St. Teresa of Kolkata
from storefront to permanent church by john feister Ostrich-plumed hats of the Knights of Columbus and the peacock-plumed hats of a Latino dance troupe weren’t on the minds of Glenmarians who scouted a home for a new mission back in 2010. But Feb. 2, at the dedication of St. Teresa of Kolkata parish in Union County, Tenn., the celebratory feathers were everywhere. The Maynardville congregation gathered under the leadership of Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika to celebrate a series of ancient Catholic rituals unique to the Mass of Dedication. It was the centerpiece of a three-day celebration. “You know, each of the three days had its own special moments and special meaning,” says Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk, pastor. “For me the best part, overall, was to see the joy on people’s faces, their sense of accomplishment, and that they really own it. They took pride showing that to their friends. That’s where there was great joy for me.” It was a climactic moment for a group of Catholics who had devoted eight years of effort establishing a parish. 8
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
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