June 7, 2009, ET Catholic by Diocese of Knoxville

CNS/GIAMPIERO SPOSITO, REUTERS

The pope at Pentecost Pope Benedict XVI gives a blessing during Pentecost Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on May 31. The pope said that just as the body is threatened by polluted air, the soul is threatened by images and ideas that glorify violence or the exploitation of others.

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 18 • Number 19 • June 7, 2009

The

N E W S PA P E R

of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E

CNS/COURTESY OF ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

www.d ioces eof kn ox ville.or g

MR. AMBASSADOR?

Miguel Diaz, a prominent Catholic theologian and professor, has been nominated as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

Theologian Diaz nominated for Vatican post

Father Charlie Burton

Father Joe Brando

Father Mike Nolan

Father Eric Andrews, CSP

New assignments for 24 clergy A retirement and the moves of several longtime pastors will bring new faces to many parishes. By Dan McWilliams

B Y PATR I CI A ZAPOR

WASHINGTON (CNS)—President Barack Obama has nominated prominent Catholic theologian Miguel Diaz to become ambassador to the Vatican. In a May 27 statement the White House announced Diaz’s nomination, along with nominees for ambassadors to the United Kingdom, France, Japan, India, and several other countries. Diaz, 45, is a professor of theology at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, both in Collegeville, Minn. He is a board member of the Catholic Theological Society of America and former president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States. His wife, Marian, is an adjunct instructor at St. Benedict and St. John’s. Diaz served as a member of Obama’s Catholic advisory team during the campaign and was a regular campaign spokesman on Obama’s behalf, particularly in the Spanish-language press.

wo veteran priests with more than a decade as pastor at their current parish will begin leading new flocks this summer, and a third will retire from active ministry. Those were among the numerous assignment changes announced by Bishop Richard F. Stika on May 20. The reassignments involve 23 priests and will bring new faces to 15 parishes, both diocesan high schools, and one diocesan office. Three priests will become pastors for the first time. All changes, unless noted below, take effect Aug. 1. A 24th priest, Father Eric Andrews, CSP, pastor of John XXIII in Knoxville, has been reassigned by the Paulists. He has been appointed president of Paulist Productions in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and his service in the diocese will end June 30. Bishop Stika in his

memo announcing the diocesan assignment changes “expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Diocese of Knoxville” to Father Andrews, who has been the John XXIII pastor since 2000. “Father Eric’s leadership these past nine years in the Diocese of Knoxville has been a tremendous blessing to the faithful he has pastored, the University [of Tennessee] students whom he has served, and his brother priests who have enjoyed working together with him,” the bishop said. “Father Eric knows he always has a home in the Diocese of Knoxville, and we hope we will see him again.” (Watch for a story on Father Andrews in an upcoming issue.) In the near future Bishop Stika expects to receive word from the Paulist Fathers regarding Father Andrews’s successor, who will

then be given faculties in the Diocese of Knoxville. Father Charlie Burton has been pastor of St. Dominic in Kingsport since 1995 but will assume the same role at St. Jude in Chattanooga this summer. Father Burton was ordained a priest at St. Jude in 1980 and served in the parish as a seminarian. St. Jude’s pastor of four years, Father Joe Brando, is retiring from active ministry effective July 1 and will serve as parochial administrator of St. Jude through July 31. His ETC column of 14 years, “Living the readings,” will continue. The new pastor of St. Dominic will be Father Mike Nolan, who has been pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga since 1997 and dean of the Chattanooga Deanery since 2005. A priest of 21 1/2 years, Father Nolan will serve outside the deanery for the first time.

Father Jim Vick of St. Mary in Athens will follow Father Nolan as OLPH pastor. He has led the Athens parish for two years. Father George Schmidt of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga will become a dean for the first time as he succeeds Father Nolan in that role. Father William Oruko, AJ, the associate pastor of St. Mary in Oak Ridge since 2006, will assume his first pastorate at St. Mary in Athens. His place in the Oak Ridge parish will be filled by Deacon Jorge Cano following his priestly ordination June 13 in Pereira, Colombia. Deacon Cano’s appointment is effective July 1. Father David Boettner, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City since 2002 and moderator of the curia since early last year, will be able to serve full time as moderator. He will

Father Jim Vick

Father George Schmidt

Father William Oruko

Deacon Jorge Cano

Father David Boettner

Father Christian Mathis

Father Tony Dickerson

Father Michael Woods

Assignments continued on page 6

Diaz continued on page 2

Want to try online delivery? he East Tennessee Catholic is offering online delivery for those who would prefer to read a digital copy and to discontinue the print edition. If you would rather read the ETC online, visit snipr.com/onlineETC to sign up. If you have questions, call 865584-3307 or e-mail mary@diocese ofknoxville.org. ■

letters to the

EDITOR

The rubrics don’t ask us to ‘hold hands’

Right or wrong, I once read that it takes 15 seconds for a germ to move onto something, like one hand to another. Normally a handshake does not take 15 seconds. Holding hands during the Our Father does. The rubrics of the Mass tell us what to do. The rubrics tell us that the sign of peace is to be given, and this can be a handshake or some other sign. The rubrics do not tell us to hold hands during the Our Father, and we should not be doing it. Why? Because the rubrics do not tell us to, not to mention the germs. I have long suspected that holding hands is one of those things that got started during the age of silliness. Yes, I will still hold hands. I still say Ginger Hutton is your best writer. ■ —Joe Schaad Rutledge We welcome letters to the editor and carefully consider all submissions. Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail, mail, or fax: mary@dioceseofknoxville.org, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127, 865-5848124. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.

Jobs open at cathedral, school acred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville seeks a facilities administrator. To learn more or download a job description, visit www.shcathedral. org/job.htm. Resume, references, and salary history must be submitted to job@shcathedral.org by June 5. No phone calls, please.

SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL SCHOOL IN KNOXVILLE SEEKS

a guidance counselor, a middle-school teacher, and a teaching assistant for the 2009-10 academic year. Middle school teaching candidates must be certified and must hold a current Tennessee teaching license. Applicants for the guidance counselor’s position must meet state certification requirements; candidates who speak both English and Spanish are preferred. Benefits are excellent, and opportunities for extracurricular involvement are included. Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to Sedonna Prater, Principal, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, 711 Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919, or to metzm@shcschool.org. ■

Take note of ETC deadlines e welcome submissions about parish and community events. Send notices by e-mail (mary@dioceseofknoxville.org), fax (865584-8124), or mail (P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939). To make sure we receive information about upcoming events in time for publication, please submit it by the following deadlines: ■ Monday, June 8, for the June 21 issue ■ Monday, June 29, for the July 12 issue ■ Monday, July 13, for the July 26 issue ■ Monday, July 27, for the Aug. 9 issue. When submitting photos or information about past events, please keep in mind that we have a backlog of submissions. ■

Child-protection training sessions he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth is based on training developed by Virtus and is offered regularly throughout the diocese. A three-hour seminar for adults, “Protecting God’s Children,” is required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and is recommended for parents and grandparents.

The following training sessions have been scheduled: ■ Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Monday, June 8 ■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 ■ St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16; 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 (sessions will be held in St. Ann’s Hall). To register, visit virtusonline.org. ■

Diocese of Knoxville procedure for reporting sexual abuse Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities first, then to the bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.

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JUNE 7, 2009

living the

READINGS

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

Live long and prosper God’s promise—actually a reward—is to be with us always.

Many still remember the part of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address that read, “Ask not what your country can do for you: ask what you can do for your country.” Today’s readings relate to God, not country. Yet they answer two important questions: what can you do for God and, delightfully, what can God do for you? Moses tells the chosen people what God has done and will continue to do for them. He brought them out of Egypt and made them a great nation. He ensures their prosperity and long life in their own land.

What they must do for God, on the other hand, is simply obey his commandments. In so doing, they show the world God’s goodness to them. Paul tells the Christians of Rome how God makes us his children. The Spirit adopts us. In effect, God becomes our Father and the Son our brother. Possessing divine life, we can live fearlessly. We can consider ourselves “heirs of God” and “joint heirs with Christ.” That’s what God can do for us. What we must do for God, Paul says, is suffer with Christ. Although the “suffer with Christ” part may seem a heavy price to pay, it is not as bad as it sounds. Suffering means to share in the salvific work of the second Person of the Trinity. He shared in our human

Sprinkled blood Jesus established a new covenant between God and us.

a treaty in M any the ancient Near East was sealed not with a ceremonial signing as it is today but with the sacrifice of animals and the sprinkling of their blood on the parties to the treaty. The blood represented the life force of the sacrificed animal. Those sprinkled became united in the one life of that creature. Each participant’s life now included the other. If one was harmed, the other would feel the danger and come to his aid. Otherwise, both would die as surely as the sacrificed animal. Even if the two parties had been enemies or

worse, if one had been defeated by the other, they still became one and dependant on each other. God used that wellknown practice to symbolize the relationship he desired to enter into with the people of Israel. The day after the people agreed to enter a covenant with the Lord, Moses set up one altar, representing God, and 12 pillars, representing the tribes of Israel. The highlight of the covenant ritual was the sprinkling of half of the blood of several bulls on the altar and half on the people. Symbolically, God and his people

life. As humans, we are invited to share in Jesus’ divine life. What a privilege to participate in saving the world! Matthew’s Gospel shows us what we are expected to do as co-workers with Christ in the salvation of the world. First, we need to make disciples of all nations. That is, we must speak out or act out our faith in God. Second, we need to baptize. That is, we are to immerse our new disciples in the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Third and last, we must teach them the Lord’s commands. Then there is a promise. Actually, it is a reward. It is what God does for us. He promises to be with us always. God will do for the world through us what he did for the Israelites through Moses. If we respond, all of us can enjoy a long life on earth and can prosper. ■ June 7, Trinity Sunday Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 Romans 8:14-17 Matthew 28:16-20

now share one life. The Passover Supper carries that symbolism further. Jesus used this symbolism at the Last Supper, and it continues at every Mass. The Seder calls for four ceremonial cups of wine. One represented the lamb’s blood with which the people of Israel marked their door lintels so they would be spared by the angels who were to slaughter the firstborn sons of every creature in Egypt. Jesus took this wine of salvation and told his disciples it was now the blood of a new covenant between God and us. By drinking of this cup, we and the Lamb of God become one. So too, Jesus took the unleavened bread of Passover and an-

nounced that it was his body. Eating that bread makes his disciples one with Jesus. We share in his life. We share in his death. Gloriously, we also share in his resurrection. Before this supper, human beings could not share in God’s eternal life. Now it is possible even for those who were ignorant of or defied the majesty of God. Now, as the author of the Letter to the Hebrews wrote, “those who are called may receive the promised eternal salvation.” ■ Father Brando is pastor of St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. June 14, Corpus Christi Exodus 24:3-8 Hebrews 9:11-15 Mark 20:12-16, 22-26

W E E KDAY RE ADINGS Monday, June 8: 2 Corinthians 1:17; Psalm 34:2-9; Matthew 5:1-12 Tuesday, June 9: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Psalm 119:129-133, 135; Matthew 5:13-16 Wednesday, June 10: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 5:1719 Thursday, June 11: Memorial, Barnabas, apostle, Acts 11:21-26 and 13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:2026 Friday, June 12: 2 Corinthians 4:7-

15; Psalm 116:10-11, 15-18; Matthew 5:27-32 Saturday, June 13: Memorial, Anthony of Padua, priest, doctor of the church, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Psalm 103:1-4, 8-12; Matthew 5:33-37 Monday, June 15: 2 Corinthians 6:110; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42 Tuesday, June 16: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Psalm 146:2, 5-9; Matthew 5:43-48 Wednesday, June 17: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-4, 9; Matthew

6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday, June 18: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8; Matthew 6:7-15 Friday, June 19: Solemnity, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9; Isaiah 12:2-6; Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19; John 19:31-37 Saturday, June 20: Memorial, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 34:8-13; Luke 2:41-51 ■

will continue the work of my predecessors and build upon 25 years of formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See. I wish to be a bridge between our nation and the Holy See.” A native of Havana, Diaz was praised as “a leading Hispanic

theologian in the United States,” by Benedictine Abbot John Klassen, chancellor of St. John’s University. In a comment e-mailed to CNS, Abbot Klassen said Diaz “is a skilled Trinitarian theolo-

Diaz continued from page 1

“I am very honored, grateful, and humbled that President Obama has nominated me to serve as ambassador to the Holy See,” said Diaz in a statement sent to Catholic News Service by the university. “If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, I

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W.

Diaz continued on page 3

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127 How to reach us:

Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioceseofknoxville.org • web: dioceseofknoxville.org The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in the United States. Make checks payable to the Diocese of Knoxville. www.dioceseofk noxville.org

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

he dwells

AMONG US

BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA

A busy June Trips to St. Louis, Colombia, San Antonio, and Rome fill the itinerary.

The last day of the school year can be a wonderful day in the life of a parish. It is hoped that the school year was successful and that the teachers and students can enjoy a brief respite from the daily grind of the school year. The end of the school year also marks a different feeling in the life of a parish priest. Parish life usually slows a bit in June and July and then begins to pick up in August. As you see from the front-page coverage in this issue, this summer also will be a time of transition for many of our priests as they say farewell to their current parish and make the move to new assignments. Such times are often filled with mixed emotions, as I experienced in my own transition from St. Louis to Knoxville in recent months. Leaving a parish family you have come to love and appreciate can be difficult, while at the same time there is excitement about a new parish community. So I ask that you continue to encourage and support our priests with your prayers and

the view from

HERE

appreciation this summer. I recently sat down and reviewed my summer schedule. It’s a bit different from previous summers. Beginning this first week of June I will be traveling quite a bit. First is the annual convocation of our priests along with the priests of the Diocese of Nashville. The convocation’s theme is devoted to liturgy. The week offers the opportunity for both ongoing formation and enjoying priestly fellowship. It also will allow me the opportunity to spend time with my brothers in the priesthood in a much more informal setting. Next I will travel to St. Louis to celebrate with my former archdiocese in the installation of the new archbishop of St. Louis, Archbishop Robert Carlson. I will then journey to Colombia, South America, to ordain my first priest for our diocese, Deacon Jorge Andres Cano Ramirez. Following my visit to South America, I will travel to San Antonio, Texas, for my first bishops’ meeting. As you may know, the bishops of the United States gather for meetings twice a year, in June and November. This will be my first meeting as a “rookie” bishop, so please remember me in your prayers! Finally, at the end of the month I will journey to Rome

BY MARY C. WEAVER

The price of chicken Sometimes our consumer purchases have moral implications.

A couple of weeks ago while grocery shopping, I reached for a package of Perdue chicken. I was hungry and looking for some boneless, skinless chicken breasts I could throw on the George Foreman grill for a quick lunch. But then I spotted a familiar pink-ribbon emblem. The sticker on the package proudly proclaimed that Perdue was a sponsor of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I made a mental note—here’s yet another consumer brand I can no longer buy—and chose another product. Don’t I see the value of supporting breast-cancer research? Of course. But I cannot in good conscience support an organization that makes grants to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States. I wrote about Komen twice in 2006 (online at bit.ly/

13gcN4 and bit.ly/nuBND), and at the time I pointed out that “despite funding ‘many worthwhile breast-cancer programs,’ as Right to Life of Indianapolis puts it, the Komen Foundation also funds abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood. . . . This is no secret, as grant recipients are listed on the foundation’s website, komen.org. Further, the foundation’s founder, Nancy Brinker, has served on the Planned Parenthood of Dallas advisory board.” A couple of readers responded, saying that Komen grants to Planned Parenthood are not used to pay for abortions but rather to provide services such as mammograms. This is true—but supporting any program conducted by that organization means assisting the organization as a whole. This assistance also enhances the public image of Planned Parenthood, enabling it to deflect criticism of its core business—aborting babies—by focusing on the public services it provides.

to attend the pallium Mass on June 29. This Mass marks the recent appointments of new archbishops throughout the world. Among them will be Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York—who like me started out as a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis—and Archbishop Carlson. Please know that I will remember all of you during my moments of prayer at St. Peter’s, especially at the tomb of the Servant of God Pope John Paul II. As I write this, it is quite apparent to me that my summer will not be all that restful. I hope that you, however, will take time to relax a bit and appreciate all the gifts God shares with us on a daily basis. Drink some lemonade, take in a baseball game (go Cards!), visit with friends, and travel to a place of enjoyment. Take care, and keep on smiling! ■ BISHOP STIKA’ S SCHE DUL E The following are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments: June 8: 5 p.m., Mass of thanksgiving for Monsignor Philip Thoni’s 60th ordination anniversary, St. Mary Church, Gatlinburg June 9-10: installation of Archbishop Robert Carlson as Archbishop of St. Louis June 13: priestly ordination of Jorge Andres Cano Ramirez, Our Lady of Carmel Church, Pereira, Colombia June 17-19: U.S. bishops’ spring meeting, San Antonio, Texas ■ If you’d like to see whether Bishop Stika is available to attend an event, e-mail nfeist@dioceseofknoxville.org with specific information regarding the event, date, time, and location.

When I mentioned to a friend recently that I was planning to write about Komen again, she told me that the organization is now trying to combat criticism about its links with Planned Parenthood. Sure enough, there’s an entire page on the Komen website now to answer those who object to the connection. One document makes the statement that “while Komen affiliates provide funds to pay for screening, education, and treatment programs in dozens of communities, in some areas, the only place that poor, uninsured or under-insured women can receive these services are [sic] through programs run by Planned Parenthood.” It is very true that Planned Parenthood is overrepresented in poor and minority neighborhoods. This is logical, given the organization’s legacy. Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger, was a noted eugenicist and racist who believed the “unfit” should be discouraged from “breeding like weeds,” as she wrote in her essay “We Must Breed a Race of Thoroughbreds.” The Planned Parenthood document cited above also quotes two Catholic ethicists who see no moral problem with supporting Komen. This puts me in mind of ShakeKomen continued on page 8

Mark your calendar for Diocesan Day 2009 iocesan Day 2009 is set for Saturday, Aug. 22, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. The keynote speaker will be Cardinal Justin Rigali, the Archbishop of Philadelphia. The theme of the day is “You have but one teacher,” from Matthew 23:8. The focus of the archbishop’s talk and his homily for the Diocesan Day Mass will be the teaching office of the bishop. For those who wish to get to know Bishop Richard F. Stika better, Diocesan Day is a

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC

perfect opportunity. During the day’s afternoon sessions Bishop Stika will speak to the faithful, discussing his dialogue with priests and parishioners during his first few months as shepherd of the Knoxville Diocese. The day will begin with Bishop Stika’s opening remarks and welcome at 9 a.m. The cardinal’s keynote begins at 9:15. Mass will be celebrated at 10:45, followed by lunch. Details on the program for the afternoon will be pub-

lished in an upcoming issue of the ETC. Early registration will begin on June 22 and extend through July 19, at a cost of $20 per person, including lunch. After July 19 the cost will increase to $25. A registration form will be printed in the next edition of the ETC, and online registration will also be available. For more details, contact Paul Simoneau at 865-5843307 or psimoneau@ dioceseofknoxville.org. ■

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

pastoral

ASSIGNMENTS

Bishop announces new title, new appointment ishop Richard F. Stika announced May 29 that he has named Father John O’Neill pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, effective June 1. Father O’Neill had been serving as the parish’s parochial administrator. The bishop also announced that he has assigned Deacon Moises Moreno to St. Mary Parish in Athens and St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville, effective Sept. 1. Deacon Moreno will be in residence at St. Mary Church. ■

Father Carter to spend summer in several Knoxville parishes iocese of Knoxville priest Father David Carter, now studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, will spend his summer at three Knoxville-area parishes: St. John Neumann in Farragut from June 20 through July 3; St. Therese in Clinton from July 4 through July 19; and Holy Ghost in Knoxville from July 20 through Sept. 27. ■

Diaz continued from page 2

gian who is passionate both as a teacher and a scholar. He is a strong proponent of the necessity of the church to become deeply and broadly multicultural, to recognize and appreciate the role that culture plays in a living faith.” Diaz would be the first Hispanic to represent the United States at the Vatican. Like several of Obama’s other prominent nominees—including Judge Sonia Sotomayor, nominated to the Supreme Court—Diaz comes from humble beginnings. His father worked as a waiter and his mother did data-entry work, and their son was the first member of the family to attend college. Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States, called Diaz “an excellent choice because he knows very well the United States and because of his background in the Catholic Church.” Latin Americans “should be very proud,” he told CNS during a symposium May 28 at The Catholic University of America that the archbishop was attending. Coincidentally, the topic of the daylong event was the history of U.S.–Vatican diplomatic relations. In an interview with CNS during inaugural festivities in January, Diaz said he thought “the presidency of Barack Obama represents a new opportunity for all of us” for racial healing. Diaz said Obama was “committed to working” with people who defend “life in the womb” and deeply respects people who hold positions he does not agree with. The announcement of the nomination capped months of speculation about whom Obama would select to represent him at the Vatican. In early April the Vatican press spokesman took the unusual step of shooting down persistent rumors that the Vatican had rejected several potential nominees, including Caroline Kennedy, supposedly because they support legal abortion. “Wherever we can, we should advance life at all stages,” Diaz said in January. One White House source described Diaz as “clearly pro-life” and said the decision to select a respected theologian instead of a big fundraiser or political mover and shaker is an indication “of how seriously the administration is taking the relationship with the Vatican.” Diaz would fill the vacancy created by the departure of Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon, who was named ambassador in 2007 and left the post in January. His Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled. It was not known if it would come before Obama’s trip in early July to Rome, during which the president is expected to meet with Pope Benedict XVI. The statement from St John’s University noted that Diaz earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Fla., and his master’s and doctorate from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. He previously taught at Barry University in Miami Shores, Fla.; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla.; the University of Dayton in Ohio; and Notre Dame. The St. John’s statement said Diaz’s academic interests—besides his focus on the Trinity—also include theological anthropology and Latino/Latina theologies. His published materials include the book On Being Human: U.S. Hispanic and Rahnerian Perspectives (Orbis Books, 2002), for which he received the Hispanic Theological Initiative’s 2002 Book of the Year award from Princeton Theological Seminary. He also is co-editor of the book From the Heart of Our People: Latino/a Explorations in Catholic Systematic Theology (Orbis Books, 1999). ■ Contributing to this story was John Thavis in Anaheim, Calif. Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops JUNE 7, 2009

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BY TONI PACITTI

■ A student in each grade at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School annually receives a Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Christian Living Award. This year’s recipients, in order from kindergarten through eighth grade, are Nicolas Robinson, Chandler Brady, Hannah Ingle, Renee Hutton, Macy Dearing, Alex Darras, Michael Hutton, Dean Magat, and Ellyn Conn. ■ The OLPH girls and boys track teams placed second at the conference finals. Joseph Burt won two gold medals and Ellyn Conn one.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill ■ A brunch will be served after Mass

on Sunday, June 7, to honor Father Tom Moser’s 15th anniversary.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ The Men’s Mass and Breakfast is set for 9 a.m. Sunday, June 7. All men and boys are invited. Parish women will serve a buffet breakfast after Mass in the auditorium of All Saints Academy. Make reservations by signing the sheet in the vestibule. ■ The women’s guild served coffee and doughnuts May 31 in the rectory. Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ The Council of Catholic Women will honor all fathers and their family members with a Father’s Day breakfast after Mass on Sunday, June 21. ■ Volunteers are needed three hours a month to help the needy of Roane County. Call Martha Vottero at 865376-7047. ■ Father’s Day cards are available in the narthex. Return the card with intentions and a donation by Sunday, June 14. Donations will benefit parish activities on behalf of the CCW. ■ The Knights of Columbus sponsored a Pictionary game night, pitting the parish men against the women.

St. Alphonsus, Crossville ■ The Knights of Columbus will pres-

ent their seventh annual Craft Fair on the Plateau from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at the Knights’ activity park on Highway 70. Call 931-7077291 for more information. ■ The Cursillo community will sponsor a summer picnic at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the youth center for all Cursillistas and their guests. ■ The youth group Trunk and Tailgate Sale will be held Saturday, June 13. Proceeds will go toward the group’s trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference. Call Pauline at 484-2358, extension 108, to learn more or arrange for item pickup. ■ Anniversaries: Leslie and Laura Brewster (68), George and Emma Hirsch (63), John and Mary Pannuto (62), Bob and Jean Thomas (56), Milton and Shirley Ward (54), Frank and Val Baker (53), Louis and Lucille Departhy (50), Jack and Joann Kelso (40), John and Kathy Smith (40), David and Sue Brink (25), Paul and Marsha Sebok (25), Thomas and Ermalinda Vera (25), Jim and Kathy Stallworth (20), Joseph and Patricia Engelhardt (10), Erwin and Barbara Braden (5)

St. John Neumann, Farragut ■ Additional children are invited to

rehearse with the adult choir from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays in the music room. Contact Noel Jones at noel choir@earthlink.net or 423-887-7594. ■ Parishioner Barbara Maples has openings in beginning piano for ages 5 and older beginning Tuesday, June 9. Call 865-966-4097 for more details. ■ The next Saturday night social will be held after the 4:30 p.m. Mass on June 13. The menu will include barbecue, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, chips, dessert, and beverages. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City ■ The parish honored the 15th an-

niversary of Father David Boettner’s priestly ordination with a reception after Mass on May 27. ■ The women’s guild will visit the Cumberland County Playhouse to see The Foreigner on Wednesday, July 22. Cost is $21. Purchase a reservation at the guild meeting Monday, June 22. Meet in the parish parking lot at 10:45 a.m. to carpool to the play. 4

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JUNE 7, 2009

■ Anniversary: James and Ann Proud

(50) ■ Newcomers: Michael and Kathleen Peterson; David and Ana Kautz, and daughter Priscilla Protti; Christine Kingsbury; Robert and Natalie Rickerson

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade ■ Anniversaries: Gus and Corinne Derubeis (62), Jack and Betty Campbell (60), Herb and Pat Moreland (56), Les and Joan Platz (56), Robert and Raphaline Olson (55), John and Jean Sohnly (55), Jerry and Doris Troy (52), Tom and Peg Loughran (51), James and Betty Harrison (50), Frank and Ann Zingheim (50), Terry and Nancy Allen (45), Michael and Lee Stotz (25) Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City ■ The parish-life committee will host

the annual parish picnic after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 7. ■ The family-life committee will recognize all fathers of the parish at Father’s Day weekend Masses, June 20 and 21. ■ The Knights of Columbus will have a picnic for all members and their families Sunday, June 28.

DAN MCWILLIAMS

OLPH, Chattanooga

Golden jubilee for Father Brett Father Frank Brett returned to St. Joseph Church in Norris on Memorial Day, May 25, to celebrate his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination with Mass and a cookout. Father Patrick Resen, associate pastor of Holy Ghost in Knoxville, sits at right. Also concelebrating were St. Joseph pastor Father Bill Gahagan, Monsignor Philip Thoni, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, Father John Dowling, and Father Bob Hofstetter, with St. Joseph’s Deacon Dan Hosford assisting. Father Brett was St. Joseph’s pastor from 1996 to 2001, following 28 years of service in the U.S. Army as a chaplain. He was ordained May 23, 1959, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville by Bishop William L. Adrian. Father Brett and Father Resen concelebrated the 8 a.m. Mass on May 27 at Holy Ghost with pastor Monsignor Mankel, whose 48th anniversary of ordination was that day. Monsignor Mankel attended another golden-jubilee celebration for Father Brett on May 31 in the latter’s native Philadelphia.

Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ The Council of Catholic Women

elected officers for the new term at a bunco party May 31. ■ The Knights of Columbus held a wives appreciation night June 3. ■ Anniversaries: Andy and Rita Chaloux (54), Vandy and Dorothy Nachazel (50), Charles and Sandy Alter (45), Richard and Loretta Martino (45), Roger and Barbara Violette (45)

St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ A play group for toddlers and preschoolers is beginning this month at 9:30 a.m. on second and fourth Wednesdays. Contact Gayle Bates at 423-578-6868 or gayleholt@yahoo.com. ■ The Martha and Mary ministry will celebrate its fourth anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, with a swim party at Delores Bertuso’s home at 1108 Norfolk Place. Bring a chair and towel. Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

FATHER PETER IORIO

Chattanooga Deanery

Father Gelineau celebrates 40 years of priesthood Father Ray Gelineau of Knoxville celebrated his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood with a Mass of thanksgiving May 3 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. A covered-dish meal followed in the parish hall. Joining Father Gelineau at the table are Mercy Sisters Albertine Paulus (center) and Janice Brink. Father Gelineau is a retired priest of the Diocese of Worcester, Mass.

■ Literature about the Catholic faith

will be available on a table outside the church Saturday, June 6. Call Ryan Hunse at 865-925-1805 or Paul Dunn III at 687-6620 to volunteer. ■ Members of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations attended Mass at Holy Ghost on May 13, the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville ■ The bridge league will end the

season with a social at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, June 7, in the parish hall. Bring a covered dish, salad, veggie, or dessert and a small gift for bridge prizes. Call Gen or Paul Vadeboncoeur at 865-577-3216.

St. Therese youth celebrate sacrament Four youth from St. Therese Parish in Clinton celebrated their first Holy Communion on April 26. With teachers Nicole Lockard (left) and Sue Thais are (from left) Katie Leigh Chambers, Chase Lockard, James Mai, and John David Carter.

John XXIII, Knoxville ■ A farewell party for John XXIII pastor Father Eric Andrews, CSP, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25. ■ First communicants: Zackery Freitag, Caroline Graviss, Alex Mays, Kendall Williams

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville ■ A women’s Bible study is in the planning stages. E-mail Nikki Winchester at nikkiwinx5@yahoo.com or call Kristen in the parish office at 865-6897011. ■ Rising sixth- through eighth-graders are invited to an ice cream social and game party from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the Brickey Lane property. Contact Deanna Croisdale at deannacroisdale@yahoo.com, 9338829, or 805-9979.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville ■ The parish vacation Bible school,

themed “Crocodile Dock,” was held June 1 through 4. ■ Trader St. Joe’s will not be published during July and August. The next issue will be available Sunday, June 14. Send information to Jodi Swiderek at tennesseeswiderek@netzero.net, or call her at 423-420-6609. ■ Recipes are needed for the parish cookbook. Send recipes to Judy Stockwell at jim_stockwell@yahoo. com. ■

COURTESY OF BRIGID JOHNSON

NOTES

COURTESY OF JEAN CHIARO

parish

Cathedral confirmation Bishop Richard F. Stika confirms Tony Ahn as his sponsor, Hahn Choo, looks on during the Easter vigil at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

St. John Neumann to hold Corpus Christi procession t. John Neumann Parish in Farragut will hold its eighth annual Corpus Christi procession at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the church.

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

June 14 is the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, or Corpus Christi. A potluck meal in the St. John Neu-

mann School cafeteria will follow the procession. Call Anita in the parish office at 865966-4540 for more information. ■

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

BY TONI PACITTI

The Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold a training session from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at West Park Baptist Church, 8833 Middlebrook Pike. The session will help participants be more effective at defending life and will train them to assist at TRL booths at upcoming summer county fairs. Veteran volunteers are encouraged to attend to learn new information and share their experiences with new volunteers. RSVP to 865-6891339 or trlknox@knology.net. The 23rd annual Shamrock Open golf tournament benefiting Knoxville Catholic High School will be held Friday, June 12, at Egwani Farms Golf Course in Rockford. The tourney will have a morning flight with check-in at 7:30 a.m., a shotgun start at 8:30, and lunch at 12:30 p.m. The afternoon flight will begin with lunch and check-in at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Each flight will have prizes for winning foursomes and for closest-tothe-pin and longest-drive winners. Golfers can win a car with a hole-inone. The $150 entry fee includes one round of golf, lunch, golf attire, a goody bag, and beverages from the cart. For details, call KCHS at 865-560-0509. The St. Martha’s Guild at Sacred Heart Cathedral and Medic will hold the third annual Anthony Mary Memorial Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School gym. Drinks and snacks will be provided during the lunch and dinner hours. For more information, call Cristin Bond at 865806-6869. Father Patrick Resen of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will discuss two Vatican documents from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Chancery office in Knoxville. The documents are Dei Verbum (“The Word of God”) and Divino Afflante Spiritu (“Inspired by the Divine Spirit”), downloadable from www.vatican.va. All are invited to attend. For details, contact Peggy Humphreys at 865-584-3307 or phumphreys@dioceseofknoxville.org. Knights of Columbus Council 645 will have a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Shea Hall, 6515 Millertown Pike in Knoxville. The sale benefits St. Joseph School and the Knights’ MR Foundation. Council members will be available after Masses on June 6 and 7 at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville to accept items for the sale. For more information, call David Accardi at 865-7713686, Greg McInnis at 705-3043, or Jack McCusker at 748-8700. The diocesan Office of Family Life and Adult Christian Living will conduct a workshop on Saturday, June 20, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga that focuses on financial planning and goal setting, as well as budgeting and debt reduction, all from a Catholic perspective. The workshop will be based loosely on the book 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free: A Catholic Guide to Managing Your Money (Our Sunday Visitor, 2006) by Phil Lenahan. Workshop participants will examine their attitude and behavior regarding personal finances and come to understand how money management can relate to a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith. The workshop will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. and end by 3 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be a short follow-up session Saturday, Aug. 15, following the 8 a.m. Mass. The cost for the entire program is $30 per couple or $25 for a single participant. To register, contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or marianchristiana@msn.com. Society of Friendly Fellows members will walk in the July 4 parade in FarTHE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

ragut from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Members should meet in the Farragut High School parking lot. A T-shirt and doughnuts and drinks will be provided before the event. Call 865-661-5068 or e-mail CustomerSupport@Friendly Fellows.com by June 8 to provide the number of members attending and shirt sizes. Additional shirts are $6. Knights of Columbus Council 8152 in Crossville will host its 17th annual charity golf tournament at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, 407 Wild Plum Lane in Crossville. The format will be a four-person scramble with a maximum of 36 teams. The entry donation is $70 per person or $280 per foursome and includes greens fees, cart fees, one mulligan, and a 6 p.m. awards banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 70. Banquet cost for those not playing in the tourney is $12. Top teams in the men’s and women’s flights will receive $300. Closest-to-the-pin and straightestdrive prizes will be awarded as well. Entry forms may be found at KofCTN.org (click Council Events). For more information, call Mike Wilkiel at 931707-8040, Rollie Wicker at 707-7087, or Fred Laufenberg at 484-2486. Tourney proceeds will benefit various Cumberland County charities.

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

The Chattanooga Deanery Divorced and Separated fellowship group will meet for Mass and brunch on fifth Sundays. The next gathering is Sunday, Aug. 30. The group will meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for the noon Mass and go out for brunch afterward. For more information about this and other social activities organized by the group, call Anne Wells at 706-581-0410.

Top five in NDHS class of ’09 Notre Dame High School recently announced its top five seniors for the class of 2009. They are (from left) Natalie McGirl, Daniel Starry, Victoria DiStefano, Ashley Boaz, and Kevin Spellman. Each has received a number of academic awards, performed many hours of community service, and been accepted by several colleges and universities. Natalie is the valedictorian of the graduating class and plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and major in biomedical engineering. She is the daughter of Jim and Barbara McGirl of Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy. Danny is the 2009 salutatorian and will attend UT at Knoxville and major in nuclear or chemical engineering. He is the son of Jim and Linda Starry, members of St. Jude in Chattanooga. Victoria ranked third in the class. She will attend the University of Notre Dame and plans to major in environmental engineering. She is the daughter of David and Susan DiStefano of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and the Mizpah Congregation. Ashley is fourth in the class and intends to pursue a law degree at Duke University. She is the daughter of Dr. Lonnie R. III and Emiliana Boaz of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga. Kevin plans to attend UT at Knoxville and major in chemical engineering. His parents are Don and Patty Spellman of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain.

The Chattanooga Deanery’s annual God Camps continue June 8 through 11 with “Reach to Soar Above the Crowd,” for upcoming seventh- and eighth-graders, and June 11 through 13 with “Discover Yourself and Soar Above the Crowd,” for rising fifth- and sixth-graders. Costs are $90 for the “Reach” camp and $75 for the “Discover” camp. To obtain a form or learn more, call Donna Jones at 423-6227232 or visit deaneryofchattanooga. org/youth. A pilgrimage to Fatima and Ireland, departing from New York City, is planned for April 12 through 21, 2010. The cost from New York is $2,899, and the trip is under the auspices of 206 Tours. For more information, contact Dolores Maglione at 865-982-0090 or maglioned@bellsouth.net. Bishop Richard F. Stika will lead a diocesan pilgrimage May 9 through 20, 2010, to the sites of Pope John Paul II’s early life in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Pilgrims will visit Prague and Munich before the trip ends in Oberammergau, Germany, where they will see a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. Cost is $3,799 plus fuel surcharges, taxes, and tips. Early-registration deadline is July 1. For more information, contact Mercy Sister Albertine Paulus at 865-584-3307 or smaevang@yahoo.com.

COURTESY OF JASON SURLAS

CALENDAR

KCHS athletes sign with colleges The Knoxville Catholic High School athletic department recently recognized studentathletes who will be continuing their athletic careers in college next year. From left are baseball players Sean Morash, who signed with Vassar College, and Dalton Irwin, who will play for Walters State Community College; soccer players Keegan McAfee, Emory and Henry College; Spencer Payne, U.S. Merchant Marines; and Tyler Gibson, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; basketball player Caroline Johnson, Emory University; basketball and softball player Jenna Mire, Centre College; and football players Luke Smith, University of Chicago; Zach Vann, Maryville College; Nick Branum and Daniel Hood, University of Tennessee; and Jordan Howanitz, University of Indianapolis. Also signing with colleges were Anthony DiFelice in baseball with Jackson State Community College, Evan Sanders in football with the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Mike Markiewicz in golf with Queens University of Charlotte.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR. (2)

on the

A Catholic men’s conference will be held from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Eagle Rock Retreat Center on the Foothills Parkway in Tallassee. Presented “by men for men” of the Diocese of Knoxville, the event will focus on what it means to be a Catholic man in the world today and will conclude with Mass. Keynote speakers will be Father Joe Brando and Father Michael Maples. Cost is $30, payable in advance, and includes a hot breakfast and lunch. Make checks payable to Steve Pacitti and mail them to 34000 Highway 72 North, Loudon, TN 37774. RSVP by e-mail to stevepacitti@catholicexchange.com. Space is limited. The 26th annual Mid-South Regional Charismatic Conference is set for Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18, at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Antioch, near Nashville. Guest speakers will be Father Larry Hess, bishop’s liaison to the Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., and Mother Lucy Lukasiewicz of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, a charismatic Franciscan religious community. Costs are $35 for individuals, $65 for families, $55 for married couples, $15 for youth not with a family, $25 for Saturday only, and $18 for a July 19 leaders’ session. Costs will increase $10 after July 10. To register or learn more, call 615-789-4598, e-mail tseibert@ bellsouth.net, or visit www.msrcc.org. Calendar continued on page 8

Justin receives Parvuli Dei Justin Moczadlo of All Saints Parish in Knoxville received his Parvuli Dei award during a recent Mass at his church. Justin is standing with George LeCrone Sr., chair of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; his mother, Lori Moczadlo; and All Saints pastor Father Michael Woods. Ad Altare Dei award for Blaine Blaine Joseph Dufrene of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Chattanooga received his Ad Altare Dei award during Mass on March 8. With him are Sts. Peter and Paul pastor Father George Schmidt; George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; and parents Bryan and Rachel Dufrene.

All Saints hosting jubilee Mass for Father Austin, OP noxville native and professor and author Father Gerard Austin, OP, will celebrate his golden anniversary of ordination as a Dominican priest with a Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at All Saints Church in Knoxville. A reception from 6 to 8 p.m. will follow in the parish hall. Father Austin has taught for 49 years, including 31 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he served as chairman of the department of the-

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

ology, dean of ministerial studies, and director of the graduate liturgical-studies program. He has taught at Aquinas Institute of Theology, the University of Notre Dame, LaSalle University, St. Michael’s College, and St. Norbert’s College and abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the Solomon Islands. To attend the reception, RSVP to Carol Connor at 865-584-8516 or CCConnor2007@aol.com by Friday, June 5. ■ JUNE 7, 2009

■

Father Raymond Orlett, GHM, dies in Cincinnati at age 83 CINCINNATI (GHM)—Father Raymond Orlett, 83, a native of Pond Creek, Ohio, and a Glenmary Home Missioner for 56 years, died Friday, May 22, in Cincinnati following an extended illness. He had been retired and living in Kingsport for many years, where he served the faithful of St. Dominic Parish and was a longtime friend of St. Dominic pastor Father Charlie Burton. Father Orlett was ordained in 1953, held various key roles at Glenmary’s Our Lady of the Fields Seminary, and served as Glenmary’s second vice presiFather Raymond Orlett dent and education director. He pastored missions in Texas, Ohio, and Mississippi before receiving Glenmary senior member status in 1992. In later life he became a skilled weaver specializing in liturgical pieces. He was receiving nursing care at the Mercy Franciscan Terrace retirement community in Cincinnati before his death. “Father Orlett was a quiet, compassionate, and dignified man of God, a professor and a pastor who excelled at both,” said Father Dan Dorsey, president of Glenmary Home Missioners. “He was brilliant in scripture and also talented in artistic endeavors such as weaving. Over the years, he contributed on many levels to Glenmary’s home mission efforts.” Father Orlett was the first of several Glenmarians who grew up in Glenmary missions and were inspired to join the society. As a first-grader, as his sister Dorothy Flanagan remembers, he told his teacher that he knew what his life’s work would be: he was going to be a priest. Later the newly ordained Father Orlett said he felt a special connection to the people Glenmary serves: “I will be among those I know best and love most.” He became a student for Glenmary in 1943, while still in high school, and received his bachelor’s degree from St. Gregory Seminary in 1948. He continued his education at St. Mary Seminary of the West and Our Lady of the Fields Seminary. He later received a licentiate degree in theology from The Catholic University of America and a licentiate in biblical studies from the Biblical Institute in Rome. Soon after ordination Father Orlett was appointed professor of Scripture at the Glenmary seminary. He is vividly remembered by former students and fellow Glenmarians as an exceptional scholar and teacher. “Many Glenmary priests and brothers have a love of scripture because of Father Orlett,” Father Dorsey said. Father Orlett also served the seminary as rector, librarian, and spiritual director. During his years in Glenmary leadership, he called for a major revamping of all phases of member formation. And he assisted then-president Father Bob Berson in building a new Glenmary education program that reflected the post–Vatican II church. He received his first pastorate in 1971, leading Glenmary’s missions in Sulphur Springs and Commerce, Texas. During his nine years as pastor, St. James in Sulphur Springs was one of the fastest growing congregations in northeast Texas. Despite facing language barriers, Father Orlett worked hard to include in the life of the mission the many Mexican nationals who were working on farms and ranches in the county. A second Sunday Mass was added, and once a month it was celebrated in Spanish by a visiting priest. The mission developed so well that it was returned to the Diocese of Dallas in 1980 for continued pastoral care. In 1981 Father Orlett became pastor of Glenmary’s mission in West Union, Ohio, located in one of the society’s earliest mission areas. In addition to serving the members of the Catholic community, he was dedicated to helping all those living in Adams County, one of Ohio’s poorest. During his three years serving the county he founded Interfaith House, an ecumenical emergency food pantry that also assisted people with prescription, fuel, and clothing needs. From 1984 to 1992 he served his final pastorate in Amory, Miss., and helped lead the successful effort to fund and build a long-awaited parish hall. In 1992 he became a senior Glenmary member, moved to Kingsport, and began another chapter in his life—as a skilled textile weaver. He designed and created liturgical items including altar cloths, stoles for clergy members, and wall hangings. A prime example of his work is a color tapestry he created in 1996 to hang on the wall of his home church in Pond Creek. “The first 12 years I was a teacher at the seminary; the next six I served as second vice president; and for 20 years I was a mission pastor,” Father Orlett said at the time. “Now I see creatOrlett continued on page 9

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JUNE 7, 2009

Father Bill Gahagan

Father Augustine Idra, AJ

Father Alex Waraksa

Father Randy Stice

Father Michael Cummins

Father Patrick Resen

be in residence at Sacred Heart Cathedral, next door to his office in the Chancery. The associate pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle since October, Father Christian Mathis, will become pastor when Father Boettner leaves. The pastorate is a first for Father Mathis, ordained in 2000. Father Tony Dickerson, who has been spiritual director of Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga since 2007, with residence at St. Stephen in Chattanooga, will receive three new duties in August. He will become master of ceremonies for the bishop and for diocesan events—a position new to the Diocese of Knoxville—and will be cochaplain of Knoxville Catholic High School. Father Dickerson will also serve as an associate pastor at KCHS neighbor All Saints. All Saints pastor Father Michael Woods will remain in that assignment while serving as the other co-chaplain of KCHS. Father Bill Gahagan had been the part-time spiritual director for KCHS since last September, but he will have new duties of his own as the pastor of St. Therese in Clinton. He will remain pastor of St. Joseph in Norris and St. Jude in Helenwood, but coverage for Masses at St. Jude

will be provided by the priests of All Saints on a rotating basis. Father Gahagan is serving his third assignment at St. Therese, having been there twice in the 1970s. Father Augustine Idra, AJ, who has been the associate at All Saints since 2005, will be the new spiritual director at NDHS as well as associate pastor at OLPH. OLPH will have two new faces, as both associate pastor Father Alex Waraksa and Father Nolan move on to new parishes. Father Randy Stice, associate pastor of St. Mary in Johnson City, became the new director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy on June 1. He succeeds Father Waraksa, who had directed the office for nine years. Father Waraksa, the first priest ordained for the diocese, will become the part-time associate pastor of Holy Spirit in Soddy-Daisy. He will remain spiritual moderator for the Cursillo movement in the diocese. Effective Sept. 1 Father Stice will live outside the diocese while studying at the Liturgical Institute at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill. As of that date Father Michael Cummins will become part-time associate pastor of St. Mary in John-

son City. He will continue as the diocese’s associate director of vocations and as the Catholic chaplain for East Tennessee State University. Father Patrick Resen, associate pastor of Holy Ghost in Knoxville since November, will become a pastor for the first time, leading St. Catherine Labouré in Copperhill. He was ordained in 2007. Father Resen, who will also be the associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville, will live in Copperhill. Father John Orr, pastor of St. Therese in Clinton since 2006, will succeed Father Resen as associate at Holy Ghost. Father Orr celebrates the Mass in the extraordinary form (the “traditional Latin Mass”) weekly at St. Therese. Those Masses will be celebrated at Holy Ghost after Father Orr’s move there. Father Thomas Moser, parochial administrator of St. Catherine Labouré and associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker since November, will be the new associate for St. Thomas the Apostle. Father Peter Iorio, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker in Madisonville since 2006, is the new pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland. He remains the diocesan vocation director and director of priest-

Father John Orr

Father Thomas Moser

Father Peter Iorio

Father P. J. McGinnity

Father Antonio Giraldo

Father Michael Maples

Assignments continued from page 1

www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g

Assignments continued on page 7

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C

medical

MISSION

BY DAN MCWILLIAMS

Doctors wanted for 2010 Ghana mission Father John Appiah needs medical personnel to help the needy in his native land. ather John Appiah has begun the recruiting process for his 2010 Ghana medical mission, and East Tennessee Catholics can help support the team as it ministers to the needy in the priest’s native country. The pastor of Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville likely will not turn down any physician who wishes to travel. “If I have at least three dentists and three ophthalmologists—that’s the wish list—that would be absolutely ideal,” Father Appiah said in an April 30 interview. Pediatricians, general practitioners, optometrists, orthopedists, nurses, physician assistants, and support personnel are also welcome on the mission, he added. Father Appiah led a similar mission July 28 through Aug. 7, 2008, to his home village of NkonyaWurupong. The next trip is set for July 26 through Aug. 7, 2010. Although the 2008 journey— which was four years in the planning— spared only two days for the medical mission, next year’s trip will focus more days on that effort. “I would like for us to devote four or five days because we are expanding it to include dentistry and ophthalmology,” said Father Appiah. As did the group last year, those traveling in 2010 will have an opportunity to tour the country for a few days before the mission begins. The mission team included orthopedist Dr. Randall Robbins and endocrinologist Dr. Elaine Bunick, both of Oak Ridge, pulmonologist Dr. Richard Parrish of Murfreesboro, and emergency physician Dr. Rodd Daigle of Knoxville. Nurse Aliene Parrish and support personnel Stanley Taylor, Joan Lane, Tracey Robbins, middle schooler

COURTESY OF FATHER JOHN APPIAH (2)

MINISTERING TO THE NEEDY Dr. Elaine Bunick prepares to treat a patient as Father John Appiah looks on during the 2008 Ghana medical mission. Doctors and others who would like to volunteer for or assist the mission planned for next year may find contact information on page 9.

Aryanne Robbins, Alex Daigle, and Lindsay Marriman also made the trip. Oak Ridge is home to St. Mary Parish, where Father Appiah formerly served as pastor. The 2008 travelers received a royal welcome and were escorted into town by men, women, and children singing and dancing to traditional tribal music. The next day a special Mass and celebration was held, honoring Father Appiah’s 10th anniversary as a priest and his success in helping his community build a kindergarten and a new middle school and bringing the very first medical mission team to the Wurupong clinic. The celebration continued

tients, some of whom had walked more than four miles to the clinic. Several hundred people had to be turned away when medication ran out. The doctors treated malaria, skin abscesses, hypertension, diabetes, cataracts, infectious diarrhea, worms, chicken pox, arthritis, malnutrition, and rashes. Four new cases of HIV were found and referred to the national treatment program. The team had sent on a package of Albendazole—medicine to treat intestinal parasites—before arriving, but the drug was stolen. Parasites are one of the more common maladies encountered in Ghana. “Growing up I had them more than 10 times,” said Father Appiah. Ghana has socialized medicine, but after the first three months of its implementation, too many people entered the pool of registrants, said Father Appiah. Triage care is poor, he said, citing as an example the way various types of pain are dealt with. “They give you the same aspirin for whatever your complaint,” he said. Those who need stronger medicines

for more than five hours with singing, dancing, and greetings from chiefs, officials, and the Nkonya people. The middle school should be finished by the time the 2010 missioners arrive. “I hope when we go next year it will be dedicated,” said Father Appiah. After the celebration the team went to the clinic to meet the staff nurses, unpack boxes and suitcases stuffed with medication and supplies, and set up the exam rooms and pharmacy. The supplies were donated by or purchased with contributions from supporters in the Oak Ridge, Knoxville, and Greeneville areas. The group treated more than 1,000 pa-

Dr. Randall Robbins (left) and Dr. Rodd Daigle review the MRI of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with a brain tumor. Father Appiah watches at right. The 2008 mission team treated a number of maladies in more than 1,000 patients but had to turn away hundreds of others when medication ran out.

Appiah continued on page 9

B Y S A R A H DE L A NE Y

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The 2009-10 Year for Priests will demonstrate that the Catholic Church “is proud of her priests, loves them, honors them, [and] admires them,” said Cardinal Claudio Hummes, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy. In a letter released in late May, the cardinal said the yearlong celebration, which was proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI and will be inaugurated by him June 19, will also recognize the variety of pastoral work performed by priests and the witness of their lives. Addressing Italian bishops May 28, Pope Benedict said the year should help priests “rediscover the grace and the goal of priestly ministry.” “It is a service to the church and to the Christian people that requires a deep spirituality,” the pope said, because only by being united with the Lord can priests minister effectively through their preaching, their celebration of the sacraments, and their assistance to the poor. In his letter Cardinal Hummes acknowledged that some priests had been involved in “gravely problematic and unfortunate situations,” an apparent reference to recent sexual-abuse scandals. He wrote that although investigation, prosecution, and punishment were necessary, “it is also important to keep in mind that these pertain to a very small portion of the clergy.” Most priests, he said, are “people of great integrity, dedicated to the sacred ministry,” who sacrifice themselves and are “in solidarity with the poor and suffering.” Cardinal Hummes said that over the year the economic status of priests also will be addressed “since they live, at times, in situations of great poverty and hardship in many parts of the world.” The new Statistical Yearbook of the Church, just released with figures recorded as of Dec. 31, 2007, showed that the problem of priestly vocations continues. The yearbook reported a very slight increase, less than 1 percent, in the number of priests between 2000 and the end of 2007. The number of priests around the world rose from 405,178 in 2000 to 408,024, which the Vatican newspaper described as “not significant.” Africa and Asia show dynamic growth, with increases of 27.5 percent and 21.2 percent, respectively, whereas the number of priests in the Americas held steady, according to L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. Europe, however, showed a decline of nearly 7 percent, whereas the number of priests in Oceania decreased by more than 5 percent, it said. During the Year for Priests, Cardinal Hummes said, there will be study, spiritual exercises, conferences, and theological seminars in dioceses around the world. He said it should be an occasion of “intense appreciation of the priestly identity, of the theology of the Catholic priesthood, and of the extraordinary meaning of the vocation and mission of priests within the church and in society.” Above all, the cardinal said, “may it be a year as well of religious and of public celebration which will bring the people—the local Catholic community—to pray, to reflect, to celebrate, and justly to give honor to their priests.” The cardinal’s letter was published in several languages on the clergy congregation’s website— www.clerus.org—but Vatican Radio reported May 27 that on the opening day of the Year for Priests, June 19, the congregation would unveil a special website at www.annussacerdotalis.org. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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ly life and ministry. St. Thérèse of Lisieux will receive two new priests this summer. Father P. J. McGinnity, the Cleveland parish’s pastor since 2005, will follow Father Iorio as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker. The extraordinary-form Masses celebrated on first and third Sundays by Father McGinnity at St. Thérèse of Lisieux will remain there for the time being. Father Antonio Giraldo, the associate pastor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux since his 2002 arrival in the diocese from Colombia, will move to All Saints and serve as an associate there. The diocese’s largest parish will have four priests, as Fathers Woods, Dickerson, and Giraldo will live with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee executive director Father Ragan Schriver, who has been in residence for many years at All Saints. The new associate for St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be Father Michael Maples, who has been an associate at Sacred Heart Cathedral since his priestly ordination in 2005. ■

PEGGY HUMPHREYS

Our Lady of Fatima parishioners welcome Bishop Stika with a gift Roseanne Nichols and Ken Lhotka of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa presented a rosary on behalf of parishioners to Bishop Richard F. Stika shortly before his recent ordination. Parishioner Beth Small made the rosary, which has a Divine Mercy medal and the bishop’s name engraved on it.

Year for Priests to show pride in, love for priests, cardinal says

THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

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JUNE 7, 2009

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speare’s adage that “the devil can cite Scripture for his own purpose.” In any case, I do not find these ethicists’ arguments compelling. Here’s an additional fact to keep in mind: as I learned recently, the Komen organization also supports embryonic-stem-cell research. The website of the Archdiocese of St. Louis offers a detailed explanation (available here: bit.ly/ sm1S9) on why the archdiocese cannot support or encourage participation in Komen events. It’s well worth reading. Komen’s corporate sponsors will remain on my blacklist. You can view the entire list online here: www.komen.org/partners/partners sponsors.html. Finally, if you wish to help defeat breast cancer, the Bioethics Defense Fund website lists other several organizations, including the American Cancer Society, that also fund breastcancer research. Here’s the list: www.bdfund. org/breastcancerorgs.asp. ■

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archdiocesan school in 1972 and had come back as guest speaker for career day two years ago. Sotomayor married in 1976 while attending Princeton but has been divorced since 1983. She has no children. She has been described on background by the White House as someone who was “raised as Catholic and attends church for family and other important events.” Jesuit Father Joseph O’Hare, the retired president of Fordham University who served with Sotomayor on a New York City campaign-finance-review council, said when he knew her beginning in the late 1980s she was a practicing Catholic. He said he has no reason to think that has changed. They have stayed in touch intermittently, and he said she gave his name as a reference for her FBI background check. She would become the sixth Catholic on the current court, joining Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito. Confirmation hearings will be held in the Senate this summer. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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The 2009 Greenville Marian Conference, themed “Mary, Mother of the Eucharist,” will be held Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27, at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in Greenville, S.C. The conference runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Speakers will include Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C., Father Benedict Groeschel, Father Donald Kline, Father Dwight Longenecker, and Mother Assumpta Long, a co-founder of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Vocalists Donna Cori Gibson and Jane Rice will perform at the conference. Cost is $50 for adults or $20 for students. Register at the conference or call Carleen Maher at 864-255-5646, or download a form from www.greenvillemarianconference.org. Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer, communicating the Gospel, friendship with the poor, and the work of peace. The Johnson City community meets for prayer at 6:30 p.m. on first and third Mondays at the Catholic Center at East Tennessee State University. The Knoxville community of Sant’Egidio meets at 5:30 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays at the Chancery office in Knoxville. For more information, call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061. Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission holds Divine Liturgy celebrations at 1:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Family Church in Seymour. Call 865609-1081 to learn more. The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville and Vespers at 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Chancery. For more information, call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at St. Therese Church in Clinton and at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details. Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of Greater Knoxville (40 and over) include the following: ■ Tuesday, June 9: Planning meeting for July-August events and dinner at Famous Dave’s, 6:15 p.m. Call Gail B. at 865-966-8205 to RSVP or suggest an event for the singles calendar. ■ Friday, June 12: June birthday celebration at the Lemon Grass restaurant, 6:15 p.m. Hosted by Martha M. RSVP to 659-0383 or e-mail mcgrama@ hotmail.com. ■ Sunday, June 14: Easy to moderate hike, 9:30 a.m. Meet in the All Saints Church parking lot near the pavilion. Call Randy S. at 556-3781. ■ Friday, June 19: Deadline to submit articles and events for the July-August newsletter. ■ 8

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JUNE 7, 2009

the catholic

DIFFERENCE

BY GEORGE WEIGEL

That Vatican newspaper Only rarely does a L’Osservatore Romano editorial reflect ‘high authority.’

William George Ward was a mid19th-century English Catholic convert from Anglicanism and a controversialist of the take-noprisoners variety. Having been intellectually convinced of the truth claims of the Catholic Church, Ward’s approach to church authority might be characterized as “in for a dime, in for a dollar”—or in his case, “in for a tuppence, in for a pound.” Thus, in his most famous locution, he wished he “had a papal Bull to read every morning with [the] Times at breakfast”—a one-liner frequently cited by progressive Catholics as the epitome of the mindless authoritarianism we were all supposed to have gotten over after Vatican II. How odd, then, to find the Catholic left citing the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, as if its op-ed pieces were the 21st-century version of William Ward’s daily papal decree. Thus E. J. Dionne Jr., in a recent Washington Post op-ed, cited an April 29 essay in L’Osservatore by an Italian journalist, Giuseppe Fiorentino, as decisive evidence that “the Vatican” (presumably including the pope) was nowhere near as upset with Notre Dame’s award of an honorary doctorate of laws to President Barack Obama as the American bishops who had criticized Notre Dame’s decision. Time’s Amy Sullivan,

called to

who once attempted the intellectual card trick of arguing that you could be pro-life and pro-choice at the same time, wrote in Time’s web edition on May 16 that the Fiorentino article, having appeared in an “official newspaper published under the authority of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State,” suggested that “the Vatican” (presumably including the pope) was telling the American bishops to “chill out.” Mr. Dionne, Ms. Sullivan, may I introduce Mr. Ward? The notion that everything appearing in L’Osservatore Romano is a) vetted by the Secretariat of State and b) reflects the settled views of “the Vatican” (presumably including the pope) is so transcendentally silly that it is barely worth refuting. Yet refuted it must be. L’Osservatore Romano has a time-honored way of signaling when an editorial reflects the view of “high authority,” placing three dots, or periods, at the end of the editorial in question—which happens only on the rarest of occasions. Otherwise the only “authority” in question is the argumentation of an article’s author. Mr. Dionne and Ms. Sullivan may or may not know this—although Dionne, who once did some good work for The New York Times in Rome, certainly ought to. However that may be, the fact remains that unless and until something is signaled as official and authoritative in L’Osservatore Romano, it is neither. Commentary appearing in the Vatican paper does not operate (to borrow from Justice William O. Douglas) within a “penumbra formed

BY SUZANNE ERPENBACH

Time for relaxation Even on vacation we can continue our practice of stewardship.

Summer is fast approaching, with plans for vacation and relaxation. Children are celebrating free time from studies, and parents are planning. A spirit of gratitude seems to influence our summer attitudes. It’s a perfect time to enhance stewardship expressions in acknowledgement of our blessings and opportunities. Stewardship invites continual practice, never to be left behind or forgotten while vacationing. St. Paul’s letter to Timothy serves as a good guide for summer stewardship: “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Throughout the summer it is helpful to be tuned in to the needs of travelers on unfamiliar roads who are visiting from out of town. People often move from school to school and relocate with work during summer months. All need our time and attention to enable their safe travel. An out-ofstate license plate is a sign to activate our Southern hospitality and service to area guests. We appreciate the same con-

sideration as we travel. More blessings are realized as we draw closer to God and observe him working in our lives. Viewing the wonders of creation and of God’s gifts enhances our appreciation and desire to share more time with him. Living in beautiful East Tennessee, we are surrounded with lovely greenways, parks, lakes, and mountains, each a glorious part of God’s creation. Looking for God’s presence and gifts helps us realize greater peace of mind and awareness of his action in our lives. Our intellectual and spiritual development can be nurtured over the summer by reading, the development of our talents, prayer, reflection, and Mass attendance. When planning your vacation, check out masstimes.org for the area you’ll be visiting. Vacations often begin on weekends. Finding a Catholic Church for Mass and thanking God for the opportunity to have a vacation are great ways to set the tone for the days ahead. When visiting a new church, pick up a bulletin to learn more about its ministries and activities. Bring new ideas back to your home parish. While vacationing, remember that your home parish needs and values your continued financial support. Over the summer families often reunite and spend special time together. Sharing

www.dioceseofk noxville.org

by emanations” from the papal magisterium. Take, for example, the case of an editorial in L’Osservatore Romano that appeared shortly after John Paul II’s second pilgrimage to Poland, during martial law in 1983. The editorial claimed that the pope’s trip had been a valedictory for Solidarity and Lech Walesa; that was all over, and the church in Poland would now sidle into position as the quasi-official opposition to the Jaruzelski government. The papal apartment was furious and did everything possible to signal in the weeks following that the editorial in no way reflected John Paul’s own views about Solidarity, Walesa, or the appropriate role of the church in a post-martial-law Poland. L’Osservatore Romano, in other words, completely misrepresented the pope’s convictions—and in an editorial, not in some commissioned essay such as Fiorentino’s. That notorious editorial did, however, reflect the views of some papal diplomats in the Secretariat of State, who thought Solidarity was destabilizing and dangerous—a fact that completes the rough analogy to the Fiorentino article and the current situation. It is no secret to anyone familiar with the Holy See that the default positions at the lower levels in the Secretariat of State reflect the default positions in western European foreign ministries on matters American. Today that default position is Obamaphilia. To confuse this default position with the judgment of the Catholic Church and the pope on the Obama administration’s policies, however, is to make a very serious analytic error— and a cheap political point. ■ George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. stories, fun times, values, and traditions can nurture family bonds and memories. Time spent together may also reveal issues that need family members’ prayer, attention, and caring service. Discipleship and stewardship prompt us to look at how we are called to be faithful moment by moment and day by day. As stewards, we are caretakers of all that we receive and use. This prompts us to be responsible to others, wherever we are. For example, planning for the care of our home, pets, and lawn while we’re away demonstrates respect for our neighbors and neighborhood. Likewise, we value visiting a vacation spot that has prepared for our arrival. Leaving it in good shape is courteous to those who will use it next. Let us especially remember the men and women of our military this summer. Whether stateside or overseas, they honor our country with dedicated service and miss the summertime activities they know to be so special. Many people also spend the summer in hospitals or nursing homes—or caring for others. Prayer and comforting gestures reflect our care for these people. We are Pentecost people. Jesus’ message to his disciples was clear: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Summer is a great season to show that we are truly Christ’s disciples and good stewards of God’s gifts. May God bless you. ■ Mrs. Erpenbach is the director of the diocesan Stewardship and Development Office. THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C

etc

PEOPLE

from the

BY MARY C. WEAVER

‘The outpouring of grace’ In May the diocesan RE director was ordained a Byzantine Catholic priest. he weekend of Father Richard Armstrong’s ordination to the diaconate and priesthood was marked by gratitude and humility—as well at least one anxious moment. Father Richard directs the Religious Education Office for the Diocese of Knoxville and works in the Chancery office. He was ordained a deacon, then a priest for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio. The ordinations took place on May 2 (minor orders and diaconate) and 3 (priesthood) at the Cathedral of St. Josaphat. The most significant moment during the weekend, he said, came when he received the Holy Eucharist for the first time from Bishop Robert M. Moskal. “He places it in your hands and says, ‘Take this pledge to preserve it whole and unharmed until your last breath because you shall be held accountable for it at the second awesome coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.’” The ordinand was accompanied by his wife of 11 years, Emily; four of their six children; an uncle from Northern Virginia; parishioners from the local Byzantine community; and priests, deacons, and families from North Carolina, which is part of the deanery in which the new priest now serves. Also present was Father Richard’s coworker, Paul Simoneau, who directs the diocesan Justice and Peace Office. “It was a unique privilege and blessing not only to witness [Father Richard’s] ordination but also to participate in the Divine Liturgy of the East,” Mr. Simoneau

ED KLAGES

HOLY COMMUNION Newly ordained Byzantine priest Father Richard Armstrong gives the Eucharist to his oldest child, Catherine, 10. Father Richard was ordained a priest on May 3 by Bishop Robert M. Moskal of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio. The new priest is the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Knoxville and also serves as the diocesan director of Religious Education.

grace the whole time and a sense of my own unworthiness.” Despite that, he said, answering the call to priesthood means acknowledging that “God’s the one in charge” and “letting him do what he wants to do through me.” A less transcendent experience took place on Saturday, May 2, after soon-to-be Father Richard had been ordained a subdeacon. He was behind the iconostasis—a partition that divides the sanctuary from the body of the church— when the stole worn by subdeacons “came off my shoulders and fell down,” he recalled. “I was desperately trying to put it back on before I had to reappear” before the clergy and congregation. “It was a tense moment.” Father Richard said he’s received a great deal of support from the Byzantine community. “They’re ecstatic to have a priest and to be able to pray in the fullness of our tradition. “These are services . . . they’ve never been able to have before, so now to have them is a real enrich-

PAUL SIMONEAU

said. “As a Latin Catholic, I was overwhelmed by the liturgical richness and beauty of the Eastern Church.” Married men may become priests of the Ukrainian Catholic Church—and of most other Eastern Catholic churches— although monks and bishops are celibate. When Bishop Robert placed the Eucharist in his hand, Father Richard said, “You know it’s really happened at that point and what you’ve actually been called to do. Then, being newly ordained, you go around to the back of the altar and place your hands on the altar and your head, and they give you a long while to be with the Lord and think about the gravity of the situation. “That was very humbling.” Another high point of the weekend was giving Communion to his family for the first time, he said. The spiritual and physical intensity of the two-day process “was overwhelming,” Father Richard said. “I could feel in the depth of my person the outpouring of

Mother Emily—Father Richard’s wife—poses with four of the couple’s six children after the Divine Liturgy on May 3. In her arms is baby Anna Sophia; from left are sons Alexander, 6, and Nicholas, 8, and daughter Catherine. The ordinations took place at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Parma, Ohio. THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC

ment to their spiritual lives,” he said. “They’ve been extremely grateful. You just have to see the expression on their faces.” Father Richard’s wife and family are equally joyful. And Mrs. Armstrong will play a special role in the community as Mother Emily, or the panyi matka, the Ukrainian word for mother. “Because we’re one flesh in marriage, if something happens to me, she takes on a certain aspect of it,” Father Richard explained. “My wife takes on some of the dignity of my priesthood, and that’s why she’s called ‘Mother’ by the parishioners. I think it’s a very powerful testament to the reality and beauty of the marriage bond. “She becomes the mother of the parish—really the prayer anchor of the church.” He added that much of the panyi matka’s role has to do with “hospitality, prayer—the things that mothers do,” he said. As a new priest Father Richard has performed just one baptism—that of his infant daughter Anna Sophia, born on March 23. In keeping with the traditions of the Eastern Churches, the baby also was chrismated (confirmed) and received the Eucharist for the first time. Father Richard’s journey toward priesthood initially began in 1994. He spent two and a half years at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., before completing his education and marrying. Father Richard earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., graduating with a double major in history and modern languages. He has a master’s in Priest continued on page 10

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PARACLETE

BY ROBERT CURTIS

This summer here will be days when it’s too hot to go outside. The mosquitoes will be too thirsty for you to enjoy a nice evening on the porch. A rainy day will make the children stay indoors, wondering what to do. But The Paraclete has DVDs for occasions just such as these. Invite some company, burn some steaks, and settle in to enjoy a good movie. ¡Por fin! Para variar un poco, nos están llegando los DVD’s en español con subtítulos en inglés. Uno de los mejores es el clásico católico Marcelino Pan y Vino. Cuando uno es abandonado en la puerta de un monasterio y criado por monjes, pueden pasar cosas excepcionales, y así suceden en esta maravillosa película para toda la familia que es única en su clase. A few issues ago we mentioned DVDs from Ignatius Press. Here are some more: On the Vatican’s film list, no less, is Babette’s Feast, a wonderful allegory about the Eucharist and its ability to impart joy. In the family favorites category is Lilies of the Field, with the itinerant Sidney Poitier building a church for some sis-

ters in the desert and creating a community. You may as well watch it so you can sing “Aa-a-a-men, A-a-a-a-amen” along with the rest of us. In One Man’s Hero Tom Berenger plays the captain of the illfated St. Patrick’s Brigade in the Spanish–American War. The men deserted rather than kill their Catholic counterparts and paid the consequences. A true story, well-acted. I’ve seen it myself: the impossible staircase built by, they say, St. Joseph at the Loretto Church in Santa Fe. Seeing is believing in the movie The Staircase. Barbara Hershey made quite a second career for herself doing religious films such as The Staircase and the wonderful Abraham with Richard Harris. If we don’t have it, we’ll get it. Come by for some good clean fun. We enjoy your company even if you just come by to visit! ■ The Paraclete is a fullservice Catholic book and supply store. Visit 417 Erin Drive in Knoxville, near Sacred Heart Cathedral, or call 865-588-0388 or 800-333-2097. Download the Paraclete’s newsletter online at snipr.com/paraclete.

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are given prescriptions but have to go to a pharmacy and purchase them, then return for treatment, said Father Appiah. Some sacrifice needed medicine because they have to use their money to buy food, he said. Many doctors in Ghana operate private clinics that draw people from the national system. “If you have money, you can go to a private clinic,” said Father Appiah. “That’s what most of the people are opting now to do, even though they have their [national health-care] cards. If it is serious, forget about the healthcare system.” Ghanian ophthalmologists are a rare species, so such doctors would be all the more valuable to have on next year’s mission team. “We met one Ghanian doctor who’s an ophthalmologist. He said there are 48 ophthalmologists in Ghana for a population of 22 million, and half of them are in the capital, Accra,” said Father Appiah. “He is in a northern region, and he has the care of more than 2 million people. He also teaches.” To go on the mission, become a sponsor, or learn more, contact Father Appiah at bubrabar @hotmail.com or Dr. Bunick at sugardoctn@ gmail.com. Physicians who could assist with supplying medicine should e-mail Dr. Bunick. Father Appiah listed another way ETC readers can help. “Anybody who wants us to come and speak or do some sort of engagement to raise funds—I am willing and open, and any of the doctors would also be,” he said. ■

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ing liturgical fabrics as the fourth phase of my priesthood.” Father Orlett is survived by his brothers Richard and Michael of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Paul of Milford, Va.; sisters Dorothy Flanagan of McDermott, Ohio, and Mary Agnes Cox of Portsmouth; many nieces and nephews; and his fellow missioners and friends. A brother, James, died previously. Visitation took place Wednesday, May 27, at Our Lady of the Fields Chapel at the Glenmary residence in Fairfield, Ohio, with a wake service following. The funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, May 28, at St. Matthias Church in Cincinnati. Burial followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. ■ JUNE 7, 2009

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Pro-life leaders, groups condemn murder of Kansas abortion doctor B Y CHA Z MUTH

WASHINGTON (CNS)—Pro-life advocates universally condemned the May 31 murder of a Kansas abortion doctor, with officials from several U.S. right-to-life groups saying such extreme acts only hurt the pro-life cause. “We condemn this lawless act of violence,” said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life. “The foundational right to life that our work is dedicated to extends to everyone. Whoever is responsible for this reprehensible violence must be brought to justice under the law.” Dr. George Tiller, 67, of Wichita, Kan., was fatally shot while serving as an usher at the city’s Formation Lutheran Church during morning services, according to the Associated Press. A suspect in the shooting, identified as Scott Roeder, 51, was being held without bail on one count of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault, the AP reported June 1. In 1996 a 38-year-old man with the same name was charged in Topeka, Kan., with criminal use of explosives for having bomb components in his car trunk and sentenced to 24 months of probation, the AP reported. The conviction was overturned on appeal the next year, however, after a higher court said evidence against him was seized by law-enforcement officers during an illegal search of his car, the AP reported. Tiller—whose clinic is one of just a few in the nation where abortions are performed after the 21st week of pregnancy—had been a target of abortion opponents since the 1970s. He was shot in both arms by a protester in 1993, and his clinic was bombed in 1985. Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, expressed profound regret upon learning of Tiller’s shooting death. “Our bishops’ conference and all its members have repeatedly and publicly denounced all forms of violence in our society, including abortion as well as the misguided resort to violence by anyone opposed to abortion,” Cardinal Rigali said in a June 1 statement. “Such killing is the opposite of everything we stand for and everything we want our culture to stand for: respect for the life of each and every human being from its beginning to its natural end. We pray for Dr. Tiller and his family,” he said. “The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life,” said David N. O’Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, the largest prolife group in the U.S. “The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.” President Barack Obama, who supports legal abortion, also expressed dismay at the shooting death and said such violence wouldn’t be tolerated. “I am shocked and outraged by the murder of Dr. George Tiller as he attended church services,” Obama said in a May 31 statement. “However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.” At least one abortion opponent condemned what Tiller did while condemning the act that took his life. “I believe George Tiller was one of the most evil men on the planet; every bit as vile as the Nazi war criminals who were hunted down, tried, and sentenced after they participated in the ‘legal’ murder of the Jews that fell into their hands,” said Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, who was also arrested by federal agents during a 1991 protest in front of Tiller’s office. “But even Mr. Tiller—like other murderers—deserved a trial of his peers, and a legal execution, not vigilante justice,” he added. Catholic bishops in Kansas and neighboring Colorado quickly condemned the murder, stating that although they vigorously oppose abortion, violence against those who perform the procedure is counterproductive and contrary to Catholic teaching. “Many Catholics have over the years engaged in peaceful protest outside of Dr. Tiller’s clinic, praying for an end to abortion, especially lateterm abortions. I have on occasion joined them for this purpose,” said Bishop Michael O. Jackels of Wichita. “This position and hope cannot, however, serve as a justification for committing other sins and crimes, like the willful destruction of property and, even worse, murder,” he said. Bishop Jackels and the bishops who lead the three other Catholic dioceses in Kansas extended their condolences to Tiller’s family. They said they were praying for the slain doctor’s soul and said the fact that the shooting occurred in a church only adds to the horror of the crime. Other condemnations of the murder came from Catholics United, Students for Life of America, Priests for Life, Religious Leaders Seeking Common Ground on Abortion, the Pope John Paul II Bioethics Commission, Maryland Right to Life, and Cleveland Right to Life. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 10

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JUNE 7, 2009

New York Latina nominated to Supreme Court If confirmed, Judge Sotomayor would be the sixth current Catholic justice. By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS)— President Barack Obama has nominated federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court; if she is confirmed, the New York native of Puerto Rican descent would become the first Hispanic to serve on the high court. Obama announced his choice of Sotomayor, 54, at a brief event at the White House May 26. If confirmed by the Senate, she would join the court when the next term opens in October, replacing retiring Justice David Souter. At the White House announcement, Sotomayor described herself as “an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.” Sotomayor has been a judge on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals since 1998, nominated to that post by President Bill Clinton. Before that she spent six years as a U.S. District Court judge in New York, nominated to that position by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. She also served as an assistant New York County district attorney and worked in private practice. She was joined at the White House by her mother, Celina Sotomayor; her mother’s husband, Omar Lopez; her brother, Juan Sotomayor, a New York physician, and his wife and children. In announcing his choice, Obama called Sotomayor “an inspiring woman” who “has never forgotten where she began,” describing her childhood in a housing project in New York’s South Bronx section, where she was born in 1954. Her parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico

Judge Sonia Sotomayor

during the Second World War. Obama noted that Sotomayor’s mother had been in the Army during World War II, beginning a family tradition of public service and high aspirations. Sotomayor’s father, a factory worker who had only a third-grade education and spoke little English, died when she was 9. That left her mother often working two jobs to be able to afford to send her two children to Cardinal Spellman Catholic School, Obama said. They had “the only set of encyclopedias in the neighborhood,” he said. Her success in high school led to a scholarship to Princeton University, where she graduated at the top of her class, and Yale Law School, where she was editor of the law journal. Although some critics of Obama were quick to decry Sotomayor as “a liberal activist,” her judicial record does not reflect that approach on issues including religious

liberty and restrictions on federal funds being used for abortion. For instance, in a 2002 case challenging the Mexico City policy, Sotomayor upheld the government’s right to prohibit the use of U.S. foreign aid funds in overseas family planning programs that provide or refer for abortions. “The Supreme Court has made clear that the government is free to favor the antiabortion position over the pro-choice position and can do so with public funds,” she wrote in a decision on the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy v. Bush. Obama reversed that policy shortly after taking office in January. In a case in which a rabbi was denied permission to display a menorah in a city park, Sotomayor in 1993 struck down the city regulation barring the display, saying it discriminated against religious free speech. In other cases she has upheld the rights of a Muslim prisoner to participate in an Islamic religious feast and of followers of Santeria to wear prayer beads under their clothing. Anthony Picarello, general counsel of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he was still studying Sotomayor’s judicial rulings, but that, “on first blush, her religious freedom decisions are encouraging. But there are other fundamental, court-driven issues—especially abortion and marriage—where we’ll need to take a closer look at the record.” A notice on the website of Cardinal Spellman said she graduated from the New York Sotomayor continued on page 8

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theological studies from Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Alexandria, Va. He also earned an advanced apostolic catechetical diploma, awarded by the authority of the Holy See. It is the highest catechetical degree recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. Father Richard was hired by the Diocese of Knoxville as director of Religious Education in 2006. His previous work experience included teaching assignments as a catechist and a religion teacher and chaplaincies with Fairfax Hospital in Virginia and the Boy Scouts of America. Asked to reflect on how his life journey brought him to ordi-

nation, he said, “The hindsight has been 20-20. As you’re going through it, you don’t always see where it’s going to lead. “But throughout the process, you try to trust in God, that he’s the one leading the journey, and then just follow it. Looking back, it’s like a beautiful puzzle that fits together perfectly. It makes perfect sense now that he’s led me to this point.” Father Richard is now pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission and celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. on Sundays and Vespers at 6 p.m. Saturdays at the Chancery chapel in Knoxville. Everyone is welcome to attend. ■

ED KLAGES

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CNS PHOTO/WHITE HOUSE HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

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On May 2 Bishop Robert Moskal tonsures Richard Armstrong, who that day was ordained a deacon in the Ukrainian Catholic Church. On May 3 he was ordained to the priesthood. PREPARATION FOR DIACONATE

Pope John Paul II encouraged Latins to learn of the Eastern tradition any Latin Catholics are not even aware of the existence of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Indeed, the Catholic Church is “actually a communion of churches,” Father Richard Armstrong explained in a May 29 interview. In 1995 Pope John Paul II published the apostolic letter Orientale Lumen (“The Light of the East”), marking the centenary of Pope Leo XIII’s apostolic letter Orientalium Dignitas. Leo’s document, Pope John Paul II wrote, attempted to “safeguard the significance of the Eastern traditions for the whole church.”

In his 1995 document Pope John Paul II went on to write, “Since, in fact, we believe that the venerable and ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ’s church, the first need for Catholics is to be familiar with that tradition, so as to be nourished by it and to encourage the process of unity in the best way possible for each. “Our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters are very conscious of being the living bearers of this tradition, together with our Orthodox brothers and sisters. The members of

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the Catholic Church of the Latin tradition must also be fully acquainted with this treasure and thus feel, with the pope, a passionate longing that the full manifestation of the church’s catholicity be restored to the church and to the world, expressed not by a single tradition, and still less by one community in opposition to the other; and that we too may be granted a full taste of the divinely revealed and undivided heritage of the universal church which is preserved and grows in the life of the churches of the East as in those of the West.” ■ THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C