January 2026 ET Catholic, B section

Youth travel to SEEK conference

Some 100 students from the Diocese of Knoxville celebrate their faith at the event in Ohio

By Bee Goodman

Most people enjoy traveling, and among those many are young adults. Finally getting a taste of freedom, they enjoy taking a spring-break trip to Daytona or making their way to Disney World between semesters, but they usually don’t make plans to travel to Ohio on New Year’s Day.

But a very special group of more than 26,000 Catholic youth and young adults packed their bags for pilgrimages to Ohio, Colorado, and Texas.

Each year, missionaries from the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) gather at the five-day SEEK conference for students. The conference invites bishops, Sisters, other clergy members, keynote speakers, merchants, and others to gather for a celebration of faith.

Students in the Diocese of Knoxville from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City attended the SEEK26 conference held in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 1-5. Along with the students, diocesan director of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Amanda Henderson traveled to the conference.

Ms. Henderson shared the importance of youth and young adults attending conferences like SEEK where she sees the impact

on them upon their return.

“Students return more confident in their faith and more willing to engage with it intentionally,” she said. “SEEK helps young people realize they are not alone in seeking out their faith. Being surrounded by peers who are asking the same questions, praying together, and worshiping together creates a deep sense of solidarity. That experience often stays with them long after they return

home.”

Ms. Henderson continued:

“SEEK is an investment in the spiritual foundation of young people at a critical stage of life. These experiences often become moments of clarity and renewal that shape how students live their faith moving forward, influencing their choices, priorities, and involvement in the Church.”

With SEEK hosting more than 26,000 participants across the

Seeking God in abundant ways

country, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of college students. But among them are hundreds of bishops, priests, women religious, monks, and other clergy members. Their presence certainly has a place in Mass, but they have an importance beyond that, Ms. Henderson shared.

“The presence of bishops and priests at events like SEEK matters not only during the liturgy, SEEK continued on page B2

UT-Chattanooga student joins others at event ‘yearning for what God was calling all of us to do’

By Maggie Parsons

Ijoined 16,000 other Catholics in Columbus, Ohio, Jan. 1-5 for the annual SEEK26 conference to kick off the new year seeking what God had in store for me.

The SEEK conference is put on by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, whose goal is to keep college students alive for their faith while still balancing college life. I was invited to SEEK by the FOCUS missionaries at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I currently attend. It was there that I was given the invitation to participate in the SEEK conference, and I became instantly interested.

I traveled to Columbus with 20 other students from my school and our four missionaries. As I sat on the bus, I felt a sense of gratitude as I was surrounded by college students choosing to travel on New Year’s Day for eight hours on a bus all yearning for what God was calling of us to do.

As we arrived in Columbus, we were welcomed with bustling crowds everywhere as 16,000 Catholics settled into the city. The first thing on the agenda was celebrating Mass together in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the high point of the conference every day. In the procession of Mass each day, hundreds of priests, seminarians, and bishops from across the country participated in the procession, displaying that shining light for each college student in the representa-

tion of their faith. It personally was a beautiful scene for me to witness each day as they all were together in communion with one another.

One of the most exciting things I experienced at SEEK was a message following Mass from our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Something that made that special was that a pope had never given a message to SEEK participants before. It was beautiful to hear him talk specifically to us college students and care about our faith journey so intentionally.

Another thing that was enjoyable each evening was being able to listen to two featured keynote speakers for the night. The keynoters were usually well-known Catholic authors, speakers, religious, etc. Each keynote speaker would bring his or her own experience and connection; it was beautiful to learn how the keynoters have their own journey of faith and how each of us can learn from them.

The bulk of full conference days were all set up similarly. We were able to start the day in prayer, praying the rosary together, followed by celebrating Mass together each day.

Having Mass as the first big group event of the day was personally a great way to be in communion with each other, a nice reminder of how Christ calls each of us to have that with each other and Himself.

Following Mass each day, I participated in the large women’s

concurrent session where I was able to learn the importance of my identity as a daughter of God and how I should not jeopardize that, especially when navigating life in college. I listened to other women’s testimonies on their own personal journeys and how I might apply that to my life. It was a beautiful way for me to be able to understand my identity in college and how important I am in the eyes of my Heavenly Father.

Following our concurrent session each morning, we attended various breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics. Each session was

designed to help you learn valuable things in your faith in day-to-day life. I picked my breakout sessions based on what I wanted to grow in my faith life or anything I wanted to deepen my knowledge about. One of the breakout sessions I was most interested in was the Bible study master class. In this session, I learned the ins and outs of starting my own Bible study at my college campus. I learned from someone who was in the same shoes I am in now, navigating their faith in college but wanting to reach out to others who should hear FOCUS continued on page B3

but throughout the entire experience,” she said. “When students see bishops and priests and religious Brothers and Sisters attending talks, walking the conference floor, sharing meals, engaging in conversation, and simply being present, it communicates that they genuinely care about young people and their faith. That visible, relational presence sends a powerful message: young people matter, and the Church is walking with them.”

Three seminarians from the diocese also attended SEEK and took a moment to share a meal with Notre Dame High School students. During the meal, students conversed with the seminarians and learned what being a seminarian can entail.

“Having the chance to speak with seminarians makes vocational discernment feel real and approachable. Students can ask honest questions about prayer, fears, joys, and what it means to say ‘yes’ to God,” Ms. Henderson shared.

Mallory Louque, an Echo apprentice with the diocese, has attended SEEK numerous times, and she shared her excitement at seeing young adults attend this year’s conference.

“It is unique to have an opportunity to see the magnitude and universality of the Church,” she said. “There is something awe-inspiring about seeing so many Catholics from all over the United States in one place at one time.”

Ms. Louque also said meeting the diocese’s seminarians allowed the “young adults … to learn about how people in their own diocese have responded to God’s call for them to be priests. It helps to bring some of the information they are receiving at the conference to a more personal level by allowing them to have conversations with people who are familiar with the area and community they are a part of back in Tennessee.”

The first day of SEEK in Ohio kicked off with an opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus, who introduced a special video message for conference attendees from Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father welcomed the youngadult attendees and urged them to open their hearts and minds for the long weekend.

“Dear young people, as you draw close to Jesus through this weekend, through fellowship, the sacraments, and eucharistic adoration, do not be afraid to ask Him what he is calling you to,” the pope said. “Some of you, like Andrew and Simon Peter, may be called to the priesthood, to serve God’s people through the celebration of the sacraments, through preaching the word of God, walking with God’s people.”

“Others may be called to religious life, to give yourselves entirely to God; others still may be called to marriage and family life,” Pope Leo continued. “If you sense the Lord calling you, do not be afraid. Once again, let me emphasize that He alone knows the deepest, perhaps hidden, longings of your heart and the path that will lead you to true fulfillment. Let him lead and guide you!”

With three SEEK conferences hap-

pening concurrently in the country, the FOCUS ministries hosted more than 26,000 Catholics. Over 16,000 of those “SEEKers” found themselves in the land of Skyline Chili and Red Creme Soda in Columbus. The Fort Worth and Denver conferences had a combined total of about 10,000 attending.

SEEK 2026 used a theme following a favorite exhortation of the recently canonized St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, an avid mountaineer and patron of young adults. Featured around the conference halls were portraits of the young saint with his words, “To the Heights.”

The theme encourages Catholic young adults to do more with their faith than just follow Jesus: to become leaders of their own faith and hold responsibility for bringing others with them.

Keynote speaker Arthur Brooks on Jan. 4 said that the job of a Catholic is not to further divide the population. He stated that when young Catholics encounter a person who has different political views, they are not to turn away in avoidance or cite their differences as an excuse not to speak to someone. He also shared that the young people shouldn’t waste their opportunity to speak with someone by arguing over differences.

“Your job is not to win arguments, it’s to win souls,” Mr. Brooks said.

He also told of a time he and his wife, Ester, traveled to a retreat where the chapel greeted them with a sign above the door reading, “You are now entering mission territory.”

Mr. Brooks urged his audience: “As you leave this beautiful, beautiful gathering tomorrow, the signs on the door of your hotel or this conference facility, any place that you find yourself as you leave this city, and effectively for the last time tomorrow, are that you’re entering mission territory. Let’s set the world on fire together.”

The next day, FOCUS founder Curtis Martin shared a message with the Columbus audience through attention-grabbing analogies and memories of his time as a 20-something.

Mr. Martin pulled out a small cooking pot. Comparing the audience as individuals to the empty pot, he said Jesus comes into people’s hearts and gives them the ingredients to change, then warms them until they change into something good. With free will, Jesus allows them to use these gifts to create and share more of His grace and love, he added.

‘Space for deeper listening’ SEEK conferences complement the local ministries such as those carried out by FOCUS missionaries on college campuses. FOCUS missionaries are present and active on the campuses at UTK, UTC, and ETSU. Students from these campuses and high schools within the Diocese of Knoxville typically make pilgrimages to every SEEK conference.

Ms. Henderson emphasized the relationship between local and national ministries.

“It’s important to have both local ministry and regional/national gatherings,” she said. “Regional and national gatherings without

strong local ministry will eventually fall flat over time. Local ministry is where relationships are built and faith is lived out consistently, while gatherings like SEEK help students see the broader Church and their place within it. Stepping away from daily routines creates space for deeper listening and encounter, and celebrating Mass with more than 16,000 Catholic young adults powerfully shows them they are not alone in seeking out their faith. Together, local ministry and regional/national gatherings work hand in hand, strengthening solidarity and sending students home encouraged and ready to live their faith where they are planted.”

Catholic merchants also are on hand at the SEEK conferences to engage with students who may hope to lead a faith-based business someday.

One vendor in Columbus, Bee Still, is run by faithful mother Holly “Holly Bee” Thomas. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 2010 with a degree in textile apparel, design, and merchandising and a minor in business.

The same year, Mrs. Thomas joined Theresians International, and she began to deepen her faith until, in 2017, she heard God’s call telling her to leave her job and combine her creative gifts with her Catholic faith. That is when she began her journey with BeeStill, a jewelry and art business rooted in devotion.

The brand name comes from her nickname of “Holly Bee” but also from her favorite Scripture verse: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

“The honeybee holds a rich symbolism in Christianity and is associated with Jesus, so it instantly became the perfect emblem for my work,” she said.

The jewelry she creates often represents the four evangelists: Mat -

thew, Mark, Luke, and John. Her works range from crafted pieces of affordable, waterproof jewelry to home decor, handmade clay intaglios, and pressed floral pieces. Mrs. Thomas said that her business “has never been about business. This is about evangelizing and sharing peace, comfort, and hope to anyone who wears the jewelry.” Conference attendees also had the opportunity to visit parish reliquaries. On the Ohio trip, some of the SEEKers went to Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood, Ohio.

Greeting visitors upon entry are statues of Sts. Mary and Joseph. Inside, visitors can find their way to the reliquary room where they can view relics from all 12 of the Apostles, several popes, and many saints. Included among the relics are a zucchetto of Pope Pius XII and first-class relics of Pope St. Pius X and Pope St. Peter. In addition to those of the Apostles and popes, the relics the center holds include those from St. Mary Magdalene, St. Catherine Labouré, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Ready to live out their call Conferences like SEEK offer youth and young adults more than inspiring speakers or largescale adoration—they create moments of encounter that leave a lasting impact. Attending Mass alongside thousands of peers, engaging with bishops, priests, and seminarians, and sharing faith in community help young Catholics realize they are not alone in their search for meaning. These experiences strengthen confidence, foster belonging, and encourage many to return home inspired to live their faith more intentionally within their daily life and local community.

Pilgrimage and visits to reliquaries deepen this renewal by grounding faith in something tangible

and historical. Standing before the relics of saints and Apostles invites reflection on lives marked by struggle, perseverance, and holiness—lives lived by people who were young, uncertain, and searching for themselves. Relics offer young adults a moment of stillness and hope, reminding them that sainthood is attainable and that faith endures across generations.

Experiences like SEEK, other pilgrimages, and encounters with relics demonstrate that the Church is living and relevant for youth and young adults today. By stepping away from daily routines and gathering in faith-filled communities, students are reminded that they are not alone in their questions, struggles, or hopes.

These moments of worship, reflection, and connection offer clarity and renewal, encouraging young Catholics to see holiness as attainable and purposeful in their own lives. Whether through shared prayer and adoration, meaningful conversations, or standing before the relics of saints who once faced the same uncertainties, young adults are inspired to return home rooted in hope, strengthened in faith, and ready to live out their call as witnesses to Christ in a world in need of light. ■

about the faith. This session helped me not only to learn the steps to initiate my own Bible study but also how to not be discouraged by the number of people who show up. Instead, what means more are the quality of what you are putting into the Bible study and the intention of those who participate.

Other breakout sessions I participated in included various topics like eucharistic miracles, where I learned what that means to the Church and the beauty of those who witnessed them. In other breakouts, I learned the importance of the well-being of

the whole human person—body, mind, and soul. I was able to grow in my knowledge of the importance of treating myself as a temple of the Holy Spirit because God loves each one of us so deeply and wants what is best for us, and how we must take care of ourselves as a reflection of that.

One of the most beautiful things I participated in at SEEK on night three was eucharistic adoration. All 16,000 Catholics from college students to FOCUS missionaries to even families were witnesses to God’s love shining brightly through the Holy Eucharist in the monstrance.

In adoration, as the priest processed to each row of those in attendance, I reconnected with the Lord and truly felt how deep His love is for me, a reminder of that relationship He desires with each person and how worthy I am of that love.

In participating in SEEK, I not only reconnected with fellow young Catholics like myself with whom I have shared my faith journey but also met new people on a similar faith journey as me navigating college life. It is inspiring to encounter those who choose to take the path to deepen their faith and who are there for you as you strive for the same

thing. SEEK helped me and others from college campuses all across the country join together to bring what we each have from our own campus to share with others and then take what we learned back to our campus to spread the God’s Word even more.

SEEK taught me the importance of being a disciple of Christ and what that can look like as a college student. I pray that I am able to take the initiative in my faith with those on my college campus so that they might encounter Christ in the

tionship He desires with us.

Chattanooga Deanery Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy

Monsignor Al Humbrecht will begin a new adult-education program on third Tuesdays beginning Jan. 20 and continuing until June. The text for the program is A Living Gospel: Reading God’s Story in Holy Lives by Robert Ellsberg. Meetings are from 2 to 3:30 p.m. or 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register, call the church office at 423-332-5300. The first 20 people who register may purchase a copy of the book for $15 instead of the list price of $22.

Deacon Jim Bello will speak at a Council of Catholic Women Lenten retreat scheduled for 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. A potluck breakfast will be available. Space is limited; call the church office at the number above.

Monsignor Humbrecht’s next book study will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the church. The book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. To register, call the church at the number above or email hscc_parish@holyspirittn.com

St. Bridget, Dayton

The Women’s Council resumed meetings in January, with officer elections on the agenda. Current president Sherrie Cobb asked members to prayerfully consider serving. The group will sponsor the upcoming Soup and Stations during Fridays in Lent.

Knights of Columbus Council 11424 volunteers performed needed maintenance on the pew kneelers and book holders on Dec. 30 along with some outdoor work. The council held a meeting on Jan. 18.

The Youth Group’s “Winter Bash” took place on Jan. 14.

St. Jude, Chattanooga

The Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest was held recently, with youth contestants writing a 500- to 750-word essay on who their three favorite popes were and why. Parishioner John Rothenbach won at the council and district levels and did very well at the state level.

This year’s Father Charlie Chili CookOff will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, in Siener Hall. Those attending can compete in the event or sample, vote on, and dine on a wide variety of chilis, toppings, hot dogs, baked potatoes, cornbread, and desserts prepared by fellow parishioners and Knights of Columbus. Top prizes are $100, $75, and $50. Registration forms are in the vestibule.

The annual Helping Hands Alternative Gift Project began Nov. 24 and continues through Jan. 26 to benefit St. Jude’s twin parish in Gros-Morne, Haiti. Gifts may include books for schoolchildren, help for farmers, salary for a Haitian teacher, religiousinstruction books, fuel to run generators, or a donation that can cover many needs. Make a gift or donation at stjudechattanooga.org/news/ alternative-helping-hands-gift-project

St. Jude will host a Holy Family Hour after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Feb. 1, in the upstairs meeting room at the parish life center. The event is designed for families with children to come together and get to know one another. Bagels, coffee, fruit, and juice will be served, and coloring pages will be available for kids.

Nancy Hoover, church relations director for Bethel Bible Village in Hixson, which serves children going through crisis, thanked pastor Father Charlie Burton and parishioners for their recent donations of food and more.

The parish thanked St. Jude School students and parishioners for donating more than 700 cold-weather items such as gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to benefit the Care Closets at DuPont, Rivermont, and Hixson elementary schools. St. Mary, Athens

The parish is awarding college

scholarships for the 12th year. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 31. Applications and rules may be picked up in the parish office, or they may be viewed at saintmaryathens.org. The scholarship program is open to any incoming college freshman or returning college student from Meigs, McMinn, Monroe, or Polk counties. A total of $60,000 will be awarded this year with a maximum per-student award of $10,000. The scholarship committee reviews test scores, grade-point averages, recommendation letters, and overall need to arrive at award decisions.

Excavation is complete and concrete has been poured for two new columbaria at the church. The columbaria are scheduled to be delivered and installed on Feb. 23.

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a coat drive. Donations of new or gently used clean coats, hats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves will be accepted through Jan. 31.

Middle- and high-school youth were invited to a bowling night on Jan. 14.

St. Stephen, Chattanooga

The parish Healing Hearts Ministry, a support group for the widowed of the parish, will have its first meeting of the new year from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the Prime Timers Room. For more details, call Liz Huntenburg at 954-464-7372.

The Knights of Columbus will hold their Valentine’s Dinner Dance with music by The Beaters on Saturday, Feb. 14. The Knights recently named Jim Meaney as Knight of the month and David Miles and wife April as family of the month.

Anniversaries: Ronald and Marjorie Bogart (67), Thomas and Barbara Perry (66), Norman and Joyce Shelton (65), Bill and Patricia Wood (58), Edwin and Patricia Bowmer (52), Daniel and Eileen McColley (51), Jack and Mary Malek (45), Rich and Karen Ryland (10)

Cumberland Mountain Deanery

All Saints, Knoxville

The Knights of Columbus council is holding a fundraiser with the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey team at its game against Pensacola that starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit the Knights and All Saints youth ministries.

Blessed Sacrament, Harriman

The Young Adults Group is sponsoring a game night at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in Blessed Sacrament Hall. Sign up in the narthex.

The Knights of Columbus are using the RaiseRight fundraising organization to benefit Life Choices Medical Center in Harriman, Hands of Mercy Enterprises in Harriman, and Pinnacle Resource Center in Scott County. For more information, visit raiseright.com or call Matt Gibson at 410-610-7828 or Steve Palko at 865-607-9237. The enrollment code is DLQVVCHYCK6j.

St. Ann, Lancing

From 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, the parish hosts a “Chaos Corner” where moms are welcome to come for a time of socializing and coffee, with a potluck meal, and may bring their children for a time of fun and learning. To learn more, call Bex Jurkoic at 972-946-4301.

St. Francis of Assisi, Fairfield Glade

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed every Monday and Friday at 7:35 a.m. Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is on Fridays after 8 a.m. Mass with Benediction.

A women’s mini-retreat on four women doctors of the Church was held in the parish hall on Jan. 17, led by Deborah LaPorte.

Parish notes continued on page B8

COURTESY

St. Joseph the Worker’s longtime office assistant retires

The longtime office assistant at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville, Jean Schneider, retired on Nov. 28 after 22 years of service. On Nov. 21, the parish honored her with a thank-you reception. During the well-attended party, St. Joseph the Worker pastor Father Julius Abuh presented Mrs. Schneider with a memento on behalf of the parish. The two are pictured above. Father Abuh applauded her dedication, saying, “Jean never worked for the salary. Until her retirement, she never asked how much she was being paid. Her contributions to the parish will be missed.” Father Abuh prayed for Mrs. Schneider and husband Roger Schneider, who was present, and wished Mrs. Schneider many years of happy retirement. Mrs. Schneider was a part-time employee for the parish for all 22 years. She earlier worked for pastors Father Tom Vos, OFM, Father Peter Iorio, Father Bede Aboh, Father P.J. McGinnity, and Father John Orr. Mrs. Schneider produced the weekly parish bulletin, sending it to The East Tennessee Catholic for use in the newspaper’s parish notes section, and completed many clerical functions required in the busy, growing parish office.

Holy Spirit parishioners and Knights collect winter-weather items For the sixth year, Holy Spirit Parish in Soddy-Daisy in conjunction with Knights of Columbus Council 14079 collected winter-weather gear during October and November. More than 300 socks, hats, and gloves along with 40 blankets and 104 coats, jackets, hoodies, and heavy sweaters were donated to the Chatt Foundation for distribution to the needy by case workers. Pictured are two of the council’s past Grand Knights, Kevin Olley (left) and Bob Kirn.

Our Lady of Fatima CCW presents Golden Rose Awards

The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa presented The Golden Rose Award to four young ladies on Jan. 12. The ceremony began with a dinner hosted by parish CCW members and a presentation of awards before ending with a talk from Our Lady of Fatima Deacon Bill Jacobs on the seven sacraments. The Golden Rose Award is presented annually to young ladies ages 14-21 who exemplify spirituality, leadership, and service in their church and community. The award can be given at the local parish, deanery, diocesan, or national level by any CCW affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women. Pictured are Golden Rose Award recipients with their mothers. From left are Jennifer Tocco and her mother, Cindy; Ally Krintz with her mother, Melissa; Idalia Pacheco with her mother, Eva; and Karen Castro with her mother, Maria Luisa.

Knights councils hold youth free-throw-shooting contests

Knights of Columbus Council 8781 at St. John Neumann Parish in Farragut is holding a basketball free-throw contest for boys and girls ages 9-14 at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, in the school gym. Those competing should arrive 30 minutes early for registration and warmups. Winners of this local contest may progress through district, regional, and state com-

petitions. Eligibility is based on a youth’s age as of Jan. 1. Each contestant receives three warmup tosses followed by 15 consecutive free throws. Contact Romano Vlastelica at 630-768-3744 or romano@pentalux.com to register. On Jan. 14, the Knights of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville held a free-throw contest at St. Joseph School. ■

Bishop Mark Beckman invites young adults ages 18-35 to explore the mystery of Catholicism at meetings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on selected Tuesdays at the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery. Young adults interested in a systematic exploration of being Catholic are invited to attend. The series began Sept. 9 and continues Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, and Feb. 17, with dates subject to change because of the bishop’s schedule. More dates will follow. Attendees are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Visit dioknox.org/events for more information

The diocesan Office of Vocations is holding a Men’s Discernment Group for men interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. The group will be hosted by Father Mark Schuster from 9 a.m. to noon on fourth Saturdays in the St. John Paul II Conference Room at the Chancery office in Knoxville, with the next meeting Jan. 24. If you are interested in joining the Men’s Discernment Group, fill out the form at forms.office.com/r/ CmSwudiVnf or e-mail vocations@ dioknox.org. There will be a Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area.

St. Mary Parish in Johnson City is hosting six Monday-night one-hour films from Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire series “Catholicism: The Pivotal Players.” The films “explore a handful of saints, artists, mystics, and scholars who not only shaped the life of the Church but changed the course of western civilization.” The series began with “St. Francis of Assisi: The Reformer” on Jan. 12 and continues with “St. Thomas Aquinas: The Theologian” on Jan. 19, “St. Catherine of Siena: The Mystic” on Jan. 26, “Blessed John Henry Newman: The Convert” on Feb. 2, “G.K. Chesterton: The Evangelist” on Feb. 9, and “Michelangelo: The Artist” on Feb. 16. Admission is free, and popcorn will be served. Child care will be provided, and subtitles in Spanish will be available for the films. View a trailer at bit.ly/WOFTrailer

Knoxville Catholic High School will host its 15th annual Green & Gold Gala on Friday, Jan. 23, at the University of Tennessee’s Student Union Ballroom. Tom and Mindy Coulter will be honored as “Irish Legends” at the event. Alumni, past and current parents, corporate partners, and other community friends are welcome to attend. The evening will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet meal, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $175 per person and include all food and beverages for the night. Proceeds from the gala will support Knoxville Catholic’s campus technology and security. Become a sponsor or RSVP at knoxvillecatholic.com/gala/. To learn more or donate an auction item, which may include a restaurant gift card, wine, bourbon, or sports tickets, e-mail megan.erpenbach@knoxville catholic.com

Picture of Love retreats for engaged couples are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Jude Church in Chattanooga (note change of location) and Saturday, Feb. 7, at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. Each retreat will meet from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and Mass at 5 p.m. A wine-and-cheese reception will conclude the retreat at IC. This marriage-preparation program is a supplement to a couple’s marriage formation with their parish priest or deacon. Picture of Love explores the joys and challenges of living out the sacrament of matrimony with special focus on the importance of inviting Jesus to be the center of marriage and family life. The program will help a couple gain insights into their relationship, as well as give them practical ideas and tools to help smooth their journey and become the “Picture of Love” to one another. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate to present to their county clerk and receive a $60 discount on their marriage license. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. Cost is $175 per couple. Registration is available for the St. Jude retreat at dioknox.org/events/picture-of-loveretreat-jan-2026 and for the IC retreat

at dioknox.org/events/picture-oflove-retreat-feb-2026. Early registration is encouraged, with the IC retreat having a deadline of Friday, Jan. 23, for free parking. Late registrations are accepted if space allows (cost is $200 by credit card only). Also at the websites are three exercises: a personality test, a “love language profile for couples,” and a fillable budget worksheet. Couples are asked to complete the exercises in advance and bring them to the retreat— see the websites for more details. Contact Carolyn Krings for more information at 865-584-3307 or ckrings@dioknox. org

The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus will host “Amadeus Concert Ensemble—Organ Spectacular” at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, part of the Cathedral Concert Series. The ensemble will be directed by Brian Salesky, and the program will feature cathedral organist Dr. Byongsuk Moon.

The concert marks the first time the cathedral’s Casavant Freres organ, installed in 2024, will be accompanied by an orchestra. The organ will be featured in the Knoxville premieres of Rheinberger’s “Organ Concerto No. 2” and Stamm’s “Celtic Pleasure,” along with Respighi’s “Canticle from Suite in G Major.” Three works by Handel will open the concert: the “March” and “Battle Music” from Rinaldo, the “Eternal source of light divine” from Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, and “Iris, hence away” from Semele. Alto Diana Salesky will be the vocal soloist. Completing the program will be Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Trumpets,” featuring trumpeters Sarah Fellenbaum and Dr. Brett Long, and Mouret’s “First Suite de Symphonies,” which includes the “Masterpiece Theatre” trumpet theme. The concert is the 100th produced by the Cathedral Concert Series. Admission to the concerts is free, but seating is limited. Doors open one hour before the concerts. Tickets for both events are available via the Eventbrite link at shcathedral.org/cathedral-concert-series The events will also be livestreamed, recorded, and archived with access available at m.youtube.com/c/ SacredHeartCathedralKnoxvilleTN

The Greater Chattanooga chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will hold a March for Life on Saturday, Jan. 31, starting at Walker Pavilion in Coolidge Park, 120 River St. in Chattanooga. Pro-life organizations will have exhibits beginning at 11:15 a.m., with a rally set for noon and the march for 1 p.m. Gregory Mayo, author of Almost Daddy: The Forgotten Story, will speak at the march. The march is free, and it will be about 2 miles with a shorter option available. E-mail info@prolifechatt.org or call 615-298-5433 for more details. Links to Facebook and Instagram for updates on the march are at www. prolifechatt.org/mfl2026

The diocesan Office of Young Adult ministry is inviting young adults in the Knoxville to an evening of ice skating beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Ice Chalet, 100 Lebanon St. in Knoxville. Social time at Bearden Beer Market will follow. For more information, e-mail Mary Iverson at mary iver1@gmail.com

Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga will hold its seventh annual Green & Gold Gala on Saturday, Feb. 7, at The Chattanoogan Hotel, and the school’s 150th-anniversary Jubilee campus celebration will take place Sept. 12.

The Council of Catholic Women at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa will hold a Family Game Day from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, in the social hall. Those attending may bring a game to play or a puzzle to swap and enjoy an afternoon without electronics. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to 941-962-2220.

A SEARCH for Christian Maturity Retreat sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult, and Pastoral Juvenil Ministry will be held on the weekend of Feb. 27-March 1 at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Church in Cleveland. The weekends are for any high-school juniors and seniors. The program is both rooted in the Catholic faith and

Calendar continued on page B8

University of Notre Dame Club provides coats and toys for children

The University of Notre Dame Club of Chattanooga’s Women Connect group has for the past few years provided Christmas gifts for refugee children who have entered the United States with the help of Bridge Refugee Services of Chattanooga. This group facilitates international resettlement, and this year they provided the Women Connect members with a list of 52 children ranging in age from 1 to 17. Through the generous donations of Notre Dame and Women Connect club members, as well as a Lennon Life grant from the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association, each child on the list received a new coat and toys. An additional $750 was donated to the Bridge organization for its use in supporting these families. A wrapping party was held at the home of Steve and Sylvia Chardos, attended by Allison Austin, John Behrmann, John Poinsatte, Mary Anne Poinsatte, Linda Rath, and George and Nancy Valadie. The gifts were delivered and the check presented to Bridge Refugee Services employees Noah Jones, Marina Peshterianu, and Sarah Pederson Hitchcock by Women Connect members Allison Austin, Sylvia Chardos, and Mary Anne Poinsatte.

Jude Knights

‘Breakfast

Knights of Columbus from Council 8576 at St. Jude Parish in

hosted a “Breakfast with Santa” on Dec. 7 in Siener Hall.

a tasty breakfast and had their photographs taken

of the Knights.

TPraying

by George Valadie

The overpass sign everyone should read

And a resolution that might make the most difference for the most people

here were three of them. At least I think there were three of them.

I should probably know since I was driving and in charge of paying attention to the road, but they went by so fast. And I really hadn’t been expecting to see anyone there. Not on that overpass anyway.

To be fair, I was a little road weary, since we had set out from our daughter’s home in Little Rock way earlier than I would have preferred. We had already plowed through nine hours straight, but Nanc said we had to get home in time to get Gipper out of doggy daycare.

She hates thinking about him not being able to sleep in his own bed— which also happens to be our bed. And did I mention his 80 pounds of sprawl?

So, the two of us got up early, some of us reluctantly, and drove all day back to Chattanooga. We were just minutes from our exit when I saw them perched there over I-24. Like I said, they flew by quick, but I believe I’m pretty sure I saw a mom and her two kids.

Three things caught my attention: her brightly colored toboggan, some sort of stick she was waving, and the sign her son was holding. “Peace on earth”

Did I mention it was freezing?

The unseasonal warmth we had been enjoying only a day before was gone. The temperature had dropped 40 degrees in 12 hours. And I hadn’t even packed a coat.

Thankfully, these three seemed dressed for the weather, but still, it was pretty darn cold to have been

Athere for any length of time.

But there they were, waving to all who passed underneath, spreading their message, “Peace on earth.”

No politics, no religion, no hope of knowing if their efforts would make a whit of difference in even one of the drivers who—like me— were speedily going wherever we were going to do whatever it is we were planning to do.

And if I were a betting man, I’d wager not a single one of us had “peace on earth” on our agenda.

I won’t lie, my first thought was this woman was a nut.

For her attention-getting, for dragging her kids out there during their Christmas vacation, for forcing them to endure the cold. And especially for the message she had chosen to promote.

Not that it’s a bad or pushy one, and it’s certainly not offensive to anyone. Not anyone driving by, not anyone living on the planet. Peace is a good thing, right?

And if you’re going to spread a message, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better source: “Glory to God in the highest!” sang the Bethlehem angels, “and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

But still, she’s a little nutty, don’t you think? Or maybe out of place? Tilting at windmills? Well-intentioned but more futile than not. Kinda like all those John 3:16 signs that show up at so many football games? Do they make any difference at all?

But there she was, reaching out to the multiple lanes of 5 o’clock traffic, preaching a 2,000-year-old message that one could argue has been

seldom heeded—if ever.

Was this woman on a mission? Or did she lose a bet? Is she in a cult? Was she trying to teach her kids a lesson? Or had some unusual event recently impacted her life inspiring her to spend her afternoon in just this way?

Ironically and God-sent for sure, less than 24 hours later, the choir at our Mass sang an old-time favorite, “Let there be peace on earth.”

And it hit me—why didn’t these people seem like nuts? But they didn’t. Same message … totally different reaction.

So, with a moment to ponder, a touch of perspective, and possibly a slight shove from the Holy Spirit, I completely reversed my opinion about this anonymous messenger. I went from being cynical and confused about her to being hopeful and inspired by her. I mean I’m not planning to join her or anything, but she just may be what this world needs. Certainly more like her.

After all, though a bit of a lone wolf, she was not unlike John the Baptist, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness...” And if you’re going to emulate someone, who better?

We sure need it, don’t we? Peace on earth.

We understand our limits. Most if not all of us are unable to impact what happens across the world. Ukraine. Gaza. Nigeria. Haiti. And maybe that’s the peace she seeks but I don’t think so.

I prefer to believe she was referring to the day-to-day moments of our lives. Life among our families.

by Deacon Bob Hunt

Our workplaces. The stores where we shop and the restaurants where we eat. The places where we spend our days with the hordes of people we have a genuine ability to impact.

Maybe it’s the tone of our e-mail that can change—and yes, admit it, e-mail does have tone. It did in our head when we wrote it. Or maybe it’s our social media posts. Or how we speak to the waitress who didn’t really cook the overcooked meal she’s been forced to set before us.

Maybe it’s how we wave at the drivers who cut us off or if we wave at all. The words we choose to speak—to our spouses, our parents, our kids, our co-workers, the clerks, and the customer-service reps on the other end of the phone.

Peace has so many enemies. And if we’re truthful, so many of those we can claim as our own. Who among us hasn’t dabbled in a little sarcasm, anger, crankiness, entitlement, manipulation? And a few hundred more such sins that cause a little less peace in someone else’s life?

Before 2026 gets too far into the rearview mirror, may we join in sharing—and acting on—her message. HIS message.

Peace on earth! May we all be a little more nuts.

Dear God—War is just way too big for most of us. Please inspire those who have the power. May they also have your will. Amen. ■

George Valadie is a parishioner at St. Stephen Church in Chattanooga and author of the book “We Lost Our Fifth Fork … and other moments when we need some perspective.”

State dioceses rank high in fruitfulness

Number of seminarians, weddings, infant baptisms per Catholic place them in nation’s top 10

n article published last month by The Catholic World Report purports to rank the Catholic dioceses in the United States by how fruitful each diocese is in terms of seminarians, weddings, infant baptisms, and adult receptions into the Church. Those dioceses with higher rates of those four categories as measured against the number of Catholics in that diocese were judged to be more fruitful than dioceses with lower rates.

So, for instance, my old stomping ground as a young man was the Diocese of Arlington in northern Virginia. According to the stats reported in the CWR article, Arlington had one seminarian for every 10,827 Catholics, one Catholic wedding for every 327 Catholics, one infant baptism for every 90 Catholics, and one adult reception into the Church for every 227 Catholics. That means Arlington ranks 43rd among U.S. dioceses in fruitfulness. The CWR article doesn’t include this information, but there are just over 432,000 registered Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington. So, not too shabby for my old home diocese.

But Arlington doesn’t compare with what is going on in Tennessee. Of the 178 Latin-rite dioceses in the United States, the Diocese of Nashville ranks first in fruitfulness (tied with Tulsa, Okla.), the Diocese of Knoxville ranks fifth in fruitfulness, and the Diocese of Memphis ranks 10th in fruitfulness. So, all three of the dioceses within the state of Tennessee rank in the top 10 for fruitfulness. I think that’s pretty amazing! I doubt that any other state even comes close to matching Tennessee in fruitfulness of Catholic dioceses.

For the record, here are the stats for each Tennessee diocese in the four categories used to measure fruitfulness:

n Nashville: seminarians = 1/3,944

Catholics; weddings = 1/239 Catholics; infant baptisms = 1/47 Catholics; adult receptions = 1/137

Catholics n Knoxville: seminarians = 1/6,836; weddings = 1/270; infant baptisms = 1/64; adult receptions = 1/108 n Memphis: seminarians = 1/5,558; weddings = 1/324; infant baptisms = 1/60; adult receptions = 1/187

What explains this? Why are the three dioceses in Tennessee so fruitful according to the categories CWR uses to measure fruitfulness?

The CWR article suggests that Tennessee’s dioceses are thriving because they are very small, some of the smallest in the nation. Memphis Catholics represent only 4.5 percent of the population of West Tennessee. Nashville Catholics make up only 3.1 percent of the population of Middle Tennessee. Knoxville Catholics are even more rare, making up only 2.8 percent of the population of East Tennessee. Indeed, according to the most recent statistics from CatholicHierarchy.org from 1995-2005, the Diocese of Knoxville represented the smallest diocese in the United States when it came to Catholics as a percentage of the population.

Larger dioceses tend not to do so well in rates of fruitfulness. The CWR article makes this surprising observation: “Correlation is not causation, but there does seem to be a terrible cost to souls once an American diocese grows over 700,000 Catholics: the combination of baptism, conversion, seminarian, and

wedding rates inevitably falls below average.” What is the average for dioceses across the United States?

It is 1 seminarian/14,473 Catholics; weddings = 1/453; infant baptisms = 1/113; and adult receptions = 1/413.

Advantages to a small diocese, both in the numbers of Catholics and in territory, are that the people get to know their priests and their bishop fairly well. In fact, it’s almost like living in a small town, where everybody knows everybody. I know it’s true in Knoxville that, whenever there’s a big diocesan event, it’s like a family reunion. You get to see people you haven’t seen in a while and the opportunity to catch up.

A smaller diocese generally means smaller parishes, at least outside the larger cities. This means that each parish is more akin to a family than an organization.

I recently visited Mountain City in Tennessee to give an Advent retreat at the parish up there, St. Anthony of Padua. The deacon of the parish, Joe Herman, is a classmate of mine in deacon formation, and we were ordained together. He treated me to dinner Friday night and breakfast the next morning, and we ran a couple of errands before the retreat. It seemed everywhere we went, we bumped into someone Joe knew. Also, in a diocese where the parishes are smaller, the people tend to take more ownership of their parish and responsibility for its ministries, not leaving everything to the priests, deacons, or staff (if they have staff!).

But it’s not just the small size of the Tennessee dioceses that contributes to effective fruitfulness. I think,

too, there is a welcoming spirit in Tennessee that some of our northern confreres may lack.

It’s not unusual for people in Tennessee to ask others about where they go to church, how they like their pastor, and what ministries they’re involved in. I suspect such questions would be considered rude in other parts of the country, but not here in the South. People genuinely want to get to know each other, and church remains a common denominator for most Southerners.

We are also experiencing growth among young people that the entire Church seems to share. In the OCIA program at Holy Ghost Church, where I am the director, we have 30 in our class this year. The average age of our catechumens is 23 years old. The average age of our candidates is 29. And we have four confirmandi, all of whom are under the age of 30. That’s amazing! I’ve never experienced that in RCIA, and I’ve been involved in a lot of different programs in different parishes.

All in all, it seems obvious that the Church in Tennessee is alive and well. I pray it stays so. Being smaller is nice, and it has its advantages. But, of course, the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel to all in hopes that all to whom the Gospel is preached embrace it. So, here’s a prayer that the Church in Tennessee doesn’t stay so small for long! Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all. ■

Deacon

Encountering God in the Liturgy by Father

Randy Stice

Eucharistic adoration flows from the Mass

St. Alphonsus: ‘adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments’

The Church has never ceased to reflect on Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, penetrating ever more profoundly into the mystery of the complete transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ while retaining the outward characteristics of the bread and wine. As her faith deepened, “the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the eucharistic species.”1 This month, I want to look at adoration of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist outside Mass. Eucharistic adoration flows from the Mass. “In the Eucharist, the Son of God comes to meet us and desires to become one with us,” wrote Pope Benedict XVI; “eucharistic adoration is simply the natural consequence of the eucharistic celebration, which is itself the Church’s supreme act of adoration. Receiving the Eucharist means adoring Him whom we receive….The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself.”2

Adoration bears rich fruit. Just as the Mass leads to adoration, so adoration draws us to the Mass, it urges us “to sacramental and spiritual communion.”3 Adoration deepens our participation in the Mass and our gratitude for the gift Christ makes of Himself. “Only in adoration,” wrote Pope Benedict XVI, “can a profound and genuine reception [of Communion] mature. And it is precisely this personal encounter with the Lord that then strengthens the social mission contained in the Eucharist, which seeks to break down not only the walls that separate the Lord and

ourselves, but also and especially the walls that separate us from one another.”4 The Mass and the adoration that flows from it equip each of us “to perform good works and to please God, so as to imbue the world with the Christian spirit and to become a witness to Christ in the midst of human affairs.”5

It may be helpful to review a few key terms regarding eucharistic adoration. The tabernacle is a container for the Blessed Sacrament that is fixed and irremovable, “made of solid and inviolable material that is not transparent” and can be locked.6 A monstrance is a vessel used to display a consecrated host for adoration and veneration. Adoration is prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, either in the tabernacle or exposed in a monstrance. Exposition is the liturgical rite for the public veneration of the Blessed Sacrament displayed outside the tabernacle in a monstrance. Benediction is when a priest or deacon makes the sign of the cross with the monstrance over the people at the conclusion of exposition.

From the earliest days of the Church, the Eucharist was reserved after Mass so that it could be brought to the sick and those absent from Mass. Initially, the Eucharist was kept in a box in the sacristy, a room near the church/chapel where the items needed for Mass are kept. By the ninth century in some places, the Eucharist was being placed on the altar. This inspired concern for the appearance of the container, which soon took the form of towers or doves. The container could also be locked to secure the contents. By the 11th century, the monks of

Daily readings

Thursday, Jan. 15: 1 Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45

Friday, Jan. 16: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 1022; Psalm 89:16-19; Mark 2:1-12

Saturday, Jan. 17: Memorial of St. Anthony, abbot, 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19 and 10:1; Psalm 21:2-7; Mark 2:13-17

Sunday, Jan. 18: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

Monday, Jan. 19: 1 Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Mark 2:18-22

Tuesday, Jan. 20: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89:20-22, 27-28; Mark 2:23-28

Wednesday, Jan. 21: Memorial of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr, 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10; Mark 3:1-6

Thursday, Jan. 22: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Chil-

Cluny, a very influential monastery, began to bow before the reserved sacrament and, shortly after, kept lamps burning near the place of reservation, practices that soon spread. The Lateran Council of 1215 ordered the reserved sacrament to be kept under lock and key, which gave rise to portable chests, wall tabernacles in Italy, and tabernacles in the form of monumental towers in Germany. In 1551, the Council of Trent ordered that the Blessed Sacrament be publicly exposed for adoration. Eucharistic adoration developed and spread in the following centuries.

The Order of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction is the liturgical rite for adoration. It begins by putting the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance and placing it on the altar with four to six candles. At different points it may be incensed, and the traditional eucharistic hymns “O Salutaris Hostia” and “Tantum Ergo” or other liturgical hymns may be sung. Adoration during exposition may include prayers, the rosary, songs, readings, and silence. Toward the end of adoration, Benediction is given in which the priest or deacon takes the monstrance and makes the sign of the cross over the people in silence. Then acclamations such as the Divine Praises may be said, after which the sacrament is placed back in the tabernacle.7

The saints praised eucharistic adoration. “Of all devotions,” said St. Alphonsus Liguori, “that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God and the one most helpful to us.”8 St. John Paul

II spoke movingly of his experience of eucharistic adoration: “It is pleasant to spend time with Him, to lie close to His breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. John 13:25), and to feel the infinite love present in His heart … How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation, and support!”9 He has given us a compelling exhortation to visit our eucharistic Lord: “The presence of Jesus in the tabernacle must be a kind of magnetic pole attracting an ever greater number of souls enamored of Him, ready to wait patiently to hear His voice, and, as it were, to sense the beating of His heart. ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good!’ (Psalm 34:8).”10 ■

1 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1379

2 Benedict XVI, The Sacrament of Charity (SacCar), 66

3 Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside Mass (HCWEMOM), 80

4 SacCar, 66

5 HCWEMOM, 81

6 General Instruction of the Roman Missal, paragraph 314

7 The Order of Exposition and Benediction is described in HCWEMOM, 93-100

8 Thirty-One Questions on the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, p. 2

9 Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 25

10 St. John Paul II, Remain With Us Lord, 18

Father Randy Stice is director of the diocesan Office of Worship and Liturgy. He can be reached at frrandy@dioknox. org.

St. Joseph the Worker Knights of Columbus receive Star Council Award

Ed Harles (second from right), outgoing Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 15585 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville, received the Star Council Award recently and passed the plaque to present Grand Knight Gerry Schlueter (right). Mr. Harles thanked all of the Knights of the council and said, “This is not a personal award, it is to all of us.” Both men received a blessing from St. Joseph the Worker pastor Father Julius Abuh (left), pictured with Deacon Walter Stone. Father Abuh is spiritual director of Council 15585. The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus recognizes outstanding achievement with the Star Council Award, which is the highest form of recognition given to local councils within the Knights. To achieve the Star Council Award, a council must earn the Father McGivney, Columbian, and Founders Awards. The Father McGivney Award recognizes excellence in the council’s membership growth by meeting or exceeding its yearly membership quota established by Supreme. The Columbian Award recognizes excellence in the council’s programming and charitable outreach. The Founders Award recognizes excellence in the promotion of the Knights’ insurance and fraternal benefits. Less than 10 percent of Tennessee Knights of Columbus councils received the Star Council Award in 2025.

dren, 1 Samuel 18:6-9 and 19:1-7; Psalm 56:2-3, 9-13; Mark 3:7-12

Friday, Jan. 23: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57:2-4, 6, 11; Mark 3:13-19

Saturday, Jan. 24: Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church, 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7; Mark 3:20-21

Sunday, Jan. 25: Isaiah 8:23–9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23

Monday, Jan. 26: Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus, bishops, 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 96:1-3, 7-8, 10; Mark 3:22-30

Tuesday, Jan. 27: 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19; Psalm 24:7-10; Mark 3:31-35

Wednesday, Jan. 28: Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church, 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Psalm 89:4-5, 27-30; Mark 4:1-20

Thursday, Jan. 29: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14; Mark

4:21-25

Friday, Jan. 30: 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 1317; Psalm 51:3-7, 10-11; Mark 4:26-34

Saturday, Jan. 31: Memorial of St. John Bosco, priest, 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17; Psalm 51:12-17; Mark 4:35-41

Sunday, Feb. 1: Zephaniah 2:3 and 3:12-13; Psalm 146:6-10; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Monday, Feb. 2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Tuesday, Feb. 3: 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, and 18:30–19:3; Psalm 86:1-6; Mark 5:21-43

Wednesday, Feb. 4: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17; Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7; Mark 6:1-6

Thursday, Feb. 5: Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Mark 6:7-13

Friday, Feb. 6: Memorial of St. Paul Miki and companions, martyrs, Sir-

ach 47:2-11; Psalm 18:31, 47, 50-51; Mark 6:14-29

Saturday, Feb. 7: 1 Kings 3:4-13; Psalm 119:9-14; Mark 6:30-34

Sunday, Feb. 8: Isaiah 58:7-10; Psalm 112:4-9; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16

Monday, Feb. 9: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Psalm 132:6-10; Mark 6:53-56

Tuesday, Feb. 10: Memorial of St. Scholastica, virgin, 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Psalm 84:3-5, 10-11; Mark 7:1-13 Wednesday, Feb. 11: 1 Kings 10:110; Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40; Mark 7:14-23

Thursday, Feb. 12: 1 Kings 11:413; Psalm 106:3-4, 35-37, 40; Mark 7:24-30

Friday, Feb. 13: 1 Kings 11:29-32 and 12:19; Psalm 81:10-15; Mark 7:31-37 Saturday, Feb. 14: Memorial of Sts. Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop, 1 Kings 12:26-32 and 13:33-34; Psalm 106:6-7, 19-22; Mark 8:1-10 ■

open to young people of all faith traditions. SEARCH provides an opportunity to think, talk, question, and wonder about life and faith in an accepting and challenging environment. It is an opportunity to experience God and God’s family in a personal and real way. The weekend is youth- and peer-oriented: it is run by youth, to youth, and for youth, all under the guidance of a team of adult mentors. The retreat starts on Friday between 6:30 and 7 p.m. and runs through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $100, and scholarships are available if needed. Register at dioknox.org/ events/search-feb-2026.

The fifth annual Appalachian Highlands Catholic Men’s Conference is set for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport. Bishop Mark Beckman will be among the speakers at the event, whose theme this year is “Weathering the Storm” (Matthew 8:27). Father John Orr, pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville, and Steve Hemler will join the bishop in giving keynote talks at the conference, designed to help men strengthen faith, share burdens, and learn how to weather life’s difficulties with hope and courage. Mass at 2:15 p.m. and a social at 3:30 will conclude the conference, which will also provide time for breakout sessions led by Mr. Hemler, Deacon Vic Landa, Jonathan Cardinal, Paul Simoneau, Jimmy Dee, host pastor Father Michael Cummins, Father Orr, and Father Tom Lawrence as well as adoration, confession, and a rosary. Cost is $40 and includes breakfast and lunch. Register for the retreat, view its full schedule, or learn how to become a sponsor at www.ahmcretreat.org. Email ahmc.retreat@gmail.com for more information.

Catholic speaker and author Christopher West will give a talk themed “Made for More” on Wednesday, March 4, at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, with music by Mike Mangione. Mr. West will discuss “where do we come from and where are we going” to help those attending understand what it means to be human and

A second annual mission trip to Mexico is planned for June 10-16. Travelers will visit Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. NPH helps vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in Latin America and the Caribbean with food, clothing, education, health care, and a chance to break the cycle of poverty. For more information, e-mail Richard or Kathy Jordan at riortex@ outlook.com

A food drive is being held this month to help stock the pantries at St. Alphonsus Community Services (SACS) in Crossville. Place items in the wagon in the narthex of the church.

A panel discussion on the Matthew Kelly book Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality was held on Dec.14. There will be five learning sessions on the book during Lent.

The parish will be hosting evening showings of season five of “The Chosen” that will depict the Last Supper.

Anniversaries: Gerald and Barbara Phillips (64), Mark and Carol Hafford (60), Robert and Martha Heck (58), Douglas and Christina Nawrocki (55), Richard and Judy Lodes (54), John and Diana Schorn ack (54), Walt and Lee Glowacki (52), Tim and Cathy Thomas (40), Gregory and Rhonda Miller (5)

St. John Neumann, Farragut

The annual Daddy-Daughter Dance is set for 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, in the school gym. All girls in the parish or school and their father or father figure are welcome to attend. Purchase tickets at sjncs-knox.org/ daddy-daughter-dance

Another annual event, the Off to the Races Derby Auction benefiting the school, will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, in the gym.

A Newcomers Event spanning three sessions is planned for February for those new to St. John Neumann and

how to orient lives and actions toward authentic fulfillment. The event will offer presentations with live music, movie clips, YouTube videos, and sacred art for “an evening of beauty and reflection on the meaning of life, love, and human destiny.” Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the talk going from 7 to 9:30. All ages are welcome to attend. Register or learn more at tobinstitute.org/events/ made-for-more-chattanooga-tn/ Contact Mary Pat Haywood for more information at mphaywood@myolph. com

The Nashville community of Retrouvaille (“retro-vi”), a Christian program that is Catholic in origin and helps struggling couples restore their marriage and rebuild a loving relationship, will have a gathering on the weekend of March 6-8 in Dickson, Tenn. Presenters are not trained marriage counselors but rather couples sharing their personal stories of marital struggles and the tools they used to rediscover their love. Cost is $350 per couple, not including meals and lodging. For more information, e-mail 3043@helpourmarriage. org, visit helpourmarriage.org, or call 931-820-2115. The address of the weekend facility will be provided when the registration is processed.

The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Mich., are holding a Princess Retreat for mothers and their daughters ages 4 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at the Convent of Mary, Mother of Mercy, located at 6832 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville. The event is designed to “introduce daughters to the great gift of being princesses of our King, Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m., followed by activities for mothers, girls ages 4-6, and girls ages 7-10. Space is limited. Sign up at tiny url.com/3yadymck and enter the access code “mercy.” E-mail knoxville@ almamercy.org for more information

The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a Spring Event: Peace, Unity & Love, a day of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal with guest speakers Lisa

to the area. Two sessions will be held in the school library: a “getting to know your parish” gathering on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and a “getting to know your community” gathering on Wednesday, Feb. 11, each from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Newcomers will also meet at Little Joe’s Pizza, 13100 Kingston Pike in Farragut, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, to share a meal and socialize. Those with questions should e-mail Lisa Gaertner at LGaertner819@gmail.com

The Knights of Columbus donated $1,485.06 to Tennessee Special Olympics from sales of fall raffle tickets. The 158 tickets sold were the most by the 31 state councils participating and helped the St. John Neumann Knights exceed their target of $1,000 for the fundraiser.

The Knights’ proceeds from members selling concessions at University of Tennessee home football games last fall totaled $27,461.19, exceeding the goal of $25,000. The money will fund about 70 percent of the council’s charitable gifts this year, which will support priestly vocations, the school, parish faith activities, the St. Vincent de Paul conference, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic, and local charities that aid the intellectually challenged. Pete McKenzie and Larry Melden worked six UT games apiece and John Walter worked five, with multiple Knights and wives selling concessions at one or more games.

St. Joseph, Norris

The parish held a Family Game Night on Jan. 16 in the social hall.

A children’s play preceded St. Joseph’s Epiphany Dinner on Jan. 4.

The Council of Catholic Women collected from parishioners 135 calendars for 2026 to give to residents of Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Five Rivers Deanery

Holy Trinity, Jefferson City

The Knights of Columbus will hold their

Tuggle and Danielle Rose, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at St. Mary Church in Athens. More details to come.

A Men’s Emmaus Retreat will be held for the first time in East Tennessee on the weekend of April 24-26 at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton. An estimated 1.4 million men and women throughout the world have completed the Catholic Emmaus Retreat. The retreat is based on Luke 24, where Jesus joins two of His disciples as they walk from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. The walk takes the disciples from being dejected and filled with anxiety and stress to being full of life and filled with joy after Jesus joins them and their eyes are opened to recognize Him as their Lord. Men ages 18 and over are welcome to attend. Registration will begin in this month. For any questions, contact Michael Hart at 423-414-4532 or mikehartfl1987@ gmail.com

The Healing Ministry at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa offers healing prayers every third weekend of the month for anyone who has a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Individual healing prayer will be offered in Spanish in the church immediately following the 7 p.m. Saturday Mass in Spanish, and prayer will be offered in English in the chapel immediately following the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass. Call Toni Jacobs at 561-315-5911 if you have any questions.

Catholic in Recovery is a 12-step recovery ministry that holds meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. at St. Dominic Church in Kingsport and each Sunday at 4 p.m. at All Saints Church in Knoxville. CIR provides hope and healing from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. Family members impacted by a loved one’s addiction are also encouraged to attend. Meetings combine the spiritual principles of 12-step recovery and the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Join others in recovery as the meetings overlap Scripture from Sunday Mass readings, liturgical themes, and recovery topics with

annual brunch following Mass on Sunday, Feb. 1. Foods will include scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, assorted casseroles and muffins, baked ham and turkey, and an assortment of luncheon items. Tickets are on sale in the narthex. Costs are $15 for adults and $7 for children (ages 5 and under free).

A Las Posadas event was held Dec. 19 to celebrate Hispanic traditions and featured children in costumes as well as singing, prayer, and dinner.

Anniversary: Jerry and Margie Swope (55)

St. Patrick, Morristown

Deacon Bob Hunt will speak to the Lunch & Learn group from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, in the basement youth room. His topic will be the Blessed Mother and the various titles given to her and how to properly understand them.

The parish Mardi Gras celebration, featuring a king cake and dancing, will follow the 4 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday, Feb. 14, and continue until 9 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a traditional or themed Mardi Gras dish or another favorite dish. Tickets are being sold after Mass. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. For more information, e-mail Kimberly Toby at stpatrick.social.activities@gmail. com

Smoky Mountain Deanery

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

During Advent, parishioners placed gloves and other winter accessories on a Mitten Tree and filled a manger with baby items to benefit mothers and babies in need served by the Hope Resource Center in Knoxville.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

The Haiti Committee reported that before Christmas it wired $8,000 to IC’s sister parish of St. Francis Xavier in Fond-des Blancs, Haiti. The com-

honest discussion and prayer. Confidentiality is protected. The St. Dominic gatherings are hybrid meetings, in person in the St. Thomas Aquinas Room of the parish life center or online at tinyurl.com/cir-zoom-tricitiestn. For more information, visit www. catholicinrecovery.com. For more details on the meetings at St. Dominic, contact Jena at cir.tricities.tn@gmail. com or call Oscar at 423-213-2434. For the meetings at All Saints, call Martin Ohmes at 865-438-4905 or e-mail CIR AllSaintsKnoxville@gmail.com

Father Arthur Torres and Father Miguel Vélez are serving as spiritual directors on a Guadalupe: In the Heart of Mexico pilgrimage to the nation’s sacred shrines May 2531. Places visited will include Mexico City, Tulpetlac, Teotihuacan, Puebla, Coyoacán, and Xochimilco. Cost is $2,949 based on double occupancy and includes round-trip airfare, airport taxes and fuel surcharges, land transportation, first-class hotels, daily Mass, breakfast and dinner, and a medical protection plan. The trip will depart from Atlanta. To see a daily itinerary and more details, or to register and purchase travel insurance, visit trip.nativitypilgrimage.com/torresmex-2026. For more information, call 844-400-9559 or 832-406-7050, or email info@nativitypilgrimage.com

Join Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Shrines of Mexico Sept. 22-Oct. 1. The group will visit the Santuario de San Toribio Romo, built in honor of the Mexican martyrs of the 1920s; Cristo Rey, the second largest statue of Christ in the world; and the church of Santa Cruz de Los Milagros, where St. Junipero Serra stayed before his journey to begin the Franciscan Missions, which the group will visit before going on to Mexico City. There the pilgrims will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Tepeyac Hill, where Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego; and many other holy and sacred sites. For more information, contact Lisa Morris at 865-567-1245 or lisam@select-intl. com n

mittee normally sends about $4,000 per quarter from parishioners’ monthly envelope donations, but its gift in December included more than $3,600 from the committee’s first Dance for Haiti event, its table at the Women’s Group’s craft fair, and its recent wreath sales.

Parishioners gathered around an empty manger and sang Christmas carols outside Planned Parenthood on Cherry Street on Dec. 18. Associate pastor Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, led a rosary, Mark Reda played guitar, and Katie Helms played bagpipes at the event.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville

The parish marked its 70th anniversary on Jan. 1.

The latest Movie Night with a Priest took place Jan. 16 in Cathedral Hall and featured the 2018 film “Paul, Apostle of Christ.”

A Vocation Chalice started traveling from home to home on the weekend of Dec. 28. For a week, a host family will be asked to make a special effort to pray together, with an emphasis on increasing vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and Christian marriage, as well as on a clear understanding of the vocation Christ is calling each family member to.

St. John XXIII, Knoxville

The annual Mardi Gras party will be held on Friday, Feb. 13. Donations for the event’s silent auction will be accepted until Monday Feb. 9.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville Bishop Mark Beckman has approved St. Joseph the Worker’s request to have the George Armour Ewart Architect firm in Knoxville draft its family life center construction drawings, which moves the parish closer to knowing an accurate building cost and to preparing for construction. The parish has raised more than $2.3 million toward the project. n

Our Lady of Fatima Parish marks 75th anniversary

Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa capped its yearlong 75th-anniversary celebration on Nov. 22 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark Beckman and host pastor Father Peter Iorio. For a story on the anniversary Mass and the dinner that followed at the Airport Hilton, see the December issue of The East Tennessee Catholic or visit etcatholic.org/2025/12/a-joyful-celebration-at-our-lady-offatima/. During the dinner, Grand Knight Peter Lloyd of Our Lady of Fatima Knights of Columbus Council 3832 showed the audience a plaque with all past Grand Knights’ names (top left photo). Mr. Lloyd said the Knights recently cleaned out a storage room they used at the church that Father Iorio needed for another use, and in it they found a cross from the former Wright Road site of Our Lady of Fatima, which the Grand Knight then presented to Father Iorio (top right photo). Dinner emcees Ana Carballo and Deacon Bill Jacobs applaud in the background. Also at the dinner, parish council chairman Greg Ward and finance council chair Monica Gawet (center left photo) talked about the future of the parish. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard at the Mass, during which Candace Bostwick (above) a guest singer from the Bahamas, led the Psalm response.

St. Therese Parish in Clinton has new Little Way Ministry

St. Therese Parish in Clinton has a new Little Way Ministry, which has been serving Anderson County families in need since September. The ministry has created a boutique in the church hall, where families in need can “shop” at no cost for basic baby-care necessities, including baby food, diapers, baby and toddler clothing, nursing supplies, maternity clothes, and a variety of other care essentials. Those served include pregnant women and families with children up to the age of 2. The ministry has a staff of volunteers, all parishioners of St. Therese, and is open from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Monetary and care items may be donated to help keep the ministry’s shelves stocked. Families served by the ministry have begun bringing baby/maternity items that they no longer need to pass on to other families in need. The parishioners of St. Therese have been generous in making donations of care items as well as giving monetary donations to help support the ministry.

Fourth Degree Knights provide honor guard at Notre Dame High School for its 150th-anniversary Mass

Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard at the Mass on Jan. 6 that kicked off the 150th-anniversary celebration for Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. See the NDHS story that begins on page A1 for more details. At left, the Knights stand with Bishop Mark Beckman, who celebrated the Mass. Pictured with the bishop are (from left, front row) Al Salatka, Eric Pelton, John Chenkus, Andy Wikidal, Raleigh Cooper, and Kevin Olley and (second row) Chris Humkey, Sonny Yemm, Mike Williams, Thomas Campbell, Karl Nesmith, and Victor Williams. The Fourth Degree Knights represented assemblies 1084 and 3250 in Chattanooga.

Notre Dame High School band shines at All-East auditions

Members of the band at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga did well at the All-East band auditions held on Jan. 10 at Bearden High School in Knoxville and sponsored by the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association.

The Notre Dame band had a perfect attendance of 11 at the auditions. The students were required to play three different skills alone in front of judges to be evaluated and ranked.

Five Notre Dame students made the cut for All-East, putting

NDHS among the leaders across all schools in East Tennessee and leading all private schools in ET. Lander Smith on bassoon was ranked No. 1 and made first-team All-State.

Sam Marquez on tenor saxophone ranked fourth and Kyle Verro on alto saxophone ranked eighth, and both made the first team. Notre Dame’s Austin Suggs on tuba and Maddie Taylor on clarinet made second team. Honorablemention recognition went to Josiah Morais on alto sax and Nathan Wesson on trumpet. ■

Knoxville Catholic student earns QuestBridge scholarship to Penn

By Jaclyn Holloway

Knoxville Catholic High School senior Genevieve Jenkins recently earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through QuestBridge National College Match, one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the country.

The good news came while she was sitting in her family’s car with her mother just outside KCHS during lunchtime, holding a letter that would determine her next four years. For months, she had poured her heart into grueling hours of essays, interviews, and preparation for a chance at the scholarship, and the letter would reveal whether she had been chosen and whether she had matched with her dream university in the University of Pennsylvania.

QuestBridge, a national nonprofit founded more than 30 years ago, connects exceptional students from low-income backgrounds with educational, career, and life-changing opportunities. This year, 2,550 high-achieving seniors matched with QuestBridge’s 55 college partners earning early admission and a full four-year scholarship covering tuition, housing, meals, books, sup-

plies, and travel, with no loans and no parent contribution, only access, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future.

Genevieve comes from a large Catholic family, and the opportunity represented something much bigger than a scholarship.

“My mom’s way smarter than she’s ever been allowed to express and never had opportunities like I have. But she always gave me every opportunity to actually succeed,” she said. “She’s one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met and works around the clock just to make sure that all of us kids have everything we need and so we are able to have a Catholic education.”

Tears, joy, and disbelief came all at once after she opened the letter.

“Never in 100,000 years did I think I was going to get into an Ivy League school, let alone on a full ride,” Genevieve said. “That is the kind of thing that happens to other people. It’s like winning the lottery in terms of academics, but it happened to me, and I’m still in disbelief.”

Her school counselor, Melinda Kirk, who informed her about the program and supported her throughout the QuestBridge process, shared how remarkable Gen-

Homeschool students and families ride on train in Knoxville

Nearly 250 Knoxville-area homeschoolers and their families joined together on Dec. 10 for a festive ride on the Christmas Lantern Express aboard the Three Rivers Rambler in downtown Knoxville. Father John Orr and Father Peter Iorio accompanied the group throughout the ride. The train ride offered an opportunity for fellowship, community building, and celebration of the Advent season, along with hot cocoa, gingerbread treats, and a sightseeing tour along the Tennessee River.

evieve’s accomplishment is.

“A QuestBridge Scholar candidate is a unique student. I was very hopeful when I recognized these qualities in Genevieve,” Mrs. Kirk said. “However, when I read her essays, I realized that this was more than just a hope; she had a real chance. It was clear that her voice, resilience, and depth of character were something truly special. Watching this life-changing opportunity come to fruition for Genevieve has been nothing short

of inspiring. It is such a privilege to celebrate her achievement and the bright future that now lies ahead at the University of Pennsylvania.” Knoxville Catholic president Dickie Sompayrac said that “we are so happy for Genevieve. She is an amazing young lady and so deserving of this honor. Penn is getting the best of the best from KCHS.”

For more on Genevieve’s story, visit knoxvillecatholic.com/2025 questbridgescholarship/ ■