March 6, 2011, ET Catholic by Diocese of Knoxville

CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Pope urges support for women Pope Benedict XVI poses with the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life in Clementine Hall at the Vatican Feb. 26. He addressed the group on ethical questions related to umbilical-cord blood banks and the damage abortion causes women. page 10

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 20 • Number 13 • March 6, 2011

The

newspaper

of the D iocese of K noxville www.dioknox.org

St. Joseph School in Knoxville to become regional

St. Dominic School marks 65 years Hundreds attend a pair of celebrations to show support and gratitude for the Kingsport school. By Dan McWilliams

B Y M A R Y C . WEAVER

St. Joseph continued on page 8

he St. Dominic family in Kingsport enthusiastically turned out for two 65th-anniversary celebrations for the parish school. More than 200 attended a dinner-dance Feb. 19 at St. Dominic Church, following a Catholic Schools Week kickoff event Jan. 30 that drew 300-plus. The diocese announced in January 2010 that St. Dominic School would close at the end of the school year because of declining enrollment and increased subsidy costs to the parish. Bishop Richard F. Stika rescinded the decision the following month, giving the institution a two-year period to “demonstrate increased enrollment, an overall reduction in costs, and a healthy pattern of improvement,” as the ETC reported March 7, 2010. “There are a lot of people who take a lot of pride in the school and what St. Dominic has been able to accomplish over the decades,” said parish pastor Father Mike Nolan. “The kids are well-trained, wellbehaved, and well-respected. They know about the Lord. They know to go to him in prayer privately or publicly. “I’m very appreciative of all the efforts that went into

DAN MCWILLIAMS

ishop Richard F. Stika announced on Feb. 23 that St. Joseph School in Knoxville will become a regional school on June 1. The school, located off Cedar Lane in North Knoxville, has been a parish school of Holy Ghost Church. Most students are members of Holy Ghost Parish as well as Immaculate Conception and St. Albert the Great parishes, also in Knoxville. In a letter sent to the school community and members of the above parishes, Bishop Stika wrote, “Because of my deep personal belief and commitment to the importance of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Knoxville, I have been concerned about the future of St. Joseph due to declining enrollment and significant budget deficits which burden Holy Ghost Parish.” In response, he wrote, he formed a task force led by Father Patrick Garrity, “to look for ways to broaden support for the school, strengthen its financial position, and create a vision for its future.” The task force and its committees recommended making the school a regional rather than a parish institution. Father Garrity is the pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut and a former principal of Knoxville Catholic High School. The bishop noted that the school would be overseen by an executive committee made up of the pastors of Holy Ghost, Immaculate Conception, and St. Albert the Great—as well as a pastor to represent parishes that send fewer than 10 children to the school—and possibly one or two ex-officio members assigned by the bishop. One of the pastors will serve as president of the school for a fiveyear term. The first such president will be Father Chris Michelson, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish. The school’s president will have essentially the same role as is cur-

School parents Mary and Joseph de Wit gave a talk at the 65th-anniversary dinner-dance on the merits of a St. Dominic education. Above, Mrs. de Wit checks off the final item on a list her husband and she used when considering where to send their children to school when they arrived in Kingsport in the 1980s. View a slide show of the celebration at dioknox.org/sdom-slideshow. CHECKLIST COMPLETED

not only making this night successful but also trying to make our school more successful and more viable for more people.” Father Nolan praised St. Dominic school-board chair Marie Wilson and “all the hard work of the school board, who earlier in the year were meeting weekly and then twice a month and have put in countless hours

of strategizing and setting goals and finding action plans. The progress they’ve made is incredible.” At the anniversary celebration Jan. 30, Bishop Stika celebrated Mass at the church, then joined parish families at the school for a tour, program, and lunch. Many of the families were visiting the school for the first time, said Father Nolan

“[The bishop] engaged, charged, and challenged and was a real shot in the arm to our parish community and the efforts we have made with our school,” he said. St. Dominic School opened in 1945 as the city’s first private school, with students meeting in the basement of the original church on Crescent Drive St. Dominic continued on page 6

Safe-environment program for children gets an upgrade The diocese will soon begin offering a new and improved curriculum to help protect youngsters from abuse, bullying, and online dangers. BY MARY C. WEAVER

MARY C. WEAVER

‘KEEPING KIDS SAFE’ Deacon

Sean Smith, chancellor for the diocese, explains a new child-protection program to Cumberland Mountain Deanery religious educators and pastors on Feb. 25.

his spring the diocese will roll out new safe-environment training for children, Bishop Richard F. Stika announced in a Feb. 14 letter to pastors and parish safe-environment coordinators. U.S. dioceses are subject to regular audits to ensure compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, introduced in 2002. As a result of the Knoxville Diocese’s most recent audit, the bishop wrote, “we have created a committee of dedicated religious educators to create and implement a diocesan program for age-appropriate safe-environment training for children in our parish/diocesan schools and our religious-education programs. This committee has gathered information from numerous dioceses throughout the country and has worked to create a new, comprehensive safeenvironment program for our kids.” The new program will replace the diocese’s current one for children. The other elements of the safe-environment program—background checks for all volunteers, employees, clergy, candidates for ordination, and religious; Virtus “Protecting God’s Children” training for all of the above; and the Safe environment continued on page 3

letters to the

EDITOR

‘Discussion-ending’ definition of a Catholic

Several years ago the then–pastor of St. Au-

gustine Parish was asked what he thought about a published report that many Catholics did not believe the consecrated host to be the body and blood of Christ. He countered that all Catholics believe the consecrated host to be the body and blood of Christ. If someone does not believe this to be true, that person is not Catholic. End of discussion. n —Bill Gallagher Signal Mountain Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail or mail: news@ dioknox.org, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.

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he East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who would prefer to read a digital copy and to discontinue the print edition. If you would like to try online delivery, visit bit.ly/subscribe-online to sign up. If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, you can return to a print subscription at any time. If you have questions, e-mail mhunt@dioknox.org. n

Catechetical days continue

he Office of Christian Formation in collaboration with Aquinas College in Nashville, continues its catechetical-formation program for adults this year, with three catechetical days, all on Saturdays. The program is intended for parish catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and other interested adults. There is no charge. Each session will include hourlong modules on the sacraments, morality, prayer, and creative methods for teaching. The days will be conducted by the Nashville Dominican sisters. Formation days, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (choose one): n March 12, St. John Neumann School, Farragut n April 2, St. Patrick Church, Morristown n April 16, St. Jude Parish Life Center, Chattanooga. For details, contact Father Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@dioknox.org or 865-584-3307. Register online at bit.ly/faith-formation. n

Diocese offers ongoing Virtus child-protection training sessions

he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth—a three-hour seminar called “Protecting God’s Children”—is offered regularly throughout the diocese. The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and are recommended for parents and grandparents. The following training sessions have been scheduled: n St. Dominic Church, Kingsport, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 16;

6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11; 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9; 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30 n All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 19 (session will be held in the parish hall) n St. Joseph the Worker Church, Madisonville, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 n St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 18 (session will be held in St. Ann Hall). Participants are asked to donate $1 for session materials. To register, visit virtus online.org. n

living the

READINGS

Foundation building Jesus and Moses agree on how to have a solid relationship with God.

Jesus knew something about building. He was a builder by trade. So it doesn’t come as a shock that he made good use of metaphors based on building. He called the leader of the Twelve Peter, upon which rock he would build his Church. And he predicted he would rebuild the Temple (of his body) in three days. In today’s Gospel, Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount by telling us these words form a rock foundation for our lives. A house can be an architectural marvel combining beauty, form, and function, but it would become trash if its foundation gave

in. Just so, a person could perform mighty deeds and be inspiring, prayerful, and so dynamic as to be prophetic. Yet all that would come crashing down if it were not built on a foundation of rock. In the reading from Deuteronomy, Moses gives the people of Israel a choice. The choice is between obeying the commandments of God and following false gods. Moses is presenting a foundation for the Israelites to accept or reject. They had seen God’s marvels in Egypt. They had passed through the Red Sea. All of that would be for naught if they did not choose to follow God and his commands. They had to be in an ongoing love relationship with the God who had saved them and would care for them forever. As long as they maintained that foundation of love and obedience, God

Eden revisited The modern world, not the garden, tempts us.

he story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has to be the most thought-provoking piece of literature ever. It takes us from beauty and goodness though temptation and fall to the present human condition. Who does not cringe while meditating on our first parents’ capitulation to the serpent’s temptation? If only we had it to do over again. It’s not unusual for someone who loses a frivolous bet to request that the winner “make it two out of three” in order to recoup his loss. Wouldn’t it be great if God had allowed Adam and Eve a

chance to make it two out of three? Well, in a way, God did. In the garden the serpent tricked our parents into distrusting God. The fruit of the forbidden tree looked good. Surely God wouldn’t let them die if they ate it. So Adam and Eve both suspected that God had lied to them. They lost their trust in him. With their loving relationship broken, they sinned. Satan 1, humanity 0. The second chance has already taken place. Matthew tells us about this second confrontation in today’s Gospel. Taking the place of the serpent, the devil does the tempting. Stand-

would support them. Jesus made the same offer to his disciples on the Mount of the Beatitudes. All our good deeds and good words need a foundation. It is built on our choice to entrust our lives completely and forever to our loving Lord. Faith involves more than assenting to certain concepts. Yes, we must use the correct language when talking about our faith. But it is even more important to anchor our heart as well as our mind and set both solidly on the foundation of Jesus’ life, words, and actions. Paul seals the matter by telling the Romans the righteousness of God is manifested in Jesus Christ. We can be deprived of God’s glory by committing sin. But when we live in his grace, we can’t fall. Grace is relationship with the risen Christ. It is the foundation on which we can remain forever. n March 6, ninth Sunday in ordinary time Deuteronomy 11:18, 26-28, 32 Psalm 31:2-4, 17, 25 Romans 3:21-25, 28 Matthew 7:21-27

ing in for all human beings is Jesus. The scene changes from a delightful garden to a desert. There, hungry in the desert, Jesus overcomes the wiles of Satan. Using similar tactics in the desert, the devil tried to break the relationship between Jesus and the Father. If Jesus would only demonstrate his power to feed everyone and amaze everyone and dominate the world, he could be more powerful than the Father. Jesus would have none of it. He stayed with the Father even to the cross and beyond to resurrection. Satan 1, humanity 1. That brings us to where we are now. Paul gives us a recap of what’s happened up to this point. Because of the fall man-

kind was condemned and subject to death. Through Christ’s victory we receive acquittal, life, righteousness, and grace. Well, the score is tied. The third and deciding contest is at hand. Temptation now comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Instead of the garden, the venue is the modern world, now filled with the presence of God’s grace. But this time it’s each one for him- or herself. This time you represent mankind. n Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg. March 13, first Sunday of Lent Genesis 2:7-9 and 3:1-7 Psalm 51:3-6, 12-13, 17 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

WEEKDAY READINGS Monday, March 7: Memorial, Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs, Tobit 1:3 and 2:1-8; Psalm 112:1-6; Mark 12:1-12 Tuesday, March 8: Tobit 2:9-14; Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9; Mark 12:13-17 Wednesday, March 9: Ash Wednesday, Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday, March 10: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 9:22-25

Two deanery-wide diaconate information sessions remain

Friday, March 11: Isaiah 58:19; Psalm 51:3-6, 18-19; Matthew 9:14-15 Saturday, March 12: Isaiah 58:9-14; Psalm 86:1-6; Luke 5:27-32 Monday, March 14: Leviticus 19:12, 11-18; Psalm 19:8-10, 15; Matthew 25:31-46 Tuesday, March 15: Isaiah 55:1011; Psalm 34:4-7, 16-19; Matthew 6:7-15 Wednesday, March 16: Jonah 3:110; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke

Follow the diocese on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ knoxdiocese

ast Tennessee men who believe they may have a call to the permanent diaconate can learn more about the diocese’s formation program during one of two remaining information sessions. For details about eligibility and qualifications, see “Do you have a call to the permanent diaconate?” (Jan. 23 ETC, available online at bit.ly/huEzCc). The two-hour sessions, held on Saturdays, will outline diocesan admission policies, the work of the deacon in the diocese, the theology of diaconal ministry, and preparation for the diaconate. Potential applicants should attend the session held in their deanery. The remaining sessions are as follows: n 10 a.m. March 12 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church, Cleveland n 10 a.m. March 26 at St. Albert the Great Church, Knoxville.

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

Visit the diocese on Facebook: on.fb.me/ dioceseofknoxville

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

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W .

11:29-32 Thursday, March 17: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8; Matthew 7:7-12 Friday, March 18: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-8; Matthew 5:20-26 Saturday, March 19: Solemnity, Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 1821, 24 n

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Dan 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:

For more information, call Deacon Tim Elliott, diocesan director of the Diaconate Office and coordinator of ongoing formation for deacons, at 865-584-3307, or e-mail telliott@dioknox.org. n 2

MARCH 6, 2011

Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.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.dioknox.org

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC

he dwells

AMONG US

BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA

Fourteen lessons Contemplating Christ’s passion is the key to becoming a gift to others.

Is the glass half full or half empty? Although this question highlights the difference between an optimist and a pessimist, it also reminds us that our perception of things is important. With Lent beginning March 9, we can likewise ask ourselves, is this a season when we give up something or when we give something? The way we answer the question determines in large part the quality of our conversion experience during Lent. I have long enjoyed listening to the many recorded talks of the late Archbishop Fulton Sheen. During one such talk he reminded us that in the spiritual life, there are no plains: we are either ascending or descending. I like to think of Lent as a time when we give renewed focus to our ascent—to our ongoing conversion, which entails picking up our cross and following Christ daily. This Lent I will be blessed to accompany a group from our diocese on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from March 20 to April 1. One of the highlights of the trip will be the opportunity to walk the “via dolorosa”—the way of grief—which we know as the Way of the Cross. Though it is a wonderful privilege to be able to trace the historical footsteps of Christ as he made his ascent to Mount Calvary, we make this same pilgrimage

once upon

A TIME

whenever we participate in the Stations of the Cross. Of the many devotions the Church promotes, the Stations of the Cross is one of the most valuable. Though the stations adorn the walls of our churches, they are not there as decorations but as an invitation to meditate upon the mystery of Christ’s sufferings. Traditionally the Church presents us with 14 stations, beginning with Christ’s being condemned to death and ending with his entombment. Some devotional booklets include a 15th station, the Resurrection, which concludes in front of the Blessed Sacrament as a reminder that Christ is ever present in our life and in our sufferings. Within our diocese a number of churches have particularly beautiful stations. One of our oldest churches and one of our newest immediately come to mind—Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga and St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. But no matter the quality of these artistic renderings, our meditations upon them are an indispensable help in our efforts to learn to give of ourselves as Christ did. Through the Stations of the Cross we learn not to give up something but to give with Christ. During the season of Lent our priests are particularly busy, helping with the many penance services throughout the diocese and with a host of other activities. Please be sure to thank them for the many sacrifices they make on your behalf, remembering that they carry more than just their own cross. They are present

BY MONSIGNOR XAVIER MANKEL

Ahead of his time Bishop Adrian in the 1930s began making the ‘local church we know’ today.

I grew up hearing these words at every Mass: una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro Pio, et Antistite nostro Guglielmo, et omnibus orthodoxis atquae catholicae et apostolicae fidei cultoribus. “Guglielmo” was the seventh bishop of Nashville, the Most Rev. William Lawrence Adrian, D.D., who was consecrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral in his home diocese of Davenport, Iowa, on April 16, 1936. He was still our bishop when he ordained me and six other transitional deacons to the priesthood on May 27, 1961, at his Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. He was the only bishop I had ever had because he arrived in Nashville (that diocese covered the entire state of Tennessee until the Diocese of Memphis was created on Jan. 6, 1971) when I was only 6 months old. His predecessor, Bishop Alphonse J. Smith, a man some seven months younger than Bishop Adrian (both had been born in 1883), had died Dec. 16, 1935. He had been the beloved shepherd of Nashville for 11 and a half years when God called him home. He had been the first bishop of Nashville to bear the title “Most Reverend.” His five predecesTHE E A S T T E N N E S S E E C A T H OLIC

sors, beginning with Bishop Pius Miles, OP, in 1838, bore the title “Right Reverend.” Calling our bishops “Most Reverend” helped to distinguish them from Episcopalian bishops. When Bishop Adrian arrived in Nashville, he had little pastoral experience. He was a silver jubilarian in 1936 and had spent 24 of those 25 years as a staff member at St. Ambrose High School and College in Davenport. St. Ambrose had a reputation for training men for the priesthood, although the institution was not primarily a seminary. Indeed it was a great pre-med school: “Doc” Goggin had invented luminous paint in one of the labs there. A school of nursing was also a department, which partnered with Mercy Hospital there. In 1935 Father Adrian had become the pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Victor, Iowa. Then about a year later, he became the bishop of Nashville. It is difficult for you and me to picture how bishops operated in the Catholic Church in this country during the first quarter of the 20th century. In those days each bishop was supreme in his own diocese and had little to do with any others. The unity prompted by the great provincial and plenary councils of the 1800s had all but ceased. Metropolitan provinces had ceased to have much meaning. Nashville had been a part of the province of Cincinnati

in our lives, helping us with our crosses, like Simon of Cyrene—not pressed into service as he was but motivated by the love of Christ. I encourage you, particularly during the Fridays of Lent, to participate in the Stations of the Cross. As we accompany Christ with our meditations, ascending with him to Mount Calvary, we know the journey does not end on Golgotha and in the tomb. It continues with his ascent into Heaven, where we hope to follow. The popular prayer of St. Francis that begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” is in many ways a prayer of the Way of the Cross. Although it does not correlate line by line with the Stations of the Cross, it embodies the penitential spirit we are called to embrace, not just during Lent, but every day: “For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” n BISHOP STIKA’S SCHEDULE Following are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments: March 9: 6 p.m., Ash Wednesday Mass, Sacred Heart Cathedral March 10: 11 a.m., general priest meeting, Chancery; 6 p.m., Catholic Charities dinner, The Chattanoogan hotel, Chattanooga March 12: 1 p.m., rite of election for Chattanooga Deanery, followed by meeting with confirmandi, St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church, Cleveland; 7:30 p.m., rite of election for Smoky Mountain Deanery, Immaculate Conception Church, Knoxville March 13: 2 p.m., rite of election for Five Rivers Deanery, St. Dominic Church, Kingsport; 7 p.m., rite of election for Cumberland Mountain Deanery, All Saints Church, Knoxville March 18: 10 a.m., Mass and blessing of the Blessed Mother Teresa Ladies of Charity building, Knoxville March 20—April 1: pilgrimage to the Holy Land n

until Louisville was made an archdiocese in 1937. And even though the archbishop, John Floersh, was a Nashville boy, even a province headquartered as close as Louisville seemed to make little difference to the diocese. By happy contrast today we enjoy the wonderful connection of having our own second bishop of Knoxville as the metropolitan archbishop of Louisville. Since leaving us for Louisville, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz has also been elected as vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Thomas Stritch, the distinguished author of The Catholic Church in Tennessee (Diocese of Nashville, 1987), has this to say about the beginning of Bishop Adrian’s years in Tennessee: “During his early years as a bishop, one would think he had been one for years. Bing, bang, bong, he punched out decisions of great importance to the diocese. It was during this time that the Diocese of Nashville became the kind of local church we know. Bishop Smith had made the right start. In 1936 the time was ripe for real modernity.” Because the bishop of Nashville was young, he was not as caught up in some of the great movements happening in the American Church. He was a rugged individualist, self-sufficient and self-reliant. He even lived alone. His predecessor had lived at the cathedral rectory, surrounded by several priests with Father Ryan High School’s Faculty House, home to more than a dozen priests at a time, just a couple of blocks away. Bishop Adrian’s two homes in succession were MaryMankel continued on page 7 www.dioknox.org

Lenten requirements for Catholics

sh Wednesday, March 9, begins the 40-day season of Lent that calls the faithful to a spiritual journey with the suffering Christ. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 22 this year) are days of fasting and abstinence from meat. Regulations on fasting allow only one full meal during fast days but do not prohibit eating twice more during the day, as long as the two additional meals do not equal one full meal. Other requirements of the season include abstaining from meat on all Fridays during Lent. Abstinence applies to those who have reached age 14 and forbids eating meat but not eggs, milk products, or condiments made of animal fat. Fasting is required of those ages 18 through 60. Pastors and parents are to see to it that children who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance. In addition, The Code of Canon Law indicates that at least once during the year Catholics in serious sin should receive the sacrament of reconciliation. “All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound to confess their grave sins at least once a year,” Canon 989 specifies. Interior penance can be expressed in many ways. Scripture and the Church Fathers insist above all on three forms: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (Matthew 6:1-18), which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1434.) The church recommends daily prayer, almsgiving, and performing acts of kindness and charity. n

Safe environment continued from page 1

requirement to read and sign the diocesan Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct— remain in place. The new program for children will cover topics such as “good touch and bad touch,” online safety, and bullying. It will also present scenarios children might encounter “to equip them with the tools necessary to recognize and report potential abuse,” the bishop wrote. During a Feb. 25 presentation to Cumberland Mountain Deanery pastors and religious educators at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge, diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith laid out the details of the new children’s program. He was accompanied by Virtus coordinator Marcy Meldahl, the diocese’s director of Employment Services and Benefits, and administrative assistant Janie Hennessy, who coordinates background checks for the diocese. The three made similar presentations earlier in February for the three other deaneries. “The reason we’re here is that we want to protect our kids,” Deacon Smith said during the Oak Ridge meeting. Deacon Smith spoke of the committee that shaped the diocese’s new children’s program, saying, “we asked them to find the best age-appropriate training for kids and to tailor it to the Diocese of Knoxville, and that’s what they’ve done.” The curriculum may be presented by teachers in Catholic schools, parish religious educators, or parents, if moms and dads prefer to deliver the training themselves. Deacon Smith said parents have the right to opt out if they choose. Deacon Smith also noted two minor changes the diocese has made to its longstanding Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct. First, the vocabulary section of the original policy referred to two kinds of volunteers— “occasional” and “regular.” “There is one definition now in this policy: it’s not regular, it’s not occasional; it’s just simply the word volunteer.” A volunteer, he said, is anyone who at any time works with children or vulnerable adults as a catechist, Scout leader, coach, youth minister, coordinator, intern, chaperone, driver, and so on. All volunteers must undergo a background check and Virtus training and must read and sign the Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct. Deacon Smith gave the example of a parent who wishes to chaperone a single field trip. “Will that person have to have a background check, read and sign the policy, and have Virtus safe-environment training? Absolutely, yes.” That might sound extremely conservative, he said, but the point is to make certain that no one who might harm a child or vulnerable adult slips through the cracks. The second change to the diocesan Policy and Procedure simply provides updated Tennessee laws. Two positive changes have been made to the statutes, he said. The changes provide immunity from liability for those who report suspected child sexual abuse, he said. “Well, it turns out that the district attorney does an investigation, and you were wrong, but you weren’t intentionally wrong. In the past, a civil suit could be brought against you. This statute protects you from that.” The law also imposes severe penalties for false accusations of child abuse. The new statute helps protect the innocent. The diocesan Policy and Procedure Relating to Sexual Misconduct and the bishop’s Feb. 14 letter are available online at dioknox.org/childprotection/safe-environment/. n MARCH 6, 2011

BY DAN PACITTI

n The parish thanked those who do-

nated to Catholic schools in a second collection on the weekend of Feb. 5 and 6. A total of $4,077 was raised for the Chattanooga Deanery Catholic Schools Operating Fund to help Catholic families in need send their children to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, St. Jude School, and Notre Dame High School. n The OLPH Sugar and Spice Brunch will be held Saturday, April 2, for women and girls of all ages. The event will feature a guest speaker and an auction. Proceeds will benefit the Family Honor program, religious education, and community outreach. Tickets are $20. Call the parish office at 423-622-7232 for more information. n OLPH School will celebrate a Mardi Gras Carnival on Saturday, March 5, beginning with a wagon parade at 9:45 a.m. and concluding at 2 p.m. The event includes inflatable games, prizes, barbecue, a rock-climbing wall, and a silent auction. n Knights of Columbus Council 6099 named Paul Blazek as Knight of the month and the Raymond Bertani family as family of the month for January.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill n The parish’s annual St. Patrick’s

Day Party will begin with a social hour (BYOB) at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 17, with dinner to follow at 6. Cost is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Divine Mercy Society. Sign up in the back of the church. Volunteers are needed to make bread and desserts (indicate this on the sign-up sheet if you can help). n A Fat Tuesday Party is set for March 8, featuring a sampling of foods representing the ethnic background of parishioners. The party will begin with a happy hour (BYOB) at 5 p.m. Cost is $6 per adult; free for children. Sign up in the back of the church. n The parish recently welcomed three new Knights of Columbus in Howard Jabaley, Ron Jabaley, and Mike McWilliams.

St. Jude, Chattanooga

n The youth will attend the Southern

Conference Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 5. n The St. Jude School eighth-graders will host a first Friday breakfast in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus after the 8:15 a.m. Mass on March 4.

St. Mary, Athens

n A women’s Lenten pilgrimage

to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala., will take place from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Tickets are $40 and include bus fare and a catered lunch. Registration is required; the deadline is Sunday, March 20. Call the office at 423-745-4277 for more details. Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

n The youth will attend the Winter

Jam Christian-music concert at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville on Friday, March 4. n The Council of Catholic Women will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Covered Dish Dinner & Talent Show at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20, in Blessed Sacrament Hall. Families are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade n Ashes will be distributed at the

8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Masses on Ash Wednesday, March 9. n Stations of the Cross will be held at 5 p.m. on Lenten Fridays. n The Council of Catholic Women recently donated $3,174.85 to Plateau Pregnancy Services’ “Baby Bottle Campaign.” In 2010 the CCW donated gift baskets to homeowners during six Habitat for Humanity dedication ceremonies. n Anniversaries: Rus and Ruth Koepke (66), Chris and Carol Lambros (30)

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City n A parish men’s retreat is planned

for Tuesday through Thursday, March 22 through 24, at the Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley, N.C. St. Thomas pastor Father Christian Mathis will be the retreat leader and speak on the topic “Our Final Judgment.” Cost is $130, which includes lodging and meals. To register, contact Stu McFadden at 865-4584

MARCH 6, 2011

3911 or sjmcfadden@chartertn.net by Thursday, March 10. Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

n The Knights of Columbus will spon-

sor a fish fry at 6 p.m. Friday, March 11. Stations of the Cross will follow dinner. All donations will benefit the parish’s Appalachian Outreach week at the end of July.

Notre Dame, Greeneville

n The Knights of Columbus will rec-

ognize the parish’s graduating high school seniors at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 15. Seniors who wish to be included should call Bob Moore at 423-636-1023 by Wednesday, March 16.

St. Dominic, Kingsport

n The Knights of Columbus will spon-

sor a family movie night featuring the film Despicable Me at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, in the parish life center, following Mass. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be provided. Sign up in the church vestibule. Call Sam Wilson at 423-392-0458 for more details.

ROY EHMAN

OLPH, Chattanooga

Big crowd attends Our Lady of Fatima dinner, auction Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa held a spaghetti dinner and auction Feb. 5 that was attended by approximately 245 people. The proceeds were divided among the CYO, the Council of Catholic Women, and the Knights of Columbus. Above, auctioneer Chuck O’Donnell takes bids on the basket held by Logan Parsons. The biggest prize of the evening was a 32-inch LCD television.

St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton

n A spring potluck supper with a St.

Patrick’s Day theme is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6. The parish will provide bread and drinks. Parishioners are invited to bring a favorite dish. n St. Elizabeth volunteers prepared and served meals for 254 homeless and elderly people Jan. 15 and another 200 on Feb. 19 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church as part of the community-wide Food for the Multitude program. The next opportunity for the parish to help with Food for the Multitude is Saturday, April 2. n Anniversaries: Roger and Mary Forbes (25), Jim and Jan Paveglio (5) n Newcomers: Mark, Linda and Luke Guimond; Jill, Patrick and Gabrielle Mardis; Steven and Joanna Cyrier; Nancy Peterson

ELIZABETH CONWAY

Chattanooga Deanery

Blessing of throats at Holy Spirit Monsignor Al Humbrecht, assisted by Deacon Michael Kucharzak (back), officiates at a blessing of throats during the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Feb. 5 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy.

CCW’s Day of Recollection set at St. Mary in Johnson City

St. Patrick, Morristown

n The parish’s last session of Re-

new: Why Catholic? will begin Sunday, March 6, and end Friday, April 15. To join a group, call Ruth Taylor at 423-587-0571.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Blessed John XXIII, Knoxville

n The first Roncalli Roundtable lun-

cheon fellowship was held Feb. 28. Dr. Susan Speraw gave a presentation and led a discussion on “Faith, Hope, and Meaning: Social Media Messages Following the Haiti Earthquake.” n John XXIII music director Nancy Brennan Strange, Ben Dockery, and David Slack presented a jazz concert Feb. 13 at Immaculate Conception Church.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

n The parish will commemorate the

1858 Nuper nonnulli papal degree that set the stage for the founding of the Paulist Fathers with evening prayer followed by a parish party Sunday, March 6. The Rev. Mark Nelson of the Crossings faith community in Knoxville will be the guest preacher at evening prayer.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

n Knights of Columbus Council 3832

recently named Howard Bott as Knight of the month and Jeff and Beth Parsons as family of the month.

Notre Dame CCW shower benefits center A baby shower was held at the January 2011 meeting of the Council of Catholic Women at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville to benefit the Hope Center. Numerous gifts of baby clothes, baby toiletries, toys, and diapers of all sizes were gathered by the parish and donated to the Greeneville center. The St. Catherine Guild of the CCW, which specializes in crafts, made and donated a baby-blanket ensemble. Sharon Hodgens, director of the Hope Center, was the guest speaker at the meeting, accompanied by Krystal Rhodes, a volunteer at the facility. Above, CCW president Denise Michaud (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Ms. Hodgens.

he Council of Catholic Women of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City is hosting a Day of Recollection on Tuesday, March 15. The day will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. Afterward Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, Five Rivers Deanery CCW spiritual moderator, will speak from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the topics of spirituality, Lent, “Mary as Our Model,” and community service. Lunch will be catered by Roly Poly. The retreat is free; the meal is $8. Call Mary Meeks at 423943-8255 or Pat Jackowski at 726-2432 for lunch reservations by Friday, March 11. n

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville n The men’s club will sponsor an

outing to the Knoxville Ice Bears’ home game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19. All members will receive a discounted ticket price of $9. Contact Tim Brew at champ1464@bellsouth.net to obtain tickets (deadline Wednesday, March 16) or learn more. COURTESY OF KATHY PORTERFIELD

NOTES

COURTESY OF MAGGIE MAY

parish

St. Mary, Gatlinburg

n The parish is hosting the spring

general meeting of the Smoky Mountain Deanery Council of Catholic Women on Saturday, March 19. Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, will speak on the topic “Psalms: The Prayers That Jesus Prayed.” Coffee will be served and registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is $10; RSVP to Karen Joubert at krjoubert@yahoo.com or Pat Ryan at paryan6540@yahoo. com. n

Parish women’s group feeds about 90 at chili dinner The women’s group of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville hosted a chili dinner Feb. 19, serving homemade chili, salad, corn bread, and desserts. Approximately 90 parishioners attended. From left are the chefs, Barbara Callan, Sue MacDuff, Irene Klinefelter, Ginnie Aloia, Diane Dipzinski, Patty Smith, Judy Stockwell, Suzanne Fleissner, Marion Croker, and Nancy McHugh.

www.dioknox.org

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC

BY DAN PACITTI

Notre Dame High School invites parents and high school and junior high students to hear EWTN Radio host Father Thomas Loya present “Living the Good Teen Life” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the NDHS auditorium. Pizza will be served from 6:30 to 7. RSVP to Mary Anne at 423624-4618 or online at alumni.myndhs. com by noon March 23. An informational meeting on eightweek ENDOW women’s study groups will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the Shea Room at Sacred Heart Cathedral. ENDOW (Educating on the Nature & Dignity of Women) is a Catholic organization created to help women discover their God-given dignity through the richness and authenticity of Catholic teaching. The groups will begin with meetings from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shea Room or 7 to 8:30 p.m. (room TBA), both Wednesday, March 23. Materials will focus on Pope John Paul II’s “Letter to Women,” and no homework is required. Cost is $60 for books and materials. Register at endowonline. com before Monday, March 14, to receive materials in time for the study. For details, e-mail Wendy Gilhula at wgilhula@shcknox.org. The parishes of Blessed John XXIII in Knoxville and Sacred Heart Cathedral will co-host an “Extreme Heart Makeover: Lenten Edition” mission from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, March 6 through 8, at Sacred Heart with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria each day. Paul George of Adore Ministries will conduct the mission in English at the cathedral, and Father Jose Robles Sanchez will conduct it in Spanish in the school gym. All ages are welcome to attend. Contact Shelly Letendre at the parish office at 865-588-0249 or ts3@comcast.net for more details. Father Simon Stefanowicz, OSPPE, will present a mission, “The Divine Mercy of Jesus,” at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa at all weekend Masses on April 9 and 10 and at 7 p.m. daily Monday through Wednesday, April 11 through 13. Father Stefanowicz, a monk of the Pauline order, said the purpose of the mission is to “strengthen and increase your faith, your love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and your devotion to Mary, our Blessed Mother.” Call the parish at 865-982-3672 for more details. St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga will hold a Lenten parish mission, “The Road to Discipleship,” from Monday through Wednesday, March 28 through 30. Father Tim O’Toole of Cross International Catholic Outreach will lead the mission. Presentations will be given at 11 a.m. and again during Mass at 6:30 p.m. on the first two days, with healing Masses scheduled at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. March 30. Everyone in the Chattanooga Deanery is invited to attend. Download a mission poster at ststephenchattanooga.com or call the St. Stephen office at 423-892-2957 to learn more. St. Patrick Parish in Morristown will host a Lenten mission organized by the spiritual-life committee, with associate pastor Father Alex Waraksa as the presenter. Meetings will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays during Lent, March 15, 22, and 29. For more THE E A S T T E N N E S S E E C A T H OLIC

information, call the parish office at 423-586-9174. The Family & Parish Life Ministry at St. John Neumann in Farragut and the Diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation & Enrichment are sponsoring a Divorce & Beyond support group for Catholic men and women who have experienced or are experiencing divorce. The first meeting for the 10-week Catholic-based program will be held from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Sunday, March 20, in the St. John Neumann School library. Cost for supplies is $15. For details, contact facilitator Mary Coffey at 865-671-6107 or mchartshop@charter.net. To register, contact Marilyn Derbyshire, Family & Parish Life Ministry coordinator, at 966-4540 or mderbyshire@sjnknox.org. A Stephen Ministry workshop will be held at the Church of the Ascension in Knoxville, across from the Chancery Office on Northshore Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Two sessions, “Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief” and “How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way,” will provide an introduction to the lay work of Stephen Ministers. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $15 or $50 for a group of four or more from the same congregation. To register or learn more, call Stephen Ministries at 314-428-2600 or visit www.stephenministry.org/workshop. The Sevier County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life is holding its sixth annual Oratory Contest, which is open to all high school students in Sevier County. The contest will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Sevierville Council Hall. Speeches must take a pro-life view on the issue of abortion, stem-cell research, infanticide, or euthanasia and must be from five to seven minutes long. The registration deadline is Monday, March 28. Prizes are $200 for first place, $125 for second, and $75 for third. Call Terry Aparicio at 865-654-7685 to request an application or learn more. Knoxville-area Catholic singles will host a Mardi Gras party for adults 21 and up to benefit Catholic Charities from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, in the parish hall at All Saints Church in Knoxville. Soft drinks and Cajun food will be provided (BYOB allowed). An auction and Mardi Gras costume contest will be conducted, and music will be provided by Gary Loe Productions. Cost is $10. Contact Gail at 865-3997617 or gbemail@charter.net to register or request more information. The Parent Association at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga will hold a fundraising “Taste of the Irish” dinner, dance, and silent auction from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Varallo Center at NDHS. A wine tasting will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Heart to Heart band will perform. Auction items include a stay in a Florida condo, four Chattanooga Lookouts baseball tickets, and a handmade quilt donated by NDHS parents. Dress is “Irish” cocktail casual. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Reserve a table for eight for $250. Call 423-624-4618 for tickets or purchase them at myndhs.com.

COURTESY OF KATHIE ETHERTON

The ninth annual Sister Jolita Irish Supper, Sing-Along & Silent Auction will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at St. Joseph School in Knoxville. Proceeds benefit the school’s Sister Jolita Student Assistance Fund. The event commemorates Sister Jolita Hughes, RSM, a longtime Catholic educator in the diocese who taught at St. Joseph before her death in 2001. The menu includes salad, Irish stew, rolls, and dessert, with hot dogs for children. The auction will feature original articles from Ireland and other artifacts that recall Sister Jolita’s enduring love for the Emerald Isle. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $5 for children, and $20 for a family. Tickets may be purchased at the school or at the door on the night of the event. For more information, call Therese Hurley at 865-524-4350 or Mary Catherine Willard at 524-3297.

Bishop helps St. Jude School celebrate Catholic Schools Week Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a student Mass at St. Jude School in Chattanooga on Feb. 3 during Catholic Schools Week. The bishop is pictured with eighth-grader Patrick Martin before the liturgy. After the Mass, Bishop Stika ate lunch and visited with students in different grades.

Catholic Charities dinners set March 3 and 10, April 7

atholic Charities of East Tennessee will hold its annual fundraising dinners in March and April. Each dinner is co-hosted by Bishop Richard F. Stika and Father Ragan Schriver, CCET’s executive director. The Knoxville Region’s dinner, themed “An Emerald O’ccasion,” is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at the Knoxville Convention Center. For more information, contact Elaine Evans at 865-5249896 or Elaine@ccetn.org. The Chattanooga Region’s dinner has “Gift of Service” as its theme and is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, at The Chat-

tanoogan hotel. Author Matthew Kelly is the keynote speaker. A reception will start at 6:30 p.m., with dinner at 7. Tickets are $100; table hosts may purchase a table for eight for $800. Additional table-sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Christine Willingham at 423-267-1297 or christine@ccetn.org for details. The Jonesborough Region’s dinner, with the theme “In My Father’s House,” will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport. Contact Brenda Dunn at 423-7533001 or bdunn0153@comcast.net for more information. n Parvuli Dei award presented at IC Joshua Boomershine received his Parvuli Dei Scouting award at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Jan. 23 at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. With him are parents Nathan and Jeannie and IC pastor Father Ron Franco, CSP.

St. Patrick Parish hosting Shenanigans, road rally

t. Patrick Parish in Morristown is hosting its Irish Adventure Rally and 10th annual Shamrock Shenanigans party Saturday, March 12. The road rally begins at 2 p.m. and is part race and part scavenger hunt. Vehicles must have a driver and navigator; registration is $20 per person, plus $10 for a “back seat driver.” Prizes are $200 for first place, $150 for second, and $75 for third. Call Terry Ronsse at 423273-0174 for details. The Shenanigans

party is set for 7 p.m. and features hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a DJ and karaoke music, dancing, door prizes, and a drawing for a trip to Ireland. Tickets are $30, which includes food, beverage, and a chance at the grand prize. Purchase tickets in the parish office or in the narthex after Masses. Call Donna Thoraval at 586-5913 for more information on the party. Furniture, artwork, gift certificates, and other auction items may be dropped off at

the church office during normal business hours. For more information on the auction, call Renee McGarel at 748-1938 or Susan Shafer at 312-4161. Sponsorships are available at $1,000, $500, $250, and $100 levels. Call John Vasquez at 581-8872 or Carol Manning at 586-2778 for details. Rally registration forms and more information on the Shenanigans are available at stpatrickmorristown. net/shenanigans.php. Call the parish office at 586-9174. n

St. Joseph School in Knoxville will host the eighth annual Red Kidd Memorial golf tournament Thursday, May 5, at Three Ridges Golf Course in Knoxville. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m., with a shotgun start for the tourney set for 12:30 p.m. The format is four-person scramble. Entry fee is $125 and includes lunch, beverages, and golfing attire, as well as mulligans, red-tee starts, and other advantages. For more information, call the school at 865-689-3424. The Sts. Francis and Clare Secular Franciscans will hold an informational meeting at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20. All practicing lay Catholics and diocesan clergy are invited to attend. Regular formation meetings will be held afterward on third Sundays, beginning at 1:30 p.m. April 17. For more information, call Carol Pavur at 865-458-4208, Janette Irwin at 671-7220, Nancy Singh at 482-1810, or Patricia Carrasco at 250-7566. Calendar continued on page 6

COURTESY OF BERNARD COOMBES

CALENDAR

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

on the

Deacon Gabor receives Scouting award Deacon Brian Gabor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga holds the Bronze Pelican Award given to him at the 8 a.m. Mass on Feb. 13. The award was presented by diocesan Scout chaplain Deacon Otto Preske (left), pictured with Deacon Gabor; Bernard Coombes, vice chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; and Father Charlie Burton, pastor of St. Jude. Several members of Deacon Gabor’s family were at the Mass for the surprise presentation. The Bronze Pelican recognizes an outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the Scouting program. During two recent youth study program retreats, Deacon Gabor led Scouts in evening and morning prayer, stayed overnight, served on the altar at morning Mass, and participated in the Scouts’ service project. Deacon Gabor, an alumnus of St. Jude Boy Scout Troop 172, has been married 25 years to wife Donna. He is a chemistry teacher at Soddy-Daisy High School and served four years in the U.S. Air Force.

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MARCH 6, 2011

Corrections

St. Dominic continued from page 1

Bishop Richard F. Stika was not taught in school by the Sisters of Mercy, as stated in the Feb. 20 issue (“Vespers service honors those living consecrated life”). n Also Feb. 20, Deacon Joe Armento was misidentified in a photo caption with the article “Center honors St. Mary in Oak Ridge for fundraising,” and Knoxville Catholic High School student Alec Cunningham’s first name was misspelled in a photo caption and story (“Eleven KCHS athletes commit to colleges on National Signing Day”). n n

‘A LOT OF PEOPLE TAKE PRIDE IN THE SCHOOL’ St. Dominic

pastor Father Mike Nolan speaks at the school’s dinner-dance Feb. 19. More than 300 attended a Catholic Schools Week kickoff celebration Jan. 30 as Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass and later joined the assembly at the school for an open house and tour. A total of 216 came to the dinner-dance.

The diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring a Spring Music Fest set for 6:15 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. The featured artist is Dante Schmitz. The evening will include a concert, food, and adoration. Tickets are $5, with proceeds supporting national and international mission work. Families are welcome to attend. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ musicfest-dante or e-mail jarodtrunzo@yahoo.com. An ENDOW retreat for high school girls, with the theme “True Beauty Revealed: A Weekend Adventure Exploring the Big Questions,” will be held from 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1, through noon Sunday, April 3, at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. The retreat will address for participants “the foundational truths about their dignity, identity, and mission” and teach them “how to live a life rooted in Christ.” Nashville Dominican Sisters and Brigid Sweeney from the ENDOW (Educating on the Nature & Dignity of Women) office in Denver will lead the retreat. Cost is $65 and includes lodging and meals. Download registration forms at tinyurl.com/girls-retreat-2011. Contact Margaret Merrill at 865-766-8388 or mmerrill@smcor.org for more information. A retreat for high school boys, based on Ephesians 6:11-12 (“Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm”), will be held from 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, through noon Sunday, April 10, at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge. Participants will learn about strength and courage from a Christian perspective, pray the Stations of the Cross and the rosary, attend Mass, and spend an hour in adoration. Cost is $30. Download registration forms at tinyurl.com/ Armor-Retreat. Contact Deacon Dan Hosford at 865603-9682 or djh2@comcast.net or Margaret Merrill at 766-8388 or mmerrill@smcor.org for more details. The annual Pro-Life Women’s Day on the Hill will be held Wednesday, March 30, in Nashville. The day will include a lunch with pro-life legislators. To learn more, contact the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@knology.net. Chattanoogans for Life will hold its annual Banquet in Celebration of Life at the Chattanoogan hotel at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6. The speaker will be Tony Melendez. Banquet tickets are $50 per person or $400 per table. Before the dinner, a prayer service at the National Memorial for the Unborn will be held at 3 p.m., and a Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church will take place at 5:30 p.m. To reserve tickets, call Sue Shramko at 423-825-5912 or Kitty Cross at 322-8356. Memorial Health Care System will hold free abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings weekdays March 7 through 11, for those 65 and older, at Memorial Hospital, Memorial North Park, and Memorial Ooltewah. Registration is required; call 423-495-6000. Alexian Brothers Senior Ministries will host a free lunch and provide information on the prevention and control of diabetes at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at the Senior Neighbors Soddy-Daisy Senior Center. Call 423-332-1702 for more information. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 3 p.m. on first Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, and at 3 p.m. Calendar continued on page 9

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.

MARCH 6, 2011

DAN MCWILLIAMS (2)

Calendar continued from page 5

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City is hosting an iconography workshop May 2 through 7 for those interested in learning how to create icons. Irene PerezOmer will be the instructor. Sessions will take place from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily. Cost is $600 and includes materials and refreshments. For more information, contact pastor Father Christian Mathis or youth minister Melanie Thomas at 865-986-9885, frchristian @sthomaslc.com, or melanie@sthomaslc.com.

before moving to a nearby house. The current school building on Center Street next to the old church was dedicated Sept. 12, 1951. After a fire destroyed the original church in 1983, parishioners met for Mass at the school until their new church was dedicated in 1987. Dinner emcee and school parent Eric Kniedler quizzed his audience for several trivia answers, including the name of a famous celebrity who visited the school in 1954 (Maria Von Trapp). The dinner-dance featured a meal catered by Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant, a PowerPoint presentation of vintage school photos, and music by The Has Beens. The names of veteran kindergarten teacher Julie Dombroski and music teacher Joy Mullen of St. Dominic School came up several times during the dinner. Mrs. Mullen is in her 33rd year at the school. She has composed an operetta each of the last 12 years and tailors each part to the talents of the student filling the role. “I try to make it as equal as I can, and for the students who have difficulty remembering, I just give one or two lines,” she said. Mrs. Mullen has composed a new school song, “St. Dominic, the School We Love,” drawing ideas from poems submitted by students. St. Dominic principal Debbie DePollo said she loved seeing the support the parish showed for the school by the numbers attending the dinner-dance. “It makes them realize that we’ve been around for 65 years,” she said. “We’d like to be around for 65 more.” Meeting the requirements to remain open is “still a challenge,” said Mrs. DePollo, “but a lot of people are becoming aware that this is a good choice, and we want Catholics in the future to have that choice for their children too.” Two grades, kindergarten and first grade, “look like they’re going to be full for next year,” she said. Marvin Hagey Jr., who as a first-grader in 1945 was one of the original students at St. Dominic School, attended the dinner. He recalled former pastor Father Thomas Woodley. “I started there with Father Woodley and Sister Mary,” he said. “There were three sisters down there at the school in the house before they built the [current] school in ’51.” Mr. Hagey remembered serving in the safety patrol at St. Dominic and sharing a classroom with other grades. “We had the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade all in one room.” Anniversary-committee member Joanie Hrivnak, the special-education teacher at St. Dominic for 12 years, was pleased with the dinner turnout.

“We were hoping for a hundred, and we got 216,” she said. The dinner was not a fundraiser but a “proper way” to say thank-you to the parish, she said. “We owe the parish a debt of gratitude for having us along for 65 years.” Although Mrs. Hrivnak’s three daughters graduated from St. Dominic, she was the only one among her siblings not to attend a Catholic school, during her childhood in northern Virginia. “My older brothers and sisters did, but when it was my turn, there were 60 children in a class, and my mom and dad wouldn’t put me in there,” she said. “I’m totally a product of public school, and my children can walk and talk circles around me about their faith. It’s really amazing what they learned and what I didn’t learn.” School parents Jos and Mary de Wit gave a presentation during the dinner on the merits of a St. Dominic education. Mrs. de Wit checked off on a dry-erase board several points her husband and she used to determine where to enroll their children when they arrived in the city in the 1980s. “When we moved to Kingsport, people raved about the city schools and the county schools, which is pretty unusual, and I think it makes it tough to ‘sell’ St. Dominic School in that environment,” said Mrs. de Wit. “Still, we read articles and made our checklist. We had the open

house, the testimony of friends, and our own observations to rely on for answering those questions in the affirmative.” Mr. de Wit said, looking back on the questions now that his children have graduated from St. Dominic, that the answer to each is still yes today. “Our children were known and loved” by the teachers and staff, he said. Mr. de Wit said that two St. Dominic teachers, Mrs. Dombroski and second-grade teacher Beverly Stone, “in particular bent over backward to celebrate the individuality of our children . . . They have been angels in our lives.” Mr. de Wit said that a “respected counselor in a Kingsport middle school” paid the school a huge compliment earlier in the day before the dinner. The counselor “told us, ‘We always hope the vote will be to keep St. Dominic School; we need it so much. The kids who come to us from there are so good, they just bubble to the top and lift everyone else along with them.’” Mrs. Wilson, the schoolboard chair, said the dinnerdance “was wonderful.” She said she would echo the above comment from the middle school counselor. “I’ve heard from other middle school teachers and principals, and they’ve kind of summed up that the children who come from St. Dominic are well-rounded leaders within the school, and that makes me feel really proud.” n

Jean and Chuck McCort look at some of the many St. Dominic School photo albums on display during the dinner-dance. Alongside the albums were several school yearbooks, and a nearby easel included additional photos from the school’s six and a half decades.

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THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC

book

REVIEW

from the

BY BRIAN T. OLSZEWSKI, CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

A timely book for understanding the Mass Readers can educate themselves and gain a deeper comprehension of ‘what Catholics do.’

ith the implementation of the new English translation of the Roman Missal taking place this Advent, the timing couldn’t have been better for Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington and Mike Aquilina to write The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition (Doubleday Religion, 2011). Depending upon one’s knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy, the content of the text might be considered too elementary. Those steeped in liturgical knowledge will already be familiar with the evolution of Mass. They will know the scriptural context and be familiar with Church liturgical documents. But because that group might account for only a fraction of the Catholic community, the rest of the faithful will appreciate the authors’ attention to detail and their return to basics, e.g., the sign of the cross. Cardinal Wuerl and Aquilina take nothing for granted when exploring the Mass. They devote the first section to Scripture and history and to explaining liturgical roles, accoutrements, and the Church calendar. None of it is deep in the academic sense, but some of their explanations might elicit an “I didn’t know that” response—e.g., why the body of a church building is referred to as a nave. The authors explain it comes from navis, the Latin word for ship. Early Christians compared the church to a ship, i.e., St. Peter’s boat.

word on

FIRE

Catholics might know that the celebrant’s outer garment is called a chasuble, but do they know why it is worn? Do they know what the different colors of the chasuble signify? Do they know what a stoup is? Those questions and their answers may lend themselves to Catholic trivia contests, but they also help the authors fulfill their purpose for writing the book: to help people better understand the Mass. Even Catholics who have been regular Massgoers for decades, who were taught about the Mass by sisters in Catholic school during the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, may not know or may no longer remembers why certain elements and actions are part of the Mass. The authors judiciously use Scripture, quotations from Church fathers and citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church wherever applicable in presenting each part of the Mass. Chapters range from as short as two pages when explaining the role of the second reading or as long as six pages when explaining the preparation of the gifts. Each chapter provides basic information, answering what is occurring and why, but it also leaves open the possibility that the reader will want to explore each topic further. The authors could easily have resorted to a Baltimore Catechism approach in presenting their material. Fortunately, for a Catholic com-

BY FATHER ROBERT BARRON

The last acceptable prejudice An age-old ‘demon’ has resurfaced: blatant contempt for the Church.

Anti-Catholicism has long been a feature of both the high and the low culture in America. From the 19th-century to the middle of the 20th-century, it was out in the open: many editorialists, cartoonists, politicians, and other shapers of popular opinion in that era were crudely explicit in their opposition to the Catholic Church. But then, in the latter half of the 20th-century, antiCatholicism went relatively underground. It still existed, to be sure, but it was considered bad form to be too obvious about it. However, in the last 10 years or so, the old demon has re-surfaced. There are many reasons for this, including the animosity to religion in general prompted by the events of Sept. 11 and, of course, the clerical sex-abuse scandal that has, legitimately enough, besmirched the reputation of the Catholic Church. I’m not interested here so much in exploring the precipitating causes of this negative attitude as I am in showing the crudity and unintelligence of its latest manifestations. Permit me to share two examples. I’m currently reading James Miller’s Examined Lives, a biographical study of twelve great philosophers, from Socrates to Nietzsche. I found Miller’s treatment of St. Augustine to be extraordinary, not because it shed any particularly new THE E A S T T E N N E S S E E C A T H OLIC

light on the saint’s work, but because it was so unapologetically anti-Catholic. Miller comments approvingly on the young Augustine, the intellectual seeker who moved from Manichaeism to neo-Platonism in the open-minded quest for the always elusive truth. But on Miller’s reading, the seeker’s fall from grace was his embrace of the “closed system” of Christianity, which led Augustine to become a coldly oppressive sectarian. Here is how Miller brings his analysis of Augustine to a close: “he lay the conceptual grounds for creating perhaps the most powerful community of closed belief in world history—the Catholic Church that ruled over medieval Western Europe as an allencompassing, if not quite totalitarian theocracy, unrivalled before or since by any other religious or secular one party state, be it Muslim or Communist.” The not so subtle implication (despite that little “not quite” in front of “totalitarian”) is that the Catholic Church has proven more oppressive than the Taliban and the states fronted by Lenin, Stalin, Mao, and Pol Pot! But Miller’s excursions into anti-Catholicism seem as nothing, compared to the exertions of Mark Warren, the executive editor of Esquire magazine. In a piece on his blog last week, Warren drew attention to a recent expose of the church of Scientology which appeared in the pages of The New Yorker magazine. He praised the author for revealing the ridiculous beliefs of Scientology, which are based upon the wild science-

munity in need of catechesis about the celebration that is central to its faith, they delivered it in a conversational manner. Parishes seeking a resource upon which to build a multiple-week series through which a qualified person could instruct adults and young adults in the Mass itself and the coming of the revised Roman Missal would do well to invest in this volume. Expect that it will serve as a discussion starter. But given that parishioners often don’t take advantage of those opportunities and that there are Catholics who are only occasional churchgoers, this material, if the authors and their publisher were to grant permission, would serve more of the Catholic community if it were posted as a chapter-by-chapter serial on parish and diocesan websites. Whether they do so as a group or individually, Catholics who wish to educate themselves about the Mass to develop a deeper understanding of “what Catholics do,” as the authors describe Mass, will find this a valuable place to begin. If readers go no further in their study than this but apply what they learn to their participation in the Eucharist, they will have benefited. n Mr. Olszewski is general manager of the Catholic Herald, the archdiocesan newspaper of Milwaukee. Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops fictionesque musings of L. Ron Hubbard. But then Warren commented that these claims are no wilder, no more irrational, than those of any other of the “great” religions, including and especially Christianity. What follows is one of the most ludicrous “summaries” of Christian belief I’ve ever read. Here are some highlights: “I grew up believing that every breath I drew sent a godmade-man named Jesus Christ writhing on the cross to which he had been nailed— an execution for which he had been sent to earth by his heavenly father.” And “yet I was born not innocent but complicit in this lynching, incomprehensibly having to apologize and atone for this barbarism for all my days and feel terrible about myself and all mankind.” And “his [Jesus’] spirit had risen on a cloud into heaven to rejoin the same god in the sky who had sent him on this errand in the first place.” One notices here something that is also on display in the anti-Christian polemics of Bill Maher and Christopher Hitchens, namely, a presentation of Christianity that is informed by a painfully childish “theology,” something out of a half-understood grade-school catechism. For example, Maher, Hitchens, Warren, and many other critics speak of the Christian belief in a “sky god,” betraying absolutely no sensitivity to the dynamics of symbolic language in a religious context. The “heavenly” Father of whom Biblically minded people speak is not a being who dwells in the clouds but rather a reality that radically transcends the categories of ordinary experience. And I can only smile at the sheer weirdness of Warren’s Barron continued on page 9 www.dioknox.org

PARACLETE

BY BETHANY MARINAC

Mary, Undoer of Knots

round 1700 Johann George Melchior Schmidtner painted an icon titled Mary, Untier of Knots, which depicts the Virgin undoing knots in a ribbon and standing on the head of a snake, representing the devil in reference to Genesis 3:15. It now is displayed in the Church of St. Peter in Augsberg, Germany. The concept of Mary’s undoing knots comes from St. Irenaeus, who wrote in about the year 180 that “the knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the Virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith.” We tie our lives up in knots of discord, disrespect, violence, and the hurts we cause others. These knots stop us from being the wonderful people we could be. People from around the world have been blessed with many graces following the practice of the novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots. The Paraclete offers a novena booklet for $4.95. We also offer a gold-tone medal ($2.95) and a wooden rosary with heart-shaped beads ($14.95). In order to share this wonderful devotion, we are pleased to offer a statue of Mary, Undoer of Knots, for every purchase over $35, while supplies last. n Call the store at 865-588-0388 or 800-333-2097. Visit its Facebook page at bit.ly/paracleteknoxville.

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mount on the Cumberland and a home on Graybar Lane in the Hillsboro area of Nashville. He looked out for himself. He was a carpenter and a gardener. I think he must have been a tailor too. He once fashioned a veil for a bareheaded statue of our Blessed Lady. After all, said he, ladies should cover their heads in church! Many of our priests have used at Mass or for Benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament an altar which Bishop Adrian had fashioned from scrap wood packing cases and carpenters’ leftovers. He then decorated those altars, missal stands, flower stands, credence tables, etc. with beautiful inlays, turning the throwaway into treasured keepsakes. He was recycling long before it became the thing to do. Just the other day a Knoxville lad won the famed Daytona 500 auto race. Again, Bishop Adrian was ahead of his time. It was not unusual for him to begin early on a Sunday morning with confirmation at Kingsport or Johnson City, zip on down the highway (no interstates in those days), administer confirmation at some parish in the Nashville area, and then chase the setting sun to administer the sacrament at some parish in or near Memphis. Hearing of those exploits (he finally did accept the assistance of a driver as he got older), I’ve never been able to complain about a long day behind the wheel, even though in the days following Vatican II it was not unusual for priests from East Tennessee to work at the parish or school all day on a Friday, then crowd into a car and head for Memphis, where the greatest number of priests lived; have lectures or activities about the Council from 7 until about 11 p.m.; and turn around (by then it was midnight in East Tennessee) and arrive home as the sun came up. Youth was wonderful. We didn’t know that some of the schedules we kept were really impossible. But Bishop William L. Adrian had done it—in his 50s, 60s, and 70s— so why not younger priests too? I first met Bishop Adrian about 1940, when he came to Knoxville for a diocesan convention of the Council of Catholic Women. He had established the Nashville DCCW in 1937 and was known around the country for his promotion of the ladies’ roles in the lay apostolate. Servant of God (then Monsignor) Fulton J. Sheen was a keynote speaker at more than one such gathering, and several bishops would find their way to Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, or Nashville for those diocesan gatherings. I’m sure as you read this that some of you are thinking that sounds just like our bishop now, and I would agree. Life is a bit more complicated, and our gadget culture has made it possible to do many things in exciting new ways. The bottom line, however, is that the faith still demands dedication, work, energy, and much, much prayer if the face of Jesus is to be shown to those waiting to see him and to become the living faith of the Lord within them. Bishop William L. Adrian was the most active of Nashville’s bishops in the first hundred years of that venerable diocese. He led the longest (33 years), lived the longest (he was two months shy of 89 when he died Feb. 13, 1972), and was the healthiest bishop we ever had— until . . . Next time: the renovation of Nashville’s cathedral in 1937. n Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville. MARCH 6, 2011

marriage

ENRICHMENT

A Lenten opportunity for couples

the new

MISSAL

BY FATHER RANDY STICE

Eucharistic Prayer II, part two

B Y M A R I A N C HRISTIANA

he season of Lent represents an opportunity to change our behavior and our vision so we can fully realize the presence of the Lord in our lives. When we feel the impact of the Lord’s presence, we more readily appreciate the meaning of our Lenten sacrifices and understand how those sacrifices become a source of strength and an exercise of devotion. How can this time of reflection and sacrifice improve our marriage relationship? This month’s date focuses on the importance of reconciliation and redemption in our relationship with the Lord and our spouse. Sheri and Bob Stritof, About.com writers on marriage since 1997, published an article titled “Season of Change: A Lenten Reflection for Couples,” offering some insightful and practical advice on the subject of Lenten practices for married couples. “The Lenten season is a good time to get your lives in order,” wrote the Stritofs. “Having a time of reconciliation and redemption is important to every relationship. Everyone needs some time of growth in self-knowledge. You can use this season of waiting and change to assess your personal life and to reach out to your spouse.” They note that Lent can be an opportune moment for couples to “pick up the pieces” of their life. In the article, they recommend n creating a home that encourages “silence and meditation” n reflecting on “the feelings of joy and sorrows, misunderstandings, loss, achievements, illness, failure, love, acceptance, grief, dreams, etc. that are part of you” n taking time to think about “what you hunger for in your marriage” n simplifying meals and slowing the pace of life. Read the article here: marriage.about.com/od/ change/a/seasonofchange.htm. I hope that during this Lenten season you will develop a closer relationship with both Our Lord and your spouse. n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

New building to be dedicated for Knoxville Ladies of Charity

ishop Richard F. Stika will dedicate the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville’s new thrift store and emergency-assistance pantry at 11:15 a.m. Friday, March 18. The building, formerly Royal Beauty Supply at 120 W. Baxter Ave., will be dedicated to Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. City and county officials have been invited to join Bishop Stika and Monsignor Xavier Mankel, spiritual moderator for the Knoxville Ladies of Charity, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. At 10 a.m. that day Bishop Stika will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving at Holy Ghost Church at 1041 N. Central St., just behind the new thrift store. Refreshments will be served after the dedication. The Knoxville Ladies of Charity chapter was established in 1942. The organization’s special focus is emergency requests for food, clothing, utilities, and medicine, as well as layettes for newborns. n

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rently played by Monsignor Xavier Mankel, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish. “No one loves St. Joseph School more or has more personally invested [in it] than Monsignor Mankel,” wrote Bishop Stika, “and I thank him for his 13 and a half years of leadership at St. Joseph.” Father Michelson “has a background as a high school teacher for eight years and pastor of a parish with a Catholic school (St. Mary in Oak Ridge) for six years,” the bishop wrote. Father Michelson will remain pastor of St. Albert the Great. Also overseeing school operations will be a school advisory committee, with “essentially the same role as the school board currently possesses,” and a finance committee, which will report to the president, the principal, the advisory committee, diocesan finance officer Deacon David Lucheon, and the bishop. Dr. Aurelia Montgomery has served as principal of St. Joseph School since 2005. On June 1 Sister Mary Elizabeth Ann McCullough, RSM, will become principal. Sister Mary Elizabeth Ann is now assistant principal. A town hall meeting on the changes was set for Wednesday, March 2, in the school gymnasium. The pre-K through 8 school was founded as Holy Ghost School in 1908. In 1963 the school opened a new facility in Fountain City and was renamed St. Joseph School. Last fall St. Joseph was one of 50 schools nationwide to receive recognition from the federal government as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. The program is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s effort to identify schools with superior leadership and teaching practices. n 8

MARCH 6, 2011

The new Missal makes it clear we’re not just remembering Christ’s passion.

Last month we started looking at the new translation of Eucharistic Prayer II, the eucharistic prayer that is particularly suited to weekday Masses. Specifically, we looked at the biblical references in this eucharistic prayer, reflecting one of the key principles of the new Missal, that “the manner of translating the liturgical books should foster a correspondence between the biblical text itself and the liturgical texts of ecclesiastical composition which contain biblical words or allusions” (Liturgiam Authenticam, No. 49). These references are especially important because, as the Second Vatican Council noted, “It is from the Scriptures that the prayers, collects, and hymns draw their inspiration and their force” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, No. 24, emphasis added). I would like to talk about several other changes this month. The first comes in the introduction to the institution narrative, the account of the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist. The reference to his death in the current Missal will in the new Missal become a reference to his passion: “At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion.” building the

KINGDOM

The word passion is a more inclusive term that embraces both “the suffering and death of Jesus” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, glossary). “In suffering and death his humanity became the free and perfect instrument of his divine love which desires the salvation of men. Indeed, out of love for his Father and for men, whom the Father wants to save, Jesus freely accepted his Passion and death” (CCC, No. 609, emphasis added). Another change is the introduction to the anamnesis, in which the Church calls to mind the passion, resurrection, and glorious return of Christ: “In memory of his death and resurrection” will now read “Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his Death and Resurrection.” The change from “in memory” to “the memorial” is significant. “In memory” suggests that we are merely recalling or remembering Christ’s death. “Memorial” connotes something much more profound. “The Church understands this memorial as a living representation before God of the saving deeds that he has accomplished in Christ, so that their fullness and power may be effective here and now” (Introduction to the Order of Mass, emphasis added). In the celebration of the Mass, the power of the paschal mystery is made sacramentally present and real. A third change is found in the Communion epiclesis, which is a petition for the fruitful reception of the body

BY JIM LINK

One gift, many benefits A couple’s contribution will help many locally and worldwide.

Three years ago I had the good fortune of combining business and pleasure while visiting the Eternal City. My sister and I took our mom to Rome to celebrate her 80th birthday. The youngest of five children and the only one to be born outside Italy, Mom had never visited her ancestral home. Happily, our trip coincided with the annual meeting of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice (CAPP), a papal foundation that promotes Catholic social teaching. I had been helping the organization raise funds and was invited to attend its three-day summit. It was an education in the Church’s vital work of promoting economic justice— and a reminder of our faith’s universal appeal. Having left a society that embraced cultural diversity 200 years ago, I found myself immersed in one that had embodied it for more than 2,000 years. Nowhere is the Church’s universal mission more evident than in St. Peter’s Square. There I experienced as never before the oneness of our faith. Standing alongside a Bavarian band in traditional dress were pilgrims from Myanmar, who had come to advance the sainthood cause of a missionary priest. Hundreds of nations and cultures were represented in the www.dioknox.org

square, all professing Christian faith. Inside the Vatican I attended workshops on how to promote economic justice in developing countries. Panelists included Jordan’s ambassador to the Holy See, the chair of the International Monetary Fund, and Brazil’s ambassador to Italy: Catholics who were integrating their spiritual and professional lives. The trip served as a powerful reminder: the word catholic means “universal.” We’re united, not just across our diocese but also across the globe. The needs of the least fortunate are the responsibility of all. The secondgrader who longs for Catholic education in Kingsport but can’t afford it is as much my responsibility as the Sudanese villager who lacks clean drinking water. The person from St. Mary in Athens who supports the Chattanooga Catholic School Scholarship Fund, despite the fact that the parish doesn’t have any students who benefit from it, is responding to Christ’s invitation. Recently I had the privilege of working with a couple who understand the Church’s universal mission. The husband and wife contributed $100,000 worth of stock to a half-dozen beneficiaries, including their parish, the diocese and its Haitian relief fund, Catholic Charities, one of our schools, and religious orders in Africa and Europe. With a single gift, they’re benefiting people here and across the world. Because

and blood of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The earliest example of the Communion epiclesis is found in the Apostolic Tradition from about the year 215 (the model for Eucharistic Prayer II). In the Apostolic Tradition the Communion epiclesis asks God to “Send your Holy Spirit on the offering of your holy Church. Gather all those who share in your holy mysteries and grant that by this sharing they may be filled with the Holy Spirit who strengthens their faith in the truth.” In the new Missal the Communion epiclesis reads, “Humbly we pray that, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.” One of the notable changes is the restoration of deprecatory language—“Humbly we pray”—language that expresses reverence and humility toward God. Many of these self-deprecatory expressions are absent from the present edition of the Roman Missal. Such language is important, however, because, in the words of Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli (a member of the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship), it “effectively acknowledges the primacy of God’s grace and our dependence on it for salvation.” Passion, memorial, humbly—in and of themselves simple words. Yet their power to place us in right relationship with God and to signify the sacramental presence of Christ’s paschal mystery in the celebration of the Mass is immense. n Father Stice directs the diocesan Worship and Liturgy Office. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org. of this couple’s generosity, cholera victims will get badly needed medication. A new school will be built in a country ravaged by devastating earthquakes. Seminarians will be prepared for service in Africa and Tennessee. Sudanese villagers will enjoy clean drinking water. A young woman whose parents can’t afford the tuition will study Latin and advanced-placement chemistry in one of our high schools. A homeless man in Chattanooga will get help paying for an apartment. Migrant workers in Morristown will learn how to become American citizens. A hungry family in Europe will enjoy a religious sister’s cooking and kindness. Thousands of people the donors never meet will see the face of Jesus. Many will grow in holiness as a result. Who knows what the consequences will be? Perhaps a Sudanese villager who might have died without clean drinking water will bring peace to his war-torn country. The high school sophomore might discover a cure for cancer, or the migrant worker in Morristown give birth to Tennessee’s future governor. The Church is a vehicle for God’s love and mercy. It offers hope, healing, and eternal happiness. Thanks to people like our anonymous donors, the Church lifts people up in living sacrifice to God. With wisdom the world doesn’t understand, these two people have enriched themselves by sharing their blessings with others. They’ve taken a step toward building a kingdom they will inherit. n Mr. Link directs the diocesan Stewardship and Planned Giving Office. THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC

he Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission (CPPC) will host the third annual Catholic Student Day on the Hill in Nashville on Tuesday, April 5, and the 14th annual Catholic Day on the Hill on Wednesday, April 13, for adults. Bishops Richard F. Stika, J. Terry Steib, SVD, of Memphis, and David R. Choby of Nashville will join Catholics from across the state at Capitol Hill on the adult day to advocate on issues related to the life and dignity of the human person. Check-in for adults will begin at 8 a.m. CDT on April 13. Adults will meet in the War Memorial Auditorium

at 8:30 for the prayer and welcome, followed by legislative briefings, a grass-roots advocacy program, and a question-and-answer session on legislative issues. Areas of focus include abortion, stem-cell research, health care, immigration, predatory lending, and the death penalty. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Church at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and additional sessions in the afternoon. Those who wish may schedule meetings with their legislators. Registration is mandatory for both the adult and student days. Cost for adults is $30 per person, and registration and

payment must be received by March 30. Student or chaperone registration costs $20; payment and form must be received by March 22. A student registration form is available online at dioknox. org/userfiles/CDOH-studentregistration.pdf. The adult form is available below or online at dioknox.org/userfiles/ CDOH-adult-registration.pdf. The tentative agenda for adults is available at dioknox.org/ userfiles/CDOH-adult-agenda. pdf. For more information, contact Kathleen Murphy at 615828-4713 or tncppc@ bellsouth.net. n

Catholic Day on the Hill 2011 Catholic Day on the Hill 2011 for adults: begins at 8 a.m. CDT Wednesday, April 13. Please print or type. Enclose $30 per adult. Forms and payment for adults must be received by March 30. Checks must be made out to the Diocese of Nashville. Confirmation of registration, final agenda, and materials will be e-mailed to registrants. Materials will be mailed to those who do not have an e-mail address. Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ City, state, ZIP code: _________________________________________________________________ Phone number with area code: ____________________________________ _______ I would like an appointment with my state senator _______________________________ and/or my state representative _______________________________. Visiting with your state representative and state senator is integral to the Day on the Hill experience. At registration you will be given your appointment time and a packet to deliver to your elected officials. Please list your elected officials’ names to assist CPPC in making your appointments. If you don’t know the names of your legislators, contact your local election commission, or visit www.legislature.state.tn.us. Send payment and a registration form for each participant to CPPC Catholic Day on the Hill 2011 Kathleen Murphy 231 Orlando Ave. Nashville, TN 37209 Total enclosed: $___________________ For more information, call 615-828-4713 or e-mail tncppc@bellsouth.net.

Knoxville Catholic High School honors fall Students of the Month recognition assembly Feb. 11 by Mark Balog, director of campus ministry, and presented by principal Dickie Sompayrac. Freshman students of the month were Monica Armstrong of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, Ray Brig and John Ceriotti of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Austin Kearny, Ben Nadolsky of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City, Sienna Prater of Sacred Heart, Maggie Reno of All Saints in Knoxville, and Ary Robbins of St. Mary in

St. Joseph Parish celebrates Scout Sunday St. Joseph Parish in Norris held a Scout Sunday celebration Feb. 13, with about 25 Scouts and Scouters in attendance. From left are Linda Myers and daughter Jamie; George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; Johnny Myers; Father Bill Gahagan, St. Joseph pastor; and Ross Richnafsky and mom Kim. Ross received the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei awards during the Mass, and Johnny received the Parvuli Dei. During the Mass the Scouts served as readers, ushers, and gift bearers. THE E A S T T E N N E S S E E C A T H OLIC

Oak Ridge. Sophomores honored were Jacqueline Chavez and John Clary of Sacred Heart, Patrick Connelly of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville, Nolan Coulter, Kristen Halstead of Holy Family in Seymour, Molly Jones, Sophie Racey of St. Albert the Great in Knoxville, and Allen Zinkle of St. John Neumann in Farragut. Juniors recognized were Matt Armstrong of Holy Ghost, Nick Bonfini of All Saints, Connor Gilhula of Sacred Heart, Duncan

Greeley, CC Hermes of St. John Neumann, Kelly Lehman of All Saints, Julie Rich, and Rebecca Sauter of All Saints. Seniors students of the month were Roxanne Cabrera of Sacred Heart, Mari Deuschle of Blessed John XXIII in Knoxville, Jessica Domaleski of St. Albert the Great, Hope Feist and George Harrison of Sacred Heart, Lee Logsdon, Josh Lucheon of Sacred Heart, and Austin Zinkle of St. John Neumann. n

characterization of the purpose and meaning of Christ’s death on the cross. The correct doctrine is that God, in Christ, entered, out of love, into the depth of human misery, sin, and failure in order to bring the divine light even to those darkest places. It is in this sense that he took away the sins of the world and brought us life from the Father. In John’s Gospel, Jesus said simply, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” St. Irenaeus, the great second-century theological master, said, “the glory of God is a human being fully alive.” Convinced that Christian teaching is as much “mumbo-jumbo” as L. Ron Hubbard’s silliness, Warren urges his fellow journalists to let smallfry Scientology off the hook and go after some bigger fish, especially the cult into which he was initiated as a child, the Catholic Church. He wants them (and here the anti-Catholicism is blatant) to target the Pope in his “palace in the Vatican” who protects “criminals and childmolesters . . . with the ruthless demeanor of the CEO of a massive corporation lawyering up against the barrage of lawsuits to come.” Well. The sex-abuse crisis is real and devastating, but in point of fact, no one in the church has done more to address it over the past 20 years than Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI. No one has taken more concrete steps to deal with abusive priests and dysfunctional institutional patterns than the present pope. In 2001 John Paul II entrusted Cardinal Ratzinger’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith with the responsibility of handling all of the clergy sex-abuse cases from around the world. Those who know Ratzinger well say that he was shocked and disgusted by what he read in these dossiers. In a number of his writings and sermons from the last 10 years he has spoken of the “filth” that was allowed to invade the church. When Justice Ann Burke, head of the U.S. bishops’ review board, came to the Vatican to discuss the crisis, she was hugely impressed by Cardinal Ratzinger, who, she said, understood the problem, listened to the members of the board with attention, and took concrete action to address the problem. Under his supervision the American bishops hammered out extremely stringent regulations in regard to clerical contact with children and the reporting of cases—as well as a “one strike and you’re out” policy concerning priests credibly accused of abuse. And the results of these changes, at least in this country, have been extraordinary. Last year, in a church of 70,000,000 Catholics and 45,000 priests, precisely six church-affiliated personnel were credibly accused of sexual abuse. To identify Joseph Ratzinger therefore as one of the “creeps” (Warren’s word) that journalists should investigate is not only mean-spirited but counterproductive in the extreme. Again, what is most remarkable in all of this is not the unintelligence of the explicit claims being made but rather the blatancy of the contempt for the Church. When this hoary old prejudice shows itself, Catholics have to stand up to it, lest it be allowed to evolve into something even more dangerous. n Father Robert Barron is the Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Ill., and founder of the global ministry Word on Fire. He is also the creator and host of a new 10-episode documentary series called Catholicism and the host of a weekly program on WGN America, Relevant Radio, EWTN, and www.WordOnFire.org. Calendar continued from page 6

on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. Visit www.knoxlatin mass.net for details. A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held March 12 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. In observation of Contemplative Outreach’s United in Prayer Day, participants will view a new video by Father Thomas Keating, OCSO. Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. To RSVP or learn more, call 865-523-7931. The Community of Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer and service to the poor. Two Sant’Egidio groups regularly meet in the Diocese of Knoxville, in Knoxville and Johnson City. For more information on the Knoxville group, call Ellen Macek at 865-675-5541. Call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061 for more details on the Johnson City group. Everyone is welcome to attend. Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 3:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Ghost Church, 1041 N. Central St. in Knoxville. Call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880.

COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.

noxville Catholic High School last month recognized students who were selected as Students of the Month during the fall semester. Students are nominated by faculty and staff members for adherence to the school motto: Ut Christum Feram (“to bear Christ”). They are nominated based on spirituality, character, attitude, work ethic, academics, service, kindness, and/or school spirit. Awards were announced at a student-

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The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 for details. n www.dioknox.org

MARCH 6, 2011

WIRE

Pope: Gospel must be authentically proclaimed in tech-savvy world B Y C A R O L G L ATZ

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Just as Jesus was able effectively to communicate God’s word with parables involving pastures and sheep, the church needs to discover modern-day metaphors that will capture the attention and hearts of today’s tech-savvy men and women, Pope Benedict XVI said. But proclaiming the Gospel can’t be based on punchy slogans or “linguistic seduction,” he said. The communicator must be a true witness who displays Christian values and respect for dialogue. The pope spoke to participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications’ plenary assembly taking place Feb. 28 through March 3 on the theme “Language and Communication.” “The digital culture poses new challenges to our ability to speak and listen to a symbolic language that speaks of transcendence,” the pope said Feb. 28. Jesus knew to use symbols and ideas that were an essential part of the culture at the time, such as sheep, fields, seeds, the banquet or feast, and so on, he said. “Today we are called to discover, in the digital culture too, symbols and metaphors that are meaningful to people, that can be helpful in talking to modern men and women about the kingdom of God,” he said. However, communicators must never base their effectiveness on “linguistic seduction, as is the case with the serpent [in the Garden of Eden] or on incommunicability and violence, as with Cain,” he said. Communicating the Bible “according to God’s will is always tied to dialogue and responsibility as, for example, the figures of Abraham, Moses, Job, and the prophets bear witness,” he said. Communication needs to be “truly human” and based on spiritual values and meaning. Catholics can help the digital realm by “opening up new horizons of meaning and values that the digital culture is not able to indicate or represent by itself,” he said. That would mitigate some of the risks present in today’s digital communication such as the loss of inner reflection, superficial relationships, wallowing in emotionalism, and the prevalence of persuasive opinions over the truth, he said. Pope Benedict held up as an effective communicator Father Matteo Ricci, the 16th-century Jesuit missionary to China who not only learned the Chinese language but also adopted the lifestyle and customs of cultured Chinese people and gained their respect. The pope said Father Ricci spread Christ’s message by always considering the people he was speaking to “in their cultural and philosophical context, their values, and their language, gathering all that was positive from their tradition and offering to enliven it and elevate it with the wisdom and truth of Christ.” Faith, in fact, always “penetrates, enriches, exalts, and invigorates culture,” whereas culture in turn offers faith a vehicle for expression—namely its language, he said. That is why church leaders must be aided in becoming able to “interpret and speak the new language of the mass media” for their pastoral work, he said. Some of the questions Catholic communicators need to ask are, what challenges does the digital mindset pose to the faith and theology, and what are the effects of people’s almost constant contact with computers and mobile devices, the pope asked. Archbishop Claudio Celli, head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, told Vatican Radio Feb. 27 that a communication style that is authentic and respectful is very important. A person’s Christian faith should come through to others, not because the topic is strictly religious but because the way the person interacts with others shows “he has in his heart the Gospel message and therefore lives in communion with the Lord Jesus.” Bringing the Gospel to others is “not an imposition or commercial announcement but a communication about life, a communication that goes from the heart of one person to the heart of another,” the archbishop said. Such witness to the truth must also be done “with a tone of discretion and respect for others,” he added. n Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

MARCH 6, 2011

Bishops decry Obama decision on marriage law The administration’s position is an ‘abdication’ of its ‘constitutional obligation.’ WASHINGTON (CNS)—The U.S. bishops’ Office of General Counsel said the Obama administration’s decision no longer to support the Defense of Marriage Act in legal challenges ahead “represents an abdication” of its “constitutional obligation to ensure that laws of the United States are faithfully executed.” “Marriage has been understood for millennia and across cultures as the union of one man and one woman,” the office said in a statement issued Feb. 23 after President Barack Obama instructed the Justice Department to stop defending the federal law passed by Congress and signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton. The Defense of Marriage Act says the federal government defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman and that no state must recognize a same-sex marriage from another state. “The principal basis for today’s decision is that the president considers the law a form of impermissible sexualorientation discrimination,” the Office of General Counsel said. In a Feb. 23 statement Attorney General Eric Holder said that although the administration has defended the 1996 law in some federal courts, it will not continue to do so in cases pending in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Holder said the 2nd Circuit “has no established or binding standard for how laws concerning sexual orientation should be treated.” In response to the announcement the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes same-sex marriage, called on Congress to “get lawyers in the courtroom who actually want to defend the law and not please their powerful political special interests.” “We have only begun to fight,” said Brian Brown, president of the organization. He also said that with Holder’s announcement, Obama “unilaterally” declared homosexuals “a protected class” under the Constitution and would effectively make a federal court decision on the law “unreviewable by higher courts.” Although Obama favors repealing the law, Holder said the president has supported defending it as constitutional if a state or local law meets the legal standard of having “a rational basis” for singling out people for different treatment based on sexual orientation.

CNS PHOTO/ROBERT GALBRAITH, REUTERS

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A man opposed to same-sex marriage and in favor of California’s Proposition 8 holds signs outside City Hall in San Francisco in this Aug. 12 photo. ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN

But in the pending cases, Holder said, the administration “faces for the first time the question of whether laws regarding sexual orientation are subject to the more permissive standard of review or whether a more rigorous standard, under which laws targeting minority groups with a history of discrimination are viewed with suspicion by the courts, should apply.” Obama “has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny,” Holder’s statement said. He added that Obama has concluded that the law “as applied to legally married same-sex couples fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional. Given that conclusion, the president has instructed the department not to defend the statute in such cases. I fully concur with the president’s determination.” The U.S. bishops’ Office of General Counsel said refusal to support the law was “a grave affront to the millions of Americans who both reject unjust discrimination and affirm the unique and inestimable value of marriage as between one man and one woman.” It also stressed that support for traditional marriage “is not bigotry” but a “reasonable, common judgment affirming the foundational institution of civil society.” The office said that “any suggestion by the government that such a judgment represents discrimination is a serious threat to the religious liberty of marriage supporters nationwide.” Holder said the legal landscape has changed since the

law was passed, with such developments as Supreme Court rulings overturning laws criminalizing homosexual conduct and the repeal by Congress of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Unless Congress repeals the Defense of Marriage Act or a final court ruling strikes it down, it will continue to remain in effect, and the administration will continue to enforce it, Holder noted. “But while both the wisdom and the legality of [the pertinent section of the law] will continue to be the subject of both extensive litigation and public debate, this administration will no longer assert its constitutionality in court,” Holder said. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, said the decision by the Obama administration reflects the president’s views 15 years ago when he was running for the Illinois state Senate. At the time he said he favored legalizing same-sex marriage and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages. Donohue said Obama endorsed civil unions in 2004 but that during his presidential campaign he spoke of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. “Now Obama is officially on record as president opposing the defense of marriage,” said Donohue’s Feb. 23 statement. He said the president was not only going against the 1996 law but also was “in opposition to the [more than] 30 state initiatives affirming marriage as a union between a man and a woman.” n Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Pope says women often persuaded by others to have abortions BY S A R A H D E L A N E Y

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Benedict XVI said pregnant women facing difficulties resulting from personal circumstances or health issues of the fetus can be misled by doctors or people close to them into believing abortion is the best solution. And those who have undergone abortions often find themselves beset by serious psychological and spiritual problems from the “deep wound” that is the consequence of actions that “betray the innate vocation for human good.” Pope Benedict made his remarks at a Feb. 26 audience with participants in the 27th General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life who met at the Vatican Feb. 24 through 26. Members of the academy, doctors, and bioethics experts discussed the results of months of study on the controversial www.dioknox.org

subject of umbilical-cord-blood banking and on the phenomenon of post-abortion trauma. Pope Benedict said that doctors in particular are called upon to defend against those who “mislead” women into “believing that abortion will be the answer to family, economic, or social difficulties.” Especially when the fetus is found to have health problems, women are often persuaded, even by their doctors, “that abortion is not only a morally correct solution but an obligatory ‘therapeutic’ act in order to spare the child and its family suffering” and avoid becoming an “unjust” burden to society, he said. He said pregnant women are often left alone, sometimes by the child’s father, as are those who have had an abortion and are dealing with negative psychological consequences. He urged more support for all wom-

en whose well being “can never, in any circumstance, find fulfillment by choosing abortion.” Pope Benedict also addressed the issues around the growing use of umbilical-cord blood to extract stem cells for use in medical research and therapy. He said that research and clinical use had been promising but urged that the technique be used ethically and for the common good. He warned against the proliferation of umbilical-cord blood banks where families store their children’s cord blood for their personal use rather than donate it so it can be available for general access. Such private storage, he said, “weakens the genuine spirit of solidarity that should constantly accompany research for the common good.” n Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC