Aug. 5, 2018, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Father Peter Iorio marks 25 years as a priest ‘I give thanks and praise to God for the many people he has graced my life and my ministry with,’ the jubilarian says

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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ather Peter Iorio is known as one of the more joyful priests in the Diocese of Knoxville, and on Aug. 3 that joy came back to him in the form of hundreds of well­wishers who gathered for the celebration of his 25th anniversary as a priest.

The air conditioning at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, where Fa­ ther Iorio has served as pastor for the last seven years, did not make an appearance at the anniversary Mass, prompting several “warm” puns from the speakers.

“Welcome to St. Mary. It is a very ‘warm’ and welcoming communi­ ty,” Father Iorio said in his greeting.

“We’re glad that you are here. As Murphy’s Law goes, just when you think everything is in place, some­ thing breaks down. Today it hap­ pens to be the air conditioning in the church. So we bear with it. We offer our sacrifice to the Lord and give thanks and praise to God for the many ways in which he mani­ fests Himself to us.

“As a priest now for 25 years come Monday, Aug. 6, I give thanks and praise to God for the many peo­ ple he has graced my life and my ministry with, including all of you.

Thank you for your presence and prayers today that have sustained me and continue to sustain me and build up God’s holy people.”

Father Iorio was the principal celebrant of his anniversary Mass.

Bishop Richard F. Stika attended in choir. Monsignor Al Humbrecht, a longtime friend of the silver jubilari­

Silver anniversary Father Peter Iorio stands front and center with Bishop Richard F. Stika after his anniversary Mass, surrounded by priests, deacons, and deacons’ wives. an, gave the homily. Deacons George Fredericks, John Hackett, Don Griffith, and Mike Jacobs assisted.

More than two dozen priests and many members of Father Iorio’s family filled the front pews. Friends from his former assignments, in­ cluding his home parish of St. Au­ gustine in Signal Mountain, also attended.

“He’s friendly and joyful and re­ ally dedicated to whatever ministry he’s called to do,” Bishop Stika said of Father Iorio, “whether he worked in the seminary, in vocation work, high school work, or parish work.

Everywhere he’s been he’s excelled because he believes in the power of God.” Monsignor Humbrecht began his homily by saying he was told that

Father Iorio shut off the air condi­ tioning “in hopes that I would be quicker with my homily. It didn’t work.”

The homilist said he has “known Father Pete for a long time,” dating back to the 1980s when Monsignor Humbrecht taught the future priest in religion at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

Monsignor Humbrecht produced a valuable document containing the testimony he gave to Bishop Antho­ ny J. O’Connell as to then­Deacon Iorio’s suitability to be a priest, in the ordination Mass on Aug. 6, 1993, at St. Augustine.

Then­Father Humbrecht said “it is with a great sense of joy” that he testifies “to Peter’s readiness for or­ dained ministry. I have known Peter

By Dan McWilliams

from his youth and been privileged to be a part of his life and the life of his family.”

An anniversary Mass reading from Colossians called upon Chris­ tians to “bear with one another and forgive one another.”

“Those of us who know Father Peter know that one hallmark of his ministry has been that of striving to be a peacemaker, a reconciler,” Monsignor Humbrecht said. “And so to bear with one another and forgive one another. That has been kind of his mantra and the witness he gives, and it’s a challenge to all of us to continue that.

“When the author of Colossians says to let the Word of God dwell richly in your home, that is so much a part of Father Peter’s Focolare commitment and community, the Word of Life, to take that Word of Life each month, a short part of Scripture, but to pray it every day for the month so that it can take root deeply in our lives and begin to affect how we live that Word of Life in our interactions with one another.”

Commenting on the trend his homily was taking, Monsignor Humbrecht joked, “Lest anybody think that I’m ready to canonize Father Peter, I do know too much to do that.”

One tale from the homilist about Father Iorio came from his high school days.

“As a high school senior, the par­ ish pastoral council at St. Augustine Father Iorio continued on page B7

Hundreds of teens meet in Knox for Alive in You camp The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus hosts 350 young people and their chaperones for a week of work and worship By Emily Booker

EMILY BOOKER

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n June, hundreds of teenagers from across the country packed their bags, loaded buses and vans, and left home for a weeklong mission trip. Their destination? The Alive in You camp in Knoxville.

The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus hosted 350 teenagers and their chaperones June 19­24 for a week of work and worship. Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga hosted Alive in You camps for sev­ eral years in the past, but this was the first year Alive in You has been in Knoxville.

Alive in You is a retreat and mis­ sion trip rolled into one. Youth groups spend their day volunteer­ ing with different organizations throughout the city. In the evenings, they come together for a program of games, talks, and music. There is also daily Mass and time for adora­ tion and confession.

Jim Weir, founder of Alive in You along with his wife, Heather, said that the program was created to bridge the gap between spiritually focused retreats and work­focused mission trips.

“We combine the elements of a work camp with that of a Catholic conference, kind of having those two experiences for our participants in one week. The goal is to instill in the teens a heart for service, to edu­ cate them more about our Catholic faith, and to send them home with some fire to do some good in their own community,” he said.

The theme of the week was “Ever­ lasting” and focused on the paschal mystery.

“In our evening sessions, you can really get a vibe for the whole camp.

The vibe at this one has just been en­ ergy, excitement, but also, I would say with this group, reverence, too.

Retreat and mission trip rolled into one Youth members from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Streamwood, Ill., landscape at Restoration House as part of the Alive in You camp.

“And then each parish has an op­ portunity to come together every night after our big session is over to kind of break out as a parish and meet and talk about the day, so it makes it like a more mini­retreat within that,” Mr. Weir explained.

“It’s a pretty cool opportunity for them to come together in par­ ish time every night and process everything.”

The youth from St. John the Evan­ gelist Parish in Streamwood, Ill., have taken the mission of Alive in You to heart, devoting their week to hard work, deep prayer, and con­

necting with one another.

St. John the Evangelist was one of 15 parishes participating in Alive in You that week. The youth from the parish had groups working with Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries’ distribution center, Special Spaces, and Restoration House.

Chaperones overseeing the group at Restoration House had to urge the teenagers inside for lunch. De­ spite the midday summer heat, the teens wanted to keep working, land­ scaping the property for the single parents and children who live there.

Restoration House provides tran­

sitional housing, financial literacy training, an ally team, and other re­ sources to help low­income, single­ parent families get on their feet.

Melissa Warder, a chaperone and adult leader for the St. John the Evangelist youth, said that repre­ sentatives of Restoration House ex­ plained the program to the teens so they would understand who would be benefiting from their hard work.

“We tell these teens all week that it might just seem like landscaping, but it’s going to make a whole lot of difference when these families Alive in You continued on page B7

Parish notes St. Jude, Chattanooga The school welcomes new faculty Melanie Cardwell, fourth grade; Cathy Czarnecki, technology; and Ashley Pilkington, fifth grade.

A Knights of Columbus potluck social took place July 23 in the parish life center.

Knights of Columbus Council 8576 congratulates its Knight of the Month for August, John Haigh, and its family of the month, Naino and Nolie Leo.

The event is geared toward children of all ages. A potluck in Seton Hall will be held from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a holy hour in the church. RSVP to Adeline Letizia at adeline.letizia@gmail. com or 865-405-8832.

The women’s club hosted a reception in the school gym July 15 to welcome new St. John Neumann pastor Father Joe Reed.

Deacon Mark Schuster taught classes July 11-Aug. 1 on such topics as St. Benedict on work and prayer, and St. James and the tradition of pilgrimages in the Catholic faith.

St. Mary, Athens The parish’s fall festival is coming up Sunday, Sept. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the parish office at 423745-4277, extension 0, to help with the event.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga Knights of Columbus Holy Family Assembly 3250 held the annual Roland Lee Memorial Clothing Drive for homeless, disabled, and in-need veterans July 21-22 at St. Stephen.

Anniversaries: Warren and Juanita White (65), John and Lillian Yarosh (63), Kenneth and Ann Dale (57), Joseph and Anita D’Andrea (55), Paul and Kitty Haney (55), John and Lynda DiPrima (54), Don and Anita Johnson (54), Roger and Sheila Trudell (53), Michael and Joann Reynolds (45), Ahn and Mary Le (30), George and Susan McDowell (30), Rick and Cheryl Ridder (30), Robert and Tammy Sullivan (30), Brian and Paula Zeh (25), Ronald and Maureen Streko (15), Matthew and Kathleen Kos (10) Marriage: Jonathan and Sarah Powell Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga began a sanctuary renovation on July 23. The main church will be closed off for construction through the fall, and all Masses will be celebrated in Varallo Parish Hall during this time, following the usual schedule.

Confessions are offered in the rectory chapel 30 minutes before Mass (except the 7 a.m. weekday Masses). On first Fridays, adoration is held in the rectory chapel from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and again overnight in Varallo Parish Hall from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. The anticipated return to the renovated sanctuary is later this fall.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman Alicia Laffoon recently succeeded Alexia Sinnott as director of religious education at Blessed Sacrament.

The Golden Girls Luncheon, for all parish women ages 70 and up, was held Aug. 9 at the Old Capital Public House in Kingston.

A farewell celebration was held June 24 for retiring pastor Monsignor Pat Garrity and retiring Deacon Jim Lawson.

St. Therese, Clinton Anniversary: Stan and Barb Bieleski (50)

Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The 23rd year of the Appalachian Outreach ministry was a great success.

From July 9 to 13, 122 volunteers from Holy Trinity helped either by making home repairs for those who are physically unable or can’t afford them, or by feeding the teams of all the denominations that came to help those in need.

At the Holy Trinity Council meeting in June, the Knights of Columbus elected their new officers for the coming year.

Installed July 10 at the church were Gene Dunn, Grand Knight; Martin Witberg, deputy Grand Knight; Chris Weatherbie, financial secretary; Peter Dodge, chancellor; Joe Braschler, recorder; Erik Perry, treasurer; Stan Szalkiewicz, advocate; Ralph Holt, warden; Bob Root, inside guard; and Bill Jurkonie, outside guard.

During the recent Catholic Kidz Camp at Holy Trinity, the children donated their change and raised $94.67 to give toward parish charities.

The Knights awarded their Knight of the Quarter honor to Chris Weatherbie and their Person of the Quarter award to Helen Clark.

Anniversaries: Emery and Millie Faulkner (70), Vinnie and Kay Clossey (60), Edward and Peggy Kertis (59), James and Margaret Ray (59), Joe and Betty Jo Lavelle (57), David and Alice Cornell (55), Gary and Joan Colclasure (54), Ron and Anna Laarz (52), William and Nancy Chereb (50), Dick and Ginger Curran (35), Tony and Jacqui Orahoske (35), David and Linda Budde (30), Jim and Mary Knox (15), Tim and Vickie Schneider (15), Newcomers: Dan and Marion Byron; Pete and Viki Van Ormer; Joseph and Eileen Hatrick St. Dominic, Kingsport

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade Anniversaries: Joseph and Millie Walisinski (68), William and Mary Best (64), William and Janette Larou (63), Larry and Reva Lanzerotti (62), Kenneth and Norma Guillory (61), Ben and Jackie Ryba (61), Paul and Carole Forkapa (59), Jerome and Carol Scherer (58), John and Jean Brey (57), David and Tish Offutt (55), Elliot and Nonie Bueche (55), Paul and Barbara Dahar (54), Tom and Trish Rosenbergh (54), Tyrone and Pat Perry (54), Ronald and Virginia Schuster (53), Don and Sherry Koch (53), William and Pat Maas (53), John and Helen McMenamin (53), Tom and Andrea Cassidy (52), Samuel and Janet Chippetta (52), David and Barbara Sheperd (52), J. Ronald and Janeene Lemieux (50), Joe and Mary Tuttle (50), Luke and Andrea Hebert (50), William and Gail Boland (50), James and Sharon Stevens (50), Raymond and Laurie Falk (50) St. John Neumann, Farragut A family holy hour, featuring the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, Bishop Richard F. Stika, and Deacon Mark Schuster, is set for Sunday, Aug. 12.

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Amy Makemson is taking the role of senior ministry coordinator at St. Dominic.

A parish-wide Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, in front of the parish life center. Following Mass will be a potluck lunch and a brief presentation by Father Mike Schmitz (via Ascension Presents) on giving God our first fruits, with a small-group discussion. To help with the event, e-mail Paul Vachon at paul@ammatn.com.

The parish nurse invites parishioners to take part in Nurse Walk No. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14. Participants will walk around Duck Island at Warriors Path State Park.

The annual Italian Night will start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, in the parish life center. The event features live music, dancing, and an Italian dinner. Guests are asked to bring an Italian dish (entrees, salads, vegetables, breads, or desserts). This is a BYOB party with baby-sitting provided for children.

The eighth annual St. Dominic School Parish notes continued on page B3

BILL JONES

Chattanooga Deanery

A gift from the parish Father Bart Okere presents a gift card to Rogersville Police Department Officer Cambren Gibson as Chief of Police Doug Nelson watches.

St. Henry Parish honors pair of police officers

By Bill Jones, The Rogersville Review

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hoever said “no good deed ever goes unpun­ ished” was wrong in the case of two Rogersville police of­ ficers who helped a man who had been walking shoeless along blaz­ ing hot Highway 11W recently.

The pastor and parishioners from St. Henry Church delivered gift cards a few days later to Rogers­ ville City Hall to be given to Rog­ ersville Police Department officers Cambren Gibson and Steve Nelson, who helped a homeless man named Anthony, whom they found walk­ ing shoeless along the hot asphalt shoulder of Highway 11W. As luck would have it, of the two officers the St. Henry contingent sought to honor, only Officer Gib­ son was on duty when they arrived about 1 p.m.

Father Bart Okere, St. Henry pastor, offered his thanks to Of­ ficer Gibson (and Officer Nelson) as Chief Doug Nelson and Officer Gibson’s father, Detective Charlie Gibson, watched and listened.

Father Okere said that on a recent Saturday he was reading The Rogersville Review when he saw editor and publisher Tommy Campbell’s editorial about the kindness the two officers had shown to Anthony the homeless man, whom they helped obtain new shoes.

“When I saw that, I was touched,” Father Okere said. By helping the homeless man, he noted, officers Gib­ son and Nelson had “mirrored Jesus.”

“I said I was going to come and see these two guys and give them a pat on the back,” Father Okere said at the presentation of the gift cards.

“What you did is awesome. If you go back to Matthew 25, by the way, what you did mirrored Matthew 25.

‘When I was hungry. When I was lonely. When I was naked … .’”

Father Okere told those present in the board room at Town Hall that he focused his message to his congrega­ tion during a previous Sunday’s Mass on the acts of the two police officers and how those actions mirrored what Jesus had said in Matthew’s Gospel.

He noted that in addition to local resi­ dents who took part in the Mass, there were visitors from Michigan and New York in attendance.

“They will carry this message with them,” he said.

He then presented a gift card to Officer Gibson on behalf of his con­ gregation. After that presentation, he gave another gift card to Chief Nelson for later presentation to Of­ ficer Nelson. Also on hand were several other congregation mem­ bers who offered congratulations.

After the presentation, Officer Gibson said other RPD officers have done similar things and had not been recognized for their efforts.

“We try to help everyone that we can,” he said. “There is a lot a nega­ tivity going on these days about police, so if we can shine a positive light and help someone in need, that’s what we’re here for.”

Before the presentation, Chief Nel­ son said police do not know what happened to Anthony after Officer Nelson bought him a pair of shoes.

Officer Gibson said Anthony told him he was traveling south because people in the South had tended to be better to him during his 20 years of wandering across America. n

Bretls celebrate 70th wedding anniversary

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t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates Guy and Victoria Bretl, who are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary Sept. 25.

They were married at Holy Trinity Church in Casco, Wis., with Father Rudolph Hodik of­ ficiating. Their six children are Guy Bretl Jr., Marjorie Groshans, Mary Duncan, Ann Bretl, Carolyn Cooper, and James Bretl, and they have six grandchildren and two

great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bretl retired from General Motors Co. in Kokomo, Ind., and Mrs. Bretl from Sears Co. They moved to the Glade in 1988.

They both enjoyed a good time when they celebrated their 90th birthdays in September 2017 with family, also celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary at that time.

Mr. Bretl served on the parish council over the years and as a reader. n

Glade couples celebrating 50th anniversaries

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t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulated two couples who are celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries: n Jim and Sharon Stevens are cele­ brating their 50th anniversary Aug. 17. They were married at St. Mary Church in Burlington, Wis., with Father Joseph Hanuska officiating.

Their children are Jim and wife Robyn of Los Angeles and Linh and husband Jason Preston of Zi­ onsville, Ind., and they have two grandchildren.

Mr. Stevens retired from the Aus­ tin Co. in Chicago and Mrs. Stevens from Illinois Bone and Joint Insti­ tute of Libertyville, Ill., and they moved to the Glade in 2010.

A beach vacation in California with family is planned for October to celebrate their anniversary.

Mr. Stevens’ hobbies are read­ ing and coin collecting, and Mrs. Stevens enjoys knitting and card games. They both are golfers. n Roland and Jane Wicker will cel­

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ebrate their 50th wedding anniver­ sary Sept. 7. They were married at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Green Bay, Wis., with Father Dean Dom­ broski officiating.

Their sons are Jason of Green Bay and Matthew of Milwaukee, and they have three grandchildren.

Mr. Wicker retired from Procter and Gamble Co. and Mrs. Wicker from the Catholic diocese, both in Green Bay. They retired to the Glade in 2004.

The Wickers enjoy their garden, golf, travel, and spending time with family and friends. Mr. Wicker is an usher, a member of the Build­ ing and Grounds Committee, and a member of the Knights of Co­ lumbus. Mrs. Wicker is a reader, altar server, and a member of Good Samaritan Society’s Prayer Service.

Both are sacristans.

They celebrated their anniversary with family and friends in Wiscon­ sin on Aug. 5 and will do so again in the Glade on Sept. 7. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Calendar

The Office of Christian Formation is sponsoring a free diocesan Men’s Conference beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Speaker Nic Davidson will present on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” and its place in the spiritual life of men. The day will include Mass, conferences, small-group discussions, and Q&A. Snacks and lunch are included. E-mail srannamarie@dioknox.org to register.

The Diocese of Knoxville Music Commission announces the creation of an auditioned diocesan schola open to singers from any parish or of any faith. The Monsignor Xavier Mankel Schola is being named in honor of the late Knoxville priest and vicar general, known for his love of sacred music. The schola is being formed to sing the great works of the Church’s musical tradition, particularly the polyphonic music of the Renaissance and Gregorian and English chant. Singers are invited to schedule a 10-minute audition between 9 a.m. and noon or 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, on the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus campus in Knoxville.

Auditions will be conducted by Glenn Kahler, director of music and liturgy for the cathedral, and schola director Mary Weaver. The schola will sing for the 7:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart on the first and third Sundays of each month and will also occasionally put on concerts and support other events and liturgical functions. The group will rehearse every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sacred Heart. To learn more about the group and the audition process, visit https:// dokmusic.org/audition/. To request further information or schedule an audition, call Mary Weaver at 865-437-8620 or e-mail mary@b16schola.org.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate a bilingual Mass in thanksgiving for the sacrament of marriage at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Couples will have the opportunity to renew their vows during Mass and celebrate with family and friends at a reception following Mass. Register by Thursday, Oct. 4. Register by the due date and receive free gifts from the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, a commemorative certificate, and one professional photo with Bishop Stika.

To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423892-2310, or Karen Byrne at kbyrne@ dioknox.org or 865-584-3307. When registering, provide your names as you want them to appear on the certificate, how many years you have been married, and the number of people in your party for the reception.

An XLT Adoration for high school youth is set for 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, in the parish hall at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Daniel Oberrueter, founder and lead singer/guitarist for The Thirsting, will guide the youth in adoration of Jesus Christ. For more information, call Deacon Dan Hosford at 865-603-9682.

Knights of Columbus Council 610 is collecting items for its White El­ ephant Yard Sale at the annual Labor Day Picnic scheduled for Sept. 5 at Camp Columbus. For pickup or dropoff information, contact Brent France at 423-505-1068 or francebrent@gmail. com or John Chrnalogar at 423-5441562. Proceeds support the council’s charitable activities throughout the year.

The Knoxville Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting is sponsoring a Catholic Scouting Retreat on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15, at the Whispering River Resort in Walland.

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

To register or learn more, contact Kimberly Turnmire at 865-936-0235 or kdccsyouthretreat@gmail.com.

A Natural Family Planning course will be taught from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m.

Tuesdays, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, and Dec. 4, at Scruffy City CrossFit, 11211 Outlet Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932. The teaching couple will be Jared and Monica Kimutis; contact them at 970-980-5009 or jmkimutis@gmail.com. Register for the classes online at register.ccli.org/ class_series/11748. Online classes are always available at register.ccli.org.

The 16th annual St. Joseph School Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, Oct. 19, at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville. Check-in and lunch will begin at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. Contact Howie Sompayrac for more details at 865804-8977 or hsompayrac@sjsknox.org.

The next Picture of Love engaged couples retreat is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the parish life center at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon.

The cost is $135 per couple, which includes a certificate good for $60 off a marriage license. Couples must attend the entire program to receive the certificate. Mass will be celebrated during the event. For more information, contact Marian Christiana of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org, or visit dioknox.org/ marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/ and click on the “programs designed for engaged couples” page.

A Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat for those who have experienced emotional or spiritual difficulties from an abortion is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 26-28 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times. One-on-one counseling is available with a trained counselor for those who cannot attend a weekend retreat. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865776-4510 or sandi@ccetn.org.

The next Worldwide Marriage En­ counter weekend is set for Sept. 2830. Apply online at GATN-wwme.org or call 678-242-WWME. Monsignor Al Humbrecht will lead “A Spiritual Journey to Mexico,” a 12day pilgrimage from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11. Full package, air and land, from Knoxville or Chattanooga is $2,899 (cash, check, or money order) or $3,078 (credit card). Full package, air and land, from the Tri-Cities is $3,099 (cash) or $3,278 (credit card). Land-only package is $2,299 (cash) or $2,478 (credit card).

For more information, contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, at 865-2074742, 545-8270, or smaevang@yahoo. com. Download a brochure at www.

GoCatholicTravel.com/18077.

Father Michael Cummins will lead a retreat/pilgrimage in Yellowstone National Park from Oct. 14-19. The retreat, “God and His Creation,” will consist of wildlife watching each day in the park led by the wildlife tour company “The Wild Side” and talks given by Father Cummins on faith and creation and Bays Mountain Park wolf naturalist Rhonda Shipley Goins on wolves and the dynamics of the wolf pack. Talks will also be offered by local wildlife experts. Mass will be offered daily as well as night prayer and opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation and spiritual direction. For a full description of the retreat/pilgrimage, call the parish office of St. Dominic in Kingsport at 423-288-8101. Cost is $2,140 per person (airfare not included), which covers lodging, all ground transportation, and all meals from the 15th through breakfast on the 19th. Space is limited to 15 participants.

Calendar continued on page B4

CHRISTINA BANKSON

Retrouvaille, which helps couples rebuild their marriages, has a weekend program coming up Aug. 31-Sept.

2. Call 800-470-2230, e-mail nrv3043@ gmail.com, or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

Cardinal Rigali confirms 93 Hispanic young people On May 26, 93 Hispanic young people from the Diocese of Knoxville were confirmed by Cardinal Justin Rigali at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. The basilica was filled to capacity with nearly 900 witnesses. The basilica parish congratulated all the confirmandi from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, St. Bridget in Dayton, St. Jude in Chattanooga, St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland, and the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. The parish thanked Sister Imelda Quechol, MAG, and all the parish directors of religious education, catechists, and parents for their teaching, as well as all the clergy and ministers who came together to serve for this sacrament of initiation.

Biermans celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

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obert and June Bierman of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 2.

The Biermans were married in 1958 at St. Clement Church in Dear­ born, Mich. Their four children are Todd and wife Leslie of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Randall and wife Kathy of Rocky River, Ohio; Michelle and

husband John of North Olmsted, Ohio; and Eric and wife Jamie of Liberty Township, Ohio.

The Biermans, who have 10 grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren, were visited by their children for the anniversary celebration, and a river cruise is planned for the fall to mark the oc­ casion. n

COURTESY OF JANET BLANKENSHIP

The diocesan Office of Christian Formation is sponsoring a Ministries Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. This event is open to all who share the Catholic faith, including parents, student youth leaders, coordinators of youth ministry, RCIA teams, adult educators, liturgy and ministry teams, directors of religious education, and catechists and assistants.

More than 20 individual workshops will be offered, including a Spanish track.

Cost is $25. Workshop descriptions and registration forms are available at dioknox.org.

St. Henry hosts Fourth of July picnic St. Henry Parish in Rogersville hosted a Fourth of July picnic that was a resounding success. Ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings were served. Parishioners played lawn games and socialized. The evening was followed by a viewing of Rogersville’s Fourth of July fireworks.

Parish notes continued from page B2 Home and School Association Benefit will be held in the parish life center of the church at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

St. Patrick, Morristown A College Catholic Retreat took place at St. Patrick from Aug. 3-5.

All St. Patrick high school students were invited to a lock-in July 21-22 in the basement youth room.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

St. John XXIII, Knoxville First communicants: James Thomas Crook, Christopher Henry Kurzak, Benjamin Zigler Lawrence, Finley Nolan Willard St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville Knights of Columbus Council 15585 at St. Joseph the Worker recently installed new officers and welcomed new pastor and chaplain Father Julius Abuh. Installation was performed by district deputy William Twohig and district warden J.J. Wilder.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Ron Cross, Johanna Humphrey, and Natalie Martin recently became new members of the parish pastoral council The women’s group thanked everyone who came to the IC Family Picnic on July 15 at New Harvest Park. Special thanks went to Phil Flanagan and Dan Steinhoff for their grilling skills and to Mark Reda and Michael Morgan Wise for sharing their musical talents.

The parish thanked the women’s group for its donation of $225 to IC from the proceeds of a June plant sale.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa The OLOF Cursillo community recently welcomed new Cursillistas David Bender and Tom Cruice.

The parish thanked all who helped with the Council of Catholic Women rummage sale in July, including coordinators Liz LeBrun, Margo Bott, Jeanie Alley, and Sharon Brothers.

The music ministry presented “Made in America: Celebrating America in Song” on May 20.

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St. Joseph the Worker congratulated its newly elected parish council officers: Warren Husted, president; Mae Moore, vice president; and Sue Mangiaracina, secretary.

Parishioners took part in a Christmas in July event, buying gifts to benefit Good Shepherd Center in Madisonville.

First communicants: Christopher Aguilar, Julian Aguilar, Marion Angel, Rylee Davis, Crus Jimenez, Denio Jimenez, Esequiel Jimenez, Justin Jimenez, Peter Jimenez, Bryce Kelly, Justin Kelly, Mackenzie Mejia-Medina, Pamela Mejia-Medina, Belinda Mora, Katie MoraFrutos, Jasmin Mora-Sanchez, Chase Williams, Myra Zavala, Salvador Zavala Confirmandi: Jorge Aguilar-Garcia, Yahir Alonso, Michael Berrio, Christian Contreras, Mary Coronilla-Contreras, Damaris Coronilla-Contreras, Savannah Davis, Aislynn Day, Gannon Day, Jessica Gonzalez-Corona, Miguel Guzman, Jose Guzman, Jennifer Hernandez, Andrew Huffor, Crus Jimenez, Esequiel Jimenez, Peter Jimenez, Justin Kelly, Melvin Magos, Gabriel MoraFrutos, Ariana Palmer, Alondra Pina, Karissa Spurling n AUGUST 5, 2018 n B3

COURTESY OF MARIA RIST (2)

COURTESY OF KEVIN TIERNEY

Parish and community news

COURTESY OF KEVIN TIERNEY

St. Mary-Gatlinburg children receive first Communion Twelve children from St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg recently received their first Holy Communion. From left are (front row) Edicson Matthew Cedeno Montero, Karlee Padilla, Daysi Michel Garcia Cabral, Laura Lily Turcios Lonza, Andy Frank Padilla, and Thiago Axel Montes and (back row) Yandel Alesandro Reyes, Carmen Zitlali Beltran Gahan, Erick Ramirez Gaitan, Father Antony Punnackal, CMI, Christian Valazeo Mendoza, Daniel Rios Jr., and Giovanny Zaidel Garcia Mendoza.

Basilica children receive first Communion Dozens of children from the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga received their first Holy Communion on June 3. Masses were held in English (top photo) and in Spanish (bottom photo). Cathedral rector Father David Carter appears in both photos. In the top photo with him is Deacon Hicks Armor. In the bottom photo is Sister Imelda Quechol, Hispanic Ministry coordinator at the basilica. The first communicants took part in the basilica’s Corpus Christi procession later that afternoon.

COURTESY OF MECHTILD BOLES

COURTESY OF PAT RYAN (2)

St. Mary-Gatlinburg youth confirmed at cathedral Youth from St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg were recently confirmed at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pictured with Cardinal Justin Rigali and Bishop Richard F. Stika on the front row are (from left) Sarai Rivera Lamothe, Ashly Turcios, Jalif Gonzalez, Elin Sierra, and Melissa Medellin Castaneda; (second row) Carmen Rivera, Dayana Sierro, Denilson Acosta, Roberto Fiqueroa, and Father Antony Punnackal, CMI; and (back row) Brayan Amador, Edvaldo Cabrera, and Jonathan Gonzalez.

Serra Club of Chattanooga installs new officers The 2017-18 Serra Club of Chattanooga officers were installed recently at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. From left are (front row) Deacon Hicks Armor; Jim O’Connell, programs; Susan Chill, vocations; Mechtild Boles, communications; Raleigh Cooper, president elect; Father Christopher Floersh, chaplain; Betty Anne Neal, president; and Emily Knoch, trustee; and (back row) Father Colin Blatchford, chaplain; Larry Parks, membership; Judy Speck, secretary; Fos Goodwin, treasurer; and Jerry McCrary, trustee.

East Tennessee Catholic women gather at KDCCW convention The 2018 Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women convention took place at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga in April. In the top photo, past KDCCW presidents meet for lunch. From left are Jane Carter, Anne Wharton, Patricia Forde, Pat Ryan, Sally Jackson, Linda Lambert, and Patty Johnson. In the bottom photo are members of the Smoky Mountain Deanery attending the convention. From left are (front row) Patricia Forde, Blanche Mackay, Pat Ryan, and Marilyn Hafner and (back row) Sherri McNeeley, Amelia Sweeney, deanery spiritual adviser Father Joe Brando, Mary Cooper, and Ilene Rainwater.

Calendar continued from page B3 A 14-day Lenten Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, under the spiritual direction of Monsignor Al Humbrecht, will take place March 10-23. Pilgrims will visit Gethsemane, Mount Scopus, the Mount of Olives, Bethlehem, Ein Karem, and the Old City of Jerusalem before departing for Jericho, Masada, the Dead Sea, and Kumran. Also on the schedule are visits to the Yad Vashem museum, Emmaus, Meggido, Galilee, Nazareth, Cana, the Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, Mount Tabor, Nain, the Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Caesarea, Jaffa, and Tel Aviv. Group coordinator is Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM. Full package is $4,299 (cash or check) or $4,558 (credit card), with the land-only package $3,199 (cash or check) or $3,458 (credit card). For more details, contact Sister Albertine at 865-207-4742 or 545-8270 or smaevang@yahoo.com.

To receive a brochure with the day-to-day itinerary or to learn more, contact Lisa Morris, Select International Tours, at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

A Pilgrimage to Greece, “In the Footsteps of St. Paul,” is set for April 30-May 11. Join Father Michael Maples on a journey to the sites where St. Paul spread the Gospel, including Philippi, Thessaloniki, Kalambaka, Delphi, and Athens, before departing for a four-day cruise visiting the islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete, including a visit to Mary’s house in Ephesus. Pilgrims will visit ancient Corinth and see where Paul wrote his letters to the Corinthians. Land and air, all-inclusive price is $4,495.

A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on fourth Sundays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. On Aug. 26 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost. On Sept. 23 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost. As the sanctuary renovation is in progress, all Masses are being offered in Varallo Parish Hall, and a fourth Sunday potluck will not be offered.

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Bishop Richard F. Stika will be leading a pilgrimage to Poland, May 25 to June 4, along with Cardinal Justin Rigali and Deacon Sean Smith. Participants will visit Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice (the birthplace of Pope St. John Paul II), the Divine Mercy Sanctuary, and Auschwitz before journeying on to Zakopane, Budapest, and Vienna. All-inclusive price is $4,395. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com A Low Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally offered every Monday morning at 7 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

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The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanoo­ ga offers morning prayer after the 7 a.m. Mass on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday currently in Varallo Parish Hall because of the sanctuary renovation.

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul offers ado­ ration every first Friday following the noon Mass, concluding with Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Adoration continues from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Varallo Parish Hall, with songs and prayers through the night led by the Hispanic community. All are invited.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens (new location); and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy every first, second, and fourth Sunday at 3 p.m. (note new schedule). All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www. saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

By Dan McWilliams

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ain stopped in time for the diocese to have its first Cor­ pus Christi procession at the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 3.

Bishop Richard F. Stika presided on the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Rain­ fall that ended just before Mass threatened to alter the plans for the procession.

“Here in our midst, in this ca­ thedral . . . we wish to see Jesus, and we do,” the bishop said in his homily. “But unlike other faith traditions, it’s not symbolic. When we leave this cathedral, Jesus is still here, in the tabernacle.”

The bishop defined a procession.

“What is a procession?” he asked.

“It’s a holy parade, perhaps.”

Bishop Stika also denoted what is carried in the procession.

“But for us, when we participate in this procession, we don’t carry a statue or an image . . . we process with Jesus,” he said.

The procession at the end of Mass began outside the cathedral doors, moved around the building to the Marian statue on the south side, and returned to the base of the front steps before continuing back inside to the cathedral altar.

“What a gift we celebrate this day as we honor the sacred body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the bishop said.

In his Apostolic Letter Mane nobiscum Domine (“Stay with us, Lord”) for the Year of the Eucharist, October 2004–October 2005, Pope St. John Paul II recommended that Catholics participate in a procession on the feast of Corpus Christi and taught “Our faith in the God who took flesh in order to become our companion along the way needs to be everywhere proclaimed, espe­ cially in our streets and homes, as an expression of our grateful love and as an inexhaustible source of blessings,” as reported in the National Catholic Register in June 2017.

The custom dates back to the feast of the Blessed Sacrament es­ tablished in 1246 by the bishop of Liege, Belgium, after Jesus told St. Juliana of Mont Carvillon she was to promote it. By 1264, Pope Urban IV extended the feast to the whole Church. St. Thomas Aquinas com­ posed the office.

Jesuit Father Francis X. Weiser in his Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs relates that in the early 14th century the custom began of carrying the Blessed Sacrament after Mass through the town in a beautiful procession. Popes encour­ aged it and granted indulgences, then the Council of Trent “solemnly approved and recommended the procession of Corpus Christi as a public profession of the Catholic faith in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Sacrament.” n

Processing out Bishop Stika carries the monstrance toward the exit of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the start of the Corpus Christi procession.

‘A holy parade’ Sisters of Mercy and parishioners walk in procession as the monstrance makes its way to the Marian statue.

A final stop The Corpus Christi procession stops at the base of the cathedral steps before moving inside for the conclusion of the ceremony.

CHRISTINA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY (4)

At the Marian statue Bishop Stika, assisted by Father Joe Reed, continues the ceremony as the image of Mary looks on.

DAN MCWILLIAMS (4)

Bishop leads Corpus Christi procession at Sacred Heart

Basilica holds annual Corpus Christi procession The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga celebrated the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ with its fifth annual Corpus Christi procession and first Holy Communion June 3. The 11:30 a.m. Mass in English concluded with adoration. The procession around the city block began at the church at 1 p.m., returning for Benediction, followed by the 1:30 Mass in Spanish. Basilica rector Father David Carter led the procession with the Blessed Sacrament, followed by other clergy; the Knights of Columbus bearing papal symbols; dozens of children who received first Holy Communion for the first time that day; and choirs and lay faithful singing Eucharistic hymns. Several hundred faithful participated in Chattanooga’s largest Corpus Christi procession in recent history.

TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

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AUGUST 5, 2018 n B5

COURTESY OF JOHN SOPKO (3)

Parish and community news

MARIA RIST

First-place team: Quick Fletchers From left are Jay Fletcher, Teressa Fletcher, Cathy Quick, and Bob Quick.

Basilica hosts organ and trumpet trio On July 15, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga hosted the organ and trumpet trio Trumpette Bombarde in a concert of Baroque music and sacred hymns.

More than 250 attended this final concert before the basilica’s sanctuary renovation began July 23. Eleven trumpets of different types and periods were played by Dan Hanson and Tommy Bulman, and returning recitalist Jim Fry presented the full array of sounds of the basilica’s pipe organ.

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

Second-place team: Spare Parts From left are Ben Smith, David Smith, David Ireland, and Michael Hunter.

New Mexico priest leads mission at Holy Trinity Father Stephen Imbarrato, a pro-life activist for 20 years, conducted a mission at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City from June 10-13. Topics included the Eucharist, our Blessed Mother, purgatory, and St. Peter. Father Imbarrato is a priest with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, N.M., and Father Frank Pavone’s Priests for Life. He is also a co-host on the EWTN program Defending Life. He is pictured with Holy Trinity parishioner Evangeline Webster and host pastor Father Patrick Resen.

Third-place team: Pin Knockers From left are Jessica Sterling, Michelle Sterling, and Jennifer Barr. Not pictured is the fourth-place team, Splitz & Giggles, with team members Riley Barns, Korey Chittwood, and Cameron Baubach.

Knights bowlers hold first league title tourney

A thank-you from the parish Twenty-four service quilts were presented to veterans from St. Henry Parish.

St. Henry veterans honored with service quilts

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he veterans of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville were honored in a special presen­ tation June 10. The veterans were called forward to receive a hand­ made quilt to respect and honor their service. There were 24 quilts presented.

The parish gave a special thanks to the quilters: Earline Egbert, Teve Williams, Veronica Weaver, Paula Burslie, Aileen Kressin, Jessa Baker, and Lena Hewitt and to their assis­ tants, Janet Blankenship, Lucy Eng­ lish, Laura Toth, and Kris Derosia.

Also thanked were the Knights of Columbus, who provided a mon­ etary grant to offset partial cost of the quilts.

Father Bart Okere gave a special blessing to the quilts, which were folded and displayed on a table at the front of the church. A presenta­

B6 n AUGUST 5, 2018

tion was given to honor and com­ memorate the service and sacrifice of the veterans and to thank them for their commitment to uphold their oath of military service.

Receiving quilts were Melvin Braun, Jerry Bingham, Beverly Carmack, James Collins, Larry Cz­ ernejewski, Alan DeGroff, Stephen Derosia, Maurice DeWitte, Agostino DiGirolamo, John Dzurenka, Joseph Funaro, Lenard Gilreath, William Hewitt, Patrick Knopp, Josefina Marcelo, Terrance McDermott, Mark Meyers, Michael Opiela, Wil­ liam Polizzotto, Richard Theis, Peter Torok, Albert Widhalm, Anthony Wilkosz, and Terry Wojtas.

Family members accepted the quilt if the veteran was unable to attend the presentation. William Polizzotto’s grandson, Damian, ac­ cepted for his grandfather. n

the Splitz & Giggles team, which bowled 461. The Quick Fletcher team took the championship by rolling a team score of 831, defeat­ ing the Spare Parts team, which rolled a score of 807.

Bob Quick of Quick Fletcher led all bowlers with a single-game high score of 253. One pin behind Quick, with a score of 252, was Korey Chittwood of Splitz & Giggles.

The league, as the name implies, consists mostly of families. For example, Pin Knockers is made up of mom Michelle Sterling and her two daughters. Spare Parts has dads, sons, and sons-in-law. Quick Fletcher has two married couples who are great friends.

The leagues will start their 10week fall season Sept. 9. If you are interested in joining this league, email league coordinator John Sopko at angeloakspalace@gmail.com. Mr. Sopko is a member of St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga. He also serves as the Fourth Degree Color Corps Commander of Knights of Columbus Assembly 3250. n

BILL BREWER

COURTESY OF JANET BLANKENSHIP

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he Chattanooga-based Knights of Columbus Family Bowling League held its firstever league championship tourna­ ment May 20.

The top two teams from each of its two leagues, the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. leagues, participated for brag­ ging rights. The league exists as a charitable event that benefits the Chattanooga-based Maclellan Shel­ ter for Families.

Because the Knights’ FBL holds its charitable 10-week bowling event every spring and fall to benefit the family shelter, no money was used to purchase trophies or to provide cash prizes for the winners. Local eateries, however, donated more than $140 in gift cards that were distributed on a pro rata basis to the participants.

A special thanks goes out to Blake Curtis, manager of SpareTime in Hixson, for hosting the tournament.

Mr. Curtis also provided banners at no charge to the league.

In the final rounds, the Pin Knockers team rolled a team score of 619 for third place to defeat

TRL chapter holds rummage sale over two weekends Customers pore over merchandise at the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life’s annual rummage sale held on the weekends of June 8 and 15 at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. The sale raised $8,000 to go toward the nonprofit group’s pro-life efforts.

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TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

selected Pete, then, to accompany Fa­ ther Charlie Burton and I to Haiti on a mission trip to St. Augustine Par­ ish’s sister parish in Petite-Rivierede-Nippes,” Monsignor Humbrecht said. “Father Peter, Peter at the time, was fluent as a high school senior in French, so he was our translator.”

The trio took part in a long meet­ ing one evening with the local Haiti pastor, who didn’t speak English.

“Pete translated all night,” Monsi­ gnor Humbrecht said. “When we fin­ ished and went upstairs to get ready to go to bed, this high school senior looked at Father Charlie and I and said, ‘And what would the two of you have done if I hadn’t been here?’”

Monsignor Humbrecht answered the question in his homily.

“We would have gone to bed early.”

In customs in Miami on the way home from Haiti, an agent wanted to search Monsignor Humbrecht be­ cause he didn’t think he was a real priest. Father Pete was tempted to let the search go on, until he was re­ minded by then-Father Humbrecht that he needed him to pass his high school senior religion class to gradu­ ate, “at which point he assured the customs agent I was real, and we were able to pass through,” the monsignor said.

The future priest’s mission work in Haiti didn’t end with the trip home.

“Father Peter came back and chal­ lenged the students at Notre Dame High School to build a school in one of the missions there in Haiti. For $500, they could build a cinderblock school at this mission,” Monsignor Humbrecht said. “Father Peter spear­ headed that and designed a cross that he could put bricks in to show how close they were to getting the school built. And those high school students raised, during Lent, the whole $500 to build that school in Haiti. And that was because of the initiative of one high school student bringing that back and sharing that with them.”

The monsignor ended his hom­ ily by quoting a French priest’s prayer that stated he was told by God to open his door but was not told that people would at first get a foot in the door. Eventually so many people would get in that the priest could not close the door again.

“God told him, ‘Not to worry.

When all of those people came in, I slipped in in their midst and was with you,’” Monsignor Humbrecht said. “Peter, that’s the witness that you continue to give and for which I am grateful, and I know that I ex­ press the gratitude of all of us here in the same way.”

The prayers of the faithful were given by several young members of the St. Mary family.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Stika commented on the temperature in­ side the nave.

“First of all I just want to say, in the name of the diocese, the par­ ish of St. Mary’s, thank you for the ‘warm, warm’ embrace that you have given to all of us today,” he said. “But in a very special way, the warm embrace that you’ve given to Peter, who is your pastor. Or maybe you came from another place in the diocese where he touched your life in a significant way.”

The bishop added that “in this day and age when again you see tragedy in the Church with abuse and allega­ tions, you might wonder why any­ one would want to become a priest, or a bishop, or even a cardinal.

“Because priests like Father Peter are guys I am so privileged to serve with as a priest, and a bishop, and

‘Lord, hear our prayer’ Ten-yearold Karla Macariola helps lead the prayers of the faithful at Father Iorio’s anniversary Mass.

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Father Iorio continued from page B1

A round of applause Father Iorio, standing with Deacon John Hackett, is given a long ovation at his anniversary Mass. a deacon, people who are faithful, not perfect, but are trying to make a difference in all of our lives. To celebrate the sacraments, to be there when they’re needed, to be there when you lose someone, or when someone is married, or when a child is asking a question about who is God. And so I’m very edified by the 25 years of service that Father Peter has given to the Church.

“Peter, ad multos annos, many more years of service, and just thank you for your ministry in the name of all the people, in the name of all the parishes and all the assignments that God has given to you through the bishops for your service to the Church. Don’t you think so?”

A long ovation followed the bish­ op’s remarks.

After the bishop spoke, special blessings of Father Iorio were led

by Deacon Fredericks and repre­ sentatives of Hispanic ministry, the parish pastoral council, St. Mary School, and others.

Father Iorio ended the liturgy by hearkening back to Monsignor Humbrecht’s homily.

“What comes to my heart to say is, a lot changes since you’re a high school senior,” he said. “I feel very humbled and grateful to all of you, a beautiful celebration tonight.”

Father Iorio has served over the years at St. Dominic in Kingsport (as an associate pastor), at Notre Dame High School (as spiritual director), as diocesan youth ministry coordi­

nator, as associate dean of formation at Mundelein Seminary, as diocesan vocation director and director of priestly life and ministry, and as pastor of St. Augustine, St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland.

After Mass and before a dinner in a large tent outside, Father Iorio called the occasion “overwhelming, all the priest brothers, the bishop, my family, friends from many dif­ ferent parishes—parishioners that I served: almost all of them are represented.”

Father Iorio said he thinks it’s “the love of Christ that always comes through” in his personality.

“I love what is affirmed by Pope Francis in ‘The Joy of the Gospel’: if you live the words of Jesus and try to be him, be in persona christi as a priest, that joy comes through. I know if you give love, then you draw love back in return. I think that’s kind of a paraphrase of St. John of the Cross. I always try to remember that.”

One significant person in Father Iorio’s life was missing from the an­ niversary celebration: his mother, Susan, who died unexpectedly in June 2017.

“This parish community has been just amazing in their love and care for me, and really for my family, because she died actually here in Johnson City,” Father Iorio said. “The com­ mittee had a bouquet of red roses that were there on the pew with my family representing Mom.” n

come home and when they are try­ ing to invite more families to come and participate in this program and see the work that they’ve put in and how well it turned out.

“It’s so important. These people are paying rent, and they are expected to take care of their house. They are supported in so many different ways with the ally teams and with the hous­ ing program and just making them feel dignified. They prepare them for moving past this and also finding a safe place for their children.”

This year was Hannah Jenig’s first time attending Alive in You. She said that while her favorite part of Alive in You is the evening music and witness talks, she has enjoyed volunteering and learning more about the difference Restoration House makes.

“One thing that stuck out to me at Restoration House is that they call it The Village, so instead of putting it out there, ‘Oh, this is a restoration house for all these single moms and dads,’ they call it a village, so it just keeps the dignity for the moms and fathers, and it’s just a really nice thing,” she said.

“What we’ve been doing is we’ve been planting all around the facility to make it look pretty. It’s going to look really, really nice, especially for the kids that are here, because they’re coming from these horrible situations, and then they can come to what looks like a home and some­ thing that’s beautiful,” camper An­ gelina Furlan said. It was her fourth year participating in Alive in You. “My favorite part of Alive in You is that they can bring so many churches together, and I can see so many different people from across the country that are my age and believe the same thing I do. I think that’s just incredible,” she said.

“I remember on my first mission trip, we were all saying the Our Fa­ ther, and I looked around me, and I was like, ‘There are hundreds of TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

EMILY BOOKER

Alive in You continued from page B1

‘Combining a work camp and a Catholic conference’ Youth from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Streamwood, Ill., work in the hot sun at Restoration House planting shrubs and laying mulch. other people my age that believe the exact same thing I do,’ and I think that is so cool.”

Joseph Stahler has also participat­ ed in Alive in You for four years. He said his favorite part of Alive in You is the bonding that happens in the youth group from working together all day and having time to share in the evening.

“Every night we have a program where we get to listen to a Catholic band play a bunch of their songs, Catholic songs, and we have a thing called parish time, which is where our own youth group is able to talk about the day, because each day we have a theme, and we get to talk about it.

We get to have a couple witness talks.

Overall, I think it helps us get to know each other and not just about others around us but our faith, too.”

Ms. Warder said that their parish has been participating in Alive in You for the past six years, and the teens always get something out of it.

“I think it is amazing to come to Alive in You . . . to see so many teens come together and share their Catholic faith together. They grow together in friendship. They grow together in their faith, and they

grow closer to God each and every day. Every day they’re coming here and doing service projects volun­ tarily, working really hard, skipping lunchtime, just wanting to volunteer and please other people as well as every night getting serious during prayer time and worship and wit­ ness talks and really opening them­ selves up to each other,” she said.

She noted that the teens return to their parish with a deeper desire to serve and learn more about their faith.

“We always call it ‘on fire.’ By the time we leave Alive in You, the teens are on fire, they want to get involved, they want to share.”

Mr. Weir said he was amazed by the beautiful cathedral campus and welcoming community in Knoxville.

“It’s just been amazing to watch everybody here welcome us into the community, for the school to host us, and for the cathedral to host us.

It’s been awesome. It’s been a great experience.

“It’s been really cool to just see how willing the diocese is to allow us to do everything in here—daily Mass, reconciliation, adoration. It’s been an amazing experience to have a space like this for all of our participants. It’s

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been great. And it just enhances their experience with us, which is service and getting to know God and getting to know their faith better.”

Scott Barron, campus events co­ ordinator for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, helped the weeklong camp take place at the cathedral.

“I thought the week was a tremen­ dous success,” he said. “The group brought a lot of enthusiasm and en­ ergy onto our campus. It was inspir­ ing to see them interact with [Bishop Richard F. Stika and Cardinal Justin Rigali]. I feel like this was a home run for our campus, Alive in You, and the organizations they came to help.”

Mr. Barron was happy that so many of the coordinators and camp­ ers enjoyed worshiping in the new cathedral. The partnership was so successful that Alive in You has al­ ready agreed to return next year.

“Everyone was impressed by the cathedral. Even their accompanying clergy was profuse in their praise for our worship space. We were proud to host them and with the completion of the parish hall we look forward to being a destination for our community and others around the country,” he said. n AUGUST 5, 2018 n B7

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Pope Francis offers hope after death of pet A family believes ‘that if we ourselves ever get to heaven, we’ll get to see him, pet him—and feed him—again’

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hank goodness for Pope Fran­ cis! The woman would have crawled up in a hole and died herself if the man hadn’t offered her the hope she so desperately needed to feel.

You see, Charlie just died a few weeks ago. Our 95-pound, 11-yearold, jet-black with a few graying edg­ es, “he’s-JUST-a-baby” canine who I often described as “part Labrador, part stubborn,” Charlie succumbed after what seemed like a much-toobrief battle with lymphoma.

And I won’t lie, I thought Nancy might leave us as well; she’s been every bit that distraught.

Now we’ve had other dogs before and we’ve lost other dogs before— one to a different sort of cancer, believe it or not—but none ever seemed to affect her the way that Charlie’s passing has. She’s not even sure she understands it, but struggle she has.

“Can you believe,” she pondered aloud, “that I can feel such an in­ credibly huge loss for a creature that has never spoken a single word to me in its entire lifetime?”

She’s decided that the most likely explanation has to be that with our kids all grown and able to fend for themselves—mostly—she’s been pouring all her motherly instincts into our dog.

The boy sure needed every bit of guidance and love he could get. In his absence, I have graciously vol­ unteered to be more needy, but she politely declined.

I should point out here that we do have another dog, Maggie, who actually preceded Charlie’s arrival.

She’d want me to tell you that; she has feelings, too.

We had gotten her from a shelter as a Christmas present for Nancy and introduced her to our home during the holidays.

After a week in that kind of chaos, I’m not sure she didn’t prefer the shelter.

As new owners do, we debated all sorts of names, but it was Nancy’s dog, so she ultimately decided on “Maggie,” the name of a girl on whom I’d had a crush in college.

“I love the name Maggie!” she smiled with an ominous hint of per­ verse and evil rolled into her littletoo-wide of a grin.

Somewhere, between winter be­ coming summer, we had heard it would be easier to raise two dogs instead of one—the idea being they could entertain each other, perhaps teach each other, and certainly enjoy each other’s company.

So half a year later, we returned to the same shelter and acquired her a play pal, Charlie. For the record, Maggie’s never been the same, hard­ ly spoken to us since, and wishes we had more thoroughly vetted wher­ ever the “somewhere” was that told us about that “two dogs” nonsense.

To be generous, Maggie merely tolerated Charlie for every day of his 11 years. Bosom buddies they were not. I can’t exactly tell how she’s re­ acting to his demise, but she’s doing way better than my wife.

With Charlie having moved on, you’d think Nancy would have naturally transferred her nurturing instincts to Maggie, but it’s never been the same between the two

Marriage Enrichment

of them. Maggie’s different to say the least; she’s always been more independent, more aloof—more “catlike” I suppose would be a good description.

Charlie was the one who followed my wife everywhere, barked at the window when we drove up, barked louder when we walked in the door.

Trailed her to her chair, the shower, and the stove. Imagine a tail-wag­ ging, fur-shedding, TV-interrupting, eat-anything-and-everything whirlwind.

Maggie on the other hand prefers her perch on the porch, stretched out on her bed only occasion­ ally lifting her head and twitching her ears—though one ear is often enough—to acknowledge our exis­ tence. She’s just not the same, and now . . . neither is my wife.

Charlie’s absence was and re­ mains immensely noticeable. Espe­ cially to his momma.

And if not for Pope Francis, well, I just don’t know.

In his 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si, he said all she’s ever needed to hear, “Eternal life will be a shared experi­ ence of awe, in which each creature, resplendently transfigured, will take its rightful place and have some­ thing to give those poor men and women who will have been liber­ ated once and for all.”

She loved the sentiment, but he stirred it up for sure.

Throughout a good bit of Church history, its leaders have differed in their views about the realities of an eternal home for our favorite ani­ mals. Popes Pius IX and Benedict argued it wasn’t going to happen.

Thankfully, through the years, our Church has allowed us the freedom to argue with some of the messages within papal encyclicals provided we’ve listened with “an open and docile heart… not requiring blind acceptance but never outright dis­ missal” either.

John Paul II steered us back the other way, believing our pets do indeed have souls and as such are entitled to their own patch of what lies behind the pearly gates.

With respect to all of them, spiri­ tual leaders and thinkers that they were, I don’t know how any of them can know for sure just exactly where our pets will ultimately reside.

Scripture seems a little thin on the issue.

So I’m siding with Pope Francis on this one. And Nancy thinks the man is already a saint. Because if she thought for a moment that her pets weren’t going to be in heaven with her, I think she’d have gone looking for another faith.

So with a big boost from the Holy Father, our family has opted to be­ lieve that if we ourselves ever get to heaven, we’ll get to see him, pet him—and feed him—again.

Until then heaven on earth is right around the corner—we’re picking up little 8-week-old “Gipper” to­ morrow. Maggie will leave for sure.

Dear God—There are more crucial concepts to debate, greater tragedies to be mourned. Please help us love our neighbor just as fiercely. Amen. ■ George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

by Marian Christiana

Making eye contact makes all the difference ‘It’s hard for people to see the face of Jesus in us or see Jesus in others if we never look directly at them’

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ummer is not even over yet, but, so far, this one has been a doozy! My husband, Ralph, and I have had a real cycle-of-life kind of season made even more complicated by frustrating travel delays.

As I mentioned in my last article, my stepmother was in a skilled nurs­ ing facility out in California, and her health was declining quickly. Late in May, our newest granddaughter was born in Austin, Texas, and within a week, my stepmother, Dolores, passed away in California. I was in Austin meeting the new addition to our family when Dolores died.

As things worked out, I left Aus­ tin for Los Angeles to attend the funeral. Ralph stayed back in Austin to keep our 20-month-old grand­ daughter amused while Mommy and Daddy adjusted to the new ba­ by’s schedule. After the funeral, I re­ turned to Austin for an afternoon to give a few more hugs and kisses to grandbabies, and then Ralph and I made our way to the Austin airport.

Our travel fun began when we tried to get home to Chattanooga from Austin that afternoon. There are no direct flights to or from Austin and Chattanooga. We either change planes in Atlanta or Dallas when we travel to visit our daugh­ ter and her family. This trip we were traveling through Dallas.

For some reason I had TSA precheck clearance, but Ralph did not.

Usually, both of us have the precheck designation, and we have become quite spoiled by it. Security was extremely busy that day. I got through security in 15 minutes, and Ralph came through 40 minutes later. Once we found each other, we moved on to our gate.

Our flight to Dallas was now delayed because of bad weather in the Dallas area that was affecting flights from all over the region. We had plenty of time in Dallas to make our connection home, so we really weren’t concerned about missing

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We were able to make a true connection that began with direct eye contact. Because of that connection, Sonia, Ralph, and I were able to share not only the adventures of a road trip but also an understanding of the common tenet in our religious beliefs about welcoming the stranger. that flight, yet. We finally boarded our plane then sat at the gate for an hour. After that hour, we were deplaned and told there would be a two-hour delay. Planes were not flying into Dallas that afternoon, but because of our delay in Austin it was looking like our Dallas connec­ tion might leave before we could get there.

We started to make contingency plans. We thought we would at least get to Dallas some time that night. My sister, Kass, happens to live in Plano, just north of Dallas.

She was still in California since she had extended her visit after Dolores’ funeral. I began texting her son who also lives in Dallas.

The plan we hatched was that he would put a key under the mat for us at my sister’s house so we could spend the night there if we made it that far. In the meantime, I decided that I should charge my phone since it looked like it was going to be a long night. The airport was packed. People were sitting everywhere and almost every plug in every wall and column had a phone attached. There was one available but two women were sitting on the floor blocking the plug. Both women were charging their phones, and both women were texting.

One of the women wore a hijab and was dressed in conservative Muslim clothes. I made eye contact and asked her if I could use the empty plug and she said of course.

We began to talk; she introduced herself as Sonia, and it turned out that she was on her way back to Dallas after a business meeting, and that she actually lived in Plano, a few minutes from where my sister

lives.

Eventually, she said that if we missed our flight in Dallas, she would be happy to drive us to my sister’s house since her car was at the airport, and her husband would be happy that she had company in the car since it looked like it was going to be late by the time we got there. Well, now it was going to get interesting.

Back on the plane three hours later, sat on the plane for an hour, mechanical problems, flight can­ celed, off the plane, no more flights that night to Dallas—now we had to come up with a new plan. We fig­ ured Sonia would go back to her ho­ tel and spend the night and return to Dallas in the morning. We were booked on an early morning flight, Dallas to Chattanooga, and decided to rent a car, drive to Dallas, stay at my sister’s house and get to the airport in the morning. At the car rental office, whom do we run into but Sonia. She decided to rent a car (her company would pay) and said, why don’t you two ride with me?

So, off we went.

Let me compress the rest of this: It was Ramadan, and Sonia had not eaten all day. We stopped at a Middle Eastern restaurant that she knew on our way out of Austin, and she bought us dinner. Our plans with our nephew to stay at my sister’s place fell through, and Sonia said, why don’t you stay at my house and my husband and I will take you to the airport in the morning? Oh, we couldn’t do that, I said. Of course you can, Sonia said. We get up to pray every morning at 5 a.m., and we will have to take the rental car back to the airport anyway to pick up my car.

So, we drove to Plano, slept for three hours at Sonia’s, and were driven to the airport at 6:30 a.m. by Sonia and her husband, Fareed, two of the nicest people we have met in many years.

I tell you this Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride story to bring up the point that mak­

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ing eye contact with Sonia made all the difference in what ultimately happened to us that night. At the time, I was thinking of a column that I had read in the paper a few days before about the power of just look­ ing someone in the eye while talking with him or her as a way to make a true connection. I looked at her, and she looked at me. We were able to make a true connection that began with direct eye contact. Because of that connection, Sonia, Ralph, and I were able to share not only the ad­ ventures of a road trip but also an understanding of the common tenet in our religious beliefs about wel­ coming the stranger.

As Christians, we are called to be the face of Jesus to everyone we meet. I think that most days we could all spend an entire day with­ out really making eye contact with another person. For instance, do you actually make eye contact with cashiers in the grocery store? How about your server when you are out to eat at a restaurant? Do you stop and look at your coworkers when they speak to you in the hallway?

More importantly, do you stop what you are doing and give your spouse or other family members your undivided attention when they are speaking to you? Sometimes people just want to know that they are being acknowledged.

This month let’s all try to give everyone that we meet direct eye contact as we speak to them and see how it affects both our chance encounters and established connec­ tions. It is hard for people to see the face of Jesus in us or see Jesus in others if we never look directly at them. So look up from your phone or computer. You never know what wonderful new experience may be waiting for you. ■ Marian Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

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Catholic schools

Renfree, KCHS girls team capture state track titles

By Dan McWilliams

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ticipants. Renfree won by a margin of 1:85 seconds over a runner from Centennial.

Renfree also placed 11th out of 13 in the mile run at the prestigious Brooks PR Invitational on June 8 in Seattle, a national event featuring the top boys runners in the coun­ try. He posted a time of 4:12.13 at Shoreline Stadium.

The KCHS girls 3,200-run team of Shila Kapaya, Eleanor Mancini, Callie Grace Tucker, and Ellie Wol­

ski claimed a state title in the event with a time of 9:19.64, winning by a little more than 3 seconds over Hardin Valley Academy. The Lady Irish were second in the state in the event last year.

In other state-meet results for the KCHS boys, Devin Sullivan came in fourth in the 3,200 run in a time of 9:42.62. John Rentenbach placed sixth in the pole vault after clearing 13 feet, 6 inches. Renfree scored a 14th-place finish in the 800 run in a

time of 2:03.72.

As a team, the KCHS boys scored 18 points to place ninth out of 17 scoring schools.

For the Knoxville Catholic girls, Kapaya placed third (11:15.07) and Tucker fourth (11:15.79) in the 3,200 run. Tucker also finished sixth in the 1,600 run in a time of 5:14.17.

The Lady Irish scored 24 points to place ninth out of 22 teams in the state meet. n

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH (2)

he Knoxville Catholic High School boys and girls track teams again produced state champions in the large class at this year’s state meet in Murfreesboro in May. Jake Renfree, a runner-up to teammate Georde Goodwyn in last year’s 1,600-meter run finals, captured the state title in the event this year with a time of 4 minutes, 12.70 seconds, in a field of 16 par­

Run so as to win Jake Renfree, wearing the KCHS green at the state meet, is the 2018 state champion in the boys 1,600-meter run.

DR. KELLEY KEARSE

DR. KELLEY KEARSE

Champion foursome No. 1 in the state is the KCHS 3,200 run team of (from left) Eleanor Mancini, Callie Grace Tucker, Shila Kapaya, and Ellie Wolski.

Golden Grad Brunch Knoxville Catholic High School on April 14 held its Golden Grad Brunch honoring graduates from 1968 and earlier. The oldest alumnus in attendance was Margaret Meehan Vance (above), a 1937 graduate who is 98 years young. She is pictured with her son, Steve Vance (’64). One couple recreated their prom photo pose from 1955.

Quilt presented to veteran William Hewitt and wife Lena of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville, along with their pastor, Father Bart Okere, drove three hours to Chattanooga on June 13 to honor a military veteran at his home with a red, white, and blue quilt handmade by one of the church’s parishioners. Bill Cornwell, who will be 90 years of age in October and is a U.S. Air Force veteran, was overjoyed by the surprise visit and gift. Father Okere, before being appointed pastor of St. Henry, served as chaplain for both Knights of Columbus Council 6099 and Fourth Degree Assembly 3250 in Chattanooga, where he met Mr. Cornwell. The two became close friends. Standing from left are Father Okere, Lena Hewitt, Bill Hewitt, and Linda Vanhorn, with Mr. Cornwell seated.

Illinois group visits Good Shepherd Parish The Church of the Good Shepherd in Newport had some amazing guests for Mass on July 8. The group called St. Marcelline Appalachia Service Project from Schaumburg, Ill., literally came marching into church just before Mass began—all 64 of them, 48 teens plus 16 adults. They were on their way to Rutherford County, N.C., to do volunteer work to help people in need. This is the 19th year they have come south to work. As they headed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Good Shepherd was on the way. Along with other visiting families on vacation and the “regulars,” the church was packed—much to the delight of pastor Monsignor Bob Hofstetter (pictured above at left).

JOHN SOPKO

JAN KRASINSKI

KCHS bowler signs scholarship On May 22 in the Knoxville Catholic High School library, Anna Crutchfield became the first female bowler in KCHS history to be awarded a bowling scholarship. She will attend Tennessee Wesleyan University in the fall. With her are parents Karen and Tony Crutchfield and coach John Ferguson.

Weekday readings Wednesday, Aug. 1: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21; Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18; Matthew 13:44-46 Thursday, Aug. 2: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146:1-6; Matthew 13:47-53 Friday, Aug. 3: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Psalm 69:5, 8-10, 14; Matthew 13:54-58 Saturday, Aug. 4: Jeremiah 26:1116, 24; Psalm 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34; Matthew 14:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 5: Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Psalm 78:3-4, 23-25, 54; Ephe­ sians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:24-35 Monday, Aug. 6: Feast of the Trans­ figuration of the Lord, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10 Tuesday, Aug. 7: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22; Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 2223; Matthew 14:22-36 Wednesday, Aug. 8: Jeremiah 31:1-7; TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

Jeremiah 31:10-13; Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 9: Jeremiah 31:3134; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, Aug. 10: 2 Corinthians 9:610; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9; John 12:24-26 Saturday, Aug. 11: Habakkuk 1:122:4; Psalm 9:8-13; Matthew 17:14-20 Sunday, Aug. 12: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51 Monday, Aug. 13: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 2428; Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14; Matthew 17:22-27 Tuesday, Aug. 14: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14; vigil for the Assumption, 1 Chronicles 15:34, 15-16 and 16:1-2; Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Luke 11:27-28 Wednesday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed

Virgin Mary, Revelation 11:19 and 12:1-6, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Cor­ inthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56 Thursday, Aug. 16: Ezekiel 12:112; Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62; Matthew 18:21-19:1 Friday, Aug. 17: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63; Isaiah 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 18: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday, Aug. 19: Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-7; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58 Monday, Aug. 20: Ezekiel 24:15-23; Deuteronomy 32:18-21; Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday, Aug. 21: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 22: Ezekiel 34:111; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 23: Ezekiel 36:23-

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28; Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 24: Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Saturday, Aug. 25: Ezekiel 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug. 26: Joshua 24:1-2, 1518; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-21; Ephesians 5:21-32; John 6:60-69 Monday, Aug. 27: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday, Aug. 28: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Mat­ thew 23:23-26 Wednesday, Aug. 29: 2 Thessalo­ nians 3:6-10, 16-18; Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5; Mark 6:17-29 Thursday, Aug. 30: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51 Friday, Aug. 31: 1 Corinthians 1:1725; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11; Matthew 25:1-13 n AUGUST 5, 2018 n B9

NFL’s Smith duo holds fourth annual youth camp at KCHS

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS (4)

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he fourth annual Smith and Smith Catholic Football Camp at Knoxville Catholic High School on July 12 and 13 gave more than 250 youngsters a chance to learn gridiron skills from NFL players Harrison Smith and Lee Smith and KCHS coaching staffers.

Harrison Smith, a KCHS gradu­ ate who went on to the University of Notre Dame and now is a threetime Pro Bowl safety with the Min­ nesota Vikings, conducts the camp along with Lee Smith, a Powell High grad and current tight end with the Oakland Raiders.

Harrison Smith missed the first day of the camp for kindergartners through eighth-graders but said the event “has gone well.”

“I think everyone’s had fun,” he said. “I had to miss the first day. I was a little under the weather.”

He enjoys putting on the camp with Lee Smith.

“We’ve been working out togeth­ er, really since we both got to the NFL, maybe a little before,” Har­ rison Smith said. “We knew each other in high school. Just seeing the success he’s had, coming back here, giving back to the kids, seeing the type of person he’s become, the father he’s become, I’m really just fortunate to have him as a buddy.”

Many of the Smith and Smith campers “don’t know who I am,” Harrison Smith said. “They just know that some people want to play with them. Other kids do know there are NFL players here, and they get excited about it. It’s kind of all over the board, but just the fact that we can get out here and mix it up is great. I also remem­ ber being one of these kids, too, going to the camps and being in awe of some of the guys who were there, and just try to give them the same opportunity.”

Mr. Smith said he remembers going to a camp conducted by for­ mer NFL quarterback and Webb School of Knoxville graduate Chad Pennington.

“It was over at our rival Webb. I still remember that,” he said. “He was so gracious to everybody, re­ ally just a great person and kind of showed what it’s all about. I try to remember that and not get too far away from where you come from.”

On Aug. 7, Harrison Smith re­ ceived the Chad Pennington Pro Athlete of the Year honor from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.

“It’s obviously a great honor,” Mr. Smith said. “For it to be the Chad Pennington Award, and that was a guy I grew up wanting to

NFL at KCHS Knoxville Catholic High School grad and Minnesota Viking safety Harrison Smith poses for a photo with a young fan at the Smith and Smith camp. be like. I know I don’t play quar­ terback, but I think he embodies everything that’s great about being a competitor and being a great per­ son off the field. He’s that guy, so to be able to accept an award named after him is a great honor.”

The Vikings safety played in his third consecutive Pro Bowl last January.

“That’s not really how I measure success,” he said. “It’s a team game.

Still working toward the ultimate team goal. That’s what it’s about for me. I love where I’m at. I love who I play for, my teammates, my coach­ es, couldn’t be in a better position.”

Mr. Smith said he has goals for the upcoming season, but “I always keep them pretty close to my chest, so I don’t really talk about them,” he said.

The Vikings won the NFC North Division last season and finished one win shy of playing in the Su­ per Bowl on their home field after losing to the eventual champion Eagles in the conference title game.

“You want to set yourself for suc­ cess in the postseason. Normally it helps to win your division,” Mr. Smith said.

“If you don’t win it all, every sea­ son ends the same. We were close and lost—normally it hurts a little worse if you’re that close. If you don’t win it all, that’s how every season ends. We don’t need extra motivation to go out and get what we want. That’s what I’m going to want, and that’s what we’re going

Going out for a pass Campers play receiver in a drill near the goal line under the watchful eye of KCHS assistant coach Sam Brown.

Tackling Lee Oakland Raider tight end Lee Smith laughs as he is tackled by a young camper.

B10 n AUGUST 5, 2018

to want, no matter what. There’s nothing extra. It’s just, are we going to learn from the past and try to get better each day? That’s how we ap­ proach things.”

According to Madden and Pro Football Focus, Harrison Smith is one of the top, if not the top, safe­ ties in the NFL, but he said those accolades don’t affect him much.

“I don’t think about it. I mean, I’ll take it, but that’s not really what I play for,” he said. “I play for—if my coaches tell me I’m doing the right thing, that’s all I care about. The other stuff is cool, though.”

Lee Smith said he enjoys working with Harrison Smith.

“It’s fun. He’s a great man, a great football player,” said the Oak­ land Raider. “But most importantly he wants to give back to the com­ munity just like I do and give these kids something to remember. He’s a top-notch individual, regardless of the football field. This football deal that we get to go through doesn’t last very long. He’s a good man and a good person, and he’ll be great in the Knoxville area for a long time.”

The Raiders have a new head coach who’s not so new in one re­ spect: former Oakland top man and longtime football color commenta­ tor Jon Gruden is back at the helm.

“It’s awesome. It’s great,” Lee Smith said. “Coach Gruden obvi­ ously has the reputation and the respect around the football world for a reason. As players and as an organization, I think I can speak for everyone that we’re extremely thrilled that he’s back in the build­ ing and ready for the season to get cranking.”

Lee Smith re-signed with the Raiders this spring.

“Free agency’s always fun,” he said. “You get to kind of see what you’re worth and see if everyone else thinks you’re as good as you think you are. It can be humble pie, or it can be something that’s great and very memorable.

“Either way, with Coach Gruden coming in, you know the Rodney Hudsons of the world, who are like brothers to me, Derek Carr— there’s just a lot going on out in Oakland that excited me. It’s a fun place to be. I’m not going to play 10 more years by any means. My family loves it there, so it all kind

of worked out. The puzzle came together perfectly, so I’m excited about getting going.”

Mr. Smith played in all 16 games for the Raiders last season, al­ though he said it is a “hard ques­ tion” as to how the team uses him.

“I’m a tight end, but my role is a little more in the run game, a little more pass protection. My job is to tussle with the big guys a little more than it is to catch passes.

That’s what Jared Cook makes the big bucks for. He’s the elite athlete and I’m just the big ugly guy.”

Lee Smith’s goals for the season are the “same goals as every sea­ son: play the best football I can play and be the best teammate I can be.

Hopefully, if I just do my job, then I won’t get in the way of all these other guys who are a lot better foot­ ball players than I am, helping us win a lot of games,” he said.

KCHS head coach Steve Mat­ thews said he was pleased with the number of kids who signed up for the two-day Smtih and Smith camp.

“It’s good for the young men, good for the kids,” he said. “Obvi­ ously it’s great for everyone in­ volved. It’s great for Catholic and our coaches, working together, and getting to work with some of these young kids is really a good time.”

The campers learned a variety of skills “We try to break it up,” Mr. Mat­ thews said. “We try to give every­ body a chance to do everything.

Really, every camper gets a chance to play quarterback, receiver, run­ ning back, so we just try to teach all of the skills to break them up, and then we go to the defense. We try to give everybody a chance to learn all the different skills.”

The campers underwent footwork drills and “basically just anything football-related” to get them to run around and keep moving, Mr. Mat­ thews said. “Hopefully, they’re hav­ ing fun as well,” he added.

The Smith and Smith event has “been a great camp,” Mr. Matthews said. “They’ve worked hard.”

At the end of the second day of the camp, the two Smiths and for­ mer Raiders offensive lineman Kha­ lif Barnes signed innumerable au­ tographs on T-shirts, sports cards, and other items for more than an hour in the hot sun. n

On the run Smith and Smith campers were kept on the move in a variety of drills in the two-day event.

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