First Catholic Bible School of Grainger County

The group from St. Clair with Glenmarians

"Rise and Shine and Give God your Glory, Glory" has been my morning song for the last five days.  It worked too well, because we really had to get our children "out of the muddy, muddy" after four days of rain.

Song time

Arts and Crafts

We are very grateful to our friends from St. Claire Catholic Church, Cincinnati, Ohio who came to help us.  This was a different type of Bible School, but worked out very well.  We set up a tent owned by a parishioner in his backyard in the center of Central Point Trailer Park in Grainger County.  Each morning we shared songs, a Bible Story, recreation, and arts and crafts.  The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) supplied a free lunch each day and parishioners from Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission provided snacks.  A special thanks to Wright and Cox IGA of Rutledge which also donated food for the morning snacks.

Game time

With four days of rain it was a special challenge, but with the energy of the volunteers and the help of Clive Otieno, a Glenmary Seminarian, Br. Craig, and others it worked out.  I believe the kids had a great time, bonded more as a community, and learned a little more about the love of Jesus.

Arts and Crafts

 The next two weeks the Tennessee Glenmary Volunteer program will continue to work at the trailer park leading our first Summer Fiesta:  a morning of education and fun.  Hopefully, this too will add to a great summer for kids who normally spend all day in their trailers waiting for their parents to come home from the tomato fields.

Clive sharing the Bible Story of the day

In the midst of this Bible School there were a few other events have happened since my return from Kenya.  We held our first ever Mission Advisory Team meetings for both communities.  This is like a parish council and it is another step in developing a Catholic faith community.

First Advisory Team of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

 Also we had a small miracle (or maybe a large miracle).

One of our parishioners went into pre-labor at only 6 months of pregnancy.  Late in the evening Br. Craig and I drove to the hospital.  We anointed the mother and the small child inside the womb.  Two nights ago Br. Joe and I returned to the hospital to bless Riley, our 1 pound and six ounces, 13 inches long miracle.  It is truly awe inspiring to see such a small child doing so well.  How can anyone imagine that abortion can be justified?  God loves life and every life is precious.

Now tonight it off to some local entertainment,  that is the Rodeo!!!

Kenya Interlude

Praising God with the girls at St. Albert the Great Catholic School

I have dedicated this blog to the development of our Catholic Missionary efforts in Grainger and Union County, TN, but I wish to take a small Kenya interlude.  I had the  priviledge to travel with Fr. Crispine Adongo to his village for his Masses of Thanksgiving.  Accompanying me were Br. Craig and Br. David Henley, our vocation director.

Br. Craig, Br. David and Godfrey's sister

This was a real priviledge since prior to being here, I served as the vocation director for Glenmary.  Thus, I was part of the journey for Fr. Crispine to come to the U.S.A. to serve as a priest in the United States.  Completing this phase of his "safri" (which means journey) by sharing his joy with his hometown and family was truly special.

Fr. Crispine surrounded by his fans

The village, Ulanda,  is small and rural, but it has a Catholic High School for girls of 1,000 students, thus making it close to the size of Maynardville, which is about 1,700 people.  These girls were bright, animated and curious.  I was able to share a Mass with them and be a part of their Saturday afternoon youth group.

Openning Procession for Sunday Mass of Thanksgiving

Br. Craig, Fr. Cris and myself with family and friends

Sunday was the parish Mass of Thanksgiving with started around 11 and ended somewhere close to 3 p.m.  This did include the program following Mass.  The sense of joy and praise was very evident.  On Tuesday we went to the home of Fr. Crispine for a Mass.  Many people walked several kilometers to attend.  During the after Mass program, gifts were presented to Fr. Crispine.  They included a bull cafe and several sheep and a chicken.. 

Gifts for Fr. Crispine

In between these two Masses we had a tour of the local sugar factory, which produces 80 % of its own power by converting the by-product of the sugar cane for fuel.  Also we ended our time at Naribo game park where we had a nice time viewing the animals including seeing the LIONS.

Br. Craig, Br. David and myself ready to tour the Sugar Cane Factory

Now that my small interlude is over, it is back to the basics of missionary life.  This week will include several baptisms and next week begins our first Bible School in Grainger County.  Assanti sana (Thank you very much!!)

Polar Energy

  Some times in one day in the missions opposite emotions and polar energy is needed to represent Christ to those in need.  This was the case on the last day of May.  I was at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission where we about to celebrate Mass and then have first communion rehearsal when I receive a call.  The call was one of the worst tragedies people experience.  A small two year old child was run over in her own driveway and died.  The young parents are from Mexico and the driver was an American friend who came to pick up the father for work.  This dual pull between celebrating the joy of first communion with the seventeen children in Rutledge and supporting grieving parents over the loss of their little daughter was challenging.  Yet, it is here where God grants a priest the grace needed to be all things to all people as Paul invites us to be.

A reminder of our suffering even in the midst of joy

Both Friday and Saturday night we offered Rosaries late in the evening for the family of the small child.  They have no family here and their friends all work in the restaurant business.  The beauty in the midst of this tragedy was how the parishioners of both races came out to support them.  It truly gave support to the young couple.  Yet, their journey of healing as a long way to go.  Their daughter will be laid to rest in Mexico and the flight is scheduled this Wednesday.  Twelve days after the tragedy.  The family will return to Mexico as well.  As one Glenmary offered, "A year ago, who would have been here to help them?"

Yet, in recognizing that life may be short increased the preciousness of first communion.  Knowing that life is a gift and no amount is time, this celebration was filled with extra meaning.  One five year old was baptized, his sister and another were baptized and received their first communion. Along with these three were thirteen other children receiving Jesus for the first time in the Real Presence of His Body and Blood.

Baptism

It is amazing that in less than one year that so many have returned to the Sacrament.  The children making their first communion range from ages 7 to 10.  This September we have another group of youth who will be confirmed and make their first communion as well.  These are amazing days and God is the one in charge.

As I head to Kenya for ten days, I wish to leave my faithful readers with pictures of joy.  May the smiles and warmth of these first communion pictures comfort you as you pray for the family that sufferers.  We truly are like Paul says, One Body of Christ.... When one person suffers we all suffer and when one person rejoices we all rejoice.

Be safe and tell the children they are precious and loved by God.

First Communion

The First Communion Class

Last Sunday, on the feast of the Ascension, we celebrated First Communion at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission.  As MayPo, their teacher told them, "You are making history.  You will always be known as the first group to make first communion at our new mission.  When you are older this will be a terrific thing to share with your children." (Of course, I am hoping some of them will be priests, brothers or sisters, therefore, they will share this with the people they serve.)

MayPo, their teacher

Our six young people were well prepared and did a great job.  We combined services to hold an "All Parish Mass" which means that it was bilingual.  Our pianist and canter were absent because of other obligations, put they had recorded the songs earlier and we all sang the best we could.

Francisco doing the first reading at Mass

Singing their special song

The children did the readings, wrote the petitions and sang a special song.  They were reverent, devote, and happy!!  They joy made the 139 people in attendance experience the joy of the Lord as well.  Among the congregation only about twenty were quests, including a visiting soccer club.  It was the first time we did not have enough chairs.  That, too, was a happy experience.

The many levels of meaning in the Eucharist were very visible.  The sense of innocence and purity in our young people is a reflection of how each of us is forgiven through the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, thus we are purified and restored to holy innocence.  The Real Presence of Christ, as light of the world, is expressed after each of our first communicants lit their candle after receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first of what will be many times.  The sense that we become what we eat, that is, we become the Body of Christ broken for one another and the Blood of Christ poured out for the salvation of the world.The strong sense of unity--of many races, classes, and ages-- uniting together under one roof to pray to One God and participate in the One Sacrament was overwhelming.

 It is such a privilege to be part of the blooming of new faith and a new faith community.  The joy of who we truly are as a family of God becomes more evident each day of service in this humble mission.  The parents, godparents, and teachers of these students deserve great praise for their dedication and hard work in sharing the faith with our six young people.  What a joy to be part of the Body of Christ where the heartbeat of Jesus is strong and healthy!

AMEN!!  We are the Body of Christ!!

Six Weeks of Easter

Our first Baptism at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Today is the sixth week of Easter and Mother's Day.  How did we get here so fast?

Truly since Easter, the Spirit of New Life has been blooming in these two missions.  It has kept me hopping but it has also been full of surprises and joy.  .... And lots of visitors.

The beauty of Spring in Tennessee

 Among them was a writer for the Glenmary Challenge, where a story about our mission will appear soon.  The folks were generous with their time and shared their stories with Mr. Dale Hansen.  The theme I heard over and over  was "thank you Jesus for having a church closer to home".  I am hoping that these little missions will be a home for many.

My family stops for some local ice cream

Then my sister and her husband drove my parents down for a visit.  It was terrific to spend time with them and show them what God is doing here.  Of course, at the same time, we received visitors from St. Malachy parish, the parish that has adopted us.  Then because God has a plan, all our visitors were able to enjoy "Art in the Park".  This is the second year for the town of Maynardville to host this event.  The goal is to draw more attention  to Maynardville featuring our many artists.  Our booth won the "People Choice Award".  That  picture made the paper!!  Publicity always helps.

Enjoying our company from St. Malachy

Side view of our "Art in the Park" award winning booth

Then we were blessed with Fr. Fid Levri, a Glenmary Priest sweeping in to spend a few days with us.  He lived with Br. Craig for two years, so they had a great reunion.  We enjoyed his musical talents and appreciated him sharing his mandolin playing with the people at church as well as at the local Sunday afternoon jam session at the local museum.

Every guest deserves some food

This was all followed by our first major fund raiser .... a yard sale.  Everyone pitched in and "pitched out" ... but one persons junk is another's treasurer.  Many treasurer hunters came and left very satisfied.  We made over 2,000 dollars which is just fantastic.  This will be our seed money for a building fund.  Not even ten months old, and we are dreaming of our future.

First Communion Preparation

In the midst of this, regular church life is moving along.  I conducted our first funeral since my arrival here, followed by our first wedding and then our first baptism.  Next week will be our first group for first communion.  The Lord has been working and is shining in our little community.  The sacramental graces of Jesus are blessing people in spaces never done before.  Comfort in grieve and celebration in joy is happening.

Two of our members relaxing after Mass at JP II

So here we are now as we enter into our sixth week of Easter.  We are ready for more, even if the pace keeps me hopping.

Holy Week Reflections

The Third Week of Easter has come and gone, yet I still wish to share the good news of our First Holy Week. 

Our Holy Week at Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was awesome.  God is awesome, so that most likely is why.

Blessing of Palms at JP II

Many people came out at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Maynardville, TN on Palm Sunday.  Through it was drizzingly,   our procession around our store front church for Blessed John Paul II and Pizza Plus was a wonderful moment.  It is a simply, but clear statement that we are here and proud to be Catholic.

Procession for Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday was celebrated in both churches in a very humble way.  The footwashing during Mass and adoration after Mass were highlights in both places for me.  This simply way to serve the people of these new missions and affirm Christ's love for them was moving.

Holy Thursday Altar of Repose before the Mass

Good Friday and Holy Saturdy in Maynardville was celebrated by Fr. Neil Pezzulo, the First Vice-President of Glenmary.  I was most grateful for his assitance.

Fr. Neil

In Rutledge, the living way of the Cross at the trailor park drew 125 or more followers to remember the suffering and love Christ has shown us. The actors did a great job in helping us meditate of the tremondous cost of our salvation.  Later in the day, the service in the church was celebrated.

The highlight for me, however, was recieving Sara into the Church as our first convert at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission.  Both language groups were present at the Mass and for the party that followed.  However beautiful to witness the transformation of Christ through the sacraments in the eyes of a person recieving the Body and Blood for the first time.

Confirmation of Sara

Our New Catholic

Of course, Easter Sunday filled the church at both Masses at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.  The joy of knowing Jesus is beautiful.

For many parishioners, this was the first time they celebrated all three days of the Tridium.  Yet, the best testimony came from a craddle Catholic who is now 80 years old.  She said, "This was the most profound experience of Holy Week ever in my life.  I do not care if we ever have a church building.  Jesus lived a simply life and the simplicity of our church is more like Jesus."

What more can I say?  Sorry for the delay in updating my faithful friends and readers.  I will aim to update you more often as we continue to celebrate this Easter Season.

Bonding

Over the last two weeks our small communities have engaged in a number of activities and liturgies that have helped strengthen our bonds with one another.

Altar of Remembrance for Mrs. Opal

The last Saturday in March, we had a memorial Mass for Mrs. Opal Taylor, whose daughter-in-law is a member of our church.  Many of Maria's friends from neighboring parishes came to support the family.  A wonderful Philipino style meal followed and was enjoyed by everyone.  Our prayers remain with Brian and Maria during their time of grief.

Enjoying the food

First Place display board

At. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission on that same weekend, our boy and girl scout troops participated in the annual Boy and Girl Scout picnic with Bishop Stika.  For a new mission, we did very well.  The troop took second for their cupcakes and first place for their display board.  They also had a chance to meet the Bishop and interact with him.  We are proud of them and their leaders.

Anyone have the answer?

Finally, March 31 was our first youth retreat.  Our theme was "The Way, the Truth and the Life or La Via, la Verdad, y La Vida".  Two gentlemen from Lenior City, TN came to provide a meal and share their faith.  One of them was a NFL legend who played from 1960 - 61 for the Washington Redskins.  The kids enjoyed listening to his stories.  Most importantly through activities and skits the twelve young people who attended bonded more deeply with each other and with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Listening hard

Forming a new community is about becoming a family of faith.  This happens by a long range of events and prayer experiences.  Yet, in all of this the Holy Spirit is what unites us and binds us.  May we continue to grow as a family of faith bonded to one another and Jesus Christ.





Blessed John Paul II 1st Youth Retreat