Aug. 7, 2016, ET Catholic

This issue

He dwells among us ................ 2 Diocesan calendar ................. 23 Deanery news ........................ 24 La Cosecha ......... center pullout

The East Tennessee

Catholic schools......................32 Columns...................................38 Virtus training...........................40

August 7, 2016 Volume 25 Number 6 Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville • Visit us at dioknox.org or etcatholic.org

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Servant of God Sainthood for Fr. Ryan under review

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50 years a priest Fr. Michael Woods marks milestone outdoors

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Have mercy St. Vincent de Paul Society offers aid

Diocese mourns loss of Hispanic Ministries Director Lourdes Garza Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali lead funeral Mass as regional, national Latino communities pay tribute to Chancery official

By Bill Brewer aria de Lourdes Garza, the Diocese of Knoxville’s director of Hispanic Ministry since 2004 who passed away July 9 at age 63 after a long, courageous battle with cancer, was remembered at a Mass of Christian Burial as a bridgebuilder who tirelessly served the local, regional, and national Hispanic communities.

She also was remembered as a faithful servant of God who experienced redemptive suffering in the last years of her life, offering up her pain to God for others, and who lived by the personal credo “Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika encouraged everyone attending the funeral Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be like

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Lourdes Garza, to “be a pontiff.”

The bishop noted that Ms. Garza had a special devotion to one pontiff, St. John Paul II, and explained that the word “pontiff” means bridge-builder, a term he emphasized to describe Ms. Garza.

Bishop Stika, who celebrated the Mass on July 15, praised Ms. Garza for her work to help grow the Hispanic community in East Tennessee and nationally. Joining the bishop for the Mass of Christian Burial were some 20 diocesan priests and nearly two dozen deacons and women religious. Cardinal Justin Rigali concelebrated the Mass.

Father Arthur Torres Barona, associate pastor of Sacred Heart, translated the bishop’s homily Ms. Garza continued on page 8 The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord Lourdes

Garza, director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Knoxville, is being remembered across East Tennessee and around the country as a tireless servant of God in the Hispanic community and a bridge-builder who worked to bring people of different cultures and languages together through compassion and a common faith.

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop’s schedule

Jesus, where are you?

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

In life’s storms when we feel overwhelmed, Christ is present in surprising ways

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occasionally come across an inspirational quote or story on Facebook that I like to share. One such story, written in poetic form, speaks of how God sometimes allows us to experience more than we can actually handle.

With all the recent tragedies dominating the news, particularly in Dallas, and with the recent loss of my brother, Larry, and my two friends from St. Louis, Mike Stillman and Randy George, and that of my dear co-worker on the Chancery staff, Lourdes Garza, I also have found myself asking God, “Where are you, Lord, when we need you?”

Though we “walk by faith and not by sight,” as St. Paul reminds us, we long for evidence that Jesus is near. The human emotion that cries out to God “Why?” is expressed in a number of the Psalms that the Church prays daily in the Liturgy of the Hours. The pinnacle of this anguished cry is captured in Psalm 22, which Christ cried out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:1).

But does God truly leave us to ourselves in our most dire time of need?

We all want to be assured that

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

Follow Bishop Stika on Twitter @bishopstika and on Facebook for news and events from the diocese God is always with us, especially during the most difficult times in our life. But like the two occasions when the apostles feared for their lives upon the stormy sea (Mark 4:35-41 and 6:45-52), Christ sometimes seems to be sleeping through our ordeal, or to even be passing us by.

At times such as these, our cries echo those of the apostles as we struggle to awaken Jesus to our dire situation — “Do you not care that we are perishing?” At other times, we struggle to recognize Jesus’ presence as He approaches us over the deep and mighty waters, causing us to ask, “Lord, is it really you?”

Sometimes the very things we think are preventing us from seeing God (like the storm and the turbulent sea that hide Jesus’ presence) are the very means by which He draws nearer to us. The Lord addresses us “out of the storm,” as He did Job (Job 38), and He comes to us

across the tears of our life, inviting us to step out of our familiar boat to a new level of trust in Him. In this moment of history, there are storms all around us: a war against our faith and religious freedom; violent attacks on the sanctity of human life, the sacred bond of marriage and the family; storms of hatred and division that incite riots and murder; a fierce persecution of Christians by ISIS; and a torrent of suffering from illness and pain in both body and soul.

Where is Jesus? Why does He allow the storms to keep raging?

Why does He wait so long, sometimes until the “fourth watch of the night,” before He makes His presence known?

Jesus wants us to have complete trust and confidence in Him, no matter what the circumstances, no matter how we feel, or what is going on inside or outside of us. As part of our growth and testing, Jesus allows storms to arise and darkness to descend upon us. We may or may not be able to see Him. If we do, He might be asleep.

Sometimes Jesus doesn’t allow

The East Tennessee

Aug. 4-7: Seminarian retreat at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center Aug. 9: Meeting with Brother Reginald Cruz, Roman Postulator for the Cause of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan, at the Chancery Aug. 9-10: Province meeting in Louisville Aug. 11: Meeting with deans of the diocese Aug. 13: 11 a.m., Celebration of Marriage Mass at St. Mary Church in Johnson City Aug. 14: 9:30 a.m., bilingual Mass in celebration of St. Dominic Church’s 75th jubilee Aug. 19: Meeting with Catholic Relief Services regional director and communications officer at the Chancery Aug. 20: Ministries Day at All Saints Church in Knoxville Aug. 21: 5:30 p.m., Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee rock party at the home of Tom and Pat Shannon Aug. 23-24: Senior leadership retreat Aug. 25: 10 a.m., Opening school Mass of the Holy Spirit at Knoxville Catholic High School Aug. 26: 10 a.m., Topping-out

Schedule continued on page 41

Bishop continued on page 37

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Bill Brewer Editor

Dan McWilliams

Emily Booker

Assistant editor Communications Anyone who has actual knowlspecialist edge of or who has reasonable 805 S. Northshore Drive • Knoxville, TN 37919 The Diocese of Knoxville cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published bi-monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. civil authorities first, then to the The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or in the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. ■

2 August 7, 2016

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Vatican investigating cause for Father Patrick Ryan sainthood Diocese of Knoxville initiates inquiry of renowned priest who served in Chattanooga more than 100 years ago

By Jim Wogan

■ Pastor:

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Chattanooga, 1872-1878 ■ Status: Servant of God ■ Born: 1845 in County Tipperary, Ireland ■ Died: Sept. 28, 1878 in Chattanooga during yellow fever outbreak ■ Buried: Mount Olivet Cemetery ■ Cause for Sainthood: Contact Vice Postulator for the Cause for Father Patrick Ryan, Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano, 423-266-1618, or deacongaspar@me.com “The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.” –– Inscription on Fr. Ryan’s grave

The East Tennessee Catholic

A saint in our midst? Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga shows where Father Patrick Ryan is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

mercially successful city — in 1872.

The Catholic Church in Chattanooga at that time was growing, and Father Ryan was helping lead the effort. Everything seemed good until 1878, when the region was hit with yellow fever. An estimated 12,000 people fled the city. Figures on the number of people who died from the disease vary, but one thing is certain — Father Ryan was among its victims.

Father Ryan contracted the viral disease while administering to the sick. The young priest died on Sept. 28, 1878.

“Here we have a priest who could very easily have fled the city, or stayed away from the areas that were afflicted with the ravages of the yellow fever,” said Father David Carter, the rector of Sts. Peter and Paul. “But following an impulse of great charity, Father Ryan went into those places, stayed, and ministered to the people that contracted the disease, and died from it while ministering to his people in a very heroic way.”

A casual conversation between Father Carter and a deacon assigned to the basilica led to an astonishing suggestion: perhaps Father Ryan should be con-

JIM WOGAN

Father Patrick Ryan

JIM WOGAN

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he Catholic Church of East Tennessee may have a saint in its midst.

An investigation recently initiated by Bishop Richard F. Stika and the Diocese of Knoxville is focused on the life and death of Father Patrick J. Ryan, a respected priest who served in Chattanooga more than 100 years ago.

In its early stages, the case for Father Ryan is compelling, and officials at the Vatican have expressed encouragement. But the making of a saint isn’t easy.

It involves countless hours of research and requires demanding scrutiny by those doing the investigation. Proof of a virtuous life and adherence to Catholic beliefs are just two of the requirements.

The confirmation of two miracles, credited to the person being considered for sainthood, is mandatory. And of course, final approval, in the form of canonization, comes from a highly placed Church official: the Vicar of Christ, the pope.

Father Ryan was born in Ireland in 1845. After his family emigrated to the United States, he grew up in New York City before attending seminary in Missouri.

In 1869, Father Ryan was ordained a priest in Nashville. He first served the Church in Clarksville.

His biography, published by the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, says Father Ryan’s “prudence and priestly zeal” caught the attention of Nashville Bishop P.A. Feehan, who moved the young priest to Chattanooga—a vibrant and com-

Making their case Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano and

Father David Carter hold a Father Ryan prayer card.

sidered for sainthood. ”I said to Father David, it just popped into my mind, what about us working on canonization for Father Patrick J. Ryan,” Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano said.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Father Ryan continued on page 12 August 7, 2016 3

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50 years a priest

Golden jubilee of ordination Mass at All Saints Church marks milestone for Father Michael Woods

The East Tennessee Catholic

kind of evil.”

With the congregation sprawled across the All Saints lawn closest to the church, dressed coolly amid 90-plus-degree temperatures and sitting in lawn chairs covered by portable canopies and umbrellas to escape the sun, Father Carter launched into his message, which was equally poignant, praising, and funny.

“Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said that if you ask him to preach for an hour, give him 10 minutes to prepare. But if you only want him to preach for 10 minutes, STEPHANIE RICHER give him an hour to prepare. Father Woods A happy (and colorful) anniversary Father Michael Woods, clutching a flat Michael, shares a few asked me to preach for words with Bishop Richard F. Stika following the Mass to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a priest. this two weeks ago. It should be the shortest homily ever given,” Father Carter began.

“But I’ll have you know that I’m the only one on record to ever outdo Father Michael Woods in homily length; only once. Now though I was humbled and honored by the request, I was ready and quick to accept the invitation. You see, I had already stored away in my mind what I would say if I was asked to speak at his funeral. Now don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t because I wanted to see him die, but because I surely thought it was something worth remembering once he was gone. Amen?”

The congregation responded with an “Amen” after laughing at Father Carter’s comparison to Father Woods’ homily length and his mention of prepared reFans of Father Woods Parishioners attending the anniversary Mass took advanmarks for the Irish priest’s funeral. tage of anniversary keepsakes to keep cool.

The Sunday Scripture referred to a woman who crashed a party, creating quite a buzz among party-goers. But her untow Father Carter, standing in his vestment at “Why did you come here today? We’re ard initiative was pure in motive: She had an ambo on a makeshift stage underneath outside…in June…in the South. It’s hot,” come to see Jesus. She had heard of Him a tent, turned the Scripture scene on those Father Carter mused, holding back a Father Woods continued on page 15 and desperately wanted to see Him. attending the Mass.

STEPHANIE RICHER

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hen parishioner Chris Kite asked Father Michael Woods last winter how he would like to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, the answer caught no one off guard.

Father Woods simply requested that his All Saints congregation join him for a Mass on the lawn of the Knoxville parish near his June 19 anniversary date. Outdoor Masses are a favorite of Father Woods, who is known to celebrate at least one a year.

So the idea was set in motion, and on Sunday, June 12, some 2,860 of Father Woods’ parishioners, friends, family, and colleagues gathered for a special Mass to celebrate his golden jubilee of ordination.

Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the Mass, which was celebrated by Father Woods. Concelebrating was Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Also in attendance were priests, deacons, and women religious from around the diocese.

Father Carter, who served as an associate priest at All Saints under Father Woods, delivered the homily, which followed closely the Scripture and readings for June 12.

But Father Carter’s message also touched on the Irish priest who calls Carlingford, Ireland, his original home and who has been spreading the Gospel in the Diocese of Knoxville with a brogue since 1994.

Father Woods began the Mass by extending a heartfelt welcome to everyone.

“Way back in February I expressed a desire that on my jubilee, instead of being in an enclosed area, we have this outdoors with everybody celebrating the priesthood.

This is beyond all my expectations, and I thank you for coming. I welcome you,” he said before offering a short, sobering message of hope. “I know it’s a joyous occasion and it’s exciting. But it’s also true that while this is happening, there is a lot of evil in the world. It is this kind of moment that can conquer it. … I beg you during this Mass while we celebrate the graciousness of Jesus, we remember, too, that he was crucified. He has risen, and we can conquer this

By Bill Brewer

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 5

‘Served faithfully this diocese’

6 August 7, 2016

I’d pause and think, ‘Now, why did he ask me that?’”

Bishop Stika spoke of Father McGinnity’s “true missionary spirit,” when he came from Ireland at the behest of Diocese of Knoxville founding Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell.

“The Gospel talks about walking away from that with which you are comfortable,” Bishop Stika said. “Father P.J. left Ireland and came to the United States at the invitation of the founding bishop, God rest him. And he has served faithfully this diocese for so many years.”

“Twenty–six years,” Father McGinnity inserted into the bishop’s remarks.

“OK, OK,” the bishop said to more laughter. “You know, before Mass he was so adamant that ‘You’re going to preach, you’re going to preach,’ and now he’s interrupting me.”

Leaving “our comfort zones, that which makes us comfortable and happy,” is “what faith is all about,” the bishop said, “and listening to the words of Jesus when he invites us to come and to follow.”

Bishop Stika spoke of an occasion when the diocese’s international priests were convened for a talk about working on reducing their speaking accents.

“Father P.J. was real irritated because he said, ‘I don’t have an accent!’” the bishop said in an Irish accent. “You remember that? The guy got hostile with his bishop!”

The bishop said that “as imperfect as any priest might be . . . Father P.J.’s given his life to build the kingdom of heaven, here amongst you. You might think he is the best priest, and you might think he is not the best. You might love his homilies all the time, or you might disagree with him all of the time, or sometime. Whatever it is, because Father P.J. isn’t Jesus, he acts in the name of Jesus.

“For Father P.J. for 26 years, as he has reminded us, has taken bread, and he has raised that bread in front of others, and he has said, ‘Take and eat all of you,

In harmony Bishop Richard F. Stika joins Father P.J. McGinnity in singing during

the special Mass to honor Father McGinnity.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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any people came from far and wide, wherever Father P.J. McGinnity had served, to honor the Ireland-born priest upon his retirement from the Diocese of Knoxville and his return to his native country.

St. Joseph the Worker Parish, where Father McGinnity served as pastor for seven years, hosted a Mass and dinner for the priest June 18 that honored not only his time at the Madisonville church but also his 25th jubilee in the priesthood and his 70th birthday. Father McGinnity went home to Ireland this summer, where he will continue to serve as an active priest.

Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the Mass, which was concelebrated by the honoree, former St. Joseph the Worker pastor Father Peter Iorio, former St. Joseph associate pastor Father Bede Aboh, Father Hoan Dinh, and visiting priest Father Dong Nguyen. Succeeding Father McGinnity at St. Joseph the Worker is Father John Orr. “Today in a special way we commend our brother, Father P.J., for safe travels as he goes back to Ireland. When he first requested that he return to his home country, I thought it was a good idea, but now I’ve changed my mind,” the bishop said to laughter. “What’s funny about this is he thinks I’m kidding.

“We pray for Father P.J., and we pray for his family as he returns to his land of birth, in thanksgiving to almighty God for the years he has given to us here in the Diocese of Knoxville.”

The first time he met Father McGinnity, Bishop Stika said in his homily, he said the priest reminded him of a famous Irish actor.

“Here, standing in front of me was Barry Fitzgerald, and that brought a smile to my face until I got to know Father P.J., and he informed me that before he was a priest, he was a psychiatric nurse,” the bishop said. “And from that moment on these last seven years, anytime he would ask me a question,

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Bishop Stika, St. Joseph the Worker parishioners bid Father P.J. McGinnity farewell as he returns to native Ireland

A round of applause St. Joseph the Worker members and fellow priests applaud

Father P.J. McGinnity for his service to the Madisonville parish and the diocese.

for this is my body, given for you.’ And Father P.J. has taken that chalice: ‘Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood.’ He’s acted in the person of Jesus, as another Christ.

His imperfections, my imperfections, their imperfections, your imperfections,

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

are made much more perfect when we combine our life and our prayers with Jesus.”

Bishop Stika then spoke to Father McGinnity “in the name of all the people whose lives you’ve touched in this Father McGinnity continued on page 36 dioknox.org

Renowned Bible-study leader Dr. Ruth Queen Smith retires Pastoral associate at St. John XXIII University Parish served Diocese of Knoxville for 25 years

By Bill Brewer

The East Tennessee Catholic

BILL BREWER

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Prayer circle Dr. Ruth Queen Smith prays with University of Tennessee students David Hamilton and Keagan McCoy at her

retirement reception following Mass on May 15. Dr. Smith greeted a long line of well-wishers during the reception.

“She was remarkable; poised, articulate, filled with insight. Because of where I was sitting, I heard her voice and her ideas before I saw how different she looked from everyone else in the room. At a meeting dominated by white-haired Catholic priests, she definitely stood out: a visually impaired African American woman.

Two years later, when I was tasked with organizing the liturgies for the 150th anniversary of the Paulists in Washington, D.C., and we were looking for someone to proclaim this very message from Paul. I knew that this was the woman to invite,” Father Andre said.

He went on to explain how the Holy Spirit called on Ruth Queen Smith to be an evangelist at an early Retire continued on page 17

BILL BREWER

r. Ruth Queen Smith, who has ministered to the faith community at St. John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center as a pastoral associate and Bible study leader, retired on Pentecost Sunday after 25 years of service.

Dr. Smith has been a popular staff member at St. John XXIII and is renowned throughout the Diocese of Knoxville and around the country for her Bible study programs and as a speaker on faith-based topics.

On her last day as pastoral associate May 15, Dr. Smith was greeted by a long line of well-wishers during a luncheon in her honor following the 11:15 a.m. Mass.

Father Rich Andre, CSP, former associate pastor of St. John XXIII who became associate pastor of St. Austin Parish in Austin, Texas, on July 1, spoke of Dr. Smith and her contribution to St. John XXIII and the diocese during his homily. And a farewell message was played for her from Father Eric Andrews, CSP, former pastor of St. John XXIII who now is president of the Paulist Fathers, thanking her for her service.

“Today, Ruth wraps up 25 years of ministry to the people of St. John XXIII Parish. But this is not a day to sit back in amazement at all the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given Ruth.

Each of us has received abundant gifts from the Holy Spirit. If we are to truly honor Ruth Queen Smith, we must understand the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us, and then stretch ourselves to use them in new and exciting ways,” Father Andre said.

In his homily about the body of Christ and how we all are called to make up His Church, Father Andre described how he first met Dr. Smith a decade ago at a meeting in Queens, N.Y., prior to becoming a Paulist priest.

Surrounded by friends Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, center, is joined at her reception

by, from left, Peg Hart of St. John XXIII, Sister Margaret Turk, RSM, Nancy Smith, who is Dr. Smith’s sister, and Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 7

8 August 7, 2016

In praise of Lourdes Bishop Richard F. Stika is joined on the altar at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Cardinal Justin Rigali and priests and deacons to celebrate the funeral Mass for Lourdes Garza.

Hispanic Ministry Award” and was to have presented the award to her at a ceremony in late July.

The national award will be presented posthumously.

Bishop Stika encouraged everyone to honor Ms. Garza through their own actions.

He said Ms. Garza sought to be a bridge-builder by assisting those entering the United States, bringing people together.

“Pontiff. Bridge-builder.

Lourdes. She devoted her life to bringing cultures together; cultures that make our Church universal; cultures that make our Church beautiful and wonderful, knowing that we can go to any nook and cranny in any corner of the world to celebrate the great miracle, the Eucharist,” Bishop Stika said.

“The beauty of our nation, the beauty of the world, the beauty of God is that no two people are

DAN MCWILLIAMS

into Spanish, and Father Michael Nolan, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland, gave an a cappella rendition of the Celtic Song of Farewell during the final commendation.

Also attending the Mass were Father Rafael Capo, director of the Southeast Pastoral Institute, who concelebrated; Olga Villar, director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry in the Archdiocese of Mobile, who represented the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry; Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero; and Patricia Inéz Robledo, the city of Knoxville’s business liaison. A rosary was said for Ms. Garza on July 14 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. A private burial service was held July 16.

“How much suffering can a person endure? For those of you who knew Lourdes closely, you know these last three years or so, suffering from stage IV ovarian cancer, she suffered greatly,” Bishop Stika said. “I think she really understood the importance of redemptive suffering…she offered it up.

She believed in the power of Jesus.

She believed there was something greater than herself or something greater than this world, something greater than the pain and suffering of ovarian cancer, or the pain that surrounds us in this world.”

During the Mass, it was revealed that Ms. Garza is being honored at the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), a Catholic missionary organization based in Florida that evangelizes, educates, organizes, and forms Hispanic leaders throughout the Southeast to promote cultural unity, for her leadership and work within the regional Hispanic community.

Also, the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry awarded Ms. Garza its prestigious “Pioneer of

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Ms. Garza continued from page 1

A good fit Lourdes Garza and Bishop Richard F. Stika share a light moment about hats during a service at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

alike. We are all created in the image and the likeness of God. Does God look Latino? What does He look like? He looks like us. What does Jesus look like? He looks like

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

us,” Bishop Stika said. “She [Ms. Garza] always reminded me, and she really didn’t have to, that we are not different cultures under Ms. Garza continued on page 9 dioknox.org

Ms. Garza continued from page 8

The East Tennessee Catholic

love of Christ. Even though she suffered greatly, she passed gently into the night,” he said. “So if you want to honor Lourdes, be a bridge-builder, be a pontiff. Especially reach out to people that you don’t know in other cultures, in other situations, rich and poor, young and old, in whatever language they may speak. If you want to honor her, honor them.”

Mr. Perez, Miss Perez, and Diocese of Knoxville Chancellor Deacon Sean Smith gave eulogies to Ms. Garza.

Deacon Smith described how Ms. Garza’s rich bicultural experience added richness to her ministry.

“How grateful we are to our Lord for leading Lourdes to East Tennessee and for all the good she accomplished here through God’s grace,” he said.

“Lourdes was more than an office director ministering or working for a cause.

It was not an occupation, but one of prayer in action, lived from the innermost convictions of her deep

faith. Such was the care and love that she provided to the Hispanic community. Many here came to refer to her affectionately as ‘Mother.’”

Deacon Smith said Ms. Garza was never at a loss for words, never bashful, and was very passionate in her ministry, working for justice for immigrants, for the unborn, as well as for all of God’s children.

“To put her work in perspective, consider the fact that the Diocese

PHOTOS BY DAN MCWILLIAMS AND BILL BREWER

one roof when we have a Spanish Mass, or an English Mass, or a Korean Mass, or a Vietnamese Mass.

We are not all these cultures under one roof. We are just one Church.”

Speaking to Ms. Garza’s children, Jose Perez and Lupe Perez, Bishop Stika noted that Ms. Garza wanted to make sure that those who came into the United States from other places, “whether they had papers or not, no matter how they wound up here,” were recognized as God’s people and welcomed, regardless of whether they were Mexican, Argentinian, Kenyan, Ghanaian, or Polish, or from any other country.

“When we see another person, we see someone created in the image and likeness of God. We see another Christ. We see Jesus.

We see the beauty of the Church.

Lourdes did that so well, Jose, Lupe, and your family, whether here in the mountains of East Tennessee, or in California, or maybe even farther back.”

Ms. Garza’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico City when she was 12 years old.

She began evangelizing at an early age as a young Catholic. Prior to arriving in the Diocese of Knoxville in March 2004, she worked for 12 years in a large Los Angeles parish ministering to the needs of that community.

She dedicated more than 24 years of her life working for the Church in an official capacity.

Bishop Stika, who described Ms. Garza as having a great love of people, said he wishes she did not have to suffer so much with her illness. But he emphasized how she lived her life in recent years in redemptive suffering.

“She knew her suffering was not without purpose. She was willing to offer that suffering in union with the suffering of Jesus because nothing would keep her from the

Remembering Lourdes Top photo, Ms. Garza is shown on a Vespa scooter ac-

companied by friends Gladys and Juan Herrera. Bottom photo, Ms. Garza’s children, Jose and Lupe Perez, eulogize their mother at her funeral Mass.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

of Knoxville has over 66,000 registered Catholics, but that Lourdes’ ministry was to a population of Catholics that, though not registered in a parish, exceeds over 80,000 or more. You have to remember that Tennessee ranked third in the United States for Hispanic population growth in 2010, and it was to this growing population that Lourdes felt most called to help feel welcome,” said Deacon Smith, calling her a “beautiful ray of light that shined in the body of Christ” and a missionary light of Christ to countless people.

Her work spanned the height and width of East Tennessee, from the All Saints Academy in the inner city of Chattanooga to the migrant field ministries at Camp St. John in Washington County and Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel in Unicoi County. She would coordinate field Masses for farm workers and meet with government and law-enforcement officials to help erase prejudices and create respect and understanding, according to Deacon Smith.

“Lourdes was a true missionary,” he said.

Jose and Lupe Perez remembered their mother, saying Ms. Garza told them that her funeral would not be about sadness, but rather lots of colorful flowers.

Among the flowers at her funeral, co-workers at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery individually placed carnations in a basket that was placed before a statue of Mary.

The Perezes told of how their mother taught them to care about family as well as caring for all others, and noted that she is survived by her parents, two children, six siblings, 14 nieces and nephews, two grandchildren, and 18 greatnieces and great-nephews.

“Our mother made it a point to build a unique bond with each and every one of us, all the way

Ms. Garza continued on page 10 August 7, 2016 9

10 August 7, 2016

A fond farewell Cardinal Justin Rigali gives the final commendation for Lourdes Garza at the July 15 funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral as Bishop Richard F. Stika and priests concelebrating the Mass observe. Father Michael Nolan, left, sang an a cappella rendition of the Celtic “Song of Farewell” for Ms. Garza.

COURTESY OF OFFICE OF HISPANIC MINISTRY

down to the youngest ones. She cared for us kids with unimaginable love,” they said, describing their mother as both tender and, on occasion, tough. “Our mother was a fighter in every sense of the word. We cannot say this enough.

As children we witnessed and often partook in helping our mother stand up for what she believed in, whether it was protesting a casino in our local community or praying outside the abortion clinic in the East Tennessee winter.

“The passion she had for her beliefs was rigid, and she was not afraid to show it. She was a champion for the Hispanic community in East Tennessee. She did this through active daily ministry by giving a voice to a population of East Tennessee Hispanics and their local parishes, actively pursuing and sometimes fighting for their rights to practice their faith while they integrated into the parish population and maintained their cultural beliefs.

“However, that wasn’t enough for our mom. She volunteered countless hours by working with numerous nonprofit organizations to fight for equal rights for Hispanics in East Tennessee. Her fight led to national recognition by Catholic Extension and local recognition as a graduate of Leadership Knoxville.”

They said that lastly, Ms. Garza was a fighter of cancer, who battled through numerous operations and years of treatment with grit and a fierce attitude.

Ms. Garza’s family members weren’t the only ones to see that grit, fierce attitude, and compassion. Priests, deacons, women religious, and co-workers also witnessed them, including Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City.

“I have a deep respect and love for Lourdes. We were like brother

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Ms. Garza continued from page 9

Youthful evangelization Lourdes Garza, shown standing second from left, led the

Diocese of Knoxville’s Hispanic ministry for Catholics of every age group.

and sister of Jesus and of each other in the sense of doing the will of God. I called her ‘Lulu’ and she called me ‘Padre Pedrito.’ She had a wonderful desire to see the Hispanic community grow and be empowered to participate in the

full life of the Church. I was very glad to work together with her to realize that vision,” Father Iorio said. “Pope Francis wrote about the joy of the Gospel. She was one who put that joy into practice. It was expressed in the way that she

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worked, and it also celebrated our faith. Lourdes gifted the Diocese of Knoxville with the beauty of the cultural and devotional life of Hispanic peoples. Even while sick, she continued to offer herself as a resource and leader in much the way I saw St. Pope John Paul II do while he was sick at the end of his life.”

Father Iorio offered a story of an experience he shared with Ms. Garza that made an impact on his faith.

“Four years ago I went on pilgrimage to France. I visited the shrine of Lourdes and especially prayed for her because she was sick at that time and her name was Lourdes. I brought back a lot of the water from that holy shrine. I gave some to her. She told me later that she had gotten so sick, and nothing was working to bring her healing or relief. She decided it would not hurt to drink that holy water from Lourdes. As to whether

Ms. Garza continued on page 11 dioknox.org

‘You are still with us from your window in heaven’ Co-worker of Lourdes Garza shares tributes following death of beloved Hispanic Ministries director

M

aria de Lourdes Garza is a woman whose presence is still felt among us even though she has left us to rejoice at the celestial banquet. What a battle you fought, friend and sister!

Yes, you fought the battle against cancer, but most importantly, you fought the good fight in the army of the Lord. For more than 10 years we shared joys, hard work, dreams, challenges, projects, triumphs and disappointments, but always with the awareness that our work was a calling from God, and a mission that cannot be stopped; in your words: “to make it so that the most important thing is the most important. And the most important thing is to bring others to Jesus.”

Your faith, your love for the Lord, your strength and your confidence in His providence were an example to me. You labored for the growth of His Kingdom, even to your own exhaustion. You were able to say, in the words of St. Paul, “when I am weak is when I am strong,” because you

were sustained by the grace of God and by the loving care of our Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose medallion you always wore on your chest with much pride.

You knew how to touch the lives of everyone you met, and you were proud of your Catholic, Hispanic, and specifically Mexican heritage, which you never hesitated to put forth as a bridge in order to unite the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking cultures, living out the Blanca Primm same faith in God but expressing it in different ways. There was no time to waste, we had to blaze the trail, knock on doors, break down walls, act as bridges, and serve our Hispanic brothers and sisters, immigrants like us, who hoped for a chance to know God and become committed to Him and spread His good news in our Diocese of Knoxville.

Ms. Garza continued from page 10

or not the water was a part of her cancer going into remission, that is for individuals to determine. She and I believe it did. I am grateful to God for a wonderful gift that he gave me and all of us in Lourdes Garza,” Father Iorio said.

Ms. Garza also left a lasting impression on Hispanic Ministry coworker Blanca Primm.

“I am grateful for the years that Lourdes and I worked together in the Hispanic Ministry office. I learned a lot from her, not only professionally but also personally. Lourdes had a gift for offering people the opportunity to use their special talents and strengths to serve the Church. She succeeded in bringing national recognition to our diocese’s Hispanic Ministry efforts. For Lourdes, no project was too big — she was able to transform The East Tennessee Catholic

I would like to share a little bit of what you helped build for the Lord, in the words of your brothers and sisters in Christ: ■ “The day I was introduced to Lourdes Garza, without knowing me, she proposed that I begin an ambitious project of Bible study that resulted in the Catholic Bible School, sponsored by the Catholic Extension Society, the University of Dallas, and the Hispanic Ministry Office in the Diocese of Knoxville. In 2015, she started and led the Hispanic Bible Institute, with the goal of continuing to give assistance to the numerous Bible-study groups that were organized throughout the diocese. She loved the Word of God, and she wanted her people to know it deeply so that they could draw closer to God. She used to say that this was her way of caring for the souls with which she was entrusted.” — Elena Morales, St. John Neumann Parish, Farragut.

■ “For many years I observed and experienced her ministry, her vision and her giving of herself to the immigrant comSpecial devotion

Deacon Sean Smith, Diocese of Knoxville chancellor, delivers a eulogy during the funeral Mass for Lourdes Garza on July 15 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Deacon Smith is holding an image of St. John Paul II, to whom Ms. Garza had a special devotion.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

her dreams into reality, with projects that made lasting impacts on our Hispanic community and their faith lives. I always admired her trust in God, especially after she got sick with cancer. She never stopped believing in His merciful love for her.

I will miss her very much,” Mrs. Primm said.

As her children, Jose and Lupe Perez, noted, Ms. Garza was also active outside of the diocese in the larger East Tennessee community, where she developed relationships with community leaders.

Mayor Rogero called Ms. Garza a “great woman of faith and a bridge-builder.”

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Blanca Primm

munity, which motivated me to learn and develop within myself the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. Thanks to her, I became involved in the Justice for Immigrants program. She brought another dimension to the Hispanic Catholic ministry in our diocese. The best teaching I received from her is that in life it is always better to give than to receive.” — Jose Luis Santiago, Holy Ghost Parish, Knoxville.

■ “Lourdes was a fundamental help and a pioneer for youth in the Diocese of Knoxville because she saw the need of many youth to know God and become friends with Him. She was one of the people that helped many youth to change their lives, to value what we have, to see ourselves as equals, and to always put God first, seeing Him reflected in the neediest. She always accompanied us, saying, ‘I am like a second mother to you all.’ We participated with her in the CRS Food Fast, a 24-hoursof-fasting event from Catholic Relief Services, which involved not only abstaining Heaven continued on page 18

“She is somebody we all admired greatly, and she is someone that everywhere I went I saw her, not just with Hispanic issues or Hispanic events, but she was somebody who had our broader community at heart as well,” Mayor Rogero said. “I think her greatest legacy is building those bridges in our community.”

Ms. Robledo, who knew Ms. Garza for years and served with her in various community organizations and projects, said Ms. Garza’s death is a huge loss for the community.

She said she often counted on Ms. Garza to discuss ideas and brainstorm on community issues and projects.

Ms. Garza’s ideas and input will also be her legacy, according to Ms. Robledo.

“She was a rock. And all that she has done we will continue to build on,” she said. ■ August 7, 2016 11

Father Ryan continued from page 3

“I had been a Knight of Columbus for about 35 years and the name of our council was Father Patrick J. Ryan Council. The fourth-degree assembly is named in his honor, too, so we have two groups that honored him. I knew a little bit about him.”

On June 14, Bishop Stika signed a decree officially establishing the Diocese of Knoxville as the petitioner of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Rev. Patrick J. Ryan.

Father Carter is designated as episcopal delegate for the cause of sainthood. Dr. Waldery Hilgeman, who works closely with the Vatican on matters of sainthood, will serve as postulator. Dr. Hilgeman resides in Italy.

As vice postulator, Deacon DeGaetano will broaden his research into Father Ryan’s life and death, oversee the acquisition of relics in case Father Ryan becomes a saint, and distribute prayer cards. Deacon DeGaetano also is the contact in the event someone believes a miracle can be attributed to Father Ryan through intercession.

“When it comes to sainthood, we want to honor people that have certain heroic virtues, and when it comes to Father Ryan, his witness to Christ, through his staying behind when the yellow fever epidemic was raging, and his dying in the service of mankind…in all probability we believe he is in heaven, but we need to prove it,” Deacon DeGaetano said.

By virtue of Bishop Stika’s decree, Father Ryan is now considered a Servant of God, the initial phase in a rigorous process of being pronounced a saint by the Church.

“Father Ryan was a man of holiness and a man of Christ who through his efforts to minister to the sick became sick himself. He gave his life for people in trouble,” Bishop Stika said. “The Bible reminds us that Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down your life for another. Father Ryan did that.”

12 August 7, 2016

During a pilgrimage to Rome in April, Father Carter and Deacon DeGaetano met with Monsignor Robert Sarno, a member of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints. “(The meeting went) beyond our expectations,” Father Carter said. “We expected just to get a basic outline of how to proceed, what to expect, and get a good pat on the back and say

‘good luck.’ But no; we got a warm reception, an excitement about the cause from this official, a clear path forward with very concrete first steps to get the ball rolling at a quicker pace than we ever thought was possible.”

One step in this process involves exhuming Father Ryan’s body from its current location at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga. Deacon DeGaetano says that could happen as

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soon as January. Forensic work will be used to authenticate Father Ryan’s remains and gather relics in the event sainthood can be determined.

“Our plan is when we exhume his body a forensic lab will be set up in a garage at the cemetery. We will take first-class relics and second-class relics for churches,” Deacon DeGaetano said. The current prayer card for

Father Ryan continued on page 16

dioknox.org

Reaching new heights

STEPHANIE RICHER

Bishop Richard F. Stika joins steelworker John Nelson in taking a look at the structure for the dome on the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The dome will rise some 14 stories and, when completed, will be visible from many points in West Knoxville. Placement of the steel for the cathedral is expected to be completed this month.

Knights of Columbus gift

BILL BREWER

Bishop Richard F. Stika, center, is presented with two checks from the Knights of Columbus totaling some $20,000 that will go toward the Bishop’s Burse and for seminarian education. Joining the bishop for the check presentation were, from left, State Secretary Tracy Staller of Council 12961, Knoxville field agent Ron Henry, Knoxville field agent Henry McCormick, State Deputy Stephen Comm of Council 9282, Father John Orr, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville and state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, and State Advocate Fred Laufenberg of Council 16088.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 13

Summer vacations spent serving those in need Youth groups take part in camps that lend helping hands in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Newcomb

14 August 7, 2016

EMILY BOOKER

S

ummer may seem like a time when kids are sleeping in and relaxing, but lots of young Catholics used their summer vacations to serve the needy.

Hundreds of teenagers from all over the country traveled to the Diocese of Knoxville this summer to offer their energy, time, and love to others.

By taking part in Catholic service camps such as Catholic Heart Workcamp and Alive in You, teenagers learned more about poverty and the needs of people in the United States.

They also learned to serve others as Christ commanded and to see Christ in those they serve while strengthening their faith through music, presentations, and the sacraments. The camps emphasize the interconnectedness of charity and faith.

Catholic Heart Workcamp is a national program focused on the corporal works of mercy. Almost 300 teens from as far away as Iowa, Nebraska, and New York came to the diocese for a Catholic Heart Workcamp hosted at Knoxville Catholic High School. The volunteers were divided into 37 groups that served at local charities and nonprofits. Many volunteered at programs run by Catholic Charities of East Tennessee.

Beverly Osterbur, an adult leader from St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceville, Ga., said that one of the goals of Catholic Heart was to get the teens out of their comfort zones, meeting people and learning how to accomplish tasks together.

Ms. Osterbur was part of the group that volunteered at Samaritan Place in Knoxville, which offers emergency and transitional housing for at-risk seniors.

The Catholic Heart volunteers cleaned out plant beds, trimmed bushes, and planted a vegetable garden for the residents. The residents appreciated the help from the eager, young volunteers, and the teenagers got something out of the experience, too.

Summer campers These campers from Fayetteville, Ark., spent part of their summer assisting residents at the Home Place in Chattanooga.

“They see within our own country there is poverty, there is homelessness, there are starving people, there are food kitchens,” Ms. Osterbur explained. “They see that it’s here right in their backyards basically. … They learn to pray together.

They learn to work together.”

Christine Wozny, who is with Good Shepherd Parish in Huntsville, Ala., volunteered for Catholic Heart after her daughter served last year. Her daughter had such a great experience that she convinced her mother to attend as an adult leader.

“It’s been great for the adults, too,” Ms. Wozny said. “It’s not just for the kids.

It’s spiritual. It’s fun. They put a lot of fun into it. It’s a lot of hard work, too, on work days, but you get to do wonderful things that make you feel great, and I got lucky—I get to work with kids all day.”

Ms. Wozny’s group served at the Crazy Quilt Friendship Center, which offers emergency assistance, a food pantry, and children’s programs to the rural community of Newcomb near the Kentucky border just outside of Jellico.

Every day, the Catholic Heart team would make the 80-minute drive from

Knoxville to the Crazy Quilt Friendship Center and host a day camp for local children.

Ben Llena, from St. Lawrence Parish

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Emily Booker

has served with Catholic Heart for three years, but this was his first year as an adult leader. As an early childhood education major, he was happy to spend the week helping children.

“I love being around the kids, being around everybody, seeing the work we can do to change this community and other communities around,” he said. “It just makes me feel good inside to know I am changing someone’s life.”

Michele McPheely, also from St. Lawrence Parish, is a first-grade teacher, so she was excited to learn that she would be working with kids at Catholic Heart.

“Being a teacher, I felt called by God my whole life to work with kids, and for me, the most important thing to me is I feel like I am helping people every day,” she said. “When you see kids that don’t have a lot, it’s really meaningful when you get to spend time with them and get to be part of their life even if it’s for a small moment.”

Camps continued on page 22

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laugh or two. He then pointed out where people had traveled from, including Ireland, Los Angeles, Texas, and Atlanta, to celebrate with Father Woods.

“Who did you come here to see? Well, some of you at first might say Father Michael Woods, 50 years and all that.

Now, if 50 years and all that and Father Michael Woods was our final answer, we would have to be talking about things like his Irishness. Did you know that he was Irish? He invented St. Patrick’s Day himself, Leprechaun outfit and all. One time I worried about him when he came home and he said he had just enjoyed some good “craic” with someone. I thought he had taken an illegal substance until I found out that craic (pronounced crack) is the Irish word for good conversation.

“Is coming to see Father Michael why we came? It’s not, is it? Seeing Father Michael Woods is never why we came.

If anything, Father Michael is the Simon of today’s Gospel. We came to Woods’ place because we heard that Jesus was there, plain and simple. And I believe that Father Michael knows Jesus. That’s what makes him a good priest,” Father Carter said, before adding, “Father Michael, I must confess that I stole most of your ideas and put them in my homilies. That was good craic about Jesus.”

Father Woods complimented Father Carter for preaching a “beautiful homily,” and then in a funny exchange on the altar, Father Woods turned to Bishop Stika and asked who should speak next, the Irish priest or the bishop. Bishop Stika then deadpanned with a grin, “how long are you going to be?” Father Woods then replied, “Oh, I’ll just say a word then.”

“If there are any young men out there wondering about the value of the priesthood, take a look around you. That is why people are here, to find Jesus. I think I could be accused because of my suggestion that we have an event like this, accused like the Pharisee, that I’m grandstanding,” Father Woods said.

“But I want you to know the real reason why I asked for a celebration like this. It is because I identify with the woman of The East Tennessee Catholic

STEPHANIE RICHER

Father Woods continued from page 5

Bread of Life Father Michael Woods gives Communion to a fellow fan of Ireland during a Mass where he celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination as a priest.

today’s Scripture. She was profoundly grateful and came with an alabaster jar to the feet of Jesus. And why I had this celebration is because I have brought my alabaster jar to pour out over your feet as the Church in East Tennessee.”

Then, holding a golden chalice, as his voice cracked with emotion, Father Woods continued, “Today, as I celebrate 50 years, I remember the first time I saw this chalice.

It was on my table in my home, and it was a gift from my mother and father. I hadn’t celebrated yet my first Mass. In their name, and in the name of all the people they represent in my home and in my family, I’m so grateful to them for encouraging me and praying for me for this gift of priesthood. And I remember them very fondly.”

Father Woods also thanked the Church in Atlanta, which he said took a chance on him as a young priest and formed his priesthood. He also thanked the Diocese of Knoxville’s founding bishop, Anthony J. O’Connell, who persuaded Father Woods to serve in the Diocese of Knoxville as an associate pastor at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. He then thanked the Diocese of Knoxville’s second bishop, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville, who persuaded Father Woods to become incardinated and officially join the diocese. And he thanked all the priests and parishioners in the

diocese who have welcomed him.

And he expressed gratitude to Bishop Stika.

He recalled meeting Bishop Stika for the first time at the bishop’s 2009 ordination and installation as bishop of Knoxville.

The next day the bishop visited St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge for the sacrament of confirmation. Father Woods greeted the bishop in the rectory, and when Bishop Stika heard Father Woods’ accent, the bishop said, “How did you get here?”

“I said, ‘Oh that is a long story.’ And Bishop Stika, you said truly, so gently and kindly, ‘Michael, we all have a story.’ You made me very welcome and you have been such a support and

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encouragement to me since coming to our diocese. I am very grateful,” Father Woods told Bishop Stika.

Bishop Stika told those attending the Mass that he had prayed for a sunny day to celebrate Father Woods’ 50th anniversary.

“So we have the luck of the Irish today. Then I went to get a hat, my red St. Louis Cardinals hat, because I thought I would need it. And it was a miracle! It was green,” the bishop said, revealing a St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap that was completely Irish green.

“For 50 years, Father Michael has truly been the hands and the voice and the heart and the smile of Jesus. The Polish might say to him ‘Sto lat,’ or may you live 100 years, because you are not retiring until you turn 100. And I have witnesses,” Bishop Stika said, drawing laughs. “I also wish you many more years, Father Michael.”

Bishop Stika unveiled a “Flat Michael,” a life-size image of Father Woods wearing a leprechaun costume holding a pot of gold that he jokingly vowed to hang in the new cathedral. “In the name of all my brother priests and deacons, this has been a real celebration for the Diocese of Knoxville. ...

Father Michael, happy anniversary.”

In closing, Father Woods said, “I am so grateful to you for allowing me to serve you, to make me feel so welcome. I have loved it. It has been such a great experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve you and for enriching me with your own faith.” ■

August 7, 2016 15

Father Sescon is diocese’s newest permanent priest

F

ather Alberto Sescon, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, is the newest permanent priest in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Sescon, who has served as a priest in the diocese for six years, was incardinated — or placed under the jurisdiction of the diocese and Bishop Richard F. Stika during a ceremony at the Chancery on July 14.

Prior to his service in the Diocese of Knoxville, Father Sescon served in the Archdiocese of Detroit for eight years.

Originally from Leyte and Cebu City in the Philippines, Father Sescon was excardinated, or released, from the Archdiocese of Cebu.

The youngest of 12 siblings, Father Sescon was ordained a priest on June 5, 1986, at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City.

“My origin is Leyte, but my home is Cebu,” Father Sescon said following his incardination ceremony that was led by Bishop Stika, with assistance from Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor of the diocese.

“I feel very happy that I am part of the Diocese of Knoxville. It’s like you have a family now, and a home,” he said, adding that it’s very important to belong to the diocese where you serve.

His incardination into the Diocese of Knoxville is an answered prayer for members of St. Francis, where he has been the pastor since July 1, 2014.

“My parishioners have been asking for this. It is very important to them,” he said, noting that he expects to remain in the Diocese of Knoxville for the remainder of his priesthood. “That is the oath that I took, to permanently be here.” ■

Permanent member Father Alberto Sescon, center, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi

Parish in Fairfield Glade, is incardinated into the Diocese of Knoxville by Bishop Richard F. Stika and Deacon Sean Smith, diocesan chancellor.

Father Ryan continued from page 12

Father Ryan includes a third-class relic—fragments of a cloth that was recently draped on the priest’s grave at Mount Olivet.

There also are plans to recreate the funeral procession that initially brought Father Ryan to Mount Olivet—his biography indicates that the cortege was a mile long and included more than 100 carriages.

While there is much research to do, diocesan officials are working hard to have Father Ryan pronounced venerable by proof of heroic virtue, something that must be approved by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the Holy Father.

The final steps, being pronounced blessed and eventually a saint, depend on the proof of miracles.

A prayer card for Father Ryan, now in circulation, carries these words from Bishop Stika: “Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Servant of God, Patrick Ryan, may I be granted the favor I seek…I ask

16 August 7, 2016

”Every diocese is part of one holy Catholic Church. Every diocese has hidden people of holiness.”

–– Cardinal Justin Rigali this in the name of Jesus, Your Son who lives and reigns with You, and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.”

Father Ryan’s path to sainthood could be clinched if miracles can be attributed to him through prayers of intercession.

“We’re going to try to promote the cause and ask people to pray for his intercession (with the holy card) and then report any favors granted — to me, as the vice postulator,” Deacon DeGaetano said.

Under Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church has seen some highprofile causes for sainthood in recent years. In 2014, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were canonized to sainthood. In 2015, an American priest, Father Junipero Serra, was

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade formally joins the Diocese of Knoxville

canonized in Washington, D.C. Next month, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta will be proclaimed a saint at her canonization Mass in Rome.

Father Carter believes Father Ryan qualifies for a unique path to sainthood — as a Martyr of Charity.

“The church is still discerning this classification. But we and the Congregation are thinking that, in our understanding of Christian life, (the) great witnesses and examples of Father Ryan need to be known, honored, venerated and emulated,” Father Carter said.

“Being designated a Martyr of Charity may give him a quicker path to beatification and canonization. It may present to us a more direct route that wouldn’t take as much time, but we’re not going say

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that there is any time frame,” he added.

During his years as a Vatican official, Cardinal Justin Rigali, now in residence in the Diocese of Knoxville, has seen the canonization process up close. His office includes photos of modern-day saints.

Cardinal Rigali worked with Blessed Paul VI and St. John Paul II, and he visited with Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

His Eminence welcomes the Cause for Sainthood of Father Ryan; he understands the excitement it generates at the diocesan level; and he recommends patience for those who plan to follow the effort.

“Every diocese is part of one holy Catholic Church. Every diocese has hidden people of holiness,” Cardinal Rigali said.

“Father Patrick Ryan has merited attention, and now they are pursuing the case. They are looking at it more closely, and at first sight it looks good, so let’s pursue it and see what happens.” ■ dioknox.org

Diocese of Knoxville schools draw closer to accreditation review System evaluation for AdvancED certification to take place during 2016-17 school year following four-year preparation

T

he culmination of the accreditation process will be a key theme during the 2016-17 academic year as Diocese of Knoxville schools are evaluated by AdvancED for certification as a system of excellence.

Retire continued from page 7

age because she was proclaiming the Gospel at the age of 9. Since then, she has led Bible studies across the country, and in recent months she was leading at least eight Bible-study groups a week in at least three parishes, many times to large groups.

“Ruth has also challenged us that we have the gifts to be evangelists, too. All you have to be able to do, she says, is to tell your story. You are the expert on your story. When you tell people about your life, no one is ever going to say that you’re telling it wrong,” he said. “Like everyone, Ruth’s journey has taken many twists and turns along the way. As she began to lose her sight and faced the reality of several other medical conditions, I can imagine that most other people – even people of great faith – would be overcome by despair. But Ruth found ways forward.”

Dr. Smith first moved to Knoxville in 1991 when she enrolled in the University of Tennessee to pursue an advanced degree. At the time, she asked Father Stan MacNevin, CSP, then-pastor of John XXIII University Parish, how she could best use her gifts. He encouraged her to lead a Bible study.

“And that was the beginning of a 25-year love affair between Ruth Queen Smith and the Catholic community of East Tennessee,” Father Andre said. “Ruth is just one small part of the Body of Christ, but she has blessed so many people in so many different ways. I don’t think it is that the Holy Spirit has given her more gifts than others. I think she has simply been willing to make the The East Tennessee Catholic

While the majority of the schools are currently accredited by AdvancED, schools’ Superintendent Sister Mary Marta Abbott, RSM, said it is more viable for the school system as a whole to be accredited by AdvancED. “We are moving from a system of

schools to a school system, which will increase accountability and awareness of the schools’ mission in the greater Church of East Tennessee,” Sister Mary Marta said.

Sedonna Prater, director of curriculum and instruction for schools in the

diocese, explained that AdvancED accredits schools throughout the United States and internationally and works in conjunction with its affiliate, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which has accredited dioc-

maximum use of the gifts she’s been given.”

Father Andre’s message was delivered to a full church at St. John XXIII as parishioners took part in one of the last campus Masses attended by Dr. Smith, who greeted nearly everyone during the post-Mass farewell luncheon.

Father Andre described how his early exposure to Dr. Smith grew into deeper, longer-term relationship that, through divine intervention, led them to reconnect in the Diocese of Knoxville at St. John XXIII. “This may be very egotistical of me, but of all the people who have been blessed by Ruth, I think I am among the luckiest. Almost every time Ruth has crossed the minefield of papers on my office floor to sit and talk with me, tears have welled up in my eyes,” Father Andre said. “As a woman devoted to the spirituality of Isaac Hecker and the Paulist Fathers, Ruth has prayed for me every day for decades, even before the Holy Spirit invited me to consider being a Paulist priest.

“I am so honored that she traveled to New York to proclaim the first reading at my priesthood ordination.

And the passage? It was Isaiah declaring, ‘the spirit of the Lord is upon me.’ I have taken six classes on Scripture and three classes on preaching, but the person who has most helped the Scriptures come alive for me is Dr. Ruth Queen Smith. The woman who is blind has done the most to help me see.”

Dr. Smith said that when she first decided to retire, it was both a happy and sad moment for her. She felt joy

at the opportunity to live with her sister in Nashville, but she also was saddened to be leaving the St. John XXIII parish.

“Think of this as another step,” she told parishioners, noting that the world is full of new possibilities under Pope Francis. “When you think about how the pope is reconsidering things such as deacons (women deacons) and things of that nature, who knows about my coming back.”

She then gave them this blessing: “Lord, we give thanks for your goodness. We think of the people who are hungry, and we have food. We think of the people who struggle with problems that are tough that You help manage in life. But we know that You are the God of plenty, and we thank you for that.”

Father Andrews delivered a personal message to Dr. Smith via videotape that echoed Father Andre’s feelings on her impact on St. John XXIII and the diocese.

“I just want to say thanks for all that you have given to the people and the community of Knoxville, and especially at St. John XXIII, your tireless missionary activities. You are the finest Paulist regional minister we’ve ever had. You have been there for so many people in good times and bad.

And now we are here for you. …

I’m sending you all of my love, and all of my prayers, and all of my best wishes. You have given so much to me personally, and taught me to be a brave disciple of Jesus Christ. You have taught me how to love the Bible.

You have taught me how to care for people in a way that I will not forget.

You also have taught me how we are to be churched together,” Father Andrews said, before breaking into his signature a cappella rendition of Happy Trails.

Among the many who lined up inside St. John XXIII to wish Dr. Smith farewell were University of Tennessee junior David Hamilton, a graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School, and UT senior Keagan McCoy, a Knoxville West High graduate.

“I went through confirmation my senior year of high school with her.

She showed us the truth of the Catholic Church. She has inspired me in my faith and she continues to do that,” Ms. McCoy said.

Mr. Hamilton has been inspired

by Dr. Smith’s presence, the way she presents herself when leading groups.

“She has a great wisdom about her.

She has that grace of gentleness like Mary,” he said.

Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, and Peg Hart, who were among those offering best wishes to Dr. Smith, have known her for more than 30 years.

They recalled her teaching ministry formation for the Diocese of Nashville, calling her “a very gifted lady” who was very involved in diocesan outreach.

“She was on the ball,” Sister Albertine said, prompting Ms. Hart to add, “She has always been on the ball and on fire.”

“When Ruth is coming to do a Bible study, the people show up,” Sister Albertine said. “This parish will miss her terribly. She has been a stable presence as the Paulist priests there move on to new assignments.” ■

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Accreditation continued on page 20

August 7, 2016 17

Year of Mercy

By Jim Wogan ishop Richard F. Stika led the opening prayer for the Celebration of Mercy organized for the Cumberland Mountain Deanery on July 23 at Knoxville Catholic High School.

Participating priests included event organizer Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville and St. John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge; Father Julius Abuh of St. Therese in Clinton; Father Dustin Collins of St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; Father Hoan Dinh of the Church

of Divine Mercy in Knoxville; and Father Michael Woods, Father Adam Kane, Father Pontian Kiyimba and Father Miguel VélezCardona, all of All Saints Parish in Knoxville.

Deacon David Lucheon of All Saints and Juan Hernandez, director of Hispanic Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa, preached about the parable of the prodigal son.

Thai Sean Vinh of Divine Mercy and Marisol Mercado of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta read from holy Scripture, and Cliff Jestice of Rut-

Heaven continued from page 11

enterprising, enthusiastic, sincere, selfless, successful, serving, fellow traveler, unequalled, unforgettable. Thanks Lourdes!” — Jeannine Fort, Knoxville ■ “‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…I am going to prepare a place for you’ (John 14, 1-2). She has been a great blessing for our diocese, our Hispanic community, and our Congregation of Missionaries since we were part of the work that Lourdes carried out in the Hispanic ministry. Thank you, Lourdes, for your great work because ‘you have competed well, you have finished the race, and now the crown of righteousness awaits you’ (2 Timothy 4, 7).” — Sister Carmen Lina Ramos, MAG, Five Rivers Deanery ■ “Not long ago, we were in our senators’ offices in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of unaccompanied minors, explaining that the intention of these children, coming from countries in Central America, was not to work or even study, but to save their own lives! It was a humanitarian issue — every child in the world deserves an opportunity.

“Like everyone in the Catholic Church, she (Lourdes) was always concerned about the separation of families due to their legal status, and she worked in order for immigrants to be treated with dignity and respect.” — Alma Vásquez,

B

from eating, but also collecting thousands of dollars to help the neediest people in places such as Bethlehem, Guatemala, Honduras, and Niger. She also helped us participate in writing the Easter Book of the Southeastern Pastoral Institute (SEPI). We will always remember her for transmitting to us a new vision and tracing a new horizon for all youth inside and outside the diocese.” — Mario Merida, former member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Lenoir City ■ “Thanks to the vision and dream of Lourdes Garza, with the help of Marian Christiana (diocesan coordinator of the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment), more than 150 couples have experienced a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend in our diocese. Bringing this ministry to Knoxville has been a blessing for the couples that attend a weekend and all the members of their families.”

— Fermín and Ana Cabrera, diocesan Spanish-language Worldwide Marriage Encounter coordinators and parishioners of St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga ■ “Lourdes, if I had to define you in words, which words should I use to describe you? Leader, loyal, honest, unique, unconditional, strong, direct, unstoppable, resilient, profound, committed, determined, daring, devout, effective,

18 August 7, 2016

Celebration continued on page 43

JIM WOGAN

Cumberland Mountain Deanery puts on a Celebration of Mercy

Celebrating mercy Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, leads a procession around the

track at Knoxville Catholic High School as part of a ceremony for the Year of Mercy.

Office of Immigrant Services, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee ■ “I am grateful to Lourdes for giving me the opportunity to get involved more in catechesis and giving me the position to be a voice for the importance of protecting the children of God against abuse in our community.” — Isidora Sánchez, All Saints Church, Knoxville, and Virtus program facilitator ■ “She always cared greatly for the unity of the different Latino organizations in Knoxville. For her great contributions, she received various recognitions, such as the HoLa ‘Unity in the Community’ award, and the first Latino Spirit of Inspiration Award from Centro Hispano. With the decline in her health, Lourdes distinguished herself not only by her intelligence but also by her strength and faith.

She demonstrated her humanity and her ability to forgive. A great communicator, one of her last messages in Facebook was that we should read La Cosecha. We will miss your monthly column, but we have the certainty that you will continue caring for us ‘from your window’ in heaven.

For all this and much more…thanks.” — Coral Getino, cofounder of HoLa and parishioner at All Saints Church, Knoxville ■ “Lourdes sent me to a training session in Florida, together with my friend Rosie Noriega, in December 2015, which result-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

ed in the Abriendo Puertas – Opening Doors project, a training workshop for Hispanic parents to motivate them and teach them to get involved in their children’s education in order to help ensure their success in school and better their physical and mental health. Lourdes always had indescribable energy, with an immense concern for improving and increasing the spiritual and cultural knowledge of Hispanics as well as family values.” — Zulay Navarro-Pickering, Virtus facilitator and Abriendo Puertas program instructor ■ “Lourdes was a warrior in her fight to persevere until the end, and a woman of great faith who always wanted to unite all cultures. She had unconditional love for the Virgin of Guadalupe and the rosary.” — Alicia Mora, St. Joseph the Worker Church, Madisonville Lourdes, I will no longer see your car outside the office late at night, like in the old days, but your memory and example will remain alive in my mind and my heart, and certainly in those of the hundreds of people whose lives you touched in your journey toward the finish line you so longed for. ■ Blanca Primm is the administrative assistant in the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Hispanic Ministry. dioknox.org

Year of Mercy

St. Vincent de Paul Society comes to the aid of East Tennesseans In Year of Mercy, mercy is abundant at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport as the Church reaches out to those in need

The East Tennessee Catholic

EMILY BOOKER

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Vincentians Unite! Pat Farner, left, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Council of Knoxville, is shown with Good Shepherd

parishioner Michele Sexton and Monsignor Bob Hofstetter, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Newport.

EMILY BOOKER

hen people find themselves in times of crisis, they often call on the Catholic Church. The St. Vincent de Paul Society at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport is making sure the Church can answer that call.

Driven by a mission to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity, Vincentians focus on personto-person contact, visiting with the poor and individually addressing their needs. There are 10 St. Vincent de Paul groups, called conferences, in the Diocese of Knoxville.

When Pat Farner moved to Newport, there wasn’t a St. Vincent de Paul conference at Good Shepherd.

People would call the church asking for help, but there wasn’t the money or manpower to address every call, leaving Monsignor Bob Hofstetter overwhelmed.

Monsignor Hofstetter noted that Cocke County is one of the poorest counties in the state.

“There is tremendous need, especially in the winter when people need their utility bills paid, rent paid. …There is always more need, specific people who need help and need a place to stay,” he said.

Ms. Farner, who currently serves as president of the St. Vincent de Paul Council of Knoxville, had been a Vincentian in Georgia before she relocated, so she knew how much the society could help the community, especially in a county where over a quarter of the residents live below the poverty line.

“To have a St. Vincent de Paul conference to kind of handle those [calls] and funnel those is really a great blessing for the parish as well as for the community and the people in need,” she said.

She organized a conference at Good Shepherd, composed of women and men who return calls made to the church and meet with

By Emily Booker

Center of mercy Good Shepherd Parish in Newport and its programs assisting

those in need are shining examples of the Year of Mercy tenets.

people in need.

“Mercifully, they’re able to reach out to these people and find them a decent place to live, help them get

over some of their almost unimaginable difficulties that they’re facing,” Monsignor Hofstetter said.

Thanks to support from the St.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Mary’s Legacy Foundation, the Vincentians offer financial assistance to those who struggle to pay for food, rent, utilities, or medicine.

Last summer, they partnered with Capital Bank to offer a financial literacy class for the poor, a program they plan to continue.

They also help the homeless find shelter and get back on their feet. The Family Inns in Newport has worked with the Vincentians in helping several families get off the street. According to Ms. Farner there has been a surge of homelessness in the past year.

Melanie takes care of her husband and two teenage children.

Mercy continued on page 22 August 7, 2016 19

Diocesan schools upgrading technology for classrooms Teachers, students embrace educational technology programs being integrated into standard curricula

Accreditation continued from page 17

esan schools on a regional basis.

Mrs. Prater believes it is important for the diocese to align itself with the AdvancED system standards, which include a wide spectrum of academic and organizational indicators including the National Standards and Benchmarks of Effective Catholic Schools.

AdvancED has been described as changing the way educators and policymakers think about accreditation and accountability by offering a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of schooling to ensure that schools and school systems don’t improve on one-shot measures, but rather progress across many indicators each year.

“It’s a great achievement to obtain system accreditation,” Sister Mary Marta said. “It’s important because it shows that our schools are meeting an

20 August 7, 2016

PAM RHOADES

D

iocese of Knoxville schools are making major investments in technology with the adoption of one-PC-per-student programs that will level the playing field for computer access.

And upgrades in infrastructure are allowing teachers and students to tap into the information-rich Internet.

St. Mary School in Oak Ridge, St. John Neumann School in Farragut, and St. Joseph School, Knoxville Catholic High School, and Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville are among the schools rolling out new programs to merge academics and computer technology.

Sacred Heart has announced the launch of a 1:1 Google Chromebook program in its middle school as well as a greatly enhanced ratio for technology in all grades.

Sacred Heart is funding the initiative from an April fundraiser that raised $45,000 for educational technology and the purchase of Chromebooks.

The Chromebooks, which are cloudbased laptop computers that run the

Technology upgrade Sacred Heart School teacher Davis Bodie leads his class in a lesson that incorporates new Chromebooks the students will use regularly.

Google Chrome operating system and Google Apps for Education (GAFE), will be distributed to students for the

2016-17 school year.

Sacred Heart became an official GAFE school earlier this year as

international standard for excellence.”

Sister Mary Marta and Mrs. Prater said a team of education professionals in February will visit each of the 10 diocesan schools with the team’s lead evaluator, Leisa Schulz, superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville, who will come for a pre-evaluation visit on Nov. 21. Mrs. Schulz will return in February with her entire team, consisting of superintendents, principals, and other central office personnel from various dioceses to evaluate the schools Feb. 21-22. A culminating exit report will be presented for Bishop Richard F. Stika, priests, school leaders, and other stakeholders on Feb. 23. Following the quality assurance review, the team will make the final accreditation recommendation, completing a process that began in 2013.

All Diocese of Knoxville schools have had faculty participate on accrediting teams for other schools. In order to gain knowledge of system accreditation, Mrs. Prater, Dickie Sompayrac, president of Knoxville Catholic High School, and Jamie Goodhard, principal of St. Jude School, have served as AdvancED system evaluators on teams assessing other dioceses.

Categories under which Diocese of Knoxville schools will be assessed include mission and Catholic identity, academic excellence, governance and leadership, and operational vitality.

“While reviewing the diocese, they’ll highlight the things we’re doing very well, and affirm powerful practices while identifying improvement opportunities. AdvancED requires the evaluating team to identify at least one area to focus on for greater

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

By Bill Brewer

teachers learned to implement tools allowing students to communicate, collaborate and research using products such as Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, My Maps, Sheets and Google Classroom, a learning management system that allows for virtual teacher and student interaction.

“Sacred Heart has made remarkable progress in educational technology this year,” Principal Daniel Breen said.

“We had over $2 million in renovations and improvements to the school last summer and that included a total rewiring of the school’s technology infrastructure. Because our Internet is now reliable and 15 times faster than it was last year, we have had teachers and students clamoring for more devices and more time with technology.”

The school partnered with Net3IT on technology infrastructure improvements, including an upgrade from one gigabyte to 10GB switches, installation of numerous wireless access points, and a redundant bandwidth system.

Mr. Breen added that teachers investComputers continued on page 21

improvement,” Mrs. Prater said.

Although Diocese of Knoxville schools have held state accreditation since conception, Mrs. Prater said, “AdvancED accreditation is about a systemic process of advancement and growth. It’s a quality-assurance exercise resulting in validation.”

Sister Mary Marta also noted that it is being better stewards to be accredited as a system. Formerly the accredited schools each hosted an evaluation team. Moving to system accreditation allows for a greater savings. She added “it fulfills the Bishop’s goal of moving our 10 individual schools into one unified system. I am grateful to have Sedonna chairing our effort in the district-wide accreditation process.

This will strengthen our mission to create good citizens and get our students to heaven.” ■ dioknox.org

ed time during the 2015-16 school year learning about and getting comfortable with two Chromebook carts for student use that the school purchased. The school’s librarians are providing ongoing training sessions for teachers, three of whom have become Google-certified educators.

Sacred Heart librarian Rachel Best said she is eager to work with teachers “to expand on their knowledge of technology and information literacy.”

And middle-school teacher Shannon Briselden said her students are motivated by online math work as they “enjoy the competition, extra practice, and the challenge of this approach.”

Schools across the country, from pre-K and kindergarten through college and post-graduate programs, are recognizing the benefits of educational technology, discovering that students are more engaged when they can collaborate easily with peers, when they can get immediate feedback on their work, and when their individual academic needs are better met.

Sacred Heart Google-certified teacher Nicole Erwin said when that happens, then it can be said that educators are getting the most out of the technology experience.

“Students are able to express their learning in new ways through educational technology,” Mrs. Erwin said.

The Sacred Heart technology team has been refining plans for the rollout of 1:1 this month. The plan includes a Chromebook for each middle school student and an improved ratio for fourth and fifth grades. To educate both students and parents on Chromebooks, Google tools, Internet safety and more, devices will not go home with middle schoolers in the first year.

“The school is committed to best practices in guarding student privacy and will help guide students to develop them to be great Catholic digital citizens. ‘Screen time’ will be carefully monitored, and the school will be sensitive to the needs of families without Internet access at home,” Mr. The East Tennessee Catholic

PAM RHOADES

Computers continued from page 20

In praise of educational technology Bishop Richard F. Stika visits with Sacred Heart School students who are beginning to use Chromebooks in their studies.

Breen said. “Sacred Heart’s growth in educational technology is a wonderful development directly connected to the professionalism and dedication of the school’s teachers and to the strong support of the Sacred Heart Cathedral School community. The launch of the 1:1 Google Chromebook program is an important step.”

St. Mary School in Oak Ridge held a celebration May 4 to recognize the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation of East Tennessee for two grants totaling $40,965, which helped the school provide Google Chromebook computers.

The grant paid for Chromebooks for each third- through fifth-grader. With that investment, every student at the school now has a computer.

A grant of $29,200 helped support wireless infrastructure as well as provide the Chromebooks. A second grant of $11,765 was used for replacing an outdated public address system and safety upgrades.

Bishop Stika has said that the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation grants are effective in supporting spiritual formation, charity, and education.

“This is an excellent example of just that,” Bishop Stika said. “Just visiting with the young men and women here in the school, the impact that these computers have on the students and on the faculty just enlarges the capacity of what they can do.”

Like at Sacred Heart, teachers at St. Mary are excited about the impact educational technology can have on students.

“We’ve had the opportunity to personalize or differentiate the education for the instruction of every student,” said St. Mary first-grade teacher Katie Schreiber. “There are a variety of programs in math, language arts, reading, phonics, and we’re able to assess where each student is and then the program is tailored to their needs, so we can challenge all students and provide everything from intervention to enrichment.

“The result of having the Chromebooks in the classrooms—our language-arts skills have increased, our math scores have increased dramatically, and we’ve seen a forward acceleration in all curriculums and a greater coverage of material this year. I actually

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

finished my regular first-grade curriculum material early and have been able to challenge and go beyond first grade.”

St. Mary principal Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, said last spring that the school is seeing the fruit of every student having a Chromebook.

“The students are very much more engaged in classes,” she said. “They’re able to work at their level. They can be challenged. There can be remediation.

The students are really ramping up their editing skills and producing much better work, because the work is still fresh when they have a change to edit it—they’re not tired of the document.”

Sister Marie Blanchette praised the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation for the grant money, noting that the school would have had to wait years, saving dollars and cents from box tops and Kroger Rewards to purchase the Chromebooks.

At St. John Neumann School, technology is now embedded in student learning through the use of crosscurricular instruction and regular technology classes in grades kindergarten through eighth.

The school also is incorporating Mimio interactive boards, Smartboards, personal computers, laptops, iPads, cell phones, and other tools to support the curriculum. And electronic versions of some student textbooks are available for students to use at home.

Students in fifth through eighth grades can bring e-readers or tablets to school to use for reading Accelerated Reader texts that they already have downloaded to their devices. All students are required to have parental consent to use the technology and must strictly adhere to school computer technology policies.

Like its peers within the diocese, St. Joseph School said it recognizes that its students are of the digital age and must have the skills to navigate it successfully.

St. Joseph students learn keyboarding and research skills using Internet Computers continued on page 37 August 7, 2016 21

Camps continued from page 14

Mercy continued from page 19

Because of health reasons, she has had trouble keeping full-time work.

The family was living in a motel room when, just before Easter, the motel caught fire. The family lost everything. They moved to the Family Inns and got in touch with St. Vincent de Paul, which helped Melanie pay for an extended stay as the family resettled.

“We lost everything, and we were just trying to get stable,” Melanie said. “It’s brought my stress level down some knowing that, with their help, my daughter has somewhere to lay her head every night.”

“They’re a very, very good blessing to the community,” she said.

Although she worries that some

22 August 7, 2016

Chattanooga gathered more than 400 youth from all over the country to serve at local nonprofits.

Six girls from St. Joseph Parish in Fayetteville, Ark., and their chaperone volunteered at the Home Place, a housing facility for at-risk or homeless people with HIV/AIDS. The volunteers trimmed and tidied the landscaping around the Home

Place, fixed and painted a broken fence, and cleaned the windows. They also did cleaning inside the house. Christine Shackleford said she was happy to help the Home Place residents.

“They have a lot of other things to worry about, getting their life back together, being on their medications. They don’t need to be doing this kind of stuff.

This is the kind of thing we need to be

helping out with,” she said.

The Home Place has had Alive in You groups come for several years, and the residents are always happy to see the young people arrive.

Kristie Long-Withey, program manager for the Home Place, said the facility has very limited maintenance funds and that many of the residents are disabled and struggle with jobs like pulling weeds or scrubbing baseboards.

“When these young, energetic teenage volunteers from Alive in You come in here for three days doing these things for us, it takes a big weight off us,” she said. “We are so appreciative for everything they do, and they are always so polite to the residents, smiling and laughing and bringing such a positive energy to the Home Place.”

Lupe Lopez has chaperoned several mission trips for St. Joseph youth. She said she loves encouraging young people to get involved and helping them realize what they can contribute to those in need.

“I continue to try to encourage these girls to come out and help other people, just for them, for their self-esteem, to be able to speak out and say, ‘OK, where can I help you?’ I think we all need to do that,” she said. ■

people might take advantage of their generous spirit, she added, “They don’t let that deter them from helping people. They see the honesty in everybody.”

But beyond the material aid, Vincentians aim to seek out those less fortunate and show them friendship and dignity.

“I think that it’s so much more than the money,” Ms. Farner said.

“It’s taking the time to really help people. They’re not forgotten, and somebody cares about them.”

Even when funds are low and the Vincentians can’t offer financial assistance, they call or visit to let the needy know that they care about them and are praying for them.

“It’s sort of like being Simon,”

she said of the Vincentian mission.

“You’re not really carrying that cross, but you’re giving them some relief from their cross momentarily and letting them know that God loves them. That’s why we’re there.”

Although the conference at Good Shepherd has 10-12 members, the entire parish supports the St. Vincent de Paul mission. A few years ago, parishioners began volunteering to cut the grass around the church. The money saved was directed to St. Vincent de Paul.

Parishioners also come out in full force for the Friends of the Poor Walk, an annual event that raises funds for the conference.

The St. Vincent de Paul confer-

ence at Good Shepherd also has the support of young parishioners. The parish began a youth group called the Vinnys for young parishioners to study compassion and work on their own projects to help the community.

“There is nothing like the kids to help your parish rally around,” Ms. Farner said.

Monsignor Hofstetter said Good Shepherd is known as a welcoming parish. Even non-Catholics know they can call the church for help.

“You know, church is people.

Christ said again and again we need to worry about the widow, the impoverished, and I think that’s what we’re doing here,” he said. ■

EMILY BOOKER

She said that over the week, the kids warmed up to the teens. By the end of the week, everyone was sad to see the camp end.

“The transformation from the first day to the last day is huge. We get out of our cars now, they run up to us, they’re giving us hugs…I think that sometimes with kids, words are not as easy, but they show us with the hugs.”

Although they were only there for a week, Mr. Llena was optimistic that the teens could make a positive impact on the children of Newcomb, just by showing them love and care.

He said, “What we do here is we try to make that lasting impression for them. To be [in] service to others—that is what we’re here for at Catholic Heart Workcamp. We are here to serve others in the example of God, and hopefully one day the kids will follow our example and become the best person that they can be.”

Catholic Heart Workcamp wasn’t the only program to bring young volunteers to the Diocese of Knoxville this summer.

Alive in You is a national Catholic conference and service camp held in multiple cities. Hosted at Notre Dame High School, the Alive in You conference in

Summer life in Newcomb Catholic Heart Workcamp counselors play with campers

during an outing at the Crazy Quilt Friendship Center in Campbell County.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Diocesan calendar

by Dan McWilliams The annual diocesan Ministries Day is set for 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

The event is open to all who share the Catholic faith, including parents and student youth leaders, coordinators of youth ministry, liturgy and ministry teams, RCIA teams, directors of religious education, adult educators, and catechists and assistants. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. Register at dioknox.org/event/ ministries-day-2016/.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will again celebrate bilingual Masses throughout the diocese in honor of the sacrament of matrimony. Couples will have the opportunity to reaffirm their vows during Mass and continue to celebrate with family and friends at a luncheon following Mass. Masses for 2016-17 are at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

24 (register by Sept. 15), at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga; and at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 (register by Jan. 19), at Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa.

Register by the due date and receive free gifts from the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, a commemorative certificate, and one professional photo with Bishop Stika.

To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-8922310 or Karen Byrne at kbyrne@dioknox. org or 865-584-3307.

The ninth annual Irish Fest on the Hill is set for 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Knoxville. The event features Irish dancers, Irish music by several groups, and Irish food and drink. More information can be found on Facebook @ irishfestonthehill.

In light of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment will be hosting four Mornings of Reflection for couples presented by Monsignor Al Humbrecht, Missionary Priest of Mercy. The host The East Tennessee Catholic

parishes are St. John Neumann in Farragut on Saturday, Sept. 10; Holy Trinity in Jefferson City on Saturday, Nov. 12; St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade on Saturday, Nov. 19; and St. Stephen in Chattanooga on Saturday, Jan. 14. Each event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Cost is $20 per couple. For more information, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@ dioknox.org.

A three-class course on Natural Family Planning begins Tuesday, Sept. 6, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. For more information, contact Jared or Monica Kimutis at 970-980-5009 or jmkimutis@ gmail.com. To register, visit register.ccli. org./class_series/9972.

The diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is sponsoring a free introductory session for the Creighton Fertility Care System on Sunday, Aug. 14, at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, following the 11 a.m. Mass. A two-hour session including a question-and-answer period will deal with a method that aids couples in achieving or preventing pregnancy, assist couples that have previously experienced infertility, and help identify underlying health issues. In addition to the health benefits, couples will improve their communication and deepen their level of intimacy. Child care is available for a small fee, but you must RSVP before Aug. 9. To RSVP or learn more, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral divorce ministry is sponsoring a free 13-week Journey of Hope Divorce Healing Program to help Catholics regain hope from the pain of divorce and separation. The meetings will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Aug. 28 through Nov. 20, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School art room. To register or learn more, contact Deacon Walt Otey at 865-388-0690 or wotey@shcknox.org.

The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold its annual Celebrate Life Banquet fundraiser Thursday, Oct.

6, at the Knoxville Convention Center.

This year’s featured speaker is nationally known pro-life blogger Matt Walsh. For details, contact the TRL chapter at 865689-1339 or trlknox@trlknox.com.

St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga in this election year is offering a patriotic rosary for America on the first Saturday of every month at 3 p.m. The first decade of the rosary is dedicated “for the presidency of the United States of America”; the second decade is dedicated “for the Supreme Court of the United States of America”; while the other decades are for the House of Representatives and Senate, governors, and county and municipal offices of the United States. The next rosary for America at St. Jude Church is set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3.

Father Michael Cummins and New Orleans natives Janel and Deacon Bob Lange invite you on a “Year of Mercy Pilgrimage to the Cathedral and Shrines of New Orleans” Sept. 21-25. Departure is Wednesday, Sept. 21, with a stop in Birmingham, where pilgrims will have the opportunity to tour EWTN Studios and be a part of the audience for “EWTN Live” with Father Mitch Pacwa. The group will continue on to New Orleans, visiting the shrines of Blessed Seelos, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, and more. Accommodations will be at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center. Cost is $750 per person, which includes transportation by motor coach, lodging, and most meals, including lunch at the “Commander’s Palace” and the Jazz Brunch at the historic “Court of Two Sisters” in the French Quarter. To learn more or to register, contact Lisa Morris, 865-567-1245, or lccte@ bellsouth.net.

A Lenten pilgrimage to the Holy Land under the spiritual direction of Monsignor Al Humbrecht is planned for March 6-19.

Pilgrims will visit Mount Scopus and the Mount of Olives, Bethlehem, the Old City of Jerusalem, Jericho, Masada, the Dead Sea, Qumran, Emmaus, Meggido, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes,

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Mount Tabor, Nain, the Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Caesarea, Jaffa, and Tel Aviv. The full package (air and land) is $3,499 (payment by check) or $3,698 (credit card). The land-only package is $2,949 (check) or $3,148 (credit card). For more information, contact group coordinator Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, at 865-207-4742, 545-8270, or smaevang@ yahoo.com. Download a brochure at www.GoCatholicTravel.com/PaulusHL. A Low Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally offered every Monday at 7 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

On Sunday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata celebrating the 15th Sunday after Pentecost will be celebrated at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. All are invited to a potluck in Varallo Parish Hall after the Mass. A sung Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on fourth Sundays at the basilica.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All services are in English.

Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details.

Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Church (Ruthenian), located at 6515 Millertown Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924, celebrates Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and at 7 p.m. on holy days. For more information, contact Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880 or check the website www.knoxbyz.org. ■ August 7, 2016 23

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy Pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht led a video introduction to Thomas Merton on Aug. 4 in the parish hall.

The parish conducted an adult/pediatric first aid/CPR/AED class Aug. 6 in the parish hall.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga

COURTESY OF LISA TUGGLE

The parish held a farewell reception for associate pastor Father Ray Powell on June 26.

Shepherd of the Valley youth consecrated in Militia Immaculatae On May 1 a chapter of the Militia Immaculatae (MI) — also known as the Knights of the Immaculata — was born in the diocese. Six youth group members at Shepherd of the Valley Parish in Dunlap formally consecrated themselves to Mary according to the formula developed by St. Maximilian Kolbe, a martyr at Auschwitz and founder of two cities for Mary Immaculate.

Seventh- and eighth-grade students Biridiana Becerra, Briseyda Becerra, Carlos Mireles, Evan Seal, Michael Nunez, and Michelle Nunez formally recited the Act of Consecration at a liturgy that included a flower procession and May crowning with the children of the parish school of religious education. The congregation sang “Bring Flowers of the Fairest” as the smallest to the tallest brought flowers and Briseyda Becerra crowned Mary. The new members of the MI served the parish as readers, gift bearers, and ushers on the same occasion. “The youth prepared for nine months to make the Act of Consecration,” said director of religious education and youth group/Militia Immaculatae director Lisa Tuggle. “It is a life-changing experience,” she added, explaining that she renewed on the same day her own MI consecration made as a college student in the 1980s. “[Pastor] Father Mark Scholz is a model of devotion for the young people in our parish. With his continued support, the Militia Immaculatae will prosper and open the way for more young people to formally take Mary as their guide in life.” Pictured are (front row, from left) Michelle Nunez, Carlos Mireles, and Mrs. Tuggle and (back row) Briseyda Becerra, Biridiana Becerra, Father Scholz, Michael Nunez, and Evan Seal.

24 August 7, 2016

St. Jude, Chattanooga The Council of Catholic Women has a suite at the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 9. Cost is a $10 donation that includes snacks. For seats, contact Emily at 423-785-6156 or emily@livingstoncompany.com.

The following St. Jude School students received awards at their Class Night or at the graduation Mass: Garrett Behlau, overall improvement; Alex Turley, outstanding effort; Joseph Reddick, Christian service; Dallas Brown, leadership; Lauren Stevens and Jenny Swope, scholarship; Domenic Mariani, fine arts award; Sarah Eiselstein, Hixson Lions Club award; Joseph Reddick, service on the altar; Ashlynn Dumsday, scholarathlete award; Anna Booker, faculty award; and Lauren Stevens, best all-around student.

A potluck luncheon July 7 helped the parish celebrate the ordination anniversaries of Father Paul Valleroy (42 years July 6) and Father Charlie Burton (36 years July 11).

A reception for newly ordained Deacon Butch Feldhaus was held after the 10:30 a.m.

Mass on June 12.

Father Wilner Donecia and Sister Pat Dillion, RJM, from St. Jude’s sister parish in GrosMorne, Haiti, visited the parish during the first week of August. Parishioners met the two at a potluck dinner Aug. 7.

The parish thanked Sandy Pricer, Nora Monteith, and all the volunteers who made the 2016 vacation Bible school a success. More than 80 children and 30 volunteers took part.

The parish picnic is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29. The event will feature a new and improved holiday craft fair combined with the parishioner hobby show, both in the gym.

St. Mary, Athens

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA BISHOP

Service Award for Jonathan Each year at high school graduation time the Women’s Council of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton presents a Service Award to the most outstanding candidate. This year Jonathan Schalk has earned that honor. He lends a hand to elderly homeowners, with mowing and other helpful chores, is a leader in vacation Bible school, helps to train altar boys, and is an altar boy himself. He also is involved in the band at school and 4-H and is an honor student. Pictured is Dianne Pfeiffer presenting the Women’s Council Service Award and a check for $1,000.

A reception was held for newly ordained Deacon Dennis Meinert after the 10 a.m.

Mass on June 12.

Kathy Porterfield is taking over as Parish Pastoral Council chairperson from Oliver McLemore, and Peggy Burnette will succeed Gloria Risko as PPC chair for evangelization and outreach. Newly ordained deacons Barry Maples, Erasmo Hernandez, and Phillip Talmadge join the PPC as ex officio members.

The parish is gearing up for its annual fall festival. To get involved, call Kay Prevatt at 423-506-7706.

Anniversary: Bob and Carole Gladish (60) ■

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Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The Council of Catholic Women will honor all women 70 years and up with a special Golden Girls Luncheon at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the Golden Oak Buffet, 401 S. Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge. Sign up in the narthex.

The Council of Catholic Women selected Madison Taylor Wilson from Stone Memorial High School in Crossville for its annual scholarship. Madison will be attending Belmont University, majoring in commercial music with a minor in business.

The CCW gives $700 a year for four years for a total of $2,800. This is the CCW’s 23rd year of giving a scholarship.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade Anniversaries: Guy and Billie La Borde (68), Joseph and Millie Walasinski (66), Al and Kathleen Evans (66), Bernard and Darlene DeFillipi (62), William and Mary Best (62), Larry and Reva Lanzerotti (60), Kenneth and Norma Guillory (59), Ben and Jackie Ryba (59), Paul and Carole Forkapa (57), Bernard and Jo Anne Bunyak (56), Jerome and Carol Scherer (56), Tom and Marguerite Clifford (56), John and Jean Brey (55), Ray and Joan Nadolny (55), David and Tish Offutt (53), Don and Judith Johnson (53), Elliot and Nonie Bueche (53), Paul and Barbara Dahar (52), Tom and Trish Rosenbergh (52), Tyrone and Pat Perry (52), Ronald and Virginia Schuster (51), William and Janette Larou (51), Don and Sherry Koch (51), William and Pat Maas (51), Tom and Andrea Cassidy (50), Samuel and Janet Chiappetta (50), David and Barbara Sheperd (50)

St. John Neumann, Farragut Monsignor Pat Garrity thanked parishioners for contributing $6,135 to the new Parish Life Center Fund in honor of his 40th ordination anniversary.

The parish is starting a new men’s ministry called “That Man Is You!,” which is in more than 700 parishes nationwide. The ministry combines Scripture, secular research about the trends of the contemporary world, and fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in modern culture. More information can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwzkKb2SB4. Registration will begin in August; the program begins in September.

A six-week DVD study on the Protestant Revolution is planned for 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Mondays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 24, or 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 13 to Oct. 25, in Seton Hall. For more information, contact Sister Elizabeth Wanyoike, ESM, at srelizabeth@sjnknox.org or 865-777-4313.

The Knights of Columbus are having a “gently worn” shoe drive, accepting men’s, women’s, and kids’ athletic, casual, and dress shoes. Boxes to accept donations will be outside of the church before Masses on Sept. 10 and 11. Call Pete McKenzie at 865-680-2116 for more information.

Anniversary: Mike and Cindy Carter (40), Peter and Pat McKenzie (30)

St. Therese, Clinton Sister Timothea Elliott, RSM, diocesan director of Christian Formation, spoke to parishioners as the guest of the CCW on Aug. 3 in the parish hall. ■

The East Tennessee Catholic

DAN BARILE

St. Alphonsus, Crossville

First Communion celebrated at All Saints All Saints Parish in Knoxville celebrated first Holy Communion on April 24. Adults pictured from left are Christine Fennell, Father Pontian Kiymba, Father Adam Kane, Father Michael Woods, Margaret San Miguel, Franciska Pawlak, Katie Cobb, Evelene Meyer, Lisa Iman, John Meyer, Lisa Maki, Connie Sledzinski, Shanti Hapuarachy, Miriam Mangers, Carmella Jochmann, Father Miguel Vélez, Peggy Long, Fredy Vargas, Deacon Tim Elliott, and Deacon David Lucheon.

Three Glade couples mark golden anniversaries

D

ave and Barb Sheperd of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 27.

Father Edward Mitchell officiated their wedding ceremony at St. Thomas Church in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Sheperds’ two sons are: Robert and wife Denise and Todd and wife Kim, and all live in Petoskey, Mich. The couple has three grandchildren.

Mr. Sheperd retired from National Processing and Mrs. Sheperd from Atria as a life guidance director, both in Louisville, Ky. They moved to the Glade in 2004.

They celebrated their anniversary with a family dinner in May, and a cruise is planned at a later date.

■ St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Sam and Jan Chiappetta, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 20.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

They were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Columbus, Ohio, with Father Richard Crosser officiating. They have two children: Annemarie of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Angela Dawn of Grove City, Ohio, and three grandchildren.

Mr. Chiappetta retired from the Department of Defense and Mrs. Chiappetta from health insurance as an RN certified case manager. They moved to the Glade in May 2015. A celebration of their anniversary is planned for the fall with a transatlantic cruise.

■ St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Glade congratulated Bruce and Mary Ann Trent on their 50th wedding anniversary May 14.

They were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Joliet, Ill., with Father Edwin Joyce officiating.

Mr. Trent retired from Motorola Communications in Atlanta, and the couple moved to the Glade in 2010.

They will be celebrating their anniversary with a cruise. ■ August 7, 2016 25

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish thanked Gene Dunn, Deacon Jim Prosak, and Martin Witberg for their efforts in the renovation of the church sanctuary. After the renovation, the church and narthex needed a thorough cleaning. Holy Trinity thanked Joyce Haigh; Jennifer, Josh, and Nicholas LaMonte; Trish Morrill; and Eileen Mundelein for tackling the cleanup project.

ELAINE JANASKIE

The 19th year of Appalachian Outreach was a success. From July 11-15 the parish gave its time, talent, and treasure to assist in AO’s ministry to serve the elderly and indigent with home repairs. A total of 119 volunteers came together for a week of work. Dozens of parishioners helped feed the volunteers.

Confirmation at Notre Dame in Greeneville The sacrament of confirmation was celebrated at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville at the 5 p.m. Mass on May 14. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the Mass with Father Dan Whitman concelebrating and Deacon Rich Carner assisting.

Knights of Columbus Father John Aiken Assembly 1840 provided an honor guard.

Susan M. Collins, director of religious education and youth ministry, assisted in the preparation of the youth along with catechist D.J. Dalton. The Notre Dame Council of Catholic Women’s St. Martha Guild prepared a meal for the students, sponsors and families after the Mass. Pictured are (from left, seated) Samantha Vigil, Emma Davis, Christina DiBella, and Sarah Fillers and (standing) Father Whitman, Kenneth Saine, Daniel Kindle, Gregory Brown, Bishop Stika, Ryan Kells, Phillip Hamilton, Seth Helton and Deacon Carner.

Anniversaries: Emery and Millie Faulkner (68), Stan and Virginia Borzick (58), Vinnie and Katherine Clossey (58), James and Margaret Ray (57), Joe and Betty Jo Lavelle (55), Davie and Alice Cornell (53), Joe and Diana Brang (52), Ron and Anna Laarz (50), Doug and Sally Emmons (45), Peter and Alice Dodge (30), Walter and Nancy Crapiz (25), Bobby and Patty Carroll (25), Wes Johnson and Karen Collins (25) Confirmandi: Lauren Allen, Grace Johnson, Diego Manalili, Lorenzo Manalili, Jack Morton, Samantha Richards, James Witkowski

Notre Dame, Greeneville The 2016 Fall Festival of Nations is set for Saturday, Oct. 1. Sponsorships are still available, and help is still needed in several areas. For more information, call chairs D.J. at 423-639-1096 or Jack at 423-638-1951.

St. Dominic, Kingsport Italian Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in the parish life center.

COURTESY OF ALLEN KELLER

An Endow women’s study of Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical, “God Is Love,” is set for 9:15 a.m. beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the St. Vincent Ferrer Room of the parish life center and running for eight weeks. Register online at bit.ly/29hPKPb. For more information, contact Amber Vachon at amber.vachon@gmail.com or 423276-4879 or Sandy McAdams at sandy.mcadams@live.com or 423-863-2828.

Fourth Degree assembly sponsors flag-retirement ceremony The Bernard O’Connor Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus sponsored a flag-retirement ceremony on Flag Day. The event was held at St. Patrick Church in Morristown, and Boy Scout Troop 91 from First United Methodist Church brought all the equipment to incinerate the flags. This is a project the troop does about twice a year. Nearly 50 flags were honored during the 40-minute ceremony, witnessed by 100 people. The Knights plan to make this an annual event since it was so well-received.

26 August 7, 2016

New Knights of Columbus officers installed at Holy Trinity on July 12 are Joe Frinzi, Grand Knight; Chris Weatherbie, financial secretary; Martin Witberg, chancellor; Erik Perry, recorder; Mike Sulkowski, treasurer; Stan Szalkiewicz, advocate; Ralph Holt, warden; Tom Duda, lecturer; Bob Root, inside guard; and Bill Flaherty, outside guard.

St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a “Big Boys Toys” yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20, behind the church in the picnic pavilion. Items donated could include yard tools, garden equipment, automotive tools, construction equipment, hardware, auto parts, power tools, sports equipment, camping equipment, appliances, furniture, antiques, kitchenware, and exercise equipment. For more information, e-mail Jim Mach at mjam603@aol.com or Mike Sandlock at msandlock@musfiber.com.

The parish thanked Pam Von Herbulis for her 10 years of service as the St. Patrick bookkeeper and welcomed her successor, Julie Leonhardt.

Anniversary: Don and Mary Birch (52) ■

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville Women of Holy Ghost were invited to the annual Friendship Tea on Aug. 7 in Henkel Hall. This year’s tea party was in honor of the Holy Spirit.

IC hosted an evening of pub trivia June 24 for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Questions were a mix of general trivia and Catholic and Bible questions.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

DEACON SCOTT MAENTZ

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

A Walking With Purpose women’s Bible study will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. (with child care) on select Wednesday mornings or 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (without child care) on select Thursday evenings from September to March. The foundational course is “Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point.” Cost is $80 through Aug. 10 and $95 afterward. Contact Mary Louise Ward (865-803-5082), Suzanne Henery, or Becky Prugh at wwp.olof@gmail.com (e-mail reaches all three).

Holy Ghost celebrates confirmation Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville celebrated the sacrament of confirmation June 5. Bishop Richard F. Stika presided with the help of (above) Holy Ghost pastor Father John Dowling and Deacon Mike Gouge.

Recently the parish received a grant of $1,981 from the Catholic Education Trust Fund that will be used to purchase a storage unit for Faith Formation, training for youth ministers, and a copy of “Divine Worship: The Missal” to be used in the celebration of the Eucharist. Since the fund’s inception, Our Lady of Fatima has been the beneficiary of almost $25,000 of the more than $1 million made available to serve the religious-formation needs of the diocese.

The parish’s midsummer movie events included three movie showings in July: “Back to the Future,” “The Jungle Book” (1967), and “The Princess Bride.”

Bob Johnson was outside the narthex July 9 and 10 with a Tootsie Roll Drive to collect money for the Special Olympics.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School is celebrating 60 years in 2016-17 and is calling on all alumni to register at www.shcschool.org/alumni.

The 60th graduating class at Sacred Heart Cathedral School gathered with family and friends June 3 for breakfast, a video presentation, and an academic awards ceremony. The Baccalaureate Mass was held at the cathedral later that evening. The Principal’s Award, the highest academic achievement honor given at SHCS, went to Callie Grace Tucker. Recipients are students who maintained the highest academic grade-point average during the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades and are recognized by their peers as role models and leaders.

Other graduation awards presented included the Monsignor Edward Dolan Award, for service to the church, school, and community, to Mary Elizabeth Cox and Anthony Spezia; the SHCS Home and School Award, for scholarship and Christian values, to Rachel Watermeier; the Sister Georgeanna Mankel Award, from the Sisters of Mercy, to Maggie Padgett; and the Carol Christiansen Award (faith through action) to Abby Orillion.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville At 7 p.m. Thursdays, the rosary is prayed at the church grotto. Each month participants will pray for one of the special intentions of the Blessed Mother. ■ The East Tennessee Catholic

COURTESY OF MIKE SWEENEY

Sacred Heart, Knoxville

First Communion at St. Mary-Gatlinburg St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg celebrated first Holy Communion on May 15. From left are (front) Darian Vivas, Sabrina Herrera, Giovanni Reed, Kimberlee Garcia, and Gisselle Aguilar and (back) Jaelynne Zelaya, Christopher Heinsohn, Father Antony Punnackal, CMI, Gerardo Fugon, and Natalie Velasquez.

Trust Fund approves $5,000 for St. John XXIII

T

he Catholic Education Trust Fund has approved $5,000 so that St. John XXIII could be reimbursed some of the cost for its new projector system.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Since 2004 the CETF has approved $1,052,664 in funding for parish-based religious-education needs in the Diocese of Knox ville.

August 7, 2016 27

COURTESY OF REBECCA WILLIAMS

Parish news

Murvin Perry honored at St. Mary in Johnson City The Respect Life Committee at St. Mary Church in Johnson City hosted a Life Chain ecumenical planning meeting and dinner June 17. More than 15 churches were invited to discuss how to make the Life Chain, held the first Sunday in October, more effective as a witness for life and interfaith collaboration. Besides St. Mary parishioners, individuals from Antioch Baptist Church, University Parkway Baptist, and Hosanna Fellowship Church attended and brainstormed ideas for the Life Chain event. A longtime defender of life, Murvin Perry from St. Mary Parish, was honored by the committee with a special tribute. St. Mary pastor Father Peter Iorio (pictured with Mr. Perry) presented a plaque that read: “Northeast Tennessee Life Chain 2016 ‘Defender of Life Award’ presented with appreciation to Murvin Perry for his lifetime of unselfish devotion, dedication, and tireless efforts in protecting the rights of the unborn child.” Mr. Perry has devoted more than 50 years of his life advocating for the unborn child through his gifts of writing articles, volunteering to organize the Life Chain in Johnson City for more than 30 years, and working with Tennessee Right to Life through education and political action.

Four from DOK attend Catechetical Leadership conference Four Diocese of Knoxville parish directors of religious education attended the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership’s annual conference in Jacksonville, Fla., in May: Sara Carey, Judy Holt, Brigid Johnson (above), and Peggy Long. At this conference Mrs. Carey was elected to the NCCL Governing Board. Mrs. Johnson received recognition for national certification as a parish catechetical leader from the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers and NCCL.

COURTESY OF PAT KIRCH

MELANIE LANE

Children take part in VBS at St. Catherine Labouré About 24 children enjoyed the vacation Bible school held at St. Catherine Labouré Church in Copperhill the week of June 13 through June 17. After Father Tom Moser celebrated Mass for the children, Sister Marie Celine, OP, and Sister Mary Lucy, OP, from the Dominican motherhouse in Nashville led the daily lessons and activities.

28 August 7, 2016

SARA CAREY

Jim Romer assumes chairmanship of Tennessee Bar section Attorney Jim Romer (left) of St. Christopher Parish in Jamestown is pictured with Allan Ramsaur, executive director of the Tennessee Bar Association. Mr. Romer assumed chairmanship of the General Practice Solo and Small Firm Practitioners’ Section of the association at the annual convention held at the Music City Sheraton in Nashville on June 15-18. His theme for the coming year for the section is “Let the Voice of the Solo and Small Firm General Practitioner Be Heard.” Mr. Romer has been a member of the House of Delegates of the TBA since 2005 and with Melanie Stepp Lane and Amanda Howard is a member of Romer, Lane & Howard, PLLC Attorneys in Jamestown. Mr. Romer has been one of the lay leaders at St. Christopher since 1975 and an attorney in Jamestown since 1979.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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COURTESY OF DEACON DAN HOSFORD

Parish news

African archbishop visits St. Joseph in Norris Archbishop Augustine Akubeze (center) of the Archdiocese of Benin City, Nigeria, and vice president of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria celebrated Mass at St. Joseph Church in Norris on July 17. He gave the parish’s four World Youth Day pilgrims a blessing, and the parish gave them a send-off. Pictured with the archbishop are (from left) Deacon Dan Hosford, Rebecca Harber, Sloane Vogt, St. Joseph pastor Father Julius Abuh, Paley Perry Huelsman, and chaperon Doug Perry.

COURTESY OF REBECCA WILLIAMS

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee receives gift S.P. Richards Co. recently presented Skip Ireland of COS Business Products and Interiors a check congratulating this family-owned company for its 75th anniversary (1941 to 2016). S. P. Richards Co. asked that Mr. Ireland give the check to his favorite charity, and he chose Catholic Charities. Mr. Ireland presented the check to Cardinal Justin Rigali and Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, at the recent Catholic Charities of Chattanooga annual fundraising dinner.

Serra Club of Chattanooga installs officers The Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga installed officers June 27 at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. From left are Anna Anthony, programs; Mechtild Boles, vocations; Father Scott Russell, chaplain; Raleigh Cooper, membership; Alice Cooper, membership; Betty Anne Neal, communications; Judy Speck, secretary; Fos Goodwin, treasurer; Emily Knoch, president; Skip Nardo, trustee; Rusty Phillips, trustee; and Glenn Hobbs, trustee. Not pictured are Father Colin Blatchford, chaplain; Jerry McCrary, president elect; and Ralph Christiana, programs.

Parishioners contribute to Baby Bottle Campaign

S

ince 2007 the parishioners of St. Elizabeth in Elizabethton have participated in a Baby Bottle Campaign designed to benefit the Abortion Alternatives and Women’s Center in Elizabethton.

The baby bottles were distributed in church on Mother’s Day and returned on Father’s Day, with parishioners having placed monetary donaThe East Tennessee Catholic

tions in the bottles during the interim.

Including this year’s contribution of $4,000, St. Elizabeth parishioners’ donations in nine years have totaled more than $26,000 for the center to use for its local clients in need.

For more information on the AA&WC’s services or to volunteer, call director Angie Odom at 423543-4673. ■

ROBIN RUDD, CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS

Basilica has third annual Corpus Christi procession Father David Carter, rector of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, led the parish’s third annual Corpus Christi procession on May 29. This year the procession took a new route that was more visible to the public. Additional clergy joined, as did the Knights of Columbus, followed by the Hispanic first communicants, who received at the Mass immediately following. All four choirs (Spanish and English, youth and adult) came out and sang traditional eucharistic hymns.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 29

Parish news

SARA CAREY

COURTESY OF LARRY FINNERAN

COURTESY OF MIKE SWEENEY

Youth confirmed at St. Alphonsus Students at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville recently celebrated the sacrament of confirmation. Pictured with pastor Father Jim Harvey are (from left) Austin Scherer, Kyle Higgins, Terry Wheeler, Lia Young, Patrick Sealand, catechist Charlie Spadaro, Mary Kemp, Joseph Staton, and Luis Medina.

Six confirmed at St. Mary in Gatlinburg Six youth were confirmed May 21 at St. Mary Church in Gatlinburg. From left are Andy Garcia, Felix Sweeney, Clare Yolitz, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Karla Sierra, Alice Heinsohn, St. Mary pastor Father Antony Punnackal, CMI, and Jevan Reed.

30 August 7, 2016

Lenoir City Knights award Special Olympics grant Knights of Columbus Council 12633 of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City recently gave $4,875 to the Fort Loudoun Region Special Olympics. The money came from a grant, sought by the local council, from the Tennessee Knights of Columbus MR Trust. Robin Bowen, regional director, stated that the money will be used to defray costs of sending 60 athletes plus six coaches to the state of Tennessee Summer Games, held at Lipscomb University in Nashville in May. More than 2,500 athletes, coaches, and family members gathered. Athletes competed in aquatics, athletics, bocce, power-lifting, tennis, and volleyball. Pictured are (from left, front row) Grand Knight Don Hoyle, Special Olympics athlete Michelle Bowen, Robin Bowen, Ray Mouse, and Larry Finneran and (second row) Bill Twohig, Jim Gecsei, John Martin, Bo Carey, Ed Valente, Jerry Dougherty, and Dan Hanley. All the men pictured are officers of Council 12633.

COURTESY OF LISA TUGGLE

Youth receive first Holy Communion at Shepherd of the Valley Shepherd of the Valley Parish in Dunlap celebrated first Holy Communion on May 29. Girls pictured from left are Jaretzi Aguilar, Rosa Dominguez, Flor Dominguez, Jamilet Aguilar, and Maria Jose Becerra. Boys are from left John Berg, Daniel Medina, Jose Maria Becerra, and Alexander Flores. Not pictured is Martha Flores, first Communion teacher.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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COURTESY OF MARIA RIST

Parish news

CCW in Crossville holds ‘meet and greet’ potluck luncheon The Council of Catholic Women of St. Alphonsus in Crossville held a “meet and greet” potluck luncheon June 14. Helen Davis, Louisville province director, discussed what the organization’s mission is all about. Keynote speaker Gerri Anne Mason, president of the Cumberland Mountain Deanery CCW, spoke about her journey to her current position with the deanery.

COURTESY OF OLIVIA KUHENS

Basilica celebrates first Holy Communion The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul celebrated first Holy Communion on April 30 as 18 young people received the sacrament for the first time. In back are (from left) Father Scott Russell, Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano, Father David Carter, Father Colin Blatchford, and catechist Ann Cho. Not pictured is catechist Florence Porter.

COURTESY OF JILL PURCELL

Seven receive first Communion at St. Therese in Clinton Seven children received the Body and Blood of Christ with family and friends at St. Therese Church in Clinton as the parish celebrated first Holy Communion on May 10, with Father Julius Abuh presiding. Pictured are (from left, front) Yaelson Robles, Peighton Hundley, Michael Stewart, and Miranda Lawrence; (middle) Ashya Tayisha Robles Gudino, Father Abuh, and religious education co-director Joelle Duncan; and (back) teacher Olivia Kuhens, religious education co-director Kathy Burns, Joshua Mata, teacher Chantal Milne, and Aldair Mata.

The East Tennessee Catholic

SARA CAREY

First Communion at St. Alphonsus Youth at St. Alphonsus in Crossville recently celebrated the sacrament of first Holy Communion. Pictured with pastor Father Jim Harvey are (from left, front) Victor Romo, Vanessa Cruz-Ramirez, Tessa Hayes, Joel Garcia, and Taylor Deck and (back) Jasmine Vazquez, Miguel Romo, Callahan Higgins, Eric Gudet, Jared Lockridge, Manuel Cardenas, Jacob Sealand, and Edgar Cardenas.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 31

Catholic schools

Smith & Smith Football Camp draws 300 to KCHS NFL’ers Harrison Smith and Lee Smith lead camp that offers two days of instruction in gridiron fundamentals

By Dan McWilliams he chance to be taught football skills by two NFL players was too much to pass up for 300 Knoxville-area youth July 7-8.

The Smith & Smith Football Camp drew that number of youngsters to Knoxville Catholic High School’s Blaine Stadium for two days of instruction by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, Oakland Raiders tight end Lee Smith, and KCHS football coaching staffers.

Harrison Smith, a graduate of KCHS and Sacred Heart Cathedral School, and his fellow NFL’er, a graduate of Powell High School, hosted the second annual Smith & Smith camp this summer. The free event was filled to capacity, forcing registration to close some time before the camp.

“It’s something that Lee Smith and myself have wanted to do for a while, and with the help of Catholic and Coach [Steve] Matthews and everybody who comes out and helps, we’ve been able to put on a good camp, and I think the kids enjoy it,” Harrison Smith said.

Lee Smith said the camp’s popularity is “great.”

“It’s great to be able to give back to the kids of the area Harrison and I grew up in,” he said. “We had dreams and aspirations to be NFL football players when we were in these same little towns and on these same Little League football teams, so it’s a lot of fun to give back to these kiddos and let them enjoy this weekend.”

Football camps can be expensive, but the Smith & Smith endeavor does not charge fees.

“That was kind of our idea behind it,” Harrison Smith said. “The only concern with that is we do a preregistration, and it fills up pretty fast.

Hopefully we’ll be able to figure out

32 August 7, 2016

STEPHANIE RICHER

T

Ready, set, go A trio of participants in the Smith & Smith Football Camp take part in a drill at the two-day event at Knoxville Catholic High School. NFL players Harrison Smith and Lee Smith hosted the second annual camp.

how to get everybody here in the future.”

He added that the skills taught in the camp are “just the fundamentals of football, offense and defense, throwing, catching, tackling, just the proper way to get in a stance, depending on the position you’re playing, and then we always have fun toward the end of the day.

“They seem to be having fun. I think they’re a little tired today, the second day of it out here in the heat, but it’s been very good,” Harrison Smith said in an interview on a balmy July 8.

KCHS head coach Matthews said the campers worked on a variety of skills “We try to give everybody a shot to play every position,” he said. “We do every position on offense and defense. Every single member of the camp gets a chance to participate.”

Harrison Smith, who played in college at Notre Dame, addressed an issue that has been in the nation-

al news in recent months: football player safety.

“I think that’s a personal choice for every parent, for every individual to make,” he said. “I don’t have any kids, so I don’t want to tell people what to do with theirs, but I was always glad that my parents allowed me to play football and encouraged me. It was a sport I loved to play.

“If you sign up for any sport, you need to know the dangers and things that can happen, and it just depends on your personal choice. If you’re OK with it, then go for it; if you’re not, then don’t play. I think it’s that simple.”

The KCHS grad enjoys working with Lee Smith, who played in college at Marshall.

“It’s great,” he said. “We’ve had a good relationship over the years.

This is something that we both talked about doing together for a while, and we just enjoy doing it.”

Lee Smith likewise enjoys his rela-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

tionship with Harrison Smith.

“He’s top-notch,” said the Powell grad. “Not only is he a great football player, but he’s a great person. His character speaks for itself. He handles himself like a true professional on and off the field, so being friends with him and being able to do this camp is rewarding.”

Smith and Smith have long held a friendly rivalry.

“He’s better than me at football, but I used to be a lot better than him at basketball way back in the day,” Lee Smith said. “That’s when our competition actually started. We’ve been buddies since we were in high school. We used to play against each other. Once we both started playing in the NFL, we started training together in the offseason and became big buddies.”

Does Harrison Smith enjoy coming back to his alma mater, KCHS? “Absolutely — the place gets better and better every time I stop by,” he said. “It’s unbelievable the stuff they’ve got here. It’s a great place.

Harrison Smith, a Pro Bowl selection this past season, made NFL news in June after signing a fiveyear, $51.25 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in the league.

“It’s good to have it out of the way and just focus on playing,” he said.

He said being one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL is important: “Really, the only way for us players to stack up and see how much our teams like us is to go off of those figures. That’s kind of what you go for. I didn’t want to go anywhere besides Minnesota. I want to stay there. I think we’ve had a good relationship. I enjoy the community and the team, and I think we’re going to Camp continued on page 33 dioknox.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEGAN LOCKE ERPENBACH

Catholic schools

First-ever boys track title The Knoxville Catholic High School boys track team poses with its state-championship hardware. Two individuals and one relay team captured titles for the Irish.

Sisters Sara (left) and Erin Allen won the girls doubles tennis state crown for KCHS.

KCHS wins state titles in boys track, girls doubles

K

noxville Catholic High School continued its strong spring-sports effort with two more state championships as the Irish won in girls doubles tennis and boys track and field.

The Allen sisters, Sara and Erin, swept their way to the Class A-AA doubles championship. In track, the KCHS boys team won the Class A-AA title by a comfortable margin, with two individuals and a relay team capturing championships. The state titles marked the first ever for Knoxville Catholic in girls doubles and boys track.

Freshman Sara and junior Erin swept a duo from Greeneville 6-1, 7-5 on May 27 at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro to win the state title. That match followed a 6-1, 6-3 win over a Dyersburg pair in the semifinals and a 6-2, 6-2 victory over a Collegedale twosome in the quarterfinals.

In track, the KCHS boys scored 65 points as a team to finish well ahead of Stratford (51) and Christ Presbyterian Academy (50) in a 53team field at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

Jake Poczobut won the state high-

jump championship for the Irish for the second year in a row after a leap of 6 feet, 4 inches.

Johnathan Chavez captured the 3,200-meter run state championship with a time of 9:36.62, winning by nearly a 7-second margin.

The KCHS 3,200 relay team of William Doktycz, Johnathan Chavez, Ethan Tornstrom, and Georde Goodwin won the state title for the third straight year, this time with a clocking of 8:17.26, triumphing by more than a 2-second margin.

KCHS also scored with Chavez

placing second in the 1,600 run (4:32.95), Doktycz coming in second in the 800 run (1:59.18) and sixth in the 1,600 (4:40.55), Jake Renfree placing third in the 3,200 run (10:02.66), Poczobut recording a sixth-place finish in the decathlon (5,066 points), Alec Connolly taking sixth in the 400 dash (50.23), and Amari Rodgers finishing seventh in the 100 dash (11.20).

Poczobut tied for first in the high jump in the decathlon with a mark of 6-2.

The Irish 1,600 relay team scored with a seventh-place finish. ■

Camp continued from page 32

be very good. I don’t want to miss out on that.”

Harrison Smith made two interceptions in 2015, one against each Manning brother, Peyton and Eli. “It was awesome,” the safety said. “Obviously Peyton, but Eli as well, were guys that I always watched growing up and are guys that I had a lot of respect for and still have a lot of respect for. Being able to play against them and to have a keepsake from both of them is pretty neat.”

The Vikings are coming off an NFL North DiviThe East Tennessee Catholic

sion title and are gunning for another.

“We always have the same goal in mind,” Harrison Smith said. “I think we’ve got a chance to do some big things. We’ve just got to get better every day until the end of the year. [A division title is] always the plan. You’ve got to take it one day at a time. You can’t get ahead of yourself, but we have a lot of good players.”

Lee Smith said he thinks the Raiders “could be great” in 2016.

“We have a great young team, a great young quarterback,” he said. “If you don’t go into every

year thinking you can win it all, there’s no way you will. We’ve got high aspirations and high goals, and we’re just going to keep working.”

The football camp drew some notables for autograph signings, including University of Tennessee standouts Alvin Kamara and Jaylen Reeves-Maybin, former UT and New York Jets quarterback Erik Ainge, and former Jacksonville lineman Daniel Baldridge. The two Smiths posed for scores of photographs and signed a slew of autographs.

“It’s been great,” Mr.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Camp continued on page 34 August 7, 2016 33

Catholic schools

COURTESY OF RON TASKET

BILL BREWER

St. John Neumann Knights award $500 scholarships In recognition of their contributions to parish, school, and community, two graduating seniors recently received $500 scholarships from Knights of Columbus Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut. Pictured with Grand Knight Don Schreyer are Austin Rowan of Knoxville Catholic High School and Alexandria Tasket of Bearden High School.

Riley Smith receives Harrison Smith Award at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Cathedral School seventh-grader Riley Smith received the Harrison Smith Award on June 10 at the final all-school Mass of the year. Later, he was able to meet the award’s namesake, Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (no relation), an alumnus of SHCS. The award is given to a student each year based on high academic achievement, service to school and community, demonstration of strong leadership, demonstration of outstanding character and compassion for others, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

COURTESY OF JASON SURLAS

Camp continued from page 33

Matthews said. “Harrison and Lee have been outstanding. They brought some buddies with them.

For Alvin Kamara and Jaylen Reeves-Maybin to come out and spend time with these young men, it really was an outstanding

34 August 7, 2016

camp.”

The KCHS head coach was pleased to have his assistants help him staff the camp.

“We have an outstanding coaching staff here, and they do a great job in helping us,” he said. ■

KCHS holds fourth signing day On May 18 Knoxville Catholic High School hosted its fourth signing day event of the year in the gymnasium. Five more student-athletes joined the 14 who already pledged their commitments to colleges and universities earlier this year. From left to right are Nate Kochanowski, who signed with Trevecca Nazarene in soccer; Darian Carrera, Mars Hill, soccer; Johnathan Chavez, Georgetown, track and cross country; Augie Fortune, Wake Forest, football; and Jake Poczobut, East Tennessee State, football.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

Catholic youth

St. George Emblem presented at Blessed Teresa At a recent 9 a.m. Sunday Mass at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Church in Maynardville, Father Steven Pawelk and George LeCrone Sr. (left), chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, presented the St. George Emblem to Linda Myers of the parish for her longtime involvement in the Scouting program in the Maynardville area. The award was approved for Ms. Myers in 2014 but because of scheduling problems was delayed until this year. The award is the highest that can be given by the Catholic Church to an adult in the services of youth at a local level.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

Spirit Alive medal, Pillar of Faith certificate presented At a recent Mass at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, Monsignor Pat Garrity and George LeCrone Sr. (left) presented Clare Marie Donahue the Spirit Alive medal. This was the fourth and final Church award in the series that a young lady can receive while in the American Heritage Girls; however, the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting also has a special award that can be presented to youth who complete all four awards in the series, and that is the Pillar of Faith (Service to God) award. This award was also presented to Clare.

KCHS players earn baseball, soccer honors after spring season

COURTESY OF WILLIAM LOVELACE

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Big keyboard Showing off a new visual learning tool — a piano keyboard picture on the wall of William Lovelace’s music classroom at St. Joseph School in Knoxville — is the class of rising sixth-graders at St. Joseph. Mr. Lovelace did the all of the painting himself in his spare time over the course of six months.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

noxville Catholic High School boys soccer players earned district individual awards after the spring season.

Andrew Roulier was named district defensive player of the year.

First-team All-District honors went to Roulier, Nate Kochanowski, John Pierce, and Christian Kirk. Making second-team All-District were Will Hunse, Jonathon Macrae, and Ian Greeley.

Hunter Judd of the Fighting Irish baseball team was named district offensive player of the year.

Making first-team All-District were Sean Kearney, Turner Whitfield, and Jake Kyle. Logan Creech was named second-team All-District. ■ August 7, 2016 35

diocese for 26 years. All those people in confession or in marriage prep, moments when you reached out to someone when they lost a loved one or held the hands of someone who is getting ready to see God face to face, and all those moments when people are happy with you and those moments when they challenged you, and those moments when the bishops irritated you and those moments when you irritated the bishops.

“The best thing I can do, Father P.J., is this: first of all, I just want to say, thank you. Thank you for touching the lives as a missionary to the people of God, in all your many assignments. Father P.J., remember to continue to pray for all of us as we build the kingdom of God here in East Tennessee. And finally, when you knelt before our founding bishop and you pledged respect and obedience, if I tell you to come home, you’re going to have to come home.

“Enjoy your time in Ireland with your family, your sisters, with your new assignment. He’s going to be working in kind of a retirement center. Know that people love you, Father P.J., because you’re another Christ, and you act in the person of Jesus, and you’ve been a good and faithful person. This isn’t your funeral—this is just the beginning of a new moment in your life, and go with Godspeed.”

Father McGinnity gave “a special thanks to all of you for making this occasion a memorable one for me, a retirement and a silver jubilee all joined together, and my 70th birthday.”

The honoree thanked Bishop Stika, fellow priests, parish staff, the Knights of Columbus, CCD teachers, RCIA staff, the music ministry, rosary leaders, adoration participants, altar servers, and ushers.

“To all of those involved in ministry in this parish, which I served for seven years and was very happy to be your pastor . . . certainly I love each and every one of you,” Father McGinnity said. “To all those who come from the various parishes: I see people from St. Thérèse. I see people from St. Stephen, from St. Jude, from Notre Dame in Greeneville, from all the parishes that I served. I want to say, from the depth of my heart, a very special thank you to all of you. You have made this a wonderful gift for me.

“To my own parishioners here at St. Joseph the Worker, thank you for all you have done and for your gracious acceptance of me as your pastor.”

Father McGinnity said the meal after Mass was “an opportunity not to listen to me babbling but to be with your friends and to have fellowship with them.

“May God continue to bless you, and may his light always shine into your hearts, each and every day of your lives,” he said.

36 August 7, 2016

BILL BREWER

Father McGinnity continued from page 6

Grateful parishioners Albert Ruggiero and his father,

Al, are among the many parishioners attending the Mass to honor Father McGinnity.

Father McGinnity was born in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland, and is the third-born of 14 children of Frank and Mollie McGinnity. On completion of his primary and secondary education, he studied psychiatric and general nursing in Birmingham, England, and served 10 years in that profession.

Feeling that there was “something missing” in his life, he entered All Hallows Missionary College in Drumcondra, Dublin, to study for the priesthood; he graduated with a bachelor of divinity degree from St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

Accepting an invitation from Bishop O’Connell to serve in the Diocese of Knoxville, Father McGinnity completed a six-month pastoral assignment at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville under the direction of Father Charlie Burton and a further pastoral assignment at St. Jude in Chattanooga as deacon under the direction of Monsignor Bob Hofstetter. Father McGinnity was ordained a priest July 20, 1991, by Bishop O’Connell at St. Patrick Church, Ballybay, County Monaghan – his home parish.

Following his ordination, Father McGinnity returned to the Diocese of Knoxville, where he served as associate pastor at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport; in 1993 he was assigned as pastor of St. Alphonsus in Crossville. Father McGinnity briefly served as chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga before being assigned as pastor of St. Stephen in Chattanooga, where he served for 10 years. In 2005 he was assigned as pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland, and in 2009 he became pastor of St. Joseph the Worker.

Father McGinnity joined the Knights in 1993 and joined the Fourth Degree during his tenure in Crossville. He established a Round Table at St. Joseph the Worker and provided leadership in helping establish Council 15585, of which he is a charter member.

Under Father McGinnity at St. Joseph the Worker, in 2010-11 the tabernacle was placed on a central axis, and a new ambry for holy oils and a baptismal font were installed. As part of a renovation of the church’s interior, an altar, reredos, and ambo were installed, and a new laminate wood floor, new pews, and a new confessional were completed.

In January 2013, a grotto to Our Lady was built on the grounds of the church. Also that month a statue of St. Joseph the Worker was placed on a pedestal in front of the church. In September 2015, a new sign was erected on the grounds.

As of May 2016, the number of registered families at St. Joseph the Worker stands at 300.

After Father McGinnity’s remarks at the end of Mass, director of music Jodi Swiderek led the assembly in “Father P.J.’s Farewell,” set to the tune of “Danny Boy.” Mrs. Swiderek wrote the lyrics to the “Farewell.”

“I thought that we needed something special to close Father P.J.’s last Mass, and so I think the Holy Spirit really inspired me. It wasn’t me,” she said.

The lyrics read, in part: “We thank you, Lord, for Father P.J.’s time with us. He served you well, and now he’s on his way . . . We send our prayers and ask your blessings on him, Lord. Please keep him safe and in your loving care.”

Mrs. Swiderek said she will miss Father McGinnity.

“He has been a very dedicated, good pastor,” she said.

Albert Ruggiero and his father, Al, are among the parishioners who are sad to see Father McGinnity return to Ireland.

Albert Ruggiero said Father McGinnity was responsible for many improvements in the church.

“He’s done a lot. He’s made a lot of improvements to the church since he’s been here. Through it all, he’s done a lot, from updating the sanctuary to CCD. And he’s been integral in my faith healing.” ■

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dioknox.org

Computers continued from page 21

Bishop continued from page 2

Himself to be seen until the middle of the night when we are exhausted, and even then He acts as if He is just passing by. Why does He do this?

Because He wants us to remember that He is bigger than our circumstances and stronger than the fiercest storms. He is always passing by because He is continually watching us from every side. Jesus wants us to grow in faith rather than to complacently stay where we are. He has so much to give and is ever inviting us to a deeper trust, a more ardent The East Tennessee Catholic

that are a minimum of 10 inches and minimum resolution of 1024 by 768.

They must have a minimum of 2 GB of random-access memory (RAM) and minimum storage of 250 GB, with batteries that can hold a charge for a full school day.

The devices are required to have keyboards, not just touch pads, as well as built-in cameras and microphones, a processor that at minimum is an Intel i5 or equivalent, and must be compliant

with wireless connectivity standards 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11b.

KCHS said that since it is a Windows environment, the devices must use Microsoft Windows 7 or higher. MacBooks and Chromebooks will not be permitted. The school has purchased licensing for Microsoft Office Suite, which will be available to students free of charge.

Diocese of Knoxville schools Superintendent Sister Mary Marta Abbott,

RSM, and diocesan schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sedonna Prater are applauding the schools’ investments in educational technology.

“It’s important because the students of this generation already are digital natives. This is the language they speak. Our schools need to be providing this innovation so they can meet the 21st-century expectations,” Mrs. Prater said.

She noted that high school graduates entering college are expected to be familiar with PC-based curriculum because more university courses require students to have computer devices.

Educational technology curriculum also stimulates teaching.

“Having access to that technology allows teachers to do innovative techniques in learning,” Mrs. Prater noted.

Sister Mary Marta credited St. Joseph School with being the first in the diocese to incorporate mobile devices in curriculum.

Other schools have quickly adapted.

“It’s been a progression of the technology. There is a movement to provide digital devices for all students in all of our schools,” Mrs. Prater said, adding that infrastructure boundaries have been the biggest barrier to adopting digital devices.

“The schools are investing in their infrastructure now, so we can continue moving to 1:1 programs,” Sister Mary Marta said. ■

love, and a more vibrant faith.

Jesus is showing us that He has power over nature, and comes to us in a very special way “across the natural elements.” His walking across the sea is a foreshadowing of the mystery of our faith.

In the sacrament of His love, Jesus comes across the elements of bread and wine when they are transubstantiated into His Body and Blood, His real presence. If we keep our gaze on Him, we will not let things overwhelm us, nor will we sink into the depths of discouragement or

despair.

Jesus wants us to discover Him in every circumstance of life, and to realize His footprints, like the beloved poem, Footprints in the Sand, are always there, though many times unnoticed. He wants us to experience Him in the help of others — those who are His face, and hands and heart.

Through all the storms of life, He is waiting for us to welcome Him into our boat, into our life, so He can bring calm and stillness to our soul.

Through our faith, we see that every

holy Communion, whether sacramental or spiritual, is a “Footprint of Jesus” on the mighty waters of His love. So I repeat His words to all of us, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

I wish to conclude by thanking all who have joined me in praying for my brother, Larry, my friends Mike Stillman and Randy George, and my co-worker within the diocese, Lourdes Garza. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ■

PAM RHOADES

sources in a state-of-the-art computer lab that opened in 2009. Classrooms now are equipped with up to eight computers and there is a 12-station writing lab and five-unit mobile laptop lab in the middle school.

The school also is incorporating interactive technologies such as SMART Boards in grades five through eight, Promethean Boards in grades three and four, and Turning Point and Active Expressions response systems for grades three through eight.

St. Joseph also is migrating digital media instruction into its educational technology curriculum, teaching photography and videography through elective classes. Through this program, St. Joseph has been effectively live streaming school events over the Internet.

And beginning with the 2016-17 school year, Knoxville Catholic High School is launching its own 1:1 educational technology curriculum through a Bring Your Own Device program, in which students will be required to bring their own computer device to classes.

“The BYOD Initiative is designed to enable students to broaden research capacity and increase learning modalities. The laptop is not the focus of the goal, but the tool that will connect instruction to technology,” according to a KCHS statement.

The devices must have screen sizes

Hands-on learning Diocese of Knoxville schools are adding digital technology to their curricula to provide teachers and students with the latest education tools.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

August 7, 2016 37

Pope Francis addresses World Youth Day

Weekday readings

Readings continued on page 39

38 August 7, 2016

Young people advised to encounter true joy and life Jesus can give

By Catholic News Service

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Celebrating youth People cheer as Pope Francis arrives to celebrate the closing Mass of World Youth Day at Campus Mi-

sericordiae in Krakow, Poland, on July 31.

KRAKOW, Poland — Take risks and do not let life’s obstacles get in the way of encountering the true joy and life that Jesus can give, Pope Francis told more than 1 million young people.

“Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to him with all your heart, to respond generously and to follow him,” the pope told pilgrims at the closing Mass July 31 for World Youth Day. “Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice.”

“When it comes to Jesus, we cannot sit around waiting with arms folded; he offers us life. We can’t respond by thinking about it or ‘texting’ a few words,” he told the young people, thousands of whom had spent the night camping at an area dubbed the Field of Mercy.

The lack of sleep and morning heat seemed to have little impact as

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Monday, Aug. 1: Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29, 43, 79-80, 95, 102; Matthew 14:13-21 Tuesday, Aug. 2: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Psalm 102:16-21, 29; 22-23; Matthew 14:22-36 Wednesday, Aug. 3: Jeremiah 31:1-7; Jeremiah 31:10-13; Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 4: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, Aug. 5: Nahum 2:1, 3 and 3:1-3, 6-7; Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41; Matthew 16:24-28 Saturday, Aug. 6: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:12, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36 Sunday, Aug. 7: Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 1822; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48 Monday, Aug. 8: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28; Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14; Matthew 17:22-27 Tuesday, Aug. 9: Ezekiel 2:8 3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday, Aug. 10: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9; John 12:24-26 Thursday, Aug. 11: Ezekiel 12:1-12; Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62; Matthew 18:21 19:1 Friday, Aug. 12: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Isaiah 12:26; Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 13: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday, Aug. 14: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53 Monday, Aug. 15: Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

In the presence Pope Francis uses incense as he celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day.

the young men and women energetically waved their flags and ran as

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

close as possible to the popemobile to greet Pope Francis.

In his homily, the pope reflected on the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, a reviled tax collector who, due to his short height, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

The obstacles Zacchaeus faced — including his short stature — the pope said, can also “say something to us.”

“Even today we can risk not getting close to Jesus because we don’t feel big enough, because we don’t think ourselves worthy. This is a great temptation; it has to do not only with self-esteem, but with faith itself,” he said.

By not accepting themselves and their limitations, Christians deny their “real stature” as children of God and see themselves as unworthy of God’s love.

Youth continued on page 39 dioknox.org

Readings continued from page 38

At the same time, he said, people will try to convince Christians that there are others who are unworthy of God’s love.

“People will try to block you, to make you think that God is distant, rigid and insensitive, good to the good and bad to the bad,” he told the young people. “Instead, our heavenly Father ‘makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.’ He demands of us real courage: the courage to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone, even our enemies.”

The pope noted that Jesus looks at all people with the same gaze he looked at Zacchaeus with, not taking into account his sins, wealth or social standing.

“God counts on you for what you are, not for what you possess. In his eyes the clothes you wear or the kind of cellphone you use are of absolutely no concern.

He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not, he cares about you!

In his eyes, you are precious and your value is priceless,” the pope said.

Another obstacle, the pope continued, is the “paralysis of shame,” one that Zacchaeus overcame by climbing the sycamore tree at “the risk of appearing completely ridiculous.”

Pope Francis encouraged the young men and women to not be ashamed in bringing “everything to the Lord in confession, especially your weaknesses, your struggles and your sins.”

“Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ to him with all your heart, to respond

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Youth continued from page 38

The light of Christ World Youth Day pilgrims hold candles during eucharistic adoration with Pope Francis at the July 30 prayer vigil at Field of Mercy in Krakow.

generously and to follow him!

Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice,” the pope said.

Zacchaeus’ final obstacle, he noted, did not come from within but from the “grumbling of the crowd” who first blocked him and then criticized him for being a sinner.

God challenges Christians to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone and to risk being ridiculed for believing “in the gentle and unassuming power of mercy,” he said.

As he did with Zacchaeus, Jesus looks beyond appearances and faults to the heart — something young people are called to imitate, the pope said.

“Don’t stop at the surface of things; distrust the worldly cult of appearances, applying makeup on our souls so we seem better

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than we are,” he said. “Instead, establish the most secure connection, that of the heart that sees and transmits goodness without tiring.”

Although the Mass brought the World Youth Day celebrations to an end, Pope Francis invited the youth to continue along the path that began with their pilgrimage to Krakow and bring the remembrance of God’s love to others.

“Trust the memory of God: his memory is not a ‘hard disk’ that saves and archives all our data, but a tender heart full of compassion that rejoices in definitively erasing every trace of evil,” he said.

Before concluding the Mass with the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the pope invited the youths to carry the “spiritual breath of fresh air” back to their countries and communities and “wherever God’s providence leads you.” ■

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Tuesday, Aug. 16: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 17: Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 18: Ezekiel 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 19: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40 Saturday, Aug. 20: Ezekiel 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 21: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1-2; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30 Monday, Aug. 22: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday, Aug. 23: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26 Wednesday, Aug. 24: Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Thursday, Aug. 25: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, Aug. 26: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday, Aug. 27: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21; Matthew 25:14-30 Sunday, Aug. 28: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11; Hebrews 2:18-19, 22-24; Luke 14:1, 7-14 Monday, Aug. 29: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 119:97102; Mark 6:17-29 Tuesday, Aug. 30: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37 Wednesday, Aug. 31: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21; Luke 4:3844 ■

August 7, 2016 39

Guest column

by Megan Ulrich

Making NFP a part of your marriage Natural Family Planning can bring couples closer to each other and to God

W

hen I was asked to write an article about Natural Family Planning (NFP), I knew that it needed to be positive, informative, personal and authentic.

The article needs to grab the reader and shout, “God Loves You And Your Spouse! He Wants To Fulfill You In Such A Beautiful And Challenging Way.” My job as the author of this article is to convince you that NFP is right for your marriage and your family.

I know how I’m supposed to say these things. But to be honest, all of these things have been said before.

For instance, I could quote sections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catechism 2351) clarifying that sex within marriage needs to be unitive and procreative. I could show you my Facebook page that seems to be constantly blown up with horror stories of women having issues with IUDs, or fertility problems, or terrible boyfriends who have little respect for their girlfriend’s bodies.

I could point you to all of the fancy charts published by the Couple to Couple League (CCL) that are used to help convince you that NFP is effective, even more effective than traditional forms of contraception.

Couple to Couple League is a Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching fertility awareness as part of NFP to married and engaged couples.

I could tell you that NFP is hands down the best way to track your fertility and plan your family in a healthy (carcinogen free) way that demands respect for you and your spouse. I also could reassure you that couples who practice NFP have an incredibly low divorce rate. But this is not a pamphlet. The truth is

40 August 7, 2016

that NFP is the hardest thing that my husband and I have ever done together. It is a cross. It is a sacrifice.

It is my chance to be sanctified and to bring my husband and son closer to heaven. It is hard, but most importantly, it is worth it.

I first learned about Natural Family Planning in a book about chastity that I read when I was 14. At that age I obviously was not concerned about contraception. But six years later when my future husband and I got engaged, I remembered hearing about NFP, and I signed us up for a class just to see what this crazy thing was really all about.

Our first NFP class started just about as awkwardly as I assumed it would. Our instructors, Jared and Monica Kimutis, warmly greeted us in their matching khaki pants and collared shirts. There was uncomfortable small talk before the class began, but then Jared began his testimony and my whole world changed. I don’t remember much about how the rest of that class went, but I do remember how Jared looked at his wife. I remember the

respect he showed her, his amazement at the beauty of her body. I remember thinking that I want my marriage to look like that. I couldn’t articulate it then, but I know now what I saw that day. I saw the love of Christ. I saw what it means to give yourself (fertility included) completely and totally to your spouse, and I wanted that in my marriage more than anything I had ever seen.

So we went forward, full throttle.

We were inspired, young, cradle Catholics who could take on the world. Nothing could stand in our way, until something did when marriage, sex and life became much more challenging than the idealized version I dreamed up in my head.

We realized we were selfish, that abstaining during periods of fertility was not just a “chance to court your spouse all over again” like we had heard in our classes. Instead, we found ourselves arguing and fighting over something that was supposed to bring us closer. We still struggle with NFP, and I assume some small part of us always will, but as I have heard many times from a dear friend, there is a reason marriage takes a lifetime.

I have come to realize that my problem really isn’t with NFP; my problem is with selfishness, with putting my desires above anyone else’s. NFP is hard because there are still times (more than I would care to admit outside of a confessional) that I put my own desires above the needs of my husband. There are times when I am thinking about my own selfishness more than my husband’s salvation.

NFP is hard because we live in a fallen world that tells us “true love”

Upcoming Virtus training sessions The Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is offered throughout the diocese.

The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children and vulnerable adults.

The following training sessions are scheduled: ■ St. Joseph School, Knoxville, 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 ■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 ■ St. Dominic School, Kingsport, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17; 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17; 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 ■ Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 17 ■ St. Mary School, Oak Ridge, 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 ■ St. Henry Church, Rogersville, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 ■ Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 17. ■

Advertise in The East Tennessee Catholic ••• Contact us at 865-584-3307 or bbrewer@dioknox.org Find us at dioknox.org

NFP continued on page 43

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Marriage enrichment corner Schedule continued from page 2

Finding our Road to Emmaus

ceremony at the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Aug. 27: 5 p.m., Mass and Blessing of the new doors at St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton Aug. 28: 4 p.m. Celebration under the steel at the new Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Aug. 30: 11 a.m., meeting of the diocesan Presbyteral Council at the Chancery ■

Funeral Mass held for Margaret Fontenot Funeral services were held July 26 for Margaret Ann Fontenot at All Saints Church in Knoxville, with Father Michael Woods celebrating the Mass.

Mrs. Fontenot Mrs. Fontenot, who formerly taught art at Sacred Heart School and was the director of religious education at St. John Neumann Church, is survived by her husband, Jules M. Fontenot, six children, four grandchildren, and two sisters. ■

St. Therese Parish in Clinton seeking part-time bookkeeper St. Therese Parish in Clinton currently has a paid, parttime position available for a bookkeeper.

Applicants must be able to work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Therese is looking to fill this position, which does not include benefits, immediately.

For information, call the parish office at 865-457-4073 or if interested, e-mail a resume to office@ saintthereseclinton.org so that an interview can be scheduled with Father Julius Abuh. ■ The East Tennessee Catholic

by Marian Christiana

Our spiritual GPS instructs us to help others find their way as we keep family life holy

I

n May I participated in a webinar hosted by the Center for Ministry Development called You Gotta Love Them: Insights into Welcoming, Accompanying and Empowering Families. The webinar was based on the writings of Pope Francis regarding the family, and in particular his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).

The basic premise of the online seminar was that family life is holy and we are all called by our baptism to help others on our faith journey.

While the webinar was directed at people who already were working in family ministry, it had great messages for all of us in the pews, too.

Pope Francis has repeatedly said that family life is holy. Traditional marriage vows actually describe what family life is going to be all about. A couple promises to love each other in good times and in bad, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health.

The wording of the vows pretty much guarantees that there will be struggles in married life. The struggles may be small at times and very complex at others. Each stage of marriage can bring its own set of challenges.

Sometimes it is hard to see the holy during the difficult times. It’s also true that sometimes it’s in the daily struggles that we are better able to see the presence of God in our life.

We may, however, need the help of others to see that God is in our midst.

Pope Francis encourages all of us to meet people where they are, accompany them on their faith journey, and help them see the holiness of family life that will bring us all closer to Christ. The webinar used the Road to Emmaus as our model of accompaniment. This model does not push or pull people. This model asks us to

walk side by side with other families engaging in conversation because we are all on the same road walking toward Christ.

How can we, the people in the pew, begin to implement the Road to Emmaus model that asks us to accompany and listen to others? First, we need to acknowledge the holiness of family life, everyone’s family life. Family is where we first meet God and is therefore holy. Every family deserves our respect. After all, our Church family is made up of many families coming together. Once we acknowledge the basic holiness of the family then we can take small steps toward fully interacting with others.

One way we can all reach out to others is very simple. Smile! Look people in the eye and smile. You can never tell where that smile may lead.

I recently walked into a salon appointment, and the person who had the appointment before mine was still there. She had been late for her appointment. Her tardiness was becoming an imposition on my day and my time. I was pretty irritated and spent a few minutes looking at my phone. I think everyone in the salon knew that I wasn’t happy.

I eventually looked up, and the woman was nervously looking at me. I had cooled off and realized that there wasn’t anything that I could do about the situation so I decided to smile at her. The woman gave me a big smile in return and we began to have a wonderful conversation.

I learned that she was getting ready to help her sister and brother-in-law celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary and the couple was renewing their marriage vows that weekend.

This woman had been their maid of honor and was going to stand up with them again as they reaffirmed the promises they had made 44 years

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ago. She was so excited and wanted to share her excitement.

If I hadn’t smiled I would have missed out on that joyful encounter.

A smile is an easy way to start on the Road to Emmaus.

The next step also is easy. Engage others in conversation. You don’t have to be a great conversationalist.

The conversation doesn’t have to be long, but it might lead to a deeper conversation in the future.

The Road to Emmaus model asks us to acknowledge others so we create an environment where those we engage feel free to share their stories.

Once we share our stories we all are better equipped to understand any issues that might surface during the conversation and offer any assistance that might be helpful.

Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them. Conversations also help us identify the interests of the family. The encounter may provide us with an opportunity to invite them into further involvement within parish life.

The last simple step I want to share with you is to pray. OK, we always are asked to pray, but this time pray for a particular family that you see at Mass and may not know or know much about. Pick a family and keep them in your prayers for a week, month or year. Pray that they will recognize God’s presence in their lives and truly understand that the work of family life is holy work.

Smile at them when you see them.

Who knows, maybe they are praying for you. Maybe they will start the conversation with you, and together you can continue on your Roads to Emmaus. ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

August 7, 2016 41

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

The Mass — a mystery of mercy

It is ‘the place where the mercy of Christ is not only recalled but received’

T

he tragic events of recent weeks and months recall the prophetic words of St. John Paul II in 1980, that as the human conscience becomes increasingly secularized it “moves away from God and distances itself from the mystery of mercy” (Dives in Misericordia, no.

15).

And the more this happens, continues the saint, “the more the Church has the right and the duty to appeal to the God of mercy” (Dives in Misericordia, no. 15). The preeminent place she makes her appeal is in the celebration of the Eucharist, the source of her life and the summit to which all of her activity is directed.

The Mass, wrote Father Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, “is the place where the mercy of Christ is not only recalled but received, experienced, and consumed” (The Gaze of Mercy, p. 128).

In this article I would like to consider three ways in which the Mass is the supreme manifestation of and appeal to God’s mercy.

First, the Mass is the representation — the making present — of Christ’s paschal mystery, his suffering, death, resurrection and ascension, the event that St. John Paul II said “bears within itself the most complete revelation of mercy, that is, of that love that is more powerful than death, more powerful than sin and every evil” (DM, 15).

Second, we will look at some of the explicit and implicit appeals to God’s mercy in the words and actions of the Eucharist.

Third, we will look at how sacramental Communion increasingly transforms us into the image of Christ, who is, writes Pope Francis, “the face of the Father’s mercy” (Mi-

42 August 7, 2016

sericordiae Vultus, 1).

First, the Mass makes present Christ’s saving work on the cross, the supreme expression of the mercy of the Most Holy Trinity. Pope Francis describes Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist and his paschal sacrifice in the context of mercy.

“While he was instituting the Eucharist as an everlasting memorial of himself and his paschal sacrifice, he symbolically placed this supreme act of revelation in the light of his mercy. Within the very same context of mercy, Jesus entered upon his passion and death, conscious of the great mystery of love that he would consummate on the Cross” (MV, 7).

Unlike every other historical event, Christ’s paschal mystery “cannot remain only in the past, because by his death he destroyed death, and all that Christ is — all that he did and suffered for all men — participates in the divine eternity, and so transcends all times while being made present in them all. The event of the cross and resurrection abides and draws everything toward life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1085). For this reason, every celebration of the Eucharist makes present the “the culmination of the revealing and effecting of mercy” (DM, 7).

Secondly, the Eucharistic liturgy includes numerous invocations of God’s mercy. In the Kyrie, we pray “Lord, have mercy…Christ, have mercy…Lord, have mercy.” Similarly, the Gloria appeals to Christ for mercy: “you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us… you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.” The Eucharistic prayers all invoke God’s mercy. In Eucharistic Prayer II, for example, the priest prays, “Have mercy on us all, we pray,” a petition

that is both humble and eloquent.

We also appeal to the mercy of God through action and gesture.

The presentation of the gifts is but one example. “In the bread and wine that we bring to the altar,” says Pope Benedict XVI, “all creation is taken up by Christ the Redeemer to be transformed and presented to the Father. In this way we also bring to the altar all the pain and suffering of the world, in the certainty that everything has value in God’s eyes” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 47). Through the words and actions of the Mass we appeal to God’s mercy.

Finally, our participation in the Eucharist transforms us into the image of Christ, who is “the face of the Father’s mercy” (MV, 1).

Pope Benedict XVI, quoting St. Augustine, describes this profound transformation. “Stressing the mysterious nature of this food, Augustine imagines the Lord saying to him: ‘I am the food of grown men; grow, and you shall feed upon me; nor shall you change me, like the food of your flesh, into yourself, but you shall be changed into me.’

It is not the eucharistic food that is changed into us, but rather we who are mysteriously transformed by it.

Christ nourishes us by uniting us to himself; ‘he draws us into himself’” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 70).

Through eucharistic Communion we increasingly love others with Christ’s love.

St. John Paul II called the Eucharist “the school of active love for neighbor” (Dominicae Cenae, 6) and “a great school of peace, forming men and women who, at various levels of responsibility in social, cultural and political life, can become promoters of dialogue and com-

Bishop Stika’s prayer intention for August In Jesus’ name, and through the intercession of St. Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, please join me in praying for the wisdom of our nation to choose leadership that reflects our core beliefs as Americans, as Catholics, and as a Christian Church. ■

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to students Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools admit students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs. ■

Mass continued on page 43

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Pope Francis: true disciples are not content with mediocrity Pontiff celebrates Mass at shrine of St. John Paul II in Krakow, Poland KRAKOW, Poland ­— During Mass celebrated at the shrine of St. John Paul II in Krakow, Pope Francis challenged the priests, religious, and seminarians present in the congregation, saying true disciples are not content with mediocrity, but rather they rejoice in the mission of evangelization.

“The life of Jesus’ closest disciples, which is what we are called to be, is shaped by concrete love, a love, in other words, marked by service and availability,” the Pope told the congregation during a July 30 Mass.

“Finding their happiness in the Lord, they are not content with a life of mediocrity, but burn with the desire to bear witness and reach out to others,” he said. “Rather than just getCelebration continued from page 18

ledge Baptist Church performed songs. The Word Players, a Christian performing arts group from Knoxville, presented a musical drama called On a Hill.

The celebration began with a procession that was led by Father NFP continued from page 40

is having common interests with an attractive person and that sex is a right as opposed to a gift from God. If our marriage is supposed to be an example of Christ’s love for humanity, then maybe it’s OK that sometimes marriage is a cross. Maybe that means I’m doing something Mass continued from page 42

munion” (Mane Nobiscum Domine, 27). So important is this dimension of the Eucharist that, in the words of the saint, “our concern for those in need…will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebrations is judged” (Mane NobisThe East Tennessee Catholic

By Catholic News Agency/EWTN

ting by, they rejoice to evangelize.”

The pontiff also reminded the Polish priests and religious men and women present to remember their own call to become Jesus’ disciples, turning to the Gospel which, he said, is an “open book” in which we are to continue writing with our own works of mercy.

“It is the story of our own calling, the voice of the love that attracted us and transformed our life, leading us to leave everything at his word and to follow him,” he said.

The Mass at the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II in Krakow was attended by some 2,000 bishops, priests, religious men and women, and seminarians within the shrine itself, with

an additional 5,000 taking part from outside.

Before Mass, the Pope heard the confessions of eight young people, including a priest, from various countries.

Earlier, he passed through the Jubilee of Mercy Holy Door of the St. John Paul II sanctuary.

The July 30 celebration, which started a bit ahead of schedule, marked the beginning of the pontiff’s second to last day in Poland, where he led World Youth Day celebrations in Krakow.

Pope Francis centered his homily for the Mass on the day’s Gospel reading, in which Jesus appears to his disciples after Easter and sends them

out into the world on mission.

“Jesus sends,” the Pope said. “From the beginning, he wants his to be a Church on the move, a Church that goes out into the world.”

Francis noted how, when Jesus arrived on the scene, the disciples had “closed the doors out of fear.”

Instead, “he wants them to open the doors and go out to spread God’s pardon and peace, with the power of the Holy Spirit,” the Pope said.

This call to go out on mission is also addressed to us, the pontiff told those present. “How can we fail to hear its echo in the great appeal of St. John Paul II: ‘Open the doors’?” He spoke of the temptation of priests and consecrated people to remain closed off. ■

Pawelk and Danza de Teresa de Calcutta, a traditional dance company from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

“We asked for people to pray for people (they) know who are inactive Catholics; people who are unchurched; people who are living a life

of moral confusion, that’s what this day was about,” Father Pawelk said.

Bishop Stika discussed the impact the Year of Mercy is having.

“Last year when Pope Francis first brought up the Year of Mercy, a lot of people said, why? Look at what happened recently in France,

or in Germany, or in Afghanistan, and then look at our streets and our government and everything that surrounds us, situations in our families and in our own personal lives. I think it reminds all of us of the importance of mercy,” Bishop Stika said. ■

right. No matter what happens in our marriage, no matter how many fights or arguments we have, I know that my husband always will strive to love me selflessly as Christ loves the Church.

NFP also has helped us to pray as a couple. My husband and I get together every month to talk and pray

about God’s plan for our family. I am constantly amazed at my husband’s openness to life and to God’s will. If you don’t already pray with your spouse or your family then please start praying together. Please pray about this.

Pray about what God wants for your marriage and your family. Go

to a class. Listen to someone’s testimony. God has beautiful things in store for us, but we need to have the courage to listen.

More information about Natural Family Planning can be found at: http://dioknox.org/marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/naturalfamily-planning-nfp/ ■

cum Domine, 28).

“The Church lives an authentic life,” says St. John Paul II, “when she professes and proclaims mercy—the most stupendous attribute of the Creator and of the Redeemer—and when she brings people close to the source of the

Savior’s mercy, of which she is the trustee and dispenser” (DM, 13).

Through the celebration of the Mass, its words and actions, and its transforming power, we abide in and bring the whole world “close to the source of the Savior’s mercy.”

During this Jubilee of Mercy, may

we deepen our understanding and participation in this great mystery of mercy. ■

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Father Stice is pastor of St. Mary Church in Athens and directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

August 7, 2016 43

IT’S A FAMILY REUNION! EWTN’S FREE FAMILY CELEBRATION Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Mother Angelica

September 17-18, 2016 • BJCC Convention Complex • Birmingham, Alabama Inspirational talks by EWTN hosts Fr. Wade Menezes, Marcus Grodi, Johnnette Benkovic & Raymond Arroyo. Plus an all-star tribute to Mother Angelica on Saturday night.

TELEVISION • RADIO • NEWS • ONLINE • PUBLISHING •

44 August 7, 2016

• ewtn.com/familycelebration

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