Lent is a time to grow, to change and to discover. In these five weeks many silent blessings have been poured upon our small communities of faith. Here are four events which due to planning them has delayed my "blogging".
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| Listening to the word of God |
We continue to make plans for a future church building for both missions. Saturday March 29 we blessed the property at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Maynardville, followed by our third meeting. Also, in the afternoon we planned to do a Rosary March around the property of Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, but the weather said otherwise. Therefore, we prayed under a tent and in the car; yet, the land was blessed.
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| Blessing of Land for Blessed Teresa of Caclutta |
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| Rosary and Blessing of Land for JP II |
On Thursday, April 3, the ninth anniversary of the death of our Beloved Blessed John Paul II, we held a day of adoration. All the Catholic Churches of the Five River's Deanery have been host a day of Adoration in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Diocese of Knoxville, TN. This was a beautiful day with parishioners spending time with the Lord in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
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| Adoration |
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| Adoration at JP II |
On Saturday, April 5, the Bishop came to Blessed John Paul II and confirmed two youth and offered communion to one Adult. There was to be another adult present for confirmation, but he was celebrating of birth of Child # five. I think that was an very acceptable excuse!! Bishop Stika is very supportive of our mission efforts here. He has provided financial help, approved the purchase of our new properties from the foundation, and was extremely supportive of the folks at Blessed John Paul II.
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| Greeting Guadalupe before making his First Communion |
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| Amy from BTC and Shannon from JPII for confirmation |
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| Bishop Stika with ministers and those who received sacraments |
Finally, we just completed a three day ecumenical revival entitled "That They All May Be One." It was a beautiful experience. We began at Rutledge Baptist Church with the Methodist preacher providing the message and the Catholic Choir providing the music. The second night folks came to Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission with our Spanish Choir providing special music and the Baptist preacher providing the message. The third night was hosted by Rutledge Methodist Church with the Baptist's providing the music and I presented the message. The unity that the Spirit revived in each of our churches was beautiful. It was a wonderful way to prepare for Holy Week.
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| Pastor Ryan praying at the Catholic Mission |
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| Socializing after the Mission |
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| Pastor Chan of the Baptist Church praying |
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| Fr. Steve reading Scripture |
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| Baptist Choir singing at Methodist Church |
Next week at both churches several people will be baptized, receive their first Holy Communion and be Confirmed. Look for more sharing on this great event later. For now, as we conclude, please offer a prayer for all those coming into the Church this Easter Vigil. May you, my faithful reader, have a very blessed Easter!!
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| Some of those preparing to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil |
