Sept. 26, 2010, East Tennessee Catholic by Diocese of Knoxville

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English fans ‘heart’ the pope A pilgrim wears decorated Wellington boots as Pope Benedict XVI leads Mass and the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman at Cofton Park in Birmingham, England, Sept. 19. A number of fans decorated their Wellies with pro-pope messages. page 10

THE EAST TENNESSEE

Volume 20 • Number 2 • September 26, 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 w w w. d i o k n o x . o r g

Pledges continued on page 2

The 22nd annual event sees a number of new honors presented to both young people and adults. By Dan McWilliams he 22nd annual diocesan Youth Mass saw the presentation of new awards to young people and adults, as well as the commissioning of the 2010-11 Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council. Sacred Heart Cathedral hosted the Mass on Sept. 11. An “evening extravaganza” that included a picnic, games, and dancing followed at the cathedral school. Vicar general and Sacred Heart Cathedral rector Father David Boettner celebrated the liturgy. Father Boettner substituted for Bishop Richard F. Stika, who was in Rome during the week of the Youth Mass. “As you might have guessed, I’m not Bishop Stika, and I’m not going to try to be Bishop Stika,” said Father Boettner. “Our bishop is in Rome right now with

DAN MCWILLIAMS

nce a year parishes across the diocese ask members to make a threefold pledge, offering to share their time, talent, and treasure during the coming year. On Oct. 2 and 3 Catholics throughout East Tennessee will commit themselves to supporting the Church and its ministries in 2011. Many parishes will host ministry fairs, during which parishioners will be asked to volunteer as catechists, readers, musicians, ushers, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. “Stewardship Weekend is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work of evangelization,” said Father David Boettner, rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral. “We build up the body of Christ when we share our gifts with others.” Recalling the Lord’s example, Catholics are encouraged to fully commit themselves to spreading the Gospel. “Every time I help someone in need and share what I have, I get back so much more,” said Hope Feist, a senior at Knoxville Catholic High School who often ministers to the homeless. “Not that we should be motivated by what we’ll get in return,” she said, “but St. Francis was right when he said ‘in giving we receive.’” In addition to sharing time and talent, people throughout the diocese will be asked to make a pledge of ﬁnancial support to their parishes. Unlike previous years, when pledges were made to parishbased and diocesanwide programs at the same time, the gifts pledged on Stewardship Sunday will be used solely for parish operations. At Thanksgiving the diocese will make a separate appeal for support of ministries throughout East Tennessee. “Our diocese is only as strong as its parishes,” said Bishop Richard F. Stika. “We have to do everything we can to ensure that they thrive and contin-

Dozens receive awards at Youth Mass

Father David Boettner presented a cross to each member of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council during the Youth Mass on Sept. 11, including (from left) Smoky Mountain Deanery representatives Austin O’Conner and Jessica Domaleski of St. Albert the Great in Knoxville, Megan McCormick of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, and Allison Connelly of Immaculate Conception in Knoxville. The 2010-11 DYMAC members were installed at the 22nd annual Mass.

NEWLY INSTALLED DYMAC

the Holy Father, and he wanted to be here, but I told him I really wanted to be with the youth who are

the leaders of our diocese.” Father Pat Garrity and Father Ragan Schriver concelebrat-

ed, with Deacons Jim Fage and Bob Lange assisting. Father Boettner spoke in his opening

remarks and homily of idols, idling, and forgiveness. “Idling, at least in Youth continued on page 6

Bishop attends first Mass with Unicoi farm workers More than 200 laborers and their families come to the liturgy celebrated in Spanish by Father Boettner at Scott Strawberry & Tomato Farms. BY DAN M C WILLIAM S

ishop Richard F. Stika last month made his first visit to a vibrant Catholic community that many of the faithful in East Tennessee may not be aware of. More than 200 Hispanic farm workers at Scott Strawberry & Tomato Farms in Unicoi and their families attended a Mass with the bishop Aug. 29. Vicar general Father David Boettner

celebrated the liturgy in Spanish as the bishop attended in choir. “I was humbled by the warm reception we received on an early Sunday morning in Unicoi,” said Father Boettner. “It was such a festive morning, and all those in the farm camp had on their best clothes to welcome the bishop and take part in the Mass in their own community. “The son of the original farmer who

COURTESY OF LOURDES GARZA

‘Stewardship Weekend’ pledges to parishes to be made Oct. 2-3

The bishop dons a sombrero and holds Richel Torres for a photo with (from left) Brenda Bustos, Father David Boettner, Father Anietie Akata, and Kelamy Hernández. UNICOI WORSHIPERS WELCOME BISHOP STIKA

built the Unicoi chapel was there with his wife to greet us, and in honor of the bishop’s visit he gave his employees the day off. Normally they work seven days a week.” Father Anietie Akata, pastor of St. Mary in Johnson City, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Mike Jacobs of St. Mary assisted. Two Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus “Ad Gentes” who serve Hispanic Catholics in the Five Rivers Deanery, Sister Carmen Lina Ramos and Sister Isabel Gonzalez, attended the Mass, along with their superior general from Mexico, Mother Beatriz Taneco Vieyra. Unicoi County, which includes the town of Unicoi, has no Catholic parish but is part of the territory of St. Mary. Children of the farm workers receive their religious education and sacraments of initiation at the Johnson City church. Father Alex Waraksa of St. Patrick in Morristown usually celebrates Sunday Masses in Unicoi. The farm’s Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe seats only 60 or so and thus was much too small to hold the gathering for Bishop Stika’s visit. “Because there were so many people for the Mass, they made a chapel out of the packing and loading dock for the produce,” said Father Boettner. “It was beautiful.” The Missionary Sisters supervised the transformation. “The sisters had to direct a lot of work to stack all the big boxes and cover them up, set up an altar area, Unicoi continued on page 3

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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.

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 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 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. ■

Pledges continued from page 1

ue to serve as beacons of hope.” Support of parish-based programs is especially important during challenging economic times. “Our parishes provide vital assistance to families in need, many of whom are facing reduced or lost earnings,” said Bishop Stika. “And because parishes subsidize the education of those who need financial aid to attend Catholic schools, many of our pastors are finding that growing needs are outpacing offertory contributions.” The Church isn’t alone. Many charitable organizations are faced with decreasing contributions and eroding endowments precisely when they’re experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for their services. Investing in charitable organizations has never been more important. “Although many people are feeling squeezed, this is a terrific time to give to the Church,” said Jim Link, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Planned Giving. “With the Bush tax cuts set to expire on Dec. 31, many Americans will face increases in the estate tax and capital-gains rate, together with limitations the Obama administration wants to place on itemized deductions such as mortgage interest and charitable contributions. “Those who want to maximize the benefit of their tax deductions should give to their parish and diocese before the end of the year,” he said. ETC readers are asked to generously support their parishes during Stewardship Weekend. Those who are able might consider increasing the size of their gift so parishes can meet growing demands to help people in need. ■

living the

READINGS

BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDO

The role of your life We are much more fortunate than Dives—and can have a happier ending.

or hear this parable for the first time. How sad it is for Dives and for us to hear that some people just don’t “get it.” The blinders they’re wearing keep them from seeing reality. Jesus wanted that deep sigh to penetrate the souls of the Pharisees who were staring at him without seeing who he truly was—and hearing his words without comprehending what he was telling them. If he could convey the tragedy they were playing out, maybe they would be converted and discover reality. They could have had a breakthrough moment in their lives. What was preventing them from making such a breakthrough? Perhaps the problem was identified best by the prophet Amos. In the first reading, Amos calls the problem complacency. He described it in terms that are still true now. Translating his

Lazarus is a well-remembered character among the many who appear in Jesus’ parables. Along with the Prodigal Son, his forgiving father, the Good Samaritan, and others, Lazarus reminds us how life is supposed to be lived. But look at his antagonist, the rich guy (Dives, in Latin). He plays an even more dramatic role. After his death, Dives ends up in anguish, for his own state and that of his brothers. His emotions are the central point of the story. Abraham sadly informs him his brothers will not listen even to somebody who has risen from the dead. This has to produce an existential sigh in all who read

eighth century BC terms to contemporary ones, Amos chastises the people for living in luxurious homes, eating gourmet meals, enjoying jazz sessions, drinking vintage wines, and using exotic skincare products. Yet at the very same time, a brutal enemy, the Assyrians, had just wiped out the Northern Kingdom of Israel. A flow of refugees was pouring into Judah, leaving behind everything they had, lest they be overtaken and killed. Their religion and language were the same as those of the Judeans. But the rich Judeans hardly noticed their presence and didn’t lift a finger to help. The comfortable things of this world can make us blind and deaf to the suffering around us. Fortunately, someone has come from the dead to awaken us. He can give the drama of our lives a happier ending. ■ Sept. 26, 26th Sunday in ordinary time Amos 6:1, 4-7 Psalm 146:7-10 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Luke 16:19-31

Stay strong, stay faithful Overcoming difficulties is ‘all in a day’s work’ for Christians.

aul urged Timothy in the second reading to “bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.” There’s a ton of meaning in those 15 words. Foremost is the implied truth that the Gospel can

bring hardship. How can the Gospel, the good news, involve hardship? The answer is easy. Whenever something outstandingly good comes along, it brings with it the challenge of change. Change invariably spawns resistance. From the

time the people of Nazareth threw Jesus out of town to our savior’s crucifixion and the martyrdom of the early Christians, through all of Christian history, all the way to the persecutions of Catholics happening right now, the Gospel has met

resistance. Hardship is the daily environment of those who live the Gospel to the full. Habakkuk, in the first reading, cried out to God in pain as the Assyrians were Readings continued on page 3

Oct. 3, 27th Sunday in ordinary time Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 Luke 17:5-10

WEEKDAY READINGS Monday, Sept. 27: Memorial, Vincent de Paul, priest, Job 1:6-22; Psalm 17:1-3, 6-7; Luke 9:46-50 Tuesday, Sept. 28: Job 3:1-3, 1117, 20-23; Psalm 88:2-8; Luke 9:5156 Wednesday, Sept. 29: Feast, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels, Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 138:1-5; John 1:47-51 Thursday, Sept. 30: Memorial, Jerome, priest, doctor of the Church, Job 19:21-27; Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14;

Luke 10:1-12 Friday, Oct. 1: Memorial, Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin, doctor of the Church, Job 38:1, 12-21 and 40:3-5; Psalm 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14; Luke 10:13-16 Saturday, Oct. 2: Memorial, Guardian Angels, Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Psalm 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Monday, Oct. 4: Memorial, Francis of Assisi, religious, Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2, 7-10; Luke 10:25-37

Tuesday, Oct. 5: Galatians 1:13-24; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15; Luke 10:3842 Wednesday, Oct. 6: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14; Psalm 117:1-2; Luke 11:1-4 Thursday, Oct. 7: Memorial, Our Lady of the Rosary, Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 1:69-75; Luke 11:5-13 Friday, Oct. 8: Galatians 3:7-14; Psalm 111:1-6; Luke 11:15-26 Saturday, Oct. 9: Galatians 3:22-29; Psalm 105:2-7; Luke 11:27-28 ■

Two DOK schools earn national Blue Ribbon award t. Joseph School in Knoxville and St. Mary School in Oak Ridge are among 304 educational institutions to receive recognition as 2010 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The awards were announced on Sept. 9 by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The schools—254 public and 50 private—will be honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 15 and 16 in Washington, D.C. In the past 28 years more than 6,000 of America’s schools have received the award.

Eight other Tennessee schools won the designation this year, including Overbrook in Nashville and St. Francis of Assisi in Cordova, both of which are Catholic schools. “The Blue Ribbon Schools program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are high performing or have improved student achievement to high levels,” said Dr. Sherry Morgan, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Knoxville. “The program is part of a Department of Education ef-

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

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W .

fort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices.” The schools’ students are among the highest performing in the nation in reading and mathematics as measured by nationally administered tests. “Meeting these criteria places St. Joseph and St. Mary schools in the top 10 percent in the nation,” she said. A list of all the 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools is available online at www.ed.gov/ programs/nclbbrs/awards. html. ■

Margaret Hunt Administrative assistant Toni Pacitti Intern

Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

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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

come, minus the taxes and Social Security he pays into our economy, is sent back to his family abroad. These remittances, collectively, represent the largest Scripture provides a threefold image of the human person, calling for respect. and most effective poverty-reduction program in the world. When we attack the migrant, Scripture from the present Sacred art is we increase poverty and take day, we are sometimes chalvery much food away from the hungry. lenged to see the connection part of my But we are growing more between the sacred pages and faith experifearful as a people and a socieour everyday circumstances. I ence, and ty. When that happens, as hisknow this was the case for me certain icons tory demonstrates, the weakest even though I had often read and paintand most vulnerable in a socithe passages repeated freings in my ety are attacked. The slogans quently in the Old Testament private are familiar: fear of overpopuand the Psalms that charge us chapel have lation, fear of lost autonomy, not to neglect the care of the always aided fear of the foreigner. widow, the orphan, and the my prayers and reflections. The three panels making up foreigner. These sacred images, despite a triptych must be viewed as a Who are the widows, orthe many years I’ve gazed single image if we are to fully phans, and foreigners of toupon them, appear somehow appreciate the mystery they day? The new widows include new to me every day. I am alreflect. It is no different in the those pregnant women whose ways amazed at how each triptych of the human person: boyfriends or husbands have time I contemplate these goswe must contemplate not abandoned their responsibilipels of line and color, someonly the widow and the orties to them and to the unborn thing new is revealed through phan but also the foreigner if children they helped to conthem of the mystery of God we are to truly contemplate ceive—and it is these who are and of man. the face of Jesus in the human the new orphans. Many of One form of Christian art person. these new widows, alone and that is special to me is the Like the Israelites, suffering overwhelmed by a fear of the triptych (pronounced triphorrible injustices of fear and unknown, readily respond to tik), from the Greek word litthe culture of death’s invitation prejudice, who cry out in Exerally meaning “trifold.” A odus 2:23, the Psalmist to take care of the “problem.” triptych is a work consisting echoes a cry that grows ever Thankfully, we are witnessof three connected icons or louder today: “How long, O ing growing solidarity in efpaintings that are meant to be Lord . . . , they kill the widow forts to defend the life of the viewed as a single image. Last and the stranger and murder unborn and in our loving outyear I offered a Marian tripthe fatherless child” (Psalm reach to pregnant women. tych as a gift to the Sisters of 94). Beneath this cross is our Healing help for post-abortive Mercy of Alma, Mich., on the weeping Mother. ■ women is increasing as well. day their first convent home How grateful I am to those in our diocese was blessed. who promote healing through Like these sacred works of BISHOP STIKA’S SCHEDULE the Silent No More campaign art, Scripture provides us a These are some of Bishop Stika’s and Rachel’s Vineyard (see the particular triptych of the huappointments: calendar on page 5). I comman person that helps remind Sept. 26: 11 a.m., Mass, Cathedral mend all those who extend us of our responsibility toof the Sacred Heart of Jesus; their witness and helping hand 6 p.m., Catholic Foundation of East ward those most vulnerable to the widow and orphan of and in need of our help. It is Tennessee dinner, Fox Den Country our day, and I ask God to furthe triptych of the widow, the Club, Farragut ther bless their efforts. orphan, and the foreigner (cf. Sept. 29: 7 p.m., “Ask the Bishop” But we also must remember Exodus 20-22). By contemQ&A session, John XXIII Catholic the third person in this tripplating this sacred image of Center, Knoxville tych image—the foreigner— human beings in their exOct. 1: 6 p.m., ﬁrst of four dinners represented in the person of treme weakness, we can betwith deacons and wives, bishop’s Simon of Cyrene. In a special ter answer the question, residence way, he shared in the cross of “What would Jesus do?” Oct. 6: 5 p.m., homilist for Alumni Christ, and his image is alIn the approaching month Days Mass, Kenrick-Glennon Semiof October, a month dedicated ways found in the Stations of nary, St. Louis the Cross displayed in our to Our Lady and to a special Oct. 8: 6 p.m., dinner with deacons churches. witness to the sanctity of life, and wives, bishop’s residence Simon of Cyrene is not too we draw close to she who is Oct. 9: 6 p.m., 60th-anniversary hard to find outside churches particularly close to those livdinner and dance, St. Mary Church, as well. He may be the one ing in fear and abandonment, Oak Ridge roofing our house, laying the Mother of all, born and Oct. 10: 10 a.m., installation of Fabrick and mortar, mowing the unborn, documented and unther Ron Franco, CSP, as pastor, grass along our highways, or documented. Immaculate Conception Church; even landscaping our yard. Because thousands of years 5 p.m., centennial celebration, St. Most of his very modest inseparate what we read in Ann Church, Lancing ■

Triptych of love

COURTESY OF LOURDES GARZA

Unicoi continued from page 1

and take out all the furnishings from the chapel to set up a church,” said Lourdes Garza, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry. Ms. Garza has attended Masses in Unicoi with both Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz and Bishop Stika. “Bishop Stika was extremely gracious,” she said. “He talked to many people in the crowd and shook their hands after Mass and after breakfast.” Bishop Kurtz celebrated a Mass in Unicoi on Aug. 25, 2002, to mark the Guadalupe chapel’s 10th anniversary. Ms. Garza said she is grateful for the Scott family’s generosity and for the fact that annual visits by the bishop have resumed. “I’m pleased we’re continuing the tradition because we are in a working camp where the owners have let us build a chapel even though they’re not Catholic themselves,” she said.

Young people from the Unicoi Hispanic Catholic community performed after Mass. REGIONAL DANCES

“They have allowed us to build a chapel so that the men who work there six months out of the year can continue to worship in their Catholic tradition.” Farm workers and their families pulled out all the stops for Bishop Stika’s visit. “They were so excited to have their bishop come to their home and be with them,” said Father Boettner. “They prepared an amazing feast, and there were folk dances and songs

T H E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

that the young people had prepared. The choir rehearsed a song for the bishop’s visit.” The meal featured a number of traditional dishes. “There was a lot of food,” said Ms. Garza. “They prepared a special table for the bishop and his guests.” Children and young adults from St. Mary Parish “had been practicing some folkloric dancing from different regions of Mexico” before the bishop’s visit, said Ms. Garza.

“It is traditional to teach the children those dances.” Bishop Stika visited the Guadalupe chapel during a tour of the grounds. “He saw the living quarters of the young men who lived there,” said Ms. Garza. “He told them he noticed it was kept very clean and neat, and that their mothers would be proud of them because they take very good care of their living area.” The bishop’s visit came in the latter part of the season for the Scott workers, who work from May through October. “It was a powerful reminder that Bishop Stika is the chief pastor for all of the people of East Tennessee, even those who are not normally seen or noticed,” said Father Boettner. “Their bishop came to them to show them they are not forgotten.” Bishop Stika told the worshipers that he hoped to celebrate the Unicoi Mass in Spanish himself next year. ■

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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, Sept. 27, for the Oct. 10 issue ■ Monday, Oct. 11, for the Oct. 24 issue. When submitting photos or information about past events, please keep in mind that we have a backlog of submissions. ■

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 who are in contact with children or vulnerable adults and are recommended for parents and grandparents. The following training sessions have been scheduled: ■ Our Lady of Fatima Church, Alcoa, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 (session will be held in room 206 of the Fatima Center) ■ St. Alphonsus Church, Crossville,

1 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 3 ■ Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chattanooga, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 (session 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. Participants are asked to donate $1 for session materials. To register, visit virtusonline.org. ■

Corrections n the Sept. 12 issue, the article on Bill Casey stated that he pleaded guilty to two abuse charges in Scott County, Va.; he did not plead guilty. Also in the Sept. 12 issue, the article on diocesan attorney John T. O’Connor’s retirement should have stated that he assisted in the purchase of property for All Saints Parish during Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell’s years in East Tennessee. ■

Readings continued from page 2

committing widespread unchecked atrocities in Israel. He asked for immediate relief from the hardship his people bore. The answer came back: you must wait. The picture you have now is not complete. It will have a happy ending. Be consoled with that, and you will be blessed. Anything less is being rash. God is telling us we must realize there will be bad times. He will give us the power to live through them until we ultimately see a happy ending. In the meantime, we should have faith, be people of integrity, and remain steadfast. Christians are to be fearless and cool under fire. Today’s Gospel reading presents the next stage. The Apostles, most likely realizing they were to face overwhelming resistance themselves, ask Jesus for an increase of faith. Jesus responds by telling them faith is more powerful than one might think. A little bit can move huge trees. A life of struggle against resistance is easy for people of faith. It’s all in a day’s work. And that should be our attitude when times get tough. We should stand up and face troubles head on, as if we were experiencing an average day. The strength to overcome any difficulty will be given us through our relationship with Christ. The same power that got Jesus through the pain of Good Friday will carry us through our Calvary as well. ■ Father Brando is the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg.

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.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

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BY TONI PACITTI

■ The parish held an Oktoberfest on

Sept. 19. ■ St. Augustine parishioners Sept. 26 will complete a week of hosting families through the Interfaith Homeless Network. ■ Parishioners recently donated $6,324 to supply 90 schoolchildren with backpacks and Walmart vouchers for clothing or shoes.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill ■ Parishioners are casting votes

through Oct. 4 to ﬁll two spots on the parish council.

St. Jude, Chattanooga ■ The parish is sponsoring a “Seven

Steps to Becoming Financially Free” small-group study, based on the program created by Phil Lenahan of Veritas Financial Ministries. Six classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 30, in the parish life center. Parishioner and CPA David Lowrance will lead the study. Cost is $35.95 for singles or $46.95 for couples. Call 423-870-2386. ■ The Council of Catholic Women will sponsor its fourth annual International Day of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7. Parishioners from around the world will pray the rosary in their native language. A potluck will be held in Siener Hall after the rosary. ■ The CCW will host the ﬁrst Chattanooga Catholic Business Expo on the weekend of Nov. 6 and 7 in the family life center. Area Catholic business owners who want to reserve a booth can ﬁnd applications in the church vestibule or online at www.stjudeccw.org, or they may call Jennifer Huinker at 332-8031.

St. Mary, Athens ■ The death of St. Francis of Assisi will be commemorated Sunday, Oct. 3, with a Transitus ceremony. Those who want to learn more about or attend the ceremony should contact Paulette Croteau at 615-513-6321, 423-8875759, or artnisfo1996@peoplepc.com. Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville ■ Knights of Columbus Council 5207

in West Knoxville is inviting All Saints golfers to take part in the fourth annual Dave Fricke Memorial Golf Tournament that begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at Willow Creek Golf Club in Knoxville. Cost is $80 and includes greens fees, range balls, carts, and lunch. Call Tom Gilmartin at 865-2880255 to register, become a sponsor, or learn more about the tourney.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman ■ The parish’s homecoming picnic is set for Sunday, Oct. 3, and will begin after a rosary at 10:10 a.m. and Mass on the grounds of the annex. To volunteer or learn what foods to bring, call Barbara Capell at 865-354-8009. ■ A recent collection for the needy of the parish brought in $2,309.80.

St. Alphonsus, Crossville ■ About 300 people attended the an-

nual parish picnic held recently at the Knights of Columbus facility. The parish thanked organizer Patti Smith and her volunteers for the event. ■ Knights Council 8152 held its annual picnic for the Hilltoppers rehabilitation-services organization July 23. About 85 Hilltoppers clients attended. Cliff Wightman and 14 of his Tennessee Tech students volunteered to assist at the picnic.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairﬁeld Glade ■ One Step Beyond, a social group

for adults who are alone, will have a picnic at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Robin Hood Park in the Glade. Cost is $5. Call Bobby Bitto at 931-707-8607 or Carolyn Oshry at 788-1155 to make a reservation. ■ The church library recently added American Cicero: The Life of Charles Carroll (Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2010) by Bradley J. Birzer and Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (Free Press, 2010) by Gregory Boyle. ■ Anniversaries: Lloyd and Ann Tripp (58), Marvin and Patti LaPrese (55), Nick and Pat Santore (53), Bob and Dorothy Connor (53), Fred and Jean Sacci (52), Robert and Evelyn Toma4

■

SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

St. Mary, Oak Ridge ■ For a week of prayer in late August,

353 parishioners signed up for 533 of hours of eucharistic adoration. ■ Anniversaries: Don and Toni Dooley (50), Frank and Jeanne O’Donnell (50) Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City ROY EHMAN

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain

szewski (52), Bob and Mary Tobey (45), Ed and Margaret DeMars (30), Michael and Elizabeth Puhl (25)

■ Parishioners contributed more

than $780 to Life Outreach Center in Jefferson City in its recent “Change for Life” fundraiser. ■ Anniversaries: Bill and Mary Lou Jenkins (52), Bob and Judy Himmelsbach (40), Stephen and Gail Stiver (10), Ron Williams and Stephanie HolackaWilliams (5)

Notre Dame, Greeneville ■ The next family night will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Myers farm and include a cookout and hayride and a walk through a corn maze. Cost is $5 for adults for the maze. Sign up in the narthex.

St. Patrick, Morristown ■ Choir members are needed to sing

at the 9 a.m. Mass. No auditions are necessary. The group meets at 5 p.m. Thursdays to rehearse. For more information, e-mail Mike Stanbery at pmstanbery@charter.net. ■ Sign-ups for Renew: Why Catholic? will be held after weekend Masses on Sept. 18 and 19, with new sessions beginning the week of Oct. 10. ■ Food gift certiﬁcates for Ingles and Food City are being sold before and after weekend Masses. Purchases help the Knights of Columbus raise money for parish debt reduction. ■ A cleanup of the church grounds will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR KNIGHTS’ PROJECT Tony Richardson (left), Father Bede Aboh, Monsignor Xavier Mankel, and Jack Henson break ground for Our Lady of Fatima’s new pavilion. Behind Mr. Richardson are (from left) Claudia Huddleston, Carl Muse, Norm Miller, Tom Witt, Carlton Bryant, and Father John Orr.

Knights funding new pavilion at Our Lady of Fatima nights of Columbus Council 3832 is donating funds and labor to erect a 40- by 80-foot pavilion on church grounds to serve the ministries and parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa. OLOF pastor Father Bede Aboh, vicar general Monsignor Xavier Mankel and Father John Orr of Holy Ghost in Knoxville, and project co-chairmen Jack Henson and deputy Grand Knight Tony Richardson took part in a groundbreaking ceremony

Sept. 9 at the church. Others present included parish-council members, Council of Catholic Women members, and CYO directors. Monsignor Mankel, Father Orr, and Father Aboh read Scripture and blessed the site, with the monsignor giving his recollection of the parish history. OLOF was the monsignor’s first assignment as a young priest, and at the groundbreaking he spoke of his recommendation, with Bishop Anthony J.

O Connell’s support, that the diocese purchase the current church’s property. The Knights spent the last few years saving proceeds from golf outings and barbecue sales to make the project possible. The council hopes the pavilion can be used for CYO functions, parish picnics, outdoor Masses, and other parish-related activities. The Knights thanked parishioners and friends who contributed to the project fund. ■

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville ■ On Sept. 12 longtime parishioner Jo Ann Long began managing the parish nursery during 8 a.m. Masses.

COURTESY OF PAULA REILAND

Chattanooga Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville ■ The music ministry’s 2010-11

recital series will begin at 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 26, and feature local pianist Kristofer Rucinski, who will play the parish’s newly acquired Yamaha piano. Admission is free. The series also includes brass-quartet, organ, and jazz-group recitals. ■ The bereavement committee needs cooks and kitchen staff. Sign up in the parish hall after Masses on Sundays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. ■ The IC food pantry will receive 100 percent of the pledges of parishioners who take part in the 20th annual Hunger Hike. The hike is set for Sunday, Oct. 3, at Lakeshore Park, with registration at 2 p.m. and the walk at 2:30. Call Bobbi Newsom at 865-951-0775. ■ Welcome receptions for associate pastor Father Jerry Tully, CSP, were held after all Masses on Sept. 19. ■ Female voices are needed for the parish choir. Weekly rehearsals are held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

‘Choo Choo Choir’ sings during Masses at St. Stephen Twenty-six members of the All Saints Parish choir from Dunwoody, Ga., and 14 members of the choir at St. Stephen in Chattanooga joined to sing for two Sunday Masses at St. Stephen on July 11. The combined group, dubbed the “Choo Choo Choir,” was directed by Charles Lynch of All Saints. The event was coordinated in Atlanta by Mr. Lynch and in Chattanooga by Betty Anne Neal, an organist at St. Stephen who used to sing with the All Saints choir. In 2008 casual conversations led to an organized trip that became an annual event.

COURTESY OF ALICIA SIMPSON

NOTES

Blessed John XXIII, Knoxville ■ Parishioners who are University of

Tennessee faculty or staff members are being asked to take an online survey to help plan a “Roncalli Roundtable” (named for the parish patron) fellowship group. Visit surveymonkey.com/s/ bhfx5hn. ■ The next Vol Awakening studentled retreat will be held the weekend of Oct. 15 through 17 at the Mountain Lake Ranch in the Smoky Mountains. Cost is $35, and ﬁnancial assistance is available.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

St. Dominic School organizes ﬁrst ‘Cardboard Boat Race’ St. Dominic School in Kingsport recently sponsored the first “Crazy Cardboard Boat Race,” a new event for the annual Fun Fest celebration in Kingsport. Deacon Bob Lange led the opening ceremonies with a blessing of the boats. Racing and some sinking began thereafter as sailors paddled down Legion Pool. The event is a competition to determine who can construct a two-person boat solely out of cardboard, tape, glue, and paint and then race 50 meters in the city pool. The event drew 16 cardboard vessels as well as a large crowd. School students, alumni, parents, teachers, and staff and St. Dominic parishioners took on the challenge of organizing the event. Awards were given to the top three finishers along with honors for most creative design, team spirit, best use of sponsor logos, most spectacular sinking, and prettiest vessel.

■ Parishioners are invited to take part

in the 20th annual Blount County Prayer Chain for Life from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. Call 865-984-1470.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville ■ Spanish classes will meet Monday

and Wednesday evenings beginning Sept 27. Books are $18 to $28. Call Brigid Johnson at 865-584-4528 to register.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville ■ Fifty-ﬁve attended the recent organizational meeting for a men’s club. ■ www.d ioknox.org

COURTESY OF JO ANN TUSINSKI

parish

First Communion for Holy Family youth Six children at Holy Family Parish in Seymour recently received their first Holy Communion. Their instructor was Karen Burry. From left are (front) Baylee Osborne, Riley LeJudice, and Toby Miklusicak and (back) Holy Family pastor Father Ragan Schriver, Earl Davis, Michael Boisture, and Tony Davis.

TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

BY TONI PACITTI

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. Confidentiality is honored at all times. The women’s guild at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City is holding a one-day retreat themed “Understanding Scripture: A Contextualist Approach” and featuring Dr. Margaret Nutting Ralph, author of 13 books on Scripture. 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 865-4089817 or Mitzi Caldwell 458-9612 for more details. 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 diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry’s Theology on Tap speaker series continues with three more presentations at the Irish Times restaurant at 11348 Parkside Drive in Knoxville from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 10. Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey of Knoxville Catholic High School and St. Albert the Great in Knoxville will speak on the topic “You Say Hello, I Say Goodbye. Why Do We Need Church?”, on Sept. 26. The Oct. 3 topic is “Morality: What’s It to You?”, presented by Father Ragan Schriver, executive director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee and pastor of Holy Family in Seymour. Father David Carter, diocesan vice chancellor and assistant vocation director, as well as associate pastor at All Saints in Knoxville, will speak on the topic “How Not to Marry a Jerk or Jerkette” on Oct. 10. 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 Sevier County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will present an “Equipping For Life” seminar led by Christian counselor Karen Black Mercer, who has been involved in prolife work for more than 40 years. The seminar is set for 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Holy Cross Church in Pigeon Forge. The event will help participants speak to women in crisis who are considering abortion. In 1996 Dr. Mercer became the first woman to receive the Power of One Award from Focus on the Family for her pro-life efforts. The event is free, and lunch is included. Call 865-908-2689 or e-mail missmouse53@comcast.net to register or learn more. The chapter will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Pigeon Forge Library. Call the number above for details. Notre Dame Parish in Greeneville will hold its annual golf outing 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 deterTH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

mined 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 roland noe@embarqmail.com. Sister Mary Timothea Elliott of the Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., and the diocesan director of the Office of Christian Formation, will speak at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29. Her topic is “The Psalms as Teachers of Prayer.” Sister Mary Timothea lived in Rome for 17 years and received her doctorate in sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. She came to Knoxville from St. John Vianney Archdiocesan Seminary in Denver. For more information, contact Holy Trinity at 865-471-0347 at holytrinity.jeffcity@ gmail.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. St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge is offering the inquiry phase of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or who has questions regarding the Church is invited to attend. Sessions will run from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays and will be held in the parish meeting room adjacent to the cafeteria in the lower level of the church. To learn more or be placed on the class list, call the parish office at 865-482-2875. 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 931707-7291 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 crossville oktoberfest.com for more information. The third annual Danette Henry Memorial Ovarian Cancer Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 25, at Chatata Valley Golf Club in Cleveland. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Fees are $300 for a four-person team or $75 for individuals. Call Delores Haynie at 423-400-8060 to register or learn more. Holy Family Parish in Seymour is holding its annual Holiday Craft Bazaar and “Granny’s Attic” fundraiser Friday through Sunday, Sept. 24 through 26, at the church. The benefit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday and after Mass on Sunday. Call Mary Waldmann at 865-429-3999 or Mary Ann at 983-6611 for further details. The annual Oktoberfest Ram Run benefiting Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Chattanooga Market. The event includes a 5K run and a one-mile fun run, as well Calendar continued on page 6

ROY EHMAN

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.

Infant baptized using extraordinary form Father Brent Shelton baptized Gabriel Joseph Garner at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa on July 18 using the extraordinary form of the Roman rite of baptism. Godmother Jennifer Henderson holds the recent newborn as master of ceremonies (and diocesan seminarian) Michael Hendershott and godfather Joshua Jakubowski look on. Gabriel is the son of Michael and Mary Garner, music director at OLOF. The extraordinary-form rite of baptism differs from the ordinary form in that it is conducted mostly in Latin, apart from the occasional vernacular dialogue and responses of people and sponsors. It also is somewhat lengthier, the combined rites of baptism and blessing of the baptismal water taking about 45 minutes, partly because of additional ceremonies of exorcism.

Boy, Girl Scouts receive awards everal Scouting awards were presented recently around the diocese: ■ Six girls received their I Live My Faith medals and three boys their Parvuli Dei awards at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga. On hand were Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting chair George LeCrone Sr. and St. Jude pastor Father Charlie Burton. The honorees were Audrey Barkeloo, Abby Bostic, Mia Florio, Allison Price, Samantha Taylor, Brooke Withey, John Blatchford, Liam Porterfield, and Joseph Russo. ■ Mr. LeCrone, pastor Father Gilbert Diaz, and Deacon Gary Brinkworth officiated at a presentation of Parvuli Dei and Light of Christ awards at St. Stephen in Chattanooga. Receiving their Parvuli Dei awards were Danny Lozano and Diego Lozano, Miles Parkey, and Jacob Smith. Shawn Murphy and Theo Parkey were the Light of Christ recipients. ■ Ryland Jones received his Light of Christ award at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville. With him for the presentation were parents Ray and Susan Jones, pastor Father John Appiah, and Mr. LeCrone. ■

S COURTESY OF BRIGID JOHNSON

CALENDAR

Cathedral hosts catechumenate forum The North American Forum on the Catechumenate came to Knoxville to lead a “Concerning the Baptized” institute July 16 and 17 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Seventy-one RCIA team members from Los Angeles to Chapel Hill, N.C., came to learn how to refocus their RCIA sessions for those already baptized. The presenters were Eliot Kapitan of Springfield, Ill., and Father John Durbin of Chapel Hill. Above (from left) are RCIA team member Leah Bennett of Sacred Heart and team leader Elizabeth Bunker of Holy Ghost in Knoxville.

COURTESY OF JOHN WALTER

on the

St. John Neumann parishioner earns Eagle Matthew Walter of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut received his Eagle Scout award recently at the parish school. With him is his former pastor, Father John Dowling. Also attending were U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, state Rep. Ryan Haynes, and George LeCrone Sr., diocesan Scouting committee chair. For his Eagle project, Matthew planned, coordinated, and supervised the construction of four heavy-duty wooden picnic tables for the pavilion at the pool in the View Harbour subdivision in Concord. Matthew, a member of Troop 15, is the son of John and Gail Marie Walter of Concord.

DOK parishes holding annual fall festivals, bazaar he 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. ■ St. Joseph School in Knoxville will host its 30th annual fall festival on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16. Call the school at 865689-3424 for details. ■ St. Francis of Assisi in Townsend will hold its fourth annual fall bazaar, which includes a blessing of animals, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. The event includes a bake sale,

www.d ioknox.org

a raffle, children’s games, live entertainment, and a white-elephant sale. A lunch of chicken with cole slaw and baked beans, or hot dogs and chips, will be served. Call Lisa Brosenne at 865-984-4639. ■ St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City is holding its annual fall festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. For more information, call Ray Mouse at 865-712-7820. More details appeared in the Sept. 12 ETC. ■ St. Mary parish and school in Oak Ridge will host their 60th annual fall festival Oct. 7 through 9. 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 volunteer for 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. ■ SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

■

ashville Bishop David R. Choby underwent heart-bypass surgery Sept. 10 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He suffered discomfort in his left arm, and tests made Sept. 9 revealed a blockage and the need for an operation. “Your prayerful support is a great source of comfort for me,” the bishop said to the people of the diocese before the surgery. “I consider myself fortunate to be at one of the premier heart hospitals in the United States. We have an excellent staff in place in the diocese to continue operations as I recover.” Surgeons completed bypasses of six blockages and were pleased with all aspects of the procedure, reported the Tennessee Register. Bishop Choby’s schedule will be restricted for an indeﬁnite period while he recovers. After the surgery, visitors were limited to his family and a few friends, but the bishop—who has received an overwhelming number of get-well cards and mail—was very appreciative of all the prayers and expressions of support and best wishes from the people of the diocese. ■

COURTESY OF KATHIE ETHERTON

New faces among faculty at St. Jude St. Jude School in Chattanooga welcomed four new faculty members this year. From left are fifth-grade teachers Meghann Nabor and Kelley Kee and middle school teachers Mary Margaret Murphy and Cathy Czarnecki.

Calendar continued from page 5

as food, music, and awards. Register at myolph.com. To sponsor the Ram Run or donate items for goody bags, call Colleen Courter Teal at 423-605-6006. Sponsorship levels are $250, $500, $750, and $1,000. 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. High school juniors and seniors are invited to attend one of the next four Search for Christian Maturity weekend retreats, all at All Saints Academy in Chattanooga. Search 130 is set for Sept. 24-26, Search 131 for Nov. 19-21, Search 132 for Feb. 25-27, and Search 133 for March 25-27. Cost is $55, and scholarships are available. To obtain a form, see a youth minister, visit the Notre Dame High School ofﬁce, or contact Donna Jones at 423-718-4387 or djones6029@gmail.com. A Retrouvaille weekend, designed to help couples heal and renew troubled marriages, is set for Oct. 1 through 3 in Atlanta. Call 770-495-8592 or visit retrouvailleofatlanta.org to register. Contact Kelly or Heather Neuner at 423-254-0331 or help4marriage@ gmail.com for further details. 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. 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 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. 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 Calendar continued on page 7

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

Youth continued from page 1

your car, is not good. But idling in your soul is even worse.” Idols in the lives of young people are not so much “something we make with our own hands” but anything such as cheering on the Vols at Neyland Stadium or spending too much time playing computer games that takes away from their devotion to God, said Father Boettner. Father Boettner told the youth about his seminary class on the sacrament of reconciliation, in which half of the students would pretend to be penitents and the other half priests who would hear their confessions. The seminarians learned the hard way not to make knowing the Lord’s forgiveness difficult. “This was really a form of hazing because what our classmates would do is think of the most contorted, difficult confessions we could possibly give,” he said. The seminarians would spring the difficult confessions on the “priest” student, who at length sorted through the sins with the penitent, as a professor looked on all the while, said Father Boettner. “At the end of all of this mess, the professor looks at the rest of the students in the class and says, ‘Does anyone want to offer any pointers here? . . . Well, I’ll be the first to start. I’ll tell you what he did wrong. Everything! Your job as a priest is to make sure that that person walks out of this room knowing the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. That’s it. That’s your job.’

DAN MCWILLIAMS

Bishop Choby undergoes heart-bypass surgery

YOUTH MASS TURNS 22 More than 200 young people and adults attended the annual Youth Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, and 189 took part in the “evening extravaganza” that followed. New to the Mass this year were presentations of several awards sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

“And he was absolutely right. Forgiveness is so much simpler than we try to make it.” He urged the youth “to be ministers of forgiveness. You have an opportunity to tell people about real forgiveness. . . . If you want to change lives, if you want to see something that works miracles, try forgiveness.” The Youth Mass was the first for Al Forsythe, who oversees youth ministry for the diocese and has visited most of the parishes in East Tennessee since his arrival. He emceed the award presentations. “Since being hired as the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in January, I’ve traveled extensively throughout this diocese and met some outstanding youths and young adults who are committed to youth ministry,” he said. “It is important that these exceptional people are recognized for their efforts. This not only affirms the re-

cipients of the award, but it also offers us a model to imitate.” The special awards presented at the Mass, including the Discipleship Award for youth and the Companions on the Journey award for adults, are sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Receiving the Discipleship Award were youths Courtney Campbell and Matthew Donahue of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut, Daniel Leal and Carrie Wolfe of St. Bridget in Dayton, Gloria D’Azevedo and Liz Porter of St. Mary in Oak Ridge, Eric White and Angela McGee of Holy Family in Seymour, Nicole Nabozniak and Marek Twarzynski of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Laura McAdams and Alex Carter of St. Dominic in Kingsport, Ava Jones and Martin Holt of St. Mary in Johnson City, Nathan Bird and Allison Vargo of St. Augustine in Signal Mountain, Brandon

Rittgers and Josh Kosky of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga, Chris Granger of St. Mary in Athens, and Mikayla Long and Joe McGuire of St. Jude in Chattanooga. Adults receiving the Light of the World Award were Elena Morales and Yvonne Kidder of St. John Neumann, Tina Mugridge and Patrick Mugridge of St. Bridget, Kathleen Cooksey and Karen Swabe of St. Mary in Oak Ridge, Lisa Line of Holy Family, Karin Botica and Sue Greer of Sacred Heart, Paul Vachon and Sandy McAdams of St. Dominic, Terry Drone and Ann Jones of St. Mary in Johnson City, Sue Vargo of St. Augustine, Nikki Klein and Marina Delaney of OLPH in Chattanooga, Lee Ann Moates and Sissy Aparicio-Rascon of St. Mary in Athens, and Dennis McGuire of St. Jude. Recipients of the awards were nominated by their parish. Youth continued on page 8

Father Demers, longtime hospital chaplain, dies at 88 ather Bert Demers, a longtime chaplain at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Knoxville and a missionary priest in the Philippines for 25 years, died Thursday, Sept. 16, at Baptist Health Care Center in Lenoir City. He was 88. Bertrand F. Demers was born Aug. 9, 1922, in Fall River, Mass., to Henri A. and Marie Regina Lanois Demers. He attended grade school in Fall River and high school in Worcester, Mass. He received his bachelor’s in philosophy in 1947 and master-of-divinity degree in 1949 from Oblate College and Seminary in Natick, Mass. He was ordained a priest for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate on Feb. 6, 1948, by Bishop John J. Wright at St. Jean-Baptiste Church in Lowell, Mass. Father Demers served as a parish priest and high school director in the Prelature of Cotabato in the Philippines for the next eight years. He later directed the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate and, during his last 10 years in the Philippines, was a member of the Oblate Mission Band, which conducted retreats and missions. Returning to the New England area, he served as an

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Oblate missionary priest from 1973 to 1985, including assignments at houses that led closed retreats. He also led retreats and workshops around the country on a number of topics, including meditation and centering prayer. Father Demers later served as chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., and at St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Charleston, S.C. In February 1994 he was accepted as a diocesan priest by Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell and assigned to Sacred Heart Cathedral as an associate pastor. In June 1994 he became administrator at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette and received his St. Mary’s chaplain’s assignment. While at the hospital he led projects to benefit the poor in the Philippines. He retired in 2004. Sisters of Mercy, hospital staffers, and friends attended a farewell Mass for him on June 27, 2004, in the St. Mary’s Medical Center chapel. Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, some two dozen priests, and more than 225 of the faithful helped Father Demers celebrate his golden jubilee as a priest Feb. 6, 1998, at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. Father Demers

Father Bert Demers

celebrated monthly Masses at IC for the city’s Filipino community, many of whose members attended his jubilee Mass. “In 50 years I found out that I know nothing, but I’m still learning,” he said. “I like what I’ve learned so far, and I’d like to learn more.” Survivors include his caretakers for six years, Nanette and David Ganancial of All Saints Parish in Knoxville; a niece, Denise Mickalitis; and several family members in Massachusetts. A memorial Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Stika at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, with Monsignor Xavier Mankel as homilist. ■ TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

around the

DIOCESE

BY MARY C. WEAVER

‘We realized there was deﬁnitely a need’ The ENDOW program for Catholic women fills a void that Protestant Bible studies cannot.

bout 90 women and girls, from preteens to octogenarians, were introduced to the ENDOW catechetical program for women on Sept. 11, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 70-something adults present, 28 signed up to be trained as ENDOW facilitators in December. During the daylong session, held at All Saints Church in Knoxville, 21 preteens took part in a module called “Girl Genius,” designed just for them. High school and adult women learned more about how the program works and heard an overview of the module based on Pope John Paul II’s “Letter to Women.” Based in Denver, ENDOW was created to help women learn more about the Catholic faith and their God-given dignity (see the article “ENDOW courses spread teaching of Church, popes,” Aug. 22 ETC). Each of the program’s eight-chapter study guides for adults is presented in a smallgroup setting during eight sessions, two weeks apart. There is no homework. Topics include “Aquinas for Beginners,” Humanae Vitae, St. Edith Stein, and the Christian meaning of suffering. The program’s acronym stands for Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women. The ENDOW curriculum is based on Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the work of theologians and philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Edith Stein, and Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. In the Diocese of Knoxville, the program is overseen by Sister Mary Timothea Elliott, RSM, the director of the Office of Christian Formation. “From the day I arrived in Knoxville, one of the parents said to me, ‘When is ENDOW going to come?’ So the Lord prepared the way a long time ago,” said Sister Timothea. Terry Polakovic, one of the program’s founders and its executive director, explained that Sister Timothea was in Denver for 11 years and is the author of one of the ENDOW

MARY C. WEAVER

Women of all ages came to All Saints Church in Knoxville on Sept. 11 to learn about ENDOW, a catechetical program coming to the diocese next year. Facilitator training begins in December. GOD-GIVEN DIGNITY

study guides: “Valiant Women: Women in the Bible.” Mrs. Polakovic led the Sept. 11 session for adults. One mother who attended the day with her eighth-grade daughter and friends e-mailed Sister Timothea to say, “My daughter and her friends were so excited about what they were discussing today . . . that they wanted to bring the presenter back to school with them so they could share her message with all of the other girls at St. Joseph School [in Knoxville].” Another participant emailed Sister Timothea, commenting that the four high school girls she brought with her were “enthused enough to ask our youth director if they could make a short presentation [at an upcoming youth meeting] on Pope John Paul’s ‘Letter to Women.’” Leader for the preteen presentation was Brigid Sweeney, marketing director for the national ENDOW office. In her remarks, Mrs. Polakovic explained the creation of the ENDOW program and how the founders’ lives began to change as they dug into John Paul II’s writings for and about women. “We were going through

some real conversions,” she said. “We had lived very secular Catholic lives. To really embrace these teachings, we had to go though a lot of personal changes, on a lot of different levels.” Despite some early challenges in getting ENDOW off the ground, she said, the organizers came to believe that they had become “very small participants in the work of the Holy Spirit.” One of the things they realized is that very little substantial catechetical material is available for Catholic women. “There’s a tremendous amount out there for women of Protestant faiths. They have Bible studies from morning till night,” she said. “And one of the things [Protestant women] were proudly telling me is that at least 25 percent of the women taking those studies are Catholic. . . . We realized there was definitely a need.” ENDOW’s study guides are written by experts in theology, Scripture, and other fields. “One of the Nashville Dominicans wrote our study guide on St. Catherine of Siena,” said Mrs. Polakovic. “One of the priests who

TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

Archbishop Francis M. Zayek

Rome and was appointed to serve the Maronite community in Cairo, where he also worked in the apostolic nunciature. He later returned to Rome and served as the Promoter of Justice at the Roman Rota. In May 1962 Pope John XXIII appointed him auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. He was consecrated Aug. 5, 1962, in Dimane, Lebanon, by Cardinal PaulPierre Méouchi, patriarch of Antioch and the Orient. On Jan. 10, 1966, Pope Paul

ctober is Respect Life month, and Catholics in East Tennessee will have ample opportunities to get involved—even before the designated month begins. 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. In Knoxville, vigils will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily outside the abortion clinic at 313 S. Concord St. Sign up for vigil times at 40daysforlife.com/ knoxville or call Paul Simoneau at 865-862-5753 or Lisa Morris at 567-1245. The Tri-Cities campaign is co-sponsored by area Catholics and Hosanna Fellowship in Johnson City. Prayer vigils will be 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. Sign up at 40daysforlife.com/tri-cities. For more information, contact Peggy English at 423-741-7787 or silent nomoreetn@gmail.com Respect Life Sunday is Oct. 3. Silent prayer chains will be held on that day as follows: ■ Knoxville, 4 to 5 p.m., Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 Northshore Drive Southwest. Contact Mrs. Morris at 865-567-1245 or lccte@bellsouth.net. ■ Chattanooga, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 501 S. Moore Road. Contact Chattanoogans for Life at 423-290-7312 or visit www.chattanoogansforlife.org. ■ Kingsport, 2 to 3:30 p.m., 1567 N. Eastman Road. Contact Louise Jennings at louisertl@ charter.net. On Oct. 7 a post-abortion healing seminar will be held for pastors and parish staffs. Sponsored by Tennessee Right to Life, the event is free to priests, deacons, and parish staff members. The seminar is geared to those whose pastoral work involves dealing with post-abortive women and men. Contact TRL at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@ knology.net. 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. ■

Calendar continued from page 6

Cummins at 423-926-7061 for more details on the Johnson City group. Everyone is welcome to attend.

ENDOW continued on page 8

Archbishop Zayek, 89, founded Maronite eparchy rchbishop Francis Mansour Zayek, founding bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn and a longtime friend of Bishop Richard F. Stika, died Tuesday, Sept. 14, in Lebanon. Archbishop Zayek, 89, was one of the last surviving bishops who, as a bishop, attended all of the sessions of the Second Vatican Council. “The Maronite Church in the United States is deeply indebted to the archbishop for his zealous efforts in establishing the strong, vibrant Maronite community we have today,” said Bishop Gregory J. Mansour, the eparchy’s current bishop, in a letter to fellow bishops informing them of the archbishop’s death. Archbishop Zayek was born Oct. 18, 1920, a son of Mansour and Mariam Khoury Zayek, in Manzanillo, Cuba. In 1931 the entire family emigrated to Lebanon. Following seminary studies in Lebanon and Rome, he was ordained a priest March 17, 1946, in Rome. He completed a doctorate in canon law in

Numerous events scheduled for Respect Life month

VI established the Maronite Apostolic Exarchate in the United States and appointed Bishop Zayek as its first exarch. He was installed June 11, 1966, in Detroit, where he would establish his see. The pope raised the exarchate to the rank of diocese (eparchy) on Nov. 20, 1971, and appointed Bishop Zayek as the first bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron, for all Maronites of the United States. He was installed June 4, 1972. The see was moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1977. In recognition of his pioneering work in the United States, he was elevated to archbishop by Pope John Paul II on Dec. 10, 1982. He retired in 1996. The archbishop was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters. Survivors include a brother, Elias, of Brazil, and a sister, Lydia, of Lebanon. A 40-day Divine Liturgy for Archbishop Zayek is scheduled begins Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn. ■ www.d ioknox.org

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. 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. Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of Greater Knoxville (40 and over) include the following: ■ Sunday, Sept. 26: Greater Knoxville Start! Heart Walk on the Festival Lawn at World’s Fair Park, 2 p.m. Call Ernie M. at 865-671-7119. “Brunch and banter” at Tom and Barry’s, 1 p.m. RSVP to Maggie C. at 249-7038 or Maggie@teamtechinc.net by Sept. 18. ■ Tuesday, Sept. 28: Planning meeting for NovemberDecember events at Azul Tequila, 6:15 p.m. RSVP or (if not attending) suggest an event by calling Gail B., 966-8205. ■ Wednesday, Sept. 29: Ronald McDonald House service project. Contact Donna T. at 531-3839 or penguin7@prodigy.net. ■ Saturday, Oct. 2: Neighborhood Bike Ride beginning at intersection of Central Street and Baxter Avenue, 10 a.m. Visit www.knoxtrans.org/bikeride/ index.htm. Oktoberfest featuring traditional meal and desserts at Gail B.’s, 7 p.m. RSVP by Sept. 29 at 966-8205 or gbraunsroth@charter.net. ■ SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

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ENDOW continued from page 7

life and

DIGNITY

BY PAUL SIMONEAU

The saint difference

MARY C. WEAVER

What the world needs most are divine works of human hands.

A CHANGED LIFE Terry Polakovic, one of ENDOW’s founders, presented the session for adults on Sept. 11.

teaches in our seminary wrote the study guide on Redemptoris Mater.” Facilitators don’t have to be theological experts, she explained. It’s more important, she said, that they be “inviting and caring” toward the women in her group. Lisa Campbell of St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut said she found the day “interesting and intriguing” and is interested in serving as a facilitator. “I think a lot of women would really benefit from learning more about the true teachings of the Church and the meaning behind them,” she said. “It’s not just something over in Rome. It applies to your daily life and everything you do, everything you teach your daughters and your grandchildren.” She said that one of Mrs. Polakovic’s comments especially caught her attention: “She said, ‘Catholic women are being catechized, but they’re being catechized by the culture.’ We’ve got to turn that around.” ■ For more information, call the Office of Christian Formation at 865-584-3307.

Youth continued from page 6

Receiving the St. Timothy Award were Anthony Osorio, Megan Mahoney, Ary Lawrence, and Ethan Lott. “The St. Timothy Award is the highest recognition the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Diocese of Knoxville confer on high school youth,” said Mr. Forsythe. “It is presented to youth who generously serve their peers and youth ministry with unwavering dedication.” Adult youth-ministry leaders Dan Miles, Vicki Runge, Tom Miklusicak, and Katherine Angulo were presented the Companions on the Journey Award, the NFCYM’s highest recognition for adults. “It is given to adults whose service to youth ministry is exceptional,” said Mr. Forsythe. The Mass concluded with the commissioning of the new DYMAC members, whose duties include advising the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office on needs and concerns of their local parish and deanery and to act as spokespersons for their parish and deanery. This year’s council is composed of Austin O’Conner, Jessica Domaleski, Megan McCormick, Allison Connelly, Claire Hendee, Hillary Lawrence, and Marek Twarzynski of the Smoky Mountain Deanery; Anthony Osorio, Katherine Sumarriva, Courtney Campbell, Eric Humes, Rebecca Plank, and Taylor Herbst of the Cumberland Mountain Deanery; Nathan Bird, Michelle Spangler, Emily Keane, Brandon Rittgers, Chris Granger, Matt Drury, and Sadie Bradshaw of the Chattanooga Deanery; and Alex Carter, Ethan Lott, Raechel Jacobs, Ava Jones, and Dylan Jones of the Five Rivers Deanery. “These youth were chosen because they have demonstrated service and leadership to their faith community and have agreed to take on a role as a communication link of the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry,” said Mr. Forsythe. The new DYMAC members stood in front of the sanctuary and made their pledge before Father Boettner “to share my faith everywhere I go, serve as an adviser to our bishop, aid in planning and leading diocesan youth events, and faithfully work to the best of my ability for the betterment of youth ministry throughout our diocese.” Father Boettner then presented a cross to each member and led the other youth in the congregation in a promise “to join these leaders in deepening your commitment to Christ and his Church,” as Deacon Fage introduced the pledge. ■ 8

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

Albert Einstein once said that “simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means.” Pope John Paul II might have been thinking a similar thought concerning the simplicity of the lives of the saints and their many contributions throughout history when he said, “The world needs more than just social reformers. It needs saints” (address at the Louisiana Superdome, Sept. 12, 1987). What is a saint? What distinguishes the works of a saint from those of a humanitarian? Simply put, the works of a saint are divine works of human hands. And when the divine is absent, attempts at social reform falter and ultimately fail. We could cite any number of definitions to explain what a saint is. One thing saints are not, though, is people who merely give generously of themselves and of the fruits of their labor and ingenuity. Someone who does that might rightly be considered a humanitarian, and even a heroically generous one, but that does not make a saint. Saints, I believe, are those who give both of themselves and of God. They give to others from the fruit of the gift of themselves to God—the fruit resulting from their intimate

the new

MISSAL

communion with Our Lord. “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). A saint is someone who understands, as Pope Benedict XVI points out, that “God gives that we may give” (God Is Near [Ignatius, 2003], p. 47). He further states that “To be workers of . . . justice, we must be workers who are being made just by contact with him who is justice itself: Jesus of Nazareth” (St. Peter’s Basilica, March 18, 2005). Archbishop Fulton Sheen likewise reminds us that “We always make the fatal mistake of thinking that it is what we do that matters, when really what matters is what we let God do to us” (Seven Words of Jesus and Mary [Liguori/ Triumph, 2001], p. 32). I have known many humanitarians, especially while working in Africa, who routinely gave heroically and sacrificially of themselves. But at some point they burned out. Why? They drew from the wellspring of their very being, but this wellspring was not being replenished as quickly as it was being drawn upon. They gave to the point at which they exhausted the finite gift of themselves. They gave every ounce of who they were—and at some point, the well grew dry. Sadly, this burnout is not confined to those involved in humanitarian work. It occurs all too frequently within marriages and to mothers and fathers, as well as to those involved in pastoral ministry. In self-giving, there must be

BY FATHER RANDY STICE

Eucharistic Prayer III Consider four words that ‘carry a wealth of meaning.’

For the past several months I’ve been discussing some of the texts from the new Missal, which will be implemented Nov. 27, 2011, the first Sunday of Advent. I have been alternating each month between texts for the people and texts for the priests. Last month I discussed the Gloria, and this month I will continue our examination of Eucharistic Prayer III. According to the Introduction to the Order of Mass (USCCB, 2003), “The Eucharistic Prayer, the center and summit of the entire celebration, summarizes what it means for the Church to celebrate the Eucharist.” The prayer “is addressed to the Father through Jesus Christ, by the priest celebrant in the name of all who are present. The faithful profess their faith and give their assent through dialogue, acclamations, and the Amen.” One of the notable changes is in the epiclesis, the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine. The current wording—“We ask you to make them holy by the power of your Spirit”—is changed to “We humbly implore you: by the same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts.” In the new Missal the word ask is changed to humbly implore, and make is changed to www.d ioknox.org

graciously make. The two adverbs, humbly and graciously, establish the right relationship between us and God. We come before God in humility, not presumption, trusting in his mercy and graciousness. A second significant change is from cup to chalice. The institution narrative will now read, “he took the chalice” and “this is the chalice of my blood.” In part this reflects a figure of speech in the Greek original. In the earliest account of the Last Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (cf. Matthew 26:27, Mark 14:23), Jesus took the bread and the cup, not the bread and the wine (the Greek is the generic word for drinking vessel, not a specific type of vessel). This is a figure of speech known as metonymy, in which one word is substituted for another, which it suggests. Here, cup stands for wine. Even more, it is wine that has become the blood of Jesus, the very substance of his soul and divinity. The word chalice, in addition to being more faithful to the Latin calix, more accurately describes a vessel worthy to contain “the living and burning Blood, signed with the heat of the Spirit” (Ancient Paschal Homily). A final noteworthy and much-discussed change concerns the translation of pro multis, currently translated “for all”: “the blood of the new and everlasting covenant . . . will be shed for you and for all.” In the new Missal this reads “poured out for you and for

self-recovery. The saints reveal to us that to be the total gift we are called to be to one another, we must first be in communion with God. This communion must be nourished through prayer and sacrifice, holy obedience, Scripture, the sacraments, and above all the liturgy and the Eucharist. More than ever we need to regain an appreciation of the Lord’s Day and what is meant by resting in the Lord. These are the transformative ingredients we need most if we are to become truly efficient in our works of charity, mercy, and social reform. Pope John Paul II reminds us that “any call to action is first of all a call to prayer” and that it is especially “in the Eucharist that you find the true Christian spirit that will enable you to go out and act in Christ’s name” (address on social-justice issues, No. 10, Detroit, Sept. 19, 1987, p. 353). Echoing the sentiments of John Paul II about the need for saints in our world, Benedict XVI stated: “It is the saints who change the world for the better; they transform it in a lasting way, injecting in it energies that only love inspired by the Gospel can arouse. The saints are the great benefactors of humanity!” (general audience, Sept. 15, 2010). The words of Jesus speak to the efficiency and success of the saints: ”Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Ending with my customary play on the words of Pope Paul VI, “If you want peace . . . ,” achieve “maximum effect with minimum means.” ■ Mr. Simoneau directs the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace. many.” There are a number of reasons for this change. First, it is faithful to the language of the Gospels: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:24); “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). It is also a reference to the Suffering Servant Song in Isaiah: “he poured out his soul to death . . . yet he bore the sin of many” (Isaiah 53:12). A second consideration is that for many is an accurate translation of the Latin term pro multis: multis means many, not all. Third, this formula has been used in the Roman Rite in Latin from the earliest centuries. Only with the advent of vernacular translations in the last 40 years has it been translated as “for all.” In addition, the eucharistic prayers of the Oriental Rites—Greek, Syriac, Armenian, and Slavic languages—use the equivalent of for many. Finally, for many is open to the inclusion of each human person. As Cardinal Arinze, former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, put it, the phrase reflects the fact that salvation is not brought about in a “mechanistic way, without one’s own willing or participation; rather, the believer is invited to accept in faith the gift that is being offered and to receive the supernatural life that is given to those who participate in this mystery, living it out in their lives as well so as to be numbered among the ‘many’ to whom the text refers.” It is a dogma of our faith that Christ died for all men and women (cf. John 11:52; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Titus 2:11; 1 John 2:2). Stice continued on page 9

TH E E A S T TE N N E S S E E C ATH OLI C

in our

PARISHES

marriage

BY MARY C. WEAVER

Bishop dedicates Notre Dame addition A new catechetical center, narthex, and multipurpose room add 7,900 square feet to the Greeneville church.

otre Dame Parish in Greeneville celebrated its patron’s solemnity Aug. 15 in unusually grand style this year—with the dedication of a 7,900-square-foot addition to the building. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at the Greene County church on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and dedicated the new facility. The new construction includes 10 classrooms for youth and adult religious education, a narthex, and a multipurpose room, said buildingcommittee chairman Bud Noe. Ground was broken for the project on Oct. 30, 2009. Architect for the $1.25 million project was Thom Haeuptle of Johnson Architecture in Knoxville. The builder was Burke-Ailey Construction Co. Inc. in Morristown. “Centuries after the moment when Mary said yes, we gather together in this beautiful community dedicated to the Blessed Mother under her title Our Lady, Notre Dame,” the bishop said. “We celebrate with a spirit of gratitude for all of you: those who are very public in their service to the Church and also those who are so important by their prayers, their commitment, and the donations they gave so

MARY C. WEAVER (2)

Bishop Stika poses outside the addition with (from left) parochial administrator Father Bill Keebler and former pastor Father John Appiah.

‘GREAT MEETING PLACE’

parish hall every week, set up for religious-education classes, and then tear it down again. “The classes were scattered throughout different buildings, and now this consolidates all the class-

we could have this building.” Concelebrants for the Mass were Notre Dame parochial administrator Father Bill Keebler, former pastor Father John Appiah, and the bishop’s good friend and former professor Father Jim Swift, CM. “Father Swift taught me in the seminary years ago,” the bishop said. “He’s about 95 years old. He just retired after about nine years as a provincial of the Vincentians in the Midwest. “The Vincentians for so long have been involved in seminary formation. If you like me as a bishop, you can thank him. If you don’t, well, do something else,” he joked. The new catechetical center has already made a difference for the parish, said Mr. Noe. “Before building this addition, we had to tear down the

rooms and gives us a more organized method for teaching the kids.” The new narthex has been “a great meeting place after Masses,” he added. Also present for the Greeneville continued on page 10

BY M A RIA N CHR I S T I A NA

n Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, dioceses across the nation will partner with families to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children. Family Day was begun to remind parents that dinner makes a difference. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University launched Family Day in 2001 after its research consistently found that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs. With Family Day in mind, we’re focusing this month on how the Eucharistic celebration at Mass and the family meal at home both demonstrate our unity with one another. There is no better opportunity to follow the example of Christ than when we are building relationships within our families at home. Here’s this month’s date suggestion: ■ Plan a special meal together to eat at home. If you have children at home, include them on this date. Set the table as you would for a holiday or special occasion, including candlelight. Pick foods you both love. Dress for your dinner date, follow the conversation starters below, and enjoy a wonderful family dinner together. ■ Start by asking God to bless your meal and family. Pray that God will enable you to experience his presence within your family at mealtime as you experience his presence in the word and the Eucharist. Ask God for unity within your family through his Son, Jesus Christ. ■ Have all members present share something they are grateful for that day. ■ Share with one another an event from your day that helped you recognize Christ’s presence in your midst. ■ Take turns tracing the faith traditions passed down through your families. This helps connect the present generation to past generations that helped weave the fabric of current family life. ■ As you are “breaking the bread,” allow each member to reﬂect on one action that can help him or her be more Christlike in the family. ■ Over dessert, make a date for your next family dinner night. ■ Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of your family. ■

from the

PARACLETE

BY BETHANY MARINAC

Work your ‘gray matter’ Dustin Collins, a seminarian at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana and a Notre Dame parishioner, served during the Aug. 15 dedication Mass.

Statement of ownership, management, and circulation Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685 1. Publication title: The East Tennessee Catholic 2. Publication number: 0007-211 3. Filing date: Sept. 20, 2010 4. Issue frequency: Semimonthly 5. Number of issues published annually: 24 6. Annual subscription price: $15 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, Knox County, TN 379197551 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Same 9. Full names and complete addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: publisher, Bishop Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551; editor, Mary C. Weaver, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 10. Owner: Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, 805 Northshore Drive Southwest, Knoxville, TN 37919-7551 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: The East Tennessee Catholic 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Sept. 12, 2010 15. Extent and nature of circulation Average number copies each Number copies of single issue during preceding 12 months issue published nearest to filing date 19,808

19,800

19,163 0 0 0 19,163

19,077 0 0 0 19,077

458 0 0 0 458 19,537 187 19,808 98.1

464 0 0 0 464 19,541 259 19,800 97.6

16. Statement of ownership will be printed in the Sept. 26, 2010, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and title of editor, publisher, business manager, or owner: Mary C. Weaver, editor. Date: Sept. 20, 2010 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including ﬁnes and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

TH E EA S T TE N N E S S E E C AT H OL IC

Eat dinner with your children

Mrs. Christiana is coordinator of the diocesan Marriage Preparation and Enrichment Office.

United States Postal Service

A. Total number of copies (net press run) B. (1) Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (2) Paid in-county subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (3) Paid distribution outside the mail (4) Other classes mailed through the USPS C. Total paid and/or requested circulation D. Free distribution by mail (1) Free or nominal rate outside-county on Form 3541 (2) Free or nominal rate in-county on Form 3541 (3) Other classes mailed through the USPS (4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail E. Total free or nominal-rate distribution outside the mail F. Total distribution G. Copies not distributed H. Total I. Percent paid

ENRICHMENT

www.d ioknox.org

ow that the kids have gone back to school, why not work your own “gray matter”? Most of us are no longer in school, but that doesn’t mean we need to stop learning. Religious-education programs are gearing up, and what better way to expand our knowledge of the faith than with a series that follows Jesus’ teaching of the Apostles? The Didache Series, semester edition, published by Midwest Theological Forum, comprises eight textbooks for individual study as well as use in RCIA, seminaries, colleges, home schools, and catechism classes. Each text is in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. These richly illustrated and well-written books make wonderful gifts

and fantastic additions to a family library. The series titles are Faith and Revelation: Knowing God Through Sacred Scripture (2009), The Mystery of Redemption and Christian Discipleship (2010), The Blessed Trinity and Our Christian Vocation (2009), The Church: Sacrament of Salvation (2010), The Sacraments: Source of Our Life in Christ (2009), Our Moral Life in Christ (2009), Understanding the Scriptures (2010), and The History of the Church (2010). Each volume costs $30. The series is in stock, and student workbooks and teacher manuals can be ordered. These titles expand on the popular four-book set, which is also still available. ■ Call the store at 865588-0388 or 800-3332097.

Stice continued from page 8

This month we have considered only four words: humbly, graciously, chalice, and many. Yet each carries a wealth of meaning about our relationship with God, the Eucharist, and our eternal salvation. These simple words can be a source of fruitful personal meditation and prayer and will enrich our understanding of and participation in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. ■ Father Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He may be reached at frrandy@dioknox.org. SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

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Catholic organizations dismayed by 2009 spike in poverty rate WASHINGTON (CNS)—Catholic organizations expressed dismay over the Sept. 16 announcement from the U.S. Census Bureau that the number of Americans living in poverty in 2009 rose to 43.6 million, or 14.3 percent of the population. The Catholic Health Association, Catholic Charities USA, and the Catholic social-justice lobby Network issued statements concerning the data that reflect the highest poverty rate since 1984. The 2009 data contrast with 2008 statistics that showed 39.8 million people—13.2 percent of all Americans—lived in poverty. The bureau also reported that a record number of Americans—about 50.7 million—carried no health insurance. The number of uninsured is the highest since the Census Bureau began compiling such data in 1987. The statistics on the uninsured “provide fresh evidence that health reform was a necessary and important step toward creating a system that works for everyone,” Sister Carol Keehan, a Daughter of Charity who is president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, said in a statement. “The new data [are] not surprising given the toll the recession has taken on working individuals and families,” the statement said. “For the first time since the Census Bureau has been reporting on the number of uninsured, however, we can look to the future with some hope because health reform will eventually enable 32 million people currently without health coverage to obtain meaningful, affordable insurance.” The government’s announcement came five days before Catholic Charities USA’s planned Sept. 21 release of its 2009 survey of agencies and affiliates. The agency said more than 9 million people nationwide sought services in 2009, a 7.5 percent jump from the previous year. Father Larry Snyder, Catholic Charities’ president, called the census numbers “staggering.” “Unfortunately, [they] come as little surprise to those who have been working closely with the growing population for whom poverty has become a daily reality,” he said. “We have not seen numbers like these since President Lyndon B. Johnson waged his war on poverty and frankly, are astounded the nation has done so little to address the poverty crisis that is sweeping our country.” Father Snyder called upon the country to “reexamine our failing system of safety nets.” “CCUSA sees every one of the 43.6 million people who lived in poverty in 2009 as members of a growing chorus who are begging our nation to think and act anew to solve this tragic epidemic affecting tens of millions throughout the country,” he said. Leaders of Network, the lobbying group, said they were “deeply disturbed by Washington’s continued inability to effectively address our nation’s rising poverty rates.” Particularly alarming, the organization said, was that the data showed more than a quarter of Hispanics and African-Americans lived in poverty in 2009. “These poverty statistics underscore the grim fact that people who benefited the least from the last economic boom are the one who are suffering the most in this severe recession,” said Sister Simone Campbell, a Sister of Social Service who is Network’s executive director. “Government policies of both parties have failed the working poor in our country. It is a scandal that in the richest country in the world one in seven people live in poverty,” she said. ■ The full texts of the Catholic Health Association statement can be found online at www.chausa.org; the Catholic Charities USA statement at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org; and the Network statement at www.networklobby.org. Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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dedication Mass was seminarian and Notre Dame parishioner Dustin Collins. “God willing, in just a few years, if he keeps on getting good grades and he’s nice to me, he’ll be ordained a deacon and then a priest of Jesus Christ,” the bishop said. But one seminarian from the parish isn’t enough, he added. “I’m greedy. I need you to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life.” But his “greediness,” the bishop explained, isn’t for himself but rather for the sake of the entire Church of East Tennessee. Sisters, brothers, deacons, and priests, Bishop Stika said, “come from educational buildings like this, where they learn about the faith and learn about Jesus.” “Pray for our five new seminarians who have now started school, and pray for the 16 total that we have. It’s up to you.” ■ 10

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2010

Benedict XVI succeeds with ‘lesson plan’ The pope came to Britain to teach about the role of religion in society. By John Thavis LONDON (CNS)—In terms of his primary objectives—preaching the Gospel to his flock and defending the influence of religion in society—Pope Benedict XVI can look at his four-day visit to Great Britain as a major success. The big question going into the Sept. 16 through 19 visit was whether the German pope would be given a fair hearing in a country where skepticism about religion runs high. The answer was a resounding yes. Not only did the pope speak his mind, but he also received unprecedented gavel-togavel coverage in the British media. Papal events were broadcast live, and every newspaper devoted several pages each day to the pope’s words, which focused largely on the right of the church to have its voice heard in the public square. Some newspapers even published full texts of his major speeches and sermons—something that rarely happens on papal trips. The flip side of such interest was that the pope’s critics also had their day in the limelight. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in peaceful but vehement dissent on issues ranging from AIDS and condoms to the church’s record on sex abuse. Vatican officials said they accepted this as a part of public debate in Britain. “We expected this. We know there are groups that have differences with the Catholic Church, and they have a right to express them. But in general, the attitude of British society and the faithful has been positive,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters. Not surprisingly, the image of the 83-yearold pontiff seemed to soften during his stay. Many people, Catholics and nonCatholics, often react to sound bites and headlines in forming opinions about Pope Benedict. When he comes to visit, they get a firsthand look and a double dose of content—something that usually works in the pope’s favor. What also impressed the British was the pope’s patient and gentle manner, which contrasted with the frequently strident tone of his critics. The pope has “a shyness that attracts,” a commentator said. “A guest who took the time to charm his guests” read one newspaper headline after the pope lingered with school-

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YOUNG FRIENDS Pope Benedict XVI talks with Catholic youths outside Westminster Cathedral in central London on Sept. 18. During Mass at the cathedral, the pope expressed his “deep sorrow” to the victims of clerical sexual abuse, saying these crimes have caused immense suffering and feelings of “shame and humiliation” throughout the Church.

children in a London suburb, listening to their testimonials and posing for pictures. His smile seemed genuine, and why not? He was looking out at a sea of banners and posters that offered friendship in language like, “We [heart] U Papa.” Pope Benedict came to Britain as a teacher, and his lesson plan was clear from the beginning. In a meeting Sept. 16 with Queen Elizabeth II and about 400 civic and cultural leaders in Edinburgh, Scotland, he warned against “aggressive” forms of secularism that risk undermining traditional religious values. His words came across as reasonable and respectful largely because he drew examples of Christian cultural contributions from British history—the selfless service of Florence Nightingale, for example, or the missionary David Livingstone’s efforts to stop the slave trade. And when describing “atheist extremism,” he said the most sobering example was the Nazi regime, striking a chord with Britons as they commemorated the 70th anniversary of massive Nazi air strikes against the country. In Glasgow he donned a Tartan scarf and listened to bagpipe bands, then told Catholics it was not enough to live their faith privately; they should defend the church’s teachings in the public square, he said. “There are some who now seek to exclude religious belief from public discourse, to privatize it or even to paint it as a threat to equality and liberty. Yet religion is in fact a guarantee of authentic liberty and respect,” he said at a Mass with more than 80,000 people. The pope’s words were clearly aimed at

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critics such as Richard Dawkins, the popular British author who has championed atheism and who considers religion a destructive force in society. But the pope’s most eloquent answer to high-profile atheists came in his meeting Sept. 17 in London with some 4,000 young Catholic students, when he described belief in God as a “friendship” that can fill one’s life with love of virtue. “We need to have the courage to place our deepest hopes in God alone, not in money, in a career, in worldly success or in our relationships with others but in God. Only he can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts,” he said. The keynote address of the papal visit took place in Westminster Hall later that day, where the pope laid out his vision of how religious belief can help shape the moral and ethical life of a society. He warned against an effort to marginalize religion, and he pointed to an example that resonated with many: the campaign by some groups to ban public celebration of Christmas. In his meetings with Anglicans the pope deliberately steered clear of ecumenical differences and instead underlined the common task of fighting for the voice of religion in public affairs. In ecumenical terms, he made his biggest impact simply by his historic presence in two places never before visited by a pope: Lambeth Palace, where he met with Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, and Westminster Abbey, where he joined an Anglican prayer service that a Vatican aide later described as liturgically “wonderful.” The beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman in Birmingham Sept. 19 was the

central religious event of the visit. The pope held up Blessed Newman as an inspiration in two significant ways: in the wider culture, for his vision of religion’s “vital” role in society; and in the church, for his vision of Catholic laity who know their faith well and can defend it articulately. The pope’s arguments about God, religion, and the social order were much debated in the media, and not everyone agreed with him. But as British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a departure ceremony, the pope’s words had challenged the whole country to “sit up and think.” Finally, the British trip underscored that the priestly sex-abuse crisis will never go away when Pope Benedict is on the public stage. The pope has embraced that fact, as illustrated by his decision to address the issue on his plane, at his only public Mass in London, and in a private meeting with sexabuse victims. He used dramatic language, expressing his “deep sorrow and shame” and acknowledging the failings of priests and the failure of church officials to respond to abuse allegations with enough speed and vigilance. That was not enough for some sex-abuse advocacy groups and other critics, who called for greater church accountability during a large protest demonstration in downtown London. The image of thousands of protesters marching through the streets is not one Vatican officials will put on the highlight reels of this trip, but it illustrated the price to be paid in a pluralistic society if the church wants to be part of the public discourse. ■ Copyright 2010 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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