Nov. 6, 2011, ET Catholic by Diocese of Knoxville

This issue

He dwells among us.................. 2 Diocesan calendar................... 11 Deanery news.......................... 12 La Cosecha............ center pullout

The East Tennessee

Catholic youth......................... 16 Columns.................................. 19 Catholic News Service............. 26

dioknox.org November 6, 2011 Volume 21 Number 3

Bishop Richard F. Stika

News from The Diocese of Knoxville

Home from Moscow Bishop Stika makes a trip to Russia

Catholic Foundation DOK seminarians say thank-you

Studies prove it Vast majority of priests are happy

New monsignors invested at cathedral service Bishop Stika says the occasion honors the three men but also ‘the gift of the priesthood.’ By Dan McWilliams

he diocese celebrated the gift of the priesthood during a solemn Vespers service Oct. 9 in which three veteran clergy were formally installed as monsignors. Monsignor Pat Garrity, Monsignor George Schmidt, and Monsignor Bob Hofstetter were invested with papal honors at the service at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Richard F. Stika, who presided at Vespers, announced the honors for the three priests Aug. 22 (Sept. 4 ETC). In attendance at the cathedral were Monsignors Xavier Mankel and Philip Thoni, the diocese’s first two

monsignors, named in 2006; cathedral rector Father David Boettner; 10 priests from around the diocese; and several women religious. Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, who recently moved to Knoxville, attended

Dan McWilliams

The Vespers service honored not only the three men but also the priesthood itself.

Papal recognition Newly elevated Monsignors (from left) Pat Garrity, George Schmidt, and Bob Hofstetter sing during the Vespers service. There are three grades of monsignor. Monsignor Garrity was named a Chaplain to His Holiness, and Monsignors Schmidt and Hofstetter were named Prelates of Honor to His Holiness.

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Vespers in choir. The occasion marked his first visit to the cathedral as a resident of the Diocese of Knoxville. In his homily the bishop recalled a memorable monsignor from his youth in Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in St. Louis. Monsignor Lloyd Aloysius Sullivan saved the future bishop and his playmates from getting in trouble with a sister whose convent was being peppered with hits during a game of fuzzball—street baseball played with a tennis ball. “We loved Monsignor Sullivan not only for that moment but also because, with almost 1,500 of us in that school at that time, he knew every child by name,” said Bishop Stika. “He loved us. He was a man who first integrated the sports program in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Not in 1955 when the rest of the country did because of a Supreme Court decision but in 1947, along with the other schools that were integrated by Cardinal [Joseph E.] Ritter. He was the

Monsignors continued on page 6

He dwells among us

by Bishop Richard F. Stika

Bishop Stika’s schedule

‘Pray for me’

These are some of Bishop Stika’s public appointments:

As the people of God, we need one another’s help to draw closer to Christ.

ray for me.” No doubt we have made this request of others many times and have likewise been asked by others to pray for them. We need help, and people need our help. But although we understand the importance of not neglecting our relationship with others, particularly the poor and needy, too many neglect their relationship with another community that is no less important—the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory. Most people are pretty selective about those from whom we ask for prayer. After all, when we need specific help with concerns in our everyday life, we generally approach people whom we know are dependable and knowledgeable about what it is we need help with. It’s even better if they have “connections” and can put in a good word for us in the process. If this is the case in our earthly relationships, then all the more should we should seek the help of the saints whom the Church tells us are closest to God. We celebrate the great Solemnity of All Saints Day each Nov. 1, reminded that the Church exists not only on earth, where we struggle in our

Diocesan policy for reporting sexual abuse

pilgrimage of faith (the Church Militant), but also in heaven, where those who are now in glory contemplate the full light of God (the Church Triumphant). We invoke their intercession, as we do in the Litany of the Saints, and ask them to pray for us. The following day we commemorate All Souls, when the Church recalls all the faithful departed. We are especially reminded to pray for the souls in purgatory (the Church Suffering)—those who have died in God’s friendship but who need to be purged of imperfections from which they were not purified during their earthly life. Like those emerging from darkness into daylight, these souls are not yet ready to behold the fullness of God’s light until they have fully adjusted to the purity of his love. They, like us, need the help of the Christian community to draw nearer to Christ, and therefore they call out, “pray for us.” Although all analogies are insufficient at some level, we might think of they way doctors and nurses prepare themselves before entering into the environment of an operating room. They must scrupulously wash and scrub themselves and put on

clothes that have likewise been purified before they can enter the surgical theater. Likewise, we must be washed and clothed in our wedding garment without “stain or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27) if we are to enter the wedding feast of the Lamb (cf. Revelation 19:7-9). The saints have entered this feast before us, and we should ask them to help us keep our own wedding garment clean until the day we hope to join them. I have entrusted mine to Our Blessed Mother, to St. Joseph, and to one of the heroes of the Church close to my heart and my priesthood: Blessed John Paul II. Although they are dear to me and I ask for their intercessory help daily, they also have a special relationship with our diocese. Because our diocese was founded on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Sept. 8, 1988, Our Lady is our principal patroness. But on Oct. 3 this year I also signed a decree that declared Blessed John Paul II as the co-patron of our diocese, whose feast day we now celebrate on Oct. 22. So on All Saints and All Souls Day, as we should every day through-

The East Tennessee

Nov. 6: TBD, closing ceremony, 40 Days for Life Nov. 7-9: Mid-South Catholic Leadership Conference, Lake Barkley, Ky. Nov. 11: 6 p.m., Mass to celebrate Father Mike Creson’s 25th anniversary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga Nov. 13-17: meeting of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Baltimore Nov. 20: 9 a.m., confirmation Mass, blessing of Bessie and William Jabaley Center, St. Catherine Labouré Church, Copperhill Nov. 22: 11 a.m., Presbyteral Council meeting, Chancery Nov. 28-29: provincial bishops meeting, Covington, Ky. Nov. 24: 9 a.m. Mass, Sacred Heart Cathedral Nov. 30–Dec. 9: trip to Nairobi, Kenya n

Bishop continued on page 3

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

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable 805 Northshore Drive, S.W. • Knoxville, TN 37922 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 37939-1127 Reach us by phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org 482-1388. n

2 November 6, 2011

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Bishop’s travels

Support the Annual Catholic Appeal

Bishop Stika chosen for Russia trip

The growth of our Church depends on you. When you support the Annual Catholic Appeal, 100 percent of your gift provides for essential ministries throughout East Tennessee. Each year the ACA provides n education for children in Catholic schools and faith formation for those in religious-education 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 n and much more. Bishop Richard F. Stika urges the faithful to join him “in making a sacrificial gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. “I can’t think of a better investment than spreading the Gospel and helping people grow in holiness.” n

He represents the U.S. Church at the Moscow cathedral’s centennial. By Dan McWilliams

ishop Richard F. Stika represented the U.S. bishops at the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Catholic cathedral of Moscow in September. The invitation several months ago by Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow originally went to Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “I belong to the Subcommittee for Eastern Europe, and one of the countries I’m responsible for is Russia,” said Bishop Stika, “so Archbishop Dolan asked if I would represent the American bishops at the celebration.” The Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sept. 25 was celebrated by papal legate Cardinal Jozef Tomko, who formerly headed the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for the Vatican. “The prefect of that congregation is known as the Red Pope because he’s directly responsible for the missions

throughout the world,” said Bishop Stika. “When he was in office, I think 1,100 dioceses reported to him.” The Moscow cathedral has not been operating as such for all of its 100 years. “It had been closed for almost 60 years by Stalin back in the 1930s, and it was about 10 years ago that it reopened,” said Bishop Stika. “It had served as a factory and a warehouse, so they had to do some restoration.” On the eve of the cathedral Mass, “in a little plaza next to the cathedral, they dedicated a beautiful statue of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta,” said the bishop. Bishop Stika was making his first trip to Russia. He did some sightseeing in Moscow during the weeklong experience. “I met with people from the U.S. Embassy,” he said. “I spent some time with the nuncio [Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic], the Vatican ambassador to Russia, and some

citizens of Russia just to get an impression of the country.” Bishop Stika said he was honored by his selection to go to Russia. “I was because I represented the Church of the United States, and I had an opportunity to visit with some bishops like the auxiliary bishop of Warsaw and the nuncio—who is newly appointed to Russia—the current archbishop of Moscow, and the former archbishop of Moscow. “One of the great meetings I had was with Metropolitan Hilarion [Alfeyev], who is the assistant to the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. He heads a [department] that is very similar to our secretary of state in the Roman Church, so he’s the No. 2 man in the Orthodox Church.” Bishop Stika said that “the Roman Catholic Church in Russia is very small. In fact, there are only three Catholic parishes in Moscow.” n

Declan Murphy

Bishop continued from page 2

Russia celebration Bishop Stika stands with (from left) Bishop Tadeusz Pikus, an auxiliary bishop of Warsaw; an unidentified priest; and Cardinal Jozef Tomko, papal legate and former head of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples for the Vatican. Cardinal Tomko celebrated the 100th-anniversary Mass for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Moscow. The East Tennessee Catholic

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out the year, let us honor Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, Blessed John Paul II, and all of the saints and implore their special intercession and help, striving daily to pray for the living and the dead. Please pray for me, and be assured of my continued prayers for you. n

November 6, 2011 3

Around the diocese

CFET members hear from priest, seminarians Longtime members are honored at the Catholic Foundation’s annual dinner. By Dan McWilliams

‘Whatever you do for the Church, whatever you do for the parishes, you do for Jesus.’ George and Shirley Haggard are 22-year members, and Phyllis and David Reuff have been with CFET for 21 years. Monsignor Philip Thoni has also been a member for at least 20 years. Twenty-year members recognized were Dr. William Bugg, Deacon Frank and Judy Fischer, Ron and Ginny Reynolds, Tom and Pat Shan-

4 November 6, 2011

Dan McWilliams (2)

embers of the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee heard from two seminarians and a recently arrived Glenmary priest during the group’s annual dinner Oct. 16. Bishop Richard F. Stika hosted the dinner at Fox Den Country Club in Farragut, and Cardinal Justin F. Rigali and some 20 priests from around the diocese joined CFET members in attending. The cardinal delivered the opening prayer before dinner. The foundation supports seminarian education and also provides money for property purchases for the diocese. “Since the diocese was established in 1988, members of the Catholic Foundation have trained dozens of priests and provided funds to purchase 12 church properties,” said Jim Link, the moderator of the foundation and the director of the Office of Stewardship and Planned Giving, which sponsored the dinner. The dinner began with a recognition of longtime CFET members. Bill and Tomilee Swain, at 23 years, were the members of longest standing present during the event.

Arthur Torres Barona

Tony Budnick

non, and Dick and Jean Van Sickle. Members of 15 to 19 years honored at the dinner were Fuad and Layla Mishu, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, Dr. Daniel Kennedy, Drs. Bernardino and Josefina Marcelo, Dr. Carol Akerman and Jim Cortese, Hazel Brimi, Carlyle and Margaret Michelson, Dave and Rita Patterson, Jim and Kathleen O’Hara, and Larry Dietz. Father Steve Pawelk updated the CFET audience on Glenmary’s efforts to establish new Catholic communities in Union and Grainger counties (“Glenmary assigns priests, brothers to ET,” Sept. 4 ETC, bit.ly/tf3C24). The Union community already has a name: the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission. “We have received a great welcome there,” said Father Pawelk. “It’s been just a delight and a bit of a surprise. The mayor gave us the senior citizens center to meet

for the first two gatherings free of charge so we could get to know one another. . . . Since then we’ve found a rental building, and now we’re in the process of remodeling that.” The priest held a “carport Mass” at his home in Maynardville. “It was a bring-your-own-chair Mass,” said Father Pawelk. “It was delightful. People came with good enthusiasm. Our neighbors, who are mostly unchurched folks, were kind of curious and watched from their porches. “Then the first Sunday Mass was held the first Sunday of October in Miller’s Chapel Methodist Church. We’re hoping, with God’s will, to have the first Mass in the new building on Nov. 1 on the feast of All Saints.” An 81-year-old man who was baptized a Catholic was among those attending the carport Mass. “His father died at an early age,

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so he didn’t have an opportunity to go to church. He’s asked to make his first Holy Communion,” said Father Pawelk, pausing before continuing: “That’s why we’re here.” Grainger County “is a very different experience,” said Father Pawelk, going on to detail antiHispanic and anti-Catholic biases he’s faced in his efforts to find a building for worship. Monthly Masses in Spanish have been celebrated in Rutledge by the priests of St. Patrick in Morristown and now the Glenmarys. Mass attendance has swelled considerably since the Glenmarys’ arrival. The July Mass drew about 20 to 25 people, said Father Pawelk. “In August they heard that a priest was going to be assigned to them, and we had 47. I went out one Saturday with Brother Craig [Digman] to visit people in the trailer park, and the next Mass had 108.” Father Pawelk has an eye on one building, a former restaurant in foreclosure on a one-acre piece of land. “We’re going to try to get it for $80,000. We have to pray that it will work out. Those are the kinds of things that your foundation helps make happen.” Seminarians Arthur Torres Barona and Tony Budnick followed Father Pawelk. Mr. Torres Barona, a native of Colombia, said he has felt “God’s calling to the priesthood” since he was 8 years old. “I still wonder how that could happen because I was never persuaded by one of my family members or by a person outside the house, nor did I get a vision from heaven telling me to become a priest.” After attending a high school and major seminary run by the Vincentian Missionaries, he applied to study English at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales

CFET continued on page 5 dioknox.org

Around the diocese

Cardinal Rigali comes to ET

ardinal Justin F. Rigali received a rousing welcome to East Tennessee on Oct. 2 as more than 100 greeted his arrival at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. Bishop Richard F. Stika said July 19 that his longtime friend would move to Knoxville and live with him after the pope that day accepted the Cardinal’s retirement letter, submitted in 2010 on his 75th birthday. At the airport, church musicians played a number of songs, including “Rocky Top,” as the crowd awaited the Cardinal’s appearance at the gate. Welcome signs were held by the Knoxville Catholic High School cheerleaders and by two students from St. John Neumann School in Farragut. Many Knights of Co-

lumbus and women religious were among those greeting the Cardinal. After his arrival, the Cardinal was given a lyric sheet to “Rocky Top” and sang along with the crowd as the song was performed again. The Cardinal then gave a blessing to the crowd. Cardinal Rigali had served as Philadelphia’s archbishop since 2003. He was succeeded in Philadelphia by Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap. Bishop Stika, a native and priest of St. Louis before being named bishop of Knoxville, served as then–Archbishop Rigali’s secretary, chancellor, and vicar general for the Archdiocese of St. Louis from 1994 to 2003. n.

CFET continued from page 4

you all, and we’re very grateful.” Bishop Stika spoke at the end of the dinner, which ended a day for him that had begun with visits to the parishes of Our Lady of Lourdes in South Pittsburg and Shepherd of the Valley in Dunlap. “As I traveled home to Knoxville, more and more every day I appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds us, but as I visit parishes, I appreciate even more the people of the Diocese of Knoxville: those who are recent additions, those who are lifers, and those in between. We have a beautiful church.” The bishop told CFET members that “whatever you do for the Church, whatever you do for the parishes, you do for Jesus.” “So in a very special way this evening, for all that you do, I just say thanks. Never tire of doing good, because God knows we live in a world that needs goodness— not only just spoken about but goodness lived.” n

Corners, Wis., and eventually became a seminarian of the Diocese of Knoxville. “I give praise to God for giving me such a blessing of becoming part of this diocese,” he said. Mr. Budnick showed photos of the seminarians’ last two summer outings, a trip to St. Louis with Bishop Stika in 2010 and an Ocoee River experience this year. “Like Arthur, I want to thank all of you for your support of us seminarians, for your prayers and your financial gifts of support, and the things from time to time you send us in seminary,” he said. “I go to school with about 70 to 80 other seminarians, and it’s amazing how many of them never receive anything at all, not even a phone call or a card in the mail from anybody back in their diocese. “Arthur and I can’t say that about the people in East Tennessee. We’re 5constantly receiving things from The East Tennessee Catholic

Dan McWilliams

More than 100 welcome him at the airport. By Dan McWilliams

Newly arrived Cardinal Rigali greets Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan, superior general emerita of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., after his arrival at McGhee Tyson Airport.

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November 6, 2011 5

founder of a children’s hospital in St. Louis, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. He could have played professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. “He was a remarkable man not just because he was Monsignor Sullivan but because he was a priest of Jesus Christ. He celebrated the sacraments faithfully and often.” Bishop Stika said that the Vespers service honored not only the three men but also the priesthood itself. “We thank almighty God for the gift of the priesthood,” he said. “Although at times priests sin and make mistakes—and that’s what we’re dealing with in this day and age— there are other priests throughout the world who are faithful in their teaching, in their celebration of the sacraments, in their love for their people, and in learning from their people.” Father Schmidt has been pastor— and is now rector—of the recently designated Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga for 25 years. “He heads a committee that takes care of the priests to make sure their health-care bills are paid for,” said the bishop. “He’s so faithful. He’s a dean. He has had a great love for Sts. Peter and Paul. I think he’s been assigned to Sts. Peter and Paul since the day of Sts. Peter and St. Paul.” Father Garrity has been principal of Knoxville Catholic High School as well as a pastor, now at St. John Neumann in Farragut. Earlier this year he was named vicar for priests. “He’s a man who has a great love of the priesthood,” said Bishop Stika, “who wishes to make sure the younger priests and also those who have been around for a little longer are cared for, educated, formed, and able to celebrate in the fraternity of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. A man who has served so generously, a number of assignments.” Monsignor Hofstetter “has a great love of the Church and theology,” said the bishop. “A man who has taught me the importance of for-

6 November 6, 2011

giveness. A man who has taught me you’re never too old to learn something new about the Church. And he’s a good example for all of us, my brothers, in continually seeking the truth and knowing that just because the bishop at one moment in our lives lays hands on our heads, we should continue to be open to more and more formation and learning.” After the homily the bishop presented each of the new monsignors with his letter of appointment, following the reading of each letter by Deacon Sean Smith. At a reception sponsored by the Serra Club of Chattanooga, the three new monsignors reflected on their honor. Monsignor Garrity, ordained a priest in 1976, said he “was exceedingly surprised and very humbled, and in many ways I’m grateful to my parents and all the people who have been a part of my life the last 35 years.” Monsignor Garrity lost both of his parents in the last five years: his father, Galen, in 2006, and his mother, Sylvia, exactly two years before the investiture ceremony. “I talked to them as I was walking over here, and I think they’re happy,” said Monsignor Garrity. Monsignor Schmidt, a priest of 41 years, said he was “speechless” when he learned of his honor. The three men were given their letters of appointment in a dinner at the bishop’s house. Monsignor Schmidt said he was “fumbling with” the envelope, and the bishop said, “You need to open that, George.” “I opened it, and of course it was in Latin, but I did understand enough that I knew that I was being named a monsignor, and it’s still a little overwhelming.” Monsignor Schmidt met a number of people from his past assignments after the Vespers service. “I’m grateful for that. It’s good to see them.” Monsignor Hofstetter said he was “very surprised” when he learned of Monsignors continued on page 8

Dan McWilliams (3)

Monsignors continued from page 1

Trio of monsignors Bishop Stika vested each new monsignor and handed him his letter of appointment at the Vespers service Oct. 9. Monsignor Bob Hofstetter is pictured at top. In the center photo, Monsignor Pat Garrity is seen with Father David Carter, the master of ceremonies. Monsignor George Schmidt is in the bottom photo.

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Respect for life

Working undercover for life

ila Rose has become so wellknown for her undercover investigations at abortion clinics in the last several years that she has had to “retire” at the age of 23. The recent UCLA graduate was the keynote speaker at the Celebrate Life Banquet on Oct. 18 at the Knoxville Convention Center. The annual event is sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life. “When I walk into Planned Parenthood clinics now, I guess you could say I’m flattered to see my photo on the wall, so they’ve caught on to me,” said Miss Rose. The founder of Live Action, a youth-led organization that works to expose abuses in the abortion industry and advocate for human rights for the pre-born, conducted one of her undercover projects in Memphis. Videos of her projects have drawn thousands of views on YouTube. “Her work in exposing Planned Parenthood in Memphis helped us in the legislature to defund Planned Parenthood,” said state Rep. Bill Dunn, the banquet emcee. “In fact, the final piece went into place last night when the Shelby County Commission voted 9-4 to take the money away from Planned Parenthood and instead give it to Christ Community Health Services.” Miss Rose, a frequent TV and radio guest, founded Live Action at the age of 15. As a UCLA freshman she also founded The Advocate, now the largest pro-life student publication in the country, distributed at more than 300 high schools and colleges. The San Jose native complimented Tennessee at the beginning of her talk in Knoxville. “You know how to get it done, The East Tennessee Catholic

because two years ago when we released that Memphis video, Tennessee didn’t skip a beat,” she said. “You jumped on it. You started getting legislation in order. Now it’s passed.” Miss Rose and the UCLA higherups were on opposite sides of the abortion debate, she soon found out as a student. “I learned that the faculty at UCLA, the teachers, the administration—especially the health administration—were very pro-abortion.” That led to her first undercover project, at the UCLA Health Center. “I wanted to see what they would tell me if I [told them I] was pregnant, what they told pregnant students on campus. They looked at me and said, ‘UCLA doesn’t support women who are pregnant. . . . But there are two abortionists we can connect you with at the UCLA Medical Center within the next two weeks. We can help you make that appointment, and if you don’t want it on your parents’ insurance—well, that’s simple, we’ll just have the state of California pay for it.’ “That was my first bit of advice from UCLA Health Center.” Miss Rose and the other young people working with her “wanted to find a way to tell other people what was really happening, not only at the health center but also inside abortion clinics,” she said, adding that “abortion does not liberate. Abortion does not free. Abortion enslaves, it hurts, and it enables abusers. Abortion enables abuse.” In her next undercover project she posed as a 15-year-old girl at an abortion clinic in Santa Monica, saying she was pregnant by a 23-yearold. A clinic worker, instead of immediately reporting statutory rape,

Dan McWilliams

Lila Rose is the Celebrate Life dinner speaker. By Dan McWilliams

‘You know how to get it done’ Lila Rose delivers the keynote talk at the annual Celebrate Life Banquet at the Knoxville Convention Center.

as required by law, told Miss Rose to report her age as older to avoid the statutory-rape charge and not bring attention to the case. “On the wall it said esperanza, or hope in Spanish, and I thought, This must be the most hopeless place in Santa Monica,” she said. The Internet videos she posted drew a lawsuit threat from Planned Parenthood. That drove her to prayer, said Miss Rose. At that time, her efforts had not reached the ears of the national media, she added. “God in his power and his love and his grand plan used the threat of Planned Parenthood attacking a college student to push the story out, to push the evidence that was on those videotapes out into the public—and that’s when Bill O’Reilly called.” Miss Rose said it is a “gift to be part of” the pro-life movement. “I believe it’s the greatest humanrights movement that our country has ever had, to proclaim that all life from the moment of conception, from the beginning of biological development, is precious. “All life is absolutely precious and must and should be protected by

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love and by law. We get to proclaim that great truth.” Stacy Dunn, executive director of the Knox County TRL chapter, updated the audience on victories for the pro-life cause in the past year. Those included the defunding of Planned Parenthood; the placement of SJR 127 on the 2014 ballot; the Choose Life license plates’ becoming the No. 6 selling specialty plate in the state; the placement of pro-life advertisements in The Daily Beacon, the University of Tennessee’s student newspaper, by a donor; and the appearance of two large “choose life” billboards in Knoxville. SJR 127 would give the legislature, rather than judges, the sole authority for making provisions for abortion. Mrs. Dunn e-mailed supporters before the banquet about a “surprise announcement” that would be made during it. She drew a big round of applause when she announced that a donor had just given the TRL chapter a piece of property next door to the Planned Parenthood clinic on Cherry Street in Knoxville. TRL could use the land for abortion crosses or in any number of other ways, said Mrs. Dunn. n November 6, 2011 7

ETC people

Catechetical days offered this fall The Office of Christian Formation, in collaboration with Aquinas College in Nashville, will offer two more catechetical Saturdays this year. The program is for parish catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and RCIA teams. There is no charge. Each day includes hourlong modules on the sacraments, morality, prayer, and creative methods for teaching. The sessions will be conducted by the Nashville Dominican sisters. Formation days, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (choose one) n Nov. 5, Notre Dame Church, Greeneville n Nov. 12, Sacred Heart Cathedral A mandatory catechist-orientation day for all new catechists, catechists certified before 2008, and catechetical leaders is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3, at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. For details, contact Father Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@dioknox.org or 865584-3307 or e-mail jperkins@ dioknox.org. Register online at bit.ly/faith-formation. n

Monsignors continued from page 6

his honor at the bishop’s house. “I had no idea,” he said. Monsignor Hofstetter, 57 years a priest, said he never thought the monsignor honor would come his way. He called the ceremony at Sacred Heart “a very beautiful service.” “The nice part about it was to see so many of the folks who came from parishes where I have served in the past,” he said. n

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Holy Cross Brother Paul Bray dies at 81 He helped the underprivileged in the Morgan County area for more than 30 years.

rother Paul Bray, CSC, 81, who served for more than 30 years in the Diocese of Knoxville, died Saturday evening, Sept. 24, at Dujarie House in Notre Dame, Ind. Brother Paul was born in Marion, Ohio, on April 2, 1930, to John M. and Anna Quinn Bray. He was educated at St. Mary elementary and high schools, graduating in 1948. He entered the Brothers of the Holy Cross in September 1948, professing his first vows in 1950. He spent 27 years at St. Joseph’s Farm in Granger, Ind., serving in various capacities, including farm manager. In 1978 he left Indiana for the mountains of East Tennessee and began ministry in Morgan County with the Scott–Morgan Development Corp. In 1981 he became the founder and

Brother Paul Bray, CSC

director of the Cumberland Building Ministry, helping underprivileged people build and remodel homes and meeting their basic needs.

In December 2010, because of ill health, he returned to Indiana, living at Dujarie House. Brother Paul is survived by two brothers, Pat and wife Shirley Bray and Jim Bray; and three sisters, Marty T. Burke, Jo Ann Bray, and Holy Cross Sister Rita Bray of Michigan City, Ind. The funeral Mass for Brother Paul was celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the Dujarie House chapel, with burial in the Brothers’ community cemetery. Memorial gifts in honor of Brother Paul may be made to support the ministry outreach of St. Ann Parish in Lancing. Gifts may be sent to Congregation of the Holy Cross, Moreau Province, Attention: Brother William Nick, CSC, 1101 St. Edward’s Drive, Austin, TX 78704. n

St. Mary’s legacy lives on in new foundation The charitable endeavor will ‘carry on the works of mercy.’ By Dan McWilliams

ercy Health Partners and the Catholic oversight of several Knoxville-area hospitals may be gone, but the works of mercy at the facilities—begun in 1930 with the founding of the original St. Mary’s Hospital—will continue with the creation of a new foundation. Bishop Richard F. Stika, in an Oct. 3 e-mail to clergy, seminarians, and diocesan staff, announced the creation of the St. Mary’s Legacy Foundation of East Tennessee Inc. “As a result of the sale of Mercy Health Partners, a gift of $7.8 million has been made to start a new charitable foundation that will carry on the works of mercy to educate,

to heal the sick, and to lift up the poor,” the bishop wrote. “This foundation, made up of members of the faithful of East Tennessee, will be able to make a significant contribution in these three areas for years to come. Although there is nothing that can replace the impact St. Mary’s Hospital has made in East Tennessee over the last 81 years, I am comforted by the hope this new foundation will bring to many people in East Tennessee.” Health Management Associates purchased Mercy Health Partners for $525 million this summer. The sale closed Oct. 1, and the Mercy system was renamed Tennova Healthcare. The for-profit HMA assured the

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

bishop that it would not perform abortions or assist with euthanasia at any of its newly acquired hospitals. Members of the corporation of the foundation are Bishop Stika; Father David Boettner, a vicar general of the diocese; Deacon Sean Smith, diocesan chancellor; Deacon David Lucheon, diocesan finance officer; and Clara Mathien, representing the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville. Members of the board of directors of the foundation are Mercy Sister Martha Naber, Richard Buhrman, Larry DeWine, Joan Eiffe, Ray Flynn, Erika Fuhr, George Haggard, Alexian Brother John Howard, Monsignor Al Humbrecht, Sally Sefton,

Foundation continued on page 10 dioknox.org

Dan McWilliams (2)

Diocese offers ongoing Virtus child-protection training sessions

Basilica inauguration Mass celebrated Bishop Richard F. Stika blesses the ombrellino, or umbrella, during the Mass marking the inauguration of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga on Oct. 22. Also pictured are (from left) seminarians Adam Royal and Jeff Emitt, master of ceremonies Father Randy Stice, and John Paul Mahoney. An article and additional photos will appear in the Dec. 4 issue.

The Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth—a threehour seminar called “Protecting God’s Children”—is offered regularly throughout the diocese. The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and are recommended for parents and grandparents. The following training sessions have been scheduled: n Holy Cross Church, Pigeon Forge, 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 n St. Dominic Church, Kingsport, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 n Immaculate Conception Church, Knoxville, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 n St. Jude Church, Chattanooga, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 (session will be held in the parish life center) n Holy Spirit Church, SoddyDaisy, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 n Sacred Heart Cathedral, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 (session will be held in the Shea Room) n St. Albert the Great Church, Knoxville, 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Participants are asked to donate $1 for session materials. To register, visit virtusonline.org. n

IC observes 125th anniversary of church Deacon Hieu Vinh proclaims the Gospel at the Mass celebrating the 125th anniversary of the church building at Immaculate Conception in Knoxville. At right is server Gabby Parisi. Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the Mass, and IC pastor Father Ron Franco, CSP, was joined by three former pastors. An article and additional photos will appear in the Dec. 4 issue. The East Tennessee Catholic

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

November 6, 2011 9

and Father Jim Vick. Bishop Stika will serve as board chair. Bishop Stika said in an interview that he “wanted to continue the legacy of St. Mary’s Hospital,” which led to negotiations with the owners and the $7.8 million donation for the foundation. The bishop thanked Deacon Smith, Father Boettner, and Deacon Lucheon for their help in the process. The money comes from both Mercy Health Partners and HMA, as well as from another foundation at the hospital. “Its whole purpose is to support the educational and charity needs of the people of East Tennessee,” said the bishop. Bishop Stika emphasized that “the income from this foundation will not be used for the operation of this diocese.” “The income will be used for charity and for the education of the people of East Tennessee,” he said. “This foundation is recognized by the state of Tennessee, and it will be governed by its charter and bylaws.” The bishop stated in the email that even though “there will no longer be a Catholic health organization in the Knoxville area,” the new foundation will continue the works of the Sisters of Mercy established by their foundress. “This is indeed a sad loss, but the original mission of Venerable Catherine McAuley will continue to be present and active in our diocese. Venerable Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy—who started St. Mary’s Hospital—and sought to incarnate the Mercy of God the Father to the poor, sick, and uneducated of her time.” n

10 November 6, 2011

Priestly life

Research proves it: priests are happy The typical one is not a ‘lonely, dispirited figure,’ says a monsignor. By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS)—Monsignor Stephen Rossetti is out to correct the myth that the typical Catholic priest is “a lonely, dispirited figure living an unhealthy life that breeds sexual deviation,” as a writer for the Hartford Courant once put it. And he’s got the data to prove it. The research is “consistent, replicated many times, and now incontrovertible” that priests as a group are happy, Monsignor Rossetti told a daylong symposium on the priesthood Oct. 5 at The Catholic University of America in Washington. The symposium was built around Monsignor Rossetti’s book Why Priests Are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests (Ave Maria Press, 2011). A priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., he is a clinical associate professor of pastoral studies at the university and former president and CEO of St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md., a treatment facility for Catholic clergy and religious. The book’s conclusions are based on a survey of 2,482 priests from 23 U.S. dioceses in 2009, supplemented by a 2004 survey of 1,242 priests from 16 dioceses and other studies. The research found, among other things, that priests are “no more and no less depressed than anyone else in the world,” “a little bit better than the laity” in studies that measure human intimacy, and “quite a bit lower than the general population” in the degree that they are experiencing emotional burnout, the priest said. More than 90 percent of priests said they receive the emotional support they need, 83 percent said they are able to share problems and feelings, and just 22 percent said they are lonely. The vast majority of priests cited lay friends as a major support. “That’s what priests do—make

CNS photo/Bob Roller

Foundation continued from page 8

Symposium speaker and author Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a clinical associate professor at The Catholic University of America, speaks with a Catholic News Service reporter in 2010 at the university in Washington.

relationships,” he said. He expressed concern, however, that 42 percent of priests in the 2004 survey—“and probably more than 50 percent today”—said they “feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do.” Monsignor Rossetti said the primary source of happiness for priests is “a powerful spiritual life” and “a connection to God and his people.” “When you get closer to the Lord, you build friendships,” he said. “If you don’t love the God image in the person next to you, how can you love a God you cannot see?” Those who said they engage in private prayer for up to an hour each day are “less emotionally exhausted, less depressed, less likely to be obese, and less likely to be lonely,” he said. He said younger priests are more likely to participate in “traditional prayer practices” such as eucharistic adoration and recitation of the rosary. They also are much more likely to affirm the value of celibacy. “Mandatory celibacy may be wan-

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

ing as a hot-button issue for priests,” Monsignor Rossetti said, citing its support among 81 percent of priests ordained less than 10 years ago but only 38 percent of priests ordained between 30 and 40 years ago. The priest said he is not sure why there is such resistance in the media to the idea that priests are happy, despite the evidence. He said many in the media believe “religion stifles humanity and personal freedom” and subscribe to what he called “eat your peas theology.” In the same way that children are told to “eat your peas” in order to get dessert, some believe that “God rewards us for doing this miserable thing,” as they see religion, he said. The symposium was sponsored by Catholic University’s school of theology and religious studies, St. Luke Institute, Theological College, and the Society of St. Sulpice. n Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops dioknox.org

Diocesan calendar by Toni Pacitti Knoxville Catholic High School will have an admissions information meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the school. Participants can learn about KCHS; meet administrators, academicdepartment chairs, and coaches; register for the placement test; tour the campus; and pick up an application packet for the 2012-13 school year. For more information, contact Barrie Smith, dean of admissions, at 865-560-0502 or bsmith@knoxvillecatholic.com. “A (Mostly) Medieval and Renaissance Christmas” concert is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, with all proceeds to be donated to the Knoxville Ladies of Charity for their poverty-relief programs. Featuring the Pope Benedict XVI Schola and organist Charles Walden, the program will take place at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at the door or online, via Paypal, at bit.ly/ uJrwFv. The program includes ancient carols from Italy, England, France, and Germany as well as sacred polyphony by Renaissance masters such as Palestrina, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Hans Leo Hassler. For details, e-mail mary@ b16schola.org or call 865-437-8620. Bishop Richard F. Stika will again celebrate three bilingual Masses throughout the diocese in honor of the sacrament of marriage. Couples will have the opportunity to renew their vows during Mass and continue to celebrate with family and friends at a luncheon following Mass. Included with the luncheon, provided by the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, are mementos of the celebration: a certificate and a photo with the bishop for each couple who registers in advance. The first Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Register by Friday, Dec. 30, by contacting Rubianna Gonzalez at 865-588-0249 or rgonzalez @shcknox.org. The second Mass is set for Saturday, Feb. 11, at St. Jude The East Tennessee Catholic

Church in Chattanooga. Register by Friday, Feb. 3, by calling Tina LoTufo or Gail Campbell at 423-870-2386 or emailing Kyra Ross at kross@ stjudechattanooga.org. The third Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at St. Mary Church in Johnson City. Register by Friday, Feb. 24, by contacting Katherine Angulo at 423282-6367, extension 20, or pastoralministriesjc@yahoo.com.

age, and Mercy Sister Albertine Paulus is coordinator for the trip. The group will depart from Atlanta. Cost is $3,199 (cash-discount price) or $3,398, plus airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and tips. To request information, contact Sister Albertine at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.com.

The 12th annual Holiday Gift Boutique benefiting the Ladies of Charity of Knoxville is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral School Gym. Food will be served in the “Soulfood Café,” and music will be provided by Sacred Heart students and preschoolers. Items for sale include home decor, silver jewelry, toys, holiday gifts, vintage accessories, fall plants and bulbs, children’s clothes, hair bows, art, purses, makeup, and a Blessed Mother Teresa ornament.

“A Jubilee Pilgrimage to France” is planned for April 16 through 27, 2012, under the spiritual direction of Father Albert Sescon and Father Peter Iorio, with Mercy Sister Albertine Paulus as group coordinator. The itinerary includes visits to Rouen, Lisieux, the Normandy beaches, Caen, Paris, Chartres, and Lourdes. The group will depart from Atlanta. Cost is $3,539 (cash-discount price) or $3,758, plus airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and tips. To request a color brochure and registration form, call the St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish office at 423-476-8123 or contact Sister Albertine at 865-545-8270, 207-4742, or smaevang@yahoo.com.

A Rachel’s Vineyard weekend, a healing and recovery retreat for those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties as a result of abortion, will be held in the Nashville area Nov. 18 through 21. Contact Mary at info@hope afterabortiontn.com. Complete confidentiality is honored at all times.

The next Marriage Encounter weekend in the diocese is scheduled for Nov. 18 through 20 at the Americourt Hotel & Conference Center in Kingsport. For more information, contact John or Anne Wharton at 423-581-1815 or acw193@bellsouth.net, or visit www. loveinthesmokies.org or wwme.org.

Knoxville Catholic High School will have a placement test for current eighthgrade students at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Preregistration is required. Students must bring $25 (cash or check to KCHS) and two No. 2 pencils. Testing will finish at noon, and a midmorning snack will be provided. To register or learn more, contact Barrie Smith, dean of admissions, at 560-0502 or bsmith@ knoxvillecatholic.com.

The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held Feb. 3 through 5 at a site to be determined. To register, call Jason or Carmen Jean sonne at 865-377-3077. For more information on Engaged Encounter, e-mail Paul or Pam Schaffer at ceeknoxville@ gmail.com or visit www.rc.net/knoxville/ cee/.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Land, “Journey With the Lord During Lent,” is set for Feb. 27 through March 11, 2012. Pilgrims will visit holy sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and elsewhere. Monsignor Al Humbrecht will be the spiritual leader of the pilgrim-

The second annual search is on for the longest-married couple in the United States by Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME). The longestmarried couple in the country as well as in each state and territory will be recognized in February 2012. Nominations are open to all husband-and-wife couples regardless of religious affiliation.

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

Those wishing to nominate a couple should send their names, wedding date, and address as well as the nominating party’s contact phone or e-mail address to dickanddiane66@bellsouth.net or Dick and Diane Baumbach, 1430 Scorpious Court, Merritt Island, FL 32953 or call 321-453-2475. Nominations must be received by Jan. 10, 2012. The next charismatic Mass in the diocese will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City. Father Dan Whitman will be the celebrant. Prayers for healing will follow the Mass. All are invited to attend. The Community of Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer and service to the poor. Two Sant’Egidio groups regularly meet in the Diocese of Knoxville, in Knoxville and Johnson City. For more information on the Knoxville group, call Ellen Macek at 865-675-5541. Call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061 for details on the Johnson City group. Everyone is welcome. 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. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for updated information. 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. The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery office in Knoxville. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-5843307 for more information. n November 6, 2011 11

Parish notes: Chattanooga Deanery OLPH, Chattanooga Father Mike Creson will celebrate his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in a Mass at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Bishop Richard F. Stika will preside. Dinner will follow Mass. To RSVP, call 423-622-7232 or e-mail franklin_olph@hotmail.com. The OK Club went on a fall luncheon cruise on the Southern Belle on Oct. 31.

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain St. Augustine held the inaugural meeting of its Council of Catholic Women on Sept. 15 with a Mass followed by a wine-and-cheese get-together in the parish life center. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Abraham Vettavelil, MSFS, Father Joseph Kuzhupil, MSFS, and Father Augustin Joseph, MSFS, all priests of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales. Father Kuzhupil is the pastor of St. Augustine. At a follow-up meeting Oct. 13 the council heard a talk on the rosary by Sister Mary Evelyn, a Dominican sister currently stationed at Notre Dame High in Chattanooga.

Scott Maentz

OLPH’s cross-country team had a strong finish to its season. The top five runners in each grade level will receive medals. OLPH had four medal winners in Kassidy Barta, Rachel Anne Scalla, Jane Anne Haywood, and Katrina Lundquist and a near medal winner in Hannah Ingle.

Athens parish breaks ground on new center Bishop Richard F. Stika helps St. Mary Parish in Athens break ground on a new parish family center Oct. 3. Also turning the earth are, from left Cardinal Justin F. Rigali; Father William Oruko, AJ, St. Mary pastor; and Sue Granger, high school youth minister. The project is the first of three phases, with phase one including a parish hall with seating for nearly 300, a commercial kitchen, and a youth center. The second and third phases, to be completed later, will include parish administrative offices and education space. The first phase of the building will have about 11,300 square feet, with a cost of about $1.7 million. Construction was set to begin in October 2011 and finish by June 2012. The architect is Foxhollow Goodson of Knoxville, and the contractor is Rentenbach Constructors of Knoxville. This project N is the first for the parish since the construction of the church on the new parish campus, completed in 2004.

Knights of Columbus Council 14521 recently received the Double Star Award from the Supreme Council. Only 348 Double Star Councils were named worldwide this year out of more than 14,000 councils.

St. Jude, Chattanooga The Knights of Columbus and the St. Jude Legion of Mary sponsored a living rosary Oct. 24.

All senior high youth and young adults who have participated in a Search retreat during the past year are invited to meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Harwood Room of the family life center for a “Follow-Up Search.” Pizza will be served. To RSVP, Call Alicia at 870-8002 or e-mail bradshawa5@gmail.com. Joanna Poinsatte, a junior psychology major at the University of Notre Dame, was recently named a 2011 Scholar-Athlete by the College Rowing Coaches Association. She is the daughter of John and Mary Anne Poinsatte of Hixson and a member of St. Jude.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga The parish picnic was held Oct. 9.

Sts. Peter and Paul Parishioners prayed the rosary 20 minutes before each Mass on weekends in October. n

12 November 6, 2011

Courtesy of ELizabeth COnway

Parish rosary makers need donations of new or gently used religious articles to send to Ghana, West Africa. Leave items in the designated box in the church vestibule or bring them to the parish office no later than Sunday, Nov. 20. Call Lois at 423-875-6379 or Judy at 344-7325 for details.

Chattanooga Deanery CCW meets at Holy Spirit The Chattanooga Deanery Council of Catholic Women convened its fall general meeting and luncheon Oct. 15 at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. The theme for the day was “Mary Our Mother,” with Father Augustine Idra, AJ, as guest speaker. Above, Father Idra is pictured with CCW officers, all from the Chattanooga Deanery unless noted. From left are Karen Biagi, secretary; Geraldine Charton, service committee chair; Marilyn Hafner, Knoxville Diocesan CCW spirituality committee chair; Lisa Tuggle, president; Brenda Blevins, vice president; and Emily Knock, treasurer.

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

dioknox.org

Cumberland Mountain Deanery calendar St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut will have a holy hour for priestly vocations from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, in the church. The event will be held on the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians. The Council of Catholic Women at St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge will host a parish mission Wednesday and Thursday,

Parish notes: Cumberland Mountain Deanery

Nov. 16 and 17, featuring Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, pastoral associate at Blessed John XXIII Parish in Knoxville. The theme of the mission is “Knock, Knock, Who’s Not There?” Topics include “who is missing in our parish participation and leadership.” Morning sessions are set for 8 to 10 a.m., beginning with Mass each day, and evening sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., with Mass on Wednesday. n

All Saints, Knoxville Forty hours’ devotion in honor of the Solemnity of All Saints was celebrated Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. A Halloween party was held for the children of the parish Oct. 30. Knights of Columbus Council 5207 recently welcomed Gene Sabo and Shea Tolson of All Saints as members.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman The Knights of Columbus will sell “Keep Christ in Christmas” cards this fall.

Founding parishioner honored Louise Poly was honored at a reception at St. Therese Church in Clinton on Aug. 27. Mrs. Poly and her late husband, Howard “Hud” Poly, former mayor of Clinton, are one of the seven founding families of St. Therese. Mr. Poly handcarved the Stations of the Cross for the church. Mrs. Poly has moved to Nebraska to be near her son, Dennis. With Mrs. Poly are Sister Yvette Gillen, RSM, parish pastoral associate; Dennis Poly; and Father Bill Gahagan, St. Therese pastor.

CYO members walked through a “haunted” corn maze at Oakes Farm in Corryton on Oct. 22.

Courtesy of Pat Nageotte

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The book club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the conference room. The book to be discussed is Unbroken (Random House, 2010) by Laura Hillenbrand. There will be no book club meeting in December. Men’s prayer breakfasts will be held Saturdays, Nov. 5 and 19, after the 8 a.m. Mass. All men of the parish are invited.

New Maynardville mission having open house he new Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission in Maynardville, staffed by Glenmary Home Missioners, will have an open house from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. An ecumenical prayer ser-

The Council of Catholic Women will have its monthly meeting Wednesday, Nov. 9. The speaker will be Father Doug Owens, the diocese’s most recently ordained priest.

The book of remembrance will remain in the main lobby during November so names can be added. It will be placed near the altar during all weekend Masses in November.

vice will take place at 4 p.m. The mission is located at 4365 Maynardville Highway (Highway 33) in a storefront next to American Rentals, across the highway from Food City. n

Anniversaries: Steve and Mary Lou Knowles (64), Gene and Ev Belvo (60), Lyle and Kathryn Flahaven (58), Ron and Terry Gleusner (55), Darius and Joanne Bielicki (52), Fred and Sharon Henkel (50)

St. John Neumann, Farragut

Nadolnys celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

The East Tennessee Catholic

Courtesy of Roseann Strazinsky

aymond and Joan Nadolny of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 26. The Nadolnys were married at St. Joseph Church in Chicago. Their five children are Raymond Nadolny of Williston, N.D.; Randal Nadolny of Kansas City, Mo.; Rene Casserilla of Nashville; Richard Nadolny of Lisle, Ill.; and Robert Nadolny of Steamboat Springs, Colo. The couple also has nine grandchildren. They retired from the Corey Steel Co. in Cicero, Ill., and moved to

Father Doug Owens presented a training session for all current and new readers on Oct. 8.

Raymond and Joan Nadolny

Fairfield Glade in 2003. The Nadolnys planned to celebrate their anniversary at Dollywood with their children and family. n

Lenore Gouge, a teacher at St. John Neumann School, on Oct. 13 spoke of her trips to World Youth Day in Madrid and to Fatima, Portugal.

St. Mary, Oak Ridge Parish youth met with senior citizens on Oct. 24 for a potluck dinner. The parish is forming a group for parents and youth who would like to send care packages to their family members in college. Call Karen Renner at 865-483-3323 for more information. A book of remembrance will be set up in the church to honor loved ones. Call Mary Barker at 483-9326. Father Bede Aboh will present a question-and-answer session on the new translation of the Roman Missal at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. n

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

November 6, 2011 13

Five Rivers Deanery calendar

Parish notes: Five Rivers Deanery

The 10th annual Council of Catholic Women holiday bazaar at St. Patrick Church in Morristown is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The event

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City Father Dan Whitman led Masses at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 1 for All Saints and All Souls days, in remembrance of parishioners who died during the past year. Marlene Holt and Lee and Evangeline Webster rang the bell and read the names of the seven deceased: Peter McEwen, Hilda Riggs, Elizabeth Pratt, Bonnie Warham, Reginald Mowell, Paola Franklin, and Bill Lanners.

features many vendors with holiday items, plus a “French café” serving quiche, croissants, salads, and sandwiches. Call 865607-8809 or 423-312-6950 for details. n

Father Michael Sweeney will speak on the topic of apologetics at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Newcomers: Rosemary Jacob; Ellen Johansson; Jane and George Lane; Richard, Amy, Amelia, and Benjamin Gill

Notre Dame, Greeneville Treats were handed out to youngsters during the parish’s trunk-or-treat event Oct. 26. Newcomers: Bernadette Dutson; Pablo, Patricia, Zueiei, and Amairz Figuera; Daniel and Nancy Hart; Rob, Cathy, Matthew, Robert, and Gabrielle Malloy; Eustaquio, Belen, and Odalis Sanchez; Chang Ying Zou

St. Dominic, Kingsport The Knights of Columbus hosted their annual altar-server appreciation bowlingand-pizza evening Oct. 1. Barry Brickey, public-relations officer with the Kingsport Fire Department, spoke on fire safety during a parish luncheon. The parish held a pro-life night of prayer on Oct. 6.

St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton About 125 people attended the annual parish picnic Sept. 18 at Riverside Pavilion in Elizabethton. The annual bazaar of arts and crafts created by members of the Ladies’ Guild was held Oct. 22. The youth painted and decorated six parish school of religion classrooms at St. Elizabeth this summer. Newcomers: Deacon Michael Frazier of the Diocese of Rockford, Ill.; George and Thea Bratton; Nancy Gellar; Matt Kowollik Baptism: June Rose Jordan

St. Henry, Rogersville Bob McDaniel, Dob O’Brien, and Mike Rogan have been elected to the parish pastoral council, joining Dan Bertrand, Nancy Breen, Katherine Cook, Rita DeWitte, Doris Pierson, and Patricia Wilkosz. Five Rivers continued on page 15

14 November 6, 2011

St. Dominic turnout strong in Kingsport Life Chain The Life Chain in Kingsport was held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the corner of Eastman Road and Center Street. Seven churches were represented, with 52 people in attendance. Thirty-six people from St. Dominic Parish in Kingsport attended. Ken Woods conducted the opening prayer, and St. Dominic pastor Father Mike Nolan led the closing prayer.

Knights council honors husband and wife

nights of Columbus Council 6730 from St. Patrick Parish in Morristown honored one couple as family of the year and the husband as Knight of the year during the group’s annual Wives Appreciation Dinner at Baneberry’s Tavern on the Green on Aug. 21. Deputy Grand Knight Allen Keller said he believes this is the only time in the 30-plus years of the council’s existence that this has happened. Richard Leonhardt and wife Julie contribute to both the life of the parish and the work of the Knights. Mr. Leonhardt currently serves as Grand Knight of Council 6730 and is on the board of the Knights’ SutherlandMetz Home in Morristown for adults with mental challenges. He also has spearheaded major charitable fundraisers for the council such as food-card sales and chili dinners. Mrs. Leonhardt helps her husband with the bookkeeping for these events and is active in the Council

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

Courtesy of Allen Keller

Anniversaries: Jack and Sue Elsaesser (50), John and Donna Pusateri (15)

Courtesy of Joe Disselkamp

The parish held a candlelight vigil for life Oct. 12.

Double honor Richard Leonhardt (left) and wife Julie are pictured with district deputy Bob Householder.

of Catholic Women. The Supreme Council of the Knights recognized Mr. Leonhardt for his successful efforts in recruiting new members. Past Grand Knight Brain Steisslinger has often referred to Mr. Leonhardt as the “indispensable Knight.” The Leonhardts have both worked during the Knight’s annual Tootsie Roll drives to raise money for the mentally challenged. n dioknox.org

Smoky Mountain Deanery calendar A new Divine Mercy Cenacle has been formed at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa. The cenacle studies the diary of St. Faustina regarding the divine mercy of God. The Catechism and the Bible are also part of the curriculum. The cenacle meets in the nursery from 6 to 8 p.m. on first and third Wednesdays. For more information, call facilitator Elizabeth Warynick at 865-233-3155.

Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Nov. 12 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Diana Matthews will give a talk titled “Mark: Contours in Gospel Storytelling.” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. To RSVP or to learn more, call 865-5237931. n

Holy Ghost, Knoxville A volunteer pre-K/kindergarten teacher is needed for the religious-education program. Classes meet from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Sundays at St. Joseph School. Contact Kathleen Kramer at 865-719-8005 or kmrk@mac.com. Six parish teens helped raise funds for Tennessee Right to Life by participating in the Bowl for Life event Sept. 18.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville Men and women of the parish were offered a “high tea” Oct. 2. Finger foods and desserts were served. The women’s guild will present its annual craft fair the weekend of Nov. 12 and 13. Tables are $15 in advance or $20 on the weekend of the fair. Call Beth Meyer at 865-523-4173 or e-mail ejmeyer1@hotmail.com for details.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa A potluck dinner was served to welcome Father Bill McKenzie, Father Bill McNeeley, and Deacon Ken Long on Sept. 18. Father McKenzie and Father McNeeley blessed pets on the feast of St. Francis, Oct. 2.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville

Matt Grubb

Father David Boettner and parish youth slept in large cardboard boxes on the front lawn Oct. 15 and 16 to raise awareness of homelessness.

St. Elizabeth holds vacation Bible school Students at St. Elizabeth Parish in Elizabethton celebrated “Faith Like a Child” during a three-day vacation Bible school in August. Pictured are (from left, front) Daniel Grubb, Luke Anspaugh, Michael Anspaugh, Haile Sexton, Tarah Sexton, and Alison Jordan, and (back) leader Lawrence Mitra, Jennifer Sexton, and leaders Nicole Swink, Leann Eaton, and Ben Paul. Not pictured are leaders Patrick and Gabrielle Mardis.

St. Mary parishioners take part in Life Chain

t. Mary Parish in Johnson City was well represented among the approximately 40 people who gathered on the sidewalk along John Exum Parkway in front of Heritage Baptist Church on Oct. 2 to participate in the local observance of the International Life Chain. The East Tennessee Catholic

Life Chain, a public prayer gathering to end abortion, is scheduled annually on the first Sunday in October. Since it was instituted in 1989, it has spread to 1,500 cities. The Life Chain in Johnson City was organized by the Tri-Cities chapter of Tennessee Right to Life as well as local churches. n

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville A communications ministry is being formed to develop the parish website and provide social-media communications for the parish. Call MaryJane at 865-6897011 or e-mail mj@satgknox.org. Facilitators are needed for the middle and high school faith-formation program. Call Linda Baxter at 922-5915 or Steve Mitchell at 405-2131. To help with confirmation preparation, call Deacon Mike Eiffe at 938-5825. n

Five Rivers continued from page 14 In conjunction with Respect Life Month, the women of St. Henry held prayer time Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29. A “Cow Patty Bingo Fun/Fundraising” event will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, to benefit the church building fund. Newcomers: Gary and Lisa Mace and sons Gary and Travis

St. Patrick, Morristown The Knights of Columbus sponsored their annual fall spaghetti supper Oct. 29. n

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

November 6, 2011 15

Catholic youth

KCHS recognizes Peer Ministry Team

Knoxville Catholic honors Monsignor Thoni

Knoxville Catholic High School recently congratulated all students who were selected for the Peer Ministry Team. The students were chosen by the administration based on their sense of community, spirituality, leadership ability, and ability to relate to different groups. Students can request to join the team, or they may be chosen by the religion department. The list of potential members is passed on to the administration, which selects the team. The 2011-12 Peer Ministry Team comprises juniors Nolan Coulter, Rhett Dunlap, Lucy Fortune, Krissy Holvey, Molly Jones, Reese Staley, and Allen Zinkle and seniors Matt Armstrong, Nick Bonfini, Patrick Conaty, Tommy Conaty, John Cortese, Jake Dovgan, Elyse Eilerman, Sarah Flammang, Megan Ferowich, Stevie Gleason, CC Hermes, Jim Hunter, Kelly Lehman, Laura McCarty, Katie McCarty, Liz Morris, Ryan Nelson, Luke Petr, Jessie Punch, Andy Remeta, Macie Solomon, Lucas Stiles, and Thomas West. n

Reece McKenzie of Knoxville Catholic High School has been named as a semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Reece is one of 1,600 African-American high school seniors selected from a nationwide pool of more than 160,000 students. Reece is competing for one of 800 scholarship awards worth more than a total of $2.4 million. n

16 November 6, 2011

noxville Catholic High School principal Dickie Sompayrac presented Monsignor Philip F. Thoni with the 2011 John and Sondra Faris Distinguished Service Award between the first and second quarters of the Fighting Irish’s homecoming football game Oct. 14. Ordained in 1949, Monsignor Thoni had assignments in parishes and schools across Tennessee for more than six decades. From 1952 through 1956 he was a teacher, a basketball coach, and eventual athletics director at Knoxville Catholic High School. As one of the most beloved faculty members in the school’s nearly 80-year history, he is often asked to return and serve as celebrant for reunion Masses.

“Monsignor Thoni has a love for KCHS that cannot be matched,” said Mr. Sompayrac. “He has always said that the two greatest Catholic institutions in Knoxville are St. Mary’s Hospital and Knoxville Catholic High School. We would be hard pressed to find a person more worthy for this honor.” In 1967 then–Father Thoni began his military career as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. He completed two tours in Vietnam and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1989, having won the Bronze Star and the Commendation Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service.” In 1991 the Army called him back to active duty in Operation Desert Storm. KCHS has also benefited greatly

from the monsignor’s many financial contributions. Already a generous donor to the school’s annual fund and expansion efforts, in 1999 he began donating his entire pay as a priest to the school. “Through Father Thoni’s years of generous support, tuition assistance has been afforded to many Catholic families in need,” said Mr. Sompayrac. Last year the school presented the first Distinguished Service Award to John and Sondra Faris, who have made countless donations of their time, talent, and treasure to the school. The award was named in their honor to recognize their many contributions to the school and community. n

Courtesy of Michelle DOughertY (2)

KCHS student in running for scholarship

The longtime supporter of the school receives a distinguished-service award.

St. John Neumann students hold book drive for Joplin school The students of St. John Neumann School in Farragut held a book drive for St. Mary School in Joplin, Mo., during the week of Oct. 17. The SJN students donated their own books or purchased new books for the Missouri school destroyed in May by a tornado. A donation sticker designed by the SJN students was placed in the front cover of each book. More than 500 books were collected. In the photo at left, Ashley Remeta’s first-grade class peruses a few of the books donated by the students of St. John Neumann. From left are (front) Mason Burkhardt, Christian Valderrama, Ella Breaux, Lucy Mayfield, Lily Stouffer, Ryan Preston, Dmitri Kalinin, and Ella Perry and (back) William Pinzon, Cole Fuller, Reagan Cozart, Elizabeth Mathes, Molly Hawk, Flynn Harrigan, and Audrey Stapleton. In the photo at right school principal Bill Derbyshire reads to Kathleen Dorman’s second-grade class. Mr. Derbyshire and academic dean Mary Sue Kosky read to each class to encourage and remind students to donate books. The Diocese of Knoxville Living our Roman Catholic faith in East Tennessee

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Catholic youth

Three from KCHS named National Merit semifinalists

St. Jude eighth-grader saves life of student Aaron Marini performs the Heimlich maneuver on his first-grade mentoring partner.

ighth-grader Aaron Marini of St. Jude School in Chattanooga saved first-grade friend Joseph Shramko from choking by stepping in and performing the Heimlich maneuver Sept. 30, reported WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga. The two know each other through St. Jude’s mentoring program. Aaron’s father had taught him the Heimlich maneuver about three months beforehand. The incident happened Sept. 30 at the annual Field Day picnic at St.

Jude. Aaron was sitting with Joseph and noticed he was gasping. Joseph was eating grapes when he began choking. The first-grader did as his mother taught him and gave the universal choking sign. That’s when Aaron sprang into action. “I came up and I went like this [reached around his waist and pushed his fist into his stomach], and I hit him twice, like that, and he swallowed it,” Aaron told the TV station. Parents of each boy, Andrew and Michelle Marini and John and Te-

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced the names of three Knoxville Catholic High School students who have been named semifinalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are CC Hermes, Liz Morris, and Julie Rich. Knoxville Catholic has had 31 National Merit semifinalists since 2007. These students qualified as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the initial screen of program entrants. Only 16,000 of the 1.5 million students who took the test were chosen as National Merit semifinalists. CC, Liz, and Julie represent fewer than 1 percent of all high school seniors in Tennessee. n

resa Shramko, met Oct. 6, and the Shramkos thanked Aaron’s mother. Teresa Shramko believes the boys’ paths crossed for a reason. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” she said. “My telling him to do that [choking sign] and Aaron knowing how to do the Heimlich just months before, I think it was just meant to be. I think God knew and knew that Aaron should be his partner.” The two boys had known each other only for about four weeks. n

KCHS names students of the month for September, October

The East Tennessee Catholic

St. Jude students take part in effort to break record for jumping jacks

COurtesy of Megan Locke

noxville Catholic High School recently selected students of the month for September and October. Students are nominated by faculty and staff members for adherence to the school motto: Ut Christum feram (“That I might bear Christ”). They are nominated based on spirituality, character, attitude, work ethic, academics, service, kindness, and/or school spirit. The October awards were announced at an all-school Mass on Oct. 13 by Mark Balog, Knoxville Catholic director of campus ministry, and presented by principal Dickie Sompayrac. Award-winners were freshmen Nora Connelly and Matt Dovgan, sophomores Monica Armstrong and John Mark Broussard, juniors Teresa Bradford and Michael Erpenbach, and seniors Catie Cox and Taylor Adkins. The September awards were announced by Mr. Balog at a school Mass on Sept. 15 and presented by Mr. Sompayrac. Those recipients were freshmen Maddie Andre and Mario Sewell,

October honorees The KCHS October students of the month are (from left, front) Matt Dovgan, John Mark Broussard, and Monica Armstrong and (back) Teresa Bradford, Catie Cox, Taylor Adkins, and Michael Erpenbach. Not pictured is Nora Connelly.

sophomores Leila Mire and Zach Gee, juniors Mary Armitage and

eese Staley, and seniors Jessica R Sellers and Kurtis Kyle. n

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

Approximately 250 students at St. Jude School gathered on the front field Oct. 12 to participate in the national effort to break the world record for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. Independent witnesses, supervisors, and timekeepers were provided by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Department of Health and Human Performance. The record-breaking effort was initiated by National Geographic Kids magazine and first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign. n

November 6, 2011 17

Sports

18 November 6, 2011

The Fighting Irish place two players on the All-State Team at the finals in Manchester.

he Notre Dame High School boys golf team has earned four consecutive regional championships but turned it up a notch on the second day of this fall’s Class A-AA state golf tournament at WillowBrook Golf Club in Manchester and claimed the state title. The team was led by senior David Weeks, who finished in third place, which placed him on the All-State Team for the second year in a row. David shot a 1-under 69 on the second day of the tourney Sept. 28 and had a two-day total of 143. Kyle Holley also earned All-State honors by finishing in ninth place. Kyle was on fire on the second day, finishing 5-under on the back nine. The nextbest scores for the Irish were turned in by Alexander Riddle, Patrick Armor, and Will Armor. Notre Dame’s team posted a score of 607 to defeat runner-up David Lipscomb by five strokes. n

Courtesy of Gayle Schoenborn

Notre Dame High School head soccer coach Jim Schermerhorn was recently selected by TSSAA as the 2010-11 state of Tennessee girls soccer coach of the year. As the state award recipient, Mr. Schermerhorn will be nominated by TSSAA for consideration as the National Federation of High School Associations’ Section 3 coach of the year. Section 3 includes eight Southeastern states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Sectional award winners are then submitted to a national committee for consideration as NFHS national coach of the year. As head coach for the Lady Irish, Mr. Schermerhorn has taken the team to the state tournament every year since 2003. The team made it to the state final four six years in a row. The Lady Irish advanced to the final championship the past two years and earned the state championship in 2010. Mr. Schermerhorn also coaches the Notre Dame boys team. This is his 11th year of coaching soccer at NDHS. n

Notre Dame golfers bring home state title

Golf champions Notre Dame’s golf team will add another state-champion banner to the school’s collection after winning the title this fall. Bishop Richard F. Stika and Sister Mary Marta Abbott, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, joined the team for a photo. From left are players Ian Sullivan, Patrick Armor, David Weeks, Kyle Holley, Will Armor, and Alexander Riddle.

Crownings at Notre Dame Notre Dame High School crowned Angelia (Angie) Marini as the 2011 homecoming queen and James (Matt) Reilly as homecoming king during a halftime ceremony at the homecoming football game Sept. 23. Angie is the daughter of Andrew and Michelle Marini of St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga. Matt is the son of Frank and Julie Reilly of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga. Courtesy of Gayle Schoenborn

Schermerhorn coach of the year in girls soccer

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

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From the Paraclete: prepare for Advent

United States Postal Service Statement of ownership, management, and circulation Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685 1. Publication title: The East Tennessee Catholic 2. Publication number: 0007-211 3. Filing date: Sept. 30, 2011 4. Issue frequency: Monthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 12 6. Annual subscription price: $15 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, Knox County, TN 379197551 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; editor, Mary C. Weaver, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 10. Owner: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: The East Tennessee Catholic 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Oct. 2, 2011 15. Extent and nature of circulation Average number copies each Number copies of single issue during preceding 12 months issue published nearest to filing date A. Total number of copies (net press run) B. (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (3) Paid distribution outside the mail (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS C. Total paid and/or requested circulation D. Free distribution by mail (1) Free or nominal rate outside-county on Form 3541 (2) Free or nominal rate in-county on Form 3541 (3) Other classes mailed through the USPS (4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail E. Total free or nominal-rate distribution outside the mail F. Total distribution G. Copies not distributed H. Total I. Percent paid

20,450

22,150

19,689 0 0 0 19,689

21,339 0 0 0 21,339

456 0 0 0 456 20,145 305 20,450 97.7

453 0 0 0 453 21,792 358 22,150 97.9

16. Statement of ownership will be printed in the Nov. 6, 2011, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Mary C. Weaver, editor. Date: Sept. 30, 2011 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

The East Tennessee Catholic

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

By Bethany Marinac For mothers who are examples every day to their families, we have just received a fantastic new book. A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa M. Hendey (Ave Maria Press, 2011, $16.95) is full of personal experiences, Scripture, prayers, and spiritual exercises for Catholic women. Each section focuses on a different saint. The stories of the life of the saints are followed by the lessons we can learn from them. For each saint, the book also offers readings, activities, and reflections. Advent begins this year on Nov. 27. For families with small children, we have a booklet that can be used throughout Advent and Christmas. Beginning with the lighting of the first purple candle, “Welcome Baby Jesus” (Liguori, $1.99) guides a family through each day with suggestions for thinking, praying, and acting. “Gather Round the Christmas Tree” (Creative Communications, $1.95) uses the theme of ornaments to show examples of faith through activities and prayers. “Welcome the Light” (Creative Communications, $1.95) is for families with older kids and for adults. “The Lord is Near” by Henri J. M. Nouwen (Creative Communications, $1.95) is full of Advent reflections meant to broaden your perspective. Finally, “With Humble Hearts” (Doubleday, $1.95) presents Mother Teresa’s message as reflections for Advent. n Call the store at 865-5880388 or 800-333-2097. Visit its Facebook page at bit.ly/ paracleteknoxville.

November 6, 2011 19

Living the readings

Weekday Readings

The beginning of the end

Sunday, Nov. 6: Wisdom 6:12-16; Psalm 63:2-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:1318; Matthew 25:1-13 Monday, Nov. 7: Wisdom 1:1-7; Psalm 139:1-10; Luke 17:1-6 Tuesday, Nov. 8: Wisdom 2:23–3:9; Psalm 34:2-3, 16-19; Luke 17:7-10 Wednesday, Nov. 9: Feast, the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22 Thursday, Nov. 10: Memorial, Leo the Great, pope, doctor of the Church, Wisdom 7:22–8:1; Psalm 119:89-91, 130, 135, 175; Luke 17:20-25 Friday, Nov. 11: Memorial, Martin of Tours, bishop, Wisdom 13:1-9; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 17:26-37 Saturday, Nov. 12: Memorial, Josaphat, bishop, martyr, Wisdom 18:14-16 and 19:6-9; Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43; Luke 18:1-8 Sunday, Nov. 13: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30 Monday, Nov. 14: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158; Luke 18:35-43 Tuesday, Nov. 15: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31; Psalm 3:2-7; Luke 19:1-10 Wednesday, Nov. 16: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31; Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15; Luke 19:11-28 Thursday, Nov. 17: Memorial, Elizabeth of Hungary, religious, 1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15; Luke 19:41-44 Friday, Nov. 18: 1 Maccabees 4:3637, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Luke 19:45-48 Saturday, Nov. 19: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13; Psalm 9:2-4, 6, 16, 19; Luke 20:27-40 Sunday, Nov. 20: Solemnity of Christ the King, Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17;

Readings continued on page 21

20 November 6, 2011

by Father Joseph Brando

November’s readings offer a ‘reflection on the last things.’

he liturgical readings of November can make up the first of a two-part reflection on the last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. November considers our spiritual life as we approach death and the end of time. The December readings form part two. A new Advent is at hand, offering us new life and an eternal relationship with God. So in these last months of the civil calendar we reflect on death and on resurrection, which presents hope to an anxious and fear-filled world. In this November edition, we will examine the last three Sundays of the 2011 Liturgical Year along with All Saints and All Souls days. In December we will delve into the four Sundays of Advent as well as Christmas. November starts off with the Solemnity of All Saints and follows it up with the day of remembrance of our faithful departed. Both days together recall the traditional threefold division of the Church as the Church Triumphant, the Church Suffering, and us, the Church Militant. This vision of Church identifies our responsibility to pray for those deceased who are saved but still have unfinished business to settle before experiencing the joys of heaven. At the same time, we can pray with and be prayed for by those who are enjoying the eternal vision of God in Paradise. We can see both sides now and prepare ourselves for the message of the last three Sundays of the Church year. The Gospel reading for Nov. 1 sets the stage perfectly. It is the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Eight times we hear the word blessed proclaimed over those who live the life of the kingdom here on earth. They are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those thirsty

for justice, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. All eight are living a life in contradiction to what worldly people consider successful. The difference is, they’re living an existence the worldly are not aware of. They live in the kingdom of God. The number of beatitudes, eight, is significant. It hints at the Christian view of the time in which we live. Genesis taught us about the seven days of creation. On the seventh, God rested. But Christians recognized that a new day dawned when Jesus rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples. The eighth day of creation has begun. It is the day on which God renews the face of the earth. We celebrate it the day after Sabbath. It is the Lord’s Day, Sunday. That is the “day” in which we are living and will live until the Second Coming. The reading from the book of Revelation relates John’s vision of people sealed as servants of God. There are 144,000 from Israel and an uncountable multitude from the nations. The First Epistle of John indicates this seal is visible. The love of God shining in the lives of the children of God can truly be seen in our acts of charity. We Christians are living proof that the old world is dying and a new world is coming. In fact, it is already here. Life after death All Souls’ Day continues the church’s focus on life after death. We are strongly reminded to pray for the deceased, that their journey from this world to heaven may be happily concluded. Since 1915, when Pope Benedict XV allowed priests to say three Masses on this day, many Scripture passages have

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

been presented for use during the three liturgies of the word. All stress the overlapping relationship between the time we experience now and the eternity we hope to enjoy in heaven. Perhaps the most frequently used Gospel is from the 11th chapter of John’s Gospel—the story of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead. In that story Martha confronts Jesus, and he reassures her that her brother will rise. She proves that she has listened to his teaching by saying that “he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus corrects her by revealing to her that “I am the resurrection and the life.” That is to say, the resurrection is not set in some future time. Christ, who is eternal, is the resurrection. It is not in the future as Martha had figured. It is present in Christ. As baptized Christians, we live in Christ. Our resurrection is now, even as we live in this world of space and time. How much more blessed could we be? The answer to that question may very well be found in the course of the three last Sundays of the liturgical year. As we look at them as a whole, a basic theme emerges: there is a reward for those who labor for the Lord. That reward is eternal life. On the other hand, we must be aware that there is another alternative at the end of our life on earth. We could be shut off from those rewards because we lived for this world and not for the joy God has prepared for us. In more than one way the message of these last three Sundays gives us the bottom line of the Scriptures and of the attitude we should maintain in the world and at Mass. First we’ll look at the second readings. They relate Paul’s explanation of the meaning of death and what it entails. Then we’ll look at the Old Testament readings to find the ideals that lead to a just reward for a life well lived. Finally, we’ll see that all three Gospels come from the 25th chapter of Matthew. The three dioknox.org

Readings continued from page 20

Sundays do indeed have a common message, and Matthew delivers it with great emphasis. Questions about the resurrection In chronological order, the first book of the New Testament to be written was Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. Both the 32nd and 33rd Sundays of ordinary time include excerpts from that epistle, written only about 18 years after Jesus’ resurrection. Paul loved the Christians in Thessalonica very much, and the feeling was mutual. They had some basic questions. They wanted to know how and when the resurrection would take place. It was important to them because their lifestyle was at stake. Some, knowing that the last day was coming fast, stopped working for a living. Why work when the world would be gone soon? And what had happened to those who were already dead? Would they ever get to heaven? Questions like that plagued them. He responded by telling them that we are not to grieve like those who have no hope. So the first answer to the Thessalonians’ problem is to live in hope. With hope we can be assured that at the resurrection of our bodies, we all will meet Christ together. There are no advantages in that regard. We will all be gathered together in the Lord. Those who are with the Lord now will always be with him. Another Thessalonian question that still puzzles people today is, When will the end of the world take place? Paul’s fatherly answer was that we shouldn’t worry about it. All we need to know is that we are God’s children. Time doesn’t matter. All that’s necessary is to remain God’s children. Then we exist in the infinite God. Time has already been conquered. The future is no longer a menace. The second reading for the Solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the year, is from Paul’s The East Tennessee Catholic

First Letter to the Corinthians. There Paul presents a much more developed theology, probably as a result of the many questions he had had to answer in the meantime. He identifies death as Christ’s enemy. Christ destroys death by bringing to life all who come to him. Then Paul compares Christ to Adam. Adam is both the first man and, with Eve, the first to sin. Because death is a consequence of sin, Adam represents death. All who share his humanity die. On the other hand, there is Christ. He is the first man resurrected from the dead. All who share in his life are brought to eternal life. The bottom line is that in Christ we can live forever. Two women and a shepherd The Old Testament readings present us with two women and a shepherd. The first woman comes to us from the Book of Wisdom, where we are introduced to the personification of wisdom. She is very much a woman. She is beautiful. To see her is to love her. She responds to desire. She will quickly free from cares anyone who pursues her. The point is if we are truly wise, we will know God, and nothing can separate us, not even death. The other woman is “a worthy wife.” In a book that looks down on most women, this good wife has all the attributes anyone would admire. Her husband has entrusted his heart to her. In response, she makes his life enjoyable and filled with material goods. She does good to the poor. She is to be praised and given a reward for her labors. Therefore, a good life deserves a good reward. Because God is the ultimate giver of rewards, that reward is heaven. Ezekiel, the author of the first reading proclaimed on the Solemnity of Christ the King, presents God as a shepherd. The sheep he tends have scattered and need to be rescued. The shepherd divides the flock into two categories. One group he describes as the strays,

the injured, and the sick. These he will bring back, bind up, heal, and give rest. The other group are the sleek and the strong. These he will destroy. What a tough prophecy! The point is that God will establish an age of peace. For that, he has to eliminate those who would scatter and hurt the good. Evil will not be allowed in God’s kingdom. The law of Christ Finally we get to the Gospels. All of them come from the 25th chapter of Matthew. This really is the bottom line for Matthew. His Gospel is a work of art and of law. In the center Matthew has five books reminiscent of the five books of the Mosaic Law. They contain, as it were, the law of Christ. These are bracketed by the narrative of Jesus’ birth in the front and his death and resurrection in the back. The last chapter of the fifth book is the one our Gospels come from. They are Matthew’s understanding of what the law of God is all about. All three of the passages contain a dichotomy. In the first, two types of virgins are awaiting the bridegroom—the wise and the foolish. The wise young ladies took enough oil for their lamps in case of delay. The foolish girls did not. The wise went straightaway into the wedding party. By the time the foolish came back from trying to buy oil, they had been locked out and were not to be allowed in. If the wedding feast represents heaven, Jesus is telling us eternal life with God requires preparation. One has to be wise in the ways of God. In the second, there are two kinds of servants. Three servants were given money to care for while the master was away: one received five talents, another two, and a third one. If they had been gold talents and were converted into U.S. dollars at the current rate, each would be worth $2,005,200. All were good portfolios to manage. Two servants

Psalm 23:1-3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28; Matthew 25:31-46

Monday, Nov. 21: Memorial, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3:52-56; Luke 21:1-4 Tuesday, Nov. 22: Memorial, Cecilia, virgin, martyr, Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61; Luke 21:5-11 Wednesday, Nov. 23: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3:62-67; Luke 21:12-19 Thursday, Nov. 24: Memorial, Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, martyr, and his companions, martyrs, Daniel 6:12-28; Daniel 3:68-74; Luke 21:20-28; optional readings for Thanksgiving Day, Sirach 50:22-24; Psalm 145:2-11; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19 Friday, Nov. 25: Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29-33 Saturday, Nov. 26: Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3:82-87; Luke 21:34-36 Sunday, Nov. 27: First Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 63:16-17, 19 and 64:2-7; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 Monday, Nov. 28: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday, Nov. 29: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday, Nov. 30: Feast, Andrew, apostle, Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22 Thursday, Dec. 1: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27; Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Friday, Dec. 2: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31 Saturday, Dec. 3: Memorial, Francis Xavier, priest, Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147:1-6; Matthew 9:35–10:1 and 10:5-8 n

Brando continued on page 26

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November 6, 2011 21

Life and dignity

Marriage enrichment: planning for the holidays

Training for battle

By Marian Christiana Every holiday season my family celebrates by eating too much, shopping too much, decorating too much, and committing ourselves to too many social engagements. Sometimes it seems we are so busy with our “to do” lists that we miss the opportunity to connect with one another and create lasting family memories. So before the holidays carry you away, here is an idea to help you carve out some quality time with your spouse amid the hustle and bustle of the season. Consider that you have only 168 hours each week at your disposal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. If we compromise with eight hours of sleep per night as our average, we now have 112 hours left each week for everything else. On average, full time work, plus travel time, will take another 50 hours out of your week. Now we are down to 62 hours. Add in parenting or grandparenting, cooking, eating, cleaning, yard work, meetings, exercise, prayer time, and holiday planning. Is it any wonder we have a hard time carving out time for our marital relationships and creating the special memories we hope to share with our families? Before you start to panic, let’s approach the holiday season a little differently this year. Take charge of your holidays instead of letting them dictate how you spend your time. Changing your normal routine will require a plan both of you can live with before the holidays start. Marriage continued on page 23

22 November 6, 2011

by Paul Simoneau

The virtues help us to ‘Be all that [we] can be.’

ew people would answer “virtue” if asked what helps us become the very best we can be. Conversely, few, if asked what keeps us from becoming the very best we can be, would answer “vice” (especially if defined as the habit of repeated sin). But what society increasingly rejects—virtue—it needs most. What society is becoming increasingly tolerant and accepting of—vice—it needs least. More than ever, society needs the fruit of virtuous lives. Although it may sound more like a military recruiting slogan than a truth of our Catholic faith, virtue is what helps us “be all that we can be”—to be the best people we can be, according to God’s design, not ours. As soldiers continuously train for the rigors of battle, so soldiers of Christ—milites Christi—must practice the virtues, for “the whole of man’s history has been the story of dour combat with the powers of evil . . . (Gaudium et Spes, No. 37). The word virtue comes from the Latin virtus, meaning valor, strength, manliness, or excellence. Vice, from the Latin vitium, means defect, or failing. These qualities are the good seed or the weeds we sow in our soul and in society (cf. Matthew 13:24-30). Virtue and vice are what forge our character, as even Confucius observed: “Men’s natures are alike; it is their habits that separate them.” Skilled musicians and athletes must practice to hone their skills, and practicing the virtues helps us develop the skills of soul necessary to live in harmony with God and one another. These habits and dispositions help us consistently to do good and to give our very best (cf., Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1803).

Because we are a composite of body and soul, corporeal and spiritual beings, we need both natural and supernatural help if we are to achieve our true good and build a more just society. Virtues of the natural order—human virtues—have their origin in the human person and help to perfect us. Four in particular are called cardinal, from the Latin cardo, meaning pivot, or hinge. The virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude (courage), and temperance are those upon which a virtuous life hinges. These are also called the social virtues because they are essential for right living in society. But if we are not to remain stunted in our growth, the human virtues must be impregnated with the divine. We need the supernatural help of the theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—which have their origin in God and assist our “faculties for participation in the divine nature” and in the supernatural community of the body of Christ (CCC, No. 1812). This is why at the beginning of every rosary we pray for an increase of “faith, hope, and charity.” So the cardinal virtues are what “dispose all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love” (CCC, No. 1804), and the theological virtues, as the soul of the human virtues, help transform human acts into fruits of divine–human communion. Of the four cardinal virtues, prudence is considered the “auriga virtutum—the charioteer of the virtues” (CCC, No. 1806). Prudence, despite the negative and weak connotations associated with the word, is the virtue all others depend upon and flow from. Only “the prudent man can be

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just, brave, and temperate, and the good man is good insofar as he is prudent” (Josef Pieper, The Four Cardinal Virtues [University of Notre Dame Press, 1966], p. 3). The prudent man discerns the true good and makes a true and just gift of himself to God in the vertical dimension of justice and to neighbor in its horizontal dimension (cf. CCC, No. 1807). The courageous man, drawing upon a well-formed conscience and the disposition to make a gift of himself, does so selflessly even in the face of trials, temptations, fear, and persecutions (cf. CCC, No. 1808). The temperate man expresses more fully his share in the kingly mission of Christ by safeguarding himself from anything that would lessen and cheapen his gift to God and to neighbor. If you “train like you fight,” as the often-heard military expression reminds us, you will “fight like you train.” Soldiers and pilots must continuously study and train so they can more instinctively and correctly react in given situations. If we are to be like our warrior Messiah, who defeated sin and death by making a total gift of himself to God for love of us, we must practice the virtues, fueled by prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Aristotle makes it clear that “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Concluding with my traditional play on the words of Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace . . .,” be all you can be. n Mr. Simoneau is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Since 2006 he has served as the director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace. dioknox.org

Once upon a time

by Monsignor Xavier Mankel

Marriage continued from page 22

A cardinal’s long-ago visit

Nearly a century before Cardinal Rigali’s arrival, Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore came to Knoxville.

et me begin with a correction about last month’s column on basilicas. In listing these special churches, I mistakenly noted that the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky., is the cathedral of our former bishop, now Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville. His is St. Joseph ProtoCathedral Basilica in Bardstown, Ky. I might note that the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky., is also in the Archdiocese of Louisville. So for 104 years the Holy See has been recognizing special churches in all parts of our country with the title of basilica—the house of the king. Since the news was announced that Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Chattannooga had become the newest named such church in our country, many people have asked me whether I have been there. Yes, many, many times as a priest since 1961, but even before that I attended the ordination of Fathers Bill Flemming and Lawrence Maxwell there in 1958. Flipping back a generation, I note that my parents (who married at Immaculate Conception in Knoxville on March 25, 1933) attended Sunday Mass there the very next day while they honeymooned at the Signal Mountain Hotel (now Alexian Village). So much for basilicas, for now. The other new word in the everyday vocabulary of the Catholics of this

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diocese is cardinal. Not the St. Louis Cardinals, whose fame has already been spread far and wide by our own illustrious Bishop Richard F. Stika, but those princes of the Church who form the college of advisers to our Holy Father. The arrival of Cardinal Justin F. Rigali in Knoxville on Oct. 2 marked the first time a member of the college has come to make his home in Tennessee. Cardinal Samuel Stritch was from Assumption Parish in Nashville but never lived in Tennessee after he left to become the bishop of Toledo, Ohio, in 1921. Cardinal GrégoirePierre Agagianian was the distinguished guest of his friend Bishop William L. Adrian at the Cathedral in Nashville on more than one occasion. Cardinal Joseph Bernadin was the presiding prelate at the Chrism Mass in 1987 (held in Knoxville that year because of the reconstruction of the façade of Nashville’s Cathedral of the Incarnation). Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (whose cause for canonization is under way) preached at Bishop Joseph Durick’s installation as the coadjutor bishop of Nashville, but he was never a cardinal. The cardinal about whom I would offer these closing lines is Cardinal James Gibbons of Baltimore, who came to Knoxville for the National Conservation Exposition of 1913. East Tennessee has had a flair for thinking “green” all through the years. In 1913 Knox-

ville was, by count of the 1910 census, a city of 36,346. With two train stations, several movie houses, electric lights, and streetcars, at times it seemed much larger. A number of famous people came to Knoxville that fall: Booker T. Washington; Helen Keller; Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan; and Cardinal Gibbons, Baltimore’s archbishop, author, labor advocate, and at that time the most famous Catholic priest in America. Of the grand exposition, the cardinal had this to say: “When I behold so many citizens of the United States coming from various parts of the country to this exposition and to your fair city seated on a mount, the beautiful prophecy of Isaiah occurs to my mind: Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the light is come . . .’” We are tremendously indebted to Jack Neely for his article in Metro Pulse, Nov. 11, 2009, from which some of the details about Cardinal Gibbons’s visit were taken. Cardinal Gibbons came and went. We welcome Cardinal Rigali to stay. His arrival nearly a century after that of Cardinal Gibbons bodes well for the Catholics and other people of East Tennessee. May God grant him length of days. n Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville.

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Set aside a few hours next Sunday afternoon to discuss how you both want to spend this holiday season. n What is the most important memory you want to take away from your celebrations this year? n Discuss the steps required to make it a reality. n Develop a realistic plan to achieve your goal. n Agree to work together to implement your plan. n Don’t hesitate to say no to anything that will derail your plan for your holidays. As Vincent van Gogh once said, “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” You will be able to create the holiday memories of your dreams by creating a plan and taking the small steps necessary to achieve it together. n Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

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24 November 6, 2011

Presentation offered on Our Lady of Guadalupe A lecture on the meaning and symbolism of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Chancery office at 805 Northshore Drive in Knoxville. A $5 donation per person is requested. Ernesto Vega’s presentation will include the anthropological, historical, psychological, mythological, sociological, geographic, philosophic, linguistic, spiritual, cosmic, and theological aspects surrounding the event of the apparitions of the Mother of God to St. Juan Diego. Mr. Vega has a master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and Spanish from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, Calif. He has served as house director of Guadalupe House, a formation facility for seminarians in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In 1995 he spent several weeks in Mexico City, researching the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mr. Vega has studied with Monsignor Jose Luis Guerrero, who was appointed by Cardinal Ernesto Corripio y Ahumada to form part of the team that appealed to the Holy See for the canonization of St. Juan Diego. For more information, call the Hispanic Ministry office at 865637-4769. n

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Guest column

Fishers of men or keepers of the aquarium? A new arrival from Ireland looks at his parish in East Tennessee. By Cormac O’Duffy

uring an Internet search for a new position in music ministry during 2010 I came across the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City. I had moved to the United States three years previously and had worked in such positions in Florida and Indiana but had been seeking a parish that sought to take seriously the Gospel call to evangelize. My initial interview with the parish was by Internet video and consisted of a long conversation with the pastor, Father Christian Mathis, and the former director of music. I had already provisionally accepted another position, but something intrigued me about St. Thomas. Most of our interview had nothing to do with music, worship, schedules, or management issues. It was all focused on evangelization, prayer, and strategies for parish growth. Many of the churches in the Northeast I had known since coming to the States in 2007 from Ireland seemed to be experiencing decline and restructuring, with the closing of schools and merging of parishes. The churches seemed to focus more on trying to keep the aquarium rather than on fishing for men. But St. Thomas seemed to be on fire with the message of the Gospel, with many groups for evangelization, prayer, and Bible study, including charismatic groups, Cursillo, and the Alpha program. I thought it would be good to visit St. Thomas and find out what was so different about it and its approach. However, by my renewed contact I was to find that the position of director of worship had never been filled. I reapplied and, by Providence, have now become its minister of worship and moved my The East Tennessee Catholic

family to beautiful Tennessee. Protestant churches in the area have been for many years suspicious of the Catholic Church. Yet St. Thomas has been successful in drawing quite a few of these people into the ranks of the Catholic Church. Although many churches in the States lock their doors by night and often immediately after Sunday services, St. Thomas is nearly always open so people can come at any time to sit and ponder, read, or pray. It has a tangible atmosphere of spirituality. There seems to be a meeting going on most mornings and evenings. The Monday evening meeting to study the Biblical roots of the Mass has an attendance of 70. On one Monday morning each month the women’s guild meets, hosting a variety of talks and meetings on such things as iconography and the differences between Catholic and Evangelical beliefs. On Wednesday evening the Spanish retreat group Juan XXIII meets for teaching and prayer. Every Thursday the Spanish/ English youth group meets in the parish center basement to learn some aspects of faith in a fun atmosphere. Before the Thursday Mass the Cursillo group meets, and later that morning the pastor leads a group of those who are working their way through the Bible. Such is their interest in Scripture that after one year of intense study they have only managed to finish Genesis. On Thursday evening the Spanish prayer group of more than 100 meets in the parish center for deep prayer, praise, and teaching. The parish’s four married deacons serve every week and preach once a month at the weekend Masses. The pastor has a blog (www.blessedis thekingdom.com) where he holds

discussions with people of faith and of no faith. Many have found St. Thomas as a result and have been received into the Church at Eastertime. The parish is on fire with its Gospel call! Father Mathis, in trying to explain the dynamic at work, said, “St. Thomas is unique in that we have a high percentage of our people who are actively engaged. We encourage all our parishioners to contribute to the community with the gifts God has given them. One of the biggest challenges I have is keeping up with all that is going on in the parish.” Could the Church in Ireland and in other places ever have such parishes as St. Thomas? Its mission statement places evangelization at the top of its list of priorities. In other churches I have known, it seems to have been included only as an afterthought. St. Thomas seems genuinely to believe the call of Paul VI, given in Evangelii Nuntiandi, in which he said the Church “exists in order to evangelize” (No. 14). The parish’s Alpha course is certainly one means that Irish and other U.S. parishes could use to catch the fire of the Spirit and become a sign of hope in a world and a church that some say has lost its direction. No one denies that the level of change required for my own native Irish Church to recover its credibility is enormous, and many churches in the United States are in need of similar revitalization. As St. Thomas has shown, seeking to be renewed in the Spirit and open to evangelization has the same effect today as it did on the first Pentecost. n Dr. O’Duffy is the director of worship for St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City.

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Special collection will help support deacon formation A second collection to support the diocese’s deacon-formation program will be taken up on Nov. 5 and 6. The current formation class has 28 men from 17 parishes preparing to serve as permanent deacons. The four-and-a-half-year program prepares men for “ordained service of word, altar, and charity,” said Deacon Tim Elliott, diocesan director of the Diaconate and Deacon Formation. The average cost of formation to the diocese is nearly $70,000 per year, he said, and “each of the men also pays a portion of the costs associated with the program,” including books, travel, retreat costs, and incidentals. Deacon Elliott noted that permanent deacons are one of the three orders of clerics within the Catholic Church, along with priests and bishops. He urged the faithful to “be generous in helping to fund this vocation to ordained ministry in the Church” and to pray for deacons and for deacon candidates as they move closer to ordination. n

Want to try online delivery? The East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who would prefer to read a digital copy and to discontinue the print edition. If you would like to try online delivery, visit bit.ly/ subscribe-online to sign up. If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, you can return to a print subscription at any time. If you have questions, e-mail mhunt@dioknox.org. n November 6, 2011 25

Brando continued from page 21

doubled the master’s money. One feared to do anything. The moral is, we have been given much in this world. We must use it and increase its worth. We will have to account for what we have been given. Our eternal life depends on it. In the third, we see the sheep and the goats. Both groups came from the same world. Only the sheep had compassion for the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and the imprisoned. They invested in them. (Now we learn what the talents represented in the previous passage.) The goats did not. Neither knew the poor folk represented the Son of Man. What distinguished the two groups was compassion. One group had it; the other did not. The sheep had a sense for the right way to live with others. The goats did not. We should take the month of November to read over these Scriptures and apply them to our life. When we do, we will learn the secret of experiencing eternal life. We will realize we have been given divine gifts to reach that goal. But first we must use these gifts to the fullest extent we can. And we must have compassion. Then we will truly be in Christ now and be with him for all eternity. n Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

26 November 6, 2011

From the wire

Lori cites ‘grave threats to religious liberty’ The ‘national legacy has been subject to ever more frequent assault.’ By Nancy Frazier O’Brien WASHINGTON (CNS)—Recent “grave threats to religious liberty” serve as “grim validations” of the U.S. bishops’ decision last June to create a special committee to address those issues, Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., told a House subcommittee Oct. 26. Bishop Lori, chair of the bishops’ new Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, said the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence require government “to acknowledge and protect religious liberty as fundamental, no matter the moral and political trends of the moment.” But recently, he said, the U.S. bishops “have watched with increasing alarm as this great national legacy of religious liberty, so profoundly in harmony with our own teachings, has been subject to ever more frequent assault and ever more rapid erosion.” In written testimony before the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution, Bish op Lori called for “corrective action” to address six areas of special concern: n regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services in August that would mandate coverage of contraception and sterilization in most private healthinsurance plans n a new requirement by HHS that would require the bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services to agree to provide the “full range” of reproductive services, including abortion and contraception, to human trafficking victims and unaccompanied refugee minors n the U.S. Agency for International Development’s requirement that Catholic Relief Services and other contractors include condom distribution in their HIV-prevention activities and provide contraception in a range of international relief and

development programs n the Department of Justice’s actions to mischaracterize the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which states that marriage is the union of a man and a woman, as an act of bigotry and to actively attack its constitutionality n the Justice Department’s efforts to undermine the “ministerial exception” that exempts religious institutions from some civil laws when it comes to hiring and firing and n state actions on same-sex marriage that have resulted in Catholic Charities agencies in Illinois being “driven out of the adoption and foster-care business” and some county clerks in New York state facing legal action for refusing to participate in same-sex unions. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., ranking minority member of the subcommittee, questioned Bishop Lori about whether he saw a difference between state employees who said in the civilrights era that they opposed interracial marriage and those who oppose same-sex marriage today, when both decline to follow state laws because of their religious beliefs. “No, I believe marriage between two people of different races is an entirely different matter,” he replied. “Marriage is a unique relationship. It takes a man and a woman.” The bishop said he found it “troubling” when opposition to same-sex marriage “is portrayed as bigotry” and when some try to draw a “parallel between racial discrimination and [opposition to] same-gender marriage.” Bishop Lori urged members of the House of Representatives to pass three bills that would “go a long way toward guaranteeing religious liberty and freedom of conscience for religious employers, health insurers,

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and health-care providers.” They are the Protect Life Act (H.R. 358), the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 361), and the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179). He also called for a congressional hearing or other investigation into “the illegal conditions that HHS and USAID are placing on religious providers of human services.” He said new statutes might be necessary to create new conscience protections. “Unfortunately, the authority to enforce the applicable conscience protections now lies principally with the federal agencies that may be violating the protections,” he said. Bishop Lori urged House members to “resist legislative efforts to repeal” the Defense of Marriage Act, including the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 1116). “The religiousfreedom threats to marriage at the state level may fall beyond the scope of authority of Congress to control—except to the extent that state adoption and foster-care services are federally funded,” he said. Other witnesses at the hearing on “The State of Religious Liberty in the United States” were the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and Colby M. May, director and senior counsel of the Washington office of the American Center for Law and Justice. May said court decisions “have restricted religious freedoms on public college and school campuses” and in other arenas. “Religious people often face a troublesome choice: violate deeply held religious beliefs or receive punishment from state or local officials,” he said. n Chaz Muth contributed to this story. Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops dioknox.org

From the wire

Assisi participants sense a deeper crisis in society ASSISI, Italy (CNS)—A common thread ran through many of the speeches and invocations of this year’s “prayer for peace” encounter in Assisi: the uneasy sense that the world is facing not merely conflicts and wars but a much broader crisis that affects social and cultural life in every country. Environmental damage, the rich–poor divide, the erosion of cultural traditions, terrorism, and new threats to society’s weakest members were cited as increasingly worrisome developments by speakers at the interfaith gathering in the Italian pilgrimage town Oct. 27. Pope Benedict XVI, addressing the 300 participants, echoed those points in his own analysis of the state of global peace 25 years after Blessed John Paul II convened the first Assisi meeting. In 1986, he said, the world was caught up not only in simmering armed conflicts but also in a cold war between opposing blocs. Today the Cold War is over, and there is “no threat of a great war hanging over us,” but “nevertheless the world is, unfortunately, full of discord.” The pope said this discord has taken on “new and frightening guises,” and he singled out two forms: terrorism, including acts of violence that are religiously motivated; and the spiritual erosion that has occurred in highly secularized societies. “The worship of Mammon, possessions, and power is proving to be a counter-religion, in which it is no longer man who counts but only personal advantage,” he said. He cited the illegal drug trade and drug dependency to show how desire for happiness today can degenerate into “an unbridled, inhuman craving.” Twenty-five years ago the success of the Assisi prayer summit The East Tennessee Catholic

CNS photo

Pope Benedict says the world is full of discord, including terrorism and ‘spiritual erosion.’ By John Thavis

Leaders gather Representatives of other religions gather around Pope Benedict XVI as he prays at the tomb of St. Francis in the crypt of the basilica that bears his name in Assisi, Italy, on Oct. 27. The pope visited the tomb at the end of the interfaith meeting for peace. Pictured second from left, kneeling in front, is Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury. Third from right, standing, is Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

was measured in part by how many warring parties respected Pope John Paul’s call for a one-day truce. In the 2011 edition there was no call for a truce and no mention by participants of specific conflicts, with the exception of a brief reference to Jerusalem as a contested city. That’s not because wars have disappeared from the horizon but because world harmony is seen as threatened in alarming new ways: n The growing risk of cultural conflicts was highlighted by Ja-Seung, a Korean Buddhist. Other speakers warned that globalization has sometimes prompted a backlash among those who fear the weakening of cultural identity. n The world is ignoring massive loss of life among the poorest, said

Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, making a point echoed by several leaders. n Others said the economic crisis has placed everyone’s future under a cloud. The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, a Lutheran minister and secretarygeneral of the World Council of Churches, said that with the current high unemployment among young people, “it feels as though we are gambling with the welfare and happiness of a generation.” n Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople expressed concern that changes set in motion by pro-democracy movements in Arab countries may end up leaving Christian minorities less protected than before. n Julia Kristeva, a nonbeliever and

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self-described humanist who was invited to Assisi, told the assembly that people’s fundamental abilities to care for one another, to raise children, and to tend the land were all threatened by accelerated advances in science, the uncontrolled mechanisms of technology and finance, and the incapacity of classic democracies to deal with the results. Several speakers warned of ecological disaster unless lifestyle changes are made. Perhaps Cardinal Peter Turkson, the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, summed it up best when he said people’s relationship with nature was increasingly distorted. “The strong resource competition among peoples in a climate-constrained environment threatens to dissolve the fabric of human society and devastate the very order of creation which St. Francis praised in his ‘Canticle of the Sun,’” he said. Naturally, there were many hopeful words and prayers at Assisi to balance these rather dramatic assessments. As one pastor representing Reformed churches said at the closing ceremony, a world with more open borders and better communications should make it easier for people of faith to have an impact. But at Assisi 2011 it seemed clearer than ever that building world peace will require much more than eliminating armed conflict. That sense was reflected among the thousands of pilgrims who turned out to pray and accompany the interfaith participants. As Pope Benedict passed by, one man appeared to capture this “spirit of Assisi” with a hand-lettered sign that read: new world order. n Copyright 2011 Catholic News Service/ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops November 6, 2011 27

28 November 6, 2011

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