Pastor's Column
Holiday Joy and Sorrow
December 19, 2004
December is a roller coaster of a month. All human emotions are on display,
both high and low. In the midst of happy gatherings and the joyous expectation
of Christmas, I have become aware of a number of parishioners who are encountering
difficulties, be it sickness, loss, financial struggles, or just holiday melt
down. Let us keep in our thoughts and prayers those parishioners who are bearing
heavy burdens.
Please remember in a special way Joseph Dorvil, son-in-law of Dan and Susan
Speraw, who was brutally murdered in Haiti last weekend. It’s a devastating
and horrific situation, especially since they have been unable to recover
Joseph’s body. Susan wrote in an email from Haiti: “We look
at each other with mounting frustration, as it is difficult to know what to
say, and loving hugs and kind words seem so empty. All we do is greet Joseph's
family, visit with the priest who officiated at their marriage a year ago,
listen for the phones to ring, hold our breath, and pray, pray, pray without
ceasing. At this point we are praying for strength and courage.”
As we have supported these folks in Haiti with our financial gifts, now it
is time to support them with our prayers.
There is good news to report. Our football parking ministry this season was
a HUGE success, thanks to the dedicated work of Greg Duthey! This year in
rental income and donations, Greg raised $6959! That’s almost $2,000
more than last year. It was an amazing effort and testimony to his care and
devotion to John XXIII. Thanks Greg! We’ve also received a wonderful
Christmas gift from the estate of Coletta Begue, which will help us complete
the Paulus Room facelift. When she was able, Coletta attended the 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Mass with her nephew Bill Gossett and his wife Barbara. She always
had a wonderful attitude. Colleta loved Christmas! So, it is fitting that
this gift to John XXIII would come now.
Happy Anniversary I.C.!
December 12, 2004
This past Wednesday, Immaculate Conception Church downtown entered its 150th year of parish life with a wonderful liturgy celebrated with Bishop Kurtz, who also happened to be celebrating his fifth anniversary as Bishop of Knoxville. In the year ahead, there will be a number of events leading up to a big anniversary celebration next December 8th. Mark your calendars!
Our parish owes a great debt of gratitude to the oldest Catholic Church of Knoxville. The Newman Club of U.T. was started in the basement of there. Students would gather at I.C. for Mass and social functions. Eventually, they would find their way to 1710 Melrose Place after Edward Ashe donated his home to the Diocese in 1962. Until John XXIII was established in 1968, the priests of I.C. served as the Catholic chaplains to the University. It is fitting, then, that the Paulists were asked to staff not only John XXIII but also I.C. in 1973. In many ways we were and continue to be sister parishes.
As part of their anniversary celebration, I.C. is having the clocks in the church tower restored. Soon, the old fashion mechanism that needed to be wound by hand will be replaced by modern equipment. Fr. Bob suggested a digital display in the clock tower that could forecast the weather and give stock market updates, but Fr. Jim Haley said “no”. Also, the exterior of the Church will be lit at night, becoming a shining beacon on Summit Hill! Congrats I.C….Let your light shine on for years to come!
Liturgical Changes! (Again)
December 5, 2004
Perhaps you thought when we made those changes to the Mass last year, we were done. What seemed like a rare event is becoming an annual one. So this year, we are asked to make more refinements in our liturgy.
First, a recap! We are doing well on our bowing: during the words of the Incarnation in the creed: “by the power of the Holy Spirit was born of the Virgin Mary and became man,” at the consecration of the bread and wine when the priest genuflects, and when we come communion. Also, we need to continue to observe those times of sacred silence before and during Mass.
The main thing that is NEW is that we will stand at the Offertory after the priest says: “Pray that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father.” This is what the rest of the Church does. Let’s start this next week! Also in the New Year, you might notice that we will change the way we prepare the chalices at the offertory. This is meant to help prevent accidental spillage after the consecration.
On a related topic, during the cold and flu season some parishioners may
choose not to hold or shake hands during Mass. Please do not view this as
an unfriendly gesture, but a health concern. And it goes without saying that
if you are sick, please refrain from receiving from the cup.
Now, let’s all get out there and give thanks to the Lord!
HAPPY ADVENT!
November 28, 2004
This Sunday begins the season of Advent, our four week preparation for the feast of Christmas. It is a time for waiting, preparing and hoping, and not all of it is spiritual. In the midst of more secular preparations, I invite you take some time for yourself during Advent to prepare your hearts for the birth of Jesus. Make some retreat time: find some good spiritual reading, attend a daily mass or penance service, reach out to the needy in prayer and in deed. A reflective advent always leads to a more satisfying and joyous Christmas!
This Advent, not only do we have our annual penance service (Thursday, Dec. 2nd) and giving tree, we have also an Advent retreat night on Tuesday, December 14th and a new outreach to the poor at Christmas. Advent ushers in the “year of the Eucharist” as proclaimed by the Pope. The retreat will focus on that theme as it relates to the Season. Parishioners Sandra McEntire and Jeff Corthell have put together a wonderful program that matches “elves” with parents struggling to give their children a happy Christmas. They need more elves! The deadline is December 1. . Look for the fliers in the lobby.
May this New Year in the life of our faith community be filled with new life
and joy!
Season of Thanks
November 21, 2004
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this week! As we approach this holiday, I would like to give thanks for all of you! In many ways, large and small, you continue to inspire me and my faith. Here are a few examples:
First off, thanks for your prayerful concern and support of Fr. Bob, myself and the Paulist Community as we gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico for our Summit meeting. The gathering was profitable. Our future as a community is hopeful, yet tinged with sadness knowing we will have to withdraw from a few of our houses in response to shrinking personnel resources. As always, I believe Knoxville will be part of the Paulist future, but we have no iron-clad promises. So keep praying!
Secondly, I am awe-struck by your generous response to our new outreach to the Children’s Nutrition Project in Haiti. In two weeks we raised over $11,000 for the effort, an amazing outpouring of support. Beyond financial assistance, a number of parishioners have expressed an interest in going on a mission trip to Haiti. May we support them when the time comes for travel! Thanks to parishioners Dan and Susan Speraw and their daughter Cathy for sharing this work with us.
Finally, I want to thank the members of the finance and parish councils. With the staff, they have begun work on the Diocesan Capital Campaign at John XXIII. This monumental effort will begin in earnest in the Spring Semester. A successful campaign, while assisting the Diocese, will also allow us to make renovations to our parish plant and to fund new initiatives that will greatly assist our ministry. I thank you in advance for joining them in this very important endeavor. There will be a meeting for all who want to learn more and get involved in the Campaign, Monday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m.
On behalf of the Staff, Blessings to you and your loved one this Thanksgiving
Holiday!
Fr. Eric
The Paulist Gathering
November 7, 2004
I am writing this column on the eve of the elections. As you read this, Paulist Fathers from all over the United States will be gathered in Albuquerque, New Mexico discerning God’s call to our community for the next five years. While some of the meetings might be tedious, it will be great to see many Paulists who have served at John XXIII. I will send your regards and let them know our parish is alive and well. I will sit next to Fr. Terry to keep him awake. He is notorious for falling asleep during meetings.
Hopefully, the conversation will be animating, for there are plenty of challenges and opportunities that are before us as Catholics in North America for us to consider. What concerns me at the moment is post-election reconciliation. There hasn’t been a more divisive election in my recollection and I pray that the healing grace of God may come upon our country and our church which has been so polarized by the rhetoric of politicians, pundits, and pastors. Perhaps the true test of what it means to be a good Catholic, at this point, is how we will treat our neighbor who voted for the other guy.
If you are curious on how these Paulist events are unfolding, I invite you
check out a weblog from the proceedings, by the pastor of our campus ministry
at Ohio State. The address is: http://corporalworks.com/wcms/index.php?summit.
Of course, you may have noticed by now that I am in town this weekend. I slipped
away unnoticed to attend the Notre Dame Game. Hopefully they won’t realize
I’ve been gone when I return Sunday night!
The Joys of Early Voting
October 24, 2004
During Fall Break last week, after returning from a trip to the Mountains (read outlet shopping), on a lark, I stopped at the early voting location in South Knoxville, where the old Wal-Mart used to be. Fr. Jim Brucz, my traveling companion, was gracious enough to wait for me. As I left the car, I could tell he was fixing for a long wait. I too was envisioning long lines inside the doors. To both of our surprise, I was in and out of the place in about five minutes! A triumph of democracy, I thought to myself.
For those of you who are ready to cast your ballot, and don’t have an Election Day voting ritual, I urge you to consider voting early. If you are as scatter brained as I am, better to get the job done early and kick back on Nov. 2. Students who are registered can take the trolley to the County Court House at the corner of Main and Gay Sts. and vote. You’ve got until Oct. 28. Hopefully your experience will be similar to mine.
While I am on the subject, hats off to parishioner Greg Mackay, Administrator of Elections, for keeping us informed and providing us with the resources to register many students this fall. He informs me that people are needed to look up voter registration forms on Election Day at his office. If you have time and would like to be of assistance, call Tammy Cole at 215-3376 to schedule a time to work.
Search Report
October 17, 2004
This past weekend, 75 students gathered for our annual College Search retreat. Every year, I look forward to this event because it renews my faith and gives me great hope that the future of our Church is in good hands. College Search is run completely by the students for the students, and there is nothing more effective than people witnessing to their faith to their peers. The amount of openness and trust with God and one another that is built in the course of 48 hours is truly the work of the Spirit. Many students who have gone on Search say it was a truly transformative experience in their faith.
I must commend all the leaders of this year’s retreat for their commitment to their fellow students. It was apparent to me that they followed the scriptural adage to “give the gift they received.” Adam Riddell, Julia Stoll and Michael “Oboe” Donovan who co-directed the event are deserving of special praise. They were not only highly organized but even more so, they knew instinctively how to build and nurture community, a very rare and priceless gift of which some pastor down the road will be very thankful. Erin Foster, Robby Reynolds and their “K-Crew” also outdid themselves in providing needed nourishment for body, mind and spirit. Finally, all of the students want to thank you in the parish for your prayers and your financial support. For them, it completely under girded their weekend.
All of this reporting may have you saying to yourself, who are no longer
undergraduates, how about us? Can we get a retreat? The answer is absolutely!
I would enthusiastically support such an effort. Remember, it takes serious
effort of a number of people to get a retreat weekend up and running, but,
as the students show me year after year, the results are amazingly beneficial.
Who’s up for it? Time to step up!
Survivor Awareness
October 10, 2004
Since the priest abuse scandals broke almost two years ago, Catholics have been sensitive to the needs of victims. There has been a wide spectrum of responses in our Church. Dioceses and religious orders have attempted to address the issues, not always to the satisfaction of the laity. Lay groups such as Voice of the Faithful and Survivors’ Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) have challenged the hierarchy of the Church to be more forthright and transparent, to the exasperation of some in authority. Strong feelings are normal and appropriate for victims, their loved ones and those who minister to them, but can be alarming to those who are not directly affected or those who are in “management” positions.
Earlier this fall, speaking to some U.S. Bishops, the Pope reminded them of their need to develop a pastoral style which is ever more open to collaboration with all. While Bishops remain responsible for making the final decisions, this presupposes participation in decision making by “every category of the faithful.” This is a reminder that with this issue and any other serious issue we have to dialogue with one another and ask the Spirit of God to be with us so we may seek the healing grace of Christ and discern how we are to move forward as the People of God.
Along these lines, there are two items of information I want to bring to your attention. This Wednesday, SNAP will be holding workshops on campus on “Life after Clergy Sexual Abuse.” For more info, go to their website at: www.breakingthesilenceweek.com. While important information will be shared, judging from their press release, I would expect the workshop to be very provocative in tone, especially as a victim of abuse by Bishop O’Connell will be present. Secondly, The Diocese is committed to helping anyone who has been abused by religious or clergy. Anyone who has has actual knowledge of or who has reasonable cause to suspect an incident of sexual abuse should report such information to the pastoral staff at John XXIII, the bishop’s office 865-584-3307, or the diocesan victims’ assistance coordinator, Marla Lenihan, 865-482-1388.
Let us continue to remember all victims of abuse in our prayers, asking God to lead them to the help and healing they deserve.
October 3, 2004
Last Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. Dr. John Peterson, President of the University of Tennessee, and his daughter Melissa joined us for Mass. As you would expect, your priests gave him a proper welcome and the co-directors of Student Association presented him with a CSA baseball cap, an honor reserved for visiting dignitaries, like the Bishop. I am sure he just wanted to blend in with the others, but he was gracious with all the attention.
Come to think of it, he was more than just gracious. Perhaps having heard the challenge of last week’s Gospel in which the rich man ignored the poor Lazarus, he stayed after Mass and ate with the students for Sunday Supper. At any large University, huge chasms can exist between the administration and undergraduates. To me, his presence with the students was a symbol of the type of witness Christ is asking of all of us: to be people who seek to bridge the gaps that our society creates. As members of the Body of Christ, we are all connected.
One last thing, while it’s appropriate to welcome Dr. Peterson and
his family in a special way, the challenge is to treat one another, especially
all newcomers, as if they were the President of U.T.!
VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE
September 26, 2004
After each mass this week, we will have a voter registration drive. While this may be the first year that many of our first year students have had an opportunity to vote, many others who are much older have yet to register. Young or old, here’s your chance to exercise your duty as a citizen.
As you recall from four years ago, every vote does count and every voice needs to be heard. Over the last number of weeks, we have been printing segments from the U.S. Bishops on Faithful Citizenship. The Gospels direct us to let our light shine out to all the nations. Participating in the electoral process is not only a virtue but a moral obligation. How can we expect positive change in our country and world, if we ourselves stand on the sidelines?
For some, the choice over who is best to run our country is an easy one. For others, it’s not so clear. Become knowledgeable of the issues and don’t rely on five second sound bites, especially in areas of human life and dignity, and justice and peace. Bring those issues to prayer and discuss them with your brothers and sisters. For more information on what the Church is saying about the election year, go to the bishop’s website at: www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship. We will hold discussion sessions in October. But before any of that, REGISTER! Your voice counts!
God Bless,
Fr. Eric
Paulist Summit Meeting
September 19, 2004
During the first week of November a large portion of the Paulist Community will gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico to formulate a strategic plan for the next five years. This type of meeting is new to our community and reflects our need to consider how best to use our resources to meet the demands of the Church in North America.
In the past year, Paulists have been gathering in different parts of the country to begin this process by reflection on our past and our dreams for the future. Now we are nearing the culmination of the process where directions will be set. It is too early to say what the outcomes will be or what effect that will have on our Paulist ministry locally. Yet, I am optimistic that our presence here is a benefit to you all as it is to us Paulists, and will continue. Fr. Bob and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about this gathering and would be happy to carry with us your reflections on the impact of the Paulists on the University of Tennessee and Knoxville.
Most of all, as we prepare for this “summit” meeting, I ask you
all for your prayerful support of our community, that the Spirit may be with
us as we continue to meet the needs of the People of God in North America
and in East Tennessee!
Strengthening Relationships
September 12, 2004
Last week at the morning masses, I spoke about relationships and how challenging they can be to “keep green.” There is so much energy, excitement, and celebration associated with a couple’s wedding day that it if they aren’t mindful, it might seem that it’s all downhill from there; that there is no longer any need to work on the relationship. Nothing could be further from the case. We believe that all committed relationships should grow and flourish when the love of God is present.
This fall we are initiating opportunities for couples and families to strengthen their bonds with one another, with the Christian community, and most especially, with God. Laurie Smith, a licensed marriage and family therapist, has volunteered her time to offer an eight week workshop designed for couples to deepen their relationship with one another and with God starting September 19th. If you and your significant other are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, especially with communication and conflict resolution, I urge you to consider this generous offer of assistance. Don’t wait for the small annoyances to build beyond the point of repair.
There are many newly married couples in our parish. Many have recently settled in Knoxville and have left other support networks behind. We are starting an informal social group for young married couples so they can develop a small community of care, support, and friendship. Look for announcements soon! We are also blessed with many families with children. Thanks to DeAnna Croisdale, we are starting up monthly game nights for parishioners of all ages to gather for food and fun. Raising kids is a fulfilling and exhausting ministry… Come together with others to share the joy!
I am confident that these efforts in our parish will help build and strengthen the bonds of love in our families and in our parish so that we can be Good News to all we encounter!
God Bless,
Fr. Eric.
LABOR DAY QUIZ
September 5, 2004
Not only does this weekend allow us a chance to rest and enjoy summer one last time but Labor Day also offers us the opportunity to examine how our nation responds to the needs of workers. As a people of faith, we have a special concern for immigrant workers, those who toil in sweatshops, and those who work and live below the poverty line. Take this quiz of the facts, courtesy of the National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice (www.nicwj.org), to look at the areas of challenge for our nation.
1. How many adults work full-time but earn poverty-level wages?
2. How Many Americans are without health care insurance?
3. What percentage of families go into bankruptcy because of health care costs?
4. True or false, Do sweatshops exist in the US?
5. What percentage of workers are in unions?
Here are the quick facts: One out of four adults working full-time earns below the poverty line. 44 million Americans have no health insurance. 50 % of household bankruptcies are caused by health care costs. Sweatshops do exist in the U.S. and are routine violators of labor laws. And only 13% of workers in the U.S. are represented by labor unions, with a higher percentage in public sector jobs. To learn more, pick up the handout in the lobby.
As we celebrate this weekend, let us give thanks for all who through their work and labor have built and are building up the Kingdom of God on Earth. We pray for all who are searching for employment may find meaningful work and that all peoples may be justly compensated and affirmed for the work they do.
Have a great Holiday! Fr. Eric
PS: Go Vols!
FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!
August 25, 2004
There is nothing quite like home games at the University of Tennessee. My undergraduate years were spent at New York University and the only Division I team we had was fencing. The football and basketball programs crashed in the early 1970s. So, my first real experience of big time collegiate sports was when I arrived in Knoxville. I was completely blown away by the experience. Each fall I look forward to the new season. This year, however, has been a bit of a challenge.
In early summer, it was decided that the first game of the season would be played on Labor Day Sunday. There were expressions of concern around town that this would effect Church going. There is no congregation more directly impacted than ours. I communicated with Athletic Director Mike Hamilton our concerns, especially about parking. I have been assured that we will be able to use the University parking lots until 1:00 p.m. on September 5th.
If you encounter a parking attendant when you come to Mass next Sunday, simply tell them you are going to Church at John XXIII. In our experience, people don’t start arriving on campus for a night game until after lunch. I don’t expect hysteria to build on campus until about 3:00 p.m. So, please don’t be frightened off. That goes for you Saturday night folks, too. It’s quiet around the Church on Boomsday. We will still have the Sunday night mass at 5:30 p.m., but there will be only paid football parking on the property starting at 1:00 p.m.
In advance, this is a great time to thank Greg Duthey who does an amazing job coordinating football parking at John XXIII. It was his foresight who saw the potential 10 years ago, and his dedication over the years that has made this effort so financially helpful to the parish.
Enjoy all the Labor Day weekend festivities, especially Mass at John XXIII!
God Bless, Fr. Eric
August 22, 2004
Welcome, once again, to all who are new to John XXIII and those who have been away for the summer! It’s great to be back.
Over the summer months, the staff has been feverishly preparing for the new academic year. Keep an eye out for new initiatives, especially those connected with outreach and social justice, including an outreach to local homeless families and the people in Haiti. We hope to form a discussion group to parallel the service projects in which we are involved.
Building up our parish community is another priority. We hope to start up a new group for recently married couples. For those couples who want to improve their relationships, we will offer an 8 week workshop for enrichment. We will launch a group to meet the spiritual needs of our Catholic athletes, who are often wooed away from the Church by other Christian groups while at UT. And for fun, we will have a monthly game night for all parishioners starting in September.
In the area of education, we are planning workshops on faith and religion as we approach the upcoming elections, so we can make informed and wise choices in November. Check out the Seekers of Silence group. They have a great slate of talks on Spirituality this fall.
There is much more to talk about, but I hope you will be as excited as I am about the many opportunities we will have to gather and grow together!
Have a great week! Fr. Eric
Happy New Year!
August 15, 2004
Forget what the calendar says, this weekend begins the new year here on campus. After three months of relative quiet, we are jolted to attention by the bangs and slams of car trunks, the parade of boxes and suitcases, the tearful goodbyes of parents, the sounds of music blaring from the strip, and, yes, the loss of convenient parking…
The beginning of the school year is at once exciting and joy filled, and downright frightening! Everything lies before us filled with possibility. Last year’s disasters, in most cases, seem like distant memories. Won’t this be the year to meet the love of your life, get the perfect 4.0, make life long friends, be national champions? For now, absolutely! To all students, returning or newly arrived, I invite you to set new goals, stay vigilant throughout the semester, and challenge yourself to reach your God-given potential.
For those who are new to the university community and John XXIII, WELCOME! We are glad you are here. You are a source of renewal, a sign that the Lord is continually doing new things. If you are a new student, professor, or staff member, it will take time to make the transition, to figure out where UT hides all the resources you need, and to get through periods of anxiety and dread. John XXIII is here to be your refuge in the happy storm. Have trust and ask for help! This Eucharistic community is here to support you.
May all of us, as this new year begins, be renewed in the Spirit. May we be reminded how deeply we are loved by God and share that Good News with all we encounter!
Peace, Fr. Eric.