanooga area.

The Knights recently named Mike Doyle as Knight of the month and, for family of the month, named the entire council for its part in the recent Knights Hall renovation.

Anniversaries: Robert and Connie Aaron (52), Fran and Lyn Grillo (52), Robert and Joanne Hotchkiss (52), Roger and Donna Fiske (51), Mike and Brenda Lucas (50), Robert and Tammy Sullivan (35), Jonathan and Sarah Powell (5)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The parish sponsored a teacher-appreciation breakfast with jumbo muffins, juices, and coffee for the staff of Bowers Elementary in Harriman on May 12.

The CYO met May 13 to plant roses and do maintenance on the rosary garden behind the parish center.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The Social Action Ministry made 335 Easter gift bags for caregivers working at local nursing homes.

The Visually Impaired Support Group of Cumberland County has donated to St. Francis of Assisi a portable video magnifier for use by parishioners in the parish library. Librarian Alyce Alleno can help anyone interested to learn how to use the unit. Her number is 407-463-3888.The unit is collapsible and weighs less than 10 pounds.

Knights of Columbus Monsignor Philip F. Thoni Council 16088 thanked parishioners for a successful “40 Cans for Lent” project that helped raise $3,655 from the 2,484 pounds of can donations to help the less fortunate in the community and food pantries.

Stephen Ministers at the parish have gone through extensive training and provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to those who need help at difficult times. Call: Janeene Lemieux at 931-510-0197, Jay Londré at 815761-4050, or Mary Vivian White 419618-1647 for more information.

On May 12, parishioners from St. Alphonsus in Crossville and St. Francis of Assisi came to the Cumberland County Courthouse for a Dignity of Life prayer service and rosary.

Father Glenn Meaux of Haiti visited the parish for all Masses on May 18. The Social Action Ministry has been busy gathering items for a silent auction to benefit the Kobonal Missions in Haiti.

A cocktail event with music by Eric Wheeler on May 20 also benefited the cause.

A 33 Days to Morning Glory program started a six-week session May 30. A consecration to Our Lady will be held at the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For more information, call Kathy Donley at 707-321-9563 or Cherie Trapp at 931-287-8296.

The parish held a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 1.

Anniversaries: Bob and Genie Gruber (71), Frank and Ann Zingheim (64), Don and Mary Lou Wiskow (63), Tom and MaryAnn Teall (63), Pat and Anna Chowning (62), Joe and Mary Partlow (62), Fred and Kitty Sasse (62), David and Susan Yacono (62), Shelton and Patty Johnson (60), Joe and Susanna Bour (59), Ed and Connie Bock (58), Jerry and Connie Kleckner (58), Theodore and Joann Bronski (56), James and Judith McClure (56), Randall and Cary Moore (56), John and Denise Ranger (55), Peter and Christine Marino (53), William and Pat Nagy (53), Frank and Pat Bryant (53), Bernard and Stasia LeFrancois (53), Gerald and Donna Thompson (53), Dan and Cathie Fugiel (52), Gerald and Betty Haser (52), John and Mary Kopmeier (52), Michael and Mary Mayes (52), Dan and Jo Wind (52), Paul and Joanie Chmielewski (51), John and Rozanne Mulcrone (50), Ron and Barbara Whynaucht (50), Steve and Linda Baker (45), John and Clintina Simms (45), William and Norma Brill (30), Casimer and Susan Kubak (20), Ariel Soto and Virginia Ramey (10) St. John Neumann, Farragut

The annual Corpus Christi procession and celebration took place June 11.

The women’s club held a Summer Nights event June 3 that included a potluck dinner, cornhole and croquet, and other summer games.

The parish and the Knights of Columbus have conducted a food-delivery ministry for about 20 years. Some two dozen volunteers dedicated about 2,000 hours to the effort in 2022 and transported 180,315 pounds of perishable food to the E.M. Jellinek Center, the Ladies of Charity, the FISH pantry, the Love Kitchen, Catholic Chari-

Parish notes continued on page B8

Men’s Welcome Retreat held at St. Stephen

St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga hosted a Men’s Welcome Retreat on May 20-21. A total of 16 retreatants took part. Above is the retreat organizing team with St. Stephen pastor Father Manuel Pérez. The team met weekly from January onward to prepare for the retreat. The event itself offered talks, sharing, attending Mass, reconciliation, and good meals prepared by volunteers. From left are Terry Duffy, Dave Morais, Jerry Hardy, Rob Wieber, retreat leader Dave Pestillo, Larry Skelly, Father Pérez, Steve Underwood, formation leader Matt Lubaway, John Vannucci, and Steve Horten. For more information, visit www.dynamiccatholic.com/welcome.html. Parish women have started to prepare for their second Welcome Retreat, and the next Men’s Welcome Retreat will be held later this year or in 2024.

St. Henry Knights treat moms to Mother’s Day brunch

Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville sponsored a Mother’s Day brunch after Mass on May 14. Moms and other parishioners were treated to a breakfast of eggs, French toast, pancakes, sausage, and bacon in the parish hall.

St. Francis-Fairfield Glade congratulates three couples celebrating 60, 50 years

St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates three couples who are celebrating major wedding anniversaries this spring and summer.

Shelton and Patty Johnson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 1. They were married at Christ the King Church in Nashville, with Monsignor Thomas Duffy officiating.

Their four sons are Dan of Franklin, Tenn.; David of Greenbrier, Tenn.; Steve of Nashville; and Andrew of Brentwood, Tenn; and they have nine grandchildren.

Mr. Johnson retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Knights of Columbus, and Mrs. Johnson retired from Continue Care Home Health and from her work as a Rhea County school nurse. They moved to the Glade in 2002. They will celebrate their anniversary at home and plan a cruise later.

Mrs. Johnson is the parliamentarian for the Council of Catholic Women who has long been involved in CCW, including serving as the National CCW president. Both she and her husband are readers at St. Francis of Assisi.

John and Rozanne Mulcrone are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary June 22. They were married at St. Philomena Church in Detroit, with Father Robert Wil-

helm officiating.

Their children are Anne Puetzer of Rolesville, N.C.; Caroline Stewart and Kathleen Haselhorst, both of Cleveland, Tenn.; and Brian Mulcrone of O’Fallon, Ill.; and they have nine grandchildren.

Mr. Mulcrone retired from Owens in Illinois after 38 years with the company, and Mrs. Mulcrone retired as a teacher of junior high children. They moved to the Glade in 2017. They will celebrate their special day on a cross-country road trip and Alaskan cruise.

Ronald and Barbara Whynaucht are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary June 23. They were married at St. John Church in Rochester, Minn., with Father Paul Surprenant officiating. Father Surprenant was a newly ordained priest, who was presiding at his first wedding.

The Whynauchts’ children are Spencer of Paso Robles, Calif.; Brandon of St. Paul, Minn.; Erin of Cookeville; and Allison of Maryville; and they have two granddaughters.

Mr. Whynaucht retired from a teaching career and Mrs. Whynaucht from a nursing career. They moved to the Glade in 2005. They will celebrate their anniversary with family. Mrs. Whynaucht is a member of the parish choir at St. Francis of Assisi. n

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Kitchen team assists at St. Dominic men’s conference St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport recently hosted its second annual Catholic Men’s Conference. The kitchen team helped keep the 100 attendees well-fed. From left are Suzi Ekart, Janel Lange, Madeline Egan, and Betty MacDougall.

COURTESY OF DAVE PESTILLO

The 2023 RCIA Summer Conference for parish directors of religious education and RCIA coordinators will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m., and lunch will be served. The conference is open to all RCIA coordinators and catechists, clergy, religious, and directors of religious education. RSVP by Saturday, June 10. Catechists will receive four continuing-formation hours for participating in the conference. Register or view a flyer at dioknox.org/events/ rcia-summer-conference-2023

Singers, choir directors, organists, clergy, and others interested in sacred music are invited to the eighth Southeastern Summer Sacred Music Workshop, to be held midday Friday, July 28, through Saturday, July 29, at Mary Our Queen Church in Peachtree Corners, Ga. The workshop is an ideal opportunity for participants to learn Gregorian chant or improve their chant skills and to prepare and sing polyphonic music for Mass Saturday afternoon. Presentations will include the history and purpose of Gregorian chant, what the Church teaches about sacred music, improving parish music programs on a limited budget, free online sources of liturgical music, and more. Cost of the workshop, including all materials, is $110 per person. Online registration is available now. Southeastern Sacred Music is a chapter of the Church Music Association of America. For more information, visit southeasternsacredmusic.com/ or email olmchoirs@gmail.com

There will be a eucharistic procession in celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville on at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Visit the “Liturgical Resources” section of the Eucharistic Revival page at dioknox.org/revival to learn more about eucharistic processions.

The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life is holding a Prayer and Praise Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 24. The location will be given upon registration. The event marks the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision. Make reservations by e-mailing trlknox@prolifeknox.com or calling 865-689-1339.

Pro-Life Rosary Rallies are being held at Planned Parenthood, 710 N. Cherry St. in Knoxville, at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, led by Father Michael Hendershott; at noon Monday, June 19, led by Father John Orr; and at noon Monday, June 26, led by Father Bill McNeeley.

Knoxville Catholic High School is offering a variety of summer camps in sports and other areas in June and July. Camps include a baseball camp, a Lady Irish volleyball camp, a boys and girls soccer camp, and a Lady Irish lacrosse camp, as well as camps in softball, cheerleading, math, dance, and band. A theater camp will meet and work toward a performance at the end of camp. The Irish Arts Theatre Co. (rising seventh through 12th grades) will present Legally Blonde Jr. To learn more, visit knoxvillecatholic. com/camp-irish/ or e-mail camps@ knoxvillecatholic.com

Knoxville Catholic High School alumni now playing in the National Football League will co-host the Catholic Legacy Football Camp from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 8, on Hollin Field at Blaine Stadium on the KCHS campus. The camp is open to rising kindergartners through eighth-graders. Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings (a member of the KCHS class of 2007), Amari Rodgers (’17) of the Houston Texans, and Cade Mays (’18) of the Carolina Panthers, along with other NFL players and Fighting Irish coaching staff, will teach fundamentals essential to playing football at a higher level. Campers will take part in speed and agility drills and learn all aspects of being successful on the field. Boys and girls are welcome. Campers should wear cleats if possible and bring money for concessions and merchandise for an autograph session.

Cost is $75. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. Sign up at kchs.ticketspice.com/ football-camp

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga will be hosting its “Camp

Like a Champ” events through June 23. Camps are offered in dance and cheerleading, basketball and wrestling (each co-ed), and golf (co-ed). Visit www.myndhs.com/athletics/summer-camps for details on the camps and aftercare. For more information, contact camp coordinator Jill Webb at webbj@myndhs.com or 423-6244618, extension 1011.

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is offering a Rachel’s Vineyard healing retreat, for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion, from Sept. 15-17 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. You can learn more about Rachel’s Vineyard on the CCETN website at ccetn.org/project-rachel

For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at sandi@ccetn.org or call or text 865-776-4510. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times.

The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 if you have any questions.

The 37th annual Mid-South Regional Charismatic Conference is set for Friday and Saturday, July 14-15, at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Antioch, Tenn. The keynote speaker is Father Juan Pablo Orozco, CC, and the conference theme is “Christ is the victor over the darkness of this age.”

The conference will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Costs are $40 for individuals, $60 for married couples, and $70 for families. Clergy and religious are guests of the conference but need to register. Costs increase by $10 after July 7. Sponsorship opportunities are available—e-mail Teresa Seibert at tseibert@bellsouth.net. For suggestions on hotels in the area, call Ms. Seibert at 615-430-9343 or Bob Schwartz at 615-424-7470. For more information on the conference, call 615-789-4598 or e-mail Ms. Seibert. Register online at www.msrcc.org

The Diocese of Knoxville is taking a group of teens to Steubenville St. Louis Mid-America, hosted by the Archdiocese of St. Louis in Springfield, Mo., from July 7-9. The Steubenville youth conferences exist to bring highschoolers into a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. The 2023 theme is “Refuge.” “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”—Matthew 11:28. For information on costs or registration, visit dioknox.org/events/steubenvillestlouis. The diocese will be heading to Steubenville St. Louis Mid-America on July 7 from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga (meeting time is 7:15 a.m.). Price (all-inclusive) is $395 per person. Chaperone price (allinclusive) is $295 per person. Priests attend for free. More info can be found at steubenvilleconferences.com/ events/stl1/

A young adult and seminarian summer social is planned for noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. Young adults (ages 18-35) are invited to join Diocese of Knoxville seminarians for food and fellowship. Download a flyer at dioknox.org/events/young-adultand-seminarian-summer-social. To RSVP or learn more, contact vocations office manager Beth Parsons at bparsons@dioknox.org

Young adults ages 18 to 35 who cannot travel to Portugal for World Youth Day are invited to take part in a Stateside World Youth Day set for the weekend of Aug. 4-6 in Washington, D.C. Travelers will stay at the Wash-

Calendar continued on page B8

Notre Dame Parish celebrates Cinco de Mayo

The Hispanic ministry at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville held a celebration of Cinco de Mayo on May 6 that featured homemade tamales, tacos, and other tasty Mexican treats. Local businesses Casa Guerrero, La Perla Mexican Restaurant, and Tienda Martinez contributed many of the ingredients. The parish thanks all of the home cooks, local merchants, volunteers, and attendees who helped make the event a resounding success as it raised $4,400 for parish needs.

St. Stephen’s Lunch Bunch visits different restaurants monthly

The Lunch Bunch from St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga goes to different restaurants throughout the Chattanooga area every second Wednesday. The group has between 20 to 30 parishioners attending. In April, the Lunch Bunch carpooled to Look Out Winery on Highway 41 in Guild, Tenn., about a 20-minute drive, with 20 attending. The group enjoyed a stunning view, beautiful weather, delicious pizza, good wine, and great fellowship.

St. Augustine couple celebrates 60th wedding anniversary June 8

Bill and Diane Richards Gallagher of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 8 with family and friends.

They were married at St. Bernard Church in Baltimore, with Monsignor John Griffith officiating.

The Gallaghers have three children, Elaine of Beaufort, S.C.; Kevin of Greer, S.C.; and Colleen of Signal Mountain. They also have five granddaughters and one grandson.

Mr. Gallagher retired from IBM in 1992 and was an active volunteer with Dismas House and the Ladies of Charity until 2010. He was also an avid senior softball player with traveling teams and a local church league for 25 years, pitching many hundreds of games. As a Ladies of Charity volunteer, he was primarily responsible for locating and funding the new Chattanooga store in 2006.

Mrs. Gallagher retired from Er-

Diane and Bill Gallagher

langer Children’s Hospital and has volunteered numerous times over the years. This past April, she was named Woman of the Year in Signal Mountain, recognizing her 50 years of volunteerism.

Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher hope to relocate to the Alexian Village retirement community in the near future. n

Two receive first Communion at St. Elizabeth Hayley Schneider (left) and Maggie Taylor received their first Holy Communion on Mother’s Day, May 14, at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton. They are pictured with pastor Father Dennis Kress.

So it begins: searching for a new used car

Driving disasters aside, a couple must learn to compromise and see other viewpoints

WANTED – Retired husband in search of pretty cool used car. Seeking relatively low miles, a radio that can pick up the Braves at night, one of those adaptor things so I can listen to my Christmas playlist, and air conditioning. Leather seats and a V6 engine would be awesome but not a deal-breaker. I’m thinking Jeep or a Volkswagen bug convertible. Price is critical as I’m not really in charge of that part of the negotiation.

WANTED – Wife in search of used car for retired husband. Seeking low miles, good tires, and the man does need some air conditioning. Must not sit too low or too high for passengers to enter/exit; other options are irrelevant. Price is critical as he’s not really in charge of that part of the negotiation.

And so it begins. Yes, the time has come for me to buy a new used car. We bought our last—and final—brand-new car in 2009 when we purchased my Toyota Camry. I loved it, still do. When I drove it off the lot, it came with 12 miles on the odometer and all those wonderful new-car smells.

Almost 15 years later, it still hasn’t given up the ghost, but it smells like our dog and has safely carried us 200,000-plus miles, just like the one we bought before that. I gave that one to my daughter, and she drove it until it finally passed on. I’d happily drive this one forever, too, except it gets hot where we live.

The heater works efficiently— winter and summer. And we’re approaching what will be my third summer driving it without cool air.

Even Nancy concedes it’s time.

Our family has a checkered history with cars. Most of that is the result of having chosen to teach in Catholic schools. It was my call, and I wouldn’t do it any differently even if given the chance.

The job was wonderful, but our cars were crap.

All total, we can recollect 15 different ones we’ve owned. Sometimes, it was my turn to drive the good car, sometimes it was hers.

To be honest, I preferred sleeping late to warming up the car for that darn long, so on more than a few mornings, I’d set off to school with a frosty front window. I’d leave home with my head hanging out the window so I could see something. So I could see anything.

But just using the phrase “good car” means it was most often paired with one that wasn’t.

I once drove a car that had a faulty electrical system. It ran OK, but certain facets didn’t work in cold weather. Like the lights, heat, and defrost.

Only after the engine had warmed up for quite some time, and I’d hit a big enough bump, would all three finally engage.

To be honest, I preferred sleeping late to warming up the car for that darn long, so on more than a few mornings I’d set off to school with a frosty front window. I’d leave home with my head hanging out the window so I could see something. So I could see anything.

We didn’t live far enough for things to get going good, so on those really cold mornings, I’d arrive at school with my freshly showered hair turned to ice.

Basically, the old girl (car, not wife) just needed to get up and get going.

I appreciate that feeling a lot more than I used to.

In another of our driving disasters, we experienced transmission issues we couldn’t afford to fix. As a result, Nancy’s car would not go in reverse.

I kid you not.

So wherever she went, the mall or her mother’s, she had to strategically park so she was facing outward. No easy task if you ponder your own daily driving habits.

And we had kids. We probably shouldn’t have, but we did.

She drove another bomb of a vehicle with what amounted to mostly aesthetic issues—inside and out. You know the sort of car I’m talking

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

about, oversized by today’s standards with a big old steering wheel approaching the size of its tires.

In the trunk, she kept the stockpile of assorted decorative chrome strips that had fallen off when one or another door was unintentionally slammed.

Additionally, the fabric that’s usually glued to the inside roof slowly but surely came unattached at various points.

On the positive side, our marooncolored interior with the gray, falling fabric seemed somewhat reminiscent of an Arabian Nights tent that the girls’ friends just loved to ride in. “Wow, how can we get a car like this?”

We could live with the chrome and fabric irritations, but things took a different turn the time she tried to release the emergency brake. She gave the handle a firm tug and it released—handle, cable, and all of it—released right into her hand.

It would have been nothing more than another addition to the trunk except that the brake itself didn’t actually release, and she and the girls found themselves permanently parked at Walmart.

I’m hoping for better with this next one.

“OK, I agree,” she said. “You do need to get something. You can’t keep driving without air conditioning. I knew it was coming, and I’ve been budgeting for this. So, what are you thinking?”

“Well, this probably sounds crazy, but since I was 17 years old, I’ve wanted one of those Volkswagen convertibles.”

“I don’t know. Those seem kinda small and hard to get in and out of.”

“Well, I saw a Jeep the other day that really caught my eye.”

“I think people fall out of those.”

“Well, what do YOU want me to get?”

Which is right about the time things veered down a bad road, ending with “Well, just get whatever you want!” The infamous phrase that says one thing but means noth-

by Deacon Bob Hunt

ing like that.

Along this journey, Nanc has suggested that buying a car is not unlike the dating process. “Do you want someone who is reliable and trustworthy and will be there for you every day for the long haul? Or do you want some cool and fun girl who will make you look good but probably break your heart?”

I was blessed to get both in my wife. Don’t they make cars that way, too?

We’re still shopping because I can tell it’s gonna take a while to please everyone who’s involved. All two of us.

But we have finally come face-toface with a major realization.

Somewhere along the way, she offered, “You know that house with the pool I really wanted to buy that you wouldn’t let us buy? That’s my dream, and the VW is yours. So, I think we’ve officially reached that stage of our marriage where we just kill each other’s dreams.”

She’s nothing if not perceptive. Maybe a little harsh, but perceptive. Kidding aside, rather than think of our loved ones as “dream killers,” I suppose this would be the appropriate spot to reflect on relationships and love and how their true versions call us to compromise and sacrifice and see life from other viewpoints.

But I’m no expert. And I can’t add a single kernel of wisdom to that conversation.

I just know she agreed not to drive in reverse, and I was up for frozen hair. Other couples do the same and more.

I just know we wouldn’t be a “we” if we hadn’t.

Don’t forget to wave if you see me compromising in my new minivan. Dear God—There are rights, and there are wrongs. But not always. And not most of the time. May we be open to the idea that someone else just might have the better idea. Amen. ■

George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.

There are moments that inspire reflection on those matters of life that matter most. Sometimes these moments are of the unhappy variety, but there are happy moments, too. I had the joy recently of experiencing two such happy moments. The first was the baptism of my new granddaughter, Josephine Belle. On the day I was ordained last year, my oldest daughter and her husband announced to me that they were expecting their second child.

A priest who is a long and dear friend of our family baptized our first granddaughter, but this one would be mine! We set the date for April 29, a memorable date for me because it is the anniversary of my mother’s passing. I suppose I could chalk it up to divine providence that that became the date of Josie’s baptism, transforming what was once a sad date on the calendar for me into a joyous one.

What a joyous day it was! We met that morning at St. Rose of Lima Church in Murfreesboro. The family was there, of course, along with the godparents and some friends from St. Rose School, including two Dominican sisters. I led them through the various rites and prayers and a litany of family saints. Then, while my daughter held Josie over the font, I baptized her, “In the name

I cried. I admit it, I cried. Josie looked up at her mother with those beautiful eyes and her mouth agape, wondering what was going on. How could she know? Do any of us really appreciate all that is happening at a child’s baptism?

of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

I cried. I admit it, I cried. Josie looked up at her mother with those beautiful eyes and her mouth agape, wondering what was going on. How could she know? Do any of us really appreciate all that is happening at a child’s baptism? If we could lift the veil, we would see the saints and angels dancing! She is baptized in Christ, a new creation, with the life of the Trinity now within her and a new member of a body of believers the world over who share with her the gift of eternal life. Even now, Josie has the gift of eternal life.

Eternal life doesn’t begin after we die but when we are baptized. We are living the eternal life Christ promised those who believe and are baptized. There are no words that can describe how it feels to be the instrument of our Lord in giving the gift of eternal life to my own granddaughter through baptism. It does make me marvel even more at

how glorious is the gift of baptism and how gracious is our Lord and Savior.

The second happy event was the graduation from high school of our youngest daughter, Felicity. How can it be that she is graduating from high school? It was only yesterday that I held her, only minutes after her birth, and after her punching the nurses who were trying to assess her and dry her off.

I remember so well the games we played when she was little, and the glee on her face when she fi rst wore her Catholic school uniform.

I remember the glowing smile when I gave her a Beatles album for her birthday and the excitement of every new BTS purchase.

I remember how utterly overjoyed she was when her sister bought a new kitten for her. I remember her thrill when she got to play the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, and then the lead for Peter and the Star-Chaser at Knoxville Catholic High School. All these memories of my little girl who isn’t little anymore. I know it’s a cliché, but where does the time go? When her name was announced, and she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, we hooted and hollered, shouting her name. She will be moving

away from home soon for university. I don’t want her to go. We spend our entire parenthood preparing our children to be independent, and then when they’re ready we don’t want them to go. But they must go. There is no greater source of pride for a parent than to see their children doing well. Felicity is doing well and will continue to do well.

How do we measure these moments? How do we weigh them on the scale of a lifetime? These are the moments that will stay with us, through the fog of life’s memory. St. Augustine said that memory is a sad privilege. He meant, of course, the memory of our sins.

But memory can be a happy privilege, too, when we recall those events that make meaningful the too-often mundane days and weeks and months of our years. But, really, nothing is mundane when we call to mind that God is present in every moment. There are moments, still, for which we are especially grateful, for which we cannot thank Him enough. Deo gratias!

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.

Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father Randy Stice

Summarizing Christ’s eucharistic presence

There are four key aspects of it; ultimately, His presence in the Eucharist can only be discerned by faith

The transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is both miracle and mystery, something that we can never fully comprehend. But for 2,000 years the Church has diligently reflected on this mystery and has deepened her understanding of Christ’s eucharistic presence. We can summarize His eucharistic presence this way: the Eucharist is the substantial presence of Christ’s glorified body under the appearances of bread and wine discerned by faith In this column I want to look at the four italicized terms that indicate four key aspects of the Christ’s eucharistic presence.

First, Christ’s presence in the Eucharist is a substantial presence. St. Paul VI explained that “the way in which Christ becomes present in this sacrament is through the conversion of the whole substance of the bread into His body and of the whole substance of the wine into His blood.” The Church calls this “unique and truly wonderful conversion” transubstantiation, the complete change of one substance into another substance. 1 The result of this complete change of the substance of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ “is presence in the fullest sense…by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present.” 2 All that remains of the bread and wine are the outward characteristics—appearance, texture, and taste.

Furthermore, the substantial pres-

Crowning Mary at the basilica

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul held its annual May Crowning on Mother’s Day, May 14. Crowning

Mary with the assistance of basilica rector

Father David Carter is Melanie Russell. In the top-left photo, Melanie is pictured with her mother, Kimberly Russell (right), and older sister, Mya (left). All three Russells came into the Church this Easter. Melanie and Mya are homeschooled students in the basilica’s religious-education program and in the basilica’s Jubilate Deo Youth Schola. Both are also accomplished in taekwando. At far right, Shannon Hinson photographs son Thomas and close friend Zelie Cooper after the crowning.

Daily readings

Thursday, June 1: Memorial of St. Justin, martyr, Sirach 42:15-25; Psalm 33:2-9; Mark 10:46-52

Friday, June 2: Sirach 44:1, 9-13; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Mark 11:11-26

Saturday, June 3: Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs, Sirach 51:12-20; Psalm 19:811; Mark 11:27-33

Sunday, June 4: Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52-56; 2 Corinthians 13:1113; John 3:16-18

Monday, June 5: Memorial of St. Boniface, bishop and martyr, Tobit 1:3 and 2:1-8; Psalm 112:1-6; Mark 12:1-12

Tuesday, June 6: Tobit 2:9-14; Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9; Mark 12:13-17

Wednesday, June 7: Tobit 3:1-11, 1617; Psalm 25:2-9; Mark 12:18-27

Thursday, June 8: Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1, 9-17; and 8:4-9; Psalm 128:1-5; Mark

ence of Christ in the Eucharist is not His body during His earthly ministry but his resurrected and glorified body. “The flesh of the Son of Man, given as food,” explained St. John Paul II, “is His body in its glorious state after the resurrection.” 3 To appreciate the significance of this, recall the Gospel accounts of Christ’s resurrection appearances. Sometimes His disciples recognized Him, but other times they did not. He wasn’t a ghost or a spirit—he ate with them and showed them the wounds from the crucifixion. Instead of coming and going, He appeared and vanished, and barriers to time and space were gone. What these encounters convey is the mysterious yet powerful reality of Christ’s glorified body after the resurrection.

The resurrection, wrote Pope Benedict XVI, is “something akin to a radical ‘evolutionary leap,’ in which a new dimension of life emerges, a new dimension of human existence. Indeed, matter itself is remolded into a new type of reality. The man Jesus, complete with His body, now belongs totally to the sphere of the divine and eternal.” 4 Similarly, Pope Francis wrote, “Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world…It is an irresistible force.” 5 This is the “secret” of the resurrection that we digest when we receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

Finally, Christ’s presence in the Eucharist can only be discerned by faith, not by our senses. Our senses tell us that what we receive is just

bread and wine. But our faith discerns the truth with absolute certainty, for it is based on the words of Christ—“This is my body,” “This is my blood” (Mark 14:22, 24). The Church has always believed and taught this truth. St. John Paul II quotes the instruction of St. Cyril of Jerusalem (who died in 386) to the new Christians, “Do not see in the bread and wine merely natural elements, because the Lord has expressly said that they are His body and blood; faith assures you of this, though your senses suggest otherwise.” 6 St. Paul VI quotes these words of St. John Chrysostom (died 407): “Let us submit to God in all things and not contradict Him, even if what He says seems to contradict our reason and intellect; let His word prevail over our reason and intellect. Let us act in this way with regard to the eucharistic mysteries, and not limit our attention just to what can be perceived by the senses, but instead hold fast to His words. For His word cannot deceive.” 7 The Catechism quotes the eucharistic hymn, Adore te devote, attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas (died 1274): “Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived; How says trusty hearing? That shall be believed; What God’s Son has told me, take for truth I do; Truth himself speaks truly or there’s nothing true.” 8

Most importantly, the substantial presence of Christ’s glorified body under the appearances of bread and wine and discerned by faith is a per-

sonal presence. “Jesus is not present in the Eucharist as a ‘thing’ or an object,” wrote Cardinal Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, “but as a person.” 9 This is the astonishing mystery—beneath the appearance of a “thing” is a person. After receiving Communion, wrote St. Teresa of Avila, “you have the Person Himself present.” “Behold the lamb of God,” says the priest as he elevates the host and chalice, “Behold Him”—not “it” but “Him,” Jesus! In the Eucharist, Christ fulfills His promise to the apostles, “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20). In the Eucharist, Christ is truly Immanuel, God with us.

1 Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei (MF), no. 46

2 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1374

3 St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (Boston: Pauline Books and Media), no. 18

4 Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. II, p. 274

5 The Joy of the Gospel, no. 276.

6 Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 15.

7 MF, 17.

8 CCC, 1381.

9 Raniero Cantalamessa, The Eucharist: Our Sanctification, revised edition, Collegeville, Minn.: The Liturgical Press, 1995), 82-83. ■

Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox. org.

12:28-34

Friday, June 9: Tobit 11:5-17; Psalm

146:1-2, 6-10; Mark 12:35-37

Saturday, June 10: Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20; Tobit 13:2, 6-8; Mark 12:38-44

Sunday, June 11: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John

6:51-58

Monday, June 12: 2 Corinthians 1:1-

7; Psalm 34:2-9; Matthew 5:1-12

Tuesday, June 13: Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Psalm 119:129-133, 135; Matthew

5:13-16

Wednesday, June 14: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew

5:17-19

Thursday, June 15: 2 Corinthians

3:15–4:1 and 4:3-6; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 5:20-26

Friday, June 16: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Deuter-

onomy 7:6-11; Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 10; 1 John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30

Saturday, June 17: Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12; Luke 2:41-51

Sunday, June 18: Exodus 19:2-6; Psalm 100:1-3, 5; Romans 5:6-11; Matthew 9:36–10:8

Monday, June 19: 2 Corinthians 6:110; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42

Tuesday, June 20: 2 Corinthians 8:19; Psalm 146:2, 5-9; Matthew 5:43-48

Wednesday, June 21: Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-4, 9; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Thursday, June 22: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8; Matthew 6:7-15

Friday, June 23: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30; Psalm 34:2-7; Matthew 6:1923; vigil of St. John the Baptist, Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17; 1 Peter 1:8-12; Luke 1:5-17

Saturday, June 24: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80

Sunday, June 25: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10:26-33

Monday, June 26: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-20, 22; Matthew 7:1-5

Tuesday, June 27: Genesis 13:2, 5-18; Psalm 15:2-5; Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Wednesday, June 28: Memorial of St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Matthew 7:15-20; vigil of Sts. Peter and Paul, Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 19:2-5; Galatians 1:11-20; John 21:15-19

Thursday, 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

Friday, June 30: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 8:1-4 n

ROBIN RUDD (3)

ington Retreat House. They will leave early on the morning of Friday, Aug. 4, and return late Sunday night, Aug. 6. Pilgrimage sites will include the St. John Paul II Shrine, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and more. A Diocese of Knoxville seminarian, Daniel Herman, will join the group as a spiritual guide. Cost is $150 per person and includes lodging, transportation, two breakfasts, and pilgrimage materials. Travelers should bring extra cash for lunches and dinners out as well as for any donations they would like to make at the holy sites. Register, view a pilgrimage flyer, and see links to the websites of the two shrines and the monastery at dioknox. org/events/wyd-stateside-pilgrimage For more information, contact Brittany Garcia at bgarcia@dioknox.org or 865-776-9635.

The Diocese of Knoxville Youth Ministry

Office is offering the Reach Summer God Camp for all rising seventh- and eighth-graders July 24-27 and the Discover Summer God Camp for all rising fifth- and sixth-graders July 27-29, both at Adventure Ocoee in Ocoee, Tenn. Campers will be staying in air-conditioned bunkhouses. God Camp activities will include lake day inflatables, a water park (with wave pool, lazy river, and giant water slide), a high ropes course, an adventure race, outdoor sports, bonfires with s’mores, prayer services, skits, crafts, the celebration of Mass, team-building activities, group games, and time to simply enjoy camp. Some more camp highlights include four square, basketball, volleyball, capture the flag, and some surprise activities planned by the leaders. Youth at the camps can make new friendships, enjoy the great outdoors, and grow in their relationship with the God who created them. To register, download a camp flyer, or view medical-release and code-of-conduct forms and an Adventure Ocoee waiver, visit dioknox.org/ events/reach-camp-2023 or dioknox.

Parish notes continued from page B4 ties’ Samaritan Place, and (weekly) to Catholic Charities’ Crazy Quilt Friendship Center in Newcomb. To volunteer to load food or serve as a driver, or to learn more, contact John Najberg at 865-671-3930 or jnajberg@tds.net.

The Knights thanked all who came to its Lenten fish dinners, which raised $3,081 from 781 meals served, and its April parish breakfast, which raised $620 from 120 meals served. The revenues from both events support four diocesan seminarians, and the Lenten dinner funds help support a number of Knights charities.

The Knights will be volunteering as food concession workers at University of Tennessee home football games for the third year this fall. To volunteer or learn more, call Pete McKenzie at 865-6802116. Recently, the Knights gave checks for $3,750 each to the Shangri-la Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) and The Arc of Knox County from revenue generated by their 2022 UT football concession sales, their Belk charity ticket sales, and a January parish breakfast.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society thanked parishioners for helping it collect a van full of food and $7,753 in donations and gift cards recently to benefit the Ladies of Charity.

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

The parish congratulated its high school graduates: Kyra Bowers, Alex Miranda, and Jasmin Morales.

The “Flags on the Hill” at Holy Trinity in honor of the men and women who have served in the armed forces, sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women, have been displayed since Armed Forces Day on May 20 and will remain through July 4.

Pastor Father Jim Harvey thanked everyone who helped assist him and for all of the prayers, cards, and well wishes during his recovery from a recent surgery.

Anniversaries: James and Lillian Katzbeck (65), Chris and Katy Richards (25),

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year. Apply by visiting www.myndhs.com and submit an online application. Contact Lisa Costello at 423-624-4618 or costellol@ myndhs.com with any questions.

The Ulster Project of East Tennessee needs teen hosts ages 14 to 16 for this year’s project June 28 through July 21. The Ulster Project brings a group of teens, half Protestant and half Catholic, from Northern Ireland to the United States for three weeks with the goal of breaking down the sectarian divide that separates Protestants and Catholics there. To learn more, contact Christina Adams at 973-280-1747 or chrisrizad@ hotmail.com or visit www.ulster projecteasttennessee.org

A Picture of Love retreat for engaged couples is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriagepreparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help each couple gain insights into their relationship as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another. Meeting times are 6:45 to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $150 per couple. Payment is due two weeks before the weekend. For a registration form, visit dioknox.org/events/pictureof-love-retreat. Also at the website are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to complete the exercises in advance and bring them to the retreat— see the website for more details.

Michael and Tina Sexton (25)

Newcomers: Kyra Bowers, Chris Henry, Dave and Cindi King

Notre Dame, Greeneville

The parish has adopted a section of Holly Creek Road as part of the Keep Greene Beautiful program. Volunteers 18 and older (who should bring gloves) are being sought to help clean up the roadside Saturday, June 24. Meet in the church parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Sign up in the narthex.

Help is needed after morning Mass on Friday, June 23, to set up for a yard sale to be held Saturday, June 24. The sale will benefit pilgrims attending this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference. Clean items for the sale (no old electronics or outdated baby items) are being collected in the Ganz Youth Center.

A church picnic was held after the 11 a.m. Mass on June 4.

Anniversary: Mark and Martie Benko (52)

St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton

Father Dennis Kress, pastor of St. Elizabeth since 2003 and also pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Mountain City for many years, has been reassigned. His last Mass at St. Elizabeth will be on Sunday, June 25. The Ladies Guild at St. Elizabeth hosted a farewell party for Father Kress on June 10. A welcome party for Father Jesús Guerrero, who becomes the parochial administrator at St. Elizabeth on July 1, will be scheduled after he has time to settle in.

Wedding anniversaries in May and June include Maureen and Gordon Strickling (35 years), Larry and Mary Cirillo (50), Leroy and Agnes Policky (55), and Jim and Sandy Laurilla (60).

In March, the Knights of Columbus honored Rick and Beth Kortze as family of the month and Tom Cary as Knight of the month.

Friday prayer time in the church will be from 6 to 7 p.m. in a change that began June 2, with the rosary to be prayed at

A pilgrimage to Poland with Father Martin Gladysz is scheduled for July 17-26. The group will spend a day in Warsaw visiting the sites before continuing on to Czestochowa, where pilgrims will visit the Jasna Gora Monastery, the Treasury, and the famous icon of the Black Madonna, to which many miracles have been attributed. They will visit Wadowice, the hometown of Pope St. John Paul II, and visit his childhood home, and visit the church where he was baptized. They will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy and visit St. Faustina’s convent chapel and her tomb, and have a tour led by one of the Sisters. Another visit will be to Europe’s oldest salt mine, which UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage Site. The mines are a unique place where many generations of Polish miners have created a world of underground chambers and decorated chapels carved out of salt, including the famous Chapel of St. Kinga. The group will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Ludzmierz, the Niepokalanow Sanctuary, and the Franciscan Monastery, linked with St. Maximilian Kolbe, and have a chance to visit Auschwitz, where St. Maximilian Kolbe died a martyr. Other sites visited will be Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a popular pilgrimage place for Pope St. John Paul II, and Zakopane, in the highlands of Poland, and the group will enjoy a peaceful river trip through the beautiful towering cliffs. Father Gladysz is from Krakow and is excited to be leading this pilgrimage to his homeland of Poland. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-5671245 or lisam@select-intl.com

Join Father Alex Hernandez on a pilgrimage walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela, Spain from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8. Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims will be met by their tour guide and depart for Sarria, the last point at which a pilgrim can start the journey and still complete the 100 kilometers needed to claim the compostela. The journey will follow a pilgrim path that

6:15 (on first Fridays, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed instead of the rosary).

The Knights of Columbus have scheduled a holy hour beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, in the church. This holy hour is a reschedule of the Lenten holy hour, which had to be postponed because of the ill health of key participants.

St. Patrick, Morristown

Knights of Columbus Council 6730 is the beneficiary of a fundraiser through Ultimate Shine Car Wash pay locations in Morristown and elsewhere through Aug. 31. To take part at a pay location, choose a wash and any additional services, hit the orange “enter fundraiser” code button, enter code 3040 before paying, then insert cash or a credit/ debit card and 30 percent of the sale will go to Council 6730.

The Knights hosted their annual Memorial Day event May 29 at the columbarium.

A total of 167 youth were confirmed by Bishop Richard F. Stika on the weekend of April 30.

Anniversaries: Joseph and Patricia Sniezek (69), Richard and Valerie Hidalgo (59), Charles and Barbara Chapleau (54), Sam and Theresa Comodari (51), Andrew and Susan Vrba (50), Ronald and Connie Ailey (40), John and Barbara Robey (35), David Slutz and Anne Chadwell (15), Norman and Beth Henderson (10), Charles and Annette Christensen (5), Kevin and Lauren Hanson (5)

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

The parish’s Our Lady, Spouse of the Holy Ghost Praesidium of the Legion of Mary held a Memorial Day rosary on May 28 at the Knoxville National Cemetery near the church.

The annual parish picnic on the vigil of Holy Ghost’s feast day of Pentecost took place May 27.

has existed since the ninth century. Mass and confession will be available daily. Cost is $4,199. To register, call 508-505-6078. To view full details and an itinerary, visit dioknox.org/events/ pilgrimage-to-santiago-de-compostela.

Father Bill and Sherri McNeeley are leading a Holy Land pilgrimage Sept. 13-22 with an optional post-tour to Rome from Sept. 22-26. Places visited will include Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Stella Maris, Nazareth, Tiberias, Cana, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, Mount Tabor, Jericho, Jerusalem, Temple Model, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Bethany, the Dead Sea, the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Mount Zion (Upper Room), the Western Wall, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For more information, including pricing and a daily itinerary, visit www.pilgrimages.com/frmcneeley or contact Danielle at danielle@206tours. com or 800-206-8687.

A pilgrimage to Greece, including a four-day Aegean cruise, is set for Sept. 18-29. Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” as pilgrims visit the places where St. Paul preached the Gospel—Thessaloniki, Philippi, Corinth, and Athens— and visit the Meteora Monasteries. The Aegean cruise stops on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos and will also visit the ancient city of Ephesus, featuring some of the most magnificent excavations in the world, and visit Mary’s house. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday and at 6 p.m. most Mondays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net n

The Gladius young-adult group hosted Dr. Kelly Kearse of Knoxville Catholic High School for a talk on the Shroud of Turin on May 19 in Henkel Hall.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

The parish congratulated its high school and college graduates this spring: Matthew Calloway, Lane Harris, Kyrie Kirezi, and Mary Zengel, St. Joseph School; Bryson Harris, L&N STEM Academy; Lauren Willard, granddaughter of Mary Catherine Willard, Ann Richards High School, Austin, Texas; Bailey Cummings and Tucker Riley, Career Magnet Academy; Lorelei Sholly, Hardin Valley Academy; Natalia Jolly, Karns High School; Matthew Corum, Selva Hanna, and Joseph Keffer, Knoxville Catholic High School; Megan Hurley, granddaughter of Pat and Therese Hurley, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles; and William Sholly, Pellissippi State Community College.

Marian Howard, a former longtime IC parishioner and leader of RCIA and adult faith formation who has been living in Cortez, Colo., returned to Knoxville for her grandson’s graduation. She attended Mass at IC on May 20 and a get-together afterward to allow parishioners to catch up with her.

Parishioner Victoria Ostermayr took part in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Walk-a-Thon on May 20 at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza in Farragut. To make a donation to NAMI, visit www.namiwalks.org/participant/ Victoria-Ostermayr

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

Parishioners again provided “Food for Finals,” also known as the “Groaning Table,” for University of Tennessee students taking exams in May.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

A rosary for world peace is prayed at 7 p.m. Thursdays at the grotto, weather permitting.

A potluck party for parents and students was held May 21 to mark the last day of religious education for the year. n

KCHS spring teams win multiple state titles

The Fighting Irish capture their first baseball crown, dominate in tennis, and collect five track victories

Knoxville Catholic High School in May made the most of the annual TSSAA Spring Fling spring-sports championships.

Fighting Irish athletes came home with a number of Division II, Class AA state titles as the baseball team won its first-ever championship with a dramatic walkoff win, while Lady Irish tennis continued its dominance of team, singles, and doubles titles and the KCHS boys and girls track team saw two individuals combine for five state crowns.

Ian Hubbard’s two-out single in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Cade Avans with the gameending, championship-winning run for the Fighting Irish baseball team May 25 as it defeated Christ Presbyterian Academy 4-3 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

Maeve Thornton of KCHS won her third consecutive tennis singles state title, and Eleni Liakonis and Lillie Murphy captured their second straight doubles state championship. The Lady Irish team won its third title in a row.

In track and field, freshman Chloe Truss of Knoxville Catholic swept all three sprint events for a trio of state titles, and Fighting Irish sophomore Keegan Smith added to his career total with state championships in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, all on May 24.

The Irish baseball team took a 3-1 lead over CPA in the bottom of the first inning in the finals, getting one run on an error and two runs on an RBI double by Ian and a single by Joey Lamattina.

Senior pitcher Daniel Parris, a University of Tennessee baseball signee, tossed six innings for the Irish (31-9) in the championship game and left with the game tied 3-3 after throwing 111 pitches and allowing six hits and two earned runs while striking out five and walking five.

The heroics started in the bottom of the seventh as Ben Sompayrac

was hit by a pitch with one out.

Cade pinch-ran for Ben. With two outs, Hudson Lutterman singled to left, moving Cade to second. Cade and Hudson advanced a base on a wild pitch. Daniel was intentionally walked to load the bases before Ian singled to center to win the state title for KCHS. The walkoff hit made a winner out of relief pitcher Jacob Camfield, who pitched a scoreless top of the seventh.

Daniel said the state title for the Irish “is a really big honor to hold, one I can carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Knoxville Catholic’s schedule prepared them for the state-tourney run, Daniel said.

“It was a really tough season with the schedule we played. We played a really tough schedule. We’re really just happy to come out with a win. It was just an amazing season,” he said.

Daniel said he was glad the hero of the game was Ian.

“I couldn’t have picked out a better person to get the walkoff win. Ian’s one of my best friends, one of the nicest kids,” he said.

Daniel saluted Irish head coach Caleb Moore.

“I really love what he did. I love the coach that he is,” he said. “He is a coach who will come out any day, rain or shine, and help you on the field. Even if we don’t have practice that day, he’ll come out and help you with anything that you need.”

KCHS’s first baseball title is “extremely special,” Mr. Moore said, citing the campus’ two locations on Magnolia Avenue and currently Fox Lonas Road.

“For me personally to see what Knoxville Catholic has become from the days on Magnolia to what we are now on Fox Lonas is amazing. This team defied a lot of odds and some tough times this season to make history.

“Every game we played from the substate round to the championship game was close, so it didn’t really surprise me that we won it in

dramatic fashion. I believe I aged a few years the last two weeks!”

Knoxville Catholic defeated Lipscomb Academy 6-4 in the winners’ bracket finals May 24 at Wilson Central High School in Lebanon after Daniel smacked a tworun homer to center field in the top of the seventh to break a 4-all tie.

Those were the first KCHS runs since the Irish opened the game with a four-run first inning. In that frame, Hudson stroked an RBI double, Daniel a run-scoring single, Mason Fields a sacrifice fly, and Ryan Theobald an RBI double.

The Irish began the tournament with a 2-0 shutout of CPA behind Ben’s two-hitter. Ben struck out six and walked only one in throwing 103 pitches for the win. Grant Tallent singled in Mason to start a two-run fifth inning that gave KCHS all the runs it would need. The second run scored after Daniel hit a ground ball to short that was misplayed, bringing home Grant.

Knoxville Catholic reached the state tourney in Murfreesboro after a two-game sweep at Baylor in the quarterfinals.

Knoxville Catholic tennis head coach Rusty Morris’ squad started the year ranked No. 1 in the nation in the Universal Tennis Ratings.

Maeve swept all three of her state-tournament singles opponents in straight sets at the Adams Tennis Complex in Murfreesboro, beginning with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout of Emma Huggins of Briarcrest in the quarterfinals May 25 and continuing with a 6-1, 6-0 triumph over Leah Tomichek of Brentwood Academy in the semifinals the same day before defeating Melanie Woodbury of Hutchison 6-2, 6-0 for the state title May 26.

Eleni and Lillie opened the state doubles quarterfinals with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep of Zoe Pelts and Olivia Evans of Hutchison on May 25. They swept Avery Franklin and Estelle Denker of Ensworth 6-0, 6-3 the same day, then defeated Sloane Proffitt and Gabby Czarnecki of Baylor 6-1, 6-2 for the championship May 26.

In the team title match May 24, the Lady Irish defeated Baylor 4-1, beating the Chattanooga school in the finals for the third consecutive year. Maeve (6-3, 6-1), Lillie (6-1, 6-1), and Gigi Sompayrac (6-0, 6-2) won their singles matches, while

By Dan McWilliams

Maeve and Gigi (8-5) and Eleni and Lillie (8-1) triumphed in doubles.

In the team semifinals May 23, the Lady Irish blanked Ensworth 4-0. Eleni (6-1, 6-0), Gigi (6-1, 6-0), and Payton Carroll (6-0, 6-0) swept their singles matches, and Maeve and Gigi (8-0) and Eleni and Lillie (8-2) easily won in doubles.

“The key to our success this year was the depth of the team, the No. 1 and 2 doubles teams, and the senior leadership,” Mr. Morris said.

“The top five singles players had no losses this season, and the top two doubles teams had no losses. When you can get the doubles point each match, then all we have to do is win three singles matches to win, and that is good for the team since the top five singles players did not lose this year. This is the third team title in a row, and the team is undefeated in three years with this year’s record of 180. The team was No. 1 in the nation according to UTR most of the year. We are currently No. 2.”

Maeve seldom lost a game in sweeping her singles opponents.

“Maeve was very dominant in her singles matches,” Mr. Morris said. “Maeve orchestrated each point and gave her opponent very few errors. She finished her high school career undefeated in singles and doubles.

“Eleni Liakonis and Lillie Murphy were tremendous in the tournament as they have been throughout their high school career. They have never been defeated as a team.”

Mr. Morris’ squad loses Maeve and Gigi but could be strong again in 2024.

“The outlook for the team is good,” Mr. Morris said. “We lose two seniors: Maeve Thornton, who will play for Furman, and Gigi Sompayrac, who will play for Anderson University. We have returning Lillie Murphy, Eleni Liakonis, and Payton Carroll, who all were undefeated this year. We also have returning Karenna Thurman and Pauline Schneiter, who both contributed this year. We also have reserve players Marianna Hurley, Logan Connatser, and Lauren Murphy, who we look forward to contributing next year.”

In track and field, freshman Chloe was the fastest in the 100 dash finals at 12 seconds flat, besting Jaloni Cambridge of Ensworth

Walkoff win Ian Hubbard’s game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning against CPA gave Knoxville Catholic its first baseball state title.

Five state titles Knoxville Catholic’s Keegan Smith won the 1,600-meter run and 3,200 run titles, and Chloe Truss captured championships in the 100, 200, and 400 dash events.

Another state crown The KCHS Lady Irish tennis squad won its third team title in a row and also captured singles and doubles championships this spring. From left are (front) Pauline Schneiter and Logan Connatser and (back) coach Michelle White, coach Karen Lorino, Marianna Hurley, Payton Carroll, Eleni Liakonis, Gigi Sompayrac, Maeve Thornton, Lillie Murphy, Karenna Thurman, Lauren Murphy, coach Jacob Lorino, and head coach Rusty Morris.

First-place state trophy The Knoxville Catholic baseball team poses with the state-championship trophy on the field.

Spring sports continued on page B10

DANNY PARKER/5STAR PREPS

No. 10 in the state meet The Notre Dame High School boys track and field team won several state medals. From left are Maximo Santiesteban, Ben Jungels, Andrew Fillauer, Rickey Maples Jr., Kenny Hammond Jr., Jaydon Kelley, and Ryan Fillauer.

NDHS track and field athletes among standouts at Spring Fling

Notre Dame High School

in Chattanooga was wellrepresented at the TSSAA Spring Fling state championships, with track and field athletes bringing home a number of high finishes in Division II, Class A.

Kenny Hammond Jr. placed second in the state in the boys triple jump with a leap of 42 feet, 0.5 inches, on May 24 at Dean Hayes Stadium in Murfreesboro. Rickey Maples Jr. of Notre Dame took seventh in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.67 seconds. Jaydon Kelley recorded a seventh-place time in the 400 dash (51.76). Ben Jungels placed eighth in the 1,600 run (5:19.00).

The boys 400 relay team of Jaydon, Maximo Santiesteban, Andrew Fillauer, and Rickey finished third in 43.65. The 800 relay foursome of Kenny, Maximo, Jaydon, and Rickey also took third in 1:31.50. Ryan Fillauer, Andrew Fillauer, Kenny, and Jaydon captured seventh place in the 1,600 relay (3:43.43).

The NDHS boys placed 10th in the state as a team.

For the Lady Irish track team, Olivia Mroz earned a pair of medals, finishing seventh in the triple jump

at 31-2 and eighth in the high jump at 4-8.

In girls tennis, the Lady Irish doubles team of Savina Jones and Hannah Widerkehr played in the state quarterfinals, falling 6-0, 7-5 to Allison Smith and Sienne Lightman of St. George’s.

The Notre Dame boys soccer team reached the state quarterfinals, and the boys tennis team made it to the first round of the state tournament. n

St. John Neumann Knights present Monsignor Dolan Awards

Knights of Columbus Ted H. Denning Jr. Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut on May 21 gave the 2023 Monsignor Edward Dolan Award for graduating high school seniors to Paul Liulevicius and Natalie and Jack Osorio. Each met the criteria of regular Mass attendance and active participation in the liturgy, in St. John Neumann youth ministry, and in at least one community-service program. One nomination is accepted from Knoxville Catholic High School and from other high school programs. Paul Liulevicius has been a Search leader, served on the Knoxville Catholic Eucharistic Retreat leadership team, and helped fundraise for and participate in the KCHS pro-life ministry trip to Kansas City. He has been a reader at KCHS Masses, and he gave his time to tutor others for three years at KCHS. KCHS awarded Paul one of its Sedes Sapientiae Awards for outstanding senior this spring.·Natalie and Jack Osorio, sister and brother, share the second award. They have been altar servers and Search leaders. Both served as youth leaders for the SJN Challenge and Conquest programs for middle school youth. In addition, Natalie has volunteered at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center. The Ted H. Denning Jr. Council presented each recipient with a rosary, a cash award, and a recognition certificate. The council congratulates not only the recipients but also their parents, who by their in-home catechesis provided a good foundation for Christian discipleship. Pictured above are (from left) Grand Knight Walt Hanson, Natalie and Jack, Paul, and St. John Neumann pastor Father Joe Reed.

St. Joseph student receives Hecker Prize from Paulist Fathers

Father Charlie Donahue, CSP (left), pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, and associate pastor Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, have continued the Paulist

Notre Dame athletes sign with colleges

Four athletes

Notre

High

in Chattanooga signed with colleges this

Spring sports continued from page B9

by 0.19 seconds at Dean Hayes Stadium in Murfreesboro. Chloe completed the 200 dash in 24.90, defeating Lady Irish teammate Elly Jones (25.69) for the top spot. Chloe ran the 400 dash in 56.95, again edging Jaloni, this time by a tenth of a second.

“Chloe has been beyond impressive as a freshman,” said Knoxville Catholic track-and-field coach Sean O’Neil. “She raced a full indoor season and then went right in to outdoor. That makes for a long season, and she did a great job navigating her first year of high school track. The thing that impressed me most about Chloe was that nothing ever seemed to faze her. Whether she was going against high-level talent from out of state at the Eastern Relays in Kentucky or racing upperclassmen at championship meets in Tennessee, she always ran her best when it mattered most. At her first state championships, she didn’t just sweep the sprint events, she broke her own school records in the 100 and 200

and was a few hundredths away from breaking her 400 record, too.”

Keegan won the 1,600 state championship with a time of 4:17.18, nosing out Luke Thompson of Brentwood Academy (4:17.36) by less than a quarter-second for the victory.

Keegan captured the 3,200 crown with a time of 9:12.35, again beating Luke (9:13.56) for the top spot.

“Keegan had some ups and downs in the early part of the season,” Mr. O’Neil said. “We tried to simplify things and had him focus on just going out and competing. He kept getting faster and more confident, and by the time we got to the KIL, region, and state championships, he was ready for anything. The 1600 at state is probably my favorite race I’ve seen Keegan run. It was his second race of the day, so he was already tired. I could see in his face that it was not easy for him, but he battled through it to keep himself in position to win. He made all the right decisions and was able to find just enough in the last few meters to get the win.”

Keegan, who has recorded multiple distance-running wins in numerous competitions in recent years, now has a high school cross country championship title, a one-mile indoor state title, and two 1,600 state titles to go along with his 3,200 win this spring.

Knoxville Catholic track athletes posted a number of top-eight finishes in other events.

Maggie Frana recorded a staterunner-up finish in girls discus with a throw of 104 feet, 6 inches.

JR Fowler placed fifth in boys discus with an effort of 157-11 and seventh in shot put with a toss of 47-1.5.

Payton Sipos took fourth in the girls 100 hurdles with a time of 15.21 seconds and sixth in the 300 hurdles with a time of 46.78.

Kaylee Estridge came in fifth in the girls 1,600 run with a time of 5:13.27.

The Lady Irish 800 relay team of Maeva Cox, Evaiya Mitchell, Sharon Wilson, and Elly posted a time of 1:45.68 to place second, just 0.08 of a second from first. The same four-

Notre Dame seniors-to-be qualify for Chemistry Olympiad Rising seniors Ayden Dant and VyLynh Jensen of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga have qualified for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. Only 1,000 people qualified by passing a local-level exam. Ayden went on to take the National Level exam with other top students in the country.

some placed eighth in the 400 relay in 54.58 seconds. The KCHS girls 1,600 relay team of Elly, Julia Zabek, Payton, and Chloe took third place in a time of 4:06.49.

Payton placed 12th with 2,708 points and Caroline Hilliard 23rd with 1,940 points in the girls pentathlon. Payton was third in the 100 hurdles in the pentathlon, her best finish in the five-event competition.

The KCHS girls track team placed fourth overall at the state meet and the boys team 10th.

“The future is definitely bright for us,” Mr. O’Neil said. “Out of 11 athletes we had at the state track meet, only three were seniors, and five were freshmen or sophomores. We had several other freshmen and sophomores who came close to qualifying, and they should be in the mix to make it next year. JR was the only freshman to qualify for the throwing events. This was a great season for us, but I truly believe that we can build on it and have an even better season next year.” n

from

Dame

School

spring. From left are Rickey Maples Jr., who signed in football with Cumberland University; Sophia Huelskamp, cross country, Virginia Military Institute; Kenny Hammond Jr., football, Cumberland University; and Brayden Diaz, soccer, Covenant College.

Fathers’ tradition of awarding the Hecker Prize to a graduate of St. Joseph School in Knoxville. For 2023, Jacob Lockmiller wrote an outstanding essay on Isaac Hecker, Catholicism, and American identity to receive the prize.

Olivia Mroz

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER