www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

THE EAST TENNESSEE

The NEWSPAPER of the DIOCESE of KNOXVILLEVolume 19 • Number 3 • October 11, 2009

CNSPHOTO

/LESLIEE.K

OSSOFF

ishop Richard F.Stika announced

upon his arrival inKnoxville early thisyear that one of hisprayers was for thediocese to establish anew convent of reli-gious in East Ten-nessee.

His prayer was an-swered in an unex-pected way, asprayers often are.When he was hospi-talized recently, hewas contacted byMother MaryQuentin Sheridan,superior general ofthe Religious Sistersof Mercy of Alma,Mich. Members ofthe order have taughtseminars in the bish-op’s hometown of St.Louis, and BishopStika’s longtimefriend Cardinal JustinF. Rigali has knownthe sisters for manyyears.

Mother MaryQuentin offered the

services of a regis-tered nurse to helptake care of the bish-op. The bishop soon

invited the Alma sis-ters to establish afoundation in thediocese. Mother Mary

Quentin accepted,and three of her sis-ters are now living ina newly blessed con-

vent in West Knox-ville. A just-createddiocesan office awaits

Respect Lifemessage stresseshealth-care needsof vulnerable

Diocese welcomes new orderThe Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., begin serving East Tennessee Catholics this month. By Dan McWilliams

WASHINGTON(CNS)—In a statementto mark Respect LifeSunday on Oct. 4,Cardinal Justin F.Rigali of Philadelphiacalled attention tothose who are mostvulnerable in the on-going debate onhealth-care reform: theunborn, the poor, eld-erly people, and immi-grants.

He urged Catholicsto “examine how wellwe, as a nation and in-dividually, are living upto our obligation toprotect the rights ofthose who—due toage, dependency,poverty, or other cir-cumstances—are atrisk of their very lives.”

Although the U.S.bishops’ Respect Lifeprogram has been ayear-round initiativesince its establishmentin 1972, U.S. Catholicsacross the countryhave used the monthof October to focus onlife and human dignity.Many parishes hold aspecial Respect LifeMass on Oct. 4, thefirst Sunday of Re-spect Life Month.

Cardinal Rigali, whoheads the bishops’Committee on Pro-Life BY DAN MCWILLIAMS

inding an East Ten-nessee Catholic who

hasn’t been touched by theministry of Mercy Sister Al-bertine Paulus might be adifficult task as the dioceseprepares, upon her retire-ment this month, to cele-brate her decades of serviceto the church.

As director of the Evange-lization Office since the

diocese’s early days, SisterAlbertine has implementedparish RCIA programsthrough which severalthousand new Catholicshave entered the church.Untold numbers of elemen-tary and high school stu-dents received instructionfrom her in her 32-yearteaching career. Hundredsof the faithful have partici-pated in pilgrimages she led

to the Holy Land and else-where around the world.

Her assignments havealso included teaching col-lege in Cincinnati, directingthe three Renew programsoffered in East Tennesseesince 1986, and serving assuperior of the Sisters’ re-tirement home in Nashville.

Sister Albertine, who re-ceived the Cross Pro Ecclesiaet Pontifice in 2006 for her

service to the church, saidshe doesn’t plan to dwell onher legacy.

“We all do what we canwhile we’re here on thisearth. I don’t think it’sabout legacies; it’s about do-ing the best you can whileyou have the chance. Afterthat, it’s all in the Lord’shands because it’s his work,not ours.”

A new Christian Forma-tion Office, announced re-cently by Bishop Richard F.Stika (Sept. 20 ETC), willreplace both Sister Alber-tine’s office and the Reli-gious Education Office.Sister Mary Timothea Elliottof the Religious Sisters ofMercy of Alma, Mich., willhead the new office. SisterAlbertine will retire Oct. 19.

“Sister Albertine and theSisters of Mercy who havebeen here for a while havebeen such a great blessingto the diocese,” said BishopStika. “Sister Albertine hasbeen a part of the structureof the diocese for 21 years.She was honored by theHoly Father, but she hashonored the diocese by herpresence. Even thoughshe’ll be retiring from herposition, she’s still going tobe very much a part of thechurch, and I’m going torely on her and her wisdomfor years to come.”

F

Sister Albertine Paulus stepping down after ‘great ride’She shared the Good News for nearly two decades as director of the Evangelization Office, following a teaching career of more than 30 years.

Convent continued on page 3

DEACONPATR

ICKMURPHY-RACEY

MUSIC FOR MASS Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM (center), works with Jane Hubbard (left) and LouiseWyman to plan the music for Bishop Richard Stika’s ordination March 19. Mrs. Hubbard is music directorat St. Thérèse of Lisieux in Cleveland; Mrs. Wyman is former music director for Holy Ghost in Knoxville.

CONVENT DEDICATION Cardinal Justin F. Rigali of Philadelphia blesses the new St. Justin Convent for the Reli-gious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., on Oct. 3. On the ends above are Father David Boettner (left), diocesanmoderator of the curia, and Bishop Richard F. Stika. With them are (from left) Mother Mary Patricia Glowski;postulants Sister Kathryn Anne Polakovic, Sister Gladys De Santiago, and Sister Lauren Reiss; Sister Mary SarahMacht; and Sister Maria Michalik.

MARYC.W

EAV

ER

Rigali continued on page 6

‘Hail Mary, full of grace’Second-grade students from St. Thomas Aquinas Re-gional School in Woodbridge, Va., pray the rosary dur-ing the Worldwide Children’s Eucharistic Holy Hour atthe Basilica of the National Shrine of the ImmaculateConception in Washington Oct. 2.

Dear Lord:We pray that theBlessed Mother willwrap her mantlearound your priestsand through her inter-cession strengthenthem for their ministry.

We pray that Marywill guide your prieststo follow her ownwords, “Do whateverhe tells you” (John 2:5).

May your priestshave the heart of St.Joseph, Mary’s mostchaste spouse.

May the BlessedMother’s own piercedheart inspire them toembrace all who sufferat the foot of the cross.

May your priests beholy and filled with thefire of your love, seek-ing nothing but yourgreater glory and thesalvation of souls.

Amen.St. John Vianney,

pray for us. �

Download prayers anda rosary booklet:bit.ly/priestprayers.

Please prayfor our priests

B

Sister continued on page 2

Today’sGospel tellsthe story of aman whobothered Je-sus with aquestion justas he wassetting outon a journey.Yet Jesus

dropped everything to answerhis question. Later in the sto-ry Mark tells us Jesus lookedat him and loved him. ThenJesus responded with a morechallenging question: “Whydo you call me good?”

The man had quite inno-cently called Jesus “goodteacher.” Jesus always listenedclosely to the names peoplecalled him. This name “good”was not a casual reference. Itwas rather the result of thisman’s judgment regardingwho and what Jesus was. If he

had not perceived Jesus asgood, he probably would nothave asked his question. Jesus,realizing the importance ofthe question and the insightbehind it, forgot about his tripand entered into a deep con-versation with the man.

The original question was,“What must I do to inheriteternal life?” Jesus forced theman to recognize that he hadactually answered his ownquestion. It is not what onemust do but what one is thatdetermines eternal life. Theman perceived goodness in Je-sus and concluded that heshould know what’s necessaryfor eternal life. Jesus is tellinghim that what one needs foreternal life is to be good.

Then Jesus offers the manthe post-graduate class in eter-nal life. To be good, we have torid ourselves of what is tempo-ral in order to receive the life

that is eternal. One must sacri-fice the human to receive thedivine. The lecture took Jesusone sentence and was spokenwith a loving glance. It mayhave taken the man a lifetimeto put it into practice.

There is an ancient piousthought that the man askingthe question in today’s Gospelwas Mark himself. How elsewould Mark know that Jesuslooked at the man with love?

A better guess, however,would be that Jesus is talkingto each of us. He is looking atus with love. For we haveseen the goodness of Jesus’giving himself on the cross.We have learned from thatevent what being good means.

From that cross Jesus asksus a variation of his questionto the man: “Would you giveup everything in the worldand give all that remains inyou to the Father?” If we can,we have eternal life. �

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC2 � OCTOBER 11, 2009 www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

The East Tennessee Catholic (USPS 007211) is published twice monthly by the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville,805 Northshore Drive S.W., Knoxville, TN 37919-7551. Periodicals-class postage paid at Knoxville, Tenn.Printed on recycled paper by the Knoxville News SentinelPostmaster: Send address changes to The East Tennessee Catholic, P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127

How to reach us:

Phone: 865-584-3307 • fax: 865-584-8124 • e-mail: webmaster@dioceseofknoxville.org • web: dioceseofknoxville.org

The East Tennessee Catholic is mailed to all registered Catholic families in East Tennessee. Subscription rate for others is$15 a year in the United States. Make checks payable to the Diocese of Knoxville.

THE EAST TENNESSEE

805 Northshore Drive S.W. Knoxville, TN 37919-7551

ast Sunday’sconversation be-

tween Jesus and theman who went awaysad was not a briefaside in Mark’sGospel. It cut to theessence of Mark’smessage. He wantedhis Gospel to showfuture Christianswhat it took to be atrue disciple. Unfor-tunately, many whohear the right answer,like the rich man, go

away thinking that itis impossible forthem to shed all theirpossessions and be-come good as Jesus isgood.

For example, in to-day’s first reading wehear Isaiah’s defini-tion of being good—namely to be crushedin infirmity, to giveone’s life as an offer-ing for sin, to justifymany through suffer-ing. That seems far

too radical a positionfor any normal per-son to take.

The rich man prob-ably left saddened forthe same reason. Yetnot even the Twelvewhom Jesus invitedto be his closest fol-lowers fared any bet-ter. In today’s Gospel,James and John, twoof Jesus’ most inti-mate disciples, comeunder the microscopeto see what kind of

disciples they wouldmake.

Mark presents themas glory-seeking. TheLord lets them offeasily at first, tellingthem they do notknow what they’retalking about. ThenJesus gets to thepoint, asking, “Canyou drink of the cupthat I drink?”

Oct. 11, 29th Sundayin ordinary timeWisdom 7:7-11Psalm 90:12-17Hebrews 4:12-13Mark 10:17-30

Oct. 18, 29th Sundayin ordinary timeIsaiah 53:10-11Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22Hebrews 4:14-16Mark 10:35-45

Why be good?The answer means ridding ourselves of the temporal to receive eternal life.

Good being with othersA group in which all the members are happy must be adopting an attitude of service.

L

READINGS BY FATHER JOSEPH BRANDOliving the

The Alma order and SisterAlbertine’s, the Sisters of Mer-cy of the Americas, have thesame foundress in MotherCatherine McAuley.

Sister Albertine grew up inKnoxville and was teaching ather alma mater in 1986 whenshe received a call from Nash-ville Bishop James D. Nieder-geses that would begin a23-year ministry at the dioce-san level.

“I was teaching at [Knox-ville] Catholic High and got acall from Bishop Niedergesesasking whether I would be in-terested in being director or

co-director of Renew for thediocese. I’d never heard of Re-new at that point. I wasteaching mathematics andhappily so. I loved teaching.”

Sister Albertine acceptedthe job after consulting withher parents, Dr. Albert, a pa-pal honoree himself, and EllaPaulus.

As the Renew program end-ed in December 1989, Knox-ville founding BishopAnthony J. O’Connell wasmaking plans for a new officethat would move Sister Alber-tine from Nashville back toEast Tennessee.

One month later, the Evan-gelization Office took flight.

“The bishop said that Re-new put a great focus onevangelization, so that’s how Igot hired,” Sister Albertinesaid.

The new director had a freereign from Bishop O’Connellas she began her new duties.

“The only direction I evergot for this office in the be-ginning was: ‘You know thoseRCIA ceremonies we’re sup-posed to have? Be sure wehave them.’ I’ve been doingthat merrily ever since.”

WEEKDAY READ INGS

Bishop Richard F. StikaPublisherMary C. WeaverEditorDan McWilliamsAssistant editor

Margaret HuntAdministrative assistantToni PacittiIntern

Sister continued from page 1

Monday, Oct. 12: Romans 1:1-7;Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 11:29-32Tuesday, Oct. 13: Romans 1:16-25;Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 11:37-41Wednesday, Oct. 14: Romans 2:1-11; Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9; Luke11:42-46Thursday, Oct. 15: Memorial, Teresaof Jesus, virgin, doctor of the church,Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130:1-6;Luke 11:47-54Friday, Oct. 16: Romans 4:1-8;

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11; Luke 12:1-7Saturday, Oct. 17: Memorial, Ig-natius of Antioch, bishop, martyr, Ro-mans 4:13, 16-18; Psalm 105:6-9,42-43; Luke 12:8-12Monday, Oct. 19: Memorial, John deBrébeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests,martyrs, and their companions, mar-tyrs, Romans 4:20-25; Luke 1:69-75;Luke 12:13-21Tuesday, Oct. 20: Romans 5:12, 15,17-21; Psalm 40:7-10, 17; Luke

12:35-38Wednesday, Oct. 21: Romans 6:12-18; Psalm 124:1-8; Luke 12:39-48Thursday, Oct. 22: Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Luke 12:49-53Friday, Oct. 23: Romans 7:18-25;Psalm 119:66, 68, 76-77, 93-94;Luke 12:54-59Saturday, Oct. 24: Romans 8:1-11;Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 13:1-9 �

Readings continued on page 8

Faith-formation classes continue

The 2009 series of adult faith-formation classesbegan in February, with additional classesscheduled throughout the year and in loca-

tions around the diocese. Classes are offered atno charge to adults in the diocese. All sessionsbegin at 7 p.m. and end at 9.

Personal Morality, taught by Father MichaelSweeney. Explores the foundations of what webelieve as Catholics and why. How do we knowthe church’s position on moral issues is correct?How do we live as faithful Catholics in a worldthat seemingly rejects the church’s teachings atevery turn? This session will examine the con-cepts of human dignity, freedom, law, sin, virtue,and conscience as well as current moral issues.It will also provide insight into how we may ex-plain the church’s position to those who aresearching for answers in a confusing world.� Tuesday, Oct. 27 (new date), Sts. Peter andPaul Church, Chattanooga

The Sacraments, taught by Amy Roberts. Ex-plores the foundations of what we celebrate asCatholics. The class will examine how we en-counter the living Christ through each of thechurch’s seven sacraments.� Tuesday, Nov. 10, St. Dominic Church,Kingsport

What We Believe, taught by Deacon DavidLucheon. Explores the foundations of what weprofess as Catholics. The class will examine theprincipal truths of the faith as expressed in thecreeds of the church.� Tuesday, Nov. 17, Sacred Heart Cathedral

Catechetical formation sessions, presented incollaboration with Aquinas College in Nashville,will also be held this fall for catechists, teachersin Catholic schools, ministry leaders, and otherinterested adults. Each session takes place on aSaturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includeshourlong modules on the Creed, the sacraments,morality, prayer, and methods.

Choose one session:� Oct. 17, St. John Neumann Church, Farragut� Nov. 7, St. Elizabeth Church, Elizabethton� Nov. 14, St. Jude Church, Chattanooga.

To register, visit dioceseofknoxville.org, click Re-sources/ETC, then click Event registration in theleft frame. For further details, contact FatherRichard Armstrong at rarmstrong@dioceseofknoxville.org or 865-584-3307. �

We welcome submissions about parish andcommunity events. Send notices by e-mail(mary@dioceseofknoxville.org), fax (865-

584-8124), or mail (P.O. Box 11127, Knoxville, TN37939). To make sure we receive informationabout upcoming events in time for publication,please submit it by the following deadlines:� Monday, Oct. 12, for the Oct. 25 issue� Monday, Oct. 26, for the Nov. 8 issue� Monday, Nov. 9, for the Nov. 22 issue� Monday, Nov. 23, for the Dec. 6 issue.

When submitting photos or information aboutpast events, please keep in mind that we have abacklog of submissions. �

Take note of ETC deadlines

Sister continued on page 6

All can become ‘as single-minded’ as saintsI cannot let another day go by without express-ing the feelings of, I am sure, all the people in theDiocese of Knoxville on the departure of ourbeloved Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM. Sister wasone of the founding members of our Diocese ofKnoxville and has continued to serve hundreds ofpeople since our beginning.

I guess every member of our diocese has agood memory of Sister and something that shehas done for them or a memory of how she hasled us through good times and hard times. Be-cause Sister grew up in Knoxville, she was awareof the delicate nature of the Catholic religion inthis community, and she was always reaching outto make our religion known to people of all faiths.

It is with deep sorrow that we must bid farewellto her, but I just had to express the feelings of allthe people in the diocese who loved her so dear-ly. Since I went to Knoxville Catholic High Schoolwith Sister, I am especially sad. May she contin-ue to serve our community in some related way,as the Sisters of Mercy from Cincinnati havedone since the 1850s.

Sister, we will miss that special sparkle in youreyes and that welcoming smile. �

—Julia Driscoll Schriver Knoxville

We welcome letters to the editor and carefullyconsider all submissions. Letters should be 350words or less and will be edited for grammar,style, clarity, and length. Submit them by e-mail,mail, or fax: mary@dioceseofknoxville.org, P.O.Box 11127, Knoxville, TN 37939-1127, 865-584-8124. Letters to the editor reflect the opinions oftheir authors and not those of the editorial staff orthe publisher.

EDITORletters to the

the arrival of a fourth sisterwho will direct it.

“I’ve known the communityfor a long, long time,” saidBishop Stika. “I’m goodfriends with their mother gen-eral. They’ll be another part ofthe diocese that will allow usto continue our growth. Anyreligious community cominginto the diocese is a blessing.”

Sister Mary ChristineCremin is the Knoxville con-vent’s superior. She will serveat Catholic Charities of EastTennessee as a family thera-pist. Sister Mary Sarah Machtis the RN working with thebishop. She will also coordi-nate hospitality at the bishop’sresidence. Sister Maria Lin Pa-cold, a physician, is the thirdsister at the convent.

With the order’s arrival thebishop created the Office ofChristian Formation to re-place the diocesan offices ofEvangelization and ReligiousEducation. Sister Mary Timo-

thea Elliott of the Alma order,who is the sister of DeaconTimothy Elliott of All Saintsin Knoxville, will direct thenew office.

Deacon Elliott is the direc-tor of the permanent dia-conate and coordinator ofongoing formation of dea-cons. Sister Mary Timotheawill lead the deacon-forma-tion program as the dioceseprepares for its next diaconateclass, and she “will also be in-volved in vocation promotionof religious life for women,”the bishop wrote in his Sept.14 letter announcing the or-der’s arrival (Sept. 20 ETC).

The sisters will live in St.Justin Convent in West Knox-ville. Cardinal Rigali dedicat-ed the house, whose name inpart honors him, on Oct. 3.

Sister Mary Christine en-tered religious life before Vati-can II with the DominicanSisters of the Sick Poor. Thatorder, post–Vatican II, merged

with several other Dominicancommunities to form the Do-minican Sisters of Hope. TheAlma community formed inSeptember 1973, and SisterMary Christine transferred toit the following month as herformer community went outof existence.

She has served the Sisters ofMercy of Alma “in a few differ-ent ways” over the years, shesaid. “I have the advantage ofhaving been in a while.”

“I’m a nurse and a socialworker and also an anthropol-ogist. I have worked as a so-cial worker in a hospital inLansing, Mich., for a numberof years, primarily with fami-lies who had newborns eitherpremature or born with somekind of birth defect. Also [Ihave worked with] familieswho had children who werecritically ill in the pediatricsunit.

“I had a private practice for

Convent continued from page 1

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC OCTOBER 11, 2009 � 3www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

Diocese of Knoxvilleprocedure forreporting sexual abuse

Anyone who has actual knowledge of orwho has reasonable cause to suspect anincident of sexual abuse should reportsuch information to the appropriate civilauthorities first, then to the bishop’s of-fice, 865-584-3307, or the diocesan vic-tims’ assistance coordinator, MarlaLenihan, 865-482-1388.

As many ofyou know, Iwas recentlyreminded ofhow pre-cious the giftof life fromour Creatoris. My near-death experi-ence of Aug.

16 brought this home to meloud and clear. Just as wemust care for our bodies, weare responsible for feedingour souls with the best spiri-tual food.

Oct. 4 was Respect Life Sun-day, and I’d like to share a cou-ple of thoughts with you all.“Respect Life” is more than alicense-plate slogan. It is a callalways to honor the funda-mental principle from whichevery law and human rightshould flow—the sanctity anddignity of every life—fromconception to natural death.

For this reason the churchgives special attention to thistheme each year during themonth of October, a month inwhich the church has also tra-ditionally celebrated OurLady and her holy rosary. Ihave always believed that tobe the face of Jesus to others,the rosary is invaluable. As

we pray the rosary, we con-template with Mary the faceof Jesus and take on, in ever-increasing ways, his like-ness—we become more likehim. Throughout history thepopes have reminded us thatthe rosary is a most effectivespiritual weapon against theevils afflicting society.

I could write much aboutwhy the church reverencesthe life and dignity of everyperson, but I would rather en-courage you instead to takeup, with special dedicationthis month, the rosary and topray it every day. As a motherassists her child daily withlove, so Our Mother assists uswith our lessons of life andlove.

Learn from Our Lady andembrace the mysteries of lifethat the rosary contains.Through them we reflect onthe mystery of life’s beginningin the womb and on birth, in-fancy, and the perils of thislife and threats to the family.With Our Lady and Christ,we reflect upon the mysteryof marriage and Christ’s lovefor his bride, the church.

As you know, we are thechurch, the body of Christ.We are also encouraged to re-flect on our call to holiness

and our pilgrim walk in life.Together with Our Lady at thefoot of the Cross, we alsolearn greater appreciation forthe mystery of suffering andour own sharing in the suffer-ings of Christ. We contem-plate God’s great mercy andlearn to become merciful. Welearn to hope in the promiseof Christ resurrected.

“Respect life” is not a sloganbut a prayer that is beautifullyexpressed in each of the mys-teries of the rosary that wepray. Indeed, the rosary is alesson on life’s true sanctity,from conception to our earth-ly journey’s natural end.

Of the many noteworthy ac-tivities in which we can par-ticipate this month, I wishespecially to recommend the40 Days for Life campaigns inour diocese. Please take thetime, to pray and stand vigilagainst the culture of deathwith your rosary in hand. �

More than a slogan‘Respect Life’ is also ‘a prayer expressed in each mystery of the rosary.’

AMONG US BY BISHOP RICHARD F. STIKAhe dwells

B I SHOP ST I KA’ S SCH EDU L EThese are some of Bishop Stika’sappointments:Oct. 13: 11 a.m., general priestmeeting, ChanceryOct. 16: 8 a.m., school Mass, Sa-cred Heart CathedralOct. 17: 11 a.m., Marian Mass withHispanic community, Sacred HeartCathedralOct. 18: 3 p.m., Mass and celebra-tion for Sister Albertine Paulus,RSM, Sacred Heart Cathedral;6 p.m., dedication of family life cen-ter, Holy Family Church, SeymourOct. 19-22: priest retreat, MaggieValley, N.C. �

Shelby McMillan, longtime Chancery reception-ist, is retiring Oct. 30, announced FatherDavid Boettner, moderator of the curia, in a

Sept. 29 memo.“For more than 13 years Shelby McMillan has

been the face of the Diocese of Knoxville to allthose who call or come by the Chancery,” hewrote. “Her warmth and hospitality have been agift to our diocese and our visitors.”

Dorothy Curtis, who has worked at The Para-clete bookstore for 18 years, has been hired asthe new receptionist. She began training part-time with Mrs. McMillan on Oct. 6 and will as-sume the post full time on Nov. 2. �

The Diocese ofKnoxville’s programfor the protection

of children and youthis based on trainingdeveloped by Virtusand is offered regularlythroughout the dio-cese. A three-hourseminar for adults,“Protecting God’sChildren,” is requiredfor parish and schoolemployees and regularvolunteers in contactwith children or vulner-able adults and is rec-ommended for parentsand grandparents.

The following train-ing sessions havebeen scheduled:� Our Lady of Perpet-ual Help Church,

Chattanooga,6:30 p.m., Monday,Oct. 12 (session willbe held in the parishlife center)� St. AlphonsusChurch, Crossville,1 p.m. CDT, Sunday,Oct. 18� St. Mary Church,Johnson City,6:30 p.m. Monday,Oct. 19 (session willbe held in St. Annehall)� Sacred Heart Cathe-dral, 7 p.m. Tuesday,Oct. 20; 7 p.m. Tues-day, Jan. 19 (sessionwill be held in theShea Room).

To register for a ses-sion, visit virtusonline.org. �

Child-protection training sessions

CHANGESstaff

Chancery receptionist to retireOct. 30; replacement named

The Diocese of Knoxville seeks an administra-tive assistant to provide secretarial support forthe diocesan offices and staff. Responsibilities

include word processing, and typing reports andcorrespondence. The position is full time, withbenefits.

Candidates must have skills in writing, publicrelations, and word-processing and computeruse as well as organizational ability, good judg-ment, and confidentiality. Requirements includeproficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access,and Outlook. Previous secretarial experience isrequired.

Send resume to Father David Boettner, modera-tor of the curia, at dboettner@dioceseofknoxville.org. Deadline for applications is Oct. 23. �

Administrative assistant positionavailable at Chancery

The East Tennessee Catholic is now offeringonline delivery for those who would prefer toread a digital copy and to discontinue the

print edition. If you would rather read the ETConline, visit snipr.com/onlineETC to sign up.

If you decide online delivery isn’t for you, youcan return to a print subscription at any time. Ifyou have questions, e-mail mary@dioceseofknoxville.org. �

Want to try online delivery?

Sacred Heart Cathedral School seeks a part-time middle school librarian/media specialist,a part-time sixth- and seventh-grade literature

teacher, and a part-time middle school dramateacher and director of two school plays.

Applicants should send a letter of interest andresume to Sedonna Prater, Principal, SacredHeart Cathedral School, 711 Northshore Drive,Knoxville, TN 37919, or email praters@shcschool.org. Sacred Heart Cathedral School is an equalopportunity employer. �

Positions open at cathedral school

Convent continued on page 9

SISTERS GO SOUTH Sister Mary Christine Cremin (left), Sister Maria Lin Pacold (center), and Sister MarySarah Macht of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., are living in the new St. Justin Convent. They willbe joined later by Sister Mary Timothea Elliott. Sister Mary Christine is the superior of the convent.

DANMCWILLIAMS

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC4 � OCTOBER 11, 2009 www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

NOTES BY TONI PACITTIparish

Chattanooga Deanery

OLPH, Chattanooga� The eighth-grade class took partin Hats on Day, a nationwide event toraise awareness of pediatric cancer, onSept. 16.� The Knights of Columbus sponsoreda pancake breakfast Sept. 27.� Parishioners Christopher R. De-Barge, Conor M. Delaney, and Kather-ine C. West of Notre Dame HighSchool were recently named NationalMerit Scholarship finalists.� OLPH School class of 2010 offi-cers are Dean Magat, president; Dani-ka Dorris, vice president; ThomasMcGuire, secretary; and Connor Simp-son, treasurer.� Anniversary: Deacon Mark andMary Gang (50)

St. Augustine, Signal Mountain� The parish celebrated DeaconGordy Kilburn’s 25th ordination an-niversary following Mass on Sept. 27.Deacon Kilburn was ordained Sept. 29,1984.� The Interfaith Homeless Networkof Chattanooga needs gently usedfurniture and working washers and dry-ers for families making a transition topermanent housing. Call Evelyn Davisat 423-886-5054 or 364-7754.

St. Catherine Labouré, Copperhill� The annual youth breakfast will beheld Sunday, Nov. 22.

St. Jude, Chattanooga� High school youth collected gentlyused clothing, bedding, and beds forthe Relative Caregiver Program cloth-ing swap Sept. 26. RCP is a resourcefor those who have gained custody ofthe children of another family member.� The Council of Catholic Women willhold its third annual International Dayof the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 atthe church. Parishioners will pray therosary in several languages. A potluckwill follow in Siener Hall.� Students in the middle school willattend a performance of Holes at2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at theChattanooga Theatre Center.� Cub Scout Pack 3172 will sell pop-corn after Masses on the weekend ofOct. 17 and 18. Contact CubmasterJoe Welch at 423-875-8640 orjmbwelch@comcast.net.� The Knights of Columbus will spon-sor an all-you-can-eat pancakebreakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sat-urday, Oct. 17, at Applebee’s in North-gate Mall. Tickets: $5 for adults; $3 forchildren 12 and under.� Anniversary: Bill and Gloria Demi (40)

St. Mary, Athens� The Knights of Columbus will praythe rosary before each Mass duringOctober, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Satur-days and 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.Sundays.� Dr. Ruth Queen Smith, pastoral as-sociate at John XXIII in Knoxville, willspeak from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,Oct. 17, expanding on her June 22 talkabout lectio divina. Bring a Bible andbag lunch. Coffee and water will beprovided. Call the office at 423-745-4277 or Paul at 478-7798 to register.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga� The youth took a hiking trip Sept.27.� The parish picnic will be held afterthe 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Chattanooga� Father Daniel Liu of the Diocese ofAustin, Texas, a former parishioner,celebrated the 9 a.m. Mass on Oct. 4.

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville� The annual All Saints Hoedown willbe held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17,in the parish hall. A barbecue dinnerwill be served. Call Chris Kite at 865-966-5160 or Patti Gibson at 777-1342to volunteer or learn more.� The men’s club will meet after the9 a.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 24, fora workshop titled “How Men Relate toWomen.”� The annual children’s Halloweenparty, hosted by the Catholic singlesgroup, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 25, at the playgroundpavilion. Call Mary Mix at 591-4710 tovolunteer or learn more.� An appreciation luncheon wasserved Oct. 4 for all parish volunteers

and their families.� A planning meeting for the springadult social was held Oct. 6.� Baptism: Elijah Lee Price, son of Ja-son and Sarah Price

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman� Council of Catholic Women mem-bers will serve as greeters, readers,ushers, and extraordinary ministers ofHoly Communion on “Ladies Day,”Sunday, Oct. 25.

Christ the King, Tazewell� A going-away party for Leo andJudy Banasiak will be held Friday, Oct.9, at Father Joe Campbell’s float houseat Flat Hollow Marina. Pick-up timesare 6:30 and 7 p.m. Bring an appetizerand a Tennessee gag gift. Adults only.� A Halloween-themed potluck din-ner will be served Sunday, Oct. 25.Meat will be provided. Bring a side dishor a dessert. Games will be availablefor children. Prizes will be given for thebest costumes in various age groups.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade� Council of Catholic Women mem-bers will serve as readers, greeters,and servers on CCW Sunday, Oct. 11.� The monthly meeting of the CCWwill be held after the 8 a.m. Mass onWednesday, Oct. 14. Guest speakerwill be Drew Landrus of the Crab Or-chard Care Center.� Anniversaries: Walter and DeloresNovak (63), Dion and Emile Frate (59),Dick and Virginia Murphy (59), Rogerand Marguerite Audette (59), Tom andPat Bluemle (56), Herb and GinnyAdams (54), Tom and Terry Boylson(53), Ron and Marilyn Horstman (51),Michael and Diane Treanor (45),Charles and Kathryn Randall (35)

St. John Neumann, Farragut� Andy Forsythe has been hired as thenew 10:30 a.m. choir director.� Knights of Columbus Council 8781held a youth Soccer Challenge onOct. 4.� Parish resource guides are avail-able for a donation of $1, which willbenefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society.Additional donations are welcome.� The St. Vincent de Paul Society willsponsor a bake sale after all weekendMasses on Oct. 10 and 11. Bringbaked goods to the school between8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

St. Mary, Oak Ridge� The Knights of Columbus sponsoredtheir third annual public-squarerosary in honor of Our Lady of Fatimaon Oct. 3.� A potluck dinner was served Sept.28 for senior citizens. Seniors broughtthe main course, and high schoolyouth supplied dessert.� Parishioners Tim Vineyard and Bec-ca Kocak were named homecomingking and queen for 2009 at Oak RidgeHigh School.

St. Thomas the Apostle, Lenoir City� Bishop Richard F. Stika installed Fa-ther Christian Mathis as pastor atthe 9 a.m. Mass on Oct. 4.� The third annual Ministries Fair willbe held after all Masses on the week-end of Oct. 10 and 11.� Cookies are needed for the KairosPrison Ministry weekend, scheduledfor Thursday, Oct. 22, through Monday,Oct. 26, at Morgan County Correction-al Complex. Contact George Smith at423-884-3844 or kit707@yahoo.com orChuck Stridde at 865-458-8520 orchastrid@aol.com.� RCIA classes are now forming. CallBill or Linda Parker at 657-9086 or thechurch office at 986-9885.� Baptisms: Leandro Manuel Es-pinoza, Courtney Daniel Jeffries, JuniorGonzalez, Victor Guillermo Mejia-Lopez, Lizbeth Frutos-Zavala

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City� Pets were blessed Oct. 4 for thefeast of St. Francis of Assisi.� The parish and family life committeewill sponsor a chili supper after the5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Oct. 10.Tickets: $8 each or $25 for a family offour or more. Proceeds will benefit thenew pavilion.� The annual Life Outreach CenterWalk for Life will be held from 9 to11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Parishionersare invited to walk and/or pledge mon-

Parish notes continued on page 5

Paul and CaroleForkapa of St.Francis of Assisi

Parish in FairfieldGlade celebratedtheir 50th weddinganniversary at the5 p.m. Mass on Aug.22 and renewed theirvows before pastorFather John O’Neillwith friends and fam-ily members present.

They were marriedat St. PhilomenaChurch in EastCleveland, Ohio,with Father ThomasRowe officiating.

The Forkapas havethree children, Bar-bara Shaw of Dallas;

Joann Kress of LakeZurich, Ill.; andRobert Forkapa ofStafford, Va. They alsohave seven grandchil-dren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Forkapa retiredas a project engineerfrom Choice Insula-tion in Morgantown,W.Va., and Mrs.Forkapa as a teacherfrom the AlleghenyIntermediate Unit inPittsburgh. Theymoved to the Gladein April 2001.

Their anniversaryreception with 21family members andfriends was held atthe Fairfield GladeConference Center.

Both are extraordi-nary ministers, andMr. Forkapa hasserved on the parishcouncil. �

Forkapas of Fairfield Glade married 50 years

Carole and Paul Forkapa

COURTE

SYOFROSEANNSTR

AZINSKY

Holy Spirit Parish holds 10th-birthday celebration

Holy Spirit Parishin Soddy-Daisyrecently turned 10

years old, and about420 people enjoyedfood and festivities inan all-day celebrationSept. 13.

An outdoor Massstarted with a proces-sion accompanied bybagpipes, played byTyler Brogdon, beforeFather Mike Cresoncelebrated a bilingualMass for parishionersand guests. Artisansof the parish con-structed an outdooraltar for the event.One of the obstaclesovercome was findingenough room for thelarge combined choir,which performedsome of the samemusic sung at the

first Mass 10 yearsago.

In September 1999the congregation nowcalled Holy Spiritheld its first Mass atFirst PresbyterianChurch on DaytonPike, with 49 familiesin attendance. Thetwo congregationsshared that facilityfor about five yearsbefore the Holy SpiritChurch building wasconstructed.

Since the first Massthe parish rolls havegrown to more than400 families.

Many people wereresponsible for theorganization, plan-ning, setup, and tear-down of the10th-anniversaryevent. A full brunch

was served, with pan-cakes, bacon,sausage, and eggsBenedict. Made-to-or-der omelets were alsoavailable to comple-ment the abundantfood brought in byparish members.

Planners made golfcarts available totransport participantsto and from the park-ing lots. The young-sters enjoyedhayrides and large in-flatable games at thecelebration.

Holy Spirit Churchis at the top of thehill at 10768 DaytonPike and has oneMass on Saturdayevenings and two onSundays. Call 423-332-5300 for times ormore details. �

TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Deacon Michael Kucharzak (left) and Holy Spirit pastorFather Mike Creson begin the outdoor Mass celebrating the parish’s 10thanniversary Sept. 13. Tyler Brogdon plays the bagpipes for the ceremony. In theforeground are Mary Weaver and Bruce Speer. Natalie Moore (obscured) and TonyEstoye are the cross bearers; the candle bearer is Jessica Cecil.

Craft bazaars set in Seymour, Gatlinburg, Newport

Three parishes are hosting fallcraft bazaars in October andNovember.

� Holy Family Parish in Seymourwill hold its Holiday Craft Bazaarfrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday andSaturday, Oct. 9 and 10, and afterMass on Sunday, Oct. 11.

The bazaar will offer crafts forall ages and needs, as well as a“granny’s attic” featuring new andused items. Refreshments will beavailable.

Call 865-429-3999 or 983-6611for more information.� St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg ishosting the Smoky MountainBazaar from 10 to 5 p.m. Friday,Oct. 16, and 10 to 8 p.m. Saturday,Oct. 17, in the church parking lot.

The event will feature doorprizes, free face painting and pop-corn, a bake sale, floral arrange-

ments for fall and Christmas, dec-orated mini-trees sized 1 to 4 feet,custom-designed wreaths and gar-lands, gift baskets, and itemscrafted by parish Council ofCatholic Women artists.

Proceeds will benefit the SevierCounty Food Bank, the Women’sCare Center, the Humane Society,and scholarships for area children.

Call St. Mary Church at 865-436-4907 for more information.� Good Shepherd Parish in New-port is having its first holidaybazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat-urday, Nov. 7, in the parish hall.

Featured items will includeThanksgiving and Christmaswreaths, many crafts, knitted andcrocheted items, baked goods,prizes, and refreshments.

For more information, call thechurch at 423-623-5051. �

COURTESYOFELIZA

BETH

CONWAY

Rosaries scheduled this month at shrine in New Hope

Walk-aroundrosaries arescheduled at

2 p.m. CDT everySunday in October atthe Virgin of the Poor

Shrine in New Hope,which is near SouthPittsburg.

To request direc-tions or schedule pic-nics, reunions, or

other events at theshrine, call FatherMark Scholz at OurLady of Lourdes Par-ish in South Pittsburgat 423-837-7068. �

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC OCTOBER 11, 2009 � 5www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

Fourth Degree assembly installs new officersThe Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Trinity Assembly 2607 recently installed of-ficers for 2009-10. The installation was conducted by vice supreme master MichaelHorten and district master William Gunter at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church inCleveland. A dinner was held after the induction ceremony for officers, wives, family,and friends in Breen Hall at the church. The Trinity Assembly is composed of Knightsfrom Council 4572 in Cleveland and Council 8396 in Athens. From left are (frontrow) Mr. Gunter; Claude T. Hardison Jr., outer sentinel; Edward Zablotny, faithfulnavigator; Tom Fortsch, admiral; Joseph Mauser Jr., pilot; and William Milmine, in-ner sentinel; and (back row) William Markiewicz, comptroller; Robert Parnell, purs-er; Gerald Orman, three-year trustee; Father Antonio Giraldo, the friar for 2009;Don Meagher, one-year trustee; Joseph Mauser, captain; George Martel, two-yeartrustee; and Mr. Horten. Not shown are Lewis Talmadge, scribe, and Father MichaelMaples, the friar for 2010.

COURTE

SYOFCLA

UDET.HARDISONJR

.

CALENDAR BY TONI PACITTIon the

ey. Call Patty Hosea at 865-809-5516for more information.� Anniversaries: Christopher and Sta-cy Mynuk (15)� Newcomers: Seth and Bridget Jollyand children Logan, Sean, and Erin;Ronald and Andrea Henry and childrenNicklaus and Sarah; Thomas and JoanHawkins and children Sarah and Laura

Notre Dame, Greeneville� The Knights of Columbus will dis-tribute “prayers for priests” cards toparish families at Masses on Oct. 10and 11.

St. Dominic, Kingsport� The annual parish family picnic washeld Oct. 4 at Bays Mountain Park.� The parish recently realized one ofits Growing in Faith Together campaigngoals with the purchase of a newyouth bus. Those with a commercialdriver’s license are needed to drive thebus on an occasional volunteer basis.Call 423-288-8101.� Old bicycles are being recycled bythe fifth-grade CCD class for childrenin the Kingsport area this Christmas.Call Chris or Marty Silver at 239-9521.

St. Patrick, Morristown� Parish youth will travel to Dolly-wood on Monday, Oct. 12. Drivers areneeded.� The Knights of Columbus hosted analtar server’s appreciation eventSept. 27 in Knoxville.� The annual Oktoberfest celebrationwas held Oct. 4.

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville� Representatives of the DiocesanCouncil of Catholic Women led a dis-cussion Sept. 15 on the role of Catho-lic women in the church and society.� A newcomer’s dinner was heldOct. 4.� Crafters may now reserve booths forthe women’s group’s craft fair, set forthe weekend of Nov. 14 and 15. Costis $15. Contact Beth Meyer at 865-523-4173 or ejmeyer1@hotmail.comfor details.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa� The Knights of Columbus will servea spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday,Oct. 17, in Fatima Hall to fund two$500 scholarships for the parish youth.Cost: $11 for adults ($15 at the door);$5 for children 6 to 11.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville� Casa Mia, an Italian restaurant inMaynardville owned by a parish-ioner, offers a 20 percent discount forparishioners of St. Albert the Great.Call Gloria Cattafi at 745-1723 formore information.� Baptism: Emme Charles, daughterof Stuart and Shana Hackworth

St. Francis of Assisi, Townsend� The third annual fall bazaar washeld Oct. 3.� The parish is selling its first cook-book, Bless This Food, Amen, whichcontains 400 recipes, for $10. Call Lisaat 865-984-4639. �

Parish notes continued from page 4

The Diocesan Discernment Programfor 2009-10, for men considering a callto a priestly vocation, will offer a day ofreflection from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Satur-day, Oct. 24, at the Chancery office inKnoxville. The topic will be prayer anddiscernment. Upcoming days of reflec-tion are set for Nov. 14, on celibacyand chastity, and Dec. 12, on the life ofa diocesan priest, both at 10 a.m. atthe Chancery. For more information,contact Father Michael Cummins atthe Catholic Center at East TennesseeState University at 423-926-7061 oretsucatholiccenter@yahoo.com.

The Holy Family Prayer Group at St.John Neumann Parish in Farragut issponsoring a free Catholic CharismaticRenewal Life in the Spirit Seminar thismonth, featuring a DVD presentation byFather Larry Hess. The seminar will beheld in the music room of St. John Neu-mann School at 625 St. John NeumannCourt, next door to the church. Ses-sions are scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m.Saturdays, Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 31.Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. eachday at the church. Those who are inter-ested in learning more about the Charis-matic Renewal are encouraged toattend. The first week’s theme is “God’sLove,” followed by “New Life,” “Receiv-ing God’s Gifts,” and “Transformation inChrist.” Father Hess is the liaison for theCharismatic Renewal for the Diocese ofAllentown, Pa. Organizers would like toknow how many plan to come to theLife in the Spirit Seminar. Those plan-ning to attend should call Crystal Si-moneaux at 865-584-1746.

The last charismatic Mass in the dio-cese for 2009 will be held at 5 p.m.Sunday, Oct. 18, at Holy Spirit Churchin Soddy-Daisy. Father Dan Whitmanof Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson Citywill be the celebrant. Call Dee Leigh at423-842-2305 for more information.

Knights of Columbus Council 8152 inCrossville is holding its 19th annualOktoberfest on Friday and Saturday,Oct. 9 and 10, at the Knights ActivityPark, 2892 Highway 70 East, threemiles east of Crossville. Visitwww.crossvilleoktoberfest.com or seethe Sept. 20 ETC for more information.

Rachel’s Vineyard is a retreat forthose suffering because of abortion.The next area retreat is set for theweekend of Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 inMaggie Valley, N.C. For more informa-tion, contact Shelley at 828-670-8192,230-4940, or sglan1234@aol.com. Aretreat is also scheduled for the week-end of Nov. 6 through 8 at a retreathouse in the Cherokee National Forest.Contact Sandi at 865-694-4971 orsandi@ccetn.org or Catherine at 694-4971 or Peace4Lilith@aol.com. TheSisters of Mercy convent at 2629 Pen-nington Bend Road in Nashville is thesite of a retreat on the weekend ofNov. 20 through 22. Visit www.hopeafterabortiontn.com, call Phil Tre-vathan at 615-525-8239, or e-mailinfo@hopeafterabortiontn.com for de-tails. For a listing of retreat dates andlocations and other information on theministry, visit www.rachelsvineyard.orgor call 877-Hope-4-Me. Confidentialityis honored at all times.

Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville issponsoring a golf tournament to ben-efit Catholic Charities. The tourneywill begin with a shotgun start at11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Fees include18 holes of golf, gifts and prizes,brunch from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in theclub’s Grand Ballroom, and beverages.Entry is limited to the first 25 four-per-son teams. The format is select-shot.Contact Mark Moon at mmoon@cherokeecountryclub.com or LauraSeymour at laura@ccetn.org or visitwww.ccetn.org for more information.

The seventh annual Chattanoogansfor Life banquet has been set for Fri-day, April 23, 2010, at the Chat-tanoogan hotel. The theme is adoption.For more information, call CindyKedrowski at 423-290-7314 or visitchattanoogansforlife.org.

The Serra Club of Knoxville is spon-soring an essay contest for gradeschool children, offered in memory ofSerrans Paul and Katherine Murphy.The theme is “A Year for Priests.” Win-ning essays will be selected from two

divisions: one for third, fourth, and fifthgrades, with a maximum length of 150words, and one for sixth- througheighth-graders, with a maximum lengthof 300 words. Winners will be an-nounced during vocations week in Jan-uary. Prizes will be awarded at theJanuary Serra Club meeting. First-placefinishers in each division will receive$50 and a plaque, and runners-up willbe awarded $25 and a plaque. Submitessays to Catholic school teachers orCCD teachers. A parent must sign theentries of homeschooled students. Es-says, with the entrant’s name, grade,address, and telephone number on thefirst page, should be mailed to ColetteSeitz, 3630 S. Creek Road, Knoxville,TN 37920. Deadline for entries is Mon-day, Nov. 30.

The diocesan Office of Marriage Prepa-ration and Enrichment will sponsor“Building a Bridge: Heart to Heart,” acommunication workshop for cou-ples, Saturday, Nov. 7, at Our Lady ofPerpetual Help Church in Chattanooga.The day will begin with Mass at 8 a.m.and end by noon. Licensed profession-al counselor Judy Magnussen of the El-bow Tree Christian Counseling Centerwill facilitate. Cost: $20 per couple.Those who attended an engagement-preparation program in 2009 may at-tend for free. Register by contactingMarian Christiana at 423-892-2310 ore-mail mcrhistiana@dioceseofknoxville.org before Monday, Nov. 2. Baby-sit-ting will be provided at an additionalcost. Register for babysitting by callingPam at OLPH at 423-622-7232.

The Knoxville Catholic High Schoolbaseball team will host a seasonalflu-shot fundraiser to benefit CatholicCharities, available for those age 12and older, after all Masses the weekendof Oct. 24 and 25 at the churches listedbelow. This shot is not for the H1N1(swine) flu. Cost is $25. The shot will beoffered at All Saints, Holy Ghost, Im-maculate Conception, and SacredHeart parishes in Knoxville; St. JohnNeumann in Farragut; St. Thomas theApostle in Lenoir City; St. Mary in OakRidge; and Our Lady of Fatima in Al-coa. E-mail Dr. James Harrison atinfo@ohseast.com with questions.

The Secular Franciscans will hold aninformation meeting at 3 p.m. Sun-day, Oct. 18, in the office building atSacred Heart Cathedral. The order isopen to practicing lay Catholics anddiocesan clergy who seek to followChrist in the spirit of St. Francis andFranciscan spirituality. Orientationclasses will follow on third Sundays at1:30 p.m. (on the first Sunday in De-cember). Call Secular Franciscans Car-ol Paul Pavur at 865-458-4208, JanetteIrwin at 671-7220, Mary Ramsey at247-6815, or Nancy Singh at 482-1810.

The ninth annual Sacred Heart Cathe-dral School Fall Golf Classic will beheld Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Egwani FarmsGolf Course in Rockford. Individuals aswell as teams are welcome. The eventwill begin with breakfast at 9 a.m. anda shotgun start at 10. Sponsorship op-portunities are available. For more in-formation, call Rick Davis at865-805-9343, pick up a brochure atthe school office, or visit www.shcschool.org/support-fundraisers.asp.

A Seekers of Silence ContemplativeSaturday Morning will be held Oct. 17at John XXIII Catholic Center in Knox-ville. Father Bob Hofstetter will give atalk titled “St. Thomas and Scholasti-cism: Dead or Alive?” Coffee and teawill be served at 8:30 a.m.; the work-shop will run from 9 a.m. to noon.Bring a bag lunch. RSVP to 865-523-7931.

Holy Resurrection Byzantine CatholicMission holds Divine Liturgy celebra-tions at 5:30 p.m. Sundays at HolyFamily Church in Seymour. All are wel-come to attend, and explanations ofthe ceremony will be given. Call 865-609-1081 to learn more.

The St. Thomas the Apostle UkrainianCatholic Mission celebrates the Di-vine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Sundays in thechapel at the Chancery in Knoxvilleand Vespers at 6 p.m. Saturdays at theChancery. Call Father Richard Arm-strong at 865-584-3307.

Knox TRL chapter’s Celebrate Life banquet Oct. 20

The Knox CountyChapter of Ten-nessee Right to

Life will hold its an-nual Celebrate LifeBenefit Banquet at6:30 p.m. Tuesday,Oct. 20, at RothchildCatering & Confer-ence Center in WestKnoxville.

Mathew D. Staver,

founder and chair-man of Liberty Coun-sel and a professor oflaw at Liberty Univer-sity, will be thekeynote speaker. Mr.Staver is the authorof Eternal Vigilance:Knowing and Protect-ing Your ReligiousRights (B & H Pub-lishing Group, 2005).

The dinner is free,but donations will beaccepted to supportthe Knox CountyTRL chapter’s work.

Registration is re-quired by Oct. 14. Toregister, visit trlknox.org or contact thechapter at 865-689-1339 or trlknox@knology.net. �

Bishop to celebrate Marian Mass at cathedral Oct. 17

Bishop Richard F. Stika will cele-brate his first diocesan MarianMass at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct.

17, at Sacred Heart Cathedral.The annual Mass features a pro-

cession of Marian images honoredin Spanish-speaking countries.

Those attending are encouragedto bring their own Marian imagesfrom home for a special blessingand to wear typical costumes from

the country of their birth.The Mass will be in Spanish, but

the Mass program will be bilingual.Everyone is invited.

A reception at Sacred HeartCathedral School will follow theliturgy.

For details, contact the diocesanHispanic Ministry Office at 865-637-4769 or lacosecha@dioceseofknoxville.org. �

Calendar continued on page 8

Golf tourneys kick off St. Joseph, Oak Ridge fall fests

Here is a look at up-coming fall festi-vals in the diocese:

� The 29th annual St.Joseph School FallFestival will be hostedFriday and Saturday,Oct. 16 and 17, by St.Albert the Great Par-

ish in Knoxville be-cause of constructionat the school.

In conjunctionwith the festival isthe seventh annualRed Kidd MemorialOpen on Friday, Oct.16, at Three Ridges

Golf Course inKnoxville. Lunch be-gins at 11 a.m., witha shotgun start at12:30 p.m. Entry feeis $125. The formatis four-person scram-ble. Tournament pro-

Festivals continued on page 6

Activities, noted that the livesof the unborn are those most atrisk in America, with abortionsnumbering more than 1 millionannually.

He said that even though67 percent of Americans areagainst taxpayer-funded abor-tion, “all current health-careproposals being considered byCongress would allow or man-date abortion funding, eitherthrough premiums paid intogovernment programs or out offederal revenues.”

Cardinal Rigali also notedthat undocumented immigrantsand poor legal immigrants were

both at risk of not gettinghealth care under current re-form proposals, and he calledfor policies that recognize thehumanity of the immigrant.

“How can a just society denybasic health care to those livingand working among us whoneed medical attention? It can-not and must not,” he said.

The cardinal also criticizedthe view of some that the costsof expanding health care tothose who cannot afford itshould be covered by “curtail-ing the level of care now givento elderly Americans” or deter-mining the level of treatment

based on a patient’s quality oflife.

Cardinal Rigali addressed thecultural attitude that viewssome people as not worth pro-tecting because of their per-ceived “low quality of life.”

“It should not be surprisingthat the neglect and even thedeath of some people are of-fered as a solution to risinghealth-care costs,” he said.“Population-control advocateshave long espoused abortingchildren in the developingworld as a misguided meansfor reducing poverty.

All of the soon-to-be Catholics—as wellas their godparents,sponsors, family, andfriends—who haveattended a rite ofelection since 1990have seen Sister Al-bertine in action. Be-fore every rite began,she donned herschoolteacher hatagain to instruct eachgroup in the assem-bly on the proper re-sponses they were tomake during the rite.

Sister Albertine’s in-volvement with pil-grimages began as theJubilee Year of 2000was approaching,when Pope John PaulII was encouragingCatholics to make apilgrimage to Rome.People began askingSister Albertinewhether the diocesewould be sponsoringsuch a trip. That ledto a meeting withBishop Joseph E.Kurtz. Sister Alber-tine told him that shehad led student tripsas far back as 1971and maintained sev-eral contacts in thetravel world.

The bishop askedher to see whetherenough people wouldbe interested in going.

“I ended up with alist of 80 people. Iwent back and toldBishop Kurtz. Helooked at me, and hiseyes got big and hesaid, ‘Let’s do it.’ Isaid, ‘Yes sir, we will.’And we did.”

People were alreadyasking her about thenext pilgrimage ontheir way back fromRome in 2000, SisterAlbertine said. Thatled to trips to Romeand Assisi, to theshrines of France,and to Greece andTurkey, plus twomore pilgrimages to

the Holy Land.Several Chancery

staffers, includinglongtime administra-tive assistant BarbDaugherty, have as-sisted Sister Albertineover the years. Eliza-beth Bunker, theRCIA coordinator atHoly Ghost in Knox-ville, has helped Sis-

ter Albertine formany years and is as-sisting her as shecleans out her office.

“Elizabeth is myfriend, and she’s com-ing to bail me out of21 years of stuff,”said Sister Albertine.“She’s done RCIA aslong as I have, andshe’s a retired school-teacher, as I am, soshe has the samehabits and the sameskills. I met Elizabethwhen I taught herkids in high school.That’s a long timeago.

“I’ve known Barbsince she was in col-lege. She was on myfloor in the dorm, sowe go back a longway too. She’s beenjust a wonderfulblessing becausethere’s almost noth-ing she can’t do.”

Chancery workershave heard Sister Al-

bertine’s talents onthe keyboard duringMasses that precedemonthly staff meet-ings and during thestaff’s Christmas par-ties. She has playedthe piano or organfor numerous eventsfor decades, includ-ing Mass at her child-hood parish indowntown Knoxville.

“I’ve been playingorgan since I was infifth grade when Iwas 10 at ImmaculateConception. I wasparish organist by thetime I was in the

eighth grade,” shesaid.

Sister Albertine hasalso provided theprinted programs formany a Mass aroundthe diocese and hashelped plan the musicfor the ordinations ofBishop Kurtz andBishop Stika.

“I’ve worked withliturgy and music allof my life, and to beable to do so manythings here has beena real joy because itmeans I’ve stayedcurrent with liturgi-cal practice,” shesaid.

Sister Albertine hasalso worked with thePaulist NationalCatholic Evangeliza-tion Association,which has providedmaterials for her of-fice. She oversaw sev-eral Landingsprograms, a Paulistministry that reachesout to inactiveCatholics.

She said that “hav-ing enough energy inmy body and time inthe day to keep upwith the demands”has been her biggestchallenge.

Her biggest reward?“The people. Al-

ways the people andtheir generosity andwillingness and theirgratitude for beingtrusted to really workhard. The priestshave been just mar-velous—they’ve beensupportive, they’vebeen helpful, andthey’ve let me help.All three of thosethings are wonderful,and I’m so grateful tothem.”

Sister Albertine willcontinue to direct pil-grimages for the dio-cese and encouragespriests to enlist herhelp if they want toorganize a trip. Sheprobably wouldn’tturn down a sugges-tion to go back to herfavorite place.

“The Holy Land,without a doubt. I’vebeen there threetimes all together. I’dgo back in a minute.”

Sister Albertine,who will continueliving at the Sisters ofMercy of the Americ-as convent in Knox-ville, said her serviceas Evangelization di-rector “has been agreat ride. I’ve hadone marvelous time.”

“Evangelization isso all-embracing—itgets in your blood,”she said. “It justmeans that the GoodNews is such goodnews that you can’tnot share it, and Idon’t think I ever re-alized that before thisyear.” �

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC6 � OCTOBER 11, 2009 www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

Sister continued from page 2

Sister Albertine Paulus, RSM

COURTESYOFSISTERALB

ERTINEPA

ULU

S,R

SM

Sisters of Mercy lead annualMercy Month celebrations

The Sisters of Mercy recently led the MercyHealth Partners’ celebration of Mercy Month atthe system’s 27 different health-care facilities.

“It was 182 years ago, on Sept. 24, 1827, thatCatherine McAuley opened the first House ofMercy to help the poor and needy in Dublin, Ire-land,” said Sister Mary Martha Naber, regional li-aison for Mercy sponsorship.

“We and the associates of our Mercy systemcontinue in the spirit of the foundress of ourcommunity as we minister to God’s people in ourday and time.

“During Mercy Month the sisters travel to ourfacilities to renew with associates our commit-ment to the healing ministry of Jesus and to ex-tend gratitude for their generous service. Therenewal prayer includes a special anointing ofhands for service, asking God’s blessings on thedaily work of the associates,” Sister Martha said.

“Many of our associates testify that our faith-based ministry sets Mercy apart from otherhealth-care systems,” said Becky Dodson,MHP’s vice president for Mission. “They look tothe sisters for support and encouragement intheir own time of need as well as when providingcompassion and care to their patients.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika was a “special guest”for the Mercy Day event at St. Mary’s MedicalCenter’s main campus, said Sister Martha. “Wewere delighted to welcome him to St. Mary’s forhis first visit and an introduction to our leadershipand associates.”

Other Sisters of Mercy helping in the celebra-tion were Sister Mary Janice Brink, Sister PatriciaConnolly, Sister Marie Moore, Sister Mary Alber-tine Paulus, Sister Margaret Turk, Sister YvetteGillen of St. Therese Parish in Clinton, and SisterPat Soete of St. Jude Parish in Helenwood. �

Rigali continued on page 8

Rigali continued from page 1

A Mass in honor of Sister AlbertinePaulus, RSM, will be held at 3 p.m. onSunday, Oct. 18, at Sacred Heart Cathe-dral, with a reception afterward. Every-one is invited to attend.

IN JESUS’ STEPS During a 2006 diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Sister Al-bertine Paulus, RSM, and another pilgrim carry the cross along the Via Dolorosa, theroute in Jerusalem that Christ took to Golgotha. Sister Albertine organized the pil-grimage, one of several she’s led for the diocese.

40 Days continued from page 9

He called those present to “be a propheticvoice to this generation, to this city, this coun-try—let us be hope for others. That is ourcalling.” �

Sign up online to participate in the 40 Days forLife vigil at 40daysforlife.com/Knoxville. To learnmore about healing retreats for those hurting af-ter abortion, see the information about Rachel’sVineyard retreats on page 5.

Festivals continued from page 5

ceeds benefit St. Joseph students.For more information on the tourney or on

serving as a sponsor, call Danny Clancy at 865-539-2835 or 384-3861. Sponsorships are avail-able at several levels, from $25 to $3,000.

Barbecue chicken and ribs will be servedfrom 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at St. Albert the Great.Games and entertainment—including facepainting, a children’s parade, and pie andcarved-pumpkin contests—will take placefrom 5 to 9.

Games and rides, a country store, a cakewheel, crafts, a dessert shop, and a white-ele-phant sale will be featured from 10 a.m. to7 p.m. Saturday, along with more barbecue.Call the school at 689-3424 for more details.

The country store needs canned or fresh pro-duce, baked goods, candies, and country gifts.Call Carole Willard at 938-1996 or Sara Clemat 687-9542.� The 59th annual St. Mary Fall Festival is setfor Oct. 8 through 10 at St. Mary Church inOak Ridge.

The festival will kick off with its third annualgolf tournament Thursday, Oct. 8, at Centenni-al Golf Course, with registration beginning at11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, and a shotgun startat 1 p.m. A Putt-Putt tournament for womenwill also start at 1.

For more information on the tourney, callTony Wright at 865-384-3753 or NancyHoward at 966-7042.

The Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supperwill start at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, in the parishlife center. Silent and live auctions and youthactivities, including an Xbox tournament andmovies, will also be held that evening.

Live-auction items include vacation packages,a twin-engine airplane ride, and a pontoon-boatrental.

The festival on the parish grounds will fol-low from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.Featured will be a craft and gift shop, inflat-able rides, a rock-climbing wall, a silent auc-tion, a bake shop, many kinds of food, andentertainment.

The event’s “used car lot” will have a 1994seven-passenger Dodge Caravan and a 1987Sea Ray 17-foot boat up for bids.

Festival food and drink will include hotwings, Mexican fare, and German beer andbrats. Entertainers include The Magnetos, theFaith Promise Puppeteers, and the Salsa Knoxdancers.

To learn more about the festival or how tobecome a sponsor, call Michaela or Bernie Mar-tin at 771-0014 or visit www.stmarysoakridge.org/Parish/fallfest.html. �

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC OCTOBER 11, 2009 � 7www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

Agencies sponsor ‘Strolling forChange’ to help families, children

Five Knoxville area home-visitation programs arecollaborating to inform the public about a vari-ety of free services. From 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday,

Oct. 15, several agencies will conduct “Strollingfor Change” at World’s Fair Park in downtownKnoxville. The goal is to ensure that all parents re-ceive the support and information they need fortheir children’s optimum growth and development.

Working together are Healthy Families EastTennessee, Birth to Kindergarten, Child and Fam-ily’s Project Babies, Catholic Charities’ ColumbusHome, and the Lisa Ross Birthing and Women’sCenter.

Participants in Strolling for Change can takepart in family-oriented activities, games for chil-dren, a silent auction, and coin donations. Theevent also includes food and shopping with com-munity vendors. Parents will stroll through thepark to support programs that work to enhanceearly child development, encourage bonding withchildren, and provide medical care and socialservices. Robin Wilhoit of WBIR will be theevent’s grand marshal.

Healthy Families East Tennessee is designed tosupport first-time parents through home visitationand in group settings. Birth to Kindergarten’smission is to empower, support, and encourageparents as their child’s first and most influentialteacher so their children may succeed in schooland in life. Project Babies is designed to helphigh-risk, low-income Knox County moms havehealthy pregnancies and happy babies. Lisa RossBirth and Women’s Center provides high-qualitywomen’s health and maternity care with a per-sonal approach. CCET’s Columbus Home Assist-ing Parents is an in-home family-supportprogram that builds on family strengths.

For details, call the Helen Ross McNabb Cen-ter at 865-523-8695, extension 1265, or e-mailrachel.nielsen@mcnabb.org. �

Mercy programs help prevent,understand breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth, and Mercy Health Partners is hostingseveral educational programs to help women

reduce their risk of breast cancer, recognize theimportance of early detection, and learn moreabout treatments available for breast cancer.

The October Healthy in the City program fo-cuses on early detection and treatment optionsand will feature Caren E. Callaher, M.D., a MercyWellnesse for Women board-certified general sur-geon. The hourlong monthly Healthy in the Cityprogram will begin at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct.19, at Café 4 on Market Square in downtownKnoxville. There is a $5 fee for the program,which includes lunch and a gift. To register, callthe Ask Mercy hotline, 865-632-5200, by Oct. 16.

Understanding how to lower the risk of breastcancer with a healthy diet is the topic of a one-hour presentation by Teresa McCusker, a regis-tered dietitian with the Mercy Cancer Centers,beginning at noon Tuesday, Oct. 20, at BaptistHospital West in Turkey Creek.

“The American Institute for Cancer Researchfound that a predominantly plant-based diet mayreduce your cancer risk and the fruits, vegeta-bles, and whole grains in this type of diet are apowerful tool in weight management as well,”McCusker said. To register, call the Ask Mercyhotline at 865-632-5200.

A third program in October focuses on breast-cancer awareness. The Red Hot Mamas will meetfrom 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, atthe Foundry on the World’s Fair Park. Robin Wil-hoit, WBIR TV-10 anchor and Buddy Checkspokesperson, will be the special guest host. Wil-hoit will introduce the program’s featured speaker,George Webber, M.D., a board-certified surgeon,who will provide information of special interest tomenopausal women. The Red Hot Mamas pro-gram includes a free lunch and a gift. Space islimited. Call 865-632-5200 by Oct. 19 to register.

Registration for all Mercy programs is alsoavailable online at www.mercy.com. Follow thelinks to Classes and Events. �

Sept. 23, 2009

Dear brothers and sisters inChrist:

Let me begin first by thank-ing you all for your continuedprayers and get-well wishes. Iam indeed feeling better thanever now, and I am resumingmy schedule to get out to theparishes and meet you, thefaithful people of God whomake up the Diocese ofKnoxville. Your prayers havesustained me, and I amthankful for them and foreach of you.

The Annual Stewardship Ap-peal is fast approaching, and Iwould ask each of you toprayerfully consider how youwill participate in this year’sappeal, not only as individualsbut also as members of thebody of Christ. For 21 yearsthe Annual Stewardship Ap-peal has enabled our church tomeet the many challenges weface together as a communityof faith. The appeal has beenconducted as both a parishand diocesan effort that pro-vides the financial support toenable our church to providefor the educational, human,pastoral, and spiritual needs ofour brothers and sisters in theDiocese of Knoxville.

The Annual StewardshipAppeal is an example ofGospel stewardship and re-flects God’s request to us “tolove one another as I haveloved you.” Our Father hasprovided us with many bless-ings in our lives, and it is ourresponsibility to gratefully“cherish and steward thesegifts in a faithful manner.”Every day we witness out-standing examples of volun-teerism and giving at both the

parish and diocesan levels.Our parishioners themselvesare stewards—generous andfaithful people who make ourparish communities anddiocesan families strong, vi-brant, and in service to thosewe love and to those we donot even know who continueto feel supported in lovingunion with the ministry andmission of our church.

Stewardship is more thancontributing 10 percent ofyour income. It is purposelybeing the hands and feet ofChrist, being the face of Jesus,to our families, parishes, com-munities, and the diocese atlarge. How can you give backto Our Lord? What goodthings has he blessed youwith that you can share?

Are you willing to step outof your comfort zone and per-haps be a reader at Mass?Have you ever volunteered tohelp teach our young peoplereligion or to bring the Eu-charist to the sick and home-bound? Could you join theKnights of Columbus or theLadies of Charity?

I ask each of you to prayer-fully consider these questionsand then commit to activelyparticipating in your parish.

Furthermore, I ask that youstrongly consider offering amonetary gift in support ofthe Annual Stewardship Ap-peal. Your gift will help sus-tain our parish and diocesanChristian-formation and min-istry programs. These pro-grams include religiouseducation, adult faith forma-tion, seminarian education,priest formation, deacon for-mation, evangelization, mar-riage preparation andenrichment, youth andyoung-adult ministry, campusministry, and various justiceand peace ministries.

Your gift will allow CatholicCharities to continue re-sponding to those in need:abused children, homelessfamilies and seniors, immi-grants, pregnant mothers, anda wide variety of other needyindividuals.

If every registered family inour diocese regularly attendsMass and faithfully con-tributes to the work of thechurch, we will have not onlythe means we need to sustainour parish and diocesan min-istries but also the ability toassist others in need and thusfulfill the call of the Lord Je-sus to serve him by servingone another. Please be gener-ous, and encourage your fel-low parishioners to becomedeeply involved in the workof the parish. Your parish andyour diocese need your help!

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Most Rev. Richard F. Stika,Bishop of Knoxville

he theme of thisyear’s Annual

Stewardship Appeal(ASA)—“Feed mylambs . . . tend mysheep . . . followme”—from John21:15-19 was chosento reflect Jesus’words of commissionas they continue torelate to the peopleof the Diocese ofKnoxville.

Jesus’ lambs andsheep in our 14,000-square-mile dioceseare people of all agesand needs. BishopRichard F. Stika, asthe shepherd of ourdiocese, both canoni-cally and caringlyserves in guiding ap-proximately 59,534infants, youth, andadults toward adeeper relationshipwith God and tolives as disciples ofthe Gospel. Thenumber of Catholicsrepresents about 2percent of the totalpopulation.

The ASA is thefoundation for parishand diocesan min-istry services, provid-ing benefits noindividual parishcould give. The dio-cese has 44 parishes,two missions, andone quasi-parish,served by 73 priests.Of these parishes, 39have a resident priest,with the others as-sisted by a neighbor-ing priest. Onaverage, a single

priest in the Dioceseof Knoxville serves816 Catholics.

Our diocese cur-rently has nine menstudying for thepriesthood. ASA sup-port for vocation de-velopment,seminarian educa-tion, and priestly lifehelps provide for theministry of futurepriests who will serveEast Tennesseans.

In 2010 CatholicCharities of East Ten-nessee Inc. (CCET)will receive 40 per-cent of budgeted ASAdollars. Last yearCCET provided chil-dren’s services, men-tal-health counseling,budgeting education,senior services, hous-ing, pregnancy andadoption services,and outreach or assis-tance to 23,581 peo-

ple. The agency oper-ates from several lo-cations in EastTennessee. The needfor CCET serviceshas increased greatlythis year because ofthe weak economy.

Education is anoth-er ministry fosteredthrough ASA. Lastyear 8,432 studentsin the diocese re-ceived Catholic in-struction in aCatholic school or areligious-educationprogram. Otherdiocesan-sponsoredyouth, family life,and adult-educationprograms also servepeople throughoutthe area. In addition,priests minister onuniversity campuses.

Diocesan-dedicatedASA financial giftsalso support evange-lization, formationprograms, family andadult services, andjustice and peace ef-forts throughout EastTennessee. Last year1,252 infant and mi-nor “lambs” and 83adults were baptized,with 232 receivedinto full communionin the church. Nearly1,100 people re-ceived first HolyCommunion, 659were confirmed, and211 marriages wereperformed. Dioce-sanwide, 393 deathswere recorded. Theindividuals and fami-lies involved re-

AND TREASUREtime, talent,

Annual Stewardship Appeal set for Oct. 17-18Donations from the faithful help support Catholic Charities, evangelization, justice and peace, and more.

Bishop Stika speaks to the faithful about stewardship

ISTO

CKPHOTO

.COM

ASA continued on page 9

T

Learn more about how your ASA dollarsare used. Watch our online video, with amessage from the bishop and reflec-tions from priests: how the appeal helpsthe needy and how to respond in grati-tude. Visit dioceseofknoxville.org.

The good

we do lives

after us—when we

remember to

make a will.

Only you can divide yourown property as you want

it divided. A bequest toyour church can be a living

memorial to the nobilityof your life.

My favoritebackyardtree is begin-ning onceagain to loseits leaves.One of manytrees, it’s dif-ferent fromany other.Standing es-

pecially tall, with broadbranches, it provides shade,privacy, support to the envi-ronment, and beauty. It addsto the grand expression ofpurposeful creation.

Thinking of trees promptsreflections on human relation-ships with God and on stew-ardship. Our unique gifts areshaped through the experi-ences we have wherever weare “planted.” We join ourgifts with those of other indi-viduals in communities offamily, neighborhood, parish,and more to offer caring andthoughtful service.

Christ taught us a path thatleads to life, emptying himselfas a slave and servant to all bycoming in human likeness.He humbled himself, showingfaithfulness and obedience tohis Father, and sacrificed him-self, accepting death on across.

He came to teach us values,the Gospel values we reflectin faithful living and whichserve as the basis of Catholicsocial teaching. These Gospelvalues are derived from thetwo greatest commandmentsChrist gave: to love God andto love our neighbors as our-selves. Gospel values areformed in us through a partic-ular connection to Christ’swords, actions, and instruc-tions. The way we manifestthese values reveals our ap-preciation and gratitude forGod’s gifts.

The Catholic Church uni-versally teaches the Gospelsand further extends Christ’sinvitation to follow, linkingpeople to faith-filled living. Asindividuals we come to ourparish church, carrying whatis in our heart. We each bringour cares, concerns, interests,and abilities to the house andtable of the Lord. Uniting aspart of a worship community,we join together to learn,share, and spread the Gospelmessage and to help addressthe needs of individuals andsociety. Through collective ef-forts we build Christ’s churchand further his ministry andmission.

Living as a member of a

family and connecting withothers in communities, we re-alize that everyone can bene-fit from working together andin support of one another.Like groupings of trees, ourfaith roots intermingle to sus-tain us as worship communi-ties. Our ministries branchout to reach many people andneeds.

Each fall our diocese con-ducts the Annual StewardshipAppeal (ASA). It prompts in-dividuals to consider theirparticipation and support as amember of a parish and aspart of the Diocese of Knox-ville. Individuals and parishesunite to nurture the localchurch and support the devel-opment and outreach of thevital ministries of the dioce-san church. The ASA focusesour perspective beyond indi-vidual faith development,leading us to consider others’needs.

Recently Pope Benedict XVIcommented on a Gospel read-ing with two questions: “Whois Jesus of Nazareth for you?”and “Is your faith translatedinto actions?”

Seasons change, and wemove forward in life. We’reconstantly challenged tothink, make decisions, andact in response. May our rela-tionship with God and Gospelvalues guide all we think, say,and do. May God bless you. �

Mrs. Erpenbach directs theStewardship and Developmentoffice.

BY FATHER RANDY STICE

n my column last month(“Who, what, when,

where, and why: the newtranslation of the RomanMissal,” Sept. 6 ETC) I intro-duced the translation of thethird edition of the RomanMissal, which is due to becompleted by the end of 2010.This month I would like toput this new translation incontext by giving a brief histo-ry of the translation of theMass into the vernacular.

The translation of the Massinto vernacular languages wasfirst proposed at the Councilof Trent (1545-1563), atwhich the Catholic Churchformulated her response tothe Protestant Reformation.Although the council fathersrecognized “the great cate-chetical value contained inthe celebration of the Mass”(GIRM, No. 11), they felt thetiming was not opportune forsuch a change. They did,however, direct pastors “togive frequent instructionsduring the celebration ofMass,” including “some ex-planation of the mystery of

this most holy Sacrifice” (Ec-umenical Council of Trent).

The Second Vatican Council(1961-1965), recognizing “theinstructive and pastoral char-acter of the sacred liturgy”(GIRM, No. 12) and acknowl-edging that “the use of thevernacular language may fre-quently be of great advantageto the people” (Constitutionon the Sacred Liturgy, No.36.2), gave permission for therestricted use of the vernacu-lar. The enthusiasm thatgreeted this change led thebishops and the Apostolic Seeto grant permission for itswider use in all liturgical cele-brations (GIRM, No. 12).

Following the initial reformof the liturgy and its transla-tion into the vernacular,“there came a period of prac-tical experience, which neces-sarily required a considerablespace of time” (Congregationfor Divine Worship and Disci-pline of the Sacraments,CDWDS).

In 1988 Pope John Paul IIpublished his apostolic letterVicesimus Quintus Annus(VQA) on the 25th anniver-

sary of the Second VaticanCouncil’s Constitution on theSacred Liturgy, in which he re-flected on the implementationof the Council’s reform of theliturgy. With this letter, notesthe CDWDS, “there began anew gradual process of evalu-ation, completion, and con-solidation of the liturgicalrenewal.”

The pope included in thisprocess the translation of theliturgy into the vernacularand the principles that shouldguide the translation (VQA,No. 20). In 1997 the popeasked the CDWDS to codifyits work over the interveningyears concerning liturgicaltranslations.

In response to the pope’s re-quest, the CDWDS publishedtwo instructions, intended tobe read together, to guide thenext stages of the liturgical re-newal. The first, Varietates Le-gitimae (“LegitimateDifferences”), was publishedin 1994 and dealt primarilywith the question of the in-culturation of the liturgy. Ac-cording to this document, the

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC8 � OCTOBER 11, 2009 www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

A historical survey of the Mass in the vernacular

Faith into actionThe Annual Stewardship Appeal leads us to consider others’ needs.

FOLLOW BY SUZANNE ERPENBACHcalled to

Vernacular continued on page 9

DANMCWILLIAMS

I

Teachers gather for annual diocesan in-service dayBishop Richard F. Stika speaks at the annual in-service day for teachers in the diocese’s Catholic schools. The eventtook place Oct. 2 at All Saints Church and Knoxville Catholic High School. The presenter for the day was SteveChardos, a psychologist and member of Chattanooga’s St. Jude Parish.

“Death is not a solution to life’s problems,”Cardinal Rigali said. “Only those who are blind tothe transcendent reality and meaning of humanlife could support killing human beings to miti-gate economic, social, or environmental prob-lems.

“The antidote to such myopia is to recover anappreciation for the sanctity and dignity of eachunique human being,” he said.

The Respect Life program stresses the valueand dignity of human life from conception to nat-ural death. It is observed in the 195 Catholic dio-ceses in the United States. This year’s theme is“Every Child Brings Us God’s Smile.” �

Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Con-ference of Catholic Bishops

Rigali continued from page 6

By now the other 10 disciples had gottenwind of what James, John, and Jesus were con-versing about. Now Jesus had to deal with acase of pride within his community.

Interestingly, the answer to that question isalso the reason why a person would want toadopt Jesus’ and Isaiah’s definition of goodness.One needs only an attitude of service.

Think of an organization you would like tojoin. The people in it attract you. All the mem-bers seem to be happy and fulfilled.

Chances are, the group is made up of mem-bers who serve one another’s needs. They givewithout counting the cost. The group is attrac-tive and joy-filled because among its, say, 100members, 99 are serving you just as you arehelping to satisfy the needs of the others.

Jesus’ words to us do not make sense if wethink in terms of the singular. If we becomecommunity-minded, however, they not onlymake sense but also become a blueprint totrue joy. �

Father Brando is a retired priest of the diocese.

Readings continued from page 2

said. He cited the churches’ different views onhuman sexuality and ecclesial decision-makingas two areas where dialogue must continue.

Archbishop Gregory also offered those gath-ered two recommendations for going forward:to foster what he called a ressourment similarto the mid-20th century period “that madepossible a whole range of ecumenical projectsand dialogues“ and to pray, pray, and pray.

“Prayer is the soul of ecumenism,” he said.The Rev. Ishmael Noko, general secretary of

the Lutheran World Federation, echoed Arch-bishop Gregory’s sentiments that dialoguemust continue and move forward. He thankedthe theologians who “labored with diligence”to form the joint declaration and those whocontinue to work in ecumenism today.

Rev. Noko said he was grateful that the dec-laration, despite being rooted in the past, didnot look behind but forward.

“The joint declaration is a complete testimo-ny to what and how much can be achievedwhen we faithfully bear witness to the Gospeltogether,” Rev. Noko said. �

Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Con-ference of Catholic Bishops

Declaration continued from page 10

Calendar continued from page 5

St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City willhost a retreat for men and women from 8:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, led by Paula D’Arcy.The psychotherapist, writer, and spiritual director willspeak on “Seeing the Second Half of Life ThroughNew Eyes,” sharing reflections, lessons, and knowl-edge to aid those seeking to more fully experiencetheir spiritual journey. Tickets are $30 and include re-treat materials and lunch. To order tickets by mail,make checks payable to the St. Thomas Women’sGuild and include an SASE. Mail payments to JanJoyce, 517 Dudala Circle, Loudon, TN 37774. CallMrs. Joyce at 865-458-4550.

Mass in the extraordinary form (“traditional Latin”)is celebrated at 1:30 p.m. each Sunday at Holy GhostChurch in Knoxville and at 3 p.m. on first and thirdSundays at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleve-land. Visit www.knoxlatinmass.net for details.

Upcoming events for Catholic Singles of GreaterKnoxville (40 and over) include the following:� Wednesday, Oct. 14: Knoxville Greenways walk atBearden Village Greenway. Meet at the former Bi-Loon Forest Park Boulevard at 6 p.m. Call Randy S. at865-556-3781.� Thursday, Oct. 15: Deadline to submit articles andevents for the November-December newsletter.� Friday, Oct. 16: October birthday celebration,6:15 p.m. Hosted by Sandra J. at Altruda’s Italianrestaurant, 125 N. Peters Road. RSVP by Wednesday,Oct. 14. Call 602-6773 (daytime) or 504-913-1610.� Sunday, Oct. 18: All-day road trip to Blowing Rock,N.C. Meet at All Saints Church at 7 a.m. Call RandyS. at 556-3781.� Saturday, Oct. 24: Oktoberfest at Gail B.’s home,7 p.m. RSVP to Gail at 966-8205 or gbraunsroth@charter.net by Oct. 21. �

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC OCTOBER 11, 2009 � 9www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

A new chapter

PARACLETE BY VONNIE SPICERfrom the

Whoever lives inthe strong faiththat nothing

happens without theknowledge and will ofGod is not easily dis-concerted by aston-ishing occurrences orupset by the hardestof blows,” wrote St.Teresa Benedicta ofthe Cross.

“He will stay quietand face the factsclearly; he will discov-er the right guidelinesfor his practical be-havior in the overallsituation.”

It is with great joyand a good amount ofsadness that we an-nounce to you thatDorothy Curtis has ac-cepted a position asreceptionist at theChancery (see the sto-ry on page 3). Dorothywas not looking for ajob, but they made anoffer, and she couldnot refuse.

Dorothy started atthe Paraclete as a vol-unteer 18 years ago.Six months later shebecame a full-time em-ployee. Over the yearsshe has made manyclose and wonderfulfriendships with clergyand laity alike, whichshould stand Dorothyin good stead in hernew position. Dorothyhas been a great asset

to the Paraclete. Shewill be greatly missed.

We have beenblessed over the yearswith employees whohave stayed with usfor extensive periodsof time: Dorothy, 18years; Melanie, 21years; and Tricia, 22years. I too have beenhere 22 years. Thelongevity of our staffhas enabled us tohave many loyal cus-tomers. We hope tocontinue that servicewith the help of ourtwo new staff mem-bers, Mary Rose andBethany Marinac.

Please come in andintroduce yourselvesto our new people.Both bring a wealth ofgood qualities alongwith a strong workethic and excellentcustomer-serviceskills, all of which willhelp us through thistime of transition. Wehope to meet or ex-ceed your expecta-tions as we move intothis new chapter of lifeat the Paraclete. �

The Paraclete is a full-service Catholic bookand supply store. Visit417 Erin Drive in Knox-ville, near SacredHeart Cathedral, orcall 865-588-0388 or800-333-2097.

translation of liturgical books is “the first sig-nificant measure of inculturation” (VL, No.53). It summarizes the importance of languagein the liturgy thus: “In liturgical celebrationsits [language’s] purpose is to announce to thefaithful the good news of salvation and to ex-press the church’s prayer to the Lord. For thisreason it must always express, along with thetruths of the faith, the grandeur and holinessof the mysteries which are being celebrated”(VL, No. 39).

The second Instruction, Liturgiam Authenti-cam (“Authentic Liturgy”), published in 2001,specifically addresses the use of vernacular lan-guages in the liturgy. It offers the church “anew formulation of principles of translationwith the benefit of more than 30 years’ experi-ence in the use of the vernacular in liturgicalcelebrations” (CDWDS).

In a relatively few pages it states principlesthat must be applicable to the several hundredlanguages currently used in liturgical celebra-tion around the world. These two docu-ments—Varietates Legitimae and LiturgiamAuthenticam—have guided the translation ofthe third edition of the Roman Missal.

Next month I will discuss the nature of theliturgy according to these documents.

To learn more, visit these links:� summary and introduction to Liturgiam Au-thenticam: bit.ly/1Q2rtj� U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ websiteon the new translation: bit.ly/6DpYy. �

If you have questions or comments, e-mail FatherStice at frrandy@dioceseofknoxville.org. FatherStice is the director of the diocesan Worship andLiturgy Office.

noxville’s thirdannual 40 Days

for Life campaign be-gan Sept. 23 as it willcontinue throughNov. 1: with an abun-dance of prayer and asilent witness outsidea Concord Streetabortion clinic.

This year’s cam-paign was organizedby Lisa Morris of Sa-cred Heart Cathedraland Paul Simoneau,director of the dioce-san Justice and PeaceOffice. Both aremembers of the Pro-life Coalition of EastTennessee (ProCET).

Similar campaignsare taking place in atleast 211 other com-munities, accordingto the national 40Days for Life website(40daysforlife.com).That’s an increasefrom 177 communi-ties last year.

Beginning with an8 a.m. service of songand prayer, the kick-off drew about 100people, includingclergy, students fromKnoxville CatholicHigh School, andothers of all ages.The vigil site is justoutside Tyson Park,across from 313 S.Concord St.

A common themeof the speakers whoaddressed the crowdwas hope: hope forpregnant women,that they will be em-powered to carrytheir babies; hope forthose who have cho-sen abortion, thatthey will experienceGod’s healing and for-giveness; and hopefor those who sup-

port abortion, thatthey will be convert-ed, like St. Paul.

“I can’t help butthink of St. Paul,”said Mrs. Morris.“Look at him. He wasthe biggest persecu-tor of the Christians,just thinking he wasdoing the rightthing.”

Through his expe-rience with Christ onthe road to Damas-cus, “he was changedcompletely, from theinside out,” she said.

“That’s my prayerfor our president andour public officialswho support abor-tion. . . . We need topray to St. Paul fortheir conversion be-cause we know it canhappen.”

Father David Boett-ner, moderator of thecuria for the diocese,

began the event witha prayer for all thosewho have sufferedfrom violence of anykind. Abortion, hesaid, “is not just anact of violenceagainst the unbornchild but also an actof violence againstthe mother, againstthe father, against theentire community.”

“When a communi-ty suffers from vio-lence, it ruptures thebonds that unite peo-ple together.”

Stephanie Miles,the executive directorof Choices ResourceCenter in Oak Ridge,spoke of the womenand men she meetsthrough her job—andthe words of hopethe center’s staff tryto convey. Abortionfacilities, she said, of-fer a negative mes-

sage: “You can’t havea baby right now. Youcan’t be a mother.You really can’t dothis.”

Quoting cartooncharacter Bob theBuilder, she said, themore accurate mes-sage for people in cri-sis pregnancies is thatwith help and sup-port, “Yes we can!”

In fact, she said,pregnancy-help cen-ters help more than350,000 women inthe United Stateseach year. “That’s50,000 more eachyear than [the num-ber who] receiveabortions fromPlanned Parenthood,”said Ms. Miles.

In his reflection,KCHS co-chaplainFather Tony Dicker-son spoke of theBeatitudes and theirmessage for thosewho suffer.

“Those who aremourning, those whoare hurting will begiven life. They willreceive God’s bless-ing,” he said.

“[Jesus] also ex-horts his followers toextend hope to oth-ers—to be a light tothe world. . . . That’swhy we are here: topray, to enter into thebreach, to intercedefor those who arehurting, who aredowntrodden, whohave made mistakes.

“We can be thelight that says, ‘Godcan help you,’” hesaid. “God has beenhope for me, andGod can be hope foryou.”

LIFE BY MARY C. WEAVERrespect

‘THEY WILL RECEIVE GOD’S BLESSING’ Father TonyDickerson delivers one of several brief reflections givenduring Knoxville’s 40 Days for Life kickoff, held Sept.23 across the street from a Concord Street abortion fa-cility. Behind him are (from left) campaign co-organiz-er Lisa Morris and Stephanie Miles, executive directorof the Choices Resource Center in Oak Ridge.

MARYC.W

EAV

ER

40 Days for Life kicks off with prayerThe Knoxville campaign opens as people of all ages attend a service near an abortion clinic.

K

Vernacular continued from page 8

Convent continued from page 3

ceived care and support through various min-istries and programs.

The “lambs” and “sheep,” both serving andserved in the diocese each year, depend on thegenerous support provided through the AnnualStewardship Appeal.

All East Tennessee Catholics are askedprayerfully and reflectively to read the appealmaterials and identify commitments of prayer,time, talent, and treasure they can offer to par-ish and diocesan ministries.

October 17 and 18 is the designated week-end for the return of commitment cards andtime-and-talent forms. Cards and forms maybe returned in the offertory basket or mailedto your church. All financial contributionsshould be given through your parish’s offerto-ry collection.

An ASA video will be posted to the diocesanwebsite (dioceseofknoxville.org) shortly.Check the right frame of the home page. �

ASA continued from page 7

40 days continued on page 6

a time also doing primarilymarriage therapy. I taught atMichigan State in medical an-thropology, supervising stu-dents learning interviewingtechniques, and I worked inGermany as a visiting nurseand as a social worker in theequivalent of a day-care cen-ter for emotionally disturbedadults.”

Sister Mary Christine thenwent to Rome, where she firstserved as a superior. TheAlma sisters in Rome, amongother duties, staffed the visi-tors office the U.S. Confer-ence of Catholic Bishopsestablished for English-speak-ing pilgrims and served at theclinic at the Pontifical NorthAmerican College.

She said she is looking for-ward to her work at CatholicCharities, which will alsotake her to the Chattanoogaand Five Rivers deaneryCCET offices.

“My understanding is that,because the percentage ofCatholics in Knoxville issmall, finding a Catholic fam-ily therapist for families whowish that is pretty difficult,but I’ll be happy to be of serv-ice,” she said.

Sister Mary Christine metBishop Stika briefly in his St.Louis days.

“He has a wonderful reputa-tion that has preceded him,and I’m looking forward verymuch to working with him,”she said.

Sister Mary Timothea is aScripture scholar on the facul-ty at St. John Vianney Theo-

logical Seminary in Denver.She will be in the Diocese ofKnoxville full time once hercontract expires in May butwill be in East Tennessee nu-merous times before then,whenever her school has abreak.

Before entering the Reli-gious Sisters of Mercy ofAlma, Sister Mary Sarahworked on the political-actioncommittee for the NationalRight to Life Committee inWashington, D.C.

“That’s when I discoveredmy vocation, through prayerand discernment and a lot ofassistance from friends,” shesaid.

The Alma sisters are calledto higher education, and Sis-ter Mary Sarah said that “oneof the ways we serve thechurch is through those edu-cational degrees that allow usto provide care to fulfill thatthird vow we take, to servethe poor, the sick, and the ig-norant.”

Sister Mary Sarah has beenin religious life for about adecade, and her service hastaken her far and wide, start-ing with her nursing studiesin Denver at Regis University.

“Then I worked at St. Fran-cis Hospital, where our sistersare, in Tulsa, Okla.,” she said.“Then I had the privilege ofserving as a nurse at theNorth American College foralmost three years in Rome. Iwent back to Tulsa andworked in pastoral care, andnow I’m here in Knoxville.”

Sister Maria joined the sis-

ters about four years ago andis still in temporary vows.

“I graduated from medicalschool just before I enteredthe sisters,” she said. “I hadn’tworked as a doctor, but I hadjust finished my degree beforeI entered.”

She has also served in Tulsa,in pastoral care, as well asSydney, Australia, “which isone of our new foundations,”she said. “I was there forabout a year, and I came backto the United States earlierthis year.”

Sister Maria is not yet surewhat her assignment in Knox-ville will entail.

“I came as kind of tempo-rary help just to start the newfoundation in Knoxville,” shesaid. “I’ve been helping to getthe convent started, basically.”

The sisters are already en-joying their new convent andEast Tennessee hospitality.

“It’s a privilege to come to aplace and found a new con-vent, and the people of EastTennessee, especially Knox-ville, have been incrediblywarm and generous,” said Sis-ter Mary Sarah.

The Alma sisters are basedin the Diocese of Saginaw,Mich., and serve in more thana dozen dioceses. Their U.S.presence had primarily beenin the East, Midwest, andWest—until now.

“One special thing aboutthis convent is that it’s ourfirst foundation in the South,”said Sister Maria. “This is alittle bit of a new region forus. It’s very exciting.” �

Vocation directors discuss waysto foster priestly vocationsBY CHAZ MUTH

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CNS)—Vocation di-rectors from Catholic dioceses throughout NorthAmerica converged in East Rutherford to discussways to help those who are called to serve Godrecognize the signs that they have a vocation.

Organizers of the National Conference ofDiocesan Vocation Directors’ 2009 Convention—held Sept. 27 through Oct. 1 just across the riverfrom New York City—said the 46th annual gath-ering was particularly meaningful because it fellduring Pope Benedict XVI’s Year for Priests.

The theme of the convention, hosted by dioce-san vocation directors in New Jersey and Pennsyl-vania, was “Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.”

When he announced the special Year forPriests, Pope Benedict said he hoped it wouldhelp priests “grow toward spiritual perfection,“value the need to be effective ministers, and helpthe faithful “appreciate more fully the great gift ofgrace which the priesthood is.”

Church leaders also hope the special designa-tion will attract more men to the priesthood.

Father David L. Toups, a priest of the Dioceseof St. Petersburg, Fla., and the associate directorof U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secre-tariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations,told the vocation directors that many young peo-ple said in a study that they had not received agreat amount of support from diocesan priestswhen they expressed an interest in the priest-hood or consecrated life.

“If we love the priesthood, we will speak of thepriesthood,” Father Toups said. “If we love con-secrated life, we will speak of consecrated life.This gift . . . to the church is essential to thegrowth and furtherance of the building up of thekingdom of God.”

In a special reflection for vocation directors,Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Harrisburg, Pa., saidthe pope sees this year as an opportunity to helpthe world recognize the importance of thepriest’s mission in contemporary society.

“And Pope Benedict sees this year as a favor-able opportunity for asking the Lord to give nu-merous holy priests to the church,” BishopRhoades said.

“We cannot truly speak of the Catholic priest-hood without reference to the priesthood ofChrist,” Bishop Rhoades said. “In our work onbehalf of priestly vocations, we should be filledwith a spirit of wonder in contemplating the mys-tery of the priesthood.”

The sacrament of priesthood transforms the or-dained into “living instruments of Christ, the eter-nal high priest,” he said.

Vocation directors attended workshops to helpthem envision the seminary of the future andpriestly formation, welcome international candi-dates and seminarians, and better use psycho-logical testing for seminary selection.

Last year the Vatican released the document“Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Ad-mission and Formation of Candidates for thePriesthood.” Approved by Pope Benedict, it waswritten by the Congregation for Catholic Education.

The Vatican document emphasizes that psy-chological consultation and testing are appropri-ate tools in “exceptional cases that presentparticular difficulties” in seminary admission andformation.

Ronald J. Karney, current chief psychologistand director of outpatient services at the St.John Vianney Center in Downington, Pa., told vo-cation directors it’s important to let candidatesknow exactly what is involved in the process be-fore the psychological evaluation begins.

Though Karney said psychological testing isn’ta crystal ball for predicting a candidate’s suitabil-ity for the priesthood, it will help identify potentialissues that may make it difficult for candidates tocarry out their duties.

The point stressed to the vocation directors of-ten was that it is incumbent on them—as well asparish priests, teachers in Catholic schools, andothers in the church—to help young people rec-ognize when they are being called to serve Godthrough a vocation.

Father Randall Vashon, vocation director forthe Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., said some of thelessons learned during the convention were notalways easy to hear.

“Sometimes we have to be reminded of goingback to the basics,” Father Vashon said. “It’s notour message—it’s passing on Jesus Christ’smessage.”

Vocation directors have to get past their initialimpressions when they feel as though a candidateis not suited for the priesthood so they can con-duct a thorough and unbiased evaluation, he said.

“That’s hard to do because sometimes [theman] might be an individual” with whom the di-rector does not connect, Father Vashon said. “Butthat’s not what it’s about. It’s about Christ calling.Sometimes we have our perfect candidate inmind, whom we want, and [this person is] notwhom we want, but it’s Christ who is calling.” �

Copyright 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Con-ference of Catholic Bishops

BY JOYCE DURIGA

CHICAGO (CNS)—Nationalleaders of the CatholicChurch and Lutheran WorldFederation gathered in Chica-go on Oct. 1 to commemoratethe 10th anniversary of theJoint Declaration on the Doc-trine of Justification.

It was an evening to honora historic moment and tookplace in a historic church, OldSt. Patrick, the oldest churchand oldest public building inthe city.

Chicago Cardinal Francis E.George, president of the U.S.Conference of Catholic Bish-ops, co-presided at the Ves-pers service with Bishop MarkHanson, presiding bishop ofthe Evangelical LutheranChurch in America.

USCCB and the EvangelicalLutheran Church in Americaco-sponsored the event. Car-dinal William H. Keeler, re-tired archbishop of Baltimore,also attended.

The declaration said the

Catholic and Lutheran church-es’ consensus on basic truthsmeans that the doctrine of jus-tification—how people aremade just in the eyes of Godand saved by Jesus Christ—isnot a church-dividing issue forCatholics and Lutherans eventhough differences betweenthem remain in language, the-ological elaboration, and em-phasis surrounding those basictruths. The World MethodistCouncil affirmed the declara-tion in 2006.

Atlanta Archbishop WiltonD. Gregory, chairman of theU.S. bishops’ Committee onEcumenical and InterreligiousAffairs, delivered the evening’shomily, saying that it was anight to celebrate theCatholic–Lutheran fellowshipthat “is real and grounded ina common profession of faithin Christ.”

“Jesus Christ is the gift thatunites us. He is the power thatsustains us on the ecumenicaljourney,” Archbishop Gregory

told the congregation.He went on to describe the

baptismal garment worn byall baptized Christians andasked that the leaders of theecumenical movement whohave gone before—such asMartin Luther, the Rev. Mar-tin Luther King Jr., and PopeJohn XXIII—be rememberedfor their witness to Christ.

“The garment belongs to allwho have been washed in theblood of the Lamb,” he said.It is not possible to separatethe garment from Christ, headded.

Although much progresshas been made in the name ofecumenism, people of faithmust look forward, the arch-bishop said.

“Honesty requires that weacknowledge how much morework needs to be done byboth our communities” forthe declaration to take root inthe Catholic and Lutherancommunities, the archbishop

WASHINGTON (CNS)—Lacy Dodd, a 33-year-oldbanking professional andmother of one, knows pre-cisely where supporters andopponents of legal abortioncan find common ground.

It’s on nearly four acres do-nated by the Benedictinemonks of Belmont Abbey inBelmont, N.C., where Roomat the Inn, a Charlotte-basedpregnancy resource center,hopes to build the nation’sfirst campus-based maternityand after-care residence forpregnant college students.

Dodd, an alumna of theUniversity of Notre Dame inIndiana and a member of theboard of directors of Room atthe Inn, knows firsthand howdaunting it can be for a youngwoman in college to face anunplanned pregnancy. In1999 she was a Notre Damesenior, pregnant and underpressure to have an abortionfrom the counselor at a localwomen’s clinic and from herboyfriend, also a Notre Damesenior.

She never considered abor-tion, and with the help ofsupportive family membersand friends is now the proudmother of a 9-year-old daugh-ter, whose name she prefersnot to make public.

Dodd told her story toCatholic News Service and toradio listeners on ChristopherCloseup, the half-hour weeklyradio interview produced bythe Christophers, to mark Re-spect Life Month in October.

The radio interview airedon Oct. 4, Respect Life Sun-day, on the Catholic Channeland on the Relevant Radionetwork; it is available onlineas a podcast at christophers.org/CloseupPodcast.

“The great, unique thingabout our project is that it’snonpartisan; it’s an initiativeeveryone can support,” Doddtold CNS on Sept. 29. “Pro-life or pro-choice, if we wantwomen to feel they have achoice, this is where we canall agree.

“The lack of resources is ahuge cause of abortion,” sheadded. “If women feel theydon’t have the emotional re-sources, the financial re-sources, the educationalresources” they need tochoose to give birth, “we canfocus on giving them thatchoice.”

Dodd found the resourcesshe needed at pregnancy-re-source centers in South Bend,Ind., and Clearwater, Fla.,

and from friends and family,including her twin sister,Amanda, also a Notre Damesenior at the time. She gradu-ated from Notre Dame onschedule with a bachelor’s de-gree in American studies andreceived her ROTC commis-sion as a second lieutenant inthe U.S. Army.

The Army deferred herservice until after she gavebirth, but then she and herdaughter traveled to Giebel-stadt Army Airfield in Ger-many, where her twin sisterwas stationed with a differentunit. When Lacy Dodd wasdeployed to Iraq for threemonths, Amanda Dodd caredfor Lacy’s daughter, who at-tended day care on base.

After five years in the mili-tary, Lacy Dodd and herdaughter moved to Charlotte,where she “finally had somestability in my life” and “feltcalled to get involved with apregnancy-resource center.”That led her to Room at theInn, the only Catholic preg-nancy-resource and maternityafter-care facility in Charlotte.

Prompted by studies thatshowed that most youngwomen do not perceive col-lege campuses as placeswhere pregnant students canget support, even when suchresources are actually avail-able, and thanks to themonks’ donation of the landin 2005, the Room at the Innboard began a $3 million cap-ital campaign to build a resi-

dence that they hope will be anational model for other col-lege campuses.

The facility—which will beopen to students at other col-leges or vocational schools inthe region—will have two res-idential wings housing up to15 mothers, 15 infants, andeight toddlers, as well as achapel, laundry, playroom,kitchen, and family-style din-ing room. Staff members withsocial-work backgrounds willbe on duty 24 hours a day.

The capital campaign isabout halfway to its $3 mil-lion goal, Dodd said, addingthat she hopes it will be amodel for other Catholic col-leges nationwide, includingher alma mater, Notre Dame.

She said she is encouragedat the decision by Holy CrossFather John I. Jenkins, presi-dent of the University ofNotre Dame, to form a TaskForce on Supporting theChoice for Life to recommendways the university can sup-port the sanctity of life.

“I hope this is an initiativethat Father Jenkins’ task forcewill consider because it wouldmeet the goals of the taskforce,” Dodd said.

“This is a way campus ad-ministrators can start walkingthe walk to help” pregnantand parenting students, sheadded. �

Copyright 2009 Catholic NewsService/U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops

THE EAST TENNESSEE CATHOLIC10 � OCTOBER 11, 2009 www.dioceseofknoxvi l le .org

WIREfrom the True choice for pregnant college studentsA Charlotte center hopes to build a campus-based maternity residence. By Nancy Frazier O’Brien

CNSPHOTO

/COURTESYOFLA

CYDODD

‘AN INITIATIVE EVERYONE CAN SUPPORT’ Lacy Dodd, an alumna of theUniversity of Notre Dame and a member of the board of directors of Roomat the Inn, is pictured with her daughter in an undated photo. Room at theInn is a pregnancy-resource center based in Charlotte, N.C., that organiz-ers hope will be the nation’s first campus-based maternity and after-careresidence for pregnant college students.

Catholic, Lutheran leaders mark 10th anniversary of historic document

Declaration continued on page 8