July | 2025 VOL 34 NO 11
IN THIS ISSUE
A6 HEAVENLY PARTNERSHIP
Crunch Entertainment, Angel Studios join on film
SON ANNIVERSARY! B1 HAPPY B1 AOFFAVORITE NOTRE DAME Fr. Michael Cummins celebrates 30 years as a diocesan priest
NFL's Patrick Johnson gives back
Catholic commentary ....................... A3 Parish news .................................B4,8-9 Diocesan calendar ......................... B5,8 Columns ..........................................B6-7 Catholic schools ............................. B10 La Cosecha ............................Section C
‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you’ Strengthening the call: A renewed focus on vocations By Beth Parsons
Vocations continued on page A14
BILL BREWER
P
riests of the Diocese of Knoxville met for their annual spring convocation June 3–5, a time set aside for prayer, fraternity, and reflection. This year’s gathering, the first under the leadership of Bishop Mark Beckman, placed special emphasis on nurturing vocations within parish life and across the diocese. Through keynote presentations, small-group discussions, and shared witness, the convocation became a moment of renewal in the Church’s mission to inspire and support vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and holy matrimony. “We have vocations in this diocese growing in all kinds of ways. Many people are becoming Catholic, so there is the fundamental vocation of being a Christian, the growth in baptisms, the growth in Christian marriages. In religious life, we have a variety of beautiful religious communities in the diocese, and we have six men thinking about entering seminary this fall. And a growing number of deacons are becoming incardinated in the diocese as well as studying to become
Hearing the Holy Spirit Bishop Mark Beckman, standing center, presides at the June 7 ordination Mass for Renzo Alvarado Suarez and A.J. Houston. The young men are the Diocese of Knoxville's newest priests and represent a vocations ministry whose growth is vital to the diocese. Bishop Beckman is renewing the emphasis on vocations to the priesthood and religious life throughout the diocese.
Consecrated virgins hold U.S. convocation in Diocese of Knoxville By Emily Booker
EMILY BOOKER
T
he United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV) held its national convocation in Gatlinburg June 27-30. Some 30 consecrated virgins from all across the nation, including Hawaii, gathered for learning, prayer, and fellowship. Consecrated virginity is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Catholic Church. A consecrated virgin is considered a “bride of Christ,” offering herself and all the love she may have given to a spouse and children to Christ and the Church. Consecrated virgins live out in the world; they hold regular jobs and provide for themselves. But their lives are directed by their commitment to Christ. There has been a resurgence in this vocation since the Order of Virgins was officially restored as a distinct form of consecrated life in 1970. According to the USACV, there are now more than 300 consecrated virgins in the United States. Bishop Mark Beckman celebrated the opening of the convocation with Mass on June 27 at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day happened to be the solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the cathedral’s patronal feast day. “I’m so grateful that we have the consecrated virgins here today on the feast of the Sacred Heart because I cannot think of a better place and time to celebrate the gift that they are to the Church. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has claimed them in a special way as He is their Bridegroom. It’s the perfect place and time to do this,” Bishop
Celebrating God's love Bishop Mark Beckman and Bishop Earl Boyea stand with the consecrated virgins from across the country attending Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27, the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In his homily, Bishop Beckman spoke of God’s infinite love. He also acknowledged the consecrated virgins’ love and devotion to Christ. Beckman said. Bishop Earl Boyea, bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, Mich., and episcopal moderator of the USACV, and Father Danny Herman, associate
pastor of the cathedral, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Walt Otey served as deacon of the Word. Francesca Riddick, a consecrated virgin from Consecrated continued on page A17