Pastor's Column
Summer's here! This column will resume in August. In the meantime, check out our food for thought section.
All Our Children
May 23, 2004
As the Sunday school year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been instrumental in forming our children in the Catholic Christian faith. Of course, the bulk of that formation and education happens at home with children and their parents and guardians. Still our CCD program has a wonderful impact on our youngest parishioners. Special thanks to Donna Dudek for coordinating our CCD program. Donna's concern for the well being of our children is exceptional and she continually goes the extra mile to see that the special needs of our classes are met. I also appreciate the fact that Donna's a TV producer. It helps explain why she keeps so calm in the midst of it all!
On every grade level, our teachers have out done themselves to provide creative, fun, and engaging environments for their students to learn. I am continually thankful for the sacrifices they make to this ministry week after week. Our middle school class is so into it, they initiated the idea to have a lock-in retreat and also to meet again over the summer. When middle school kids want extra class time, you know something good is happening! I also want to commend the first communion class and their teacher Mary Ellen Johansen for forming a very loving community that helped make one of their classmate Justin who has special needs feel at home and part of the group. They certainly learned what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ! These are just two examples of how the Spirit is working on Sunday morning between the masses!
There is always a need for parishioners to assist in the Christian formation of our children. If you would like to be a Sunday school teacher or assistant, let Donna know. If you would like to be a teacher for the Children's Liturgy of the Word, we very much need your help, especially at the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Speak to me or Fr. Bob if you are interested. These days, with all the time and red tape that is required by the diocese of all who serve our children, the sacrifice is greater. But, so much more is the reward of our children growing to know, love and serve the Lord!
Have a great week! Fr. Eric
PS: Starting next week, our bulletin will go to one page and this column will go on hiatus until August. Meanwhile, look for a smaller "food for thought" feature.
Happy Anniversary!
May 16, 2004
May is anniversary month for many Paulists. So I thought it would be fitting to honor those who have served and are serving this parish so well, and bring you up to date on their whereabouts.
First the special honorees: Fr. Bob will celebrate 20 years as a priest on May 19th! (Please make a fuss while I am gone!) Fr. Bob Moran, who is the current novice director in Washington, DC, celebrated 40 years on May 11th. Fr. Jim Brucz, who is at I.C., celebrated 30 years on May 11th.
In order of seniority, here's info about other Paulists who have
served at John XXIII:
Fr. Bob Scott, still assisting at the other UT(Austin), celebrated 56
years on May 3rd. On the same day, Fr. Jim McQuade, who continues to serve
as a hospital chaplain in New York City, celebrated 48 years as a Paulist
priest. Fr. Stan, retired in Boston, celebrated 44 years in January. Fr.
Pete Shea, who is stationed in San Francisco, celebrated 42 years on May
11th. Fr. Charlie Brunick celebrated 34 years on March 7th. He is serving
as a missionary based in Chicago. Mike Kallock was ordained 31 years on
May 4th. He's now the Vice President of the Paulists Fathers.
On May 14th, Fr. Terry celebrated 27 years. He will visit here the first week of June and then restart his sabbatical in July at the monastery. He shares his anniversary with Tom Foley, who now serves at our parish in Austin, TX. Chuck Cunniff will celebrate 21 years a priest on May 21st. He will be moving from Grand Rapids to Ohio State University in June to serve as campus minister there. Fr. Ernie, now with the Archdiocese of Toronto, celebrated 16 years on May 14th. Fr. John B. Ardis, director of the Paulist Center in Boston, is 14 years a priest as of May 12th.
Finally, I, your humble pastor, celebrated 9 years a priest on May 13th. I am honored to serve in the company of all of these Paulists! John XXIII has certainly been blessed by these men who are each special and unique but all of whom share the wonderful Paulist spirit! I salute all of them from an outdoor café somewhere in Europe where I am taking a short break!
Ciao! Fr. Eric
Commencement!
May 9, 2004
In the past few weeks there have been so many new beginnings, I don't know where to begin! Let me start with the youngest and work my way up. It was a joy to welcome nine young people to first communion on Sunday. They are all wonderful children well prepared by Mary Ellen Johansen, assisted by Natalie Pernotto. In rehearsal one student noted that the unconsecrated bread tasted like cardboard. After first communion, he changed his mind and said that the Body of Christ tasted much better. A scientific case for transubstantiation? We are contacting our people in Rome.
Yesterday morning, we sent many of our students forth to begin new endeavors as UT Graduates. It is a bittersweet moment for us every year. We are extremely proud of the students who have been a part of this parish for 4 or more years. This year we have many students who have graduated with University distinction. They include Nichole Bold, Ashley Maynor, Brandon Kaetzel, Michael Romer, and Jannelle Lawrence. I am also proud of those seniors who have made a difference in our parish including Silvia May, Ryan Dainty, Anne Marie McCabe, Allicia Evert-Hendrix and Jenny Parker. These graduates are the just the beginning of a long list of students who worship here who will no doubt make a difference wherever they go! It is sad to see them leave us, but I am confident their future contributions to society will be amazing! (Besides, we can take some credit for any future glory!)
Finally, I want to recognize two "older" parishioners. After 30 years of coming to John 23rd, Fred Stephens finally decided to become a Catholic himself on April 18th. He surprised his wife Sue the day before with the news. After proper investigation, it was clear that Fred had completed a very prolonged RCIA experience. Special thanks to Joan Easterly and Ed Howley for serving as his sponsors. And Finally, Jim Chamberlain who leads the music group on Sunday nights announced that he is applying to the Jesuits for their novitiate in the fall. Jim has been a gift to this community, and it will be very hard to say goodbye. God has called him out of our community to serve others, and we give thanks for his vocation and the opportunity we have had to share the Spirit with him.
What a month it has been! The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Peace, Fr. Eric.
The End Is
Near.
May 2, 2004
Did you feel something different when you came to campus for mass this weekend? The anxiety level on campus has ratcheted up more than a few notches. Monday begins the final exam season and the tension is palpable. Of course, I have full confidence in the ability of our students to do a good job, so I am praying that they are able to actualize their God given potential!
Unlike others, I do have sympathy for the plight of those students who have waited until the last minute to get things done. Whether it's genetic or conditioned by experience, I, too, have been known to be a procrastinator. (Matter of fact, Barbara is patiently waiting to get this column before the bulletin deadline.) Perhaps you are predisposed to this condition as well? There are pluses and minuses to this approach to life. On the upside, waiting gives one ample opportunity to allow the creative process to take its course. On the downside, leaving everything to the last hot minute is usually a recipe for disaster. It's hard to do one's best work.
Perhaps the compromise is this: to thoughtfully approach all things; neither rushing too fast to get things out of the way, nor ignoring responsibilities until it is almost too late. Take time to smell the roses, but don't fall asleep in the flower bed! This is true not only of our responsibilities, but our spiritual lives as well. Everyday is a new opportunity to deepen our relationship with the God who loves us deeply. Do we take the time to give thanks for that love and seek to return it through our relationship with others? There is no time like the present! I hope this simple advice is not too late for those preparing for finals.
God bless, Fr. Eric
PS: CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THOSE GRADUATING. YOU ARE THE SUBJECT OF NEXT WEEK'S COLUMN!
Join The Poll!
April 25, 2004
On Friday, we took a poll at the appreciation dinner, and played a little Family Feud. If you weren't there, I'd like you to participate as well! There were two questions. Question #1: In your opinion, what are the top three priorities for our parish in the future? 1. Finish the Paulus Room. 2. Winterize Lobby. 3. Reconfigure Residence for Parish Use. 4. Create Parking Lot in the backyard. 5. Update Library. 6. Reach out to High School Students. 7. Create Speaker Series. 8. Create staff position to reach out to Int'l Students & Athletes. 9. Establish Endowment Foundation. 10. Make building handicapped accessible. 11. Social Justice Outreach. 12. Parish Directory. 13. Vocation awareness and support. 14. Replace Organ. 15. Membership development and networking. 16. Stained Glass Windows in Paulus Room. 17. Refurbish Picnic Area/Backyard. 18. Create John XXIII Photo Gallery of Pastors and former staff members. 19. Other. Some of these priorities may become items for the diocesan capital campaign next spring. Others may become priorities for the parish/finance council in the Fall.
Question # 2. When the time comes to replace the rug in the Paulus room, should the new floor covering be: A. All rug; B. All non-rug (laminate, hardwood, cork, other); or C. Combination of both (non rug in the eating and dancing areas, rug in the rest).
Your input is valuable! Drop this off at Church when you get a chance.
Peace, Fr. Eric.
Easter Reflections
April 18, 2004
Many thanks to all of you who were a part of our Holy Week services! Each celebration from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday Morning was filled with profound and wonderful moments. There were plenty of palm crosses, many who walked with Christ on Good Friday, and lots of Easter egg hunters after mass on Sunday. It was a full week of pageantry, pathos, and finally joy! I want to thank all who helped make our liturgies so wonderful. Thanks to Nancy, Brian, and Jim and all the members of our choirs, the music was better than ever! Thanks to Sadie Kelly and all who helped decorate the Church. And finally, I am grateful for all who helped prepare our candidates and catechumens for the Easter Sacraments. The leaders, catechists, and sponsors in the R.C.I.A. and the R.C.I.C. have been wonderful guides and mentors to our newest Catholics. Perhaps you would like to get more involved in this shepherding process of RCIA or would like to help with the church decorations or other liturgical involvement. It's a wide open field; let us know if you'd like to be a part!
In the midst of this celebration of the Risen Christ, we are still confronted with death. This week we learned of the death of Fr. Terry's oldest sister Maureen, whose stories we have enjoyed for eight years, and the death of Ruth W. Smith, mother of Ruth Queen Smith. Both are great women of faith who triumphed over adversity. As we remember them and their families in our prayers, let us be reminded that it is Christ, who they so steadfastly followed, who triumphed over death once and for all, and offers them and us life everlasting!
Peace, Fr. Eric
Happy Easter!
April 7, 2004
He Is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Happy Easter to you all! Every year we celebrate new life in Christ. Signs of that new life are all around us! At the Easter Vigil Saturday Night, we baptized two adults and seven children, welcomed two adults into full communion into the Catholic Church and completed the initiation of two adults and two children. What a night! In a special way, we welcome Bob Tate and his three children who have all come into the Church. By the Easter Vigil, Bob will have received five of the seven sacraments!
Bob's new found faith was inspired by his wife, Margo, and it sustained him through open heart surgery. They have had a remarkable journey of faith and soon they will celebrate the baptism of their newborn baby girl! We pray for all of our newest Catholics that they will find a nurturing home in the Christian community and will become vibrant and active members of our Church. Speaking of that, it is a joy to announce that Brandon Kaetzel, RCIA class of 2002, has been accepted into the Paulist Father's Novitiate Class of 2004-2005! We are very proud of Brandon and this step he has taken in his journey of faith. Fr. Bob Moran of happy memory at John XXIII will be his Novice Director. May Bob be good to him!
On behalf of the staff here at John XXIII, I wish you the best in the Easter Season. May it be filled with new life for you as well! God Bless, Fr. Eric.
Appreciation Dinner Face Lift
April 4, 2004
Being a small parish, most of you participate and/or volunteer your time to John XXIII in a variety of ways: Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Ushering, Choir, Various Committees and groups, Sunday School, RCIA, Sunday Supper, Football Parking, Quilting, Outdoor help. the list goes on and on ! You are all invited to come to our appreciation dinner on Friday, April 23rd starting at 6:30 p.m. Instead of potluck, we have hired a caterer so you can all leave the side dishes and deserts at home and come and enjoy each other's company!
Still, many ask, am I invited? Are my contributions worthy of a free dinner? We take a very liberal policy on this. The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Those who have given much of their time in the past and who have taken a break are warmly invited, too! All we ask is that you call Barbara at 523-7931 and RSVP.
And this year you don't want to miss this event! Hearing the cries of the people, there will be no small group sharing! Instead there will be an entirely new program. It's been since Fr. Terry left that we've put on a show, so the committee thought this would be a perfect opportunity. Not only will there be music and comedy skits, but we will be giving away PRIZES! If we do anything edifying, trust me, you'll have fun doing it!
And for those of you who would like to be more involved in the future, but feel it's not appropriate to attend, come to the show! It should start around 7:30 p.m.!
That's enough bold print for one column, wouldn't you say?
Have a blessed Palm Sunday and Holy Week! Fr. Eric
Holy Week
draws near!
March 28, 2004
The next two weeks will be filled with many special events and celebrations as we move closer to our celebration of Easter. I hope you will be able to join us as much as possible, so your celebration of the Risen Christ at Easter will be enhanced. Just a few things to point out, some old and some new.
This Wednesday we celebrate the Seder Supper with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Given all the attention to Jewish-Christian relations that Mel Gibson's movie has generated, I think it is more important than in years past for us all to come together in prayer and fellowship. Many thanks to Judy Rothermel for coordinating this annual event.
For those of you who've never come before, I especially recommend the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Actually, it's one extended liturgy, a three day journey with Christ from the last supper to his suffering and death to resurrection. The Triduum is the highlight of the Church year and is filled with rituals we only do once a year, including the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, and the baptism of adults at the Easter Vigil. It is a powerful three day experience! Try it!
As for something new, this year on Good Friday we will have the Stations of the Cross outside starting at noon. We will process throughout the campus to truly walk with Christ. We always need extra help for each of these celebrations, so let us know if you'd like to get even more deeply involved!
Have a great week! Fr. Eric.
Bernard Martin Ryan (1914 - 2004)
March 21, 2004
Since Fr. Terry departed from Knoxville last August, he has been taking care of his mom and dad at their home in Vero Beach, Florida. This past Monday, his dad died. The funeral was held Friday morning at the parish church near their home. A few hours after his dad died, Terry wrote in an e-mail:
[My dad] died early this morning at 12:27AM. I was with him, as I have been these past seven and a half months. He outlived my Mom by about six months. I held my Dad's hand and told him I loved him and that he was a good Dad. I watched him breathe his last. He knew that he was loved. Being part of his life these months of his dying and being present at his death has been and is a great gift, though I feel a bit empty, drained, lonely, sad and bereft. I did not expect him to die this night, but by 10:00PM I had a feeling and so I stayed with him and prayed with and for him. He was devoted to the rosary and so I said the glorious mysteries for him as he could not do it himself. My parents are now praying for me and caring for me from a very powerful place in the kingdom. And they are once again together which is their wish and my consolation.
Terry is grateful for all your prayerful support over these last months. Continue to keep the entire Ryan Family in your prayers. There is a memorial book available this weekend, and envelopes if you would like to make a memorial contribution to the Paulists or the Hospice Program in Vero Beach. As far as I know, Terry will remain in Florida a while longer to handle the details of his parents' estate. I suspect by September he will take on a new assignment. I'll keep you posted!
Peace, Fr. Eric
It is as it was, wasn't it?
March 7, 2004
I went to see the Passion of the Christ. I must admit, the night before I didn't sleep so well. Did I really want to see two hours of unrelenting torture and brutality, even if it might well be true? Want to or not, there we were, two students and myself, at the 9:40 p.m. show Tuesday night at West Town Mall. All three of us agreed that it was a very powerful depiction of the Passion and didn't find the movie anti-Semetic.
However, one in our group noted that this was the most graphic movie he had ever seen and I must warn all of you who might be planning to go that this movie earns its "R" rating on account of the violence. For me the extended and unrelenting scourging scene somewhat numbed me to the crucifixion that followed. On the other hand, there were scenes with great poignancy. I found the portrayals of the women, especially Mary, very compelling.
So, do I recommend it to you? Yes. It is a powerful meditation on the passion of Christ told from a traditional Catholic perspective. For those of you who like to pray the Stations of the Cross during Lent, this movie will give you much to meditate on. So often in our society we choose to shield ourselves from the reality of brutality, suffering and death. Mel Gibson makes us endure the sufferings with Christ so that we may more deeply understand and appreciate Christ's love for us. While I would have made different choices, I think Gibson achieves his goal. There is very little Easter joy in this movie, which is appropriate for Lent, so see it before the Easter Vigil!
I'll be away for a visit to my family over Spring Break. See you on March 10th for our Parish Lenten Retreat!
Peace, Fr. Eric
Lent Begins!
February 29, 2004
As I write this, it is Fat Tuesday. I have yet to blacken my thumb and forehead with ashes. I haven't seen The Passion of the Christ, nor read the John Jay Report on priest sexual abuse. While there is some anticipation about these things, I am also wondering what else this Lent will bring. There is always some trepidation as Lent begins.What is God asking of me? And of us? What will be learned this Lent? Is it something I'd rather ignore? The good news is that by Easter time we will be ready to celebrate, especially if we take this season seriously and truly allow God to create in us a clean heart.
Before Mardi Gras gets too far behind, I want to say thanks to all those who made our celebration so special! Students Caroline Sarros, Kate Lynch, and Carey Schwartz did an excellent job coordinating the event. Special thanks to Susan Jones and Mary Jo White for their fine culinary endeavors! And thanks to all who donated items, purchased them and/or helped out with the Silent Auction! This year we raised almost $5000. For the future, I have to admit to myself that it's not a good idea to do this single-handedly! So, if there is anyone out there with silent auction experience who would like to join a team, please let me know!
Finally, continue to keep Fr. Terry's sister Maureen in your prayers. As we prayed this past weekend, she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She has lung cancer which has spread extensively. I am sure she would appreciate your continued prayers and support, as all with cancer do. Her address is listed below.
Let us pray for one another and our parish that this Lenten Season may open us more completely to the Love of God.
God Bless! Fr. Eric
Brace yourself.
Sunday, February 22nd
Once again, the Catholic Church is finding itself in the headlines. Next Friday, the Bishop's conference will announce the findings from a study they commissioned the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to conduct on priest sexual abuse. Some statistics have already been announced. The numbers will be startling in size and a painful reminder of the enormous harm that has been inflicted on so many victims, their families, and their parish communities. As a community of faith, it seems we can't work or pray enough for healing in the Body of Christ. Yet, we have to believe that God is with us in our confusion, pain, and anger, and that this shocking honesty can be transformed into a beacon of hope.
While even one case abuse is one too many, we need to review the results of the John Jay study closely and put the findings in their proper context. The percentage of priests who have abused is about 4% of all those who have served. The cases of sexual abuse in recent years have declined indicating that education and safe environment programs have been effective. In this diocese, there is only one case mentioned and none of your contributions have been used for legal representation. It will not be possible to compare the John Jay results to societal norms. No other institution has conducted such an audit. On the other hand, what was reported by the bishops doesn't reflect all abuse cases. Many still choose to remain silent and not seek help. Also, While our diocese looks good, it is not clear what if any cases of misconduct occurred in East Tennessee while we were part of the Nashville Diocese.
I am sure each of us will be confronted by our co-workers, friends, children, neighbors with this news. Being defensive is not helpful. Scripture says all that is hidden will come to light. By allowing this painful process to unfold, we allow the Light of Christ to shine on that which needs redemption and healing and we also become role models to other churches and institutions just beginning to realize they have similar issues to confront.
As this news comes forth and Lent begins, please let Fr. Bob, Ruth Queen, or myself know how we can best serve you in dealing with this very painful issue.
God Bless, Fr. Eric.