May | 2026 VOL 35 NO 9
IN THIS ISSUE
100 LITURGY RESULTS A6 RECORD-SETTING A4 PASTURAL B1 TURNING Holy Ghost parishioners Conservation retreat Bishop's Appeal surpasses goal draws parishioners to deacon's Tazewell farm
celebrate anniversary of 'new' church building
for 2025; 2026 campaign is off to a strong start
Catholic commentary ....................... A3 Parish news ....................................... B8 Diocesan calendar ............................ B9 Columns ......................................B10-11 Catholic schools ........................B13-14 La Cosecha ............................Section C
One nation under God
Celebrate America’s 250th with consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
June: Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, month of God’s infinite love
By Emily Booker
A
By Father Arthur Torres
B JOHN MECKLENBORG
s America prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial, many Catholics are using the celebration as an opportunity to pray for the nation and entrust it to God’s mercy. From the entire country down to individual homes, American Catholics are invited to call upon the loving Sacred Heart of Jesus. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday, June 11, the day preceding the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This consecration seeks “to entrust our nation to the love and care of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” “[The bishops] are meeting in Baltimore, all the bishops, and they are consecrating the nation on June 11,” Lisa Morris, president of the Sacred Heart Apostolate, said. “That is huge. It’s such a blessing for our nation, you know, one nation under God, and just everything that we represent as a nation. For them to take that step, I think it is a bold move. I think it’s a fantastic move.” Bishop Mark Beckman also is excited for the national consecration, which has inspired him to bring it back into the Diocese of Knoxville, into parishes and homes in East Tennessee. He is encouraging parishes and families to participate in this moment with prayer and consecration. “We’re celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America, when we declared our independence. This summer, the bishops of the
Consecration anticipation Bishop Mark Beckman, representing in East Tennessee the U.S. bishops, is excited for the national consecration that will take place June 11.
“The love of God flows from the heart of the Father through the heart of His Son, and it is that love which transforms our own hearts and sends us forth to bear His mercy and compassion to every person.” –– Bishop Mark Beckman
Consecrate continued on page A11
eloved readers and faithful Christians of the Diocese of Knoxville, Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, together with praying the holy rosary and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fr. Torres is one of the deepest and most widespread devotions within the Catholic Christian tradition. This spiritual image represents the infinite, merciful, and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ for humanity. Its profound symbolism has inspired millions of faithful throughout the centuries, inviting them into a more intimate and trusting relationship Sacred Heart continued on page A14
Bishop Beckman announces priest assignments Fr. Scholz retiring, Fr. Cummins named Sacred Heart Cathedral rector The East Tennessee Catholic
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ishop Mark Beckman has announced assignments for several priests in the Diocese of Knoxville and the retirement from active ministry of a long-serving pastor. The new assignments are effective July 1. Father Michael Cummins has been named rector of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, succeeding Father David Boettner, who will be serving as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in South Pittsburg and Shepherd of the Valley Parish in Dunlap. Father Mark Scholz, who has served as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and Shepherd of the Valley for more than two decades, will be retiring effective June 21. Father Scholz, who is 68, was named pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and Shepherd of the Valley on Aug. 1, 2005. Shepherd of the Valley Church was dedicated on Dec. 16, 2006, and Father Scholz was a presider at the dedication Mass. His pastorship also has included overseeing the Virgin of the Poor Shrine in New Hope. Father Scholz was ordained to the priesthood on July 20, 2002, at Holy Ghost Church in Knoxville by Bishop Joseph E. Kurtz. He was the 27th priest ordained in the Diocese of Knoxville. Before being named pastor of the two Southeast Tennessee parishes, Father Scholz served as an associate pastor at St. Jude Parish in Chattanooga and All Saints Parish Priests continued on page A15
Fr. Scholz
Fr. Cummins
Fr. Boettner
Fr. Kuzhupil
Fr. Griffith
Fr. Gladysz
Fr. Sturm
Fr. Makawa
Fr. Aboh
Fr. Daniels
Fr. Kress
Fr. Cano
Fr. Akkara
Fr. Kanattu
Fr. Austin