CNS PHOTO/DANIEL AGUILAR
Mexican flu moves ‘past peak’ Homeless youths sit together on the street after a routine check-up for flu symptoms at a mobile clinic in downtown Mexico City. Mexico has moved past the peak of the H1N1 flu pandemic, the Mexican government said May 3. page 10
THE EAST TENNESSEE
Volume 18 • Number 17 • May 10, 2009
The
N E W S PA P E R
of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E www.d ioces eof kn ox ville.or g
Pope: prevalence of hunger is a ‘shameful tragedy’
Why the fight for life matters The Chattanoogans for Life banquet keynoter—and her daughter—help make the case. By Dan McWilliams
B Y CA R OL GL ATZ
IN THIS ISSUE Living the readings.............2 Letters .................................2 He dwells among us ..........3 The view from here ............3 Parish notes ........................4 On the calendar ..................5 Catholic youth ....................7 Life in every limb ................8 Called to follow...................8 Marriage preparation .........9 From the Paraclete ............9 From the wire....................10
Dr. Kelly Hollowell delivers the keynote talk at the United We Stand banquet held in Chattanooga on April 24. View more banquet photos at dioceseofknoxville.org. TIA’S MOM
ities in the coming year. Those include sponsoring two buses for the National March for Life in Washington, D.C., and projects such as the Prayer Chain for Life. Boy Scout Troop 172 of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga presented the flags at the banquet, and Chattanoogans for Life president Cindy Kedrowski made the first award presentation of the evening. She gave the Nellie Grey Life Service Award, named for the organizer of the first March for Life in Washington, to Gary Carlson and Andrew Marini of North River Physical Therapy Center, a longtime Chattanoogans for Life sponsor.
Mr. Carlson, along with Mrs. Kedrowski, is a parishioner of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain. Mr. Marini is a member of St. Jude. Dr. Hollowell said that to be a “good fighter” in life issues, one needs to “know the enemy, know the facts of the playing field, know how to fight to win, and know why you’re fighting.” One enemy is the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, she said. PP’s vision for the next 25 years, Dr. Hollowell said, includes a world of uninhibited sex, population control, and “get this, they want to be known as one of the top 10 places to work.” “Pretty much a third of
their income comes from our tax dollars,” she said. Dr. Hollowell was highly critical of President Barack Obama’s backing of the socalled Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and his support for abortion dating back to his days in the Illinois legislature. If FOCA were passed, she said, it “would remove all existing regulations on abortion . . . everything we’ve worked so hard to push back on since 1973.” Knowing the facts also means knowing the myths about abortion, said Dr. Hollowell. Her top 10 myths include: “abortion is legal only during the first three months of pregnancy,” “abortion is rare in the United States,” “abortion is good for women,” and “I can be personally opposed to abortion but be prochoice.” Knowing how to fight is something that “you Chattanoogans have down,” said Dr. Hollowell, citing Chattanoogans for Life’s efforts that led to the closing of the last abortion clinic in the city in 1993. “In 1993 Planned Parenthood had 938 facilities across the country. In 2000 it had 875, and thanks to Chattanoogans, now in 2008 [they have] 844. They’re not impervious. We can beat them.” Dr. Hollowell said that Tia “will heal more lives by her existence than I probably ever will.” Banquet continued on page 6
Pilgrimage brings message of peace to land of conflict Pope Benedict XVI begins a trip to Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories, ‘the places where the events of our redemption took place.’ BY JOHN THAVI S
VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Benedict XVI is set to begin a weeklong visit to the Holy Land, a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Christ and a journey through a political and interreligious minefield. In many ways the May 8 through 15 visit to Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories is the most challenging of the pope’s foreign visits to date, one that will test his skills of communication and bridge-building in a region of conflict and mistrust. After recent communications missteps
at the Vatican, the pope can expect to find his every word and gesture under scrutiny by the world’s media—especially when it comes to relations among Christians, Muslims, and Jews and the Israeli– Palestinian crisis. Although the world may measure the success of the visit in terms of international or interfaith diplomacy, Pope Benedict is going to the Holy Land first and foremost as a religious pilgrim. “The priority is to witness to the truth of the Incarnation by visiting, as head of the church, the places where the
CNS PHOTO/ALI JAREKJI, REUTERS
Hunger continued on page 2
r. Kelly Hollowell gave her audience at the Chattanoogans for Life banquet numerous arguments against abortion, via a PowerPoint presentation, but the most moving one may have appeared in one of the final slides of the evening. The author, attorney, and biotechnology expert was the keynote speaker at the sixth annual United We Stand banquet held April 24 at The Chattanoogan hotel. Shortly after showing everyone a picture of her 4-yearold daughter, Tia, Dr. Hollowell asked the gathering why the fight for life matters. “It matters because every life, as everyone in this room knows, is precious, valuable, distinct, created in God’s image—beautiful, full of potential for love, laughter, hope, making the world a better place,” she said. Tia was diagnosed in the womb with a condition that leads 90 percent of American women to choose abortion, Dr. Hollowell said. “My own daughter, Tia, in the picture I showed you of her at 15 weeks—that was exactly when she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. And nine out of 10 women in America would have killed her because she wasn’t perfect. By whose standard? Tia—her name is Victoria, for victory in Jesus.” A total of 315 attended the banquet, contributing more than $11,000 that Chattanoogans for Life will use toward its pro-life activ-
D
DAN MCWILLIAMS
VATICAN CITY (CNS)—One of the most urgent and critical social problems afflicting the world is the “shameful tragedy that one-fifth of humanity still goes hungry,” Pope Benedict XVI told members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. “Assuring an adequate food supply, like the protection of vital resources such as water and energy, requires all international leaders to collaborate in showing a readiness to work” toward eliminating social inequalities between countries and communities, he said in a May 4 address. “For Christians who regularly ask God to ‘give us this day our daily bread,’ it is a shameful tragedy” that so many people go hungry and are malnourished, he said. Some 25,000 people die from hunger every day, and a child dies every six seconds of malnutrition or starvation, according to the United Nations’ World Food Program. The pope made his remarks during an audience with about 55 participants attending a plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The academy, headed by the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Mary Ann Glendon, was meeting May 1 through 5 to discuss Catholic social doctrine and human rights. The meeting was specifically addressing rights that are currently under assault, such as the right to life, the right to build a family, freedom of conscience and religion, and the right to decent subsistence, Glendon said in her address to the pope. The pope said there is “a flagrant contrast between the equal attribution of rights and
PAPA VISITS A child stands next to a welcome poster for Pope Benedict XVI during a Mass in Amman, Jordan, on May 2. The pope is scheduled to visit Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories during his May 8 through 15 trip to the Holy Land.
events of our redemption took place. That’s the point,” Franciscan Father
David Jaeger, an Israeli priest and an adviser to the Vatican, told Catholic News
Service. The pilgrimage has a special focus on Holy Land continued on page 3
letters to the
EDITOR
Columnist not specific about accusations
Once again I wonder what the editorial mission of the ETC is. Ginger Hutton’s column “Staying true to their charism” (April 26 ETC) is another exposition of Ms. Hutton’s perspective on how we should—and should not—embrace our faith. The intent of this piece was to criticize modernday women religious, now more highly educated than before, as they feel freer to embrace the mystery of their faith and their call to witness to their faith in a more responsible adultlike, rather than childlike, manner. This editorial opinion, hopefully not written for our catechesis, decries that these women feel empowered to live an authentic call to witness to the mystery of their faith in the unique ways that their gift of faith has called them to. This is not the first time Ms. Hutton has criticized those who do not follow some type of “molded faith formation.” In other columns, she has cleverly criticized others of our Catholic community who dare to explore and express the passion they have for their faith and the way they are called to live their lives accordingly. I have come to know that the purpose of her writing is to correct those who are not molded as she is within the pages of her catechism. At no time have I ever read in her ETC columns where she is specific about her accusations that others are in error; she is more likely to write some oblique critique of those who dare to live their lives and witness to their faith, fully compliant with our Catholic Church teaching but in personally meaningful ways that may not fit her personal practice. It is difficult to challenge her as she avoids particular issues that she finds in error. What is more disconcerting is that the ETC editor allows her personal friend, Ms. Hutton, to use the diocesan paper as a forum for her opinions and present them as a position of the church. On a last note specific to her more recent column, Karl Rahner is one of my favorite theologians; he has a gift of finding ways to explain the mystery of faith and our relationship with God that remotely makes sense to me. In particular, I have come to understand the meaning of an authentic prayer life through his inspired writing. Ms. Hutton disagrees. —Cynthia Solomon Lenoir City Editor’s note: News writers strive for objectivity. Columnists and letter writers, on the other hand, are free to express their opinions. The bishop, as the primary teacher of the diocese, speaks for the Catholic Church. Those who write for his newspaper, whether paid staff members or unpaid columnists, do not.
Aborted child is like Lazarus of the parable
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus has always made me feel uncomfortable. After all, my existence is more like that of the rich man than that of Lazarus. When the parable was read at Mass recently, I had new thoughts. Now that total war has been unleashed on the unborn child in this country, it seems to me that pro-abortion people and their enablers are the rich man. They have all the good things of life (life, liberty, family, etc.), while the aborted child, like Lazarus, has not even a crumb. It is consoling, however, to realize that aborted children, like Lazarus, are in the “bosom of Abraham,” where God gives them a life even more sublime than the life that was stolen from them on earth. —Paul T. Dunn, Esq., Knoxville
living the
READINGS
Learning a lesson Branches need pruning in order to bear more fruit, as St. Paul discovered.
Some Scripture readings are more challenging than others. Today’s Gospel warns that God, our Father, prunes every branch of the true vine so that it will bear more fruit. The objective is admirable, but considering that we are those branches, the application of that process hurts. Jesus wanted disciples to live lives that glorify the Father. To do so, we must be changed from within. Coming to believe is merely the beginning. Encountering Christ for the first time can be the gift of the Holy Spirit called “fear of the Lord.” That’s how wisdom begins. Jesus calls us to grow from awe to wisdom. This process may involve a lot
of personal pain. But it’s worth it. An example of the need for this personal development can be found by reading between the lines of today’s first reading. In it Paul comes to Jerusalem for the first time as a Christian. The members of the church there had made a great deal of progress in their spirituality. You can see this in comparison with Paul’s attitude. Paul was on fire. The community was filled with caution. Paul was still known as a persecutor of Christians, and it was prudent for the church to fear that he was only pretending to be a Christian in order to infiltrate the community. However, there was another and more real problem with Paul. He was so filled with the zeal of a new Christian that he was quite rash. He immediately took on the Hellenistic
The decisive factor The Holy Spirit settled one problem in the early church.
oday’s first reading narrates events that settled a long and painful problem for the early church. It was the first question to come up in Christianity that could not be answered by reference to the statements of Jesus. The issue was whether non-Jews could be baptized. In his letters to the Romans and the Galatians, Paul gives his side of the controversy. Paul even tells the Galatians
T
that he confronted Peter at Antioch, telling him he was inconsistent and wrong. Many good leaders of the church made cogent arguments on the subject, and the first church council was held to put the issue to rest. But before the Council of Jerusalem met, the miracle at Cornelius’s house provided the decisive factor that sealed the deal. The final wording had to be worked out so that all sides
Jews (among whose number he had once been), enraging them to the point that they wanted him executed. Luke notes that the Christians in Israel were at peace with everyone. They had already been pruned and had come to realize that the best evangelical tool was living the peace of Christ. Now Paul’s excessive enthusiasm had created a problem. In response, some leading members of the church took Paul to the port city of Caesarea and bought him passage on a boat sailing to his hometown. Luke does not mention this, but we can imagine the conversation between Paul and the brothers on that twoday journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea. Most likely they impressed on him Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel and prayed for him to allow himself to be pruned into a mature Christian. History indicates he got the message. So should we. ■ May 10, fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 9:26-31 Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32 1 John 3:18-24 John 15:1-8
could agree—but the outcome had been determined by the outward manifestation of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius, his relatives and close friends, and the Christians who had come with Peter. It became obvious to all who witnessed the Spirit come upon these pagans that there was no way anyone could object to baptizing them. Thus, the decisive factor settling the problem once and for all was the vision of the Holy Spirit. Peter and his companions who had been summoned to Cor-
nelius’s house clearly saw the Third Person of the Trinity come upon everyone. They had the ability to see God because they were alive in the risen Christ. Case closed. We too can possess this ability. Today’s Gospel presents the basic principle by which we can see God at work. John presents Jesus’ own words: “If you keep Readings continued on page 3
May 17, sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 Psalm 98:1-4 1 John 4:7-10 John 15:9-17
W E E KDAY RE ADINGS Monday, May 11: Acts 14:5-18; Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16; John 14:2126 Tuesday, May 12: Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-13, 21; John 14:27-31 Wednesday, May 13: Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 122:1-5; John 15:1-8 Thursday, May 14: Feast, Matthias, apostle, Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm
Comments on handshaking ‘on target’
Hunger continued from page 1
Kudos to Bob Warshal of Farragut for his right-
the unequal access to the means of attaining those rights.” World leaders must work together and show solidarity toward the weakest regions and peoples in order to rectify social inequalities and increase global security, he said. The pope said human rights such as the right to life and the right to freedom of conscience and religion are not, strictly speaking, truths of faith. Universal human rights spring from human nature itself, he said,
on-target comments concerning handshaking at Mass. I stopped shaking hands during cold and flu season about five years ago and noticed an immediate improvement in the number of upperrespiratory infections I contracted during the winter months. Now I don’t shake hands year round. I nod and say “peace be with you” to everyone around me. I’d like to go one step further and suggest that the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion wash their hands with alcohol-based hand wash before they go up to distribute Communion. Small bottles fit easily into pockets and purses, and this would be a very considerate gesture on their part. —Virginia P. Thompson Kingsport
BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO
113:1-8; John 15:9-17 Friday, May 15: Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 57:8-12; John 15:12-17 Saturday, May 16: Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5; John 15:18-21 Monday, May 18: Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149:1-6, 9; John 15:26–16:4 Tuesday, May 19: Acts 16:22-34; Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8; John 16:5-11
Wednesday, May 20: Acts 17:15 and 17:22–18:1; Psalm 148:1-2, 1114; John 16:12-15 Thursday, May 21: Acts 18:1-8; Psalm 98:1-4; John 16:16-20 Friday, May 22: Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47:2-7; John 16:20-23 Saturday, May 23: Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10; John 16:23-28 ■
and natural law is discernable to all people. Reason enables all people “to distinguish not only between true and false but also good and evil, better and worse, and justice and injustice,” he said. The church works to promote human rights in such a way that “these rights can be presented to all people of good will, independently of any religious affiliation they may have.” Human reason, however, is always “in danger of a certain
ethical blindness caused by disordered passions and sin,” and therefore reason “must undergo constant purification by faith,” he said. If the ethical underpinnings of human rights are ignored, those rights will remain fragile because they would be deprived of their solid and sound foundations, he said. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Notre Dame great because of openness
I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (M.A., 1964). I am both pleased and proud of the fine education I received there. Among my professors were far-right conservatives, theological and political liberals, and dedicated moderates. All had fine minds and all freely expressed their philosophies of life, religion, and politics in their classes. Yet while all of these men made it quite clear what their values and beliefs were, I never once experienced the sort of anti-intellectual dogmatism that characterizes the opposition of President Obama’s invitation to speak at Notre Dame’s commencement. Notre Dame is a great American university. It is a great Catholic university. It is both of these because it is open to and engaged with the events, issues, and leading personalities of the time. To be sure, a first-rate education is based on the Letters continued on page 3
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MAY 10, 2009
Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor
THE EAST TENNESSEE
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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:
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THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C
he dwells
AMONG US
pastoral
BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA
ASSIGNMENTS
Bishop announces new roles for two deacons
Our schools in action The bishop takes in a ball game at one high school and a play at the other.
will spread around the snake population that I was a friendly bishop! During the month of May we celebrate two significant events. Of course, there is Mother’s Day, which reminds us of the precious gift that has been given to us by our mothers: life itself. My own mother was called home to God in 1991 after a long illness (my dad died in 1986). It still amazes me how often I find myself reflecting on the many acts of kindness that resulted from her commitment to be a good mom. God bless her and all those wonderful women who bless us with life and nurture that life. Finally, on May 25, our nation once again will pause to reflect on the gift of so many as we celebrate Memorial Day. I find it ironic that, if quizzed, so many relate Memorial Day to the beginning of the summer holidays. Maybe we all need a reminder that, besides the family gatherings, the opening of swimming pools, and a big sigh of relief that school is out and summer travel begins, Memorial Day exists to honor the countless men and women who gave their lives so that we might have the freedom to enjoy family gatherings, the opening of swimming pools, and summer travels. How about taking a few moments this Memorial Day to remember the men and woman of our armed forces who gave their lives so we might be free to remember them? Participate in a Memorial Day parade or visit a veterans cemetery and place a flag on a grave. Make it a spe-
ishop Richard F. Stika announced April 24 that he has appointed Deacon Christopher Riehl to serve in residence at St. Albert the Great Church in Knoxville. Father Chris Michelson is pastor. The bishop has also announced that effective May 4, Deacon Sean Smith, diocesan chancellor, will assume new duties as assistant to the bishop. Deacon Smith will continue as chancellor. In his new role he will manage the bishop’s office and business affairs as well as his secretarial and administrative support personnel; field calls that require canonical, pastoral, or theological intervention; serve as diocesan spokesman with media when the bishop is unavailable; and travel with the bishop as needed. “I have made this appointment with the intention that I may have more quality time with my priests, deacons, men and women religious, and the faithful as I travel about the diocese,” the bishop wrote in a May 4 memo. ■
B COURTESY OF CHERYL KRESS
A baseball game, a school play, and a snake! Sounds like the beginning of a joke. No joke at all, however. Over the past weeks, as I have been making the rounds to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation, I have also had the opportunity to witness our schools in action. On Monday, April 27, I had the opportunity of attending a baseball game (which also honored the graduating seniors on the team) at Knoxville Catholic High School. What a beautiful stadium—but even more, what a great commitment of the team to the school and of the school to quality education. On Saturday, April 25, I attended the production of West Side Story at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. Again I witnessed the result of Catholic education in action. Our students’ talents are extraordinary! A tip of my miter to both schools! Finally, I had the chance to visit St. Mary School in Oak Ridge and enjoyed thoroughly my visits to the classrooms. I even had the opportunity to share some time with Herbert the corn snake. Even though I had never had a good relationship with snakes, this one was exceptional. Our interaction may cause me to rethink my position on these creatures of God. Maybe word
NEW FRIEND Bishop Stika meets
Herbert the corn snake during a visit to St. Mary School in Oak Ridge.
cial moment in a special day! “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). ■ BISHOP STIKA’ S SCHE DUL E May 14: 9:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Cathedral School graduation breakfast, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Knoxville May 15: 9:30 a.m., diocesan finance council meeting, Chancery May 16: 10 a.m., Knoxville Catholic High School graduation, Blaine Stadium, KCHS May 17: 2 p.m., Notre Dame High School graduation, Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga May 18: 7:30 p.m., diocesan review board meeting, Chancery May 19: 11:30 a.m., diocesan staff meeting, Chancery; 7 p.m., confirmation, St. Mary Church, Johnson City May 20: 11 a.m., town-hall meeting with diocesan priests, Chancery; 7 p.m., confirmation, Holy Cross Church, Pigeon Forge May 21: 7 p.m., confirmation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga May 22: 10 a.m., Catholic Education Trust Fund meeting, Chancery May 23: 5 p.m. CDT, confirmation, St. Alphonsus Church, Crossville May 24: 11 a.m., confirmation, Notre Dame Church, Greeneville ■
Letters continued from page 2
perennial disciplines and perennial intellectual concerns that make up the classic liberal arts. But to be of any value to its recipients, a great education has to prepare them to deal with the challenges peculiar to their era. Shielding students from these or encouraging them to take refuge behind unexamined dogmas and absolute orthodoxies is not the way of a great university— of any kind. Whether you agree with him or not, there is no doubt that President Obama is, right now, the most important political leader in the world. What he says and does is of overwhelming importance and interest to all of us, but especially to young people like those graduating from Notre Dame. They should hear what he has to say. ■ —Joseph W. Corso Johnson City We welcome letters to the editor and carefully consider all submissions. Letters should be 350 words or less and will be edited for grammar, style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail, mail, or fax: mary@dioceseofknoxville.org, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127, 865-5848124. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions of their authors and not those of the editorial staff or the publisher.
Readings continued from page 2
the view from
HERE
BY MARY C. WEAVER
Signs of growth Construction projects abound as the diocese nears its 21st birthday.
It’s become commonplace for us to talk about the growth of the diocese since its founding nearly 21 years ago. In 1988 East Tennessee was home to about 36,000 Catholics in 38 parish-
es or missions. Now we have 47 parishes or missions, and our population is close to 60,000. In an upcoming issue we’ll look at our growth in— literally—concrete terms. We’re planning a story on parish building projects, and at this moment I know of at least five. Three schools are also engaged in or have just finished expansions. And in one case, that of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help in LaFollette, parishioners are doing the work themselves. Also in development are stories about Father Richard Armstrong’s priestly ordination, which took place May 3, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s annual convention May 1 and 2, and the rite of missioning May 3 for those who were received into the church this Easter. My assistant editor, Dan McWilliams, will be working on an especially interesting story next month: he’s traveling to Pereira, Colombia, to cover the priestly ordination of Deacon Jorge Cano on June 13. Please remember the ordinand and the travelers in your prayers. ■
Holy Land continued from page 1
peace. The pope, in announcing the visit, said he would be going to the Holy Land to pray for “the precious gift of unity and peace for the Middle East and all humanity.” Father Jaeger said that’s extremely important at a time when hopes for peace among the population are the lowest in many years. “The worst thing that can happen is the loss of hope for peace. So for him to speak openly of the possibility and the necessity of peace and reconciliation should thrust those values into the fore,” Father Jaeger said. “It’s not a political negotiation, of course; he’s not going to produce a peace treaty or try to. But the fact that he keeps the value of peace in front of the people of the region will be a tremendous contribution by the church,” he said. The first leg of the pope’s trip will take him to Jordan THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLIC
for a series of carefully chosen liturgies and encounters, including a visit to a mosque in Amman. That event, and the fact that Pope Benedict is spending several days in Jordan, reflects his aim to reach a wide Muslim audience. In 2006 Pope Benedict prayed in a mosque in Turkey, a gesture that spoke volumes to the Islamic world. In Amman the pope will deliver a speech outside the mosque to Muslim leaders, diplomats, and rectors of the University of Jordan. The audience and the setting make it likely that the pope will revisit the themes of his speech in 2006 in Regensburg, Germany, but this time making sure his remarks on reason and faith do not unintentionally offend his listeners. For Jordan’s Catholic faithful, who number about 75,000 in a population of 6.2 million, the big event will be the papal Mass in an Amman
soccer stadium May 10. Two smaller papal events in Jordan should not go unnoticed. His first appointment in Amman is at the Regina Pacis center, a special-needs facility that has inspired Christian– Muslim dialogue and collaboration. Here the pope is likely to emphasize the importance of the “dialogue of life” and social cooperation among followers of the Abrahamic faiths. The pope also will lay the cornerstone of the University of Madaba, which is being built by the Latin patriarchate. Blessing cornerstones is a common activity in papal visits, but establishing a Catholic-run university in a predominantly Muslim country makes this one special. Much of the pope’s itinerary follows in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II’s Holy Land pilgrimage in 2000. Pope Benedict, for example, will pray at Mount Nebo in west-
my commandments, you will remain in my love.” His commandment is love. In the second reading John informs us, “God is love” and “everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” When we are in God, we can perceive God’s handiwork. Peter and his companions demonstrated they had this ability. We can see such visions if we are as close to the Father as Jesus was. That is, if we have faith. Then we can see God. This is very doable. We Catholics see the Son of God every time we attend Mass. At the consecration, we witness the eucharistic presence of Jesus’ body and blood. ■ Father Brando is the pastor of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga.
Take note of ETC deadlines e welcome submissions about parish and community events. Send notices by e-mail (mary@dioceseofknoxville.org), fax (865584-8124), or mail (P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939). To make sure we receive information about upcoming events in time for publication, please submit it by the following deadlines: ■ Monday, May 11, for the May 24 issue ■ Monday, May 25, for the June 7 issue ■ Monday, June 8, for the June 21 issue ■ Monday, June 29, for the July 12 issue ■ Monday, July 13, for the July 26 issue ■ Monday, July 27, for the Aug. 9 issue. ■
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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. ■
Holy Land continued on page 8
www.dioceseofk noxville.org
MAY 10, 2009
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BY TONI PACITTI
■ A retirement reception was held
April 25 to celebrate Madeleine Nolan Rogers’s many years of service to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and School. Mrs. Rogers is retiring after teaching at OLPH School for the past 40 years. ■ The OK’s 50-plus group will take a bus trip to the historic district of Cartersville, Ga., at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, May 23, and return to Chattanooga at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $65 and includes all events. Seating is limited. Call Eveline Buske at 423-622-1418 for reservations by Saturday, May 9. ■ Father Mike Nolan was “arrested” April 22 after the 8:15 a.m. Mass. Donations to help send a child to a Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camp were his “bail.”
St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill ■ A city garage sale will be held Sat-
urday, May 23, and proceeds from St. Catherine’s participation will benefit the Divine Mercy Society. Items may be left in the church basement.
St. Jude, Chattanooga ■ A flea-market fundraiser will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the church to benefit youth ministry. Contact Alicia at 423-8708002 or bradshawa5@gmail.com to donate an item, to purchase a booth, or to help price and sell items. ■ Canned goods are still being accepted for the 50th-anniversary food drive. The goal of 5,000 cans has not been met. Leave donations in the green barrel in the parish life center. ■ Anniversary: Edward and Mary Ann Majoras (50)
St. Mary, Athens ■ Anniversary: Paul and Mary Lou
Paulli (51)
St. Stephen, Chattanooga ■ The parish recently donated 750
pounds of food and $525 to benefit the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. ■ Anniversary: Philip and Carolyn McBride (50)
Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ A parish picnic was held May 3. Cumberland Mountain Deanery
All Saints, Knoxville ■ Parishioners will take part in a May crowning along the walking path to the outdoor statue of the Blessed Mother after the morning Mass on Friday, May 8.
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ The Knights of Columbus held a
game night April 29 in the church hall. ■ The Knights will sponsor their annual Mother’s Day breakfast after Mass on Sunday, May 10.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade ■ The St. Alphonsus Council of
Catholic Women will join the St. Francis of Assisi CCW for lunch, entertainment, and a social after the 8 a.m. Mass on Wednesday, May 13. ■ Anniversaries: Ed and Joan Bullock (59), Kevin and Helen Coyne (56), Nelson and Nancy Birtsch (55), Dick and Carolyn Cieszenski (54), Dan and Bonnie Schmitt (53), John and Ellie Gratton (51), John and Yvonne Marciniak (50), John and Cathy Manning (45), William and Dolores Therkilsen (35), Michael and Elizabeth Clowes (30), Hugh and Carolyn Hill (30), James and Cynthia Marentette (15)
St. John Neumann, Farragut ■ For a family movie night April 24 in
the school gym, the parish showed the animated feature film Horton Hears a Who. ■ Parishioner Tom Perry spoke April 29 about his cross-country bike trip last year. ■ The school is selling pints of apple butter for $3 per jar. Call Rhonda at 865-777-0077, extension 126, to make a purchase. ■ The May crowning will be held from 9:45 to 10:05 a.m. Sunday, May 10, in the church. ■ A yard sale to benefit Matthew Donahue’s Eagle Scout project will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the church parking lot. The project involves making repairs to the church office and youth house. 4
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MAY 10, 2009
■ The St. Vincent de Paul Society will
sponsor a bake sale to benefit the needy in the community after all Masses on the weekend of May 16 and 17. Call Linda Larson at 675-4314.
St. Therese, Clinton ■ Council of Catholic Women cook-
books are being sold for $10 and are available after Masses and during parish office hours. ■ The CCW will sponsor an end-ofyear dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at the Aubrey’s restaurant in Powell. All women of the parish are invited to attend. Call the church office at 865-457-4073 by Monday, May 18, to register. ■ Elections of parish-council members will be held the weekend of May 16 and 17. ■ First communicants: John David Carter, Katie Chambers, Chase Lockard, James Mai
St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City ■ Anniversaries: Chris and Joan Petill
PAM RHOADES
OLPH, Chattanooga
Bishop celebrates Palm Sunday Mass at cathedral Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass on Palm Sunday at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Deacon David Lucheon of Sacred Heart assisted.
(50), James and Carolyn Neely (45) ■ Newcomers: William and Deborah Agee, Ron and Fran Fox, Kevin and Trixie Young Five Rivers Deanery
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City ■ A columbarium was completed
April 16. Nineteen units have been reserved. For more information, call Deacon Jim Prosak at 865-397-8110. ■ A pavilion is under construction and may be ready for the parish picnic, which will follow the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 7. ■ All mothers will be recognized at the weekend Masses on May 9 and 10. Empty baby bottles will be distributed to collect money for Life Outreach in Jefferson City. ■ The Council of Catholic Women will meet Monday, May 11. A baby shower will be held, with items collected to be delivered to Life Outreach. ■ Knights Council 12838 will host a Polish dinner Saturday, May 16.
Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ Retired priest Father Bill Casey of Greeneville, a former Notre Dame pastor, celebrated his 40th anniversary of ordination May 2. ■ Eucharistic adoration for the unborn will be offered after the 8 a.m. Mass until 10 a.m. on first Wednesdays, beginning June 3. ■ Anniversaries: George and Lois Toth (58), Jack and Jean Siersma (55), Roger and Margaret Gardner (54)
COURTESY OF JOANNE WILKIEL
Chattanooga Deanery
Fairfield Glade CCW provides gifts to new Habitat homeowners Council of Catholic Women members from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade recently attended Habitat for Humanity dedication ceremonies, for which they donated gift baskets filled with various items chosen specifically for each kitchen. The new homeowners specified what colors they would like to have in their new kitchen, and CCW members shopped accordingly. The women from Fairfield Glade attended each of the dedication ceremonies. Pictured at one of the dedications are (from left) Gerrianne Mason, St. Francis of Assisi pastor Father John O’Neill, new homeowner Rita Scruggs, Jane Wicker, and Barbara Dahar.
St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ A spaghetti dinner was served April
29 to raise funds for the parish Relay for Life team. ■ New Clothes for Kids thanked parishioners for their Lenten project, which raised $3,615.50 worth of clothing for needy children in the area.
St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton ■ The Knights of Columbus food drive collected 80 bags of food for the local ARM (Assistance Resource Ministries.) ■ The Lenten baby-bottle project raised $2,196.39, compared to $1,777.29 for last year. The collection will be used for local women and children in crisis. ■ Newcomer: Tom Powers
St. Patrick, Morristown
RACHEL DZIALO
NOTES
Forty-five confirmed at St. John Neumann Bishop Richard F. Stika confirmed 45 high school juniors April 26 at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. St. John Neumann pastor Father John Dowling stands at left. Youth confirmed were Hannah Armendarez, Catherine Below, Christian Borek, Taylor Brown, Cameron Clark, Tyler Crone, Carmen DePaoli, Sophia Floersh, Rachel Floyd, Brad Galloway, Gabriel Garcia, Claudia Garza, Agatha Gornisiewicz, Gregory Grieco, Sarah Hendershott, Alan Hethcoat, Ross Kellet, Brandon Klarner, Taylor Lawrence, Jordan Lockler, Rachael Long, Nicolette Manilla, Joe Mardini, Andrew McPherson, Brandon Merical, Nicholas Muth, Meghan O’Brien, Chris Pacitti, R. J. Penpek, Tony Perfetto, Zachary Riley, Elizabeth Ruddick, Jack Scariano, Gregory Shurina, Christina Spangler, Elizabeth Sturgill, Kelsey Theodore, Michael Tremoulis, Aleks Ulmer, Tommy Van Sickle, Alex Vaz, Matthew Walter, Nicholas Willenborg, Emma Wishart, Greg Woo, and Timothy Schult. Timothy was previously confirmed but participated in the confirmation program and received a blessing.
■ The annual May crowning and
rosary was held May 3 at the grotto. ■ The religious-education office and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a teacher-appreciation and Mother’s Day breakfast at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 10, in the parish center. Cost is $5 per family. Smoky Mountain Deanery
COURTESY OF MELANIE THOMAS
parish
Holy Ghost, Knoxville ■ Father David Carter, now studying
canon law in Rome, will spend his summer break in the Knoxville area and will be at Holy Ghost from July 20 until his return to Italy in early fall. ■ First communicants: Sarah Grace Dunn, Gavin Rhodes Francis, Rece Wilson Harpst, Jacob William Hensley, Gabriel David Hosford, Mary Jane Isabella Hosford, Jonathan Reid Kreider, Tessa Maree Owens, Walter Augustine Pickering, Andrew William Sullivan, Brody Orion Whitehead, Autumn Parish notes continued on page 5
St. Thomas the Apostle celebrates confirmation Eleven youth were confirmed at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on April 26 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. With Bishop Richard F. Stika and the youth in the photo are St. Thomas the Apostle pastor Father David Boettner (left), Deacon José Rivera (third from left), youth minister Melanie Thomas (third from right), associate pastor Father Christian Mathis (second from right), and Deacon Sean Smith (right). Members of the 2009 confirmation class are Kelly Bays, Erika Carvajal, Adam Eichelberger, Jake Everett, Megan Fisher, Rosario Nicolás, Hannah Prendergast, Jesús Sánchez, Macie Solomon, Kaylee Zalewski, and Carlos Zavala.
www.dioceseofk noxville.org
THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C
The diocesan Office of Family Life and Adult Christian Living will conduct a workshop on Saturday, June 20, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga that focuses on financial planning and goal setting, as well as budgeting and debt reduction, all from a Catholic perspective. The workshop will be based loosely on the book 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free: A Catholic Guide to Managing Your Money (Our Sunday Visitor, 2006) by Phil Lenahan. Workshop participants will be able to examine their attitude and behavior regarding personal finances and come to understand how money management can relate to a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith. The workshop will begin with Mass at 8 a.m. and end by 3 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be a short follow-up session Saturday, Aug. 15, following the 8 a.m. Mass. The cost for the entire program is $30 per couple or $25 for a single participant. To register, contact Marian Christiana at 423-8922310 or marianchristiana@msn.com. Knoxville Catholic High School is hosting “Remembering Johnny: An Evening with Coach Gene Stallings” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, in the school gym. The former longtime NFL and college coach, who led Alabama to the national championship in 1992, will discuss his life as a coach and a father. His son, John Mark Stallings, died in August 2008 from a congenital heart condition related to Down syndrome. Tickets to the talk are $25 and may be purchased at the door. A dinner provided by Gourmet’s Market is included. Contact Diannah Miller for tickets or event information at 865-560-0525 or dmiller@knoxvillecatholic.com. Knights of Columbus Council 8152 in Crossville will host its 17th annual charity golf tournament at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain, 407 Wild Plum Lane in Crossville. The format will be a four-person scramble with a maximum of 36 teams. The entry donation is $70 per person or $280 per foursome and includes greens fees, cart fees, one mulligan, and a 6 p.m awards banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 70. Banquet cost for those not playing in the tourney is $12. Top teams in the men’s and women’s flights will receive $300. Closest-to-the-pin and straightestdrive prizes will be awarded as well. Entry forms may be found at KofCTN.org (click Council Events). For additional information, call Mike Wilkiel at 931-707-8040, Rollie Wicker at 7077087, or Fred Laufenberg at 484-2486. Tourney proceeds will benefit various Cumberland County charities. The Cumberland Mountain Deanery will host the annual It’s Cool to Be Catholic youth rally from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at St. John Neumann School in Farragut. The rally, which is for upcoming freshmen through 2009 graduates, features a concert at 7 p.m. by The Thirsting as part of the band’s Ocean of Mercy tour. The schedule includes a skit at 1:30 p.m., icebreakers at 1:45, an opening prayer at 2:15, small-group activity at 2:30, and an open forum at 3:30. At 4:15 the group will walk to the church for the vigil Mass, which starts at 4:30. Dinner will follow at 5:45 and an optional tour of the new St. John Neumann Church at 6:30. Cost is $15 for the day or $10 for the concert only. The concert is open to the public. For more information, contact Karen Byrne at 865-966-3562 or karenbyrnetn@hotmail.com.
THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C
20, 2010, to the sites of Pope John Paul II’s early life in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Pilgrims will visit Prague and Munich before the trip ends in Oberammergau, Germany, where they will see a performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play. Cost is $3,799 plus fuel surcharges, taxes, and tips. Early-registration deadline is July 1. For more information, contact Mercy Sister Albertine Paulus at 865-584-3307 or smaevang@yahoo.com. The Shrine of the Virgin of the Poor in New Hope, near South Pittsburg, will have devotions at 2 p.m. CDT each Sunday in May. For directions, call Father Mark Scholz at 423-837-7068. Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga is hosting boys and girls basketball camps June 1 through 5 for rising first- through rising eighthgraders and an all-sports camp June 8 through 12 for upcoming kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The basketball camps will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and the all-sports camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The all-sports camp will introduce the fundamentals of soccer, basketball, baseball and softball, volleyball, wrestling, track, tennis, and football. Costs are $100 for the basketball camps and $150 for the allsports camp. Contact Kathy Sumrell at 423-622-1481 or ksumrell@catholic web.com. Visit olph.us/school to download registration forms. Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is hosting a football camp from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, for rising fourth- through eighth-graders. Cost is $75. Contact Kathy Sumrell or visit the school website (see above announcement) for more information. The football camp dates are incorrect in the downloadable brochure but correct above.
arishioners of St. Christopher in Jamestown participated in the Fentress County Historical Society’s annual festival April 18 at York Institute in Jamestown. This year’s theme was “Churches of Fentress County— Their Histories.” More than 60 churches participated. The participants made
P
posters displaying articles and pictures about their churches and congregations over the years. The St. Christopher poster featured a four-page synopsis of the life of the parish, covering its founding in 1974, its 33-year guest use of Allardt Presbyterian Church for Mass on Saturdays, and the
groundbreaking for its new church, with current photos of it. The history contained a list of the pastors over the years and finished with the church’s mission statement. A two-sided handout containing the synopsis of the church’s history and mission statement was given to visitors. ■
Knights receive Fourth Degree at St. John Neumann t. John Neumann Church in Farragut hosted a Fourth Degree exemplification for the Knights of Columbus on April 4. New Fourth Degree Knights from Monsignor F. D. Grady Assembly 1083 in Knoxville are Bertrand D. Benedict, Donald E. Gibbons, Father Marcos Zamora, CSP, William S. Irby, and Father Patrick Resen. Also receiving their Fourth Degree were Deacon Joseph Armento, Paul H. Hughes, James A. Parsly, Rafael Pubillones, Donald G. Schreyer, Lawrence P. Strauser, Ronald W.
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COURTESY OF JERRY DOUGHERTY
The 106th annual Knights of Columbus state convention will be held the weekend of May 29 through 31 at the Marriott Cool Springs hotel in Franklin. The schedule includes a golf tournament and Fourth Degree meeting on Friday, two awards sessions and a memorial Mass on Saturday, and a Mass with state chaplain Father Joey Kaump on Sunday. Children’s and women’s programs are also planned for Saturday. The registration fee is $145 per person. Contact state-convention manager John F. Park Jr. at 615-3312077 or johnparknash@bellsouth.net.
Bishop Richard F. Stika will lead a diocesan pilgrimage May 9 through
St. Christopher parish history part of Fentress event
BY TONI PACITTI
KNIGHTS RECOGNIZE BISHOP STIKA Bishop Richard F. Stika was the honoree at the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree exemplification at St. John Neumann. Presenting a certificate to the bishop is William Gunter, Fourth Degree master for Tennessee.
Tasket, Keith E. Golden, Daniel A. Hanley, and J. David Hudgens, all from Pope John Paul II Assembly 2920 in
Lenoir City, and Charles W. Goolsby and Edward D. Zuber from Father John Aiken Assembly 1840 in Kingsport. ■
The Cursillo English and Spanish schools of leaders will hold their quarterly schools at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Bring a dish for lunch. Call Lois Schering at 865-681-7858 or Beatriz Rincan at 423-614-0296 for more information. Directions to St. Thomas may be found at knoxvillecursillo.org. A Catholic men’s conference will be held from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Eagle Rock Retreat Center on the Foothills Parkway in Tallassee. Presented “by men for men” of the Diocese of Knoxville, the event will focus on what it means to be a Catholic man in the world today and will conclude with Mass. Keynote speakers will be Father Joe Brando and Father Michael Maples. Cost is $30, payable in advance, and includes a hot breakfast and lunch. Make checks payable to Steve Pacitti and mail them to 34000 Highway 72 North, Loudon, TN 37774. RSVP by e-mail to stevepacitti@catholicexchange.com. Space is limited. Those attending the Knoxville Open set for June 8 through 14 at Fox Den Country Club may support Catholic Charities or Bridge Refugee Services with their ticket purchases. Tickets are $25 and will include four days of golf, concerts, and a teaching clinic for junior golfers. To order, visit knoxvilleopen. com and click Tickets. Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer, communicating the Gospel, friendship with the poor, and the work of peace. The Johnson City community meets for prayer at 6:30 p.m. on first and third Mondays at the Catholic Center at East Tennessee State University. The Knoxville community of Sant’ Egidio meets at 5:30 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays at the Chancery office in Knoxville. For more information, call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061. The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held May 22 through 24 at the Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center in Newport. Weekend cost is $239, including meals, rooms, and materials, and couples completing the entire weekend will reCalendar continued on page 8
COURTESY OF JACK MCCUSKER
CALENDAR
Knoxville Knights donate $4,000 to Sertoma Center Knights of Columbus Council 645 in Knoxville presented the Sertoma Center with a $4,000 gift recently to offset cutbacks made by the state. Above, Knights state MR Foundation director and Council 645 trustee Jack McCusker is pictured with Becky Duncan Massey, executive director of the Sertoma Center, and several Sertoma clients. The money was raised by members of Council 645 at Tootsie Roll drives conducted at local Walmarts. Ms. Duncan said that state contributions to Sertoma have been reduced by more than $90,000 and that she was pleased to accept the gift on behalf of Sertoma.
COURTESY OF MAGGIE MAY
on the
Notre Dame hosts Five Rivers CCW meeting The Council of Catholic Women of Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville hosted the spring business meeting of the Five Rivers Deanery CCW on March 28. Deanery parishes represented at the meeting were Notre Dame, Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, St. Patrick in Morristown, St. Mary in Johnson City, and Good Shepherd in Newport. New officers for the 2009-11 term were chosen at the meeting. Shirley Riehl of Holy Trinity was voted president. Notre Dame’s Judy Collins was elected vice president and fellow parishioner Aimee Place secretary-treasurer. Deanery CCW spiritual moderator Father Dan Whitman (seated) of Holy Trinity celebrated Mass before lunch. The meal was provided by the Notre Dame CCW. The next meeting will be hosted by Good Shepherd.
Parish notes continued from page 4
Michele Whitehead, Mason Glen Williams
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville ■ The youth ministry hosted a coffee
house featuring live music April 22. ■ Dr. Tom Heffernan of IC gave a talk titled “The Languages Jesus Spoke” on April 29. ■ The parish women’s group sold plants May 2 and 3 to benefit the kitchen project. ■ The annual mother-daughter celebration was held May 6.
John XXIII, Knoxville ■ Parishioners Andrew and Jessica
Shafer hosted a happy hour April 30
www.dioceseofk noxville.org
at The Square Room downtown to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. ■ A birthday luncheon for associate pastor Father Paul Rospond, CSP, will be held at noon Friday, May 8. RSVP by calling 865-523-7931.
Sacred Heart, Knoxville ■ Parishioners are asked to bring diapers on Mother’s Day weekend for the emergency-assistance program at the Ladies of Charity. ■ Training for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and readers will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in the cathedral. Call Tom or Jackie Foster at 865-584-7714. ■
MAY 10, 2009
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Pro-life banquet day also includes prayer service at memorial, Mass BY DA N MCWI L L I A MS
he United We Stand banquet wasn’t the only event where pro-life supporters could be found in Chattanooga on April 24. A prayer service took place at the National Memorial for the Unborn, and just before the banquet, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish downtown hosted a pro-life Mass. The memorial on Vance Road is on property that once was home to an abortion clinic. The effort to close the clinic, championed by Chattanoogans for Life, left the city as the nation’s largest without such a facility. The pro-life AAA Women’s Services is also at the same location. The memorial includes a granite wall with brass plates memorializing aborted children from across the country. Students from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Knoxville Catholic High School, and St. Jude School in Chattanooga attended the prayer service. AAA executive director Patricia Lindley said during the service that she hopes the memorial says that abortion “is an offense to a holy God.” “We have that wonderful opportunity to be both salt and light,” said Ms. Lindley, who then quoted from Psalm 51:17, whose text is on the wall above the nameplates. “We want people to know that the Lord does not despise a broken and contrite heart.” Banquet keynoter Dr. Kelly Hollowell told the small gathering of students and adults at the memorial that she had never had such a difficult time preparing for a talk in 15 years of public speaking as she had for her banquet address to come that evening. The current political climate on abortion contributed to a feeling in her similar to “posttraumatic stress disorder,” and she was polishing her speech into the wee hours the previous night, she said. “I have pored over this, I have prayed over it, and I have had people across the globe praying for me,” said Dr. Hollowell. Notre Dame chaplain Father
Father Ragan Schriver (far right, both photos), executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, receives donations from two area companies to help fund CCET’s children’s services. Seen in the top photo, from left, are AmeriChoice mascot Dr. Health E. Hound and the company’s executive director, Heidi Kemmer, and medical director, Dr. Paul D. Banick. Next to Father Schriver is Kids Walk chairperson Kim Ciukowski. In the bottom photo, from left, are KimberlyClark employees Mike Martin, Paul Attanasio, and Tim Zoppa with Ms. Ciukowski and Father Schriver.
CHEERFUL GIVERS
AmeriChoice, Kimberly-Clark make donations to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee atholic Charities of East Tennessee received two $10,000 donations in April that will assist its Columbus Home Children’s Services. Kimberly-Clark presented a $10,000 check April 21; AmeriChoice, a United Health Group company, gave the same amount the following day. Both companies were sponsors of Catholic Charities’ 11th Annual Kids Helping Kids Walk to benefit Columbus Home, which provides a continuum of care for children who are abused, neglected, or otherwise endangered. The walk took place May 3 on the grounds of All Saints Church in Knoxville. “We are so grateful to AmeriChoice and to Kimberly-Clark employees for their commitment to the children we serve,” said Father Ragan Schriver, CCET’s executive director. “Because of their support, we are able to do even more for this very vulnerable population.” Catholic Charities of East Tennessee is a social-service agency working to address the needs of vulnerable people and to foster their human dignity by providing shelter, food, counseling, and education. For more information on the Kids Helping Kids Walk or on any area Catholic Charities programs, call 865-524-9896 or visit www.ccetn.org. ■
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Part-time admin job open at SHC acred Heart Cathedral is accepting applications for a part-time administrative assistant to the youth ministry and religious-education offices. Duties include data entry, mailings, phone work, materials preparation, and scheduling. Hours are flexible. Candidates must have a high school diploma. Call the parish office at 865-588-0249. ■
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Women’s health continued from page 9
“Many women are the decision-makers for their family’s health-care needs,” said Kristy L. Newton, M.D., a board-certified OB/GYN and co-medical director of the Mercy Wellnesse for Women program. “Wellnesse is an excellent way to access a variety of services in the Mercy system for all their family members.” The Nurse Navigator is available toll-free by phone (877-599-WELL) and by appointment Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Note that the Nurse Navigator cannot provide health information or medical advice. “This program is not just for women with an illness,” said Dr. Gallaher. “We aspire to have more healthy women and their families utilizing Wellnesse for prevention programs, fitness and nutrition assessments, and wellness education.” Mercy Health Partners was formed by the merger of St. Mary’s Health System and Baptist Health System of East Tennessee in 2008. The new health-care system operates seven acutecare hospitals and many other health-care facilities across East Tennessee. More than 1,000 of the area’s leading physicians are on the medical staff at Mercy facilities. One of East Tennessee’s largest employers, Mercy has 5,700 associates dedicated to providing compassionate care using the latest medical technology. ■ For more information on the Wellnesse program, visit www.mercy.com/wellnesse.asp. 6
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MAY 10, 2009
DAN MCWILLIAMS
COURTESY OF FREDDI BIRDWELL (2)
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Bishop Stika gives the homily during the pro-life Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattanooga on April 24 as host pastor Father George Schmidt looks on. ‘LIFE ITSELF IS A GIFT’
Tony Dickerson presided at the service, with Father Alex Waraksa of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga attending. The day marked the fourth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate. “One of the first things he said to us as our pope was that ‘to love God, keep his commandments,’ is a good thing,” said Father Dickerson. “He said it’s not a burden, it’s not hard, but when we submit ourselves to God’s will and keep his commandments, it brings life.” Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul. Concelebrating were host pastor Father George Schmidt, Father Dickerson, Father Waraksa, Chattanoogans for Life chaplain Father Peter Iorio, and Fathers P. J. McGinnity and John O’Neill, with Deacon Brian Gabor assisting. In his homily the bishop said that “there are so many in our day and age who say life is a choice.” “Well, it is. It’s a choice of
God to give and to instill,” he said. “There are so many in the world today who believe that in one way or another we can tamper with the very essence of life itself, to control it and to manufacture it and to believe that it’s ours. Yet we all know that life itself is a gift from God.” Bishop Stika said he wonders what would have happened had all of the “millions and millions” of aborted children been allowed to live. “How many of them could have found cures for diseases without tampering with life? How many of them could have been peacemakers, where we might not have been in a war in Iraq or Afghanistan or other places in the world? How many of them would have been able to share intimacy with a spouse and to convey life?” The bishop said he would ask himself “what would Jesus do” in questions about the sanctity of life. “He would never say that life is to be experimented with,” he said. ■
Micah Stangrone, a seventhgrader, performed his composition “Consider Yourself Lucky” at the event. Banquet emcee Jim Bello, a former Cleveland resident, is the author of One Baby Rose (SoulCake Press, 2006). Copies of his book and Dr. Hollowell’s Struggling for Life: How Your Tax Dollars and Twisted Science Target the Unborn (CRM Publishing, 2006) were sold after the dinner, with proceeds benefiting Chattanoogans for Life. Bishop Richard F. Stika delivered remarks at the end of the banquet and led the closing prayer. He showed the audience his pectoral cross, which belonged to the late Cardinal John J. Carberry, archbishop of St. Louis from 1968 to 1980. “If you ever visited the cardinal, in his room he had all these great possessions he had acquired over almost 60 years of priesthood,” said the bishop. “But his most precious gift was in this little frame. It was a cocktail napkin from the Coronado Hotel in St. Louis. He was at a prolife dinner, something very similar to this, and he sat next to one of his dearest friends, whose name was Agnes, but the world knew her as Mother Teresa.” The future Blessed Teresa of Calcutta wrote something on
the napkin. “What she scribbled was, ‘Let Jesus use you and sometimes without even your permission,’” said Bishop Stika. “She gave it to the cardinal, who put it in his pocket, and he forgot about it for a little bit. Eventually he framed it, and the cardinal, his eminence, would tell you that was his most prized possession.” The bishop said that “there is no greater prayer that we could pray than something just like” what Mother Teresa wrote on the napkin. “Mother Teresa always said that if a nation can kill the most innocent, what left is there of that nation? As we conclude this wonderful evening and remind ourselves of the commitment that we make to the special gift we call life, maybe we’ll invoke the blessing of two people who are dear to me. I had the chance of meeting Mother Teresa a couple of times in my life, and my episcopal motto is, ‘Jesus, I trust in you,’ from St. Faustina. “I think the two are a great combination. ‘Let Jesus use us without our permission,’ but as a part of that, ‘Jesus, we trust in you.’” To volunteer for Chattanoogans for Life, call Mrs. Kedrowski at 423-290-7314. The organization’s website is at chattanoogansforlife.org. ■
Banquet continued from page 1
“She’s actually the more perfect one, and I think it’s time to communicate to the women of America, to our young girls, how beautiful life is and what a treasure it is to have intimate sex inside the union of marriage. “Put things in the order that God instructed. Follow the rules. Pursue science but with moral constraints. Go for answers, but don’t do it without boundaries and don’t do it while sacrificing the lives of the next generation.” Also at the banquet, winners of the Chattanoogans for Life speech contest were recognized. Attending were third-place finisher Sydney Dunavin and fifth-place finisher Michelle Spangler, both of St. Augustine. Winner Jessica Schachle and runner-up Tony Schmidt are both parishioners of Holy Spirit in Soddy-Daisy. Fourth-place finisher Kenna Rewcastle attends Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga. Chattanoogans for Life secretary Frances King presented the Brother Cajetan Memorial Award to Jill Dearing Walsh of St. Stephen in Chattanooga, whom she called a “warrior for the right-to-life movement.” The honor is named for Alexian Brother Cajetan Gavranich, who died in 2002. St. Jude parishioner Aaron
www.d ioceseofknoxville.or g
THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOL I C
YOUTH
BY DAN MCWILLIAMS
COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN
catholic
Notre Dame athletes (from left) Kris Cambron, Darcy Brannen, and Shelby Gilbert will continue playing in the college ranks.
SIGNING DAY AT NDHS
Trio of Lady Irish athletes taking their talent to collegiate level hree of the top athletes at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga signed scholarship papers recently to continue their athletic careers at the next level. Darcy Brannen was an all-state player for the Lady Irish soccer team as she helped lead it to a fourth state Final Four appearance. She signed papers to play at Lee University. Kris Cambron was a three-time all-state performer for the Lady Irish soccer team and was The Chattanooga Times Free Press player of the year for the area. She scored 32 goals in her senior season and has signed to play with Tennessee Tech next fall. Shelby Gilbert was the first Lady Irish golfer to win back-to-back state titles. She won her first title in 2007 and defended her title last fall, winning by five strokes in the state final. Shelby signed papers with the University of Miami. “I am so proud of what all three of these young ladies have accomplished at Notre Dame,” said NDHS athletics director Howie Sompayrac. “We expect all of their futures to be very bright.” ■
COURTESY OF KATHY SUMRELL
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Students at St. Jude raise money for animal center Sixth-graders at St. Jude School in Chattanooga recently raised more than $1,900 for the McKamey Animal Care & Adoption Center. They are shown at the presentation of the check to volunteer coordinator Rick Tucker (left) and board volunteer Karen Walsh (second from right) of the center. As part of Catholic Schools Week events, students at St. Jude participated in “Service Day.” The sixth-grade students, under the direction of religion teacher Donna Picard (right), were given the opportunity to plan their own fundraising event and pick an organization to support. The students planned a walk-a-thon and raised $1,943, which was donated, at their request, to the animal center.
Frances Marion names NDHS grad to Hall rancis Marion University in Florence, S.C., recently announced that former baseball outfielder Anthony “Chico” Lombardo is the newest inductee into the FMU Athletic Hall of Fame. A native of Chattanooga, Mr. Lombardo is a 1975 graduate of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of longtime Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioner Betty Lombardo and the late Tony Lombardo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Francis Marion in 1979 and later did postgraduate work at Winthrop University. He now lives in Shelby, N.C., with his wife and two children, and he is entering his 18th season as head baseball coach at Limestone College. As a senior at Francis Marion in 1979, Mr. Lombardo batted a school-record .411 with 49 runs scored. He received honorable-mention AllAmerica recognition. He earned all-district honors in 1978 while hitting .344. ■
COURTESY OF MICHELLE DOUGHERTY
COURTESY OF KATHIE ETHERTON
‘Hat Day’ at OLPH School Kindergarten students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga sport caps and a variety of other headwear as they celebrate “National Hat Day” during Catholic Schools Week recently. The students also read books that day, counted, and enjoyed other activities that pertained to hats.
Leprechaun season Kindergarten students in Mary Dougherty’s and Bridget Everett’s classes at St. John Neumann School in Farragut designed and created leprechaun traps March 16 in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day. With their traps are (from left) Emily Latham, Laila Stempkowski, Genevieve Krass, and Nicklaus Iverson.
COURTESY OF GEORGE LECRONE SR.
Ad Altare Dei award for Andrew Andrew Hanson of St. John Neumann in Farragut received his Ad Altare Dei award recently at his church. With him are (from left) George LeCrone Sr., chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting; Robin and Walt Hanson, Andrew’s parents; Father John Dowling, pastor of St. John Neumann; and Lynda McLeod Vinyard, counselor for Andrew’s Ad Altare Dei program. THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C
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COURTESY OF CHERYL KRESS
Mr. & Miss Notre Dame candidates announced Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga announced its candidates for Mr. & Miss Notre Dame on April 8. Candidates are presented and the winners crowned each year at the prom. The candidates are nominated by the senior class and must rank in the top half of the class. Junior and senior students vote to select the winners. The 2009 candidates for Mr & Miss Notre Dame are (from left, front) Kirby Reilly, Hannah Payne, Natalie McGirl, Casey Sullivan, Molly Lynskey, and Laura Martin and (back) Nick Millard, Bobby Ellington, Ryan Buckley, James Noblett, Josh Bledsoe, and Tee Boone.
Cat in the Hat visits school St. Mary School in Oak Ridge celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday recently by reading his books and receiving a surprise visit from The Cat in the Hat, in the person of Dr. Reid Kress. With the guest are two first-graders in Karen Lea’s class, Meghan Smith (left) and Carrie Lyza.
COURTESY OF PATTI JOHANSON
COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN
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St. Joseph artists Pieces of artwork from three students at St. Joseph School in Knoxville were selected for the third annual East Tennessee Student Art Exhibition recently. Eighthgrader Stan Pickering and seventh-graders Angelica Tomas (left) and Bridget Anderson were among students from public, private, and home schools in grades six through 12 whose artworks were chosen by the Tennessee Art Education Association Panel and displayed at the Knoxville Museum of Art. The St. Joseph students’ art was displayed in the mixed-media category. Angelica’s piece was titled “Paper in Primary,” Bridget’s “Chihuly Wannabe,” and Stan’s “Totally Tubular.” MAY 10, 2009
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ern Jordan, where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land before dying. Like his predecessor, he will visit the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized—the setting of the opening chapter of Pope Benedict’s book Jesus of Nazareth (Doubleday, 2007). The pope travels to Jerusalem on May 11 and later that day visits the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, in what Vatican aides view as a central event of the trip. When Pope John Paul spoke at the memorial in 2000, Israelis reacted with warm appreciation; many considered it a turning point in his pilgrimage. Pope Benedict has spoken eloquently about the Holocaust, and as a German has recalled growing up as a witness to the brutality of the regime that targeted Jews for extermination. Vatican sources said, however, that the pope will not be going to Yad Vashem to apologize as a German but to invoke a wider lesson on the dangers of racism and anti-Semitism. On May 12, his first full day in Jerusalem, the pope will visit sites sacred to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. He will begin at the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam’s holiest shrines, and proceed to the Western Wall, sacred to Jews. The two sites lie adjacent to each other and in the past have been the scene of bitter skirmishes between Palestinians and Israelis. The same day the pope will meet separately with the city’s two chief rabbis and the grand mufti. The pope will make a daylong visit May 13 to the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and today a key administrative city of the Palestinian Authority, whose officials will welcome the pontiff at the presidential palace. The main religious event of the day is a Mass in Manger Square. That afternoon the pope will visit the Aida Refugee Camp, where some 5,000 Palestinians live. The visit is already politically charged. Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem said recently that the camp, which has a giant key installed atop one of the camp’s gates, symbolizes the “right to return,” the principle that Palestinian refugees have a right to return to the homes in Israel that they have been forced to leave at various times since 1946, when the war for Israeli statehood began. In addition, Israel has objected that the platform being built to host the Aida event is too close to the Israeli separation wall, which Israel has designed as a 400-mile-long security barrier through the West Bank and which Palestinians see as an instrument of repression. The pope will celebrate Mass on May 14 in Nazareth, the city where Jesus grew up, and later visit the Grotto of the Annunciation and hold a prayer service with Catholic leaders of Galilee. These liturgies—for example, his Mass earlier in the week in the Josafat Valley near the Garden of Gethsemane—are central to the pope’s pilgrimage, offering moral support to the dwindling Christian population in the land where the church was born. U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, said the pope’s visit would underline the importance of maintaining the Christian presence in the Holy Land. “He will do what Peter always does: encourage the faithful, recognize them, give them a renewed sense of worth, and let them know how much the universal church appreciates them and the importance of their faith,” the cardinal said. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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ceive a $60 discount on their marriage license. To register, call Mike or Charla Haley at 865-220-0120. For more information on Engaged Encounter, e-mail Charlie or Blanca Primm at ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www.rc.net/knoxville/cee. Holy Resurrection Byzantine Catholic Mission holds Divine Liturgy celebrations at 1:30 p.m. Sundays (note new time) at Holy Family Church in Seymour. Call 865-609-1081 to learn more. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at St. Therese Church in Clinton and at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details. Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of Greater Knoxville (40 and over) include the following: ■ Friday, May 8: May birthday celebration and happy hour at Lakeside Tavern, 6 p.m. RSVP to host Gail B. at 865-966-8025 by May 7. ■ Saturday, May 9: All Saints Church Spring Fling, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Ellen Vargas at 964-3228, Angela Hayes at 385-6116, or Karen Shelton at 661-5267 to volunteer. ■ Thursday, May 14: Coffee at Panera Bread on North Peters Road, 6:30 p.m. Call Sybil at 693-4229. ■ Sunday, May 17: Hike Mount LeConte. Meet in the All Saints parking lot near the pavilion at 7 a.m. Bring water and snacks. Call Randy S. at 556-3781 for more information. ■ 8
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BY LESLIE SHOLLY
Technology’s victims The ‘flip side of choice’ is to have children by ‘whatever means available.’
As the mother of five, I have heard the observation “I just don’t know how you do it!” many, many times—often followed by, “I can barely handle two!” My experience indicates it’s safe to say that it’s an unusual person who would wish to have eight babies at once, especially with six small children already at home. “Octomom.” We’ve all been watching—first the internet stories and now the tabloids— as the bizarre tale of Nadya Suleman’s adventures in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has unfolded. The technology that gave an infertile couple their one longed-for baby girl 30 years ago has now made Suleman the unwed mother of 14 children, whom it appears she is at best using to fulfill unmet emotional needs and whom at worst she sees as a ticket to money and fame. A local blogger stirred up a minor tempest when she opined that Suleman was a poster child for the pro-life
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movement. I was pleased to see that even pro-choice readers pointed out her mistake. Other blogs I visited, some of them written by Catholics, seemed to be chiefly concerned with how much of their tax dollars might have to go to support these children. Let’s make something clear: IVF is against church teaching, whether you’re a married couple or a single woman, whether you’re having one embryo implanted or six. Although Nadya Suleman’s doctor seems to have breached the professional ethics of fertility specialists, the extreme results serve to highlight the immorality intrinsic to IVF’s very nature. It’s one of the scenarios lying near the bottom of that slippery slope we are always hearing about. The local blogger I mentioned generally tries to be consistent, writing that because she believes women have the right to decide to have abortions when they don’t want to be mothers at a particular time, they should also have the right to bear as many kids as they want, when they want. Still she, and others who have embraced abortion rights and assisted
BY SUZANNE ERPENBACH
What teens believe ‘Stewardship is rooted in our faith,’ which takes shape early in life.
A local high school teacher gave teenage students an assignment to complete a statement on what each one believes. A newspaper printed the following quotes: “I believe that when you have the ability to help someone, you should.” “I believe you should not judge people before you get to know them.” “I believe everyone deserves kindness.” “I believe there is always someone there for you, no matter how hard life may get.” “I believe that if you get a chance, you should help someone before helping yourself.” “I believe that what you give is what you receive.” Each belief is intuitive and inspiring. The formation of our beliefs begins early and continues throughout our life. Observations, educational and life experiences, the development of our faith, and our emotions all help build our beliefs. Each enhances our growth in wisdom and character. Everyone needs opportuni-
ties to ask questions and explore answers as he or she forms beliefs. Children ask questions whenever they come to mind—at the grocery store, in the middle of Mass, at bedtime. Their enthusiasm for knowledge prompts others to answer to the best of their ability. Such questions also encourage further study from a desire to provide more answers. I imagine that many families are like mine, with spirited dinner-table discussions related to faith and belief, particularly with teenagers. Parents’ patience and support for open conversation and searching questions greatly encourage everyone’s continued formation. As we grow, we also learn from the shared feelings and experiences of others. These too may influence our beliefs. No matter our age or circumstances, we need people who are willing to listen and who will give us time and attention and respect our desire to learn and understand. Time is a precious gift to offer others. Each offering of time imitates Christ in serving others. The church supports and
reproductive technologies, admit to feeling uneasy about Nadya Suleman without being able to explain why. I’ve written before about this “flip side of choice”—how the “right” to limit children through abortion and artificial birth control has led to the perceived “right” to give birth to children whenever we decide to, by whatever means available, including IVF, donor eggs and sperm, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. We would do well to remember what nearly all of us—even those who use natural family planning but focus too much on the “planning”—may forget: babies are not and never have been a right but are a gift, a gift that is supposed to be a natural consequence of the love shared by their parents. Method of conception notwithstanding, Nadya Suleman’s babies are a fact. They’ve already been deprived of the right to be born from the love of two parents. But once conceived, they became living human beings, with the right to exist, to be protected from selective reduction, and to have enough to eat and a roof over their heads, even at taxpayers’ expense. They are innocent victims of an immoral technology our society has embraced. ■ Mrs. Sholly and her family are members of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville. nurtures our faith development in many ways, through Scripture, the sacraments, counseling, ministries, and especially the celebration of the Eucharist. Listening to the word of God, we learn that we are uniquely created and gifted and that God calls all of us to seek our role and relationship to him. Empowered to formulate and practice our beliefs, we can enable others to do the same. Many people will graduate with educational accomplishments this month. The wisdom they have gained will be celebrated, along with the graduates’ hopes, dreams, and goals. We can unite and rejoice with them as we review our own growth through study, career, vocation, and life experience. The time is perfect also to express our appreciation to those who have nurtured, mentored, and enhanced our growth through their presence and gifts. We can further appraise how stewardship is rooted in our faith and beliefs. Stewardship is simply putting those beliefs into action. As we branch out in love and service, stewardship evolves into a way of life, bringing us closer to God and others. It also inspires hope and goodwill for our worldwide relationships. May God bless you. ■ Mrs. Erpenbach directs the diocesan Stewardship and Development Office.
Project Graduation provides safe, fun celebration for KCHS seniors roject Graduation started years ago in Maine after a string of tragedies occurred after graduation, resulting in the death of seven students. It has since spread to schools across the country. At Knoxville Catholic High School, the project’s mission is to provide an inclusive, safe, alcohol- and drug-free event for seniors on graduation night to celebrate their commencement. It provides a sense of community for the senior class
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and their parents and enables students to enjoy one last evening together before they embark on their post-graduation future. KCHS’s Project Graduation 2009 will begin at 10 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at 180 Fitness Center. Students will be locked in until at least 5 a.m. Sunday. The schedule includes Mass at 11 p.m. with Father Michael Woods as celebrant. Afterward the graduates will participate in activities including basketball,
www.dioceseofk noxville.org
swimming, casino games, and dancing. A deejay will provide music. The event will also offer food and prizes. Chaperones will be present. The event is made possible by the support of volunteers. KCHS’s Project Graduation has had nearly 100 percent participation for several years, and students and parents alike look forward to it. Prayers and donations are welcome. To learn more or make a donation, call Mindy Coulter at 865-548-8728. ■ THE E A S T TE NNE S S E E CATHOLI C
marriage
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About to hear wedding bells? Consider memorizing vows and inviting both sets of parents to serve as escorts.
aving both bride and groom escorted down the aisle by their parents expresses the equality of the man and woman, suggests Father Rick Hilgartner, associate director of the U.S. Bishop’ Secretariat for Divine Worship. That’s also the suggestion of the Catholic Rite of Marriage, he added. “The bride and the groom enter freely and equally into marriage, and the entrance procession should reflect that,” he said. Father Hilgartner also recommends that the couple memorize their marriage vows rather than repeat them after the priest for a more meaningful and memorable occasion. He offered his suggestions in “Ten Things to Consider for Planning the Celebration of Your Marriage in the Catholic Church,” a resource posted on the U.S. bishops’ website for yourmarriage.org. Here’s a short version of the document: Marriage is a sacrament A marriage between two Christians is a sacrament, that is, an encounter with Jesus Christ. The bride and groom pledge their selfless love for each other. All present can look at the bride and groom and see Jesus, as the bride and the groom look at each other and see Jesus’ love. The bride and the groom are the ministers of the sacrament The ministers of the sacrament of marriage are the bride and groom. The priest or deacon acts as the official witness of the church and the state, but the bride and the groom marry each other. Marriage is a matter of faith Marriage presupposes, renews, and strengthens faith. Preparation for marriage invites couples to reflect on
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Marriage between a Christian bride and groom is a sacrament, an encounter with Jesus Christ. MINISTERS OF THE SACRAMENT
God’s presence in their life and the grace he gives them to live daily in mutual and lasting fidelity. The Scriptures: God’s word to you, and your word to the world Couples normally choose three readings for their wedding— one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament letters, and one from the Gospels. Couples can reflect on what they believe God is saying to them and what they want to say about their faith on that day. Vows: what you say, promise, and live The heart of the rite is the exchange of vows. Some suggest that couples memorize their vows so they can experience the exchange of consent more powerfully, by speaking the vows from the heart rather than repeating them after the priest. In this way, they can spend time pondering what the vows mean and remember the words for years to come. Music stirs the soul and lifts the mind Music adds beauty and has an important
liturgical function. It accompanies the procession of the ministers and the bridal party and is an integral part of the liturgy itself. The singing of the acclamations and responses by the assembly and the use of hymns and songs at the entrance and Communion procession are urged in the rite of marriage. Music should communicate the mystery of God’s love in Christ, especially as it pertains to the couple joined in marriage. Procession: Here comes the bride . . . and the groom! The bride and the groom enter freely and equally into marriage, and the entrance procession should reflect that. The rite of marriage suggests that the liturgical ministers (priest, deacon, reader, servers) lead the procession, followed by the bride and bridegroom, each escorted by “at least their parents and the witnesses.” Perhaps the groom goes first, led by his attendants and escorted by his parents, followed by the bride, led by her attendants and escorted by her parents.
Ministries: more than just the bridal party Family members and friends stand by as attendants, but they also perform a liturgical function as official witnesses of the marriage. Other liturgical roles are played by readers who proclaim the Bible readings and announce the general intercessions, relatives, or friends who present the offertory gifts of bread and wine, servers who assist at the altar, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. The officiating priest or deacon can provide guidance throughout the process. Family plus friends equals the liturgical assembly Loved ones at the ceremony represent the community of the church, who surround the couple with encouragement and prayers. They form a liturgical assembly that stands before the Lord with hearts open to his loving power. Above all, pray! The wedding liturgy (whether it is celebrated at Mass or apart from it) is an act of worship. It is a time to offer praise and thanks to God for his gifts and to seek his continued blessings and help. It is a time to thank God for the gift of one’s spouse and for the newly married couple to ask the Lord’s blessing and guidance as they become witnesses of his love for them and for the world. ■
In addition to the variety of resources parishes provide for couples, a number of resources are available online. Among them is www.foryourmarriage. org, a project of the Catholic Communication Campaign and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Mercy Health Partners launches ‘Wellnesse for Women’ program avigating the health-care system can be challenging. A new program launched by Mercy Health Partners aims to ease the burden. In partnership with Mercy physicians, Mercy Wellnesse for Women delivers high-quality integrated health care to women and their families. By calling one toll-free number, 877-599-WELL, those with questions related to health resources are connected with a Mercy Wellnesse Nurse Navigator. He or she will provide information, schedule appointments when necessary, and work closely with all parties—physicians, community providers, and consumers— and in a brief phone call can
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help patients accomplish what might have taken weeks to pull together. “Mercy Wellnesse for Women is a unique opportunity to access a customized resource to help you navigate the Mercy medical system,” said Caren E. Gallaher, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon, breast surgeon, and co-medical director of the Mercy Wellnesse for Women program. “The Wellnesse Nurse Navigator can answer questions regarding wellness and prevention screening, assist you with finding a specialist, or help you coordinate a day of health care, such as scheduling your mammogram in the morning before your well-
woman examination.” The Mercy Wellnesse for Women physicians provider network includes more than 280 board-certified and boardeligible physicians in a wide range of specialties. The Mercy Wellnesse for Women community network consists of resources including, but not limited to, wellness and specialty exams (all services, same day); fitness evaluation, consultation, and training; disease prevention and management; weight-loss consultation; sleep consultation; breastfeeding consultation; counseling; and a hormonal clinic for pubescent and menopausal women.
PARACLETE
BY ROBERT CURTIS
Father Fessio’s dream ather Joseph Fessio returned to the United States after receiving his Ph.D. in Christology, studying under such luminaries as Henri de Lubac, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthazar. His chief mentor, von Balthazar, had started a publishing company to disseminate the works of the mystic Adrienne von Speyer. This was the impetus for Father Fessio’s dream to also make books of “good, solid theology” available to American Catholics. Alas, it was the 1970s, and all but one of his offerings were returned accompanied by a rejection slip. Catholic publishers of that day preferred to publish theology that was saccharine, not substantive. That peculiarly American cliché “if you want something done right, do it yourself” became Father Fessio’s guiding principle. He and two employees started what is now the measuring stick for books containing “good, solid theology,” Ignatius Press, one of our favorite publishers. There are few places in the Paraclete where you will not find evidence of Father Fessio’s dream, with Ignatius Press’s wonderful books, DVD movies (new and classic), and tasteful CDs. Over the past year or two we have noted a marked increase in our DVD sales. I believe this is in no small part due to Ignatius Press. We have oldies but goodies such as The Bells of St. Mary’s, Going My Way, The Lilies of the Field, and the everpopular A Man for All Seasons. You’ll also find brand-new ones such as the three-disc Teresa of Avila, the Cannes Film Festival award-winner Padre
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Pio: Miracle Man, the flawless Bella, the true-to-life Bernadette and The Passion of Bernadette, Elizabeth Hussey in Mother Teresa, Jon Voight in Pope John Paul II, and many, many more. If it were not for Ignatius Press, you would find no good books on our shelves by Pope Benedict, Peter Kreeft, G. K. Chesterton, Karl Keating (Catholicism and Fundamentalism), or Thomas Howard, and Fulton Sheen and few books about C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien or even Mother Angelica. This is highquality stuff, proving that Father Fessio is an object lesson in the wisdom of following one’s dream. Finally, there’s Ignatius Press’s music. The company distributes the excellent Chant: Music for the Soul, which topped the pop charts in London, and Carthusian chant from the soundtrack of that one-of-akind film Into Great Silence. We also have The Priests, Josh Groban, Catholic Latin Classics, Placido Domingo, Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts, and The Holy Rosary With Mother Angelica. Add to this their audio books and children’s items, and you can see how prolific Ignatius Press really is. It is a high-quality company with every one of its offerings keeping to Father Fessio’s desire for “good, solid theology.” Come and see. ■ The Paraclete is a fullservice Catholic book and supply store. Visit 417 Erin Drive in Knoxville, near Sacred Heart Cathedral, or call 865-588-0388 or 800-333-2097. Download the Paraclete’s newsletter online at snipr.com/paraclete.
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become Catholic than it is for people to join other faiths. New Catholics typically participate in a months-long education and discernment process through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. People join many other religions or Christian denominations by little more than participating and deciding that it is now their church. “Faith in Flux” noted that those who have left the Catholic Church outnumber those who have joined it by nearly 4 to 1. “Overall, 1 in 10 American adults (10.1 percent) have left the Catholic Church after having been raised Catholic, while only 2.6 percent of adults have become Catholic after having been raised something other than Catholic,” the survey said. The statistical margin of error for the survey ranges from plus or minus 5 percentage points to plus or minus 10 percentage points, depending upon the segment being analyzed. ■ Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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As flu spreads in Mexico, church officials focus on most vulnerable B Y DAV I D AGREN
MEXICO CITY (CNS)—Catholic officials have responded to the deadly flu outbreak in the Mexican capital by establishing information booths, beefing up service at church-run health clinics, and opening distribution centers near hospitals to provide medicine, food, and spiritual support for those with sick family members. “Our most immediate and strong focus is the humane treatment of all those who come by or who are suffering and [our focus] is most directed toward the most vulnerable and the poorest,” said Father Jose Velazquez Figueroa, director of the health ministry of the Archdiocese of Mexico City. Caritas, the church’s charitable agency, established three information centers that provide pamphlets with complete instructions for avoiding the swine flu, which is spread by human contact. The pamphlets also identify symptoms of the illness and include a prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The information centers will not distribute preventive items such as masks or sanitizing hand gel, which have been in short supply ever since the outbreak was confirmed by health officials in late April. “Unfortunately, we’re confronting a total shortage,” said Father Enrique Maldonado Garcia, Caritas operations director. The challenges confronted by church officials trying to help fight the health emergency in Mexico reflect those confronted by the population at large, which has been advised by health authorities to remain behind closed doors and avoid public gatherings. On May 1 the Mexican Health Secretariat reported 358 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, which causes swine flu, and 15 flu-related deaths. Many residents of Mexico City appeared to be heeding health advisories. Traffic has been sparse in the capital, and many residents opted not to leave for traditionally popular weekend getaways. Many businesses also heeded a government call that only those offering essential services remain open. Church attendance dropped 60 percent, said Father Hugo Valdemar, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Mexico City. He said he was not concerned about the figures because church officials urged Catholics to follow all government health advisories. Father Jose de Jesus Aguilar, director of radio and television for the Archdiocese of Mexico City, said parishioners were encouraged to wear facemasks. “Inside the churches people have been praying with a lot of responsibility . . . there’s no widespread panic,” Father Aguilar said. “Many people have been saying that faith has been a source of strength at this time.” The Archdiocese of Xalapa and the dioceses of Veracruz and Netzahualcoyotl all canceled annual pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Archdiocese of Chihuahua urged priests to celebrate Mass daily but in private. Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iniguez of Guadalajara told the faithful that attendance at Sunday Mass was not obligatory if health concerns were a worry. The cardinal also called on Catholics to pray to Our Lady of Zapopan for a miracle. Other Catholic officials issued similar calls for prayer in a time of crisis. Mexico City resident Irma Morales was among those heeding the call for prayer. “We all asked Guadalupe to get rid of this virus,” she said after morning Mass at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in the southern part of the capital. At the Church of San Baltasar in Puebla, Alvaro Vivero, 79, rested in the shade and said, “I don’t know why I am wearing this mask. It is uncomfortable. And if God decides that I have to go, then I will go. We are all in God’s hands.” Franciscan Father Salomon Mora from a church in Tepeaca was forced to cancel the parish’s annual celebration of the “Nino Doctor.” The image of Jesus as a child is said to have worked miracles since it was taken to the hospital in this little town more than 60 years ago. Every year about 1.5 million pilgrims visit the local shrine to ask for cures or to thank God for receiving them. “We were ordered to cancel all celebrations this week, the procession, the Masses, everything,” Father Mora said. “I don’t know how people who come from all over will take it. And I don’t know how our businessmen will react to the loss of sales.” Father Gustavo Zarate of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Puebla said the government restrictions are inhibiting his ability to care for his parishioners. “Especially in these dire times we have to be here for our flock. We have to give them spiritual support,” he said. ■ Contributing to this story was Brigitte Schmitt in Puebla. Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 10
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MAY 10, 2009
Study examines why people leave their faith Many former Catholics say their spiritual needs were not being met. By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS)—On the heels of a 2008 study of the U.S. “religious landscape” that showed a quarter of Americans had changed faiths, a follow-up survey has found an even greater rate of “Faith in Flux,” as the new report is called. When the number of people who now practice a different faith than that of their childhood is added to those who have moved around among religions or denominations and come back to where they started, nearly half of Americans have changed religions at some point, said the report by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, released April 27. Among people who have changed religions, those who left the Catholic Church were more likely than those who left Protestant denominations to have done so because they no longer believed the teachings of the church, the study found. It also made connections between how actively involved people were in their church as children and teens and how likely they were to leave the faith in which they were raised. Across the board, the vast majority of people who changed churches, who stopped being affiliated with any faith, or who made the transition from being “unaffiliated” with a religion to belonging to a church did so before age 24, the survey found. The reasons cited most often by those who have left the Catholic Church were that their spiritual needs were not being met, that they “just gradually drifted away,” or they “found a religion they liked more.” Greg Smith, research fellow for the Pew Forum, told Catholic News Service that among the more striking conclusions of “Faith in Flux” were the reasons people gave for leaving the Catholic Church, depending upon whether they joined evangelical or mainline Protestant denominations. Fifty-three percent of Catholics who became evangelicals said they left because of religious and moral beliefs, principally teachings on the Bible. By comparison, 28 percent of Catholics who joined mainline Protestant denominations left because of differing beliefs. The main reasons for leaving cited by 40 percent of that group fell under the category of “religious insti-
tutions, practices, and people,” including dissatisfaction with particular churches or clergy or objections to rules. The single largest factor cited by Catholics who joined mainline Protestant churches, however, was “family reasons,” such as marrying someone of another faith, mentioned by 31 percent. Nearly half the people who left the Catholic Church, 48 percent, did so before age 18, the survey found. One-third of Protestants who changed faiths left before 18, they said. Among both Catholics and Protestants, high percentages of those who have stayed in their churches were active in religious activities in their youth. The Pew study said that 46 percent of people who have remained Catholic described their faith as strong when they were children. Those who regularly attended Mass as children and teens were more likely to have remained Catholic. Similarly, those who attended their Protestant churches regularly as teens also were more likely to stay in the faith of their childhood. But participation in religious education as children or in youth groups as teens appears to make little statistical difference in whether childhood Catholics are still Catholic. The study found that 71 percent of people who are still Catholic attended religious education as children, compared with 68 percent of Catholics who became Protestants and 68 percent of those who now belong to no organized religion. Thirty-two percent of
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current Catholics participated in Catholic youth groups, compared with 39 percent of Catholics who became Protestants and 32 percent of former Catholics who are unaffiliated. Eighty-six percent of people who are still Catholic said they attended church weekly as children, as did 74 percent of those no longer affiliated with a religion and 79 percent of Catholics who became Protestants. Sixty-nine percent of current Catholics attended church regularly as teens, compared with 60 percent of converts to Protestant religions and 44 percent of people who are unaffiliated with churches. Sixty-three percent of those still in the Protestant church of their childhood attended services weekly as teens, the study said. In a statement issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl said the report highlights that “adolescence is a critical time in religious development” and that “what happens in the teen years has a longlasting effect.” Archbishop Wuerl, past chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Catechesis and next chairman of their Committee on Doctrine, said the data show that “we have to help young people and their parents appreciate the importance of going to weekly Mass so teenagers know Jesus is there for them now and always.” One-quarter of lifelong Catholics attended Catholic high schools, the survey said. Of Catholics who became Protes-
tants, 16 percent went to Catholic high school, as did 20 percent of former Catholics who no longer are involved with a religious group. For this survey Pew researchers re-interviewed more than 2,800 people from across the country who participated in the comprehensive “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey.” Results were categorized by whether people said they were “nonconverts,” either by remaining in the faith of their childhood or continuing to be unaffiliated with any religion, and by whether people had switched from Catholicism or a non-Catholic faith, had changed churches within Protestantism, or had joined or left a nonCatholic faith after being unaffiliated with any religion. Smith explained to CNS that the survey was unable to provide data on people who became Catholics because of the small number who were interviewed. Although those who converted to Catholicism make up 2.6 percent of the U.S. population, Smith said, that translated to just 69 interviews for this survey, too few from which to draw statistically meaningful conclusions. Of those 69 Smith said about half had come from other Christian churches and half had had no religious affiliation. That breakdown made it even harder to use the data as representative of all those who became Catholic. He said he also was aware that it’s significantly more complicated for an adult to Study continued on page 9
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