Diocese welcomes new priests

Bishop Stika ordains Fathers Austin, Blatchford, and Crabtree in cathedral Mass

By Dan McWilliams

The Diocese of Knoxville celebrated a triple ordination June 10 as Joseph Austin, Neil Blatchford, and Andrew Crabtree became priests of God in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The front pews on both sides of the cathedral were filled with many family members of each ordinand.

Cardinal Justin Rigali attended the Mass in choir. Concelebrating priests were cathedral rector Father David Boettner; diocesan deans Father Peter Iorio, Father Michael Cummins, and Father Mark Schuster; Father Denis Robinson, OSB, president-rector of St. Meinrad Seminary; and the three ordinands themselves.

More than 33 priests—including Father Colin Blatchford, brother of Father Neil—and more than 15 deacons took part in the Mass, joined by women religious and a cathedral filled with the faithful from throughout the diocese.

Diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith was deacon of the Word. Newly ordained the Saturday before, transitional Deacon Daniel Herman was deacon of the Eucharist. Deacon Walt Otey and Deacon Hicks Armor were masters of ceremonies, and diocesan seminarian Bobby Denne assisted Bishop Stika.

This year’s ordinations brought to 59 the total number of men who have been ordained to the priesthood for the diocese since its founding in 1988 and 24 who have been ordained by Bishop Stika. It marked the fifth time that three or more priests had been ordained together and the first such occasion since 2015, when four were ordained.

The Church rejoices

“The Church of the Diocese of Knoxville, the Catholic Church of East Tennessee, rejoices in this historic moment when three of our brothers will be ordained to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the order of Melchizedek,” Bishop Stika said in his greet- ing to begin the Mass. “And just last week, another three were ordained to the diaconate, joining one other. The Church is blessed with vocations in this great diocese because of you,” the bishop added to the assembly, “for the first seminary is in homes.”

Before the homily, Deacon Smith called forth the ordinands.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

“Let those who are to be ordained priests, come forward,” he said.

As each man’s name was called, he answered “present.”

Joining the presbyterate Soon-tobe Father Andrew Crabtree is greeted by Bishop Richard F. Stika after he makes his promise of respect and obedience to the bishop. Joseph Austin (left) and Neil Blatchford await their turn.

Below, (from left) Deacons Crabtree, Blatchford, and Austin respond “present” when they are called forward.

Father Arthur Torres, diocesan director of vocations, then addressed Bishop Stika.

“Most Reverend Father, the Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these men, our broth-

Priests continued on page B2