July 7 | 2024 VOL 33 NO 11
IN THIS ISSUE MASSES B1 EUCHARISTIC A13 FIRST PILGRIMAGE Diocese's newest priests celebrate Masses of thanksgiving
National procession makes basilica visit
B9 UNDERSTANDING AN ORDINATION
Upcoming installation of bishop explained
Catholic commentary ....................... A3 Parish news ....................................... B6 Diocesan calendar ............................ B7 Columns ..........................................B8-9 Catholic schools ............................. B12 La Cosecha ............................Section C
Ordaining, installing our fourth shepherd Diocese readies for Bishop-elect Beckman and a historic moment
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By Jim Wogan and Emily Booker
he Diocese of Knoxville is abuzz as the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect James Mark Beckman is only days away. Catholic faithful and others from across East Tennessee are making plans to attend the historic Mass that will ordain the Diocese of Nashville priest as the fourth shepherd of the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop-elect Beckman will be ordained and installed at 2 p.m. Friday, July 26, at the Knoxville
“The Bishops, established by the Holy Spirit, succeed the Apostles. They are ‘the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular Churches.’ Helped by the priests, their co-workers, and by deacons, the bishops have the duty of authentically teaching the faith, celebrating divine worship, above all the Eucharist, and guiding their churches as true pastors.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church
Convention Center. The consecrator for the Mass of ordination and installation will be Archbishop Shelton J. Bishop-elect Fabre of the Mark Beckman Archdiocese of Louisville. Co-consecrators will be Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville and Bishop
James V. Johnston Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Archbishop Fabre has been serving as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Knoxville since Bishop Richard F. Stika retired on June 27, 2023. The diocese’s three previous ordinations and installations were for Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell on Sept. 8, 1988, at the former Knoxville Convention and Exhibition Center on the World’s Fair site; for Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz Bishop continued on page A10
Diocese ordinations highlight vocations growth 3 new priests join the East Tennessee presbyterate, deacon to follow next year By Dan McWilliams
BILL BREWER
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The will of God Ordinands Michael Willey, Bo Beaty, Danny Herman, and A.J. Houston lie prostrate before the altar during the Rite of Ordination at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 8. cese of Knoxville in a very special way,” Archbishop Fabre said in his opening remarks. “I greet the parents and family members of those to be ordained. Thank you so very much for sharing your sons with the Church.” The archbishop welcomed Bishop Spencer and Bishop-elect Beckman. His mention of the diocese’s soonto-be-ordained fourth shepherd
drew a round of applause as well as a quip from the archbishop, who has performed double duty since last summer as he leads both his own Archdiocese of Louisville and the Diocese of Knoxville. “I know you’re excited, but you’re not as excited as I am,” Archbishop Fabre said. “Thank you all very much on this wonderful celebration for this local Church.”
BILL BREWER
hree new priests and a new transitional deacon joined the ranks of Diocese of Knoxville clergy on June 8 as Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre ordained the quartet at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bo Beaty, Danny Herman, and Michael Willey became priests and A.J. Houston a transitional deacon at the Mass. The day marked the first time in diocesan history that priestly and diaconate ordinations took place at the same Mass. Fathers Beaty, Herman, and Willey bring to 62 the number of priests ordained for service in the Diocese of Knoxville since its founding in 1988. Including the latest ordination, the diocese has seen three or more priests ordained on the same day six times. Archbishop Fabre, apostolic administrator for the diocese, presided at the ordination. Bishop-elect Mark Beckman and Bishop F. Richard Spencer, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, were principal concelebrants along with the new priests themselves, cathedral rector Father David Boettner, and All Saints pastor Father Doug Owens. Bishop Spencer was present to support Deacon Houston, who will become a military chaplain after his priestly ordination following a time of ministry in East Tennessee. More than 45 priests and 25 deacons attended the ordination Mass. Deacon Joe Herman, dad of Father Herman, served as deacon of the Word. Deacon Houston served as deacon of the altar. Deacon Hicks Armor and Deacon Walt Otey were masters of ceremonies. A cathedral filled with family and friends of the ordinands also included many women and men religious as well as a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus honor guard composed of men from throughout the diocese. “My dear friends in Christ, we gather on this joyful day for the Dio-
Welcome to the diocese Newly ordained priests, from left, Michael Willey, Bo Beaty, and Danny Herman are shown with Bishop-elect Mark Beckman following the Mass of Ordination on June 8 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The unusual ordination of a deacon and priests at the same liturgy proceeded on simple lines: each segment of the rite was performed first for the diaconal candidate and then for the priestly ordinands. Only for the Litany of the Saints did all four men take part together. The rites of ordination began with the calling forth of the candidates. Lt. Houston was called first by diocesan chancellor Deacon Sean Smith and responded “present.” Father Arthur Torres, assistant diocesan director of vocations, stated to Archbishop Fabre that “holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man, our brother, to the responsibility of the diaconate.” The archbishop replied, “Do you know him to be worthy?” Father Torres stated, “After inquiry among the Christian people and upon recommendation of those concerned with their formation, I testify that he has been found worthy.” The archbishop said, “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our savior, Jesus Christ, we choose this our brother for the order of the diaconate.” Deacon Smith then called forward the candidates for priesthood, who responded “present,” and Father Torres confirmed their worthiness to the archbishop, who formally chose “these, our brothers, for the order of the priesthood.” Archbishop Fabre began his homily by welcoming on behalf of the local Church all those gathered “in joyous celebration to ordain three men, Bo, Danny, and Michael, as priests and one man, A.J., as a deacon. I welcome you, dear brothers, here this morning. This is a momentous occasion, as each of you will receive the grace of the Holy Spirit uniquely, marking your dedication to priestly and diaconal ministry. It is a privilege to be here with your parents, families, friends, with Bishop Spencer, with Bishop-elect Beckman, with the priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful of this great Diocese of Knoxville, as we honor the divine gift that you Ordain continued on page A14