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Welcome back to Ordinary Time!

January 13, 2012 by Fr. Charlie  
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Greetings, my friends!


The Church for time immemorial has called this “Ordinary Time.”  That does not seem to convey much of the specialness and beauty of this time, as the campus begins to buzz again even on these chilly days.

This coming weekend, in addition to all our regular events, Saturday morning we host the Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday group at 8:30am.  Fr. Ragan Schriver will be leading a discussion on the Spirituality of the Poor.  All are welcome.

Additionally, many from the Diocese and Blessed John XXIII will be gathering in witness to the value of all human life at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, with clergy, religious, and all who join us for the third annual Rosary for Life across from the abortion clinic at 313 S. Concord St. in Knoxville.

Please remember that we now have Adult Bible Studies with Dr. Ruth both at 8am and at 10:10am on Sunday mornings!  A number of new parents started the 8am Bible study, so it is very child and toddler friendly and as always, ALL ARE WELCOME.

We’ve been busy working to plan the coming semester!  You’ll hear more shortly!

There are a number of Paulists guests over the next few weeks, some familiar and long missed others new and ready to become new fiends!

Fr. Eric Andrews will be with us the weekend of January 21-22nd!  Fr. Eric was at John XXIII for many years both as an Associate and as Pastor until the Spring of 2009.  Each year around the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle we host a visiting Paulist priest for our Annual Paulist Appeal.  There will be refreshments after each Mass with Father Eric and it will be great to welcome him back!  More information on the Paulist Appeal is here: http://www.paulist.org/give/appeal.php
Deacon Rich Andre will be moving to Knoxville and to John XXIII for his new assignment here both as a transitional Deacon and upon his Ordination to the priesthood in late May.  We will welcome him officially as a parish at all the weekend Masses January 28-29th!  You can “friend” Deacon Rich on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=644268563
Fr. Tom Ryan will be here the following week Feb 1-5th visiting both Immaculate Conception Church and Blessed John XXIII.  Fr. Tom is has dedicated his priesthood to Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs with the Paulist Fathers.

It’ll be great to have so many Paulists with us!

In the meantime, be warm and safe!

Great peace,

Fr. Charlie

Welcome back and happy First Sunday of Advent!

November 28, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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As the school year winds down, or really winds up in the stress of preparing final papers, presentations and exams, please know of Dr. Ruth and my prayers for each and every one of y’all during these days!

Our Advent wreath in lit, our Advent Tree is up, and there are a number of ornaments still to be adopted for the children of Inskip School and the amazing people of the RHA Health Service.  (see their link: http://www.rhahealthservices.org/)  Wonderfully, many of the young adults in these home residences will celebrate their Christmas Party at John XXIII in mid-December.  It will be great to welcome them!

There are a number of events and groups this week that I want to call your attention to:

Monday: Advent Pizza & Penance Service! Pizza at 7pm, Reconciliation Service with opportunitiy for individual confession at 7:30pm.  We’ll pray together and one of our student leaders will offer  reflection; all are welcome!

Tuesday: Awakening Fourth Day, 7pm! For all the students who have already been on the Awakening Retreat(s), Vol Awakening 1,2,3, or 4!  7pm on the Paulus Room; a time to reflect and recollect together!  More than a ‘reunion’ it is a time to build upon the spirit of community we’re building up!

Wednesday: Catholic Student Association, 7pm! The last official meeting of the semester, a time to quiet rest and meditation, using the “de-stress guided meditation” with Fr. Charlie in the Chapel.

Friday: Catholic Student Assoc. Christmas Party, Meet at John XXIII at 5:30pm to car pool; party 6:00pm! This wonderful annual event at the Paulists Rectory (707 East Scott Avenue, Knoxville -) is a great way to both connect with your John XXIII friends and make new ones!  If you haven’t been able to make Wednesday nights this semester or a while, YOU ARE STILL WELCOME!

Once finals start, please know that the John XXIII building will be open until 2am for your studying, writing, or Wii playing pleasure!  Our food for finals program should keep the place well stocked with both snacks as well as “real food.” :)

Great peace this week!

All the best,

Fr. Charlie

Thanksgiving Dinner this Friday Evening and Reflections on A Family Meal

November 17, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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As we prepare for our Thanksgiving Dinner this Friday at Blessed John XXIII, it is not only a time of busyness but reflection.
Why we do what we do:
  • This meal, like Thanksgiving Meals all over the world, brings together families that are close and not so close, and features homecomings for many.
  • We hope that you participate not only in this meal and event, but also that it be a springboard for a deeper connection with the student community – parish and family community “nexus” that makes up our members .
  • It’s potluck, as we share the fruits of our labors, be they in the kitchen or up and down the aisles of a local store…  It is a bit like the ‘stone soup’ story… We start with a few trays of stuffing and mashed potatoes, and by the time we all get here, there is a cornucopia!
  • It isn’t just food – we’ll play Bingo (for fun; no prizes and such like we used to…)  It’ll be free and just about the fun and fellowship!
  • We welcome one and all; no admission, no requirements, just fellowship!
St. Brigit of Ireland wrote a prayer in the 570′s that pretty much sums it up:
I should like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I should like the angels of Heaven to be drinking it through time eternal.
I should like excellent meats of belief and pure piety.
I should like the men of Heaven at my house.
I should like barrels of peace at their disposal.
I should like for them cellars of mercy.
I should like cheerfulness to be their drinking.
I should like Jesus to be there among them.
I should like the three Marys of illustrious renown to be with us.
I should like the people of Heaven, the poor, to be gathered around from all parts.

Speaking of meals, there is a great Catholic Update, about the upcoming Roman Missal:

It is attached, or available at:
Great peace and we’ll see you this weekend!
Fr. Charlie
N.B. There are currently seven families/houses bringing cooked and sliced turkeys; we usually have 9… if anyone’s up for turkey-cooking, please email andrea@john23rd.org so we’ll be sure to have enough!

 

“Knowledge, Prayer, Eucharist, Silence, Service, Celebration and Commendation to God” Weekend

November 11, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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This weekend contains within it a little of every thing we are/do as Church.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Morning we’re hosting the Seekers of Silence Monthly Session!  We gather at 8:30am for quiet meditation and a lecture discussion.  This Saturday will feature Dr. John Prados, beloved parishioner and former Provost of the University.  He’ll speak on “Growing Old Spiritually: Living Well the 2 Halves of Life.”  The group concludes with a brown bag lunch.
Saturday afternoon, we’ll host one of our students Elliot Bertasi and his collegues’ service learning class as they celebrate the second “KnoxKicks Tournament.”  About 125 Iraqi refugee children will be playing soccer in the “Hyper Bubble”, then having a big Chili Dinner at John XXIII.   This kind of support for student initiated service is what we are all about.
Then of course, Saturday Mass at 5:30pm.
Our Sunday Morning Masses are of course at 9am and 11:15am, and our evening Mass at 5:30pm and our night mass at 10pm.
Our Masses this weekend and next weekend will be have a learning focus on the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.  As you may be aware, since the time of Blessed Pope John XXIII and the promulgation of Sacrosantum concilium (The Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) the english speaking world is now entering the Era of the Third Edition of the Mass in English, starting on November 29, 2011 (The first weekend of Advent.)  We will get a ‘running start!’  Many aspects of the changes in the language and gestures are quite beautiful and meant to uplift, but change, especially communal change is always difficult both to get used to and to participate fully within!  (As any user of Facebook can attest!)
On Monday, our community will gather again to celebrate the life of Art McBride and commend his soul to God.  The Funeral Mass will begin at 10am, and Jeanne and their children will receive friends beforehand beginning at 9am.  Art’s obituary is linked here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxnews/obituary.aspx?n=arthur-francis-mcbride&pid=154556347
Please keep Art’s family, especial Jeanne and their children as well as the KnoxKicks Tournament participants in your prayers this weekend!
Knowledge, Prayer, Eucharist, Silence, Service, Celebration and Commendation to God.  Three days at the heart of the mission of our community and Church in the Modern World! (see additional link to Gaudium et spes, the Constitution on the Church, as iterated by the Second Vatican Council.)
Great peace,
Fr. Charlie
N.B. We look forward to seeing you as well on Friday, November 18th at 6:30pm for our Annual POTLUCK THANKSGIVING Dinner!

“Homecoming Weekend”

November 4, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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As the campus welcomes so many “home,” I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Fr. Eric Andrews, CSP back this weekend!


It barely seems like the nearly three years it has been since he went “from Dollywood to Hollywood.”  It is good to have him back with us.  Please know that Fr. Eric will preside and preach at both Sunday Morning Masses (9am & 11:15am) and concelebrate the Homecoming Football Mass on Saturday (5pm.)

Early Monday, Fr. Eric and I head to Washington DC for the Paulist Pastors Meeting.  Please know that we will have the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass on Monday and Thursday at 4pm (Reconciliation) 5:05pm (Mass.)  On Tuesday and Wednesday, we will have Communion Services at 5:05pm.

I’d like to also know that:
  • I have also heard from the “Paulist Central” and Fr. Mike McGarry, our president!  Deacon Rich Andre has been assigned here effective January 18, 2012!   Deacon Rich was just recently ordained a transitional Deacon (leading to his ordination to Priesthood) in September, and will be ordained a Priest, God willing, on May 19, 2012 in New York at our Mother Church, St. Paul the Apostle.  I am doubly excited to prepare to welcome Deacon Rich, not only as a ‘second priestly hand on the wheel, but also for the experience for us all of Deaconal Ministry and preparation for Priesthood.  You’ll find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=644268563
  • The Seekers of Silence Group will  meet next Saturday, November 13th will feature our own John Prados speaking on “Growing Older Spiritually:  Living Well the Two Halves of Life.” There is more information available in the bulletin.
  • Please remember that Friday, Nov 18 at 6:30pm is our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner!  We not only hope you’ll join us, but also sign up to help with set up or clean up and perhaps bring a dish to share!

Please know of Dr. Ruth’s, Barbara Lockett’s, Andrea Sirek’s and my prayers for a safe, healthy, and Happy Homecoming!

Have a blessed weekend and week!

Peace,

Fr. Charlie

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An Early Welcome to Deacon Rich Andre, CSP!

November 3, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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I also wanted to update you: I have also heard from the “Paulist Central” and Fr. Mike McGarry, our president!
Deacon Rich Andre has been assigned here effective January 18, 2012!
Deacon Rich was just recently ordained a transitional Deacon (leading to his ordination to Priesthood) in September, and will be ordained a Priest, God willing, on May 19, 2012 in New York at our Mother Church, St. Paul the Apostle.
You’ll find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=644268563
I am doubly excited to prepare to welcome Deacon Rich, not only as a ‘second priestly hand on the wheel,’ but also for the experience for us all of Deaconal Ministry and preparation for Priesthood.
You’ll hear more about Deacon Rich in the coming months!
Great peace and I look forward to seeing you this Homecoming Weekend!

 

“The South Carolina Weekend”

October 29, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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Hello and Blessings this day and always!
On this last weekend in October, we not only greet visitors from South Carolina, but also welcome Cibi Sripathi into the Church fully with her First Eucharist and Confirmation at the 9:00am Mass on Sunday!
Please know that we’ll have a Vigil Mass at 5:15pm on Saturday before the football game at 7:15pm.  I’m honored to be giving the Invocation at the game, and hope you’ll pray with me at that time wherever you are!
Please know also, that tomorrow’s pre game showcase at UT will be special:

October 29—Tom Burman, department head and professor of history, presents “Christians’ Reactions to the Koran in History.” His remarks will provide an overview of Christian-Muslim relations throughout the ages, drawing from his scholarly work which focuses on the intellectual and religious interactions between Latin Christendom and Arab Islam, especially as these can be seen in the transition and circulation of Arabic works in medieval and early-modern Europe.  More information on this great program is here:  (http://pregameshowcase.utk.edu/more.html)

Our Masses are as usual on Sunday, 9am, 11:15am, 5:30pm, and 10pm.  We’ll have a reception after the 9am for Cibi and her family, and our Sunday Supper (6:30pm) is by the Mulligans, whose dinners are always a big hit!
We welcome Fr. Jerry Tully, my Paulist brother from the staff at Immaculate Conception, as he’ll be celebrating the 5:30pm Mass.
I remain grateful to you for the prayers and well wishes not only for the priests’ retreat this past week, but for the recuperation of my back.  Your care and concern has meant a great deal.
You may also be interested in a brief story that Paulist Today did on my recent work with the City of Knoxville Police Department Chaplain Corps, that link is here: http://www.paulist.org/news/profiles/111016_donahue.php
…and lastly, please know that Fr. Eric Andrews, our wonderful past Pastor and my dear friend and bother will be with us next weekend, and celebrating the 9am and 11:15am Masses!  Receptions will follow those Masses; if you’d like to bring any cookies/goodies to share, they’d be welcome!
Great peace this weekend!
Fr. Charlie

 

“The Georgia Weekend”

October 8, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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Greetings and Blessings! 

While so many get ready for the Georgia game on Saturday, as well as the school and any social pressures, I hope you are taking advantage of the great weather!
Please know that our Saturday Mass will be at 5:00pm, two hours before the kickoff and all are welcome.  There will be plenty of parkers on the lawn and campus, and we are grateful for their support!
If you attending the game, before the game is the Annual TIM KERIN FUND DRIVE, and John XXIII and CSA is participating!

Tim Kerin Fund Drive
The Tim Kerin Food Drive will be held just before the beginning of the UT Georgia game on October 8 to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. This is being held in memory of Tim Kerin who was the head athletic trainer of the UT football team, and an active John XXIII Parishioner!
We are in need of a few more volunteers to represent CSA!  All volunteers will receive a T-shirt.  Volunteers are asked to report to the parking lot in front of the Communications Building at 4:30 on Saturday.
If you would like to help out – even for a hour or so – this worthy cause, please email John West at jwest30@utk.edu or look for the John XXIII People between 4:30pm and kickoff! We do still need four or five more volunteers as we have “duty” on four gates.
Sunday will of course see our Masses at 9am, 11:15am, 5:30pm and 10pm.
Sunday Morning will see our faithful Knights of Columbus cooking their amazing Pancake Breakfasts after the 9 and 11:15am masses – C’mon by!
Sunday evening will see a wonderful Sunday Supper both inside and out our newly rebuilt picnic tables!
Additionally, many people have been praying for Madeline Hassil, who has taken quite ill.  I have been in touch with Madeline’s daughter who has let me know of Madeline’s progress – while she is not ready for calls or visits, if you’d like her address for a ‘thinking of you” or get well soon” card, please just let me know! (email: frcharlie@gmail.com)
Meanwhile, please keep Dr. Ruth in your prayers as she heads up to Eire, PA to co-lead the Diocesan Priests Retreat!
Have a lovely weekend!
Fr. Charlie

 

This Weekend at Blessed John XXIII

September 29, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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First off, in addition to letting you know about some of the exciting events at Blessed John XXIII this weekend, I wanted to say THANK YOU for the prayers and thoughts (and some cookies!) during this past week for me.

For about a decade now I have lived with some chronic, irregular lower back issues. For the third in that decade, I landed “back first” in the hospital.

It has been a slow week, but it is getting better and better! THANK YOU for your support, and the support of my Paulist brothers Fr. Ron Franco and Fr. Jerry Tully!

This weekend we welcome Fr. Larry Rice, CSP, the general consultor of the Paulist Fathers, at all the Masses.

This is fortuitous as his visit has been scheduled for a while. He’ll be leading a ‘visioning’ meeting with the Parish Council on Sunday afternoon, please keep that meeting in your prayers!

 

* This Saturday Mass is regular time of 5:30 since the kickoff for the Buffalo Game game is at 12:30. Of course, all are welcome!

* Next Saturday Mass at 5:00 pm due to 7:00 pm kickoff for the game

* PLease join us Sunday for the: Potlock BBQ Sunday October 2 after 11:15 am Mass!

* Please note there is No Sunday Supper this Sunday due to UT Fall Break. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and know how appreciated you are!

Football Game Day Vigil Mass

September 1, 2011 by Fr. Charlie  
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Our Saturday Vigil Mass will begin at 5:00pm, given that Kickoff is at 7:00 pm in our game against Vanderbilt.

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