This issue
He dwells among us.................. 2 Diocesan calendar................... 10 Deanery news.......................... 11 La Cosecha............ center pullout
The East Tennessee
Catholic schools...................... 15 Columns............................. 18-21 Virtus workshops..................... 21
Aug. 4, 2013 Volume 22 Number 12 Bishop Richard F. Stika
News from The Diocese of Knoxville • Visit us at dioknox.org or etcatholic.org
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Catholic Charities Sister Mary Christine Cremin’s new role
Instilling community Father Cummins expands Sant’Egidio
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Rivalry renewed Notre Dame, Knoxville Catholic face off in football
Planning the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress 25th Jubilee Year begins with historic celebration Sept. 13-14 at Sevierville Convention Center
Congress continued on page 8
DAN MCWILLIAMS
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special birthday is just one reason to celebrate a Eucharistic Congress, as the Diocese of Knoxville will do Sept. 13-14. So as the diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress draws near, plans are being finalized for 5,000 faithful to celebrate as the body of Christ the holy Eucharist. “The reason we are celebrating a Eucharistic n Who: Diocese of Congress is Knoxville because we n What: Eucharistic want a very, Congress very special n When: Sept. 13-14 way to bring n Where: Sevierville the faithful Convention Center together to n How: Register by begin our Aug. 31 at www. yearlong dioknox.org/ec/ celebration of our 25th anniversary,” said diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith. “It’s intended to be the kickoff celebration of a yearlong anniversary year, and the Eucharistic Congress was chosen mainly because as Catholics we do not often have the opportunity to come together to
By Dan McWilliams
Final preparations Deacon Sean Smith (top right), Diocese of Knoxville chancellor, and Paul Simoneau (standing), diocesan vice chancellor, go over details for holding the Eucharistic Congress during a planning meeting at the Chancery on July 24. Among the diocesan representatives taking part in the meeting were, from left, Janie Hennessy and Father Joe Reed.
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
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He dwells among us
by Bishop Richard F. Stika
Celebrating our Eucharistic Congress An encounter with the risen Christ himself
s I sit down to compose this column, I am within sight of our 25th Jubilee Anniversary as a diocese and our region’s first Eucharistic Congress. I must say, I am filled with great joy and anticipation as we approach these two important milestones. Over my nearly four and a half years as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, I have received countless graces and blessings, the greatest of which have been the many ways I have witnessed you respond to the call to holiness. From the first days of my arrival in Knoxville, I have seen the Holy Spirit at work in our local Church by how strongly the faithful have responded to my endless requests to be the hands, feet and face of Jesus to all those that we meet. So as we begin our jubilee anniversary year, what better way to have a face-to-face encounter with Christ than to participate in our Eucharistic Congress? The two-day celebration will take place at the Sevierville Convention Center. The Eu-
Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse
Follow Bishop Richard Stika on Twitter @bishopstika and his blog for news and events from the diocese. charistic Congress will begin Friday, Sept. 13, with a youth Mass for all diocesan students followed by a youth concert and adoration led by nationally known singers Josh Blakesley, Sarah Kroger and Johann Alvarez. Additionally, Cardinal Rigali and I will offer a session for the adults. On Saturday, Sept. 14, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York will deliver the keynote address at the Eucharistic Congress. Cardinal Dolan, who has been named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine, is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Best-selling author and speaker Dr. Scott Hahn, whose books include The Lamb’s Supper and Rome Sweet Home and is internationally acclaimed as a lecturer,
will lead two workshops: one for adults and one for youth. Father Robert Barron, founder and executive director of the popular Word on Fire Catholic Ministries who is described as one of the Catholic Church’s best messengers, also will lead a workshop for adults. Father Barron is rector and president of Mundelein Seminary near Chicago. Father Rafael Capó, who heads the Southeast Pastoral Institute and is a regional director for Hispanic Ministry for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will lead a workshop for Hispanic parishioners. Singer and speaker ValLimar Jansen, a university professor and leader of worship and prayer who presents workshops at conferences across the country, is leading a youth breakout session. And Sister Rosa M. Hernandez, MGSpS, who is with the migrant ministry team in the Diocese of Stockton, also will lead a workshop for Hispanic
The East Tennessee
Parishioners to get East Tennessee Catholic Magazine The Diocese of Knoxville’s monthly publication, The East Tennessee Catholic, will have a new look every other month beginning in September. Coinciding with the diocese’s 25th Jubilee Year, the longtime publication will appear in a bold, colorful magazine format six times a year. It will feature a mix of local stories and columns with content from publishing partner FAITH Catholic that should appeal to all parishioners. Like the current East Tennessee Catholic newspaper, the new magazine will be mailed to registered parishioners in the diocese. If you would like to receive The East Tennessee Catholic, please register with your parish and notify our office at 865-5843307 or mhunt@dioknox.org.
Bishop’s schedule These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments: Aug. 4: 8:30 a.m., Mass at Church of the Good Shepherd, Newport
Bishop continued on page 8
Schedule continued on page 23
Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher
Dan McWilliams Assistant editor
Bill Brewer
Margaret Hunt
Anyone who has actual knowlEditor Administrative assistant edge of or who has reasonable 805 S. Northshore Drive • Knoxville, TN 37919 cause to suspect an incident of The Diocese of Knoxville sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published bi-monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 S. Northshore Drive, information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. civil authorities first, then to the The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. n
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August 4, 2013 3
Continuing the work of Catholic Charities in East Tennessee Sister Mary Christine Cremin directing area’s key social service agency as Father Ragan Schriver begins sabbatical
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At the helm Sister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, has been selected by Bishop Richard F. Stika to lead Catholic Charities of East Tennessee while Father Ragan Schriver is on sabbatical. Sister Mary Christine, who has been working as a Catholic Charities counselor, assumed her new position as acting executive director in July.
BILL BREWER
ister Mary Christine Cremin, RSM, is adjusting to her new duties as acting executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, knowing she has large shoes to fill as Father Ragan Schriver begins a sabbatical that will take him away from the position he has held since July 1999. Sister Mary Christine, who has been serving as CCET acting executive director since July 1, is familiar with her new surroundings after serving as a counselor with the Diocese of Knoxville agency for three and a half years. She said the transition is going well, largely because the CCET staff is so accommodating. “People are very understanding of Father’s need for a break,” she said. “There are really good people who have been there for years and are devoted to their work.” Bishop Richard F. Stika asked Sister Mary Christine last spring if she would fill in for Father Schriver while he was on sabbatical. While on sabbatical, Father Schriver will teach a class at the University of Tennessee and also be involved in a Catholic Charities USA project. Before she could accept the job, Sister Mary Christine first had to get approval from superiors with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., who gave their blessing. “Our basic orientation is whatever the Church wants us to do that we’re able to do is what we should do,” Sister Mary Christine said. “I consider it a real privilege because there is wonderful work going on.” Sister Mary Christine’s plans for CCET do not involve major changes. But she will be highlighting the Diocese of Knoxville’s role in the agency. “The real opportunity is that because we are Catholic we have a mission to reach out to those in need,” she said, noting that most of the clients served by CCET are not Catholic, nor are many CCET employees. “I understand the
philosophy behind the organization and the direction we want to go.” Steps she wants to take include becoming more involved in programs immediately, giving employees and clients a chance to know her in her new position; supporting the staff, which she calls a “very important piece”; emphasizing the agency’s Catholic identity; and working closely with the CCET board of trustees, which she describes as a “very good” board. “We do what we do because we are Catholic. It’s precisely because we are Catholic that we are serving those in need,” she said. An immediate focus for Sister Mary Christine is to complete a reaccreditation process. Under Father Schriver’s leadership, CCET has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation, an independent child and family service and behavioral health-care accrediting organization. Accreditation is important in being recognized as a top social service agency.
“Father Ragan has done a tremendous job. Look historically at where CCET has come since he has led it. He managed to pull all the pieces together into one unified agency. Because of this, we were able to become accredited. It’s a way of guaranteeing that there are best practices done and gives a professional dimension to the
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
By Bill Brewer
organization,” she said. The accreditation also will enhance CCET’s statistical research and ease the process for getting funding, according to Sister Mary Christine. “(Father Schriver) is a fundraiser par excellence and has been devoted to the agency,” she said. By continuing the progress made under Father Schriver, Sister Mary Christine is confident the transition will be seamless and CCET’s focus will remain where it should be—on the clients served. CCET served more than 16,000 individuals throughout East Tennessee last year through 16 programs ranging from housing and emergency shelters to pregnancy counseling and immigration services. The agency, with offices in Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities and Knoxville, serves those in need regardless of race or religious affiliation. Fewer than 5 percent of those served are Catholic. “Catholic Charities of East Tennessee has a pretty long reach. I know we’re doing a good job,” Sister Mary Christine said. “I didn’t come in with any intention to change programs. My hope is to create an atmosphere where if people have concerns they’ll let me know. I am a familiar face and didn’t just land out of nowhere. People have been welcoming and supportive.” n
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Chattanooga to be site of diocese’s next Sant’Egidio Community Father Michael Cummins expanding group’s reach beyond ETSU and the Tri-Cities
The East Tennessee Catholic
BILL BREWER
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s Father Michael Cummins makes the transition from chaplain for campus ministry oat East Tennessee State University to chaplain at the University of TennesseeChattanooga Catholic Student Center, he’s bringing a community with him that will be new to Chattanooga. After starting a Sant’Egidio community at ETSU four years ago, Father Cummins decided to establish a chapter of the lay community at UTC to broaden the community’s outreach once he learned he was being transferred as part of the regular diocesan priest reassignments announced in June. Father Cummins also will be the new chaplain at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. - The Community of Sant’Egidio is recognized by the Catholic Church as a Church public lay association and is in more than 70 countries. Its work centers on prayer and Bible study, spreading the Gospels, service to the poor, work toward peace, ecumenism, and dialogue with members of other faiths. The Community of Sant’Egidio was founded in Rome in 1968 by a group of high school students led by Andrea Riccardi. The community is named fafter the Roman Church of Sant’Egidio (Italian for Saint Giles) in Trastevere, the community’s first permanent meeting place. Since 1968, the community gathers regularly to pray, read from the Bible and reflect on the Gospel. It has been spreading throughout the world with a mission of helping those in need. Father Cummins said the community founders realized that being Christians meant being connected to the poor, which led them to the slums of Rome to begin working with the poor. “Pope John Paul II, as bishop of Rome, visited all the parishes in Rome and came to know the Community of Sant’Egidio. He gave them an abandoned convent and chapel
By Bill Brewer
community in Upper East Tennessee. Father Mathis will be assisted by Mary Jordan, a parishioner at St. Mary Church in Johnson City who is a Mercy Associate and works in administration at ETSU. “I’m hoping to have a good foundation in East Tennessee once we get rooted in Chattanooga. It can be a very life-giving program. It’s not a program where you get the owner’s manual and go out on your own. You become connected to the community and then our community becomes connected to the Sant’Egidio communities around the world,” Father Cummins explained. Pope Francis was introduced and Expanding the community Father Michael Cummins, the new chaplain at Notre became a friend of the community in Dame High School and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Catholic Student Argentina and has developed a deep Center, plans to establish a Sant’Egidio Community in Chattanooga. connection with Sant’Egidio, which shares the pontiff’s devotion to helpin Rome called Sant’Egidio, or St. in East Tennessee,” he said. ing the poor. Giles. They started calling themselves Father Cummins, who just com “It does connect with what Pope Sant’Egidio,” he said. pleted a six-year assignment at ETSU, Francis has been saying—take the Originally there were eight foundsaid Father Christian Mathis is the Gospel into the world. It’s part of ers. There now are 60,000 members, new chaplain at ETSU after having the Gospel and we’re called to do with half working in Africa. served as pastor at St. Thomas the this. This strengthens the priesthood “The community is new to the Apostle in Lenoir City 2x3 and isbw and builds on12:15 our own Father 032813Church Westside Farms 3/26/13 PMfaith,” Page 1 United States. There are eight U.S. expected to continue the Sant’Egidio Cummins said. n communities, so it’s still very small in the U.S.,” he said. “Friendship is what the community is all about. It’s about developing a relationship and in that encounter finding Christ.” The community is open to all ages, not just college students and all are welcome to check out the new Chattanooga community once it is up and running in September, according to Father Cummins. It will meet in the UTC Catholic Student Center. Father Cummins has been connected to the community for about 12 years and for a decade has been actively involved. He was first introduced to Sant’Egidio when he was chaplain at Knoxville Catholic High or 865.766.7556 for loading School and took a group of students Delivery service available on a pilgrimage to Rome. “After reading about Andrea Riccardi I developed a desire to start one
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August 4, 2013 5
Sister Mary Janice Brink retires after 53 years of service
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By Stephanie Richer f the suggestion of retirement is music to your ears, then for Sister Mary Janice Brink, RSM, it will be played by a dulcimer. After 53 years of ministry, Sister Janice is retiring and relocating to the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Nashville. When asked what she planned to do in Nashville, Sister Janice said she looked forward to having time to pursue her hobbies and to pray–and finally master the dulcimer, an instrument that she began playing three years ago. “I like to play the dulcimer—but I’m just learning,” she jokingly warned. At a reception held July 17 at Physicians Regional Medical Center, formerly St. Mary’s Hospital, friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Sister Janice and thank her for her work at the hospital, a legacy mea-
sured by the way her dedication to Christ’s teaching has touched so many people. At the reception, a long line of friends, coworkers and acquaintances greeted Sister Janice, giving her hugs, kisses, cards, and their best wishes for retirement. Clark Strange, a hospital staff member, fondly greeted her in the receiving line. “She’s just like family,” he said. “She’s been super, super to us all throughout the years.” Becky Dodson, Physicians Regional Medical Center’s vice president of mission, has her office near the chapel where she often overheard Sister Janice interacting with visitors and patients. “She would just be so kind dealing with people who needed help, really in the spirit of Catherine McAuley (Vener-
Retire continued on page 17
STEPHANIE RICHER
Many friends extend well-wishes at reception in her honor
Embracing a lifetime of service Sister Mary Janice Brink, RSM, shares a hug and a smile with her friend, Eleanor Stacy, a staff member with Tennova Healthcare, at Physicians Regional Medical Center (formerly St. Mary’s Hospital) on July 17 during a retirement reception given in Sister Janice’s honor that was attended by many friends and coworkers.
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New leaders set the stage at Notre Dame, Sacred Heart George Valadie, Sarah Trent preparing to get 2013-14 school year under way, continue successes
The East Tennessee Catholic
BILL BREWER
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Coming home New Notre Dame High School president George Valadie, who returns to where he attended, taught and coached, said he is glad to be back home.
to many people,” he said. And as growth occurs, he wants to ensure that they are prepared for college and the work world when they graduate. “We are preparing students for jobs that do not now exist. Part of that is helping kids learn to think, helping kids learn to work together and use all of the technology at their finger-
tips. Our job is to give our students an excellent education based on the tenets of the Catholic Church,“ he said. Mrs. Trent feels a similar sense of responsibility. She believes Sacred Heart has exemplary academic programs that should prepare elementary school students for middle school success
BILL BREWER
s the Diocese of Knoxville's 10 schools prepare for the 2013-14 academic year, Notre Dame and Sacred Heart will have new leadership for the first time in a decade or more. George Valadie returns to the Chattanooga high school he graduated from in 1971 and later served in teaching, coaching and administrative positions. He will serve as Notre Dame’s first president—a new position that includes administration and development roles. And Sarah Trent takes over as principal at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville after having served as an assistant principal at a Catholic school in Florida. Mr. Valadie, who succeeds Perry Storey, and Mrs. Trent, who follows Sedonna Prater, officially began their positions July 1. Notre Dame’s new president said he has seen a dramatic change since he left the 137-year-old school 20 years ago when he was assistant principal to take a principalship at a Vicksburg, Miss., Catholic school. He served in the Vicksburg position for six years, and for the last 14 years he has been principal of St. Benedict at Auburndale High School in Cordova, Tenn. “It’s a little different place than when I left. Over the past 20 years the facility has changed with two major additions. I think we have tremendous opportunities for growth,” Mr. Valadie said, noting that enrollment at the high school is 400. He praised Notre Dame’s academic programs, calling them “outstanding,” and said he intends to improve on that outstanding track record. However, growth will be a focus of his as the new school year begins. “We can grow. It’s an opportunity for us, but it’s also an opportunity for families in the area to find an outstanding education that is affordable
Settling in Sarah Trent, the new principal at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville, wants to continue the successes Sacred Heart has built on through the years. The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
By Bill Brewer
and middle school students for high school success. “There are so many things going well here. I’m uncovering layers of excellent programs here and I want to get a bird’s eye view of everything before we tweak anything,” she said. Mrs. Trent, who has two children at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, said the academic year will begin fresh from a five-year reaccreditation review by AdvancED, a leading U.S. school accreditation organization. She said the internal audit, held in May, yielded “exemplary” marks, and she credited Mrs. Prater, diocesan schools’ new director of curriculum and instruction, for directing academic programs that resulted in reaccreditation. Moving forward, Mrs. Trent plans to focus on the spiritual, academic and social/emotional development of the Sacred Heart students. “Our faith is who we are. Our children should know every day that they attend a Catholic school. Academically, are we implementing the best programs to meet their needs as they progress toward high school? And socially and emotionally, are we teaching them to be good citizens? Yes, we are. It’s about their total development, and we need to make sure we continue serving our students with exemplary programs,” she said. Mrs. Trent said Sacred Heart’s enrollment for the upcoming school year is 600, which is higher than in years past. That means she and new assistant principal Lisa Maki, who has been a Sacred Heart teacher for 15 years, will be busy making sure the school continues its success. “It’s a very exciting time to be a part of Sacred Heart parish and school. We will continue to recognize what we do well and review our programs to determine what’s important and where we may need to take a different approach,” she said. n August 4, 2013 7
Diocesan faithful taking an active role in immigration issue
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Garza said. “It was a historical vote based on how quickly it passed.” Immigration reform is one of several issues the Hispanic community is taking an active role in. Others include a new law-enforcement policy being implemented in Knox County by the Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Secured Communities program in place in other parts of the country. Archbishop José H. Gomez, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ migration committee, is marshaling Catholic support for immigration reform “The Senate bill is not everything we wanted, but as Archbishop Gomez said, ‘this is a good start,’” Ms. Garza said. n
Congress continued from page 1
31 registration deadline. Time is running out to register for the Eucharistic Congress. No registrations will be taken after Aug. 31, and no tickets will be sold at the door. To register, visit www. dioknox.org/ec/. The Congress boasts a spectacular lineup of speakers that includes Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Dr. Scott Hahn, internationally known author and speaker; and Father Robert Barron of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. Cardinal Justin Rigali will join Bishop Richard F. Stika for an evening chat on Sept. 13, and Bishop Stika will lead Mass on Sept. 14 to conclude the Eucharistic Congress. Also speaking will be Father Rafael Capó and Sister Rosa Her-
nandez. Youth sessions will be led by entertainer/speaker ValLimar Jansen, singer Johann Alvarez, and singers Josh Blakesley and Sarah Kroger. Not a bad speaking lineup for a small diocese, according to Deacon Smith. “For the size of our diocese and how young we are, and to have this speaking corps, most people can’t believe it,” he said. “People just can’t believe we secured Cardinal Dolan and Father Barron and Dr. Scott Hahn. “[On July 18] I was interviewed on EWTN Global Radio for 45 minutes, and it was a call-in show. The hosts of the program and all these people just couldn’t believe that we not only have such great speakers but also that we have all of them in
one setting.” More than 30 states are represented among the registrants so far for the Eucharistic Congress, with three people coming from as far away as Alberta, Canada. Paul Simoneau, diocesan vice chancellor for administration, is executive assistant to Deacon Smith for the Eucharistic Congress. “First of all, this is a jubilee celebration for the diocese at 25 years old,” Mr. Simoneau said. “We celebrate anniversaries in our lives—birthdays, wedding anniversaries, in particular 25 years, 50 years—those are very significant in a family’s life, in a couple’s life. For the diocese, we are all members of the body of Christ, and our celebration is not just a celebration of one
and country concelebrating. The list of high-profile speakers and singers we are blessed to have for our Eucharistic Congress has attracted attendees from across the diocese and throughout the United States—
we even have registrants from Canada. As the registration deadline for the Eucharistic Congress is quickly approaching (Aug. 31), it is my prayer that if you have not already registered you will
do so soon as our Eucharistic Congress is a fitting tribute to the Church in East Tennessee and the faithful who have worked so hard to build the diocese. Happy 25th Anniversary! n
celebrate the greatest gift of our church, the holy Eucharist, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of Catholics rejoicing in His presence with unique intensity.” “We have seen through international and domestic Eucharistic Congresses how wonderful they are to pull people from all over. Since our region here has never had one, we thought what a better way to kick off our anniversary than to have this special Eucharistic Congress,” he added. Deacon Smith is the general chairman of the Eucharistic Congress, which will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center. The diocese is expecting 5,000 people to attend the Congress, and nearly 4,000 have registered so far, ahead of the Aug. Bishop continued from page 2
members of the diocese. Finally, I will celebrate the diocesan-wide Mass that concludes the Eucharistic Congress with cardinals, bishops and priests from across the diocese
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STEPHANIE RICHER
By Bill Brewer iocese of Knoxville parishioners are planning additional activities to encourage members of Congress to adopt immigration reform legislation that the Senate passed in June. Lourdes Garza, director of the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, said more activities are planned once Congress returns from its summer break. In May, parishioners held seven vigils across the diocese to pray for immigration reform, including a vigil May 21 led by Bishop Richard F. Stika at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “We had the vigils to pray for them to pass the bill, and they did pass the bill on June 28 by a 68-32 vote.,” Ms.
Praying for immigration reform Bishop Richard F. Stika leads a prayer vigil for immigration reform May 21 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that was organized by members of the diocese’s Hispanic community.
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
Congress continued on page 9
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Congress continued from page 8
birthday of a diocese—it is truly an anniversary for the whole body of Christ.” Also of significance is the fact that more than 1,000 people are coming from outside the diocese to attend the Eucharistic Congress, Mr. Simoneau added. “It’s not just that we have a great lineup of speakers, but this is a gathering of Catholics that— whether they’re of this diocese or not—can celebrate equally because our identity is that of Catholics. “We all identify ourselves in some way, but when you really get down to it, our true identity is that of Catholics, and our solidarity is that
of all journeying together to a common goal and trying to help each other in achieving that goal, which is everlasting life with Christ. Our Eucharistic Congress is a celebration of the journey as well.” Deacon Smith said there are a lot of nuts and bolts involved in getting 5,000 people together. “The challenge is we have both an English adult and English youth track, and we have a Spanish track, so what that means is at any given time we’ll have three sessions going on at the same time,” he said. The biggest logistical issue before the Congress begins “is transforming a convention center into a sacred space,” Deacon Smith said.
“Where we will be having morning prayer, eucharistic adoration, and ultimately the Masses—both the youth Mass and the Mass on Saturday—we need to make that look like a sanctuary. We’ll have an altar, and a crucifix, and an ambo, so we’ve got to get all of that set up.” Sound and lighting equipment, which must be adapted for those speaking and also the youth concerts, involves “a tremendous amount of logistics,” according to Deacon Smith. There’s also the challenge of having 5,000 people “come in and get their badges and their meal tickets for lunch,” he added.
“And that all happens right before morning prayer, so we’ve got to have a seamless operation to make that happen. Then we’ll try to distribute 5,000 box lunches. We’re going to have to have that well organized,” he said. Deacon Smith believes the diocese will have another Eucharistic Congress—someday. “But I suspect it’ll be many years from now because it took us 25 years to have our first one. Do I think it’ll take another 25 years? Not necessarily, but it’s not something we’re going to do on a routine basis. There’s just too much involved in putting on a successful one,” he said. n
Bishop Richard F. Stika & The Diocese of Knoxville Invite You
25th AnniversAry Jubilee CelebrAtion And euChAristiC Congress september 13-14, 2013
A Faith-Filled Family Weekend
Sevierville Convention Center / Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort
Keynote Speaker TimoThy Cardinal dolan
One of Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” His Eminence was also appointed to the College of Cardinals.
JoSh blaKeSley & Sarah Kroger
Dedicated to contemporary Catholic music, Josh and Sarah have led teen conferences across the nation.
JuSTin Cardinal rigali
His Eminence serves in the College of Cardinals and is a papal elector. He is Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Vallimar JanSen
ValLimar has toured the world as both a singer and speaker and currently works as a university professor.
register online
biShoP riChard F. STiKa
FaTher roberT barron
Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, one of the fastest growing dioceses in the country. He also serves in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
FaTher raFael CaPó
As an educator and priest, Father Capo leads the Hispanic Catholic Southeast Pastoral Institute in Miami, Fla.
“One of the church’s best messengers,” he is the Founder and Executive Director of Word on Fire Ministries.
Johann ÁlVarez
Award-winning singer-songwriter who loves to share the Gospel through song and powerful reflections.
dr. SCoTT hahn
Bestselling author of the The Lamb’s Supper and founder and president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
SiSTer roSa hernandez
She is a member of the Migrant Ministry team in the Diocese of Stockton and led migrant ministry in Ala.
dioKnoX.org/ec/
registration closes August 31st. no registrations will be taken at the door.
The East Tennessee Catholic
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
August 4, 2013 9
Diocesan calendar by Margaret Hunt Immaculate Conception Church has been designated the first of 11 pilgrimage stops in the Smoky Mountain Deanery in observance of the 25th anniversary of the diocese. Bishop Richard F. Stika will preside at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at IC on Sunday, Oct. 6. The faithful attending the Masses will receive a plenary indulgence. Pilgrims are encouraged to bring donations for the parish FISH pantry. Following the Mass, there will be a historical program and poetry reading by Dr. Thomas Haddox, an English professor from the University of Tennessee, titled “Father Abram Ryan: Priest/Poet of the U.S. South.” Father Ryan was pastor at Immaculate Conception Church from 1865-1867. The pilgrimage Masses will be held on the first Sunday of each month during the diocesan anniversary celebration. For more information, call the parish office at 865-522-1508. The Home Place, Catholic Charities’ housing for homeless adults with HIV/ AIDS, is collecting toiletry items for clients of the agency. Donations may be delivered to the Catholic Charities office at 859 McCallie Ave. during regular business hours. For details, contact Krisie Long-Withey at 423-698-9079 or krisie@ccetn.org. Openings are available in a spiritualdirection group led by Dr. Barbara Haning, an experienced group facilitator and spiritual director. Participants will focus on discerning and articulating God’s presence in their daily lives. The group meets monthly and is intended for those willing to meet the expectations and commitments involved in this process. Call Dr. Haning at 865-671-0766 for more information. The next men’s Cursillo in Spanish will be Aug. 8-11. The next women’s Cursillo in Spanish will be Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Both Cursillos will be at the Apison Retreat Center in Apison. Applications are available online at www.knoxville
10 August 4, 2013
cursillo.org or by contacting Lois Schering at schering4@aol.com. The 2013 Celebrate Life Banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Shari Rigby, the actress who played the birth mother who reconsidered her decision to abort her child in the pro-life film October Baby, will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $50 per person. Corporate sponsorships also are available. To learn more or purchase tickets, call the Tennessee Right to Life office at 865-689-1339. The diocesan Office of Christian Formation will be hosting two catechist-orientation sessions for new catechists, RCIA teams, adult faith formation facilitators, and other ministry leaders Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Chancery in Knoxville and Thursday, Aug. 22, at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga. Both sessions will meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Registration for both events can be completed online at www.eventbrite. com/org/3149767104. For more information, contact Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or rarmstrong@ dioknox.org. The Notre Dame Parish youth group in Greeneville is planning a trip to Doe River Gorge Day Quest on Saturday, Aug. 3. The cost is $26 per person and includes lunch. Space is limited. Visit www.doerivergorge.com for a list of activities. Call Susan Collins at Notre Dame Church for more information at 423-639-9381. A Retrouvaille weekend for couples who are experiencing difficulties in their marriages, or are separated or divorced and want to reconcile, is scheduled for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Nashville. For confidential information or to register, call 800-470-2230 or 615-523-0631, e-mail nrv3043@gmail.com, or visit the website at www.HelpOurMarriage.com. Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Father Michael Nolan will be the spiritual directors of a pilgrimage to Spain and
Portugal from Oct. 29 through Nov. 9. Pilgrims will visit important shrines and holy sites in Madrid, Segovia, Avila, León, Santiago, Fatima, and Lisbon. The cost per person is $3,599 from Atlanta. To obtain a brochure or register, contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, at 865207-4742, 545-8270 or smaevang@ yahoo.com. The next Picture of Love engagedcouples retreat will take place Nov. 15 and 16 at the Holy Spirit Church parish life center in Soddy-Daisy. The retreat will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and continue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The program is designed to help couples gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges of being married in their day-to-day lives. The cost is $135 per couple, which includes a certificate good for a $60 discount on a marriage license. Couples must attend the entire retreat to receive the certificate. For more information, contact Marian Christiana, director of the Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org. Father Charlie Burton and Deacon Gaspar DeGaetano will be the spiritual directors of a pilgrimage to Italy from March 16-28, 2014. The group will visit Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Sicily, and many other places during the trip. The all-inclusive cost is $4,199. For more details, call Proximo Travel at 855-8428001 or visit www.proximotravel.com. Father John Dowling will be the spiritual director for a 10-day pilgrimage to France June 30–July 9, 2014. The group will visit several shrines and holy sites around France, including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Sainte-Chapelle, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens, the tomb of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the American Military Cemetery at Omaha Beach, Chartres Cathedral, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Paray-le-Monial, and the basilica in Ars that houses the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney. The
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
final day will feature a drive through the French Alps. Mass will be celebrated daily. The price for the pilgrimage including airfare from either Nashville or Knoxville is $3,945, which includes U.S. government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges up to $665; economy-class round-trip airfare, three- and four-star hotel accommodations (based on double occupancy), eight breakfasts and dinners, a professional tour manager, local English-speaking guides, all scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees, a modern motor coach, and group tips. Interested pilgrims can also arrange their own airfare and pay $2,849 (if 30 pilgrims register). Register early and make a deposit by Aug. 25, 2013, and receive a $50 discount. For more information, contact Father Dowling at 931-4843628 or frjohndowling@gmail.com. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville; at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland; at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; at 11 a.m. on most Sundays at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Townsend; and at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for updated information. The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Sundays in the lower level of Holy Cross Anglican Church, 515 Herron Road, Knoxville, TN 37934. Note the time change. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www.saint thomas-knoxville.org for details. Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the old Holy Ghost Church, 1031 N. Central St. in Knoxville. For times of holy-day services or for more information, visit www.knoxbyz.org or call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880. n dioknox.org
Chattanooga Deanery calendar Knights of Columbus Council 610 is collecting items for its annual whiteelephant yard sale, which is held in conjunction with the council’s Labor Day picnic. For pickup or drop-off information, contact Scott Louisell at 423-6676936 or scottlouisell@gmail.com, or John Chrnalogar at 544-1562. Proceeds support the Knights’ charitable activities throughout the year. The Knights of Columbus 23rd annual
Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery
John Knight/Don Kohl Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Brainerd Golf Club. The format will be four-person select shot. The cost is $85 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund and other charitable causes. Registration forms are in the vestibule of the church. For more information, call Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 423-622-7232. n
Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes recently received $400 for their participation in the national Knights of Columbus program “Food for Families” by donating more than 2,000 cans of food to the Marion County Community Ministries Food Bank during Lent. The $400 award was donated to the Pregnancy and Adoption Center of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee.
St. Augustine, Signal Mountain The parish will have a St. Augustine Feast Day Celebration after the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, Aug. 25. The event will feature a ministry fair, picnic, games, and a bounce house for the kids. Call the parish office to volunteer at 423-886-3424.
St. Jude, Chattanooga The St. Jude Parish picnic is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Food, games, and plenty of fun are planned for this event. Call Kyra Ross to volunteer or learn more at 423-870-2386.
COURTESY OF BETTY ANNE NEAL
St. Mary, Athens
Knights, parish sponsor clothing drive Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Holy Family Assembly 3250 recently sponsored a clothing drive with St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga to benefit homeless and disabled veterans. Above, Knights Steve Reker (left) and Bill Reynolds stand with boxes of clothing collected in the drive.
Knights of Columbus Council 8396 installed new officers on July 18: Bill Risko, Grand Knight; Jim Barrett, financial secretary; Bob Bever, chancellor; Jim Rodgers, deputy Grand Knight; Dennis Hale, recorder; Ed Fiegle, treasurer; Lou Dionne, warden; William Buckley, advocate; Bob Gladish, inside guard; and Tom Fortsch Sr., Chuck Riedel, and Paul Kessler, trustees. Council 8396 celebrated its 30th anniversary with a pig roast July 3. Around 200 people enjoyed an afternoon of food, fellowship, music, and other entertainment.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga Newcomers: the Eric Milchak family, Bob and Jane O’Neal
ELIZABETH CONWAY
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland
The East Tennessee Catholic
Scouts help Monsignor Al Boy Scouts recently helped Monsignor Al Humbrecht of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy by making a walking path, putting up fencing, and doing general yard maintenance in Monsignor’s herb and vegetable garden. Pictured are (from left, front row) Nathaniel Hannah, Nicholas Hannah, Josh Martin, and Mason Tornow and (back row) Scout leader Bill Hannah, Matthew Kniedler, Austin Martin—who is working on his Eagle Scout award—Monsignor Humbrecht, and Scout leader Greg Kniedler.
The Military Support Group’s annual Motorcycle Show and Yard Sale are scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, in the parish life center and church grounds. Motorcycle registration begins at 9 a.m., with judging at 2 p.m. Trophies will be awarded in five categories. Door prizes and food and beverages will be available. Tables for the yard sale are available. Call Muriel Quinn at 423-473-8884 or the parish office at 476-8123 for more information. The support group meets on second Mondays in the Trinity Room. Anyone is welcome to attend. Young, single Catholics in the Cleveland area who are looking for a group in which to gather and grow their faith and friendships are asked to call Jared Martin at 486-7561 or Sandy Hartert-Forshee at 476-8123 for more information. The Catholic Men’s Association meets at 8 a.m. Saturdays, Aug. 10 and 24, in Breen Hall, room 3. All Catholic men are welcome to participate in these gatherings, held on second and fourth Saturdays. A rosary for the unborn will be offered at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, and every third Monday in the Church. n
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
August 4, 2013 11
Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar
Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery
Father Bede Aboh, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Aug. 17. Bishop Richard F. Stika will concelebrate. A reception will follow Mass in the family life center. Contact the parish office for more information at 865-482-2875.
All Saints, Knoxville The parish is sponsoring a new caregiver support group under the direction of Tony and Lynn Venafro. The group is designed to assist family members with coping with the stress of caregiving and to enhance their ability to embrace the challenges of the task. Call Mr. or Mrs. Venafro at 865-694-9252 for more information.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade A Remote Area Medical clinic is
The feast of the Assumption, a holy day of obligation, will be celebrated at a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, and 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15.
scheduled for Sept. 21-22 at First Baptist Church in Clinton. St. Therese Church will be supporting the medical mission by providing 30 six-packs of Coca Cola bottled drinks for the volunteers staffing the clinic. RAM is a traveling clinic that provides free medical, dental, and vision services to patients seeking care. For more information on the clinic, visit AndersonCountyRAM. com. n
The parish book club, the Page Turners, will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, in the library. The group will discuss the book, The Eighth Promise: An American Son’s Tribute to His Toisanese Mother (Rodale Books, 2007) by William Poy Lee.
St. John Neumann, Farragut The St. John Neumann youth group collected school supplies for children at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Maynardville during July. The parish St. Vincent de Paul Society holds meetings at 9 a.m. on second and fourth Saturdays in the school library. The group visits nursing homes, holds food drives for the Ladies of Charity, makes prayer blankets for hospital patients and the homebound, and publishes the Parish Resource Guide. For more information, call the St. Vincent de Paul Society at 865-963-6867. St. John Neumann School needs a piano in good condition. Contact Jonathan Leichman at jleichman@sjncs-knox.org to make donation arrangements.
St. Mary, Oak Ridge The parish held a reception for parishioner Matthew Kirrman after weekend Masses on July 20-21. Mr. Kirrman will be attending Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis this fall.
Father Appiah commissioned as Air Force chaplain Father John Appiah became the U.S. military’s newest chaplain on May 30, when he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. The journey to become a military chaplain began by obtaining permission from Bishop Richard F. Stika to explore the opportunity for military service. After lengthy interviews, physical exams, and thorough background investigations, Father Appiah was accepted by the USAF. He will continue to act within his full capacity as a Catholic priest but will also minister to service members and families of all faiths. Father Appiah was commissioned as a captain on the 15th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. The commissioning ceremony was conducted at All Saints Church in Knoxville and officiated by All Saints’ business manager Bruce Corrigan, a retired Navy officer, as Father Miguel Vélez observes.
Koteckis celebrate 50th wedding anniversary
St. Therese, Clinton The parish recently welcomed Virginia Knowles as its new secretary and bookkeeper. Father Julius Abuh celebrated the 21st anniversary of his priestly ordination July 18. n
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COURTESY OF MEG CORRIGAN
Anniversaries: Jim and Helen McGonagle (67), George and Jean McGonagle (62), Robert and Madonna Boncher (61), William and Mary Best (59), Ralph and Lois Taylor (56), Ben and Jackie Ryba (56), James and Laura Knoll (56), Russell and Edith Uboldi (55), James and Corrine Gabriel (54), Paul and Carole Forkapa (54), Jerome and Carol Scherer (53), Tom and Peg Clifford (53), Ray and Joan Nadolny (52), Mike and Betty Converse (51), Elliott and Nonie Bueche (50)
M
ichael F. and Doris E. Kotecki of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th anniversary June 15. They were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Chicago. The Koteckis’ three children are Eileen Mancera of Manhattan, N.Y.; William Kotecki of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Robert Kotecki
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
of Los Angeles; and they have one grandchild. Mr. Kotecki retired from the Electro Corp. in Rochester, Mich., and Mrs. Kotecki from Mayfair Realtor in Michigan, and they moved to the Glade in 2003. They celebrated their anniversary with a party at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Crossville. n dioknox.org
Five Rivers Deanery calendar The Oktoberfest fundraiser at St. Dominic School in Kingsport will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Events planned include yodeling, a lederhosen leg contest, dancing, a silent auction, and more. The dinner will feature sauerbraten, grilled bratwurst, apple strudel, and beer and wine. Adults 21 and over are welcome. Tickets are $20 and will be available after Masses starting in August. To donate auction items, e-mail the school at secretary@saintdomschool.com or call 423245-8491. For more information, contact Joanie Hrivnak at hrivnak@chartertn.net.
Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery
The Knights of Columbus yard sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the picnic pavilion at St. Patrick Church in Morristown. Proceeds from the sale will support the Knights’ charitable works for the church and community. In the church basement at the same time, the youth of the parish will also be having a yard sale to raise money to help defray the cost of their trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference in November. Call the St. Patrick Parish office at 423-586-9174 for more information on both sales. n
Good Shepherd, Newport “Christmas in July” was the theme of the vacation Bible school program held at the Church of the Good Shepherd the week of July 7. Nineteen students had the opportunity to share their faith, make crafts, and sing. Nancy Soesbee, CCD director for the parish, directed the Bible school. Monsignor Bob Hofstetter, pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, installed new officers for the Council of Catholic Women on July 7. The officers are Missy Capers, president; Jill Fontana, vice president; Michelle Collins, treasurer; and Marie Hobson, secretary. The women will serve a two-year term in office.
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Holy Trinity Church sponsored a school supply drive during July for Appalachian Outreach. The parish/family life committee will be having a rummage sale the weekend of Sept. 20-21 in the parish life center. Donations may be dropped off starting Sept. 15. Proceeds from the sale will be applied to parish debt reduction. Call the parish office for more information at 865-471-0347.
COURTESY OF MARY VIARENGO
The Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament raised $4,300. The Knights plan to donate $1,900 to help build the parish prayer garden and $800 each to Appalachian Outreach, Life Outreach, and Jefferson Rural Clinic.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish celebrates first Holy Communion Father Dennis Kress officiates and Deacon John Hackett assists at the recent first Holy Communion Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City. The first communicants are Jessie Mullis, Karen Velarde, José Marcos, and Angel Mullis.
Garden Club at St. Mary Church in second year
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arden Club members this summer are harvesting cucumbers, zucchini, string beans, squash, radishes, and carrots from their raised-bed garden plots adjacent to the parking lot at St. Mary Church in Johnson City, while waiting for tomatoes to ripen. This is the second year for the club, which was founded last year with 12 wood-framed plots filled with a mixture of sand, compost fertilizer, and soil. The Knights of Columbus donated funds for the lumber to build the plots and soil The East Tennessee Catholic
to fill them, approximately $150 for each. Plots are rented to parishioner gardeners at $45 for the first year and $35 for subsequent years plus $15 annual garden club dues. The garden club meets regularly each month to hear from gardeners experienced with the Square Food Garden Technique, on watering, fertilizing, and mulching practices The leader of the garden club in establishing the garden project is Roz Seymour, a retired nursing educator and master gardener. n
Anniversaries: Emery and Mildred Faulkner (65), Lee and Evangeline Webster (56), David and Alice Cornell (50), Jim and Mary Knox (10), Tim and Vickie Schneider (10)
Notre Dame, Greeneville The annual parish picnic will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Water games, an obstacle course, and plenty of food will be a part of the event. Bring a potluck dish. Call the parish office for more information at 423-639-9381. The sixth annual Fall Festival of Nations will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, on the parish grounds. Games, food from around the world, a farmers’ market, a silent auction, and entertainment will be featured. A yard sale will begin before the event at 8 a.m. After the 5 p.m. Mass, dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m. with entertainment provided by The Threedles, a Beatles tribute group. For details, call the parish office at 423-639-4381 and speak with Sandy Alter or Susan Collins.
St. Dominic Church, Kingsport There will be a seminar sponsored by the Kingsport Kiwanis Club for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients at St. Dominic Church from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. Contact Delores Bertuso, parish nurse, at 423-288-8101 for more details.
St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton A total of $2,100 was collected through the Lenten Baby Bottle campaign this year and has been given to Abortion Alternatives and Women’s Center to help local women and children in need. St. Elizabeth has given Abortion Alternatives a total of more than $15,000 during the seven years that the Lenten Baby Bottle project has been in existence at the parish. n
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
August 4, 2013 13
Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery Immaculate Conception, Knoxville The sixth annual Irish Fest on the Hill will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Immaculate Conception Church. The festival will include Irish music, dancers, a silent auction, games for kids, food, and beer. The cost is $5 for adults and free for children. For more information contact Becky Birdwell at birdwellent@bellsouth.net or the parish office at 865-522-1508.
Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa Will Thomas, organist at Our Lady of Fatima Church, will be moving to Tucson, Ariz., to pursue a doctoral degree in organ at the University of Arizona. Robert Lynch was hired as the new director of music. He is a recent graduate of Emory University, where he completed a master’s degree in sacred music and organ performance. Registration for the St. Cecilia Youth Choir will take place Aug. 3-4 in the parish life center after all the Masses. Practices will take place from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Thursdays beginning Aug. 22. The group will lead the music at Mass one Sunday per month. For more information, call Robert Lynch at 865-982-3672.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville The master plan for the construction of the new cathedral will be presented at a Master Plan Parish Town Hall meeting at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, in the Sacred Heart School gym. A cookout will follow the meeting. Merit Construction Inc. has been chosen as the general contractor/construction manager for the project. Duncan Stroik, a Boston firm that specializes in church architecture, helped develop the concept for the new building. Barber McMurry Architects are drafting the plans, which should be complete by mid-August. Questions, concerns, or suggestions about the master plan can be e-mailed to masterplan@shcknox.org. Sacred Heart Cathedral donated the second collection at the parish the weekend of July 20-21 to support its twin parish, St. Michel Church, in Boucan-Carré, Haiti. On June 22, the area experienced torrential rain and flooding resulting in wide-range damage to the area and the loss of a considerable amount of farmland and livestock. The parish, school, hospital, and rectory were not damaged, but around 60 homes were destroyed with many others sustaining serious structural damage.
St. Albert the Great, Knoxville The corporal works of mercy committee will be collecting school supplies and backpacks for children participating in the Mountain Art Program in Jellico during July and August. The group hopes to exceed the 94 backpacks they were able to provide to the children last year. Baptism: Addison Grace Rothrock, daughter of Benjamin and Kari Rothrock
St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville The parish participated in a “Christmas in July” school clothing drive for students who receive services at the Good Shepherd Center in Madisonville. n
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Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Aug. 10 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Monica Armstrong will speak on the topic “St. Angela Merici: Woman
of Hope.” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. RSVP to the John XXIII parish office at 865-5237931. n
Priests attend conference at Nashville cathedral
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ather John Orr and Monsignor Xavier Mankel of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville and Father Patrick Resen of St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Copperhill attended the second annual “Renewing the Priesthood” Conference, sponsored by the Thomistic Institute at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville from July 16-18. There were four plenary sessions, preceded by an introductory conference that made up the bulk of the event. Father Paul Scalia of the Diocese of Arlington, Va., gave the introductory conference, “The Parish Priest as Teacher.” The first plenary session was the lecture of the Rev. Dr. Romanus Ces-
sario, OP, MST. Father Romanus’ presentation addressed the second pillar of the Catechism, namely “The Priest as Teacher of the Sacraments.” The Rev. Dr. Thomas Weinandy, OFM Cap, gave the second plenary session, “The Priest as Teacher of the Creed (the Mysteries of Faith),” corresponding to the first pillar of the Catechism. The Rev. Dr. Michael Sherwin, OP, gave the third plenary session, “The Priest as Teacher of the Moral Life,” corresponding to the third pillar of the Catechism. The final plenary session was on the fourth pillar of the Catechism, titled “The Priest as Teacher of Prayer,” and was presented by the Rev. Dr. Jeremy Driscoll, OSB. n
Johnsons celebrate 50th anniversary June 27
J
oseph and Linda (Stogner) Johnson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Roan Mountain State Park. The Johnsons were married June 27, 1963, in Rockingham, N.C. They have three sons, James Johnson of Knoxville, Michael Johnson and wife Jinny of Las Vegas, and Marc Johnson of Knoxville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. After early retirement, the couple served in church music ministry. They have served together at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette, and St. John Neumann in Farragut over the past 23 years. They have been members of Holy Ghost for some 25 years. n
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
dioknox.org
Catholic schools
Twins receive Eagle, Girl Scout Gold awards
COURTESY OF KATHRYN CHOU
COURTESY OF CISSY WEST
OLPH School honors retiring teachers Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga honored two of its most beloved longtime teachers on the occasion of their retirement in May. Mary Evelyn Pack (left) taught for 32 years at the school, preparing students for their first reconciliation and first Communion in her capacity as a second-grade teacher. Ann Meinert served for 22 years as the school’s visual art instructor. She also led the school’s student Friday Mass choir, and she will continue to share her musical talents in that capacity as a ministry to the church and school.
Twins Kyle and Kristen Halstead of Knoxville Catholic High School received certificates from the Knoxville Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting for their Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold awards, respectively, in a Court of Honor held recently at Holy Family Church in Seymour. They are the children of Tara and Scott Halstead. Kristen received her Gold Award at the recent Girl Scout Gala, while Kyle received his Eagle award at the Court of Honor at Holy Family. n
John Paul Hendershott earns Eagle Scout award John Paul Hendershott of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut recently received his Eagle Scout award. George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, presented John a certificate from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting along with letters from the national chairman, Edward P. Martin, and the national chaplain, Father Michael P. Hanifin, who both received their Eagle Scout award in 1972. The ceremony for John was held June 15 at Virtue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Farragut with a reception following. n
Eight recognized from St. Mary School in Oak Ridge in Duke TIP program Seventh-grade students at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge recently participated in the Duke University Talent and Identification Program (Duke TIP). The Duke TIP Seventh-Grade Talent Search helps to identify, recognize, and support students of high academic abilities. Qualifying seventh-grade students took college entrance exams (ACT and/or SAT), and based on the results of these tests, eight students qualified for state recognition: Katherine Cacopardo, Lily Deinhart, Frank Avery, John Kaffer, Garrett Mesmer, Olivia Milloway, Gabrielle Ricche and Jacqueline Zuraf. In addition, one student, Olivia, qualified for grand recognition and attended a special award ceremony at Duke University. The East Tennessee Catholic
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
August 4, 2013 15
Grandson receives Parvuli Dei award from grandfather Alexander Evans received his Parvuli Dei award at the 10 a.m. Mass on April 28 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga. Alexander’s grandfather, Tom Overcamp, pinned the medal on his grandson. Mr. Overcamp received his Parvuli Dei in 1956 and his Ad Altare Dei in 1960. Also present were Beth Evans, Alexander’s mother; OLPH pastor Father James Vick; and George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. n
NDHS’s Barnes earns honor Tim Barnes of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga was recently recognized as an outstanding High School Scholar Athlete by the East Tennessee chapter of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame. The award was presented by East Tennessee chapter president Dick Williams at the University of Tennessee. Tim was one of only two winners from the Chattanooga area. n
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Blaine Dufrene receives Eagle Scout award in Court of Honor ceremony
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laine Joseph Dufrene was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor on June 1. He is a member of Troop 115, which is sponsored by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. This troop is in the John Ross District of the Cherokee Area Council. Blaine, the son of Bryan and Rachel Dufrene, graduated from Dade County (Ga.) High School the night before his Court of Honor. He and his parents are members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in downtown Chattanooga. Blaine joined the Cub Scouts as a Tiger Cub in first grade and has remained in Scouting ever since. As a Boy Scout, he earned 34 Merit Badges and attended several sessions of summer camp at Skymont Scout Reservation in Altamont, Tenn. In 2010 he participated in the 100th Anniversary National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia. For his Eagle Scout service project, Blaine removed shelving and supplies from the food pantry at Our Bishop’s Award presented to two St. John Neumann graduates At the St. John Neumann School graduation ceremony May 17, Grand Knight George LeCrone Sr. presented the Knights of Columbus Council 8781 Bishop’s Award (a check and rosary for each) to Laura Katherine Flammang and Matthew Samuel Carson. The Bishop’s Award has 15 items that must be met to qualify, and each student met all items as well as additional ones for their personal growth.
COURTESY OF BILL WEST
St. Jude School in Chattanooga and Knights of Columbus Council 8576 recently announced that eighth-grade graduate Peter Berce was an International Free Throw Champion in the annual Knights of Columbus competition. Peter played basketball, golf, and other sports at St. Jude for several years and will attend Notre Dame High School. n
Catholic youth
Eagle Scout honoree Blaine Dufrene is pictured with Scoutmaster Bill West (left) and parents Rachel and Bryan Dufrene.
Lady of Perpetual Help’s parish life center, painted the walls and ceiling, and then returned the shelves to the pantry and neatly arranged the food so that it can be easily distributed to those in need. He also made and installed a
small table that can be used when stocking the pantry and devised a system by which the parish office will be aware of how much food is on hand. He was assisted by family and friends as well as his fellow Scouts in Troop 115. n
COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.
St. Jude graduate is Knights free-throw champion
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Retire continued from page 6
able Mother, founder of the Sisters of Mercy), serving the most vulnerable.” Laura Lauer, a Mercy Associate (a lay apostolate with the Sisters of Mercy), said she has known Sister Janice “forever.” “I think she has made a difference for the Mercy Associates,” she said. “It was such a pleasure, all the meetings and all the retreats that I have been to, where she had something to do with them.” Sister Janice was born and raised in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., the oldest of five children. As a young girl in a small Catholic school, she was taught by the Sisters of Mercy, and their influence led her to forgo college—even after receiving two scholarships —and enter the order as a novice. While in training at the convent, she also received a bachelor’s degree in education that she used throughout her life. “The job I liked the best was the actual teaching,” Sister Janice said. Her experience demonstrates that love for teaching. Between 1960 and 2002, Sister Janice served at 10 Catholic schools as a teacher and administrator. In the Diocese of Knoxville, she served at St. Mary-Knoxville (1960–1963), Sacred Heart (1967–1969), St. Joseph (1972–1983), and St. John Neumann (1997–2002). Sister Janice noted that she continually meets former students, and recalled seeing several at services at Sacred Heart Cathedral, people whom she taught in the 1960s. “I look up at them and they have gray hair, and I shake my head and say, ‘Where have I been?’” she said. Two former students, Veronica Hintz and Michael James, attended the reception to offer best wishes to their former principal at St. John Neumann School. Both Hintz and James were part of the inaugural class at that school. At Physicians Regional Medical Center and the former St. Mary’s Hospital, Sister Janice went from teaching children to mending hearts. For the last 10 years, she has visited patients to offer them encouragement after orthopedic surgery and therapy. The East Tennessee Catholic
“It’s not uncommon to get positive feedback for all the Sisters, but in particular we receive it for Sister Janice on our orthopedic floor,” Mrs. Dodson said. “We are known for our orthopedics—that’s our strongest health service line. She plays a key role in delivery of that service.” Dodson also praised Sister Janice’s work in the hospital’s Women’s Pavilion. “As a retired educator, Sister really loved working with the women there, and especially the older siblings of newborns.” Sister Janice also took care of the hospital chapel and assisted the priests assigned to the medical center. She was there with an open heart for those who came to the chapel seeking consolation. “People would come in to pray,“ Sister Janice said. “I would ask them if they had someone in the hospital and I would pray with them, whoever they were.” Sister Janice attributes her dedication to serving others to her mother. She recalled, “My mother taught me, really … when anybody she knew, from the church or town, was in the hospital or sick at home, we would go and visit. She would get these little pill cases, in blue or different colors, and she always had wonderful flower gardens, and she would cut some flowers … and being the little girl, she would get me to hand them the flowers, and I would give them a kiss, and tell them I hope they got better—and this was training for what I would do in life.” In addition to mastering the dulcimer, Sister Janice expects to have more time to pursue painting and reading in Nashville. When someone remarked that a smile never seemed to leave her face, she laughed, saying, “Well, it’s been a happy life.” The name chosen for her religious life — Janice — means “God’s greatest gift.” The long stream of friends, students, associates, colleagues, and well-wishers at her reception indicated that she has been that gift to many people who have crossed paths with her, whether in the corridors of a school or on a hospital ward. n
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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
Carmela A. Dupuis, Executive Director 855-842-8001 | 508-340-9370 August 4, 2013 17
Living the readings
Weekday readings Sunday, Aug. 4: Ecclesiastes 1:2 and 2:21-23; Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17; Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11; Luke 12:13-21 Monday, Aug. 5: Numbers 11:4-15; Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:13-21 Tuesday, Aug. 6: Feast, the Transfiguration of the Lord, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36 Wednesday, Aug. 7: Numbers 13:1-2, 13:25–14:1, 26-29, 34-35; Psalm 106:67, 13-14, 21-23; Matthew 15:21-28 Thursday, Aug. 8: Numbers 20:1-13; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Matthew 16:13-23 Friday, Aug. 9: Deuteronomy 4:32-40; Psalm 77:1216, 21; Matthew 16:24-28 Saturday, Aug. 10: Feast, St. Lawrence, deacon, martyr, 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9; John 12:24-26 Sunday, Aug. 11: Wisdom 18:6-9; Psalm 33:1, 12, 1822; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48 Monday, Aug. 12: Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; Matthew 17:22-27 Tuesday, Aug. 13: Deuteronomy 31:1-8; Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 7-9, 12; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Wednesday, Aug. 14: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17; Matthew 18:15-20; vigil for the Assumption, 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16 and 16:1-2; Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:15:54-57; Luke 11:27-28 Thursday, Aug. 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Revelation 11:19 and 12:16, 10; Psalm 45:10-12, 16; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56 Readings continued on page 19
18 August 4, 2013
by Father Joseph Brando
Living in an imperfect world
A
Gaining salvation by putting away parts of us that are earthly
ugust is a difficult month with its heat and humidity. It’s the perfect time to meditate on how a Christian should live in a world that can be a very difficult place to evaluate, to make decisions, and to find joy. The Sunday Liturgies of the Word in August help us to sort things out, to form a way of life, and to develop the attitude we need to maintain so we can conquer the world. Each Sunday reading builds on the previous one, forming a straight line to a new plan of living the Christian life on a perplexing planet. We begin on Aug. 4 with the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our first reading presents the height of Old Testament wisdom about the world. The wise man of the Jewish community Qoheleth looks back over history and proclaims everything in the world is vanity. Actually, the literal translation would be ‘wind.’ All our days are sorrow and grief, leaving us with nothing but a handful of wind. This conclusion is to warn us to be wise and realize we shouldn’t expect much if we live for worldly gain. That opens us up to look for another source if we desire fulfillment. Paul writes to the Christian community at Colossae to “put away the parts of you that are earthly.” Fortunately, he also gives the alternative. We can and should “seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” He wants us to know that we, as baptized people, have died and have put on a new self that is becoming an image of our creator. We no longer see things in a worldly way. We no longer see distinctions between people. Experts point out that the first consequence of original sin was for Adam and Eve to begin to see distinctions. They saw themselves as different and
had to put on clothes. Earthly distinctions make us ashamed and fearful. Entering Christ’s life makes us one again. We can escape our shame and fear and the conflicts they cause. The Gospel offers us a surprise. Jesus is asked to settle a family matter and he refuses. How many of us bring such problems to the Lord expecting a different response. Why does the Lord refuse to enforce justice? Well, it’s a worldly problem and, as such, it is a matter of wind or vanity. It amounts to nothing and keeps us from seeking the divine. Jesus calls it greed. Then, he tells a parable that ends with a rich man thinking he can retire happily; but he will die before enjoying any of his wealth. Jesus calls him a fool. Such a person has missed the opportunity to become rich in what matters to God. So, the first Sunday of August has taught us that seeking happiness in worldly things is futile. Rather, we should seek the things of God. If so, we will live on earth happily seeing all others as our brothers and sisters in unity. We can put away fear and divisions. Our happiness will fill our hearts with joy now and in eternity. On Aug. 11 we learn the next step in developing a correct attitude towards the world. The Old Testament passage is from the Book of Wisdom. It hearkens us back to the original Passover. The Egyptian leadership changed and began to fear the Israelites in the country and, consequently, persecuted and eliminated them. When a worldly attitude conflicts with a divine reality, the earthly loses. The Book of Wisdom calls the resulting action of God “punishment.” The first-born males of the Egyptians were killed; and God’s people were “glorified.” If we want to be glorified, then we need to know what side to be on. We also should know what kind of attitude to have.
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The passage from Hebrews, our second reading, names our desired attitude. It is faith. Of course, faith is much more than an attitude. It is a theological virtue. That means it is a power that comes from having a relationship with God. A person of faith can see things as God sees them. Using Abraham and Sarah as examples, the author of Hebrews communicates how trust in God changes us. Even though Sarah and Abraham never did see the promise of God (that they would be the parents of a countless number of people) come to fruition in their lifetime; nevertheless, they persevered and were happy people. They even named their son Isaac, the laughing one. In the Gospel, Luke shows us the kind of faith we need to have. We have been given (not merely promised) the kingdom of God. If we truly had faith we would experience its effects in our lives. As opposed to the worldly, we would no longer be afraid of anything. We would give away all our money and still live as if we had a fortune. It’s an attitude beautifully portrayed by St. Francis. He and his followers proved that apostolic poverty is an attitude that works for all who risk following Christ’s challenge. It takes faith, and it works. This attitude is that of servants looking forward for their master’s return from a wedding. They anticipate joy and rich rewards even though they were left alone. A person of the world would be afraid or apprehensive of something going wrong. So, the parable at the end of this passage is telling. In reply to Peter, Jesus tells about the servant whose master is away for a long time. If that servant followed the way of the world, then he would lose his confidence and misuse the other employees and get drunk. He will be punished. It’s the same principle as the Egyptians at the time of the Passover. The world renders us nervous and fear-filled, leading us to treat people badly. Such attitudes and actions automatically put us on a sure route to evil consequences either here dioknox.org
or hereafter. Now, in the very middle of the month, we come to a wonderful rest. It is the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation. One would think that this feast would provide a kind of intermission of the progress of the Sunday liturgies. However, that is not the case in this instance. Rather, the basic theme is exemplified and carried forward in the person of our Blessed Mother. The first reading is from the last book of the Bible, Revelation. There is a reference of the Ark of the Covenant. In Christian literature this is a clue that Mary is soon to appear. So she does in a special device of John, the Divine. The woman clothed with the sun could stand for more than one reality. Many fathers of the early Church have seen a reference to Our Lady and also to holy mother, the Church. The image portrays the relationship of the blessed to the worldly. The dragon is an earthly force, perhaps the pagan Romans, whose lifestyle directly opposed the Christian. They, like the Egyptians to the Israelites, came to fear those who lived differently from them. What they feared they tried to destroy. The Church had to go to the desert. It was there that God had prepared a place for them. So, God does care for us in time of persecution. This is still happening today. In more than one place right now Catholic communities have been forced to leave their homes under threat of death and have found not only safety in a remote place but they have found a joy that allows them to flourish there. The scripture is true. The kingdom of God and the power of his salvation prevail even in hard times. The New Testament passage for the Assumption is from Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians. There, Paul
promises that God will destroy “every sovereignty and power.” Once again the Egyptian theme reappears. What challenges God’s work on earth will necessarily face destruction. That is the way the world works. It is merely wind and will blow away. Paul adds another villain into this progression. It is death, the last enemy. Death also will be destroyed. We tend to fear death most of all the enemies of life. When death confronts earthly life, it wins. When it confronts eternal life, it loses. Here again, the basic theme of the month reappears. All that is worldly eventually goes away, including death. All that is of God will abide forever. The Gospel on the feast of the Assumption is the story of the Visitation, complete with Mary’s Magnificat. Here we have two people who experienced the power of God within them. They both were pregnant in ways that were unusual. That indicates they both had relationships with God. Elizabeth was too old to have a child. Mary was a virgin-mother. Elizabeth exhibited another trait of someone living for God and not for the world. She was a prophetess. Without being told, she knew that Mary was to be the mother of the Lord. Luke tells us she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Here we have a new attribute of those who live God’s way. We can be aware of God within us. We can feel and see the power of God alive. For, God is in us. We are blessed. Mary then proclaims her Magnificat, in which she tells the world about this month’s theme. Those who fear God possess God’s mercy and life. Those who are mighty in this world will be cast down. The Sunday Liturgy for Aug. 18 warns us of the power of the world. It can take a big bite out of us. It doesn’t draw so many people to it without pos-
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sessing a great deal of strength and the power to persuade. The readings present some of its traps that we need to be aware of and avoid. The prophet Jeremiah’s life was filled with problems and sadness. One of them is depicted in the first reading. He was thrown into a cistern. That was a situation in which he was in the dark and slipping into the mud that was about to suck him in to his death. Thankfully, God sent men to save him. Yes, we can have close encounters with evil, but God saves us. He can even use the fickle king (as he did in Jeremiah’s case) to change his mind and help the prophet. The Letter to the Hebrews presents the ultimate of evils to those who live for God and not the world. It is none other than the cross of Jesus. As bad as it was, Jesus “for the sake of the joy that lay before him endured the cross, despising its shame and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.” Here, another aspect of our theme shines forth: the greater the challenge from the world, the greater the reward for enduring it. Jesus suffered and died on the cross with joy; and he received the reward of being seated at the right hand of the Father in glory. Another problem the world throws at us is family discord. Many a canonized saint had to overcome discouragement from family members. Our own homes can be places where the temptations of the world come to us. In the Gospel for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Luke relates Jesus saying that he came not for peace but for division. Whenever the good presents itself, evil will immediately attack it. We all experience this reality. So, Jesus wanted us to know that his presence in our world would mean constant opposition even Father Brando continued on page 20
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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
Readings continued from page 18 Friday, Aug. 16: Joshua 24:1-13; Psalm 136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22, 24; Matthew 19:3-12 Saturday, Aug. 17: Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11; Matthew 19:13-15 Sunday, Aug. 18: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10; Psalm 40:2-4, 18; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53 Monday, Aug. 19: Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:3437, 39-40, 43-44; Matthew 19:16-22 Tuesday, Aug. 20: Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug. 21: Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug. 22: Judges 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5, 7-10; Matthew 22:1-14 Friday, Aug. 23: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40 Saturday, Aug. 24: Revelation 21:9-14; Psalm 145:1013, 17-18; John 1:45-51 Sunday, Aug. 25: Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:12; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30 Monday, Aug. 26: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; Matthew 23:13-22 Tuesday, Aug. 27: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Psalm 139:1-6; Matthew 23:23-26 Wednesday, Aug. 28: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-12; Matthew 23:27-32 Thursday, Aug. 29: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13; Psalm 90:3-4, 12-14, 17; Mark 6:17-29 Friday, Aug. 30: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Matthew 25:1-13 Saturday, Aug. 31: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1, 7-9; Matthew 25:1430 n
August 4, 2013 19
Marriage enrichment
YWCA recognizes Ladies of Charity as a Tribute to Women Award finalist By Margaret Hunt The Knoxville Ladies of Charity have been recognized by the Young Women’s Christian Association as a finalist for an award at their Tribute to Women celebration scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville. The Ladies of Charity are one of 21 finalists honored by the organization in recognition for their work that reflects the YWCA’s mission: “eliminating racism, empowering women, and creating peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.” Six winners will be announced at the awards ceremony. This is the first time an organization has been honored by the YWCA as a nominee since the award’s inception in 1985, according to Debbie Donahoo, publicity chair for the Ladies of Charity. The Ladies of Charity is an organization that was founded by St. Vincent de Paul in France in 1617 to serve the poor and needy in his parish. The organization grew internationally, and by 1934 there were 2,500 associations worldwide. The Knoxville Ladies of Charity started their chapter in 1942 with 175 members in response to the needs of numerous families who were uprooted from their homes because of the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge during World War II. The Ladies of Charity are certainly familiar with the adage that “a woman’s work is never done,” although many men also contribute support to the organization. In 2012 alone, the Knoxville chapter provided more
YWCA continued on page 21
20 August 4, 2013
by Marian Christiana
Reignite the spark to enrich a marriage Try breaking old habits, traditions once in a while and other tips to keep the romance alive
M
y husband and I are celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary this month. Somewhere along the line we began a tradition of going out to dinner and a movie to celebrate our anniversary. This is a wonderful idea on paper but the truth of the matter is my husband has managed to pick all the movies we have seen on our wonderful anniversary dates. Over the years I have celebrated my wedding anniversary by watching movies such as Unforgiven, Braveheart, or The Ghost and the Darkness. These movies might all be fine films but they don’t exactly scream romance. Since it is almost time to enjoy our special night out again I have been contemplating how this “tradition” ever got started. I think it began when we were raising our children and life was hectic. This was an easy date night to squeeze into the week when we were able to arrange for a babysitter.
Easy became a habit and the habit was renamed our “tradition” of going out to dinner and watching an intense movie every August. Habits don’t need to be bad in order for us to consider changing them. I recently was listening to the radio while driving in the car and heard the radio host suggest a few easy changes to enrich marriages. One key idea was to break some of your old dating habits with your spouse. I found the suggestions simple and intriguing. There are many books and articles available that offer advice on how you can reignite the spark in your marriage. Many of these sources suggest that by changing some old routines couples can create new, fun memories to share. What if it really is as simple as changing a few of your current dating habits with your spouse? See what you think about the suggestions listed below. Give them a try if you think they might enrich your marriage.
Below are three suggestions to help you get started. 1. Go to a new restaurant. Make sure that “our place” isn’t just code for being too lazy to think about and look into a new restaurant. 2. Invite a new couple out to dinner. This can generate new and different conversations and help you develop new friendships that can enrich both of your marriages. 3. Investigate a new place in your city. Exploring a new exhibit or a different part of town may lead to an adventure that you will always remember. Maybe this year I will decide what we do on our anniversary date. I’m thinking a new and different restaurant for sure, and then maybe a play. I hope my husband is ready for that Thai food and a musical comedy! n
Father Brando continued from page 19
home. The bottom line of God’s way of doing things is to accomplish complete unity and joy and peace. His means for doing this is love. So, at its heart the kingdom is God’s love. Once again, the New Testament reading is taken from the Epistle to the Hebrews. Its contribution to the grand finale of August is to alert us to the fact that everything we experience in life is meant for our good. Even the trials of life come to us as discipline from God to direct us in the right direction. There is cause for hope. So, we can strengthen our drooping hands and be healed. The last Gospel of the month is appropriately about heaven. Jesus is asked about how many are in heaven. That’s a worldly question that Jesus doesn’t answer. He responds by telling us that peo-
ple will be coming from the four corners of the globe. Yet, it won’t be everybody. There is urgency for us to choose the kingdom of God. It does make an eternal difference. Our choices are critical. They can lead us to eternal glory or lead us in another direction. By the time August rolls into fall, it has given us a great lesson. We should be better able to discern God’s will for us in this world. We can develop the attitude of a person of faith realizing that giving in to the temptations of the world will lead us to an end that is lonely and empty. All we would have is wind. Rather, we can trade that ending for an alternative, namely the glory of heaven. n
from our own families. We need to be ready to answer their objections with the love of God. It may even be an instance where we can change people to the way of God. We come to Aug. 25 and the last Sunday of the month. Here we come to a happy conclusion. We have been looking at confrontation and battles with the forces of this world. Life seems to be problematic and filled with struggles. Now, we concentrate on the beauty of it all. The Old Testament reading is from Isaiah, chapter 66. The prophet shows us that God’s way is the way of unity. Isaiah pictures a world where the nations of the world are coming together. They are all coming to Jerusalem and bringing the Israelites scattered around the world back
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.
Father Joseph Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg. dioknox.org
Understanding the sacraments
YWCA continued from page 20
by Father Randy Stice
Principles of reform
L
Vatican II liturgy restoration ensured faithful would experience an encounter with Blessed Trinity
ast month, in recognition of the Year of Faith, I introduced the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium). I began by looking at the constitution’s description of the liturgy in order to understand why the first document promulgated by the council was on the sacred liturgy. This month I would like to look at the principles articulated by the constitution that guided reform of the liturgy. The overarching concern of the council in its reform and restoration of the liturgy was to ensure that the faithful experience the full power of the liturgy, which is always an encounter with the Blessed Trinity. In the words of the constitution, “holy Mother Church desires to undertake with great care a general restoration of the liturgy itself … in order that the Christian people may more certainly derive an abundance of graces from the sacred liturgy” (n. 21). To achieve this, the restoration was guided by five broad principles. The first principle was that “all the faithful should be led to that lfully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy” (n. 14). This, according to the constitution, was “the aim to be considered above all else, for [the liturgy] is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit” (n. 14). This leads directly into the second guiding principle. In order for the faithful to participate fully, consciously and actively in the liturgy, the texts and rites should be reformed in such a way “that they express more clearly the holy The East Tennessee Catholic
things which they signify; the Christian people, so far as possible, should be enabled to understand them with ease and to take part in them fully, actively, and as befits a community” (n. 21). The third guiding principle outlined the sources and disciplines that should guide the reform and restoration of the liturgy. The constitution called for careful investigation “into each part of the liturgy which is to be revised.” This investigation should be theological, historical, and pastoral. It also should take into consideration “the general laws governing the structure and meaning of the liturgy” as well as the experience “derived from recent liturgical reforms” (such as the reform of Holy Week in 1955). Finally, and most importantly, any reform should on the one hand “retain sound tradition while remaining open to legitimate progress,” so “that any new forms adopted should in some way grow organically from forms already existing” (n. 23). The fourth guiding principle addressed the importance of sacred Scripture in the liturgy. The constitution summarized the role of sacred Scripture in the liturgy, listing three general areas. First, “it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung”; second, “the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force”; and third, “it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning.” Thus, the council considered the promotion of a “warm and living love for scripture” essential to “the restoration, progress, and adaptation of the sacred liturgy” (n. 24). Because of the power and impor-
tance of sacred Scripture, it called for an increased use of Scripture in the liturgy: “In sacred celebrations there is to be more reading from holy scripture, and it is to be more varied and suitable” (n. 35). This is why, to give one example, we now have a three-year cycle of readings for the Sunday Mass and a twoyear cycle of readings for weekday Masses. The fifth principle specified that “the rites should be distinguished by a noble simplicity; they should be short, clear, and unencumbered by useless repetitions; they should be within the people’s powers of comprehension, and normally should not require much explanation” (n. 34). In the phrase “distinguished by a noble simplicity,” the word “distinguished” is somewhat unfortunate. It translates the Latin word fulgere, which means to “flash” or “lighten like lightening.” Thus, the rites should “flash” and “radiate” with “noble simplicity,” with the very radiance of Christ who is the light of the world. In subsequent chapters the constitution addressed in more detail the reform of the Mass and other sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, sacramentals and devotions. All, however, were guided by these five global principles. These five principles give us a valuable insight into the council’s understanding of the nature of the liturgy itself, and so they provide us not only with information about the reform but also food for prayer and reflection that can enrich our own experience of the liturgy. n Father Stice directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
than 54,000 services to the local community, including providing food, clothing, medications, kerosene, and utility and rent assistance. This effort required 30,000 hours of work by the organization’s 180 volunteers, according to B.E. Colway, the current Ladies of Charity president. The Ladies of Charity operate a thrift shop at 120 Baxter Ave. that also houses the emergency assistance program and food pantry. Tickets for the Tribute to Women are $75 and can be purchased online at www. ywcaknox.com. For more information about the celebration, contact Danielle Benson at 865-523-6126 or Benson@ ywcaknox.com. n
Upcoming Virtus sessions The Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is offered throughout the diocese. The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children and vulnerable adults. The following training sessions are scheduled: n All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 n St.
Thérèse of Lisieux Church, Cleveland, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 n St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17; 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 n St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga, 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 n Holy Ghost Church, Knoxville, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 n Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga, 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26 n The Chancery, Knoxville, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 n St. Jude Church, Chattanooga, noon Tuesday, Sept. 3 n August 4, 2013 21
Season of change: new coach, plays, foes face Fighting Irish
K
noxville Catholic High School head football coach Steve Matthews is settling into his new job after seven months at the helm of the Fighting Irish. Mr. Matthews was introduced to players, parents, and the media Dec. 21. He is a former NFL player with the Chiefs, Jaguars, and Tennessee Oilers who played collegiately at Tennessee and Memphis State. Currently he’s hard at work preparing Knoxville Catholic for its season and home opener Aug. 23 against Notre Dame. “I feel better. I’m getting more acquainted with the players and more acquainted with the staff, and that’s important for me,” Mr. Matthews said. “The players are working extremely hard, and they’re beginning to learn the offense and run the defense, and so overall I’m pleased with where we’re at. “I don’t think I’ve been around players who have worked any harder than what these guys do at Catholic, and we’ve still got to focus on
some little things, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.” When asked about the outlook for the season, Mr. Matthews said, “You never can tell.” “We’ve got a tough schedule, and we’ve got an extremely young team right now, but we’re fighting and trying to get better every day,” he said. KCHS is moving down in classification from 5A to 4A. Gone from the schedule are the likes of Farragut and Maryville, but the slate now includes powerhouses Alcoa and Christian Academy of Knoxville. Archrival Webb School of Knoxville remains on the schedule. Mr. Matthews said the move to 4A “will help a little bit.” “I think that’s overrated. I’m looking at our schedule, and we play a lot of tough teams. We’ve got Alcoa, we’ve got CAK, we’ve got Notre Dame, we’ve got Coalfield—just about every team we play is ranked in the top 10 in their classification, so it’s a tough schedule, and we’ve got to be prepared weekly.”
By Dan McWilliams
DAN MCWILLIAMS
Steve Matthews welcomes Catholic school setting as he leads KCHS football team in new TSSAA classification
Getting under way New Knoxville Catholic High School football coach Steve Matthews, a former quarterback in the NFL and for the Tennessee Volunteers, is shown July 18 shortly after conducting a preseason workout with the Fighting Irish.
Interviewed July 18, Mr. Matthews had just come off the field at a helmets-only practice for the Fighting Irish. Practice in shoulder pads began
July 22 and in full pads July 29. “Right now it’s just working on timing—a lot of the passing game is
Coach continued on page 23
Renewing the rivalry: Notre Dame, KCHS to meet Aug. 23 You can bet Bishop Stika will be pulling for the Fighting Irish as closely tied principals mull friendly wager
T
he Knoxville Catholic and Notre Dame high school football rivalry has been dormant for nine years, but the two Fighting Irish teams will renew acquaintances this season. Knoxville Catholic hosts Notre Dame at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, in the season opener for both teams. “When I coached back seven or eight years ago—that was a rivalry that you’d hate to lose,” said KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas. “We missed the rivalry because every game between Notre Dame and Catholic was always a good one, so we’re just happy to have it back.” Notre Dame won the last meeting between the two schools 35-28 in the first round of the 2004 playoffs, ending
22 August 4, 2013
an undefeated season for Knoxville Catholic. KCHS won the regularseason meeting 42-7 over Notre Dame in ’04. Knoxville Catholic also defeated NDHS in 2002-03, while the Chattanoogans triumphed six G. Valadie out of seven times from 1995-2001. The series also had hiatuses from 1991-94 and 1968-86. Notre Dame and KCHS were in the same private-school division when the schools last met on the football field. Knoxville Catholic moved into the public-school division and eventually rose to Class 5A out of six classifications. For
KCHS, having a heavy slate of district competition and keeping local rival Webb on the schedule made it hard to fit in Notre Dame once the latter became a non-district opponent, D. Sompayrac Mr. Surlas said. “We got reclassified. When we played [Notre Dame] all the time, we were in the same division,” he said. “We got reclassified twice, and we left the private school division, and it made it too hard with scheduling. We were always in a district that had a large number of teams, so we never had a lot of wiggle room with non-district
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
By Dan McWilliams
opponents. “Filling the schedule is difficult in a lot of cases, and I don’t think people understand how difficult it is to fill the schedule. I would say that is the No. 1 reason [for the KCHS-NDHS hiatus]— we left the private school division.” Knoxville Catholic has been reclassified to 4A for 2013-17, while Notre Dame drops from 4A to 3A. Notre Dame athletics director Howie Sompayrac said the resumption of the Knoxville Catholic rivalry “is exciting for us.” “It’s one of those situations where being in a smaller classification, and with Catholic coming down from 5A Rivalry continued on page 23 dioknox.org
Schedule continued from page 2 Rivalry continued from page 22
s football, we feel like it’s kind of winwin,” he said. “If we win, we feel like we’re beating a bigger program that recently won a state title [2008], and it’d be a huge feather in our cap ultimately. If we don’t win, we get a good gauge of where we are and will get ready for our district opponents, and we don’t feel like we’re going to play anybody all year that’s tougher than Catholic.” Mr. Sompayrac said he expects “a good crowd to come up” from Notre Dame for the game. “It should be a fun night, and ultimately I think that any time you can bring the Catholic community together in our diocese, it’s a positive thing,” he said. The rivalry game brings together again the high schools’ leaders, Notre Dame’s new president George Valadie and Knoxville Catholic’s Dickie Sompayrac. Mr. Valadie and Mr. Sompayrac are Coach continued from page 22
basically what we’re focusing on,” Mr. Matthews said. “We’re not allowed to have contact, so it’s basically just fundamentals right now.” Mr. Matthews is installing a hurryup, no-huddle offense at Knoxville Catholic. “They ran the wing-T last year, which is a good offense, but I’ve had success in the past with the hurry-up– style offense. I think fans like it, the players like it, it’s fun to coach in, and I think the players have picked up on it so far.” Mr. Matthews came to Knoxville Catholic from Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, where he served as ofefensive coordinator on a team that averaged 43 points and made the Class 6A semifinals last year. KCHS is changing defenses, too. “We’re moving from an even front to an odd front, but it’s similar,” said Mr. Matthews. “More than anything, if you tackle well and get off blocks The East Tennessee Catholic
2013 Notre Dame football schedule
2013 Knoxville Catholic football schedule
n Aug. 23 — at Knoxville Catholic 7:30
n Aug. 23 — Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. n Aug. 30 — at Coalfield 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 6 — Christian Academy of
p.m. n Aug. 30 — East Ridge 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 6 — Chattanooga Christian 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 12 — at Boyd-Buchanan 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 20 — at Bledsoe County 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 27 — Open n Oct. 4 — at Signal Mountain 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 11 — at Polk County 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 18 — Sequatchie County 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming) n Oct. 25 — Coalfield 7:30 p.m. n Nov. 1 — at Grundy County 7:30 p.m.
Knoxville 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 13 — Open n Sept. 20 — at Tyner 7:30 p.m. n Sept. 27 — at Hardin Valley 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 4 — Kingston 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming) n Oct. 11 — at Anderson County 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 18 — Scott 7:30 p.m. n Oct. 24 — at Webb 7 p.m. n Nov. 1 — at Alcoa 7:30 p.m.
both graduates of Notre Dame, and Mr. Valadie coached Mr. Sompayrac in freshman football, basketball and baseball. He also coached Howie Sompayrac, brother of Dickie Sompayrac. In later years, Mr. Valadie worked with Dickie Sompayrac as teachers and coaches.
As the rivalry is renewed, Mr. Valadie said there could be a friendly wager involved in the Aug. 23 contest. “He’ll have a hard time cheering against his alma mater,” Mr. Valadie said jokingly of Mr. Sompayrac. “The bishop gets off easy because he can just wear a green shirt.” n
and run to the ball, you have an opportunity to be a good defense.” Mr. Matthews said his NFL experience helps him in high school coaching. “I don’t talk about it a ton with the players, but I was very lucky,” he said. “I had as head coaches Tom Coughlin, Marty Schottenheimer, and Jeff Fisher, and I’ve been able to grab bits and pieces of information through the years. I played with some of the great players like Joe Montana and Rich Gannon and Marcus Allen and Steve McNair and Eddie George. I’ve been very fortunate to have been around so many good coaches, so I’ll take bits and pieces of information that I’ve learned from all of them and use it in high school.” Mr. Matthews is a cradle Catholic who attended St. Paul the Apostle School in Tullahoma in grades one through eight. “I don’t think [being a cradle Catholic] affects my coaching much, but
growing up in a Catholic school, I loved it,” he said. “Having a religion class—and back then we had nuns as our teachers and things like that, and we wore the uniforms. We had the discipline, and we prayed three times a day, just like they do here. “I’ve been in public schools for a while and, nothing against public schools, but being in a faith-based school and a Catholic-based school has been a breath of fresh air to me. We’re able to talk about God and pray and do all the things I believe in on a daily basis.” Mr. Matthews believes in his Fighting Irish players, whom he called “a great group of young men, no doubt.” “A great group of young men that work hard, and we’re pushing them, and they’re answering the bell, and they want to get better. We want to get them better, and we want to represent Catholic football and KCHS in the best possible way, and I think we’re on the way to doing that.” n
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
Aug. 5-7: Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention, San Antonio Aug. 8: 8 a.m., interview with Gus Lloyd on The Catholic Channel Aug. 8: 5:30 p.m., Seminarian and priest gathering at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Lenoir City Aug. 9: 1 p.m., Catholic Charities Members of the Corporation Board meeting at the Chancery Aug. 11: 4 p.m., Mass celebrating 100th Jubilee, St. Ann Church, Lancing Aug. 13: 9:30 a.m., Bishop’s leadership meeting at the Chancery Aug. 13: Noon, master planning meeting with Duncan Stroik at the Chancery Aug. 15: First vows ceremony for Religious Sisters of Mercy, Alma, Mich. Aug. 17: 11 a.m., Mass with Father Bede Aboh celebrating his Silver Jubilee, St. Mary Church, Oak Ridge Aug. 18: 9 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Aug. 18: 4 p.m., Town hall meeting and cookout, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Aug. 21: 9:30 a.m., Bishop’s leadership meeting at the Chancery Aug. 21: 6 p.m., dinner with Chattigras winners Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hornsby and guests at the bishop’s residence Aug. 22: 10 a.m., opening Mass at Knoxville Catholic High School Aug. 23: 6 p.m., snack and chat with DYMAC at the bishop’s residence n
August 4, 2013 23
Last August, more than $100,000 was raised during the Diocese of Knoxville’s Second Collection in support of our ten Catholic schools. Through the generosity of our parishioners, 704 of the 2,766 Catholic students received tuition assistance of nearly
$3 million in the 2012-13 school year which helped families in need afford the cost of a Catholic school education. This year we hope to raise $300,000 of the total tuition assistance funds needed. Please prayerfully consider contributing to the Second Collection on August 24 & 25...with your support we can reach this goal!
24 August 4, 2013
s econd
By providing tuition support for our students, you are INVESTING in Catholic families of our Diocese and the future of our Church in East Tennessee. Thank you!
c ollection Support of Catholic Schools
dioknox.org/schools
The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee
dioknox.org