The smile of a youngster assured Bishop Mark Beckman that everything would be all right as he processed into the historic ordination Mass that would make him the fourth shepherd of the Diocese of Knoxville.
A gathering of 4,000 at the Knoxville Convention Center attended the Mass on July 26, the memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, that elevated the longtime Diocese of Nashville priest to bishop of the Church in East Tennessee.
“As I walked into the liturgy this afternoon, down the aisle, I looked to my left, and there was a little girl with a smile on her face waving at me,” Bishop Beckman said at the end of Mass. “The joy in her eyes, the warmth and welcome, that’s what all of us are invited to share in this great Diocese of Knoxville here in East Tennessee. We have a great mission ahead of us.”
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Ky., the province that includes the Knoxville Diocese, was the principal consecrator and the homilist in the ordination. Co-consecrators were Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville and Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo. Bishop Johnston is a native of the Diocese of Knoxville. All three bishops were serving as a consecrator for the first time in their episcopacies.
Archbishop Fabre has served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Knoxville from the time its see became vacant in June 2023, when Bishop Richard F. Stika retired.
Bishop Beckman, 61, is a native of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., in the Diocese of Nashville and has served as a priest in the Middle Tennessee
since his ordination in 1990.
Archbishop Fabre, Bishop Beckman, and Bishop Spalding studied together at The
It's official Bishop Mark Beckman holds the papal bull as he processes through the congregation at the Knoxville Convention Center during his Mass of ordination and installation. The document attests that Pope Francis has appointed the former Diocese of Nashville priest as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. The exhibition hall was transformed into sacred space for the event. Photo by Tom McNutt/BOPP
With firm faith Bishop Mark Beckman stands at the altar as he is ordained and installed as the Diocese of Knoxville's fourth episcopal leader. Some 4,000 people witnessed the Mass of ordination and installation on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Photo by Renee McNutt/BOPP
Pope names new leader of Boston Archdiocese
Archbishop Richard G. Henning will succeed Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley
By Wes Cipolla OSV News
Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley’s newly named successor as archbishop of Boston said at an Aug. 5 press conference that he is “humbled by the size and history of this archdiocese.”
“I’m very well aware that I have a lot to learn,” Archbishop Richard G. Henning, 59, said a few hours after his appointment by Pope Francis to be Boston’s new shepherd was announced. The press conference was held jointly with the cardinal and was a chance for the archbishop to formally greet Boston’s clergy, religious, and faithful, as well as “all men and women of goodwill.”
“I’ll be eager for your witness of faith and to learn your wisdom. I think my first job, really, is just to be a listener and begin to understand,” said the prelate, who had headed the Diocese
Succession plan Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley welcomes Archbishop Richard G. Henning in the Archdiocese of Boston's Pastoral Center in Braintree, Mass., on Aug. 5 after Pope Francis accepted Cardinal O'Malley's resignation and named then-Bishop Henning of Providence, R.I., as his successor. The Boston Archdiocese announced Archbishop Henning will be installed Oct. 31.
of Providence in Rhode Island since May 2023. In November 2022, he was appointed coadju-
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A prayer intention for Bishop Beckman
Praise to You, Lord our God, our Eternal Shepherd and Guide, who has chosen Your servant, Mark Beckman, as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. As he takes up his role as our pastor and teacher, may Your Holy Spirit fill his heart with wisdom and strength, gentleness and compassion, so that he may always walk in Your ways and be a true shepherd after Your own heart. As Bishop Beckman makes his home with us, help us to welcome him with joy and be attentive to his guidance, so that he may lead us in being Christ's heart of mercy, voice of hope, and hands of justice, so that we together may build up Your holy Church. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
as head of the diocese on May 1, 2023.
Archbishop Henning was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y. He attended a Marianist high school on Long Island and received a master’s degree in history from St. John’s University. He trained for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, N.Y., and was ordained in 1992. He taught at the seminary for over a decade and became its leader in 2012. He also has a licentiate in biblical theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate in biblical theology from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Speaking to the press, Cardinal O’Malley touted his successor’s academic background and his fluency in Spanish, a link to the archdiocese’s large Hispanic community. Archbishop Henning
How to sign up and qualify for Diocese of Knoxville’s safe-environment program
The Diocese of Knoxville has implemented the CMG Connect platform to administer the Safe Environment Program, which replaces the former Safe Environment Program (VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children”).
CMG Connect is a web-based platform that will assist in ensuring that all employees and volunteers who are in a position of trust with children and vulnerable adults within Diocese of Knoxville schools and parishes are trained to recognize behavior patterns of potential abusers and provide pro-active measures for preventing abuse in any context.
“Safe Haven-It’s Up to You” is a three-part video that provides vignettes of real-life situations to educate the viewer about methods of grooming, desensitization, bullying, and neglect, all of which can lead to abuse.
Each part of the video is immediately followed by a brief questionnaire to further develop understanding.
Education is a key
element of the Safe Environment Program
All clergy, employees, contracted school personnel, volunteers, members of groups and organizations over the age of 18 who work, volunteer, or participate in any capacity are required to complete the diocesan Safe Environment training and a criminal-background check before they can begin employment, volunteer, or participate with ministries, groups, and organizations affiliated with the Diocese of Knoxville.
In addition, the mandatory renewal training must be completed every five years and a new background check submitted before the five-year expiration of prior training.
The Diocese of Knoxville Safe Environment compliance training and renewal training is a condition of employment and for volunteer ministry in the Diocese of Knoxville.
The CMG Connect platform contains all three elements of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Safe Environment Program: n Annual review of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Policy and Procedures Relating to Sexual Misconduct; n CMG Connect Safe Haven training program to be completed every five years; n Criminal background check to be completed every five years.
In compliance with the Diocese of Knoxville’s Safe Environment Program, all affiliates require that volunteers and employees complete the requirements prior to working and/or volunteering in a parish, school, or through Catholic Charities and/or St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic Go to https:// dioknox.org/safeenvironment on the Diocese of Knoxville website for more information ■
tor bishop of Providence and immediately succeeded Bishop Thomas J. Tobin when he retired
Ordination Mass receives rave reactions
Members of convention center congregation moved by faith-filled celebration
By Dan McWilliams
Beautiful. Impressive. A great day for the Diocese of Knoxville. Those were among the reactions, from just a few of the 4,000 attending, to the July 26 ordination and installation of Bishop Mark Beckman as the Church in East Tennessee’s fourth leader.
State Sen. Randy McNally, who also serves as lieutenant governor and speaker of the Senate, attended the ordination. Sen. McNally is a parishioner of St. Mary in Oak Ridge.
“The ordination ceremony was extremely impressive, one of the best I’ve attended,” he said. “Having been without a bishop for over a year, I am grateful that Father Beckman agreed to take the post. I attended a funeral Mass he was involved with at St. Henry’s in Nashville, and it was quite clear he was a capable and compassionate priest. He is an extremely well-qualified individual. With God’s help, I am confident he will do well here.”
Mary Catherine Willard, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville, processed in before Mass separately—accompanied by her sister Therese Hurley—by virtue of being a papal honoree. She is a recipient of the Benemerenti Medal for service to the Church. The longtime Knoxville resident reflected on the ordination Mass.
“It was just a wonderful occasion with so much participation from all people of the diocese, from the young children in the choir to the older people like me who had to struggle down the aisle,” Mrs. Willard said. “It was just a wonderful time, and I think this bishop is going to bless our diocese so much, and I pray that everybody will join with him and follow him as our true shepherd.”
Mrs. Willard has attended all four episcopal ordinations for the Diocese of Knoxville. She was the layperson in charge of the ordinations of Bishop
Papal honoree Mary Catherine Willard, right, recipient of the Vatican's Benemerenti Medal, is joined by her sister, Therese Hurley, as they process into the Mass of ordination and installation for Bishop Mark Beckman on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Mrs. Hurley and Mrs. Willard are members of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville.
Anthony J. O’Connell in 1988 and Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz in 1999.
“That was wonderful to have those opportunities,” she said.
Sister Marie Blanchette Cummings, OP, was among the numerous women and men religious
" We are excited to meet him as he tours the diocese and meets his congregation. Everyone who has met our bishop shares the same thoughts. He is a kind and humble man. The thought that he finds peace on the trails and in nature resonates with so many. The Knights of Columbus look forward to serving him and all our priests as we strive to be the heart of Jesus."
— Fred Laufenberg, St. Francis of Assisi-Fairfield Glade parishioner and past state deputy of the Knights of Columbus
present for the ordination. Sister Marie Blanchette served as principal of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge from 2013 to 2021 and now leads Overbrook Catholic School in Nashville.
The ordination of Bishop Beckman “was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “Nashville has sent the Diocese of Knoxville one of its best priests. We are super excited for Bishop Beckman to serve in Knoxville. He has a shepherd’s heart. He is going to do great things here, and even though the Diocese of Nashville is sad to lose him, we know that it is best for the whole Church.”
Sister Marie Blanchette spoke of the many religious attending the ordination.
“This is a celebration for the whole Church, not just Knoxville but for everywhere,” she said.
The Dominican Sister knew Bishop Beckman in Nashville, where he served as pastor of St. Henry Parish and School before being named bishop of Knoxville.
“He’s been a close friend of our community,” said Sister Marie Blanchette, who is with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. “At St. Henry’s, he was pastor, and our Sisters are at the school there, so our community has known him for many years.”
The staff from the Chancery, the Knoxville facility that includes Bishop Beckman’s office as well as those for a number of diocesan ministries, was well represented at the ordination.
Chris Kite is a 12-year employee at the Chancery who serves as administrative assistant to Deacon Jim Bello, director of Christian Formation and the Diaconate and Deacon Formation.
“It was a beautiful, beautiful ceremony,” Mrs. Kite said. “This is a new time for the Diocese of Knoxville, with one who will be serving Jesus Christ yesterday, today, and forever,” adding that the bishop will not be the only one following those words. “We all will be. I love that that is his motto.”
Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, was among five diocesan consultors at the ordination.
“It’s a great day for the Diocese of Knoxville. It’s a great day for the Church of East Tennessee,” he said. “Bishop Mark is a great pastor. He’s already proven as a pastor, and he has the heart of a shepherd, and I think he’s going to love the people of East Tennessee. I think they’re going to love him.
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RENEE MCNUTT/BOPP
Trusting in God ’s great plan
If you’ve never seen the 2012 movie adaptation of the musical “Les Misérables,” prepare yourself for a spoiler alert (in fact, go watch it and then come back to this column).
During the time leading up to the French revolution, a man is granted freedom with parole after a 19-year prison sentence of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread and attempting to escape from prison. Jean Valjean, hardened and poor, desperate for food and shelter, finds himself in the home of Bishop Myriel, a kindhearted prelate who extends great compassion to the man.
Valjean, however, cannot receive his generosity and ends up leaving in the night, stealing the good bishop’s silver on his way. When he is caught by police and brought back to the bishop’s house to face punishment for his crime, the bishop insists that he had, in fact, given the thief the silver, and that Valjean needed to also take with him the candlesticks he had left behind.
The bishop then speaks to Valjean, encouraging him in virtue and claiming his life for God, and this act forever orders the trajectory of Valjean’s life towards goodness and honesty. At the end of the movie, as Valjean dies a hero and honorable man, he enters into heaven, and who is waiting to bring him into the kingdom but the good bishop himself. And every time I see it, I weep.
I weep at the full circle of Valjean’s life, the kindness of Bishop “Bienvenu,” and at the great mercy of God to save this man’s soul.
We have just received the great gift of a new shepherd for our diocese, a continuation of the apostolic tradition handed on from the original Apostles in the line of St. Peter. Bishop Mark Beckman has been called by God to lead our diocese. The Holy Spirit chose him “for such a time as this.” It is in this hope we can trust. God, in His wisdom, knows what He is doing. And for Bishop Beckman’s “yes,” we are grateful.
The office of bishop is one that merits great reverence, honor, and respect. It is a place of God-given authority and leadership. It also is a place of ultimate self-sacrifice, as the story
of the Good Shepherd reveals to us. As I’ve learned through my training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the shepherd knows his sheep by name. He calls them, and they follow him because they know his voice. He lays down his life for the sheep and defends them in the face of danger. The office of bishop shares in this image of Christ, as do all of our priests and shepherds.
It can be hard to remember this when those in leadership fail us, themselves, and God. And yet it is the office of bishop, led by the pope, that God Himself chose to establish and lead the Church over the millennia. And it is the office of bishop, and ultimately the Church, whose goodness cannot be undone by the imperfect people that make it up. There is no perfect institution because every one of them is made up of broken individuals, and this, the human condition, cannot scare us
" We have just received the great gift of a new shepherd for our diocese. ... The Holy Spirit chose him 'for such a time as this.' It is in this hope we can trust. God, in His wisdom, knows what He is doing. And for Bishop Beckman's 'yes,' we are grateful."
away from humbly and vulnerably trusting in God’s great plan for us and His Church.
I think this is one of the things that most attracts me to our beautiful Catholic faith. There is a hierarchy of leadership, with its roots deep in Jewish tradition, that has lasted throughout the history of the Church, in good times and in bad. Every new Catholic church is not its own denomination but submits to the teachings of the Church and is held accountable to faithfully living out Church teaching and doctrine, liturgy, and worship.
And every church has a leader who submits to that very hierarchy in which the bishop participates. It is fitting that our new shepherd has chosen for his motto, “Jesus Christ yesterday, today, and forever.”
But this hierarchy is not one of dominance, selfishness, and overbearing rule. It is one of sacrifice, self-giving, receptivity to the Lord, and submission to God’s ultimate authority. And it is because of this that I look so fondly on the office and desire deeply to trust in the men God has placed there.
I have a delightful memory from a former bishop of our diocese, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz. When I was in third grade, then-Bishop Kurtz celebrated Mass at my home parish, Sacred Heart Cathedral. My great aunt, Sister Catherine Steiner, had been Archbishop Kurtz’s supervisor when he was a newly ordained priest pursuing his social-work degree in Scranton, Pa., and this connection was something special that I wanted to share with him.
After Mass, nervous and excited to get to speak with him, I went up to him and proudly announced, “My great aunt was your first boss!” I remember his curious expression, and then playful laughter when he realized who I was talking about and what their true relationship had been. I also remember the kindness and gentleness with which he spoke with me, and my own pride at being able to have a conversation with a bishop!
In preparing to write this column, Archbishop Kurtz was kind enough to give me a phone
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Claire Collins is a freelance writer whose columns appear in Radiant Magazine. Claire and her husband, Andrew, live in Chattanooga with their sons, Joe and Frank, and daughter, Eloise.
ALLISON LUZE
B I S H O P MARK
Beckman
All of us at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus congratulate His Excellency Bishop Mark Beckman on becoming the 4th Bishop of The Diocese of Knoxville.
The bishop is the chief steward of the mysteries of God and the overseer of all liturgical life in the Church entrusted to his care.” This is how the Ceremonial of Bishops (CB) describes the importance of the bishop in the liturgical life of the diocese (CB, no. 404). The Ceremonial of Bishops is the official liturgical book that describes how liturgical rites are celebrated when the bishop presides. It is a book with an ancient history.
By the late seventh century, the Church had begun to develop books that specified the norms for the liturgical services celebrated by the pope. In 1600, Pope Clement VIII issued Ceremoniale Episcoporum (Ceremonial of Bishops) that, with revisions (in 1650, 1727, 1742, and 1886), has continued in use until today. In this column, I want to draw on this book to discuss the role of the bishop in the liturgical life of his diocese.
By virtue of “the authority and sacred power that he received through his ordination as bishop” (no. 10), the liturgical life of the diocese flows from the bishop. “The preeminent manifestation of the Church is present” when the bishop presides at the Eucharist with “the full, active participation of all God’s holy people … in a single prayer, at one altar … surrounded by his college of presbyters [priests] and by his ministers” (no. 11).
The ministry of both priests and deacons derives from the bishop. “On him depend both presbyters [priests] and deacons in the exercise of their orders. Presbyters, appointed to be prudent coworkers of the order of bishops, are themselves consecrated as true priests of the New Testament; deacons serve as ministers ordained to service for the people of God in communion with the bishop and his presbyters” (no. 9). Sacred power is given to the bishop to build up “his flock in truth and holiness” (no. 10).
“The office of bishop as teacher, sanctifier, and pastor of his Church shines forth most clearly in a liturgy that he celebrates with his people” (no. 11) and is expressed by liturgical signs when he celebrates Mass.
While the priest can choose from several greetings at the beginning of Mass—“The Lord be with you” or “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all”—only the bishop greets the
“Ask
people with the first words that Jesus spoke to the disciples after the resurrection, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). This was assigned to bishops as vicars of Christ by Pope Innocent III (died 1216). It is a liturgical sign that bishops, “in an eminent and visible manner, take the place of Christ Himself, teacher, shepherd, and priest, and act as his representative.” 1
The bishop also wears a miter, which is a sign of “his resolve to pursue holiness.” In general, he wears the miter when he addresses the people and removes it when he addresses God and when the Gospel is read, because it is Christ Himself who speaks to us in the Gospel. He also carries the pastoral staff (crosier), a symbol of his duty to guide and govern the diocese. During the Mass he holds the staff when he walks in procession, listens to the Gospel reading, and gives the homily.
The bishop wears the miter and carries the pastoral staff when he gives the homily. Preaching the Gospel is the “preeminent” duty of the bishop, who, “as herald of the faith leads new followers to Christ.” As their authentic teacher, that is, one invested with the authority of Christ, he proclaims to the people entrusted to him the truths of faith they are to believe and to live by. Under the light of the Holy Spirit, the bishop explains the teachings of faith, bringing forth from the treasure house of revelation new things and old.
He works to make faith yield
its harvest and, like the good shepherd, he is vigilant in protecting his people from the threat of error” (no. 15). One of the ways that he discharges this responsibility is in the liturgy, principally the homily at Mass, but also through “introductions, invitations, or commentary during celebrations of the sacraments and sacramentals” (no. 15).
For the Eucharistic Prayer, the bishop removes not only the miter but also the skullcap as a sign of the profound power and holiness of this great prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification by which the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. In the Eucharistic Prayer, “human action steps back and makes way for the action of God. This action of God is the real ‘action’ for which all of creation is in expectation. This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God Himself acts and does what is essential.” 2
At the end of Mass, the blessing given by the bishop, wearing the miter, begins with a dialogue with the people:
Bishop: The Lord be with you.
R: And with your spirit.
Bishop: Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R: Now and for ever.
Bishop: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R: Who made heaven and earth.
He then takes the pastoral staff and gives the usual Trinitarian blessing, “May almighty God bless you…,” but makes the sign of the cross three times as he names the three Persons of the
Trinity. The dialogue developed during the 13th century, and the triple sign of the cross was in use in the 11th century. Because preaching the Gospel is the bishop’s preeminent duty, he “has responsibility for the entire process of Christian sacraments of initiation [baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist], a responsibility he carries out either personally or through the presbyters, deacons, and catechists of his diocese.”
Church tradition “has viewed pastoral responsibility in this regard to be so peculiarly the bishop’s own as to declare without qualification, in the words of Ignatius of Antioch: ‘It is not permitted to baptize without the authorization of the bishop’” (no. 404).
The bishop is the ordinary minister of confirmation “so that there will be a clearer reference to the first pouring forth of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost: after the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, they themselves gave the Spirit to the faithful through the laying on of hands. Thus, the reception of the Spirit through the ministry of the bishop shows the close bond that joins the confirmed to the Church and the mandate received from Christ to bear witness to him before all” (no. 455).
In summary, the bishop “is to be regarded as the High Priest of his flock, from whom the life in Christ of his faithful in some sense derives and upon whom it depends, must promote, regulate, and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese.” 3 Through prayer and sacramental ministry, he cares for his flock and seeks “with zeal and devotion to obtain an abundance of grace for them from the fullness of Christ ’ s holiness.” 4 “Through the ministry of the bishop, Christ Himself never ceases to proclaim the Gospel and to administer the sacraments of faith.” 5
1 Catechism of the Catholic Church , no. 1558.
2 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy , pp. 171-173.
3 General Instruction of the Roman Missal , no. 387.
4 Rite of Ordination of a Bishop , no. 39.
5 Rite of Ordination of a Bishop, no. 39. ■
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@ dioknox.org.
GABRIELLE NOLAN
Successors of Peter Bishop Mark Beckman, right, his crosier in hand, is joined at the altar by, from left, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., Bishop J. Mark Spalding, and Deacon Tim Elliott during Bishop Beckman's ordination and installation. The liturgical life of dioceses flows from the bishops, according to the Ceremonial of Bishops.
Gracing Bishop Beckman’s ordination Mass
Many special guests attend Diocese of Knoxville’s historical liturgical celebration
By Dan McWilliams
The consecrating bishops were among a number of people taking part in the ordination Mass of Bishop Mark Beckman on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre served as principal consecrator of the Diocese of Knoxville’s fourth bishop, with Bishop J. Mark Spalding and Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. as co-consecrators. Archbishop Fabre leads the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., and served as the apostolic administrator of the Knoxville Diocese after Bishop Richard F. Stika retired. Bishop Spalding is the Diocese of Nashville’s shepherd, and Bishop Johnston, a Knoxville native, heads the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo.
Thirteen other bishops and two abbots concelebrated the ordination Mass, including Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, who served as bishop of Knoxville from 1999 to 2007. Also present were Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City, Nigeria, a friend of Diocese of Knoxville priest and Nigeria native Father Julius Abuh; Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Ala.; Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Ala.; Bishop Michael G. Duca of Baton Rouge, La.; Bishop John C. Iffert of Covington, Ky.; Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, auxiliary bishop of Atlanta; Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv, of Charlotte, N.C.; Bishop William F. Medley of Owensboro, Ky.; Bishop Steven J. Raica of Birmingham; Bishop John E. Stowe, OFM Conv, of Lexington, Ky.; Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis; Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson, Ariz.; Abbot Cletus D. Meagher, OSB, of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala., a native of Cleveland, Tenn.; and Abbot Benedict T. Neenan, OSB, of Conception Abbey and Seminary in Conception, Mo., where many Diocese of Knoxville priests have studied.
Diocese of Knoxville priests concelebrating the Mass included Father David Boettner, Father David Carter, Father Mike Cummins, Father Mike Nolan, Father Doug Owens, Father Joe Reed, and Father Mark Schuster.
Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Father Peter Iorio of the Knoxville Diocese served as assistants to Bishop Beckman during the Mass.
Monsignor Humbrecht and Fathers Boettner, Cummins, Owens, and Reed are diocesan consultors. Fathers Iorio, Nolan, and Schuster are special delegates for their deaneries. Father Carter
abound Visiting bishops attending the Mass of ordination and installation of Bishop Mark Beckman process into the Knoxville Convention Center on July 26. Nineteen bishops, archbishops, and abbots attended the ordination along with more than 200 priests, deacons, and religious.
is judicial vicar for the diocesan tribunal. Father Schuster also is the diocesan vocations director. Father Arthur Torres, associate director of vocations, also attended the ordination.
Monsignor John Paul Zenollito Pedrera represented Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, at the ordination. The monsignor is first secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., and read the mandate from Pope Francis naming Bishop Beckman to his new role as part of the ordination Mass. Priest friends of Bishop Beckman attending the Mass were Father Ernest Bayer, Father Dexter Brewer, Father Andrew Bulso, Father Robert Flannery, Father Eric Fowlkes, Monsignor Val Handwerker, Monsignor Mike Johnston, Father Pat Kibby, Father Joe McMahon, Father Shinto Padinjaredathu, CMI, Father Kevin Richter, Father Gladstone Stevens, and Father Jeffrey Shooner, a vicar general of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Father Fowlkes succeeded Bishop Beckman as pas-
Impressive procession Her Excellency Lt. Valencia Yvonne Camp, DGCHS, back center, of the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, is escorted into the Mass of ordination and installation with Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and members of the Order of the Fleur de Lis
tor of St. Henry Parish in Nashville.
Bishop Beckman’s friend Dr. Johan van Parys, a native of Belgium who is managing director of ministries and director of liturgy and sacred arts for the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, also attended the ordination.
Deacon Tim Elliott proclaimed the Gospel as deacon of the Word at the ordination, and diocesan seminarian Deacon A.J. Houston served as deacon of the altar. Diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith suggested Deacon Elliott for his role to honor his long tenure as diocesan director of deacons. Bishop Beckman supported the selections of Deacon Elliott, Monsignor Humbrecht, and Father Iorio for their parts in the ordination.
Deacon Walt Otey, Jerry Bodie, and Jay Coatney, all from the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, were masters of ceremonies at the ordination, and Mary Corby and Maria Rios served as readers.
IPraying for Perspective by George Valadie
Thank you, Lord. Can we keep him?
A seminarian’s skill with the tetherball crowd hinted at greater things to come
first met the young man on the playground where I was principal. He and the other students were doing battle in a wild and woolly game of tetherball.
He was older, though. Bigger. More mature than the others.
He should have been. After all, most of them were in fifth grade, learning what fifth-graders learn before becoming sixth-graders, then highschoolers, then whatever lies ahead.
He, on the other hand, actually, was a young man, a college grad, an adult and a seminarian, learning what seminarians learn before becoming deacons, priests, … and bishops.
And having every bit as much fun as they were.
He was good with the kids on the playground. He was good with the kids in his parish. He’ll be good with the kids in his diocese.
Bishop Mark Beckman. Welcome to the Diocese of Knoxville!
We met because as a seminarian, he had been assigned to live for a brief stint with a pastor in a parish. It happened to be ours.
I’m not sure what his days were like, but he chose to spend several of his afternoons wandering through our After School Care program, goofing off with some goofy kids while he waited for fall semester and they waited for their rides.
In those days, my wife had been invited by a teacher to join her as one of two adults charged with keeping a watchful eye on the 30-plus kids
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call and chat with me about the details of that story, and it was so lovely to get to speak with him as he recounted the details of it with me. He also mentioned my late father by name and told me about a time when they had sat next to one another on an airplane. Those same feelings of joy and pride welled up in me once again to receive such a phone call from a man who led so well that he was eventually named an archbishop and served as the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was, and still is today, a joyful and humble servant leader.
who needed their care from 3 to 5:30 each day. So, she actually got to know him first. And it didn’t take her long to realize he was special.
From watching Bishop Beckman’s interview from the day he announced publicly his acceptance of the position, what caught my attention most was his humility. He emphasized his shock and surprise at receiving the call to lead our diocese, and the time he had to spend in prayer making sure it was truly what God was asking him to do. He seemed to desire deeply to serve our diocese as its leader, and this characteristic is something that I think is so important for someone given a position of authority to possess.
I have so much hope for what the Lord wants to do in and with Bishop Beckman in
But please know my wife is a true romantic at heart. And believes everyone has and should find the love of their life.
One afternoon, while chatting with our pastor, she offered, “You know what, Father (Monsignor Al Humbrecht)? I really like Mark Beckman. He’s such a nice guy. And I think he’d make a wonderful husband and father, don’t you? I can just tell.”
But Father, knowing where this was likely headed, quickly replied, “Now, Nancy, you know the qualities that would make him a good husband and father are the same qualities that would also make him a good priest.”
The romantic had to admit he was right and wise, so she abandoned any thoughts she’d been conjuring of finding him a match.
Fast forward 20-something years, and Bishop Beckman is absolutely certain he did indeed find the love of his life. Now he gets to share it with all of us.
“Tell the truth, before you got the phone call, though, did you ever have an inkling of an idea?”
“No. None. Never. But there is a backstory about that.
“When I was at St. Henry’s (Nashville), I was lucky enough to have Father Pat Kibby join us as associate pastor. And right after Bishop (Richard F.) Stika’s retirement announcement became public, Father came to me and said, ‘If you ever get a phone call from Washington (the papal Bishop-to-be continued on page A18
East Tennessee, and I hope that we can all cover him with prayer as he allows himself to be put in a position of service and leadership, one that holds with it great spiritual responsibility.
I hope that we can participate in his vision for our diocese and the mission of the Church, that all souls might be saved in and through Jesus Christ and His Church. And I hope that, in our own humility, we can take upon ourselves whatever it might be that the Holy Spirit is asking us to do so that, together, our diocese can reveal the love and mercy of Christ to the world ■
Remembering when Bishop Mark Beckman is no stranger to George and Nancy Valadie, who recall him as a promising seminarian.
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Bishop John Iffert together with Bishop Emeritus Roger J. Foys and the Priests, Deacons, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Covington send prayerful best wishes and congratulations to Bishop James Mark Beckman as he is installed as the Bishop of The Diocese of Knoxville.
CThoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon Bob Hunt
The vicars of Christ
Bishops give life to the local Church by proclaiming the Gospel, leading ministry
ongratulations to newly ordained Bishop Mark Beckman, the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville! Bishop Beckman, I believe you will find the Catholics of East Tennessee eager for your leadership and open and willing to take the Church in the Knoxville Diocese in directions that will ensure the continued proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.
The proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed is the mission of the Church. That mission cannot be fulfilled without the leadership of our chief shepherd, our bishop. From the very beginnings of the Church, even while Jesus still walked the earth, He chose men from among the ranks of His disciples to lead as Apostles, as those “sent out” to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a).
The bishops are the successors of the Apostles, with the same mission given to the first Twelve by Jesus. In the earliest years of the Church, it was the bishop who preached the Gospel and administered the sacraments.
The Christians of a particular city or town would gather under his leadership to hear the Word of God proclaimed, to celebrate the Eucharist, and to collect goods that would be shared with the poor. As the Church grew in numbers, the bishop, not being able to be everywhere at the same time, chose men among the ranks of his disciples to serve as priests and deacons, taking the sacraments to the people and serving the poor,
the widows and orphans, the imprisoned, the homeless, and all those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the three ranks of holy orders were established: bishop, priest, and deacon. St. Paul speaks of the qualifications of a bishop (1 Timothy 3:1-7) and of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-10). He also speaks of the responsibility of priests (from the Greek “presbyters”) to teach, preach, and administer the sacraments (1 Timothy 5:17, James 5:14-15).
St. Ignatius of Antioch, as he was en route as a prisoner to be executed in Rome, wrote to his confreres in Tralles, Asia Minor (c. 107): “In like manner let everyone respect the deacons as they would respect Jesus Christ, and just as they respect the bishop as a type of the Father, and the presbyters as
the council of God and college of the Apostles. Without these, it cannot be called a church” (Letter to the Trallians, 3:1-2).
“Without these, it cannot be called a church.” Those are strong words, but true. Without the bishop, there can be no local Church. Without the bishop, there are no sacraments. Without the bishop, there is no preaching of the Gospel. Without the bishop, there are no Catholic schools, no Catholic health care, no Catholic Charities, etc.
The bishop is the vicar of Christ for his diocese. It is under his authority that all the ministries of the local Church are possible and under his authority that priests and deacons carry out their respective ministries.
As a deacon of the diocese, it is essential that everything I do
as a deacon is in line with the teachings of the Church and the disciplines of the Church, and in accord with the directives of the bishop. I act, preach, and write only under the bishop’s authority. Why?
Because no one is saved by the gospel of Bob. We are saved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, given to us through His Church, the instrument of God’s revelation in Christ (Ephesians 3:10, 1 Timothy 3:15). If, then, my actions or words are contrary to the Gospel, who am I serving? I desire only to serve Christ, and Christ has given us the Church as the ordinary instrument by which His gospel is proclaimed, and His grace is poured out. If my actions or words are contrary to the teachings and disciplines of the Church, then they are contrary to Christ.
Christ is the head of the Church, and the Church is His body. A body, nor any member of that body, cannot act contrary to its head without confusion. There must be no confusion in the body of Christ.
Our prayers are with Bishop Mark Beckman as he takes his place as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. May God grant him holiness to sanctify us with the sacraments, fervor to teach us the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and wisdom to govern us well for the sake of our salvation.
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. He is author of the book “Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews.”
GABRIELLE NOLAN
Leading the body of Christ Bishops take part in the ordination and installation of Bishop Mark Beckman on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center. The bishops had key liturgical roles in the ordination of Bishop Beckman.
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The Ordination of Bishop Mark Beckman: Images of an Installation
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‘The entire journey of life is a Camino’ Vespers serves as beginning of Bishop Beckman's East Tennessee mission
By Bill Brewer
Bishop Mark Beckman’s first homily at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus since his appointment was announced on May 7 was a message of gratitude to the congregation for saying “Yes” to God.
Diocese of Knoxville faithful were treated to an early introduction to Bishop James Mark Beckman and several of the bishops attending his Mass of ordination and installation during solemn Vespers at the cathedral on the eve of his ordination.
In addition to evening prayer, the solemn Vespers served as an official testament to the bishopelect’s imminent elevation as he formally made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity, attesting in writing to his fidelity to the new office.
Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre served as the principal celebrant of the July 25 Vespers service on the feast of St. James the Apostle. Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. delivered the reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians.
Also taking part in the Vespers—in addition to Bishop-elect Beckman, Archbishop Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville, and Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo.—were
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said he is also learning Portuguese.
Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C.; Bishop Joel Konzen, SM, auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Atlanta; Bishop William F. Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky.; Bishop Steven J. Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham, Ala.; Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham; Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville; Abbot Cletus D. Mea-
“You will find that our priests, religious, deacons, and laity … love serving Christ, and they will support you, and assist you, and pray for you,” the cardinal said.
Cardinal O’Malley pointed out that Boston has the highest percentage of young adults of any major city in the United States.
“This brings a great challenge, and also a great opportunity for our Catholic community,” he said.
The cardinal, who celebrated his 80th birthday on June 29 and has headed the Boston Archdiocese since July 2003, sees Archbishop Henning as a “sign of hope” for the archdiocese, alongside the 11 priests ordained this year and the 18 men entering Boston’s seminaries this fall.
“The arrival of a new archbishop is always a time of renewal to the people in the archdiocese,” he said.
On Aug. 2, Cardinal O’Malley celebrated the 40th anniversary of his episcopate. In that time, he said, the Church has had to face many challenges, particularly the clergy sexual abuse crisis and the secularization of society at large.
“Despite all of the challenges that we have, I am fi lled with hope,” he said. “I see the faith of people, and I see people come forward to be a part of the mission of the Church and stay with the Church.”
Both Cardinal O’Malley and Archbishop Henning said that throughout the upheavals of the last decades, they have put their trust in God. Archbishop Henning said that in a culture that has “lost its way,” the Catholic Church can provide answers.
“People are searching, and they don’t even know what to look for,” he said. “I think the Church has something to offer the wider culture. … There’s a wisdom and compassion and commitment to community there that I hope can be meaningful to all of the people of the city, not just the Catholic faith.”
In 2018, then-Monsignor Henning was named an auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre, where he served as regional vicar and vicar for clergy and pastoral planning. The diocese fi led for bankruptcy in 2020, facing 200 lawsuits from victims of clergy sexual abuse. Archbishop Henning said that he is willing to listen to the “woundedness” of survivors who have left the Church due to abuse.
“I understand why they’re scandalized,” he said. “It’s scandalous, and it has certainly been painful for me over the course of my life, but it has not made me lose my faith in God, or my faith in the possibility of reconciliation and life, even in the midst of what may feel devastating.”
“I do feel a special tug in my heart today for my beloved Rhode Islanders,” he said. “This has been an extraordinary year with them. I’ve only been with them for a brief time, but it’s been a very intense and joyful time. So, I will miss the State of Hope and its really good people.”
Archbishop Henning will be installed at a Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston on Oct. 31. ■
gher, OSB, of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala.; Bishop John E. Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky.; Bishop Michael G. Duca of the Diocese of Baton, Rouge, La.; and Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of the Diocese of Tucson, Ariz.
In addition to their singing the evening hymn, members of the congregation took part in singing the Psalms, with each side of the
cathedral alternating in singing the three antiphons: Thanksgiving in the Temple, Joyful Hope in God, and God our Savior. The cathedral’s Glenn Kahler and ByongSuk Moon led the music liturgy.
Bishop Johnston gave the reading, Ephesians 4:11-13, which said, “Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, until we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that Perfect Man, who is Christ come to full stature.”
In his homily, Bishop-elect Beckman said he could not think of a better feast on which to celebrate solemn Vespers than that of St. James the Apostle.
He then shared a pivotal moment in his journey of faith that served as a revelation for his ministry.
“I think about the call that came to him [St. James] as he stood on the seashore. I wonder was he prepared for that day when the Lord said to him, ‘Come follow me,’ or was it that the Lord gave him that grace in the moment. All of us are part of the great body of Christ that the bishops of the Church are called to build up so that we may be prepared to come to full stature in Christ. What a gift,” Bishop-
Captivated audience Bishop-elect Mark Beckman delivers the homily during solemn Vespers at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 25. Bishop-elect Beckman was joined by priests and deacons of the Diocese of Knoxville, visiting bishops and abbots attending his Mass of ordination and installation on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center, faithful from the Diocese of Knoxville, and members of Bishop Beckman's family.
elect Beckman said. He related to the congregation that several years ago he watched the film “The Way” with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. It’s the story of a man who walks for his son, who has died, along the great, ancient pathway to the believed tomb of St. James the Apostle.
“And when I saw the film that evening—I was seated near the back of the theater as I remember—I had this unusual feeling that came over me. I felt in that moment as if God were saying to me, ‘I’m calling you to walk this Camino.’ The other part of me, the more rational part, thought, ‘What?’ I thought when will I have enough time to do that? And who will go with me? I won’t go alone. So, I put it out of my mind.
“But a couple of years later, good friends in the parish said to me, ‘Would you walk the Camino with us?’ I said, ‘Well, if the bishop gives me permission, I will walk with you. But I will go not as your chaplain but as a pilgrim with you.’ And so, 10 years ago I found myself on that 500-mile walk across northern Spain to the great cathedral in Santiago. I have to tell you, it was a powerful, transformative walk for me,” the bishop-elect recalled.
To start his faith-based trek, he and his friends began at St. Jean Pied de Port in southern France at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. He recalled going to the Our Lady at the Foot of the Bridge church, where he lit a candle at the statue of Mary and asked her intercession on the journey ahead.
“I also asked the intercession of St. James the Apostle and many other saints, some of whom I’ve known personally. As the great journey began, I had no idea what would await me. Along the way, one of the most profound things was meeting people of every walk of life, of every religion, and some of no religion at all, who were all walking on this grand journey together. I met them over and over again,” he shared.
Two people in particular made a lasting impact on him, and he may have reciprocated.
“I will never forget a young German couple. They were afraid when they found out I was a priest,
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nuncio’s home), just don’t answer it.’
and they kind of began to avoid me. I found out they had never experienced church before. They had grown up apart from organized religion, and they were afraid. One moment along the way they said, ‘We have a question for you. If we die and you are right and we are wrong, do you think that your God will send us to your hell?’ I said to them, ‘I believe that at the moment you breathe your last, you will discover the source of all the goodness, the beauty, and truth, and love you have known in this life,’” Bishop-elect Beckman remembered.
“We laughed. And I never thought about it again.
“And then almost a year later, on a Sunday morning not that long ago, I noticed I had two missed calls on my cell. Both were from Washington. Neither had left a message.
“And right then, Father Kibby’s words came rushing back to me.
“Still, it seemed far-fetched, and I actually do have some friends in D.C., but I hadn’t spoken to them in a while and realized I didn’t have any of their numbers. It was probably one of them.
“Oddly, back in 2018, I had actually communicated a little bit with the nuncio (Cardinal Christophe Pierre) when three of us local priests were asked to be in charge of the liturgy for Bishop (J. Mark) Spalding’s installation as bishop of Nashville.
“Then, the next day, on that Monday morning, while I was on the back porch saying my prayers, my cell rang, and I saw his name pop up.
“I jerked. I threw my phone down. Literally. And I jumped up and ran inside the house. I had to laugh, though, because I realized I had just done exactly what Father Kibby had instructed: I had refused to take his call.
“I did call him back. We talked. He told me. I breathed, but not much.
“I’d already had to cancel one appointment to return his call, but then—after I settled in a bit—I decided I needed to go ahead and meet with the next couple of counseling appointments I already had scheduled.”
Bishop Beckman didn’t realize it in the moment, but his next words revealed much about the future with our new shepherd: “I wanted to go ahead and meet because I needed to quit thinking about me.”
God is good!
“How did it feel? Did I have a clue? It felt like I got hit by a truck. I couldn’t breathe.”
The road to the priesthood winds differently for all who are ordained. Inspired by different people at different times, some know early on, some lie prostrate before the altar much later in life. One priest was ordained at age 91. But it has to start somewhere.
were very explicitly aware of it, as I was, and some not yet aware that the Lord had invited them on a great journey,” he recalled.
“I thought to myself, this is a foretaste of the kingdom of God. All of God’s people, drawn by God’s love, to experience a transformative journey. Over these past 10 years, as I’ve walked the journey beyond the Camino, I have now become more and more aware that the entire journey of life is a Camino. We’re all on a path,” the bishop revealed. “All of you, in some way or another or you wouldn’t be here this evening, have said yes to the Lord over and over again in your lives. Thank you for your yeses to God’s call,” he continued.
Bishop-elect Beckman singled out Archbishop Fabre, telling the metropolitan that he is grateful to Archbishop Fabre. The bishop-elect then let the congregation know that he and the archbishop were in seminary together in Belgium.
“He has been a good shepherd for many years. He said yes to going to the Archdiocese of Louisville as our metropolitan archbishop, and I enjoyed being there when you were installed as the archbishop. A gift to me. Your yes to that and to being the administrator of this Diocese of Knoxville. What a gift. He’s done a great job, hasn’t he?” Bishop-elect Beckman asked those in attendance.
Archbishop Fabre then received a rousing ovation following the question.
Those words apparently made an impression. Bishop-elect Beckman told the Vespers congregation that the couple continued the journey, and they began to join his group in prayer.
When he and his Camino companions arrived weeks later at the Cathedral of Santiago, he said people from everywhere they had met along the path were gathered in the cathedral church. Many Camino travelers crowded into the church.
“I saw their faces, and I knew that all of them had responded in some way to a call from God. Some
When I was a student at the same grade school where seminarian Beckman hung out for a short stop, Bishop James D. Niedergeses was then pastor at our church and school.
He taught us how to be altar servers and handed out our report cards. Once, he came to class and had everyone answer some random questions … random to everyone but him.
One such question asked, “Who has ever thought about becoming a priest or a Sister?” And then for the next two years—whenever a new priest was ordained—he would load up the Sisters’ station wagon with five or six of us gangly junior high guys, take us to whose-ever ordination in whatever city, deposit us in a pew to take it all in, and then buy us dinner on the way home.
Bishop Beckman’s call was less in your face but way more powerful. It, too, began in junior high at Sacred Heart Parish in Lawrenceburg. His was a call that never left.
There he encountered an associate pastor who was all in. He took kids on picnics and participated in youth-group activities of all kinds.
But more than just the fun, he was introduced to a prayerful man who seemed able to have meaningful relationships with people young and old—without a spouse or children of his own.
Bishop Beckman’s personal journey to priesthood ordination lasted 12 years. And he readily admits—and I’m guessing this is true for most on the journey—there were moments (perhaps years) of uncertainty.
Is it possible to be truly happy without a spouse and family? For a moment in my own way-back-there-in-the-past, I had pondered that exact question and realized I could not be.
He pondered the same. For a while. And no bishop wants to ordain a man who isn’t sure.
There was a time when our kids were younger—and chaos was the order of most days— when Nancy and I thought about offering our family as a ministry for the Church.
Our idea was to arrange for a willing priest or seminarian to come spend a weekend in our home, and in turn Nancy and I would find a local hotel with a pool and a drink and some much-needed respite. We would get a break and in turn could almost guarantee our guest’s commitment to celibacy would be forever confirmed.
Kids can do that for you. Happy to be of ser-
Bishop-elect Beckman then turned his attention to Bishop Spalding, another classmate at the seminary in Louvain, Belgium, the American College at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium
“You are a great gift to me personally. And his love and support for me in these days of preparation have been great. The joy I felt when you walked into our cathedral church, arriving for the first time, brought joy and gladness to my heart. Thank you for being a great bishop and shepherd,” the new shepherd of the Church in East Tennessee told his counterpart.
“To all the other bishops here tonight, thank you for your yeses to the Lord and your service to God’s
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vice … but no one ever called. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
“When a nuncio calls, are you allowed to say ‘No, thank you?’”
“I asked that,” laughed Bishop Beckman, “but he said, ‘No!’
“But I did tell him I wasn’t at peace with it and would call him back in an hour. And when I called back, I told him I still hadn’t found the peace I was seeking and needed and asked if I could call him again in five hours.
“I prayed. I talked to my spiritual adviser. I prayed some more.
“You know, it was kind of funny. I had taken 12 years to decide about becoming a priest. But I had five hours to decide about being a bishop.”
Good priests come from good moms and dads. Some actively pray their children will seek a life in the Church. Some are satisfied watching it unfold. Most pray their children will just be happy.
But all know when something’s up.
Lois and Jimmy Beckman did.
As one would expect in such circumstances, then Bishop-elect Beckman was sworn to secrecy for a brief bit of time after being called by the nuncio. He could inform the archbishop; he could call his own bishop.
When he finally got to tell his folks, “I called mom and told her I wasn’t going to be able to go hiking with two of my brothers, but I was hoping to slip into town for a quick dinner in Lawrenceburg.
“She said, ‘Great! I’ll have spaghetti’ because she knows it’s my favorite.
“I was hardly in the door when she said, ‘OK, spill it!’
“We went and sat on the back porch, and I told them about the call from the nuncio. And mom said, ‘I just knew it!’
“Not to be outdone, my dad said, ‘Well, I knew two or three years ago, but I just kept it to myself.’”
His Father in heaven has known it, too. Dear God—We have prayed for a shepherd after your own heart. Thank you … can we keep him? Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the recently released book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
Oath of Fidelity Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, standing left, witnesses Bishopelect Mark Beckman sign the Oath of Fidelity at the altar signifying his fidelity to the Church during solemn Vespers on July 25. Deacon Sean Smith, Diocese of Knoxville chancellor, observes at right. Bishops sign the oath attesting that they will faithfully carry out their duties and maintain the deposit of faith.
Evening prayer Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, center left, and Bishop-elect Mark Beckman, center right, stand in the sanctuary with visiting bishops as they lead solemn Vespers on July 25 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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people. I see another Louvain connection, Bishop Weisenburger. Our abbots, you lead religious communities. My brother priests, the good work that you do for God’s people. Thank you. You are a gift to the people of God. You are equipping them. You are building up the body of Christ. Our deacons and their wives, I’ve been so blessed as a pastor through all the years of my priesthood to work with many good deacons. And I can see that there are many great deacons here in the Diocese of Knoxville already, hard at work in all kinds of ministries. And our religious, what a gift you are to our Church,” Bishopelect Beckman continued.
He then singled out his family from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., sitting in the front pews, including his mother and father—“the gift of faith that you all gave me”—and his brothers and sisters.
He said during his Camino journey, his grandmother came to him in a dream. He woke and thought that she, too, is a saint walking on the journey of life.
He thanked those living the single life in faithful devotion to the Lord. “Every single one of you has said yes to the Lord. Keep saying yes.”
He then began looking ahead to his ministry in East Tennessee.
“The Lord has called me now on this new beginning, on this great, new Camino. And I am grateful to be with you here in the Diocese of Knoxville. You all have been praying for me. I have felt those prayers. Thank you. I have been praying for you.
“So, we are looking forward to the great kingdom of God, aren’t we? We are looking forward to the light that never fades. We are looking forward to the fullness of God’s love. And that is what St. James the
Apostle knew. In his final moments of life, he had waited for the eternity that God had prepared for him.
“We all have a job to do. All the people of East Tennessee need us. And for those who live beyond East Tennessee, they need you, too. Let us all be mindful that we are pilgrims together on our way. Let us continue to say yes to the Lord,” he said. Bishop-elect Beckman then stated and signed the Oath of Fidelity at the altar. He made his Profession of Faith in addition to the Oath of Fidelity, witnessed by the bishops, his family, and the congregation.
Archbishop Fabre then led the intercessions, the Our Father, and the concluding prayer.
Less than 24 hours later, Bishopelect Beckman said yes again at his ordination and installation and assumed the new ministry that Pope Francis has assigned him. He was handed a miter, a crosier, and his episcopal ring, and again he took up the cross.
The solemn Vespers served as both an important liturgical event and an opportunity for people in the Diocese of Knoxville to see and hear their new bishop.
According to the Rite of Ordination, it is the duty of all the faithful to pray for the one to be elected their bishop and for the bishop once elected. “This duty should be fulfilled especially in the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful) at Mass and in the intercessions at Vespers (Evening Prayer).
Evening Prayer has a long and important history in the Catholic Church. And according to the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours, when evening approaches and the day is already far spent, evening prayer is celebrated in order that “we may give thanks for what has been given us, or what we have done well, during the day.” ■
The Diocese of Knoxville would like to thank Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre for serving as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.
We are eternally grateful for Your faithful leadership and commitment to our Diocese.
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Priestly support Priests in the Diocese of Knoxville take part in solemn Vespers on the eve of Bishop-elect Mark Beckman's Mass of ordination and installation. Hundreds of East Tennessee parishioners also took part in the Vespers service at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 25.
Family support Bishop-elect Mark Beckman's family, including his mother and father, brothers, and sisters, watch their son and brother lead solemn Vespers the evening before he was being ordained and installed as the next shepherd of the Church in East Tennessee
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Listening with interest Bishops watch and listen closely as Bishop-elect Mark Beckman, the fourth bishop of Knoxville, gives his homily during solemn Vespers
‘Toward the top’ Source and summit central to Bishop Mark Beckman's ministry
By Bill Staley
ADominican, a Franciscan, a bishop, and a pope go on a hike.
Bishop Mark Beckman’s life can be viewed as one large hike up to this base camp of his episcopacy. Over the next decade or so, he will live each day in the fullness of his vocation to holy orders as he serves the good people of East Tennessee.
While he has been outfitted with some new hiking gear—namely a miter, a pectoral cross, a fisherman’s ring, and a crosier—this outdoorsman is ready to scale the challenges ahead for the greater glory of God almighty. As each new pass presents itself, I know of three outdoorsy mentors in faith that share experiences with this bishop’s past and can inspire us all on this new journey.
Verso l’Alto! translated, “toward the top!” was the motto of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, an avid
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I think as a Church, we’re ready to move forward and really have a shepherd who is with his sheep.”
The cathedra Bishop Beckman sat in as he was installed at the ordination came from the old Sacred Heart Cathedral, Father Boettner pointed out. The bishop’s chair features the diocesan coat of arms and before the ordination was in use at the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., convent located in Knoxville.
Numerous family members of Bishop Beckman posed for photos with him before the altar after Mass.
“It’s beautiful. He’s got such a gift in heaven, a family that’s strong, and he’s a very family-oriented man, and his family is going to be a real strength for him,” Father Boettner said. “I think it also gives him a great insight into our families as well.”
Blanca Primm, director of Hispanic Ministry for the diocese, assisted by Coral Getino and Lilia Walker, provided interpretation to the Spanishspeaking faithful who attended the ordination.
Ms. Getino said the interpreters’ booth was not in the main room at the ordination site, the Knoxville Convention Center, so the trio watched the Mass through a large-screen TV monitor.
“Since we had three interpreters, I was able to peek in during a small part of the Mass, but not during the consecration, which I was very emotional about—I wonder what it would have been like to be inside,” she said.
The music was “beautiful,” Ms. Getino noted, adding that “we could appreciate that from the TV. What we missed was the ambiance, the communion with the people, and that electrifying presence of the Holy Spirit. I had never been at a bishop ordination before, and I hope this is my last one (in Knoxville at least!).”
The Hispanic community has been “praying for a long time” for a new bishop, “and he is the answer to our prayers,” Ms. Getino said.
“We will continue to pray for him so that he can
Jimmy and Lois Beckman, parents of Bishop Beckman, along with the new bishop’s brother Ben Beckman and sister Melissa McCawley, brought forward the gifts at the Mass.
Her Excellency Lt. Valencia Yvonne Camp, DGCHS (Dame Grand Cross Holy Sepulchre), of the Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, based in Washington, D.C., attended the ordination.
The non-liturgical procession before the Mass began with Alan and Sally Sefton, Knight and Dame Commanders of the papal Order of St. Gregory the Great, and included another papal honoree, Benemerenti Medal recipient Mary Catherine Willard of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and members of the Order of the Fleur de Lis.
Clergy from other faith traditions also came to the Mass. They were the Right Rev. Brian Lee Cole of the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee; the Rev. George Doebler, chaplain at the University of Tennessee Medical Center; Bryan Goldberg of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance; the Rev. Brent McDougal, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Knoxville; Judith Rosenberg of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance; and Adam Whitescarver, executive director of the Chattanooga
guide us in such humble ways,” she continued. “The Diocese of Knoxville is a very vibrant community, and I hope he will learn to love us as we already love him.”
Susan Unbehaun, executive director of the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville, also was in the congregation at the convention center.
“My husband and I attended the ordination of the new bishop together,” she said. “We have not had the opportunity to witness an ordination before, and we were looking forward to it. The Mass had beautiful music, which led into the celebration.
20th century. For Catholics, this motto takes on an elevated meaning as “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). Blessed Pier Giorgio was a dynamic galvanizer of his peers while serving the poorest of those in his city. And while he was a holy young man, he also had a penchant for practical jokes.
During his time as the head of the Catholic Youth Organization of the Diocese of Nashville, Bishop Beckman offered many Masses for the thousands of teens over the years on the 350-plus acres of Camp Marymount. As a youth participant, I experienced the summit of each of our days, gathering for Word and sacrament in beautiful places throughout camp. Goodness flowed from those moments, and lives were changed because of those experiences, including mine.
Then-Father Mark Beckman also had a slight appetite for a good joke, such as the time he convinced the counselors that the pencil sharpener controlled the all-call siren. We would slowly crank the handle of the pencil sharpener in amaze-
My favorite part was when the bishop-elect carried the pope’s assignment letter through the aisles. His smile was so full of joy, and the congregation was being invited to accept him as our new shepherd. Bishop Beckman will be a good fit for the Diocese of Knoxville. Everyone I have talked to is very excited for this new chapter in our faith community.”
Fred Laufenberg of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade is a former state deputy for the Knights of Columbus and earlier witnessed the ordinations of Bishop Richard F. Stika in Knoxville, Bishop J. Mark Spalding in Nashville, and Bishop David P. Talley in Memphis.
“I have been blessed to be present at the ordination of three bishops in the state of Tennessee and one installation,” Mr. Laufenberg said. “I was part of the honor guard for the ordination and installation of Bishop Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville and Bishop Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville. I was able to attend the installation of Bishop Talley of the Diocese of Memphis.
“Being present at the installation and ordination of Bishop Mark Beckman as the bishop of Knoxville was special because, as a Catholic and member of the Knoxville Diocese, we were there to witness the ‘laying on of the hands’ and the continuation to the successor of Peter. The procession of our priests, religious, the hierarchy of the Church, and our Knights of Columbus added to the importance of what we witnessed.”
Bishop Beckman’s reflections “reached our hearts,” Mr. Laufenberg added, also referring to the new bishop’s passion for the outdoors.
“We are excited to meet him as he tours the diocese and meets his congregation,” he said. “Everyone who has met our bishop shares the same thoughts. He is a kind and humble man. The thought that he finds peace on the trails and in nature resonates with so many. The Knights of Columbus look forward to serving him and all our priests as we strive to be the heart of Jesus.” ■
Sepulchre of
House of Prayer. A choir of more than 85 voices lent its talents to the ordination. The adult singers taking the parts of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass along with many youths hailed from throughout the diocese, and many came from churches and schools of other faith traditions. Glenn Kahler, director of music and liturgy for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, served as conductor for the ordination choir and instrumentalists. Mr. Kahler
conducted tryouts for the ordination choir in the weeks leading up to the event after Bishop Beckman’s appointment was announced in May.
The musicians included organist and cathedral assistant director of music Byong-Suk Moon; assistant organist and accompanist Ryan Seaver; assistant to the director and music coordinator Michelle Pokelwaldt; youth choirmaster, conductor, and music coordinator Ashton Gallagher; cathedral timpanist and percussionist
Don Lordo; and guest artist Patrick Murphy, pianist and vocalist at St. Henry Parish in Nashville. The Tennessee Wind Symphony, with musical director and conductor Dr. John Culvahouse and assistant director Dr. Wayne Dorothy, also was featured at the ordination. The symphony included more than 40 musicians playing flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, or percussion.
A one-hour prelude began the ordination ceremony and featured soloists Ashlee King, Mrs. Pokelwaldt, Esteban Salazar, Dylan Fink, Joel Brown, and Mr. Murphy. Mr. Salazar also sang the responsorial psalm during the Mass.
Special guests at the ordination also included Tennessee’s lieutenant governor and speaker of the Senate, Sen. Randy McNally, a parishioner of St. Mary in Oak Ridge; state Sen. Richard Briggs of Knoxville; Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin and wife Sharon; Emily McCaul, representative for U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee; and Knoxville Police Department chief of police Paul Noel, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Butch Carleton Bryant, retired law director of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and 33 men and women KCSO deputies provided security for the ordination. ■
Knights and Dames Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy
Jerusalem are shown with Bishop Mark Beckman following his Mass of ordination and installation on July 26 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
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Guests continued from page A7
Good to see you Lt. Gov. Randy McNally of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge greets Therese Hurley and Mary Catherine Willard during the Mass of ordination and installation for Bishop Mark Beckman.
ELEYANA NAHIGIAN
mountain climber and tertiary of the Dominicans, who lived a heroic life in Turin, Italy, in the early
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Eyeing the summit Bishop Mark Beckman, with his crosier, looks heavenward during his ordination.
Summit continued on page A28
Bill Staley
as the chief shepherd of this diocese, I rejoice with you and with the Diocese of Knoxville,” Archbishop Fabre said. “On a more personal note, who would have thought that from the days of our studying and traveling together during our seminary time at The American College in Belgium, that the Lord would bring us together as brother bishops? I am confident that with the help of God, you will be a good bishop here.”
Bishop Beckman recalled a lifechanging phone call.
“At the end of April, when I first was pondering the call of the nuncio to me asking me to become the bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, there were so many things that went through my heart and mind,” he said at the end of Mass. “One of the things that I remember was the opportunity I had a few years ago to attend the installation of Archbishop Fabre in Louisville, Ky. I hope I do not misquote you, Archbishop, but what I remember him saying the day he was installed as the archbishop of Louisville was a comment that I’ve thought about many times since. He said, ‘This day is about a person, and that person is not me. That person is Jesus Christ.’” After the assembly applauded, the new bishop continued.
“And this day, too, is about Jesus Christ,” he said.
Nineteen archbishops, bishops, and abbots overall attended the ordination of Bishop Beckman, including Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, who led the Diocese of Knoxville as its second bishop from 1999 to 2007, and Abbot Emeritus Cletus D. Meagher, OSB, of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala., a native of Cleveland, Tenn. Making the longest trip was Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze of Benin City, Nigeria.
A total of 138 priests and 65 deacons, most from the Diocese of Knoxville but a good number from the new bishop’s native Nashville Diocese and elsewhere, also were present. Many priest friends of Bishop Beckman from the Diocese of Nashville attended the ordination Mass.
Along with the concelebrating bish-
Supplication Above: Bishop Mark Beckman lies prostrate during the Litany of the Saints. This act symbolizes his unworthiness for the office he is assuming and his dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community. Kneeling in prayer are, right to left, consecrators Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, and Bishop J. Mark Spalding. Below: Bishop Beckman, accompanied by Monsignor Al Humbrecht, standing right, and Father Peter Iorio, standing left, gives the Promise of the Elect to Archbishop Fabre, who is seated between Bishop Johnston, right, and Bishop Spalding.
ops, priests of the Diocese of Knoxville who concelebrated were Father David Boettner, Father David Carter, Father Mike Cummins, Father Mike Nolan, Father Doug Owens, Father Joe Reed, and Father Mark Schuster. Knoxville diocesan priests Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Father Peter Iorio served as assistants to Bishop Beckman during the Mass. Monsignor Humbrecht and Fathers Boettner, Cummins, Owens, and Reed are diocesan consultors. Fathers Iorio, Nolan, and Schuster are special delegates for their deaneries. Father Carter
is judicial vicar for the diocesan tribunal. Father Schuster is the diocesan vocations director. Father Arthur Torres, assistant vocations director, also was in attendance at the ordination.
Deacon Tim Elliott was deacon of the Word, and Deacon A.J. Houston served as deacon of the altar. Deacon Walt Otey, Jerry Bodie, and Jay Coatney were masters of ceremonies. Mary Corby of St. Henry Parish in Nashville proclaimed the first reading and Maria Rios of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City proclaimed the second reading, the latter in Spanish.
Bishop Beckman’s parents, Jimmy and Lois Beckman, his brother Ben Beckman, and sister Melissa McCawley were gift bearers.
Monsignor John Paul Zenollito Pedrera represented Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, who was unable to attend Bishop Beckman’s ordination. Monsignor Pedrera, first secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., read the mandate from Pope Francis naming Bishop Beckman to his new role as part of the ordination ceremony.
After the mandate was read, the soon-to-be-Bishop Beckman held the document aloft and processed through the convention center exhibition hall so that all present could see it. The hall was converted into a sanctuary and nave for the ordination and installation.
The afternoon began with a onehour prelude by the diocesan choir and the Tennessee Wind Symphony.
A non-liturgical procession took place about a half-hour before Mass began and included papal honorees, dozens of women and men religious, and members both of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the Order of the Fleur de Lis.
The long liturgical procession that opened the Mass began with cross and candle bearers and included the bearers of the bishop-elect’s crosier, miter, and ring; deacons from the dioceses of Knoxville and Nashville; priests from both dioceses and beyond; the consultors; Bishop-elect Beckman and his assistants; abbots, bishops, and the co-consecrators; Monsignor Pedrera; and finally Archbishop Fabre and the vimps.
Shepherding his flock
After the opening rites and the readings, the ordination rite began with the presentation of the elect. Monsignor Pedrera read the mandate at that point.
“My dear friends in Christ in the Diocese of Knoxville, it is a great honor for me to be with you today as we celebrate the ordination of Bishop Mark Beckman,” Archbishop Fabre said as he began his homily. “While
Ordination continued on page A22
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it has been a grace to walk with you during this last year as your apostolic administrator, each diocese is intended to have a bishop of its own to serve as its leader and pastor. To quote from the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops, the bishops’ role is to serve “as pastors of souls . . . to continue throughout the ages the work of Christ, the eternal pastor.”
The quote comes from the 1965 decree, Christus Dominus (“Christ the Lord”), paragraph 2.
“The role of the bishop is of supreme importance in the life of a diocese as the bishop continues uniquely the work of Jesus Christ,” the archbishop said. “The image of the bishop as the pastor or shepherd of a diocese has a long and rich history in the life of the Church. Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows the sheep, protects them from wolves, always stands by them, and even lays down His life for them.
“Jesus sent His Apostles to continue this work of shepherding the Church after His ascension into heaven. A good shepherd must focus on the flock, which means noticing where the flock is on the journey. Shepherds can attest that sheep do not always move uniformly from one place to another. Individual sheep graze, meander, and move at their own pace. Some even wander off. A good shepherd knows this and lovingly and appropriately attends to the sheep where they are.”
The image of a bishop as a shepherd can take three forms, Archbishop Fabre noted.
“These three ways are: a bishop shepherds the flock from in front of them, a bishop leads the flock from behind them, and a bishop leads the flock in the midst of them,” he said. “No one manner of leading the flock is better than the others, and the circumstances of particular times and challenges may call for a greater emphasis on one or another of these ways of leadership. The mark of a good shepherd is through wisdom and prayer to know when and how to
lead the flock using all three of these ways. The Scripture readings chosen for this ordination liturgy each focus on one of these types of leadership and offer excellent insight into how the bishop is called to shepherd the flock.”
The ordination Mass readings, cho-
sen by Bishop Beckman, came from Isaiah 61:1-3a, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7, and John 20:19-23.
“In our first reading from the prophet Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the anointing he received from the Lord to be a minister of mercy to those afflicted and brokenhearted, to
those held bound and captive in their lives,” Archbishop Fabre continued.
“In this, we can see what I shall term the ‘Servant Shepherd,’ which is leadership from behind the flock, offering gentle encouragement to those suffering and who may have given up hope and fallen behind. People can be in places of great struggle and difficulty where it may be hard to hold onto the hope that God is with them, caring for and providing for them. Sadness and grief from loss or the challenges of living can keep many people in places of despair, and the pain of division can cause people to feel isolated and alone.
“They need the voice of hope, a shepherd who knows that the dawn will most certainly break through the night. The shepherd comes to preach a message of freedom and God’s favor, a message of comfort and hope. The shepherd brings the oil of gladness and a mantle of praise to those weighed down by a mourning and a listless spirit. The bishop is called to be this gentle messenger of hope and comfort for his people. Through his teaching, preaching, and presence with his people, the bishop offers a healing balm for their wounds, encouraging them to take another step in their walk with the Lord Jesus and to hold on to their faith. Leading from the rear allows a bishop to provide support and encouragement. It will require consultation with others and nurturing and empowering others to guide appropriately from the front while you, as bishop, lead from behind.
“Bishop Beckman, God has chosen and sent you when appropriate to be this kind of shepherd for the Diocese of Knoxville, which needs healing and hope amidst its challenges. There will be times to lead your new flock from behind as a gentle, reassuring shepherd who brings the grace of unshakeable hope in the power of Jesus Christ.”
The second reading from 2 Corinthians provides “the vision of a shepherd who leads from the front,” according to the archbishop.
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Your Excellency, Most Rev. Mark Beckman, the Catholic faithful of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville congratulate you on this auspicious occasion of your Episcopal Ordination and Installation as the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville.
May this moment of grace be an occasion for you to recall the marvels the good Lord has accomplished and will accomplish through you. Amen!
Rev. Dr. Julius Abuh, pastor
An abundance of grace Above: Bishop Mark Beckman lies prostrate as the consecrator, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, gives a prayer during the Mass of ordination and installation. Co-consecrators kneeling are, at left, Bishop James V. Johnston Jr., and at right, Bishop J. Mark Spalding. Assisting are seminarian Bobby Denne and Deacon Walt Otey. Below: Monsignor John Paul Zenollito Pedrera, representing the papal nuncio, reads the official decree from the Vatican naming Bishop Beckman the fourth shepherd of the Church in East Tennessee.
GABRIELLE NOLAN WILL BREWER
“If leading from behind encourages one to keep going, leading from in front shows where we are headed,” he said. “St. Paul is what I shall call the ‘Visionary Shepherd,’ who reminds the people of the goal toward which they are striving. If people want to experience the reward of their hope, they must model every aspect of their life after Christ. St. Paul speaks about renouncing ways of living that conflict with God’s Word and not losing heart when that way becomes difficult.
“St. Paul preaches no other vision than that of Jesus Christ the Lord, the light that shines and gives guidance and direction. St. Paul is clear: this power is not rooted in himself but in God. St. Paul is only an imperfect vessel that can remind and show people the transcendent power of God. Like St. Paul, the bishop has a call to lead his people to a life of holiness, to live in imitation of Jesus Christ, and to be a community of believers who genuinely keep Jesus at the center of their lives. Sometimes, the dysfunction and brokenness of our world can tempt us to believe that such a life is not possible—it is simply too great of a goal for anyone to achieve.
“A bishop is to cast a vision of holiness for his people that shows them that it is possible to live in communion with Jesus. Not that the bishop himself does this perfectly—none of us are perfect, and we all fall daily. But it is often in our weakness and poverty when we accept, as St. Paul states, that we are earthen vessels that the treasure we hold can shine forth most brilliantly. Bishop Beckman, this wonderful diocese is ready for you when appropriate to lead them in this way—to cast your vision of where you believe God is calling this local Church to go and boldly lead them to that goal by your word and your way of life. Relying always on the grace of God, your example and leadership can bear great fruit for the flock entrusted to your care. Leading from the front allows a bishop to set an example, inspire action, and provide direction for others. By leading
from the front, you give them an example to imitate: an example of preaching not yourself but Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life” the archbishop said.
The reading from the Gospel of John “gives us the final way a bishop leads his people: from the midst of them as a ‘Companion Shepherd,’” Archbishop Fabre noted.
“We hear of Jesus coming among His Apostles as they hid themselves, locked away in fear after Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial. The risen Jesus suddenly stood among them and spoke a word of peace and mercy. Jesus’ closeness to them—so close that He breathed on them—was a great grace to the Apostles, who did not know what to do next, who were
weighed down by guilt, fear, and shame.
Jesus gave them the grace of the Holy Spirit and the power to offer forgiveness. In like manner, Jesus comes close to us; He is among us, especially in the areas of our hearts we might prefer to keep hidden from Him, areas of our hearts that are locked away like the Apostles.
“Jesus’ closeness brings remarkable healing. In this way of leadership and shepherding, the bishop is called to be close to his people, be among them, and know them and their struggles. The bishop cannot simply remain aloof and disconnected from the flock, but rather, in imitation of the Good Shepherd, he must know
the flock, and they must know him. Leading from the midst of your people requires a bishop to engage them actively, listen to their concerns, understand their perspectives, and work collaboratively towards shared goals. This approach can build trust, foster camaraderie, and create a sense of unity within the diocese.
“This closeness brings a sense of great peace and healing to people. Bishop Beckman, like Jesus with His Apostles in the upper room, you are called to be among the people and lead them from amidst them. To use the often-quoted adage from Pope Francis, you should be among them so that you take on the smell of the sheep. As you become a minister of mercy to them in the grace of reconciliation, you bring the presence of Christ close to the wounded parts of their hearts. As you come to know your flock, and as they come to know you, you will form a trust and closeness with them that will empower them to be sent out in the power of the Holy Spirit. This leading from within their midst as a Companion Shepherd will be a source of great grace for them and you,” Archbishop Fabre advised.
A bishop, therefore, “is always called to shepherd and lead his people,” the archbishop said.
“Bishop Beckman, God has chosen you to be the chief shepherd of this diocese,” he continued. “It might seem to you to be a daunting task, and indeed, it can and will be at times. But know that God never calls us to a mission without giving us the grace to accomplish that mission. Rely on God’s help, allow God to shepherd you, and with God’s constant help, guidance, and providence, God will be able to do great things through you and your leadership in the Diocese of Knoxville. May you be a good shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, in all things, leading your people to eternal pastures. May God, who has already begun this good work in you, bring it to its completion. Amen.”
Ordination continued on page A24
Sharing the Bread of Life Above: Bishop Mark Beckman celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist during his Mass of ordination and installation on July 26. Below: Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, as principal consecrator, lays hands on Bishop Beckman as part of the Rite of Ordination of a Bishop.
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Promises of the elect
Following the homily, the rite continued with the promises of the elect.
Standing before Archbishop Fabre, Bishop-elect Beckman resolved to “carry out until death with the grace of the Holy Spirit the office entrusted to us by the Apostles and to be passed on to you through the laying on of hands”; “proclaim the Gospel of Christ faithfully and unfailingly”; “guard the deposit of faith pure and entire according to the tradition preserved always and everywhere in the Church from the time of the Apostles”; “build up the body of Christ, His Church, and to remain in her unity, with the Order of Bishops, under the authority of the successor of the blessed Apostle Peter”; “render obedience faithfully to the successor of the blessed Apostle Peter”; as a devoted father, “encourage the holy people of God and to guide them in the way of salvation together with the priests and deacons, your fellow ministers”; for the sake of the Lord’s name, “reach out in kindness and mercy to the poor, to strangers, and to all those in need”; as a good shepherd, “seek out the sheep who stray and gather them into the Lord’s fold”; and “pray without ceasing to almighty God for His holy people and carry out the office of high priest without reproach.”
The bishop-elect responded “I do” to the first eight promises and “I do, with the help of God,” to the last one.
“May God, who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment,” Archbishop Fabre concluded.
Bishop-elect Beckman then prostrated himself before the altar for the Litany of the Saints, sung by the choir and the assembly.
Archbishop Fabre, followed by Bishop Spalding, Bishop Johnston, and the remaining bishops, then laid his hands upon the head of the bishop-elect.
The prayer of ordination followed as Bishop-elect Beckman knelt before Archbishop Fabre.
“Now pour forth upon this chosen one the power that is from You, the governing Spirit, whom You gave to Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and whom He gave to the holy Apostles, who established the Church in each
place as Your sanctuary to the glory and unfailing praise of Your name,” the archbishop and the other bishops prayed.
Archbishop Fabre further said:
“Grant, O Father, knower of all hearts, that this Your servant, whom You have chosen for the episcopate, may nourish Your holy flock and may without reproach exercise before You the high priesthood, serving You night and day; that he may unceasingly cause Your face to shine upon us and offer the gifts of Your holy Church. Grant that by the power of the Spirit of the high priesthood, he may have authority to forgive sins according to Your command; that he may apportion offices according to Your precept and loose every bond according to the authority You gave the Apostles; may he be pleasing to You in meekness and purity of heart, offering a sweet fragrance to You through Your Son, Jesus Christ, through whom glory and power and honor are Yours, with the Holy Spirit in the holy Church, both now and forever and ever.”
The archbishop anointed the head of the new bishop with sacred chrism as the latter knelt before him. Archbishop Fabre handed the Book of the Gospels to Bishop Beckman and placed the episcopal ring on Bishop Beckman’s right ring finger. The new bishop then received his miter and crosier.
Archbishop Fabre then formally installed Bishop Beckman by inviting him to be seated in his cathedra, or bishop’s chair, to tremendous applause from the faithful.
The Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with Bishop Beckman conducting that part of the service alone.
Numerous Communion stations were needed for the large gathering, with Knights of Columbus accompanying each extraordinary minister.
After Communion, Bishop Beckman reflected on his episcopal motto, “Jesus Christ yesterday, today, and forever.”
“Those words are for me central. He is the purpose of our life, the reason why we do what we do,” he said.
“The mystery of His presence here at this eucharistic table that fed us today gives us the nourishment to go out into the world as living witnesses of His unchanging love. I’m so grateful to be with all of you here today. This is a day of great beginnings, and it’s because of Jesus Christ that we’re here today. And it’s for Him that we live and for Him that we move.
“I want you now for just a moment, on this feast of Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, to remember the people in your life who gave you the gift of faith by their example and love. My own grandparents—they were part of the reason that I’m here
today, and all of us have been touched by someone of faith, or we wouldn’t be here today. So, we ask for the intercession of Anne and Joachim, that we will continue to witness in our own body of love the Good News of Jesus Christ, today and forever. Thank you, brothers and sisters. With God’s grace, let’s go forward.”
The choir then sang a hymn of praise, whose title was the same as the bishop’s motto.
Bishop Beckman gave a final blessing as the ordination Mass concluded.
“Give a happy outcome to the task that through your grace you have laid upon me, whom you have raised to the rank of bishop,” he said. “Make me pleasing to you in the fulfillment of my duties and so guide the hearts of people and pastor, that the obedience of the flock may never fail the shepherd or the care of the shepherd be lacking for the flock.”
Proud parents Jimmy and Lois Beckman of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., watched as their oldest child became bishop of Knoxville.
“It was beautiful, just overwhelmingly beautiful. We’re so blessed,” Mrs. Beckman said.
Her husband agreed.
“It’s the best Mass we’ve ever been to. It’s the best day, too, ever, and we’ve been married 62 years,” Mr. Beckman said.
Dozens of Beckman grandchildren, many just old enough to walk, smiled for the camera with Bishop Beckman after the ordination.
“We’ve got like 50 grandkids,” Mr. Beckman said.
“They’re all here, almost. I think two grandchildren didn’t make it, but everybody else was here,” Mrs. Beckman said.
Mrs. Beckman said her son is “all about the kids” in his extended family
“He loves them, and they love him,” she said.
“Mark loves kids, and we do, too,” her husband agreed.
Mr. Beckman had an inkling that his son might become a bishop someday.
“I just thought about it, but I didn’t tell him that,” he said. “I thought about it a few years ago. ■
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Source and summit Bishop Mark Beckman, with assistance from Deacon A.J. Houston, elevates the Body and the Blood in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
B I S H O P M A R K B E C K M A N
On this momentous occasion, St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic extends our heartfelt congratulations to you as you assume the role of the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville. Your leadership, wisdom, and compassion will undoubtedly guide our community toward greater spiritual growth and service. Please know of the prayers of our staff and volunteers of St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic as we welcome you to our Diocese!
Sr. Mary Lisa Renfer named Lumen Christi finalist
The East Tennessee Catholic
Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DO, medical director of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, is a Lumen Christi finalist for 2024. The Lumen Christi Award by Catholic Extension is given to peo-
ple who “radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.” Sister Mary Lisa’s work with the mobile medical clinic providing medical care to the uninsured across rural East Tennessee demonstrates her dedication to walking with every single patient
she serves, showing them dignity, respect, and the love of Christ.
“This year’s finalists represent the good work of the Catholic Church in action. They confront the challenging realities faced by the people they serve—youth searching for the right path in life, prisoners seeking a ray
Catholic schools
of hope, and families struggling simply to eat and live in safety. These finalists bring about confidence, joy, and faith within the communities they encounter, recognizing the face of Christ within each soul they touch,” said Molly Carr of Catholic Extension. n
Tennessee sportswriters name KCHS, NDHS athletes to all-state teams
The Tennessee Sports Writers Association recently named a number of athletes from Knoxville Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga to its annual all-state teams.
Maggie Frana, who won the first Knoxville Catholic girls state title in the discus this spring, was named to the Division II-AA all-state team for that event. Track-and-field teammate Chloe Truss, a state champion
in the 100-meter dash, was named all-state for that event as well as the 200 and 400 dash events.
Payton Sipos of the KCHS girls team was named all-state in the 300 hurdles.
Keegan Smith of the Knoxville Catholic boys team was named allstate in the 800- and 3,200-meter runs. Teammate JR Fowler made the all-state squad in discus.
Notre Dame high-jumper Olivia
Mroz earned an all-state nod in Division II-A.
In soccer, the state runner-up Notre Dame boys team saw two members make the all-state team: forward Josh Bonk and defender Derek Perez. Forward Grayson Goodale of Knoxville Catholic also earned all-state honors.
Tennis standout Lillie Murphy of KCHS, the state champion in Division II-AA girls singles, was named
all-state.
Hudson Lutterman, a shortstop and pitcher for the Knoxville Catholic baseball team, also made the TSWA all-state team for Division II-AA. Hudson batted .355 with 13 doubles, two triples, and four home runs with 29 runs batted in and 39 runs scored. On the mound, he went 9-0 with four saves and 57 strikeouts in 39 innings, compiling an earned run average of 1.44. n
The Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga Welcomes
Bishop
Come join us! Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at The Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul, Chattanooga, beginning with Mass at 12:00 pm ET and luncheon and guest speaker downstairs (Varallo Hall) after Mass. Contact Steve Chardos, 423-290-6611, for more information. Check out our FaceBook and website too: https://www.facebook.com/serrachattanooga & https://serrachatt.org/
Hudson Lutterman
Maggie Frana
Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy
Monsignor Al Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the church. The book is The Little Liar by Mitch Albom. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
St. Bridget, Dayton
Religious-education and RCIA classes began Aug. 18.
The St. Bridget Women’s Council celebrated July and August birthdays on July 23 at El Toro Mexican Grill in Dayton with 22 ladies in attendance. The council met Aug. 3 before the vigil Mass.
Knights of Columbus Council 11424 elected new officers recently. In addition to chaplain Father Jim Vick, St. Bridget pastor, officers are Grand Knight Jeff Templin, deputy Grand Knight Louis (Chip) Faucette, chancellor Chris Hill, recorder Frank Hanish, financial secretary Jerry Corvin, treasurer Bill Runge, advocate and lecturer Jim Connors, warden Marc Bender, and trustees Daniel Smith, Tom DeBartolo, and Stephen Thorn.
The parish picnic is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, once again hosted by Pat and Barbara Bisson at Fox Lookout Farm in Decatur. The event will start with the 5:30 p.m. vigil “Mass in the Barn” with a potluck dinner to follow. The Knights are sponsors of the event with the assistance of the Women’s Council.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
A parish-wide rummage sale will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Spots measuring 10-by-10 are available to rent for $10, but space is limited. Set-up will be on Friday, Sept. 20, in Siener Hall for those bringing items to sell or bringing tables. To learn more, or to ask about selling
larger items, contact Laura in the parish office at 423-870-2386 or info@ stjudechattanooga.org
Father Adam Kane became a part-time associate pastor at St. Jude on July 20. He serves at Alexian Village and will live at St. Augustine Church in Signal Mountain but will assist at Thursday, Friday, and weekend Masses at St. Jude.
The Council of Catholic Women began meeting at 6:30 p.m. on first Tuesdays on Aug. 6.
Naino Leo, the first man to serve as Grand Knight for four consecutive years for St. Jude Council 6576 of the Knights of Columbus, received a gift during his final meeting in his leader role from past Grand Knight Paul Jette. The St. Jude Knights won a Bishop’s Award at the Knights’ recent state convention in Mr. Leo’s last year.
The Knights named the families of Anne and Samuel Rothenbach, Deacon Brian and Donna Gabor, and Chris and Rosanna Walker as families of the month for April, May, and June, respectively.
St. Mary, Athens
A yard sale is set for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24. A bake sale will take place during the event. Bakers should call or text Paulette Croteau at 423333-8674 to participate. To volunteer for or learn more about the yard sale, call Kay at 423-506-7706 or 423-5432049 or Orville at 707-501-7625.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
A women’s Welcome Weekend Retreat is set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22, in the parish hall. Women 18 or older may participate. The retreat is designed to help each woman “discover what is missing in your life and what to do about it” and to help her learn that she “deserves to live with passion and purpose.” Sign up at the table in the vestibule or call formation
Blessed Sacrament Knights honored at exemplification ceremony
The Knights of Columbus held an exemplification ceremony June 2 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Two parishioners of Blessed Sacrament in Harriman were honored at the ceremony, Eugene Norris and Mike Crowe. Stephen Palko, Blessed Sacrament’s Grand Knight, was also in attendance. From left are Mr. Norris, Mr. Palko, and Mr. Crowe.
leader Mary McDermott at 423-7857631, retreat leader Mary Ann Simms at 423-255-3069, or the St. Stephen parish office at 423-892-1261.
The Knights of Columbus recently named Steve Horten as Knight of the month and Deacon Dave and Wendy Waguespack as family of the month. Frank Gammariello was named Knight of the year and John and Sharon Vannucci as family of the year. Terry Duffy received the annual “Stumpy Award,” named for the late Vincent “Stumpy” Sarratore, a longtime St. Stephen parishioner and Knight.
Anniversaries: Joseph and Anita D’Andrea (61), David and Susan Blackwell (45), Adrien and Barbara Partridge (40), John Domville and Kathryn Calise (15)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
Deacon Bob Hunt will speak on “The Eucharist: Jewish Roots and Catholic Sacrifice” at a parish retreat set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Lunch will be provided. Sign-up sheets
Parish notes continued on page A29
A Retrouvaille weekend, designed to help couples heal their marriages and rediscover the qualities that originally attracted them to each other, is set for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Nashville. The Retrouvaille program provides practical tools to improve communication and to deal with conflict in a positive way. Cost for the weekend is $350 per couple. The weekend location will be provided with registration confirmation. For confidential information or registration details, call 931-820-2115, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit HelpOur Marriage.org
Knights of Columbus Council 610 in Chattanooga is collecting items for its White Elephant Yard Sale at its annual Labor Day picnic scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2, at Camp Columbus. For pick-up and 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.
Knights of Columbus Council 6784 is hosting a fundraising dinner for Ukraine refugees Saturday, Sept. 7, at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. All money raised will go to the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, which works with the Knights in Poland as well as Latin and Greek Catholic churches in Ukraine to provide temporary shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, and religious supplies. The dinner will begin after the 5 p.m. vigil Mass. Costs are $10 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 11, payable at the door, with children 2 and under eating free. The menu includes a choice of pulled-pork or Chick-fil-A sandwiches, sides, a drink, and dessert. For more information on the dinner, call Jeff Hollett at 423-609-3368.
The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will have a booth at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville from Sept. 6-15. Sixty volunteers in three- to four-hour shifts are needed to cover all 10 days. The TRL chapter will hold its annual Celebrate Life Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Cathy Barnette, former candidate for U.S. Senate, will be the speaker. Contact the Knox County TRL chapter at trlknox@pro lifeknox.com or 865-689-1339.
Summit continued from page A20
ment while he would press the electrical switch. Eventually we would all howl in laughter. May we all pursue the heights with zeal and joy as a eucharistic people.
“Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure,” was spoken to youth at a Mass in the Czech Republic by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997. This great saint had plenty of opportunities to say “no” to God’s call in his life. He could have pursued a career in theater, given up on religion because of the atrocities that occurred in his home country during World War II, or simply stayed a humble Polish parish priest in his little corner of the world.
Luckily, the Holy Spirit endowed both St. John Paul II and Bishop Beckman with an abundance of fortitude to courageously answer “yes” to the needs of the Church and its people.
Bishop Beckman’s hike through life has been quite a wonderful adventure with Christ with each “yes” to the Lord making each part of the journey more challenging and more fulfilling. From Lawrenceburg, Tenn., to Louvain, Belgium, Bishop Beckman’s own personal fiat is a testament to what wonderful things the Lord will do for those who trust in Him.
Bishop Beckman has also walked with thousands on their own personal journeys, both figuratively and literally. Some of those trails were sorrowful. Some of those trails had beautiful surprises like when a parishioner’s wife surprised her husband at the final stages of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. With this latest move from St. Henry’s Cloister to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, this shepherd is ready to chart out a new beginning and map out the diocese and its flock. Let me be clear, adventures do come with pitfalls and challenges, but this shepherd’s reliance on Christ
Knights of Columbus Holy Family Council 6099 will hold its 34th annual golf tournament beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Brainerd Golf Course in Chattanooga. To learn more or sign up, visit KofC6099.com or contact Terry Duffy at 423-605-1092 or tduffykofc@gmail.com. Proceeds support the Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund.
Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties from a past abortion or abortions are invited to attend a Catholic Charities Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat on the weekend of Sept. 20-22 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. The deadline for registration is Friday, Sept. 13. If you are unable to attend a weekend retreat, one-on-one counseling is available with counselors who have been trained in this area. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org
A barn dance will be held in the gym at Knoxville Catholic High School at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, to benefit a Catholic Charities of East Tennessee program to help pregnant women in crisis, whether they choose adoption or parenting. The event is for adults only, but youth 15 and older may work for service hours (those who wish to work should e-mail Jennifer.Hay@ KnoxvilleNobility.com). Tickets include dinner (BYOB), square dancing, and a chance to win a weekend at a cabin on 18 acres in the Smokies. Attire is casual/country. Cost is $100 per person or $1,000 to sponsor a table of eight. To buy tickets, visit tinyurl. com/58hzdbyw
The annual Fall Festival of Nations fundraiser is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. Raffle tickets are available for $2 each, which gives purchasers three chances at a $500 prize at the festival. Silent-auction items are needed for the festival; call Wanda at 423-470-6906 for more details. Vendor and display booths cost $35 through Sept. 5 and $50 afterward if space is available. Sponsorships are available at bronze, silver,
will help us weather any storm.
“Make me an instrument of your peace.” In the most elementary way, St. Francis was countercultural. He lived a life detached from the material world and focused on living out the Gospel. He did not have social media, nor did he have an airplane. Yet today’s influencers would do just about anything to have the kind of impact this man has made through the centuries and around the world. St. Francis himself would be stunned to discover that eight centuries after his death, a modern pope would choose his name to set the stage for his pontificate.
Bishop Beckman’s kind and gentle spirit reminds me so much of this saint that I have read about, studied, and taken his name when I received the sacrament of confirmation. Bishop Beckman is calm and serene. In fact, there is so much serenity in this great shepherd that you can almost peg the moment in which he is having a heart-to-heart with our Lord as he sits up at the altar. Bishop Beckman will carry that Franciscan peacefulness everywhere he goes around this great diocese, and I am excited to see the beautiful graces it brings. So, what now? We are the flock. Most of us are the 99. If you have to ask, then most likely you are the one. Nonetheless, we have this amazing opportunity to walk with our shepherd, to welcome more sheep into our thriving flock, and to eventually arrive at the verdant pasture we have all seen in our dreams. Bishop Beckman is an expert at navigating the trails, and we are in good hands.
Blessed Pier Giorgio, pray for us. Pope St. John Paul II, pray for us. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. ■ Bill Staley resides in the Nashville area and has worked in new media evangelization ministry and youth and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Nashville.
COURTESY OF SUSAN COLLINS
Notre Dame in Greeneville celebrates confirmation
Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville celebrated the sacrament of confirmation at the 11 a.m. Mass on Pentecost, May 19. Pastor Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, was the celebrant, and Deacon Wil Johnson assisted. Eighteen students received the sacrament of confirmation, and five of them received the Eucharist for the first time. The students participated in the Mass ministries, including as greeters, readers, and gift bearers. Parker Wood proclaimed the first reading, Isabella Juarez the second reading in Spanish, and Genesis Hernandez read the sequence. Anthony Vazquez and Kevin Moreno read the intentions in English and Spanish. The catechists who prepared the students for confirmation were Russell and Kristin Girton and Bob Pelletier. Tim Shaw volunteered as the photographer who took pictures before and after Mass of the students and their families. A cake-and-punch reception followed for everyone, and the students were presented a gift by the parish of a framed icon print of their patron saint. From left are (seated) Emelin Valenzuela, Cara Frost, Wendy Mejia, Genesis Hernandez, Andrehina Moreno, Kaylee Decillo, Anali Diaz, Isabella Juarez, and Yamileth Jardinez, and (standing) Ember Reid, Leoncio Aguirre, Kevin Moreno, Jonathan Hernandez, Father Kuzhupil, Andrea Vazquez, Parker Wood, Anthony Vazquez, Anthony Gonzalez, Jenifer Mendez, and Deacon Johnson.
gold, and platinum levels ($250, $500, $1,000, and $2,000 and up). Prizes are needed for festival games; call Susan at 423-470-2560 to contribute. Clean, like-new items for the festival yard sale may be dropped off in the Ganz Youth Center. For more information, call chairman Mark Sweet at 423-6733018 or co-chair Lauren Constant at 828-545-6077.
A Picture of Love retreat for engaged couples is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. This marriagepreparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help each couple gain in-
sights 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 time is 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. A continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Cost is $175 per couple. Payment is due two weeks before the retreat. For a registration form, visit dioknox.org/events/picture-oflove-sept-2024. Also at the website are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to complete the exercises in advance and bring them to the retreat—see the website for more details. Contact Carolyn Krings at 865584-3307 or ckrings@dioknox.org for more information.
Knoxville Catholic High School will hold its 13th annual community tail-
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St. Albert the Great Parish Congratulates and welcomes our new Bishop, Mark Beckman. May Our Lady, the Mother of the Good Shepherd, lead you Bishop Beckman!
are in the narthex.
A women’s Bible study, themed “Opening Your Heart,” will begin Thursday afternoon, Sept. 19, and Tuesday evening, Sept. 24.
Luna River Johnson, daughter of Storm Tyler and Haleigh Johnson, was baptized Aug. 10.
The Knights of Columbus installed new officers on July 14.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
A group from the parish attended the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Chattanooga on June 24 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and had lunch in the parish hall at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.
Father John Matejek conducted Bible studies on June 26 at St. Francis of Assisi.
On June 27, the Muffins with Mary group and the Hearts Afire team, along with Deacon Gary Brinkworth, discussed ways they can share the Catholic faith with others.
The Council of Catholic Women bake sale on June 28 was most successful and will benefit many needy people. The council is now planning its rummage sale, which will be held Sept. 12-14.
The Knights of Columbus sponsored a free outdoor concert at Glade Square on July 11 to benefit Hilltoppers Inc. of Crossville. Hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and beverages were served. The Mount LeConte Jug Band entertained. The Knights were thankful for all donations made at the event.
Kathy Fitch announced that a Bible study is being planned for Mondays beginning Aug. 19 in the library room. The study will be on the Acts of the Apostles and will last 12 weeks. The cost of the workbook is $20. For more information, call Ms. Fitch at 931-287-0644.
Anniversaries: Dennis and Colleen Richardson (63), Robert and Earline Froelich (61), Bruce and Carol Heisterkamp (60), Don and Sherry Koch (59), Patrick and Patricia McGraw (59), William and Patricia Maas (59), Samuel and Janet Chiappetta (58), David and Barbara Shepard (58), Michael and Kathleen McMahon (58), Raymond and Laurie Falk (56), Richard and Monica Jahn (55), James and Rosemary Wells (55), Don and Cheryl Chrobot (54), Jim and Terri Auckland (53), Jan and Martha Novak (53), Raymond and Claudette Purzycki (53), Ronald and Lynn Varcak (53), Richard and Darla Kepner (53), John and Kathleen Johnson (52), Michael and Geraldine White (52), Dick and Betty Bishop (52), Steve and Carol Clark (51), John and Jan Anderson (51), Robert and Karen Martin (45), Stephen and Mary Jo Braunschweiger (40), Byron and Janet Walter-White (10)
St. John Neumann, Farragut
Knights of Columbus Council 8781 is seeking volunteers for its largest annual fundraiser: operating concession stands at seven University of Tennessee football games as well as at the Morgan Wallen concert Sept. 20. The Knights are about to begin their fourth year of the fundraiser, which benefits Catholic and other local charities. Volunteers must be 16 or older. The Knights will operate both an alcohol stand and a specialty restaurant stand, as in the previous two years. Volunteers under 21 will be assigned to the food stand. Sign up by contacting Pete McKenzie at 865-680-2116 or peter37922@ yahoo.com
A nine-week fall program of She Shall Be Called Woman begins with a continental breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, followed by a video presentation and small-group discussions. The program is for women “seeking to be truly seen, known, and loved as they grow in their relationship with the Lord.” Child care will be provided. Learn more at www.SheShallBeCalledWoman. com
The Knights and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee are partnering this
Women's Council at St. Bridget presents Service Award
The Women's Council at St. Bridget Parish in Dayton presented its 2024 Service Award at the end of the 5:30 p.m. Mass on June 8. Luna Gonzalez Alberto was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Runners-up Milli Solorzono and Janelle Velez were awarded $50 stipends. From left are Dianne Pfeiffer, SBWC committee chair, Luna, Janelle, and Milli.
summer to raise $154,000 to cover annual costs of trained technicians for, maintenance of, and operation of the Mobile Ultrasound Program. The SJN Knights’ target goal is $5,000, with the council matching that amount. The Knights Supreme Council will provide a 20 percent match for the first $2,000 raised from parishioner donations. Donations may be made at ccetn. org/life-august-fy25-koc-donations Those with questions should contact Council 8781 life director Walt Hanson at 865-803-5842 or wehanson319@ gmail.com or Sandi Davidson, CCETN director of pregnancy services, at 865776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org
A trivia night adult social for adults, sponsored by the women’s club, was held Aug. 17 in the school gym.
Parishioners who have registered with the parish in the last year were invited to the annual Newcomers Adult Social Barbecue Buffet on Aug. 5, hosted by the St. John Neumann Welcome Committee at the home of Jack and Laurel Howanitz.
St. John Neumann, in the pavilion after the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Masses on July 21, honored pastor Father Joe Reed for his 50th birthday and Father Joseph Hammond, CHS, for his 78th birthday. Father Hammond is in residence at SJN.
An Evening of Reflection and Holy Hour with associate pastor Father Bo Beaty was held at the church July 16, as families, parishioners, and students were invited to join the SJN youth group as it prepared for its trip to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress.
St. Joseph, Norris
Deacon Gary Brinkworth, who serves at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, will review Catholic social principles relating to voting in a talk at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at St. Joseph.
The parish congratulated Austin Campbell, a member of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) class, as he
Parish notes continued on page A31
The Chancery staff welcomes their new Shepherd Bishop Mark Beckman
Congratulations on the occasion of your installation and ordination as
COURTESY OF JANET SPRAKER
gate from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Blaine Stadium before the Fighting Irish football homecoming game against Montgomery Bell Academy. The event will feature tailgate food, games, and more. To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/ tailgate/. Advance tickets are $15 and include food and a game ticket.
A women’s Cursillo weekend is set for Oct. 17-20 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Through Cursillo, participants can gain a better understanding of themselves, experience the presence and love of Jesus, and see how personal and spiritual growth can be enhanced through a caring Christian community. For more information, e-mail Teri Gabor at tgabor21@outlook.com or Irene Scoggins at irenescoggins@ gmail.com. An application and pamphlet may be found at knoxvillecursillo. org. A men’s weekend will be held June 5-8, 2025. E-mail Gary Gabor at gary gabor@hotmail.com for details.
Holy Fire, a daylong conference for middle school students in which they are invited and challenged to embrace their baptismal call and the powerful, relevant Gospel of Jesus, will be hosted by the Diocese of Nashville from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. The event will take place at the diocese’s Catholic Pastoral Center, 2800 McGavock Pike, and will also include Mass at 4 p.m. Through talks by dynamic speakers, witness by peers, inspirational praise and worship, and rich experiences of the sacraments, Holy Fire helps young people feel welcomed and invited into a life-changing commitment to Christ. This year’s event will feature Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding, Maggie Craig, Joe Melendrez, Thomas Muglia, and Oscar Rivera. For details on registration, cost, the schedule, T-shirt availability, meals, and more, visit brushfire.com/eqsaints/ holyfire-nashville-2024/575973
The fourth annual Christmas Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in the gym at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. Registration is open for new vendors. Contact Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com
to learn more or register, as space is limited and will fill up fast.
Catholic in Recovery is a 12-step recovery ministry that holds meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. CIR provides hope and 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 the meetings overlap Scripture from Sunday Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. For more information, visit www.catholic inrecovery.com or contact Jena at cir. tricities.tn@gmail.com, Beth at 714651-2008, or Ed at 865-599-4823.
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561315-5911 if you have any questions.
Join Father Mike Nolan from May 12-23, 2025, on a pilgrimage to Malta, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast with an optional extension to Rome from May 23-26, or join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk from June 16-27, 2025, on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima, including Mount St. Michel (see the advertisements below for more information).
Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, 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.Knox LatinMass.net ■
Couples take part in Date Night at the Chancery
The Diocese of Knoxville's Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment sponsored a "pop-up party" Date Night at the Chancery for couples on Aug. 2. Seminarian Deacon A.J. Houston, pictured above and at left, was the guest speaker. The event provided time for socializing and adoration.
CAROLYN KRINGS (3)
leaves
St. Joseph thanked those who supported a recent baby-bottle drive to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s Pregnancy Help Center in LaFollette.
The men’s group cooked hamburgers and hot dogs at a back-to-school picnic Aug. 11.
The family group made cards for residents of Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center on Aug. 4.
Josh and Haley Whited were baptized at St. Joseph on July 27.
St. Joseph welcomed Randy Garver and Kathy Morin to the parish council and thanked Dennis Curtin and Bradley Williams for their service.
Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
The 29th Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies Week held July 8-11 was a great success. Numerous parishioners gave their time, talent, and treasure to assist the ministry that serves the elderly and indigent in the area with home repairs. Eighty-eight volunteers from Holy Trinity took part. The parish fed work teams that came from Georgia, North Carolina, and Holy Trinity.
The Knights of Columbus named Jim and Sue Pickering as family of the quarter for the second quarter and Claude Keaton as Knight of the quarter.
John Fletcher was thanked for coordinating the Knights’ successful Ice Cream Extravaganza on July 21. The event, held for the first time, allowed parishioners to get to know new people and longtime members and featured a magic show.
Holy Trinity parishioners took part in a back-to-school prayer service held on the 50-yard line of the football field Aug. 3 at Maury Middle School in Dandridge. Those attending prayed for chil-
dren, teachers, staff, and school-board members in the county for the upcoming school year.
Knights of Columbus Council 12838 met in June and elected new Officers for the 2024-25 fraternal year. The officers, installed at Holy Trinity on July 16, are: Randy LaBauve, Grand Knight; Matt Giardiello, deputy Grand Knight; Tom Richards, chancellor; Greg Forman, financial secretary, Erik Perry, treasurer; Jim Pickering, recorder; Jack Fletcher, warden; Tim Kafel, lecturer; Joe Braschler, Joseph Fromme, and Frank Ginnie, board of trustees; Mike Cammick, advocate; Ed Krasinski, inside guard; Tim Downey, outside guard; Father Jim Harvey, chaplain; and Deacon Jim Prosak, assistant chaplain. To learn more about the council, call Mr. LaBauve at 561-310-4897.
Anniversaries: Harry and Cheryl Gioia (50), Matt and Margo Pidgeon (45), David and Malgorzata Fafrowicz (15)
Notre Dame, Greeneville
Parishioners are needed to serve lunch to students on Tusculum University freshman move-in day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. The parish will also provide desserts. To help, call Elaine Janaskie at 423-341-1548.
Those interested in singing or playing an instrument at the annual Madrigal Dinner on Dec. 13-14 should sign up in the narthex or call Wanda at 423-4706906. Practices will be held on Sunday afternoons after Labor Day.
Volunteers manned a Notre Dame table at the Greene County Fair held July 22-27.
Anniversaries: Landon and Marlene Wilds (70), Robert and Cynthia Straub (56), John and Connie Seehoffer (55), Tom and Elizabeth Girton (54), Gary and Roberta Greenway (52), Max III and Jennifer Lawson (15)
St. Patrick, Morristown
The spiritual-life committee hosted a
Lunch & Learn gathering Aug. 15 in the basement youth room with the topic “Get to Know Deacon Renzo.” Diocesan seminarian Deacon Renzo Alvarado Suarez served his summer assignment at St. Patrick.
St. Patrick launched a survey on the weekend of Aug. 3-4 to gather ideas for the parish’s grounds and buildings and the use of its land.
Parishioners bid farewell to associate pastor Father Adam Kane after Masses on the weekend of July 13-14. Father Kane, who had served at St. Patrick since 2021, is now part-time associate pastor at St. Jude in Chattanooga.
Anniversaries: John and Marlene Karwowski (61), Theodore and Theresa Dreiser (56), Jose and Carole Amador (51), James and Donna Golden (51), Bill and Peggy Howell (51), Robert and Jane McMinn (30), Eusebio PasayeReyes and Lucila Gonzalez-Simon (15), Jason and Lauren Carroll (10), Mario Maza-Arguello and Ciria Zamorano (5)
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
Parishioner Victoria Ostermayr will take part in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. To sponsor her, join her in the walk, or make a donation to NAMI, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdhf483w
The IC Women’s Group thanked all who contributed to its Christ Child Baby Shower held after Masses July 13-14 to benefit the Ladies of Charity’s Mary’s Cradle baby layette ministry. The shower resulted in contributions of 11 packs of diapers or wipes, nine bottles or bibs, 20 accessories, 45 clothing sets, 47 towels or washcloths, 13 blankets, and more than $700 in financial donations.
The Haiti Committee expressed gratitude for community sponsors, parish donors, the IC Women’s Group for its cakes, the Knights of Columbus for expert service, many IC volunteers
and families, and all who came to the Emporium for the recent 10th annual Haiti Fest. Because of donors’ generosity, the parish was able to send an additional $4,400 to St. Francis Xavier School at IC’s twin parish in Haiti.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville
The Fall Ministry Summit is set for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 24. The event provides an opportunity for ministry leaders and future leaders to gather, celebrate, and inspire their ministries. The goal is to have each ministry represented by its leader, vice president, or second-in-charge. For more information, e-mail director of parish ministries Scott Barron at sbarron@shcknox.org
A newcomer’s reception will be held in Cathedral Hall after the 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Masses on Sunday, Aug. 25.
The St. Therese Guild at Sacred Heart invites the community to a Semi-Annual Baby Shower, supporting Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and its Walking with Moms program. The event will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in Cathedral Hall. New and gently used baby items are welcome, as are financial contributions.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The Knights of Columbus yard sale will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 30-31. The sale will be open to parishioners only Thursday, Aug. 29.
Parishioners are invited to bring a chair or blanket for outdoor showings of season four of The Chosen set for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 1, and Nov. 15 in the field by the pavilion. Suggested donation is $10, but all may attend.
The Hispanic community began firstSunday potluck luncheons after the 12:30 p.m. Mass on Aug. 4.
An annual bake sale, with honey also sold, to benefit an orphanage in pastor Father Julius Abuh’s native Nigeria was held July 21. ■
Daily readings
Thursday, 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
Friday, Aug. 16: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Isaiah 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12
Saturday, Aug. 17: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 19:13-15
Sunday, Aug. 18: Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-7; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
Monday, Aug. 19: Ezekiel 24:15-23; Deuteronomy 32:18-21; Matthew 19:16-22
Tuesday, Aug. 20: Memorial of St. Bernard, abbot and doctor of the Church, Ezekiel 28:1-10; Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30
Wednesday, Aug. 21: Memorial of St. Pius X, pope, Ezekiel 34:1-11;
Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16
Thursday, Aug. 22: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ezekiel 36:23-28; Psalm 51:1215, 18-19; Matthew 22:1-14
Friday, Aug. 23: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40
Saturday, Aug. 24: Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle, Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51
Sunday, Aug. 25: Joshua 24:1-2, 1518; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69
Monday, Aug. 26: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22
Tuesday, Aug. 27: Memorial of St. Monica, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26
Wednesday, Aug. 28: Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18; Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5; Matthew 23:27-32
Thursday, Aug. 29: Memorial of
the Passion of St. John the Baptist,
1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Mark 6:17-29
Friday, Aug. 30: 1 Corinthians 1:1725; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Matthew 25:1-13
Saturday, Aug. 31: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13, 18-21; Matthew 25:14-30
Sunday, Sept. 1: Deuteronomy 4:12, 6-8; Psalm 15:2-5; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Monday, Sept. 2: 1 Corinthians 2:15; Psalm 119:97-102; Luke 4:16-30 Tuesday, Sept. 3: Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 145:8-14; Luke 4:31-37 Wednesday, Sept. 4: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-15, 20-21; Luke 4:38-44
