at

Sacred Heart

Church at St. Christopher.

“We were like no, we aren’t Catholics. She said, ‘That won’t matter. I can make that happen.’ Now I think she is probably sitting up there on that cloud of witnesses saying, ‘I tried to tell you two,’” Ms. Dillard said, smiling.

And like Deacon Beaty’s father, Ms. Dillard found the ordination to be an uplifting, emotional moment in the life of the family.

“I am so proud of Bo. It has been amazing to watch his commitment and his surrender to Jesus and what He has for him on this path. My breath was taken away just watching him ordained as a deacon. I can’t wait until next year to watch him be ordained as a priest. It’s exciting,” Ms. Dillard said.

Catholic Church.

“It’s unreal. It’s something to be proud of. It is amazing what he has made himself into,” Mr. Beaty said.

Was Deacon Beaty’s call to the priesthood pre-ordained by God?

Certainly so, and his mother, Marsha Dillard, shared an interesting family story that provided a hint. She explained that the woman who helped found St. Christopher wanted the Beatys to have infant Bo christened in the Catholic

Tammy Cross said June 3 was a very emotional day for her as well, with some crying. The mother of Deacon Michael Willey described her son’s ordination as awe-inspiring.

“I have been crying. It’s just so humbling, and I’m so proud. It was an absolutely beautiful Mass,” she said.

Deacon Willey’s father shared those sentiments.

“It’s just a very proud day. It’s been a long road for him, and ers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” he said.

Bishop Stika asked, “Do you know them to be worthy?” and Father Torres replied, “After inquiry among the Christian people and upon the recommendation of those responsible, I testify that they have been found worthy.”

“Relying on the help of our Lord God and our savior, Jesus Christ, we now choose these, our brothers, for the order of priesthood,” the bishop said, and the assembly responded, “Thanks be to God.”

The priestly ordination followed a transitional diaconate ordination of three seminarians the weekend before at the cathedral. Bishop Stika has ordained four men to the transitional diaconate this year. He ordained this year’s new priests to the transitional diaconate in May 2022.

“We gathered together in this cathedral a year ago to celebrate the ordination to the diaconate, like we did last week with three new deacons who will join another, and you made promises and commitments to celibacy, to the Liturgy of the Hours, to handle the sacred mysteries, to assist the priests and the bishop, and to obedience to the Church,” the bishop said as he opened his homily. “Do you remember those moments? I hope so. Well, today, again, you stand before the Church, the Church Universal and the Church of East Tennessee, the Catholic Church in Knoxville, to again pledge your life in a magnificent way. But it’s a lot different, for now you will be given the grace to confect the sacrament of the Eucharist, to hold in your hands bread. At some point because of the grace of the Church and the words you speak, that bread becomes Jesus, and likewise with the cup because of the grace of the Church and because of those words and the intention of the Church, it becomes the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given to all the people who are here today and all the people that they represent.”

Bishop Stika then referred to a sign that is often seen in a certain part of a church.

“Many times you go into a sacristy, and you still see it, it says, ‘O priest of God, celebrate this Mass as if it was your first Mass’—which actually today is your first Mass; tomorrow is your Mass of thanksgiving—‘to celebrate it as if it was your last Mass,’ but also ‘to celebrate it as if it was your only Mass.’ So precious is the Eucharist, the summit of all we do. Last year, you underwent an ontological change. Remember? Did you feel different? Probably not, at least in your physical being, but in your spiritual life, there was a change, a blessing, a mark on your soul. Today, again, as we gather together as a church, another mark on your soul, in your essence of who you are, to be a minister of the altar, to be a witness to our faith, to follow in the order of Melchizedek, and to follow in the order of all the priests of this diocese since that day in September of 1988 when the Holy Father through the nuncio elevated this part of what was called the Diocese of Nashville up to become its own diocese, and all the priests who have been ordained since that moment, now 24 that I have been able to ordain with you.”

The bishop recalled three priests who have passed away in the year since the newly ordained priests became transitional deacons. The newly ordained will join the legacy of all those priests who came before and of those they will serve with now, the bishop said.

“Recently we lost three good priests: Father Chris Riehl just right after his 45th birthday, Monsignor Bob [Hofstetter], who made the best applesauce in the world, and Monsignor [Bill] Gahagan, who constantly said and believed what he said when he said, ‘I love you,’ and all the priests who have come before them and all the priests in this presbyterate order that you now join, men just like yourselves who said ‘present’ at one moment or twice. That’s the group that you will join. Love them and allow them to love you. Bond with them in a very special bond as you join this fraternity, this presbyterate, of men who just desire to be priests and to celebrate the sacraments.

“The other sacrament that is so vital, especially in the day and age in which we live, is the sacrament of reconciliation. And if you remember the prayer, because it’s really not a judgment that you make on another person, remember the prayer of absolution: ‘God the Father of mercy,’ not ‘God the Father of judgment’ but of mercy, for people will come to you broken and in need of healing, lost and wish to be found, struggling and wish to find peace.

“And to all of you [in the assembly], if you haven’t been to confession for a long time, it’s a grace that God gives to us, unless of course none of you are sinners. The anointing of the sick, again a beautiful sacrament in which people who may be fearful again or lost are looking for that salvific gift of God, to be united with Jesus, to be united with that Jesus who so many centuries ago brought healing of mind, of body, of spirit to others.”

Imitating Jesus

Bishop Stika said the ordinands will imitate Jesus in their priestly lives as men who teach, feed, and heal.

“As Jesus entered a village, he usually did three things. No. 1, he talked, and you will be teachers like Jesus in so many magnificent ways. You will teach by your witness of faith, you will teach by the words that you speak, you will teach by the preaching of the Gospel. You will feed, like in the Eucharist: ‘this is my body, this is my blood, given for you,’ the people of God and for you, the priests of God. And you will heal by your witness, by your presence, by the anointing of the sick.

“At some moment, too, you will be able to celebrate confirmation, like at the Easter Vigil, again invoking the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus, the same Holy Spirit that was at Pentecost, the same Holy Spirit when you confect the sacrament in that which is called the epiclesis—invoking the Holy Spirit. As a deacon you have been able to witness for the Church and for the state the sacrament of marriage. You know, so often as I have celebrated marriages in the past and now this ordination, in some ways you have the same look as a bride and a groom: a look of wonderment, a look of love. For a married couple, it’s to each other, but for you it’s the union with Je- sus, with the Father, opening yourself to the Holy Spirit.”

The bishop urged the ordinands as they lay prostrate during the Litany of the Saints, which came later in the Mass, not to forget one thing.

“Soon, during the Litany of the Saints, as I told each one of you, remember to pray for those people who have brought you to this moment: your parents, brothers and sisters, friends, and all the people around the world who pray for vocations to the priesthood,” he said. “Remember them as you abandon yourself to the Church, as you die to yourself as you did as a deacon and when you stand after that prayer of consecration and my anointing of your hands—the present moment, it’s a moment that will be with you forever.”

Bishop Stika mentioned another passing, that of Father Crabtree’s father, Robbie, which took place in November, also between the ordinands’ diaconate and priesthood Masses.

“Last year, there was a bit of sadness because our brother Andrew’s dad was in the hospital. He died, and since that moment his dad has gone home to God, but I know your dad’s present with you because you are here and your mother is here and your family is here,” the bishop said. “And you’ve got the memories of your dad, who was able to watch [the diaconate ordination] on TV, so he was present and he is present.”

The bishop joked that soon-to-be Father Neil Blatchford had “what, 33 brothers and sisters or something” at the Mass before adding in a more serious vein, “and then you have a brother who’s a priest,” which might confuse family gatherings with the parents and the sons who are priests: “Just like your mom and dad, this is Father, this is Father, and I’m the father. What a blessing. And Joseph from St. Dominic [in Kingsport], your family brings you to this moment.”

Bishop Stika closed his homily with a request for the faithful.

“My sisters and brothers, pray for these, your brothers. Pray that their ministry as a priest of Jesus Christ might always bear fruit, that they will be servants of mercy, that they will be servants of the Gospel, that they be witnesses to that Gospel, and that every time, every moment they celebrate the Eucharist, in the order of Melchizedek, that it be their first Mass, their last Mass, their only Mass. What a blessing you are now giving to this Church, my three brothers. What a blessing the Church is now giving to you. Let it prosper and flourish and be blessed. Amen.”

Ordinand examination

The bishop then led the Promise of the Elect.

“Andrew, Neil, Joseph, my sons, before you proceed to the order of the priesthood, you must declare before the people of God your resolve to undertake this office,” the bishop stated and then asked: n “Do you resolve to discharge unfailingly, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the office of priesthood in the presbyteral rank, as trusty coworkers with the order of bishops in feeding the Lord’s flock? n “Do you resolve to carry out the ministry of the Word worthily and wisely in the preaching of the Gospel and the teaching of the Catholic faith? n ”Do you resolve to celebrate the mysteries of Christ reverently and faithfully according to the tradition of the Church, especially in the sacrifice of the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation, for the praise of God and the sanctification of the Christian people? n “Do you resolve to implore with us the mercy of God for the people entrusted to you, with zeal for the commandment to pray without ceasing? n “Do you resolve to be united more closely each day to Christ the high priest, who offered Himself for us to the Father as a pure sacrifice, and with Him to consecrate yourselves to God for the salvation of all?”

The ordinands replied “I do” to the first four questions and “I do, with the help of God,” to the final one.

Bishop Stika asked each ordinand individually to “promise respect and obedience to me and my successors.” After each said, “I do,” the bishop said, “May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”

The assembly knelt as the Litany of the Saints was sung by the cathedral choir. Bishop Stika then laid his hands on each priest’s head and uttered the prayer of ordination.

The newly ordained were then vested with a stole and a chasuble—

Father Austin by Father Cummins, Father Neil Blatchford by his brother, Father Colin Blatchford, and Father Crabtree by Father David Carter.

Bishop Stika anointed the palms of each priest with chrism, telling them: “May the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.”

After the gifts were presented by Wink Crabtree and Clare Blatchford, the bishop placed them in the hands of the new priests as they knelt before him.

“Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross,” the bishop said.

Bishop Stika then offered a greeting of peace and welcome to each new priest, saying “Peace be with you,” as they responded, “And with your spirit.” All the concelebrating priests then greeted the newly ordained men.

Father Austin, Father Neil Blatchford, and Father Crabtree then joined the bishop at the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Stika referred to two acts that take place following a priestly ordination.

“There usually is a tradition where the bishop gets the first blessing from the newly ordained priests. I’ve always thought that was kind of silly,” he said. “It should be the parents. We’ll start with Andrew. Andrew, come down here—Father Andrew, I’m sorry. We invite his mom to come forward.”

The faithful who attended a reception for the new priests after Mass in the cathedral parish hall next door took part in another tradition.

“There’s also a tradition when you greet a newly ordained priest to kiss their hands. I think you get

Priests continued on page an indulgence because their newly anointed hands will be part of the confection of the Eucharist,” the bishop said.

A round of applause followed each new priest’s blessing of his parents.

Then it was the bishop’s turn for a blessing.

“Now I claim my right,” he said.

Two more traditions attend a priestly ordination, the bishop said, crediting Chancery receptionist and cathedral sacristan Dorothy Curtis for assisting with one of them.

“There’s an old tradition: after I have anointed the hands of the priests, then they cleanse their hands on a cloth, and eventually that cloth is folded, and it is placed in the casket of the mother. We’re not hurrying any of this to happen. But also in the casket of the father, there is a purple stole that is placed in the casket with him. Through the generosity of Dorothy, who works at the Chancery, they’re also embroidered with the names and with the dates, so I am grateful for that,” Bishop Stika said.

After Mass, the bishop talked of the special blessing it is for him to preside at the ordination of priests.

“Any time a bishop ordains a priest, just think of all the people who will be affected into the future. Here we have three, who are very much going to be involved in the life of the Diocese of Knoxville, all through East Tennessee. It’s always an honor for any bishop, for me, too, to ordain a priest,” he said. Home

Is The First Seminary

The bishop repeated a statement from earlier at Mass as he reflected on the moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and other relatives of the new priests who attended the liturgy.

“The family is the first seminary. The parents are such an instrumental part of what it means to be a priest. That’s why, instead of getting the first blessing, I got the second blessing,” he said.

Each new priest reflected on his new title after the ordination. Father Austin said that “‘Father Joseph’ sounds wonderful.” Father Blatchford said that “‘Father Neil’ sounds pretty good.”

The newly ordained Father Blatchford said he will use his first name with his title, having a brother who is a priest.

“People have been calling me Father Neil and Father Blatchford, but since I have a brother in the diocese, they’ve joked about the lesser and the greater, but I think I’m going to go with ‘Father Neil,’” he said.

Father Crabtree said that “‘Father

Andrew’ sounds terrifying and exciting. There’s so much responsibility but so much beautiful responsibility, and I look forward to just giving myself to the people of God in Knoxville.”

Father Austin said the most moving part of the ordination Mass was the Litany of the Saints as he remembered what he called Bishop Stika’s “touching” words to “think about family who’s gotten you to the point where you’re at in making this transition into the priesthood. It was really moving to me because we’re asking for the help of the saints in heaven, but at the same time we need the prayers of the people here on earth to be praying for us.”

His parents, Rhett and Shirley Austin of St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport, and his family were “absolutely pivotal” in his vocation, Father Austin said. “I’m a cradle Catholic. Faith has always been the most important thing for the family.”

Father Colin Blatchford said he was “excited” over his brother becoming a priest after his many years in seminary.

“It’s really exciting and fulfilling. I’ve been with him my whole life. He decided this about nine years ago, and to watch him go through the whole process—I was almost more excited seeing all this come together than I was for my own,” he said.

Father Colin said he hopes he had an influence on his brother’s vocation.

“He definitely believes so, and I hope that following the Lord’s call helped lead to that,” he said.

Father Colin serves Courage International Apostolate, doing pastor outreach to those with same-sex attraction or gender-identity discordance who are trying to live their Catholic faith. He is based in Connecticut, “but I travel all over the world to take care of that,” he said.

The bishop may have joked about his many siblings, but to Father Neil Blatchford his family’s presence at the ordination “just meant the world.”

“The family is so foundational to my priesthood and what it built up from. Without them here and without their foundation, I would not be here, so it means the world to me that they’re here,” he said.

Father Neil used one word to describe his brother, Father Colin’s, influence on his vocation.

“Profound, to say the least. He was there at my side all the way through seminary in the hard times and in the easy times as well. He never hesitated to help me along the way. He helped me with things I didn’t know that he knew going through seminary. It made it more of a relaxing breeze instead of a lot of shocks along the way and stumbles and all that kind of stuff. It was huge,” he said.

Father Neil’s parents are Tim and Virginia Blatchford, now of Gastonia, N.C.

“I originally grew up in Chattanooga at St. Stephen, so that’s where I grew up and received my first Communion,” the new priest said.

Father Crabtree said the ordination Mass was “such a blur.”

“Up until after the rite of ordination, I was able to sit down for just a second before the Eucharist and listen to the music and just kind of accept and understand what had taken place with me and what had just happened right before. It was very moving, and I was weeping. It was just that small little break to think and pray and be thankful to God for what had just happened,” he said.

Having his family present for the Mass “was so moving,” he said.

“I’m a convert, so most of my family, the vast majority of my family, are Protestant. Having them here, not completely understanding what’s happening, is so beautiful and meaningful for them to just be so supportive and loving and prayerful for me throughout this journey,” Father Crabtree said.

Despite their not being Catholic, his family “absolutely” influenced his vocation, he added.

“They would never say, ‘You know, I want you to be a Catholic priest,’ but they encouraged me to be a good, holy man of God and to really pursue that, and this is where I’ve ended up because of that,” Father Crabtree said.

While his mom, Janice Crabtree, attended the ordination Mass, Father Crabtree said his late father saw it as well. He placed a picture of Robbie Crabtree in the cathedral hall where he offered blessings to those attending the reception after Mass.

“I brought a picture of him. He’s over there on my table. I know he’s looking down on me. He was really proud. He told me right before he died how proud he was of me, and that really meant a lot coming from him,” said Father Crabtree.

Father Crabtree, who has played bass in the Christian rock band Calling Glory that has had hits on the Billboard Christian charts, was recently featured in Our Sunday Visitor

Each new priest celebrated his Mass of thanksgiving June 11 in his home parish: Father Austin at St. Dominic, Father Blatchford at the cathedral, and Father Crabtree at St. Mary in Athens.

The new priests recently received their first assignments from the bishop. In two assignments that became effective July 1, Father Austin began serving as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa and Father Blatchford as parochial vicar of St. Mary in Oak Ridge. Father Crabtree began assisting at the cathedral July 1 and will remain there through Aug. 6 before he becomes parochial vicar at St. Dominic on Aug. 7. ■

Deacons continued from page it’s finally coming to conclusion. I’m very proud of him and all my kids,” Richard Willey said.

The ordination took on a special vocational significance for the Herman family.

Deacon Joe Herman, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate last year at the cathedral and now serves at his home parish, St. Anthony of Padua in Mountain City, assisted Bishop Stika as deacon of the Word during the Mass.

And he vested his son during the part of the liturgy where the new deacons first put on their diaconate vestments.

During the ordination Mass, Bishop Stika joked that the next year will be interesting in the Herman household.

“There’s going to be a little confusion in Mountain City. If someone calls up and says, ‘We’d like to speak to Deacon Herman.’ We’re going to have a fight. ‘That’s me. No, that’s me.’ And then next year, Deacon Herman the father will have to say, ‘Father Herman, how are you today?’ I bet he’s a little nervous. But there is joy in his eyes,” Bishop Stika remarked.

Deacon Daniel Herman said it feels somewhat overwhelming to be called “deacon” because he still has so much work to do.

“As a deacon, there is a lot of work involved in serving the people of God. I see that as a calling and a mission. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity,” he said as the thanked Jesus Christ for instituting the diaconate and for allowing him to serve as a deacon. He also thanked his family and friends, his church family at St. Anthony of Padua, and the staff at St. Meinrad.

The ordination Mass let Deacon Daniel know that something he has prayed so fervently for can come about.

“This has been a dream come true. This is an answered prayer, a lot of prayers from family and friends, and from my small parish in Mountain City, St. Anthony of Padua. It doesn’t seem real that this day has finally come. … There have been a lot of people behind our formation, and I feel like God has truly prepared them to prepare us,” he said.

And as for the family situation, the ordinand said now that he is a deacon, he gets to see his father from a unique perspective.

“It’s good. Now I get to see my father in a whole new light. At home, he’s my father, and the fourth commandment says to love my father and my mother and to honor them. At the same time, he’s my brother, someone I can rely on in more ways than I would if he wasn’t a deacon,” Deacon Daniel said. “Bishop Stika calls the home the first seminary. From the time I was born, my father instilled a love of God, a love for prayer, and the duty one has for faith.”

Deacons Daniel and Joe agree that their mother and wife, Lucia, deserves much of the credit for the richness of faith in their family.

“Our faith and attending Mass were always a priority to us. My wife was very instrumental and was very strong in her faith. She deserves a lot of the credit,” Deacon Joe said, noting that he and his wife are blessed. “It’s a very proud moment to say the least. We feel so blessed. I know he’s worked very hard to do this, but most importantly he has followed God’s calling.”

Deacon Joe doesn’t see any confusion about who is who for the next year.

“At home, it probably will continue to be dad and Danny. But at Mass or around church it will definitely be Deacon Daniel,” he noted.

Meeting the ordinands

The ordinands processed into the cathedral along with Bishop Stika, more than 20 priests, and some 20 fellow deacons from the diocese. Cardinal Justin Rigali served in choir during the Mass.

Bishop Stika greeted the families of the ordinands to begin Mass as well as the congregation that included friends and supporters of the young men.

“The Church of the Diocese of Knoxville, scattered throughout all the counties of East Tennessee, this day again celebrates a historic moment in which three men have been called by God Himself to become transitional deacons, the last stage before priesthood next year. We are grateful for all those who have brought us to this moment, especially their families,” Bishop Stika said.

Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, called for the deacon candidates to step forward toward the altar at which time Donald Bocephus Beaty, Daniel Joseph Herman, and Michael Daniel Willey responded “present.”

Then Father Arthur Torres, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga and director of vocations for the diocese, asked

Bishop Stika and the Church to ordain the men to the diaconate.

Bishop Stika responded: “Father Arthur, do you know them to be worthy?”

Father Torres answered: “After inquiry among the Christian people and upon recommendation of those concerned with their formation, I testify that they have been found worthy.”

Bishop Stika then said, “Relying on the help of our Lord, God, and savior, Jesus Christ, we now choose these, our brothers, for the order of the diaconate. Thanks be to God.”

In his homily, Bishop Stika introduced the ordinands to the assembly but also to the diocese and beyond.

“You just said ‘present.’ You presented yourselves, my brothers, to the whole Church. Not just the Church in this cathedral, or the Church in the Diocese of Knoxville, but to the whole Church universal scattered throughout the world.

“Your life has brought you to this moment, a moment that God always knew because He’s here (pointing to his heart), and maybe in the mystery of life and experiences you could never have fathomed years ago,” Bishop Stika said.

Bishop Stika then spoke about each ordinand.

“So, we have Bo, a product of St. Christopher Parish in Jamestown who began his journey in Jamestown and eventually converted to the Catholic Church. He is the only Catholic in his family. We welcome his family with open hearts because we still believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Bo began his journey at CarsonNewman in terms of faith, where one day he stopped by St. Patrick Church in Morristown, and eventually he met up with Monsignor (Patrick) Garrity, who Bo attributes to instilling in him a sense of vocation to the priesthood. And so began a very warm friendship. But it wasn’t only Monsignor. Father Michael Sweeney, who has the distinction of pastoring three parishes and drives hundreds of miles to celebrate Mass with people at St. Christopher in Jamestown, St. Ann in Lancing, as well as his parish in Harriman, Blessed Sacrament. Bo worked at McDonald’s, to which I have contributed a great deal of money over the years. Bo, you present yourself before God,” the bishop continued.

He then turned to Daniel Herman and Michael Willey.

“Now Danny, also a product of a smaller parish in Mountain City, Tenn. He has the distinction of having his father as my deacon here today. He was ordained last year. Danny is a true product of Mountain City. He played football and was involved,” the bishop said. “Eventually, he entered the United States Navy to be a pilot. But for a reason, God called him to this moment, with all of his experiences and all of his joys with his family.”

“We also have Michael, a product of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland. Michael studied philosophy at St. Louis University, where I attended, before he was planning to come into the seminary. He received his degree, and he is very talented with languages. I have learned that Michael did not waste any time during COVID. He began to fall in love with kayaking,” he added.

Understanding the office

As the Rite of Ordination for deacons continued, Bishop Stika reminded the congregation that a deacon’s role “is to be a minister of charity, to be a minister of the Gospel who has that privilege of preaching and proclaiming the Gospel, to celebrate at wakes and funerals, baptisms, beautiful sacraments, but to represent the bishop, to represent the Church, to represent the people of God in sacramental ways, but also the witness by how they choose to live their lives.”

He said the deacons will commit to faithfully praying the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the official daily prayer of the Church, to join with the Church throughout the world in praying the Psalms, to pray through intercessory prayer, and to celebrate the feast days.

Bishop Stika also instructed the assembly on celibacy as a part of the men’s ordination.

“They will also make a commitment to celibacy, which is sometimes so misunderstood. Celibacy is giving one’s life to the Church. It’s not just chastity, but it’s celibacy. As I have been reminding people over the 14 years that I have been here, if you forget to pray, if you forget to focus on Jesus, if you forget the sacramental understanding of who you are as deacons and as priests, down the road you will cease to be a celibate, maybe a name only, but you could become just a cranky old bachelor who demands of others what you should

Deacons continued on page B5 be giving to them. Prayer is the root and foundation of celibacy as you give your life to the Church,” the bishop said.

Bishop Stika instructed the ordinands on the vow of obedience that deacons and priests take, which extends to the bishop and beyond.

“You will promise respect and obedience to me and my successors. What does that mean? What that means is you will promise obedience to the Church, and respect to the Church, to me and my successors, but through me and through my successors to the Church and to the people of God, who will continue to teach you about what it means to be a man of faith and a man of God, to be the sacramental presence in their lives,” Bishop Stika advised the ordinands.

He also cautioned the young men against thinking their formal education is coming to an end as they prepare to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the altar. Seminary is at least a four-year commitment before ordination to the priesthood depending on the coursework a seminarian undertakes.

“You may think, ‘Oh, thank goodness. The seminary is almost finished.’ No, your life begins anew. For the people of God will now be your professors, and the grade will be how they choose then to respond to your message. The deacon serves at the altar to assist the ministers, the priests, and the bishops. There’s nothing more fundamental. As the Church reminds us in Vatican II, the Eucharist itself is the summit of everything we believe in. It is the glue that binds us together in the love of Jesus Christ, in the love of His Father, inspired by the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop shared that he has now ordained 24 men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Knoxville, reminding the ordinands that in a year they will join that list.

“So, I say to you, thank you. Thank you for this radical change in your life. A radical change. An ontological change. A beautiful change in your life. Thank you in the name of all the people of God,” Bishop Stika told the newest members of the Diocese of Knoxville diaconate.

Deacon Beaty has been assigned to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus when he is not in school for his last year at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Ind. Deacon Herman, who also is studying at St. Meinrad, has been assigned to St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville. Deacon Willey, who is studying at St. Meinrad, too, has been assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Morristown.

Bishop Stika concluded his homily by saying when the young men are ordained as priests in 2024, “the totality of your lives is now given to the Church. What a blessing. What a grace. And what a gift. Amen. Alleluia!”

Bishop Stika then proceeded with the examination phase of the Rite of Ordination, the

Promise of the Elect.

“My dear sons, Bo, Danny, and Michael, before you proceed to the Order of the Diaconate you must declare before the people your resolve to undertake this office. So, I ask you: n “Do you resolve to be consecrated for the ministry of the Church through the laying on of my hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit? n “Do you resolve to discharge with humble charity the office of the diaconate so as to assist the priestly order and to benefit the Christian people? n “Do you resolve to hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, as the apostle says, and to proclaim the faith by word and deed according to the Gospel and the Church’s tradition? n “Those of you who are prepared to embrace the celibate state, do you resolve to keep this commitment perpetually as a sign of the dedication of your life to Christ the Lord for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and in service to God and others? n “Do you resolve to guard and increase the spirit of prayer proper to your way of life, and in keeping with this spirit and the circumstances of your life, to celebrate faithfully the Liturgy of the Hours with and for the people of God and indeed for the whole world? n “Do you resolve to conform your manner of life always to the example of Christ, whose Body and Blood you will handle at the altar?”

Each man responded “I do” or “I do with the help of God” to each question.

During the Litany of the Saints the deacon candidates prostrated themselves before the altar.

The candidates then knelt before Bishop Stika one at a time, placed their hands in Bishop Stika’s hands, and when asked by the bishop if they promise respect and obedience to him and his successors, responded “I do.”

Bishop Stika replied after each “I do,” “May God, who has begun this good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”

Prayer of Ordination

Bishop Stika then gave the Prayer of Ordination and led the congregation in a prayer for the diaconate candidates, saying, “Dearly beloved, that God, the almighty Father, will in His mercy pour out the grace of His blessing on these His servants, whom he is pleased to receive into the sacred Order of the Diaconate.

“Grant, O Lord, to your servants, whom you have replenished with heavenly food and drink, that for the sake of your glory and the salvation of believers, they may be found faithful as ministers of the Gospel, of the sacraments, and of charity. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

Following the Prayer of Ordination, the ordinands became deacons.

At this point in the liturgy, the investiture took place with the diaconal stole and dalmatic.

Deacon Beaty was vested by Father Sweeney. Deacon Willey was vested by Deacon Steve Ratterman, who serves at St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland. After Deacon Joe Herman vested his son, they shared a long embrace.

Bishop Stika led the congregation in a closing prayer for the new deacons:

“May God, who has called you to the service of others in His Church, give you great zeal for all, especially the afflicted and the poor. May He, who has entrusted you with preaching the Gospel of Christ, help you as you live according to His Word to be a sincere and fervent witness. May He, who has appointed you stewards of His mysteries, make you imitators of His Son, Jesus Christ, and ministers of unity and peace in this world. Amen”

“What a great day it is in the history of the Diocese of Knoxville, for once again, like I have in the past 14 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of ordaining transitional deacons who will be priests next year. These three men join an additional deacon who was ordained earlier this year, and next year we will have four new priests,” the bishop said.

“This is a joyful time for the diocese to have four men who are willing to give service to the Church for the rest of their lives,” he added.

Deacons Willey, Herman, and Beaty join Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez, who Bishop Stika ordained to the transitional diaconate in Mexico on Jan. 22. Deacon Suarez, who is in seminary in Mexico, is serving at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga this summer. ■

Chattanooga Deanery

Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy

Pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht will lead a book study on “The Time Is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage” by Sister Joan Chittister from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22. The study will end with a brown-bag lunch that will continue the discussion. The book is about prophetic spirituality offering the tradition that begins with the prophets in sacred Scripture. Register by calling the church at 423-332-5300.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga

The sixth annual tea party in honor of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi for the Mother Kevin Children Fund was held June 10 at OLPH. Those attending had an opportunity to meet the Sisters, hear about the children they help, and consider sponsoring a child or making a donation. The Sisters live and work among the poorest in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. One of their many endeavors is rescuing and educating vulnerable street children, orphans, and children living in slums. Donations may be made to Little Sisters of St. Francis, Attention: Sister Lilia Kagendo, LSOSF, P.O. Box 25064, Brooklyn, NY 11202.

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain

The parish celebrated the 40th anniversary of priestly ordination of pastor Father John Dowling with cake and other treats at a reception following the 10:30 a.m. Mass on June 18. Look for a story on Father Dowling’s anniversary in the August issue of The East Tennessee Catholic.

A 10-week Bible study on “Ephesians and More,” written by Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea, will be held at 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays beginning July 12 in the parish life center. Contact Michael or Helen Hart at 305-342-5490 or helenhartfl@gmail.com

The first St. Augustine Feast Day Hoedown will take place Saturday, Aug. 26.

St. Bridget, Dayton

Pastor Father Jim Vick held another “short course” Bible study on June 20 and 27 on the subject of “The Creed— What We Believe.”

The St. Bridget Women’s Council hosted a “Father’s Day/Father Jim Ordination Anniversary” potluck following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on June 17. The council also celebrated May and June birthdays at a June 22 luncheon at Carabelle’s in Dayton.

St.

Jude, Chattanooga

The parish will honor pastor Father Charlie Burton’s 43rd anniversary of priestly ordination with a noon potluck luncheon Tuesday, July 11, following Mass at 11:15 a.m.

All those who have made a Cursillo weekend and those who are interested in making a weekend are invited to an Ultreya at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, in the parish life center. Ian Buttigieg will be the speaker.

A Cheers for the Years Luau was held June 24 for “young at heart” members of the parish. The event also wished a farewell to director of religious education Kyra King after 13 years with the parish. She is going back to St. Jude School to teach.

The parish thanked Jane Anne Seale for providing snacks for the Hospital Hospitality ministry for May.

St. Mary, Athens

Pastor Father John Orr celebrated a special Mass on June 26 to mark the feast day of St. Josemaría Escrivá.

St. Mary recognized its graduating seniors for this year: Itzy Ayala-Rentiera, Allen Casey, Ethan Domzalski, Braeln Mora, Alejandor Stambury, Mia Suarez, and Anny Luz Vargas.

The Knights of Columbus congratulated Ed Fiegle for being named Knight of the month for April. Mr. Fiegle is active in the Knights council and parish, and he has helped with the parish grounds by spreading mulch and has assisted with the April fish fry.

Confirmandi: John Peter Mazzei, Samantha Dodge, Skye Isabella Garcia, Angelique Pantoja Ramirez, Sofia Suarez, Andrea Cornejo, Sarahi Cornejo, Alex Ademe Montano, Julian Arrequin, Brallan (Brian) Mora, Braeln M. Mora, Jacqueline McGarry, Erik Campos, Elwood Castellanos, Cesar Garcia Jr.

Newcomers: Louie Mabutas, Felicia Neumeyer and Nathan St. Stephen, Chattanooga

The St. Stephen Sewing Ministry meets at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays to make prayer blankets for the sick in the community. As of June 19, the ministry had given away 199 blankets. The blankets are blessed by pastor Father Manuel Pérez as parishioners hold them. To learn more about the group, call Mary Hess at 423-255-4995.

A number of youth events are scheduled Wednesdays in July, including “Chalk the Walk” on July 12, Beach Blanket Bingo on July 19, and a “Music & Movement Night” on July 26. Vacation Bible school follows on July 31.

The Knights of Columbus congratulated Roger Qualey for being named Knight of the month and Chuck and Jamie Goodhard as family of the month.

Sharon Vannucci was the honoree at the Ladies Recognition Tea on June 13.

The Knights sponsored an outing to the Chattanooga Lookouts’ baseball game June 16 against the Rocket City (Huntsville, Ala.) Trash Pandas. Those attending sat in an air-conditioned suite and were able to partake of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, home fries, baked beans, pasta salad, dessert, tea, and lemonade.

Anniversaries: John and Lynda Diprima (59), Donald and Anita Johnson (59), Joe and Cathy Burriesci (55), Edgar and Marielu Lopez (45), Richard and Cheryl Ridder (35), Dave and Michelle Pestillo (30), Brian and Paula Zeh (30), Robert and Maureen Streko (20), Omar Roberto Alvarez Bermudez and Irma Carina Lopez Palomino (15), Trace and Elizabeth Cline (5)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville

A Fulton Sheen Society meeting took place June 24 in the parish hall. Speaker Dr. Thomas Maurer talked about “History and Development of Church Architecture: Apostolic Age to the 13th Century.” Dr. Maurer was a PhD student at the University of Tennessee and will begin as a professor of history at Ave Maria University in the fall.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The ladies group hosted a Father’s Day brunch on June 18 following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

The parish has prayer blankets available. Those who would like a blanket for a loved one or friend in need of prayers for healing should contact the office at 865-882-9838 or blessed sacramentoffice@gmail.com

The ladies group has a monthly food drive to support the Hands of Mercy Food Bank that services Harriman and Kingston.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

A Knights of Columbus Silver Rose program in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe took place at the 8 a.m. Mass on May 25.

The parish has a new ministry, the Angel Team. The “angel” is there to guide new parishioners and introduce them to all aspects of the parish family. For more information, call Kathy Small at 931-210-4348.

On first Mondays, a Communion service is held followed by a rosary for the

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Meals on Wheels volunteers of St. Mary-Athens recognized

The Meals on Wheels volunteers of St. Mary Parish in Athens were honored recently in a luncheon at the Etowah Senior Center. St. Mary has provided volunteers for this program for more than 50 years. From left are Gail Buckley, Lois Preece, Helen Dionne, Hugh Reed, Connie Reed, Priscille Stuckey, Marilyn Langdon, Jim Langdon, Thelma Pikciunas, Tom Pikciunas, and Marie McCartney. Not pictured are Lou Dionne, Connie Guthrie, Rose Midkiff, and Diane Schwartz.

Bishop confirms youth at St. Bridget

Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed 16 youth April 19 at St. Bridget Church in Dayton. From left are (front row) Jesus López, Bishop Stika, Adalyn López, Allison Santiago, and pastor Father Jim Vick; (middle row) altar server Juan Velez, Juan Pablo Sanchez, Nathaniel Skubisz, Adan Plata, Jackson Wente, Leah Reyna, Arianna Martinez, Alyson Ramos, and Ayleen Sanchez; and (back row) Angel de Jesus Ramos, Jase Farmer, Jacob Martinez, Alexsander Piña, Bruce Ramos, and altar server Omar Ayala.

Ten receive first Holy Communion at St. Michael the Archangel

Ten children celebrated their first Holy Communion on May 7 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Erwin. Receiving the sacrament were Angela Guadalupe Munez Negrete, Isabella Sofia Silva Acevedo, Jacqueline Cecena, Arriana Lizbeth Cecena, Sofia Carolina Perez, Oscar Guadalupe Soto, Adrian Rene Carrillo, Alejandro Torres Betancourt, Carlos Alfredo Mendoza Lomeli, and Cecilia Jasmine Reynoso. COURTESY

The 14th annual Irish Fest on the Hill is set for 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Knoxville. The event features live Irish music, kids activities, and Irish food including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pies, and Reuben sandwiches as well as hot dogs and hamburgers. Volunteers are needed, and service hours are available for students for setup, cleanup, food prep and sales, the admission gate, kids’ activities, and more. For more information on positions and times, contact Beth Wolf at 865-6790535 or beth7137@att.net. The Irish Fest committee is accepting auction items and sponsorships. For more information, contact Becky Birdwell at birdwellent@bellsouth.net

Catholic in Recovery is a program that meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the St. Anne Room/Knights of Columbus building at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. Catholic in Recovery provides healing from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction are also encouraged to attend. Meetings combine the spiritual principles of 12-step recovery and the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Join others in recovery as participants overlap Scripture from Sunday’s Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. Healing is available for alcoholism; drug addiction; disordered eating; technology addiction; lust/ pornography addiction; control, fear, resentment, and grief; adult children of dysfunctional homes; and family members impacted by addiction. For more information, visit www.catholicin recovery.com or contact Beth at 714651-2008, Ed at 865-599-4823, or Jena at tricities.tn.cir@gmail.com

The relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) will be exposed at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. A Mass in honor of Padre Pio will be celebrated at noon. The relics are part of a touring exhibition of the Saint Pio Foundation, which is dedicated to the promotion of the spiritual charism of Padre Pio. Contact the cathedral at 865-588-0249 or shcathedral@shc knox.org for additional information.

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

A Living the Beatitudes retreat is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 25-27 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, N.C. The retreat is an invitation to ponder the paradox of the Beatitudes in one’s own life and experience how they can be used to receive God’s blessing, immerse one’s life in God’s blessing, and become a blessing to the world. The weekend includes thoughtful meditations, practical applications, and time to reflect on the sacred spaces and beautiful trails, plus Mass, adoration, confession, and more. Visit catholicconference.org/ beatitude/ for more details.

Holy Fire Nashville, a day of talks, praise and worship, and Mass for middle-schoolers, is set for 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Participants are invited to travel together with others from the Diocese of Knoxville. More details coming soon. Visit dio- knox.org/events/holy-fire-2023 for updates.

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 $50 for individuals, $70 for married couples, and $80 for families. Clergy and religious are guests of the conference but need to register. 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

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 Washington 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, Deacon 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

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St. Jude in Chattanooga celebrates 33rd anniversary of Father Waraksa St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga celebrated the 33rd anniversary of priestly ordination for associate pastor Father Alex Waraksa with a luncheon on May 25. Father Waraksa was the first priest ordained for service in the Diocese of Knoxville. His ordination was May 26, 1990. Above, Father Waraksa (left) is pictured with St. Jude pastor Father Charlie Burton.

Six receive first Communion at St. Bridget

Six children received their first Holy Communion on May 3 at St. Bridget Church in Dayton. From left are (front) Dominick Lucio Monreal, Loriah Esperanza Reyna, and Jack Major Robinson and (back) Dayana Guadalupe López García, Angelo Manuel Pina, and Meilani Guadalupe López García.

Seven confirmed at St. Elizabeth

Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed seven students May 27 at the vigil Mass for Pentecost at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton. With the bishop are (from left) Declan Burke, Deacon Rich Carner, Princess Torres, Mariana Mendez, Ben Shutko, Carl Johnson, Grace Artz, Lux Bienaime, and pastor Father Dennis Kress.

Silver Rose service held at St. Joseph the Worker

St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville held a Silver Rose prayer service May 3 in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Knights of Columbus council, together with pro-life parishioners, joined for the prayers. Father Julius Abuh, pastor, received a Silver Rose presented to him by deputy Grand Knight Francisco Lemus. The group processed into the church for the service. The Knights instituted the Silver Rose, which also includes Pledge for Life cards. The journey of the Silver Rose begins in the United States each year in March. Both the rose and the cards will arrive at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for her feast day Dec. 12.