Union/Grainger Catholic Missionary Beginnings: A Wonderful Ending to a Great Year

The year of 2013 closed with a series of beautiful events. Most notable, is that Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission, Maynardville, TN as of December 30, 2013, with the help of East Tennessee Catholic Trust Fund, now owns 24.9 acres on Hwy 33 across from the High School. This will be site of the future home for our faith community. We are deeply grateful to God, all the supporters of the trust fund, for the sellers to help find a price we could afford, and all those who have prayed for this day. We have asked each parishioner to do an act of charity this week as a means to demonstrate our gratitude for making this possible. Maybe you too wish to join us by doing a special act of charity, especially for the poor, after reading this blog.

At the transfer of title and deed for BTC future property

Also, we had nine wonderful days of the "Las Posadas" with Blessed John Paul II in Rutledge beginning on December 15. Many of these were held in people's home and were followed with tamales, "pan" (Mexican bread) and hot chocolate. We concluded on the 23rd of December with our Nativity play and piñata.

Fr. Aaron trying to find the piñata.

JP II Nativity Play

There were soup and penance services in both missions helping us prepare ourselves in a more intense spiritual way. We also celebrated 60 years of marriage for a couple at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission.

60 years of Marriage

Of course, our Christmas Eve and Christmas day was also a delight. So rather than fill you will more words, here are a few extra photos to highlight the end of the year. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May 2014 be a terrific year for you!!!