Jan. 1, 2023, ET Catholic, B section

Father Valentin Iurochkin incardinated into diocese

By Dan McWilliams

Father Valentin Iurochkin, a native of Russia, has traveled the world in his time in the seminary and the priesthood, but now he can officially call East Tennessee his home.

Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at a ceremony during a Mass on Dec. 12 that incardinated Father Iurochkin into the Diocese of Knoxville. The Mass on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was held at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, where Father Iurochkin serves as parochial vicar.

“This is a beautiful day for me as the ordinary of this diocese as we welcome Father Valentin into the diocese,” Bishop Stika said. “We pray that his ministry might be fruitful and that he might know that he is loved by the Catholic community of East Tennessee.”

Concelebrating the Mass along with Father Iurochkin were basilica rector Father David Carter, Father Arthur Torres, Father Christopher Manning, Father Jerry Daniels, and Father Nick Tran. Deacons Hicks Armor and Gaspar DeGaetano were deacons of the Eucharist, and diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith was deacon of the Word and read the Decree of Incardination later in the liturgy.

Attending the Mass were Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus “Ad Gentes,” Deacon Jim Bello, director of Christian Formation for the diocese who also serves at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, Deacon Brian Gabor, campus minister with the Newman Center at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga who also serves at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga, as well as members of the Serra Club of Chattanooga. Club president Larry Skelly was the reader at Mass.

The incardination Mass marked Father Iurochkin’s break with the Institute of the Incarnate Word, the community he had been a member

of since his pre-seminary days.

In his homily before he incardinated the missionary priest, Bishop Stika said the first missionary is the Blessed Mother.

“A missionary points people to Christ, to the Father. Wasn’t it Mary at Cana in Galilee who said to someone, ‘Do as He tells you’? Listen to Him. Listen to her son, Jesus,” the bishop said. “Earlier in this month, we celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Mary born without the stain of original sin, because within her would be contained the Son of God. Today we celebrate a feast day that’s very unique to the Americas: the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And again we see the presence of Mary as a missionary throughout history, whether it was in Knock in Ireland, Czestochowa in Poland, in Mexico, and now even in Wisconsin, it has been proclaimed by that diocese, and all these other places. Mary again is an instrument of God, pointing out to those she would visit to have a message: repent, listen to my Son, pray the rosary, whatever it might be. Mary is a true missionary.”

A key encounter in Father Iurochkin’s pre-East Tennessee days was with Father Jesús Guerrero, now the parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Johnson City.

“It’s because of Father Jesús, who remembered this young man from Russia who had joined a community that didn’t seem to be the right fit, who invited him to come to that beautiful land of East Tennessee,” Bishop Stika said. “He was a young priest, a newly ordained priest, a priest who could speak at least five languages and knows how to play the piano. His name is Valentin, and he’s concelebrating with me today.

“Through prayer and reflection on his part and on my part, and with the recommendations of good priests like Father Carter, Valentin has decided to become a priest of

the

He’s

students

… He’s

so well

He works

Student Center. He’s filled with joy, and he smiles and prays. It’s a blessing to have people come into the diocese, whether it’s from Africa or Asia or India or Texas—they come into our diocese because they want to do what Mary told them to do with Jesus: ‘Do as He tells you’ and to share the faith.”

The official incardination paperwork was signed by Bishop Stika, Deacon Smith, and Father Iurochkin following Communion.

“What a blessing Valentin will be to this diocese,” the bishop said. “May his service be long. May his

love continue to be plentiful, as he will hold in his hands that bread and that chalice and say, ‘This is my body, this is my blood, given for you.’ Throughout his life, he has listened to the message of Mary, when she points to Jesus, to Valentin, and to all of us and says, ‘Do as He tells you.’”

Deacon Smith read the Decree of Incardination, which was headed, “Richard Frank Stika, by the grace of God and favor of the Apostolic See, third bishop of Knoxville.”

The decree stated, “Whereas, Rev. Valentin Iurochkin was a presbyter from the Institute of the Incarnate Word; and whereas, Rev. Valentin Iurochkin, has provided the Diocese

Father Giraldo celebrates his 25th anniversary

By Dan McWilliams

Surrounded by the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi in Townsend, whom he has led for five years as their pastor, Father Antonio Giraldo celebrated his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination on Nov. 20.

A native of Colombia who helps the people of his homeland through different charities, Father Giraldo called the occasion of his anniversary Mass on the solemnity of Christ the King “a very special day for me” as he delivered his homily in both English and Spanish.

“Twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of being chosen to serve the Church in the ministry of priesthood,” he said. “Today, I would like to sing with Our Lady, as I did 25 years ago during my first holy Mass: ‘The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.’ I firmly believe the Lord continues using the ‘little and weak’ to do His work among us.”

Celebrating the Mass four days before Thanksgiving, Father Giraldo said that “I want this to be a Mass of thanksgiving to God for all He has done in my life and for allowing me to unite with all of you here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my priesthood.”

Many people have asked him how he discovered his vocation, Father Giraldo said.

“All I can say is that I was searching for happiness in my life and mysteriously ended up in the priesthood,” he said. “But the good news is that you don’t have to be ordained as a priest to find that happiness. All you need to do is love God, honor your parents, and follow the way of Jesus. May God bless you, and thank you for being here

today.”

Bishop

“A

Richard F. Stika spoke at the end of Mass.

25th anniversary is very significant,” he

said. “I bring with me heartfelt congratulations, thanks, and love for all you’ve done in 25 years of priesthood but especially here in Townsend. It’s

‘The Almighty has done great things for me,’ says the Colombia-born priest on his silver jubilee

Father Giraldo

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Diocese of Knoxville.

gifted.

done

here at the basilica.

with college

at the Catholic

The native of Russia says he now ‘belongs permanently’ to the Church in East Tennessee

Father Iurochkin continued on page B2

Making it official Bishop Richard F. Stika presents Father Valentin Iurochkin to the assembly after the paperwork was signed incardinating the priest into the Diocese of Knoxville.

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‘I want this to be a Mass of thanksgiving to God’

Father Antonio Giraldo delivers the homily at his 25th-anniversary Mass on Nov. 20 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Townsend, where he serves as pastor.

of Knoxville with over three years of ministerial service; and whereas, I, the bishop of Knoxville, find Rev. Valentin Iurochkin’s incardination into the Diocese of Knoxville a necessity and an advantage without prejudice to the prescripts of the law concerning the decent support of clerics (canon 269, 1°); and whereas, I have received a lawful document from the Dicastery (Congregation) for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (indult of exclaustration) that exclaustration has been granted by the Holy Father, along with appropriate testimonials concerning Rev. Valentin Iurochkin’s life, behavior, and studies (canon 269, 2°); and whereas, Rev. Valentin Iurochkin has declared in writing to me that he wishes to be dedicated to the service of the Diocese of Knoxville according to the norm of law (c. 269, 3°); I therefore issue this Decree of Incardination. According to the norms of canon 269, 1°, 2°, and 3°, after taking an oath of allegiance and obedience, Rev. Valentin Iurochkin will be perpetually and absolutely incardinated into the Diocese of Knoxville for the service of the people of this local church. Given at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, this 12th day of December in the Year of Our Lord 2022.”

The bishop and Deacon Smith signed the decree.

Father Iurochkin then placed his hand on a Book of the Gospels and took an oath of allegiance and obedience: “I, Rev. Valentin Iurochkin, who will be incardinated into the Diocese of Knoxville by decree of the Most Rev. Richard F. Stika, third bishop of Knoxville, according to the norms of Canon 269, 1°, 2°, and 3°, voluntarily swear before God my intention to dedicate myself permanently to the service of the Church of Knoxville. I swear to serve the Church to the best of my ability according to the norm of law. May God be my witness, and may God and this holy Gospel help me to be faithful to this oath.”

Father Iurochkin and Deacon Smith signed the copy of the oath.

“It is with great joy that I now welcome you into the Diocese of Knoxville,” Bishop Stika said after the oath was signed, a remark that drew a long round of applause from those attending the Mass.

Father Iurochkin then hugged Bishop Stika and each of the concelebrating priests.

A native of Khabarovsk, Russia, Father Iurochkin was not raised Catholic. When he was 5 years old, his parents and sister immigrated to the United States, and he was left in Russia to be raised by his

grandparents, waiting for a chance to join his family in America. When he was 14, he met a Catholic priest from Maryknoll, Father Joseph McCabe, who taught the young Valentin about the Catholic faith. A few months later, he was baptized and confirmed at the Easter Vigil. As he was being baptized, he felt a calling to the priesthood.

Soon afterward, he met Father Guerrero of the Diocese of Knoxville, who was studying the Russian language in the future priest’s hometown. When the young Valentin was 17, he entered the Institute of the Incarnate Word community. At age 18, after finishing high school, he was sent to the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan for a year of pre-seminary discernment. He attended World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid and made a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France.

The following year, he enrolled in the Cardinal Barbarigo Seminary in Montefiascone, Italy, and later was sent for a year to the minor seminary in Ukraine. While still in seminary in Italy, he traveled to Argentina for classes in Spanish and to the Philippines to study Mandarin and English.

Father Iurochkin was ordained to the priesthood March 25, 2019, at the Cathedral of St. Sebastian in the Philippines. He began his priestly ministry in Tajikistan.

While traveling in the United States on summer vacation, he received an invitation from Father

Guerrero to visit the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Iurochkin met Bishop Stika and attended a priests convocation in Chattanooga. Upon returning to Italy, he petitioned to serve in the Diocese of Knoxville. In November 2019, he arrived at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and served briefly there before being assigned to the basilica while Father Carter was on a three-month sabbatical.

Fluent in Russian, English, Italian, Spanish, and Mandarin, Father Iurochkin celebrates Masses in English, Latin, and Spanish. He is also the chaplain at the Newman Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A piano player since the age of 14, he has given several recitals at the basilica.

After his incardination, he said he “belongs permanently to this Diocese of Knoxville.”

“That means a lot to me, because so far I was hanging in the air, and Bishop was just very kind to me and agreed to accept me in the diocese,” he said.

He spoke of his decision to be incardinated.

“I just felt loved by this community, by this diocese, was very happy to be in this diocese and serve here. Bishop was really very kind to me all the time, and that helped me,” he said.

Father Iurochkin said the goals he has for his ministry are to “always keep working for the people of this diocese and keep the good work

I have begun and I hope will continue with God’s grace, to serve the people of God with the best of my abilities.”

Bishop Stika said after Mass that Father Iurochkin is “a true missionary.”

“He came from Russia. He’s studied in Taiwan and the Phillipines and Italy,” the bishop remarked.

“He prayed and reflected in his time here, and [came to the diocese] because of Father Jesús up in Johnson City. He’s been here three years, and he discerned, and here he is. It’s a grace and a blessing for us all.”

Father Carter recalled Father Iurochkin’s arrival at the basilica during his sabbatical.

“He covered for me, and he never left. He stayed,” Father Carter said.

“The people loved him from the beginning. They have seen in him a zeal for the Lord. They’ve seen faithfulness to God and to His Church. He preaches well, and in one thing he’s got a leg up on me: he preaches briefly. He has shown himself to be a worthy and valuable co-worker in this parish of Sts. Peter and Paul, and I have only high regard for him and highly recommended him to the bishop when I was asked should he be incardinated, and so I welcome him as a brother.”

Father Iurochkin is glad to serve at the basilica parish.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “I love it. I appreciate it so much. It feels like a family to me.” n

Father Iurochkin continued from page B1

With his hand on the Gospels Father Valentin Iurochkin takes an oath of allegiance and obedience.

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Gathering together Taking part in the incardination Mass were (from left, front row) altar servers Cormac Cooper, Drew Bieszad, and Joseph Kennedy and (back) Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano, Deacon Hicks Armor, Father Christopher Manning, Father Nick Tran, Father Valentin Iurochkin, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Father Jerry Daniels, Father David Carter, Father Arthur Torres, and Deacon Sean Smith.

Hugs all around Father Iurochkin embraces Father Jerry Daniels at his incardination Mass. Also pictured is Father Christopher Manning.

Opening prayer Bishop Richard F. Stika presides at the Mass of incardination. Assisting him is Cormac Cooper, and also pictured are (from left) Deacons Gaspar DeGaetano, Hicks Armor, and Sean Smith.

Important reading Deacon Sean Smith, with the official diocesan stamp at the ready, reads the Decree of Incardination for Father Valentin Iurochkin (left).

just gorgeous, all the different projects that have happened—it always takes the leadership of a pastor.

Ad multos annos, Father—many, many years. I offer my congratulations to you and to your family. We give praise to almighty God for your parents, because they always say the first seminary of any priest is the family. I was able to meet some of Father’s family when I was in Colombia a number of years ago, and you can see where his vocation came from.”

Julie Dew, a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi, said Father Giraldo means “pretty much everything” to the parish.

“We are so blessed to have him here,” she said. “To have a resident priest out here in this small town, first of all, is truly a miracle but a blessing on top of that because he leads us with his knowledge of Scripture and the different documents. Not only his intellect but his love that he has for us, his family here at Townsend. He has such love, and he’s not afraid to show it. Like I said, he’s pretty much everything here.”

Vivian Brocato is a parishioner of St. Mary in Athens who has known Father Giraldo since he began serving at St. Thérèse of Lisieux in

Cleveland in February 2002. Mrs. Brocato, a reader at St. Mary who also volunteers as a registered nurse with the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic in Athens and Decatur, and Father Giraldo work with the charity One Heart Colombia Mission. Father Giraldo is the mission’s executive and spiritual director.

“I’ve gotten to know him very well since then,” Mrs. Brocato said. “I have volunteered as our secretary for One Heart Colombia, which is now a nonprofit. Father [Joe] Brando was the one who started that mission—we’ve been continuing with that mission ever since. To support our wonderful priest and friend, I wanted to be part of this great celebration.”

Father Giraldo first encountered the Diocese of Knoxville around 2000 while serving at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marsella, Colombia. His nephew Carlos Hidalgo, a parishioner at St. Thérèse, asked the diocese’s second shepherd, Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz, if his uncle could serve at the Cleveland parish.

Because the diocese needed bilingual priests, Bishop Kurtz asked Father Giraldo to visit.

When Father Giraldo returned to Colombia, he asked his bishop for permission to serve in Knox-

ville, and at the time the answer was no. About a year later, Father Giraldo returned to Tennessee for a vacation and met Father Brando, who had asked for the Colombian priest’s help after becoming pastor of St. Thérèse in 2001. By that point, Father Giraldo’s home diocese had a new bishop, who gave him permission to serve the Diocese of Knoxville for one year. After that, his stay could be extended, and it was.

Father Giraldo was new at that time to Tennessee but not to the United States. He earned his associate’s degree in liberal arts from Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill., in 1976. Three years later, he earned a bachelor’s in business with an emphasis in marketing and international business from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.

After he finished school, he spent 18 years working in different fields. He worked for the Illinois migrant council, taught economics at Libre University in Colombia, and owned a jewelry business.

But he felt unfilled, telling The East Tennessee Catholic in 2002 that “I just got tired of everything. I was never happy with what I was doing. I like helping people. I discovered

that when I went to seminary. I quit a couple of times, but I couldn’t stay away. When I was away, I was sad because in the seminary I had peace.”

He completed his studies in philosophy and theology at St. Johannes Marie Vianney Adult Seminary in Colombia and was ordained a priest on Nov. 22, 1997.

Bishop Stika spoke after the anniversary Mass of Father Giraldo’s support of the poor in Colombia.

“He originally came from Colombia, so he’s a true missionary,” the bishop said. “He’s got family in Cleveland, Tenn. I was privileged a number of years ago to be on a mission trip with him in Colombia, and I saw some very poor areas. He does outstanding work with others in terms of touching the lives of people in need. He’s got a number of different innovations that he’s worked on over the years and ways to help them. He’s done a beautiful job here at Townsend at St. Francis—the hall, the church, the outside grounds, and the columbarium. He’s a true leader of the faith, and the people love him.”

St. Francis of Assisi parishioners held a celebration in Father Giraldo’s honor in the parish life center following the Mass. n

Scenes from an anniversary Father Antonio Giraldo poses for a photo with longtime friend Vivian Brocato (above, right), accepts the gifts at Mass, incenses the altar, and receives a hug from Bishop Richard F. Stika.

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Father Giraldo continued from page B1

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Chattanooga Deanery St. Jude, Chattanooga

The parish offered an Advent potluck luncheon following an 11:15 a.m. Mass on Dec. 15.

St. Jude thanked Delores Durham for providing snacks for the Hospital Hospitality ministry for November. To participate in the ministry, call Mona Bombassi at 423-488-9684.

St. Mary, Athens

An Epiphany potluck gathering is set for Saturday, Jan. 7. Sign the sheet in the narthex or call Sue at 423-5067836 to let her know of your suggestions or to help.

Newcomers: Picelad Aquino; Linda Espinoza, Janitza, and Andrea; Gonzalo and Guillermina Rosales; Sandy Hartert; Lakelynn Faust; Scott and Linda Lakomiak, Brooke, and Gwen; Bob and Jeannie Sommers, Aidan, and Dewayne

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

The Knights of Columbus congratulated Steve Reker as Knight of the month and Ron and Myrtle Englert as family of the month.

A young adults Christmas and New Year’s Eve party took place Dec. 31.

Anniversaries: Walter and Bonnie Skiba (45)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The parish Christmas party, featuring a Christmas pageant, a potluck dinner, giveaways, songs, and Santa, was held Dec. 18.

The CYO’s Christmas party took place Dec. 17. Youth in grades six through 12 were invited to attend and take part in an ugly-sweater contest.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

Father Michael Woods invited parishioners to a Christmas open house celebration at the rectory after weekend Masses on Dec. 17 and 18.

Parishioners are gifted with blessed Christmas wafers. They commemorate a centuries-old custom for good health and are served at the Christmas Eve meal that is shared with family around the table. As parishioners break off a piece and serve it with honey, exchanges may include the traditional “I wish you much health, happiness, and good fortune, and after this life, an eternal crown in heaven.”

The parishioners filled Ethel Wagner’s Christmas tree again, as they do every year, with clothes and personal items for needy children in Cumberland County schools.

For fun and fellowship, Bernadette Harvey and helpers have been busy creating Christmas ornaments to be included in holiday food boxes for the elderly poor who reside in Crossville public housing.

Christina Seaman and Kathy Donley gathered volunteers, including cooks, bakers, and servers, to help make a joyful Christmas for the people at Bread of Life in Crossville on Christmas Day.

Peggy Finley and Susan Bivens with the Prayer Blanket Committee are adding shawls—knit or crocheted ones— to help parishioners or families who need prayers, comfort, and caring.

Anniversaries: Bob and Linda Fardig (57), Philip and Kathleen Cooley (35), Clemente and Jennifer Castaneda (10)

St. John Neumann, Farragut

St. John Neumann School celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022.

A senior potluck will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, in the school cafeteria. Singles and couples are welcome. RSVP by Jan. 6 to Sister

Elizabeth Wanyoike, ESM, at srelizabeth@sjnknox.org or Carol Dawson at qmscarol@hotmail.com.

Knights of Columbus Council 8781 is again hosting its thank-you dinner for wives after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Jan. 14, in the school gym. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact Walt Hanson at wehanson319@gmail.com for more information.

The Knights are offering up to two students, who must be SJN parishioners, a grant (not to exceed $200 each) to reimburse transportation costs to attend the March for Life rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Those who know a student who plans to attend should have the family contact John Walter, council life director, at johnjwalt@gmail.com.

A women’s winter retreat is set for Feb. 3-5 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Price is to be determined but will be approximately $145 and includes lodging, meals, and activities. Call Yvonne at 865-363-2239 to learn more or sign up.

The parish collected new toys for boys and girls aged infant to 11, benefiting families in the Oneida area at Christmastime.

Those making a $25 donation to the school’s annual fund in December received an SJN Christmas ornament designed by an artist in Haiti, whose family benefited from the donations.

The Council of Catholic Women held a cookie exchange and brunch in Seton Hall on Dec. 10.

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

Father Jim Harvey and parishioners offered a huge thank-you to those who helped expand the parish’s old shed to help store new lawn equipment and to the women who fed them. The helpers saved the parish thousands of dollars by giving of their time and carpentry skills. Building team members were Bob and Deb Rave, Martin Witberg, Tom Wissemann, Dave Orzechowski, Jim Pickering, Tom Richardson, Chad LeBlanc, Joe Frinzi, Matt Giardiello, Gene Dunn, and Keith (Smitty) Morvant.

The Council of Catholic Women held its annual Advent party Dec. 12 at Owen’s Restaurant in Dandridge.

Anniversaries: Ken and Raissa Symington (20), Christopher and Jenny Withem (15)

Newcomers: Cynthia Harrison, Tyler Jackson

Notre Dame, Greeneville

Children played roles such as Mary, Joseph, an innkeeper, shepherds, the Wise Men, and more in the parish’s annual Christmas play Dec. 24.

Anniversary: Thomas and Esperanza Joseph (53), Gene and Alicia Singleton (45)

St. Patrick, Morristown

The Council of Catholic Women thanked everyone who supported its Cross Catholic Outreach “Box of Joy” service project. The CCW shipped 75 boxes from the parish that were distributed to children in Third World countries for Christmas. The CCW also thanked those who supported its Ladies Night Out jewelry resale party and its Breakfast With Santa event.

Lonnie Knight thanked the St. Patrick family for the recognition plaque given to him honoring his 40 years of service to the parish.

The CCW held its Christmas party Dec. 13 at Tennessee Jack’s in Morristown.

Through Dec. 4, the parish sponsored an angel tree that provided gifts for children in need through MorristownHamblen Central Services.

Parish notes continued on page B8

Altar server fund established at Sacred Heart

The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus has announced the creation of the Ann-Marie and Christopher Mainini Altar Server Endowment Fund. This $100,000 gift is given to recognize, support, and reward the vital role that the cathedral servers have in the celebration of the Mass. This endowment will provide academic financial awards to selected servers, support an annual banquet, and purchase new server albs as needed. Sacred Heart Parish said the generosity of the Mainini family will have a tremendous impact on the server ministry for generations. “I have fond memories of riding my bike with a cassock, surplice, and the Latin server response card on the way to serving at the 6:45 a.m. Mass in Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Long Island. I believe that in life, learning comes first, then serving, and ultimately leading. Being a server at Mass is the perfect way to start the journey. Ann-Marie and I are happy to provide a small means to show our appreciation and support for the altar servers ministry at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Christopher Mainini said. The Maininis are pictured with Scott Barron (left), Sacred Heart director of parish ministries, and cathedral rector Father David Boettner.

Nov. 2. It was set in a newly relandscaped garden just outside the church doors. The statue was blessed by pastor Father Gilbert Diaz on Nov. 13 in front of the congregation. The blessing ceremony was the culmination of almost two years of planning for the project. The statue was commissioned through Brimer Monument Co. in Knoxville and carved out of granite from Vermont. From left above are Susan Brimer, Ronnie Brimer, Rhonda Trupovnieks, Greg Stewart, and Father Diaz.

learning algebra. The couple has raised their two children in the Church, and they have gone on to have families of their own. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers have helped the council succeed on many levels and were presented with a certificate signed by Grand Knight Robert McDaniel (pictured above at left, with St. Henry pastor Father Bart Okere), and Mrs. Meyers was given a vase of roses for her support of the Knights.

St. Henry Knights announce family of the quarter Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville announced Dec. 18 that its family of the quarter for the third quarter was the Meyers family. Mark and Patricia Meyers are longstanding parishioners of St. Henry. Mr. Meyers has been with the Knights for 26 years. During this time, he served as a field agent in a different state and as past Grand Knight for Council 8860. He teamed with a fellow St. Henry Knight and worked multiple projects at the church and on the grounds. He currently helps in the Rogersville community assisting the elderly with transportation. Mrs. Meyers serves regularly as a eucharistic minister at Mass. She was president of the original Ladies of St. Henry group, volunteers in many church fundraisers, and most recently worked with the Christmas for the Kids and Food for Families party. As a mathematics teacher at Cherokee High School, she provides much-needed help to students

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT

COURTESY OF SACRED HEART PARISH

New statue blessed at Holy Family in Seymour Holy Family Parish in Seymour received its new 5-foot granite statue of the Holy Family and bench on

CURT BARTRAM (2)

Knoxville Catholic High School’s 12th annual Green & Gold Gala is set for Friday, Feb. 10, in the University of Tennessee Student Union ballroom. “Irish legend” Father Chris Michelson will be the honoree. The gala includes a live auction, a silent auction, dinner, drinks, music, and more. The event begins with a cocktail hour and the silent auction at 6 p.m. Buy tickets or learn more at https://bit.ly/3V2FSO9.

Healing prayers for individuals will now be offered at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa every third weekend of each month. This will begin for English speakers at noon Sunday, Jan. 15 (immediately following the 11 a.m. Mass), in the chapel. Individual healing prayer will be offered for the Hispanic community following the 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish on Saturday, Jan.14. Leaders will be happy to pray over you for any physical, emotional, or spiritual needs that you have. You may invite anyone you know who would like to be prayed over. No reservations needed. Call Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 for more information.

A Young Adult Conference for ages 18-35 is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the cathedral hall of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Katie Prejean-McGrady will be the guest speaker. Cost is $35 per person if you register online before the event or $40 at the door. Lunch and refreshments are included. Download a flyer or register at https://dioknox.org/events/ young-adult-conference.

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is currently accepting applications for the 2023-24 academic year. Apply by visiting www.myndhs. com and submit an online application. Contact Lisa Costello at 423-624-4618 or costello@myndhs.com with any questions.

All women are invited to the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention, to be held April 20-22 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. The convention will feature keynote speaker Melissa Foley and Father John Orr. Breakout sessions will allow participants to choose from a variety of interactive sessions geared to their interests. Early-bird registration begins Jan. 15. For more information, visit KDCCW.org.

The Race for Kids 5K & Family Walk is Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s (CCETN) annual premier event. This year’s race is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. Participation supports all 11 of CCETN’s children’s and family programs across East Tennessee, including the Children’s Emergency Shelter, Columbus Home Assisting Parents, pregnancy and adoption services, counseling services, and the Office of Immigrant Services. Run or walk in the event to help deliver critical services to promote safety, stability, and opportunities for children and families to thrive by providing emergency food and shelter, education, access to resources, and compassionate support. Those who can’t make it to the race in person may still register and run or walk anywhere they like. Costs are $30 for adults ($35 on race day) and $15 for children under 18 ($20 on race day). Visit the CCETN Race for Kids site to register or learn more, at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/ RaceforKids.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Homeschool Support Group is a Catholic homeschool support group in Knoxville and surrounding areas that is recognized by the diocese as a private association of the faithful. The group supports one another as families who choose to educate their children at home in order to live, teach, and preserve their Catholic Christianity. The group celebrates Mass together and has a monthly holy hour; has regular park gatherings, field trips, and feast day celebrations; offers faith-based small groups for children, teens, and adults, as well as many other activities. For more information, contact Lenore Pacitti at lmgouge@gmail.com or 865-684-6358, or Sarah Bryant at jsbry412@gmail.com or 865-742-3534.

Knoxville Search for Christian Maturity Retreat No. 168 is set for Jan. 2729, at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Search is a weekend retreat experience sponsored by the Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry in collaboration with Knoxville Catholic High School. The weekends are for any high school juniors and seniors. The program is both rooted in the Catholic faith and open to young people of any denomination or creed. Search provides an opportunity to think, talk, question, and wonder about life and faith in an accepting and challenging environment. It is an opportunity to experience God and God’s family in a personal and real way. The weekend is youth and peer oriented. It is run by youth, to youth, and for youth and all under the guidance of a team of adult mentors. Cost for the weekend is $95, which is all inclusive. The retreat starts on Friday evening and runs through Sunday late afternoon. A permission/ medical form and other forms as well as a retreat flyer are available at https://dioknox.org/events/search-168.

For more information, contact Donna Jones at djones@dioknox.org or 423-622-7232.

Chattanooga Search for Christian Maturity Retreat No. 167 is coming Feb. 24-26 to Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. Search helps Catholic high school juniors and seniors take a fresh look at their own faith journey, reflecting on their place within their families, schools, parishes, and community as a disciple of Christ. This is accomplished through activities and experiences that lead participants to a renewed understanding of Christ at work in their lives. Search is facilitated by teens for teens with the guidance of adult Search coordinators. The main focus of the retreat is threefold: motivating the youth to seek a personal relationship with Christ, getting young people involved with their respective parishes, and promoting leadership. Registration is available at https://dioknox.org/ events/search-167.

Join Father Michael Maples on a twoday pilgrimage to St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana on March 23-24. St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology was first established in 1857 by Benedictine monks who came from the Swiss Abbey of Einsiedeln. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

“Shrines and Sites, a Pilgrimage to Switzerland,” is set for April 17-27. Join Father Michael Maples to experience the sacred sites and beauty of Switzerland. The group will have three nights in Lucerne, with stops at Muri Abbey to celebrate Mass and in Solothurn to visit St. Ursus Cathedral. There will be an excursion by coach to Engelberg Abbey and then by cable car to the top of Mount Titlis, considered one of Switzerland’s top destinations. Pilgrims will discover Europe’s highest train station on a full-day train tour to Jungfraujoch. On arrival, they will view the UNESCOlisted landscape and explore summit attractions, such as the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory, with views over Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest glacier. They will take the scenic Gotthard Panorama Express boat on Lake Lucerne before boarding a train to Lugano, where they will have a two-night stay. A day of sightseeing that includes Santa Maria Degli Angeli Church and a cable-car ride to Monte San Salvatore will follow. The exploration continues with a visit to the Cathedral of Lugano, St. Mary’s, the Rocco Church, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and the Museo D’ Arte. The group will visit the Marian Shrine of Switzerland to see the statue of the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Einsiedeln, and go on to Zurich. Pilgrims will visit St. Gallen Abbey and Library, the oldest in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A boat ride down the Limmat River under the bridges and a visit to the Fraumunster Church to see the Chagall stained-glass windows will follow. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl.com.

Knights in Fairfield Glade donate $8,275 to Hilltoppers

Monsignor Philip Thoni Knights of Columbus Council 16088, representing St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade and through its KinD Charities of Tennessee, recently donated $8,275 to Hilltoppers Inc.

“We are committed to helping wherever we can,” said local KinD Charities director Roland Wicker, who presented the donation, “and Hilltoppers does outstanding work in our community.”

Knights Council 16088 is a continuing patron of Hilltoppers Inc. The council regularly sponsors fundraising events and social activities for those served by Hilltoppers. Fundraisers take the form of benefit concerts, direct donation, and Tootsie Roll drives to fund the charitable activities of the Knights.

All monies collected by fundraising efforts are sent directly to KinD Charities of Tennessee—Knights Caring for those with intellectual disabilities—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a function of the state council of the Knights of Columbus.

Hilltoppers director Jeanene Houston said the money will be used to repair the wheelchair lift system on one of the organization’s handicap-equipped vans.

Hilltoppers Inc. is a nonprofit organization devoted to the care and quality of life for developmentally disabled individuals in the community. The agency provides support and services to more than 125 adults with intellectual disabilities, promoting health, wellness, and success in their lives. n

Christmas bazaar,

elves con-

hall at

Preskes of Good Shepherd celebrate 60th anniversary

Deacon Otto and Jo Ann (Koressel) Preske celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Nov. 22 with family and friends.

They were married at Corpus Christi Church in Evansville, Ind., on Thanksgiving Day. Deacon Preske’s uncle, Father Bede Stocker, OSB, officiated.

The Preskes have one son, Erik, a firefighter in Pigeon Forge who resides in Sevier County with his wife, Julie, and their two children, Andrew and Hannah.

Deacon Preske was ordained as a permanent deacon on Nov. 30, 1985. He is retired from active ministry as a chaplain for Scouting but still serves at Good Shepherd Parish in Newport. He has had a

woodcarving business in Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community for 46 years and has done several projects for churches in the diocese. Mrs. Preske is retired from the office/hospitality industry. Deacon and Mrs. Preske enjoy the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. n

COURTESY OF ROLAND WICKER

rummage sale held Brigette Williams and her team of

verted the church

St. Henry in Rogersville into a store-like environment Dec. 2-3 and held the annual St. Henry Christmas Bazaar and Rummage Sale, Appalachian-style. Pictured above are the cookie ladies selling Christmas cookies, and at left are shoppers browsing through the store.

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT (2)

Jo Ann and Deacon Otto Preske

Check presentation Knights of Columbus Council 16088 donated $8,275 to Hilltoppers Inc. From left are Larry Opatik, Hilltoppers director Jeanene Houston, Roland Wicker, and Jim Dwyer.

Free and undeserved help from God

It was exactly one month ago when we sat down for lunch in our living room, Nancy in her chair, me and the dog in mine. It’s how we eat most meals these days.

Even though we both worked at the same school for almost 20 years, our schedules seldom allowed such niceties. It’s amazing how routines change once you’re retired.

Our days together have provided two revelations—turns out we still like each other while being constantly amazed we’ve been together for 50 years.

We share all sorts of things. “Nanc, the deadline for my January column is in three days, and I’m struggling.”

As you would expect, print deadlines come well in advance, and it’s not the first time I’ve asked her to weigh in.

“Well, tell me what you have so far.”

“I’ve been fiddling with the idea that I’ll turn 70 in 2023. So, I was thinking perhaps I’d begin the new year with some sort of retrospective looking at all that’s happened in the Church and our world in the last seven decades.

“Or maybe a look at 70 years of inventions we now take for granted. Or how our cultures and lives have changed in that time. Something like that. What do you think?” I asked, looking for a nod of approval.

Sometimes she ponders; sometimes she gets right to the point.

So, picture if you will her scrunched-up nose, furrowed-up brow, and a bit of a turned-up lip, which by itself says it all, looking not unlike she does right after I’ve just suggested a new restaurant. It’s how she says, “I’d rather eat cold oatmeal than go there.”

She didn’t actually say anything in response, yet her message was clear, “Seriously, George, who would want to read that?”

“OK then,” I continued, now grasping a bit, “this next edition should come out about mid-January—what would you think if I wrote about New Year’s resolu-

tions? Two weeks in—that ought to be enough time for people to know how it’s going. It usually is for me.”

She nodded, then offered, “I don’t know where you’re going with it, but tell people to cut themselves some slack. To give themselves some grace. Others, too. And be thankful for what they do have. It’s been a tough year.”

Indeed it has. A couple of very tough years.

Cut some slack; give some grace; offer some thanks.

Enough said. You’d be hardpressed to improve on that message. And I could have, probably should have, stopped writing right there.

She was dead-on. We’re on a text chain with our three daughters, two who have kids of their own. And a recent theme of theirs seems to have been “My latest Parent Fail #(add one more).”

Thank God, they’ve forgotten most of ours.

We had to laugh at Meg, though, when she reached out one evening to tell us she was feeling horrible having just discovered she had forgotten—for the first time ever—to pack a lunch for her son.

The boy does love to eat, and she does love that boy! She’d sent him to school with a lunchbox; she just didn’t put anything in it, realizing she’d unintentionally left her 7-yearold to fend for himself.

I’d have given anything to have seen his face as he apparently sat down on Thursday to open what had been Wednesday’s spaghetti-filled thermos now offering not much more than some crusted-up remnants. No snacks, no dessert either.

School fed him, he survived, he moved on.

But moms don’t. “How could I do that to him?” she bemoaned.

This morning, Katy texted from the doctor’s office to relate her own Parent Fail, telling us our granddaughter Emma has—for the last four weeks—supposed to have been on crutches with no weight on her boot.

“Apparently, that was in the fol-

low-up e-mail from the radiologist, and I missed it. How does a mom miss that? How does anyone miss that?”

Feeling four weeks of guilt rolled into a single moment and fearing she had caused the break to get worse, she was let off the hook by the doctor’s good report and her own daughter, who said, “Mom, it’s OK, we all know I’d have broken my other foot if I had been using crutches.” Some astute wisdom and a trip to Starbucks, and all was well for Emma.

But Katy’s still not sure what sort of mom she’s been lately.

True, both have probably forfeited their shots at Parent of the Year . . . who hasn’t? But both feel guilty, both swear life will calm down this year, both pledge to get better.

But they work and have kids . . . so probably not.

We’re always telling them, “Give yourselves a break.” They even tell each other that, but when it’s your kid with the broken leg or the empty lunchbox, you tend to dwell in the hole of regret.

It’s good to strive for perfection, but if moms and dads can raise kids who are kind, empathetic, resilient—and forgiving of other people’s screw-ups—well, there are worse things.

So how about you? How’s your New Year going?

Have you set out to lose 25 pounds, though frustrated because they’re remarkably similar to the 25 you tackled last year? Maybe success can be celebrated at the fivepound mark—or three—or when you skip a dessert.

Have you been discouraged your Christmas Fitbit still hasn’t logged those 10,000 steps you hoped it would inspire? If the mailbox is as far as you got today, be grateful you can do that. And don’t take it back— better days and longer jaunts await.

Maybe eliminating debt has been your new focus. Good for you, but let’s be honest, if you get but a single credit card paid off, how awesome would it feel to step out from

under the weight of just that one?

Since my career was spent in schools, I know teachers are no longer battling COVID, but the effects remain. Students are behind in so many ways, leaving kids and teachers with more goals to master, more ground to make up, more material to cover. And more frustration when it doesn’t quite come together.

These stakes are critical. And falling short cannot simply be washed down with a drink from Starbucks.

But if kids leave a classroom— your classroom—knowing they are loved, that you have their back, that their progress will never be tied to how much you care for them . . . well, that in itself can change a life. And changing a life is a pretty good add to one’s life resume.

Cut some slack; give some grace; offer some thanks.

According to our Church’s Catechism, “Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to His call to become children of God . . .”

Free and undeserved.

For some, the big ball at Times Square marked the 12 months we’d just survived. But for most, at least a portion of our midnight toast was for opportunities that await in this New Year.

The chances God gives us to do more and be more.

Somehow, in spite of the moments we came up short, had no patience, cursed instead of cared, in spite of all that, the Giver of All Good Things gives us grace and the year ahead.

Freely and undeserved.

We should do the same, shouldn’t we? To ourselves? And to others?

Let’s all cut some slack, give some grace, and offer some thanks.

And enjoy a blessed 2023!

Dear God—We look like you did. We laugh like you did. We eat and drink and sleep like you did. Why can’t we bestow grace like you did. Thank you for your mercy—free and undeserved. Amen. ■

If you’ve ever read articles or listened to news reports on Catholic demographics, you’ll know that the news has been mostly bad for the last few decades. Reports are that the Catholic Church in the United States is in decline, with fewer people identifying as Catholics and even fewer attending Mass on a regular basis. Many predicted, too, that Catholics wouldn’t return to church after the pandemic was over. I’ve not been able to find much reporting on whether Catholics have returned to church now that COVID restrictions are lifted, but I can report that the two parishes where I serve as deacon are back to their pre-COVID attendance levels, if not having surpassed them. So, that’s good news. There’s also good news to report on Catholic growth in the United States generally. According to the most recent U.S. Religion Census conducted by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, the number of Catholics in the United States increased by 2 million over the last 10 years. That isn’t much, but at least it’s in the right direction when a lot of other religious bodies are going in the wrong direction.

The census reports that there are 62 million Catholics in the country. What is unique about the census, and most heartening, is that they don’t base their numbers on those

who self-identify as Catholic, as most attempts to grasp religious affiliation do. Instead, the U.S. Religion Census identifies as Catholic only those who have some connection to a Catholic parish. By counting only those Catholics who are at least somewhat involved in the life of the Church, and not including those who identify as Catholic but may not have attended Mass in years, the census gives a more accurate picture of how many active Catholics there are.

I am no Pollyanna. I know well the difficulties in ascertaining religious involvement and commitment, and I know many Catholic stats still paint a dim picture for the Church. Still, 62 million active Catholics is nothing to sneeze at. Research shows that about 10 percent of Catholics are active in the life of their parish at some level above simply attending Mass. Now, consider the potential for growth, not merely in numbers but in spiritual strength, if just a second 10 percent of those 62 million Catholics could be mobilized in efforts toward evangelization. Consider the potential for inspiring Catholics already in the pews to be even more active, or more educated about their faith, or more devoted to spiritual growth. Consider the potential for inspiring inactive Catholics to return to the Church. Consider the potential for

capturing many of those who now identify as “nones” or “unaffiliated.”

Too many over the years have insisted that the way toward Catholic growth is to change Church teaching, especially her moral teachings, to make the Church more relevant to the current generation. This is absurd and has resulted only in a lot of wasted energy. It’s also a strategy that doesn’t work, as can be attested by those churches that have changed their teachings and continue to lose members by the millions.

The way to attract people to the faith is to preach and live the faith boldly and with passion. People are attracted to the life of faith when they see that it means something more than just where you spend an hour on Sunday mornings, or on what issues you feel obliged to virtue signal about on Facebook. Lives transformed by the Gospel are and always have been the greatest witness to others and the most effective means of evangelization. It’s all about sincerity, what people of faith are committed to when push comes to shove, and how the faith is lived in the concrete rather than the abstract.

How can each of us who love the faith and desire to share it with others do so in ways that are meaningful and effective? St. Peter recommends, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a

reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15b-16a). The first step, then, is to be a person of hope. This alone will catch people off guard. Newspaper headlines don’t give much reason for hope today, so a person of hope will surely garner attention. Second, don’t be ashamed of the Gospel and of declaring your faith in quiet, unaggressive ways, such as wearing a cross or scapular, or crossing yourself when blessing your food at work or in a restaurant. Third, practice the social virtues of kindness, gentleness, and patience. It will be an example to others and good for your own heart. Finally, don’t hesitate to give God the credit when others ask about your worldview, or why you keep your head when others lose theirs, or exude joy in this maddening world. Remember, too, to nourish your own faith with prayer and service.

Imagine the transformation our communities would experience if those 62 million Catholics were conscious of living the faith in each moment. The potential for renewal is staggering. Now there’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping!

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

Deacon Bob Hunt is a husband, father, grandfather, and parishioner at All Saints Church in Knoxville.

George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga.

Despite our lives coming up short, the Lord gives us chances to do more and be more

Thoughts and Prayers for the Faithful by Deacon Bob Hunt

Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father Randy Stice

In the Mass: ‘God himself acts’

The Liturgy,” wrote St. John Paul II, “is the privileged place for the encounter of Christians with God and the one whom He has sent, Jesus Christ (cf. John 17:3)” (Vicesimus Quintus Annus, 7). Similarly, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes it as “a meeting of God’s children with their Father, in Christ and the Holy Spirit” (CCC, 1153).

This meeting is a dialogue with its own ‘language’: words and music, gestures and silence, movement, candles, colors, and incense. And it involves the “conscious, active, and fruitful participation” of everyone (CCC, 1071). When we speak of the liturgy, we are referring to the official public worship of the Church for which there are official ritual books. It includes the seven sacraments but also many other books, such as the Book of Blessings, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass, and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Pope Francis, in his first encyclical, The Light of Faith (LF), offered an important diagnosis of our contemporary culture. “Our culture,” he wrote, “has lost its sense of God’s tangible presence and activity in our world.” For many people today, “God is to be found in the beyond, on another level of reality, far removed from our everyday

relationships.” But this, says Pope Francis, is not what we believe.

“Christians, on the contrary, profess their faith in God’s tangible and powerful love, which really does act in history and determines its final destiny: a love that can be encountered, a love fully revealed in Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.” In this, my first column, I want to offer a few examples of how God acts in the Mass.

In the Liturgy of the Word, each Person of the Trinity acts. “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 29). The reading of the Gospel is marked by particular honor and veneration—standing, candles, incense—because “Christ, present in His word, proclaims the Gospel” (GIRM, 29). Finally, the Holy Spirit “brings home to each person individually everything that in the proclamation of the word of God is spoken for the good of the whole gathering of the faithful” and is able “to make what we hear outwardly have its effect inwardly” (Lectionary for Mass, 9).

God also acts when we profess the Creed, as Pope Francis explains: “We can say that in the Creed believers are invited to enter into the mystery, which they profess and to be transformed by it . . . taken up, as it were,

into the truth being professed.” We cannot “truthfully recite the words of the Creed without being changed, without becoming part of that history of love which embraces us and expands our being, making it part of a great fellowship,” the Body of Christ, which is the Church (LF, 45). In the profession of the Creed, we encounter the truth of God’s saving love that transforms and embraces us.

The supreme moment of God’s action in the Mass is the consecration that transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. At this point, wrote Pope Benedict XVI (before he was elected pope), “the human action steps back and makes way for the action of God. In this oratio [prayer], the priest speaks with the I of the Lord—‘This is my Body,’ ‘This is my Blood.’ The priest has become the voice of Someone Else, who is now speaking and acting. This action of God is the real ‘action’ for which all of creation is in expectation. This is what is new and distinctive about the Christian liturgy: God himself acts and does what is essential.” (The Spirit of the Liturgy 172-173).

The consummation of God’s action in the Mass is when Christ gives us His very self, His Body and Blood. St. John Paul II described this as a mutual receiving

and abiding. “We can say not only that each of us receives Christ, but also that Christ receives each of us He enters into friendship with us: ‘You are my friends’ (John 15:14).

. . . Eucharistic communion brings about in a sublime way the mutual ‘abiding’ of Christ and each of his followers: ‘Abide in me, and I in you’ (John 15:4).” In addition, “Through our communion in his Body and Blood, Christ also grants us His Spirit. . . . by the gift of His Body and Blood Christ increases within us the gift of His Spirit, already poured out in baptism and bestowed as a ‘seal’ in the sacrament of confirmation” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 22 and 17).

These examples are just a few of the ways that we encounter God’s “tangible and powerful love” in the Mass. If you are interested in learning more about how the Trinity acts in the Mass, a good place to start is the section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church titled “The Liturgy— Work of the Holy Trinity” (nn. 10771112). Next month, I will discuss the different ways we are invited to respond to the work of the Trinity in the Mass. ■

Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox. org.

St. Mary-Johnson City has newly remodeled adoration chapel

On a sunny afternoon Nov. 20, the solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, parishioners of St. Mary in Johnson City gathered in church to participate in a eucharistic procession to transfer the Blessed Sacrament to a newly remodeled adoration chapel, which had been closed since the pandemic began in 2020. St. Mary pastor Father Dustin Collins led the procession. The parish ministries in Spanish, under the direction of Father Jesús Guerrero, remodeled the chapel and purchased and installed a new tabernacle that was brought directly from Hidalgo, Mexico. Anyone interested in becoming an adorer, scheduled or unscheduled, may call Tricia Klug at 423-737-2747.

Daily readings

Sunday, Jan. 1 : Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-5, 5-6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

Monday, Jan. 2 : Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church, 1 John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:14; John 1:19-28

Tuesday, Jan. 3 : 1 John 2:29–3:6; Psalm 98:1, 3-6; John 1:29-34

Wednesday, Jan. 4 : Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious, 1 John 3:7-10; Psalm 98:1, 7-9; John 1:35-42

Thursday, Jan. 5 : Memorial of St. John Neumann, bishop, 1 John 3:11-21; Psalm 100:1-5; John 1:43-51 Friday, Jan. 6 : 1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; Matthew 1:7-11

Saturday, Jan. 7 : 1 John 5:14-21; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; John 2:1-11

Sunday, Jan. 8 : The Epiphany of the Lord, Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:12, 7-8, 10-13; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

Monday, Jan. 9 : The Baptism of the Lord, Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 29:14, 9-10; Matthew 3:13-17

Tuesday, Jan. 10 : Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8:2, 5-9; Mark 1:21-28

Wednesday, Jan. 11 : Hebrews 2:1418; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Mark 1:29-39 Thursday, Jan. 12 : Hebrews 3:7-14; Psalm 95:6-11; Mark 1:40-45 Friday, Jan. 13 : Hebrews 4:1-5, 11; Psalm 78:3-4, 6-8; Mark 2:1-12

Saturday, Jan. 14 : Hebrews 4:12-16; Psalm 19:8-10, 15; Mark 2:13-17 Sunday, Jan. 15 : Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

Monday, Jan. 16 : Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalm 110:1-4; Mark 2:18-22 Tuesday, Jan. 17 : Memorial of St. Anthony, abbot, Hebrews 6:10-

20; Psalm 111:1-2, 4-5, 9-10; Mark 2:23-28

Wednesday, Jan. 18 : Hebrews 7:13, 15-17; Psalm 110:1-4; Mark 3:1-6 Thursday, Jan. 19 : Hebrews 7:25–8:6; Psalm 40:7-10, 17; Mark 3:7-12 Friday, Jan. 20 : Hebrews 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8, 10-14; Mark 3:13-19 Saturday, Jan. 21 : Memorial of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr, Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9; Mark 3:20-21

Sunday, Jan. 22 : Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

Monday, Jan. 23 : Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Hebrews 9:15, 24-28; Psalm 98:1-6; Mark 3:22-30 Tuesday, Jan. 24 : Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church, Hebrews 10:110; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 10-11; Mark 3:31-35

Wednesday, Jan. 25 : Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle, Acts 22:3-16; Psalm 117:1-2; Mark 16:15-18

Thursday, Jan. 26 : Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops, 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8, 10; Mark 4:21-25

Friday, Jan. 27 : Hebrews 10:32-39; Psalm 37:3-6, 23-24, 39-40; Mark 4:26-34

Saturday, Jan. 28 : Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 1:69-75; Mark 4:35-41

Sunday, Jan. 29 : Zephaniah 2:3 and 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Monday, Jan. 30 : Hebrews 11:3240; Psalm 31:20-24; Mark 5:1-20

Tuesday, Jan. 31 : Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest, Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32; Mark 5:2143 n

Father

‘The liturgy is the privileged place for the encounter of Christians with God and the one whom He has sent’

COURTESY OF LILLIAN ISAAC

St. Thomas CCW prepares ‘Soup Jars of Love’ for needy

Each fall, the Council of Catholic Women at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City gathers to fill 60-70 quart mason jars with dry ingredients for a hearty meal of bean soup.

These “Soup Jars of Love” are then given to the St. Thomas Friendship Kitchen committee to distribute to recipients of a mealson-wheels type of program in Loudon County around Thanksgiving. The CCW women fill the jars, decorate the lids, and attach the recipe to the jar. During the holiday seasons, this provides additional meals as families might need them. In addition to the Soup Jars of Love, the CCW stuffs bags with wrapped candies to be distributed around Christmas.

The Friendship Kitchen program is an ecumenical program supported by volunteers from St. Thomas the Apostle, Loudon United Methodist Church, Tellico Village Community Church, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Shepherd of the Lake Lu -

A pilgrimage to Greece, including a four-day Aegean cruise, is set for Sept. 18-29. Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” as pilgrims visit the places where St. Paul preached the Gospel—Thessaloniki, Philippi, Corinth, and Athens— and visit the Meteora Monasteries. The Aegean cruise stops on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Patmos and will also visit the ancient city of Ephesus, featuring some of the most magnificent excavations in the world, and visit Mary’s house. For

Parish notes continued from page B4

Anniversaries: Richard and Barbara Chandler (59), Fred and Claire Lockhart (52), James and Ann Mach (51), Eric and Mila Pacia (15), Alexis and Lara Paradiang (15)

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

The parish’s Christmastide celebration includes an Epiphany potluck after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Friday, Jan. 6. Bring a wrapped gift such as a handmade rosary or a favorite spiritual book for a gift exchange at the manger. There will also be a Yuletide ball with a string quartet and folk dancing. Holy Ghost specialedition Christmastide mugs will be on sale for $50 each.

Holy Ghost put up a mitten tree in December. Parishioners brought in mittens, gloves, hats, socks, and scarves to decorate the tree. Collections were taken through Christmas Eve and then distributed to those in need.

To help the Ladies of Charity layette program in December, Holy Ghost asked parishioners to fill a manger with

theran Church, Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, and the Piney Ruritan Club.

Meals are prepared and delivered every Monday. St. Thomas volunteers have been handling meals once a month for more than 15 years. One group of St. Thomas volunteers prepares and packages the meals in the parish family life center kitchen. A second group prepares desserts in their homes, which are then paired with the main meals.

A third group of volunteers delivers the meals late in the afternoon to neighbor recipients. Currently, St. Thomas has more than 100 volunteers who work on teams preparing and delivering approximately 70 evening meals to needy persons each month. St. Thomas provides the meals on the second Monday of each month.

The volunteers find it so very rewarding to see the gratitude in the eyes of those families receiving these meals. The volunteers are blessed as well. n

more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl. com.

Join Father Michael Cummins on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Oct. 16-26, with an optional extension to Jordan from Oct. 26-29. Pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting the holy and sacred sites of His life, death, and resurrection. They will journey to Bethlehem, Bethany, Masada, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, and the Sea of Galilee area, including the Mount

infant items such as diapers, onesies, nightgowns, and baby blankets.

The second annual Holy Ghost Christmas Market took place Dec. 10 at St. Joseph School. More than 40 local vendors sold items such as custom art, crafts, baked goods, jewelry, and Christmas decor.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

IC is celebrating Haiti Fest with a Super Bowl-themed drive-through fundraiser Feb. 11-12 for its Haitian sister parish’s school. On Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, parishioners may pick up their choice of dinner for $20 each or $60 for a family of four or more.

The Knoxville Catholic High School choir presented a lessons and carols service Dec. 11 at IC. An offering was taken to support the choir’s trip to New York City in March.

The annual Christmas carol festival took place Dec. 15. The women’s group provided treats for the occasion.

Members of the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club presented “A Dulcimer Christmas

Knights Council 645 continues support of Ladies of Charity As part of Knights of Columbus Council 645’s continuing support of the Ladies of Charity, the Knoxville Knights presented a check for $1,000 to Susan Unbehaun, executive director of the Ladies of Charity Knoxville, in honor of recently deceased Knight Louis Rankin. Council 645 also continues to run the Ladies of Charity bicycle program and has in the last year repaired more than 100 donated bicycles so they can be given to those in need through the Ladies of Charity Bicycle Program. If you have a bicycle you no longer need, consider donating it. For more information, e-mail KofC645@gmail.com. In the top photo, Council 645 presents the Ladies of Charity with a donation. From left are Council 645 trustee Bert Benedict, Mrs. Unbehaun, council trustee and past Grand Knight Troy Cantrell, and council Grand Knight Alex Cate. In the bottom photo are members of Council 645’s Bicycle Program team. From left are Mrs. Unbehaun, Mr. Cantrell, community director Ken Houbre, Mr. Cate, Victor Brown, and Bicycle Program director Jim Morey.

of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Capernaum, Magdala, and Tabgha. They will journey on to Mount Tabor, Jericho, the Mount of Temptation, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea, then travel to Jerusalem, visiting the Mount of Olives, the church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Wailing Wall. They will have the blessing of walking the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa. There will be the opportunity to extend the pilgrimage for three days, visiting Jordan, including Petra. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@

Concert” on Dec. 4 at Immaculate Conception.

On Giving Tuesday, the parish received $1,651 in donations for its ministry to Summit Towers. A $500 door prize from the diocese put the total at $2,151.

The parish thanked the women’s group for its donation of $425 from the proceeds of its recent craft fair.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center thanked the Knoxville Paulist parishes for their financial support during Respect Life Month. St. John XXIII raised $5,456.29, and, coupled with Immaculate Conception Parish’s contribution, equates to more than 20 percent of the center’s 2022-23 drive goal.

In December, the parish sponsored gifts for adults with developmental disabilities as well as a few residents of Serene Manor Nursing Home. The gifts for each person were represented by ornaments on an Advent tree.

The collegiate Daughters of Isabella

select-intl.com.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at noon each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; every Sunday at 8 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Athens; at 2 p.m. each Sunday at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; at 6 p.m. most Thursdays at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge; and at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga. For more information, visit www.Knox LatinMass.net. n

chapter held a bake sale on the weekend of Dec. 4 to support the Pregnancy Help Center. Also, the parish thanked those who donated to a recent babybottle drive to benefit the pregnancy center.

Associate pastor Father Richard Whitney, CSP, urged parishioners to give a little extra each week to help with upgrading the lighting in the Paulus Room worship area and other renovations to the parish’s more than 50-year-old building.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

The parish saluted Mike Cummings and Ken King upon the completion of their terms on the parish council. St. Joseph the Worker is seeking two people to fill the vacancies on the council.

The Knights of Columbus coordinated a food-basket distribution to needy families at Christmas. Each basket contained a ham dinner with all of the fixings.

St. Joseph the Worker parishioners donated more than 200 pounds of soup to the food bank at the Good Shepherd Center in Madisonville. n

COURTESY OF DONNA CURRY

CCW at work for a good cause The Council of Catholic Women at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City fills more than 60 “Soup Jars of Love” that are given to the parish Friendship Kitchen committee for distribution.

COURTESY OF ALEX CATE (2)

Close to 300 attend St. Stephen Christmas party St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga held its Christmas party for the first time in three years on Dec. 3. Traditional and Hispanic meals were served, with close to 300 parishioners and volunteers attending. Parishioners also provided the desserts. Everyone was very appreciative that St. Stephen pastor Father Manuel Pérez brought back the event. There were visits from Mickey Mouse, “the moon singer,” Frosty the Snowman, Mary and Joseph, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mary and Joseph, played by Sara Millbank and Jesus Moran, passed out holy cards to all in attendance. Parishioners sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and concluded the event with Christmas carols.

St. Henry Knights hold Christmas for the Kids event

Knights of Columbus Council 8860 at St. Henry Parish in Rogersville held a Christmas for the Kids event and distributed food to the needy. Above, Knight Stephen Derosia rolls out food to a waiting vehicle, and at right Santa takes a request from one of the children attending. The Knights partnered with Of One Accord in Rogersville on the food distribution.

COURTESY OF BILL HEWITT (2)

COURTESY OF LILLIAN ISAAC (4)

St. Mary-Johnson City holds parish mission on enthronement

A three-day parish mission on the enthronement of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was held Nov. 13-15 at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. The mission was presented by the Sacred Heart Apostolate and helped parishioners to have trust and confidence in the compassionate Heart of Christ. All parishioners, young and old, were encouraged to attend. The three evenings were filled with teaching, testimonies, prayer, worship, music, refreshments, and fellowship. Parishioners wishing to do a home enthronement may contact the parish office at 423-282-6367 to register. Information about the Sacred Heart Apostolate and its mission of enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus is available at sacredheartapostolate.com.

FATHER MANUEL PEREZ (2)

St. Joseph JV boys hoops team raises funds for Legacy Clinic

By Allison Di Gennaro

In December, while many children were dreaming of what they might receive for Christmas, the junior varsity basketball team at St. Joseph School in Knoxville was only dreaming about how they could give back.

The JV team, composed of St. Joseph fifth-, sixth-, and seventhgrade students, organized the first Charity Christmas Inter-Squad Scrimmage on Dec 15. Led by head coach Sal Di Gennaro and assistant coach Owen Dougharty, the night featured the JV boys splitting into two teams to compete for school bragging rights, a 3-point shootout at halftime, a prize for the student who sold the most tickets to the event, and family photos with St. Nick.

But the big win came in the form of a donation from the JV team to the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic. After learning about the great work of the mobile medical clinic, the boys decided that half of the evening’s proceeds should go straight to the clinic. This donation helps to assist the clinic in its charitable mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ throughout East Tennessee.

The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic rolls

across East Tennessee to help serve those in need and has been compared to a doctor’s office on wheels. Making stops along the way at partner sites throughout the Diocese of Knoxville, the clinic brings much-needed health-care services to those without insurance at no charge to the patient.

The St. Joseph JV boys team raised a total of $1,274, of which $637 was donated to the clinic. Receiving the funds during halftime were Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, who is the clinic’s medical director, and Sister Celeste Mary Poche, RSM, who serves as the clinic’s nurse practitioner.

When asked why the team decided to commit to raising money for a Catholic ministry, Coach Di Gennaro stated, “I believe it is important for these young men to learn at an early age that charity, the giving of oneself, and supporting those who are in need, is truly what Christmas is about. This type of event offers them an opportunity to participate in the work of the Church and see, firsthand, how their act of service will touch the lives of people throughout East Tennessee. They did a great job marketing the game and raising money for an awesome cause! Let’s go Bulldogs!” n

Knoxville Catholic names new head football coach

By Dan McWilliams

Knoxville Catholic High School named Dean Cokinos as its new head football coach Dec. 22 following the resignation of Korey Mobbs on Nov. 8 after he spent two seasons at the helm of the Fighting Irish.

Mr. Cokinos brings a wealth of football experience from serving as head coach of arena football teams in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Atlanta; to international football operations/head coach in Germany; to the collegiate level at UMass, Austin Peay, and West Alabama; and most recently as special teams and linebackers coach at both Brentwood Academy and Ensworth in Nashville.

His head coaching regular-season record is 165-86-1 with an 11-6 postseason record.

“Knoxville Catholic is a special place, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Fighting Irish football program,” Mr. Cokinos said. “There is a solid foundation in place at Catholic, and I’m excited to grow a winning culture and building the Fighting Irish into a top performer in Division II-AAA.”

Mr. Mobbs went 8-12 in his two campaigns. The Irish finished 3-7 in 2022 and in fifth place in the

East/Middle Region of Division II, Class AAA. KCHS lost to Christian Brothers 41-27 in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2021, Knoxville Catholic finished 5-5, notching two region wins. The Irish also lost to Christian Brothers in that year’s first round of the playoffs, 28-24.

“We’re thankful for Korey for the time that he spent inside the building and certainly his efforts in leading our football program,” said KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas. “He positively impacted a lot of our kids, and we certainly wish him the best of luck. We’re very grateful for his time here.”

The Fighting Irish play in a rugged region that includes several high-powered football programs. Some high school sports observers contend the region KCHS plays in is the toughest in Tennessee.

“The region has been difficult since we’ve been in it, with Baylor and McCallie, MBA, and Brentwood Academy, but now we’ve added Lipscomb, which is another one. Just on the East/Middle side of the region it’s a daunting task, but we’ve got the kids here who are going to do everything we ask them to do and run through a brick wall if we need them to,” Mr. Surlas said. n

Winning Christmas cards in school contest

The winning entries in the Office of Catholic Schools’ Christmas card contest were submitted by Marigold Newton of Notre Dame High School (above) and Mary Hoih of St. Mary School in Johnson City (left). Marigold’s art teacher is Michelle De Villiers, and Mary’s art teacher is Felicia Gregory.

COURTESY OF PAM RHOADES

Scrimmage proceeds Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, holding the check at left, and Sister Celeste Mary Poche, RSM, accept the St. Joseph junior varsity boys basketball team’s donation of $637 to the Legacy Clinic.

St. Mary-Oak Ridge sixth-grader takes first in essay contest James Lutz, a sixth-grader at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge, was awarded first place locally in the recent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) essay contest. The VFW’s annual youth essay contest invites students from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades to submit essays reflecting on yearly themes concerning patriotism. Student essays are reviewed by the VFW post and then advance to compete at the regional, state, and national levels. The 2022 theme was “My Pledge to Our Veterans.” Essays are evaluated based on knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas.

Knoxville Catholic girls tennis team ranked No. 1 in the nation Global tennis player rating system Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) recently ranked the Knoxville Catholic High School girls tennis program as the No. 1 girls high school team in the United States. When it comes to high school tennis, the No. 1 spot in the nation usually belongs to a full-scale tennis academy in Florida or California, but not this year. After winning its second state title in a row, the Knoxville Catholic girls tennis team got back to work with individual off-season tournament play, resulting in a combined UTR score that puts them at No. 1 in the nation. As the spring season approaches, the team is looking to three-peat a state championship and achieve individual awards. Senior Maeve Thornton, a Furman signee, is also now ranked the No. 13 player in the nation. The team is coached by Rusty Morris and Karen Lorino. From left above are Eleni Liakonis, Gigi Sompayrac, Maeve Thornton, and Lillie Murphy.

COURTESY OF SEDONNA PRATER (2)

COURTESY OF MARTIN VARGAS (2)