Dec. 3, 2017, ET Catholic, B section

NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF KNOXVILLE

B section

Louisville priest is new bishop of Nashville Bishop-designate J. Mark Spalding is the 12th shepherd in the history of Middle Tennessee’s diocese

By Catholic News Service

CNS PHOTO/THERESA LAURENCE, TENNESSEE REGISTER

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ope Francis has named Father J. Mark Spalding, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., as the new bishop of Nashville, succeeding Bishop David R. Choby, who died June 3.

The appointment was announced in Washington on Nov. 21 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop-designate Spalding, 52, is vicar general of the Louisville Archdiocese and also pastor of two parishes, Holy Trinity and Holy Name.

He will be the 12th bishop of Nashville and will be installed Feb. 2 during an installation Mass at Sagrado Corazon Church in the Catholic Pastoral Center in Nashville.

Father Michael Johnston, administrator of the Diocese of Nashville since Bishop Choby’s death, thanked Pope Francis for appointing Father Spalding.

In an interview with The Record, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Bishop-designate Spalding welcomed the appointment, noting, “It’s amazing how God works and uses a humble instrument to build up his church.”

“God has always worked in my life,” he said. “Sometimes I didn’t understand how God was working, but in time I did see his hand guid-

Newly named Bishop-designate Father J. Mark Spalding, a priest of the Archdiocese of Louisville, speaks during a news conference Nov. 21 after being named bishop of Nashville. ing me, leading, encouraging, challenging me to be more in the world. I feel like this is one more occasion for God to work in and through me.”

In a statement about his appointment, Bishop-designate Spalding

said: “As one whose faith and vocation was nurtured in the ‘Kentucky Holy Land’ in one of the oldest dioceses in the United States, I appreciate the deep legacy of Catholicism in the Diocese of Nashville, the first

diocese established in the state of Tennessee and the second oldest diocese in the province of Louisville.”

“I am honored to participate in this legacy and to continue the ministry of Bishop David Choby, whose joyful and humble pastoral leadership graced this diocese for the past decade,” he continued. “I also extend deep thanks to Father Michael Johnston, who has administered the diocese since Bishop Choby’s death in June of this year.”

Both Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz and Father Johnston, in separate statements, praised the appointment of Bishop Choby’s successor. The archbishop said the newly named bishop “brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience, a keen intellect, wise judgment, leadership ability, and pastoral zeal” to the Tennessee diocese.

“Archbishop Kurtz and the people of the Archdiocese of Louisville are undergoing the loss of such a fine priest, and we are grateful for their sacrifice,” Father Johnston said. “We assure them that our new bishop will be loved and cared for as he begins his new ministry among us.”

Born Jan. 13, 1965, Bishop-designate Spalding is a native of Fredericktown, Ky., and grew up in Holy Nashville bishop continued on page B2

The Paraclete store marks 30th anniversary The retail outlet, owned by the Diocese of Knoxville, has special advantages that big-box and online retailers can’t offer

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Shopping at The Paraclete Robert and Katie Ford of Atlanta look over items for young people alongside their daughters, Susan, 5; Mary, 4; and Bridget, 13 months. Grandparents Tom and Anna Ford are Sacred Heart parishioners. ship also allows Paraclete employees to have full benefits.

“We are so fortunate to be part of the diocese at this time,” Mrs. Sellers said. “There are numerous special events being planned at the [new] cathedral such as all parish confirmations, concerts, etc. Because of our unique location we will be open during all special events even though they may not fall during regular business hours.”

The Paraclete is the sole supplier

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later.

The diocesan store next to the newly rising Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrated three decades of operation this year.

Two employees, the motherdaughter team of general manager Vonnie Spicer and sales and floor manager Tricia Sellers, have been with the store from its beginnings in a location at Fourth and Gill in North Knoxville. Another staffer, Saturday employee and website expert Melanie Mundy, came on board around 1990.

The store was founded by Karl and Becky Fillauer and moved to its current site in 1990.

Knoxville’s founding bishop “wanted the Catholic bookstore, even though at that time it was privately owned, close to the cathedral and the Chancery offices,” Mrs. Sellers said.

The name of the store came from Father Francis Chaisson. “Paraclete” means the Holy Spirit but can also signify “called to the side of,” “counselor,” “comforter,” and “consoler.”

The Fillauers gave the store to the diocese in April 2012, and now all profits above expenses benefit diocesan seminarians. Diocesan owner-

BILL BREWER

he Paraclete book and gift store opened in May 1987 and is still going strong 30 years

Mother and daughter Tricia Sellers (left) and Vonnie Spicer are the managers of The Paraclete and have been with the store from its beginning.

for three parishes in the diocese, St. Mary in Johnson City, Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, and Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, that staff and operate their own Christian stores.

“They’re all volunteers and they all do excellent jobs at their parishes of selling our product,” Mrs. Spicer said. “What happens is they come and choose the product, or we ship it, and if it sells, great, and if it doesn’t they’re able to come in, bring it all back, and get new product to take up there and sell, so that they always have a turn in their merchandise. This is a win-win for us and for them, to be able to give good product to their people.”

The Paraclete also supplies merchandise for several other parish stores, and the staffers encourage all parishes to allow The Paraclete to order merchandise for them.

“The goal is to keep all the sales within the diocese, so that it’s a diocesan church using the diocesan store, and then in turn the proceeds help the diocesan seminarians,” Mrs. Sellers said. “When you purchase from any other store outside the diocese, all you’re doing is putting money in someone’s pocket.

By Dan McWilliams

Here, you’re putting it back directly into helping this diocese.

“The goal is that all churches who are currently using other avenues, we would strongly encourage them to purchase through here. We ship out daily. We can deliver if necessary.”

The Paraclete must fend off bigbox stores as well as online sellers Amazon and Autom for customer dollars. The diocesan store has its own special advantages.

“Amazon is just out for the quickest buck. They’re not providing the customer service; they’re not providing the knowledge base; they’re not providing the history behind it,” Mrs. Sellers said. “We’re going to give you that one-on-one customer service and help you get the right item for the right person and be confident in what you’ve gotten.

“We try extremely hard to pick the better-quality product. We try not to have cheap-quality, poorquality product. We’re quite picky with what we pick. We’re not going to skimp on the quality to get a great price.”

The Paraclete rewards its regular customers.

“We offer a loyalty program that is just a free service that the store provides, and we keep track of your sales, and after six visits we give you 10 percent back on your sales in the form of a gift card,” Mrs. Sellers said.

“Then we have special loyalty-customer-only sales, special greenback savings sales for the loyalty customers. Again that’s just another way for people, when they’re trying to decide ‘do I buy from Amazon or buy from The Paraclete,’ the goal is to stay loyal to us and shop here, and we’ll reward you with a discount.”

The Paraclete has expanded “every single year in some form or fashion,” Mrs. Sellers said, “such as another church that’s added on where they were buying somewhere else and now they’re committed to buying through us. We do have an Paraclete continued on page B2

welcome Bishop-elect Spalding as a bishop of the Province of Louisville, promising him my prayers and support in his years of episcopal service. I pray that he will serve Christ, our Good Shepherd, with the same zeal, humility, and joy that characterized the service of his predecessor and my good friend, Bishop David Choby. Ad multos annos – may he serve for many fruitful years,” Archbishop Kurtz added.

Bishop Richard F. Stika also offered Bishop-designate Spalding congratulations from the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Stika attended the formal introduction of the bishop-to-be in Nashville on Nov. 21.

“I welcome Bishop-elect J. Mark Spalding to the state of Tennessee.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis has made an excellent choice to lead the Diocese of Nashville, and I look forward to working with him as I did for many years with the late Bishop David Choby.

The Diocese of Nashville holds a special place in the hearts of all Catholics in East Tennessee because the Diocese of Knoxville was created from it in 1988. Cardinal [Justin] Rigali and I look forward to Bishopelect Spalding’s ordination on Feb. 2 in Nashville,” Bishop Stika said.

Bishop Stika, who was ordained Knoxville’s third bishop on March 19, 2009, is now the senior bishop in the state of Tennessee. Bishop Martin Holly was installed in the Diocese of Memphis in 2016, succeeding Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, who retired.

Bishop-designate Spalding’s assignments since his ordination into the priesthood have included parochial vicar, St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, Bardstown, Ky. (1992-1996); parochial vicar, St. Augustine Parish, Lebanon, Ky. (1996-1998); parochial vicar, St. Margaret Mary Parish, Louisville (1998-1999); pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, LaGrange, Ky. (19992011); and pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Louisville (2011-present). n

Paraclete continued from page B1

“If you’re going to read something, we want you to read a spiritual book and not fiction,” Mrs. Spicer said. “There is good Catholic fiction, but we don’t really carry that.”

The Paraclete is one of the last of its kind of store in the city, as several Christian stores catering to various denominations have shuttered their doors.

“It has been sad to see many Christian book stores close over the years in Knoxville,” Mrs. Sellers said. “At one point there were 12.

We have noticed an increase in sales to many more denominations in the last couple of years.”

The diocesan store also has “a unique opportunity to serve many people who do not want to step into the door of the church but have questions,” Mrs. Sellers said. “We are the first door they walk into for answers. We serve fallen-away Catholics who are interested in returning to their faith and those who

online presence; at the moment it’s an online catalogue, paracletecatholic.org. It has our bestsellers on it.

We do add to it every week. It does not have a shopping cart yet. That would be our next step.”

Having veteran employees helps the customer because “there’s way too much information to learn” for a new employee, Mrs. Sellers said.

“There’s a history with the vendors. There’s a history with the product,” she said. “You can ask any employee—it takes a solid year to train an employee. It’s not a 30day train; it’s a full-year training just because there’s so much information and so much product.”

Books on spirituality are found more often at The Paraclete than fiction, a source of profit for other Christian stores, Mrs. Spicer said.

“We try hard not to carry fiction,” Mrs. Sellers said.

Her mother agreed.

Looking over the merchandise Matt Greiner of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville browses at The Paraclete along with his young charges.

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KDCCW members attend national convention Women from the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women attended the National CCW convention held in Dallas from Sept. 6-10. Those attending were (from left, first row) Gigi Chasey; Helen Davis, Louisville province director; and Pat Ryan; (second row) Kathy Morin; Karin Vacaliuc, KDCCW president; and GerriAnne Mason; (third row) Suzanne Erpenbach; Patty Johnson, past NCCW president; and Liz Hocutt; and (fourth row) Arlene Webb and Father Dan Whitman, KDCCW spiritual adviser.

Advent penance service schedule for diocese

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ere are the remaining Advent penance services around the diocese:

Chattanooga Deanery 7 p.m. EST, unless noted. Dec. 4—Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 5:30 p.m.; St. Mary, Athens; Dec. 5—Shepherd of the Valley, Dunlap, 6:30 p.m.

CST; St. Augustine, Signal Mountain; St. Jude, Chattanooga; Dec. 6—Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy; Dec. 11—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland; Dec. 14—Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga, 6 p.m.; Dec. 18—Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg, 6:30 p.m. CST; Dec. 19—St. Stephen, Chattanooga, 6:30 p.m.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery 7 p.m. EST, unless noted. Dec. 4—St. Therese, Clinton; Dec. 5—St. Alphonsus, Crossville, 6 p.m. CST; Dec. 6—Knoxville Catholic High School,

juniors and seniors, 10:55 a.m.; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, LaFollette; Dec. 7—KCHS, freshmen and sophomores, 10:55 a.m.; Dec. 11—All Saints, Knoxville; Dec. 12—St. John Neumann, Farragut; Dec. 15—St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade, 6 p.m. CST; Dec. 18—St. Teresa of Kolkata Five Rivers Deanery 7 p.m., unless noted. Dec. 4—St. Mary, Johnson City; Dec. 5—St. Michael the Archangel, Erwin, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 6—Notre Dame, Greeneville; Dec. 7—St. Patrick, Morristown; Dec. 13—St. Henry, Rogersville; Dec. 14—St. Dominic, Kingsport; Dec. 21—Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Smoky Mountain Deanery There are no penance services in the deanery; instead, the faithful are asked to take advantage of their parishes’ regular confession times. n

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Trinity Parish there. He is the eldest of three children raised on the family farm. His childhood, he said, was marked by hard farm work and was centered on family and faith.

He attended St. Meinrad College Seminary in St. Meinrad, Ind., where he studied philosophy. In 1991, he studied at the American College at Louvain in Belgium, where he earned a degree in theology. He later attended the Catholic University of Louvain, where he earned a licentiate of canon law in 1992.

Ordained Aug. 3, 1991, he has been vicar general of the Louisville Archdiocese since 2011.

Father Spalding has served under Archbishop Kurtz since 2007, when Archbishop Kurtz was appointed

by Pope St. John Paul II. Archbishop Kurtz had been bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville since 1999.

“It is with great joy that I receive the news of Pope Francis’ appointment of Father J. Mark Spalding as the 12th bishop of Nashville. Bishopelect Spalding brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience, a keen intellect, wise judgment, leadership ability, and pastoral zeal to the Diocese of Nashville – a diocese that has a venerable history and is growing and rich in diversity,” Archbishop Kurtz said. “As both a friend and co-worker, Bishop Spalding has worked closely with me over these past 10 years. I have witnessed firsthand Bishop-elect Spalding’s gifts as a devoted pastor of the faithful, first at Immaculate Conception Parish in LaGrange and most recently at Holy Trinity and Holy Name parishes in Louisville. I also am deeply grateful for his sterling service to the Archdiocese of Louisville, first as judicial vicar and for the past six years as vicar general.”

Archbishop Kurtz noted that 180 years ago another Kentucky native, Bishop Richard Pius Miles of Fairfield, Ky, was appointed the first bishop of Nashville.

“It is with equal joy that I also

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Nashville bishop continued from page B1

Thanksgiving display The Paraclete was ready early for the November holiday. want to start their journey and do not know how to start.”

One of The Paraclete’s frequent customers is Paul Simoneau, diocesan vice chancellor for administration and director of the Office of Justice and Peace. He said he enjoys the opportunity to look at merchandise directly as opposed to on a computer screen.

“I like to be able to survey the various titles and authors that are contributing to our understanding of the faith and to see what really speaks to me,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to look over the books versus just going online and choosing a book because someone recommended it.

“I just like knowing that all the proceeds from The Paraclete are go-

ing to seminarian education. I just like the ability to basically go in and look at the various titles because there’s such a wide range of material there, from liturgical books, books about the saints, about Mary, spirituality, devotionals—there’s just so much, plus icons and other sacramentals that are important to us. I just find there are so many gems in there that I like going there frequently.”

The Paraclete has a definite mission in mind.

“I would say it is to offer the people of the diocese the very best we can get for the best price, to help their spirituality and help the spirituality of the diocese,” Mrs. Spicer said. n

Gift ideas A Paraclete customer looks over one of many shelves of gift items available at the store.

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St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic holds annual Volunteer Appreciation Mass and luncheon St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City hosted the annual St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic Volunteer Appreciation Mass and luncheon Nov. 6. Above, the more than 40 volunteers attending gather for a group photo with Sister Mariana Koonce, RSM (fourth from right, front row), medical director of the clinic.

Eleanor Kulikowski, volunteer coordinator for the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, leads a reflection during the luncheon.

Vivian Brocato (center) received the Legacy Clinic’s first Judy Award, named in honor of Judy Schmidt, at the luncheon. With her are Theresa Valero, administrative assistant for the Legacy Clinic, and Sister Mariana.

The clinic’s Volunteer of the Year Award went to Carolyn Hall (left) and Gloria Risko (center), pictured with Ms. Valero.

The Legacy Clinic luncheon concluded with a blessing-of-hands ceremony. Above, Deacon Gil Campos of Holy Family Parish in Seymour anoints the hands of Patty Johnson.

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Monsignor Bill Gahagan, who serves on the Legacy Clinic board of directors, leads a memorial service after Mass for Judy Schmidt (1946-2017), an original clinic volunteer and volunteer coordinator.

St. Thomas the Apostle holds International Food Festival St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City held its annual International Food Festival on Oct. 29. The event featured live music, plenty of food, dancing, face painting, crafts, and more.

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Parish notes Chattanooga Deanery

sick was held Dec. 1.

Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga Knights of Columbus councils 610 and 6099 hosted a pair of fifth-Sunday family rosaries after the 8 a.m. and noon Masses on Oct. 29 at OLPH. OLPH Boy Scout Troop 115 conducted a barbecue sale after Masses on Nov. 5.

St. Jude, Chattanooga The youth ministry is hosting an “Underground Christmas” for sixth- through eighth-graders from 6:30 to 10:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9. To register or learn more, visit www.dioknox.org/events/ youth or contact youth minister Irene Scoggins at 423-596-0053 or irenescoggins@gmail.com.

The parish’s next trip to Gros-Morne, Haiti, will be Feb. 4-11. Those interested in traveling to Haiti should pick up a basic information sheet in the vestibule.

The St. Jude columbarium has been completed, and niches are available for purchase. A single niche is $1,000, and a double niche is $1,800. A packet of information with columbarium policies, paperwork, and other information may be obtained in the sacristy or the parish office.

Anniversaries: Steve and Mary Lou Knowles (70), Edwin and Grace Johnson (64), Jack and Marilyn Alderton (63), Ron and Terry Gleusner (61), Eugene and Marilyn Schmitt (61), Ron and Mary Vivian White (59), Vincent and Phyllis Fodera (58), Fred and Sharon Henkel (56), Robert and Janice Cahill (56), Mike and Susan Spitler (55), Ken and Helene Roy (55), Michael and Sharon Curtin (55), Frank and Nancy Drabek (53), Eugene and Janet Standaert (53), Philip and Rosalie Poynter (53), Wayne and Alice Duckstein (50), Robert and Carol Palazzo (50), Robert and Carol Loghry (50) St. John Neumann, Farragut Sister Patricia Soete, RSM, of St. Jude Parish in Helenwood again asked St. John Neumann parishioners for their help in providing Christmas gifts for children in Appalachia. Clothing items such as underwear, socks, jeans, and shoes for ages 1-17 are needed, but the greatest need is toys for children 1-14 as well as age-appropriate toys or games for children 15-17 (all items must be new). Unwrapped gifts may be left in the narthex after Mass or dropped off at the parish office until Sunday, Dec. 10.

Father Okere installed as pastor of St. Henry, St. James the Apostle Bishop Richard F. Stika formally installed Father Bartholomew “Bart” Okere as the pastor of St. Henry Parish in Rogersville and St. James the Apostle in Sneedville during a Sunday-morning Mass on Oct. 22. Also present for the ceremony were several of Father Okere’s out-of-town friends. Before his installation as pastor, Father Okere had been handling the duties as parochial administrator for both parishes since September 2016.

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The third annual Women’s Advent by Candlelight event will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 3, in the parish hall. For more information, call Carol Siercks at 920-973-9490.

BILL JONES/THE ROGERSVILLE REVIEW

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The St. John Neumann Adult Winter Dance, with music by The Chillbillies, is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20.

St. John Neumann School hosted an open house Nov. 7.

St. Mary, Athens

St. Mary seniors (60 and over) were invited to this year’s Thanksgiving Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 16.

The parish thanked Debbie and Ann Urban and Gladys and Paul Fortsch for making improvements to the rose gardens in front of the church.

St. Mary congratulated its confirmation class: Benjamin Doonis, David Garcia, Rebecca Godsey, Ubaldo Hernandez Jr., Eva Lauterbach, Samuel Lauterbach, Jaxon Marlow, Cesar Mireles, Dylan Ayala-Renteria, Itzel Ayala-Renteria, Allen Casey III, Ethan Domzalski, Elizabeth Pantoja, Lizbeth Pantoja, Glerisbeth Perez, Karla Sanchez, Mia Suarez, Flavio Torres-Garcia, Damon Twohig, Ricardo Vargas, Annyluz Vargas, and Brittany Chavez.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga The parish hosted a Thanksgiving Day Potluck on Nov. 23.

The Prime Timers (parishioners ages 50 and above) attended the UT-Chattanooga football game against East Tennessee State on Nov. 18.

St. John Neumann School celebrated its 20th anniversary Oct. 27 with a fall festival and Oct. 28 with the Mustang Classic golf tournament. The 10:30 a.m.

Mass on Oct. 29 also celebrated the anniversary.

The Vinnies from Good Shepherd At Good Shepherd Parish’s 50th-anniversary celebration Sept. 24, Bishop Richard F. Stika met members of the Newport parish’s Vincentian youth group, the Vinnies. From left with the bishop are Hayden O’Brien, Kevin Shilling, Hannah O’Brien, Kelly Sandoval, and Tara Shilling.

St. John Neumann parishioners collected $13,984 to aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey and $8,637 for Hurricane Irma victims.

St. Therese, Clinton The Senior Moments group will have a Christmas lunch at Harrison’s restaurant at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7.

JACK MITCHELL/THE NORRIS BULLETIN

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a picnic after the 10 a.m. Mass on Dec. 10 to celebrate the life of Steve Tayloe. Proceeds will be given to the Tayloe family.

The parish honored its adult volunteers with a wine-and-cheese social Nov. 17 in the school gym.

The parish is collecting Coats for the Cold through February. Coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for the less fortunate may be left in the box in the parish hall.

The Council of Catholic Women sponsored a Family Game Night on Nov. 10.

The parish held a Ministry Weekend after Masses on Nov. 4 and 5. Representatives of major committees and organizations were available to answer questions about activities and volunteer opportunities.

Blessing of pets at St. Joseph Church Father Julius Abuh, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Norris and St. Therese in Clinton, presided at a blessing of pets Oct. 21 at St. Joseph.

St. Therese thanked George Paynter for working on the gardens around the parish office and church.

Five Rivers Deanery COURTESY OF JILL PURCELL

An Advent party with a children’s program and potluck dinner is set for Saturday, Dec. 2.

Good Shepherd, Newport The youth group held a car wash fundraiser Nov. 12, with proceeds going toward the group’s trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference.

Anniversaries: James and Theresia Costello (52), Robert and Karen Adney (51), Joe and Truyen Rahm (45), Walter and Laurene Vamprine (40), Gary and Sue Griffin (30), Daniel and Jeannie Hixson (30), William and Shaun Merolle (25), Alan and Teresa Robinson (20), John and Kimberly Wesolowski (20), William and Theresa Cole (10), Michael and Phyllis Horten (5)

The parish celebrated the 90th birthday of pastor Monsignor Bob Hofstetter on Nov. 19.

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish participated in Appalachian Outreach’s 16th annual Coats for the Cold collection in November.

Parishioners went on a mini-pilgrimage to the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga on Oct. 30. Basilica rector Father David Carter gave the group a tour of the church.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The second annual Fall Family Festival took place Oct. 29.

The Knights of Columbus will be selling Keep Christ in Christmas cards after Mass on Saturday, Dec. 2, and again Dec. 10.

Anniversaries: Ron and Linda Henry (57), Ralph and Marlene Holt (45), Phil and Jennifer LaMonte (20), Matt and Nicki Hicks (10)

A healing Mass with anointing of the B4 n DECEMBER 3, 2017

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CCW members serve meal at homeless shelter The Council of Catholic Women of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville prepared and served a meal at the Bread of Life homeless shelter in Crossville on Oct. 13 as part of the council’s mission to help those going through difficult times. Pictured from front to back are Janet Gray, June Martin, and Zona Hengel.

Glade couple celebrates 70th wedding anniversary

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tephen and Mary Lou Knowles of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Nov. 8. They were married at St. Augustine Church in Barberton, Ohio.

Their four children are Larraine Wall of Fairfield Glade; Suzanne Albano of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Randy Knowles of Fairfield Glade; and Stephen Knowles of Albion, Pa. The couple have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

They retired from Grand River Rubber and Plastics Co. in Ashtabu-

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la, Ohio, and moved to Fairfield Glade in 1988.

Mr. Knowles’ hobbies are woodworking, reading, and yardwork.

Mrs. Knowles enjoys sewing, rug hooking, reading, and walking. She is also a eucharistic minister.

Mr. and Mrs. Knowles met in high school when Mary Lou was a freshman and have been together ever since.

They were congratulated on being the longest-married couple in St. Francis of Assisi Parish and in the Diocese of Knoxville earlier in 2017. n TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

A nine-week Divorce & Beyond support-group program will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Sunday, Jan. 7, at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut. Cost is $15. For more information, contact Mary Coffey at 865966-3237 or mccoffey86@gmail.com.

To register, contact Marilyn Derbyshire at 865-777-4312 or mderbyshire@ sjnknox.org.

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is sponsoring the third annual 360 Degrees of Hope Luncheon, hosted by WATE-TV’s Kristin Farley and featuring guest speaker Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at The Park Pavilion in downtown Knoxville (525 Henley St.). Guests will learn about networking opportunities and about the mission and purpose of CCETN. Tickets are $50. For tickets or table-host opportunities, visit ccetn.org/event/knoxville-360-of-hope.

The annual Knoxville March for Life is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. For more information, contact the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@ trlknox.com.

The 18th annual Chattanooga Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols will be presented by the Roueché Chorale at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15, at Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. The event is free. The congregation will play an active part in the singing of traditional carols and will hear sacred favorites.

Chorale founder and artistic director Jeff Roueché is a parishioner of St. Stephen in Chattanooga. For more information or directions, call 423-8552981 or 892-9363 or visit www.therouechechorale.org.

The Diocese of Knoxville is blessed with many couples happily married for more than 50 years. These strong witnesses to the sacrament of matrimony should and need to be celebrated.

With that in mind, the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is once again searching for the longestmarried couple in each parish and will send a Certificate of Recognition to the winner in each parish as a tiein to the National Marriage Week in February sponsored by the USCCB, World Marriage Day, and Marriage Encounter’s eighth annual search for the longest-married couple in the United States. For the last two years, the Diocese of Knoxville has had the longest-married couple in Tennessee.

To nominate a couple for this honor, submit the names, how long they have been married, and what parish they belong to by Jan. 7 to Marian Christiana at mchristiana@dioknox.org.

Bishop Richard F. Stika is again celebrating bilingual Masses throughout the diocese to honor the sacrament of matrimony. The Diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment has planned something special for all couples married in the Catholic Church and their families. Couples will have an opportunity to reaffirm their vows and receive a blessing. Commemorative certificates will be distributed at the luncheon, and a photo of each couple with Bishop Stika will be taken and mailed to the couple’s home. The remaining marriage Mass is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 (register

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

CHI Memorial Foundation’s 13th annual Pink! Gala is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Dr. Taylor and TifTH E EAST T E N N E S S E E C A T HO L I C

fany Whaley and Dr. Tom and Susan Flanagan will co-chair the foundation’s signature black-tie event. This year’s theme is “A Night on Old Havana.”

Proceeds from Pink! are used to ensure the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial has the latest equipment available and provides the highest quality care available to women in need. Sponsorships are available ranging from $3,500 to $50,000. The gala features cocktails, a four-course dinner, and dancing with music by Party on the Moon. Pink! is a celebration of life for breast cancer patients and survivors that has raised $3.4 million since 2006 to ensure the community has access to the most advanced breast cancer treatments available.

Visit www.memorial.org/pink, e-mail foundation@memorial.org, or call 423495-4438 for more information.

St. Henry Parish honors oldest parishioner Jo Worthington, a parishioner of St. Henry in Rogersville, is 100 years, 6 months old. She walks in to church every Sunday with the help of a cane and her daughter Lorraine Kloha. She actively participates every Sunday. Pastor Father Bart Okere recently honored her with a certificate as the parish’s oldest member. In the photo along with Father Okere, Mrs. Worthington, and Ms. Kloha are (from left) financial council president Mike Rogan, Mory DeWitte, and parish council president Paul Haverly.

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

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

The diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is sponsoring “Date Nights” for couples of all ages and stages of marriage. Join other married couples for a presentation and then leave as an individual couple with discussion questions to guide your conversation over dinner, during a walk, while visiting at a park, or wherever you choose. Inexpensive child care is available, too. The remaining Date Night is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut and has the theme “Navigating the Holy Days as a Couple.” To register and/or to sign up for child care, contact Marian Christiana (coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment) at mchristiana@dioknox.org or 423-892-2310.

The next Picture of Love engaged couples retreat is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, in the parish life center at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. The retreat is to supplement couples’ marriage formation process with their parish priest or deacon.

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

A Marriage Encounter weekend in Spanish is set for Dec. 2-3. For more information, call Agustin or Vero Ortega at 865-406-8297, or Fermin or Anita Cabrera at 423-619-3658.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is taking applications for the 2018-19 year. To learn more or schedule a tour of the campus, contact Teresa Hennen at 423-6983274 or teresahennen@myolph.com.

Join Father Steve Pawelk, GHM, and others on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the shrines of Mexico from April 9-18, 2018. Pilgrims will have Mass and pray the rosary every day. Among the sites visited will be the Cathedral of Guadalajara; the Shrine of San Toribio Romo, martyr and patron of immigrants; San Juan de los Lagos, site of many miracles; Cristo Rey and the city of Guanjuanto; Queretaro, where Father Junípero Serra began his missionary activity; and Mexico City and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. St. John Paul II, patron of the Diocese of Knoxville, visited most of these sites in his eight journeys to Mexico. All-inclusive package, air and Calendar continued on page B6

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

A free diocesan men’s retreat is planned for Saturday, Dec. 9, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Catholic speaker and evangelist Nic Davidson will give a presentation on male Catholic identity. The day begins with a 9 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika and will conclude at 2:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are included.

To learn more or to register, contact Sister Anna Marie at 865-862-5763 or srannamarie@dioknox.org.

COURTESY OF JANET BLANKENSHIP

Calendar

Parishioners take part in Prayer Service for Life Father Patrick Resen and parishioners of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City participated in a Prayer Service for Life on Oct. 18 in conjunction with the international 40 Days for Life campaign to end abortion. Guest speaker was Pastor Cecil Clark of True Vine Baptist Church in Knoxville. Pastor Clark has prayed at Planned Parenthood on Cherry Street in Knoxville on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for eight years. From left (front) are Trish Morrill, Marlene Yurick, and Judy Hall and (back) Father Resen, Pastor Clark, and Deacon Jim Prosak.

Parish notes continued from page B4 Newcomers: Christine Dale; Chris Corrigan and daughter Lily St. Dominic, Kingsport A Police and Firefighters Appreciation Luncheon was held Nov. 16 in the parish life center.

Parishioners took part in a prayer for the end of abortion outside the Bristol Regional Women’s Center on Nov. 3.

A Dinner for a Cause, featuring Filipino cuisine, was held Oct. 28 in the parish life center and benefited hurricane relief.

Farewell receptions were held after Masses on Sept. 23 and 24 for associate pastor Father William Oruko, AJ, who left at the end of the month for his new assignment at St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Astoria, Ore.

of his priestly ordination Oct. 28.

The parish thanked Ronnie and Conny Chamberlain and Teresa DeWine for donating a refrigerator and coffee pot for the youth room.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a trip to the 2018 National March for Life from Jan. 17-20. Cost is $285 with a $150 deposit; register on forms available in the parish office. For more information, e-mail bjjonline@hotmail. com or call 865-268-5226.

Parishioners are forming a Women’s Jail Ministry to visit women prisoners in the Blount County Jail.

The Knights held a pancake breakfast on Oct. 29 and offered a look at the mobile ultrasound unit they purchased.

St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus sponsored a Vets Winter Coat & Toiletries Drive from Oct. 21 through Nov. 26. Donations benefited the homeless veterans living outside the VA hospital in Johnson City.

The Council of Catholic Women sponsored its 16th annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 11. More than 45 vendors sold jewelry, toys, scarves, candles, and more. A Red, White & Blue Café honored veterans with a free beverage.

St. Patrick parishioners donated more than $5,500 for Hurricane Irma relief.

“Harvest of Blessings” ministries days were held Nov. 18 and 19.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville St. John XXIII is again participating in The Elf Project to help families in need.

Visit www.TheElfProject.org or pick up a volunteer/donation form in the lobby.

The parish held its annual Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 17.

A potluck dinner Oct. 6 celebrated the 40th anniversary of ordination of former St. John XXIII pastor Father Terry Ryan, CSP.

Anniversary: Bill and Diane Hughes (40)

Smoky Mountain Deanery Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Colby Reynaud, Judy Stokes, Sharon Bitzer, Sally Jackson, Ray Chan, Ed Stokes, Gerry O’Farrell, Clete Walles, Danny Lane, Theresa Kaiser, and Gail Austin each won a basket at the annual IC Women’s Group Craft Fair.

The women’s group elected new officers for 2017-19: Pat Ryan, president; Beth Meyer, vice president; Chris Wright, secretary; Barb Sirknen, treasurer; and Jeanie Matthews, activities/membership.

IC congratulated pastor Father Ron Franco, CSP, on the 22nd anniversary

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Associate pastor Father Bob O’Donnell, CSP, gave a series of Tuesday talks in October in observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The parish held a Veterans Day Memorial Program on Nov. 11, beginning with Mass followed by a blessing at the Veterans Memorial in front of the church.

The guest speaker was Brigadier Gen. John D. Wood, USAF retired.

The Knights of Columbus sponsored a pancake breakfast Oct. 15 to benefit local charities, including Coats for Kids, the Pregnancy Resource Center, and Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets. n DECEMBER 3, 2017 n B5

COURTESY OF FATHER TOM CHARTERS, GHM (2)

COURTESY OF TIM VANE

Parish news

Thibodaux Gardens St. Mary parishioners who tend the garden are (from left) Ray Genoni, Debbie Genoni, Jim Baumann, Mary Ann Gubanc, Tom Barber, Judy Osucha, Stephanie Hannan, Mike Vudragovich, and Margaret Dory.

A ministry of the soil at St. Mary

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growing vegetables from seeds in the school’s greenhouse until they’re ready to be transplanted.

Many of the vegetables in the garden are grown from seeds to keep costs down. The volunteer gardeners have to water and weed throughout the summer as well as pick the crops when they’re ready. In short, the volunteers are engaged in all the activities required of any agricultural enterprise throughout the growing season. There are about a dozen parishioners who tend the garden from April through September, and they do it because they want to help people in the community who use the parish’s food pantry.

“It helps us tremendously,” said the director of the pantry, Mary Ann Gubanc. “Our clients get fresh vegetables that supplement what we normally provide. The quality of the vegetables is terrific, and they get to pick out what they want. I’d be hard-pressed to remember anyone not taking fresh vegetables.”

Whatever is left over, and it’s not much, goes to other charities in Anderson County.

In a typical year the vegetables grown in the garden include tomatoes, corn, peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, beans, kale, okra, eggplant, cucumber, and onions.

It’s not a ministry that one typically finds in a Catholic parish, but there’s always room for innovative ways to serve. Even if it means getting your hands dirty. ■

Helping with hurricane relief St. Michael the Archangel pastor Father Tom Charters, GHM (back row, left), poses with Elena Orozco, Chris Andrade, Zayra Andrade, Tanya and Samantha Chavez, Andrea Lopez, Aaron Manzanares, Daniel Meza, Fernanda Murillo, Luz Perez, Bernice Luquin, and Fernanda Ruiz-Yin and adult leaders during the group’s trip to Naples, Fla.

St. Michael youth help with recovery

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welve members of the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission youth group, Elena Orozco, Chris Andrade, Zayra Andrade, Tanya and Samantha Chavez, Andrea Lopez, Aaron Manzanares, Daniel Meza, Fernanda Murillo, Luz Perez, Bernice Luquin, and Fernanda Ruiz-Yin, gave up their fall break from school to travel to Naples, Fla., to do Hurricane Irma recovery work.

Overseeing the group and working with them were Kathy O’Brien, the mission’s youth director; Steve Miles, a parishioner; and Father Tom Charters, GHM, St. Michael’s pastor.

On the first day the group assisted at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. Catholic Charities located itself at the parish and implemented help and recovery immediately after the hurricane hit.

When the group arrived they went to work cleaning up the parish grounds. They spent five hours picking up bags of Styrofoam roofing insulation which lined the perimeter

of the parish. The hurricane had blown the insulation from a trailer camp which had been greatly damaged. Later in the day, the group saw the trailer camp from which the insulation came.

On the second day, the group went to Immokalee, an area bordering the Everglades. Immokalee is a huge area populated by Haitians and Hispanic migrants who work the agricultural fields. The poverty level of Immokalee is 43.9 percent.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Center, under the guidance of members and volunteers from the center and Catholic Charities, the group put together bags of groceries, which they then distributed to the elderly living in apartment units in the area. The group did more than merely hand the groceries to the elderly. They spent time visiting and talking with the people. The elderly shared their stories with the youth, and the youth shared with one another what they heard at the evening Mass. ■

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

atholic parishes throughout the Diocese of Knoxville support a number of different ministries. Some are focused on developing the mind, some on healing the spirit, some on leading souls to conversion, and some are of the soil.

Yes, soil. As in agriculture. As in farming. As in growing vegetables to feed the less fortunate. St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge has had its own agriculture program for the last eight years and has continued the tradition through the 2017 growing season.

Deacon Gary Sega started the program in 2010 after attending a retreat at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City. He said, “We noticed they had a big garden on the grounds and wondered why we couldn’t do the same. We got the necessary permission, found a local farmer to plow the ground, and got started. Since St. Mary’s has a food pantry, we thought it made sense to provide their clients with fresh vegetables from a garden that was only 200 feet away.”

The garden area (about 3,500 square feet) on the parish grounds is called Thibodaux Gardens. It got that name because a parishioner who was instrumental in getting a stout fence built to keep the animals out was from Thibodaux, La. Crops are normally planted in April after the threat of frost is over. Students from St. Mary elementary school also contribute to the garden by

Holy Trinity parishioners pray at Planned Parenthood Father Patrick Resen and parishioners of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, along with members of other area churches, gather to pray and witness at Planned Parenthood on Cherry Street in Knoxville during the 40 Days for Life campaign to end abortion (Sept. 27-Nov. 5).

Food for the needy St. Michael youth put together bags of groceries for the needy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Center during their Florida trip.

Calendar continued from page B5 land, is $1,990. For more information, contact Lisa Morris, group pilgrimage coordinator for Select International Tours, at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl. com.

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

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

A Low Mass in the ancient form of the Roman Rite is normally offered every Monday morning at 7 a.m. at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga.

On Monday, Dec. 11, the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration, led by the Hispanic community, will begin at 7 p.m. with the rosary and other prayers in the church. There will be a procession around the city block with an image of Our Lady at 8 p.m., followed by the vigil Mass in Spanish and a reception and play in Varallo Parish Hall. All are invited.

A Missa Cantata (sung Mass) in the ancient form B6 n DECEMBER 3, 2017

of the Roman Rite is normally celebrated at 5 p.m. on fourth Sundays at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. However, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24, the Christmas vigil Mass in the Ordinary Form will be celebrated, followed by the midnight Mass. There will be a 30-minute choral prelude preceding each Mass. On Jan. 28 at 5 p.m., a Missa Cantata will be celebrated for Septuagesima Sunday. Following this Mass, all are invited to the basilica potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Joseph the www.di o k no x .o rg

Worker Church in Madisonville; and at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. For more information, visit www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The traditional Latin Mass of Christmas will be offered again this year at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville at noon on Christmas Day. At 11:30 a.m. preceding the Mass, the Knoxville Latin Mass Schola will present a program of traditional Christmas music.

The Mass itself will be accompanied by the variable proper parts sung in Gregorian chant and the fixed ordinary parts (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, etc.) in the polyphonic setting of Claudio Monteverdi’s Mass for Four Voices, plus offertory and Communion motets in chant and sacred polyphony. All area Catholics and their friends are invited to share this festive celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord. Further details about the Mass and musical program will be posted at www.KnoxLatinMass.net.

The St. Thomas the Apostle Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Mission located at 2304 Ault Road, Knoxville, TN 37914 meets for Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.org/ for details. ■ TH E EA S T TEN N ES S EE C A TH OLI C

Parish news

Glade couples celebrate 50 years

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

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They moved to the Glade in 2010.

They celebrated their anniversary with a trip to China in 2016, Scotland in 2017, and on their recent anniversary to the wine country of California. They were high school sweethearts at Baldwin High School, graduating in 1963.

Mr. Duckstein served in Vietnam in 1967.

■ Anthony and Mary Jane Gradle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 21. They were married at St. John of God Church in Chicago with Mrs. Gradle’s godfather, Father Edward Krason, officiating.

Their three children are Jacinda Dolson of Gurnee, Ill.; Anthony Gradle of Plainfield, Ill.; and David Gradle of Glen Ellyn, Ill., and they have three grandchildren.

Mr. Gradle retired as a DuPage County sheriff of Wheaton, Ill., and Mrs. Gradle from HMS Health Management Systems of Itasca, Ill., and they moved to the Glade in 2002.

They celebrated with family and friends Oct. 21 with a Mass at a new parish in Old Mill Creek, Ill., St. Raphael the Archangel. ■

COURTESY OF MARLENE YURICK

‘Saints’ tell their stories at parish’s Fall Family Festival Parishioners of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City enjoyed their Fall Family Festival on Oct. 29 complete with the “saints” telling stories of their lives, food, and fun activities for the children, including a trunk or treat. Pictured are (from left, front) Rena Roberts (St. Bernadette) and Marge Hornyak (St. Teresa of Calcutta) and (back) Brenda Wentling (St. Faustina), Deacon Jack Raymond (St. Lawrence), Deacon Jim Prosak (St. Peter), Marlene Holt (St. Brigid of Ireland), and Jack Morton (St. Michael the Archangel).

t. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade congratulates three couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries: ■ Robert and Carol Palazzo will celebrate their golden anniversary on Dec. 23. They were married at Holy Trinity Church in Dallas.

Their three children are Robert Palazzo of Marietta, Ga.; Michael Palazzo of Charleston, S.C.; and Chris Palazzo of Alpharetta, Ga., and they have three grandchildren.

The Palazzos retired from the U.S. Forest Service and Providence Hospital in Columbia, S.C., and moved to the Glade in 2000. They will celebrate the anniversary in Roswell, Ga. ■ Wayne and Alice Duckstein celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Nov. 11. They were married at St. Germaine Church in Pittsburgh.

Their three children are Michele Duckstein, Wayne Duckstein Jr., and Raymond Duckstein, and they have seven grandchildren.

Mr. Duckstein retired from Siemens Medical Solutions in Tampa, Fla., and Mrs. Duckstein is an RN.

BILL BREWER

Baby shower benefits Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City Members of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City present baby shower gifts to Cathy Gleason, director of Life Outreach Center, a pregnancy resource facility in Jefferson City. The church participates in the Spiritual Adoption of the Unborn, a program in which parishioners pray each day for nine months for a baby, unknown to them, who is in danger of abortion. At the end of nine months, the church celebrates with a baby shower in which gifts and monetary donations are collected and presented to Life Outreach Center. Pictured are (from left, front) Evangeline Webster, Kay McBride, Ms. Gleason, Cheryl Prosak, Marlene Holt, and Judy Hall and (back) Sharon Jurkonie, Eileen Mundelein, Teresa Mabe, Trish Morrill, and Joyce Haigh.

DR. KELLY KEARSE (4)

All Souls rosary held at Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville, leads a rosary procession Nov. 5 at Calvary Cemetery to commemorate All Souls’ Day.

Catholic Charities hosts first Fall Family Jam It was an afternoon of family fun at the inaugural Fall Family Jam on Saturday, Nov. 11, hosted by Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and WIVK. Three local bands—The Chillbillies, Mount LeConte Jug Band, and Barefoot Sanctuary—provided live music. The event also featured children’s carnival games and face painting, food and drinks, visits with local firemen and police officers, and a chance to toss a football with Volunteer football legends Tony Robinson and Fred White. The event was held at the Stables at Hunter Valley Farm, and all proceeds benefited Catholic Charities’ Children’s Services, which includes Columbus Home, the Children’s Emergency Shelter, and the Columbus Home Assisting Parents (CHAP) program.

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

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DECEMBER 3, 2017 n B7

Catholic schools

KCHS’s Cade Mays named to Army All-American Bowl

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noxville Catholic High School standout senior lineman Cade Mays has been selected to play for the East team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Mays, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 318 pounds, was recognized by game officials and Army personnel in an all-school assembly Oct. 5 in the KCHS gym.

“Thank you for joining us for this historic announcement at Knoxville Catholic High School,” KCHS President Dickie Sompayrac said in welcoming the gathering. “Today truly is a proud day.”

Mays committed to the University of Tennessee football team in July 2015 but announced Nov. 7 that he had decommitted from the Vols.

The Army All-American Bowl game will be played Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. It will air at 1 p.m. on NBC. Mays is one of 100 players in the annual game, which has been played since 2001. Heisman Trophy winners and more than 400 NFL players, including Andrew Luck and Eric Berry, are among the game’s alumni.

“The Army All-American Bowl is a unique celebration of American youth and the American soldier,” said Lee Rosenberg, event coordinator for the All-American Bowl Selection Tour. “Not just anyone can be a soldier. Not just anyone can be a U.S. Army All-American. To come here takes leadership potential, teamwork, adaptability, and versatility to tackle any challenge. It is these strengths, along with dedication, determination, and innovation, which allows [the players] to succeed and excel in school, in training, and in life. It is the embodiment of these strengths that earn our AllAmerican Bowl players and marching-band members the right to wear the colors of the U.S. Army.”

Staff Sgt. Rigoberto Portillo led

a round of applause for the KCHS football team and officially welcomed Mays to the All-American Bowl.

“U.S. Army All-Americans are dedicated and motivated and know how to be a member of a team as well as a leader,” Sgt. Portillo said.

Mays took the microphone and thanked his parents, Kevin and Melinda Mays, brother and KCHS teammate Cooper Mays, and youngest brother Camp, as well as Fighting Irish head coach Steve Matthews and offensive line coach Justin Anderson. He said he “would like to thank God for all of his blessings and the great opportunities He’s given me. I would also like to thank the U.S. Army All-American Game and all the veterans past and present who sacrificed everything so kids like me can play the great sport of football without a worry in the world.

“Mom and Dad, thank you all so much for always supporting me, loving me, and looking out for me. God couldn’t have ever blessed me with better parents. Cooper, Camp—you all are my best friends in the whole world. It’s hard to believe that all this started playing football in the yard with Mom and Dad refereeing us, and now we’re here.

“I would like to thank my coaching staff. You all have had such a great influence in my life, not only as a player but as a person. Coach Matthews, thank you for your support, for putting up with what goes on in recruiting. You’ve been the best head coach I could have asked for. Coach Anderson, thank you for pushing me and having patience with me. I know I haven’t always been the easiest player to coach.

And as for my teammates, I consider you all a family. This presentation is just as much yours as it is mine. It’s been a pleasure spending four years playing with you guys,

Game jersey Cade Mays is officially welcomed to the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl by (from left) Staff Sgt. Forrest Nugent, Sgt. 1st Class Eric Faulkner, and Staff Sgt. Rigoberto Portillo. and I love you all. Without the support you all have given me, none of this would be possible.”

Mays also thanked the KCHS faculty and his fellow students.

“Mr. Sompayrac and faculty, I will forever be thankful for you all and all you have done for me,” he said. “I have grown spiritually, mentally, and physically in these last four years. None of this would be possible without everybody in this gym, so thank you all and God bless.”

Sgt. Portillo presented a plaque to Mr. Matthews and invited him to attend the U.S. Army Coaches Academy during bowl week. Mr. Rosenberg presented a Dream Champion Award to Kevin and Melinda Mays.

Afterward, Cade Mays said “that was the most unbelievable feeling, having my whole school here. Their support was awesome. Thanks to my principal, Mr. Sompayrac. That was a great experience for me. It’s been great. I never thought that I would be in this position. It’s just a

blessing from God.” He said he had been nervous about the KCHS ceremony before the whole student body for some time.

“I’ve been nervous all day,” he said. “Actually for the past week I’ve been nervous. It’s a surreal feeling. I thank them for coming out.”

Mays said he looks forward to playing with the best players in the country in the All-American Bowl.

“I’m excited. I love competition,” he said. “I’m excited to go down there Jan. 6 and compete.”

The bowl appearance for Mays has been years in the making.

“I actually got a call my sophomore year, and they asked me if I wanted to participate in the game, and I committed on the spot, so it’s been a long time coming,” he said.

The game is special because of “the veterans — they give everything for me, so I can give back to them by just playing in a football game, which is barely anything, but anything I can do to give back, plus the competition,” he said. ■

Plaque for the head coach KCHS’s Steve Matthews receives an award from Lt. Col. Jared Crain (left) and Sgt. Portillo.

Lady Irish volleyball team finishes second in state The Knoxville Catholic High School volleyball team captured runner-up honors in the 2017 Class AA state tournament played in Murfreesboro from Oct. 17-19. The Lady Irish, who finished 27-13 and are pictured above with their region championship plaque, opened the state tourney with a 26-24, 25-18, 25-21 win over Signal Mountain at Siegel High School. KCHS then blanked Camden 25-22, 25-16, 25-21 at Siegel and defeated Portland 25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-11 in the winners’ bracket finals at Middle Tennessee State University. Portland, however, battled out of the losers’ bracket and defeated KCHS 25-17, 25-18, 11-25, 25-23 in the championship match. From left above are (front row) coach Courtney Smith, Olivia Kozemko, Rachel Bazzoon, Cassie Kuerschen, Elizabeth Waltman, and Alex Peterson and (back) head coach Brent Carter, Olivia Cunningham, Catelyn Krings, Meredith Bonee, Carlee Hart, Maddie Vanderhoofven, Maya Alves, Alex Carter, Lauren Robson, coach Andre Alves, and coach Michelle Dougherty.

B8 n DECEMBER 3, 2017

COURTESY OF DEACON SEAN SMITH

COURTESY OF MEGAN ERPENBACH

Parents honored Lee Rosenberg (left) presented Melinda and Kevin Mays with a Dream Champion Award at the ceremony honoring their son.

By Dan McWilliams

DAN MCWILLIAMS (3)

The senior lineman is one of 100 players selected nationally to appear in the Jan. 6 game in San Antonio

KCHS boys cross country team earns state runner-up honors The Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country team placed second in the state at the Large School finals held Nov. 4 at the Percy Warner Park Steeplechase Course in Nashville. Siegel High School scored 72 points to outdistance the Fighting Irish, who tallied 128. Junior Jake Renfree of KCHS placed fourth overall in the 197-person field with a time of 15 minutes 59.02 seconds. He was the second-highest finishing junior in the state field. Senior Devin Sullivan recorded a time of 16:16.62 to place eighth. He was the fourth-best senior in the state. Freshman Riley Smith scored for the Irish with his 48th-place time of 17:18.16. He was the third-best freshman in the field. Seniors Jacob Pettinger (17:22.99) and Ethan Tornstrom (17:24.28) finished 56th and 57th, respectively. Freshmen Hayden Trent was 183rd and Parker Slough 191st for KCHS. From left above are Hayden Trent, Ethan Tornstrom, Riley Smith, Devin Sullivan, Jake Renfree, Jacob Pettinger, and Parker Slough.

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

Praying for Perspective

by George Valadie

A lesson in humility at traffic court This driver in a hurry doesn’t see himself ‘as being as bad or as guilty as any of those people,’ until the Holy Spirit intervenes

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’m hoping to do better this time because last year my Advent season didn’t begin soon enough. Yes, I know the season has an official Sunday beginning, but life reminded me that four weeks of reflection and readiness weren’t nearly enough.

Maybe this year.

The Advent preparation I so desperately needed began the week before Thanksgiving when I was running late for an off-campus meeting.

I need your imagination here.

Late November, traffic everywhere, speeding too much, dodging, swerving, and cutting people off.

Yeah, I was that guy. Now picture a right turn onto a “free-for-all” fourlane highway.

I drive this route almost daily, so it’s not that tough to merge into the flow, but because of the left-hand turn that was soon to follow, I needed to cross over the first three lanes to get all the way to the fourth. And on this particular stretch of highway, that’s just not happening.

Except I caught a break – I saw what seemed like a manageable opening (with “seemed like” being the relevant words here). I miscalculated my driving skill, the traffic flow, and the size of the opening that awaited me on that inside lane.

So oops! there I was, caught at the light with the front half of my car in No. 4, back half in No. 3, blocking both. With beads of sweat on my forehead, the sort you get when you’re sure the world is staring at you, I sheepishly turned my head to check who and how many I had inconvenienced.

Fully, expecting the glares of unhappy drivers, it was worse. I

couldn’t decide if the policeman was snarling at my car, my driving, or the cell phone on which I was talking.

Sure enough, he cranked up his blue lights, and I could envision a ticket for “reckless driving” or more likely one for “endangering just about everybody.” I couldn’t blame him; I deserved it. If not for this, then for my earlier driving.

But he floored me: “Sorry to pull you over, but your tag’s expired.

Normally I’d just give you a warning, but yours expired last August.”

“August!, really??” Head hung low, all I could say was, “What do you think it’s gonna cost me?”

“Probably nothing, just show up with a new tag, and they’ll probably toss it out when you go to court.

Have a great Thanksgiving.”

Oh, Lord. Court. The courthouse.

The place where all the bad people have to go. Where I now had to go.

I got there early in hopes of a quick in and out. Me and every other Chattanooga maniac-driving criminal. Imagine a line for free Super Bowl tickets; I was at the back of it.

There are several available courtrooms, but turns out that everyone in my line was headed into the same one, all scheduled for the exact same hour. So I had plenty of time to take in my surroundings – and the people in it.

Though I was yet to realize it, my arrogance had actually begun even before I left home that day. I knew I’d be going to the courthouse, and I pictured the sort of people I might encounter there, so in spite of the winter chill, I chose to wear less than my best.

Marriage Enrichment

After all, the Lord of Lords chose to be born into the meager home of a carpenter. He preferred to be king without castle who embraced the downtrodden, literally. He hammered on the advantaged, too, not because they owned so much, but because they grasped so little — failing to appreciate all they had, all that mattered, and from whom all their blessings had come.

Nancy had given me a really nice overcoat, I mean really nice. And I decided that if I wore it, my appearance would suggest to the poor I might encounter that I could help them. And honestly, I just get really uncomfortable when approached by those I commonly think of as beggars. So I left the coat at home.

Seriously, how embarrassing – no, how sinful is that!

With the ticket line creeping slowly, I had ample opportunity to wonder what each of my fellow lawbreakers had done. I guessed most of us had violated one traffic law or another. But there were others who passed us in the hallways – headed to other courtrooms for other offenses.

Proudly (or should I say “selfrighteously”), I just didn’t see myself as being as bad or as guilty as any of those people. Even those whose tags had expired just like mine. Embarrassing to admit, but I assumed what I assumed based solely on how they looked.

I studied their clothes and their shoes, their coats and their haircuts.

Some were ratty and rumpled, more than a few were unkempt and unclean. A good number didn’t look as if they had the money to buy food, much less settle a traffic ticket.

It was obvious that times were tough for quite a few. And face-to-

face with such need, I committed the most arrogant sin of all. Instead of reaching out to help, or even taking a moment to consider the possibility, I instead spent most of my time in that line proudly convinced that I wasn’t just better off … but that I was just better.

I can’t recall what inspired my revelation. Perhaps the Holy Spirit swooped in to slap me in the head – or the soul. But suddenly, while standing in that same line, I was overcome with a shameful embarrassment for the things I had been thinking.

How did I get so self-important? When had I lost all sense of humility?

After all, the Lord of Lords chose to be born into the meager home of a carpenter. He preferred to be king without castle who embraced the downtrodden, literally.

He hammered on the advantaged, too, not because they owned so much, but because they grasped so little – failing to appreciate all they had, all that mattered, and from whom all their blessings had come.

He hammered on people like me.

Dear God – It’s hard to prepare for He whom we cannot understand. Please send him anyway. Amen. ■ George Valadie is president of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

by Marian Christiana

Give the gift of travel to someone you love The diocese is sponsoring a pilgrimage to the World Meeting of Families next year in Dublin, Ireland

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s the song says, “It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go…,” and trying to find that perfect gift for your spouse or loved ones can be incredibly frustrating. This year I am going to ask you to think about giving the gift of travel to someone you love. The Diocese of Knoxville has the perfect opportunity for you to blend travel, family time, faith-filled educational experiences, beautiful liturgies experienced with people from all over the world, and, on top of all that, an opportunity to see Pope Francis in person. No wandering through a mall or online shopping site can match all of that!

Before I go off the rails and lose you completely, let me explain what I am talking about. The Diocese of Knoxville is sponsoring a pilgrimage to the 2018 World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Ireland.

You may be asking yourself what exactly is the World Meeting of Families? The World Meeting of Families 2018 (WMOF 2018) is the continuation of a celebration held every three years that was initially begun by St. John Paul II. This major world event celebrates family as the cornerstone of our spiritual and corporal lives, and the fundamental building block of society and the Church. “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the ninth World Meeting of Families in 2018, which will be held Aug. 21-26, 2018, in Dublin.

In preparation for this world event, the WMOF 2018 pastoral planning team has developed com-

panion resources to study Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “The Joy of Love” as we move closer to the event. One resource available is a special WMOF 2018 icon of the Holy Family that has been commissioned for the event. An icon is not like a photograph or a portrait. It is an image that invites us to prayer.

This special icon invites people to prayer to prepare their hearts for the World Meeting of Families 2018, and I thought this icon dedicated to the Holy Family could help us all prepare for the birth of Jesus as we progress through the Advent season.

The icon was written by iconographer Mihai Cucu and assisted by the Redemptoristine Sisters of the Monastery of St. Alphonsus in Dublin as part of their ongoing prayer for families. Icons are said to be written instead of painted because they present a visual narrative to us. What I like about this particular icon is that it is in the form of a triptych which looks like a little house with front doors. Here is a very nice description of the icon from the World Meeting of Families 2018 website:

“On these outside doors, we are presented with the Archangels Michael (left) and Gabriel (right), who carry with them the desire of God to protect. Their heads are bowed in adoration and service of God, the Holy One. On the base is the inscription Amoris Laetitia, ‘The Joy of Love,’ the title of Pope Francis’ post-Synodal exhortation on love in the family, the source of our reflections during the World Meeting of Families 2018.

“When the doors of this icon are opened we see in the center the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph seated at table, sharing a meal and sharing their faith. Their faith was celebrated in their home.

It is in our home that the reality of God-with-us is communicated and passed on to future generations…”

This icon is a perfect example of the domestic church and reaffirms that families are the first teachers of our faith. With the help of this icon we can bring our family’s hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations to the table of the Holy Family. They understand what we are going through because they have lived through the same life experiences.

I can picture them sharing a meal expressing their sadness at the news that friends are moving to another village to find work, or their excitement that a family member is getting married. I can hear their laughter as Jesus retells a funny anecdote about making a table with Joseph that day. Praying with this icon can help us feel the love of family when we find ourselves alone.

The title “Amoris Laetitia” on the

doors reminds us that as Christians we are called to be joyful and bring the gift of God’s love to the world through our relationships. I know that in a family sometimes being joyful is easier said than done. Praying with this icon throughout the Advent season will be a good way to help us focus on the gift of God’s love and the gift of family. We can prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord with the Holy Family as our guide.

You can learn more about the WMOF 2018 icon of the Holy Family, and see an image of it, on theWMOF 2018website: http://www. worldmeeting2018.ie/WMOF/ media/downloads/WMOF2018Icon-of-the-Holy-Family.pdf. If you are interested in joining us in Dublin next August (and I hope you are!), you can find more information about the pilgrimage on our diocesan website at the following location: https://dioknox.org/ marriage-preparation-and-enrichment/.

This pilgrimage would be a wonderful gift for you and your spouse or loved one, and promises to be a life-changing experience for all of us who take the opportunity to attend.

Thank you in advance for your prayers for a successful World Meeting of Families in 2018, and from my house to yours, may you and your family have a very blessed Christmas and enjoy a happy and peaceful New Year! ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Annual Knoxville March for Life scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 21

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he annual Knoxville March for Life is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21.

The march, which commemorates

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

the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, will begin in World’s Fair Park at the Tennessee Amphitheater with a prayer service

for the unborn. A procession will then march to the corner of Clinch Avenue and 16th Street, where the Knoxville Center for Reproductive

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Health is located. For more information, contact the Knoxville chapter of Tennessee Right to Life at 865-6891339 or trlknox@trlknox.com. ■ DECEMBER 3, 2017 n B9

Living the Readings

by Father Joseph Brando

there were no problems among the recipients of that community. If you continued reading that letter, you’d see many. The truth is just like Isaiah saw it. Paul recognized the problem as pride. The remedy he recommended to the Corinthians was a large dose of the virtue of love.

Jesus’ response to the problem of evil in this world can be found in what seems to be a standard part of His message, namely the parable. A rich man goes away on a long trip and divides his fortune among his servants. From other Gospel messages there’s always one who messes up. In this Gospel from Mark, the rich man (it could also be a king or an owner) tells his employees what they should do. They should watch and be faithful. There it is in the first Mass of the new liturgical year.

Faith, hope, and charity form the answer to the problem of evil. They will lead us to true happiness for the entire year and, indeed, for the rest of our lives.

Advent wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Mary’s role in the history of salvation. On the feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception, in the first reading, Adam and Eve offer excuses for their disobeying God’s command. Mary doesn’t need an excuse.

She was holy and without blemish.

We can follow her example. Through devotion to Mary we can also experience Mary’s love for her Son. We return to the problem of evil on the second Sunday of Advent.

Isaiah prophesies that God will come in power to expiate the sins of Israel. Peter writes that the Lord is not delaying. He goes further to say that the end is coming Isaiah returns for the third time on the third Sunday of Advent. He goes on to say that “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” His answer to the problem is that God is already here with us. Paul admonishes us not to quench the Spirit. Rather we are to cooperate with “the God of peace to become perfectly holy.”

The last Sunday of Advent presents David as the link to tie us up with God being with us. David is promised that the Lord who was with him in all his conquests will come as a Son of David. “I will raise up your heir after you…and I will make his kingdom firm.” That prophesy explains why Joseph made great haste to get to Bethlehem. The true Messiah must have a father who is a “son of David” and be born in Bethlehem. Thus, Paul can write to the Romans in the second reading that Jesus Christ is revealed as God. The ultimate word that God has become man was announced in Luke’s Gospel by the angel Gabriel to Mary. Rejoice, God is here.

If we have done our duty this Advent and come to Christmas with a heart that has been uplifted by faith, hope, and love, and have filled our heart with joy — that is our goal on Christmas day.

There are four different Liturgies of the Word that can be employed on Christmas. Those are for: the vigil, Christmas night, Christmas

dawn, and Christmas day. Piecing them together can result in developing a beautiful spiritual theology of the Incarnation that will benefit our souls with knowledge and joy.

After the Church made ample use of Isaiah, quoting from his book three of the four Sundays in Advent, of the four Masses on Christmas Isaiah is read all four times.

At the vigil Mass, Isaiah praises Jerusalem for being vindicated. The city whose citizens were carried away to (presumably) a life of slavery is now a glorious crown as they return home alive with the joy of a victorious people. No longer slaves, they are now brides of God, and “so shall your God rejoice in you.” The vigil Mass also features Paul’s sermon in the synagogue at Antioch. It highlights the dynasty of David and that through David’s descendants the Savior has come to Israel. The Gospel consists of Matthew’s genealogy from David to Joseph.

The Mass during the night contains the prophecy of Jesus’ birth: “a child is born to us, a son is given us; they name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne and over his kingdom…both now and forever.”

The New Testament reading is from Paul’s letter to Titus. He writes that the grace of God has appeared and is working to help us reject godless ways and to live devoutly. So, God was always working for us and, now, is stronger than ever, “cleansing for himself a people as his own eager to do what is good.” That is us.

The Gospel tells the background story of Christmas beginning with the decree from Caesar until the coming of the shepherds. It ends with the angels singing “Glory to God in the highest.”

The Mass at dawn begins with Isaiah prophesying that God will proclaim to the people of Zion they are holy and redeemed. Then, it quotes Paul writing to Titus informing us that such redemption comes to us by the mercy of God. We are justified by His grace. What a cause for joy!

The Liturgy of Christmas concludes with Mass during the day.

Isaiah encourages us to end it appropriately. “Break out together in song.” “In that way the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.” Notice the proper response to God’s presence is song and not shouts.

The final New Testament readings on Christmas are from the Letter to the Hebrews and the beginning of John’s Gospel. Both have to do with God speaking to us. This leads us to conclude that one of the greatest Christmas gifts that God gives us is the ability to listen to God. The Letter to the Hebrews notes the superiority of our communication with God. We cannot waste this opportunity. The Gospel of John has a real Gospel message at the end of his discourse on Word, light, and life. “He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God.” That is the source of Christmas joy: We can be born of God. Perhaps, the most critical time for a family to take advantage of the

Sunday liturgies is in the month of January. It could be a great time to re-introduce regular attendance at Sunday Mass to family members who got a shot-in-the-arm boost attending the Christmas Mass. You could tell them that Christmas season isn’t over. Very much part of the Christmas celebration is the Octave Day of Christmas. That is the eighth day after a feast when all the enjoyment over the past seven days reaches a happy conclusion. This year that day is now celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas as the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Dedicate that day to remembering and relating the joys each family member experienced during Christmas week.

The Scripture passages for the Mass make a good reading list for family conversation. The Old Testament reading is from Sirach (a wise teacher in Israel). It’ll get you started conversing on parent-child relationships. The reading from Paul’s letter to the Colossians starts us off with a list of virtues we all need to improve on. Be careful. Such a discussion demands you bring a good sense of humor with you.

The last reading this day finishes the Christmas narrative. The wise men go back home, King Herod plans to kill the baby Jesus, and Joseph takes his family to Egypt.

There’s plenty of interesting conversation at hand to keep family time alive a long time.

Jan. 1 is not a day when we have an obligation to attend Mass as it usually is. It still is, however, a solemn day in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. The Scripture readings are great for a summary of what really happened over Christmas. The first reading has a family blessing you may want to use in your home. The New Testament reading presents the final report of the effect of Christmas on families and their prayer life. The Gospel, from Luke, describes life in the Holy Family for the first eight days after Jesus’ birth. Your family may not have been much different.

On Jan. 7 we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the traditional ending of the Christmas season. The next Sunday returns us to Ordinary Time. So, on the week of Epiphany we should meditate on Christmas as if it were the “rearview mirror” of feasts. Perhaps, all in your home could gather and look backward and reflect on all the good things that happened both on this recently concluded Christmas as well as the first Christmas in Bethlehem. How would you think Jesus, Mary, and Joseph would answer the question, “What was your Christmas like?”

After Epiphany, the Church goes back to Ordinary Time until the season of Lent arrives on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. For us in the Diocese of Knoxville, we have a feast to celebrate, namely the dedication of our new cathedral. So, in the next edition of The East Tennessee Catholic we’ll be putting that great milestone for our diocese under the penetrating light of the Scriptures of the season. Be sure to read us then. n

Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38 Saturday, Dec. 9: Isaiah 30:19-21, 2326; Psalm 147:1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1 and 10:5-8 Sunday, Dec. 10: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85:9-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 Monday, Dec. 11: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26 Tuesday, Dec. 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zechariah 2:14-17; Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-38 Wednesday, Dec. 13: Isaiah 40:2531; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10; Matthew 11:28-30 Thursday, Dec. 14: Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145:1, 9-13; Matthew 11:11-15 Friday, Dec. 15: Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Matthew 11:16-19 Saturday, Dec. 16: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:9-13

Sunday, Dec. 17: Isaiah 61:1-2, 1011; Luke 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28 Monday, Dec. 18: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1:18-25 Tuesday, Dec. 19: Judges 13:2-7, 2425; Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25 Wednesday, Dec. 20: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38 Thursday, Dec. 21: Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Luke 1:39-45 Friday, Dec. 22: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8; Luke 1:46-56 Saturday, Dec. 23: Malachi 3:1-4, 2324; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Luke 1:57-66 Sunday, Dec. 24: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38; vigil for Christmas, Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25

Monday, Dec. 25: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Mass during the night, Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14; Mass at dawn, Isaiah 62:1112; Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20; Mass during the day, Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18 Tuesday, Dec. 26: Acts 6:8-10 and 7:54-59; Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17; Matthew 10:17-22 Wednesday, Dec. 27: 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20:1-8 Thursday, Dec. 28: 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 2:13-18 Friday, Dec. 29: 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6; Luke 2:22-35 Saturday, Dec. 30: 1 John 2:12-17; Psalm 96:7-10; Luke 2:36-40 Sunday, Dec. 31: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21; Luke 2:22-40 n

Turning the corner The readings take us from Advent back to Ordinary Time

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s we all know, The East Tennessee Catholic has changed its format over the years.

This has especially affected this column, changing it from a biweekly format to a monthly and now to a bimonthly column. Since this column was begun to highlight the Scripture readings used at the Sunday Liturgy, changing the number of issues changes the column’s perspective.

Focusing on two Gospels per column is radically different from analyzing two months’ worth of Scripture readings in multi-leveled interaction with each other. Then, you add in that many Old Testament readings. Plus you add that many or more New Testament passages. That completely changes the object of the column. The difference has nothing to do with the assignment’s difficulty; it has everything to do with perspective.

Years ago, you would have read this column to prepare yourself for the next Sunday’s Mass. This would be accomplished by means of an analysis of its assigned Scripture readings. Now, you should read this column as a tool to orient your mind to the passage of the liturgical seasons and apply the lessons proclaimed in biblical times to what is happening in our present-day world. We can accomplish this by searching for the message of each of the Scripture readings assigned over a rather lengthy amount of time. If we do this well, we will learn to discern the deeper meaning the writers of the biblical passages want us to learn. They will teach us how to see the world as God sees it.

That is what we’re doing now. In the previous column, we concluded a treatment of Ordinary Time first as it led us from the glory of Pentecost, seeing the world as filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. We, then, take that vision into the warmth of the summer months. The Gospels of Ordinary Time put us in the midst of Jesus’ disciples being taught about the Kingdom of God. Then we transition into Advent. What this column is attempting to do now is get us in the mentality for Advent and Christmas, and then, through Epiphany and leave us off back in Ordinary Time coming close to Lent. Relax and enjoy a trip through time. We’re not just passing from 2017 to 2018.

While we’re entering into a new year, we are also going back to the time of Jesus and even further back to undo the effects of original sin.

Our trip takes off on Dec. 3, which is the first day of the new Church year. The message for this Advent reminds us that things on earth are both good and bad at the same time. The first reading of Advent is from Isaiah. There, he asks why we humans wander in our sinfulness.

Yet, even with our faults, you, Lord, are our father and we are the work of your hands. There is hope. With this introduction, hope becomes the main theme of Advent. It should be the theme of our lives.

Reading the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, you’d think

Weekday readings Friday, Dec. 1: Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33 Saturday, Dec. 2: Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3:82-87; Luke 21:34-36 Sunday, Dec. 3: Isaiah 63:16-17, 19 and 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 Monday, Dec. 4: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday, Dec. 5: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday, Dec. 6: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 15:29-37 Thursday, Dec. 7: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Friday, Dec. 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Genesis 3:9-15, 20; B10 n DECEMBER 3, 2017

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

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

DR. KELLY KEARSE

Catholic schools

COURTESY OF CHRISTINE ROECK

Notre Dame, KCHS football teams make deep playoff runs Knoxville Catholic High School receiver Dashon Bussell moves downfield against Oak Ridge in the Class 5A playoff quarterfinals Nov. 17 with the help of a block by teammate Cam Blakely on Wildcat cornerback Herbert Booker. The Fighting Irish defeated host Oak Ridge 37-28 to advance to a semifinal game Nov. 24 at Knoxville Central. Notre Dame High School (12-1) moved on to the Division II, Class AA state championship game with a 42-20 home win over Christ Presbyterian Academy in the semifinals. It is the first finals appearance for Notre Dame in its history.

The Irish won the East Region of Division II-AA with a 6-0 record. Notre Dame has reeled off 12 straight wins after a season-opening 42-21 loss to Baylor at Finley Stadium. The Irish started their streak with a 46-6 win at Trinity Academy, then defeated Christian Academy of Knoxville 41-10 and Chattanooga Central 62-34 at home before winning four straight on the road against Boyd Buchanan (by a 55-7 score), Webb School of Knoxville (29-12), Silverdale Baptist Academy (58-0), and Grace Christian Academy of Knoxville (35-27). Notre Dame closed the regular season with a 39-15 home win over Chattanooga Christian. NDHS opened the playoffs with a 34-7 win over Lipscomb Academy and a 32-29 victory over Knoxville Grace, both at home. KCHS (10-3) is on a seven-game winning streak after a 3-3 start. The Irish blasted West Greene 58-7 on homecoming night at KCHS for win No. 5, then outscored host Walker Valley 63-42 and won at home over Lenoir City 49-14 to close the regular season. KCHS opened the playoffs with a 59-21 win at home over Campbell County and a 44-14 home triumph over Fulton.

Sacred Heart’s Keegan Smith wins third state cross country title Sacred Heart Elementary School fifth-grader Keegan Smith (second from right) is now a three-time elementary state cross country champion. Keegan ran the one-mile course in the state meet at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville in a time of 5 minutes, 13.25 seconds, on Oct. 21 to finish first in a 299-runner field by more than an 18-second margin. Classmate J.P. Breen (second from left) finished 29th in 6:03.64. Sacred Heart fifth-grader Jenna Clements (center) finished second on the girls side in a 286-runner field, running a personal-best 6:01.44. Fourth-grader Elizabeth Wolski of Sacred Heart finished 13th in a time of 6:19.83. On the middle school side, seventh-grader Kaylee Estridge of Sacred Heart finished 121st out of 307 runners. Eighth-grader Spencer Stovall finished 10th in a 2-mile time of 11:57.43, earning all-state honors.

KCHS student scores a perfect 36 on ACT Knoxville Catholic High School junior Olivia Ricche has earned the highest possible score of 36 on the ACT. On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn the top score. In the past 10 years, KCHS has had only three other perfect scores, which were achieved by current seniors Nathan Geist and Caroline Consoli and 2015 graduate Josh Sommers. Olivia is a graduate of St. Mary-Oak Ridge.

DR. KELLY KEARSE

COURTESY OF KATHY RANKIN

St. John Neumann tennis team wins championship The St. John Neumann School varsity tennis team recently won the Greater Knoxville Tennis Association C1 Division championship. From left are (front) Alex Walker and Mason Burkhardt and (back) Sophia Collins, Alex Latham, Joseph Iverson, Cole Fuller, and Daniel Iverson. The team coach is Karen Lorino, and the team mom is Kristi Burkhardt.

Jared receives Parvuli Dei Scouting award Jared Lockridge received his Parvuli Dei award on Oct. 15 at the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville. Jared’s grandmother and grandfather from Lithia, Fla., were there to help with the celebration. From left are George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; grandmother Sally Carril; Jared; Sara Carey, director of faith formation at St. Alphonsus; and Father Jim Harvey, the host pastor. After Mass, the grandparents took the family out for dinner. Jared’s mother, Karrie Stevens, and his sister, Lara Lockridge, were also in attendance.

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

COURTESY OF STEVE COY

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

KCHS crowns homecoming queen Shila Kapaya was crowned homecoming queen Oct. 6 at Knoxville Catholic High School. Natalie Eilerman was the runner-up.

St. Joseph junior varsity tennis team captures title The St. Joseph School junior varsity tennis team won the Greater Knoxville Tennis Association C2 Division championship recently.

Team members are (from left, front) Ines Chognika, Nicholas LaMonte, and Anthony Torres and (back) Rachel Landen, Lizbeth DeLeon, and Viviana Ortega.

Sacred Heart celebrates Duke TIP scholars Sacred Heart Cathedral School is celebrating its 2017 scholars who qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), all 106 of them. The program identifies academically talented students in fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh grade based on their standardized test scores. Those scores must rank at or above the 95th percentile nationally. Younger students who qualify for Duke TIP may take the PSAT, and seventh-graders may take the SAT or ACT as ways to learn more about their academic potential. All who qualify receive resources to help them continue to grow academically. Sacred Heart also thanks and celebrates its 22 eighth-graders who set the standard for this year’s 106 scholars by qualifying last year.

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DECEMBER 3, 2017 n B11

NDHS, St. Dominic environmental programs recognized

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are also designed with the environment in mind, including a new roof designed to reflect sunlight to cut energy cost and enhance natural light in classrooms, and installation of low-energy LED lights, reflective window film, and timed thermostats. The school is also working to replace concrete areas with grass and water permeable pavement.

Community service is also important at the school, and students provide more than 15,000 hours of service annually.

Tucker Davis, principal at St. Dominic School, said, “At St. Dominic School, we are grateful for the natural gifts provided our world.

We appreciate the stewardship of those who have gone before us and hope to pass along even greater examples of stewardship to others.”

St. Dominic School established its environmental program three years ago, and today it includes a school garden with a compost bin and rain barrel, water bottle refilling stations, energy efficient lighting, and recycling of paper and plastic. The water bottle refilling stations have saved nearly 8,000 plastic bottles.

St. Dominic encourages walking and biking to school, as well as carpooling to reduce vehicle emissions.

It has also reduced its paper waste by utilizing electronics.

Sustainability is included in the curriculum at St. Dominic. During the summer, the school offers environmental camps, and in the school year students design and grid the raised beds in the garden.

They plan what can be planted and where it can be planted. Plants are started indoors as seeds and cared for during and after the transplanting process. They also monitor the resources needed for a successful harvest.

This is the 24th year for the competition, and the 2017 winning schools also included: John Adams Elementary School, Kingsport; South Lawrence School, Loretto; The Farm School, Summertown; Norris Middle School, Norris; Se-

Recycling at NDHS Lane Cannon, Anna Booker, and Conner Boerschig helped Notre Dame High School earn a Good Sports Always Recycle award. wanee Elementary School, Sewanee; Gallatin Senior High School, Gallatin; and Haynesfield Elementary School, Bristol. South Knoxville Elementary School was honored as the Best New Program.

“The state of Tennessee is best able to achieve our environmental goals when we all participate in sustainable activities,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “TDEC is proud to recognize schools that add value to students’ education and their lives by encouraging programs that teach the importance of waste diversion.”

The GSAR program, which is sponsored by Eastman, Waste Connections, and Food City, in cooperation with the University of Tennessee, has awarded more than $160,000 to K-12 schools in Tennessee for their environmental programs.

“Eastman and the Good Sports Always Recycle program have been recognizing schools for over two decades. We are not only educating students about the importance of environmental stewardship, we are assisting schools across the state in making a positive impact in their communities,” said David A. Golden, senior vice president, chief legal and sustainability officer, and corporate secretary at Eastman. “Small changes can make a big difference.

I’m proud that this program continues to inspire students and educators to do their part in making a big difference in the world.”

The GSAR program also includes an online educational packet, available at www.Eastman.com/ GSAR, which helps teachers with lesson plans as well as gives ideas for schools looking to establish or strengthen their programs.

“School programs come in a variety of forms and include everything from reducing waste, providing environmental education, and reducing overall impact through energy and water conservation to general recycling programs, the use of green space, or other environmentally focused programs,” said Kevin Stafford, Food City vice president of marketing.

On UT’s campus, the Good Sports Always Recycle Program also includes recycling, composting, and donating programs in the UT athletic facilities, including Neyland Stadium.

“The GSAR program recycled 211,120 pounds of material, composted 28,000 pounds, and donated 11,305 pounds of food during the 2016 football season alone,” said Greg Hee, division vice president of Waste Connections. “That means more than 125 tons of material was diverted from the landfill for the 2016 season.” n

COURTESY OF JENNIFER WIGGINS (2)

t. Dominic School in Kingsport and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga were recently recognized for their school environmental programs as two of the 10 winners of the 2017 Good Sports Always Recycle (GSAR) school challenge.

St. Dominic was awarded $1,000 for its program, and Notre Dame received $1,500 as the Sustainability Steward award winner.

“I am very proud that two of the schools for this award are awarded to our Catholic schools in East Tennessee,” said Sister Mary Marta Abbot, RSM, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the diocese.

“Most of our 10 schools in the Diocese of Knoxville have recycling programs, yet to go the extra mile and apply for the grant shows true stewardship.”

Bonnie Saleh and Alicia Davis represented St. Dominic, and Becky Light and Valerie Silva represented Notre Dame as the winners were recognized on the field at the University of Tennessee vs. Southern Miss football game Nov. 4 at Neyland Stadium.

“Notre Dame High School is both proud and thrilled to be named a recipient of one of this year’s Good Sports Always Recycle awards.

This opportunity will provide our students with more opportunities to recycle and greater awareness of the critical need. We salute the University of Tennessee, Eastman, Food City, and Waste Connections for their support and recognition of students everywhere who make such an effort,” said George Valadie, president of Notre Dame.

The recycling program at Notre Dame began in 2005, and each classroom and the common areas have recycling bins. Recycled items include aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, and toner/inkjet cartridges.

Additionally, Notre Dame has an electronics recycling program, and the school has recycled more than 1,100 pounds of electronic waste in two years. Upgrades to the school

COURTESY OF NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

The schools were two of 10 winners in the Good Sports Always Recycle challenge and were honored in a Neyland Stadium ceremony

Notre Dame honored Steve Early, general manager of the Vol Network IMG Sports & Entertainment Properties; Etta Clark, vice president of Global Public Affairs and Policy at Eastman; and Bob Kesling, director of broadcasting for University of Tennessee athletics and “Voice of the Vols” present Becky Light and Valerie Silva with an award for the 2017 Good Sports Always Recycle School Challenge.

Recognition for St. Dominic Steve Early, Etta Clark, and Bob Kesling present Bonnie Saleh and Alicia Davis with an award for the 2017 Good Sports Always Recycle School Challenge.

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS

COURTESY OF LISA MORRIS

Diocesan pilgrims travel to Russia Father Michael Nolan, pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland and Byzantine priest Father Dennis Hrubiak led Diocese of Knoxville parishioners on an 11-day pilgrimage to Russia. The pilgrimage, which was July 24Aug. 3 and sponsored by Catholic tour operator Select International, offered those on the trip the chance to experience the Eastern lung of the Christian faith.

B12 n DECEMBER 3, 2017

Priests lead pilgrimage to the Holy Land Father Arthur Torres, associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Father Miguel Vélez, associate pastor of All Saints Church in Knoxville, led Diocese of Knoxville parishioners on an 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The pilgrimage, which was Sept. 12-22 and sponsored by Catholic tour operator Select International, offered those on the trip an opportunity to walk together in the footsteps of Jesus and celebrate His holy cross.

www.di o k no x .o rg

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