The mobile medical clinic now serves the Pigeon Forge community at a ‘new oasis’: Holy Cross Church
By Gabrielle Nolan
Since its opening 10 years ago, the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic continues to grow and expand its reach to the medically uninsured in East Tennessee.
On Sept. 11, the clinic celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newest site in Pigeon Forge on the campus of Holy Cross Church.
Special guests in attendance included Bishop Mark Beckman, members of the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce and the local sheriff’s office, the superintendent of Sevier County schools, representatives of Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, and other local officials.
The mobile medical clinic partnered with local organizations to bring other services to the site, such as a mobile shower trailer and mobile job van. Also near the clinic site is a local laundromat service.
“For the Pigeon Forge community, we have so many people that work but are unable to have insurance and unable to have a lot of the things that people take advantage of, like a warm shower,” said Brandy Dominguez, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce. “So, having these facilities available for their medical needs and their cleanliness needs is just a great resource to have right here in Pigeon Forge, right in the center where it’s so accessible to our community and those who are in need of these services.”
St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic executive director Martin Vargas said that the clinic can “turn any healthcare desert into an oasis.”
“So, picture this: you can come
here, do your laundry, drop your clothes off. We have a partner that Rebecca Pipkins on our team brought to us who provides mobile showers. So, you can come get a shower, they’ll give you a fresh set of clothes. Then you come to us for your primary-care appointment, then you can come right out the door there to the church and get your spiritual needs met, and when you’re done praying you can go out to the American Mobile Job van and get a job,” Mr. Vargas said. He noted that the clinic graduates 15 percent of its patients a
year.
“They’ve gone from uninsured to insured, and it’s absolutely amazing to walk that journey with them. It’s such a blessing,” he said.
Mr. Vargas shared that the Pigeon Forge clinic site was essential because some patients were traveling from Pigeon Forge to the Gatlinburg clinic to be seen, and the Gatlinburg clinic was reaching capacity with patients.
“So, this is a tremendous celebration today, 10 clinics in East Tennessee,” he said. “We serve a wide variety of people; every clinic’s
different and unique, tailored to the community with volunteers from the community. And we have over 120 active volunteers, absolutely amazing.”
The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic serves the communities of Knoxville, Athens, Decatur, Crab Orchard, Crossville, Gatlinburg, Helenwood, Rutledge, Washburn, and Pigeon Forge.
Ms. Pipkins, community outreach coordinator for St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, helped facilitate the clinic’s 10th site opening.
Legacy Clinic continued on page B2
Bishop Beckman visits Crossville Oktoberfest
The diocese’s shepherd has first experience with the Knights event that has raised thousands for charity
By Dan McWilliams
The 33rd annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8152 of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, drew a special guest on the first of its two nights Oct. 18-19.
Bishop Mark Beckman came to the Knights’ grounds on Highway 70 to partake in the event celebrating traditional German food and drink, dress, and music. He said he was “absolutely” enjoying himself at the fest.
“One of the things that I have enjoyed tonight, being here in Crossville for the Oktoberfest, is that it’s a huge community event. When I look around the room, I see a huge turnout, not only in the Catholic community—it’s open to everybody, and everybody comes,” the bishop said.
The event raises money for a number of charities supported by the Knights council.
“There’s a joyful, festive spirit,” Bishop Beckman said. “They opened at 11 this morning, and it goes till 8 tonight, and tomorrow it’ll be 11 to 8 as well. I’ve heard all styles of music tonight, and there’s great German food, I have to say.”
The bishop relished his meal at the Oktoberfest.
“Very much, yes. If you like German food, we had bratwurst and schnitzel and sauerkraut and red cabbage, all sorts of wonderful things,” he said.
Father Mark Schuster, pastor of St. Alphonsus, hosted the bishop while he was in town. Father John Appiah, a Diocese of Knoxville priest now serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, also attended (see story, page B3) as did Father Michael Woods, pastor of nearby St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade.
Father Woods could be spotted doing the Chicken Dance with a group of people as the Rheingold Band played.
John Peaslee, Council 8152 Grand Knight and district deputy, said the Friday-night crowd was “very big, unexpectedly large, and I think we’re ahead, so everything we do between now and Saturday night is going to be profit to our charities and our building funds and things like that.”
The event raises thousands of dollars each year, mainly due to its strong attendance.
“We see about 3,000 people in two days,” Mr. Peaslee said. “We’ve already seen over 1,100 come through the gate [Oct. 18]. They come from all over. The band comes from Ohio. We have people serving in our bar who come in from Boston for two days on their own dime. My wife’s office, Physicians Associates, her staff is over here with kids serving popcorn and soda. We have a great support staff. We have an outstanding IT staff, and you couldn’t ask for a better-functioning thing.”
But one occurrence did top all the
factors he mentioned.
“You know what makes it even better? When the bishop shows up and goes around and thanks all of these guys who have put in hundreds of hours over the last two weeks making this happen,” Mr. Peaslee said.
The event supports more than 10 charities in Cumberland County as well the KIND (Knights for the Intellectually Disabled) organization and flood relief in upper East Tennessee. Charities supported include St. Alphonsus Community Services, the Arc of Cumberland County, the Hilltoppers, the Hospice of Cum-
berland County, and Plateau Pregnancy Services. Proceeds also help maintain the buildings and grounds where the festival is held each year and where the Knights council and Fourth Degree assembly meet.
Father Schuster said this year’s Oktoberfest is at least the third one he has been to as St. Alphonsus pastor. “I can’t remember. I’ve been to several of them. It’s wonderful every year. I think they get even bigger and bigger and bigger,” he said. The Knights are “always very generous with
the money they make Oktoberfest continued on page B3
Community support Two members of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office pose for a photo in front of the mobile medical clinic with Father David Mary Engo, OFM, parochial administrator of Holy Cross Parish, and Martin Vargas, executive director of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic.
GABRIELLE NOLAN
Birds of a feather Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, does the Chicken Dance at the Oktoberfest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville.
“We do a lot of research in the community to make sure that we’re not overlapping services, but for this clinic in particular we already go to Gatlinburg, and we are busting at the seams in Gatlinburg,” she said. “We knew that we needed another site in Sevier County. We did look at a few other locations, but once we toured this location and met Father David Mary (Engo), it felt like home. It was just a natural fit. We immediately left the meeting knowing that this was going to be the place.”
Ms. Pipkins noted that Holy Cross Parish has been a huge asset with parishioners signing up to be volunteers for the clinic site.
“It’s such a gift to be able to provide these services for the uninsured when they feel like they have nowhere to go,” she remarked. “I’ve only been here two years, and the growth we’ve seen in two years has been amazing. I believe right when I started they had just opened two sites, and then we’ve opened two more since I’ve been here. It’s just been such a gift to be a part of that.”
Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bishop Beckman led the crowd in prayer and blessed the mobile clinic with holy water. He also expressed gratitude to Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, medical director of the clinic.
“It is so good to see all of you here this morning… to see the volunteers, to see the staff, the doctors, the nurses, everybody reaching out to make sure that this is a place of healing here in Pigeon Forge. What a blessing this is. Sister Mary Lisa, thank you for everything that you’re doing here. We are grateful for you,” the bishop began.
“We’re going to ask the blessing of God upon this clinic and all who have the privilege of coming here, the privilege of working here, and we’re also going to ask the blessing of God upon our whole country and our world,” he continued.
“Lord God of all creation, Lord of every human person, we ask your grace to be poured forth upon this medical clinic, this 10th site opened here in Pigeon Forge,” Bishop Beckman prayed. “We ask your blessings upon all who will come to this place seeking healing. … May the Holy Spirit surround them, and may that Spirit touch all who assist them: doctors and nurses, all the staff and volunteers. We ask your blessings, Lord, upon this parish, its pastor, and all of its parishioners, indeed upon all of this community in Pigeon Forge, all of East Tennes-
see, and upon our nation… indeed, upon this whole world. Lord, bestow that peace in great abundance and that healing power. All of this we ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
Father David Mary Engo, OFM, parochial administrator of Holy Cross Parish, spoke to the crowd following the blessing.
“It is my joy to welcome you here and to welcome St. Mary’s Clinic to be a part of our wonderful outreach to those in need in our neighborhood. I want to especially welcome Bishop as his first time as bishop to Holy Cross. You’ll come to learn that we are the best parish in the diocese as evidenced by our wonderful people,” he said to a laughing crowd.
The Franciscan priest recounted Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
“We have to remember that as we’re serving the needy of our community, we are also serving Christ,” Father Engo said. “It’s part of our life as Christians to be able to reach out to those who are in need, to those who are suffering, to those who maybe just even need a handshake and to be recognized as a human person and to give them their dignity. But it’s our mission as Christians to truly serve our Lord Jesus Christ in the poorest of the poor.”
He told the crowd that he had the honor of meeting St. Teresa of Calcutta many years ago.
“When she picked that first man up off the street, he said, ‘Why are you doing this for me?’ And she said, ‘because I love you.’ She said she didn’t hear the man say it—she heard Christ say to her, ‘Why are you doing this to me?’” Father Engo explained. “And although she was speaking to the homeless man, she was also speaking to Christ when she said, ‘because I love you.’”
“What we’re doing here is truly and really an act of love for God and our neighbor,” he continued. “We fulfill the two-fold commandment by our ability to offer something as simple as showers and offering people their dignity.”
Father Engo said that it was a great honor to have the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic come to Holy Cross Parish and Pigeon Forge.
“I just would leave you with these simple words that our Lord used at the end of that parable when he
GABRIELLE
said to them, ‘You did it to me.’ Mother Teresa would often lift up her hand when she was talking to somebody, and she was invited to serve the poor. She said, ‘Remember you did it to me,’ and she would poke them in the head. As you’re working, as you’re ministering, as we’re serving the need of our neighborhood, let us always remember, you did it to me. And we do it for love of Christ. Thank you all so much for being here. Thank you to all of our officials,” he said in closing.
Terry Aparicio, a parishioner at Holy Cross and a volunteer translator with the clinic, attended the special event.
“I’ve been with the clinic for over 10 years, and I love the work they do, because I see their compassion, their care. They go beyond what the people need. They do referrals if they cannot take care of their needs,” she said.
“I’m probably going to cry because we have so much poverty in East Tennessee, and it’s getting worse every day,” Mrs. Aparicio continued. “Offering services to people that have nowhere to go means a lot, because now they know that they have a place that is secure, that will respect them and honor them as a person and will heal their needs. That is amazing. It’s been the biggest blessing we’ve had here in 20 years at Holy Cross.”
She commented that she “harassed Father” about bringing the clinic to the parish.
“Father David Mary, he’s wonderful and is very pro-community. He was very open to the idea,” she said.
Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, attended the ribbon-cutting.
“I’m just so grateful to the Sisters
Legacy Clinic continued on page B3
SMLC leadership Bishop Mark Beckman stands with St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic medical director Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, and Father David Boettner aboard the mobile clinic in Pigeon Forge.
Welcome to the clinic Volunteers Rosemary and Mark Calvert welcome Pigeon Forge patients at the registration desk.
Fantastic turnout Bishop Mark Beckman greets members of the community at the Sept. 11 celebration of St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic’s 10th site, located at Holy Cross Parish in Pigeon Forge.
The volunteer spirit Bruce Fisher, a longtime volunteer with the mobile medical clinic, smiles while entering patient paperwork.
‘Ask the blessing of God’ Bishop Mark Beckman blesses the mobile medical clinic, and those in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with holy water.
here. They’re doing great works,” Father Schuster added.
When Bishop Beckman was announced as the diocese’s shepherd in the spring, Father Schuster wasted little time in issuing an invitation to the Knights event.
“It’s nice to have Bishop Beckman here. I remember back when we heard his name was announced, I quickly sent in a request to say, ‘Hey, come to the Oktoberfest,’ and so when he said yes, it was wonderful to know that he would be coming because it’s a great event, and everybody likes to see their bishop,” the Crossville pastor said.
Rita Reali is a St. Alphonsus parishioner who is publicity coordina-
tor for the Oktoberfest and also takes charge of volunteer badges and the print shop. Husband Frank Reali, financial secretary for Council 8152, helps out as well.
“We love it. He’s been here since last Saturday morning. He filled up two truckloads of computer equipment, all the cash registers, all the electronics. He takes care of the electronics,” Mrs. Reali said.
“If it’s got a wire, I’m in charge,” Mr. Reali said. “I just make sure everything runs. As long as the displays are working, and the creditcard machines and the cash registers are working, then my day’s easy.”
For more information on Oktoberfest, visit crossvilleoktoberfest.
com ■
of Mercy from Alma for their support because without them, this couldn’t have ever come together,” he said. “We wouldn’t have had the organization or the medical directors, and so today is just one of those kind of crowning moments with their 10th site now, watching that growth and really just so many people who would be without medical care if it wasn’t for the clinic. It’s a real exciting day I think.”
Father Boettner was impressed by the community turnout and the partnerships of the clinic.
“It always makes my heart happy when I see great organizations partnering with each other and building those relationships so that we all together are doing a better job of reaching out and serving the poor,” he remarked.
For Bishop Beckman, this event marked the first time he stepped foot on the mobile medial clinic.
“The staff is incredible, the staff is absolutely tremendous,” he said. “Incredible human beings. And the turnout today was fantastic. Great local support here in Pigeon Forge, the local community, and the Holy Cross parishioners also, their presence.”
Air Force chaplain Father Appiah returns to DOK for Oktoberfest
By Dan McWilliams
Father John Appiah made a return trip to East Tennessee to visit the Oktoberfest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, and he met Bishop Mark Beckman for the first time at the event Oct. 18.
Father Appiah, ordained a priest at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge in 1998, is a major in the U.S. Air Force and has served as a military chaplain since 2013. He is currently based in Adana, Turkey.
He stopped in Crossville and also attended the Diocese of Knoxville priests’ retreat with the bishop held Oct. 21-24 in Kingsport before heading back to Turkey.
The native of Ghana said the last few years have been “exciting” as he left an assignment in Hawaii to go to Turkey.
“Turkey is part of NATO, so we support the NATO mission. We have the Spanish, we have the Polish, and we have the U.S. there,” he said.
Father Appiah attended St. Mary School in Oak Ridge and graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 1990.
After his priestly ordination, Father Appiah served at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Stephen parishes in Chattanooga and as a chaplain at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. He served at his home parish of St. Mary-Oak Ridge and filled in for Father Joe Campbell at OLPH in LaFollette, Christ the King in Tazewell, and St. Jude in Helenwood. He also served at St. John Neumann in Farragut and All Saints in Knoxville.
He became a pastor for the first time at Notre Dame in Greeneville and built an education complex there. While at Notre Dame, he led medical missions to his home village of Nkonya-Wurupong in Ghana.
“Then I went to Knoxville Catholic High School before the military,” he said.
Father Appiah’s first assignment as a chaplain was at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, home of the 366th Fighter Wing.
“I deployed to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and then I went to Kadena (Air Base), Japan. I deployed to Afghanistan, and then I went to Turkey for a year, and then I went to Lackland (AFB in Texas) for basic military training, and I deployed from there to the United Arab Emirates. Then I went to Hawaii, and I deployed to Kuwait, and now I’m back to Turkey,” Father Appiah said.
“Turkey is interesting because, one, St. Nicholas was born in Turkey, and St. Paul of Tarsus was born in Turkey, and St. Paul’s hometown of Tarsus is exactly 36.6 miles from our base,” he added.
Father Appiah plans to complete 20 years with the Air Force so that he can earn military benefits.
“The future is to finish my 20 because I intend to retire then and collect a paycheck from Uncle Sam. Eleven years, I have nine to go,” he said.
He enjoyed his first visit to the Crossville Oktoberfest.
“This is fantastic. To meet the bishop here, my first encounter with the bishop—absolutely fantastic,” he said.
St. Alphonsus pastor Father Mark Schuster said meeting Father Appiah was a plus to go along with having the bishop, the St. Alphonsus deacon, and the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade all there at the same time.
“That was a great surprise. I remember Father Appiah before I was even in seminary, so to have him here and Father Michael Woods and the bishop and Deacon Peter Minneci, it’s not too bad,” Father Schuster said with a laugh. ■
it
is surrounded by medical-clinic volunteers and community leaders on Sept. 11 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The thing that I’m becoming very aware of is how needed health care is in East Tennessee and how many uninsured people there are,” the bishop continued. “I think it’s critical that we are present to help people with those basic human needs, and
I love the fact that we are helping some of them to transition so they don’t have to use us anymore. Fifteen percent now are able to get back on insurance. ... Until that should be
GABRIELLE NOLAN
Making
official Bishop Mark Beckman
Sprechen sie Deutsch? Kristy and Robert Hodgman of Crossville get in the spirit of Oktoberfest at a Knights photo cutout board.
Legacy Clinic continued from page B2
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Meeting the bishop Father John Appiah (right) met Bishop Mark Beckman for the first time Oct. 18 at the Crossville Oktoberfest. In the center is Father Michael Woods.
DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)
Keeping the beat The Rheingold Band had people dancing at the Oktoberfest on Oct. 18.
Big crowd A great number of the 3,000 people attending Oktoberfest enjoy a meal Oct. 18 at the two-day event in Crossville.
Chattanooga Deanery
St. Bridget, Dayton
Planning is underway for the parish Advent/Christmas party to be held following the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The St. Bridget Women’s Council fall holiday bake sale and bazaar raised more than $2,800, which will be put toward various parish needs. Quilt donations will be accepted after each Mass until a drawing on Dec. 7.
Knights of Columbus Council 11424 raised more than $2,000 from its recent barbecue-pork fundraiser in early October.
The Knights started monthly visits with residents of Life Care Center of Rhea County in Dayton on Nov. 4. Future visits will be scheduled on first Mondays for all who can participate in this ministry of community.
St. Jude, Chattanooga
Parishioners are invited to take an envelope from the Star Tree in the vestibule and return it to the lock box next to the tree by Sunday, Nov. 24. Donations placed in the envelopes will be used by the Ladies of Charity to purchase gift cards for families in need.
A parish social will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in the parish life center. Those attending are asked to bring a main dish, a side dish, or a dessert.
Another parish Trivia Night is set for Friday, Dec. 6. Teams of up to eight may sign up in the vestibule.
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting Breakfast with Santa after the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, Dec. 15. Children may have their pictures taken with Santa.
A Literati Book Fair to support the St. Jude School library was held on the walking track of the family life center on Nov. 10.
St. Jude School invited all veterans from the school and parish along with their spouses to a breakfast in their honor on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
A kindergarten open house took place Nov. 12 at St. Jude School.
Recent Knights families of the month were Glenn and Mary Jane Garvett for July; Howard, Begona, and Carlos Kaufman for August; and Ed and Van Colucci for September.
District Deputy Karl Nesmith presented the 2023-24 Columbia Award to Grand Knight Gary Gabor of the St. Jude Knights on Sept. 9. The recognition is for councils that demonstrate excellence in their programs and activities.
St. Mary, Athens
The parish Angel Tree program benefits children whose families are facing financial difficulty. Parish families in need should call Holly Gates at 315256-4065 or Yareli Sanchez at 423-3337169 (text or call) by Monday, Nov. 25.
St. Mary hosted a Thanksgiving meal Nov. 19, with a Mass in the church followed by the dinner in the parish life center.
The Council of Catholic Women’s chili night Oct. 22 also offered an opportunity to fill care bags for the homeless. Thirty women attended. The bags were delivered to Coordinated Charities and hygiene supplies to Grace and Mercy Ministries, both in Athens.
The Knights of Columbus hosted their annual Spaghetti Bingo Night for adults Nov. 9.
The Knights announced veterans’ names during Masses on Nov. 9-10.
Anniversary: Robert and Ann Julian (50)
St. Stephen, Chattanooga
Bill Balsis was named Knight of the month and Paul and Angie McManus family of the month by Knights of Co-
lumbus Council 6099.
The Knights thanked St. Stephen parishioners for helping them raise $1,600 for the KIND (Knights for the Intellectually Disabled) fund. This fund supports charities in Chattanooga and the state.
The Knights hosted a free Financial Benefits Event on Nov. 10. Financial, legal, and real-estate professionals presented information and answered questions on life insurance, wills, trusts, power of attorney, real estate, and Medicare.
The parish thanked all families who participated in, volunteered for, or brought food and drinks to the annual family picnic Oct. 6. More than 550 parishioners attended, of whom more than 110 volunteered. The parish thanked pastor Father Manuel Pérez for continuing the event and the Knights and Council of Catholic Women for cooking and coordinating the food.
Anniversaries: George and Linda Ames (51), Kenneth and Gayle Chernak (35)
Cumberland Mountain Deanery
All Saints, Knoxville
Women of the parish are invited to attend Advent by Candlelight on Tuesday, Dec. 3. To host a table or learn more, call Catherine McHugh at 865-696-7720.
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman
The parish has an Angel Tree to provide gifts for children 18 and under. Those needing help with providing presents should call the office at 865-882-9838 or e-mail blessedsacramentoffice@ gmail.com
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade
With October being the Month of the Holy Rosary, parishioner Mary Maeder spoke of the power of the rosary on the morning of Oct. 7.
Parish town-hall meetings were held Oct. 8 and 9. Initiatives at the meeting concerned parish vision and mission, a faith-formation plan, face-to-face evangelization, and eucharistic revival. A Q&A took place both days.
The Council of Catholic Women meeting on Oct. 9 featured speaker Monica Hackett, the council’s financial bookkeeper.
Father Michael Woods and Father John Matejek led a healing Mass on Oct. 10, praying over parishioners and blessing them with holy oils. The Mass was well-attended. The parish thanked the Pastoral Care Ministry for its help.
A parish rosary for the country was held on Oct. 10, and the Knights of Columbus prayed a rosary afterward for an end to abortion.
The Imani Milele children’s choir from Uganda performed at St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 29. The choir tours the United States each year to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned and vulnerable children. The group sings uplifting and inspirational songs that share stories of the joy its members have received through God’s love and songs that are a blend of original compositions, praise and worship, and unique African drum routines and dance. For more information on the choir and its mission, visit www. imanimilele.com
Anniversaries: Vincent and Phyllis Fodera (65), Mike and Susan Spitler (62), Tom and Mary Dega (61), Eugene and Janet Standaert (60), Joe and Veronica Martin (58), Wayne and Alice Duckstein (57), Jack and Twyla O’Kane (55), Fred and Donna Laufenberg (54), John and Ruth Hughes (53), David and Elizabeth Hixson (45), Lawrence and Annette Jesewitz (20)
St. John Neumann, Farragut
A women’s Advent by Candlelight event will start at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, in the school gym. The evening will feature prayer, Scripture, music, and a potluck finger-food and
Parish notes continued on page B8
St. John Neumann receives largest gift in its history, close to $4 million
St. John Neumann Church and School in Farragut were recently named as the beneficiaries of a historic gift in an anonymous donor’s estate plan.
The commitment, with a current estimated value of close to $4 million, will be the largest gift in the history of the parish and school when it is realized. Additionally, several contingent assets are included in the commitment.
“St. John Neumann does meaningful work, and my gift can be used for a variety of purposes,” said the donor. “My specific interests include expanding the physical plant, such as helping contribute to a multipurpose fellowship hall (if one does not already exist when the gift is realized) to help accommodate the many parish and school programs. Additionally, I am interested in the maintenance of campus facilities and paying off any potential debt.”
Donors who name St. John Neumann Church and School in their estate plans are referred to as “legacy donors.” Estate gifts can include a wide variety of assets, and there is no minimum amount required, so it is an increasingly popular way to give.
As to what motivated him to make the gift, the donor shared, “After the loss of my spouse, I reassessed my financial situation and was inspired to make this gift.
My property adjoins the church grounds, and my spouse is inurned in the columbarium; walking to church and spending time in the prayer garden give me a physical connection to the parish.
“Additionally, one of my children attended the school and then attended Knoxville Catholic High School. I attend Bible study at the school as part of the ‘That Man Is You’ program, and I serve as a eucharistic minister. Getting involved has enhanced my feeling of connection to the parish. Finally, it’s through God that I was able to get to where I am today, so it only seems right to give back.”
Estate gifts are uniquely valuable as they provide future funding for the parish and school. They represent a powerful way to make a lasting commitment and ensure that the Catholic faith is passed on to the next generation.
“I am overwhelmed by this parishioner’s generosity, and I am ecstatic about the extraordinary impact this gift will make on the parish and school when it is realized in the future,” said Father Joe Reed, pastor of St. John Neumann.
“This gift will be a special and enduring part of the donor’s legacy, benefiting generations of St. John Neumann families. I am filled with gratitude for this gift and for all the many blessings with which God has blessed our parish and school.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Women of Faith complete spiritual adoption
The Women of Faith at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland have completed another successful Spiritual Adoption Program. Last January, parishioners “spiritually adopted” an unborn child to pray for throughout pregnancy and birth. They were provided with a prayer card to aid their journey. Many parishioners named their babies and began praying for them daily. Each month, e-mails and texts were sent and bulletin announcements published advising everyone of the current developmental stage of their baby and thanking them for continuing to pray for them and their mothers.
As the babies neared term, a baby shower was planned for Oct. 5-6. Parishioners generously donated hundreds of needed baby items and gift cards. The Women of Faith collected these items and passed out cookies after Masses to
celebrate the birth of the spiritually adopted babies.
The Women of Faith thank all the St. Thérèse parishioners for their generosity in helping them continue to support expectant and new mothers in the community. The items were provided to three local agencies that support and nurture expectant and new mothers: New Hope Pregnancy Center, Foundation House, and Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. Items were delivered Oct. 14 by Kelli Drury, who has chaired the program many times, along with her husband, Scott, and Women of Faith president Amy Schaefer. Many parishioners of St. Thérèse of Lisieux also raised money and took part in the Walk for Life for New Hope Pregnancy Center in September, helping the center raise a record amount of funds this year to support expectant mothers. ■
Praying for babies Kelli Drury (left), Women of Faith vice president, and Sheri Fava of Catholic Charities in Chattanooga stand with items donated for a baby shower that capped the ministry’s Spiritual Adoption Program.
COURTESY OF AMY SCHAEFER
The diocesan Office of Vocations is holding a Men’s Discernment Group for men interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. The group will be hosted by Father Mark Schuster at 9 a.m. on fourth Saturdays in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at the Chancery office in Knoxville, with the next meeting Nov. 23. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area. Register at forms.office.com/r/CmSwudiVnf
The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic is holding its third annual Share the Warmth Drive through Friday, Nov. 29. New and gently used (and freshly washed) winter-wear items are being accepted for men, women, and children of all ages and sizes. Items accepted are coats, sweaters, gloves and mittens, scarves and hats, snow gear, new socks, and blankets. All donations will go to patients at the mobile clinic’s sites in December and January. Items may be donated at the large bin at the reception desk at the Chancery office, 805 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. For more information, contact Rebecca Pipkins at rpipkins@smlcares.com or 865-212-5570. Visit the Legacy Clinic site at www.SMLCares.com
Monsignor Al Humbrecht is leading a four-week Bible study on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke that is being held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 3 and repeated from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. To register, call the church at 423-332-5300 or e-mail hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com
The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will present “Cantors of the Cathedral in Concert” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, part of the Cathedral Concert Series. The cantors will perform selections of sacred vocal music in a variety of styles and genres, accompanied by Byong Suk Moon, cathedral assistant director of music and organist, under the direction of Glenn Kahler, Sacred Heart director of music and liturgy. Featured cantors will be Bethany Lay, soprano; John Overholt, tenor; Ashton Gallagher, soprano; Dylan Fink, bass; Sarah-Clementine Mire, soprano; Joel Brown, baritone; Rebeca Reinoza, mezzo soprano; Ashlee King, soprano; AC Cabrera, baritone; and Michelle Pokelwaldt, soprano. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Doors open one hour before the concert. Tickets are available online via the Eventbrite link at shcathedral.org/ cathedral-concert-series
St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge is hosting an Advent mission Dec. 1-3 featuring Deacon Bob Hunt, author of Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews. Meeting times are 7 to 9 p.m. each night. The theme of the mission is “Why God Became Man,” and it will offer three evenings of prayer, adoration, spiritual talks, faith testimonies, and the sacrament of reconciliation. For more information, e-mail dcn.dave@stmarysoakridge. org, anna.duhamel@comcast.net, or Tetsi2@gmail.com
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Townsend is hosting an Advent retreat with Father Julian Peters, OSB, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8. Father Peters is a monk and priest of St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana and currently serves as director of the Institute for Priests and Presbyterates there. The retreat will begin with registration at 8 a.m. Saturday and continue with a continental breakfast, talks and breakout sessions, lunch, and additional talks and breakout sessions. The sacrament of reconciliation will be available at 3 p.m., with Mass at 4. Reconciliation will be available again at 8:20 a.m. Sunday, when a rosary will also be prayed. Mass will begin at 9 a.m., followed by coffee and pastries at 10. Retreat talks and breakout sessions will be held from 10:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The retreat is free, but organizers would like to have a headcount for planning purposes. Reserve a spot by calling 865-448-6070 or e-mailing StFrancisTownsend7717@ gmail.com
The Fulton Sheen Society invites families to an evening of reflection and fellowship from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. The meeting will be in the
parish hall, with the talk running 45 minutes to an hour, followed by food and fellowship. Free child care will be provided in the nursery during the talk and pizza after the talk. A side item or drink is requested for families to bring to help round out the meal. The Fulton Sheen Society is a ministry focused on strengthening marriages and families. The society is named after Venerable Fulton Sheen, who encouraged families to grow in faith using modern technology. To learn more about the Fulton Sheen Society, contact Christine Blair at christine.h.blair@gmail.com
The annual Madrigal Dinner at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville is set for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14. Tickets are $40 per person and include a four-course homemade meal consisting of wassail toast, French onion soup, green salad with old-world dressing, herb-crusted pork loin with gravy, baked apples, herbed potatoes, green beans, roll, and figgy pudding served by the wait staff. The event includes musical entertainment and accompaniment, with all in period costume. Reserved seating is limited each night, and those attending are urged to buy their tickets early by calling the parish office at 423-639-9381. No tickets will be sold at the door. Guests must be ages 12 and up. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event begins at 7 p.m. each night. For more information, contact Susan Collins at 423-4702560 or Susan@NotreDameTN.com
Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will host a Christmas Festival & Piano Recital from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Associate pastor Father Valentin Iurochkin will perform the recital. The event also features a ministry fair, a kid zone, a potluck, Christmas caroling, and an opportunity for family Christmas pictures.
The sixth annual Green and Gold Gala benefiting Notre Dame High School will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at The Chattanoogan Hotel. The event features a plated dinner, an open bar, live music, and dancing. Proceeds will go toward reliable and safe transportation to school events. General admission cost is $125, and VIP admission is $175. To register, learn about sponsorship opportunities, or donate items for a silent, online, or live auction, visit tinyurl.com/5hdpcn9e
A Divorce and Beyond support group for Catholic men and women who have experienced or are experiencing divorce will begin meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. The cost of supplies is $15. For more information, contact Mary Coffey at 865-966-3237 or mccoffey86@ gmail.com. To register, contact Ellie Sanchez, SJN director of parish ministries, at 865-777-4311 or esanchez@ sjnknox.org
The 14th annual Green & Gold Gala benefiting Knoxville Catholic High School is set for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in the University of Tennessee Student Union Ballroom. The event will honor “Irish legend” Bob Petrone of the class of 1967. Alumni, past and current parents, corporate partners, and other community friends are welcome to attend. Proceeds will support Knoxville Catholic’s campus technology and security. The gala offers an evening of cocktails, silent and live auctions, dining, music, and dancing. Tickets are $150 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, and complimentary champagne. To purchase tickets, donate an auction item, or become a sponsor, contact Megan Locke Erpenbach (’03), Knoxville Catholic director of alumni and special events, at 865-560-0509 or megan.erpenbach@ knoxvillecatholic.com
All Catholic women living in the Cumberland Mountain Deanery are invited to a Faith and Fun with Friends event to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The event is free for all women. More information will be available soon. E-mail Karen Marabella-Miller at ksmm6348@ gmail.com or text Sally Jackson at 865-599-0137.
Calendar continued on page B8
Pilgrims visit several sites in Italy
Father David Boettner, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, led a group of 30 on a pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, Florence, Turin, and Milan from Oct. 6-17. In the top photo, the travelers visit the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and in the bottom photo they are in the Tommasi Family Chapel in Valpolicella. The group also went to St. Peter’s Square for a Wednesday audience with Pope Francis. In the bottom photo are Father Boettner and Lisa Morris (kneeling in front), group pilgrimage coordinator.
IC Bees put together Boxes of Joy
The sewing and crafts ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, the IC Bees, worked on baskets for the parish crafts fair Nov. 9-10. Members also put together boxes for the annual Box of Joy program, a project of Cross Catholic Outreach and several Diocese of Knoxville parishes. Box of Joy is a nationwide effort to provide Christmas gifts for children in need in Central America and Haiti. Immaculate Conception served as a distribution point for the diocese’s boxes. In the group photo are IC members Pat Ryan, Ellen Roddy, Kay Williams, Becky Kilby, Nita Wayland, Marilyn Reda, Mark Reda, Kathy Parrish, Karin Hoover, and Brenda Walles.
COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS (2)
BILL BREWER (2)
St. Elizabeth rosary group holds rally at veterans memorial
The Saturday-night rosary group at St. Elizabeth Parish in Elizabethton held a rosary rally at the Elizabethton Veterans Memorial downtown at noon on Oct. 19. This was the 15th year that the rally was led by the group. Some passersby joined the group in the prayer service dedicated to help America heal and to pray for hurricane and flood victims through the invoking of Our Lady of Fatima.
COURTESY OF JIM DOBES
Praying for Perspective by George Valadie
AI is everywhere—even in this column
Artificial intelligence writes the first eight paragraphs below as well as the closing prayer
Wow, it was a lot! I’m talking about the deep dive I took recently into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). You’d think I was gearing up for a Ph.D. in computer science, but no, just trying to figure out what AI might mean for our Catholic faith. Trust me, it’s a lot more than robots vacuuming our floors (though, I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind one of those). AI is evolving rapidly, and it’s not just about conveniences—it’s about big changes that could impact how we live, work, and yes, even pray. Take for instance, the AI-driven virtual pastors that are being developed.
Imagine an app that could listen to your struggles and offer advice based on Scripture, the Catechism, or the writings of the saints—without your ever having to step inside a confessional. Convenient? Sure. A little unsettling? You bet. I think I’d still prefer the real deal when it comes to my soul.
Another example: AI is being designed to help create personalized prayer plans. The software would learn about your life, your daily routine, and tailor prayer prompts specifically for you.
Sounds handy, right? But it does make you wonder—are we outsourcing our spiritual lives to machines? Would we still make the same effort if a computer was reminding us when to pray?
As Catholics, we’re always balancing faith with the fast pace of the world around us. AI is just the latest thing to challenge that balance. How we respond will say a lot about the role technology plays in our spiritual lives. So, let’s think about it—
Twhat would St. Augustine say about AI-powered confession apps?
Now, that’s a homily I’d love to hear!
*****
And yes, it was a lot! Mind-blowing actually.
In a keynote address at a recent conference I attended for Catholic school superintendents, we heard from an AI expert.
He offered a quote we can debate, but I think we’ll lose. “We will experience more technological progress in the coming decade than we did in the preceding 100 years put together.”
Think about that! The last 100 years! Can that really be? The hundred-year span that gave birth to the moon landing, smartphones, and open-heart surgery. The laptop, the microwave, the internet, and self-driving cars … heck, even Post-it notes were a pretty darn cool invention.
But the next 10 years will see more than all of that—combined? What in the world! How in the world!
And yes, some of it’s already here—and incredibly scary. Most of us have seen—though we might not know we did—the “deepfake” videos that are as real-life as well … real life. People you know apparently being captured on video telling you things you can’t help but believe. After all, you just watched them say it. But they weren’t actually captured, and they never actually said it.
All is the creation of AI.
School leaders live in fear of just such a fake going viral, supposedly catching him/her in the midst of foul or insulting language igniting a community-wide firestorm that’s
Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by
virtually impossible to extinguish. None of it real; all of it evil.
Well, at least all of that would be evil.
But in the recently released Tom Hanks movie, “Here,” artificial intelligence was used to de-age him and his co-star Robin Wright. Hanks, now 67, appears in the movie as if he was 21 again. He can be in movies forever.
OMG, what exactly can this stuff do?
Or perhaps better phrased, what can it not do?
There are a variety of AI apps; you just need to find the one that does what you need. Type in a request for a photo, and it will create one. Need a song? It will write one. Video? Obviously.
There are eyeglasses with built-in cameras in the frames that see what your eyes see. Picture this in a classroom—or anywhere. The student is looking at a test. They talk to their glasses, “What’s the answer to #1?” It talks back through the pieces that hang over their ears.
Or maybe it’s not about cheating at all. Maybe the student is home studying, trying to make sense of a photosynthesis worksheet the teacher provided a week ago. “Please summarize and ask me five quiz questions on the material?” And voila!
And of course, you can ask it to write text for you. Outlines and essays, resumes and e-mails … and newspaper columns. Just like this one.
Go back to the top. ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) wrote the first eight paragraphs of this column right up to the asterisk break in the page.
Deacon Bob Hunt
It just needed a prompt. I wrote the following, “I am a Catholic layman. I write a column. Please write 300 words on how artificial intelligence might impact people of faith. Make it a little conversational, a little humorous, and use two examples of AI currently being developed but not yet on the market ... begin with the sentence, “Wow, it was a lot!”
In less than five seconds, it spit out for me what you see.
We need AI. It will change an infinite number of lives. Already, an Australian university has developed a portable and non-invasive mindreading AI hat that can decode and translate silent thoughts into readable text. Wearable technology will allow people who are unable to speak due to illness, injury, stroke, or paralysis to communicate in ways heretofore believed impossible.
“Can I please have a glass of water?” … “Can you please scratch my nose?”
AI is a testament to God’s gifts of creativity—if we use it in service to the Creator. It’s been said, “Do not be afraid of the one who can create body but not soul; be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul.”
So let’s enjoy the ride but pay attention to the destination.
And yes, I just had to. The following prayer was written by AI. Dear God—Help us see AI for what it is: useful, but not a replacement for You. Keep us focused on what really matters: Your love and wisdom. Amen. ■
George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the newly released book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”
The virtue of seeing Christ in others
In every encounter, we see one who is made in the image and likeness of God
he universal call to holiness is one that is to be heard and acted on by every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. What does it mean to be holy? Most simply, I think, it means learning every day how to love a little better. This is how we love others: by being Christ for them, bringing Christ to them, and seeing Christ in them. In his book The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.” Do we appreciate what it means to be human and to encounter another human being? In every encounter with another, we see one who is made in the image and likeness of God, one for whom Christ died and rose again. It matters not how important or unimportant this neighbor is in the eyes of the world. In the eyes of God, he or she is precious, glorious, and worth dying for. How silly and petty are our tiffs, quarrels, or feuds with others in light of the glory we each possess as children of God. As always, the virtue of seeing Christ in others begins at home, among those we most take for granted. Do we see the light of Christ in our spouse, in our children, and even in the one looking back at us in the mirror? The Catholic home is a place where Christ dwells in the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and hallways, where those who are baptized in Christ dwell. Christ lives in each, and we are to see Him in our parents, our children, our brothers, and sisters without distinction and at all times, even (especially!) when they get on our nerves, disobey us, or make
poor decisions. Our commitment to each other as a family means that we can count on each other, especially when we fail or fall, because we see Christ in each other.
How easy it is to forget that Christ is present in each of the baptized and in all who hold dear the promises of God for them. How do we know who stands in right relationship with God? We don’t. Only God knows this. As such, we must see Christ in all, never presuming to judge another in how he or she stands before God, not even the worst of sinners, remembering that, for each of us, our own sins are sufficient for our damnation. Yet, Christ came to redeem us, and His grace is available to all, without exception. We cannot know the heart of another person. We can only have faith that God loves him or her, and that Christ suffered and died for all.
The Council of Quierzy in France, a local council held in 853, declared: “There is not, never has been, and never will be a single human being for whom Christ did not suffer.”
If Christ is willing to suffer for all, how can we fail to see Him in any? The outward appearance of another says nothing of their inner disposition. Indeed, the kindest and gentlest spirits are often found among the poor who, even given their lack of material possessions, are frequently willing to offer what little they have for the sake of another in distress. The lonely truly know how to comfort the lonely, for they know well the deep crevices of loneliness. The despised truly know how to befriend the despised, for they know the disdainful glances and isolation they bear. Sinners know they are
sinners, so they see Christ in all, hoping that others will see Christ in them, even given their sins.
St. Thomas Aquinas taught that the way we can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love all, even our enemies, is to pray that they will receive what is best for them. What is best for any of us is to be in a loving relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus. I can hope that for anyone! I wish hell upon no one. Indeed, I pray that hell is empty, though Scripture and tradition both tell us it is not. Who populates hell? Those who refused to see Christ in his or her neighbor because their own hearts were
made of stone. God, give us hearts of flesh! Give us hearts to love our neighbors as You love them! Give us hearts so filled with the spirit of Christ that we would never fail to see Christ present in the other! “See Christ for all” means loving others as Christ loves them. He was Himself, and as Himself He served and saved. We are called to do the same. Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■
Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville. He is author of the book “Thy Word: An Introduction to the Bible for People in the Pews.”
Knights clean up Marian garden at St. Dominic School Knights of Columbus from Council 6992 St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport cleared weeds from around the statue in a Marian garden at St. Dominic School. Knights worked for several days in October removing debris and laying down new ground cover along with mulch. From left are Stephen Derosia, Deacon Frank Fischer, Bill Hewitt, Grand Knight Kevin Musser, Naylen Bingham, and Carl Belcher. COURTESY
The anamnesis in the Eucharistic Prayer
The Greek word for memorial is found in the earliest account by St. Paul of the Last Supper
In the Eucharistic Prayer (EP), following the consecration we hear these words: “Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your Son, His wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to His second coming…” (EP III). This prayer is the anamnesis, in which the Church recalls Christ’s “blessed passion, glorious resurrection, and ascension into heaven.”1 Every Eucharistic Prayer has an anamnesis prayer, and in this column I want to explore this element of the Eucharistic Prayer, beginning with the origin of the word anamnesis. Anamnesis is a Greek word found in the earliest account of the Last Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, written by St. Paul in the mid-50s. Jesus concludes His words over the bread (11:24) and the cup (11:25) with the command to “do this . . . in remembrance [anamnesis] of me.” The Greek word that is translated “remembrance” is anamnesis and has been taken over into English as the name of this element of the Eucharistic Prayer. In the EPs, anamnesis is translated “memorial.”
Memorial has a special meaning when it is used in the liturgy. “In the sense of sacred Scripture, the memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men. In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real. This is how Israel understands its liberation
from Egypt: every time the Passover is celebrated, the Exodus events are made present to the memory of believers so that they may conform their lives to them.”2 For the Israelites, the Passover and other major festivals like Weeks and Tents were “reenactments of Yahweh’s saving deeds, and by their celebration the saving power and will of Yahweh are experienced anew.”3
The Old Testament understanding of memorial received its definitive meaning in the New Testament. At the Last Supper, Christ “instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of His death and resurrection, and commanded His apostles to celebrate it until His return.”4 Christ “wanted us to have the memorial of the love with which He loved us ‘to the end,’ even to the giving of His life.”5 Christ’s entire earthly ministry, culminating in His suffering, death, and resurrection, abides forever and is made present until His return.
“All that Christ is—all that He did and suffered for all men—participates in the divine eternity, and so transcends all times while being made present in them all.”6
The anamnesis is the work of the Holy Spirit. I have noted in previous columns that the Holy Spirit makes present the events of Christ’s life, that “in each celebration there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that makes the unique mystery present.”7 In addition to making each mystery present, the Holy Spirit brings about remembering. When
Youth happenings at St. Stephen in Chattanooga
The confirmation class (above) at St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga, led by Donna Suggs and Karen Ingles, recently gathered around the new Mary’s Grotto in preparation to say the rosary. The St. Stephen Christian formation classes (top right) started with a Mass on Sept. 4. There are currently 240 children enrolled from K-12, including the youth group. This year will have 52 first Holy Communicants and 48 confirmandi. The parish thanked its catechists, many of whom have been teaching several years. The St. Stephen youth group (bottom right) started off the year with outdoor activities on Sept. 4. Crystal Marchand and team members Dan Walsh, Jenny Lenger, Vanessa Lara, Maria Chavez, Regina Linares, Brenna Germann, and Katie Pasanen are dedicated to growing the youth group and providing opportunities for the young people to grow in their faith.
Daily readings
Friday, Nov. 15: 2 John 4-9; Psalm
119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18; Luke 17:26-37
Saturday, Nov. 16: 3 John 5-8; Psalm 112:1-6; Luke 18:1-8
Sunday, Nov. 17: Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16:5, 8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32
Monday, Nov. 18: Revelation 1:14 and 2:1-5; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 18:35-43
Tuesday, Nov. 19: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22; Psalm 15:2-5; Luke 19:1-10
Wednesday, Nov. 20: Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 150:1-6; Luke 19:11-28
Thursday, Nov. 21: Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Revelation 5:1-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Luke 19:41-44
Friday, Nov. 22: Memorial of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, Revelation 10:8-11; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Luke 19:45-48
Saturday, Nov. 23: Revelation 11:4-12; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Luke
the Scriptures are read in Mass, “the Holy Spirit ‘recalls’ to the assembly all that Christ has done for us.” In the anamnesis, in which “the celebration ‘makes a remembrance’ of the marvelous works of God… The Holy Spirit…thus awakens the memory of the Church.”8
The anamnesis prayer is closely linked to the sacrificial aspect of the Mass, which I discussed last month. From the early centuries of the Church, two elements, anamnesis and oblation/offering, “are used to define the mystery, the two being placed side by side.”9 The Catechism explains it thus: “The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the making present and the sacramental offering of His unique sacrifice, in the liturgy of the Church, which is His body.” In the Eucharistic Prayer these two elements, the anamnesis and the offering, always have this basic form: “we celebrate the memorial…we offer you,” as in EP II: “Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of His death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation.”
The anamnesis is an element “at the heart of each sacramental celebration, most especially of the Eucharist.”10 In the anamnesis, under the action of the Holy Spirit, the Church makes remembrance of Christ’s saving work. It is intrinsically linked to the sacrificial offering—recalling Christ’s Paschal Mystery, the Church “presents to the Father the offering of His Son which reconciles us with
Him.”11 Understanding the anamnesis deepens our understanding of the Eucharist as “the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of [Christ] Himself, of His person in His sacred humanity, as well as the gift of His saving work,” transcending all times.12
1 General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 79e.
2 Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1363.
3 Raymond E. Brown, Joseph Fitzmyer, and Roland Murphy, eds., New Jerome Biblical Commentary, p. 1300. 4 CCC, no.1337. The Church uses the term “memorial” in two ways: to refer to the anamnesis prayer “we celebrate the memorial…” following the Consecration; and to the entire celebration, as when St. John Paul II wrote, “When the Church celebrates Eucharist, the memorial of her Lord’s death and resurrection, this central event of salvation becomes really present” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 11).
5 CCC, no. 1380
6 CCC, no. 1085.
7 CCC, no. 1104.
8 CCC, no. 1103.
9 Joseph A. Jungmann, The Mass of the Roman Rite, vol. II, p. 218.
10 CCC, no. 1106.
11 CCC, no. 1354.
12 St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, no. 11. ■
Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.
20:27-40
Sunday, Nov. 24: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-2, 5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37
Monday, Nov. 25: Revelation 14:1-5; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 21:1-4
Tuesday, Nov. 26: Revelation 14:1419; Psalm 96:10-13; Luke 21:5-11
Wednesday, Nov. 27: Revelation 15:1-4; Psalm 98:1-3, 7-9; Luke
21:12-19
Thursday, Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day, Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 145:2-11; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19; readings for the Thursday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time, Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23 and 19:1-3, 9; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 21:20-28
Friday, Nov. 29: Revelation 20:1-4 and 20:11–21:2; Psalm 84:3-6, 8; Luke 21:29-33
Saturday, Nov. 30: Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle, Romans 10:9-18;
Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22
Sunday, Dec. 1: First Sunday of Advent, Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:45, 8-10, 14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12–4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Monday, Dec. 2: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, priest, Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 15:29-37
Saturday, Dec. 7: Memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church, Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147:1-6; Matthew 9:35–10:1 and 10:5-8
Sunday, Dec. 8: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm
126:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6
Monday, Dec. 9: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 1112; Luke 1:26-38
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Isaiah 40:111; Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13; Matthew 18:12-14
Thursday, Dec. 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zechariah 2:1417; Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-38 Friday, Dec. 13: Memorial of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Matthew 11:16-19 Saturday, Dec. 14: Memorial of St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church, Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 7:9-13 ■
NANCY POWELL (3)
A Diocesan Marriage Celebration and Mass will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop Mark Beckman and the Office of Marriage Enrichment invite participants to celebrate the sacrament of matrimony and their own marriage. Married couples will have the opportunity to renew their vows at a special Mass, followed by a reception. There will also be an opportunity for couples to have their picture taken with Bishop Beckman. Registration will be available soon at dioknox. org/events/diocesan-marriagecelebration-and-mass
A SEARCH for Christian Maturity Retreat will be held on the weekend of Feb. 21-23 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. SEARCH provides an opportunity to think, talk, question, and wonder about life and faith in an accepting and challenging environment. It is an opportunity to experience God and God’s family in a personal and real way. The weekend is youth- and peeroriented. The weekends are for any high school juniors and seniors. The program is both rooted in the Catholic faith and open to young people of any denomination or creed. Cost is $100, and scholarships are available if needed. Register at dioknox.org/ events/search-feb-2025. Forms can also be obtained through parish youth ministers or at the office of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 7. For more information, contact Chattanooga SEARCH coordinators Irene Scoggins at 423-596-0053 or irene.scoggins@ gmail.com or Amanda Henderson
dessert buffet. To host a table, indicate the number of guests when RSVPing. RSVP or learn more by contacting the Council of Catholic Women at sjncc womensclub@gmail.com
The annual Christmas toy drive benefiting needy families in Oneida, Huntsville, and Helenwood is taking place through Sunday, Dec. 1. New toys, clothing, games, sports equipment, and personal-care products may be dropped off in the narthex. Items for teenagers are especially needed. More than 70 families were assisted last year.
A parish family retreat will begin with Mass at 8:05 a.m. and continue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The theme is “Jesus Is Here! Deepening Your Relationship with Christ.” Individual sessions will be held for men, women, and children. Costs are $10 per person and $25 per family. Snacks after Mass and lunch will be provided.
A women’s Christmas brunch with cookie exchange will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in Seton Hall. To participate, bring four dozen of your favorite home-baked cookies. RSVP to Jane at jane.cumpston@ yahoo.com
The children’s Christmas liturgy will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, with a youth choir and Christmas pageant. To participate, e-mail Andrea Gentile at agentile@sjncs-knox.org
More than 70 attended the parish’s Adult Social Chili Supper & Pie Contest on Oct. 26 in the school gym. Matthew and Krista McGrath’s blueberry pie won the contest. The parish thanked the guests and judges, as well as the St. John Neumann School kindergartners who provided handcrafted décor and the Council of Catholic Women for hosting and supplying desserts.
Jim Lavallee, president of the parish Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference, thanked SJN members for giving 2,555 pounds of food and $2,995 in donations for a recent food drive to benefit the Ladies of Charity.
The parish Seniors Group recently set sail on the Star of Knoxville riverboat for a luncheon cruise. Contact Steve Behnke at stephenbehnke2@gmail. com or Sister Elizabeth Wanyoike, ESM, at srelizabeth@sjnknox.org for more details on the group.
St. Joseph, Norris
St. Joseph is hosting the annual Nor-
at 423-458-2401 or stygcleveland@ gmail.com
A SEARCH for Christian Maturity retreat will be held for high school juniors and seniors on the weekend of Feb. 21-23 at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. See the announcement above for details about SEARCH. Cost is $100, and scholarships are available if needed. Registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 7. Register, download a flyer, or learn more at dioknox.org/events/knox-searchfeb-2025. For more information, e-mail Donna Jones at djones@dioknox.org
The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561315-5911 if you have any questions.
Join Father Mike Nolan from May 1223 on a pilgrimage to Malta, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast with an optional extension to Rome from May 23-26 to celebrate the Jubilee next year. Pilgrims will be visiting the places where St. Paul preached and spent time, including Mdina, Rabat, Valletta, and Taormina, to name a few, and will explore the Amalfi Coast. They will visit Our Lady of Mellieha Sanctuary, which is dedicated to Our Lady and is a very important part of the Catholic history of the island of Malta, and continue with a visit to the “Mosta Rotunda,” a domed church in Mosta.
ris Community Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the Norris Ecumenical Ministerial Association, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.
The Council of Catholic Women is giving the residents of Norris Health & Rehabilitation Center a weekly Christmas card throughout Advent. The council is also collecting 2025 calendars for residents of the center; place calendars in the green bin in the copier room.
The CCW’s annual Advent service and cookie swap is set for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. This year’s program is titled “Have a Mary Christmas.”
The parish is collecting new and gently used coats, blankets, and warmweather gear in all sizes. Items may be dropped off in the social hall. They will be given to the Norris Clothing Closet for those in need.
The CCW’s proceeds from a recent yard sale benefited the people of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Erwin. A check for $2,500 was given to St. Michael pastor Father Tom Charters, GHM, on Oct. 11 to help his parishioners in the flood-ravaged area.
St. Joseph recognized veterans at Mass on Nov. 10, a day before Veterans Day, as parishioners brought to the church photos of those in their family who had served or are serving in the Armed Forces.
St. Mary, Oak Ridge
The parish Advent by Candlelight event will start at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. To participate, e-mail ccw.friends. stm@gmail.com
St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City
An Advent by Candlelight event will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Contact Marianne Bullen at mariannebu@ comcast.net to reserve a table.
Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
The Council of Catholic Women prepared “100 Bags of Blessings” for the homeless after a Nov. 16 meeting.
The Knights of Columbus held their Pat Duda Memorial Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 9. The event featured a car show and chili judging with prizes for the best recipes.
Anniversary: William and Huerta Buglio (40)
Travelers will walk through the streets of Mdina, Malta’s first capital, and visit the cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. As they tour Valletta, the capital of Malta, they will become acquainted with the history of the island, perhaps best known as the seat of the Knights of St. John, more commonly known as the Knights of Malta. The pilgrims will also see the story of St. Paul’s shipwreck as told in paintings found in the church of the same name. Our Lady of the Rock is one of Taormina’s most popular destinations, with a panorama of the surrounding city and Mount Etna. Next, they will continue to Messina for a panoramic tour and a visit to the cathedral. The Cathedral of Messina’s bell tower contains the world’s biggest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock. For those going on the Rome extension, they will visit St. Peter’s Basilica and walk through the holy door for the Jubilee and visit St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, Holy Cross, and the Catacombs. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com
Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk from June 16-27 on a pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima, including Mount St. Michel, the island considered one of the world’s wonders. The island, one of the top pilgrimage destinations of Christendom through the ages, floats like a mirage with the abbey that dominates the landscape. Pilgrims will visit the beaches of Normandy and the home of St. Thérèse and the basilica in Lisieux. They will visit the Miraculous Medal Chapel and St. Vincent de Paul Chapel in Paris and take a high-speed train to Lourdes, the home of St. Bernadette, celebrating Mass at the grotto where
Notre Dame, Greeneville
The parish is collecting turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving with Friends in Greene County. Donations of a small frozen turkey or turkey breast or a 3-pound ham are needed. The parish goal is to donate 100 pounds.
Anniversary: Larry and Valerie Dolese (60)
St. Patrick, Morristown
A four-week Advent study of Ave Maria Press’ Encountering Emanuel will begin Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25-26, in the Haggard Conference Room.
The Council of Catholic Women is collecting Christmas and holiday items for its Christmas Resale Shop at its Breakfast with St. Nick event in December. Bring items to the church office during office hours. For more information, contact Kathy DeAngelis at krdeangelis@ yahoo.com or 423-277-6296.
Knights of Columbus Council 6730 is the beneficiary of a fundraiser through Ultimate Shine Car Wash pay locations in Morristown, elsewhere in Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio through Friday, Jan. 31. To take part at a pay location, choose a wash and any additional services, hit the orange “enter fundraiser code” button, enter code 3163 before paying, then insert cash or a credit/debit card, and 30 percent of the sale will go to Council 6730.
A CCW baby shower to benefit Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City on Oct. 22 collected much-needed items plus a $100 anonymous cash donation to go with the CCW’s annual donation of $100.
Anniversaries: Mike and Dorothy Nosal (60), Marcelino and Emma Garza (25), Jose Ventura-Morales and Priciliano Alonso-Rodrigues (25), William Vasquez-Lopez and Santos Maldonado-Ordonez (10)
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Holy Family, Seymour
An Advent by Candlelight event for parish women is set for Tuesday, Dec. 3. For more information, contact Dianna Denne at 865-755-4135 or schafer denne@yahoo.com
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville
The parish is hosting Luke Live, a oneman show proclaiming chapters 1 and 2 of the Gospel of Luke by Paulist Father James DiLuzio, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The pre-
Our Lady appeared to her, and join in a candlelight procession. The travelers will go on to Avila, the walled city dedicated to St. Teresa, the great mystic and the first woman named doctor of the Church. They will visit the crypt of La Santa Convent, built on the site of the house where she was born, and La Encarnacion Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun and which is home to the most comprehensive museum dedicated to her life. The pilgrims will arrive in Fatima, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, which is well-known for the story of the apparition of Our Lady to three shepherd children in 1917, and attend Mass at the basilica. They will stop at the parish church where the visionaries were baptized and other places associated with their young lives. The group will participate in a candlelight and Blessed Sacrament procession. The travelers will go on to Santarem to venerate the Miracle of the Eucharist and continue to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, one of the most beautiful and historic European cities. They will see Belem Tower, the longest bridge in Europe, and the 300-foot-high statue of Christ the King and the Church of St. Anthony. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com
Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 2 p.m. each Sunday and at 6 p.m. most Mondays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information on the extraordinary-form Masses, visit www.Knox LatinMass.net n
sentation includes preaching and sacred and secular songs as meditations.
IC welcomed Father Ed Nowak, CSP, director of vocations for the Paulist Fathers, who preached and presided at all Masses on Nov. 16-17.
Former IC pastors Father Joe Ciccone, CSP, and Father Ron Franco, CSP, visited the parish for weekend Masses Oct. 26-27.
A children’s Nativity play will take place during the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Sacred Heart, Knoxville
A parish trivia night was held Nov. 16 in the youth and young adult center.
The Parish Council of Catholic Women bake sale will take place after all Masses on Nov. 23-24.
Sacred Heart’s annual bilingual Advent by Candlelight event, sponsored by the PCCW, is set for 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. A service of Vespers and antiphons in English and Spanish will be followed by an adult celebration with wine and cheese in the Cathedral Hall. For more information, e-mail shcpccw@gmail. com
St. Albert the Great, Knoxville
An Advent by Candlelight event is set for 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. A potluck dinner will be followed by lessons and carols: a recitation of the four Advent Gospels and the Christmas Gospel, each followed by a brief meditation and a song. RSVP to maria@satgknox.org Tickets are free, but seating is limited.
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville
The pledge campaign for a new family life center recently reached $1.3 million with a goal of $2 million.
The Knights of Columbus will host their seventh Christmas concert featuring the Rarity Bay Strummers at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the church. Tickets are $10 for adults. Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
The Women’s Group held a cookie exchange on Nov. 16. Participants brought three dozen of their favorite cookies, a printout of their recipes, and containers to take home samples.
The Knights sponsored the annual parish picnic Nov. 3 at Hidden Lake Campground in Tellico Plains. n
Good Shepherd St. Vincent de Paul conference receives two donations
The St. Vincent de Paul conference at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport received two check donations Oct. 23, one from the Cocke County High School class of 1974’s 50th-reunion committee and the other from a community member who matched the donation, Geraldine Hall Ridens. In the top photo are (front) James Bailey, Good Shepherd St. Vincent de Paul member and CCHS 50th-anniversary chair, and (standing, from left) Randy Grahl, CCHS class of 1974 50th-reunion committee member; Mrs. Ridens, 50th-reunion committee; Jim Moretti, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Knoxville Council; Susan Denton Gratz, 50th-reunion committee member; MaryAnn Sisk, treasurer of the Good Shepherd SVDP conference; and Kate Tron, president of the parish SVDP conference. In the bottom photo, Mrs. Tron (left) receives the check from Mrs. Ridens.
St. John Neumann Knights hold Youth Soccer Challenge Knights of Columbus Ted H. Denning Jr. Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut held a Youth Soccer Challenge on Oct. 13 at the church. The competition allowed players aged 9 through 14 to demonstrate their skill at penalty kicks. Every player took three practice kicks followed by 15 consecutive kicks from the 12-yard penalty line. The goal was divided into five scoring areas: the upper corners were worth 20 points, the lower corners 10 points, and the large central area five points. District and region competitions were held at the same event. Winning players and age divisions are (from left) Mark Pagel, 11-year-old boys; Tyler Rushing, 9-year-old boys; RuthAnne Toliver, 11-year-old girls; and Thomas Sinclair, 13-year-old boys. In the back from are (from left) Tex Shellhart, state program director, and Terry Scoggins, Grand Knight. Not pictured is Romano Vlastelica, community director for the Knights council and organizer of these events.
A list of Advent penance services
Here are the Advent penance services scheduled around the diocese received as of press time. Note that many parishes (especially in the Smoky Mountain Deanery) are having, instead of penance services, extended or additional times for confession during Advent:
Secular Franciscan Order has retreat at St. Alphonsus
Welcoming the fraternities of Channel of Peace from Chattanooga and Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Franklin, Tenn., along with a host of parishioners of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, the Sts. Francis & Clare Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Knoxville hosted a retreat recently to observe the Transitus and feast day of its Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Led by Father Mark Schuster, pastor of St. Alphonsus, the members delved into the writings of St. Bonaventure using his essay, “Journey of the Mind to God.” Father Schuster led the attendees along the mystical journey of Bonaventure’s seven steps of ascent.
Monday, Dec. 2—St. Michael the Archangel, Erwin, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 4—St. Anthony of Padua, Mountain City, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 5—St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton, 6 p.m.; St. Henry, Rogersville, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 10—St. Dominic, Kingsport, 7 p.m.; St. John Paul II, Rutledge, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 11—Holy Trinity, Jefferson City, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14—Good Shepherd, Newport, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 17—Notre Dame, Greeneville, 7 p.m.
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Thursday, Nov. 21—St. John XXIII, Knoxville, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 10—St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 18—Holy Cross, Pigeon Forge, 6 p.m. ■
Knoxville Catholic High School alumnus establishes scholarship
Bill Skaggs of the Knoxville Catholic High School class of 1972 has established an endowed scholarship in memory of his aunt, Helen Skaggs (’35), and his father, William C. Skaggs Jr. (’40). The Skaggs Family Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance for a promising graduate of Knoxville Catholic who is seeking higher education and who has the ability but not the financial resources to attend the college of his or her choice. The scholarship will reward students based on qualities that reflect the mission of Knoxville Catholic, including strong character, deep faith, service to others, academic excellence, compassion, and leadership. The yearly scholarship will be awarded during the school’s commencement ceremonies. Above, Mr.
the school’s vice president of advancement.
Five Rivers Deanery
GABRIELLE NOLAN (2)
Skaggs (center) stands with Dickie Sompayrac, KCHS president, and Joni Punch,
COURTESY OF TERRY PARADIS (2)
COURTESY OF ROMANO VLASTELICA
Knights take part in Veterans Day parade Chattanooga Knights of Columbus from Fourth Degree Assemblies 1084 and 3250 participated in the Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., Veterans Day parade on Nov. 9.
COURTESY OF RALEIGH COOPER
Knoxville Catholic captures cross country titles
Keegan Smith wins his second individual state crown while the KCHS boys team takes first and the Lady Irish third
By Dan McWilliams
Led by individual state champion Keegan Smith, the Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country runners captured the team state title this fall for the first time in eight years and the third occasion overall.
The Fighting Irish won the team crown in a tiebreaker over The McCallie School of Chattanooga after both teams finished with 62 points in the 5,000-meter run in the TSSAA Division II, Class AA state-championship meet at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville on Nov. 7-8.
Cross country scoring uses the ordinal number of the finish of the top five runners on the team, so Knoxville Catholic’s total came from having senior Keegan in first place, junior Radek Molchan in seventh, sophomore Cade Duncanson in 11th, freshman Reid Bannister in 21st, and freshman Evan Van De Griff in 22nd (1-7-11-21-22—62). McCallie scored 2-10-15-17-18—62.
The tiebreaker was the finish of the sixth-place runner on each team. Senior Tony Ortega of Knoxville Catholic placed 25th while McCallie’s Ian Jacobs was 31st to clinch it for the Fighting Irish. The team standings featured 15 schools.
Keegan, a senior and a University of Colorado commit, became the first two-time individual champion in KCHS history after he finished in a time of 14 minutes, 59.16 seconds, edging out fellow senior Jack Bowen of McCallie (15:09.48) for the win. Keegan won his first state title as a freshman in 2021 with a time of 15:29.09.
The Knoxville Catholic girls cross country team, powered by a pair of top-10 finishers, placed third in the state meet behind Webb School of Knoxville in first and Girls Preparatory School of Chattanooga.
Keegan also won his fourth Knoxville Interscholastic League championship in as many years on Oct. 19 at the Cherokee Boulevard course in Knoxville.
Sean O’Neil is head coach of the KCHS boys team and also led the Fighting Irish when they won their first two team state titles in 2015-16.
His long-distance runners placed fourth in the state in 2022 and fifth last fall.
Mr. O’Neil said the return to the top this year was “exciting.”
“We’ve been kind of knocking on the door over the last few years and gradually getting better,” he said.
“It was awesome to see how hard these guys worked and see them finally make it all the way to the top.”
Seeing his group work together was the standout for him this season, Mr. O’Neil said.
“Keegan obviously helps a lot up front, but everybody did their job,” he said. “Our depth really helped carry us through. Seeing that whole team come together was really the highlight.”
Having the team championship come down to a tiebreaker “was stressful,” Mr. O’Neil said, “a little closer than we had hoped for, but again it was our depth and the whole group buying in to what we’re doing and everyone doing their part.”
Radek placed seventh in the state meet in a time of 15:43.99 while Cade posted a time of 16:03.01, Reid 16:26.93, Evan 16:26.98, and Tony 16:41.48. Senior Gonzalo Vega placed 29th for the Fighting Irish in a field of 105.
Two freshmen, Drew Gerken and Livi Ray, placed in the top 10 in the state meet for the Lady Irish. Drew took the eighth spot in a time of 19:03.62, a little more than 5 seconds ahead of Livi in ninth at 19:08.68. Caitlin Daniels, another freshman, placed 14th in 19:31.08 for Knoxville Catholic. Junior Brianna Cisneros finished in 30th in 20:58.58. Also scoring team points for the Lady Irish was senior Eileen Loebner in 48th (21:55.23).
Sophomore Juliet Biden finished 50th and junior Placey Thompson 80th for the KCHS girls in the field of 123.
With 18 teams scoring, the Lady Irish, coached by Mike Spooner, tallied 109 points to finish behind Webb (33) and GPS (101).
Top-15 finishers for the boys and girls teams earned all-state honors and received individual medals.
Running to success Keegan Smith hoists the state-championship trophy for the Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country team as the Fighting Irish and Lady Irish celebrate outstanding performances in the state meet. Keegan won the boys individual state title, and the KCHS girls took third overall. Fighting Irish boys head coach Sean O’Neil holds the coach’s state-title plaque at far left, and Lady Irish head coach Mike Spooner stands at right.
Keegan is a two-time Gatorade player of the year and has won eight cross country and indoor and outdoor track state championships. He has been named All-American four times and all-state 11 times, and he holds four national records for high school freshmen in the 3,000-meter outdoor, 2-mile outdoor, 1,500 indoor, and 1-mile indoor.
The KCHS senior captured the KIL 5K varsity title against a field of runners from Knoxville and Knox County schools with a course-record time of 14:52.11. Radek took fourth in 15:24.90, Cade eighth in 15:41.81, Tony ninth in 15:48.77, Reid 10th in 15:56.75, Evan 12th in 16:18.14, and Gonzalo 13th in 16:19.39 in a field of 98 runners.
The Fighting Irish won the KIL team title with 32 points to place ahead of Hardin Valley Academy (58) and Farragut (63) in the 11-school field.
In the junior varsity boys KIL finals, sophomore Graham Karnes
took fifth for Knoxville Catholic while junior Levi Sprecher finished 10th and junior Noah Rile 15th. Senior Frank Ligaj, freshman Riley Horton, and eighth-grader Julian Cooper also scored top-50 finishes for KCHS, which placed third in the team standings.
Lady Irish runner Livi crossed the finish line in fifth in a time of 19:10.84 while teammate Caitlin followed her in sixth in 19:19.68 in the KIL varsity girls 5K. Drew took 10th in 19:52.81. Junior Elizabeth Wolski placed 17th (20:34.77), Brianna 19th (20:52.41), Juliet 23rd (21:14.73), and Placey 36th (22:29.72) in a field of 88.
Hardin Valley edged out the Lady Irish for second place in the KIL meet with 55 points to KCHS’s 57. Webb won team honors with 29 points.
Juniors Jillian Barry in fifth and Audrey Erwin in 10th placed for the Knoxville Catholic JV girls in the KIL championships. ■
St. Joseph School celebrates upgrades to its playground
St. Joseph School in Knoxville recently held an all-school Mass in part to celebrate playground upgrades. Father Chris Michelson officiated at the dedication of the playground, and Howie Sompayrac organized the event. Former University of Tennessee football player Sterling Henton and former Vol baseball player Kirby Connell took part in the dedication, which was made possible by the Art Clancy Jr. family. A ribboncutting was done by members of the families of Mr. Clancy and Kathleen Delaney, in whose memory the playground was dedicated.
BARRY
HOUCHIN
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A quartet of titles Keegan Smith holds up four fingers as he nears the finish line for his fourth KIL championship in as many years.
Knoxville Interscholastic League hardware The Knoxville Catholic boys cross country team lifts the KIL championship trophy.
