Oct. 4, 2020, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Bishop announces new priest assignments Father Stice’s return to East Tennessee is among many moves affecting offices and parishes around the diocese

By Jim Wogan

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ishop Richard F. Stika has announced new pastoral assignments, with their effective dates later than usual due to the impact of COVID-19 on parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Randy Stice is returning to East Tennessee as director of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Knoxville effective Sept. 9 after serving a three-year term as associate director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Following his ordination to the priesthood in 2007, Father Stice served as a parochial vicar in two parishes. He was appointed director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy for the diocese in 2009 and also served as diocesan master of ceremonies from 2011 to 2013, and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Athens from 2013-17.

He joined the USCCB in July 2017, relocating to Washington, D.C. He continued to serve as diocesan director of Worship and Liturgy with assistance from Father Joe Reed.

The Secretariat of Divine Worship carries out work for the USCCB in areas relating to the preparation and approval of liturgical books and texts in the United States. It also provides leadership in liturgical formation and sacramental catechesis and serves as a resource for bishops and diocesan liturgical commissions and offices of worship seeking advice.

Bishop Stika also announced that longtime diocesan priest Father Tom Moser has retired from active priestly ministry.

Father Moser will be in residence and serving as weekday minister at St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Copperhill effective Sept. 9. He served as pastor of St. Catherine Labouré from 2014 to 2019, when he was appointed associate pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. Prior to that, he was associate pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland.

Father Moser was born in St. Paul, Minn., and studied at the University of Minnesota before graduating from Loyola College in Balti-

Fr. Stice

Fr. Moser

Fr. Daniels

Fr. Blatchford

Fr. Moreno

Fr. Carter

Fr. Iurochkin

Fr. Waraksa

Fr. Cano

Fr. Collins

Fr. Floersh

Fr. Hendershott

more. He also studied at Quincy College in Illinois, the Franciscan Institute, and St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. He studied for the priesthood at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., before his 1994 priestly ordination by Knoxville’s founding bishop at St. Leo Church in St Paul.

Father Moser has served in several assignments for the Diocese of Knoxville, including as associate pastor or pastor in locations ranging from South Pittsburg to Kingsport and from Chattanooga to Fairfield Glade.

Father Jerry Daniels, pastor of St. Catherine Labouré, also will serve as resident chaplain at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton effective Sept. 9. Father Daniels previously has served as parochial administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend.

Father Colin Blatchford, associate pastor of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, has been named associate director of Courage International, a Roman Catholic apostolate for men and women who experience same-sex attractions that is based in Trumbull, Conn. The appointment is for a five-year term that began Sept. 8.

Father Blatchford, who was ordained to the priesthood in May 2014, also has served as sacramental minister to the University of

Tennessee-Chattanooga Catholic Center and previously served as associate pastor at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

Father Moisés Moreno, associate pastor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga, has been assigned to the basilica as associate pastor effective Sept. 9.

Father Moreno was ordained by Bishop Stika in November 2010 in his Central Mexico hometown. His first assignment was at St. Jude.

Father David Carter, pastor of the basilica, has been reappointed to that ministerial post for a six-year term effective Sept. 1. Father Carter has served as the basilica’s pastor since July 2014, when he succeeded Monsignor George Schmidt.

Father Carter, a canon lawyer, also was appointed earlier this year

by Bishop Stika to lead the new Tribunal of the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Valentin Iurochkin, IVE, a Russian priest who joined the Diocese of Knoxville in October 2019 and has been in residence at the basilica, has been appointed associate pastor of the basilica and chaplain at the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga Neumann Center effective Sept. 9.

Father Iurochkin is originally from East Russia and studied for the priesthood in Italy. The new associate priest speaks five languages: Russian, English, Spanish, Italian,

and Chinese, and has performed two livestreamed piano concerts for the diocese from the basilica since his arrival.

Father Alex Waraksa, who has been serving as an assisting priest and coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in the Five Rivers Deanery and has been in residence at Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City, has been named associate pastor at St. Jude effective Sept. 9.

Father Waraksa, who was the first priest ordained in the Diocese of Knoxville in May 1990, also has served as the National Spiritual Advisor for the Cursillo Movement in the United States.

Father Andrés Cano, who has been serving as associate pastor at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa, has been appointed coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in the Five Rivers Deanery and as sacramental minister to the Handmaids of the Precious Blood contemplative community at their Cor Jesu Monastery in New Market effective Sept. 9.

Father Cano is a native of Colombia who was ordained to the priesthood in his home country in 2009. His previous assignments have included serving as an associate pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg, as pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge, as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Cathedral Priest assignments continued on page B2

Church marries young couple to settle immigration issue

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n Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rule on foreign students in the country nearly forced a Holy Ghost parishioner to return to Hong Kong, separating him from his fiancée, but the Catholic Church intervened by marrying the young couple so that the groom could remain in America.

Felix Yu, a Middle Tennessee State University student on a visa from Hong Kong, and Genevieve Hunt were originally scheduled to be married Dec. 19, but on July 6 the U.S. government announced that students who because of COVID-19 are scheduled for only online classes would not be able to stay in the United States. Mr. Yu would have to return to Hong Kong and apply for a change in status to return to the United States.

Tense relations between the United States and China as well as the political situation in Hong Kong likely would have made it difficult for Mr. Yu to return to America.

“Governments should not be using good people as pawns in their political game,” posted Bob Hunt, the

bride’s father, on Facebook.

Mr. Yu and Miss Hunt consulted an immigration attorney, who recommended they get married sooner rather than later, Mr. Hunt posted.

That way, Mr. Yu would be allowed to stay in the United States while he applies for his green card rather than having to return to Hong Kong to do so.

Father Bill McNeeley, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish, agreed to speed up the marriage process, and a wedding date was set for July 23. But in the meantime, President Trump— with his government facing eight federal lawsuits and opposition from hundreds of universities—rescinded the ICE policy. The wedding, however, proceeded as planned. After consultation with the immigration attorney, the couple was urged to “get married sooner rather than later, given the unpredictable nature of this administration’s immigration policy,” Mr. Hunt posted.

Mr. Yu explained his dilemma.

“We have been planning our December wedding since November Marriage continued on page B2

By Dan McWilliams

COURTESY OF FELIX YU

Felix Yu can remain in America instead of going back to Hong Kong after wedding at Holy Ghost

‘I wanted Felix to be in my life forever’ Genevieve and Felix Yu pose with the bride’s family after their wedding July 23 at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. From left are parents Bob and Margaret Hunt and younger sister Felicity Hunt.

Priest assignments continued from page B1

and St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, and chaplain to the Hispanic community of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville.

Father Dustin Collins, parochial administrator of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City since 2019, has been named pastor of St. Mary effective Sept. 9. Father Collins also has been working with the Latin Mass community in Johnson City.

Father Collins previously has served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa and St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. A native of Greeneville, Father Collins was the 40th priest ordained for the diocese in 2012.

Father Christopher Floersh has been named diocesan director of vocations and chaplain of Knoxville Catholic High School effective July 1. Father Floersh has served as parttime associate pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut and also as co-vocation director for the diocese.

Following his 2017 ordination to the priesthood, Father Floersh was assigned as chaplain at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga and part-time parochial vicar at St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga.

Father Michael Hendershott has been appointed a full-time associate pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville effective July 1. He will continue to coordinate the Latin Mass community at Holy Ghost.

Father Hendershott, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2015, has been serving as part-time associate pastor of Holy Ghost and coordinator of the Latin Mass community there. He also served as chaplain and on the faculty at Knoxville Catholic High School. Previously, he was an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral and associate vocations director for the Diocese of Knoxville.

Father Adam Kane has been appointed associate pastor of Holy Ghost effective Oct. 1. He was serving as temporary parochial administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette, Christ the King Parish in Tazewell, and St. Jude Parish in Helenwood until Oct. 1.

Father Kane, who was ordained to the priesthood in 2014, has served as an associate pastor at All Saints Parish and at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Father Sam Sturm will be the new pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette, Christ the King Parish, and St. Jude Parish in Helenwood effective Oct. 1.

Changes announced for marriage, youth offices

Fr. Kane

Fr. Sturm

Fr. O’Connell

Fr. Vick

Fr. Torres

Fr. Garcia

Fr. Mejia

Fr. Hernandez

Fr. Griffith

Fr. Sescon

Fr. Velez-Cardona

Fr. Franco

Father Sturm, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1999, has served as pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton since July 2007.

Father Thomas O’Connell will serve as sacramental minister at St. Jude Church Parish in Helenwood.

He began that ministry Sept. 9. Father O’Connell is retired from active priestly ministry. He has served as pastor of Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission in Knoxville and sacramental minister at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery.

Father Jim Vick has been named pastor of St. Bridget beginning Oct. 1. Previously, Father Vick served as pastor of St. Bridget from 2005 to 2009 and has been coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for the Chattanooga Deanery. In 2009, he was named pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga, and prior to that he led St. Mary Parish in Athens and also served as associate pastor of OLPH in Chattanooga.

Father Vick, a former dentist in private practice, was ordained to the priesthood in 1999.

Father Arthur Torres, who has served as associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus since his 2013 ordination to the priesthood, has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga effective Oct. 1.

Father Torres also has served as deanery coordinator for vocations and master of ceremonies for diocesan Masses and as moderator of the Hispanic Marriage Encounter Ecclesial Movement.

In his new role, Father Torres also will be the pastoral leader of Our

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eacon Al Forsythe, who has been the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, has been named the diocesan director of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment as well

Lady of Perpetual Help School.

Father Jhon Mario Garcia, a priest of the Congregation of the Mission, Lazarists, Vincentians who joined the Diocese of Knoxville earlier this year, has been named associate pastor at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus effective July 1.

And Father Jorge Mejia, also a priest of the Congregation of the Mission, Lazarists, Vincentians who joined the Diocese of Knoxville earlier this year, has been named associate pastor of All Saints Parish in Knoxville effective July 13.

Father Alexander Hernandez, who was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 29 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, has been named associate pastor at All Saints Parish effective Sept. 9.

Father Zachary Griffith, who also was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 29 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, is the new associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga as of Sept. 9.

Father Alberto Sescon is the new chaplain of Ascension Living Alexian Village in Signal Mountain effective Sept. 9. Father Sescon has been pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in LaFollette, St. Jude Parish in Helenwood, and Christ the King Parish in Tazewell since 2018.

Previously, Father Sescon served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade from 2014 to 2018, He was incardinated into the Diocese of Knoxville in July 2016 after serving in the Archdiocese of Detroit for eight years. Father Sescon, who was ordained a priest in June 1986 in Cebu City in the Philippines, also has ministered to

as the program and development manager for the Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Brittany Garcia succeeds Deacon Forsythe as the director of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil

the Diocese of Knoxville’s Filipino Catholic community.

Father Sescon has previously served as parochial administrator and pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and as a chaplain at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Father Miguel Vélez-Cardona, who has served as associate pastor of All Saints Parish since 2015, has been appointed parochial vicar of St. Patrick Church in Morristown effective Sept. 9.

Father Vélez-Cardona also has been the diocesan moderator of the Charismatic Movements for Hispanics. He was ordained in June 2008 at Our Lady of Carmel Church in Pereira, Colombia. He began seminary training in Colombia and completed his training at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois.

There will be change in pastoral leadership at Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville later this year.

Father Ron Franco, CSP, is returning to the Paulist motherhouse in his Native New York City at the end of 2020. He will continue in his role as vice postulator of the cause for canonization of Servant of God Isaac Hecker, founder of the Paulist Fathers.

Father Franco, who has served as pastor of Immaculate Conception since August 2010, is a New York City native who was ordained a priest in October 1995.

For the Diocese of Knoxville, Father Franco has served as dean of the Smoky Mountain Deanery and on the diocesan Presbyteral Council.

He previously served as associate pastor of the Paulists’ mother church, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York City. n

Ministry. The appointments took effect July 1. Deacon Forsythe and wife Debbie have been married 33 years, and Mrs. Garcia and husband Pedro have been married for two and a half years. n

Dcn. Forsythe

Mrs. Garcia

2019; however, we got bad news on July 6 from the government saying all F1 international students will have to take in-person classes for fall semester 2020,” he said. “My school, MTSU, does not offer any in-person classes for my major, information systems, so I would have to either change my major or transfer to another school. Neither option would work for me since I am a graduate student, because changing to another program needs to get all the approvals from the other departments, and there would be a high chance of my not being accepted because I had never taken any classes related to those majors, and most of the schools had passed their deadline for fallsemester acceptance, so changing school would never work out.

“Since we had no option other than going back to my country, Hong Kong, we would have to leave within a month. But because of the uncertain situation in Hong Kong and the U.S. embassy being closed due to COVID-19, I basically could not come back anytime soon. That means I would have to leave my love for at least six months and postpone the wedding.”

That’s when Father McNeeley, who leads the North Knoxville parish, stepped in.

“Felix and Genevieve came to me earlier this year to prepare a wedding date for the month of December,” the pastor said. “We started the premarital inventory and got paperwork on baptisms and sacraments. They completed almost everything, including the marriage-preparation retreat.

Then several weeks ago the Trump administration announced the interpretation that anyone studying online would have to return to their home B2 n OCTOBER 4, 2020

COURTESY OF FELIX YU

Marriage continued from page B1

You may now kiss the bride Genevieve and Felix Yu kiss outside Holy Ghost Church following their wedding. since you don’t have to be in the United States to study online. Felix and Genevieve asked me what they should do, and I told them I would be willing to move up the wedding date.

“About the time they consulted an immigration attorney, the administration reversed the ruling.

The attorney said to go ahead with the wedding, w ww.di o k no x .o rg

for if the administration changes, it’s fine again.

Felix and Genevieve are a lovely couple, and I was honored to officiate at their wedding.”

The wedding was small and private, attended only by the bride’s parents, Bob and Margaret Hunt; the bride’s younger sister, Felicity; the maid of honor and best man; and a handful of others, including family of Father McNeeley. Mr. Yu’s family watched the ceremony live via cellphone.

The new Mrs. Yu, Genevieve, said that “when we first found out about it, my first thought was feeling very sad that Felix would be taken away from me and his safety, because of all the craziness happening in Hong Kong.

“But when we found the option to get married sooner, I felt more relieved,” she said. “Because I knew I wanted Felix to be in my life forever and that Felix is the only man that I love, and I haven’t loved anyone as deep. I know this is all God’s plan. When we were officially married, I was happy and felt that we were going to be safe and that God had us safely in his arms. My trust in God has become stronger from the experience.”

The couple had planned to still have a December ceremony, which would be a renewal of vows, but because of COVID are postponing the event until next winter.

The bride’s mother, Mrs. Hunt, said that “Felix’s situation was certainly scary for him because he really had no choice whether his classes would be online or not due to COVID, so the announcement from ICE was frustrating at the time.

“ICE pretty quickly reversed their decision, so it’s not really an issue anymore. I would Marriage continued on page B8 TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C ATH OLI C

By Bill Brewer

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Proclaim the Word Permanent diaconate candidate Rafael Pubillones kneels before Bishop Richard F. Stika, who presided at the Institution of Lectors on Sept. 27 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. every generation, to every person who reads or listens, with a prayer that those words, in a transformative way, jump off the page into the mind and into the heart of those who proclaim, and those who listen.

“My brothers, as you make this formal step, God willing in a few years to be ordained to the diaconate, I urge you more and more every day to let the Scriptures transform your life,” Bishop Stika said. “Don’t just show up and say, ‘Hey, what is the reading today?’ The people in the pews will know if you believe those words. The power of words.

The Word made Flesh. And He made His dwelling place among us.”

Assisting Bishop Stika during the Mass were Deacon Patrick MurphyRacey and Deacon Fredy Vargas.

The 25 candidates for the permanent diaconate are David Anderson, Shawn Ballard, James Bello, Peter Chiaro, Humberto Collazo, Kenneth Conklin, Roberto Cortes, Eric Dadey, Gianfranco DellaSantina, Robert Denne, Leon Dodd Jr., David Duhamel, Wade Eckler, Michael Gray, Jim Haselsteiner, Joseph Herman, Robert Hunt, Vic Landa, Gregory Larson, Patrick Nakagawa, Augustin Ortega, Rafael Pubillones, Chad Shields, Salvador Soriano, and David Venesky.

The 48 permanent deacons serving in 27 parishes across the diocese are involved in a variety of ministries and activities, including law enforcement, prisons, food banks, minority outreach, hospital chaplaincy, hospice, home-bound visitations, and education. n

DAN MCWILLIAMS (6)

he Diocese of Knoxville’s newest class of permanent deacons has taken a key step closer to ordination as they now can serve as lectors proclaiming the Word of God. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the Rite of the Institution of Lectors for the 25 candidates for the permanent diaconate on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

As lectors, the deacon candidates promise to live out and share the message of Scripture. An instituted lector is charged with proclaiming the readings from the sacred Scriptures (except for the Gospel), announcing the intentions in the Prayer of the Faithful (in the absence of a deacon), and reciting or singing the responsorial psalm if there is no cantor.

Distinct from the typical parish reader, these men will exercise this ministry in a permanent way. The Institution of Lectors is one of the formal steps to being ordained to the permanent diaconate. The current deacon class will be ordained in June 2022.

Deacon Tim Elliott, director of the Diaconate and Deacon Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville, presented the class to Bishop Stika during the Mass.

“My dear bishop, beginning in August of 2016, 30 men began the journey to this day by beginning a period of informal inquiry. Formal course work began in September of 2017. Since that time, these men have spent their time in diligent study, prayer, and reflection, including over 600 hours of in-classroom formation. Last October, you of-

ficially admitted 25 men who came to receive holy orders. Today, having reflected on their formation, the following men are asking to be instituted as lectors,” Deacon Elliott said.

Deacon Elliott called each man by name, and each one responded by standing and saying “present.”

Bishop Stika told the candidates that the ritual to institute lectors is very simple, yet very profound.

“In the name of the entire Church of Knoxville, 70,000-plus, I say thank you for your word ‘present,’” the bishop said. “The profound word you stated, ‘present,’ means that all the energy behind these last couple of years has brought you to this moment in the Church,” Bishop Stika said.

The bishop congratulated the men and expressed gratitude on behalf of the diocese and its members, then reminded them that “it ain’t over yet.”

In his homily, Bishop Stika pointed out that Scripture tells us the Word became Flesh. He remarked that many in the congregation have at some time read at Mass. But he went further and distinguished between reading and proclaiming the Word of God. “There’s a difference between reading and proclaiming. In many ways, to proclaim also means to live, to believe in the words you are speaking. When we read at Mass, we proclaim, we teach, we share. As you take another step toward, God willing, ordination to the diaconate, I would urge you to never be caught off guard as you prepare to read.

People are there to listen, to allow those words to change their lives,” the bishop said.

He said the Scriptures talk to

BILL BREWER

Deacon candidates another step closer to ordination

Drive-through farewell to Father Torres The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus family said goodbye to Father Arthur Torres as dozens of drivers and passengers bid farewell to the associate pastor Sept. 26 at the cathedral front steps. Father Torres, who has served at the cathedral since his 2013 ordination, became pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga on Oct. 1 (see priest-assignment story that begins on page B1).

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

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OCTOBER 4, 2020 n B3

Parish notes St. Jude, Chattanooga On Monday, Nov. 2, at approximately 7:45 p.m., St. Jude will have a special All Souls Day memorial procession to remember loved ones who have died.

The procession path will be lined with luminaries. Those who would like a luminary especially made and personalized for their loved one should fill out and return a form in the bulletin or in the church vestibule (deadline: Wednesday, Oct. 30). The St. Jude youth group will be constructing the luminaries, which are $5 each.

St. Jude School invites shoppers at Food City and Publix to use their purchases to support the school. Visit foodcity.com/schoolbucks or publix. com/partners for more information.

St. Jude holds a patriotic rosary on the first Saturday of the month at 2:30 p.m.

After more than 20 years of service, Sharon Moss is stepping down as the parish’s eucharistic adoration coordinator.

St. Mary, Athens The church will accept donations to the Fall Festival Fund, as the festival has been canceled. If every family could donate about $218, that would replace the lost revenue from canceling the festival. As part of the fundraising efforts in place of the festival, St. Mary is holding a drawing for a handmade quilt Dec. 1. For a $20 donation, one’s name can be entered in a drawing. Donations for the quilt will be accepted through November.

The parish thanked landscapers Ed Fiegle and Annette DuChemin for their work at the rectory and thanked lawn mowers Thomas Fortsch Jr. Kenneth Mirabella, James Cornwall, and Bob Whitaker.

First communicants: Sophia Gossett, Angelic Pantoja, Giovanni Montealegre, Milisa Gonzalez, Victor Tinajero Jr., Rafael Arroyo Jr.

of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award is given each year to members of the parish who exemplify the theological virtue of charity in imitation of the heroic witness of Father Ryan.

The basilica has upgraded its parish website, stspeterandpaulbasilica. com, to the new eCatholic platform as part of the diocesan communications initiative to spruce up the online “front door” of every parish. Everyone is invited to explore the information, media, and opportunities that are posted on the new website.

A virtual rosary was held Oct. 7, on the feast of Our Lady of Lepanto, to bring Catholic American Heritage Girls of the parish and other troops across the country together in prayer with their communities.

How can a Catholic exercise faithful citizenship in the midst of this unprecedented year of pandemic frustration, political tension, and national elections? Father Carter will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, to discuss Catholics and the elections. It will be a Zoom meeting, live-streamed from his office at the basilica. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and comments for him to address. The faithful are invited to explore the new Catholic Social Teaching page at stspeterandpaulbasilica.com that consolidates many of the Church’s timeless social teachings, as well as current articles that one can study as he or she prepares to vote in this election and participate in society in general. A link to join the Zoom meeting will be provided on the basilica’s website.

The meeting will also be livestreamed for the public on the basilica’s Facebook page, accessible via the Watch Live link on its website.

NANCY POWELL (4)

Chattanooga Deanery

New statue of Mary dedicated at St. Stephen Church St. Stephen pastor Father Manuel Pérez on Aug. 15 consecrated the new Mary statue and framed print to all the families of St. Stephen Parish and to the Diocese of Knoxville. The service was attended by many parishioners and an honor guard from Knights of Columbus Assembly 3250. The parish thanks everyone who supported it financially and spiritually. The statue replaces an earlier one that was vandalized on the weekend of July 11. Below are Father Pérez, Deacon Gary Brinkworth (center), and sacristan Bill Walsh. At bottom are (from left) Victor Williams, Steve Horten, John Chenkus, and Kevin Olley.

The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Jouvet, Haydn, and Holst at the basilica at 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4, and at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. More information and tickets will be available soon at chattanoogasymphony.org.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery St. Stephen, Chattanooga St. Therese, Clinton The parish congratulated 2020 St. Stephen Woman of the Year Cecile Grubb.

St. Stephen has received a $5,000 grant from the Pope Francis Charitable Fund. The parish will match the grant. The total of $10,000 will then be earmarked to assist people who have been affected by COVID-19. Those in need may give their request to Father Manuel Pérez or send it to COVID relief, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

The Knights of Columbus’ 30thanniversary memorial charity golf tournament was held Sept. 12 and remembered deceased Knights Ralph Gilbreath, Greg Rittgers, George Vaughan, Louis Nogodula, Jim Gavlenski, and Casimir Wanczyk. Proceeds benefited the Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund and other charitable causes.

Parishioners are taking part in the Choices Resource Center 2-mile Walk for Life at Melton Hill Lake Marina at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. There is a free T-shirt for those collecting $200 in pledges. The parish asks that supporters sponsor Jean Chiaro of St. Therese by signing up on the church bulletin board. Visit www.choicesresource.com to register or sponsor a walker.

St. Therese members prayed a novena to St. Therese in the nine days leading up to the parish patron’s feast day Oct. 1.

The parish thanked Olivia Kuhens and the hospitality committee for its snack buffet “goodies to go” for First Weekend Fellowship on Aug. 8-9.

Five Rivers Deanery Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

Knights Council 6099 elected new officers for 2020-21. They include David Flowers, Grand Knight; Jim Polizzi, deputy Grand Knight; Corky Evers, chancellor; Steve Horten, recorder; and Victor Williams, treasurer.

The Knights held a blood drive and food drive July 30.

Anniversaries: Iqbal and Manilla Singh (66), John and Rosemary Laliberte (58), Lawrence and Sandy Schnur (57), Rolando and Carmelita Ordonez (53), Jim and Sue Berros (52), Michael and Wanda Williams (52), Ron and Oliva Andrews (51), Ron and Myrtle Englert (51), Jim and Ann Simms (51) Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga On Sept. 27, Father David Carter named two 2020 recipients of the Servant of God, Father Patrick Ryan Award, the annual charitable service award in the basilica parish. Adam Foster and Guadalupe Morales received the honor this year. The Servant B4 n OCTOBER 4, 2020

Holy Trinity’s bi-annual rummage sale is set for Oct. 30 and 31. Items may be dropped off at the church beginning Oct. 25.

New officers for Knights of Columbus Council 12838 are Joe Fromme, Grand Knight; Dave Orzechowski, deputy Grand Knight; Bob Rave, chancellor; Greg Foreman, secretary; Erik Perry, treasurer; Joe Braschler, recorder; Ralph Holt, warden; Chris Weatherbie, lecturer; Jim Ferndandez, advocate; Bob Root, inside guard; and Bill Jurkonie, outside guard. The board of trustees is composed of Gene Dunn, Joe Frinzi, and Martin Witberg. The chaplain is Father Patrick Resen, and the assistant chaplain is Deacon Jack Raymond.

The 21st year of Appalachian Outreach was a great success. Holy Trinity had 46 volunteers come together July 13-17 for a week of work to either help those who cannot afford home repairs or are Parish notes continued on page B5 w ww.di o k no x .o rg

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

NOTE: Because of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous events around the diocese have been canceled or postponed. The events below were still scheduled to take place as of press time; however, those planning to attend/participate should contact the event organizers or visit their websites to make sure the event will be held.

The Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Schools Raffle is under way. The raffle offers 16 cash prizes totaling $27,000: two $5,000 prizes, two $2,500 prizes, and 12 $1,000 prizes.

Cost is $10 per ticket. Enter online at dioknox.org/2020-catholic-schoolsraffle/, or visit any one of the diocesan schools’ websites to enter there. A total of $6.50 of each ticket stays at the individual school. The remaining proceeds, after expenses, go toward the regional Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Fund. All winners will be notified by phone and in writing after the drawing Jan. 11. Tickets are available through Dec. 29.

The 2020 Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention, originally set for Oct. 22-24, has been canceled. Information on the 2021 convention at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 10-12 may be found at kdccw.org/ conventions.html.

MARVELous, the Diocese of Knoxville Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry’s first virtual middle school camp, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. The free camp features games that include a “superhero scavenger hunt,” inspiration by “super saints,” talks by teens and adults, stargazing, and eucharistic adoration. Search “Catholic youth” on Eventbrite to register. For more information, contact Brittany Garcia at 865776-9635 or bgarcia@dioknox.org.

The next Worldwide Marriage En-

counter weekends are set for Oct. 23-25 and Nov. 13-15. These will be virtual events, so there is no overnight stay in a hotel. Apply online at GATNwwme.org or call 678-242-WWME. Also, WWME has a focused program for couples with a spouse in the military. Information can be found at www. foryourmilitarymarriage.com.

The next Retrouvaille program, designed to help couples rebuild their marriages, is scheduled for March 5-7 in Nashville. Virtual programs are scheduled before that date. Call 800470-2230 or 615-523-0631, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit www.

HelpOurMarriage.com.

The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga has a new Mass schedule, with the recent addition of a 7 a.m. Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, spoken) and an 11:30 a.m. Sunday extraordinary-form Mass (Latin, sung). Also on the schedule are a 5:30 p.m. Saturday vigil (English ordinary form, spoken); a 9 a.m.

Sunday Mass (English ordinary form, sung); a 1:30 p.m. Sunday Mass in Spanish (ordinary form, sung); 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken); and noon Monday through Friday Masses (English ordinary form, spoken). Morning prayer takes place at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Latin Vespers are held at 5 p.m. daily (6:30 p.m. Saturday). Confessions are heard 30 minutes before each Mass (except 7 a.m.). Adoration is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on first Fridays and Lenten Fridays. For more information, visit www.stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/ mass-times.

St. Francis-Fairfield Glade is ‘Sharing Christ’ through evangelization effort

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he eagerly-awaited “Sharing Christ” experience is occurring at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade through October.

For its opening session, Sister Maria Juan Anderson, RSM, new director of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville, joined the group.

This evangelization process, developed by ChristLife in Baltimore, is changing lives and transforming parishes. So far, St. Francis has had nearly 100 people go through “Discovering,” “Following,” or “Sharing Christ.”

“Sharing Christ” focuses on personal or friendship evangelization, sharing a relationship with Jesus in daily encounters with others. Kathy

Maynard, the layperson leading this endeavor, said, “The course encourages openness to sharing one’s relationship with Jesus and the Good News we have experienced in our daily encounters with others.”

St. Francis pastor Father Michael Woods said, “The connection between greatly increased Mass attendance and participation in new and old ministries has a lot to do with the ‘Discovering Christ’/’Following Christ’/’Sharing Christ’ experience. Folks are taking the time to share their individual faith stories and Christ’s great commission, ‘Go out and make disciples’ (Matthew 28:18). We’re learning how to become missionary disciples by helping others discover, follow, and share Jesus Christ.” n

COURTESY OF KATHY MAYNARD (2)

Calendar

Organizing quartet ChristLife “Sharing Christ” organizers (from left) Pat Bryant, Carol Lamb, Michelle Adcock, and Kathy Maynard are pictured.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday at St. Mary Church in JohnCalendar continued on page B8

Parish notes continued from page B4

The parish congratulated Deacon Matt Pidgeon on the 17th anniversary of his ordination Sept. 13.

Anniversaries: Bill and Mary Lou Jenkins (62), Ed and Peggy Kertis (61), Ron and Linda Henry (60), Gary and Joan Colclasure (56), Earl and Marilyn Blankenship (52), Greg and Brenda Foreman (51), Bob and Jackie Crupi (50), Thomas and Mary Harmes (50), Dennis and Bonita Wolke (50), Frank and Diane Longo (45), Greg and Polly Freund (40), Joseph and Eileen Hatrick (40), Bob and Carol Root (40), David and Anne Orzechowski (35), Deacon Jim and Cheryl Prosak (25), Dorsey and Laura Brown (10) First communicants: Andrew Amed Bedoya, Cesar Amed Bedoya, Kiara Barone, Nicole Bryja, Alex Galvan-Rios, Martin Galvan-Rios III, Ricky GalvanRios, Samuel Holt, Megan Potts, Mac Richards, Allison Santiago, Aislinn Sarec Cuevas Notre Dame, Greeneville The Council of Catholic Women recently elected new officers: Elaine Plestch, president; Andrea Plestch, vice president; Linda Johnson, secretary; and Denise Brown, treasurer.

Anniversaries: Russell and Marilyn Bailey (68), Eugene and Ruth DuBois (65), Larry and Donna Coughlin (57), Ed and Linda Harrington (52), Bob and Cynthia Straub (52), Mick and Mary Maggert (50), Michael and Jennifer Hollowell (35), Ronnie and Tess Villarta (35), Ray and Susan Jones (30) Baptism: Elaine Marie Cave TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

Those wanting a chuckle should visit bit.ly/deloresbakesbread or search nursebertuso on YouTube to watch parish nurse Delores Bertuso make pecan bread. The video was made for St. Dominic School students, but anyone can watch along and cook if he or she wishes.

Group shot “Sharing Christ” participants at St. Francis of Assisi Parish have already completed two other ChristLife seven-week sessions, “Discovering Christ” and “Following Christ,” which are prerequisites for attending “Sharing Christ.”

Anyone with a laptop or an iPad that could be used to stream Mass for a homebound parishioner is asked to donate it to the parish. Call Delores Bertuso at 423-288-8101, extension 118.

Knights of Columbus Council 6992 began hosting a monthly virtual rosary program at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Those interested should contact David Austin at austindrtx@gmail.com for the link.

Pastor Father Michael Cummins went on sabbatical Aug. 17 in honor of his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination.

He is posting reflections on his blog, the Alternate Path (www.thealternatepath.org). Father Cummins will return to the parish Nov. 13.

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

Since they could not hold their regular Tootsie Roll Drive in front of Walmart because of COVID-19, the Knights asked parishioners to help the cause with donations before or after Masses on the weekends of Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4.

St. Dominic, Kingsport

Holy Trinity parishioners hold ‘baby shower’ for at-risk unborn children On Aug. 19, Father Patrick Resen and parishioners of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City presented donations to Cathy Gleason (third from left, front row), executive director of LOC Resources, a local pregnancy assistance center. For a number of years, Holy Trinity has participated in a Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn program, whereby parishioners pledge to pray each day for nine months for a baby, unknown to them, who is in danger of abortion. At the end of the nine months, a “baby shower” is held to collect baby items and cash donations for LOC Resources. Ms. Gleason thanked Holy Trinity parishioners for their cash donations totaling $947 and for their gifts.

Anniversary: Ray and Ann Vachon (50) Confirmandi: Johanna Barajas, Joseph Michael Bellino, Aly Bogni; Nathan Browning, Neil Burke, Brayan Ceba, Emery Corpstein, Ruth Diaz, Mitchel Drinnen, Porter Frew, Mark Galvez, Jimena Garcia, Thomas Geisman, Richelly Lorenzo-Guzman, Vincent Manna, Ryan Moncla, Graciela Mondragon, Claire Mooney, Andrew Reilly, Elizabeth Stanic, Shelby Vinning, Jack White, Luis Zaragoza

Smoky Mountain Deanery Holy Ghost, Knoxville The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a public rosary starting at noon Saturday, Oct. 10, in front of the church.

For more information, call John Hill at 865-963-5260.

Parish notes continued on page B7

BILL BREWER

physically unable, or to feed the teams of all denominations who came to Appalachian Outreach to help those in need.

Annual Blue Mass celebrated at cathedral Father Martin Gladysz, associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and a chaplain with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, celebrated the annual diocesan Blue Mass on Sept. 27 to honor and pray for first responders and their safety. Assisting Father Gladysz was Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey (left), a chaplain with the KCSO and the Knoxville Police Department. Also pictured are Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler (third from right); Butch Bryant (right) of the KCSO; and Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Christian Gomez with his wife, Perla, and children, Emilia and Oliver. The Gomezes are parishioners of Sacred Heart.

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OCTOBER 4, 2020 n B5

COURTESY OF FATHER JULIUS ABUH (4)

Parish and community news

NANCY POWELL (2)

Sixteen confirmed at St. Joseph the Worker Church Father Julius Abuh, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville, administered the sacrament of confirmation to 16 candidates July 25, including (below) Tomas Martinez.

Honorarium for pregnancy center Fleur de Lis honoree Victor Williams is pictured with Carol Ann Ferguson of Choices Pregnancy Help Center and Grand Chancellor Gerard Thomas.

Monsignor Joseph E. Susi Award recipient Honoree Victor Williams (third from left) stands with (from left) C. Michael Horten, Rev. Frank Carabello, Grand Chancellor Gerard Thomas, Deacon Paul Nelson, and Commander Raleigh E. Cooper.

St. Stephen parishioner receives honor from the Order of the Fleur de Lis

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he Order of the Fleur de Lis is an organization of Catholic men incorporated under the laws of the state of Louisiana as a not-for-profit organization, and it recently honored a parishioner of St. Stephen in Chattanooga. The order’s domain is a five-state region consisting of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

The objectives of the order include: support and defend the holy Catholic Church and its teachings; promote patriotism and good citizenship, and encourage public morality and unselfish service to God and country; assist and publicize the activities of other organizations that also promote the above; and memorialize and popularize the memories and achievements of Catholic leaders in religion, the arts and sciences, philanthropy, education, exploration and archeology, government and international relations, medicine and jurisprudence, and other established professions.

The Order of the Fleur de Lis encourages and recognizes leadership in living the values and principles of the Catholic faith by presenting the Monsignor Joseph Susi Award of Honor to an individual who has excelled as a Catholic leader in any one of the following: religion, family values, youth, aging, politics, patriotism, the arts and sciences, education, philanthropy, public morality, managementlabor, the media, or medicine and B6 n OCTOBER 4, 2020

jurisprudence.

Some of the previous notable recipients of the award are: Archbishop Phillip Hannon, archbishop emeritus of New Orleans; Honorable Corinne Claiborne Boggs, former member of Congress and ambassador to the Holy See; and Dr. Norman C. Francis, president of Xavier University of New Orleans.

The 2020 Monsignor Joseph E. Susi Award of Honor was presented to Victor Williams of Chattanooga on Sept. 27 at St. Stephen Church. Mr. Williams was nominated by Knight Commander Raleigh E. Cooper III of Hixson.

Mr. Williams was one of seven nominees for the 2020 award. Mr. Williams’ nomination included his leadership in the Knights of Columbus, leading the effort to raise $15,000 for an ultrasound machine for Choices Pregnancy Help Center, and his ongoing service to St. Stephen Church. In addition to giving the award, the Order of the Fleur de Lis donates a $500 honorarium to a charity of Mr. Williams’ choice. Mr. Williams selected the Choices Pregnancy Help Center for the honorarium.

Order of the Fleur de Lis members from the Diocese of Knoxville include Cardinal Justin Rigali, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Father John Orr, diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith, Deacon Paul Nelson, Commander Michael Wills, Mr. Cooper, and C. Michael Horten. n w ww.di o k no x .o rg

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

COURTESY OF JOHN MANCZKO

Parish and community news

Knights of Columbus Savoca Council earns prestigious Star Council Award

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nights of Columbus Father John Savoca Council 12633 in Lenoir City was awarded the distinction of Star Council, the international organization’s top honor for local councils.

The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of growing membership, promoting Knights of Columbus insurance benefits, sponsoring Catholic faith formation programs, and volunteering time through service-oriented activities.

A few of the more notable accomplishments of Council 12633 included the Coats for Kids initiative

where 75 coats were gifted to Lenoir City Elementary students and 33 adult coats gifted to the Loudon VFW for homeless veterans; sponsoring two spiritual retreats; officiating the bocce ball competition at the 2019 Summer Special Olympics meet; and making multiple monetary and food donations to several food banks to support pandemiccreated needs.

Grand Knight Joe Filosi said that “through various fundraisers, our council was able to donate over $25,000 to 18 local charitable organizations this past year.” n

NANCY POWELL (2)

Star team The Council 12633 leadership team that earned the Star Council Award includes (from left) J.J. Wilder, District 17 warden; Lance Lyons, trustee; Father Ray Powell, chaplain; Quin Hostetler, financial secretary; Thomas May, chancellor; Patrick Noone, deputy Grand Knight; Joseph Filosi, Grand Knight; Ed Valente, treasurer; Russell Schutte, lecturer; William Twohig, District 17 deputy; and William Drish, warden.

St. Stephen celebrates confirmation and first Holy Communion St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga held its confirmation Mass celebration (top photo) Aug. 1. With COVID restrictions in place, the parish confirmed 25 candidates.

Father Manuel Pérez was the officiating priest, and Father Christopher Manning concelebrated. The parish religious-education coordinator is Karen Underwood, and the confirmation class instructor is Donna Snuggs. On Aug. 8, St. Stephen conducted its first Holy Communion Mass celebration with 19 communicants. Father Pérez was the officiating priest. The first Communion class instructors are Paula Zeh and Darci Zeh. Parish notes continued from page B5

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

The parish is decorating the side chapels dedicated to St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin. Holy Ghost thanked Paul and Andrea Carter of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa and Holy Ghost’s own Michael Wrinkle and John Hess for their efforts in the project.

Holy Ghost held a blood drive in honor of the late Frank Pickering on Sept. 17 in Henkel Hall.

Knights honorees Drs. Josefina and Bernardino Marcelo stand with Bill Hewitt (left), Stephen Derosia (right), and Father Bart Okere.

St. Henry Knights present family of the quarter award to Marcelos

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t. Henry Council 8860 of the Knights of Columbus in Rogersville honored the Marcelo family as family of the quarter July 26 after Mass at St. Henry Church.

Each quarter, the council recognizes a family for their tight-knit commitment, attendance at Mass, significant contribution to the parish and church community, and how they serve as a model for others.

The Marcelos arrived in the United States more than 60 years ago, and in 1989 relocated to Rogersville and practiced medicine with the Rural Health Consortium for approximately 20 years. Overall, they practiced medicine some 54 years since they came to the United States in 1957.

Drs. Bernardino and Josefina Marcelo have three children, Bernardino, Remedios, and Raymundo; and seven grandchildren, Megan, Brie, Cassandra, Domingo, Raymundo Jr, Morgan, and Angelo.

Dr. Josefina serves as the church cantor, and Dr. Bernardino is a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he has been active for more than 64 years. At 92, Dr. Bernardino is one of the council’s oldest brothers, and he supports virtually every event the council hosts. Dr. Josie served in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army as a medical doctor, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel and serving during both Desert Storm and Desert Shield. n

KDCCW Convention canceled

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he 2020 Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention, originally set for Oct. 22-24 in Morristown, has been canceled. Information on

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

the 2021 KDCCW convention at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 10-12 may be found at kdccw.org/conventions.html. n

The parish recently welcomed new Knights Jeff Baker, John Mondello, Robert Moneymaker, John Goedicke, Noah Mann, James Nevin, Casey O’Neal, and William Summers.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville In observance of the upcoming 25th anniversary of ordination for Father Ron Franco, CSP, the IC pastor invites everyone who is able to donate $25 or more to take part in the Father Ron’s 25th Anniversary Fund for a PostPandemic Parish Future. The fund is intended to help the parish stay on top of and pay for the various adaptations it will continue to have to make in response to the pandemic. Donations may be made online at icknoxville.weshareonline.org, through the mail (414, W. Vine Ave., Knoxville, TN 379021327), or in the offertory. If donating by mail or through the offertory, make checks out to Immaculate Conception Church and note “Anniversary Fund” on the donation.

The women’s group thanked all who participated in and donated to the Christ Child Baby Shower, held before and after all Masses on Aug. 15-16.

The group received many baby items and more than $950 in donations for the Ladies of Charity’s Layettes for Newborns-in-Need.

Confirmation students: Sarah Belland,

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Cooper May St. John, XXIII, Knoxville The newly formed St. John XXIII Men’s Club will be meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. on first Wednesdays. Watch for the Zoom link in Father Donald Andrie’s weekly e-mail, or contact Deacon Bob Ketteringham at bobbykett@outlook.com.

The Grad Students and Young Professionals Group does a Bible study on Zoom at 7 p.m. Sundays and various events throughout the year. Those interested in joining should contact Susannah Edwards at sedwar38@vols. utk.edu.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The Knights of Columbus extended a sincere thank-you to all who donated goods and participated in making their annual yard sale a success. The approximately $12,000 in sales was close to double what the Knights raised last year. These funds will go toward the many charities in Monroe County that the Knights support, such as coats and shoes for needy kids, Food for Families, assistance to those with intellectual disabilities, support for respect-life programs, and Catholic faith-in-action programs.

On Sept. 25, a memorial Mass was held for Brian Baldwin, former Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 15585. After Mass, pastor Father Julius Abuh blessed a memorial plaque that will be placed in Mr. Baldwin’s name at the base of the tree that was planted in his memory near the grotto. In addition to his serving as Grand Knight, Mr. Baldwin also served the parish for many years as chairman of the finance committee and as a regular reader for Sunday Mass. n OCTOBER 4, 2020 n B7

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

Mom long ago earned a Golden Ticket to heaven The columnist’s mother passes away, and she is remembered for her charitable works

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pologies are in order; I missed my last publication deadline. But it was kinda her fault in a way.

We were talking on the phone one day and she asked, “Hey George, I’ve got a question for you. Tell me the real story behind what I read in the news the other day about what happened at that school.”

“Mom, I don’t have a clue.”

“You’re lying, I know you know.”

“Seriously, sometimes I do know stuff but not this time.”

“I don’t believe a word you’re saying.”

“Well, that’s all I have for you.

You’re just gonna have to believe me.”

“Okay, I guess, but I know you know. You always know.”

That’s my mom. She called me a liar and that’s the last thing we ever said to one another.

We laughed about it then; I still laugh about it now. It’s a good final memory for me to have. Us laughing and teasing. I can live with that.

I just couldn’t make that week’s deadline.

Because when her aneurysm burst—the one none of us had a clue about—her own deadline got moved way up.

True, she was 87. Theoretically, that should be long enough, shouldn’t it? We certainly can’t complain about how long we had our mom. After all, my dad died at 37.

It’s just that we thought she’d live to be 100. She was healthy enough.

Or so we thought.

A sudden headache led to a sudden backache led to her calling her own ambulance. Unconscious shortly thereafter and described as “likely vegetative” if she survived,

we opted to let her go. “This might take a couple of hours,” the doctor said.

We all understood the “this” to which she referred. Except a couple of hours became a couple of days … more proof that the rest of her body was as healthy as we had imagined.

We chose the typical funeral home visitation, but it wasn’t the typical funeral home experience. Six feet and masks and no hugging, we understood the many who preferred to text or e-mail or send their wishes via Facebook. It made good sense in this world that’s not making much sense at all.

She never really got the grasp of Facebook herself, though each of us tried to teach her. She had about 11 “friends” in the world of social media. Turns out she had hundreds more in the world of true friendship.

And they came out of nowhere.

If you get to be a certain age, I suppose everyone envisions his or her own funeral. I have; she had.

She wanted Father Mike to sing a certain song at a certain time. We were grateful he could oblige.

But I doubt the rest of her vision resembled anything like what unfolded.

It was every bit as weird as the visitation. Family only, me and my family sitting here, my sisters and their families over there and over there and over there … spread out

all through the Church she loved and had brought us to in our younger years.

We were close enough to see each other mourn, just not close enough to do anything about it.

As the cards, calls, and kind wishes came in, I came to see a side of my mom I’d failed to fully appreciate.

The woman’s job required long hours until she was 80. And though she made our breakfast, lunch, and dinner and ironed our school uniforms every single school day, she was never the homeroom mom.

Never had an off day to drive on the field trip. Could never organize the classroom booth at the carnival.

So when she retired, she decided her free time was finally providing her a chance to pay back all those volunteer hours other moms had done for her children.

I mean who thinks that way? I’d have put my feet up.

Instead, she and both her feet jumped deep into the work of the Ladies of Charity and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, trying to serve the many in need. No homeroom parties exactly, but a lot of free sandwiches were handed out. No field trips either, but she made more than a few home visits. Feed a belly; pay a light bill.

And she finally got to help organize a festival to benefit the many whose needs were greater than hers.

When my sisters and I were gathered in her hospital room, the question got asked, “I wonder how many different people have shared a meal in mom’s house?”

If you were a friend of one of us, you were welcome to dine with all of us. She never once said, “… but

we don’t have enough.” We’ve even laughed about the need for name tags at some of our holiday dinners.

But the woman never flinched.

Through the years, each of us has taken a turn or two moving back in.

But we’re hardly the only ones who have slept there. That home has been in the family for some 70 years; it will be odd to think of someone else living there now. But I’m sure she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hers was always an open door.

I have believed for some time now that my mom had long ago earned for herself one of those Golden Tickets that gains you an immediate pass through the gates of glory.

Like most everyone else in the world, we think our mom’s the greatest. People have been kind enough to say the same.

In fact, in those few days right after she left us, my grief evolved into more of a guilt trip, 72 hours of hearing about and realizing how much she really had done for others.

But more importantly, I realized how much I need to amp up my own game if I hope to see her again.

Eighty-seven and making us look bad.

Too late to say it to her face, I promised her I’d be a better person.

I promised her I’d share more with those in need. I promised her I’d try to get there.

I don’t want her to call me a liar.

Dear God – We struggle to understand your idea of whose turn comes when. But if they get to be with you, no doubt they’re just fine with how things turned out. May we get to do the same.

Amen. ■

occasionally, explosive. As well, because of the trade wars between the U.S. and China, the origins of the coronavirus in China, and the attacks on civil liberties against the people of Hong Kong by the CCP, relations between the U.S. and China were especially strained. In fact, there was a ban on travel from China to the U.S. There were ample reasons to believe that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for Felix to return to Knoxville, as well as many reasons to conclude that Hong Kong was not the best place to be right now.”

Mr. Hunt received prayers and advice on the situation from friends on Facebook.

“Friends would PM (private message) me and sometimes even call if they had been in a similar situation with immigration services,” he said. “It became quickly obvious that Felix and Genevieve would need the services of an immigration attorney, and friends recommended names of attorneys they knew or whose services they had employed.

Happily, Felix had already worked with such an attorney in New Jersey. Felix contacted him, and they were able to set up an online appointment after only a couple of days. The recommendation from the immigration attorney was that Genevieve and Felix get married as soon as possible. That way, rather than having to return to Hong Kong and begin the process of applying for a green card from there, Felix would be able to remain in the United States and initiate the process here,” he said.

Because of the short notice and coronavirus restrictions, the wedding would be a small one. Two bridesmaids and Mr. Yu’s family would not be able to attend.

“However, those who were in Knoxville readily dedicated them-

selves to the work of making this happen,” Mr. Hunt said. “Genevieve’s bridesmaids who were in town chipped in and purchased a beautiful wedding dress for her.

It was silver and sparkly and on sale! She loved it, and she looked gorgeous in it. The photographer opened her calendar for them. Felix’s friend from college arranged for a cake. Most importantly, Father Bill McNeeley put the process for being married in the Church in hyper drive, so all the necessary paperwork and approvals were made ready. A date was set for Thursday, July 23.

“There is an old Chinese tradition that the groom’s family chooses the date for the wedding, based on dates that are good luck or bad luck for getting married. We had thought about Saturday, July 25, for the wedding, but that was a bad luck day. So, July 23 it would be.”

The wedding date “was a beautiful summer day,” Mr. Hunt said.

“Genevieve was stunning in her silver, sparkly wedding dress,” he said. “Her hair and that of her maid of honor was dolled up with lavender, her favorite flower, and they carried lavender bouquets.

Felix looked handsome in his tuxedo, and his best man looked sharp and charmed all the ladies. I felt so honored to escort my wonderful young lady down the aisle to the young man awaiting her at the altar.

“Felix is a good man. He is a man of great faith, of strong ambition, and he loves my little girl. The wedding itself was lovely. Genevieve’s mother, Margaret, and I were honored to proclaim the first and second readings. Father McNeeley preached well on the meaning and solemnity of the sacrament of matrimony. Then, the two ex-

changed vows, committing themselves before God and the Church that they would choose love for each other for the rest of their lives.

I learned afterward that Felix’s friend had arranged for his family to FaceTime the wedding from Hong Kong, so they were able to watch the whole thing and speak with us all afterward,” he added.

Mr. Hunt said he “couldn’t help but beam with pride.”

“What a joy to be there to watch these young people take such a momentous step,” he said. “My daughter and her fiancé had faced an enormously stressful situation and handled it with maturity and confidence that God would carry them through this and make it good by His grace. We had all responded with prayer and faith.

“Somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew it would work out.

God is good, and His grace can manage. We simply need to be open to that grace and respond as best we can when we discern His will moving in a particular direction. I was overjoyed to learn that my daughter and her young man knew this and were able to act on it. It will carry them through the many travails of life in this fastpaced and often unpredictable age.”

Mr. Yu is a graduate student at MTSU studying for a master of science in information systems. He obtained a bachelor of science in business administration in 2018.

Since ICE withdrew its decision, Mr. Yu can stay in the United States while studying. The visa situation is settled.

“I am in the process of applying for the green card,” he said.

“Even after I get the green card, it is going to be a long process to obtain U.S. citizenship, but I will do it in the future.” n

For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

(Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy every first, second, and fourth Sunday at 3 p.m.

All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-621-8499 or visit www.facebook.com/SaintThomasKnoxville/ for details. n

The woman’s job required long hours until she was 80. And though she made our breakfast, lunch, and dinner and ironed our school uniforms every single school day, she was never the homeroom mom.

Never had an off day to drive on the field trip.

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

Marriage continued from page B2

venture to guess that the vast majority of people here on student visas were here to work hard and eventually find gainful employment to support themselves and their families, so I’m not sure why they were put in danger of having to return to their home countries.

These aren’t the people who are causing trouble. That can’t be said for many native-born citizens of this country.”

Mrs. Hunt said she was “glad Felix and Genevieve were able to go ahead and get married and begin their lives together, and I’m proud of their efforts to work through this situation. It’s challenging enough to be newlyweds, so I’m glad they used this experience as something to unite them and grow together as a couple. As things stand now, Felix has submitted all the necessary information so that he can apply for a green card, and he’ll hopefully hear something by the end of this year or early next year.”

Mr. Hunt, who also is a columnist for The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper and a candidate for the Diocese of Knoxville’s permanent diaconate, said the family not only thought the new ICE rule was “unfair, since it’s hardly the fault of the foreign students that the world had been hit by a pandemic, but it would require that Genevieve and Felix suffer a prolonged separation.

More than that, since Felix is from Hong Kong, we were concerned that he would not be able to return by the December wedding date or, really, any time soon if at all.

“The Communist Party in China had been cracking down on civil liberties in Hong Kong for months, inspiring a series of protests by citizens. Relations between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Hong Kong were tense and, Calendar continued from page B5 son City; at 6 p.m. most Thursdays at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

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The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern

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Scripture and the Spiritual Life

by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM

The historical books and their authors The prophets contain passages full of hope and point to a future king, a Messiah

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he Pentateuch or Torah ends with the death of Moses and a bold statement about Israel’s religious future: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). With these words, the figure of Moses recedes, and the story of God and Israel moves into conquest of Canaan, the rise of the monarchy, and the eventual destruction of both the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. These stories are contained in the historical books and the prophetic literature of the Old Testament.

The section of the historical books tells these stories in a chronological sequence. Since the books have multiple authors, the styles and sometimes the intentions of the authors differ.

For example, the books of Joshua and Judges contain a strong theological interpretation of history. The events that happen are interpreted either as a blessing from God for Israel’s fidelity, or a curse and punishment for their infidelity. The books of 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings focus on the characters of Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon and the kings that follow them. Moral judgment about the characters of Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon is withheld, for the most part. The author lets the char-

Hear more from Sister Anna Marie on her podcast, Scripture and the Spiritual Life. acters develop as living men, and the reader is left to meditate on each person’s decisions and actions. Later on, however, the author’s theological and moral opinion is usually expressed in a phrase like this: “And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord more than all that were before him” (1 Kings 16:30).

These books do relay true historical events, albeit with a theological interpretation of that same history.

The authors examine the history of Israel and Judah with an eye to their adherence to the covenant and their worship of the one true God. Their covenant relationship with God ought to influence their day-to-day lives, from the greatest king to the lowliest peasant. It also influences how their history as a nation unfolds.

This understanding of history tied to covenant fidelity explains why the Jewish division of the Old Testament places both the historical books and the prophetic literature under the category “prophets.” Both are looking at the events of history and trying to understand it in relation to God. They do this in different ways.

Unlike the historical books, the prophets do not record the events of the kingdoms in any particular

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful

order. Instead, they offer words of warning, admonition, consolation, and oracles about the historical experience. One way of reading the prophets is to view them as a commentary on the historical books. The commentary is written from the perspective of God, since the prophet is God’s spokesman. It is not always clear when one is reading how the prophets fit chronologically in the history of Israel and Judah, but there are many resources available where that information can be found. There are also clues in the texts themselves.

For example, at the beginning of many of the prophets’ books, there is an introduction like this: “The words of Jeremiah…to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, and until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the captivity of Jerusalem in the fifth month” (Jeremiah 1:1-3).

These verses are for the reader to know what the historical circumstances were for this particular prophet. Knowing that helps us understand what the oracles and warnings might be about. Since the prophetic books are written mostly in poetry, and the different sections may not fit together in a connected sche-

ma, it can be easy to lose the meaning of their messages. The little historical notes help contextualize the words.

More than anything else, the prophets focus on Israel’s fidelity to God and to the covenant. They had promised to worship the one true God, and the prophets remind them over and over that there will be consequences if they do not keep their word. The prophets predict the destruction of cities and kingdoms, as well as the eventual exile of the people from their land. Other common themes include the care of the poor, widows, and orphans. The exploitation of people is abhorrent in the sight of God. The prophets also contain passages full of hope, where they look forward to the return of the exiles to the land and the renewal of the covenant.

They also point to a future king, a Messiah, who will bring peace. For this reason, certain prophets are read more during Mass at specific liturgical seasons, like Advent, when the Church prepares for the birth of Christ, the Messiah-King. The Church looks to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises. ■ Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, is the former director of the Office of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville. She also writes for SimplyCatholic.com, a ministry of Our Sunday Visitor. This column originally appeared at SimplyCatholic.com.

by Bob Hunt

A parable that connects to ‘Cafeteria Catholicism’ We need to invest in the whole truth of God’s revelation in Christ, not just those parts we like “The kingdom of God is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44).

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hen I read or hear this parable, I can’t help but connect it to what some call “Cafeteria Catholicism,” or what St. John Paul the Great called “Supermarket Catholicism,” that is, the practice of some Catholics to pick and choose those doctrines they like and embrace and those they don’t like and reject.

There’s a foundational problem with Cafeteria Catholicism. A central doctrine of the faith, as taught by the Apostles (Acts 15:1-29), is that the Church is the instrument of God’s revelation in Christ. St. Paul himself says so in his letter to the Ephesians (3:8-12) and in his First Letter to Timothy (3:15). So, to reject a teaching of the Church is to at least question and possibly reject the Church herself as the instrument of God’s revelation. To reject the Church as the instrument of God’s revelation is to reject Catholicism. Rather than believing in the Church as God’s instrument of revelation, Cafeteria Catholics too often regard the Church as merely one voice among

Daily readings Thursday, Oct. 1: Memorial of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church, Job 19:2127; Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14; Luke 10:1-12 Friday, Oct. 2: Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, Job 38:1, 12-21 and 40:3-5; Psalm 139:1-3, 7-10, 1314; Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Saturday, Oct. 3: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 1217; Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; Luke 10:17-24 Sunday, Oct. 4: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20; Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 21:33-43 Monday, Oct. 5: Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10; Luke 10:25-37 Tuesday, Oct. 6: Galatians 1:13-24; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Luke 10:38-42 Wednesday, Oct. 7: Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Galatians TH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C AT HO L I C

many, and that it’s the responsibility of the individual believer to sort out this snatch of truth from that snatch of untruth, essentially claiming that the teachings of the Church are arbitrary and optional.

A rather extreme example of Cafeteria Catholicism is that of a doctor with whom I once worked who proudly identified herself as an Irish Catholic and who would never think of missing Mass on Sunday. She also believed that there was no God. She didn’t see this as a problem. In her mind, her atheism was perfectly in line with her Catholicism, because her Catholicism had nothing to do with actual faith. It was part of her family history, her cultural heritage, and nothing more. The Church’s foundational teaching that ‘God is’ was optional to her Catholicism, just as is so much of the Church’s faith to many Cafeteria Catholics.

Yes, there is much that can and should be said about the development of a well-formed conscience.

That discussion would take several articles. I encourage all to read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about the formation of conscience (Nos. 1776-1802) and to discuss it with one’s pastor and/or spiritual director. But, suffice it to say for now that a well-formed con-

science is a lifelong endeavor and is not a free pass to reject authoritative teaching out of hand.

If the Church is not the instrument of God’s revelation in Christ, then we are forced to conclude that either there is no revelation of God in Christ, or that each particular individual believer is the instrument of God’s revelation to that particular individual believer, and there is no such thing as the revelation of God in Christ. There is no universal truth, no universal gospel. Each of us is saved by our adherence to whatever we think God has revealed to each one of us personally. Which is really the same as saying that each of us is saved, not by what God has revealed, but by what we believe about God. This is dangerously close to the sin of Adam: “You certainly will not die! God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil” (Genesis 3:4b-5).

So, what does this have to do with the parable of the treasure buried in the field? You’ll notice that when the man learned of the buried treasure, he didn’t sneak in, dig it up, and steal it. Rather, he bought the field. To get to the kingdom, then, it is necessary to invest in the field. In this analogy, the treasure is the King-

dom of God. The field is the revelation of God in Christ. The one that “sells” us the field, or who makes it available to us, is the Church. The Church makes available to us the whole truth of God’s revelation in Christ. To get the kingdom, we need to invest in the whole truth of God’s revelation in Christ, not just those parts we like, or find palatable, or with which we already agree.

God’s truth is not always easy to accept. God’s truth isn’t meant to accommodate us; it’s meant to save us. It isn’t meant to make us feel good about ourselves by confirming the miraculous coincidence that God’s truth perfectly corresponds to what I already believe. When it comes to the truth, especially God’s truth revealed for the sake of our salvation, it’s best to develop a will that is willing to let go of my own beliefs, even those nearest and dearest to my heart, in favor of conforming my will to the will of God, so that God’s truth becomes the truth of my life.

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

2:1-2, 7-14; Psalm 117:1-2; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, Oct. 8: Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, Oct. 9: Galatians 3:7-14; Psalm 111:1-6; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, Oct. 10: Galatians 3:22-29; Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 11:27-28 Sunday, Oct. 11: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; Matthew 22:1-14 Monday, Oct. 12: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27 and 4:31–5:1; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 13: Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 14: Galatians 5:1825; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, Oct. 15: Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church, Ephesians 1:1-10; Psalm

98:1-6; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, Oct. 16: Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 17: Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr, Ephesians 1:15-23; Psalm 8:2-7; Luke 12:8-12 Sunday, Oct. 18: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5; Matthew 22:15-21 Monday, Oct. 19: Memorial of Sts. John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs, Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 12:13-21 Tuesday, Oct. 20: Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 12:35-38 Wednesday, Oct. 21: Ephesians 3:212; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 12:39-48 Thursday, Oct. 22: Ephesians 3:1421; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Luke 12:49-53

Friday, Oct. 23: Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 24: Ephesians 4:7-16; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 13:1-9 Sunday, Oct. 25: Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40 Monday, Oct. 26: Ephesians 4:32– 5:8; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 13:10-17 Tuesday, Oct. 27: Ephesians 5:21-33; Psalm 128:1-5; Luke 13:18-21 Wednesday, Oct. 28: Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, apostles, Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 6:12-16 Thursday, Oct. 29: Ephesians 6:10-20; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Luke 13:31-35 Friday, Oct. 30: Philippians 1:1-11; Psalm 111:1-6; Luke 14:1-6 Saturday, Oct. 31: Philippians 1:1826; Psalm 42:2-3, 5; Luke 14:1, 7-11 n

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Bob Hunt is a husband, father, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville and is a candidate for the permanent diaconate.

OCTOBER 4, 2020 n B9

COURTESY OF LAURA GOODHARD

Catholic schools

Notre Dame voted best private school in Chattanooga Plainview Outdoors, a local billboard company in Chattanooga, held a Facebook contest in which it asked members of the community to comment on a post asking which local private school was the best, and Notre Dame High School won. For winning, the school receives a free month of advertising on a digital billboard (above). “It’s really gratifying to have our school, our students and teachers, our parents, and alumni all recognized in such a public way,” said NDHS president George Valadie. “They’re certainly deserving, and we’re proud of them.”

Peter Ayo

Riley Smith

Knoxville Catholic and Notre Dame announce National Merit semifinalists

ALLISON HATTON

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Remote blessing Father Brent Shelton, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, blesses a St. Mary School student who is Zooming into class Aug. 21. At right is Sister Maria Kolbe, OP, who teaches sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade religion and math.

noxville Catholic High School’s Riley Smith and Peter Ayo and Notre Dame High School’s Isabella Wade have earned National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist honors.

Out of the 1.5 million juniors nationwide who took the PSAT test last fall, only 16,000 qualified as semifinalists. Riley, Peter, and Isabella, all seniors, now have an opportunity to compete for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. Riley is the son of Deacon Sean and Melissa Smith, and Peter’s parents are James and Dr. Ray-Anne Ayo and Paul Dender.

Isabella, daughter of Jeff and Janet Wade, also boasts a 4.49 GPA and a perfect ACT score. Outside of school, she enjoys horseback riding and also spends numerous hours volunteering with a therapeutic riding program.

KCHS also announced five Commended Scholars in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

Only about 34,000 of the original

Isabella Wade

1.6 million PSAT participants have been recognized as such. The following students are among the top 5 percent of PSAT testers: Dylan Carroll, Chase Fuller, Ben Kozemko, Marisa McMichael, and Jack Swartwood. n

BILL BREWER (2)

First day of school Temperature checks, face shields, and masks were in order as Diocese of Knoxville Catholic schools held their first day of classes for 2020-21 in early August. Clockwise from top left are scenes from St. Dominic School in Kingsport, Knoxville Catholic High School, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, and St. Joseph School in Knoxville.

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Eighth-grade commissioning at Sacred Heart The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus hosted a Sacred Heart Cathedral School eighth-grade commissioning Mass on Aug. 21. Cathedral rector Father David Boettner and associate pastor Father Martin Gladysz celebrated the liturgy.

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