MARY C. WEAVER
KCHS students for life A student from Knoxville Catholic High School wears a pro-life T-shirt during the Sept. 22 kickoff of Knoxville’s 40 Days for Life campaign. For 12 hours a day, members of the faithful will pray across the street from the Concord Street abortion clinic. page 9
THE EAST TENNESSEE
Volume 20 • Number 3 • October 10, 2010
The
N E W S PA P E R
of the D I O C E S E of K N O X V I L L E
MARY C. WEAVER (2)
DAN MCWILLIAMS
w w w. d i o k n o x . o r g
The Church of Knoxville is growing: dedicating new buildings (left photo shows Bishop Stika at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette), educating adults and children (center photo depicts youngsters from Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Knoxville), helping the poor and needy, supporting adult faith formation, and ordaining priests (in the photo at right, the bishop lays hands on new priest Father Christopher Riehl). The Annual Catholic Appeal will be held in November. Please support the Diocese of Knoxville as generously as possible. INCREASING NEED FOR MINISTRIES
As Church grows, so does need for help The second of two stewardship appeals focuses on supporting the diocese’s ministries in East Tennessee. By Dan McWilliams
fore—and with an increasing need for its ministries in tough economic times—the diocese is counting on the faithful to contribute generously to Parish Stewardship Weekend on Oct. 2 and 3 and the Annual Catholic Appeal this November. The diocese changed its Annual Stewardship Appeal this year, splitting the parish appeal from the diocesan one. East Tennessee Catholics are pledging financial support to their parishes for 2011 on Stewardship Weekend, Oct. 2 and 3. In mid-November, East Tennessee Catholics will receive a letter from Bishop Richard F. Stika asking them to contribute to the 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal, which will support Catholic Charities, religious education, and all of the other diocesan programs and ministries. Jim Link, who became director of the Office of Stewardship and Planned Giving on June 1, quickly learned that the Diocese of Knoxville was among the last to have a
combined appeal. “After I was here for about a month, I went to a conference down in Shreveport with all of the diocesan stewardship directors in the Southeast,” he said. “None of them were doing it the way that we were in the sense of combining the parish appeal and the diocesan appeal. All the others have been running separate appeals, and— not coincidentally— they’re raising a lot more money than we are.” Mr. Link returned from the conference and ran the split-appeal idea by vicar general Father David Boettner and other priests, at first with the idea of implementing the change next year. “They all agreed with the idea of unhinging the two but said we should do it this year rather than next,” said Mr. Link. The diocese has a goal of $1.5 million for this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, a significantly higher amount than the goal from the past several years under the single-collection format. “ASA contributions have actually gone down a little bit, if you
look at where we were 10 years ago,” said Mr. Link. “We were raising $950,000, and last year it was about $900,000. At the same time, there are more Catholics in the diocese and more parishes, so the numbers should have gone up simply because we’re appealing to more people.” Parish-office staffers will likely appreciate the change in the appeal this year. In the past, parishes collected all ASA contributions and sent the diocese’s share to the stewardship office. The new model relieves the parish workload considerably. Mr. Link and administrative assistant Maura Lentz, with the help of newly installed fundraising software, will take over those duties. “The parishes were doing all the bookkeeping,” said Mr. Link. “They were counting all the money and thanking the donors, and at the end of the calendar year they were generating tax-receipt letters.” The latest recession—unlike the last several downturns—led to a reduction in giving nationwide. “If you look at national trends,
giving in the United States has declined only twice in the last 80 years,” said Mr. Link. “The first time was the year after the Great Depression began, and the second time was last year. It never declined [during the other recessions]. The rate of increase narrowed, but it was always an increase.” The Annual Catholic Appeal supports the diocese’s offices of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Religious Education, Marriage Preparation and Enrichment, and Priestly Life and Ministry, along with seminarian education, faith formation, justice-and-peace education, and university ministry. The largest share from the diocesan appeal–40 percent—goes to Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Inc., whose programs have seen more hungry and homeless people come to their doors as the economy worsened. “Nonprofits like the Church are experiencing an increase in the demand for their services precisely at a time when people are giving less, so it’s a ‘perfect storm’ for a lot of charities, unfortunately,” said Mr. Link. ■ At this year’s Chrism Mass, held March 30 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, all the priests of the diocese renewed their commitment to serve the people of God in East Tennessee. DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY
the Church in East TenW ith nessee growing as never be-
Faith-formation classes, catechetical days continue he Office of Christian Formation is offering a series of adult faith-formation classes throughout the year and in locations around the diocese. Classes are offered at no charge to adults in the diocese. The following sessions begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9.
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Personal morality, taught by Father Michael Sweeney. Explores the foundations of what we believe as Catholics and why we believe it. How do we know the Church’s position on moral issues is correct? How do we live as faithful Catholics in a world that seemingly rejects the Church’s teachings at every turn? This session will examine the concepts of human dignity, freedom, law, sin, virtue, and conscience as well as current moral issues. It will also provide insight into how we may explain the Church’s position to those searching for answers in a confusing world. ■ Tuesday, Oct. 5, St. Stephen Church, Chattanooga ■ Thursday, Nov. 4, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Alcoa What we believe, taught by Deacon David Lucheon. Explores the foundations of what we profess as Catholics. The class will examine the principal truths of the faith as expressed in the creeds of the Church. ■ Thursday, Oct. 14, St. Mary Church, Johnson City ■ Tuesday, Nov. 9, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga The sacraments, taught by Amy Roberts. Explores the foundations of what we celebrate as Catholics. The class examines how we encounter the living Christ through each of the church’s seven sacraments. ■ Thursday, Oct. 21, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Cleveland THE OFFICE OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION, IN COLLABORATION
with Aquinas College in Nashville, will continue its catechetical-formation program for adults this fall, with three catechetical days, all on Saturdays. The program is intended for parish catechists, teachers in Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and other interested adults. There is no charge. Each session will include hourlong modules on the sacraments, morality, prayer, and creative methods for teaching. The days will be conducted by the Nashville Dominican sisters. Formation days, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (choose one) ■ Oct. 30, St. John Neumann Church, Farragut ■ Nov. 6, Notre Dame Church, Greeneville ■ Nov. 20, St. Jude Church, Chattanooga For further details, contact Father Richard Armstrong at rarmstrong@dioknox.org or 865-5843307. Online registration is available at bit.ly/ faith-formation. ■
Several events remain in Respect Life month ctober is Respect Life month, and Catholics in East Tennessee will have ample opportunities to get involved. Knoxville and the Tri-Cities area are both conducting 40 Days for Life campaigns, which began on Sept. 22 and will end on Oct. 31. For contact information, see the story on page 9. A Pro-Life Freedom Ride will be held on Oct. 15 and 16, beginning in Knoxville and ending in Chattanooga. The event is sponsored by Priests for Life. Dr. Alveda King, a niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will join Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life for a prayer rally at the Tennessee Theater, 604 S. Gay St., Knoxville, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. The following day a prayer vigil will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic at 710 N. Cherry St., also in Knoxville. The Pro-Life Freedom Ride caravan will then drive to the National Memorial for the Unborn, 6232 Vance Road, Chattanooga, for a ceremony and prayer from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Contact Mr. Simoneau at 865-862-5753 or psimoneau@ dioknox.org or Mrs. Morris at 567-1245 or lccte@ bellsouth.net. The annual banquet of the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Knoxville Convention Center. The featured speaker is former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum. Cost is $50. RSVP by Oct. 14. To register, visit the TRL website at www.trlknox.org, call 865-689-1339, or email trlknox@knology.net. ■
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living the
READINGS
BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO
Two questions Answering both ‘can make a profound difference in our lives.’
humbled himself to bathe in the Jordan, during which he was cured. What is more, he returned to Elisha to thank him, offering him millions of dollars. Elisha refused. But in a subsequent story Elisha’s servant did ask for a gift and received double what he asked: to the tune of 150 pounds of silver. He got to keep the money and received Naaman’s leprosy as well. Jesus too cured people of leprosy. Today’s Gospel cure takes place near Samaria. We all know Jews and Samaritans didn’t like one another. But of the 10 people Jesus cured, one came back to thank the Lord. He was a Samaritan. Today’s readings beg two questions. The first is, “What does this Samaritan have in common with the Syrian general?” Both were ethnically and religiously foreigners to the Israelites. They both had
Back about 840 BC, Syria sent an army into Israel while the Israeli and Jewish armies were busy fighting the Moabites (the people of present-day Jordan). Their general, Naaman, was as rich and powerful a man as there was in the ancient near east. He had everything he could ever want, including Israeli slaves. Some of those slaves even came to love and respect him. He had, however, one major problem. He contracted leprosy. The story of his cure is told in the first reading. What was amazing was that he would go to the Jewish prophet, one of his enemies, to be healed. Despite thinking that the cure was too easy, he
Be patient Begin by developing ‘a passion for something important.’
ll three of this Sunday’s Scripture readings share a common message. It has to do with persistence. Many people have a problem with patience. More people seem to admit to lack of it than any other character fault. Nevertheless, striving to achieve patience seems to be more futile than trying to find the Holy Grail. The secret of succeeding in that quest is realizing that patience is not a product that can be manufactured, mined, or discovered. It is not a product at all. It is a byproduct. We become patient by
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striving for something else. By the time we have achieved that earnestly desired goal, we find out we’ve become patient in the process. Let’s look at today’s Scriptures to see how that works. In the Old Testament reading Moses spends the whole day with his arms outstretched, praying for his troops fighting the Amalekites. At the onset of the battle Moses noticed when he prayed with arms outstretched, his army did well. When he didn’t, they began to lose their momentum and the battle. So he asked Aaron and Hur to prop up
the humility (and the audacity) to come to Elisha and Jesus, begging for a cure. Both their prayers were answered. They both realized they were beneficiaries of a miraculous gift. They both altered their travelling plans to return and give thanks. The second question is, “What do Elisha and Jesus have in common?” Elisha was a man of God renewing the true religion in Israel. Jesus is the Son of God, doing much the same thing in virtually in the same geographical area. Both gave life-changing gifts. Neither excludes anyone who has faith. Both give freely and generously. Both those questions have more answers, and their answers can make a profound difference in our lives. We need to be humbly audacious as Naaman and the Samaritan leper. We need to be as generous as Elisha and Jesus. ■ Oct. 10, 28th Sunday in ordinary time 2 Kings 5:14-17 Psalm 98:1-4 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Luke 17:11-19
his arms for the whole day until victory was his. All he had was an earnest, deeply felt hope for victory. By the time the battle was won, he could look back on what he did and realize he had been patiently praying— arms upraised—for the entire day. What an act of patience! The same could be said of the woman who wanted her case to be heard fairly by the unjust judge. She wanted her suit to be judged in her favor so much that she never stopped reminding the judge of her case. When it was all over, the judge did find in her favor. All she strove for was justice; she received patience as a byproduct. Paul told Timothy—and tells us—to
proclaim the word persistently and consistently, even when it is inconvenient. Follow that commandment faithfully, and without thinking about it, we will become patient. To become a patient person, develop a passion for something important. It could be justice, victory in battle, or persuading others about the word of God or any noble goal. When we achieve it, we will have become patient as well. ■ Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg. Oct. 17, 29th Sunday in ordinary time Exodus 17:8-13 Psalm 121:1-8 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2 Luke 18:1-8
WEEKDAY READINGS Monday, Oct. 11: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, and 4:31–5:1; Psalm 113:1-7; Luke 11:29-32 Tuesday, Oct. 12: Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43-45, 47-48; Luke 11:37-41 Wednesday, Oct. 13: Galatians 5:1825; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 11:42-46 Thursday, Oct. 14: Ephesians 1:110; Psalm 98:1-6; Luke 11:47-54 Friday, Oct. 15: Memorial, Teresa of
Jesus, virgin, doctor of the Church, Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33:1-2, 45, 12-13; Luke 12:1-7 Saturday, Oct. 16: Ephesians 1:1523; Psalm 8:2-7; Luke 12:8-12 Monday, Oct. 18: Feast, Luke, evangelist, 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-13, 17-18; Luke 10:1-9 Tuesday, Oct. 19: Memorial, John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, martyrs, and their compan-
ions, martyrs, Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 12:35-38 Wednesday, Oct. 20: Ephesians 3:2-12; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 12:39-48 Thursday, Oct. 21: Ephesians 3:1421; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Luke 12:49-53 Friday, Oct. 22: Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 12:54-59 Saturday, Oct. 23: Ephesians 4:716; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 13:1-9 ■
Diocese of Knoxville procedure for reporting sexual abuse Anyone who has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the appropriate civil authorities first, then to the bishop’s office, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.
Bishop Richard F. Stika Publisher Mary C. Weaver Editor Dan McWilliams Assistant editor
THE EAST TENNESSEE
805 Northshore Drive S.W .
Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern
Knoxville, TN 37919-7551
The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn. Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News Sentinel Postmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127 How to reach us:
Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioknox.org • web: dioknox.org The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is $15 a year in the United States. Make checks payable to the Diocese of Knoxville. 2
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OCTOBER 10, 2010
www.d ioknox.org
TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C
he dwells
AMONG US
BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKA
A mother’s care With Mary we contemplate—and learn to become—the face of Jesus.
Doctors tend to be very thorough in prescribing care for their patients. I will be the first to admit, though, I haven’t always been very good about taking their advice to heart—at least not until my symptoms worsen and get my attention. It was much easier when I was living at home. My mother never failed to remind me what was needed and to help me recover when I was sick. I think this is one reason why I particularly like the month of October, a month dedicated to our Heavenly Mother. In front of our Chancery building stands a statue of Mary holding the child Jesus. Inscribed at the base of the statue are the words of Mary at the wedding at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). When it comes to our spiritual health, no better words can be offered. And the best way to internalize the words of Christ as a prescription for the soul is to meditate upon the Gospel, especially with the help of Mary and her gift to us, the rosary. The rosary, very simply, is a summary of the Gospel, with Mary as our teacher. With her, we learn to contemplate the face of Jesus and to become the face of Jesus. It is she who “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19), the memory of which became her “rosary” and which she shares with all her children. Meditating on her joys, her sorrows, and her triumphs, we can better relate to our own joys, sorrows, and successes in life. The rosary is a great means of healing what afflicts the soul, and especially in its communal expression, what afflicts society.
once upon
A TIME
I attempt to pray the rosary twice a day, morning and evening, as though it were a doctor’s prescription. I encourage you to recite it daily as well. I have two rosaries that are part of my daily routine. One I carry in my pocket and use in the morning. The other I keep in the private chapel of my home. It has been in the hands of both John Paul II and Benedict XVI. But it is not because they held my rosary that I feel especially connected to the Universal Church. It’s because I feel close to Mary, the mother of the Church, and to all her children. When I was a priest in St. Louis, I once provided pastoral counseling to a Mormon who was contemplating becoming Catholic. One day as we spoke, he asked me in a most serious manner why Catholics believe Jesus had so many different mothers. Puzzled, I asked him to explain. Because Mary has so many different titles—Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of China, and so on—he honestly thought these represented different claims to Mary’s motherhood. We might laugh at that idea, but it shows how universal Mary’s motherhood is and how people throughout the world experience her motherly care. For me, the most striking image of Mary’s loving care for all people, especially for the suffering, is found in Lebanon, a country I once visited for three weeks. Atop a nearly 2,000-foot mountain overlooking Beirut to the south and the country’s beautiful coastland stands a 28foot statue of Mary with outstretched arms. Many people are surprised to learn that the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is revered by both Christians and Muslims. It’s not unusual to find more Muslims visiting the shrine
BY MONSIGNOR XAVIER MANKEL
Invaluable laypeople Those organizing the Sept. 8, 1988, celebration played an extraordinary role.
In earlier episodes we mentioned the vital role the priests of the newly named Diocese of Knoxville played in planning and celebrating the event at the Knoxville Convention Center on Sept. 8, 1988: the erection of the new diocese and the ordination to the episcopacy of the Most Rev. Anthony Joseph O’Connell, D.D. Two other groups also figured mightily in this phase of our history: the laypeople of East Tennessee and the special ad hoc group missioned to secure the division of assets for each diocese—Nashville, the mother, and Knoxville, the baby. Almost like Melchizedek of old, Bishop James Daniel Niedergeses, D.D., our grandfather in the faith, presided over the entire affair, but from a distance. The two teams, one from each diocese, were composed of the vicar general of Nashville, Father Pat ConT H E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC
nor, and the episcopal vicar/dean of the Knoxville Deanery, me (this was before the Knoxville Deanery was divided into the Smoky Mountain and Cumberland Mountain deaneries, the arrangement we enjoy now). The attorneys for the two dioceses, Gino Marcetti (Nashville) and John T. O’Connor II (Knoxville), were invaluable, as were the chief operating fiscal officers, Mike Nolan (Nashville) and Larry Cool (Knoxville). We shall give more detail about that later. Suffice it to say for now that the division of assets was determined in a most harmonious manner (something not always the case in this procedure between other dioceses) and that, as Dottie Roddy has said, “Everybody came away from the table with a full plate.” Today I want to mention a bit more about the special ad hoc committee that organized the Sept. 8, 1988, celebration. Andrea Cox, already the new bishop’s executive secretary (she had previously served as the executive secretary to the
than Christians on a given day. This is because Muslims revere Mary as the most righteous of all women. She is mentioned more frequently in the Quran than in the New Testament. For the Catholic Church, dialogue with Islam has always hinged upon a common love of Mary. In 1997, 100 years after the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon was erected, John Paul II visited the shrine. Speaking to a country still recovering from a devastating civil war that had severely wounded the nation and divided its Muslim and Christian populations, the pope invoked the name of Mary for healing. Just this past March the Lebanese government, which has a Muslim majority, voted to establish a national holiday on March 25, honoring Mary on the solemnity of her Assumption. Mary indeed is the mother of healing and peace. Mary is also the patroness of our diocese, and I pray that she will continue to bless us with her motherly care. ■ BISHOP STIKA’S SCHEDULE These are some of Bishop Stika’s appointments: Oct. 10: 10 a.m., installation of Father Ronald Franco, CSP, as pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, Knoxville Oct. 12: 11 a.m., Presbyteral Council meeting, Chancery Oct. 13: 8:05 a.m., Mass with students, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 14: noon, luncheon with Legatus leaders, bishop’s residence Oct. 15: 7 p.m., prayer rally for Freedom Ride, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville Oct. 17: 9 a.m., Mass, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 19: 6 p.m., dinner with deacons and wives, bishop’s residence Oct. 20: 11:15 a.m., Mass and staff meeting, Chancery Oct. 21: 6:30 p.m., Tennessee Right to Life banquet, Knoxville Convention Center Oct. 22: 8:05 a.m., Mass with students, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 24: 9 a.m., Mass and dedication of new parish center, Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Chattanooga; 5:30 p.m., gathering of Council of Catholic Women, bishop’s residence ■
Knoxville deanery), and chairman Mary Catherine Willard, would be at the head of any organizational chart. Mary Catherine’s genius lay in that she made us all aware that this was to be a holy event, where our faith would motivate and guide not only that fall day but also the years to come; and in that God had graced her with the ability to delegate major areas of responsibility to other very capable people. Some of those areas were the relationship with the convention center and the city of Knoxville. Sue Clancy and Roseanne Wolf were working at the time in the office of then–mayor Victor Ashe, and if one or the other of them did not know the ins and outs of arranging for a public event of that magnitude, nobody did. This writer thinks we were on a first-name basis with everybody who was needed to bring about the event. Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, a past master at programming, coordinated the printing of the programs (we still receive requests for copies after 22 years by people who want to see how one such task is done correctly). Mary Claire Sheridan and Elizabeth (“Tutter”) McCabe addressed by hand the thousands of invitations that had Mankel continued on page 7
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marriage
ENRICHMENT
A day for priest appreciation BY M A RIA N CHR I S T I A NA
orldwide Marriage Encounter is sponsoring World Priest Day on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010, which coincides with the Serra Club’s Priesthood Sunday. World Priest Day focuses on affirming priests and building relationships between couples and priests. It is a way to thank the men who commit their lives to the Lord and the Church through the sacrament of holy orders. The day also gives married couples a wonderful opportunity to share their appreciation and support for the priest who prepared them for the sacrament of matrimony, witnessed their wedding, and minster to them in their parish. This month’s date with your spouse focuses on the positive influence priests have had on your married life. We all like to be recognized for a job well done. Take the opportunity to reflect on the many ways you have been affected by the vocation of a priest and to thank all those priests who have encouraged you throughout your married life.
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Here’s this month’s date suggestion: ■
Plan to attend a Saturday morning Mass together and go out to breakfast after Mass. Over breakfast, take a stroll down memory lane and discuss the following points. ■ Reminisce about your marriage preparation. Who was the priest? What do you remember most about your preparation and the priest who guided you through the process? Was this the same priest who witnessed your sacrament of matrimony? Where is he now? Consider writing him a note to thank him for his participation in your wedding and give him an update on your life. ■ Think about other events in your married life when a priest has been present to you and your family. Do you know where those priests are? Now is a good time to thank them. Let them know you still appreciate their presence at those important times in your life. ■ Have you introduced yourselves to your current parish priest or priests? If not, plan to do so next Sunday. ■ Make a commitment as a couple to pray for priests and their intentions. You can learn more about World Priest Day at wpd.wwme.org. ■ Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.
Diocese offers ongoing Virtus child-protection training sessions he Diocese of Knoxville’s program for the protection of children and youth—a three-hour seminar called “Protecting God’s Children”—is offered regularly throughout the diocese. The seminars are required for parish and school employees and regular volunteers in contact with children or vulnerable adults and are recommended for parents and grandparents. The following training sessions have been scheduled: ■ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 (ses-
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sion will be held in the parish life center) ■ St. Mary Church, Johnson City, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18 (session will be held in St. Ann’s Hall) ■ Sacred Heart Cathedral, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19 (session will be held in the Shea Room) ■ All Saints Church, Knoxville, 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 ■ St. Patrick Church, Morristown, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 (session will be conducted in Spanish). Participants are asked to donate $1 for session materials. To register, visit virtusonline.org. ■
Take note of ETC deadlines e welcome submissions about parish and community events. Send notices by e-mail (news@dioknox.org), fax (865-584-8124), or mail (805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919). To make sure we receive information about upcoming events in time for publication, please submit it by the following deadlines: ■ Monday, Oct. 11, for the Oct. 24 issue ■ Monday, Oct. 25, for the Nov. 7 issue ■ Monday, Nov. 8, for the Nov. 21 issue. When submitting photos or information about past events, please keep in mind that we have a backlog of submissions. ■
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Want to try online delivery? he East Tennessee Catholic offers online delivery for those who would prefer to read a digital copy and to discontinue the print edition. If you would rather read the ETC online, 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. ■
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OCTOBER 10, 2010
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Chattanooga Deanery
Five Rivers Deanery
St. Jude, Chattanooga
Holy Trinity, Jefferson City
■ Father Charlie Burton will bless
■ The parish is participating in Oper-
pets at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in the front parking lot in commemoration of the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi. ■ St. Jude School is collecting UPC labels from SunnyD beverages and can receive 20 free books for every 20 labels submitted. Call Laura Mildenberger at 423-314-0803 for more information. Labels will be collected through Saturday, Nov. 20.
ation Christmas Child through Sunday, Oct. 24, to help less fortunate children overseas receive a Christmas gift. Call Trish Morrill at 865-475-8680 for details. ■ The Knights of Columbus will host an Italian dinner after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 15. Cost is $10 for adults (free for children under 10). ■ Council of Catholic Women members are making a “friendship quilt” to hang on the wall of the parish life center. The CCW invites parishioners to purchase a quilt square for $5 and sign their name to it.
■ Parish youth recently donated the
$500 proceeds from a yard sale to Handicap International. ■ The youth will sponsor a corn maze at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23. Cost is $10. All parishioners are welcome. ■ The Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary before all weekend Masses during October. ■ The parish will feed the McMinn County High School football team and cheerleaders at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. Call Sue at 423-506-7836 or the parish office at 745-4277 to volunteer or help prepare the meal.
St. Stephen, Chattanooga ■ Parishioner and artist Sandy
Schnur will have an art show and sale from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Knights of Columbus hall at 7615 Lee Highway. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Holy Family Council 6099’s Ladies Auxiliary. For more information, call Elaine Williams at 423-645-5835.
Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga ■ Catholic Charities’ annual bake sale to fund its Family Support Services program will take place on the weekend of Nov. 13 and 14 in the vestibule. Cumberland Mountain Deanery
All Saints, Knoxville ■ The youth ministry is sponsoring
an “All Hallows’ Eve” high school retreat on the weekend of Oct. 22 through 24.
Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ The Knights of Columbus started
their annual sale of “Keep Christ in Christmas” cards this month. ■ Council of Catholic Women members will serve as greeters, readers, ushers, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion on the weekend of Oct. 23 and 24.
St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade ■ The social-life committee will have
a “Harvest Celebration” potluck at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. Those attending are asked to bring nonperishable foods, which will be given to the needy of the community. Sign up for the dinner after any Mass, or call 931-4848948 for more details. ■ Anniversaries: Walter and Delores Novak (64), Dion and Emily Frate (60), Dick and Virginia Murphy (60), William and Arlene McShane (57), Bert and Ginny Adams (55), Tom and Terry Boylson (54), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (52), Ron and Catherine Debels (50), John and Susan Gauerke (45), Robert and Carol Soldon (45)
St. John Neumann, Farragut ■ St. John Neumann School launched
a children’s book illustration contest with a presentation by author and parishioner David Russell on Wednesday, Sept. 29. The contest will continue through Oct. 31. Mr. Russell will feature the winning art in his book, Bigger and Better, which will be published later this year. Proceeds will benefit St. John Neumann School and Knoxville Catholic High School. For more information, call St. John Neumann principal Bill Derbyshire at 865777-0077. ■ Anniversary: Bob and Janet Buckner (45)
St. Mary, Oak Ridge ■ The school’s student-council rep-
resentatives for 2010-11 are Livi Winder, president; Hailey Mesmer, vice president; Meghan Rearden, secretary; and Jenny Tucker, treasurer.
St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City ■ Newcomers: Albin and Marylou Borovica; Brandon and Dana Jarrett and their children, Silas and Jemma
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OCTOBER 10, 2010
Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ Parishioners are invited to decorate
their vehicles for Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 27. Prizes will be given for the best-decorated trunks. ■ Venture Crew 1103 is selling popcorn to help fund its activities. Order forms may be found at the crew’s display in the alcove. Orders are due by Thursday, Oct. 28, and will be delivered by Friday, Nov. 12. ■ Anniversaries: Robert and Mary Jane Scott (61), Joseph and Sylvia McBride (35)
St. Dominic, Kingsport ■ The parish Relay for Life team
thanked parishioners for helping it raise $5,312 for the American Cancer Society.
St. Elizabeth, Elizabethton ■ The Knights of Columbus are col-
lecting donations for their garage sale at the rectory garage after weekend Masses (no books, clothes, or computers). The sale is set for 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Call Brian Paley at 423-768-1330, Lynn Smith at 542-0689, or Pat Bundy at 828-7338800 for more information. ■ St. Elizabeth volunteers will prepare and serve meals for the homeless and elderly as part of the Food for the Multitude program Saturday, Oct. 23, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The volunteers fed 358 people Sept. 11. To volunteer, call Chuck Muraski at 676-7510. ■ Parishioners have adopted 42 students from Harold McCormick Elementary School through the Backpack Buddies program. The program, at a cost of $93 a year per student, supplies needy schoolchildren with backpacks full of kid-friendly foods for them to eat at home on weekends. ■ About 120 people attended the church’s annual picnic Sept. 19 at Riverside Pavilion behind the Elizabethton Twins’ field. The Knights of Columbus grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the picnic and collected canned goods for their Food for Families program. ■ Newcomers: Paul McCoy, Kevin Presnell
John XXIII pastor leads Neyland crowd in prayer Father Charlie Donahue, CSP, delivers the invocation at Neyland Stadium before the Tennessee Vols’ home game against Alabama-Birmingham on Sept. 25. Father Donahue is pastor of Blessed John XXIII Parish on the University of Tennessee campus. He prayed for this “orange-tinted cloud of witnesses to be but a flicker of the community and support your providence provides.” Father Donahue celebrated Mass for Oregon players Sept. 11 at the Airport Holiday Inn, hours before the Ducks’ game at Tennessee that evening.
Reynoldses of Fairfield Glade mark 50th anniversary on and Ginny Reynolds of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th anniversary June 18. They were married at St. Bernard Church in Wood River, Ill., with Father John O’Hara officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have three children, David Reynolds of Salt Lake City;
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Ginny and Ron Reynolds
Marcie Reynolds of Santa Ana, Calif.; and
Michael Reynolds of Chelsea, Mich.; and four grandchildren. Another daughter, Christine Reynolds, is deceased. Mr. Reynolds retired from Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn, Mich., and the couple moved to the Glade in November 1994. They celebrated their anniversary in Harbor Springs, Mich., with family. ■
Charests celebrate 50th wedding anniversary orm and Judy Charest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade celebrated their 50th anniversary May 28. The Charests were married at the Shrine of the Little Flower Church in Royal Oak, Mich., with Father W. D. Bracken officiating. They have three children, Theodore
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Norm and Judy Charest
Charest of Warren, Mich.; Timothy Charest of Shelby Town-
ship, Mich.; and Katherine Marvinetz of Chesterfield, Mich; as well as seven grandchildren. Mr. Charest retired from the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich., and he and his wife moved to the Glade in 1999. The Charests celebrated their anniversary with family and friends in Berkley, Mich. ■
St. Patrick, Morristown ■ Youth and CCD classes are col-
lecting plastic jars of peanut butter and jelly to present to Morristown Central Services before the holidays for families in need. Their goal is to collect more than 200 jars. ■ The Council of Catholic Women will sponsor its fifth annual Ladies Night Out from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in the parish center. Tickets are $15 and limited to 100. ■ The CCW is holding a “Thanksgiving Pies” fundraiser to benefit the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. Pumpkin and apple pies are $10 and pecan pies $12. To order, call Allison McKenna at 423-277-6865 by Monday, Nov. 22. ■ The Knights of Columbus will hold their annual spaghetti supper in the parish center following the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 16. The event, the council’s main fundraiser, is being held this year in memory of Bob Mandzak. Tickets, available in the narthex after all Masses, are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12.
SCOTT MAENTZ
St. Mary, Athens
COURTESY OF FATHER CHARLIE DONAHUE, CSP
BY TONI PACITTI
COURTESY OF ROSEANN STRAZINSKY (2)
NOTES
Father Oruko receives gifts for his native parish in Kenya At the end of a recent Mass, the international-outreach ministry at St. Mary Parish in Athens surprised pastor Father William Oruko, AJ, with two gifts for his home parish in Kenya: handmade altar cloths and a check for $1,600 raised through St. Mary parishioners’ donations. Committee member Catherine Larson made the cloths for Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Kenya. The cloths are identical to the St. Mary altar cloths, also made by Mrs. Larson. Father Oruko later traveled to Kenya for a month to visit family and friends and presented the altar cloths to his home parish.
Smoky Mountain Deanery
Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa ■ Knights of Columbus Council 3832 held its annual golf outing at Lambert Acres Golf Course on Sept. 17. Chairman Doug Hill and his committee chairs hosted 92 golfers and had one of the council’s most successful fundraisers Parish notes continued on page 5
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COURTESY OF ANN DENNIS
parish
Holy Family marks its 25th, pastor’s 15th anniversaries Holy Family Parish in Seymour this summer celebrated its 25th anniversary along with the 15th anniversary of Father Ragan Schriver’s priestly ordination. Both milestones were recognized July 3 as the parish celebrated an outdoor Mass at the pavilion and held an Independence Day–themed picnic. At left, baker Grace McIntyre and the Holy Family pastor pose with the parish’s anniversary cake. Father Schriver, ordained June 3, 1995, was also presented a cake in honor of his priestly anniversary.
TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C
BY TONI PACITTI
St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga is celebrating its 50th anniversary Saturday, Nov. 20. Bishop Richard F. Stika will celebrate the anniversary Mass at 5:30 p.m. During the Mass the parish will be consecrated to the Holy Spirit. Afterward there will be a blessing of the parish’s new kitchen, followed by a banquet in the large hall. Tickets for the banquet will be sold after each weekend Mass beginning Oct. 9. Costs are $15 per adult and $5 per child 12 and under. Seating is limited. For more information, call John Vannucci at 423-296-0537 or Paula Reiland at 400-6508. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum will be the guest speaker at the annual Celebrate Life Banquet, sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life and set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Costs are $50 for the dinner and $500 for a private reception, and banquet-sponsorship opportunities are available. RSVP by Thursday, Oct. 14. For more information, contact the chapter at 865689-1339 or trlknox@knology.net or visit trlknox.org. The women’s guild from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City will host a fall brunch and fashion show at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25, in the family-life center. Kim’s Just for You will display and sell fashions and jewelry at the show. Tickets are $12. Call Jean Harvey at 865-458-6344 for tickets or purchase them after weekend Masses on Oct. 9 and 10 or Oct. 16 and 17. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The fashions will also be sold at the family-life center after Masses from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24. Proceeds will benefit local charities supported by the guild. The guild is holding a one-day retreat titled “Understanding Scripture: A Contextualist Approach” and featuring author Dr. Margaret Nutting Ralph. The retreat is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at the church. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Call Pam Skinner at 865-408-9817 or Mitzi Caldwell 4589612 for more details. Those experiencing emotional or spiritual difficulties after abortion are invited to attend a Catholic Charities Rachel’s Vineyard healing and recovery retreat on the weekend of Oct. 22 through 24 in Tellico Plains. For more information, contact Sandi Davidson at 865-776-4510 or sandi@ ccetn.org or Catherine McHugh at 694-4971 or peace4lilith@aol.com. Rachel’s Vineyard of Nashville will hold its next retreat weekend Nov. 5 through 7 at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, 2629 Pennington Bend Road in Nashville. For more information, e-mail info@hopeafterabortiontn.com, visit www.hopeafterabortiontn.com, or call Phil Trevathan at 615-525-8239. Confidentiality is honored at all times. The Jeff Miller Benefit Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, at WindStone Golf Club in Ringgold, Ga. Mr. Miller, a WindStone employee since his graduation from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga in 1991, was recently diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. Tourney proceeds will help cover medical expenses for Mr. Miller, also a 1987 graduate of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga. The event will have shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The $100 entry fee includes breakfast, lunch, beverages, and prizes. To volunteer, become a tourney sponsor, or learn more, contact Kathy Sumrell of OLPH School at 423-622-1481 or ksumrell@ catholicweb.com. Sacred Heart Cathedral School admission tours are being conducted from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday in October. Admission open houses will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9, for grades kindergarten through five and Thursday, Nov. 11, for grades six through eight. For more information, e-mail jpunch@shcknox.org. The diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry’s Theology on Tap speaker series will conclude with a presentation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Irish Times restaurant at TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC
11348 Parkside Drive in Knoxville. Father David Carter, diocesan vice chancellor and assistant vocation director, as well as associate pastor at All Saints in Knoxville, will present the topic “How Not to Marry a Jerk or Jerkette.” There is no cover charge or admission fee. Drinks are the responsibility of participants. All young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited. For more information, visit the Theology on Tap page at bit.ly/9kxfn5. The Legion of Mary at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville will sponsor a reflection on the rosary by associate pastor Father John Orr, set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in the Father Albert J. Henkel Parish Hall at Holy Ghost. The Sevier County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Pigeon Forge Library. Call 865-908-2689 or e-mail missmouse53@comcast.net for more information. Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville will hold its annual golf outing Monday, Oct. 11, at the Andrew Johnson Golf Club in Greeneville, with sign-in at 11 a.m. The outing is a four-person “captain’s choice” event that starts with a putting contest, followed by lunch before tee time at 12:45 p.m. Winners are determined in gross and net categories. The event is supported by the parish with help from both the Council of Catholic Women and Knights of Columbus Council 6784. To learn more or request team registration forms, e-mail rolandnoe@embarqmail.com. Father Brendan McAnerney, OP, will give a free lecture and slide presentation on sacred icons at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10. Sponsored by the East Tennessee Iconographers Guild, the event will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Northshore Drive across from the Chancery office. A wine-and-cheese reception will follow. Father McAnerney will conduct an icon workshop Oct. 11 through 16. The course will teach “reverse glass” icon painting. Paint will be provided. Other materials, including an 8-by-10 frame with glass, must be brought by the individual. Father McAnerney—who directs the DominICON ministry—will also be available to offer guidance and advice on glass painting and other procedures to experienced iconographers taking the course. Cost is $375. For more information, call Leona Phelps 865-5253835 or Sheila Rowan 482-1818. The Knights of Columbus in Crossville will hold their 20th annual Oktoberfest from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Knights Activity Park, 2892 Highway 70 East. Both days will feature music; German food such as pork schnitzel, kassler rippchen (smoked pork chop), bratwurst, knackwurst, and weisswurst (white sausage); and domestic and imported beverages. Tickets are $6 in advance or $7.50 at the gate. Call 931-707-7291 for tickets or purchase them at Cancun restaurants and the Lace Place in Crossville, the community center in Fairfield Glade, and Star Realty in Lake Tansi. Children under 14 admitted free. Visit crossvilleoktoberfest.com for more information. St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Copperhill is holding a “little pilgrimage” Friday, Oct. 8. The day will begin with lauds at 8:40 a.m. and Mass at 9 at the church. At 9:45 the group will leave in carpools for St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville and have lunch in Asheville at 12:30 p.m. The travelers will attend daytime prayer at the basilica at 1:30, then leave at 2:30 for St. John Neumann Church in Farragut, where they will attend vespers at 4:45. The group will return to Copperhill at 6. Call 423496-3498 for details. The fourth annual Ram Run benefiting Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is set for Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Chattanooga Market during its annual Oktoberfest celebration. The event includes a 5K run that starts at 9 a.m. and a one-mile fun run/walk that begins at 10, as well as German food, live music, handcraftCalendar continued on page 6
COURTESY OF DR. ELAINE BUNICK
CALENDAR
Dr. Peter Emanuel examines a patient as Dr. Randall Robbins (left) and Dr. Rodd Daigle look on during the second medical mission organized by Father John Appiah for his native village in Ghana.
DOCTORS’ VISIT
Father Appiah leads second Ghana medical mission he second medical mission to Father John Appiah’s native village in Ghana took place July 27 through Aug. 7, with five doctors and a support staff providing care to nearly 2,000 people of all ages. Father Appiah organized the mission to Nkonya-Wurupong, and the trip was sponsored by Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville, where the Ghana-born priest served as pastor until this summer. The medical mission team was composed of five physicians who work in Knoxville and Oak Ridge: orthopedic surgeon Dr. Randy Robbins, endocrinologist Dr. Elaine Bunick, emergency-care specialist Dr. Rodd Daigle, interventional radiologist Dr. Peter Emanuel, and pediatric oncologist Dr. Leo Hamilton. Drs. Robbins, Daigle, and Bunick returned to Ghana after participating in the first medical
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mission in 2008. The 12 members of the support staff were Deacon Michael Nestor, Tracey Robbins, Aryanne Robbins, Alex Daigle, Scott Daigle, Mary Ann Emanuel, Mary Julia Emanuel, Elizabeth Emanuel, Catherine Emanuel, Rachael Maggart, Abby Conley, and Audrey Hamilton. Bishop Gabriel Mante of the Diocese of Jasikan was instrumental in working with the tribal chiefs to promote and organize participation by their villagers so that as many as possible could receive medical care. He also permitted his personal driver to transport the doctors in his large van. Father Appiah’s family members assisted with housing, preparation of meals, transportation, special functions, and pre-arrival arrangements for the clinic. As soon as the team arrived in Accra, the capital of Ghana,
members started unpacking and sorting the 20 luggage bags of medication and the previously shipped boxes of supplies. Then the medications and supplies were loaded into trucks for the three-hour drive to Nkonya-Wurupong in the eastern Volta Region of Ghana. The team was officially welcomed by the chiefs and Nkonya community, beginning with the ritual of pouring a libation of mixed roasted corn flour and water onto the ground as an offering for the help of God for the success of the mission. The villagers sang and danced and cited Father Appiah for his humanitarian efforts over the past 10 years, during which he has helped with building schools for and bringing medical care to the village. The team members were presented with bead Ghana continued on page 9
KATIE MCLAIRD
on the
New statue of Blessed Mother dedicated at St. Alphonsus Father Jim Harvey, pastor of St. Alphonsus in Crossville, dedicated the parish’s new statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption. Father Harvey had long wished to have a statue of the Blessed Mother at the church. Parishioners donated money to buy the statue, and Richard and Shirley Bernabei donated the fieldstone for the grotto. Luis Medina, Fidel Valeras, and Bob Calabrese, with occasional help from other parishioners, built the grotto. With Father Harvey above are servers Zachariah Cole (left) and Michael Davis.
Parish notes continued from page 4
ever. The council invited foursomes of Iraqi soldier returnees to participate free. Father Alex Waraksa of St. Patrick in Morristown led the golfers in a prayer of thanksgiving and offered thanks for the soldiers who served the country. The Hayes Alignment team won the corporate trophy, and John Milford, Josh Martin, Jonathan Tipton, and Bob Tipton won the first-place team award. ■ The Knights of Columbus will sponsor their annual spaghetti dinner after the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 16, in Fatima Hall. Costs are $10 for adults ($15 at the door) and $5 for children 6 to 11. Tickets are being sold after Masses through Sunday, Oct. 10. The event will fun two $500 scholarships for parish youth.
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■ A Halloween Trunk or Treat will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. The event will feature a chili and hot dog supper, pumpkin carving, games, giveaways, and parking-lot trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks.
Immaculate Conception, Knoxville ■ Bishop Richard F. Stika will install Father Ronald Franco, CSP, as IC’s 24th pastor at the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 10.
John XXIII, Knoxville ■ Father Jim Brucz, CSP, will lead a class on the book of Sirach from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 12 and 19 and Nov. 2 and 9. ■ OCTOBER 10, 2010
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around the
Registration is under way for Diocese of Knoxville young people who plan to attend World Youth Day in Madrid in August 2011. Total cost is $3,321 per person, which includes accommodations (double occupancy), daily American buffet breakfasts, WYD fees, and airline taxes and fuel charges. A second option offers simple accommodations on school-gym floors but includes everything else above, at a cost of $2,299. A deposit of $250 is needed to hold a reservation. Second and third payments of $500 each are due by Oct. 31 and Feb. 15, with the final payment due no later than May 15, 2011. For more information, contact Al Forsythe, diocesan director of Youth and Youth Adult Ministry, at 865-584-3307 or aforsythe@dioknox.org, or Lucille of Regina Tours at 800-CATHOLIC, extension 208. Obtain information online at bit.ly/9iuuKS. A free two-hour seminar on the annulment process will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. Father David Carter will be the presenter, and simultaneous Spanish translation will be available. Contact Marian Christiana at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org. The next “Picture of Love” engaged-couples retreat will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, in Siener Hall at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. This marriage-preparation retreat supplements couples’ marriage formation with their parish priest and is designed to help couples gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges of living the sacrament of matrimony. Cost is $135 per couple and includes meals. The retreat certificate, for those attending the entire event, is good for a $60 discount on a marriage license. To register or learn more, contact Marian Christiana of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment at 423-892-2310 or mchristiana@dioknox.org. The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation will host an organ recital Sunday, Oct. 10, at the motherhouse in Nashville as part of the congregation’s 150th-anniversary celebration. Dr. Peter Latona, director of music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will perform recitals on the motherhouse’s pipe organ at 3 and 6:30 p.m. (CDT) in the chapel. The organ has 1,166 pipes divided into 19 ranks, as well as 15 digital voices. Receptions will be held at 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. in the recreation hall. Dr. Latona will also deliver a lecture on sacred music, titled “For the Love of Music, For the Love of God,” at the St. Cecilia Academy theater at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11. The events are free, but reservations are required; contact the Dominican campus at 615-383-3230 or rsvp@ dominicancampus.org for reservations. The next charismatic Mass in the diocese will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy. Father Dan Whitman of Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City will be the celebrant. A healing service will follow the Mass. Call Dee Leigh at 423-842-2305 for more information. The next Engaged Encounter weekend in the diocese will be held Oct. 15 through 17 at the Magnuson Hotel in Sweetwater. To register, call Mike or Charla Haley at 865-220-0120. For more information on Engaged Encounter, e-mail Paul or Pam Schaffer at ceeknoxville@gmail.com or visit www.rc.net/ knoxville/cee. Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”) is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville, at 3 p.m. on first and third Sundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland, and at 3 p.m. on second and fourth Sundays at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Madisonville. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details. The Serra Club of Knoxville meets on second and fourth Thursdays in the Shea Room at Sacred Heart Cathedral’s office building. Meetings begin with Mass at noon, followed by lunch and a speaker. At the club’s Oct. 14 meeting, Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM, will talk about the diocesan pilgrimage to Poland this spring. The Serra Club of Greater Chattanooga meets on second and fourth Mondays at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Meetings begin with Mass at 11:40 a.m. celebrated by club chaplain Father George Schmidt, with lunch and a speaker following. Visit www.serra chatta.org for more details. A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held Oct. 9 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Mark Evans will give a talk titled “Understanding States of Consciousness.” 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, call 865-523-7931. Calendar continued on page 8
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OCTOBER 10, 2010
BY DAN MCWILLIAMS
Foundation’s dinner focuses on future priests A student studying for the priesthood thanks the group for its support of seminarian education.
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eminarians were in the spotlight Sept. 26 at this year’s dinner for Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee members, whose contributions support the education of the future priests as well as property purchases for the diocese. Nine of the diocese’s 15 seminarians attended and received a round of applause when Bishop Richard F. Stika, at the end of his talk, asked them to stand. Joining in the applause with CFET members were 10 priests and three deacons from Knoxville and points beyond who came to the dinner at Fox Den Country Club in Farragut. The 2010 dinner was the first for its emcee, Jim Link, since he joined the diocese June 1 as the director of Stewardship and Planned Giving. Mr. Link is also the CFET director. One of the seminarians in the DOK class, Scott Russell, preceded the bishop at the lectern and expressed his appreciation to foundation members. “I want to thank you, on behalf of us seminarians, for all you have given up for the Church, instead of doing as many of us do in life and focusing only on what you want,” said Mr. Russell, who recently began his pre–theology II year at St. Meinrad (Ind.) School of Theology. He doesn’t see members’ gifts “as something you’re giving me to get through seminary,” he said. “It’s what you’re giving to the Church so the Church can grow, as our diocese is growing rapidly. It’s a gift of your time, talents, and treasures to the Diocese of Knoxville. This drives me to work hard in the seminary, to give it everything I have . . .
DAN MCWILLIAMS
ed art sold by local vendors, door prizes, and awards. Register at myolph.com. Day-of-race registration begins at 8 a.m. at the First Tennessee pavilion, 1826 Carter St., where the race itself begins. Overall winners will receive a trophy, a $20 gift card from Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a pair of Mizuno running shoes. Costs are $25 for adults and $15 for youth 14 and under for the 5K, and $12 for the fun run/walk. For more information, contact Colleen Teal at 423-605-6006 or c_c_teal@yahoo.com.
DIOCESE
Bishop Stika thanked Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee members for their generosity in supporting seminarian education and property purchases for the diocese, at the annual CFET dinner Sept. 26.
‘YOUR PRAYERS ARE PART OF THAT’
knowing I’m doing the best I can for the diocese, and I’m sure the other seminarians feel the same.” Bishop Stika told CFET members of his September trip to Rome for a seminar that he dubbed “new bishops’ school” and conversations he had with some of his 101 fellow bishops in attendance. “It was interesting to talk about our seminarians and to say how proud I was that I’m from the Diocese of Knoxville and that we are graced with 15 seminarians,” said the bishop. “We also have a 16th, Deacon Moises Moreno, who will be ordained a priest in November in Mexico.” Dinner guests viewed a video featuring many of the seminarians talking about their decision to pursue a call to the priesthood. (The video may be viewed at dioknox.org.) In it, Bishop Stika spoke of some of the sacrifices the seminarians made, such as selling a home or stepping away from what once seemed a dream job. “You’re looking into a future of some
uncertainty,” said the bishop. “First of all, is it the right decision? Second of all, am I going to pass? And thirdly, will I be nice enough to the bishop so he’ll ordain me a priest?” CFET members can participate “for generations to come” in the baptisms, Masses, teaching, and other roles of a priest, said Bishop Stika. “Your prayers, your contributions, and your friendship to these seminarians are part of that,” he said. The bishop mentioned his visit with the seminarians to his native St. Louis in August, the first of what he hopes will be annual informal trips with the men. “Next year—I haven’t told the seminarians this—we’re going camping, so pray for me,” said Bishop Stika. In per-capita numbers, the diocese ranks in the top 5 percent nationally in sending men to seminary, with 15 studying for the priesthood from a Catholic population of some 60,000-plus, said the bishop. The diocese will need
new priests more than ever with estimates showing that the Catholic population in East Tennessee could more than triple by the mid2020s. “We could be up to 200,000 in 12 to 15 years,” said Bishop Stika. “It all depends on the economy and the movement of people, but we have to be ready.” That also ties in with the other half of CFET’s mission: helping the diocese acquire land. Timely purchases of property before the time comes to create or expand parishes will help the diocese be ready for the influx of new Catholics, said the bishop. “One of the mistakes dioceses up north and out west have made is that they haven’t used common sense,” he said. “They open all these parishes and have to retrench, or they’re behind the ball and all of a sudden have these communities that have grown—and by then if you want to establish a parish, it costs a fortune to buy property.” ■
Chaldean bishop celebrates Mass at Sacred Heart or the third time in 30 years, Chaldean Catholics living in East Tennessee had the chance to celebrate the liturgy according to their ancient rite. On Sept. 25, Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim, the ordinary of St. Thomas the Apostle of Detroit Chaldean Diocese, presided at Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral for a congregation of about 150 people. Bishop Richard F. Stika attended in choir. The bishop is a native of Iraq and was consecrated a bishop in Baghdad in 1982. He is the first and only bishop to shepherd his diocese, which was erected by Pope John Paul II. The ancient Middle Eastern state of Chaldea was located in what is now southern Iraq. Chaldean Catholics are native to Iraq, but migrant communities are found in the United States, Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Lebanon. The Chaldean pop-
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Chaldean Catholics continued on page 7
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MARY C. WEAVER
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Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim of the St. Thomas the Apostle of Detroit Chaldean Diocese celebrated Mass with East Tennessee’s Chaldean Catholics at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sept. 25. ‘CONFIDENCE IN GOD’
TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C
our
PRIESTS
TV notes, week of Oct. 17
BY MARGARET HUNT
‘Something more I’m supposed to be doing’ His dad’s health crisis led Father Sturm to begin considering the shortness of life—and a call to priesthood.
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staff and let each person work without micromanaging, and I try to be understanding and compassionate of others and their situations
Tell me about your family and their influence on your vocation. My mother and father met playing country music in different bands. My mom was raised with no religious affiliation but learned how to treat others with love and dignity from her parents. My dad was raised Catholic and for a brief time studied to be a La Salette priest to serve in the missions in Madagascar. As their courtship progressed, Mom decided to convert to Catholicism. Mom and Dad were role models for me and my younger siblings. I learned by their example to be responsible, supportive, caring, resourceful, encouraging, giving, kind-hearted, musical, and humorous. Mom and Dad oftentimes worked night-shift jobs, so I became a “part-time parent” as I got older and my youngest two brothers were born. I feel a great sense of appreciation for having the parents and siblings God gave me. What was going on in your life before you made the decision to pursue the priesthood? I never felt worthy to be a priest. I knew myself well enough to admit that many areas of my life needed improvement. Although I would entertain the possibility that God was calling me to serve as a priest, the feeling of unworthiness always crept in, and I would dismiss the thought for a time. Dad suffered an aortic aneurysm in January 1994 but survived. At that time I felt a sense of “life is too short” and “there’s something more I’m supposed to be doing.” I contacted Bishop O’Connell, whom I had known in Missouri, requested his counsel, and then applied to the Diocese of Knoxville to enter the seminary. I completed my studies as St. Meinrad School
DEACON PATRICK MURPHY-RACEY
ather Sam Sturm is the pastor of St. Bridget Parish in Dayton. He is the eldest of six children born to Alma and Herbert Sturm. He was raised in Jefferson City, Mo., and worked as a music teacher and a band director before he began studies at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He was ordained on June 26, 1999, at All Saints Church in Knoxville by Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell. Father Sam Sturm
of Theology five years later and was ordained in June 1999. You were ordained at age 42. Were there advantages to becoming a priest as an older adult? There are advantages and disadvantages in being a late vocation. One main advantage is that I got to experience life in what I call the “real world” for a longer period of time before making my commitment to serve God as a Catholic priest. For example, I dated, I worked in a factory on an assembly line, I worked in a nightclub, I paid my own bills—car, insurance, apartment, utilities, etc. One main disadvantage for me was changing careers at age 37, especially when I thought I was content being who I already was. I also found philosophy and theology challenging subjects. What skills do you possess that help you handle the responsibilities of a priest? Although I’m still fine-tuning, I am a good listener. I sometimes incorporate personal experiences (from my formation years in seminary at St. Meinrad), when guiding others in spiritual direction. I lead by being of service—that is, I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, right alongside my parishioners. I acknowledge my parishioners’ time and talent, especially during vacation Bible school and any church improvements or renovations. I proofread the English and Spanish bulletins before they’re printed. I offer suggestions to those in liturgical music. I feel uplifted when celebrating the sacraments of the anointing of the sick, reconciliation, and the Eucharist. I observe the abilities of my
What aspects of priestly life have been a challenge, and how do you handle them? I am challenged when approached before and after the weekend liturgies to make appointments for folks at that very moment. I handle each situation by listening and then by asking that I be contacted during the regular work week, when I can give my undivided attention to their concerns. I am also challenged by folks who knock on the rectory door, asking for financial assistance. I handle these situations by listening and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me in my decision to offer what the parish (and I) can to help them. What are you reading right now? I’m reading Living With Wisdom: A Life of Thomas Merton (Orbis Books, 2008) by Jim Forest. I am interested in the conversion experience of the former Thomas Merton, man of the world, who then became Father Louis, a Trappist monk. My very own conversion experience occurred during an eight-day silent retreat while in seminary. I was praying in the loft of the chapel at Gethsemani, the monastery where Merton lived. I am also reading The Genius of the Roman Rite: On the Reception and Implementation of the New Missal (Liturgical Press, 2010) by Keith F. Pecklers, SJ. I am interested in helping to catechize myself and St. Bridget-ers in better grasping the rationale for the new translations by considering the wider context of the rite itself. What would you say to people who are considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? I’d strongly urge those women and men contemplating their vocation to be themselves, to live life as it comes, to adhere to that “love of God and neighbor as self” stuff, and to be aware that God will be there with them and for them, especially when doubt may be lurking. ■
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ulation of the United States is growing as Iraqi refugees flee severe religious persecution. East Tennessee is home to a growing number of Chaldean Catholics, said Paul Simoneau, director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, who helped coordinate the bishop’s visit. The Sept. 25 Mass was conducted primarily in Arabic, but Bishop Ibrahim gave a bilingual homily. “I was telling the Chaldeans that immigration is not an easy way, especially when it is forced by another power, another person,” he said. “Displacing from country to country is always hard, but we have to be grateful to God that we have reached this country: the country of opportunity, the country of peace.” He said he was grateful to those who made the visit possible, and especially Bishop Stika, “who invited me to come to his diocese and to TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC
pray with you and with him for the peace of the world.” Despite the difficulties of adjusting to life in a new country, Bishop Ibrahim said, immigrants “are to be grateful to God.” “Even if we move from country to country, from place to place, we have to stick to God. We have to stick to our faith. Our faith is most precious. We have a lot of confidence in God that things will be better in the future,” he said, adding that “we should have faith in our brothers and sisters [because] there are always good men and good women in this world to help.” The liturgy celebrated by Chaldean Catholics is “the liturgy of the Apostles”—one that dates from the second or third century, said Bishop Ibrahim. “It is very simple, the prayers are very beautiful and easy to pray, and [with them] we are imploring the mercy of God, who is merciful.”
In remarks near the end of Mass, Bishop Stika said he hoped that Bishop Ibrahim’s eparchy “will indulge us someday with a young Chaldean priest.” The Chaldean community hopes that eventually a mission can be established in East Tennessee. “Even though this is the Diocese of Knoxville,” Bishop Stika said, “we also live within the territory of the Eparchy of St. Thomas, [Bishop Ibrahim’s eparchy] and in that of other Eastern Churches that take in most of the United States.” He also noted that there would be a reception after Mass and that he recognized that “people from the Eastern part of the world love to eat good food.” “Ten years ago I was in Lebanon for three weeks, and I came back 10 pounds heavier,” Bishop Stika said. “Food is part of the celebration of our faith and our culture.” ■ www.d ioknox.org
BY J OH N MU L D E R I G
NEW YORK (CNS)—Here are some television program notes for the week of Oct. 17 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by Catholic News Service. Sunday, Oct. 17, 3:30-6:30 a.m. EDT (EWTN) Canonization of Blesseds (Live). At this Mass, broadcast live from Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Blessed Andre Bessette of Canada and Blessed Mary MacKillop of Australia as well as four others. The liturgy will be rerun noon to 3 p.m. EDT. Sunday, Oct. 17, 10-11 p.m. EDT (EWTN) A Hand of Peace: Pope Pius XII and the Holocaust. This documentary, featuring interviews with David Novak, Ron Rychlak and others, combats misinformation about Pope Pius XII’s actions during the Second World War, presenting evidence that the pontiff did much to help Jews. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 8-9 p.m. EDT (PBS) Building the Great Cathedrals. This season premiere of the series Nova looks at the technology that enabled medieval builders to erect the greatest architectural monuments of the age of faith: vast churches that were carved from 100 million pounds of stone and soar effortlessly atop a spider web of masonry (TV-G—general audience). Tuesday, Oct. 19, 9-10 p.m. EDT (PBS) Death by Fire. A special examining the conviction and 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham for the arson death of his three young children in light of new science that raises doubts about whether the fire at the center of the case was really arson. A Frontline presentation. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 9-10 p.m. EDT (PBS) A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House. This music special features a series of performances by established Broadway artists and new talent, presenting selections from American musicals that reflect the spirit, energy and ambition of America. The program is emceed by Nathan Lane and includes Idina Menzel, Brian d’Arcy James, Audra McDonald, Chad Kimball, Marvin Hamlisch, Karen Olivo, Tonya Pinkins, Assata Alston, and a youth ensemble from the Joy of Motion Dance Center (TV-PG—parental guidance suggested). ■ Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service. More reviews are available online at www.usccb. org/movies. Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
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to be sent around the world. Lorraine McWilliams demonstrated extraordinary skills as a typist and data organizer (today she would push a key or button; in 1988 some of that data-gathering took many hours to produce). Louise Wyman led the music programs for the day. People still say that God was praised by over 5,000 people more intensely than ever before in this part of the vineyard. The men were very involved also. The Knights of Columbus not only served in one of the largest honor guards ever assembled around here; they also provided transportation to the airports for those flying in from the rest of the world—especially the bishops and priests who came for the ordination of their friend as Knoxville’s first ordinary. Larry DeWine produced a media-friendly press kit, so from the first moment of the press conference in the Shea Room I (now the art department at Sacred Heart Cathedral School) a most cordial relationship has existed between the church of Knoxville and the press—radio, TV, the newspaper, and magazines. If the Knights of Columbus of every council and assembly were involved—and they were— there is no describing the level of intense labor exhibited by the ladies of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Still led by the president of the Nashville DCCW, the women left no area of service neglected, providing everything from soup to nuts and mugs (which they gave to each visiting prelate) to cups (the receptions in so many places were outstanding). This is a good time in our history to be gathering the stories of the beginning of our diocese. One reason is that our silver jubilee—Sept. 8, 2013—is fast approaching. Such a celebration will take even more planning than the first time around. The diocese is growing rapidly, and by 2025 we may be approaching 200,000 Catholics in East Tennessee. Another reason is that the majority of the major players in all of this are still out there, slugging it out in the trenches. That will not be true in 2038 as the golden anniversary of the diocese occurs. Yet another reason for remembering the beginning is the ongoing dynamic vitality of the church here and now. Yes, Mary Catherine and Andrea, there is a Santa Claus, and you are she. ■ Monsignor Mankel is a vicar general of the diocese and the pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville. OCTOBER 10, 2010
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YOUTH
NDHS presents annual alumni awards Notre Dame High School hosted its annual Alumni Awards Reception on July 29, kicking off its annual Alumni Weekend activities. Honored at this year’s awards reception were George Valadie and Johnny Hennen. Mr. Valadie, a member of the NDHS class of 1971, received the Distinguished Alum Award, given annually to a Notre Dame grad who displays citizenship and community service, exhibits strong leadership skills, has attained notable personal or professional achievement, and reflects and supports the mission of the high school. The Jim Phifer Service Award was presented to Mr. Hennen (’64). He was honored for his constant support of Notre Dame and Catholic education in Chattanooga. From left are alumni director Veronica Seaman, Mr. Valadie, Mr. Hennen, and NDHS principal Perry Storey.
COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN
COURTESY OF GAYLE SCHOENBORN
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Bishop celebrates Mass with Notre Dame seniors Bishop Richard F. Stika is surrounded by the class of 2011 at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga on Sept. 1. The senior class has an annual Mass and lunch with the bishop, and Bishop Stika took part in the tradition for the second time last month. The Knights of Columbus joined the students and bishop for the Mass again this year.
Seven KCHS seniors named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists noxville Catholic High School seniors Roxanne Cabrera, Allison Connelly, Alex Daigle, Carla Javier, Anna Mire, Sara Sanders, and Marek Twarzynski have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among about 16,000 students nationwide receiving semifinalist honors, announced Sept. 15 by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. KCHS students represent 20 percent of the semifinalists from Knoxville’s public, private, and parochial high schools. Semifinalists will continue in a competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $36 million that will be offered next spring. ■
Diocesan parishes, school hosting annual fall festivals this month t. Mary parish and school in Oak Ridge will host its 60th annual fall festival Oct. 7 through 9. This year’s celebration will be a homecoming for former students and faculty members, with more than 5,000 people expected to attend. For more information on the festival’s Oct. 7 golf tourney, call Margo Davis at 865-803-8662 or Bill Garibay at 803-2374. To sponsor or learn more about the festival, call Micheria or Kevin Dick at 789 -9013 or visit www.stmarysoakridge.org/Parish/fallfest.html. See the Sept. 12 ETC for more details on the festival. ■ St. Joseph School in Knoxville will host its 30th annual fall festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. The event includes barbecue, entertainment, inflatable games for children, and “festival shops” such as a country market and craft store. The country market needs canned homegrown produce, fresh produce, baked goods, candies, country gifts, and potted flowers, or plants. Call Carole Willard at 865-938-1996 or Sara Clem at 522-2205 or 687-9542. Call the school at 689-3424 for more information on the festival. ■ The third annual Fall Festival of Nations at Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. International food booths will be open from 11 to 2. The festival also features games and displays for children and adults, a silent auction with international items, a yard sale at 7 a.m., a bake sale, live entertainment, and an outdoor farmers market. Tickets are 50 cents, with some food and games requiring more than one ticket. Call the parish office at 423-639-938 to learn more. ■
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COURTESY OF DIANNAH MILLER
Six join faculty at St. John Neumann New to the faculty at St. John Neumann School in Farragut this year are (from left) music teacher Jonathan Leichman, fourth-grade teacher Jo Varner, third-grade teachers Jennifer Cozart and Karen Carr, fourth-grade teacher Vicki McKernan, and middle school math teacher Ann Simoneau. Not pictured is another newcomer, cafeteria manager John Bathe.
KCHS has seven of the country’s 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Carla Javier balances on top with help from Allison Connelly. From left on the bottom are Sara Sanders, Alex Daigle, and Marek Twarzynski. Atop them are Anna Mire (left) and Roxanne Cabrera.
ACADEMIC PYRAMID
Youth from St. Mary in Oak Ridge attend ‘One Bread’ conference ix youth and their adult leaders from St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge attended the “One Bread, One Cup” Summer Liturgical Leadership Conference held recently on the campus of St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana. During the five-day conference, the youth learned about their Catholic faith through sessions on catechesis and on liturgical and spiritual formation. They also trained in liturgical ministries such as reader, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and cantor. Attending the conference were Gretchen Swabe, Sidnay Fischer, Alexis Keever, Mike Burns, Emily Tidwell, and Jaris Dykas. Also attending were adult participants Margaret Merrill, Dan Miles, and Cyndi Panter.
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COURTESY OF CYNDI PANTER
COURTESY OF MICHELLE DOUGHERTY
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Representing St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge at the “One Bread, One Cup” conference were (top) Mike Burns and (from left) Dan Miles, Jaris Dykas, Alexis Keever, Margaret Merrill, Emily Tidwell, Sidnay Fischer, and Cyndi Panter. INDIANA BOUND
The “One Bread, One Cup” conference is held three times
each summer. Visit oboc.saint meinrad.edu for details. ■
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Holy Resurrection Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has Divine Liturgy celebrations at 3:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Ghost Church, 1041 N. Central St. in Knoxville. Call Father Thomas O’Connell at 865256-4880. The St. Thomas the Apostle Ukrainian Catholic Mission celebrates Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in the chapel at the Chancery. Call Father Richard Armstrong at 865-584-3307. ■ 8
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Campers learn football skills at OLPH More than 50 young players attended the annual football camp hosted recently by Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga. Instructors included OLPH football coaches Bucky Dearing (offense) and Billy Dearing (defense), along with Pat Flynn (linebackers) and Nathan Wehunt (strength and conditioning). The camp offered sessions led by Russell Cliche on nutrition, Andy Helms on punting and kicking, and B. J. Coleman on quarterbacking. www.d ioknox.org
COURTESY OF KATHY SUMRELL
The Community of Sant’Egidio is a Catholic lay ecclesial movement that focuses on prayer and service to the poor. Two Sant’Egidio groups regularly meet in the Diocese of Knoxville, in Knoxville and Johnson City. For more information on the Knoxville group, call Ellen Macek at 865-675-5541. Call Father Michael Cummins at 423-926-7061 for more details on the Johnson City group. Everyone is welcome to attend.
TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C
respect
LIFE
from the
BY MARY C. WEAVER
40 Days vigil generates ‘thumbs up,’ saves a life For the fourth year East Tennesseans are participating in nonstop prayer to defeat the culture of death.
bout 200 East Tennesseans kicked off Knoxville’s fourth annual 40 Days for Life vigil on Sept. 22 with prayer, song, and reflections from a Catholic priest and a Baptist deacon. As in years past, Lisa Morris of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and Paul Simoneau, director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, coordinated the event, held across the road from the abortion clinic on Concord Street. “Four years ago Knoxville was one of 87 cities throughout the United States to join the first national 40 Days for Life campaign,” said Mr. Simoneau. Now, he said, more than 280 U.S. cities are involved, and “every U.S. state has a campaign going on.” Prayer vigils are also being conducted in Canada, Denmark, England, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands. “We rejoice because we’re growing in solidarity in this effort. Our solidarity is the key to defeating the culture of death.” In Knoxville the faithful will meet and pray daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Concord Street entrance to Tyson Park. Another 40 Days campaign is going on simultaneously in the Tri-Cities area, cosponsored by area Catholics and Hosanna Fellowship in Johnson City. Prayer vigils are being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of the Bristol Regional Women’s Center at 2901 W. State St. in Bristol. Both campaigns will run through Oct. 31. Mr. Simoneau
MARY C. WEAVER
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Eighth-graders from Sacred Heart Cathedral School, with school nurse Cora Nabozniak (left), participate in the kickoff of Knoxville’s 40 Days for Life campaign on Sept. 22 across from the Concord Street abortion clinic.
YOUNG LEADERS
stressed that 40 Days for Life campaigns are quiet, prayerful events. Participants don’t confront employees or customers of the abortion clinic, and they don’t shout slogans. “Every day we need souls who will come down and silently pray. All we have to do is bring our presence and our prayers, and God will do the rest,” he said. “It’s not about pushing limits, it’s about compassion and healing and just the silent witness that life is always the right choice.” Father David Boettner, a vicar general for the diocese and the rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, gave an opening prayer for all those who have suffered violence. “We recognize that abortion is a violent act, and it affects all of us because violence ruptures our community, breaks bonds, and causes the whole body of Christ to suffer,” he said. He called those present to give witness to their faith and to the dignity of human life.
“We uphold [the gift of life] by giving of ourselves, and we gather not in judgment but in witness,” said Father Boettner. “Our lives have to speak to the value of human life by the way we live.” A number of students from Knoxville Catholic High School and Sacred Heart Cathedral School were present. Some youths led the singing; others presented the American flag. Mrs. Morris expressed special thanks to the young people, saying, “You are the ones, the leaders who can change this and turn it around. “It’ll be up to you to continue this prolife work,” she said. “You are making a difference by being here, and I can’t thank you enough.” Those who wonder about the effect of pro-life work might find encouragement in an e-mail Mrs. Morris sent about 10 days after the kickoff event, relating the experience of a man who had been praying at Concord Street. He said that a couple had driven up to
the abortion clinic, glanced in his direction, then gone inside. After a time, the man and woman came out of the building, got in the car, and drove up near the man. “He said he didn’t know whether the man in the car was going to yell at him or what,” Mrs. Morris wrote. “The man rolled down his car window, nodded his head approvingly, smiled, and gave the 40 Days for Life person a thumbs-up. “Then the woman in the car leaned over and gave a thumbsup with a great big smile, filled with peace. They were filled with joy, and they drove away from that clinic with the baby alive.” ■ To sign up for the Knoxville campaign, visit 40daysforlife. com/knoxville or call Mr. Simoneau at 865862-5753 or Mrs. Morris at 567-1245. To sign up for the TriCities vigils, visit 40daysforlife.com/tricities or contact Peggy English at 423-7417787 or silentno moreetn@gmail.com.
PARACLETE
BY BETHANY MARINAC
Nine days that changed the world he temperature is falling, and the leaves are finally turning after a long, hot summer. This time of year is filled with football games and homework, but it is also a time for families. We start thinking about the holidays that fill the calendar until January and begin to prepare for the business that they bring. Let’s not forget that this busy season begins with the solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1. This day is set aside to honor all saints and help bring us closer to Christ. Observing it is a great way to prepare prayerfully for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Children at home and in our Catholic schools are studying the saints, and we are praying with them. We have recently purchased a wide array of books about the
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saints. These books provide a wonderful way for families and individuals to grow closer to Christ by studying these holy individuals. Following All Saints is All Souls Day on Nov. 2. On this day the Church commemorates and prays for all the faithful departed. We can pray by saying novenas for the holy souls, praying the rosary, or going to Mass that day in honor of our beloved dead. However you and your family choose to observe these days, we are happy to offer many informative ways to help you. We are now on Facebook at The Paraclete Catholic Books and Gifts (bit.ly/ paracleteknoxville). ■ Call the store at 865588-0388 or 800-3332097.
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bracelets and kente cloth. The team got up at 5 a.m. daily in order to be ready at the clinic by 8:15. The doctors rendered care to 1,905 villagers ranging in age from newborn to more than 90 years. The major complaints included joint, back and musculoskeletal pain along with headaches, poor vision, wound infections, rashes, respiratory and sinus congestion, malaria, indigestion, abdominal pain, hypertension, and diabetes. Dr. Robbins treated a child who came to him with a cast of leaves and vines holding his fractured arm together. He replaced the cast with a plaster one. He also fitted many villagers with braces to improve ambulation. Many wounds and snakebites required his debridement skills. In the pediatric clinic, Dr. Hamilton had to control actively seizing babies and take care of many children with malaria, rashes, and malnutrition. Dr. Daigle was in charge of the acute-care patients, IV therapy, wound care, and all types of medical problems, including hypertension, asthma, gastritis, and enormous hernias. Dr. Emanuel brought his portable ultrasound unit and performed 46 procedures, detecting two sets of twins, ovarian cysts, gallstones, thyroid nodules, and carotid-artery disease. Dr. Bunick treated diabetics and post-delivery mothers and babies, including a set of triplets, as well as patients with goiters, hypertension, and eye problems. Vision screening was done on 486 adults and diabetic screening on 730 adults. The team met with the tribal chiefs and government assemblymen to discuss the needs of their villagers and desires for the future. Education, community nutrition, jobs, and medical care are among their priorities. The team presented each chief with a snakebite kit and wound-care supplies for their villagers. The small amount of medical supplies not given to patients were divided between the NkonyaWurupong Clinic and the Catholic hospital in Jasikan. Father Appiah, the medical team, and the tribal chiefs deemed the mission a great success. Planning has begun for the next medical mission in 2012. Anyone interested in participating should contact Father Appiah at 865560-0313 or bubrabar@hotmail.com. ■
The good we do lives after us—
MARY C. WEAVER
when we remember to make a will.
East Tennesseans turn out for Respect Life Sunday Silent prayer chains to observe Respect Life Sunday took place on Oct. 3 in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, and Blount County. About 150 people participated in the Knoxville event (seen above), held in front of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Father Tony Dickerson, associate pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, led attendees in prayer before they spread out along Northshore Drive, holding signs with messages about the sanctity of life. TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC
www.d ioknox.org
Only you can divide your own property as you want it divided. A bequest to your church can be a living memorial to the nobility of your life. OCTOBER 10, 2010
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LISA A. JOHNSTON | AETERNUS DESIGN
from the
CONSECRATED LIFE Bishop Richard F. Stika stands with the Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus on the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in June 2009. The bishop was in St. Louis to attend the installation of the new Archbishop of St. Louis, Robert Carlson.
Vocation directors report greater interest BY N A N C Y F RAZI E R O’B R I E N
WASHINGTON (CNS)—The majority of vocation directors are seeing an increase in inquiries for the fourth straight year, according to a recent survey, commissioned by the Chicago-based Vision Vocation Guide. Vocations directors also reported a positive impact on their work from Pope Benedict XVI’s call for atonement for the Church’s failings, the Year for Priests, and the canonization or beatification of particular saints. Conducted Aug. 30 though Sept. 23, the survey received responses from 431 “vocation inquirers” and 175 vocation directors. The majority of inquirers said they were very serious about choosing religious life, with 18 percent saying they planned to enter a religious community in the next year. “The fact that Church events have little impact on a person’s exploration of a religious life says a lot about the depth and seriousness of the call,” said Patrice Tuohy, executive editor of Vision Vocation Guide and VocationMatch.com, in a Sept. 30 news release about the survey. Nearly 84 percent of the respondents considering a vocation said prayer was the most essential element in their decision-making process. The majority also listed spiritual direction, opportunities to experience community life, and greater knowledge of what would be a good fit as essential in making a decision about religious life. About one-third said they felt most drawn to an “apostolic/evangelical” community and another third said they were drawn to a “contemplative/contemplative-active” community. The rest were divided among monastic, cloistered/semicloistered, and missionary communities. Asked what attracts them most to a particular community, nearly three-quarters chose “living a life of faithfulness to the Church and its teachings” as an essential element, whereas more than half said “praying with members of the community” was essential. The most frequently cited challenging aspects of being a religious priest, brother, or sister were the discipline of prayer, the vow of celibacy, a life of service, and sharing resources and living simply. Fewer than 20 percent of the respondents said they found living in community or restrictions on personal freedom to be the most challenging aspects. Twenty-five percent of men and 25 percent of male and female respondents over age 40 said they found wearing a religious habit essential; among women and respondents under 40, the percentage increased to nearly 37 percent. Asked what resources they found most helpful in gathering vocation information, more than half cited personal contact with a religious priest, sister, or brother as essential; 40 percent named the “come and see” weekends and discernment retreats sponsored by religious communities. Judged least helpful in gathering vocation information were a community’s or discerners’ blogs; parents and family; and campus, youth, and young-adult ministers. The survey asked vocations directors to what they attributed the increase in inquiries about religious life, and 60 percent said the main reason was a desire for deeper spirituality. More than 40 percent attributed it to a desire for community and identity, whereas more than 30 percent credited the easy availability of information via the Internet. Although more than three-quarters of vocation inquirers said they used e-mail all the time and more than a quarter said they used smartphones all the time, only 56 percent of the vocations directors said they used e-mail all the time and 13 percent said they used smartphones all the time. Vision Vocation Guide, in print and online at www.Vocation-Network.org, is published by TrueQuest Communications on behalf of the National Religious Vocation Conference. ■ Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 10
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OCTOBER 10, 2010
Catholics score poorly in religion survey Study shows atheists, Jews, Mormons, and Evangelicals are better informed. By Patricia Zapor WASHINGTON (CNS)—A survey of Americans’ general religious knowledge became a national conversational blip with its revelation that atheists, agnostics, and Jews know more about religion than those who are active, practicing Christians. Mormons scored nearly as many correct answers and more than members of any Christian faith. People were quick to click onto the website for the U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life to test their knowledge on 15 of the 32 questions, which asked about U.S. laws affecting religion and about key figures and beliefs of major religions. Of those Pew surveyed this summer, at least two-thirds knew that public-school teachers cannot legally lead a class in prayer; that Mother Teresa was Catholic; that Moses was the Bible figure who led the exodus from Egypt; that Jesus was born in Bethlehem; and that most people in Pakistan are Muslim. Fewer than half the participants in the nationwide survey answered correctly that only Protestants, not Catholics, teach that salvation comes through faith alone or that public-school teachers are legally permitted to read from the Bible in class as an example of literature. The survey was a first-time study of its type, so when it was released Sept. 28 the authors acknowledged there’s no way to know whether today’s Americans know more or less about religion than previous generations. The survey asked nine questions intended to gauge knowledge of other subjects, including politics, science, history, and literature. Overall, people got more than half of most of those questions right, falling below 50 percent correct only on questions about the author of Moby Dick, Herman Melville, and the subject of the Scopes trial, evolution. Nevertheless, said Pew senior researcher Gregory Smith, “the survey clearly demonstrates that there is an awful lot of important stuff people are ignorant about.” In a panel discussion at the Newseum, moderator Ray Suarez, senior correspondent for the NewsHour on PBS, noted the irony that “people are ready to go to the barricades over posting of the Ten Commandments, yet they themselves don’t know what www.d ioknox.org
[the Ten Commandments] are.” Among the whole sample, 55 percent correctly recognized that the “golden rule”—do unto others as you would have them do unto you—is not one of the Ten Commandments. White Catholics scored about the same as the national population as a whole on the 32-question survey, getting an average of half the questions right. Hispanic Catholics came in at the bottom of the breakouts by faith group, averaging 11.6 correct answers. Atheists and agnostics averaged 20.9 correct answers, Jews averaged 20.5 correct, and Mormons averaged 20.3 correct. White evangelical Protestants averaged 17.6 correct answers, white mainline Protestants scored 15.8 correct, those with no particular religious affiliation got 15.2 correct, and black Protestants averaged 13.4 right answers. Catholics didn’t do so well on a key question of Catholic theology, however. Only a little more than half—55 percent—correctly identified the Church’s teaching about transubstantiation, that the bread and wine used in Communion become the body and blood of Christ during the consecration. About 40 percent of all faiths got that question right. Catholics also didn’t do well on the seven questions about the Bible, averaging 3.8 correct. Only 42 percent correctly identified Genesis as the first book of the Bible; 55 percent correctly picked Abraham as the biblical figure who was asked by God to sacrifice his son; 33 percent named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as the names of the four Gospels; and 25 percent identified Job as the character who remained faithful despite great trials. Catholics did better on other Scripture questions. On the “golden rule” question, 57 percent of Catholics got it right. Sixty-five percent of Catholics knew Moses led the Exodus, and 65 percent identified Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. Stephen Prothero, a religion professor at Boston University, said during the Newseum discussion that the survey found “zero correlation” to people doing better on the quiz if they have had years of religious education. Prothero, the author of Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know—And
Doesn’t (HarperOne, 2008), helped precipitate the Pew survey with his book. He said the survey should raise some flags of concern for the Catholic Church, particularly when paired with the statistic that 10 percent of Americans describe themselves as ex-Catholics. Study co-author Alan Cooperman pointed out that the Catholic Church has always downplayed the Bible in favor of the teachings of the Magisterium and the “deposit of faith.” He said that one priest he spoke with noted that as a seminarian he hadn’t even studied the Bible until his third year of religious studies. Researcher Smith said the No. 1 predictor of how well people did on the study was their level of education, with college graduates and those with higher degrees averaging more than 20 of the 32 questions right. Those who took some kind of a religious-studies course in college did the best, averaging 22.1 questions right. On the other hand, having attended a religious school as a child seems to have had less of an impact on someone’s scoring well than that he or she was in a private school at all, Smith said. Graduates of private religious schools averaged 17.8 correct answers, compared with 18.5 correct answers for graduates of private nonreligious schools and 15.5 correct for graduates of public schools. Smith attributed the high scores of atheists and agnostics to the process they have gone through to decide they are atheist or agnostic. “I think it may reflect a fair amount of thought and attention to religion,” he said. “These are folks who have chosen to identify with a relatively small and relatively unpopular portion of the U.S. population. . . . It shows they have taken a side and given considerable thought to these matters.” The survey included responses from 3,412 adults questioned in May and June. The statistical margin of error ranges from plus or minus 2.5 points for the entire sample to as much as plus or minus 11 points for the smallest sample segment, the 117 Hispanic Catholics. ■ Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C