Dec. 2, 2012, ET Catholic

He dwells among us.................. 2 Diocesan calendar................... 14 Deanery news.......................... 15 La Cosecha............ center pullout

This issue

The East Tennessee

Catholic schools...................... 19 Columns.................................. 22 Advent penance services.........24

dioknox.org December 2, 2012 Volume 22 Number 4

News from The Diocese of Knoxville

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Bishop’s Appeal It’s not too late to give for ministries

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Advent message Prepare for Christmas with a good Advent

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Papal order Parishioners enter Order of Holy Sepulchre

For unto us a child is born

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Bishop Richard F. Stika

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He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop Stika’s schedule

Cartoon lessons

Advent is a time to draw closer to Him; He is our true peace, but also a sign of contradiction

one now are the Bob Hope Christmas specials as well as other Christmas shows, including my most memorable one in 1977 when David Bowie joined in a song with none other than “Mr. White Christmas” himself, Bing Crosby, for a rendition of “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.” These Christmas specials always seemed to add to the days of joyful expectation during the season of Advent leading to Christmas Eve. But now we’ve gone from Charles Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas to the likes of Nightmare before Christmas and Bad Santa.

I still can remember the first time several decades ago when I saw the TV cartoon special, The City That Forgot About Christmas, and I thought to myself, “How could anyone forget about Christmas?”

But if Hollywood has forgotten, it also seems as if the whole world has, too. I’m not even sure if “forgotten” is the right word, for I cannot help but think of another city and its reaction when asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” Scripture tells us that

“When they heard this, [Herod] was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:2,3).

The reaction to the question of the Magi would seem no less disturbing than the question of Charlie Brown today—“Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?” Should even a city or an institution be bold enough as to permit an opening prayer and the mention of the name Jesus at some public event, legal action would be quickly threatened by various groups. But Jesus told us to expect as much, for all four Gospels record his words reminding us that, “You will be hated by all because of my name (Luke 21:17).

Whereas there are some who do not want the name of Jesus to be publicly mentioned, or to have a manger scene displayed in a public area, I think there may be an even greater number who are uncomfortable with permitting the name of Jesus to be silently present in their heart. If sacred silence before and during the appropriate times of Mass causes us to be uncomfortable, we should be asking ourselves why. The season of Advent

though is truly a time to ponder in the quiet of our heart the meaning of the coming of the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) into our world and our lives.

Advent particularly has special meaning to me as the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood falls on Dec. 14. As I prepared for that day 27 years ago, my devotion to St. Joseph grew stronger. And though Scripture records no words of his, we would do well to call upon him, for as Mary bore in her womb Our Savior, St. Joseph bore in the silence of his heart the name that God had entrusted to him— “you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). St. Joseph, then, helps us to keep the name of Jesus always in our heart and to make his birth present in all our actions.

The day following my ordination I celebrated my first Mass, and with those words of consecration I held in my hands, as St. Joseph did in that “Silent Night” of Bethlehem, the “Prince of Peace.” And at that moment, the words of Scrip-

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments: Dec. 1: 11 a.m., Transitional Diaconate Ordination of Arthur Torres Barona at St. Mary Church in Johnson City

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t w d Dec. 2: 11 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral g of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Dec. 6: 5:30 p.m., St. Gerard Guild b decorates the bishop’s residence folb lowed by social gathering o m Dec. 7: 1 p.m., Enthronement of the n Sacred Heart of Jesus for Youth and b Young Adult Ministry and Hispanic Min istry offices A Dec. 8: 11 a.m. CST, 75th Jubilee Mass m for the Diocese of Owensboro, at the S Sportscenter, Owensboro, Ky. w c Dec. 9-12: Papal Foundation Board of J Trustees meeting at nunciature w Dec. 15: 1 p.m., Ladies of Charity tea at

the bishop’s residence t Dec. 16: 9 a.m., Mass at the Cathedral d of the Sacred Heart of Jesus s C Dec. 17: 11:40 a.m., Mass with Serra r Club, Chattanooga d Dec. 18: 6 p.m., Christmas dinner

with the seminarians at the bishop’s o residence o Dec. 20: 6 p.m., Advent Family Mass t Calendar continued on page 3 n Bishop continued on page 3 R o i h a Bishop Richard F. Stika Dan McWilliams The East Tennessee o Publisher Assistant editor for reporting sexual abuse o Bill Brewer Margaret Hunt

Anyone who has actual knowlEditor Administrative assistant C edge of or who has reasonable w 805 Northshore Drive, S.W. • Knoxville, TN 37919 cause to suspect an incident of The Diocese of Knoxville n sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest,

information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. v 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 d bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. a the diocesan victims’ assistance y coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 m Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org

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Diocesan policy

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Final weeks critical for Bishop’s Appeal goal Thousands served by the work of fundraising campaign

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and dinner, St. Mary Church, Oak Ridge Dec. 22: 1 p.m., Bilingual Mass at the Knox County Detention Center Dec. 25: Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Dec. 25: Merry Christmas! n

Bishop continued from page 2

COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF EAST TENNESSEE

he Bishop’s Appeal 2012, Coming Together in Christ, is nearing its completion and the response during the final few weeks of the calendar year will determine if the appeal meets its goal.

With a goal of $1.45 million to be raised, the Bishop’s Appeal has brought in $1.3 million as of the end of October. Going into the final few months of the year, the appeal will need to raise $150,000 to meet the bishop’s goal for 2012.

“Dollars given to the Bishop’s Appeal help so many people in so many ways,” Bishop Richard F. Stika said. “The generosity of those who support the appeal helps us to continue to be the hands and face of Jesus to others in a real and present way.”

The Bishop’s Appeal supports thousands of people across the diocese. The largest single group served by the appeal is Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, which receives nearly 30 cents of every dollar raised.

“Support provided by the Bishop’s Appeal is an important part of our ability to house and care for thousands of vulnerable East Tennesseans every year,” said Father Ragan Schriver, executive director of Catholic Charities. “Take for instance Jimmy, who lives with us here at Samaritan Place. We are only able to care for Jimmy and many others through the generous giving of others.”

Samaritan Place is one of several Catholic Charities ministries, all of which are supported in part by donations to the Bishop’s Appeal.

The Bishop’s Appeal also provides critical support for priest, deacon and seminarian formation, as well as religious education, youth, young adult, and campus ministries.

Father Michael Cummins, dioc-

East Tennessee Catholic staff report

Calendar continued from page 2

Helping those in need Jimmy and his friend, Sandy, live at Samaritan Place, a Catholic Charities of East Tennessee home that provides shelter and support for lowincome seniors located in Knoxville.

esan director of vocations, offered his perspective on the importance of the Bishop’s Appeal.

“Imagine a family trying to send 19 kids to college. That’s the situation for our diocesan ‘family.’ This year we have 19 men in seminary studying for the priesthood. This is an incredible blessing but also a huge financial commitment. The Bishop’s Appeal and the Catholic Foundation provide the necessary dollars we need to send these men to seminary. This support is vital for the future of the church,” Father Cummins said.

Bishop Stika is encouraged with the progress of the appeal to date, but noted the final few weeks will be very important.

“I hope that all of the faithful hear of the good works of the appeal and consider giving generously in support of them. Even a small amount can make a big difference,” Bishop Stika said.

A highlight of this year’s appeal has been an increase in overall participation among parishioners.

“One of the things I’m most encouraged by is the increased participation in this year’s appeal,” the bishop said. “We have had an increase of over 1,400 donors to the appeal this year. I am delighted that the work of the appeal is being supported by more and more people.

By coming together in Christ, we can do so much more together than

ture that Blessed John Paul II would repeat throughout his long pontificate came to mind—“Be not afraid.” Do not be afraid to receive Christ into your heart and to contemplate him silently.

So it is my fervent prayer during this Advent season that you will make room for Jesus in the “inn” of your heart, and that with the help of Mary and St. Joseph you will bring Jesus to others in all that you do so that they might not forget who it is that truly brings them peace of heart.

In the name of Cardinal Rigali, and of all our priests, deacons and religious, and all the good people who strive to serve and help the people of East Tennessee, I want to wish everyone a fruitful Advent, and a very Blessed Christmas.

May you make the New Year of 2013 a continuation of the Year of Faith that is meant to help lead us deeper into the mystery of “Christ among us.” n

Appeal continued on page 5

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

December 2, 2012 3

Prepare for Christmas with a strong Advent It is incumbent for Catholics to remember that Dec. 25 is a holy day, not a secular holiday

4 December 2, 2012

DAN MCWILLIAMS

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ishop Richard F. Stika is urging the faithful to use Advent to approach this Christmas season spiritually.

Bishop Stika is encouraging parishioners across the diocese to keep Christ in Christmas at this season of giving as we’re mindful of Christmas’ meaning and God’s gift to us: “For unto us a child is born, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

In a message to parishioners, the bishop also addressed the diocese’s upcoming 25th anniversary, religious liberty, and the Bishop’s Appeal.

“When I was a kid, there was a cartoon called ‘The City That Forgot About Christmas,’ and I remember watching it at the time, and I’ve got to admit, I’ve probably watched it since I’ve been here in Knoxville,” the bishop said. “But in looking at the cartoon, I thought to myself, how could anyone forget Christmas?

“Yet we’re living in a world where there’s no longer Christmas music being played at shopping malls— it’s ‘holiday music.’ People no longer say, ‘Merry Christmas,’ they say, ‘Happy holidays.’ There are disputes about nativity scenes and such.”

Bishop Stika said it’s incumbent upon Catholics to remember that Christmas is not about a secular holiday.

“It’s a holy day,” he said. “And Christmas is so important that the Church gives us Advent for four weeks to prepare for Christmas, for without Christmas, we would have no resurrection. The Word became man, and he dwells among us.”

“So I would really urge people to

By Dan McWilliams

Christmas message Bishop Richard F. Stika is encouraging the faithful to actively participate in Advent to approach the Christmas season spiritually.

enter the Christmas season by using Advent to approach it spiritually,” the bishop added. “What does it mean? To go to confession, to admit that we’re in need of God’s healing. To spend some time in prayer, maybe to have an Advent wreath with the family. Strive to have fam-

ily meals. Really make Advent a spiritual time and also Christmas, to make sure that as the bumper sticker said, or the billboard, we ‘Keep Christ in Christmas.’ I think it’s a challenge, but we really have to accept the challenge because we are Christians.”

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

The faithful will begin celebrating Advent on Sunday, Dec. 2. Many parishes will have midnight Mass on the night of Monday, Dec. 24, as well as liturgies on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25. One week later, New Year’s Day is also a holy day of obligation as it is the solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. As parishioners celebrate the beginning of the new liturgical year and as they bring 2012 to an end, Bishop Stika said he is grateful to those in the diocese for their gifts of time, talent, treasure, and prayers during the year. He said those gifts are vital in the success of the diocese.

He specifically noted the annual Bishop’s Appeal and its impact on the diocese.

“We’ll announce it at the conclusion of this campaign year, but I’m grateful to all the people of the diocese for their contributions to the Bishop’s Appeal,” Bishop Stika said.

“It really does affect the normal life of the Church in Knoxville. I’m grateful to all the leadership, especially to the priests, and a special word of thanks goes to the 10 pilot parishes that helped us to discern the proper way to go into the future.

I think it’s been a great success, and I’m just grateful to all the people.”

The Bishop’s Appeal is an annual financial appeal through the diocese’s parishes that funds all diocesan ministries.

The bishop said “religious liberty reminds us that the Constitution guarantees us not only the freedom of worship but also the freedom of religion and to exercise that religion.

There are some in the world who would say it’s fine to celebrate your faith, but keep it inside the church or the synagogue or the temple or the mosque.

“I think for people of faith, it’s a reminder that we have a constitudioknox.org

Upcoming Virtus training sessions

Appeal continued from page 3

any single person or parish can do on its own.”

Kevin Cooney, a parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City and a supporter of the appeal, praised the effects the campaign has on programs throughout the diocese.

“The Bishop’s Appeal gives us the chance to affect lives beyond the confines of our own parish,” Mr. Cooney said. “The Diocese of Knoxville, in all its diversity, truly reflects the Body of Christ. The good works of the appeal give us the opportunity to help a great number of people.”

John Deinhart, diocesan director of Stewardship and Strategic Planning, offered an additional perspective. “Many times we hear that we should give to a need—and clearly there are so many needs.

But more important, I believe, is that we have within us a need to give. Our need to give stems from simple gratitude in thanksgiving to God for the rich blessings He has given us.”

The Bishop’s Appeal 2012 “Coming Together in Christ” will come to an end Dec. 31. While contributions to the appeal still will be accepted after the December closing, there may be tax advantages for some in giving before the end of the calendar year.

Barring future congressional action, the gradual phase-out of itemized deductions for higher income taxpayers will be reinstated in 2013. This would mean that deductions for charitable donations

may be more valuable for reducing taxes in this year than they would be in 2013.

Mr. Deinhart asks all who made pledges to the appeal to please make their payments before the end of the year and not wait until the last minute.

“We’re right down to the wire

this year, and while it’s exciting to be so close to achieving our goal, we could live with a little less excitement,” he said with a smile.

Pledge payments and contributions can be made to The Diocese of Knoxville Bishop’s Appeal, 805 Northshore Drive, Knoxville TN 37919. n

tional right to exercise our views with respect, but we also have a constitutional right to worship God and to believe in God and to allow that worship and belief to touch our lives in so many different ways.”

The New Year is part of the Year of Faith “but also leads us into the

beginning of our celebration of our 25th anniversary, which is very, very significant for the Diocese of Knoxville,” Bishop Stika said.

The Jubilee year will kick off with a Eucharistic Congress on Sept. 1314, 2013.

“We’re going to start with the Eu-

charistic Congress,” the bishop said.

“We’re inviting speakers to come in: Cardinal [Timothy] Dolan, Scott Hahn, Father [Robert] Barron, and a number of individuals who are going to remind us in the Eucharistic Congress of the importance of the Mass.” n

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n All

Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 n St.

Dominic Church, Kingsport, 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 11; 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9 n Cathedral

of the Sacred Heart, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15 n St.

Mary Church, Johnson City, Tuesday, Jan. 22 n

Correction Father Joseph Thomas, CMI, is parochial administrator of Holy Family Parish in Seymour, effective Nov. 15. His new assignment was misstated in the November issue. n

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Visit the diocese on Facebook: on.fb.me/ dioceseofknoxville Follow the diocese on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ knoxdiocese December 2, 2012 5

Order of Holy Sepulchre growing with help from diocese New members taking an active role in supporting Christians in the Holy Land

6 December 2, 2012

MATTHEW BARRICK

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he Diocese of Knoxville’s presence in one of the oldest holy orders in the world continues to grow with the recent installation of five new members into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Monsignor Xavier Mankel, diocesan vicar general and pastor of Holy Ghost Church, Diocese of Knoxville Chancellor Deacon Sean Smith, and his wife, Melissa Smith, and Knoxville physician Antoin Mardini and his wife, Dina Mardini, were invested into the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Oct. 27 during a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. They were joined by Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, and Sharon Lynn Folk, a Greeneville business owner and parishioner at Notre Dame Church, who are existing members in the order and were promoted during a ceremony Oct. 26.

Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore celebrated the installation Mass and Bishop Richard F. Stika was a concelebrant at the Mass.

Ms. Folk attained the highest rank for women in the order, Lady Grand Cross, and Monsignor Humbrecht was promoted to the third highest rank, Knight Commander.

The order, which is more than 900 years old, still works to preserve the Christian faith in the Holy Land. To be elected a Knight or Lady, candidates must show exemplary moral conduct and true Christian feeling, and the practice of Christian faith must be shown in their families, at work, in obedience to the Holy Father, and in involvement in their parishes and dioceses. Candidates also must support Catholic works in the Holy Land.

Ms. Folk was installed in 1998 and has learned that to really benefit from

By Bill Brewer

Welcoming the new members Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, fourth from left, is shown with the newest members of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem from the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Richard F. Stika, who concelebrated the installation Mass celebrated by Archbishop Lori, stands to the left of Archbishop Lori, and Ronald G. Precup, lieutenant of the order’s Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy that includes the Diocese of Knoxville, stands to the right of Archbishop Lori. The Order of the Holy Sepulchre’s newest members from the Diocese of Knoxville are at left Deacon Sean Smith and Melissa Smith, and at right Monsignor Xavier Mankel, Dina Mardini and Dr. Antoin Mardini.

the order a member must be an active participant.

“I’m very honored and humbled by it,” she said. “You are an example of what it means to be a Catholic Christian. You are living your Catholic faith and endeavoring to live that to its fullest.”

Ms. Folk considers the order a ministry that she is taking an active role in and said the order supports 60 percent of the budget of the Patri-

arch of Jerusalem. She added that 90 percent of the order’s financial support goes directly to the Holy Land, where the number of Christians has dropped to fewer than 2 percent of the population.

“That is where our Lord lived, breathed, worked and died,” she said. “We are sustaining and aiding social institutions in the Catholic Church and the Holy Land.”

Deacon Smith said the dramatic de-

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cline of Christians in the Holy Land from about 13 percent 25 years ago to the less than 2 percent now has had a profound effect on him.

“To meet these Christians, to hear their stories and their plight. I decided then that I wanted to do something to help these Christians,” he said.

“That’s the reason it is such an honor and privilege. Bishop Stika and I were on a pilgrimage to the Holy dioknox.org

Nativity story has implications for current issues occurring globally VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Nativity story, like the whole story of Christ, is not merely an event in the past, but has unfolding significance for people today, with implications for such issues as the limits of political power and the purpose of human freedom, Pope Benedict writes in his third and final volume on the life and

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at the Vatican Nov. 20, and was scheduled for publication in English and eight other languages in 50 countries Nov. 21.

In the book, Pope Benedict examines Jesus’ birth and childhood as recounted in the Gospels of Sts. Matthew and Luke. His interpretation of the biblical texts refers frequently to

MATTHEW BARRICK

Land two years ago and had Mass at the Catholic Church in Bethlehem.

We learned that the direct descendants of early Christians may become extinct in Jesus’ homeland. Our key mission is to help them,” he added.

The Diocese of Knoxville is part of the order’s Mid-Atlantic section, or lieutenancy, and Bishop Stika serves as the section prior. Monsignor Humbrecht is the section chaplain. The lieutenancy offices are in Washington, D.C. Bishop Stika is looking forward to the Diocese of Knoxville’s representation in the holy order expanding.

“I have been privileged since 1996 to be included in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this ancient order that does so much for our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land,” Bishop Stika said. “It is my intention to grow the order within the Diocese of Knoxville.

- In addition to Bishop Stika, Monsignor Humbrecht and Ms. Folk, Diocese of Knoxville parishioners already invested into the order are Katherine Andrews, George Frederick, Mary Jane Frederick, Patricia Jewett, William Jewett, Richard Kostrzewa, Heather Longo, Peter McGrath, Esther Riley, William Riley, Carol Schmidt, and Edward Warwick, who is the section representative.

Monsignor Mankel said he was “extremely personally flattered” by the suggestion of the Diocese of Knoxville’s three bishops that he join the holy order. He said Bishop Stika

teachings of Jesus.

Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives is only 132 pages long, yet it includes wide-ranging reflections on such matters as the significance of the Virgin Birth and the distinctive views of nature in ancient pagan and Judeo-Christian cultures.

The book was formally presented

Knights and Ladies The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s members from the Diocese of Knoxville are shown at a formal installation dinner in Washington, D.C., in October. Seated from left are Monsignor Xavier Mankel, Monsignor Al Humbrecht, Sharon Lynn Folk, William Riley, and Esther Riley. Standing from left are Dr. Antoin Mardini, Dina Mardini, Melissa Smith, Deacon Sean Smith, Peter McGrath, and Bonnie McGrath.

wanted to ensure his participation.

“I really became excited about it when I learned that Deacon Sean Smith and Dr. Mardini were being installed,” Monsignor Mankel said.

“And it’s great to have Bishop Stika endorse our membership.”

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre dates to 1099, when it was established

by Godfrey de Bouillon, a medieval Frankish knight who was a leader in the First Crusade in 1096. The First Crusade was a military expedition

by Roman Catholic Europe to regain

the Holy Lands, including Jerusalem, taken during Muslim conquests from 632-661.

After the successful siege of Jerusalem in 1099, Godfrey de Bouillon became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem but refused the title of king because he believed the true King of Jerusalem was Jesus Christ.

Knights under de Bouillon stood as guards of honor around Jesus’ tomb, the Sepulchre of Our Lord. Pope Pascal II approved the knights as an order in 1113.

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the work of other scholars and draws on a variety of academic fields, including linguistics, political science, art history and the history of science.

The book’s publication completes the three-volume Jesus of Nazareth series, which also includes From the Baptism in the Jordan to the

Nativity continued on page 28

Since then, the pope entrusts the order to a cardinal, which ensures that it is governed as a papal order.

The objective of the order is to revive, in modern form, the spirit and ideals of the Crusades with the apostolate and Christian charity. The order’s purpose is centered in the preservation and propagation of the faith in the Holy Land, assistance to and development of Church missions there, provision for charitable, cultural and social undertakings, and the defense of the rights of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, which is the cradle of the order.

Knights and Ladies in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, who are elected based on required qualifications, are inducted in a ceremonial investiture that combines a profession of faith with the ancient ritual used for the dubbing of Knighthood. The candidates do not take monastic vows, but promise to live an upright Christian life in accordance with the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church “in absolute fealty to the Supreme Pontiff, as true soldiers of Christ.”

Ms. Folk explained that Knights and Ladies in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre can be seen walking in procession immediately preceding clergy in Masses on Holy Thursday and Good Friday as well as in ordinations, installations of bishops and any time the bishop requests them to be present.

“For us to be present reminds people of our support of the Holy Land and the need for us to support the Holy Land,” she said. n December 2, 2012 7

Diocese of Knoxville Annual Financial Report

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Each year at this time, I provide a report on the finances and health of the Diocese of Knoxville in The East Tennessee Catholic. As your Bishop, I am entrusted with ensuring the proper stewardship of all of our resources. I am happy to report that diocesan finances are stable and well positioned for the future. Through the generous sharing of the treasury of your time, talents, financial resources and prayers, the Diocese of Knoxville has been the beneficiary of your gifts, which continue to be wisely and prudently used to advance the mission of the Church. I offer my deepest appreciation for your great generosity. As good stewards of what you have entrusted to us, we strive to be fiscally responsible and transparent.

I thank the dedicated members of our diocesan Finance Council for their steadfast service and excellent advice. Our council meets quarterly and its members are composed of priests and lay professionals from parishes across the diocese who selflessly give their time and expertise in service of the Church.

This has been an unprecedented period in our country, with the strains of a difficult economy increasing the challenges that our local communities face. But your works of mercy directed to the poor and vulnerable continue to grow and to reach far and wide. And despite the uncertain economic times, or perhaps because of them, your generosity in responding to the needs of the Church has grown as well. I’m happy to note that we have experienced modest growth in parish offertory across the diocese and our 2012 Bishop’s Appeal is close to reaching its goal. One of the things I’m most encouraged by is the increased participation in the appeal this year, with more than 1,400 additional donors joining in the work of the Church. I am delighted that this mission is being supported by more and more people. By “Coming Together in Christ,” we can do so much more together than any single person or parish can do on its own.

We also have been blessed by the newly formed St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation of East Tennessee. This provides direct support for charity, health care and education through Catholic organizations serving those in need in East Tennessee. The foundation was made possible through funds provided by the sale of Mercy Health Partners to Health Management Associates and will continue to provide support for the ministry begun by the Sisters of Mercy with the opening of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1930.

Indeed, times are very exciting in the Diocese of Knoxville right now. As you know, on Oct. 11, 2012, we began the Year of Faith, which summoned us to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord. The Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion — to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him. On Sept. 8, 2013, we will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diocese by Blessed John Paul II. This milestone is an occasion for all of us to give thanks to God for His many blessings bestowed upon the Church in East Tennessee during these years. By God’s grace our parishes have nurtured the faith of thousands during our short history.

I express renewed thanks for the faithful and loving service of our priests to their parishioners. I also am very grateful for the dedicated service of our deacons, consecrated religious and our laity. God has blessed us with 19 seminarians and 26 men preparing for service as deacons. We are enriched by the diversity embodied in the Catholic faithful of our diocese. We also are blessed by the many faithful who practice and share their Catholic values with great enthusiasm and conviction.

I am grateful to God for sending me to be your Bishop, and I thank you for the countless ways you support me and our diocese. With deepest gratitude, I want to assure you of my continued prayers.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Richard F. Stika Bishop of Knoxville

8 December 2, 2012

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Statement of Activities June 30, 2012

Unrealized gains/investments Statement of Financial Ac­count­ing Standard (SFAS) No. 124 re­quires that investments be recorded at mar­ket value rather than at cost, and this results in the recognition of un­re­al­ized gains/ losses.

Pastoral Grants to parishes and in­sti­tu­tions; Diocesan Council of Catholic Women grant; Youth Min­is­try; Hispanic MinisThe East Tennessee Catholic

try; Campus Min­is­try; Evan­ge­li­za­tion; Justice and Peace; Marriage Preparation and Enrichment.

as­sess­ment for the op­er­a­tion of the Catholic Schools Office; assessment for the diocesan diaconate program.

Parish assessments Administrative assessment for di­oc­es­ an governance/ad­min­is­tra­tion; seminarian assessment for vocations promotion; reimbursement for priest health insurance and re­tire­ment; communications assessment for The East Tennessee Catholic newspaper and online programs; school

Education Religious Education and Cath­o­lic Schools offices. *Investment income/losses The total for “source of funds” includes a net loss of $106,034 in investment income/ losses. n

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December 2, 2012 9

Annual Financial Report

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Annual Financial Report

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Annual Financial Report

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Annual Financial Report

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December 2, 2012 13

Diocesan calendar

by Margaret Hunt The Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment is sponsoring three “Surviving the Holidays” workshops for those who have experienced a separation, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one. Workshops are scheduled for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Mary Church in Johnson City; 8:15 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in the parish life center at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga (beginning with Mass at 8:15); and from 3-5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 16, in Seton Hall at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. The workshop will have two different groups: one for those who have experienced separation or divorce and one for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The cost of the program is $10. A light breakfast or refreshments will be served. Babysitting is available at an additional cost. To register, contact Marian Christiana at mchristiana@ dioknox.org or 423-892-2310.

Dr. Cormac O’Duffy, director of worship for St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City, is recruiting choir members to perform his oratorio, “The Kingdom of God,” in honor of the 25th anniversary of Diocese of Knoxville. Three concerts will be performed in the diocese in Johnson City, Knoxville, and Chattanooga during 2013. The choir will also provide the music at the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress scheduled for Sept. 14, 2013. The first rehearsal is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. For more information, contact Dr. O’Duffy at Cormac@stthomaslc.com, or 865-986-9885, ext. 17.

Bishop Richard F. Stika is hosting the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville’s annual Bishop’s Tea at his residence on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact Carolyn Susano at 865-584-1480 to learn more or to RSVP. The fourth annual Knoxville Catholic High School classes of the 1950s and ’60s Christmas Social will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Calhoun’s

14 December 2, 2012

on the River in Knoxville. All KCHS grads are welcome to attend. Visit “KCHS Classes of the 50’s and 60’s” on Facebook, and if you are not receiving e-mails on this or other events, send your e-mail address to curtiscurley@aol.com or LLong3@utk.edu.

The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is planning to participate in World Youth Day 2013, scheduled for July 21-29 in Rio de Janiero. The highlights of the event include a chance to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and pray at the chapel beneath the statue, the opening ceremonies at Copacabana Beach, catechesis sessions, a festival, and a closing Mass with Pope Benedict XVI at the Santa Cruz Military Air Field. The cost for the trip is $3,859 per person and includes seven nights in a three-star hotel, round-trip airfare from Knoxville to Rio, daily buffet breakfasts, and lunch and dinner. Fees not included are the World Youth Day registration (approximately $300), visa and passport, and single-room accommodations, which will be $650 extra. Contact Al Forsythe at 865-862-5754 or aforsythe@dioknox.org for more information or call Lucille, travel agent for Regina Tours, at 1-800-4659248, extension 208.

The diocesan Cursillo encounter and reunion will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. The day will include Mass, a grand ultreya, and a fiesta following the ultreya. For more information, contact Lois Schering at 865-681-7858 or contact​dok@knoxvillecursillo.org.

The annual Rites of Election for RCIA will take place on the first weekend of Lent in each of the four deaneries. St. Mary Church in Johnson City will host the Five Rivers Deanery rite at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. At 6:30 p.m. that day, St. John Neumann Church in Farragut will host the Cumberland Mountain Deanery rite. St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga will be the site for the Chattanooga Deanery rite at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. At 5 p.m. that day, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa will host the rite

for the Smoky Mountain Deanery.

Notre Dame High School is currently accepting applications for the 201314 school year. To learn more or request an application, call 423-624-4618, extension 1004, or e-mail admissions@myndhs.com.

Knoxville Catholic High School is having a placement test for eighthgrade students who are planning on attending KCHS from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, Dec. 1. Pre-registration for the test is required. Contact Nichole Pfohl, dean of admissions, to learn more or to register to take the placement test at 865-560-0502 or npfohl@knoxvillecatholic.com.

Bishop Richard F. Stika will preside at three Masses to celebrate the sacrament of marriage in the diocese in 2013. The first Mass will take place at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge on Saturday, Jan. 26; the second will be at St. Mary Church in Athens on Saturday, Feb. 9; and the third will be at St. Patrick Church in Morristown on Saturday, March 9. All of the Masses will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a reception. Register in advance to receive a certificate and to be photographed with Bishop Stika.

Contact Karen Byrne at 865-584-3307 or kbyrne@dioknox.org to register.

The Knoxville Irish Step Dancers will be starting an eight-week class in January at the Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center. The KISD is a satellite school of the Nashville Irish Step Dancers organization. Call Caroline McLeod at 865-236-0491 or visit the website www.knoxvilleirishstep​dancers.com for more information.

Monsignor Al Humbrecht and Father William Oruko, AJ, will lead a 14-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land from March 3-16, 2013. The itinerary includes Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives, Jericho, Masada, Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Emmaus. The standard cost per person is $3,498 or a cash discount price of $3,299. The price includes economy-

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

class airfare from Atlanta, accommodations in superior tourist-class hotels, meals, taxes, tips, and security fees.

Contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, for more information at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.com.

Father Charlie Burton and Father Michael Cummins will lead a 12-day pilgrimage to Ireland from June 10-21, 2013. The itinerary includes stops in Dublin, Cork, Killarney, Adare, Ennis, Connemara, and Galway. The standard cost per person is $3,398 or a cash discount price of $3,199. The price includes economyclass airfare from Atlanta, accommodations in superior tourist-class hotels, meals, taxes, tips, and security fees.

Contact Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, for more information at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.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, fourth, and fifth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville; at 11 a.m. each Sunday 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 10 a.m. Sundays now in a new location: the lower level of Holy Cross Anglican Church, 515 Herron Road, Knoxville, TN 37934. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www.saintthomasknoxville.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 holyday 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 Preparations are being made for the annual Chatti Gras fundraiser for Chattanooga-area Catholic schools. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. Dinner, music, dancing, and a silent auction are planned for the Mardi Gras–

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery

themed evening. Tickets are now on sale at Chattigras.com or in the Notre Dame, OLPH, and St. Jude school offices for $60.

The price will be $75 per ticket after Dec. 31. Contact Cissy West at cwest@catholicweb.com or 423-622-1481 to donate auction items or to obtain more information. n

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga Knights of Columbus Council 6099 honored Wade and Denice Eckler as its family of the month for October.

Volunteers are needed to host homeless families for the Family Promise Interfaith Homeless Network the week of Dec. 30 through Jan. 6, 2013. Volunteers are also needed to prepare meals and to plan activities for participants in the program.

Contact Lisa Kosky to register at 423-877-5982 or sign up on the poster in Holy Family Hall.

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain

ELIZABETH CONWAY

The parish held a Haiti Adoption Fair the weekend of Nov. 10-11 to support the students at St. Antoine School in Haiti. The $180 adoption fee covers the cost of school supplies and hot meals for a child at the school for one year. Each person who financially adopted a child received a photograph of the child receiving the assistance.

ELIZABETH CONWAY

Holy Spirit Knights collect items for Hurricane Sandy victims Knights of Columbus Council 14079 from Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy has been collecting children’s clothing as well as items for cleaning and other needs for the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. The council recently sent 28 large boxes and is still collecting items for another shipment in coming weeks. The shipments are being sent to the New Jersey Knights’ district deputy for the hardest-hit area of New Jersey. From left above are district deputy Marvin Gabolski, deputy Grand Knight Bob Gruther, Monsignor Al Humbrecht, and Grand Knight Steve DeRight.

The East Tennessee Catholic

Knights hold quarterly Tootsie Roll drive Knights of Columbus from Council 14079 at Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy once each quarter greet Walmart shoppers, give away Tootsie Rolls, and collect money for their fund drive to benefit Orange Grove School.

In the photo, past Grand Knight Bruce Speer explains to shopper Sue Hall the purpose for the drive as he hands her the Tootsie Rolls.

At left is past Grand Knight Jerry Young.

St. Augustine Parish celebrated its first Spanish-language Mass on Oct 14. Mass was celebrated by Father Jim Vick. Music for the liturgy was provided by the Hispanic choir from St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga. More than 65 attended the Mass and a reception that followed in the parish life center. The parish hopes to continue to offer Masses in Spanish several times a year.

St. Jude, Chattanooga The parish is collecting gift cards for the clients of the Ladies of Charity of Chattanooga for Christmas. Parishioners are encouraged to take an empty envelope from the Star Tree and return it with a gift card in the amount of $20 or more from Walmart, Target, or Kmart by Sunday, Dec. 9. The cards can be placed in a locked box next to the tree or returned to the parish office between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Dick or Judy Smith at 423842-1483 for more information.

Representatives from Bethlehem Christian Families mission thanked the parish for supporting craftsmen in the Holy Land through their purchase of items carved from olive wood. The mission raised $4,095 during its visit to the parish Oct. 27-28.

The St. Jude Knights of Columbus thanked the parish for supporting the recent barbecue fundraiser for St. Jude School and the wheelchair fund. The sale raised $1,000 for the school and $400 for the wheelchair fund. The Knights also sponsored a clothing drive for victims of Hurricane Sandy and have sent the donations to a Knights council in New Jersey to distribute the items.

St. Mary, Athens Knights of Columbus Council 8396 brought a special image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Mary Church. The image was on display Nov. 12-18. The icon is one of a few unique images that have been touched to St. Juan Diego’s tilma in Mexico City containing the original image of Our Lady. The image also has been blessed by Pope Benedict XVI. The Knights have been sending these images to various councils around the country, with the Athens council receiving it for a full week. Additional information about the image is available at www.kofc.org/un/en/ Chattanooga Deanery continued on page 18

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

December 2, 2012 15

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery All Saints, Knoxville The parish has a military support group for those who want to pray for, support, or recognize service members and their families. The group includes those who are active duty, reserve, or retired from the armed forces. The group sponsors numerous activities throughout the year, including prayer services, the sending of care packages to deployed troops, and visits to area veterans’ nursing homes. Contact Paula at spvols@bellsouth.net or Joann at 865-693-8730 for more information.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman There will be a healing Mass with anointing of the sick at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, for those seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. The Mass will conclude with Benediction at 7:30 p.m. Contact the parish office at 865-882-9838 for more information.

The parish Knights of Columbus are conducting their annual Tootsie Roll drive for the intellectually challenged on Wednesday, Dec. 5, in front of the Kroger in Harriman and on Saturday, Dec. 15, in front of Walmart. Both drives will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Michael Dunn Center, which serves intellectually challenged adults and children, and the Henry Center, a daycare facility that accepts developmentally challenged children. For more information, contact Bob Capell at 865-354-8009.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade The parish Festival Chorale is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, and 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 17, at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church.

St. Francis will have a 5 p.m. vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and a 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas Day. Anniversaries: Jack and Audrey Paul (62), Edwin and Grace Johnson (59), Jack and Marilyn Alderton (58), Frank and Juliana Simonds (56), Fred and Laura Reed (56), Ron and Mary White (54)

St. Therese, Clinton The St. Therese Social Action Committee is collecting coats for people in need during December. For more information, contact Connie Mikeal at 865-457-1934.

The weekend vigil Mass at St. Therese has moved from 5:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Confessions will be heard on Saturdays from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. The Tuesday weekday Mass has also been moved from 6:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. n

16 December 2, 2012

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar St. John Neumann Church is hosting a vocation discernment group for high school–aged young men known as the Melchizedek Project beginning at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the St. John Neumann rectory. During the series of seven meetings,

the group will discuss what the priesthood is and learn how to discern God’s will for their lives. For more information, contact Father David Carter at 423-802-6889 or dcarter@ dioknox.org, or Father Doug Owens at 865966-4540 or dowens@dioknox.org. n

Sally Jackson honored at NCCW convention

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uring the recent 2012 Annual Convention of the National Council of Catholic Women, NCCW president Judy Powers honored Sally Jackson of the Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women with the 2012 Our Lady of Good Counsel Award.

Ms. Jackson, a parishioner of St. Joseph in Norris, has been active in parish and diocesan councils affiliated with NCCW for 50 years. Biennially, the NCCW honors a member who best exemplifies the characteristics of spirituality, leadership, and service with the Our Lady of Good Counsel Award.

NCCW President Judy Powers introduced Ms. Jackson by saying, “I would like to highlight just a few of Sally’s many notable accomplishments in service to her council and NCCW. For nearly 50 years, she has shown exemplary leadership throughout all levels of council: parish, deanery, diocese, and national.

She has done outstanding work in collaboration with her council sisters, heading charitable activities such as Helping Hands, an organization dedicated to helping parishioners in need of temporary food or transportation. She volunteers to drive the elderly to doctor appointments in Knoxville.

“Throughout her ministry as a sacristan, she has grown close to a parish member facing Alzheimer’s who now lives 50 miles away, yet distance has not stopped Sally from making regular visits to spend time with her friend, who does not always remember Sally was there.

“Sally has been a board member of the Knoxville Diocesan Council

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

of Catholic Women since 1993, held positions on many of the committees and commissions, and was president from 1997-1999. During her presidency, she spearheaded the initiative to build a school for girls in the wartorn area of South Sudan by raising over $50,000. Due to her passion for international outreach, Sally has served as the chair for International Concerns for her deanery council.

During international trips she has given a suitcase full of scissors, fabrics, and school supplies to a family in Nepal, donated school supplies in China, and left most of her traveling clothes in South Africa. It is in her nature to help those who are less fortunate with both small and large acts of kindness, much like her role model, Mother Teresa.

“She is dedicated to the development and future of NCCW and works tirelessly to grow our organization through new membership solicitation and leadership training. In her roles both as province director of Louisville and president of Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Sally made it her goal to increase individual membership and boost communication within the board.

“Sally knows what it means to be a voice of Catholic women. I believe her spirit, her faithfulness to the Lord, and her love of the Church truly shine through all her works of service.”

In accepting the award, Ms. Jackson said, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve NCCW. I think the award is not mine but all of ours.

I stand on the shoulders of many, many women who encouraged and mentored me.” n dioknox.org

Five Rivers Deanery calendar The Notre Dame Church annual Madrigal Dinner will be held nightly at 7 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 6-8.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase only for $25 per person. Entertainment will include a magic show and a presentation by the parish madrigal singers. High school students in need of service hours are invited to assist with serving dinner from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Help is needed to prepare the food and for room set-up/clean-up. Con-

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

tact the parish office for more information at 423-639-9381.

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Father Christopher Riehl will celebrate Mass in the extraordinary form (Latin Mass) at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Mary Church. A rosary will be said before Mass at 2:30. Volunteers are needed to participate on the planning committee. Contact the parish office to volunteer at 423-282-6367. n

Parishioner Adeline Belprez turned 100 on Nov. 8.

Anniversaries: Jim and Carolyn Culpepper (40), Ralph and Marlene Holt (40), Dominick and Wana Minatti (10) Baptism: Samuel Alexander Holt, son of Todd and Jennifer Holt

Notre Dame, Greeneville Notre Dame Church is participating in the Food Bank Kettle Drive from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, in front of the Food City on Asheville Highway. Contact the parish office for more information at 423-639-9381.

Tri-Cities Catholics take part in 40 Days for Life

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ore than 50 members of TriCities–area parishes took part in a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in front of the Regional Women’s Center, an abortion clinic in Bristol, from Sept. 26 through Nov. 4.

The vigil was part of a national movement with vigils conducted at 316 locations across the country.

The Bristol vigil was organized jointly by Hosanna Fellowship Church of Johnson City and by the Respect Life Committee at St. Mary Parish in Johnson City. Linda Edwards of Hosanna Fellowship and Julianne Wiley of St. Mary headed the effort.

Area churches volunteered to

Anniversary: Douglas and Mary McConnell (53)

send prayer teams to hold signs and provide a peaceful presence in front of the clinic on a once-a-week basis.

Catholic churches in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Elizabethton, Erwin, and Greeneville took responsibility for the five Tuesdays in October from noon to 4 p.m., with a total of 55 Catholics participating over the assigned afternoons and as many as 12 to 20 members present each day.

National 40 Days for Life leaders reported that several abortion clinic staffers experienced a “pro-life conversion” and left their jobs, and 608 babies were saved as women decided not to proceed with scheduled abortions. n

St. Dominic, Kingsport Parishioner Paula Payne began her postulant year with the Order of St. Clare (the “Poor Clares”) in Evansville, Ind., on Nov. 30.

The fifth grade CCD class is repairing bicycles to be distributed to children in the Kingsport area for Christmas. Contact Marty or Chris Silver at 423-239-9521 for more information.

The Bethlehem Christian Families mission expressed thanks to the parish for their purchases of olive wood carvings crafted by artisans in the Holy Land. The mission raised $4,037 during its visit to the parish Oct. 20-21.

St. Mary, Johnson City The parish Angel Tree will be in the gathering area of the church through Dec. 9.

Parishioners are asked to purchase the requested gift listed on each angel and return it in a black plastic bag with the angel stapled to the bag. Items may be returned to the parish office or to Catholic Charities. The clothes and toys will be distributed the week of Dec. 13. Contact the parish office for more information at 423-282-6367.

COURTESY OF CHERYL PROSAK

The Council of Catholic Women Christmas luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Blackthorn Club at the Ridges. Tickets are $25 and will be sold after weekend Masses on Dec. 1-2. Tickets may also be purchased by contacting Gail Taylor at 423-282-6255 or Mary Meeks at 943-8255. The final date for reservations is Wednesday, Dec. 5. Bring a pair of socks or gloves to donate to charity. n

Holy Trinity celebrates first Communion Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City recently celebrated the sacrament of first Holy Communion. Pictured with pastor Father Dan Whitman are (from left) George Rodriguez, Yahir Palacios, Vanessa Alvarenga, Hugo Estrada II, and Karen Booker.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

December 2, 2012 17

A rosary novena was held Oct. 29 through Nov. 6 for the needs of the country.

The parish is sponsoring faith-enrichment classes during the Year of Faith from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in Father Albert Henkel Hall. The classes will be on a three-week rotating schedule using a series of presentations made by Bishop Fulton Sheen on the Catholic faith, the Catholicism series by Father Robert Barron, and the Great Adventure Bible Study by Jeff Cavins. Contact the parish office for more information at 865-522-2205.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Baptisms: Catherine Teresa Roovers, daughter of Ryan and Kate Roovers; Alexander Robert Ellsworth, son of Daniel and Irina Ellsworth.

The parish will be having a monthly collection on the fourth Sunday of each month to support its sister parish, St. Francis Xavier in Fond-des-Blancs, Haiti.

Sacred Heart Cathedral The Haiti ministry at Sacred Heart is planning a trip to Bouli from Dec. 1-8 to provide medical aid and to assist with the construction of a clinic in the area. The projects will include installing windows, doors, and iron bars into stone and mortar. Dr. Dean Mire will be leading the trip.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville Baptism: Tristan Jay Lawson, son of Marivic and Scott Lawson n

Chattanooga Deanery continued from page 15 service/church/marian/chavez.html.

The parish Angel Tree was set up in the church during the weekend of Nov. 24.

Participants are asked to choose an angel and return the unwrapped gift along with the angel by Sunday, Dec. 16. Contact Holly Gates for more information at 423-507-5899.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga Newcomers: Bill and Mona Hines, Terri Zaucconi, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Merritt, Amy Ricks, Mr. and Mrs. John Czerwonka, Jason and Joelle Geddie.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga The confirmation class is collecting new and used washable blankets for the Community Kitchen as its service project. The class goal is 200 blankets. n

18 December 2, 2012

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Saturday, Dec. 8 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Bill Toth will speak on the topic “The Cloud of Unknowing: Gem

of Western Spiritual Literature.” 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 at 865-5237931. n

Holy Family parishioners mark 50th anniversary

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aul and Mary Ellen (Irwin) Scrudder of Holy Family Parish in Seymour celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 20.

The Scrudders were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville with Father Sterling McGuire officiating.

They are both enjoying retirement and keeping busy with their four children and five grandchildren. Mrs. Scrudder is a 1960 graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School.

The Scrudders’ children are Paul Jr. and Tammy Scrudder of Maryville, Angela and Kevin Evans

COURTESY OF ANGELA EVANS

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar

Paul and Mary Ellen Scrudder

of Maryville, R. Anthony and Karen Scrudder of Cynthiana, Ky., and Kathleen Scrudder of Seymour. n

Parish nurse given lifetime-achievement award

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etha Lehman, a registered nurse and retired parish nurse, received the Tennessee Nurses Association 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 19 in Franklin. Ms. Lehman is a parishioner of Holy Ghost in Knoxville.

The award is granted to one retired nurse in the state who has demonstrated excellence and outstanding contributions to nursing and to the Tennessee Nurses Association.

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Lehman stated that she was surprised at being chosen for the award because she has always considered herself a “rather ordinary nurse.” She said that she had tried to encourage young people to choose nursing as their career because nursing offers a wide array of clinical and educational opportunities.

Her clinical experiences included charge nurse positions in coronary care, medical surgical areas, home health nursing, and more. Her final

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

COURTESY OF LETHA LEHMAN

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

Letha Lehman

position was as a parish nurse at Holy Ghost Parish from 2004 to 2012.

In concluding her award acceptance speech, Ms. Lehman said she felt that each nurse in his or her own way has done extraordinary things in ordinary ways and ordinary things in extraordinary ways. She said she appreciated the award and thanked the nurses association for granting it to her as it brought her great joy, satisfaction, and a wonderful closure to her career as a professional registered nurse. n dioknox.org

Catholic schools

Diocesan high schools make AP Honor Roll again

COURTESY OF MEGAN LOCKE

KCHS Scholars’ Bowl team finishes second The Knoxville Catholic High School Scholars’ Bowl team finished in second place in this year’s bowl. The team competed against 46 others from across the East Tennessee region, including Bearden, Farragut, Oak Ridge, and Webb. The school congratulated seniors Patrick Connelly, Libby Fortunato, Andy Fox, Danielle Rosenzweig and Allen Zinkle and coaches Dr. Kelly Kearse and John LaForest.

COURTESY OF MEGAN LOCKE

Optimist Club honors KCHS senior On Nov. 9, the Optimist Club of Knoxville awarded Knoxville Catholic High School senior Anielle Duncan the Service to Humanity Award during the Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Week. Anielle has completed more than 1,500 hours of service during her time as a student at KCHS. Anielle is pictured with director of campus ministry Mark Balog.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

The Diocese of Knoxville was selected to the third annual AP District Honor Roll by the College Board on Nov. 12.

This is the second year in a row that the diocesan high schools, Knoxville Catholic High School and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, were recognized for this academic achievement.

The diocese was one of only four districts in Tennessee that met the criteria to be placed on the AP Honor Roll. The other Tennessee districts were the Cocke County School System, Greeneville City Schools, and Jefferson County Schools.

“Over the past eight years, Knoxville Catholic High School has doubled the number of AP courses in our curriculum while more than tripling our student enrollment,” said Dickie Sompayrac, KCHS principal. “It is a real credit to our AP teachers that we have been able to significantly increase the access, while also maintaining extremely competitive pass rates.

To be recognized on the AP Honor Roll for two consecutive years is a real testament to both diocesan high schools, Notre Dame and Knoxville Catholic.”

A total of 539 school districts across the United States and Canada are being honored by the College Board for simultaneously increasing access to Advanced Placement course work, while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.

To be named to the Honor Roll, schools must have opened AP classroom doors to a significantly broader pool of students, while maintaining or improving the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher. n December 2, 2012 19

Catholic youth

Biannual DOK youth conference held in Johnson City

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Brothers receive Ad Altare Dei Scouting awards On Oct. 7 at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, Scouts Andrew Hendershott (left) and brother John Hendershott received their Ad Altare Dei awards, at a gathering following the Latin Mass at which they served. Making the presentation were George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, and Father John Orr, associate pastor at Holy Ghost.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

Approximately 130 high school– age young people from around the diocese and a cadre of volunteers from St. Mary Parish in Johnson City attended the biannual Diocesan Youth Conference at St. Mary on the weekend of Nov. 3-4.

The conference was last held in Johnson City six years ago.

The theme for the weekend was “Love Come Alive.” The youth participated in sessions about how to love yourself, love your neighbor, and love your God. The concept developed from the Mass readings for the weekend and from a song of the same name by Chris Cole, one of the musicians featured on the conference program.

Features of the program included presentations by Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, who celebrated the vigil Mass on Saturday, and Jimmy Mitchell; a concert by Chris Cole; and an evening candlelight prayer service. In addition, the youth participated in projects for the benefit of Catholic Charities, and hospitalized veterans and members of the armed forces. n

Several members of the Knoxville Catholic High School Lady Irish soccer team earned postseason district honors.

Kathryn Culhane was named the district’s most valuable player. She also made first-team All-District, as did teammates Melissa Vargas, Molly Dwyer, Abby Leake, Charlotte Sauter, and Ashley Hickman. Martha Dinwiddie and Brenna Zimmerman made second-team All District. n

20 December 2, 2012

COURTESY OF CIARLA MOLINO

KCHS girls soccer players recognized

St. John Neumann team wins volleyball tournament The St. John Neumann Catholic School girls junior varsity volleyball team finished the season as the Knoxville Independent School League tournament champions. They were also awarded regular-season runner-up honors. From left are (front row) Sasha Cain, Cori Purcell, and Melanie Cionfolo and (back row) Sibeal McGrath, Maddy Vanderhoofven, Sydney Sexton, Olivia Escher, Ashlyn Ezzo, Maura Rose, and coach Elizabeth Turpin. The St. John Neumann varsity volleyball team finished runner-up in the 2012 KISL Large Tournament. Olivia Kozemko was named to the KISL All-League team and joined teammate Kamila Cieslik on the all-tournament team.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Diocesan schools schedule Christmas season events

By Kara Lockmiller Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to sing praises to God and give to those in need. The children of the diocese plan to do just that this Christmas season in the many school programs and service projects being held across East Tennessee. For more details on each school’s events, visit dioknox.org/ home/diocesan-schools-christmas/.

Knoxville Catholic High School Knoxville Catholic High School, 9245 Fox Lonas Road, Knoxville, will begin the season with its Fine Arts Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the school. The celebration will include performances by KCHS’s band, choral and theater groups.

KCHS students will also perform the second annual Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at All Saints Church next door to the school’s campus.

Sacred Heart Cathedral School Sacred Heart Cathedral School, 711 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, will present its Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 13. Kindergarten, first and second grades will present “Angels, Lambs, Ladybugs and Fireflies” beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the gym at Sacred Heart. That program will be followed by “On Our Way to Bethlehem,” presented by the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

They will be joined by the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade Praise Band Jams and the seventh- and eighthgrade Liturgical Choir Rocks.

St. Joseph School St. Joseph School, 1810 Howard Drive, Knoxville, will present The Little Drummer Boy at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the school. Students have ebeen working on this program, directed by music teacher William The East Tennessee Catholic

Lovelace, for several weeks in their music classes.

SJS will also host Family Faith Night for its school families Wednesday, Dec. 19. Advent activities, hot chocolate and goodies will be followed by Christmas caroling, said Principal Sister Mary Elizabeth Ann McCullough, RSM. St. John Neumann School St. John Neumann School, 625 St. John Court, Farragut, will present The Christmas Shoe Tree at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the school.

The musical was created by Jeff Slaughter.

The children at SJNS will sponsor a Christmas Stocking Collection and collect gently used and new shoes to be donated to Soles4Souls.

St. Mary School, Oak Ridge In the neighboring city of Oak Ridge, St. Mary School, 323 Vermont Ave., will host an annual Family Advent Mass on Thursday, Dec. 20. Bishop Richard F. Stika will be the main celebrant. The Mass will feature a prelude of Advent choral music performed by the students and directed by Carol Villaverde, music teacher at St. Mary.

Students at St. Mary will be hard at work this season participating in one of three service projects: the Giving Tree/Crazy Quilt Friendship Center, Family Adoption, or the orchestra and ensemble performance at Briarcliff Health Care Center.

Notre Dame High School In Chattanooga, Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave., will bring in the Christmas season with its Christmas Band Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the school.

Notre Dame High School students will be collecting canned goods for

Christmas continued on page 24

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The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

855-842-8001 | 508-340-9370 Carmela A. Dupuis, Executive Director December 2, 2012 21

Living the readings

Weekday Readings Sunday, Dec. 2: First Sunday of Advent, Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12–4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Monday, Dec. 3: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday, Dec. 4: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday, Dec. 5: Isaiah 25:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 15:29-37 Thursday, Dec. 6: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Friday, Dec. 7: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31 Saturday, Dec. 8: Solemnity, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Genesis 3:915, 20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38 Sunday, Dec. 9: Second Sunday of Advent, Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:16; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6 Monday, Dec. 10: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26 Tuesday, Dec. 11: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13; Matthew 18:12-14 Wednesday, Dec. 12: Zechariah 2:14-17; Judith 13:18-19; Luke 1:26-38 Thursday, Dec. 13: Isaiah 41:1320; Psalm 145:1, 9-13; Matthew 11:11-15 Friday, Dec. 14: Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Matthew 11:16-19 Saturday, Dec. 15: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:9-13 Sunday, Dec. 16: Third Sunday of Advent, Zephaniah 3:14-18; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18 Monday, Dec. 17: Genesis 49:2, Readings continued on page 23

22 December 2, 2012

by Father Joseph Brando

A joyful feast for the soul

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By praising God, we can develop Christmas joy

ecember is not only the first month of the liturgical year; it’s also the busiest. There are seven Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation in the month. To boot, Christmas has four entirely distinct Masses each with its own set of readings. That brings us to a total of 30 Scripture readings, each of which makes important statements about how to live. Taken together, they establish a unified theme for the coming year. And, that theme is joy.

There is no way to do justice to the plentiful array of readings short of a book-length exposition. All that can be attempted in this article is a condensed synopsis providing a quick taste of what the Church offers us for our annual Advent/ Christmas festival. For the full impact, purchase a Sunday Missal and feast on these Scriptures.

Although the feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated six days after the first Sunday of Advent, we’ll treat it first because it takes us back to the beginning of salvation history from which we can start off on the road to Christmas.

Before Adam and Eve were evicted from Eden, God announced the importance of Mary. She is the woman promised to our first parents. She will give birth to a Savior who is destined to crush the head of the evil serpent. Therefore, she was always in God’s mind as the one exception to the otherwise universal rule that all humans are born with original sin. Only through Mary’s acceptance of her role as Mother of the Lord can humans get back in relationship with God. This is what the angel Gabriel meant when he said Mary was “full of grace.”

Our Lady’s response to the angel indicated beyond doubt that she

was alive in God’s life. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

If the scene of the Annunciation makes a good Christmas card cover, the words from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians give us the perfect message for the inside: “Our attitude should be the same as Christ’s.” If we strive to share Christ’s attitude, we can become holy as Mary was. In fact, we exist to praise God’s glory; and, by praising God, we develop Christmas joy. Thus, December’s theme begins.

Now, we can look into the four Sundays of Advent in order. One after the other, they teach us how to live as a sign of Christmas joy.

On the first Sunday, the Old Testament reading predicts the coming of a “shoot of David,” who is a mighty deliverer who will return Israel to the days of King David when there was nothing to fear. He also would be known as “the Lord of Justice.” In the second reading, Paul teaches the Thessalonians how to live now that the prophecy has come to place. “May you abound in love.” Simply, we should please God in our conduct. Christmas joy makes that easy.

What is not easy is the “day of the Lord.” What sort of behavior should we display on the last day when the Lord comes for the final judgment? Luke presents a surprising answer in the Gospel reading.

Using an apocalyptic style, Luke paints a scene in which the world is filled mostly with frightened people. They are simply not ready.

Then, Luke tells us that we can be ready if we eliminate three things from our lives: excessive drinking, carousing, and worrying. At first reading, it seems as if “worry”

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doesn’t fit with the other two evils.

However, realize that carousing and drunkenness are often coping mechanisms for anxieties. Anxiety renders us unable to welcome Christ’s second coming, thereby causing us to lose hope. So, our spiritual goal for Advent is to eliminate worry and become joyous.

The Second Sunday of Advent starts out with the prophet Baruch telling all Jerusalem exactly what Jesus told us the previous Sunday: “Put on the splendor of glory.”

We are supposed to be a people of peace based on justice. The same process that leads us to peace brings us joy as well. Paul considers his life an example of this attitude. He writes to the Philippians about the joy he gained when they accepted the Gospel and became partners with him. Then, in the Gospel, Luke introduces us to John the Baptist.

His entire lifetime was spent encouraging people to repent. When people repented, it meant they began seeing the world differently and, thereby, developed a new attitude. The world now is filled with the presence of God, who transforms this world with his justice. In the process, sins are forgiven and we all become brothers and sisters.

John brought this joy to the folks who listened to him and were baptized into this new attitude. When we meet the Lord, John’s theology seems to say, we become truly happy.

The Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, makes it mandatory that we rejoice. Zephaniah, the Old Testament prophet, gives us another reason for becoming happy people. God, he proclaimed, has removed the judgment against his people. The suffering of Jews in Babylon is about to be over. We must rejoice because our penalty has been paid. We can go home in peace and know that God is rejoicing with us. Paul applies that message to Christians. We, too, must rejoice always because the peace dioknox.org

of God is guarding our hearts. One might ask what we need to do to maintain this constant state of joy.

The Baptist answers that question in the Gospel. Many a mother with more than one child has the same answer for her children. The simple answer is “share.” John told the people who came to him with anxiety that they should share their clothing and food with those who are in need. That brings happiness and makes us ready for when “the one mightier than me” comes.

The Fourth (and last) Sunday of Advent presents more reasons for us to become joyful. The prophet Micah, in telling us the Savior is to be born in Bethlehem, informs us as well that we will rejoice at our kindred returning. That is, the world will be coming back together and the Lord will come in strength and majesty. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews informs us that the joy we receive comes from doing God’s will. When everyone strives mutually to do His Will, the result is that all are satisfied and we come to enjoy each other. Hence, there is peace. When Elizabeth and Mary compared their lives, in the Gospel they found that same joy the Epistle spoke of. That joy was made manifest at John the Baptist’s jumping for joy in Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth, in turn, handed the joy on to Mary when she reminded her that her response to the angel was an act of faith and the acceptance of a great sacrifice that keeps the joy around.

Yes, sacrifice can produce joy when we are following God’s will.

Now, we get to Christmas. Let’s look quickly through all four of the Christmas Masses to find more reasons to have joy. We begin with the Vigil Mass where, immediately, Isaiah tells us that God is taking delight in us. Interestingly, he describes God’s love as that romantic love of a groom for his new bride.

God’s love touches our hearts with excitement. Then, Paul preaches in Antioch that we should rejoice The East Tennessee Catholic

Heartfelt compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and thankfulness. ... These are the priceless presents that make Christmas joy stay in our hearts and voices. because God’s promise finally has been fulfilled. The Gospel counts the many generations it took before God’s promise came to place. Finally, this is the time of fulfillment.

Let us rejoice in it!

Midnight Mass begins with Isaiah giving us yet another reason for Christmas joy. The light has come into the world. Before Jesus, the whole world was in darkness. Then Paul tells us in Christian terms that the grace of God has now appeared to us. The Christmas midnight Gospel relates the events that happened in Bethlehem whereby divine light entered our world starting with the story of the angels appearing to shepherds. Heaven and earth are closing in on each other for yet another reason to have joy. If we can’t sing for joy ourselves God sends us “a multitude of the heavenly host” to lead us as they did the shepherds. The reasons for singing increase.

The Mass at dawn gives us a more mundane reason for rejoicing. According to Isaiah, we get a reward. We receive an alternate way of recognizing Jesus. He appears as God’s reward to us. Paul, in the second reading, calls Jesus the mercy of God richly poured out on us, giving us hope. What a cause of happiness! In the Gospel we learn of Mary’s reaction to the shepherds’ story. Mary interiorized all the details. Her joy went deep within her heart where she could treasure them and bring them out again and again. This kind of joy keeps on growing.

The Gospel for the Mass during Christmas Day features the famous prologue to the Gospel according to John. In Jesus, God gave the world

light and life and meaning. He gave it so gently that many never got to know or accept him. That’s the key.

To be truly happy we need to accept Christ. Those who do, receive power. That’s another reason to rejoice.

We can receive God’s glory. We also receive the power to become children of God, that is, we can live forever in God. The second reading, from Hebrews, explains glory. We can experience in Christ “the very imprint of his being.” We become higher than the angels. So we receive yet another reason to sing for joy this Christmas.

If you thought that was the end of December, you’d be wrong. The month still has room for one more Sunday, the feast of the Holy Family. Consider it the crown on the head of the king. It tells us that we have a blessing that allows all the joy of Christmas to remain for our whole lives. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived as a family. They shared their memories and sacrificed for one another. In doing so, they made life a joy every day. We know that isn’t easy. So, the Church gives us one final Sunday in a month of joys to tell us how this joy can be maintained. First off, it happens in a family. The wise Sirach advises that there should be authority in the home. This authority doesn’t come from competence but from respect.

Even when a father becomes senile, he deserves respect if happiness is to continue. Paul piles on a number of family virtues that will make our joy remain. They are: heartfelt compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and thankfulness. These are the gifts we should have on our Christmas lists. These are the priceless presents that make Christmas joy stay in our hearts and voices throughout the years.

May this Christmas bring you such joy that it stays around to make the New Year even happier. n

Readings continued from page 22 8-10; Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17: Matthew 1:1-17

Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

Monday, Dec. 31: 1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13; John 1:1-18 n

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

Tuesday, Dec. 18: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1:18-25 Wednesday, Dec. 19: Judges 13:27, 24-25; Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17; Luke 1:5-25 Thursday, Dec. 20: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 1:26-38 Friday, Dec. 21: Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Luke 1:39-45 Saturday, Dec. 22: 1 Samuel 1:2428; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8; Luke 1:46-56 Sunday, Dec. 23: Fourth Sunday of Advent, Micah 5:1-4; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45 Monday, Dec. 24: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29; Luke 1:67-79; Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord, Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 89:45, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 2225; Matthew 1:1-25 Tuesday, Dec. 25: Solemnity, the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), (midnight) Isaiah 9:1-6; Psalm 96:13, 11-13; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14; (dawn) Isaiah 62:11-12; Psalm 97:1, 6, 11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20; (day) Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18 Wednesday, Dec. 26: Acts 6:8-10 and 7:54-59; Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 1617; Matthew 10:17-22 Thursday, Dec. 27: 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20:1-8 Friday, Dec. 28: 1 John 1:5–2:2; Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 2:13-18 Saturday, Dec. 29: 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6; Luke 2:22-35 Sunday, Dec. 30: Sirach 3:2-6, 1214; Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:1221; Luke 2:41-52

December 2, 2012 23

Advent penance services scheduled Here is a list of remaining Advent penance services around the Diocese of Knoxville: Chattanooga Deanery 7 p.m. EST, except as noted.

Dec. 5—St. Bridget, Dayton, 6:30 p.m.; Holy Spirit, SoddyDaisy; Dec. 6—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland; Dec. 10—St. Jude, Chattanooga; Dec. 11— Our Lady of Lourdes, South Pittsburg, 6:30 p.m. CST; St. Augustine, Signal Mountain; Dec. 13—Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chattanooga; Dec. 14— St. Mary, Athens; Dec. 18— Shepherd of the Valley, Dunlap, 6:30 p.m. CST; St. Stephen, Chattanooga; Dec. 20—Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga, 5:30 p.m.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery 7 p.m. EST, except as noted.

Dec. 1—St. Christopher, Jamestown, 6 p.m. CST; Dec. 3—St. Joseph, Norris, and St. Therese, Clinton, at St. Therese; Dec. 5—St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade, 6 p.m. CST; Dec. 10—All Saints, Knoxville; Dec. 11—St. John Neumann, Farragut; Dec. 12—Blessed Sacrament, Harriman; Christ the King, Tazewell; Dec. 14—St. Mary, Oak Ridge; Dec. 17—St. Alphonsus, Crossville, 6 p.m. CST; St. Ann, Lancing; Dec. 18—St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City; Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Maynardville Five Rivers Deanery 7 p.m., except as noted. Dec. 4—St. Mary, Johnson City; Dec. 10—Good Shepherd, Newport; Dec. 11—Notre Dame, Greeneville; Dec. 13—St. Patrick, Morristown; Dec. 16—Blessed John Paul II, Rutledge (Spanish), 6 p.m.; Dec. 17—Blessed

Penance continued on page 25

24 December 2, 2012

Marriage enrichment

by Marian Christiana

Learning to let go is a difficult lesson Mary set the example in loving her child with an open hand, allowing Jesus the freedom to grow

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earning to let go can be a challenge for all of us, especially when it comes to our children.

Years ago, when our children were young and starting school, I asked my older brother to share his secret of letting his children go since they were getting older. He opened his hand, palm up.

He said that his children can fly away but the hand always is open for them. They know that there always is a safe place to land. He contrasted that image with a closed fist and talked about how this image would cause the children to struggle trying to be free and independent and there would be no safe place for them to land when they wanted to return.

I knew then that I wanted to love my children with an open hand, palm up, even if it wouldn’t always be easy to do so. Luckily, my husband agreed to do the same.

Our youngest child, Marie, graduates from college this month, giving us another opportunity to practice loving with an open hand.

Marie has been very gracious in sharing her college experiences with my husband and me.

We have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about her adventures and watching her blossom into a beautiful, confident young woman. We

have followed University of Tennessee-Knoxville sports with her, celebrated with her as she found her place at the Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center on campus, and dropped her off as she fulfilled a childhood dream of being a Disney World intern.

Christmas continued from page 21

at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at St. Jude Church. Students from the first and second grades will perform.

Dec. 20, at the school. According to OLPH music teacher Angie Carson, the program is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in song.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, 505 S. Moore Road, Chattanooga, will perform its Christmas program, Peace on Earth, at 7 p.m. Thursday,

St. Dominic School In Kingsport, St. Dominic School, 1474 E. Center St., will present its annual Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, in the school gym. n

the Chattanooga Food Bank and monetary donations for the Ladies of Charity. They will also have an Angel Tree with names from the Clifton Hills Head Start program.

St. Jude School An annual Christmas Pageant will be presented by St. Jude School, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga,

It is hard to let her go when we know that if she does move away all three of our children will have stepped off of our open palms.

Marie has had the “benefit” of having all of our “undivided” attention. Our older two children graduated from UT-Knoxville and have since moved to other parts of the country. Marie has politely listened as we shared our wisdom— over and over again.

Graduating from college can be stressful but Marie has had the added pressure of being our last child to live in East Tennessee. We want her to follow her passions wherever they may take her, but it is hard to let her go when we know that if she does move away all three of our children will have stepped off of our open palms.

Loving with an open palm takes practice and intent. Children give us ample opportunity to implement this concept.

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My husband and I are not perfect at it by any means but we try to show how much we love our children by allowing them to become the people God intended them to be. Letting go can be particularly difficult, and when it is and if we are feeling stressed, we can always turn to our Blessed Mother, Mary, for inspiration and example.

At the Annunciation, Mary responded with, “Thy will be done.”

This is a perfect example of being open to what God intended for her, and an indication of her personality and how she would eventually deal with her son. Mary had many more opportunities to practice “Thy will be done,” or loving with an open hand, palm up throughout the life of Jesus.

When Jesus began his public ministry, it represented a time when Mary loved him enough to let him go.

During this Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and enter into a new year, let us follow Mary’s example and love our children with an open hand, palm up, so they have an opportunity to become those special people God intended them to be. n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

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Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

Penance continued from page 24

Mystagogical catechesis: baptism

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‘Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people’

n Sacrament of Charity, Pope Benedict reminds us that Christian formation centers “on a vital and convincing encounter with Christ” that “gains depth through catechesis and finds its source and summit in the celebration of the Eucharist” (64).

As I noted in last month’s column, the pope recommends a mystagogical (“leading into the mystery”) catechesis that respects three elements. First, it interprets the sacramental rite in the light of salvation history. Second, it presents the meaning of the signs within the rite. And third, it explains how the sacrament touches every aspect of one’s life.

This month I would like to present a mystagogical catechesis of the sacrament of baptism. Let’s begin with a summary of the theology of baptism as it appears in The General Introduction to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: “Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.

Hence we are called and are indeed the children of God” (RCIA, 2).

The first element of a mystagogical catechesis interprets the rite in the light of salvation history. The blessing of baptismal water situates baptism within God’s saving acts in the Old Testament. The blessing begins with a concise summary of the sacramental principle: “O God, who by invisible power accomplish a wondrous effect through sacramental signs.” God always mediates his presence to us through signs, such as how he appeared to Moses in the burning bush.

The blessing next recalls how God’s Spirit hovered over the waters at creation “so that the very substance of water would even then take to itself The East Tennessee Catholic

the power to sanctify.” It next recalls the flood, which illustrates how “from the mystery of one and the same element of water would come an end to vice and a beginning of virtue.”

Finally, it cites Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt, “dry-shod through the Red Sea, so that the chosen people, set free from slavery to Pharaoh, would prefigure the people of the baptized.”

Thus Creation, the Flood and the Exodus prefigure in diverse yet complementary ways what God now accomplishes in Baptism: a new creation, the beginning of the life of grace, and freedom from the slavery of sin.

The second element of a mystagogical catechesis is a presentation of the meaning of the sacramental signs. For reasons of space, I will consider only one sign—the white garment with which the newly baptized is clothed.

The Church fathers developed a rich theology for this simple sign. Theodore of Mopsuestia (died 428) saw it as a sign of incorruptibility: “you are clad in a vestment that is all radiant.

This is the sign of that shining world, of that kind of life to which you have already come by means of symbols.”

For St. Gregory of Nyssa (c. 395), it recalled the restoration of grace lost by the Fall: “You have driven us out of Paradise and called us back; you have taken away the fig-leaves, that garment of our misery, and clad us once more with a robe of glory.” He also related it to the Transfiguration, “the tunic of the Lord, shining like the sun, which clothed Him with purity and incorruptibility when He went up on the Mount of the Transfiguration.” The white garment symbolized Adam’s state in Paradise; restoration of grace by Christ; and a prefiguration of our future glory.

Finally, a mystagogical catechesis explains how the sacrament touches and affects every aspect of our life.

Baptism makes us “sharers in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and royal office” in the manner appropriate to each of us, calling us “to exercise the mission that God has entrusted to the Church to fulfill in the world, in accord with the condition proper to each one” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.

871). By making us sharers in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and royal office, baptism confers both responsibilities and rights. It commits us to serve others “in the communion of the Church, and to give the Church’s leaders respect and obedience with affection” (CCC, 1269). In order to fulfill these responsibilities, it also grants us certain rights: “to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church” (CCC, 1269).

In short, it calls us to “always walk in newness of life” (Collect, Mass for Conferral of Baptism).

A mystagogical catechesis that follows the structure proposed by Pope Benedict XVI unfolds the richness and power of the sacrament of baptism.

It teaches us that baptism is rooted in the power of Creation itself. The sign of the white garment recalls Paradise, the Transfiguration, our restoration in Christ, and the glory that awaits us. Finally, baptism calls us to communion with and participation in the redemptive work of a loving God. The Prayer after Communion from the Mass for the Conferral of Baptism beautifully expresses the comprehensive transformation of baptism: Grant, O Lord, that by the power of this Sacrament we, who have proclaimed in celebration the glorious mystery of your Son’s Death and Resurrection, may also profess it by our manner of life.” n Father Randy Stice is director of the Office of Worship and Liturgy. He may be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

John Paul II, Rutledge (English), 6:30 p.m.; St. Dominic, Kingsport; Dec. 18—St. Michael the Archangel, Erwin; Dec. 19—Holy Trinity, Jefferson City; Dec. 20— St. Henry, Rogersville Smoky Mountain Deanery 7 p.m. Dec. 3—St. Albert the Great, Knoxville; Dec. 6—Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa; Dec. 10—Holy Ghost, Knoxville, and Immaculate Conception, Knoxville, at Holy Ghost; Dec. 11— Sacred Heart Cathedral; Dec. 13—Holy Family, Seymour; Dec. 17—St. Mary, Gatlinburg; Dec. 19—St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville n

New Knights council begun at St. Joseph the Worker Parish A small seed planted by St. Joseph the Worker pastor Father P. J. McGinnity has grown to be a very large tree with the establishment of a full council of the Knights of Columbus at the Madisonville parish. The council is known as Blessed John Paul II Council 15585.

It all started with Father McGinnity expressing his vision for the parish, which included a Knights council among other items. Its success is largely due to Ed Harless, who became a Knight recently at Council 12633 at St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City and who brought his skills of leadership, organization, and planning to bear at St. Joseph the Worker. He soon began discussions with Father McGinnity on how to make his vision a reality.

A preliminary planning meeting was scheduled with Mike Wills, state deputy, and Jerry Dougherty, district deputy, on Dec. 5, 2011, during which they

Knights continued on page 26 December 2, 2012 25

Once upon a time

Knights continued from page 25

suggested that a Parish Round Table be established at St. Joseph the Worker and sponsored by Council 12633. They explained that once the Round Table had grown to 30 members, an application for a full council could be made. A goal of 18 months was established to achieve the 30 members.

Mr. Harless got the ball rolling and quickly formed a small planning team of parishioners Jim Parmelee, Dr. Dan Callan, and Terry Chmel, who were already Knights, and the Round Table came into being in January 2012. A plan was developed that focused on recruiting new members, and by April 2012, 20 new members had been successfully recruited. The new Knights soon became involved in community efforts, raising $800 for the MR drive and also becoming involved in lawn care, with other councils, at the diocese’s newly acquired Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton.

Six months after the Round Table had been established and working, Bishop Richard F. Stika transferred his membership to become the 30th member, which qualified the Round Table to become a council. The Round Table at St. Joseph the Worker had 40 members when the council’s application was submitted to the head office in October.

The newly installed officers for the council are Ed Harless, Grand Knight; Dan Russell, deputy Grand Knight; Gerry Schlueter, chancellor; Chase Nipper, recorder; Jim Alexsa, financial secretary; Richard Smith, treasurer; Father P. J. McGinnity, chaplain; Ron Catton, lector; Terry Chmel, advocate; Denis Wilson, warden; Joe Lannutti, inside guard; Richard Gaston, outside guard; and Jim Parmelee, Dr. Dan Callan, and Frank Urban, trustees. n

26 December 2, 2012

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

A special glory of its own

T

East Tennessee Catholics are invested in The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

he Holy Land is called Holy because so many, many holy things happened there. Abraham would have sacrificed his son, Isaac, there (Mount Moriah). Three temples were erected there (Solomon’s was the first and finest). Holy people lived and taught there. The prophets gave us religious literature that is valuable to people of good will even to this day. The Second Person of God’s Most Holy Trinity deigned to assume human nature there. The Annunciation happened in Nazareth and the Nativity of the God-man took place in Bethlehem just a few years over two millennia ago.

Yet with all these holy things going on through the years, the holy land has been a place of fighting, hardship, famine, political upheaval, yea, even war throughout most of this time. The resumption of fighting just a few weeks ago is a sad commentary about how the Land of Our Lord is to this day a war zone instead of a place where all men can truly see the leadership of the Prince of Peace.

As with most historical probes, we do not go back very far until we see the Holy Land worked over by friends and foes alike. The land, nearly personified by prophets and kings alike, has been the location of many efforts to maintain the holy places, especially Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem. Holy wars to “take back” from control of the Muslims have been fought again and again. One of the most unusual examples of such efforts were the Crusades, some

sponsored even by saints, a European effort to make pilgrimages back to holy places of Christian origins. In a sense all of them failed, but each also had some good features. The phenomenon called knighthood made its contribution, and since there is still some connection between our bishop and his Diocese of Knoxville, I offer these lines about The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem: Of all the ancient orders—military, equestrian and religious—none has had a more glorious history than The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. It has had a special glory of its own, the honor and distinction of having been chosen to guard the most precious jewel not only of the Latin Kingdom but of the whole of Christendom, the Tomb of Christ. The Order of the Holy Sepulchre goes back to the first Knights that were established by Godfrey de Bouillon around the Sepulchre of Our Lord as a guard of honor immediately after the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099.

They were approved as an Order in a Bull Approbation by Pope Pascal II in February 1113.

With the fall of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre were driven out of Palestine. They then went to Italy and lived the lives of religious Knights, maintaining a religious rule of life with all its duties. Priories and monasteries of the order were established in France, Spain, Poland, Belgium and Italy.

Pope Celestine gave the oratory of St.

Egidio in the Vatican, Feb. 11, 1144, as their principal or capitol chapel.

During the long vacancy of the Latin Patriarchate, nearly 400 years, the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land was the rector of the Order. With the restoration to the Patriarchate, in 1847, the reigning pontiff, Pius IX, restored the rectorate to the patriarch and set up the four classes of Knighthood in the order: Knight of the Grand Cross, Grand Officer with Star, Knight Commander and Knight.

Now for the connection between Knoxville and the order: Our bishop is a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and attended in Washington, D.C., the annual investiture of members of the Knoxville Diocese at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on Oct. 26 and 27. Invested this year were Deacon and Mrs. Sean Smith, Dr. and Mrs. Antoin Mardini, and yours truly. Rev. Monsignor Al Humbrecht was advanced in the order as was Lady Sharon Folk of Notre Dame Parish, Greeneville. Father John Milewski is the only other Diocese of Knoxville priest who is a Knight, and he belongs to a lieutenancy in the northwest United States. The names of the other members of the order who live in our diocese are found on page 7 of this issue. Again, since the Holy Places are in danger zones, please pray for the safety of the entire region. n Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville.

RESERVE THE DATE! Diocese of Knoxville’s 25th Anniversary Jubilee Kickoff Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 Eucharistic Congress Keynote speaker: Timothy Cardinal Dolan The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Our priests

Father Owens learns that God sets all schedules By Margaret Hunt

F

ather Doug Owens is the associate pastor at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. He was ordained at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on May 28, 2011, by Bishop Richard F. Stika.

He is the older of two children born to Nadene Owens and the late Harse Owens in London, Ky. Prior to his ordination, Father Owens worked in hotel management and the restaurant business and later held sales and marketing positions for Schlage, Shaw Industries, and Edge Flooring.

Father Owens is a convert to Catholicism, having previously been a Baptist and then a Presbyterian before entering the Church at the Easter Vigil in 2004. He enjoys running in his spare time.

What has it been like being a priest since your ordination? Is it everything you thought it would be?

It’s everything and more. They prepare you for it in seminary and so there haven’t been too many surprises. I still feel like I’ve got my training wheels on, but as time goes on I get more and more comfortable with the basic things. As with anything new for the first year, at least with me, I’m always asking a lot of questions and eventually the questions become less and less.

What has surprised you about your life as a priest?

I spent 40 years living on my own, then I went into the seminary, and then it took a couple of years to get used to the seminary. When I got out I realized, wow, I really like structure! [In the seminary] it’s easy to find time to pray, to exercise, to segment your day, and it’s a doubleedged sword once you get out. They

The East Tennessee Catholic

Father Doug Owens

tell you this in seminary that it’s going to be different. Your days will not always be the same. Things will happen that throw off the routine.

Having to find another routine that works, that keeps me spiritually, physically, and mentally healthy has been a challenge. So I’m trying to figure out how to make time for things. That’s the biggest thing.

How have you managed this challenge?

It’s a lot of trial and error. What I used to do in the seminary was get up at four in the morning and go do my holy hour, then go run, then by seven o’clock I had taken care of it.

If the day went crazy, I knew that I’d be fine. I tried to do that here and I can’t go to bed at 8:30 or 9 o’clock at night because there’s stuff going on.

I’ve had to figure out how to try and prioritize prayer, work and exercise and I try to do them during the day because early mornings weren’t working out.

Father Owens continued on page 28

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December 2, 2012 27

Nativity continued from page 7

happened, admittedly interpreted and understood in the context of the word of God.” The pope calls the virgin birth and the resurrection “cornerstones” of Christian faith, since they show God acting directly and decisively in the material world.

“These two moments are a scandal

to the modern spirit,” which expects and allows God to act only in ideas, thoughts and the spiritual world, not the material, he writes. Yet it is not illogical or irrational to suppose that God possesses creative powers and power over matter, otherwise “then he is simply not God.”

Pope Benedict examines the political context of the time of Jesus’ birth, which featured both the so-called “Pax Romana” — the widespread peace brought by the Roman ruler Caesar Augustus—and King Herod’s thirst for power, which led to the slaughter of the innocents. n

Father Owens continued from page 27

the vocation director at the time, “Pete, what if I don’t sell my house, can you guys give me a bridge loan or something,” totally thinking of this like it was a job transfer by a large company. He said no, because it will all work out. I was thinking, man, you’ve got to quit saying that, but it did. I’ve been blessed. How the Holy Spirit has moved has made all the difference for me.

an emergency and wasn’t able to be there for first Holy Communion and I got to do that. It was amazing. If everybody could see the look on those kids’ faces as they got to receive the body and blood, soul and divinity, of our Lord for the first time; it was worth it all. As grownups and especially in our society and culture, we’re not used to having to delay gratification. If we want to do something, we generally can do it. These children have been seeing their moms and dads, classmates, and brothers and sisters going up and receiving Communion for a long time and they’ve never been able to do it. The fact that you get to walk

through this with them and talk to them about it and see that they’re so excited to receive Jesus—that’s been pretty much the high point I think.

Transfiguration and Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection In his new book, the pope argues that Matthew and Luke, in their Gospel accounts, set out to “write history, real history that had actually

What would you say to a young person who thought they had a vocation to the priesthood?

Whenever I talk to anybody about it, I tell them nobody can tell them to do it because they want you to do it.

I think a lot of people get into that.

You’ve got to trust the Holy Spirit, and you’ve got to pray, and you’ve got to be open to it. When I started the process I was worried about selling my house, getting out of debt, my car, all those things that used to drive me crazy—earthly things.

When I look at that now, how did all this stuff get sorted out? I remember asking Father Peter Iorio, who was

28 December 2, 2012

What is it like and what have you enjoyed most about being an associate pastor at your parish?

The best thing I was able to do was last year when Monsignor [Patrick] Garrity was called out of town for

What are you looking forward to in your future as a priest?

I love Christ, I love the Church, and when people see that, then they can understand that you can be a Christian, that you can live a good life, that you can be a good Catholic, and be happy. So I just want to continue to learn and continue to do God’s work the best that I can and to be a docile instrument for his work to continue to establish the kingdom of heaven here on Earth. n

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