May 6, 2012 ET Catholic by Diocese of Knoxville

This issue

He dwells among us.................. 2 Parish milestones................... 6-7 Diocesan calendar................... 10 Deanery news.......................... 11

The East Tennessee

La Cosecha............ center pullout Catholic schools...................... 15 Columns............................. 18-22

dioknox.org May 6, 2012 Volume 21 Number 9

Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville

The Paraclete Fillauers give store to Diocese of Knoxville

Carry the cross Members of 3 parishes reenact crucifixion

KCHS installing synthetic turf on football field

Chrism Mass: ‘What a wonderful night this is’ Priests, deacons gather at cathedral for diocesan-wide Holy Week celebration

By Dan McWilliams

very seat was filled in Sacred Heart Cathedral on April 3 as Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated his fourth chrism Mass as the Diocese of Knoxville’s shepherd. “What a wonderful night this is as the Church of East Tennessee gathers from all the different corners together with our priests and deacons and all of us who are family united in the power and glory of God through the gift of his son, Jesus,” said the bishop in his greeting. Concelebrants included Cardinal Justin F. Rigali; the diocese’s four deans, Father Bob Hofstetter, “That’s what the joy of Holy Week reminds me of: people who Father Bill McKenzie, Father Chris Michelson, and Monsignor George Schmidt; vicar general Monsignor Xavier Mankel; and vicar general and cathedral rector Father David Boettner. Transitional Deacon

Chrism Mass continued on page 4

DAN MCWILLIAMS

wish to see Jesus.”

“All of us who are family united” Bishop Richard F. Stika is joined by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali and diocesan clergy as he celebrates the annual Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on April 3.

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

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop Stika’s schedule

‘Come to my house and stay’

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

The mystery of woman and motherhood is intimately connected with the mystery of the Church

ne of the many things I love about the Easter Season are the daily Mass readings that take us through one of my favorite books of the Bible—the Acts of the Apostles. During these 50 days between Easter and Pentecost (celebrated on May 27 this year) we are invited to ponder not only the mystery of Christ in His Risen humanity, but also Christ in his Mystical Body, the Church. By doing so, we also come to reflect upon something very precious—motherhood. I am reminded of a story about Pope St. Pius X (1835–1914) and the lesson that his mother once taught him. Shortly after being ordained a bishop, the future pope visited his mother. Son though he was, she greeted him formally, taking his hand and kissing his new episcopal ring. So the story goes, she then offered him her hand with her wedding ring for him to kiss, reminding him that without her ring his would not have been possible. I love this story because when we celebrate our Catholic faith we also celebrate motherhood, for the Church too is a mother. This intimate connection is such that

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

when the Church is honored and respected, so too is motherhood. Whenever we draw close in fidelity to the Church and her teachings, we also necessarily draw close to Mary. She who is the Mother of Christ is no less the Mother of His Body, the Church. Herein lies the full meaning of the words of Christ upon the Cross: “Behold your mother” (John 19:27). But it is also true that whenever the Church is vilified and attacked for her fidelity to Christ as His Bride, we also find a corresponding assault upon the dignity of motherhood. We can see this in the new form of chauvinism that has taken root today. The federal government, seeing itself superior to the Church and less than deserving of Constitutional respect, has created a “speak only when spoken to” type of relationship and forces its will upon the Church and her faithful. For this reason, I find the Acts of the Apostles so refreshing, for it celebrates the Church as Mother in all of her joys and sufferings. It offers us hope. In the inviting words of St. Lydia to St. Paul in response to the

Gospel, we hear the invitation of the Church as a loving mother to all of us: “Come to my house and stay” (Acts 16:15). Without Mary’s “yes” to God (Luke 1:38), our Redemption would not have been possible. And like any good mother, she recognizes our needs and sufferings and does what a mother does best—she makes things better. Take her hand and she will lead you to the Father’s house (Luke 2:49), where you will find your Bridegroom. In a season of celebration that also includes Mother’s Day, I thank all of you who are mothers for the many sacrifices unique to your exalted vocation. I thank all who are wives who by their fidelity and love share in the mystery of the Church’s love for Christ. I thank all single women who likewise share in the Church’s longing for Christ like the wise bridesmaids who keep the oil lamps of their faith burning bright (Matthew 25:1-13). And I also thank all consecrated women who through their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience help all of us to become more faithful brides of Christ. May God bless you all. n

The East Tennessee

Sunday, May 6: 11:30 a.m., Confirmation at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Lenoir City Sunday, May 6: 6 p.m., Confirmation at Holy Ghost Church, Knoxville Thursday, May 10: 10 a.m., Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People Audit workshop, Atlanta Thursday, May 10: 7 p.m., Confirmation at St. Albert the Great Church, Knoxville Friday, May 11: 11 a.m., Mass in celebration of 60th anniversary of Memorial Health System, Chattanooga Friday, May 11: 7 p.m., Confirmation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga Saturday, May 12: 5:30 p.m., Confirmation at Holy Spirit Church, Soddy-Daisy Sunday, May 13: 1:30 p.m., Confirmation with the Hispanic community at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga Tuesday, May 15: 11 a.m., General Priest Meeting at the Chancery Wednesday, May 16: 6 p.m., Confir-

Schedule continued on page 3

Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher

Dan McWilliams Assistant editor

Bill Brewer

Margaret Hunt

Anyone who has actual knowlEditor Administrative assistant edge of or who has reasonable 805 Northshore Drive, S.W. • Knoxville, TN 37919 cause to suspect an incident of The Diocese of Knoxville sexual abuse should report such The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published monthly by The Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, information to the appropriate Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel. civil authorities first, then to the The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the United States. Make checks payable to The Diocese of Knoxville. the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. n

2 May 6, 2012

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Paraclete now part of Diocese of Knoxville Book, gift store will be a nonprofit ministry after gift from Fillauers

The East Tennessee Catholic

COURTESY OF THE FILLAUER FAMILY

he Paraclete, a staple for Catholics across the diocese for books and gifts, is now part of the Diocese of Knoxville. The diocese took ownership of the retail outlet April 1 when Karl and Becky Fillauer, who started the Paraclete in May 1987, made it a gift to the diocese. The property transfer includes a commercial building on Erin Drive the Fillauer family gave to Sacred Heart Cathedral in December. Discussions between the Fillauer family, longtime Sacred Heart parishioners, and the diocese on the future of buildings the family owns adjacent to Sacred Heart began about a year ago, according to Father David Boettner, Sacred Heart pastor. The store, originally located on Broadway near the Fourth and Gill neighborhood, relocated to 417 Erin Drive off Northshore Drive in 1990, shortly after the diocese formed. “Karl Fillauer’s vision for The Paraclete was as a ministry,” said Father Boettner. “He was participating in a lay leadership program and saw it as a way to enhance faith. Originally, his intention was running the store as a way to reach out to Catholics and those of other faiths.” In gifting The Paraclete to the diocese, the Fillauer family wanted to ensure that the store would continue to be a resource for Catholics in East Tennessee, Father Boettner said. “Karl is a very successful businessman in his own right and this was not one of the ventures he saw as a profit-generating business, but rather as a ministry,” Father Boettner said. Mr. Fillauer and his family own and operate Fillauer Companies, a leader in the production of orthotic and prosthetic products. Mr. Fillauer said hard work by

Becky and Karl Fillauer

those involved in starting and operating the business has contributed to The Paraclete’s success and growth through the years, noting that for many years the store required financial assistance but now enjoys positive cash flow. “The name of the store was suggested by Father Francis Chaisson to be The Paraclete. The word Paraclete means the Holy Spirit but it also means ‘called to the side of’ and has been translated as ‘counselor,’ ‘comforter,’ and ‘consoler,’ all of which apply to The Paraclete ministry,” Mr. Fillauer said. “The Fillauer family, including our sons Michael and David, are very pleased with the transfer of ownership to the Diocese of Knoxville, which will ensure continued growth and stability. We are also hopeful that when people have a choice, they will choose to purchase from The Paraclete instead of buying from a catalog or some other source,” he added. To operate The Paraclete, the diocese has created a nonprofit organization called Diocese of Knoxville Paraclete Christian Books and Gifts. Serving on the new nonprofit’s

By Bill Brewer

board are: Mr. Fillauer; Father Boettner; Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy; Deacon David Lucheon, finance officer for the Diocese of Knoxville; and Paraclete manager Vonnie Spicer. Father Boettner said The Paraclete will remain in its present location and the current staff will continue to run it. One change under consideration, according to Father Boettner, is giving the store an Internet presence. “It’s a new venture for us. We’re excited about working with the staff of The Paraclete,” Father Boettner said. “Any profit from the store will be used to support charity.” Mrs. Spicer said Paraclete customers won’t see any changes initially, but she anticipates the business will continue to expand, noting that it’s the only Catholic books and gifts store in East Tennessee. She hopes to increase sales with churches in the diocese. “We would like them to think of us before anyone else,” said Mrs. Spicer, who manages the store with daughter Tricia Sellers. The mother-daughter management team believes it is important for the store to continue its religious mission. “The store has truly become a ministry and that’s one of the things that will stay. It will remain a ministry and that’s important,” Mrs. Sellers said. Spicer has worked in The Paraclete since its inception, starting as a volunteer worker, and said the business succeeds because of the ministry and the fact customers have always been the focal point. “It’s not about the sale. It’s putting customers on the right path, whether we connect the customer with a specific product, a priest or a novena,” Spicer said. “We are often told how unique this store is.” n

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Schedule continued from page 2 mation at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Alcoa Thursday, May 17: 9:30 a.m., eighth grade graduation breakfast with Sacred Heart Cathedral students, Cherokee Country Club Friday, May 18: 6 p.m., Confirmation at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge Saturday, May 19: 10 a.m. Knoxville Catholic High School graduation Saturday, May 19: 5:30 p.m., Confirmation at St. Augustine Church, Signal Mountain Sunday, May 20: 11 a.m., Confirmation at St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga Sunday, May 20: 2 p.m., Notre Dame High School graduation, Memorial Auditorium Sunday, May 20: 5:30 p.m., Confirmation at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga Wednesday, May 23: 6 p.m., Confirmation at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Greeneville Friday, May 25: Papal Foundation meeting, St. Louis Sunday, May 27: Mass of thanksgiving for Father Daniel Shaughnessy Saturday, June 2: 11 a.m., Priestly ordination of Deacon Dustin Collins, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus n

Ordinations scheduled Bishop Richard F. Stika will ordain Deacon Dustin Collins to the priesthood at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. On Saturday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bishop Stika will ordain Christopher Manning to the transitional diaconate. n

May 6, 2012 3

Dustin Collins and diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith assisted. More than 50 other priests concelebrated, and another 30 deacons attended the Holy Week Mass along with women religious and East Tennessee Catholics from around the diocese. The Chrism Mass included the priests’ annual renewal of commitment to priestly service. The bishop also blessed the sacred oils used in the Church throughout the year. In his homily, the bishop said that Jesus “was able to recognize people by their face, by their person, and by their personality.” “We, too, can recognize Jesus in the faces of the people that you’re with this evening and the people whom you’ll see on the highways, the streets, at work, and at school— people that you love and people that you just don’t understand.” People looking for Jesus join the Church at the Easter vigil, the bishop said. “In a few days, the Diocese of Knoxville, along with churches that are scattered throughout the world, will receive new people into our midst. People who wish to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist, people who wish to share with us the faith and trust and the belief in Jesus Christ, whether they belong to another faith community or maybe if they’ve never known God. That’s what the joy of Holy Week reminds me of: people who wish to see Jesus.” The Chrism Mass is an opportunity to celebrate the priesthood, Bishop Stika said. “I have to tell all you folks who are sitting behind the priests that they represent to me the face of Jesus,” he said. “Some faces are younger and some are older. Some are bigger and some are smaller. Some smile more than others, but behind those smiles are people who have said yes to the Lord.” The bishop asked the faithful to

4 May 6, 2012

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Chrism Mass continued from page 1

Blessing of the chrism After mixing the balsam and oil, Bishop Stika breathes over the chrism, praying that the Holy Spirit be present in it. He then prayed the consecratory prayer over the chrism. Also seen are (from left) Deacon Sean Smith, Father Randy Stice, and seminarian Scott Russell.

keep the Diocese of Knoxville’s first leader, Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, in their prayers. “A few days ago, Cardinal Rigali and I visited the founding bishop of this diocese to see how he was doing, and I ask all of you to pray for him—he has health problems.” Bishop Stika noted the Year of Faith that begins in October. “Following that, we begin the celebration of the anniversary of the Diocese of Knoxville—25 years of existence. We have much to celebrate. We have much to be filled with joy about,” including “the presence of religious, brothers in the priesthood,” and deacons, the bishop said. The bishop said he was proud of the diocese’s seminarians—several of whom served at the altar during the Chrism Mass—“who have said yes to the Lord” in discerning a vocation. Five more seminarians next fall could join the diocese’s 17 men

currently studying for the priesthood, the bishop said. “In a few months, if Deacon Dustin Collins behaves himself and I’m in a good mood, he’ll be ordained a priest of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Stika. “Following that we’ll have two more ordinations this year to the transitional diaconate. Again we’re very blessed.” The bishop urged the faithful to be generous in the special Easter Sunday collection for seminarian education. During his homily, the bishop also thanked “my brothers who are international priests, true missionaries in spirit from around the world, who have joined us in this presbyterate to teach the faith, to celebrate the sacraments, and to love God’s people.” After the homily, the priests renewed their commitment to the priesthood, pledging before the

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

bishop to “be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties toward Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination. Priests also promised to “be stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the head and shepherd, not seeking any gain but moved only by zeal for souls.” The assembly promised the bishop to “pray for your priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the high priest, so that they may lead you to him, who is the source of salvation.” The faithful also promised to pray for the bishop, “that I may dioknox.org

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Support the Annual Bishop’s Appeal

‘They represent to me the face of Jesus’ More than 50 priests from throughout the Diocese of Knoxville took part in the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made day by day a living and more perfect image of Christ, the priest, the good shepherd, the teacher, and the servant of all.” In the procession of the oils, Monsignor Philip Thoni, the senior active priest of the diocese, brought the balsam for the chrism forward. The oil of catechumens was presented by Matthew and Noah Durham of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville. Jay and Sue Smith of Holy Family in Seymour brought forward the oil of the sick. Father Doug Owens, the diocese’s most recently ordained priest, presented the oil for the chrism. Four of the Chancery’s newThe East Tennessee Catholic

est employees, Lori Trikones, Angie Connors, Pam Dietz, and ETC editor Bill Brewer, brought forward the gifts.

“As I bless the oil of catechumens, it’s a reminder to all of us that by virtue of God’s call and maybe our witness, people will be joining us in our faith.”

Bishop Stika then blessed the oils of the sick and the catechumens. He mixed the balsam and oil for the chrism, and then breathed over the chrism, praying that the Holy Spirit be present in it. “As we gather together to bless the oil of the sick, we pray for those of

the diocese who are ill in mind, body, or spirit,” the bishop said. “As I bless the oil of catechumens, it’s a reminder to all of us that by virtue of God’s call and maybe our witness, people will be joining us in our faith.” In his closing remarks, Bishop Stika thanked the assembly for its presence. “I pray that you don’t waste this week because it’s a week given to us by Christ himself. I also pray for those people who are separated from the Church. Maybe by your invitation and by your witness, they may come back. Again, pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Especially we pray for the gift of peace in the world that so badly needs the peace of Christ.” n

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

The growth of our Church depends on you. When you support the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, 100 percent of your gift provides for essential ministries throughout East Tennessee. The appeal yearly provides: n education for children in Catholic schools and faith formation for those in religiouseducation programs; n shelter for more than 300 homeless people; n meals for almost 10,000 families; n counseling and support for more than 11,000 people facing unemployment, depression, addiction, divorce, crisis pregnancy, or the death of a loved one; n preparation for the more than 300 adults who join the Church at the Easter Vigil; n services for the elderly and people seeking to become American citizens; and more. Bishop Richard F. Stika urges the faithful to join him in making a sacrificial gift to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. “I can’t think of a better investment than spreading the Gospel and helping people grow in holiness,” he said. Donations to the Bishop’s Appeal can be made online at https://donate.dioknox.org. For more information, see “Annual Bishop’s Appeal launches” at bit.ly/AlbkzP. n

Want to try online delivery? The East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who wish to receive a digital copy and discontinue the print edition. Sign up for online delivery at bit.ly/subscribe-online. If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, you can return to a print subscription at any time. If you have questions, e-mail mhunt@ dioknox.org. n May 6, 2012 5

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish turns 50 — and is growing Church expansion apparent as priests, members past and present recall the early days in Cleveland

6 May 6, 2012

DAN MCWILLIAMS

alling it “a great joy to be here today as we celebrate 50 years of this house of God,” Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the golden anniversary Mass on March 25 for St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland. Concelebrants included Father David Boettner, a diocesan vicar general and a son of St. Thérèse Parish; Father P. J. McGinnity, a former pastor; Abbot Cletus Meagher of St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Ala., a Cleveland native; and Father Alberto Sescon, the current St. Thérèse pastor. Deacons Charles Lee of St. Stephen in Chattanooga and Gary Brinkworth of St. Thérèse assisted. Also present were founding pastor Father Paul Hostettler and former pastors or associates, including Fathers Mike Nolan, Alex Waraksa, Joe Brando, Antonio Giraldo, Antony Punnackal, and Peter Iorio. Twenty-three of the parish’s 109 founding families attended the anniversary dinner after Mass. Cleveland’s Catholic church began as the Church of the Resurrection in 1914, with a building located at the current First and Worth streets. In 1956, with a membership of 300 parishioners and counting, the parish started planning for a larger church. Property on Clingan Ridge Road totaling 6.8 acres was purchased in September 1960 for $18,000. The new name for the church, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, was announced in March 1961. Ground was broken on the new church and rectory two months later. The first Mass was celebrated in the new building in December 1961, and Father Hostettler moved into the new rectory the same month. The altar was consecrated in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in February 1962, and relics from the bones of St. Clement and St. Laetus were placed in the sepulcher. Bishop William L. Adrian of Nashville dedicated the church April 30, 1962.

By Dan McWilliams

Native son Father David Boettner, a son of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland, was among the priests attending the 50thanniversary Mass. With him above are (from left) Deacon Charles Lee, St. Thérèse pastor Father Alberto Sescon, and Bishop Richard F. Stika.

Today the church has grown to 897 families with 2,490 members. In his homily at the 50th-anniversary Mass, Bishop Stika referred to the day’s Gospel reading from John 12, in which some Greeks asked Philip, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” “For 50 years, since 1962, people have come into this church looking for Jesus in a variety of ways,” he said, citing the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, the Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, and holy orders. “Ordinations happened in this church. Someone who listened to the call of Jesus and was looking for him gave their life for service. In fact, if you look at any of the sacraments, but especially the Eucharist—the summit, the high point of who we are as Catholics and as Christians—there is a moment when we see Jesus in the

Blessed Sacrament after those words have been pronounced: ‘take and eat’ and ‘take and drink.’” That is why “this is more than just a building,” Bishop Stika added. “It is a place where people gather together around the sacraments looking for Jesus.” St. Thérèse “never left the confines of her cloistered convent in France, and yet she’s the patroness of missionaries throughout the world,” the bishop said. “What does that say to all of us today?” he asked. “Through the intercession of St. Thérèse, whose patronage is guiding this parish, it’s the Lord who invites us to go out from this church building to be missionaries with her protection. As we confront another person, or as we bump into another person along our journey of life and

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faith, as we go to the workplace or school, we carry with us that missionary zeal.” The beauty of St. Thérèse Parish “is not just the walls, or the windows, or the Stations,” Bishop Stika said. “The beauty of this parish is you who gather together to celebrate parish life.” The bishop also announced during the homily that he had officially made Father Sescon the pastor of St. Thérèse, news that drew a round of applause. Father Sescon had been parochial administrator of the parish since July. During the dinner, a DVD played that featured Father Hostettler’s reminiscences about St. Thérèse Parish’s early days. Also seen in the DVD were former pastors and associates, whose appearance on the screen drew hearty

Golden continued on page 7 dioknox.org

Immaculate Conception parishioners deliver aid in Haiti

Golden continued from page 6

applause from the St. Thérèse faithful. Founding families were each presented with a small statue of St. Thérèse at the dinner. Father Hostettler enjoyed his visit to his old parish. “This was very wonderful, to see all the people and how enthusiastic they are about the parish and how it’s expanded, so I was happy to be here,” he said. “And to think after all these years, I’d be alive to experience it.” Father Hostettler made the decision to change the name of the parish when the Church of the Resurrection moved to a new location. “When I came here, I couldn’t find the old church because people didn’t know it was a Catholic church,” he said. “I just thought we needed to do something to make it more identifiable, and the bishop told us to give him three names. “I found out if you put your favorite on the top of the list, he’ll give it to you if he can. St. Thérèse is my favorite saint, and I put that on the top of 7the list, and he named it that.” The East Tennessee Catholic

The main focus of fundraising for the sister church is to support the schools in Fond des Blancs, including St. Francis Xavier, and the church’s numerous chapels. IC also supports day-to-day needs of the parish, which like most in Haiti has very limited resources. Port-au-Prince was devastated by the massive earthquake that hit in January 2009. The Palace (Haiti’s White House) was destroyed and remains in a heap, as was the cathedral, where the bishop of Port-au-Prince was killed as he stood on the balcony of the ancient church when the quake hit. Tent cities throughout the area house more than 200,000 people in Port-au-Prince. The IC group was saddened to learn of the death of Janvier Frischner, the translator for IC’s

Helping Haiti The group from Immaculate Conception poses with a few of their Haiti friends during the recent trip. From left are (front) Olivia Hosey, Emily Kiser, Teresa Kiser, Ralph Herbert, and Junior Jovilard and (back) Pere Innocent, Pere Marquis, David Rueff, Kevin Hosey, Dani Bernard, and Caleb Warren.

Haiti continued on page 22

Charter parishioner Barry Boettner, who is Father Boettner’s father, said he thought the anniversary event “was a great celebration of our 50 years as a parish” and praised those who put together the DVD. He said the parish has grown considerably since its Church of the Resurrection days. “It sure has. Some of the churches we had before were so small that people would stand outside and look in through the windows to attend Mass because you couldn’t fit inside,” Mr. Boettner said. “For a small group like that to take on the task of building a church this size—it was quite a commitment.” Mr. Boettner first came to the Church of the Resurrection in June 1960. “My oldest son was baptized in the old church, and my other four children were baptized in this church,” he said. Sally Owens is another charter parishioner who attended the Mass and dinner. She said the parish “surely has come a long way” since

DAN MCWILLIAMS

group of parishioners from Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville recently returned from Haiti in its first trip there since the devastating earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince. The group, which included a medical team, visited IC’s sister parish, St. Francis Xavier, in Fond des Blancs. They then worked for several days, volunteering at the Visitation Hospital two hours south of Port-au-Prince. The trip was organized by IC’s Haiti committee and was partially supported by a fundraising dinner featuring Visitation Hospital Foundation’s U.S. director, Art Judy, along with special collections. Immaculate Conception has been twinned with St. Francis Xavier for about 17 years, and groups have gone down to visit six or seven times during that period.

By Kevin Hosey

COURTESY OF KEVIN HOSEY

Group, including medical team, visits sister parish St. Francis Xavier in Fond des Blancs

Founding pastor Father Paul Hostettler receives Holy Communion from Deacon Charles Lee. Father Hostettler, one of several former pastors or associates returning for the St. Thérèse of Lisieux anniversary celebration, made the decision to change the name of the parish, originally known as the Church of the Resurrection.

1962. She added that “there was a lot of closeness” in the parish in its early days. “We were a small parish and we

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didn’t have a whole lot, so the women worked together in groups, and they had bazaars and suppers and such to raise money for the church.” n May 6, 2012 7

Passion of Christ reenacted during Holy Week observances Members of Holy Ghost, Sacred Heart, All Saints recreate Jesus’ last days leading to crucifixion

8 May 6, 2012

BILL BREWER

ollywood deemed it “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” Happy Hollow deemed it worthy of replay in a live production—as did Cedar Bluff. And so members of Holy Ghost, Sacred Heart and All Saints churches performed the Passion of Christ in Spanish during Holy Week observances in a dramatic reenactment of Jesus’ last days leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. Some 60 parishioners assumed roles—from members of the crowd calling for Jesus’ crucifixion, Roman guards and chief priests to Jesus and the 12 apostles. The volunteer actors began planning the reenactment before Lent began in February and practiced their roles two days a week. As with many community productions, roles were given based on who could regularly attend practice and commit to the Easter week performances. “With all the practices, there is a lot of sacrifice because those in the production work and have families,” said José Sandoval, an organizer of the reenactment, which is in its second year. The first reenactment performance began after Holy Thursday Mass, taking place in the basement of Holy Ghost, where the Passion troupe played out the Last Supper and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. The scenes continued with Jesus betrayed by Judas Iscariot, then appearing before the chief priests and being taken into custody. The production resumed the morning of Good Friday, with the reenactment taking place during outdoor Stations of the Cross that circled Holy Ghost and was led by Father John Orr. A repeat performance was given on Good Friday at All Saints Church, with Father Miguel Vélez

Weight of the cross Sacred Heart parishioner Erick Rangel, portraying Jesus during a reenactment of the Passion of Christ during Holy Week at Holy Ghost Church, is suspended on the cross by parishioners acting as Roman guards. Some 60 members of Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost and All Saints churches participated in the reenactment.

leading the Stations of the Cross as the drama unfolded. As the troupe retraced Jesus’ steps during the stations, Erick Rangel of Sacred Heart, portraying Jesus, carried a heavy wooden

cross that would suspend him nearly 10 feet off the ground. He was joined by the two thieves, played by Salvador Alexander Soriano of All Saints and Manuel Garcia of Sacred Heart, who also

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

By Bill Brewer

were suspended with Rangel in crucifixion on grass lots at Holy Ghost and All Saints that acted as Golgotha. Rangel also portrayed Jesus in last year’s performance. The Knoxville reenactment is similar to ones done at other Diocese of Knoxville parishes such as St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. They’ve also been done in dioceses across the country as well as around the world. But unlike reenactments of the Passion of Christ in some other countries, the Knoxville Diocese performances replaced actual nails with padded straps to suspend Jesus and the two thieves, who placed their feet on small foot rests on each cross for support. For full effect, fake blood took the place of makeup on Rangel as he wore a crown of thorns and had his clothes partially torn off by the Roman guards. The reenactment has a fan in Father Orr, who said Holy Ghost R pastor Monsignor Xavier Mankel gave the production his blessing last year. Father Orr, who leads the Masses in Spanish at Holy Ghost, is familiar with most all of the volunteer actors. “I think it’s great. It’s a manifestation of their faith and there is fellowship,” Father Orr said, noting that the event brings the Knoxvillearea Latino community together. “They do it for their own devotion, but they also do it for evangelical outreach.” Father Orr credits the group for being faithful to the Scripture. The outreach was apparent this year as organizers took the production to All Saints—and attracted a crowd there. Sandoval credited parishioner Antonio Dianas with bringing the reenactment idea to Holy Ghost, Reenact continued on page 9 dioknox.org

Scouts across the diocese recognized for achievements

Reenact continued from page 8

Sacred Heart and All Saints parishioners. Sandoval and José Luis Santiago then joined Dianas in developing the concept. “Antonio Dianas came to our parish council meeting with the idea that it would be good to do something more real. It feels like when it happened 2,000 years ago. This is a way members can see how Christ lived and the last days of his life,” Sandoval said. He said response to the reenactments has been “very good,” pointing out that there is more support for the production this year, which is a sign of growing interest. According to Sandoval, the expense was minimal, with the production costing about $1,500—paid for by members of the reenactment and the parishes. The two-hour Good Friday reenactment at Holy Ghost attracted The East Tennessee Catholic

honor recognizing dioceses that promote and achieve a quality Catholic Scouting program. Bishop Stika, who was the awards ceremony’s keynote speaker, recognized the Scouting volunteers and parents for giving time to the programs. “I’d like to thank you and all the Scouts. . .because the Scout movement is about leadership and the world desperately needs good leaders; people to be good examples of what it means to be citizens of our nation, to be members of the Church, and people to be good reflections of Jesus and his teachings, filled with the Holy Spirit and having a desire, a willingness, to . . . learn about what you can do, and how you can make a difference in the world in which you live,” the bishop said. Also addressing the audience were Boy Scout Alex Notte and his father,

The faces of Scouting Scouts from around the Diocese of Knoxville gathered at All Saints Parish Hall March 24 for the annual Bishop’s Gathering and Adult Recognition ceremony. Bishop Richard F. Stika recognized a number of scouts for their service, including (front row) Mary McCready, Elizabeth McCready and Mary Donahue; (middle row) Meghan Donahue and Clare Donahue; and (back row) Brianna Donahue. The students are with American Heritage Girls Troops TN0215 and TN0413.

Scouts continued on page 23

curious looks from passersby as the Passion troupe followed the Stations around the church block in the Happy Hollow area bounded by Central Street and Baxter Avenue. At All Saints in Cedar Bluff, about 300 people gathered to watch the reenactment, according to members of the reenactment group. As the reenactment program builds, Sandoval said the organizers are looking to get more involvement by the Latino community and parishes. “It’s more in the Latino community. We need to provide more information to the English Masses about what we do and how we do it. This will help in the future,” Sandoval said. “We will definitely want to do it next year and have more people involved.”n

BILL BREWER

he 13th annual Bishop’s Gathering and Adult Recognition ceremony for Boy and Girl Scouts was the most successful fundraiser to date, according to organizer Giannine Morris, who said more than $775 was raised and more than 90 people attended the March 24 luncheon at the All Saints Parish Hall. The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting this year started a program called the Presidential Volunteer Services Award. The program recognizes Scouts doing volunteer service. Bishop Richard F. Stika presented the Gold Award to Thomas Morris, 14, who logged more than 100 hours of service. George LeCrone Sr., lay chair of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, presented Bishop Stika with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting Quality Diocese Award for 2011, the ninth consecutive year the diocese has received the

By Bill Brewer

BILL BREWER

Volunteer service at the heart of activities by Boy and Girl Scouts, American Heritage troops

The Passion The reenactment of the Passion of Christ concluded with Jesus, played by Sacred Heart parishioner Erick Rangel, taken down from the cross and comforted by Mary, portrayed by Sacred Heart parishioner Yolanda Chávez. The two-day outdoor drama, held Holy Thursday, April 5, and Good Friday, April 6, took place at Holy Ghost and All Saints churches as part of the Holy Week observances. Participants in the reenactment were members of Holy Ghost, Sacred Heart and All Saints parishes.

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

May 6, 2012 9

Diocesan calendar by Margaret Hunt The Ladies of Charity of Knoxville will hold a golf tournament Friday, May 4, at Knoxville Municipal Golf Course. The event has a morning start and includes door prizes, breakfast, beverages, pizza, closest-to-the-pin prizes, player gifts, and team prizes. Four hole-in-one prizes include a trip to Pebble Beach. The tourney format is four-person select shot. Registration is $125 and includes mulligans. To register or learn more, contact Joe Fuhr at 865693-1810 or fuhr4221@aol.com. Teams or individual players (men or women) and sponsors are welcome to participate. A Gregorian chant workshop for children age 7 to 18 (boys and girls in grades two through 12) will be conducted Saturday, May 12, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville by Father David Carter, Mary Garner, Mary Weaver, and Mark Galbaugh. The day will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with a Mass (to which the public is invited) at 4 p.m. celebrated by Father Carter, at which the workshop participants will chant the ordinary (Gloria, Sanctus, etc.) of the Mass of the Angels in Latin and the English propers of the Mass of the sixth Sunday of Easter. Participants will learn to read chant notation and to sing chant in English and Latin. Lunch is provided. Cost is $25 per child, with a family maximum of $50. For more details or a registration form, call Mary Frazier Garner at 865-805-3187 or visit klmcschola.weebly.com. Tennessee Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Mother’s Day ad in the Knoxville News Sentinel on Sunday, May 13. The cost to have an individual or family name listed in the ad is $10 per person or $15 per family. For further details, contact the TRL office at 865-6891339 or trlknox@knology.net. The 2012 Chattanooga Annual Golf Classic to benefit Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 18, at Eagle Bluff Golf Course. Registration

10 May 6, 2012

will begin at 11 a.m. The format will be four-person scramble. The cost is $100 per person or $400 for a four-person team and includes greens fees and cart rental. Contact Christine Willingham at 423-267-1297 or Christine@ccetn.org. The 24th Knoxville Catholic High School basketball camp for boys will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 30 through June 1 for 8- through 10-yearolds and 12:30 to 3 p.m. each day for ages 11 through rising eighth-graders. Contact Mike Hutchens at 865-5600514 (days) or 621-1845 (evenings) for more information. The third annual Common Good Classic, a golf fundraiser for all Catholic Charities programs in the greater Knoxville area, is set for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 4, at Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville. The open tournament offers afternoon competition on the Donald Ross course and a club-catered brunch and hors d’oeuvres reception with a hosted bar. Cost is $1,500 for a four-person team and includes all amenities. For more information, contact development director Freddi Birdwell at freddi@ccetn.org or 865-524-9896. The fourth annual Paulist Open Golf Tournament will take place at Willow Creek Golf Course in Farragut on Saturday, June 9. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and will have a scramble format. Several other activities will take place the day before and the evening after the tournament, including a welcome dinner and silent auction from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 8, at The Foundry and Mass at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a cocktail hour and awards banquet at the University of Tennessee Visitor Center. To register, volunteer, or become a sponsor, visit www. paulist.org/golf or contact Izabella Downs at 800-472-8547 or ilopez@paulist.org. The diocesan office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring three God Camps at Harrison Bay State Park. The Dare to Dream camp for ninth- through

12th-graders will be held June 1822, the Reach camp for seventh- and eighth-graders June 25-28, and the Discover camp for fifth- and sixth-graders June 28-30. Enrollment forms and more details are available online at http://bit. ly/IEpv3b or by contacting Donna Jones at 423-267-9878.

or learn more, visit www.proximotravel. com or call 855-842-8001.

The Diocese of Knoxville Catholic Committee on Scouting is sponsoring its 10th annual retreat for youth ages 13-18 at Misty River Cabins & RV Resort in Walland on June 23-24. The retreat is open to both Scouts and non-Scouts of any denomination. Visit retreat.kdccs. org to learn more or contact George LeCrone at lecroneg@charter.net.

Father William Oruko is leading a pilgrimage to Kenya from Sept. 17-Oct. 1. Father Oruko will facilitate a three-day mission in Nairobi on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and visit his home parish for the opening of Laura’s Educational Resource Center. Contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lccte@bellsouth.net.

The Ulster Project of Oak Ridge is sponsoring a visit of Catholic and Protestant teens from Northern Ireland from June 28 through July 27. Families are needed to house the teens and participate in numerous activities designed to promote peace and reconciliation including service projects, shared worship services, discovery sessions, and recreation. Participating families must have a teen between the ages of 14 and 16 in their home and be able to provide a bed and closet space for the visiting youth. Contact John Hough at 865-4055929 or jhough20@comcast.net. The “Not Your Average Joe Men’s Conference,” sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation, will be held at All Saints Church from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. Jeff Cavins, a Catholic author of several books, including The Great Adventure Bible Study, and Steve Wood, founder of St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers, will be the keynote speakers. Contact the Office of Christian Formation at 865-584-3307 to learn more or to register. Fathers David Carter, Tom Moser, and John Dowling will lead a pilgrimage to Italy from June 30 through July 8. Sites on the tour will include Rome, the Vatican, four major basilicas, the catacombs, the Coliseum, Tuscany, Florence, Assisi, and Venice. To register

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

Father Patrick Resen will lead a pilgrimage to southern Italy and Sicily from Sept. 8-20. Contact Dr. Anthony Nachef at anthony@proximotravel.com or 855842-8001 for more information.

Father Charlie Burton will be the spiritual director for a 10-day pilgrimage to Italy from Sept. 17-26. Sites visited will include Rome, Tuscany, Assisi, Florence, Orvieto, and Venice. The cost is $3,699 per person. To register or learn more, contact Proximo Travel at 508340-9370 or toll free at 855-842-8001 or Dr. Anthony Nachef at anthony@ proximotravel.com. Father Dan Whitman will celebrate a charismatic Mass at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City. Prayers for healing will follow the Mass. The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held May 1820 at the Holiday Inn Express in Lenoir City. To register, call Jason or Carmen Jeansonne at 865-377-3077. For more information on Engaged Encounter, contact Jerry or Mary Daugherty at 865458-4117 or ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www.rc.net/knoxville/cee/.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, and at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. The 1:30 p.m. extraordinary-form Mass Calendar continued on page 13 dioknox.org

Chattanooga Deanery calendar Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination with an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Chester Frost Pavilion in Hixson. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Call the parish office at 423-332-5300 to RSVP. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in South Pittsburg is sponsoring Marian devotions each Sunday in May at the Virgin of the Poor Shrine in New Hope,

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery

beginning at 2 p.m. CDT. A light lunch will be served at noon. For details, contact the parish office at 423-837-7068.

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain “Adventures on Promise Island” will be the theme of the St. Augustine vacation Bible school scheduled for May 29-June 1. For details, contact Karlin Baker at karlinbaker@yahoo.com or Heather Wilson at bhwilsonfamily@gmail.com.

“White Hot for Haiti,” a fundraising dinner and dance to benefit the American Haitian Foundation, will be held at the Signal Mountain Country Club from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple. Evening activities include a raffle and a silent auction. Call 423-886-4514 for more information. n

St. Jude, Chattanooga The St. Jude Haiti Ministry collected school supplies, diapers, and first-aid items in preparation for its trip to Gros-Morne, Haiti, from April 9-16. Additional first-aid supplies and other items are being shipped by sea container to the church in Gros-Morne, Notre Dame de la Chandeleur. The Helping Hands ministry is recruiting new volunteers to visit the homebound, provide transportation to Mass, and assist the elderly with a variety of household chores. Contact Katy Helms at 423-762-6589 or KHelms999@gmail.com for more information. The St. Jude Knights of Columbus sponsored an altar-server appreciation picnic on April 26. The group attended a Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game following the picnic. Another appreciation picnic for eucharistic ministers, readers, and their families followed the event for the altar servers.

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA BISHOP

The St. Jude Church vacation Bible school is scheduled for June 11-15. Registration forms are available in the church vestibule, the church office, and the school. Volunteers to lead the VBS are being recruited. For details, contact Kyra Ross at 423-870-2386 or Sandy Pricer at 619-1163 or slpricer@comcast.net.

CCW donates baby supplies to center The Council of Catholic Women of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton recently recognized the anniversary of Roe v. Wade by donating to the Women’s Care Center a large supply of diapers, blankets, baby supplies, and care essentials for mothers and babies. Pictured are (from left) Rose Switter, treasurer of the parish CCW; Lenita Sanders, executive director of the Women’s Care Center; and Debbie Ward, president of the CCW.

The East Tennessee Catholic

The parish sponsored a newcomer’s brunch April 22. The St. Stephen Church vacation Bible school, “The Vatican Express,” will be held from 10 a.m. until noon June 18-22. Participants will learn about the about the universal Church, the pope, and the Eucharist and how to grow in faith through the use of stories, games, arts and crafts, and music. Children ages 4 through 12 are welcome. Registration forms are available in the church vestibule, the administration building, or online at http://bit.ly/IAi11R. There is no fee, but donations will be accepted. For more details, contact Marilyn St. Pierre at 423892-2957 or dre@ststephenchattanooga.com. Anniversary: Craig and Cathy St. Pierre (35)

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga

COURTESY OF ELIZABETH CONWAY

Volunteer for veterans honored Lester Wilker, pictured with friend Virginia Bennett, was a nominee for the Jefferson Awards for volunteer service presented recently in Chattanooga. Mr. Wilker is a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy who has logged more than 200,000 miles driving veterans from Chattanooga to Nashville or Atlanta, mostly for their medical appointments.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

Knights of Columbus Council 610 in Chattanooga is hosting the annual Sts. Peter and Paul Parish picnic at its lodge from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Barbecue will be provided by the parish. Parishioners are asked to sign up to bring a side dish after the Masses on the weekends before the event. Contact the parish office at 423-266-1618 for more information. n

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

May 6, 2012 11

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery All Saints, Knoxville “Sky: Everything is Possible with God,” is the theme for the parish’s vacation Bible school, scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon daily June 18-22. Children ages 4 through rising fifth-graders are welcome to participate. Contact Brandi Oliver at 865-693-1660 to volunteer or Kimberly Stapleton at kmstaplet@aol.com for registration information.

Father Ragan Schriver, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, will be speaking on “What Catholic Charities Can Do for You” or “What You Can Do for Catholic Charities” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. The talk is sponsored by the Stephen Ministry and the St. Thomas women’s guild.

Deanery that do not have a columbarium for the inurnment of cremated remains. An information meeting will be held at St. Joseph at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20, to share information about the Catholic Church’s teachings on cremation and the columbarium, including costs of various funeral options. For more information, call Bill Jolly at 865-922-9775.

The fifth annual plant sale fundraiser for the All Saints Church grounds committee will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 11, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12. A variety of annuals, perennials, and hanging baskets will be available for purchase. To learn more or to pre-order, contact Angela Otey at 865-679-4972.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City is holding a memorial Mass for deceased military veterans at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 28. A dedication of the parish’s new veterans memorial and a flag ceremony will take place after Mass, and a reception will follow. For more information, call the parish office at 865-986-9885.

St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge is sponsoring an Irish Fest to benefit the Ulster Project from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 12. The event will feature traditional music, dancing, dinner, and a silent auction. For more information, contact Lynda Vinyard at vinyardts@comcast.net or 865-556-1355.

The youth group at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge is planning a trip to Camp Eagle Rock from June 4-7. Activities will include bicycling, canoeing, rock climbing, and paintball contests. Cost is $140 for the first family member and half price for each additional family member on the trip. A deposit of $70 is due May 22 to reserve a space. To learn more or register, contact Margaret Merrill at 865-766-8388 or mmerrill@smcor.org. n

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman Father Michael Sweeney was the guest speaker at the Lenten luncheon at Harriman United Methodist Church on April 4.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade St. Francis was named best church in the 2012 Readers’ Choice awards, highlighting the “best of the best” in Cumberland County, sponsored by the Crossville Chronicle. The Council of Catholic Women will attend a combined luncheon meeting Wednesday, May 9, at St. Alphonsus in Crossville. The parish book club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, in the conference room. The book to be discussed is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Broadway Books, 2011) by Rebecca Skloot. Mike Wilkiel, a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church, received a Dimpled Globe Award from the United Fund of Cumberland County for his work with the Peavine Care Center, a food pantry that serves poor and low-income families in the Crossville area.

The columbarium at St Joseph Parish in Norris is available to parishes throughout the Cumberland Mountain

Anniversaries: Jack and Betty Campbell (63), Kevin and Helen Coyne (59), John and Jean Sohnly (58), Richard and Caroline Cieszenski (57), Eugene and Marilyn Schmitt (56), Don and Shirley Savercool (56), Ed and Carolyn Mayo (55), John and Ellie Gratton (54), Irvin and Carol Stenger (54), John and Yvonne Marciniak (53), Medard and Laura Kaluszka (52), Norm and Judith Charest (52), John and Anna Moyer (52), Ramon and Barbara Clark (50), Joe and Marti Maxwell (50)

St. John Neumann, Farragut

The St. John Neumann Church vacation Bible school, “SonRise National Park,” will take place June 25-29. Contact Marilyn Derbyshire at mderbyshire@sjnknox. org for more details, or contact Lydia Donahue at donahuen04@hotmail.com to volunteer. n

12 May 6, 2012

COURTESY OF CAROL ADAMS

The St. Vincent de Paul Society held a food drive to support the Ladies of Charity food pantry on the weekends of March 17-18 and March 24-25.

Sister Mary Timothea speaks at St. Francis of Assisi Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, director of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville, recently led a day of reflection for the Council of Catholic Women members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade. The theme of the day was “Praying the Psalms.” Pictured are (from left) Janice Cahill, vice president of the CCW; Carol Stenger, secretary; Sister Mary Timothea; Nancy Ashman, program coordinator, and Gay Moreno, president. The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Five Rivers Deanery calendar The Knights of Columbus at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville are having a dinner and auction Saturday, May 5. The dinner will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the auction at 7. The dinner will consist of Cincinnati-style chili on spaghetti, hot dogs, beverages, and dessert. Tickets are avail-

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

able from any Knight after Masses or at the door on the night of the event. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 eat free. To obtain more information or to donate auction items, contact Tom Quint at 423-7879230 or Bud Noe at 639-1074. n

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City The parish held a biannual rummage sale April 27-28. Holy Trinity collected $1,990 in donations from the Lenten meals held on Fridays during Lent. Proceeds from the collection will be used to feed work teams that support Appalachian Outreach building and renovation projects in July. Holy Trinity Church hosted the annual Life Outreach fundraising banquet April 19. More than $38,500 was collected to support the work of the organization. Newcomers: Charles and Jessa Gambrel and their children, Aiden and Thalia.

COURTESY OF FATHER BOB HOFSTETTER

St. Dominic, Kingsport

New rectory at Good Shepherd The Church of the Good Shepherd in Newport has a new rectory at 121 Waldo Way. Donald and Leslie Komurke recently signed the final papers closing on the sale of 3.2 acres of land to the parish. The land borders the property on which - the church is located and has a log house about 100 yards from the church. The 21-year-old house has a sun porch and 1,400 square feet of living space with a full basement that could be made into an apartment for a second priest, should the need arise. Since becoming the first full-time pastor of Good Shepherd in 2005, Father Bob Hofstetter had lived with Father Dan Whitman at Holy Trinity in Jefferson City for three years and then in a rented duplex in Newport until Jan. 29, when the parishioners moved him into the new rectory.

Notre Dame Parish hosts deanery CCW meeting

he Council of Catholic Women of Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville hosted the Five Rivers Deanery CCW meeting March 10. The deanery affiliates include Notre Dame, St. Mary in Johnson City, St. Patrick in Morristown, Holy Trinity in Jefferson City, and Good Shepherd in Newport. The morning began with registraetion and a hospitality session before the meeting was called to order by sJoanne Bossert, Five Rivers Deanery president. After the opening rituals, various reports were presented by each representative of either the deanThe East Tennessee Catholic

ery officers or officers of the affiliates. At 11.a.m., a Mass was celebrated by Father Jim Harvey, Notre Dame pastor, and Father Dan Whitman, Holy Trinity pastor and spiritual adviser for the deanery CCW. This was followed by a lunch provided by the CCW of Notre Dame. The meeting resumed for further discussion on new business, and it was announced that the 2013 deanery meeting will be hosted by Holy Trinity. Father Dan Whitman concluded the meeting with a presentation on the Catholic Church in today’s environment. n

The Martha and Mary group hosted a tea for the women of the parish April 22. Funds collected from the tea will support the work of the organization. Committees are being formed to plan for the St. Dominic Church vacation Bible school scheduled for June 11-14. Contact Karen Lewicki to volunteer or to register at 423-288-8101.

St. Mary, Johnson City “Sky: Everything is Possible with God,” will be the theme for the parish vacation Bible school June 11 through 15 at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. For details, call the parish office at 423-282-6367.

St. Patrick, Morristown The Council of Catholic Women will be hosting the annual parish family picnic at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 3, following the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Contact Allison Mc Kenna at 423-277-6865 for more information. n

Calendar continued from page 10 on Pentecost Sunday (May 27) at Holy Ghost will be a solemn Mass with Father John Orr, Father Christopher Riehl, and Monsignor Xavier Mankel as the sacred ministers. The choir will offer sacred polyphony and the Gregorian chants for the Mass of Pentecost. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for updated information. The Community of Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer and service to the poor. For more information, call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061. Everyone is welcome. The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville. All services are in English. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307 or visit www. saintthomasknoxville.org for details. Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the old Holy Ghost Church, 1031 N. Central St. in Knoxville. For times of holy-day services or for more information, visit www. knoxbyz.org or call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865-256-4880. n

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

May 6, 2012 13

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held May 5 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Valerie Whiting will speak on the topic “Are Contemplatives Always

Blessed John XXIII, Knoxville A parish appreciation dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the church. The meal will be catered, and child care will be available. Call the parish office to RSVP at 865-523-7931.

Introverts? Can Extroverts Be Contemplatives?” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. RSVP at 865-523-7931. n

Holy Ghost, Knoxville John Cortese, son of Jim and Carol Cortese, received his Eagle Scout award on April 15. John designed and built 20 movable wall dividers for the Ladies of Charity for his Eagle project. First communicants: Arun Arepalli, Lillian Headrick, Mely Felipe Jimenez, Abigail Smith, Sophia Trelles, James Wimmer

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa Fifteen members of Our Lady of Fatima participated in Operation Inasmuch on March 24. Members of the parish, including the children in CCD classes, also collected 430 bars of anti-bacterial soap and more than 200 children’s books for the program.

The Haiti Outreach committee collected school supplies, over-the-counter medications, athletic equipment, and other items for students at Monsignor DeCoste College, the high school the parish sponsors in Thomonde, Haiti, on April 21-22.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville The youth and young adult ministry is selling discount cards to help finance trips to the Catholic Heart Work Camp and the Notre Dame Vision. The cost is $20 per card, and the cards provide discounts at 20 area vendors. The cards are sold at the parish office from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, or they may be purchased by contacting Kathleen Edwards at 865-558-4133 or KEdwards@shcknox.org. The parish held a reception to welcome new members April 22. Eighth-graders held a pancake breakfast to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on April 21.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville Tony Budnick, a diocesan seminarian and a St. Albert the Great parishioner, was instituted as a reader in the Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., on March 21. Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, of the Diocese of Memphis presided at the ceremony. n

14 May 6, 2012

COURTESY OF ALLEN KELLER

The Council of Catholic Women collected “Pennies from Heaven” for Catholic Relief Services HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa at their meeting April 19.

Helping hand from the Knights Pictured with their donations from Knights of Columbus Council 6730 are (from left) Nancy Bible of the Ridin’ High academy, Kacey Plummer of the Special Olympics, Julia Bolton of the Manley Elementary special-education department, and Andy Vrba of the Sutherland-Metz Home. At right is Luis Crespo, event chairman for the Knights.

St. Patrick Knights distribute Tootsie Roll funds

uring the annual Tootsie Roll street collections held by Knights of Columbus Council 6730 last fall after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, Hamblen County citizens and businesses contributed $12,200. This money came in from roadblocks and collection points at Food City, Kmart, and Walmart. The Knights at St. Patrick Parish in Morristown recently gave $6,100 to seven groups from the Five Rivers area. The Sutherland-Metz Home for mentally challenged males received

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

$2,750, Morristown East High School special-education classes $1,000, Lincoln Elementary special education $500, Manley Elementary special education $450, Special Olympics $500, the Ridin’ High therapeutic horse program $500, and the Central Services Cerebral Palsy Fund $400. The other $6,100 collected goes to other mental-health agencies in Tennessee. Since 1981 Council 6730 has given away more than $346,950 to local agencies that help people with mental difficulties. n dioknox.org

Catholic schools

St. John Neumann School celebrates the gift of life

NDHS announces new head football coach Charles Fant succeeds Josh Sellers in taking over the reins for the Fighting Irish.

COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN

otre Dame High School in Chattanooga announced effective April 2 that Charles Fant is the new head football coach for the Irish. The selection was made after head coach Josh Sellers announced that his family will be moving to Knoxville at the end of the current school year, where Mr. Sellers’ wife has accepted a promotion with her company. Mr. Fant joined the Irish last year as the offensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the Irish offense posted record numbers. He also helped lead the Irish to the state playoffs. “Taking over the head coaching responsibilities at Notre Dame is a dream come true that I didn’t know was my dream,” said Mr. Fant. “As a businessman, becoming a head coach was something that I thought I would do later in life. My No. 1 goal being a volunteer football coach was always to help each young man achieve their highest potential. Being the head coach at Notre Dame allows me to affect the - lives of many young men every day. “Notre Dame is a very special place, and coaching here for one year has made me love the faculty, staff, and players. I would like to thank [principal] Perry Storey, [athletics director] Howie Sompayrac, and the rest of the

Job ‘a dream come true’ New Irish head football coach Charles Fant (center) stands with athletics director Howie Sompayrac (left) and Notre Dame principal Perry Storey.

administration for this opportunity. I have been blessed with a great coaching staff that will uphold the values and ideals that are very important for our young men to learn. My family’s roots can be traced all the way back to Ireland in the 1400s, and today I am proud to say that I’m Irish!” “We are very excited about having Charles Fant as our head coach,” said Mr. Sompayrac. “He made a tremendous impact on our football

program as an assistant coach in just one season, and I am extremely confident that Coach Fant will continue to move our football program forward. I believe that Coach Fant is the total package for a high school football coach. He is a great role model for young men, he has an elite football mind, and his confidence and optimism are contagious. Fant is the type of coach that players will run through a wall for.” n

Notre Dame students capture top prizes in Chattanooga science fair

otre Dame High School students stood out at the recent Chattanooga Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Jerry Lawlor won the grand prize, first place in the mathematics division, the ATA Hap Arnold Award, the Army Award, the Mu Alpha Theta Award, the U.S. Metric Association Award, and a UTC Scholarship Award. Katie Sutton earned a grand-prize third-place award The East Tennessee Catholic

and won the I-SWEEP Nominations Sustainability Award and first place in the environment science division. Michael Labbe won the Yale Science & Engineering Association Inc. Award, the Army Award, the Navy Award, the I-SWEEP Nominations Outstanding Sustainable Award, the National Society of Professional Engineers Award, first place in the engineering: materials and bioengineering division, and a UTC

Scholarship Award. Gaby Mullin and Rhys Miller placed first in the cellular and molecular division. Drew Beach and Alex Lugo took first in the engineering: electrical/mechanical division. Grand-prize winners Jerry and Katie received a special invitation to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May. It is the largest science fair in the world, with 65 countries represented. n

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

St. John Neumann School in Farragut recently celebrated the gift of life during the school’s “Life is Beautiful” days. Sandy Davidson from Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Center kicked off the school’s Prayer and Good Works project by speaking to the students after an all-school Mass. All students received an empty baby bottle to take home and were encouraged to fill it with extra change and to do extra chores to earn money to donate to help fund the many programs of the CCPHC. PE classes participated in the Diaper Derby, a relay race with baby dolls, strollers, and Scripture verses with a focus on the gift of life. On Pacifier Day, 200 students purchased a ring pop candy pacifier for a $1 donation. Students and teachers also purchased 76 “Baby Bottle Drive” T-shirts that could be worn to school during the special days. The T-shirts raised $532 that was donated along with the baby-bottle money. The Guess the Mystery Baby contest also raised money for the CCPHC. Students tried their best to guess the identity of baby pictures provided by teachers and Father Doug Owens. Mass petitions and classroom prayer also focused on the sanctity of human life. At the conclusion of the school’s project, Father Owens, principal Bill Derbyshire, and academic dean Mary Sue Kosky provided hot chocolate and lemonade for all the students to thank them. n

May 6, 2012 15

Catholic youth

NDHS students take part in right-to-life oratory contest

Knoxville Catholic installing new synthetic turf field at football stadium

noxville Catholic High School announced April 2 that it would be breaking ground on a new synthetic turf field in May. Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, the Fighting Irish football, soccer, and lacrosse teams will play their home games on the new turf field. At approximately 100,000 square feet, the synthetic football and soccer field will be the largest of its kind in the Knoxville area. “Thanks to the generous and overwhelming support of the Knoxville Catholic community, this investment in our athletic facilities will enable us to provide a state-of-the-art playing surface for our student-athletes,” said KCHS athletics director Jason Surlas. “Our athletic teams, band, and community organizations will be able to utilize our field more than ever before, regardless of in-

Chattanoogans for Life sponsored an oratory contest for Notre Dame High School students Feb. 14. Students researched and presented a five- to seven-minute speech on the sacredness of human life from a quote in Donum Vitae by Blessed John Paul II. First place went to sophomore Seamus Finnegan, second place to junior Elizabeth Tuggle, and third place to senior Ashley Henry. Another oratory contest was held April 16 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy for students who were unable to take part in the February contest. n

A Scout Sunday celebration was held at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge during a recent Sundaymorning Mass. Several Scouts from Pack 329 were honored. Receiving their Light of Christ Award were Michael Ahern, Nicholas Zolnierczuk, Ryan Audet, Elliot Barnes, Ian Hubbard, Will Hubbard, and Luca Figenzi. Parvuli Dei awards were presented to Jorge Andres Gonzalez, Anthony Filigenzi, Evan Nagel, Evyn Wolfe, Joseph Duhamel, Nathan Paul, Theodore Seay, and Mikolaj Jakowski. n

16 May 6, 2012

Play-Rite is co-owned by Keith and Linda Simmons. Mr. Simmons will lead the construction of a new field sub-base and the installation of 100,000 square feet of synthetic turf, 200,000 pounds of silica sand, and 300,000 pounds of crumb rubber infill. “On behalf of everyone at PlayRite, I want to personally thank Mr. Sompayrac and Mr. Surlas for the faith that they have put in our team to successfully construct the largest high school synthetic turf field in the Knoxville area,” said Mr. Simmons. The SP Play-Rite Pinnacle synthetic turf will replace the current natural grass field. “The 2012 football season will be one of the most exciting seasons in Knoxville Catholic history,” said Mr. Surlas. “We could not be happier or more eager to get started. n

COURTESY OF KATHIE ETHERTON

Scouts honored at St. Mary Church in Oak Ridge

clement weather or previous use.” A local sport construction company and licensed general contractor, Play-Rite Sport Surfaces, will break ground on Monday, May 21, two days after Knoxville Catholic’s 80th graduation ceremony. The new field will be finished in time for the first game of the 2012 football season Aug. 17, when the Irish take on the Central High School Bobcats at 7:30 p.m. Principal Dickie Sompayrac said he is excited about the school’s partnership with Play-Rite to construct the athletic field. “Over the past 20 years, Play-Rite has established itself as the premier sport construction company in Knoxville,” said Mr. Sompayrac. “We are thrilled to work with such a great local company known for completing projects at the highest of industry standards.”

Living Stations at St. Jude As a culmination to the Lenten season and in preparation for the Easter weekend, eighth-grade students at St. Jude School in Chattanooga presented the Living Stations to students and faculty, parents, and parishioners. Above are (from left) Dana Lynch and Sydney Larew as the weeping women, Aaron Marini as Jesus, and Guy Westhoff as the soldier. The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

dioknox.org

Our priests

A Texas convert fulfills goals as an East Tennessee priest Father Brent Shelton begins first pastoral assignment in Townsend

ather Brent Shelton is pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Townsend. Father Shelton, a Texas native, was ordained by Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz at Sacred Heart Cathedral on June 16, 2001. He became Catholic as a teenager and was influenced by the writings of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen and the example of Glenmary Father Joseph Dean, who baptized him. Father Shelton is the chaplain for the Legion of Mary in East Tennessee and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home School group in the Knoxville area. How does it feel to be a pastor for the first time? I’d wanted to be a priest for a very long time, and now that I am one, I really enjoy it. I never really fantasized about being a certain kind of priest, like being a pastor versus something else. To me, it’s an extra responsibility placed on me. I’d say it’s more of a duty I have to accomplish, but I just enjoy being a priest—going into people’s midst and being able to guide them. [Whether it’s] going to a youth event, or even walking around a nursing home, jail ministry, or just being there as a priest; it’s bringing Christ, the high priest, into people’s presence. Being a priest is what I get excited about, and what I want to do, and what I am doing. As far as being made a pastor, I think when you’re first ordained you may look forward to that, but it’s just an extra duty that the bishop asks you to take on, so I take it on. For me it’s the ordinary things about being a priest—offering the Mass, hearing confessions, going to the local coffee The East Tennessee Catholic

By Margaret Hunt

so they appreciate the priesthood in a different way. ... When you’re an associate, you can expect (to give) all kinds of opinions on things and give guidance, but there are no real consequences to what you’re saying. When you’re the pastor, all those little day-today things that aren’t about the faith itself in the strictest sense, begin to have consequences because when you say something should be done a certain way, it has a certain force to it. I can see the need to be very cautious and make sure everything has been considered carefully first before making decisions or giving advice. Father Brent Shelton

shop here and getting to know the people, bringing a certain side of Christ to people—that’s what I feel happy about. Since your ordination, what have you learned about how to be an effective pastor? I suppose the first thing is that I’ve learned to be very dependent on other priests so I very readily call upon them. That’s especially the case now that I’m a pastor. The second, I suppose, is that when I was first ordained, I looked to the older priests for advice and leadership and that sort of thing—you kind of looked up to people who have gone before you. I’ve been ordained now long enough that there are people being ordained that I was never in the seminary with and so they’re completely new to me. These (younger) guys inform my priesthood because they have a different outlook on life in general and

What is challenging about life as a priest and how have you tried to rise to those challenges? When I was ordained, I really was not personally prepared to serve fallen-away Catholics, or adult Catholics whose knowledge and practice of the faith is weak. This has been my greatest struggle, and I’m still trying to rise to the challenge. How have brother priests helped you grow in your own vocation? Many thanks to Father Bill Gahagan for showing me the importance of prompt solicitude towards the infirm, to Father Chris Michelson for showing me the advantages of a well-organized parish, to Monsignor Al Humbrecht for showing me the need for adult education in the faith, to Monsignor Xavier Mankel for showing me the deep roots of the Church in East Tennessee, and to Father Bede Aboh for showing me the importance of caring for the parochial staff and volunteers. n

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

Bishop makes appointments Bishop Richard F. Stika announced the following appointments and leave to diocesan clergy and staff: “I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Father Alberto Sescon as Pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, effective March 25, 2012. Father Alberto has been serving as parochial administrator of St. Therese of Lisieux. Please join me in congratulating and praying for Father Alberto.” “I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Father Brent Shelton as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Townsend, effective March 4, 2012. Father Brent has been serving as parochial administrator at St. Francis of Assisi. Please join me in congratulating and praying for Father Brent.” “As you may know, Father Joe Campbell has been undergoing treatments for a wound on his leg that has had difficulty healing. In order to give Father Joe the optimal opportunity for healing, I am approving a medical leave of absence for him effective today. He will be in residence at the St. John Neumann rectory for the next three months so that he can focus primarily on getting well. Father David Carter has been appointed temporary parochial administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, LaFollette, and Christ the King in Tazewell, also effective today, April 16, 2012. Please join me in praying for Father Joe Campbell and Father David Carter. n

May 6, 2012 17

Living the readings

Weekday Readings

An exciting conclusion

Tuesday, May 1: Acts 11:19-26; Psalm 87:1-7; John 10:22-30 Wednesday, May 2: Memorial, Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church, Acts 12:24–13:5; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; John 12:44-50 Thursday, May 3: Feast, Philip and James, apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:18; Psalm 19:2-5; John 14:6-14 Friday, May 4: Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-11; John 14:1-6 Saturday, May 5: Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 98:1-4; John 14:7-14 Sunday, May 6: Fifth Sunday of Easter, Acts 9:26-31; Psalm 22:2628, 30-32; 1 John 3:18-24; John 15:1-8 Monday, May 7: Acts 14:5-18; Psalm 115:1-4, 15-16; John 14:21-26 Tuesday, May 8: Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-13, 21; John 14:27-31 Wednesday, May 9: Acts 15:1-6; Psalm 122:1-5; John 15:1-8 Thursday, May 10: Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96:1-3, 10; John 15:9-11 Friday, May 11: Acts 15:22-31; Psalm 57:8-12; John 15:12-17 Saturday, May 12: Acts 16:1-10; Psalm 100:1-3, 5; John 15:18-21 Sunday, May 13: 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 Monday, May 14: Feast, Matthias, apostle, Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113:1-8; John 15:9-17 Tuesday, May 15: Acts 16:22-34; Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8; John 16:5-11 Wednesday, May 16: Acts 17:15 and 17:22–18:1; Psalm 148:1-2, 1114; John 16:12-15 Thursday, May 17: Acts 18:1-8; Psalm 98:1-4; John 16:16-20 Friday, May 18: Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47:2-7; John 16:20-23 Readings continued on page 19

18 May 6, 2012

by Father Joseph Brando

May is the coda of Easter’s magnificent symphony

iturgically, the month of May finishes with a flourish celebrating the Ascension of the Lord and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The first two Sundays of the month prepare us for those feasts and for the completion of the Easter season. If the Lent-Easter cycle of liturgical events were a symphony, then May would be the coda or grand finale. The purpose of this finale is to rouse us to live the rest of the year enthusiastically alive in divine grace. We’ll take a look at this exciting conclusion three times, that is, first by examining the first readings, then the second readings and finally the Gospel selections. Each time we’ll reach a high point with a surprising crescendo at the very last. All the first readings of the month are from the Acts of the Apostles. Although the readings are not in chronological order, they do build on each other in emotional impact. On the first Sunday in May we are introduced to two important men of the New Testament. Their given names were Saul and Joseph. But, we have come to know them as Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas was among the first of the Jerusalem community who sold all his property and laid the proceeds at the Apostles’ feet. They called him the “son of encouragement.” By his positive attitude, he provided an example to the Church of how to live a life of Easter faith. His greatest gift to the Church was to make sure Paul was accepted by the Church. He saw Paul’s potential and gave the leaders of the Church the same vision. Later, he took Paul with him on what we now call Paul’s first missionary journey. One man can have a great influence in the church by being enthusiastic and leading by example.

On the second Sunday, Luke introduces us to Cornelius. He exemplified the true faith being given to Gentiles. Peter learned, through him, that God shows no partiality and that God accepts all who fear Him and act uprightly. That was a monumental moment in the history of the Faith. Christianity is not only the flowering of Judaism, it also was a world religion appealing to all humanity to enter the Body of Christ. The first reading on the feast of the Ascension focuses on the disciples who were there. They had time for one last question of the Lord. What should they have asked? Their final question turned out to be, “Are you now going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” It was a pretty bad question; but Jesus’ answer made it sound much better. To the point of their question Jesus said, “It is not for you to know.” Then, he changed the subject. “YOU will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes.” It’s not Israel; it’s you who will have divine power. One can look back to Peter, Paul, Barnabas and Cornelius who receive that power and used it to change the world. If there were a “big bang,” which produced all the power we receive to change the world, it exploded at Pentecost. The outward manifestations of that event were a wind-like noise and fire. The initial effect of it was the preaching of Peter (already fulfilling Jesus statement at his Ascension) and the reception of his message by 5,000 who heard him in their own native language. With such an astounding scene outside and inside the Upper Room, the first wave of the Pentecost crescendo concludes. Heading back to the second readings of the Sundays in May, we

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

commence with advice given to us by John and Paul from their epistles written decades after the Pentecost event. They provide us with the result of many years of thought based on the early experience of and teaching on the Paschal Mysteries. The first week’s lesson from John is a method he proposes to us to determine if we belong to the truth. All we need to check is our belief and our love. If we love God and our neighbors, then we are of the truth. It’s quite a simple test. We could use it as a nightly examination of conscience before we retire. We read John again the following Sunday. There, we get a characteristic of love that would help us in our examen. The love John is talking about does not come from our heart. Rather, it is something we receive from God. One of its forms is that we can feel ourselves being forgiven our sins. When we feel a release from the guilt of our sins, we know God’s life is active within us. On the feast of the Ascension, we read from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Perhaps John, who, tradition has it, led the Christian community there, was among the recipients of the letter. If so, he would have been proud. The Apostle to the Gentiles uses a highly poetic phrase that expresses well what we read from John’s first epistle. Paul wrote, “May the eyes of your heart be enlightened.” What a succinct encapsulation of deep spirituality! Consider that our heart typifies our capacity to love. That love dictates the way we see the world. A lover is one who can penetrate to the essence of another being and recognize the goodness within. These are the kind of “eyes” the heart of a Christian possesses. That adds yet another thought we ought to contemplate each evening. Did we see goodness in others today? If we did, then we may possess a true relationship with God. There is a choice of Second Readings on the Feast of Pentecost, either dioknox.org

of which can carry us to the pinnacle of the second crescendo in the coda. The one from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians presents the concept of the Mystical Body of Christ. As such, the Holy Spirit is in us uniting us in Christ and giving us not one but many gifts. Identifying those gifts could also be added to our evening prayer if we’re still awake. The other reading, from Paul’s letter to the Galatians also can finish the section with a flourish. Paul warns that the Spirit within us is in battle with our flesh. The flesh has powers that war against the Spirit. Then, Paul names the fruits of the Spirit in our life. If we really want to make a thorough examination of our relationship with the Spirit that has been poured into our life then we need to find these attributes in our soul: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Spirit of Pentecost, which is the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, needs to be in us. Let’s look for it daily. Let’s go back to the beginning of May to start the third and final wave of the grand finale of the Easter season. We restart with the 15th chapter of the Gospel according to John. It will be the source of the Gospels for the Fifth and Sixth Sundays of Easter. John’s 15th starts with Jesus addressing the relationship between himself and the Father. Together they are the vine and the vine grower. Then, he adds us to the scene. We are the branches. That makes us products of the Father and branches of the vine, who is Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful thought. God, the Father, loves us because we are the product of his love and care. God, the Son, shares his very own life with us. We can be safe and sure with such relationships. Even the bad things of life become positive. They are instruments by which the Father prunes us so we can produce an abundance of vintage grapes. All The East Tennessee Catholic

of this is contingent on us abiding on the vine, able to continue receiving the life-source of the vine that is Christ’s love for us. Receiving that grace, our Father is glorified and we bear much fruit. In the second installment of John 15, we get the same message in a more straightforward style. As the Father loves me, so I also love you. What a revelation! Now that we know how the Gospel ends (with Jesus’ resurrection, ascension to the right hand of the Father, and sending of the Holy Spirit), having the Father’s love given to us makes sense as well as filling our hearts with joy.

It’s as if there is this tremendous headline that needs to be put on the entire Bible story. So, what would it be? Joy is what Jesus’ life is all about. In this gospel we have a great answer to an unspoken question. Someone may have asked our Lord, why did you come to us on earth? If so, this would have been his answer: “So that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” If one follows the meaning of John’s Gospel it is that Christ gives us total and complete joy. That is the bottom line that should lift us high in praise of God. That is the power of the last weeks of the Easter season. Nor does the volume get any less intense the next week as we contemplate the Ascension. This year, we have Mark’s version of Jesus’ last words before he rose to the throne of God. There is an imperative in Jesus’ tone of voice. He commands us to “go to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” There is no compromise, no minimizing allowed. No excuses are tolerated. In Jesus’ next words you can imagine each phrase preceded by an excuse. If I do go out to the world then…I will be beset by the devil…

I won’t be understood…snakes and other animals will poison or devour me...microbes in the water will kill me…I’ll catch alien diseases from their sick. All these excuses are strongly refuted by the Lord. “Those who believe in my name will drive out demons, speak in new languages, pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink anything deadly it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” Christ allows no excuses; but he bestows immense powers. For the Mass, during Pentecost day the celebrant has two choices. It’s as if there is this tremendous headline that needs to be put on the entire Bible story. So, what would it be? One choice would be to go back to that beautiful 15th chapter of John. It would proclaim: THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH IS COMING. The end is that everything the Father has now belongs to the Son and he is giving it to us. The whole world is in God’s hands and he’s passing it on to us. What a joy to the world! The other choice comes from the 20th chapter of John. It’s the scene in the Upper Room on Easter night. Dark and light as also death and life are contrasted. The headline changes from future to present tense: DEATH IS VANQUISHED; ETERNAL LIFE OFFERED TO ALL MANKIND. As powerful as that headline may be, it is brought about by a simple kindly breath. The final thought of Sacred Scripture is that the Lord gave mankind the ‘key’ to ending evil by merely breathing the forgiving Spirit on the disciples. We destroy evil by forgiving it. EARTH SAVED. Can you imagine a stronger ending? n

Readings continued from page 18 Saturday, May 19: Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10; John 16:23-28 Sunday, May 20: Solemnity, the Ascension of the Lord, Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9; Ephesians 1:1723; Mark 16:15-20 Monday, May 21: Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33 Tuesday, May 22: Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21; John 17:1-11 Wednesday, May 23: Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36; John 17:11-19 Thursday, May 24: Acts 22:30 and 23:6-11; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; John 17:20-26 Friday, May 25: Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20; John 21:15-19 Saturday, May 26: Memorial, Philip Neri, priest, Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11:4-5, 7; John 21:20-25; vigil Mass of Pentecost, Genesis 11:1-9; Romans 8:22-27; John 7:37-39 Sunday, May 27: Solemnity, Pentecost Sunday, Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 Monday, May 28: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9-10; Mark 10:17-27 Tuesday, May 29: 1 Peter 1:10-16; Psalm 98:1-4; Mark 10:28-31 Wednesday, May 30: 1 Peter 1:1825; Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20; Mark 10:32-45 Thursday, May 31: Feast, the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zephaniah 3:14-18; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 1:39-56 Friday, June 1: Memorial, Justin, martyr, 1 Peter 4:7-13; Psalm 96:1013; Mark 11:11-26 Saturday, June 2: Jude 17, 20-25; Psalm 63:2-6; Mark 11:27-33 n

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

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

May 6, 2012 19

A mother’s impact felt in matters great, small

Life and dignity

‘Who do you say that I am?’

By Marian Christiana As Mother’s Day approaches, I am reminded of the indelible impact mothers have on the lives of their children. Their influence can be seen throughout the life cycle of the family, and her ongoing influence can be reflected in as simple a thing as the way you hold your fork or as significant as the way you raise your own children. My mother passed away when I was a young girl but I still feel her hand in my life in many ways, especially when I decorate my house for any holiday. No holiday was too small for my mother to transform the house and make that holiday a special occasion for the entire family. As I clear away the Easter decorations and get ready to put up the birthday streamers, I realize that I have passed a spirit of celebration on to my own children from my mother and from my family of origin. When an engaged couple participates in a Diocese of Knoxville Marriage Preparation Program, the future bride and groom are encouraged to share background and characteristics of each of their families of origin. They work together during the program to identify which characteristics they want to incorporate into their marriage and which ones they wish to leave behind. Fun, enlightening or heart-breaking, this important exercise helps the couple realize that they are coming from two distinct family backgrounds but that they are building a new family together. Reflecting on family of origin is important throughout the life cycle of a marriage. New circumstances continually arise—the arrival of children,

Marriage continued on page 21

20 May 6, 2012

by Paul Simoneau

The questions that echo in every heart direct us to the questions Jesus asked

or those gifted in the way of discourse and debate, there can be great value in answering a question with a question. This can be frustrating to those who want an answer, not another question. But surprisingly, I have found that I often learn more by being asked a question than in receiving an answer to a question. This is most true when it is Christ who asks the question. Growing up, I had lots of questions about myself and life in general, and many of these were the same questions that others my age had. This was reassuring in one sense—I wasn’t the only one searching—but discouraging in another sense because no one seemed to have any real answers either. There was one question, though, that seemed to hold the key to answering all the other questions I had—“Who am I?” Without that answer, I couldn’t begin to answer all the other questions associated with, “What must I do?” I was 14 years old when my thirst for answers led me to dig out an old copy of a Bible I recalled seeing in a closet at home. What began as a curiosity, gradually developed into a daily routine of Scripture reading and reflection. Prayer had not been a part of my life up to that point except for immediately before Sunday Mass. But as I began to read Scripture, I found myself praying also. As I did, the heaviness of the questions that were weighing on my heart began to feel lighter and my anxieties began to retreat before a growing sense of peace. Amazingly, I also found myself seeking something that had been much absent in my life—silence. I was encountering Christ in the Scriptures and I wanted to listen as I had never listened before.

It wasn’t long after I started reading the Gospels that I paused over two questions Jesus asked—“Who do people say that the Son of man is?” and “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13, 15). By asking the first question, Jesus exposed all the false opinions of Him, and so, too, we need to reject all the false teachings that attempt to define who man is and that only serve to confuse us. But I was particularly struck by this second question of Christ for it was as if He was substituting His question of who He is in place of the question I had been asking of myself for so long: “Who am I?” At long last, I began to understand that only

There was one question that seemed to hold the key to answering all the other questions I had: “Who am I?” when we, with God’s grace, begin to answer the question of who Christ is, can we begin to answer the question, “Who am I?” The Second Vatican Council beautifully expressed this truth in its document Gaudium et Spes (“Joy and Hope”), reminding us that it is only Christ who “fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear” (n. 22). At first, I read Scripture as if it was personally addressed to me, and there was benefit to that. But it became clear to me that just as with the Ethiopian who the Apostle Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” I, too, had to acknowledge, “How can I, unless someone guides me.” (Acts 8:30-31). Upon the rock of Peter’s confession of faith to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am,” the task of

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authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church (Magisterium). This teaching office is not above the Word of God, but serves it, teaching and also explaining it with the help of the Holy Spirit [Dei Verbum nos. 7-9]. St. Paul came to know Christ through the Church he had been persecuting—“Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:1-9). Only when he submitted to Christ through the Church, which spoke with the voice and authority of Christ, would Paul begin to discover the answer to the other question he had asked of Him, which was “What shall I do?” (Acts 22:10). St. Jerome once stated that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” But it is no less true to say ignorance of Scripture also is ignorance of our very self. Not only is the Bible the great “book of God and about God,” as Blessed John Paul II would point out, but it also is “the great book about man”(General Audience, Sept. 3, 1986). It is so important that we allow Christ to question us, and He asks lots of questions of people in the Gospels. There are over 170 questions recorded that Jesus asked, but we shouldn’t think that they are just addressed to those of a particular occasion recorded in Scripture— they are addressed to each of us as well. For all the questions I’ve asked in life, I have learned it is far better when we allow Christ to ask questions of us and to discover with the Church the answers. n Mr. Simoneau directs the diocesan Justice and Peace Office. dioknox.org

Understanding the sacraments

by Father Randy Stice

Marriage continued from page 20

Celebrations of the Church

Administration of the sacraments is meant to be a communal event, not a private function

iturgical services are not private functions, but are celebrations of the Church, which is the ‘sacrament of unity,’ namely, ‘the holy people united and ordered under their bishops’ (St. Cyprian, d. 258)” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 26). Behind this affirmation, taught by the Second Vatican Council, lies a rich and complex theology rooted in the nature of the Church itself. The Church, in the words of the Catechism, is the Body of Christ “of which Christ is the head: she lives from him, in him, and for him; he lives with her and in her” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 805). St. Joan of Arc summarized this union in a reply to her judges: “About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re just one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter” (CCC, 795). This intimate union between Christ the Head and his Body is manifested in the liturgy, as the Second Vatican Council taught: “Rightly, then, the liturgy is considered as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. In the liturgy…the whole public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and His members” (SC, 7). This profound unity between Christ and the Church is mirrored in the relationship between the sacraments and the Church. “The sacraments are ‘of the Church’ in the double sense that they are ‘by her’ and ‘for her.’ They are ‘by the Church,’ for she is the sacrament of Christ’s action at work in her through the mission of the Holy Spirit. They are ‘for the Church’ in the sense that ‘the sacraments make the Church,’ (St. Augustine) since they manifest and communicate to men, above all in the Eucharist, the mystery of communion with the God who is love, One in The East Tennessee Catholic

three persons” (CCC, 1118). Given the unity between Christ and Church and the sacraments and the Church, we can understand why the Second Vatican Council emphasized the importance of communal celebration of the sacraments: “It is to be stressed that whenever rites, according to their specific nature, make provision for communal celebration involving the presence and active participation of the faithful, this way of celebrating them is to be preferred, so far as possible, to a celebration that is individual and quasi-private. This applies with especial force to the celebration of Mass and the administration of the sacraments” (SC, 27). The structure and elements of the sacraments express this ecclesial re-

“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re just one thing and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.” — St. Joan of Arc ality. Concerning the Eucharist, the Catechism affirms the contribution of all present: “All have their own active parts to play in the celebration, each in his own way: readers, those who bring up the offerings, those who give Communion and the whole people whose ‘Amen’ manifests their participation” (CCC, 1348). The Rite of Penance commends communal celebrations of the sacrament such as those offered during Advent and Lent, for they “show more clearly the ecclesial nature of penance. The faithful listen together to the word of God…at the same time they examine the conformity of their lives to that word of God and help each other through common prayer. After confessing and being absolved individually, all join in praising God

together for his wonderful deeds on behalf of the people he has gained for himself through the blood of his Son” (Rite of Penance, n. 22). Similarly, the Rite of Baptism during Easter Vigil includes not only the Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith for those to be baptized, but also the Renewal of Baptismal Promises for the entire congregation. And the Rite of Baptism for Children includes a blessing for the assembly as well as for the mother and the father of the child. Finally, during the celebration of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, the celebrant invites the entire assembly to pray for those about to be confirmed: “My dear friends, let us pray to God our Father, that he will pour out the Holy Spirit on these candidates for confirmation to strengthen them with his gifts and anoint them to be more like Christ, the Son of God.” These examples illustrate the principle affirmed by the Second Vatican Council: “Therefore liturgical services pertain to the whole body of the Church; they manifest it and have effects upon it; but they concern the individual members of the Church in different ways, according to their differing rank, office, and actual participation” (SC, 26). “Forming ‘as it were, one mystical person’ with Christ the head, the Church acts in the sacraments as ‘an organically structured priestly community’” (CCC, 1119). The sacraments are “powers that come forth” from this one mystical person, just as power came forth from Christ during his earthly ministry (cf. Luke 5:17; 6:19; 8:46). This is why the Church teaches that the sacraments are celebrations of the Church. n Father Stice directs the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org.

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job changes, the purchase of a home, a move to a new location—and often we respond reflexively to these situations without truly understanding why we did so. If you are interested in learning more about how and why you react to certain situations within your marriage, I highly recommend the book Family Ties That Bind: A Self-Help Guide to Change Through Family of Origin Therapy, by Ronald W. Richardson. This book explores the concept of family of origin without being too academic. I know that you will enjoy the book and I believe that when you finish you will look at your family relationships in a new and insightful way. My prayer for all mothers throughout the diocese is that you enjoy a happy and peaceful Mother’s Day. n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

Virtus training sessions St. Mary Church, Athens, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 3. St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 5; 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 23; 6 p.m. Thursday, June 14. All Saints Church, Knoxville, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5. St. Jude Church, Chattanooga, 6 p.m. Monday, May 7 (session will be presented in Spanish); noon Monday, May 21. St. Dominic Church, Kingsport, 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; 1 p.m. Saturday, June 16; 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. Holy Cross Church, Pigeon Forge, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26; 9 a.m. Saturday, July 14. St. Albert the Great, Knoxville, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 7. Holy Spirit Church, Soddy-Daisy, 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 12. n

May 6, 2012 21

Once upon a time Haiti continued from page 7

previous trip to Haiti. He died attempting to rescue his young daughter as the quake hit his home. The pastor of St. Francis Xavier, Pere Charles Marquis, and his assistant, Pere Innocent, are responsible for the main center in Fond des Blancs as well as 20 outlying chapels that are an hour or more away by car and three to four hours by foot. In all, there are more than 60,000 Catholics in the parish. Members of IC’s medical team were Dr. Caleb Warren, Dr. David Rueff, Dani Bernard, and Teresa Kiser. The nonmedical portion of the group included Teresa’s daughter, Emily Kiser, 16; Ralph Herbert, a member of the IC pastoral council; Kevin Hosey and his daughter, Olivia Hosey, 16. The group attended Mass at St. Francis Xavier and visited St. Francis Xavier School, which has more than 600 students. It is the only Catholic secondary school in the region, and some students walk an hour or more each way to attend. The IC group distributed soccer balls and jump ropes supplied by the IC youth group as well as school supplies donated by St. Joseph School in Knoxville and CCD classes.. The next few days were spent at Visitation Clinic in Petite Riviere de Nippes. With the help of two translators, IC’s medical team worked alongside the Haitian interns at the clinic, dealing with a vast array of cases. They brought a large supply of medicines donated by IC parishioners, which were given to St. Boniface Hospital in Fond des Blancs and Visitation Clinic. The clinic’s administrator arranged for the two IC teens to teach an English class at a local middle school. For more information, contact Visitation Hospital Foundation at visitationhf@aol.com, visit the Parish Twining Program of the Americas at www.parishprogram. org, or contact the Matthew 25 Guest House at Matthew25house@yahoo. com or the IC Haiti committee. n

22 May 6, 2012

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

Religious history—a maritime journey

Titanic anniversary brings to mind vessels that helped deliver Christ’s message through the years

ith all the attention given last month to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic and attendant remembrances about her sister ships, the RMS Olympic and the HMHS Britannic, I suspect there will be an unusually large number of conversations about boats and ships, especially among our families whose ancestors came by boat to these shores amid the waves of immigrants arriving in our country in the 19th and 20th centuries from Europe, Africa, and Asia and by those who came across rivers rather than oceans from Central and South America in the 20th and 21st centuries. Boats or boat-like conveyances have figured measurably in our religious history. A basket made watertight with bitumen (tar) adhesives gave us baby Moses in the bulrushes. Although no boats figured in the Exodus story, the journey of our ancestors in the faith benefited from the parting of the waters of the Red Sea so they could leave Egypt in their journey to the Promised Land. St. Paul’s journeys by boat indicate that the great missionary bishop was no stranger to the sea and the small (by our comparison) boat/ ships that enabled him to make the several missionary journeys for which he is appropriately famous. There were priests on the Titanic who lost their lives ministering to the immigrant peoples they served. The Titanic was the largest ship afloat at the time of her maiden voyage. She had been built between 1909-11 by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. She was built to carry 2,223 people. She left Southampton on April 20, 1912, and called at Cherbourg in France and at Cobh in Ireland before heading westward toward New York. Four days into

the crossing and about 375 miles south of Newfoundland she hit an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. ship’s time. The glancing collision caused her hull plates to buckle inward in several places and opened five of her 16 watertight compartments to the sea. She sank within two and one-half hours. More than 1,000 people still were aboard. Many who jumped into the ocean died within minutes from hypothermia. The RMS Carpathia picked up 710 survivors within a few more hours. The Titanic rests at the bottom of the ocean at a depth of 12,415 feet. Sister ship HMHS (His Majesty’s Hospital Ship) Britannic was launched on Feb. 26, 1914, and was requisitioned as a hospital ship for World War I. On Nov. 21, 1916, she struck a mine in the Aegean Sea. Two lifeboats, launched without authority, were sucked into the propellers and smashed. At 9:05 a.m. the stern disappeared beneath the ocean. The wreck still lies on her side at a depth of 110 meters. The Olympic was launched on Oct. 20, 1910, and sailed on June 14, 1911, on her maiden voyage to New York. On Sept. 1, 1915, she was commissioned as a troopship for war service by the British government. Perhaps her most famous wartime exploit was that she struck and sank a German submarine, the U103. After WWI she returned to commercial service and received an affectionate following, earning the nickname “Old Reliable.” Her last voyage ended on Southhampton on April 12, 1935. By Sept. 19, 1937, she had been towed to Inverkeithing for final demolition. Three great ships. Three great histories. Other ships have probably figured more into American Catholic Church history. The Ark and the

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Dove are two of them. Those of us privileged to attend Catholic high schools in the late 1940s and during the ’50s often were required to use the “Our Quest for Happiness” series of religion textbooks. They were color coded even back then: the ninth-grade volume was purple and included a marvelous treatment of the Athanasian Creed (to help freshmen boys “figure out” the nature of the Most Blessed Trinity!) and wonderful information as to how the Church “ticks time” (the liturgical year). Sophomores received green covered books that helped students understand the Holy Scriptures. The Juniors’ book was red and treated the reader to a unit on the Sacrament of Confirmation. Most of the book was an 11th-grade treatment of Church history. Its title was after the aforementioned ships, the Ark and the Dove. Why? On June 20, 1632, King Charles I of England granted Cecilius Calvert, Second Baron Baltimore, proprietorship and vice regal powers for a new colony named Maryland. By mid summer 1633, Baltimore had chartered a fully rigged ship, the Ark of London (a.k.a. Ark of Maryland) of about 350 tons to carry the first 130 to 150 settlers and supplies to the new colony. (Tons refers to tons burden, a measure of space available for cargo unless said to be weight). He also acquired a small vessel, the Dove “of the burden of forty tons,” to accompany the Ark as its tender and scout, and to carry some baggage and supplies. In mid-October 1633 after fitting out at Blackwall, the Ark and the Dove dropped down the Thames to anchor off Gravesend where they were to take on stores and passen-

Mankel continued on page 23 dioknox.org

Mankel continued from page 22

gers. Soon after that, John Coke, the secretary of state, sent an urgent dispatch to Admiral John Pennington: “The Ark of London, Richard Lowe, master, carrying men for Lord Baltimore to his new plantation, sailed from Gravesend contrary to orders” and those aboard had “not taken the oath of allegiance to the Crown” as they were required to do by a warrant from Whitehall dated July 31. The Ark was intercepted and taken back under guard to Tilbury Hope across from Gravesend. The oath was administered by Oct. 29 and the ships received permission to leave England on Oct. 30, “provided there be no other person or persons aboard the said ship but such as have or shall have taken the oath of allegiance as aforesaid.” The ships then made their way to Cowes on the Isle of Wight where they awaited favorable weather. They had received final instructions from Lord Baltimore on Sept. 15. On Saturday, Nov. 22, 1633, the Ark and the Dove finally sailed for Maryland, heading west along the south coast of England with fair weather and following winds. On Monday morning Nov. 24, she passed the western capes of Eng-

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land. Then on the evening of Nov. 25, Father Andres White, a passenger, wrote: “The wind changed so violent, and tempestuous as the Dragon [a 600-ton English ship] was forced back to Falmouth not able to keep the sea. Our master was a very sufficient seaman, and ship as strong as could be made of oak and iron, 400 ton kingbuilt; making fair weather in great storms. Now the master had his choice, whether he would return to England as the Dragon did, or sail so close up to the wind as if he should not hold it he must necessarily fall upon the Irish shore, of these two, out of a certain hardiness and desire to try the goodness of his ship, in which he had never been at sea afore, he resolved to keep the sea, with great danger, wanting sea room.” The Dove was unable to keep at sea in this storm and ran northeast to the Scilly Isles, 30 miles north of the north coast of Cornwall. She was not to be seen again by the Ark until January at Barbados. Then on Nov. 29 the Ark, now alone, encountered very violent weather: “Before we could take in our main sail which we only carried, a furious wind suddenly came, and split it from top to toe and then the helm being bound up, and the ship left without sail

or government floated at hull like a dish by little and little still more we were with milder weather freed from all those horrors.” With better weather, the Ark turned southward and sailed past the coast of Spain to the Canary Islands where she turned west southwest for the West Indies. On Jan. 3, 1634, the Ark entered the fortified English port of Bridgetown, Barbados, after a fast passage of 43 days from Cowes that covered 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles. By mid-January she was ready to leave when the Dove unexpectedly arrived in company with the Dragon. The Ark and Dove departed northward on Jan. 24, stopping at St. Kitts for 10 days and at Point Comfort at the mouth of the James River for eight or nine days. Then they sailed up the Chesapeake Bay to the Potomac River, where they reached their first landing place in Maryland on March 24, 1634. By March 27, Governor Leonard Calvert and his advisers had selected a site for their town. They named it St. Mary’s. (to be continued…) n Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville.

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Scouts continued from page 9

Richard Notte. Alex said through Scouting he has been able to participate in activities with his father and learn skills that help him develop as an individual. “There is a lot to be said for Scouting. Scouts really do live up to their reputation,” Richard Notte said. Volunteer leaders in the diocese were recognized for outstanding service, including Bronze Pelican Award winners Wesley Shotwell, Kevin McCready, Andrew MacDonald and Mrs. Morris for adult volunteering. Boy Scout Andrew Hendershott won the Design Contest for the 10th Annual Scouting Retreat, and fellow Scout Matthew Donahue won a campership to the 10th Annual Scouting Retreat. First place in the Bishop’s Dessert Cook Off went to Daisy Girl Scout Troop 20269 from Sacred Heart Cathedral School. Second place went to the Scouts of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission in Maynardville. A tie for third place went to American Heritage Girls Troop TN215 from St. John Neumann and Boy Scout Troop 630 from All Saints. The first-place winner of the People’s Choice Dessert Contest was Boy Scout Troop 630, followed by Daisy Girl Scout Troop 20269 in second place, and American Heritage Girls Troop TN215 in third. Honorable Mention was given to the Scouts of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission. First place in the Living Display Showdown was presented to the Scouts of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission, with second place going to Boy Scouts of America Pack 22 from Sacred Heart Cathedral. The theme of the Living Display Showdown this year was “Diocese of Knoxville Scouts Are the Face of Christ.” n

May 6, 2012 23

Deacon McConnell restored to full diaconal ministerial duties

ishop Richard F. Stika last month removed the suspension of Deacon Tom McConnell, who was restored to his full diaconal ministry after a Hamilton County grand jury found sexual battery accusations against Deacon

McConnell to be baseless. Grand jurors dismissed the claims against Deacon McConnell, returning a No True Bill after evaluating the facts and hearing his testimony. Deacon McConnell maintained his innocence during the legal pro-

ceedings. Bishop Stika said he was saddened that Deacon McConnell had to endure the false accusations and public scrutiny. Deacon McConnell serves at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. “In accordance with Canon law

and diocesan policy and the fact that the cause for suspension has ceased, effective April 19, 2012, I am removing the aforementioned suspension and restoring your faculties,” Bishop Stika said in a statement issued April 20. n

Bishops committee urging U.S. Catholics to resist unjust laws WASHINGTON (CNS)—American Catholics must resist unjust laws “as a duty of citizenship and an obligation of faith,” a committee of the U.S. bishops said in a new statement on religious liberty. Titled “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” the 12-page statement by the Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty also calls for “a fortnight for freedom” from June 21, the vigil of the feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, to July 4, U.S. Independence Day. “This special period of prayer,

24 May 6, 2012

study, catechesis and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty,” the panel said. “Dioceses and parishes around the country could choose a date in that period for special events that would constitute a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.” Made public April 12, the document was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee during its March meeting for publication as a committee statement.

The ad hoc committee opened its statement with several “concrete examples” of recent threats to religious liberty, saying that “this is not a theological or legal dispute without real-world consequences.” Cited first was the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that most health plans must include contraception, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs free of charge, even if the employer is morally opposed to such services. “In an unprecedented way, the

federal government will both force religious institutions to facilitate and fund a product contrary to their own moral teaching and purport to define which religious institutions are ‘religious enough’ to merit protection of their religious liberty,” the statement said. Other examples of “religious liberty under attack” cited were immigration laws, discrimination against Christian students, and moves to drive local Catholic Charities out of the business of providing adoption or foster care services. n

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