Oct. 1, 2017, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

St. Mary-Johnson City has triple celebration The parish burns its church mortgage, honors Monsignor Bill Gahagan, and receives a Leadership Roundtable award

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

S

t. Mary Parish in Johnson City held a triple celebration Aug. 22.

The parish burned the mortgage on its church building, honored former pastor and now-Monsignor Bill Gahagan, and announced that it had received a Leadership Roundtable award.

And all of that took place on the memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish’s patron.

Bishop Richard F. Stika, St. Mary pastor Father Peter Iorio, parochial vicar Father Jésus Guerrero-Rodriguez, seven other priests, and St. Mary deacons John Hackett, Mike Jacobs, and George Fredericks all took part in the mortgage-burning ceremony and the Mass that followed.

The front of the Mass program billed the evening events, which also included a dinner, as a thanksgiving for the past, present, and future of the parish.

Father Iorio began the ceremonies with the mortgage burning outside the front doors of the church.

“I just want to show you something that was given to me on July 26, 2016,” he said. “George Imes was chair of the finance board, and he presented me this little Roadrunner Markets lighter, and he said, ‘We will be burning our mortgage

Up in smoke Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Mary in Johnson City, places a copy of the church mortgage in the brazier as the parish celebrated the end of its debt on the building. soon.’ So in less than a year, we paid off our debt, and tonight we are celebrating that. It took all of us together, so now he presents to me a representation of the mortgage, and I’m going to burn it.”

Cheers and applause followed as the piece of paper in the brazier caught fire and turned to ashes.

Father Iorio then led a prayer of thanksgiving before the congregation processed in for Mass.

St. Mary’s church construction debt story began in 1980, when un-

der the leadership of Father Richard Archer, OP, 125 families contributed $500,000 to purchase nearly 18 acres of land on Lakeview Drive, site of the current church. In 1991, Father J.D. Tamburello, OP, moved St. Mary Church and School to a parish center on Lakeview Drive at a cost of $1,850,000. The parish center was quickly paid off with revenue from the sale of the church’s old property on Market Street and with the generosity of many parishioners.

It quickly became evident that the capacity of the worship area was being pushed to the max, and in 1995 new pastor Father Gahagan created a building committee for a new church. During the planning and construction, St. Mary purchased two additional parcels of land to enlarge the church property to 40 acres. In 1999, St. Mary requested a loan from the diocese to build its current church. The church itself cost $3,250,000 and the additional land $350,000. St. Mary had $850,000 on hand to reduce the loan amount to $2,750,000.

From 1999 to 2017, many contributions were made, starting with a 2001 “A Step in Faith” three-year

In song A youth choir from St. Mary School sings at the parish’s Mass that followed the mortgage burning.

By Dan McWilliams

campaign. At another point in time a second collection was initiated to reduce debt. Over the last 17-plus years, St. Mary parishioners maintained the necessary funding for the parish’s many ministries while paying off more than $2 million in debt and $1.7 million in interest. As of June 2016, the parish owed the diocese $700,000.

2017 has seen great financial blessings for St. Mary Parish. A number of things came together that allowed the parish to pay off the $700,000, including Home Campaign funds of $210,000. The parish paid off the loan in June and now has more than $500,000 available for operations and future capital projects.

Monsignor Gahagan was pastor of St. Mary for nine years, from 1995 to 2004. The Dominican Fathers had staffed the parish for the previous 79 years.

“Nine years now looks like it’s about 90 days, but it’s not,” Monsignor Gahagan said. “[The evening] brings back so many good, loving relationships, challenges of what it is to be a parish family today, challenges of allowing us all to grow spiritually, to find the love of Jesus in ourselves and one another. We’re against a lot of the secular world that makes that challenging, when most of our people live Monday through Saturday in the real world, and as always we try to help people to realize that that’s where the Lord is at.

“Today’s readings were interesting. I was reading one of the sayings of the Amish community: you put your hand in God and you’ll find God’s hand in you in all things.

It sounds good, but the more you think about it, it’s true.”

Monsignor Gahagan said he was “just overwhelmed” at being back at St. Mary.

“I’m seeing people here I haven’t seen obviously in a few years,” he said. “It’s just wonderful to see them, bringing back what it took all St. Mary continued on page B2

In a texting world, youth urged to have ‘subtext of love’

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iocese of Knoxville youth are getting schooled on how to get engaged.

OK, not that kind of engaged.

We’re talking about more one-onone engagement with others and less reliance on cell phones and social media to interact with people.

Call it a ministry of texting and messaging.

The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is featuring on its website a humorous video

by Internet comedy duo Rhett and Link that challenges youth to “Get Off the Phone.” While funny in its presentation as a spoof on phone habits, the diocesan message is unmistakable: the Catholic Church wants young adults, teens, and pre-teens to be more engaged in their personal relationships and act Christ-like when communicating via phone or social media.

“These young people are bombarded with messages all day long.

We are helping our youth realize they live in two worlds: their real, everyday, faith-based world and the digital world,” said Deacon Al Forsythe, director of the diocese’s Office of Youth Ministry.

As part of youths’ digital lives, Deacon Forsythe said it is critical to show them how they can lose inter-

personal connectedness even when they “friend” someone.

“The emotion is gone. It becomes an anonymous friendship,” he pointed out. “Jesus commands us to go out and make disciples of all nations. If we do this in the digital world, we must do it with love.”

Technology has evolved to the point where you can communicate with others anonymously, giving people license to often comment in extremely negative ways without ever being identified.

Father Joe Reed, associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and director of vocations for the diocese, delivered the homily at the annual Youth Mass on Sept. 9. His message: love is the subtext by which you should be communicating everything.

Father Reed said this subtext that Jesus wants us to glean from all the Gospels, and that St. Paul wants us to know, is that “love desires no evil.”

Nearly 200 high-school students and adults from around the diocese took part in the Youth Mass, held at The Barn at Cedar Ridge in Loudon County. In attending the Mass and outdoor activities, the students carried with them their faith, a determination to have fun, and their

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

Nearly 200 high school students and adults attend the annual Youth Mass, where many receive honors for their service

‘Love desires no evil’ Father Joe Reed delivers the homily at the annual Youth Mass. mobile phones.

Father Reed began Mass by asking the youth how many of them text on their phones.

“OK, don’t be afraid to raise your hands. How many of you text?

C’mon, raise your hands if you text, or if you instant message, or Snapchat, or if you’re on Facebook,” he asked.

The response was virtually unanimous, and it wasn’t limited to young people. Adults were just as active on mobile phones.

Even Father Reed acknowledged that Bishop Richard F. Stika must prod diocesan priests off their phones during meetings with all the priests.

“Many of us text. We text in all different ways; on our phones; we have social media of all types,” he said. “In a way, that is what St. Peter is dealing with; Jesus is dealing with; St. Paul is dealing with. They used the media of their day. They wrote letters and they told stories.

Youth Mass continued on page B2

Most of Scripture was actually word of mouth before it was written down. Scripture means ‘written.’

But it was just told to people. The stories about Christ, everything he did, those were shared verbally. The Old Testament, people memorized all those genealogies that we hear and told others. It’s only later that they were written down.”

But with prodigious communication comes responsibility.

“Now, we do a whole lot of writing. Sometimes things that we could say to someone face-to-face we do in a text. I do it. It happens at general priest meetings. The bishop has to say, ‘Hey guys, put your phones away.’ Even the bishop has to put his phone away,” Father Reed said.

“With every text, whether we like it or not, there is a subtext and a context. There is something underlining what we’re writing. It is something that gives the whole reason behind what we’re writing, the situation in life.”

He called love the fulfillment of God’s law.

“Love is the subtext by which you should be writing everything. It should be there underneath everything that you say, everything that you write, in fact, it should be the subtext of everything you do,” he said.

With mobile phones and social media come independence and a kind of power. And to whom much is given, much is expected.

Father Reed said St. Peter is told

by Jesus that he will be given the keys to the kingdom and will be given the power to bind, or restrict, and loose, or release.

“The context is that God has given St. Peter a choice, and He gives all of us a choice: life or death, blessing or curse. Choose blessing and choose life, that you may have them in abundance. Peter isn’t the only one

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Youth Mass continued from page B1

DYMAC for 2017-18 Father Joe Reed commissions the new Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council at the end of the Youth Mass. who has been given the power of binding and loosing. God has given it in a very specific way, so that He can loose us from sins and from the consequences of sins,” Father Reed told the youth.

He also told the kids, who were gathered inside a converted barn for the Mass, that we all share in the power to bind and loose.

“Think about that with your texting and the messaging that you do. How many of us, when we text, don’t have a subtext of love? A text is a nice little fortress. It lets us say what we want to say, and we can speak our mind about another person. Sometimes we skip that first step in the Gospel of dealing with a person one on one. You need to talk it out. And if that doesn’t work, then you go to the next step,” the priest said.

Father Reed described a culture in

which kids today are growing up — one where they immediately want to take hard sides, hard stances. So, they tweet, they text, they Snapchat, they Instagram, and they post on Facebook.

“And we do it very harshly, very loudly. So we really don’t have a subtext of love. We have a subtext of pride, or a subtext of right, or a subtext of power in some ways. But the Lord says no. Love desires no evil. Love is speaking of the good of others at all times. God is love.

He so loves the world that he gave his only Son. He so loves the world that he made us so that He could love all the more,” Father Reed said.

He emphasized to the students that the responsibility of binding and loosing must be a part of our ministry of texting and messaging.

He urged them to not drop text

bombs or message bombs about people.

“This commandment of love is desperately needed in our world today. It’s part of being a true leader — leading from love, not leading from pride or power. And realizing that your mission in this world as a Christian is to give everything you can for God and your neighbor. In doing that, you will learn to love yourself,” he said. “St. Paul gave a shout out to Jesus when he said, ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’

That fills out that context. The only three people we have to love in this world are God, everybody else, and ourselves. It’s not always easy. The more we strip away things that we love, the more we find that there are people who we can love.”

“Let that love be a subtext of everything we do and say,” he said to Youth Mass continued on page B3

of us to do, what we’re here for, the burning of the mortgage. I just wish them the continued blessings of the Lord, and I know that they’ll be open to that.

“Good things continue to come out of St. Mary’s here in Johnson City—the parish, the school, and the many ministries they serve in the name of Christ.”

Father Iorio announced the Leadership Roundtable award at the dinner.

“The Leadership Roundtable for Catholic Church Management was offered through our diocese for four of our parishes—it was a grant program, and we worked with [diocesan director of Stewardship and Strategic Planning] John Deinhart,” he said. “Marcy Meldahl [former diocesan director of the Office of Employment Services] brought the Leadership Roundtable to the diocese, and the bishop allowed us to participate in this.

“We had a committee where we implemented the 55 standards—we have all these procedures that really help us to be a better, more efficient, transparent, communicative parish.

We applied for what is called the Seal for Excellence. We just received word today that we received the Seal for Excellence from the accrediting body.”

The significance of the award is that “it is the gifts of the Catholic business world to help us to be more cooperative, collaborative, a

church family that works together,” Father Iorio said. “We are so big as a parish community, with so many different ministries and folks, that it has helped us to be financially accountable and transparent, to communicate, to have public policy, to have governing boards like the parish pastoral council and the finance council and the school board and the Hispanic committee all working with the clergy and laity together.”

Bishop Stika welcomed the gathering to Mass.

“It’s great to be here, especially as we celebrate with the parish dedicated to the Blessed Mother, the Queenship of Mary,” he said. “It is without doubt that she has blessed this community as we gather together this day. It’s good to have formerly Father Gahagan, now Monsignor Gahagan, with us this day, who was so instrumental in this church. For the new monsignor, all you have to do is bow profoundly, and he’ll be happy.”

In his homily, the bishop said “it’s good when we gather together to celebrate important moments in the life of a parish, in the life of a faith community, in the life of a family, for that is what we are, the family of St. Mary’s in Johnson City. And as I’ve said many times, I always love coming here because this is sacred ground because of the Johnson City Cardinals. It reminds me of my [hometown team in St. Louis].”

During his sermon, the bishop

Special recognition Bishop Stika, pictured with Father Iorio, holds a copy of the e-mail announcing St. Mary’s Leadership Roundtable honor.

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St. Mary continued from page B1

Taking the mic Monsignor Bill Gahagan, pictured with Bishop Stika, speaks at the dinner following the Aug. 22 Mass at St. Mary in Johnson City. pointed out Father Tom Charters, GHM, of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission in Erwin.

“One of my mantras as I travel through the diocese is that we do together what we can’t do by ourselves,” he said. “At one point in the history of this parish, it was dependent on all of the other parishes for the loan that now we burn the mortgage for, for that’s where the flow of cash comes from. It comes from the central banking system, where every parish helps out another parish, in order to do what you’ve accomplished now in these years.

“That’s why we need to pray for parishes like St. Michael the Archangel and Father Tom, because soon there are plans I think that are coming to my desk, and they, too, will be in the same position that you’ve been in. They’ll have a mortgage, for I think it’s one of the positions of the church that all churches should have mortgages at some point, and all churches and dioceses have debt because we try to do a lot with what we have.”

Bishop Stika said he “congratulates you in the name of all the people of the diocese on this very special moment. Continue to do good, being a church on the hill, the new Jerusalem, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, who reminds us that the important person is Jesus. So often in artwork, Mary will

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either look at Jesus or point at Jesus or call attention to Jesus, for she is not the end of our faith. She has transmitted to us the life of Jesus, both God and man. You’ve got a great protectoress here in this parish. Rely on her, for she reminds us all to do as He says.”

The Mass featured the St. Mary choir, a choir of students from St. Mary School, and a soloist from the parish’s Latin Mass schola.

After Mass, Father Iorio gave advice to Father Charters.

“You know the saying, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ I modify that and say, ‘If you build up your people in peace and love and faith, God’s blessings will flow and come down,’” he said. “So that’s what I say: focus on those relationships and keep leading the people in prayer and shepherding them rightly, and God is the one. It’s not anything that any individual one can do, but it’s God’s blessings. That’s my advice.”

Father Charters contrasted the position of St. Mary Parish with his mission community.

“They’ve prayed to burn their mortgage—I’m praying to have a mortgage. That’s the big difference,” he said.

The St. Mary mortgage-burning event gave Father Charters encouragement that he will perform the same act someday.

St. Mary continued on page B3

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

conclude his homily.

Deacon Forsythe thanked the youth and adults attending Mass and the day of activities for all they do during the year to minister to the diocese’s young people.

“In all the years I’ve been doing this, I never get tired of it. I think I probably have the best job in the whole world because I get to work with a terrific staff of people on a regular basis,” he said. “I’m excited, not only because I get to work with a great staff, but I get to travel around the diocese and I get to meet wonderful parents, youth leaders in our parishes, and especially our young people.”

The Office of Youth Ministry recognized students and adults who have taken leadership roles in serving the diocese’s youth.

This year’s recipients of the youth Discipleship Award were: Claudia Della Santina and Czarina Pallone from Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge; Bryce Tuggle from Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa; Emily Roach and Savannah Tucker from Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga; Marley Minneci and Estrella Gomez from St. Alphonsus in Crossville; Brian O’Reilley and Megan Flynn from St. John Neumann in Farragut; Keely Hein and Lizette Juarez from St. Jude in Chattanooga; Pedro Medina and Bethany Quilty from St. Mary in Oak Ridge; Eleno Orozoco and Alexandra Reynoso from St. Michael the Archangel in Erwin; Anna Kutbay and Logan Shafer from St. Patrick in Morristown; and Thatcher Miles and Fernanda Tellez from St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland.

This year’s recipients of the Light of the World Award recognizing adults were: Sarah Ward from Our Lady of Fatima; John Peaslee, Dr. Kim Peaslee, Deacon Peter Min-

neci, and Dianne Minneci from St. Alphonsus; Zane Wilkinson from St. Jude; Lydia Donohue and Caleb Scroback from St. John Neumann; Wanda Redding from St. Mary in Athens; Courtney Sullivan and Mary Haley from St. Mary in Oak Ridge; Steve Miles and Zully Manzanares from St. Michael the Archangel; Deb Miksa from St. Patrick; Jesus Felix and Andrea Felix from St. Thérèse of Lisieux; and Emmanuel Espinoza and Adriana Gonzales from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City.

The St. Timothy Award, the highest recognition the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Diocese of Knoxville confers on high school youth that is presented to young people who generously serve their peers and youth ministry with dedication, was presented to Jose Salazar from St. Patrick in the Five Rivers Deanery, Jackson Ducote from Our Lady of Fatima in the Smoky Mountain Deanery, and Maria Espinoza from St. Thomas the Apostle in the Cumberland Mountain Deanery.

The Companions on the Journey Award, the highest recognition the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Diocese of Knoxville confers on an adult that is given to adults whose service to youth ministry is exceptional, was presented to Kathy O’Brien from St. Michael the Archangel in the Five Rivers Deanery, Debbie Mirra from St. Stephen Parish in the Chattanooga Deanery, and Pauline O’Keeffe from St. Alphonsus in the Cumberland Mountain Deanery.

Father Reed also commissioned the 2017-18 Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council. The new DYMAC leaders are Aaron Manzanares, Bernice Luquin, Sarah Tollefson, Darlin Navarro, and Jacob Haynes from the Five Rivers

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Young recipients Deacon Al Forsythe and Beth Parsons (at left) stand with youth who were presented the Discipleship Award at the Youth Mass.

Deanery; Emily Roach, Savannah Tucker, Kersten Hicks, Isaac Bird, A.J. Carreon, Jason Oliver, Katie Garcia, Katherine Guandique, Lizette Juarez, Matias Ron, and Anna Barbosa from the Chattanooga Deanery; Patricia Anguiano, Bethany Quilty, Meghan Campbell, Julia Hicks, Lauren Schenk, and Clara Hay from the Cumberland Mountain Deanery; and Reginal Wol, Bryce Tuggle, Mike Strong, Hannah White, Claudia Della Santina, Jackson Ducote, and Robert Lyszczarczyk from the Smoky Mountain Deanery.

“This is when we get to celebrate our youth and our youth leaders, and recognize those young people and adults in our parishes and our deaneries who have done outstanding work in youth ministry,” Deacon Forsythe said. “And we get to recognize our Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council. Without our DYMAC leaders, we couldn’t do all that we do in our Youth Ministry Office for the Diocese of Knoxville.”

Deacon Forsythe also recognized Brittany Koepke of the Hispanic youth ministry program; youth ministry administrative assistant Karen Byrne; Margaret Merrill, youth ministry coordinator for the Challenge/Conquest program; Donna Jones, youth ministry coordinator for the Chattanooga Deanery; Deacon Dan Hosford, youth ministry coordinator for the Cumberland Mountain Deanery; Deacon Jim Fage, youth ministry coordinator for the Five Rivers Deanery; and Beth Parsons, youth ministry coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Deanery.

He considered the Youth Mass and the daylong activities surrounding it a big success that effectively highlighted the dynamic youth ministry occurring in parishes throughout the diocese.

“It was really a good affirmation of who our youth are in our diocese.

They are recognized by adults and their peers, and their lives reflect what the Church teaches,” Deacon Forsythe said. n

Adults recognized Deacon Forsythe and Mrs. Parsons presented the Light of the World Award to adults at the Youth Mass.

High honor Deanery youth ministry coordinators stand with the recipients of the Companions on the Journey Award.

The blood of Christ Nearly 200 young people and adults took part in the annual Youth Mass.

Filing in The Barn at Cedar Ridge in Loudon County begins to fill up for the Youth Mass.

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“Oh, yeah. A lot of encouragement there on that.

You start as a small seed, and you start growing, and that’s really where we are—we’re a small seed growing right now. And we’ve burst our seams right now where we are,” he said.

At the dinner, Bishop Stika recalled the meeting of diocesan priests May 23 at St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City, during which he announced then-Father Gahagan’s appointment as a monsignor. A thunderous ovation followed from the new monsignor’s brother priests.

“It was one of the great events in my life as TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

the bishop here in Knoxville, to see him recognized not only by the Holy Father—that’s important—but to be recognized by his brother priests,” Bishop Stika said. “I just want to acknowledge the fact that Monsignor is a good priest, he’s a holy priest, he is a good pastor.

He’s also set the record in the diocese for the most times a priest has retired. I think we’re up to five times. He’s now a member of the papal household.”

Monsignor Gahagan followed the bishop to the dinner dais.

“It’s the priesthood of all of us, isn’t it, because www.di o k no x .o rg

we all share the priesthood of Jesus Christ,” he said. “I just thank Bishop Stika for allowing me to come back once in a while, to rise from the ashes.

I thank you for your willingness to walk with the Lord.”

Father Iorio then announced the Seal for Excellence honor to his parishioners at the dinner.

“As I reflect on this, the award does not make us perfect by any means. We know that,” he said.

“It’s an affirmation that we are moving in the right direction and continuing to work together with the many gifts that you as the body of Christ have.” n OCTOBER 1, 2017 n B3

Parish notes Chattanooga Deanery

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The 2017 Ram Challenge Golf Tournament, benefiting the OLPH School Annual Fund, took place Sept. 25 at Black Creek Club in Chattanooga.

The school thanked Knights of Columbus Council 610 members Chris Petrin, Rip Millard, Paul Smith, Adam Lee Foster, and Greg Howard and Council 6099 members Marco Salenda, Roger Qualey, and Terry Duffy for doing yard work on a recent Saturday.

St. Jude, Chattanooga Father Charlie Burton will preside at a blessing of pets, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, on Oct. 7.

A patriotic rosary, combining prayer along with the singing of patriotic songs, will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in the chapel.

The 11th annual International Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at St. Jude. Participants will honor Our Lady of Fatima on the eve of the closing of the 100th-anniversary year of the apparitions and the Miracle of the Sun. An international potluck supper in the parish life center will follow the rosary.

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting coats, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, toiletries, new socks and new underwear, and other donations. The next collection weekends are Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29. Collection boxes will be in the vestibule. Donations will be distributed to the Chattanooga Homeless Center, the Ladies of Charity, the Tennessee Department of Veteran Affairs, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Anniversaries: Charles and Mary Russella (69), Guy and Victoria Bretl (69), Milton and Regina Jerabek (68), Dion and Emile Frate (67), William and Arlene McShane (64), Herb and Ginny Adams (62), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (59), Roy and Jackie Richardson (58), Tom and Pauline Higgins (58), Rudy and Denise Difazio (57), Ron and Catherine Debels (57), Mark and Karin Salsbury (56), Michael and Judith Byrd (56), Fred and Dottie Belvo (56), John and Virginia Smith (56), Pat and Sara Tripiciano (55), Lawrence and Myra Opatik (55), Charles and Pat Bunnell (55), John and Susan Gauerke (53), Michael and Diane Treanor (53), Victor and Joan Uscinski (53), Ed and Romona McCrory (52), Bob and Mary Tobey (52), Robert and Martha Takac (51), John and Mary Anne Kieck (51), Barry and Barbara Reed (51), Robert and Rosemary Barth (51), Ken and Kathy Bromberek (51), Terrance and Pam Brophy (50), Anthony and Mary Jane Gradle (50)

COURTESY OF JILL PURCELL (4)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga

St. Alphonsus CCW installs new president The Council of Catholic Women of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville held the installation of new officers before its Sept. 12 meeting. Pictured from left are retiring president Kathleen Kelly installing the new president, Charleen McMahan.

St. John Neumann, Farragut The SJN Summer Social in the pavilion followed the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Aug. 19.

St. Therese, Clinton The Catholic Women’s Club of St. Therese held its semi-annual Rummage and Bake Sale on Sept. 29-30.

Proceeds are used to fund the many activities the women perform for the church, including providing meals for funerals and special events, supporting local charities, and deanery and diocesan projects.

Five Rivers Deanery

New CCW officers Above are the St. Alphonsus CCW’s new and continuing officers. Pictured are (front left) incoming treasurer Mary Geahan and (from left) secretary Janet Gray, co-vice president Minda Tabor, incoming president Charleen McMahan, co-vice president Agnes Bosze, and St. Alphonsus pastor Father Jim Harvey.

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City On various Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., Father Burton will lead a Bible study on the letters of St. Paul. The group will study the letters in order beginning with Galatians. The next meeting times are Oct. 10, 17, and 31 in the church. Bring a New American (Catholic) Bible to the study.

A craft fair will be held after all Masses Nov. 18-19 in the parish life center. Reserve a space at Emily@livingstoncompany.com or 423-785-6156.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga The parish family picnic, sponsored by the parish council, is set for noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, on the church grounds after the 11 a.m. Mass. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be cooked

by Knights of Columbus Council 6099 members. To volunteer to help at the picnic, sign up in the vestibule or call the parish office at 423-892-1261.

The 30th annual Taster’s Luncheon and Fall Fashion Show took place Sept. 30 at St. Stephen.

The youth group held a car wash fundraiser Sept. 23 and 24. Proceeds went toward the group’s activities, trips to the March for Life and National Catholic Youth Conference, and various diocesan and deanery events.

Anniversaries: Iqbal and Manilla Singh (63), Charles and Marianne Wilson (55), Edward and Florence Cerantonio (52), Rolando and Carmelita Ordonez (50), Dennis and Helen Lowe (20), Benjamin and Jill Campbell (15)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The parish day of reflection, sponsored by the Council of Catholic Women and focusing on sacred Scripture, has been postponed from Sept. 23 to Saturday, Oct. 21.

As part of the 40 Days for Life campaign, Holy Trinity is hosting a prayer service for life at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. A Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn baby shower will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21, after Masses. Parishioners will take part in a prayer in front of the Planned Parenthood facility on Cherry Street in Knoxville from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

An Italian dinner is being hosted by the Knights of Columbus after the 5 p.m.

Mass on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The 85-plus birthday party is planned for Sunday, Oct. 15, after Mass.

A Ladies Bingo Night was held Sept. 18 in Trinity Hall, hosted by the Council of Catholic Women.

The Wives and Widows of Knights Appreciation Dinner, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, took place Sept.

16 at Piezano’s in Dandridge.

Anniversaries: Bill and Mary Lou Jenkins (59), Ed and Peggy Kertis (58), Darryl and Judy Hall (55), Gary and Joan Colclasure (53), Albert and Ellen McNab (52), Bob and Deb Rave (40), Jarrett and Jamie Conner (35), Charles and Patty Lutz (35), David and Karen Gaul (30), Dennis and Rosemary Clark (25), Philip and Jennifer LaMonte (20), Brad and Melissa Shepard (20), Terry and Elizabeth Varner (10) Newcomers: Rogelio Bautista and his son, Yovanni, and daughter, Diana; Eleanor Spencer; Mrs. Robie Bencho; Maria del Consuelo de Aquino and her son, Robert; Theresa and Kenneth Mabe; Juan Munoz and Maria de al Soledad de Aquino and their children, Yamilet, Erick, and Benny

CCW collects supplies for Avalon Center The St. Alphonsus CCW collected supplies to be donated to the Avalon Center in Crossville for its domestic violence and sexual assault program. This program covers individuals from seven counties in Tennessee.

Guillorys celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

St. Dominic, Kingsport

The 2017 CCW bazaar is set for Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will feature small appliances, used furniture, artwork and frames, books, potted plants, homemade crafts, and baked goods.

The Mr. and Mrs. Dinner/Dance Club will hold its fall party from 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7, at the St. Dominic parish life center. Happy hour starts at 6 p.m., with dancing until 10 p.m. featuring DJ Jim Utterback. Cost is $50.

For tickets, contact Steve or Joanie Hrivnak at Hrivnak@chartertn.net.

The 2017-18 religious-education classes, following Mass on Sept. 10, held a “Back to Class Summer Bash.”

The parish’s family festival was held Sept. 23 and included donations of Parish notes continued on page B5

B4 n OCTOBER 1, 2017

Council presents check for church building fund The St. Alphonsus CCW presented Father Jim Harvey with a check for the church building fund in the amount of $1,000 at its meeting Sept. 12. From left are Janet Gray, Kathleen Kelly, Agnes Bosze, Father Harvey, Minda Tabor, and Mary Geahan.

K

en and Norma Guillory of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary July 13 in Crossville with a family reunion.

They were married at St. Margaret Church in Lake Charles, La. Their four children are: Cynthia Ann Sullivan and husband James of Lake Charles; Bruce A. Guillory and wife Lisa of Longview,

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Texas; Dr. Dale Guillory and wife Missy of Crossville; and Lisa M. Bailey of Houston. The Guillorys have 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

They retired from the U.S. Army and moved to the Glade in August 2010.

Mr. Guillory enjoys woodworking and reading, while Mrs. Guillory’s hobbies are painting and gardening. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Calendar

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is holding its first Fall Family Jam from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm, 9111 Hunter Valley Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922. The event, which benefits Catholic Charities’ children’s services, features performances by local bands, food and drinks, lawn games, children’s activities, square dancing, TVs for viewing the afternoon’s football games, a silent auction, and more. For tickets or more information, visit goo. gl/fmqsQd. The annual Celebrate Life Banquet, sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Seating starts at 6 p.m. The featured speaker is Shauna Prewitt. Cost is $50 per person. Make reservations at 865689-1339 or trlknox@trlknox.com.

The 27th annual Crossville Oktoberfest is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21, rain or shine, on the Knights of Columbus grounds at 2892 Highway 70 East in Crossville. The event, sponsored by Knights Council 8152, includes authentic German food such as pork or chicken schnitzel, knackwurst, bratwurst, weisswurst, spaetzle, sauerkraut, red cabbage, and for dessert German chocolate cake and cheesecake; imported and domestic beer; continuous live music; and dancing. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The traditional tapping of the keg will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Friday. Admission is $6 in advance or $7.50 at the gate. Advance tickets may be purchased in the area from both Cancun Mexican Restaurant locations, Sears of Crossville, Best One Tire & Auto, The Lace Place and Chocolate Emporium, Romo’s Mexican Restaurant, Crossville Heating & Cooling, Physicians’ Associates, and Star Realty. Children under 14 are admitted free. Adult meals are $10 and kids’ meals (hot dog, chips, and dessert) are $5. Visit www.CrossvilleOktoberfest. com for more information.

The fall bazaar and bake sale at Holy Family Church in Seymour is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 14; and from 9 a.m. to noon (after Masses) Sunday, Oct. 15. This year at the bazaar there will be a raffle of a colorful queen quilt, “Sky Dancer.” The event features activities for all ages as well as new and different items. For more information, call Anita Miller at 865712-8252. The church is at 307 Black Oak Ridge Road, Seymour, TN 37865.

The 15th annual St. Joseph School Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Friday, Oct. 20, at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville. Lunch and registration will be held at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at noon.

Format is a four-man scramble. Special prizes will be awarded to winners of all three flights, longest-drive holes, closest-to-the-pin holes, and a putting contest. Each golfer will receive a commemorative outerwear item, and many door prizes will be given out at the awards ceremony after the tourney. A second meal for golfers will be catered afterward as well. Costs are $125 per golfer and $250 for a hole sponsor or memorial sponsor. Print golfer registration and sponsor forms at www.sjsknox.org. Contact Howie Sompayrac at 865-804-8977 or hsompayrac@sjsknox.org to sign up to golf, become a sponsor, or donate a door prize.

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

Catholic Charities is hosting a new event, the 360 Degrees of Hope Luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Westin Chattanooga. The event aims to share the mission, purpose, and impact of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee in the community.

The guest speaker will be Jim Haslam, founder of Pilot Corp. Proceeds will support the Chattanooga programs of CCETN. To learn more or make a reservation, contact Betty Anne at 423826-0668 or bettyanne@ccetn.org.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

The diocesan Pastoral Juvenil Ministry will be hosting a soccer tournament for young adults over 18. Get together teams of five or more for a five-on-five tournament. The tourney will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the All Saints Church soccer field (620 N. Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 37923). Winners will receive a prize.

Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent in order to play. Registration is not necessary. For more information, contact Erica Pereira at 865-584-3307, extension 5768, or at epereira@dioknox.org.

Knights present checks to Bishop Stika totaling more than $10,000 The Knights of Columbus presented two checks to Bishop Richard F. Stika on Aug. 30. One check is for the bishop’s burse fund and totaled $7,200, while the other check is for the seminarian fund in the amount of $3,400. From left with the bishop are Hank McCormick, field agent; Tracy Staller, state deputy; and Fred Laufenberg, state treasurer.

The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic is holding a new volunteer orientation Tuesday, Oct. 17. To volunteer as a medical or general (non-medical) volunteer, visit www.StMaryclinic.org to fill out a volunteer application. For more information, call the clinic office at 865-212-5570.

Bishop Richard F. Stika is again celebrating bilingual Masses throughout the diocese to honor the sacrament of matrimony. The Diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment has planned something special for all couples married in the Catholic Church and their families. Two more churches will host a Mass and luncheon honoring married couples. Couples will have an opportunity to reaffirm their vows and receive a blessing. Commemorative certificates will be distributed at the luncheon, and a photo of each couple with Bishop Stika will be taken and mailed to the couple’s home. Remaining Masses for 201718 are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 (register by Thursday, Nov. 2), at Holy Spirit Church, 10768 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 (register

by Thursday, Feb. 1), at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 W. Vine Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902. Space is limited in both of these locations, so register right away. To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-892-2310.

CHI Memorial Foundation’s 13th annual Pink! Gala is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Dr. Taylor and Tiffany Whaley and Dr. Tom and Susan Flanagan will co-chair the foundation’s signature black-tie event. This year’s theme is “A Night on Old Havana.”

Proceeds from Pink! are used to ensure the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial has the latest equipment available and provides the highest quality care available to women in need. Sponsorships are now available ranging from $3,500 to $50,000.

Remaining tickets will go on sale Dec. 1. The gala features cocktails, a four-course dinner, and dancing with music by Party on the Moon. Pink! is a celebration of life for breast cancer patients and survivors that has raised $3.4 million since 2006 to ensure the community has access to the most advanced breast cancer treatments available. Visit www.memorial.org/pink, e-mail foundation@memorial.org, or call 423-495-4438 for more information.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate a diocesan-wide adult confirmation Mass at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2018, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Any adult (18 and over) who has received the sacraments of baptism, penance, and first Communion but who has not been confirmed may receive the sacrament on this date. Those interested in being confirmed should contact their own parish.

For more information, visit dioknox.org/ offices-ministries/christian-formation/ adult-confirmation-2.

The diocesan Office of Marriage PrepCalendar continued on page B6

DAN MCWILLIAMS

The Catholic Chatt Young Adult Group is presenting the first Young Adult Catholic Conference from 3:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Mill, 1601 Gulf St, Chattanooga, TN 37408.

The event will include a 5 p.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika as well as a buffet-style dinner and guest artist/speaker Connor Flanagan.

The night will end with a social cocktail hour. Tickets are $50 for individuals and $80 for couples and may be purchased at www.catholicchatt.org.

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 39 are welcome. Call Robert Spangler at 805-233-0860 for more information.

Lenoir City Knights honor parish youth Young people were among the honorees July 18 as Knights of Columbus Father John Savoca Council 12633 from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City held its annual recognition dinner. Youth were presented certificates for their commitment either as altar servers or to the youth group over the past year.

Above, Jennifer Gonzalez displays her certificate with outgoing Grand Knight Don Hoyle and St. Thomas pastor Father Doug Owens.

Parish notes continued from page B4 gently used toys for a prize pool.

The Knights of Columbus sponsored its first Putt-Putt Tournament on Sept. 17, benefiting Brother’s Keeper.

The Martha and Mary ministry held its annual family picnic Sept. 10 at Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport.

The Home and School Association sponsored a flea market Aug. 26 at St. Dominic School.

St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton Parishioners collected $3,250 this year in the annual Baby Bottle campaign, conducted from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. That brings the parish’s Baby Bottle contributions over the last 10 years to more than $28,000. Money from the campaign benefits Abortion Alternatives and Women’s Center/TLC in Elizabethton. The center provides crisis pregnancy and parenting services, including the “purchase” of usable baby items with “Mommy Money” or “Daddy Dollars” at the “Mommy Mart,” earned by clients who meet the center’s requirements.

The center also operates a mobile-van summer food program, which targets local children who do not receive daily food when school is not in session.

The IC women’s group craft fair is coming after all Masses on Nov. 11 and 12 and features a number of vendors with gifts for the holidays. All of the booth space has been reserved.

The parish congratulated Ladies of Charity executive director and IC parishioner Susan Unbehaun for being named a YWCA Tribute to Women finalist.

In preparation for the May 2018 celebration of the 50th anniversary of ordination of former IC pastor Father Jim Haley, CSP, the parish is trying to gather videos of him. Parishioners may be recorded on video sharing stories of their encounters with Father Haley or giving a message from their family to him. To participate, contact Mark Reda at majreda@gmail.com or 865-919-0078.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa Catholic War Veterans Post 1973 will host its annual Octoberfest on Oct. 13.

Tickets are available in the church office.

The parish family picnic will follow the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 22. The event includes hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Knights of Columbus, yard games, bingo, and kids prizes.

St. Patrick, Morristown The parish’s Trunk or Treat will take place Wednesday, Oct. 25.

The Council of Catholic Women held a kickoff social and meeting Sept. 19 in the parish center to announce plans and events for 2017-18.

St. Patrick’s annual Fall Festival on Oct. 1 featured food, games, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

Smoky Mountain Deanery Immaculate Conception, Knoxville IC’s annual Haiti Fest is set for Friday, Oct. 13, and features a Haitian meal, music, and silent and live auctions. If you have a new or gently used item for the auctions, call Carol O’Farrell at 865-691-7392. To volunteer set help set up or clean up, call Cathy Wade at 8036249. To help with food preparation, call Viviane Manigat-Jackson at 679-0070.

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A prayer service for family members, friends, and co-workers who have fallen away from the Church, seeking the intercession of St. Monica, was held Sept. 17.

The Doug Hill Memorial Golf Outing, presented by the Knights of Columbus, took place Sept. 8 at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. Proceeds benefited local KofC charities.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville Tickets are being sold after Masses for SJTW Italian Dining Out, an evening of food and music from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in the church hall. The event is sponsored by the women of the parish. Contact Jan Aleksa at dovidad@tds.net.

An evening of reflection for men of the parish took place Sept. 14. The event consisted of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, and a presentation by pastor Father John Orr. n OCTOBER 1, 2017 n B5

All Saints Parish hosts diocese’s sixth Ministries Day

T

he diocese held its sixth Ministries Day on Aug. 19 at All Saints Church in Knoxville, and more than 200 people took part in a morning and an afternoon of workshops on the Catholic faith.

The event was open to all who share the 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 were offered, including a Spanish track.

“This year we had a great lineup of presenters and topics,” said Father Richard Armstrong, assistant director of the diocesan Office of Christian Formation, the Ministries Day sponsor. “The feedback that we have received has been very positive. Based upon the comments, I would say this was the most successful Ministries Day to date.”

Thirty-one parishes registered for Ministries Day, with 248 people in attendance, including presenters.

The theme for 2017 was “Missionary Disciples for the New Evangelization.” Previous themes were

“Sharing Gifts in Faith” (2011); “Answering Our Baptismal Call” (2012); “The New Evangelization: Forming Disciples of Jesus Christ” (2014); “Families Together in Christ” (2015); and “Merciful like the Father” (2016). There was no Ministries Day in 2013 because of the Eucharistic Congress.

This year’s workshops included a two-hour afternoon session on “Catechist Orientation,” led by Jason Gale, director of the Catechist Formation Program at Aquinas College.

Father Michael Sweeney presented two one-hour workshops on “Apologetics.” Father Sweeney is the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harriman, St. Ann Parish in Lancing, and St. Christopher Parish in Jamestown.

Additional one-hour English workshops and presenters were: n “The Almost Christian Formation of Teens,” Deacon Thomas Franklin of Notre Dame in Greeneville; n “Alpha Program,” Deacon Dave Pecot of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City; n “The Best Our Christian Authors Have to Offer,” Deacon David Lucheon of All Saints in Knoxville; n “Cross Catholic Outreach/Box

Deacon leads workshop Deacon David Lucheon discusses “The Best Our Christian Authors Have to Offer.”

Calendar continued from page B5 aration and Enrichment is sponsoring “Date Nights” for couples of all ages and stages of marriage. Join other married couples for a presentation and then leave as an individual couple with discussion questions to guide your conversation over dinner, during a walk, while visiting at a park, or wherever you choose. Inexpensive child care is available, too.

Couples may attend one or all of the following Saturday nights (listed with the night’s theme) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut: Oct. 14 (“Living the Liturgical Year through Seasons, Saints, and Celebrations of the Church”); Nov. 4 (“Protecting the Foundation of Grace with Prayer, Devotions, and Sacramentals”); or Dec. 2 (“Navigating the Holy Days as a Couple”). To register for “Date Nights” and/or to sign up for child care, contact Marian Christiana (coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment) at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-892-2310.

The diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment will offer free one-day divorce healing seminars from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City (contact Pam or Tim Geoghegan at neatlib@gmail.com or timmyg620@ gmail.com); Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport (contact Paul Vachon at paul@ammatn. com); and Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville (contact Sara Carey at sara@stalonline. org). This seminar, presented by Deacon Walt Otey, is an overview of the Journey of Hope program based on the book “Divorced. Catholic. Now What?” Attendees will view a DVD presentation, “The Voices of Hope,” and participate in discussion to lead them through the struggles of divorce. Lunch will be provided. Books will be available for sale. Purchase not required for seminar. Child care is available for a fee.

The St. Joseph Fall Festival, benefiting the Catholic School Calendar campaign, returns from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the festival, which features a barbecue competition among the area KofC councils. There will be games, treats, prizes, food, and live music during the day.

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is currently accepting applications. Visit www.myndhs.com to apply online. An open house is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, and an admissions test (required for all rising ninth-graders) is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 4. Call Laura Goodhard at 423-624- 4618, extension 1004, with any questions.

The next Picture of Love engaged couples retreat B6 n OCTOBER 1, 2017

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

More than 200 participate in a day of workshops on the Catholic faith featuring ‘a great lineup of presenters and topics’

Full class Father Michael Sweeney leads a workshop on “Apologetics” at Ministries Day. of Joy,” June Lawrence; n “The Familial Approach to Evangelization and Discipleship,” Jason Gale; n “Evangelizing the Domestic Church,” Bob Hunt; n “The Corporal Works of Mercy: Practical Ways to Live Out God’s Call for Mercy,” Deacon Scott Maentz of Holy Ghost in Knoxville; n “Evangelization 2,000 Years Later: The Mission and Its Challenges,” Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, director of the Office of Christian Formation; n “Evangelizing Utilizing Technology,” Jim Wogan, director of communications for the Diocese of Knoxville; n “Evangelizing Ourselves, From Good To Better,” Deacon Bill Jacobs of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa; n “Forming Teen Disciples,” Deacon Al Forsythe, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Knoxville; n “Handmaids of the Precious Blood,” Jimmy Dee and Gisela Chaparro; n “Hands-On Help for Cat-

is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 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 Marriage Encounter weekend in Spanish is set for Dec. 2-3. For more information, call Agustin or Vero Ortega at 865-406-8297, or Fermin or Anita Cabrera at 423-619-3658.

Join Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, and others on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the shrines of Mexico from April 9-18, 2018. Pilgrims will have Mass and pray the rosary every day.

Among the sites visited will be the Cathedral of Guadalajara; the Shrine of San Toribio Romo, martyr and patron of immigrants; San Juan de los Lagos, site of many miracles; Cristo Rey and the city of Guanjuanto; Queretaro, where Father Junípero Serra began his missionary activity; and Mexico City and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. St. John Paul II, patron of the Diocese of Knoxville, visited most of these sites in his eight journeys to Mexico. All-inclusive package, air and land, is $1,990. For more information, contact Lisa Morris, group pilgrimage coordinator for Select International Tours, at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

A World Meeting of Families pilgrimage to Ireland with Father Mike Nolan is set for Aug. 20-Sept.

1, 2018. Reserve a place at the meeting at www. worldmeeting2018.ie. For information on the pilgrimage, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org or Lisa Morris at 865-5671245 or lccte@bellsouth.net.

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.

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 Oct. 22 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be www.di o k no x .o rg

echists,” Arlene Webb; n “Introduction to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd,” Becky Frye; n “Mercy and End of Life Decisions,” Paul Simoneau, vice chancellor for administration and director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Knoxville; n “Missionary Discipleship: Local Action for a Global Impact,” Deacon Brian Edwards of St. Edward in Nashville; n “Sacred Icons: Learning to See as God Sees,” Father Richard Armstrong; n “We Are Called to Bear Much Fruit,” Brittany Koepke, Hispanic youth and young adult minister for the Diocese of Knoxville; and n “You Had Me at Hello! Hospitality as the Gateway to Evangelization,” Marian Christiana, coordinator of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment.

Hispanic workshops were presented by Father Julián Cardona, Esteban González, Lilian Isaac, and Alicia Mora. n

celebrated for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost. As Oct. 22 is also the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, patron of the Diocese of Knoxville, a plenary indulgence may be granted, under the usual conditions, to visitors of the basilica. On Nov. 26 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for the Last Sunday after Pentecost. Following these Masses, all are invited to the basilica potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga offers morning prayer after the 7 a.m. Mass on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga offers adoration every first Friday following the noon Mass, concluding with Benediction at 5:30 p.m., sung by the Jubilate Deo Youth Schola. Adoration continues from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., with songs and prayers through the night led by the Hispanic community. All are invited.

The Chattanooga Bach Choir, with Voci Virili Men’s Consort and Voice of Reason Women’s Ensemble, present Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Admission is $20 (free to students with valid ID). A historical tour of the basilica will be held at 6:30 p.m. Reception to follow in Varallo Parish Hall. Visit the Basilica’s Facebook page or chattanoogabachchoir.org for more information.

The Gloria Dei Schola will sing “Highlights of the Liturgical Year” at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. Potluck reception to follow in Varallo Parish Hall. A nursery will be available. Admission is free. Donations to support sacred music concerts at the basilica will be accepted. Visit stspeterandpaulbasilica.com for more information.

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; at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. 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 each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

It ain’t over til it’s over Yogi Berra was right when it comes to sports…and life; it’s never too late to come back

I

’ve been a sports fan, more like a sports nut, I guess, from my youngest days, though I’m not entirely sure how or why. I know it’s not genetic because my dad could have cared less and my mom only went to watch “her baby.”

I’m guessing a major contributing factor was the competitive culture of the neighborhood in which I grew up, with our afternoons of backyard kickball and wiffle ball, the summer evenings of kick-the-can and blind-man’s-bluff.

All of that was mixed with the dreams of being what was never to be but still fun to play anyway.

From when I was 9, my folks sacrificed much to allow me to play on baseball, football, and basketball teams, though I showed no promise in any of them.

I’ve also been forever grateful that they let me begin to participate when I got around to it and not on their time frame.

Since it’s currently college football season, I’ll confess I’m a bit of a junkie. Notre Dame is my team, and our Saturday living room is where we tailgate. Our girls knew the Victory March long before they could recite the alphabet or “go potty” on their own.

But it’s more than that; I stay up on the various league standings, I can discuss conference realignment, and I know most of the pros and cons of the new playoff system.

I’m a jock at heart, but sadly, nowhere else in my body.

This year, as the first few weeks of

the season have unfolded, I’ve been amazed at the unusual number of teams with come-from-way-behind victories.

Teams have been down 15, 20, 25 points or more, with time dwindling off the clock, but they’ve played on, apparently unfazed. And remarkably, they have overcome lotterytype odds to prevail anyway.

For the true “fan” (short for fanatic), it’s a real rush when your favorite team manages what only moments before you were convinced was impossible.

But beware, such comebacks don’t only happen for your team – but also to it – as they have to our team on more than one occasion. Dancing around our television one moment, cursing it the next.

If I knew how to conduct a formal psychological study, these backfrom-the-dead moments would seem the perfect lens through which to analyze what motivates some competitors to not only persevere, but also to reverse their field, especially when events don’t look all that promising.

Why is it that some teams cave in the presence of adversity? And why are others blind to how adverse their circumstances really are?

When the odds and gods stack up to predict failure, did they find it more difficult to overcome the other team or the state of mind within their own?

Physics aside, is there really such a thing as momentum? Does it change? Does it swing? Can you

Marriage Enrichment

Still, if the Lord keeps a scoreboard for souls, I think I’m behind a little.

Or a lot? How about you? There’s still a person out there I’ve hated much too deeply and far too long. I’m faithful to Sunday Mass, but I don’t study Scripture nearly enough. I spent too much time at work and not nearly enough with a wife who missed me and my children who are now grown and gone. get it back? Can you give it away?

Why do some continue the struggle, and why do others just quit?

But more importantly, this study should extend beyond teams and games and fun on the field.

We’ve all seen these same sorts of come-from-behind scenarios occur on other highly publicized stages, as well as in the privacy of every living room in every home. Not to mention at our jobs and deep within our souls.

In short, some people come back and some don’t.

How is it that some disaster victims recover from losing their all while others remain emotionally crippled, unable to imagine what can someday be again?

Why do some marriages return from the brink to be better than ever while others melt away — legally or otherwise? And why do some addicts arise from their virtual graves while others make a lifelong home there?

Those might be the miracle sorts of stories. But not all are so dramatic. In fact, for most of us, our marriages are good, and our addictions won’t kill us.

More often than not, it’s as simple as trying to understand why some students bounce back from lousy

grades while others are convinced that’s all they’ll ever do – or be.

Why do some of us finally shed that excess weight after years of the battle? Or finally defeat the smoking demon we first met as teenagers?

Big things, little things, it’s amazing what some people can do.

And what some cannot.

Still, if the Lord keeps a scoreboard for souls, I think I’m behind a little. Or a lot? How about you?

There’s still a person out there I’ve hated much too deeply and far too long. I’m faithful to Sunday Mass, but I don’t study Scripture nearly enough. I spent too much time at work and not nearly enough with a wife who missed me and my children who are now grown and gone.

Is it ever too late to come back from these?

I’m guessing the one Great Scorekeeper would say, “Not as long as you’re still in the game.”

I need the clock to keep ticking.

Dear God – Keep us ever mindful that we cannot know the day nor the hour our most important game will end.

Amen. ■ George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

by Marian Christiana

Can you be a marital ‘first responder’?

A new program in the diocese will help sustain marriages by tapping into the power of support networks

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he Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is introducing what we think is an exciting new training program called “Marital First Responders.”

This program is developed by The Doherty Relationship Institute in Minnesota, and we hope that you will consider getting involved.

Marital First Responders training is a breakthrough way to help sustain marriages by tapping into the power of their support networks already in place. In other words, by tapping into the people who care the most about those married couples.

Chances are high that you are already involved in the work of being a marital first responder because your friends, family, and/or coworkers have opened up to you about their marriage. They have done this because they feel that you are trustworthy and safe.

Research from The Doherty Relationship Institute shows that 73 percent of adults have been confidants to someone’s marriage or long-term committed relationship at some point in their lives. The goal of this diocesan-wide training is to arm all of these natural confidants with the skills necessary to be more effective and feel more confident in dealing with the married people in their lives who naturally open up to them about marital problems or complaints. Once trained, the first responders will be better able to be intentional in their support of the marriages around them, and it is hoped help decrease the number of divorces one mar-

Each responder will be taught to be more intentional in conversations and to be more useful to the person who may be struggling in his or her marriage. Responders will learn to define, understand, and defend their personal boundaries. riage at a time.

Let’s face it, we can all be better listeners and advocates for marriage. I remember when I was in my 20s, my older sister called me to complain about my brother-in-law.

They had been married for 10 years at that point. Let’s just say that he had done something to seriously hurt my sister’s feelings. I love my sister and I was outraged! I called him a jerk! I told her to leave him!

I said that I didn’t want to see him again. Guess what? My sister did not follow my wonderful advice, and they stayed married for another 13 years. Sadly, they did eventually divorce but not for the reason that I was so indignant about all those years ago.

As a result of my immature response to my sister’s complaint, she never truly confided in me again.

As I was sitting through the Marital First Responders training I kept replaying that story in my mind and wishing that I had known then what I was learning now. Thankfully it is never too late to learn how to be a marital first responder!

Pope St. John Paul II said that “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” The people of the Diocese of Knoxville can help

stem the tide of broken marriages and hurting families by becoming a diocese full of trained marital first responders. Like it or not, we all have the power to help or hurt our friends and the marriages in which they might be struggling. Most of us are not professional counselors, and this training is not a replacement for that type of intervention. The Marital First Responders training focuses on the gifts that natural confidants already have: empathy and personal perspective. Pair those two characteristics with the ability to lovingly advise and share resources, and you have a recipe for a successful first responder.

Each responder will be taught to be more intentional in conversations and to be more useful to the person who may be struggling in his or her marriage. Responders will learn to define, understand, and defend their personal boundaries.

Defining and defending one’s own boundaries is a very important part of being a successful first responder.

By maintaining personal boundaries, the responder will be able to remove himself or herself from the middle of someone else’s marriage and feel more confident when steering someone toward professional help when they are stuck in a crisis that is beyond the confidant’s ability to help. This training is not about professional, paid conversations but the everyday, real conversations people are already having with each other. This training is a way to intentionally harness the power of those relationships already in place among

friends and family for the benefit of struggling marriages.

The training is fun as well as useful. Wouldn’t you like to be prepared to effectively enter into a conversation with a friend or family member who opens up to you about a tricky scenario that married couples sometimes find themselves in? Would you know what to say if your brother-in-law confides in you something negative about his marriage to your sister? Do you have a helpful answer ready when your adult child shares with you that he or she is thinking about getting a divorce? These are difficult and oftentimes troubling questions, but questions that need a response none the less.

If you think that you may not have the best answers to deal with these types of scenarios, then this type of training is for you. Together we will share interesting conversations about the inner workings of married life and how to best address problems when they arise.

The training sessions will be offered in 2018 throughout the diocese, so be on the lookout for dates and locations on the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment website and in your parish bulletin.

Join us in a marital first responder training, and we can build an entire diocese of marital first responders.

As the old saying goes, if we aren’t part of the solution then we are part of the problem. ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Bishop celebrating Masses through diocese to honor sacrament of matrimony

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ishop Richard F. Stika is again celebrating bilingual Masses throughout the diocese to honor the sacrament of matrimony.

The Diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment has planned something special for all couples married in the Catholic Church and their families. Two more churches will host a Mass and luncheon honoring married couples.

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Couples will have an opportunity to reaffirm their vows and receive a blessing. Commemorative certificates will be distributed at the luncheon, and a photo of each couple with Bishop Stika will be taken and mailed to the couple’s home.

Remaining Masses for 2017-18 are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 (register by Thursday, www.di o k no x .o rg

Nov. 2), at Holy Spirit Church, 10768 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 (register by Thursday, Feb. 1), at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 W. Vine Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902. Space is limited in both of these locations, so register right away.

To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-892-2310. ■ OCTOBER 1, 2017 n B7

Living the Readings

by Father Joseph Brando

Beginning at the end of the story An approach from the rear can prepare us for Advent

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hat we have here before you is an analysis of the next two months’ Sunday Mass readings. It starts at the 26th Sunday of the Church’s Ordinary Time (Oct. 1) and continues until the last Sunday of the ecclesial year at the feast of Christ the King on Nov. 26. This approach from the rear can help us to prepare our way to Advent, which will commence Dec. 3. We all know well that Advent prepares us for Christmas.

With this meditation we can bolster ourselves through the season in which the forces of commercialism and mercantilism continue their pursuit on diverting our mindset from our Lord and our growth toward unity with Him to purchasing as many costly presents as we can afford.

We set out on this quest with the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The New Testament reading contains one of Paul’s most beautiful passages, his “Philippian Hymn.” In it Paul tells us that Jesus was equal to God and could have done anything.

Rather than give extraordinary gifts, Jesus laid down his life to the Father for the sake of humanity. What a great way to prepare ourselves for Advent. Let’s work on giving our lives to God for the sake of our family members and for all of humanity, which are suffering from disasters both natural and manmade.

Then, we can go on to the Gospel where we can find Jesus telling us the parable of the two sons. Here, one son refused to work for his father and, later, changed his mind.

The other son declared he would work, but he did not go to work.

Jesus then asked his listeners and us “which of the two did his father’s will?” This season before Advent would be a good time for us to answer that question for ourselves.

Are we are doing the Father’s will?

We move on to the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time. There, the Scripture readings directly confront the attitude the world is trying to put into our hearts. The first reading has the prophet Isaiah compare Israel to a vineyard that God spent time and effort to make the cherished sign of His Kingdom. But the people of Israel made it into a land of sour grapes. They wanted to do as they pleased with their vineyard. What they should have done is practice justice and judgment in God’s vineyard. Their decisions brought bloodshed and outcry. Our choices will determine what we are giving God for his projects.

In the continuation of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, he writes us not to be anxious. That’s just what the TV commercials are attempting to do. They pressure us to desire expensive gifts. Rather, Paul admonishes us to be at peace now and abide in that state of thanksgiving throughout the gift-giving time.

The 28th Sunday of Ordinary

Weekday readings Sunday, Oct. 1: Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32 Monday, Oct. 2: Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102:2, 16-21, 29, 22-23; Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Tuesday, Oct. 3: Zechariah 8:20-23; Psalm 87:1-7; Luke 9:51-56 Wednesday, Oct. 4: Nehemiah 2:1-8; Psalm 137:1-6; Luke 9:57-62 Thursday, Oct. 5: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Psalm 19:8-11; Luke 10:1-12 Friday, Oct. 6: Baruch 1:15-22; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9; Luke 10:13-16 Saturday, Oct. 7: Baruch 4:5-12, 2729; Psalm 69:33-37; Luke 10:17-24 Sunday, Oct. 8: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm

Time turns our attention toward feasts. There are certainly a lot of Christmas parties now being scheduled to which we are likely to receive an invite. How do they fit in with our growth in Christ? In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies about feasts. His point is that we have choices about which “feasts” we should attend. Our answer is to choose those parties that exalt the Lord our God. There, we can truly rejoice that our Lord has come to save us.

The responsorial psalm teaches that we should attend the feast that is completely free of all fear, even though we walk in a dark valley and are in the sight of our foes. We should dine at the table the Lord sets for us. St. Paul backs up the psalmist by witnessing to the glorious riches that wait for us at Christ’s table.

The Gospel also features a feast.

This is the parable of the feast given by a king in honor of his son. The king, surprisingly, invited many who refused to come and evicted one who wore the wrong clothing.

This feast was meant to proclaim the son as heir to the king. Wearing the colors of an opposing contender would be to protest the marriage of the prince and his succession. I hope none of us would attend functions that do not recognize Christ as king.

We now continue on to the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time. There we should be amazed that Cyrus, leader of the Persians and Medes, is God’s chosen one. He freed the Israelites (in particular the people of Judea) from the Babylonian captivity. Probably, Cyrus didn’t know how high an office God gave him by releasing his people and returning them to Judea. Nevertheless, let the joy of the upcoming Christmas preparation be open to all. Perhaps many will be drawn to the Church by a proper exaltation of Christ, the Lord.

In today’s Gospel we get an early glimpse as to how the Pharisees ultimately responded to the presence of the Son of God coming to redeem them. They wanted to trick him into some statements that would ruin Jesus’ high reputation among the people. Their trap was to make Jesus have to choose between Caesar’s face on a coin and the Jewish prohibition of any coinage with peoples’ faces on them. It was idolatrous. Jesus’ answer was to indicate that once you take advantage of Roman wealth to build up Israel, then you’re stuck with accepting their coinage, faces and all. For us, this season, we need to ask who or what will benefit by the things we buy.

Is it the government, or some companies of questionable objectives, or other entities that strive to help make our world a better place?

The 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time falls on Oct. 29. The first reading from Exodus reminds us of a Christmas back in Victorian Eng80:9, 12-16, 19-20; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43 Monday, Oct. 9: Jonah 1:1-2:1-2 and 2:11; Jonah 2-3-5, 8; Luke 10:25-37 Tuesday, Oct. 10: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 130:1-4, 7-8; Luke 10:38-42 Wednesday, Oct. 11: Jonah 4:1-11; Psalm 86:3-6, 9-10; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, Oct. 12: Malachi 3:13-20; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, Oct. 13: Joel 1:13-15 and 2:1-2; Psalm 9:2-3, 6, 16, 8-9; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, Oct. 14: Joel 4:12-21; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Luke 11:27-28 Sunday, Oct. 15: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14

land. It encourages us to do good to widows and orphans, and to lend money to poor neighbors. God is exhorting His people to be compassionate. This is a good time to remake our lives into models of mercy. Paul spells out almost the same message to the Thessalonians. They “serve the living and true God… whom he raised from the dead, Jesus.” We should start to do likewise as the days of Advent draw near.

As we begin the month of November, the language of the Scripture readings grows stronger. Our holiday plans had better include improving our lives. Malachi ad-

the party. This goes to show us that wisdom looks not to the present but to the future and the alternatives it offers. It demands that we stay awake. Let’s stay awake as Christ draws near. He is the path to the joy this feast has in store for us.

The 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time gifts us with a course in patience. The first reading offers us the example of a worthy wife. She is constantly ready to rescue her household with the results of her many crafts. She doesn’t depend on charm or beauty. What gains her praise is serving others. Your Christmas plans may very well be all set,

The New Testament reading contains one of Paul’s most beautiful passages, his “Philippian Hymn.” In it Paul tells us that Jesus was equal to God and could have done anything. Rather than give extraordinary gifts, Jesus laid down his life to the Father for the sake of humanity. monishes us: “Has not the one God created us? Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?” Now is a great time for us to do as Malachi suggests. It would make December a much happier time than usual.

Paul shows the Thessalonians how to accomplish what Malachi ordered. Paul was gentle, yet he worked hard day and night caring for his children in the faith.

The final message is left to Jesus.

He encourages his listeners to be humble; for, the greatest among you must be your servant. As we start now to practice humility, pray we reach that goal before Advent and enjoy the real meaning of Christ’s birth.

We now enter November. Nov. 5 is the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

With the feasts of Thanksgiving and Christmas on our horizon, we need to develop our personality so that we recognize that all humans have the same Father who created every one of us. All people are kin to us.

We should act accordingly. What Malachi taught us in the first reading, Paul continues to teach to the Thessalonians. He goes so far as to write, “We were gentle among you as a nursing mother cares for her children.” Would that all human beings were that close! Especially with Christmas drawing near. In the Gospel, Jesus himself proclaims to his future church that all members are brothers and sisters. Thus, the greatest among us must be your servant. With Christmas within sight the most important item on our gift list is our own life made gentle into a figure of the baby Jesus.

On the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Scripture readings begin with the Book of Wisdom. It teaches that wisdom is the perfection of prudence. That is, when confronted with two extremes, wisdom directs us to the midpoint where both alternatives meet. There we can proclaim the best of both worlds.

The Gospel sets up a wedding party of bridesmaids who carried ceremonial lamps for the coming of the wedding party. The five wise ones brought extra candles. The five foolish ones did not. Accordingly, the foolish did not gain entrance to

but making a list and checking it twice would be what the wise person would do.

Paul has the same advice to the Thessalonians about the last day: be alert and sober and stay in the daylight. That attitude is true wisdom and will allow us to be ready to enter the Kingdom.

It also highlights the Gospel reading, which presents the parable of a man giving a large amount of money to each of three servants.

The one who did nothing gained nothing. He was afraid of the future. The one most rewarded at the master’s return was the one who realized his master was proactive in his handling of money. So, he copied him and doubled his money. He was assured that he would succeed.

He probably had alternate plans if the first plan started to fail. He was praised for being good and faithful.

He was also wise, assured, sober, and alert.

We have now come to the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Appropriately, the Church dedicated the day to Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In a way, it is the grand conclusion of Ordinary Time.

It answers the question: What will the end be like?

One answer comes out of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

He writes, “In Christ shall all be brought to life…Christ, the first fruits; then at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father.”

Another answer can be found in today’s Gospel. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels with him he will sit on his glorious throne and all the nations will be assembled before him.”

Then, he will separate them into two groups much like the wise and foolish bridesmaids. The separating factor was whether they practiced the works of mercy.

Let’s see if, by this Christmas season, we can manage to develop the wisdom to live our lives in such a manner we can look forward to the Last Day with true joy. n

Monday, Oct. 16: Romans 1:1-7; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 17: Romans 1:16-25; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 18: 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9 Thursday, Oct. 19: Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130:1-6; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, Oct. 20: Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 21: Romans 4:13, 1618; Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43; Luke 12:8-12 Sunday, Oct. 22: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21 Monday, Oct. 23: Romans 4:20-25; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 12:13-21 Tuesday, Oct. 24: Romans 5:12,

15, 17-21; Psalm 40:7-10, 17; Luke 12:35-38 Wednesday, Oct. 25: Romans 6:1218; Psalm 124:1-8; Luke 12:39-48 Thursday, Oct. 26: Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; 12:49-53 Friday, Oct. 27: Romans 7:18-25; Psalm 119:66, 68, 76-77, 93-94; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 28: Ephesians 2:1922; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 6:12-16 Sunday, Oct. 29: Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40 Monday, Oct. 30: Romans 8:1217; Psalm 68:2, 4, 6-7, 20-21; Luke 13:10-17 Tuesday, Oct. 31: Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 126:1-6; Luke 13:18-21 n

Father Brando is retired from the active priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Catholic Charities holding first Fall Family Jam on Nov. 11

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atholic Charities of East Tennessee is holding its first Fall Family Jam from 1 to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Stables at

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Hunter Valley Farm, 9111 Hunter Valley Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922.

The event, which benefits Catholic Charities’ children’s services, fea-

tures performances by local bands, food and drinks, lawn games, children’s activities, square dancing, TVs for viewing the afternoon’s

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football games, a silent auction, and more.

For tickets or more information, visit goo.gl/fmqsQd. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

KCHS Memory Project creates portraits for disadvantaged children This past spring, Knoxville Catholic High School’s Portfolio Honors class participated in the Memory Project, an initiative where student artists create portraits for children around the world who have been neglected, disadvantaged, or orphaned.

The goal is to provide young people with special memories to capture a piece of their childhood and to view themselves as works of art. This year, the students created portraits for children in Congo (previous years were Madagascar, Cambodia, and Thailand). Pictured from left are Cameron Evans-Trammell, Anna Crutchfield, Maggie Mock, Josie Boder, and Wynne Spence.

KCHS announces National Merit Semifinalists In October of last year more than 1.6 million students in more than 22,000 high schools took the PSAT. The PSAT serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Competition. Out of the 1.6 million students who took the test, only 16,000 have qualified as finalists. In the entire state of Tennessee, only 340 students were named as finalists. Knoxville Catholic High School recently announced its National Merit Semifinalists (from left): Josie Boder, Caroline Consoli, and Nathan Geist.

Young Adult Catholic Conference set for Nov. 11

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he Catholic Chatt Young Adult Group is presenting the first Young Adult Catholic Conference from 3:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, at The Mill, 1601 Gulf St, Chattanooga, TN 37408.

The event will include a 5 p.m.

Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika as well as a buffet-style

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

Catholic schools

Ready to teach Notre Dame’s new faculty members are (from left) Father Christopher Floersh, Jeff Jagodzinski, Martha Crownover, Jonathan Adams, and Father Adam Royal.

Notre Dame High School welcomes new faculty

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otre Dame High School in Chattanooga recently welcomed five new faculty members for the 2017-18 school year.

Father Christopher Floersh will serve as chaplain while teaching theology, tae kwon do, and service learning. He will also coordinate Notre Dame’s community-service program. Father Floersh is newly ordained, having completed seminary at St. Meinrad School of Theology.

Jeff Jagodzinski will teach wellness and serve as the offensive coordinator for the football team.

Mr. Jagodzinski comes to Notre Dame from Georgia State and has coached football at the college and professional level for the past 20 years. “Coach Jags” holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Martha Crownover comes to Notre Dame from Hixson High School and will teach Spanish.

Earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Uni-

versity of Alabama, she has more than 10 years’ experience teaching. Before her teaching career, she worked as a social worker in the foster care system.

Jonathan Adams joins Notre Dame as coordinator of student support services and head basketball coach. Before coming to Notre Dame, Mr. Adams coached and taught at McCallie and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He played basketball at Old Dominion University while earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He has also earned graduate degrees from UTC and Liberty University.

Father Adam Royal joins the Notre Dame faculty part time as a theology teacher. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Carnegie Mellon and a master’s in divinity from St. Meinrad School of Theology. When not at Notre Dame, Father Royal serves as the associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. n

dinner and guest artist/speaker Connor Flanagan. The night will end with a social cocktail hour Tickets are $50 for individuals and $80 for couples and may be purchased at www.catholicchatt. org. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 39 are welcome.

Call Robert Spangler at 805-2330860 for more information. n United States Postal Service Statement of ownership, management, and circulation Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685 1. Publication title: The East Tennessee Catholic 2. Publication number: 0007-211 3. Filing date: Sept. 26, 2017 4. Issue frequency: Bi-monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 6 6. Annual subscription price: $15 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, Knox County, TN 37919-7551 DR. KELLY KEARSE (2)

8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; editor, Bill Brewer, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; managing editor, Dan McWilliams, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 10. Owner: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: The East Tennessee Catholic 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Aug. 6, 2017 15. Extent and nature of circulation

Average number copies each

Number copies of single

issue during preceding 12 months

issue published nearest to filing date

A. Total number of copies (net press run)

21,425

21,050

B. (1) Mailed outside-county paid 20,546

20,188

(2) Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541

0

0

(3) Paid distribution outside the mails

0

0

(4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail

0

0

20,546

20,188

(1) Outside-county nonrequested copies on Form 3541

434

433

(2) In-county nonrequested copies on Form 3541

0

0

(3) Nonrequested copies mailed at other classes

0

0

(4) Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail

0

0

E. Total nonrequested distribution

434

433

F. Total distribution

20,980

20,621

G. Copies not distributed

445

429

H. Total

21,425

21,050

I. Percent paid

97.9

97.9

C. Total paid distribution D. Free or nominal rate distribution

KCHS football off to 4-3 start Knoxville Catholic High School football players (top photo) attempt to corral Brentwood Academy running back Tomario Pleasant in the Fighting Irish’s 50-14 loss to the Eagles on Sept. 22. After a 49-24 win over Rhea County on Sept. 28, the Irish are 4-3 overall and 2-0 in Region 4-5A games as they gear up to make a playoff run. KCHS also owns wins of 56-24 over Baylor, 33-7 over Cleveland, and 49-48 over SoddyDaisy. In the bottom photo, Madison Webber cheers for the Fighting Irish during the Brentwood Academy game.

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16. Electronic copy circulation 17. Statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 1, 2017, issue of this publication.

18. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Bill Brewer, editor. Date: Sept. 26, 2017 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). www.di o k no x .o rg

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