Aug. 6, 2023, ET Catholic, B section

Chesterton Academy: joyful, classical, Catholic

The new, independent Catholic high school in Knox County opens its doors for the 2023-24 year

Anew Catholic school has opened its doors in Knox County for the 2023-24 academic year.

Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is an independent Catholic high school in the classical tradition that opened on Aug. 9.

The idea for the school originally “sprung out of the homeschooling Catholic community of Knoxville,” said Zach Summers, who serves as the school’s headmaster. Mr. Summers is a parishioner at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville.

“I was approached about a year and a half ago by another gentleman, Jeff Baker, about starting this school, again expressed by a lot of the homeschooling community. They wanted to finish their children’s education in the same Catholic classical manner that many of them are currently receiving,” he said.

The Department of Education for the state of Tennessee conducted its pre-operational visit of the school in July and approved the school as a Category V Non-Public School.

The Chesterton Schools Network

Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is part of the Chesterton Schools Network.

Based in Minneapolis, the network is an “apostolate of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton” and offers “consulting services, templates for evaluating interest and operating a school, and the Chesterton Academy curriculum framework,” according to its website.

There currently are 44 Chesterton schools operating in the United States and Canada, with one sister school in Italy. Several additional schools will open this year.

The Knoxville academy is named after two patrons, G.K. Chesterton and St. Margaret Clitherow.

G.K. Chesterton was an English writer and convert to the Catholic faith, and he was considered “one of the world’s most outstanding men of letters in the early 20th century,” cites the Chesterton Schools Network website. He was chosen as the network’s patron “because he not only represents the fullness of faith and reason but also Catholic joy and common sense.”

St. Margaret Clitherow was a wife, mother, and Catholic school teacher who lived during the 1500s.

“St. Margaret Clitherow seemed very appropriate for us,” Mr. Summers said. “She was a

schoolteacher of the Catholic faith, she helped hide and protect Catholic priests during the English persecutions. She was pressed to death with a door and in the process of that it was even believed she was with child at the time, pregnant…. So, schoolteacher, defender of the faith, protector of the priesthood, and pro-life; it just for us embodied all the aspects of our school, along with Chesterton.”

The physical location for the school is in a commercial building on Rutledge Pike in Knoxville.

Carolina DuPont, a parishioner at Holy Ghost and whose husband, Rory, is chair of the board of directors for the new school, said the location is an “immediate answer” and will likely be a short-term solution.

“We’re expecting big growth, even just after the first year, so as we grow we have to continually kind of assess and then hopefully end up in a permanent location that holds us, I think, into year five and beyond,” Mrs. DuPont said.

“We are one of 15 in the cohort of 2023 that

By Gabrielle Nolan

will open their doors in the fall of this year, and so one of the pillars that they’ve discovered that has been so successful is understanding and accepting that where you start at within the first year or two is not where you’ll end, and they very highly emphasize that,” Mr. Summers said.

Most beginning Chesterton schools start out with 20 to 30 students, but some start with lower numbers. Knoxville’s Chesterton Academy will start off with 11 students.

“The ninth grade, the freshman class, is usually the largest within the school simply because of parents wanting their children to start and end the entire process instead of halfway through,” Mr. Summers said. “We’ve also already received students in the 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-grade years, so non-freshmen who simply want to be a part of the Chesterton experience.”

“All four grades will be represented, but all four grades will be receiving the ninth-grade education as far as humanities go, but the math Chesterton continued on page B2

Father Dowling marks 40th priestly anniversary

The pastor of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain reflects on ‘serving people by God’s grace’

After morning Mass on June 18, the parishioners of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain honored pastor Father John Dowling with a reception as he marked the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Father Dowling commented on his milestone in his typical selfeffacing manner.

“I think some people might think I’m more like Moses, basically after 40 years of wondering if we’re ever going to get to the Promised Land with this leader,” he said. “But it’s been a joy, and, yes, I did think I’d make it 40 years with all of the support and the prayer and the love that people have and the energy that you gain from being a priest and the variety of ways that you’re able to serve people by God’s grace and in His name.”

The reception, the only anniversary-related event during the weekend, was not the only way parishioners recognized their pastor’s milestone.

“They honored me by their presence at Mass,” Father Dowling said. “I didn’t want to be honored in any particular way, and I’ve been here only four years, and they probably think that’s way too long already. They have been so welcoming, and I know

they’ve had a lot of priests over the years and a variety of priests with various gifts.”

Father Dowling has served several parishes in his four decades as a priest, with some assignments lasting many years, including those at Holy Ghost in Knoxville, St. John Neumann in Farragut, and Holy Family in Seymour. He has also served at St. Jude in Chattanooga, where he was ordained a priest, at St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade,

and Christ the King in Tazewell.

“I had 15 years at Holy Ghost, 12 years at St. John Neumann, and nine years at Holy Family. Those were the longer stays, but every single parish I’ve been privileged to serve at indeed was a pleasure,” he said. “They all have special moments. I wouldn’t say special trials because . . . I know there are difficult times for people, but the Lord’s grace has seen us through it. I just think that from the larger parishes you

By Dan McWilliams

get to develop more friendships and longer-lasting friendships, and also I think people are more willing to tell you what they think after you’ve been there a while. I appreciate people being upfront and feeling comfortable to be able to know that I am a person who’s open to information and insights, because I certainly don’t have all the answers.”

The 40-year priest did not want to thank any individual person upon his anniversary but mentioned the Knights of Columbus and the ladies who have served in his parish offices over the years.

“The Knights of Columbus have been a real support to me, not just in this parish but all throughout the diocese,” Father Dowling said. “The Knights have really helped me develop as a priest. One of the reasons I’ve been a Knight for almost 50 years now is because of the many ways they serve people. I think they’re an arm of the Catholic Church in a very beautiful way because they take every issue that has the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and they take them seriously and take it to heart. They are a way of reaching out in Christ’s name in a very powerful way, and I think they allow men to find their center in

BILL BREWER

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Four decades in the priesthood At his 40th-anniversary reception, Father John Dowling shakes the hand of a well-wisher. A native of Savannah, Ga., Father Dowling has served almost his entire priesthood in East Tennessee.

Ready for class The Chesterton Academy, which began its first school year on Aug. 9, is the newest Catholic school in the Diocese of Knoxville. From left are Sonia Summers, teacher of fine arts; Eleyana Nahigian, teaching assistant; Mary C. Weaver, choir director; Zach Summers, headmaster; and Martin Flaherty, executive director.

and science is appropriate to their grade level,” he continued. “This is very typical of a Chesterton school when it starts off because the ninthgrade curriculum already encapsulates in its subjects the levels of wisdom and knowledge that might be contained in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in other schools. Plus, the material is not dated.”

Mr. Summers noted that the new school has hired six teachers and one teacher’s assistant.

“I will be teaching several of the humanities classes as well as being an administrator,” Mr. Summers continued. “My non-negotiable is never fully leaving the classroom.”

Mr. Summers, who holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama, has been a teacher for the past 10 years at a variety of schools. His courses have included English, honors literature, religion, Latin, logic, broadcasting, and debate.

“I had formerly helped convert a Catholic parochial school to classical and had taught at a classical Protestant school a few years, and myself was classically educated,” he said.

As an independent classical school, Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is not associated with Diocese of Knoxville schools.

“We have those who ask us, well what about the other schools in the area, do they not have something to offer? Our answer is they do,” Mr. Summers said. “Each school is a different member of the Body of Christ, just like the Jesuits, the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Benedictines. They’re different religious orders but all a religious order.”

“We do notice with a lot of these schools there is a focus, and rightly so, on the technical and the proficient and college and career readiness, and we have college and career readiness as well,” he continued. “But the focus, just like all of them do prepare you for the ‘real world,’ our focus is we also are preparing them to be well-rounded individuals and understand that their education transcends the immediate need. Is it just that they can pass a test, is it just so that they can acquire a skill? These are good things, but are they readers? Are they thinkers?”

“I think it strikes a balance in our communities,” Mrs. DuPont added. “We have a great selection of STEM schools and technical schools in the Knoxville area, and I think this school strikes the balance with giving the arts with dance, too, and presenting it in a really fun way but also rounds out the student really well academically with classic literature, the great books.”

“I think the focus that we are really trying to get people talking about, and I’m really trying to get the diocese buzzing about, is what a joyful approach this is to the classical curriculum and just to our faith all around for these kids,” she continued. “That is truly our hope with this school, and that is the foundation to all Chesterton schools, is that joyful aspect.”

The Pearl Gala

On March 25, the academy hosted the Pearl Gala, its premier fundraising event. The gala included both silent and live auctions to benefit school funding.

Attendees raised $233,000 to fully fund the first year of the school.

Father Michael Hendershott, associate pastor at Holy Ghost in Knox-

ville, led the group in prayer.

“How could we have a gala to support such a great work without quoting St. Thomas Aquinas?” he said. “The great doctor of the Church who spoke so much about virtue and grace, particularly the virtue that we’re here to perform tonight: the virtue of magnificence.”

“This particular virtue is a subset of the virtue of fortitude; it’s difficult work to do something magnificent,” he said. “The purpose of this magnificence is to grow in virtue, to grow in grace. So, we should all leave here tonight holier, more like unto God.”

Father Hendershott gave the example of Father John Dowling, who previously served as pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut and now serves as pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Signal Mountain.

“When he was building the beautiful St. John Neumann, one thing that he did was he spoke of generosity, and not only did he speak of generosity, he lived generosity,” Father Hendershott shared. “He pledged a year of his own salary to build that church. So, like Father Dowling, I’m not going to ask you to do something that I’m not willing to do myself. I’m going to pledge a year of my salary to Chesterton Academy.”

After a round of applause, Father Hendershott added that he also pledged a year of his salary to Knoxville Catholic High School when he previously was the chaplain there.

“Education is a tremendous work, it’s magnificent,” he said. “To bring souls to the knowledge of truth and love of truth that is Jesus Christ, that is what this school is for. I’m grateful for your presence. I’m grateful that you’re here and willing to learn about this great virtue that St. Thomas spoke of, magnificence, to do something great.”

There were more than 90 attendees for the premier gala.

Jennifer Hay, a parishioner at St. John Neumann, said her son will be entering the school as a freshman.

“I love that the Diocese of Knoxville is going to have a classical school that’s small, a small number of students to teachers,” she said. “I think more individual attention from teachers is going to be very helpful for him.”

“Classical education really does take you through the thought process, how to think good thoughts with the best thinkers of history, and I love that there’s not going to be any computers in the classroom, I think that’s a big distraction,” she said.

Priscilla McKinney, a parishioner at Holy Ghost, also said that one of her sons will enter as a freshman.

“We are really looking forward to

this option for next year for our son, for fall of 2023,” she shared. “We already have one son who’s at Knox Catholic and he loves it, and it’s a really good fit for him, but we just have different needs and different wants for our other son, and I really think this is going to be the best fit.”

Mrs. McKinney said that she wants to support the school “as much as possible.”

“I want to support another option for Catholic families in the area. I just think it’s really important that we have multiple options for the multiple needs of our different children,” she said. “It’s going to serve certain families really well. It’s not for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be for everyone, because it’s just another option for families that are looking for that classical education.”

Barry Walsh, a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, said he sees “the need for this type of education.”

“There’s a demographic that it works perfect for,” he said. “I’m for pretty much anything Catholic. I love our faith. … I like opportunities for, especially homeschool kids, they’re working their way through and as they get older it becomes more difficult for parents to be able to school them, so to have a smaller environment to be able to bring them through these critical times. And the classical education is solid.”

Following the gala dinner, board member Curt Jawdy and Mr. Summers led presentations about the school.

“We need Chesterton schools because our society is great at answering ‘how’ questions but terrible at answering ‘why’ questions,” Mr. Jawdy said. “The reason that we struggle at answering these ‘why’ questions is because much of society has gone along with the flow, and that’s towards modernism. And by its nature this denies the existence of anything transcendent beyond the material world.”

“We can create stuff, but we struggle at creating meaning,” Mr. Jawdy continued. “So, we need a Chesterton school now to begin with the wisdom of the past, as we build a generation of Catholics ready to provide a reason for the hope that is in them. We need a generation that can use all of the gifts that God has given them, to reorient society towards valuable ends. We need people to rearticulate the knowledge that God has given in His Word and in the natural order He created. We need leaders, and leaders must be trained from a young age.”

Mr. Jawdy said that the Holy Spirit is active in each generation, “showing new facets of God’s goodness to us.”

“His work at various times and in various places has brought us the Benedictines, the Dominicans, the Franciscans, and many orders besides,” he said. “He ministers to us through the Latin, Alexandrian, Maronite, and four other rites. So, we pray that he’s now ready to add a younger brother in the Catholic schools of Knoxville. So, we thank you for joining us in this adventure as we create a community and school to form our most valuable heritage: our kids.”

Mr. Summers addressed the three pillars of the school: joyful, classical, and Catholic.

“We’re here to form souls; we’re here to help form souls. There is nothing more important in anything that we do than to help our children get to heaven,” he said. “We want children who are able to remain holy, to become holy, to remain holy, and to go into the world to increase in their holiness and to help others increase in their holiness. … We want children who can go into the world whole and intact and be able to spread the Gospel, be able to think, be able to articulate.”

Mr. Summers spoke about the school’s patron, G.K. Chesterton.

“He was staunch friends with George Bernard Shaw, the devout atheist,” he explained. “They would argue throughout the entire day. They would debate fiercely. They would hold to their own, but they would be friends at night, and they’d go share a drink together.”

“The first pillar of Chesterton Academy is joy,” he continued. “To be able to have joy in our lives, not just know the truth but be able to share that truth with others. Joy is that levity, joy is that cure, joy allows us to know, love, and serve God but to have humility and to not take ourselves so seriously that we can’t be friends with others and spread that faith.”

“The second part, as Curt touched upon, Curt said our students are taught in school how to do something but they’re not taught why. I would add to that that they’re not taught the ‘should,’” he added. “The ‘should’ is the pillar of what Chesterton Academy is about. ‘Should’ involves wisdom. You can teach a student how to put a sword together, you can teach a student how to use that sword, but have they been taught should they use that sword? When should they fight? When should they apply the knowledge? That’s wisdom, and you don’t find that sense of wisdom in a great many schools. That’s what we want to teach these students is wisdom, how to use the knowledge that they have.”

Mr. Summers said that the third pillar of being Catholic is the most important.

“A joyful classical school in the Catholic tradition, and that’s why at Chesterton Academy we have the Mass every day, hopefully, God willing,” he said. “We have the sacraments. Nothing we can do inside of this school is more important than that Mass in the morning.”

“I’ve taught for 10 years in every different type of school, and there is nothing that we can do better for our children than this education. It not only teaches them holiness, it not only teaches them wisdom, it not only teaches them joyfulness, but it rounds them out; it forms the whole person,” he shared.

For more information on Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow, visit knoxchesterton.com ■

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School leaders Pictured at the Chesterton Academy’s Pearl Gala are (from left) school headmaster Zach Summers and board members Carolina DuPont, Molly Jawdy, and Eleyana Nahigian.

New school The Chesterton Academy of St. Margaret Clitherow is located at 5919 Rutledge Pike in Knoxville.

Gala speech Board member Curt Jawdy gives a talk at the Chesterton Academy Pearl Gala.

GABRIELLE NOLAN

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a parish. I think the biggest surprise I’ve had is how helpful the Knights of Columbus have been.”

Regarding parish office workers, Father Dowling said, “I’ve depended on the staff down over the years, including the ones today who serve the Lord in St. Augustine’s name and of course in Jesus’ name here at St. Augustine Parish but all the way back to my first parish in this diocese, at St. Jude, Holy Ghost, Holy Family, St. Francis, and the six schools I’ve been affiliated with—that’s been a real joy. Really, the secretaries and the DREs and the people in the dayto-day who you see, that’s really key, because if you have tension there it’s going to show to the parish. We’ve had primarily women who are working in the office down through the years, and they show the Lord’s best face and best foot forward and help a priest, and they’re invaluable. I’d say the Knights of Columbus on the one hand and then all of the staff who are there day in and day out and basically holding down the fort while the priest is doing what he needs to do.”

Being a priest has allowed Father Dowling to literally see the world.

“I feel like there’s no way I would have had the same privilege of meeting the numbers of people and the places I’ve been, including the Holy Land three times, no way I would have been able to afford that or even thought about or dreamed of doing that. That has been a real blessing. That has been a real benefit for me, eye-opening experiences, to see the universal Church active in Europe, in Canada, and throughout the United States.”

Father Dowling has seen much of the United States on hiking trips with his younger brother Father Kevin Dowling and with longtime friend Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph, a son of the Diocese of Knoxville who served as a priest alongside Father John Dowling for many years. The latter thanked those fellow clergy and also Father John Orr and Father David Carter for their friendship.

“Bishop Vann Johnston and my brother Kevin, we hiked for about 30 years together, until recently,” Father John Dowling said. “Just about every year we hiked together. Besides my own family, too, those two priests have been special to me. Of course, I know many priests throughout the diocese,

too numerous to name. Those two have been really, really special, Father Orr and Father Carter and others as well. The deacons who serve in the parish have been a blessing and accommodating and working for nothing except for God’s glory. I don’t want to forget about those deacons.”

Father Dowling said he misses the hiking trips, “but I know Bishop Vann has got a lot more things on his mind, and my brother Kevin is nestled down in Middle Tennessee. He’s serving in kind of a semi-retirement way, serving for those priests who are able to get a vacation and take off three or four weeks at a time, especially the ones who are from India, Africa, Ireland, or South America—he’s able to cover for them. He’s been a big help, even though he’s not a pastor anywhere.”

Father Kevin Dowling is one of Father John Dowling’s three younger brothers but has been ordained two and a half years longer than his older sibling.

The hiking trio earned national recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior after they rescued a father and two of his children from going over a waterfall in August 2002 at Glacier National Park in Montana. The man’s son had fallen into a creek near Ptarmigan Falls, and the man—with an infant daughter in a carrier on his back—went into the water to try and save his son. The priests formed a human chain with then-Father Johnston on shore and the sibling priests in the water. Despite slick rocks in the creek bed and nothing to hang on to on the shore, the three priests with the help of the boy’s father passed the youngster along the line until he reached his mother on the bank. The priests then rescued the father and daughter. The boy ended up 20 feet short of the waterfall.

The Department of the Interior held its 62nd Department Honor Awards Convocation in February 2005 in Washington, D.C., and Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton presented the priests with the Citizen’s Award for Bravery.

John R. Dowling was born in Savannah, Ga., the eldest of seven children. The future priest attended Catholic elementary schools in Savannah and Cincinnati before his family moved to Chattanooga in 1964. There he attended Notre Dame High School, graduating in 1968. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973.

After college, he worked for five years in the marketing and sales department of the Chattanooga CocaCola Bottling Co., doing price forecasting and acting as the firm’s conveniencestore representative.

His priestly vocation began to take root in those days.

“It was certainly by the grace of God. It started by going to St. Jude and reflecting on and thinking about becoming a priest of the diocese,” Father Dowl -

ing said. “Then I went and tested the waters out in California, didn’t stay there long at all. It was before I got to seminary—I thought about going to a religious order out in California. I was going to stay there a week, and I thought, ‘Yep, that’s for me.’ When I finally got there, I was out there 36 hours, and I said, ‘Nope.’ I don’t know what I was thinking, so I came back and got my old job back at Coca-Cola, and then I worked another two years there and I decided, ‘You know, the Lord wants me to be a priest. He just doesn’t want me to be in a religious order.’”

Father Dowling went to Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1978 for a year of pre-theology, then to Mount St. Mary’s in Cincinnati. He was ordained a deacon on April 3, 1982, by Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin of Cincinnati, a future cardinal. He was ordained a priest on June 17, 1983, at St. Jude by Bishop James D. Niedergeses.

“I was ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Nashville, and then five years later in 1988 I was part of the new Diocese of Knoxville,” Father Dowling said.

After a brief assignment as associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, the young Father Dowling was named associate pastor of St. Jude in July 1983. He spent four years there before being named associate pastor of Holy Ghost in Knoxville and pastor of Holy Family in Seymour. His assignment at Holy Family ended in 1996 when he was named pastor of Christ the King in Tazewell while also remaining at Holy Ghost. When longtime Holy Ghost pastor Father Albert Henkel died in 1996, Father Dowling became parochial administrator there.

In 1997, Father Dowling became pastor of St. John Neumann in Farragut. He was leading the West Knox County parish in 2006 when it began construction on the impressive Romanesque church it now calls home. In 2010, Father Dowling was assigned as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, where he served until his return to Holy Ghost in 2014. Father Dowling became pastor of St. Augustine in 2019.

At Holy Ghost, Father Dowling hosted a weekly radio program, “Let There Be Light,” on WITA-AM. During his years at St. Jude, Father Dowling taught at Notre Dame High School, and he later taught at Knoxville Catholic High School.

Father Dowling has published

pamphlets for Liguori Publications that include “Have You Been Saved? A Catholic Perspective,” “The Truth About the Eucharist,” and “Why Confess Your Sins to a Priest?”

Karlin Baker, a parishioner at St. Augustine for 15 years and the parish’s secretary/bookkeeper, reflected on her pastor’s 40th anniversary.

“He came to St. Augustine right after I started the position,” she said. “We’re so blessed to have him here. He’s so joyful, and he’s so passionate about his vocation and just really inspires a lot of people and gets that fire burning for God.”

Heather Chapman, director of religious education for St. Augustine, said it’s “great” working for Father Dowling.

“He’s very supportive of the religious-ed program and always available to teach when we need him. He’s very good with the kids and very supportive of whatever we need to do. He wants to encourage people to come to Mass and receive the Eucharist and the sacraments. He’s very hands-on.”

In 2010, Father Dowling told The East Tennessee Catholic what aspect of the priesthood gave him the most joy.

“Working with people, day in and day out, in the many ways you can serve the people of God. Probably the highlight for me is the diversity in the priesthood, which enables you to use your God-given gifts in so many ways that it’s always exciting. You meet people of all walks of life in every imaginable situation, in the good times and bad, in sickness and in health, and in death. You represent Christ’s face to the world and especially to the parish, to the young and the old and people who are suffering greatly, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You see people who are at the top of their game who certainly can minister to you.

“We priests are so blessed by so many people who are ministering to us, and I feel guilty at times. Sometimes it’s difficult to minister to people because they are so busy taking care of you. I meet so many people whose spirituality far surpasses mine, and they give me an opportunity to reflect on whether I’m really measuring up. They challenge me but in very positive ways. Not in-your-face challenges but by their very presence. They reveal God’s love through their sacrificial giving and their willingness to help and reach out.” ■

Tidwells help celebrate Father Dowling’s anniversary The priest of 40 years stands with (from left) Deacon Tom Tidwell, Tate Tidwell III, Shannon Tidwell, Tate Tidwell IV, Mary Tidwell, and Katie Tidwell.

Giving thanks Father Dowling celebrates Mass on June 18, one day after his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination.

Anniversary greetings Father Dowling talks with Mike St. Charles at the priest’s anniversary reception.

Presents for the priest Father Dowling holds an anniversary gift and shows Maggie and William Robbins a cellphone photo. Maggie and William are grandchildren of St. Augustine parishioner Genie Robbins (far right).

DAN MCWILLIAMS

KARLIN BAKER

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Chattanooga Deanery

Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy

A Knights of Columbus silent auction to raise money for the Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga is scheduled for Friday evening, Sept. 8. To donate an item, a skill, or vacation spot, call Jeanne Ferrere at 920-279-0034.

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain

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

St. Bridget, Dayton

Registration is underway for 2023-24 religious-education classes, which begin in August. Forms should be completed and turned in to the church office between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday or Thursday or after Sunday Mass.

A new church directory is coming soon. Signups are held after each Mass for the photo sessions scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26.

The St. Bridget Women’s Council celebrated July and August birthdays Aug. 8 at Panda Garden Buffet in Dayton.

St. Jude, Chattanooga

The annual St. Jude Holiday Craft Fair will take place Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Hofstetter Family Life Center gym, and it will feature a large collection of handcrafted items from the parish and the Chattanooga Catholic community. The Knights of Columbus will serve food at the event. To register for a booth, fill out a form available in the outer vestibule. Space is limited to the first 45 applicants. To help or learn more, call Laura in the parish office at 423-870-2386.

After 13 years, Kyra King recently left the parish office as the director of religious education and family-life coordinator to teach at St. Jude School. Deb Weiss will be taking over as DRE and Laura Bryant as family-life coordinator. Those with questions regarding parish religious education (PRE) or parish ministries should call the St. Jude office at 423-870-2386.

The Knights of Columbus’ Raleigh Cooper recently received the Bishops Award on behalf of the St. Jude Council from Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding and State Deputy Fred Laufenberg. Mr. Cooper also received the Knights’ state Pro-Life Kimball Award for his advocacy for the unborn from Bishop Spalding and Mr. Laufenberg.

The St. Jude Knights named Foster Goodwin as Knight of the year and Gary and Teri Gabor as family of the year. Recent Knights families of the month were Mary-Jo and David Densmore, Summer and Jimmy Hartman, and Rose and Rob Lovelace. For more information about Council 8576 at St. Jude, contact Eric Pelton at 423-5931510 or ejpelton@ejpelton.com

St. Mary, Athens

The parish celebrated its 19th anniversary at its East Madison Avenue location on the weekend of Aug. 1213 with the rosary recited before all Masses and refreshments and treats following the Masses. Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz dedicated the current St. Mary Church on Aug. 14, 2004.

St. Mary’s second annual Community Yard Sale is planned for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19, at the church. A pre-sale for parishioners will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17. Items (no clothes) may be donated Aug. 14-16. A bake sale with pies, cakes, breads, and more will also take place at the yard sale. The event is a fundraiser organized by the Knights of Columbus with proceeds benefiting the parish. To learn more or offer to help, call Lou Dionne at 423-507-4108.

The recent vacation Bible school drew seven preschool to kindergartners, seven first- and second-graders, five thirdand fourth-graders, nine fifth- and sixth-graders, plus 19 seventh- through 12th-grade helpers and 47 adult helpers. The parish thanked all who gave of their time and talents with the VBS.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

Anniversaries: John and Lillian Yarosh (68), Joseph and Anita D’Andrea (60), Allan and Darlene Lacy (56), Anh and Mary Le (35), George and Susan McDowell (35), Juan and Maria LopezRoman (30)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

Deacon Vic Landa led “Praying with Jesus” gatherings July 29 and Aug. 12.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The Council of Catholic Women reports it had a successful bake sale that will help its 20 charities and nonprofits. Thanks went to all who set up, baked, sold, and donated and to the clean-up group.

The Knights of Columbus report that the Hilltoppers concert on July 13 was a great success and took in $3,744 to help support the Hilltoppers of Crossville, a nonprofit agency that provides support and services to adults with intellectual and other specific disabilities promoting health, independence, and employment to achieve success and a full life.

On July 16, Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, of Knoxville was at the church to celebrate Mass and bless the 10 new members who completed the 33 Days of Morning Glory Retreat program. They were consecrated to Our Lady on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They are the ninth group to complete this retreat.

For a Christmas in July project, Cross Catholic Outreach delivered 400 shoesize boxes that had to be folded into shape so that parishioners could pick up one or two to shop for Christmas gifts for Haitian children.

The Social Action Ministry is looking for new members to volunteer. They need help with the food pantries at Peavine Care Center, Crab Orchard Care Center, and St. Alphonsus Community Services; medical volunteers for the St. Mary’s Mobile Medical Clinic and the Plateau Pregnancy Center; and volunteers for a Cumberland County Fair booth, Rosaries in the Park, and special projects such as Thanksgiving/Christmas baskets, a Christmas giving tree, Easter projects, and the Haiti ministry. The ministry meets at 8:45 a.m. after Mass on first Thursdays in the parish office conference room. For information, call Mary Lampugnano at 504-371-2479.

Anniversaries: Ben and Jacqueline Ryba (66), Paul and Carole Forkapa (64), Dennis and Colleen Richardson (62), Bruce and Carol Heisterkamp (59), Don and Sherry Koch (58), Patrick and Patricia McGraw (58), William and Pat Maas (58), James and Corrine Gabriel (58), Samuel and Janet Chippetta (57), David and Barbara Sheperd (57), Wayne and Carol Fasske (56), Raymond and Laurie Falk (55), Pat and Norma Donahue (54), Jim and Rosemary Wells (54), Richard and Monica Jahn (54), Don and Cheryl Chrobot (53), Jim and Terri Auckland (52), Jan and Martha Novack (52), Raymond and Claudette Purzycki (52), Ronald and Lynn Varcak (52), John and Kathleen Johnson (51), Michael and Geraldine White (51), Richard and Darla Kepner (51), Dick and Becky Bishop (51), Jack and Jan Anderson (50), Steve and Cindy Clark (50), David and Diane Dean (45), Philip and Rosemary Chesser (45), David and Catherine Henderson (25) St. John Neumann, Farragut

A trivia-night adult social is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in the school gym. The evening features prizes and a potluck dinner, and it is a BYOB event. RSVP to sjnccwomensclub@ gmail.com

On June 15, Knights of Columbus Ted H. Denning Jr. Council 8781 elected its slate of officers for the fraternal year that began July 1. They were installed in the church at a ceremony after the July 22 vigil Mass. The new leaders are Terry Scoggins, Grand Knight;

Parish notes continued on page B8

St. Francis-Fairfield Glade presents St. Alphonsus with a $30,000 gift

St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade recently made a $30,000 gift to St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville to help with the latter’s building campaign.

Construction is nearing completion on a new St. Alphonsus Church. Parishioners have been worshiping in a parish life center since 2003.

In his letter announcing the gift, St. Francis of Assisi pastor Father Michael Woods wrote to St. Alphonsus pastor Father Mark Schuster:

“Dear Father Mark and parishioners of St. Alphonsus Parish. You and your parishioners must be very proud and grateful as you fulfill the hopes and dreams of all the faithful gone before you and those of you who now carry the light of the Gos-

pel. You have raised a worthy, living sanctuary to give glory, praise, and honor to our Lord, Jesus Christ, as expressed by our beloved Catholic faith. Well done!

“The faithful at St. Francis of Assisi Parish join you in your gratitude and praise to God for such a gift. After all, we received our first beginnings as a parish from you, our mother parish. Please accept our gift of $30,000 from our parishioners as a remembrance of our belonging to each other in faith and our mutual, cooperative endeavor to spread the Gospel in Cumberland County.

“Every blessing from our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Mary, His mother. Peace, Father Michael Woods and the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.” n

Water-gun fight caps basilica’s vacation Bible school

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul recently held its annual vacation Bible school. On the last day, participants challenged basilica rector Father David Carter (above) and seminarian Daniel Cooper to a water-gun fight. A total of 55 children and 20 youth and adult helpers took part in the VBS.

Offutts of the Glade celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary July 6

David and Laetitia Offutt of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 6.

They were married at the Newman Hall on the campus of the University of California in Berkeley. Father Edward V. Warren, SJ, officiated their marriage. Father Warren is Mrs. Offutt‘s uncle.

The couple’s son, Michael, and wife Dora live in Albuquerque, N.M.

Mr. Offutt retired from law practice after 40 years in Northern California. The couple moved to the Glade in 2004.

The Offutts celebrated their 60th anniversary with a home Mass presided over by Monsignor Bradley Offutt of St. Mark Parish in Independence, Mo., with the couple’s children, nieces, and nephews in attendance.

Mrs. Offutt plays the violin at the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Francis of Assisi. n

Significant donation Father Michael Woods (right), pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, presents a $30,000 check to St. Alphonsus pastor Father Mark Schuster as they stand in the Crossville parish’s under-construction church.

Holy Ghost parishioners take part in Corpus Christi procession Father Bill McNeeley, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, holds the monstrance as Deacon Scott Maentz and he lead an outdoor procession on the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on June 11.

JIM RICHMOND

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Knoxville, is scheduled to visit the diocese’s four deaneries and celebrate Masses at the following times and locations: 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga (Chattanooga Deanery); 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport (Five Rivers Deanery); at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville (Smoky Mountain Deanery); and at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut (Cumberland Mountain Deanery). Archbishop Fabre extends an invitation to the faithful to attend these Masses.

All Saints Parish in Knoxville is hosting “How Do You Feel About Food?,” a morning of stories and discussion, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the parish hall. Food is a gift from God and should not be a source of strife and suffering, but for many people, it is a source of contention and unhappiness. The goal of the discussion is to help bring joy back to the table with tips/ways for helping participants and their children and grandchildren to have healthy body images and relationships with food. Two parishioners and All Saints pastor Father Doug Owens will talk about how their relationship with food, family, mental health, and spirituality has affected them and those around them. Professionals will speak on the best ways to enjoy food and family without fights, diets, and tears. The event is free, and there will be separate activities available for children. Families are encouraged to attend. For more information, e-mail Chris Lucheon at clucheon@dioknox.org

EWTN’s free Family Celebration event will be held Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala. The event features talks by EWTN hosts and clergy, talks in Spanish by TV hosts, a chance to meet favorite Catholic authors, an opportunity to be part of a television audience and shop for holy reminders, and a time to attend Mass and go to confession. Kids will have fun learning about the faith. To register, visit www.ewtn.com/family celebration or call 800-447-EWTN (3986).

The Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville is set for Thursday, Aug. 31, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. The format is a four-person scramble. Golfers of all abilities are welcome. Costs are $125 per player and $500 per team and include a light breakfast, beverages, lunch, and prizes at the end of play. Sponsorship opportunities are available from $100 to $2,500 levels. For more information on sponsorships, contact golf committee chair Joe Sutter at 865-588-4013 or sutterjtn@aol.com

See the registration ad for the tourney on page A7 of this issue.

Knights of Columbus Council 610 is collecting items for its White Elephant Yard Sale at the annual Labor Day Picnic scheduled for Monday, Sept. 4, at Camp Columbus. For pickup or drop-off information, call Chris Petrin at 423-558-6980 or John Chrnalogar at 423-544-1562. Proceeds support the council’s charitable activities throughout the year.

The Marriage Course, a series of seven sessions designed to help couples invest in their relationship, will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 7 through Oct. 19 in the Cathedral Hall at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Each session features leading experts, teaching content, and stories from around the globe. Topics include the art of communication, resolving conflict, the power of forgiveness, and the impact of family—past and present. Childcare will be available. Whether couples have been married for six months or 40 years, or whether they are in a good place or struggling, the course helps them navigate the modern challenges of marriage. For more information, e-mail SHCathedral@ shcknox.org

The 37th annual Shamrock Open

benefiting the students of Knoxville Catholic High School will be held Friday, Sept. 8, at Avalon Golf & Country Club in Lenoir City. A morning flight will start at 8 a.m. and an afternoon flight at 2 p.m. “Irish Legend” John MacDonald (’71) will be the honoree at the event. Some 200 golfers are expected to take part. The day includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, barbecue, lots of beverages, souvenirs, and goodie bags. Costs are $150 per player and $600 per team. To register, view a full schedule, make a donation, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/shamrockopen. Since 1986, the Shamrock Open has raised $1,165,000.

Jason Evert will present two talks titled “Purified” and “Gender and the Theology of Your Body” on Sunday, Oct. 22, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. The “Purified” talk will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and the second talk from 6 to 7 p.m. A dinner break is set for 5 to 6 p.m. The family-based event (ages 13 and up) invites parents, teens, and all adults to learn about God’s plan for love and to consider what is the meaning of sex, gender, and the human body. Adoration will be held, and the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at chastity.com/events/ jason-evert-double-feature-20/ or tinyurl.com/knoxvilledoublefeature or by contacting Lisa Sinclair at 703862-8165 or lisasinclair@gmail.com

For more information, visit chastity. com/purified/

Catholic in Recovery is a program that meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the St. Anne Room/Knights of Columbus building at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. Catholic in Recovery provides healing from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction are also encouraged to attend. Meetings combine the spiritual principles of 12-step recovery and the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Join others in recovery as participants overlap Scripture from Sunday’s Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. Healing is available for alcoholism; drug addiction; disordered eating; technology addiction; lust/pornography addiction; control, fear, resentment, and grief; adult children of dysfunctional homes; and family members impacted by addiction. For more information, visit www.catholicinrecovery. com or contact Beth at 714-651-2008, Ed at 865-599-4823, or Jena at tri cities.tn.cir@gmail.com

The relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) will be exposed at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga on Wednesday, Sept. 27. At the cathedral, the relics will be exposed beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 6 p.m. A Mass in honor of Padre Pio will be celebrated at noon. At the basilica, the regular weekday Mass in English will be celebrated at noon. Veneration of the relics will take place from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Reflections on Padre Pio will be presented in English at 5:30 p.m. by Father Michael Hendershott and in Spanish at 6:15 p.m. by Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez, both in Varallo Parish Hall. A multilingual Mass in honor of Padre Pio will be celebrated at 7 p.m. in the basilica. The St. Pio Foundation will offer personalized devotional items for purchase by the faithful visiting the relics at the basilica. Ample parking will be available near the basilica that evening. The relics are part of a touring exhibition of the St. Pio Foundation (saintpio foundation.org), which is dedicated to the promotion of the spiritual charism of Padre Pio. Contact the cathedral at 865-588-0249 or shcathedral@shc knox.org for additional information. Visiting clergy to the basilica should RSVP to admin@stspeterandpaul basilica.com

A Living the Beatitudes retreat is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 25-27 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, N.C. The retreat is

Calendar continued on page B8

St. Bridget Knights’ golf tourney raises more than $5,200 Knights of Columbus Council 11424 of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton hosted the second annual Harry “Bunky” Jones Golf Tournament on April 20 at Dayton Golf & Country Club. Thirteen teams participated, with more than $5,200 raised to support a number of regional charities in the Dayton and Cleveland areas. First place went to the team from Hi-Tech Tire (above). From left are Mike Richey, Regina Richey, Melvin Cook, and Roger Anderson. Mr. Jones’ son, Chris, and some friends came up from the Miami area to participate and ended up taking home the trophy for second place. The third annual event is already on the books for April 18, 2024.

St. Joseph the Worker honors its graduates

St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville honored its graduates at a Mass of thanksgiving on June 4. With pastor Father Julius Abuh are (from left) Mary Cornilla, Conrad Kemble, Sam Kemble, and Andrew Huffor. Conrad Kemble graduated from Cleveland State Community College, Mary from Midway High School in Kingston, Andrew from Sequoyah High School in Madisonville, and Sam Kemble from Cross Creek Christian School in Sweetwater, through whom he was homeschooled. During the Mass, Father Abuh expressed the parish’s gratitude to God and to the students for their dedication at school. Family and friends of the grads attended the Mass.

St. Mary-Athens hosts vacation Bible school

St. Mary Parish in Athens hosted vacation Bible school June 19-22. The theme was “Son Treasure Island.” A total of 25 children in kindergarten through high school took park in the VBS. Eight youth and eight adult volunteers assisted along with parents. The four-day event featured singing, dancing, food, and prayer, with Mass included.

Holy Trinity holds annual picnic

Holy Trinity in Jefferson City held its annual parish picnic on June 4. Pastor (and magician) Father Jim Harvey presented a show at the event. Above, a youngster assists him in the magic show.

Praying for Perspective by George Valadie

He may be no saint but thinks like one

A recent acquaintance commits to a two-year sponsorship of a Ukrainian family

Joe’s no saint, said so himself. Though I myself have never met one to compare.

But I’m thinking he thinks like one might think.

To be honest, I don’t really know Joe all that well, just met the man a week ago. Seemed like a nice enough fella.

A local parishioner, he had been invited to guest speak at our Serra Club lunch so he might relate the story of a recent journey on which his family had embarked.

Upon hearing his tale, I must admit his words moved and inspired me. And though not at all his intention, they dump-trucked a considerable amount of guilt on me as well.

Good people doing good things often affect me that way.

Still, afterward, I stepped out of my box and invited myself to this stranger’s home in hope of learning more as I felt theirs was a story in need of retelling.

What follows is his. I’m honored to share it.

Some 13 months ago, while watching TV in his den, Joe saw one of those late-night commercials that typically sells things that don’t make prime time. This one was seeking support for a relatively new government program entitled “United for Ukraine.”

Immigration and arms debates aside, their countrymen are in a mess and have been since the 2022 invasion.

As of this writing, a war that many believed would end quickly— and disastrously—has now endured some 500-plus days, destroying a countryside of cities and homes, schools and businesses and hospitals … and people. Some death toll estimates approximate 16,000 civilians and military personnel.

The 60-second ad introduced him to a federal program that allows a limited number of displaced Ukrainians (equaling 0.06 percent of our population) to apply to come to the United States for two years (with a possibility for more) through a designation known as “humanitarian parole.”

It’s not the first time we have reached out to people in need. The only catch—though a darn big

one—is they must have a sponsor.

Because, according to U.S. Homeland Security, “Ukrainians must have a United States supporter who agrees to provide them with financial support for the (minimal) duration of their stay (two years).” Additionally, they cannot work for the sponsor nor join in on any medical insurance plans.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I watched it and was suddenly overcome with the feeling that I should help,” Joe said. “And no, just then, I didn’t have a clue what that really meant or what that really involved.”

Nor did he choose to mention it to his wife, Renee.

“I dug in and began researching. We’d been planning a trip with our church, and I decided I’d wait until we got back home before I broached the idea with her.”

“Well, what did she say when you told her?” I asked.

“Let’s do it!”

She apparently thinks like a saint as well.

Turns out committing was the easy part.

“You can’t just raise your hand and say I’m in. We had to apply as well. And be approved. Then we had to be trained, and I’m so glad we were. There’s so much we didn’t know and hadn’t thought of.

“They said, ‘Think about it, you may end up not even liking the people. Or what they eat. Or the lifestyle they lead. Or how they spend the money you provide. Don’t ever forget, you’re not adopting them, you’re sponsoring them.’”

As one can imagine, the number of Ukrainians desiring such an opportunity far outstretches the number of willing sponsors and/or our government’s ability to open its doors.

Technology did allow Joe and Renee to review profiles and photos of the approved—some single, some married, some engaged, and some with whole families who would need even more support. Bingo!

So, Joe began a months-long series of video meet-and-greet conversations with a family of four: a mom, two children, and mom’s mom. Dad was on the front lines, having joined

the military at age 53 to defend their nation (and was at the time unaware his wife had applied to leave their homeland).

“It could be coincidence—or possibly the Holy Spirit—but they turned out to be Catholic like our family. I was committed to the program before I met them but even more so when the mom told me, ‘Like most places, COVID decimated much of our country’s economy. And before we could ever get going again, the war began. Real opportunities in our country—and for my children—might not happen here again for a generation.’”

Since Joe is one, he also thinks like an accountant.

Better off than some, but hardly wealthy, he was coming to terms with the financial commitment that would be required. And wasn’t certain how or if they could manage it in the manner he hoped, nor did he know if anyone might be willing to assist.

Before committing, he gathered some folks in his church group to share what he was considering.

Am I crazy? Is this doable? Do you think people will help?

“Six people raised their hands right then and offered. We were blessed with pray-ers (who pray), and play-ers (who give time), and pay-ers (who give money.) All convinced me we could.”

Imagine what would be needed. Food and clothes (one travel suitcase allowed). Housing and utilities. Furniture and furnishings. Transportation and fuel. Not to mention hurdles like language and culture, jobs, a bank account, and a driver’s license.

New life, new country, no stuff.

Joe and Renee had agreed to a two-year financial commitment, but his personal goal includes helping them achieve independence for well beyond that.

But they’re not there yet. Not even close.

He created flyers for fundraising and set out to get ready for their arrival. Thinking like an accountant, rather than rent, he bought them a house as an investment he might one day sell.

“Not everyone can or would do

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon Bob Hunt

that; I get it. But they couldn’t live with us, though that’s allowed. So many people have come out of nowhere to make this feasible, and I hated the idea of paying rent we’d never get back.

“Our pastor has been fully supportive as well and has agreed for the church to receive and disperse donations. They’ve been a godsend,” Joe explained.

They’d need a car, so he approached a local dealership, shared a flyer to explain his efforts, requested the best deal he could get. When he returned to finalize a sale, the manager presented Joe $4,500—gifts from all his employees.

On the battlefront, Dad—the soldier—suffered third-degree burns, had a non-functioning kidney, and lay near death in an intensive-care unit. In Ukraine, though, medical costs resulting from military injury are the financial responsibility of the family. So, Joe also helped mom get back home, covering the costs of saving her husband’s life.

“He’s doing much better. So much so we’ll get him here to join his family next week. Imagine that reunion! He won’t have seen his kids for two years.”

The story is ongoing. And way longer than this column.

Their two years are really just getting underway, having arrived last November. A school has been located. So has a job. Though it turns out having a Ukrainian law degree isn’t all that helpful. In the meantime, there’s a monthly allotment to help them pay bills that “we’ve funded at least through December.”

But Joe and Renee are in for the long haul, whatever that may mean. And whatever that may cost.

“One thing I know, the Holy Spirit is at work here. At first, I thought I was being asked, then it felt more like I was being called. Now I’m convinced I was chosen. I just can’t do it alone.”

A final thought. “Joe, this is your story, what do you want to tell the readers?”

“Well, I guess it’s all turned into a much bigger thing than I first imagined. And I have no idea where it will end.

Valadie continued on page B7

Mary freely chose to do what God asked

The Handmaid of the Lord ‘eagerly, happily, willfully assumed her role in God’s plan of salvation’

“Mary is the Mother of all the members of the Savior, because by her charity she has cooperated in the birth of the faithful in the Church. Mary is the living mold of God, that is to say, it is in her alone that the God Man was naturally formed without losing a feature, so to speak, of His Godhead; and it is in her alone that man can be properly and in a lifelike way formed into God, so far as human nature is capable of this by the grace of Jesus Christ.”—St. Augustine of Hippo

During this Marian month of August, I want to offer some reflections on Mary and her Son. She is the instrument by which the Second Person of the Holy Trinity entered history. She was the one who nurtured the child Jesus as He grew under the safety of her arm and that of His foster father, St. Joseph. It was she who presented Him, with St. Joseph, to the Lord in the Temple, and who would later desperately search for Him, only to find Him once again in that same Temple, harvesting the wisdom of the learned.

She “is the Mother of all the members of the Savior,” St. Augustine

says. Without her, we cannot find Jesus. She is the one who presents Him to us, as “Emmanuel,” Godwith-us. In baptism, we become coheirs with Christ, His brothers and sisters, because He became one with us through His Mother. Why is this so difficult for some to understand? Without Mary, there is no Jesus of Nazareth. God did not force Himself on her. He asked, and she answered freely, giving her fiat and offering herself as the Handmaid of the Lord. Of course, she had been prepared for that moment, conceived without sin and imbued with grace to fulfill her unique mission. Even still, the moment, and the choice, belonged to her.

It was her desire that all men be saved by God’s grace, so she eagerly, happily, willfully assumed her role in God’s plan of salvation. She gave herself to the Holy Spirit, who filled her with ecstasy and impregnated her with the mysteries of the universe. In her womb grew the one who made all, so that the creature gave birth to the Creator. Created free of sin, she would be the instrument by which the one who frees all from sin would begin His mission. His mission did not begin

in the tomb, or on the cross, or on the way of sorrows, or in trial before Pilate. His mission did not begin as He traveled the roads of Palestine, preaching the kingdom of God. Neither did His mission begin when He cured the sick, freed the possessed, calmed the seas, or even raised the dead. No, His mission began as we all begin, as the tiny conception in the womb of His Mother.

This is a mystery, I think, rarely reflected on. Jesus became Man and began His mission in the womb of Mary. It was in that dark, wet, warm place of energy, growing in secret and being prepared to break out into the light that Jesus began His saving mission. This is where He assumed His human nature, sharing in our nature in all things except sin. Even here, by simply growing each day to become the Man He would be, the Man who would walk this earth, preach the gospel, suffer, and die and rise again, He lived in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Even here, He is saving us simply by being one of us, one with us. God became Man, not in some wood, or stream, or cloud that delivered Him gently into the arms of

His waiting parents. No, He became Man the way we all do, amidst the blood and flesh and water that is the beginning of each of us. His life of perfect obedience began in His perfectly obeying the laws of nature, the laws He had created Himself eons before, and to which He has subjected us all. He did not spare Himself the same.

Neither did He spare Himself the vagaries of all that it means to be human: the pain, the humility, the agony, the brokenness. Neither did He spare His Mother all of what it means to be a Mother who watches her child in pain, in humility, in agony, broken and dead. Yet, by His resurrection as a Man, it made it possible for all men to follow Him in freedom from sin and into eternal life. By His resurrection, He gave hope to His Mother and every mother who desires nothing more for her child than the fullness of life in God.

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■

Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father Randy Stice

A closer look at Eucharistic Prayer III

Liturgical prayer—the words of the Mass—can enrich and inform our personal prayers

Last month I introduced the Eucharistic Prayer (EP), “the center and high point” of the Mass. The current liturgy has 13 Eucharistic Prayers. EP I (Roman Canon) was the only Eucharistic Prayer for many centuries, and the other 12 were composed following the Second Vatican Council. In this column I want to discuss Eucharistic Prayer III (EP III), which can be used throughout the liturgical year and is especially intended for use on Sundays and feast days.

EP III, like all of the Eucharistic Prayers, has the same elements and structure. Following the thanksgiving (preface) and the acclamation Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus), EP III begins with a section that expands on the holiness of God: “You are indeed Holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise…”

This leads smoothly into the epiclesis: “Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you: by the same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts…” This is followed by the institution narrative: “For on the night he was betrayed, he himself took bread…” in which Christ speaks the words of consecration through the priest and concludes with the command to do this in remembrance of Him. The anamnesis (memorial), which begins, “Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving Passion of your Son,” makes mention of His resurrection, ascension, and His second coming, leading to

the oblation (offering) “we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.” This is followed by a second invocation of the Holy Spirit for unity called the communion epiclesis (common to all of the EPs composed after the Second Vatican Council), that all who partake of sacramental communion “may become one body, one spirit in Christ.” Next are a series of intercessions and then the concluding doxology Pope Benedict XVI praised the Eucharistic Prayers for their “inexhaustible theological and spiritual richness.” I want to highlight three such riches in EP III: its emphasis on sacrifice, its intercessions, and its Trinitarian language. In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent (1562) affirmed that Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and His sacrifice in the Mass “are one single sacrifice: ‘The victim is one and the same…the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and offered in an unbloody manner.’” 1 This truth is expressed several times in EP III. God gathers a people to Himself “so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name,” a reference to Malachi 1:11. The oblation (offering) says, “we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.” EP III then asks the Father to recognize “the sacrificial Victim” whose death reconciled the world to God. Finally, the interces-

sion for the world refers to “this Sacrifice of our reconciliation.”

EP III includes a series of intercessions that are noteworthy for their universal scope. First is the petition to the Holy Spirit for unity (quoted above), after which we ask the Father to “make of us an eternal offering to you, so that we may obtain in inheritance with your elect.” Then comes a petition that the Eucharist would “advance the peace and salvation of all the world.” This illustrates why St. John Paul II said that the Mass has a “universal and, so to speak, cosmic character…It unites heaven and earth. It embraces and permeates all creation.” 2

The next petition is for God’s “pilgrim Church on earth” to be confirmed “in faith and charity.” Then comes a petition for the unspoken prayers of the congregation: “listen graciously to the prayers of this family,” and then a request for God to “gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.” And finally prayer for the dead—not only “our departed brothers and sisters,” but “all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life”—that the Father would give them “kind admittance to your kingdom” where we also “hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory.”

A third feature of EP III is the Trinitarian theology in the opening section that follows the Holy, Holy, Holy. “You are indeed Holy,

O Lord…for through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy.” This is theology in the form of prayer. Everything that God does in the world, says the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “is the common work of the three divine persons.” 3 The Father, through the Son and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit, blesses us with life and holiness.

These three features also illustrate how liturgical prayer—the words of the Mass—can enrich and inform our personal prayers. We can meditate on Christ’s eucharistic presence using the references to sacrifice. Under the appearances of bread and wine is Christ, the pure, holy, and living sacrifice, the sacrificial victim for our reconciliation. The intercessions can teach us how to pray for the Church and the world. And we can use the Trinitarian passage to ask the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to grant us and others abundant life and growth in holiness. Prayerful meditation on the Eucharistic Prayers will enrich our participation in Mass and our personal prayers.

1 CCC, no. 1367

2 Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 8

3 CCC, no. 258. ■

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

Healing prayers offered on third weekends at Our Lady of Fatima Church “I, the Lord, am your healer”—Exodus 15:26. The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Members of the Healing Ministry will be happy to pray over you for any physical, emotional, or spiritual needs that you have. Above and at right are photos from the July service in English. Call Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 if you have any questions.

Valadie continued from page B6

“But nothing nearly this ambitious is needed to make the world a better place. If folks could just wave at their neighbors now and again, help an elderly person drag in their garbage cans, maybe share some

Daily readings

Tuesday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mass during the day, Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

Wednesday, Aug. 16: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17; Matthew 18:15-20

Thursday, Aug. 17: Joshua 3:7-11, 1317; Psalm 114:1-6; Matthew 18:21–19:1

Friday, Aug. 18: Joshua 24:1-13; Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24; Matthew 19:3-12

Saturday, Aug. 19: Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19:13-15

Sunday, Aug. 20: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Romans 11:1315, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

Monday, Aug. 21: Memorial of St. Pius X, pope, Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-37, 39-40, 43-44; Matthew

chicken off your grill. Just be nice. We can all do something, and that’s a pretty good start.”

Pretty good indeed.

Dear God—The new home is nice, but I bet they’d prefer peace around the one

19:16-22

Tuesday, Aug. 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; Matthew 19:23-30

Wednesday, Aug. 23: Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16

Thursday, Aug. 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle, Revelation

21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John

1:45-51

Friday, Aug. 25: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22; Psalm 145:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40

Saturday, Aug. 26: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11 and 4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

Sunday, Aug. 27: Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20

Monday, Aug. 28: Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Matthew 23:13-22

Tuesday, Aug. 29: Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, 1

they had. Thank you for considering what might well require one of your miracles. Amen.

If anyone wishes to make a gift toward the effort Joe and Renee have begun, you

Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139:1-6; Mark 6:17-29

Wednesday, Aug. 30: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 23:27-32

Thursday, Aug. 31: 1 Thessalonians

3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-5, 12-14, 17; Matthew 24:42-51

Friday, Sept. 1: 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Matthew 25:1-13

Saturday, Sept. 2: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1, 7-9; Matthew 25:14-30

Sunday, Sept. 3: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

Monday, Sept. 4: 1 Thessalonians

4:13-18; Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 11-13; Luke

4:16-30

Tuesday, Sept. 5: 1 Thessalonians

5:1-6, 9-11; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Luke

4:31-37

Wednesday, Sept. 6: Colossians 1:18; Psalm 52:10-11; Luke 4:38-44

can mail it to: OLPH Church, 501 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412 and mark it “for Ukrainian family.” ■ George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.

Thursday, Sept. 7: Colossians 1:914; Psalm 98:2-6; Luke 5:1-11

Friday, Sept. 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Micah

5:1-4; Psalm 13:6; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Saturday, Sept. 9: Memorial of St. Peter Claver, priest, Colossians 1:2123; Psalm 54:3-4, 6, 8; Luke 6:1-5

Sunday, Sept. 10: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20

Monday, Sept. 11: Colossians 1:24–2:3; Psalm 62:6-7, 9; Luke 6:6-11

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Colossians 2:615; Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11; Luke 6:12-19

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church, Colossians

3:1-11; Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13; Luke 6:20-26

Thursday, Sept. 14: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 n

DARLENE LEITZ (2)

an invitation to ponder the paradox of the Beatitudes in one’s own life and experience how they can be used to receive God’s blessing, immerse one’s life in God’s blessing, and become a blessing to the world. The weekend includes thoughtful meditations, practical applications, and time to reflect on the sacred spaces and beautiful trails, plus Mass, adoration, confession, and more. Visit catholicconference.org/ beatitude/ for more details.

Holy Fire Nashville, a day of talks, praise and worship, and Mass for middle-schoolers, is set for 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, with Mass at 4 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Diocese of Nashville at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 2800 McGavock Pike, Nashville. Middle school Catholics are invited and challenged to embrace their baptismal call and the powerful, relevant Gospel of Jesus. Through talks by speakers, witness by peers, praise and worship, and the rich experiences of the sacraments, Holy Fire will help young people feel seen, welcomed, and invited into a life-changing commitment to Christ. Speakers include Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, PJ Anderson, Angele Baczmaga, Noelle Garcia, and DJ Staël. Participants are invited to travel together with others from the Diocese of Knoxville. Cost is $45 per person with an optional Chick-fil-A lunch available for purchase. Visit dioknox.org/ events/holy-fire-2023 to download a flyer and to view updates. More information on Holy Fire is also available at eqsaints.com/holyfire-nashville

Parish notes continued from page B4 Rich Cataldi, deputy Grand Knight; Trey Blancher, recorder; Sean Diehl, treasurer; Mike Wilson, chancellor; Rob Girardi, advocate; Michael Muir, warden; John Bonatto, inside guard; Alberto dela Garza, outside guard; Walt Hanson, three-year trustee; Pete McKenzie, two-year trustee; and Mike Haka, oneyear trustee.

On June 15, nine past Grand Knights of Council 8781 assembled in the school music room to witness the hanging of a historical plaque for the council. They oversaw 15 years or nearly 40 percent of the council’s business since its establishment in 1984. Those attending included Tony Angelelli (2017-18), Darell Lott (1992-94), David Hetrick (1988-89), Walt Hanson (2021-23), Em Way (198486), Doug Varga (2013-15), Don Schreyer (2015-17), Mike Gates (1998-99), and Pete McKenzie (2019-21).

The Knights recently helped Catholic Charities of East Tennessee move from Gay Street back to its reconstructed home on Dameron Avenue. Assisting were Richard Tabler, Rob and Mary Alice Girardi, Romano Vlastelica, Dr. Charlie Phan, and Walt Hanson.

The Knights council thanked its 197 members for their efforts in the 202223 fraternal year that ended June 30. The council collectively gave 18,500 volunteer hours, raised nearly $70,000 for charities, and transported more than 180,000 items (90 tons) of perishable food to pantries and homes.

The Council of Catholic Women’s summer and fall calendar of events may be viewed at https://bit.ly/ccwfall2023

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

At its meeting in June, Knights of Columbus Council 12838 at Holy Trinity elected new Officers for the 2023-24 fraternal year. The officers, installed at the church July 18, are: Dave Orzechowski, Grand Knight; Jim Fernandez, deputy Grand Knight; Tom Richards, chancellor; Greg Forman, financial secretary, Erik Perry, treasurer; Jim Pickering, recorder; Ralph Holt, warden; Randy Labauve, lecturer; Joe Frinzi, Joe Braschler, and Joseph Fromme, board of trustees; Tom Wisseman, advocate; Matt Giardiello, inside guard; Bill Jurkonie, outside guard; Holy Trinity pastor Father Jim Harvey, chaplain; and Deacon Jim Prosak, assistant chaplain. For more information on the Knights, call Mr. Orzechowski at 708-567-2665.

The 28th Appalachian Ministries of the

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is offering a Rachel’s Vineyard healing retreat, for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion, from Sept. 15-17 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. You can learn more about Rachel’s Vineyard on the CCETN website at ccetn.org/project-rachel. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at sandi@ccetn.org or call or text 865-776-4510. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times.

A Picture of Love retreat for engaged couples is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriage-preparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help each couple gain insights into their relationship as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another.

Meeting times are 6:45 to 10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $150 per couple. Payment is due two weeks before the weekend. For a registration form, visit dioknox. org/events/picture-of-love-retreat

Also at the website are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to complete the exercises in advance and

Smokies week July 10-13 was a great success. A total of 102 volunteers from Holy Trinity joined to either help make home repairs for those who cannot afford them or are physically unable to make them, and to feed the teams of all denominations who took part in the effort. The team that went to home sites to make repairs included Jackie Castle, Dave Orzechowski, and Martin Witberg. The food ministry was led by Denise Frinzi and Jamie Roberts and included help and donations from dozens of others.

The Homebound Visitation Ministry met July 19. Deacon Jack Raymond explained his plans on how and when the group would carry out its ministry.

Anniversary: Jim and Mary Knox (20)

Notre Dame, Greeneville

Notre Dame’s annual Fall Festival of Nations fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will include samples of food from around the world, free entertainment, a silent auction, a bake sale, games and inflatables, vendors and displays, an art show, a yard sale, a raffle, and more. The next meeting about the festival is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, in the education wing. Raffle tickets are $2 for a chance to win one of three $500 prizes to be given away Oct. 7. Raffle ticket purchasers must be 18 or older. Sponsorships are available from $100 to $2,000. Vendor applications are on a table in the narthex. Call co-chairs Mark Sweet at 423-673-3018 or DJ Dalton at 423-588-0150 to get involved.

The parish’s annual Madrigal Dinners fundraiser is planned for Thursday, Nov. 30, through Saturday, Dec. 2. Those attending are invited to dress in period costume and enjoy a meal served by the youth staff. Call Wanda at 423-4706906 for more information. Practices will be held following Labor Day at 12:30 p.m. Sundays.

St. Patrick, Morristown

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

Anniversaries: John and Marlene Kar-

bring them to the retreat—see the website for more details.

A Retrouvaille weekend program for married couples facing difficult challenges in their relationship is set for Sept. 8-10 in Nashville. Retrouvaille is a marriage program that helps couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship. It is a Christian marriage program, Catholic in origin, where couples of all faiths or no faith background are encouraged to attend. It is primarily a practical program to improve communication, build stronger marriages, and help couples reconnect. Presenters are not trained marriage counselors but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love. Cost is $350 per couple. The location of the weekend will be provided upon registration. For more information, call 615-838-6724, e-mail 3043@helpourmarriage.org, or visit helpourmarriage.org or www. retrotn.com

An Engaged Encounter weekend is set for Saturday, Sept. 30, at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend to plan for a sacramental marriage. It is designed to give couples an opportunity to talk privately, honestly, and intensively about their prospective lives together—their strengths and weaknesses; desires, ambitions, and goals; their attitudes about money, sex, children, and family; and their role in the Church and society—in a guided format. Cost of the weekend is $205

wowski (60), Jose and Carole Amador (50), James and Donna Golden (50), Bill and Peggy Howell (50), Jeffrey and Karen Armstrong (40), Eric and Lori Batman (40), Conor and Susan O’Donoghue (35), Dennis and Jody Schang (30), Waylon and Jennifer Greene (25), Juan Montoya-Martinez and Liliana Villasenor-Salinas (15), Kenneth and Sarah Palma (10)

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

The Fraternus group and the Troops of St. George will host their second annual Tubing the Hiwassee day trip Saturday, Aug. 26. All boys and men from Holy Ghost are invited. Cost is $30. Any youth under 12 must have a parent or guardian along. No one under 10 can ride a raft alone. RSVP to John McKinney by Aug. 21 at 425-614-6936 or john.mckinney78@yahoo.com

An English Country Dance sponsored by the Ordinariate Community was held Aug. 5 in Henkel Hall. An English-style early supper followed the dance.

The Council of Catholic Women hosted a showing July 28 of the film “Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton” about the life of Irish missionary priest Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, who popularized the slogan “the family that prays together stays together.”

The Knights of Columbus welcomed incoming officers Morgan Crace, Grand Knight; Jose Galvan, deputy Grand Knight; Rick Sharpe, financial secretary; and Mike Seeger, recorder. They began their new roles July 1.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

The parish welcomes Abby Sporsen aboard as coordinator of religious education. She will follow in Brigid Johnson’s footsteps coordinating the education of children in Sunday School and sacramental preparation. Mrs. Sporsen grew up in Knoxville and has been attending IC with her family since 2005. She is a graduate of St. Joseph School in Knoxville (2010) and Knoxville Catholic High School (2014). She received a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee and was involved in the Vol Catholic student organization, leading Bible studies, weekly meetings, and retreats. She joins IC part-time and will continue to teach at St. Joseph.

Two IC ministries, the coffee and doughnuts group and the Haiti committee, joined forces Aug. 6. The cof-

per couple, which includes a certificate good for a $60 discount on the couple’s marriage license in Tennessee. To receive a $60 discount, couples must attend a marriage-preparation weekend within one year of purchasing the license. To register for a weekend or learn more, visit knoxville.engaged encounter.com or call Leslie Consoli at 865-803-6790.

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

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

fee and doughnuts group on that date served the Haiti committee’s Singing Rooster coffee. The coffee is an export that helps empower Haitian farmers and lets IC raise funds for its sister parish in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.

The women’s group thanked parishioners for their generosity with the annual Christ Child Baby Shower on the weekend of July 8-9. The group donated hundreds of items of clothing and diapers as well as funds to the Ladies of Charity Layette Ministry.

Anniversary: Dan and Mikki Steinhoff (50)

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

Parishioner Isabella Grado is the new team director of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Her team includes Justin Irish, Ava Keating, and Andrew O’Quinn. To learn more about what FOCUS does, contact Ms. Grado at isabella.grado@focus.org

The parish picnic July 1 at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville was a huge success. About 80 parishioners attended the event. The parish thanked Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey, the Cutler family, the cooks, and the setup and cleanup folks for their help.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

Pastor Father Julius Abuh has appointed BrandiAnn Mills to be the new director of the religious education program for pre-kindergartners through eighthgraders. She will be assisted by Elisha Conley. The parish thanked Dr. Sarah Singer for leading the program last year. Call Ms. Mills at the church at 423-4427273 to ask about joining the religiouseducation team. The religious-education year runs from October to May.

The Knights of Columbus yard sale is set for 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.

All items of value that are clean and in working order are welcome for donation, including books, clothing, furniture, pictures, decorative items, bedding goods, large and small appliances, power and hand tools, lawn and garden equipment, pots and pans, dishes and utensils, automobiles and auto parts, sporting goods, camping gear, boats and boating equipment, Christmas decorations, electronics, musical instruments, crafts, and toys. Contact any Knight or call Ed Harless at 423-494-4761 for more information.

Anniversary: Dave and Marleen Olako (50), Wayne and Donna Pfister (50) n

KCHS football coach Cokinos steps down

Former Irish coach Steve Matthews and longtime prep coach Philip Shadowens

Dean Cokinos, named head coach of the Knoxville Catholic High School football team Dec. 22, stepped down this summer shortly before practices began for the 2023 season.

“Coach Cokinos won’t have the opportunity to move to Knoxville with his family, unfortunately, so we have named Steve Matthews and Philip Shadowens co-interim head football coaches,” said a KCHS spokesperson.

Mr. Matthews, a former KCHS head coach for eight seasons, will lead the Fighting Irish offense while Mr. Shadowens—a longtime head coach himself—directs the defense. Both were hired as KCHS assistants early this year after Mr. Cokinos was named head coach.

Mr. Cokinos had been the head coach of arena football teams in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Atlanta; worked in international football operations and as a head coach in Germany; coached in the collegiate level at UMass, Austin Peay, and West Alabama; and coached special teams and linebackers at Brentwood Academy and Ensworth in Nashville in the last three seasons. His head coaching regular-season record is

165-86-1, with an 11-6 postseason record. His teams qualified for the playoffs 13 times, appeared in the semifinals seven times, and were five-time conference champions and twice league champions. Mr. Cokinos succeeded Korey Mobbs as Knoxville Catholic’s head coach after the latter resigned following two seasons at the helm.

Mr. Matthews coached the Fighting Irish from 2013-20. He resigned in spring 2021 after an arrest on DUI and drug charges. He won two state championships at KCHS, in 2015 and 2017. Mr. Shadowens captured two state titles at Smyrna

Knoxville Catholic names former player as new softball head coach

Knoxville Catholic High School on July 10 announced the hiring of Hannah SeaverLogan as the new head softball coach for the Lady Irish.

Mrs. Seaver-Logan graduated from Knoxville Catholic in 2012 and was a four-year starter at KCHS under head coach Sarah Fekete Bailey and went on to play collegiately at Carson-Newman University for head coach Vickie Kazee-Hollifield.

After suffering a knee injury in college, Mrs. Seaver-Logan chose to switch her focus to coaching, where she began her career as Knoxville Central High School’s varsity assistant during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, helping the team to a substate appearance in 2014. After that, she moved to South-Doyle High School in Knoxville, where she served as pitching coordinator and JV head coach.

In fall 2019, Mrs. Seaver-Logan became the head coach of Christian Academy of Knoxville’s middle school softball program, winning Cityview magazine’s middle school coach-of-the-year award in 2020. She then took over as the high school head coach for the Warriors in 2021. In the last two years the Warriors posted a record of 36-14. The Warriors saw two players sign with Division 1 schools, Emma Bethel (Eastern Kentucky University) and Addison Smith (Samford University). The team boasted a cumulative team GPA over 3.0 and advanced to the second round of regional-tournament play in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2017.

“I am honored and humbled to

have received the opportunity to return to KCHS as their softball coach,” Mrs. Seaver-Logan said.

“My sophomore year at KCHS in 2011, former Lady Vol and Team USA member Sarah Bailey became our head coach and laid the foundation for this program. Her competitive coaching, exceedingly high expectations, and breadth of knowledge redefined KCHS softball. I am forever grateful for her influence on me in those years.

I’m looking forward to presenting this Lady Irish team with the same challenge as we prepare for this season—we’re going to love each other, work hard, have some fun, and hopefully pick up a few wins along the way. Go Irish!”

Mrs. Seaver-Logan and her husband, James Logan, welcomed baby boy Toa Logan in 2022.

n In other KCHS news, former University of Tennessee basketball player JaJuan Smith has joined the coaching staff of the Fighting Irish boys team. n

named co-head coaches

By Dan McWilliams

during his head-coaching career. He has also served as head coach of Middle Tennessee Christian School in Murfreesboro, Blackman in Murfreesboro, William Blount in Maryville, and most recently at Eagleton College and Career Academy in Maryville. His career head coaching record is 196-134.

The Fighting Irish kick off the season at home Aug. 18 against Lakeway Christian of White Pine. Knoxville Catholic will be in a rugged Division II-AAA East Region made even tougher with the addition of Lipscomb Academy, which won the state title last year at the

Division II-AA level. Also in Division II-AAA with KCHS are Baylor School of Chattanooga, Brentwood Academy, McCallie School of Chattanooga, and Montgomery Bell Academy of Nashville.

The Fighting Irish will play their region opponents in the last five weeks of the season. Before that are a road game at Brevard, N.C., on Aug. 25; a home game against St. John Paul II of Huntsville, Ala., on Sept. 1; a road contest at Ensworth on Sept. 8; and a home game against Briarcrest Christian of Eads, Tenn., on Sept. 15. The region games follow an open date Sept. 22. n

Notre Dame student completes summer business program

Rising senior Amare DaSilva of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga completed the BETS program at University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The Business Education for Talented Students is a 10-day summer program where students attend workshops in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, supply-chain management, business analytics, and professional development, taught by university faculty and staff.

Notre Dame student excels at Governor’s School Rising senior Ayden Dant of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga attended East Tennessee State University’s Governor’s School for the Integration of Biological & Statistical Sciences this summer. While there, he took two courses: Biology 101 with Lab and Probability/Statistics Noncalculus. He completed Governor’s School with seven college credits and a 4.0 GPA.

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

Notre Dame cheer and dance camp draws 32 participants

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga held a cheerleading and dance camp June 19-23 that drew 32 attendees in grades kindergarten through eighth. The cheer camp was directed by Notre Dame cheer coach Melissa Wolff along with Fighting Irish cheerleaders. The dance camp was directed by Irish Charm dance team head coach Cleo Gravitt and Notre Dame dancers. On the last day of camp, the campers performed a dance and/or cheer they had been learning all week.

COURTESY OF MEAGHAN REDNER

Steve Matthews

Philip Shadowens

Dean Cokinos

Hannah Seaver-Logan

Knoxville Catholic baseball players sign with colleges

Two Knoxville Catholic High School student athletes celebrated their collegiate signing day on June 21 in the St. Gregory the Great Auditorium. Baseball players Ben Sompayrac (left) signed with Cleveland State Community College, and Ian Hubbard signed with Radford University.

PAM RHOADES

Notre Dame High School holds Alumni Weekend events

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga held its annual Alumni Weekend festivities July 21-22. Attending the Golden Grads Brunch were (top left photo) class of 1948 members Pat Crowe (left) and Jim Chamberlain on the occasion of their 75-year reunion. They are pictured with Notre Dame head of school Deacon Hicks Armor. At top right is the class of 1973 holding its 50th reunion at the Golden Grads Brunch. Winners of the championship flight of the weekend’s 38th annual Irish Classic Golf Tournament were (bottom left photo, from left) Doug Barta, Vince Stafford, Pork Rhyne, and Jimmy Ellis. Attending the Every Class Bash (above) were (from left) Leslie Fox, Megan Fox Gentry, Kirsten Fox Ellzey, Gail Nevins, and Lori Bianculli Fox.

Knoxville Catholic alumni in the NFL co-host Legacy Football Camp

Two Knoxville Catholic High School alumni now playing in the National Football League, Amari Rodgers (’17) and Cade Mays (’18), co-hosted the Catholic Legacy Football Camp on July 8 at KCHS. A total of 100 boys and girls ages 6 to 13 took part in the camp. Mr. Mays (top left photo) now plays for the Carolina Panthers and Mr. Rodgers (top right photo) for the Houston Texans. The NFL players and members of the Fighting Irish coaching staff—including co-interim head coaches Steve Matthews and Philip Shadowens, Bob Kronenberg, and Chase Kuerschen—taught fundamentals essential to playing football at a higher level. Campers took part in speed and agility drills and learned all aspects of being successful on the field.