The Showing of God

The weekend of the Epiphany, the showing of Christ to the world, opened into the complexities of leading a faith community.

JPII Nativity Play -- Godfrey is one of the Kings

We began Epiphany on January 5th at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission.  Our Parish Christmas party was scheduled to follow Mass which included our Nativity Play.  This also happened to be the same date as Fr. Aaron's birthday.  At about 2 o'clock I hear the director of the play cancelled the play for lack of practice.  Yet, the younger children, our shepherds, had never missed a practice and would have been greatly disappointed.  So .... we had the play anyway.   Actually it turned out pretty good and everyone was happy.   I am now known by one four year old as the "candy man" since I gave them all treats at the party.

Happy Birthday Fr. Aaron

Fr. Aaron's birthday was the draw for our teenagers, especially, the group of young ladies who are preparing to join the church.  They made a red velvet cake and it was terrific!!!!  God showed Himself in the love and generosity of the children, teenagers, and adults of both language groups.  The evening was a true showing of Christ to the world.

The next Sunday at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta took a different turn.  We cancelled both the 9 a.m. English Mass and the 11:00 a.m. Spanish Mass to hold a bilingual Sunday Mass at 10:00 a.m.  At about 9 a.m. I receive a call that one of our parishioners suffering from stage 4 cancer was on his way to the intensive care unit.  Then a few minutes later Br. Craig comes to announce that the person he was to pick up for Mass was dead.  Br. Craig and Fr. Aaron waited at the house with the body of Loretta until the Sheriff office arrived.  These two sadness's are going on while everyone is gathering looking forward to the bilingual Mass and Brunch to follow.  As the Pastor one needs to control your emotions and even be a bit of an actor.  It is important to deal with the reality of these sufferings and to deal with the reality of the joy and celebration the children and folks are expecting.  All is part of the cycle of life.  God gave me the strength and the grace to be present to each need that day.

BTC Nativity Play

With the grace of God, the Mass was celebrated, the Nativity play happened and brunch was served (even through we had to make a dash to Food City for enough chicken.).

That afternoon Br. Craig drove to the hospital to inform Virginia about her sister's death.  Virginia was unable to attend the funeral since she is in the hospital with cancer as well. The  complexities of life are always near, but Christ shows himself in the simplicity of His innocent presence.

I thought to myself, what would have happened here a year ago without the Catholic Church?  Would these people not have received the pastoral care that Jesus and the church desires for them?  Glenmary does make a difference.

Reflect and Pray

So last week's ministry included the funeral for Miss Loretta whose two children both live out of state.  I hope they found a sense of peace through the Mass and the sharing of stories.  We also continue to visit three members of our parish who are all suffering with serious cancer.

In the midst of children's joy or the grief of children burying their mother or loved ones finding the strength to support those who are ill, Christ is shown to the world.  His love, his mercy and his presence are evident in every event.

Please pray for our folks suffering from cancer and their families.  Pray that their faith will support them, that healing may occur and that God's grace will show once again.

December Celebrations

I had hoped to blog several times during the month of December, but what can you expect from a priest still hoping to finish mailing his Christmas cards as he sits in front of his computer on the feast of the Holy Innocents?

Home Altar for Rosary in preparation for Guadalupe

December was a month full of joy and celebrations at both churches in both counties.  At Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission we began the joy of Advent with nine days of rosaries before the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Between 50 and 100 gathered every night until the 12 of December at various homes or in the church to pray and prepare for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Those who received people in their home also provided a meal for all who attended.



Cast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Drama

Dancers from St. Mary's during the Procession

 On December 7th a unique situation happened:  We celebrated three titles of Mary at one Mass.  We  held the vigil for the Immaculate Conception, we held the rosary for Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it was the night to remember the the Virgen of Juquila, important to the people of Oaxaca, Mexico.  We anticipated the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe with a full celebration the Sunday before,  and held our first Mananitas on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Blessed John Paul II and the Mass was held at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Maynardville.


Dance of los viejos at BTC

Live display of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe at BTC

After Guadalupe, we moved into our advent communal soup and penance services and the nine days of the posadas.  Soup and Penance has been a terrific experience at both churches.  Coming together to enjoy savory soups, fresh bread and fellowship before reconciling ourselves to one another and God is fast becoming a new tradition.  The Posadas again took place for nine days in various homes and in the churches prior to Christmas.

Fr. Aaron and friends at Soup and Penance

The two highlights of the Posadas was on the 19th in Maynardville and the 23 at Blessed John Paul II in Rutledge.  On the 19th one group of folks went out caroling and another stayed at the church for the Las Posadas.  The Posadas is a Latino tradition where one sings an ancient song about Mary and Joseph trying to find a place to stay.   On the final verse they enter into the final home.  We pray the rosary and then there are treats for everyone and candy for the kids.  At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta we concluded with the pinata and at Blessed John  Paul II on the 23 we held a Nativity play.

Godfrey and others in the cast of the Nativity Play at JP II

Christmas celebrations were filled with joy.  With the help of Fr. Aaron, we held Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses in both places.   All Masses were well attended, but we were surprised by 102 folks to celebrate the birth of our Lord for the Christmas Eve Mass at Blessed Teresa in Maynardville.

Fr. Steve with this year's "baby Jesus"

So as we approach the New Year with one more Sunday of joy in  2012, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every reader.  May your December end with as many blessings as I have witnessed every day this month.  As Tiny Tim would say, "God Bless you, everyone."

Godfrey, Fr. Steve, Fr. Bruce and Fr. Aaron wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

A child shall lead them ...

Fr. Aaron signing Amanda and McKenzie

On the feast of Christ the King, five individuals between the ages of 12 -17 where signed with the cross in making their pledge to prepare for initiation into the Catholic Church.  On the first Sunday of Advent three children recieved the grace of the sacrament of Baptism.  Therefore, we closed the liturgical year and opened the new one with signs of new life for Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Missions.

Fr. Steve blessing the two new catechumens

What is happening with the two individuals in Rutledge at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission is unique and amazing.  Last Lent during our first youth retreat, McKenzie and her grandmother stopped by surprised to find a Catholic Church in Rutledge.  It had been a number of years since her grandmother had been to church.  So while I spoke to her grandmother, McKenzie joined the youth retreat.  When I had finished visiting with her grandmother, McKenzie asked to stay for the day.  At the end of the day she asked about becoming baptized as a Catholic.  This fall, with the arrival of Fr. Aaron as youth minister and director of faith formation, McKenzie began bringing friends to the church and to classes.  On the last Sunday of November, the feast of Christ the King, McKenzie and Amanda, both 17 years old, took the next step towards Baptism.  Amanda's sister is also very interested in joining as is another teenager.  All of these individuals grew up in Grainger county as well as their families.  This is a wonderful blessing.

Welcoming Alonzo into the Catechuminate

In Maynardville at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission, Alonzo, whose father as a Baptist desires his children to be older before making their decision on religion, and Lydia and Houston, whose grandmother is a member of our church, are also preparing to be recieved into the church at the Easter Vigil.  Along with these three youth, two spouses of Catholics will also be confirmed into the Catholic Faith.  What great gifts of faith we are recieving here in our small missions.

Welcoming Lydia and Houston

Finally, on the first Sunday of Easter three children were baptized as their parents have recently returned to active practice of their faith. 

Our Three New Members and their families

All of this reminds me of the Isaiah verse used so often during Advent: 

"Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together with a little child to guide them"(Is 11:6).

Cycle of Life

On Tuesday, Jessie, an older man was buried and on Wednesday, Riley, now five months old, came home from the hospital since his premature birth at six months.  The cycle of life is always flowing in the missions of Eastern Tennessee.

Since my last blog, this cycle of life has been witnessed in various ways.  Fr. Aaron celebrated his first baptisms; we had our first Quinceanera (15th birthday for Latina women) at Blessed John Paul II and we had one newborn presented in church.  At the same time, we have had the sad news of two parishioners being diagnosed with cancer.  One for the first time and one discovering her cancer has spread despite treatment.  This cycle of life beginning and life ending is the norm of parish life.  Yet, going back to Jessie and Riley, we discover the "Glenmary factor" at work here.

Flowers presented at Quinceanera

Jessie, originally from New Orleans, never entered our church, not even his body upon his death.  Br. Craig met Jessie in the Nursing Home during his weekly visits.  He mentioned that Jessie would like to see a priest.  Then we discover that Jessie is in a coma in the hospital.  Fr. Aaron and Br. Craig went up to see him and anoint him.  They both visited frequently and came to know his friend Patricia.  Jessie and Patricia were not married but shared life for a number of years.  Upon his death, again Br. Craig and Fr. Aaron, accompanied Patricia through her grief.  As they planned the funeral they discovered that that no one would be Catholic attending the funeral, yet she knew that Jessie would like to have a funeral Mass.  Thus a number of parishioners took time out for their Thanksgiving preparations to attend the funeral which was held in the funeral home.  Who knows what the impact of this Christian witness and strong loving support will do to help people grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.  Yet, this is the heart of Glenmary evangelization, ministering to everyone in the county regardless if they have faith or no faith.

Similarly, the story of young Riley, is another example.  Here just under five months ago, Br. Craig and I drove to Knoxville just before midnight to anoint Riley's mother before the emergency delivery with her just entering her sixth month of pregnancy.  Two days later, I was there to bless little Riley who was born 1 pound and 10 ounces.  At that time, I gave them a Padre Pio medal that I purchased at his shrine in Italy and that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI which they placed at the foot of his bed.  Yesterday, I enjoyed my Thanksgiving day meal with his extended family.  His father, Chris, who is not Catholic, assured me as I blessed Riley again, that the Padre Pio medal I gave him remains at the end of his bed where it has been since I gave it to them.  The depth of Catholic devotion in miracles through the intercession of the Saints has become meaningful to this young man.  God moves in His own way at His own pace.  We just respond where grace, hope and mercy are needed.

Community Thanksgiving service in Rutledge

Thus, at the ecumenical Thanksgiving gatherings I participated in, I was able to offer genuine thanks for the Glenmary mission team that the Lord as sent here and the opportunity to introduce the Catholic way of life in Union and Grainger County, especially where inactive Catholic and non Catholics life intersect.

Happy Anniversary

Our newest members, Janet and Chuck

November 1 and November 4 each  marked the first Anniversary of  worship in our rental spaces for both Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Blessed John Paul II.  In between we had some other special moments as well.

Alls Saints Day Altar, BTC

The feast of All Saints Day marked the first anniversary of worship in the storefront building for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission Maynardville, TN.  This year we created a little All Saints Day altar.  Included were our patroness Blessed Teresa and the primary patrons of Glenmary, the North American  Martyrs.

Prior to this Feast Day, we held a Trunk or Treat which was a true joy and a wonderful outreach to the boarder community. 

Those happy tricksters

Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission marked its first anniversary of offering Mass every Sunday on November 4th.  We marked this anniversary in the best way possible --- we added two new members.  Chuck and Janet were members of the Anglican Church, but became dissatisfied over decisions about the qualifications of Bishops.  After attending our little mission, they found a great welcome and peace.  They joined the choir and now they are full members of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Inviting the Holy Spirit



All Soul's Day Altar

Of course, prior to that we did celebrate our first All Soul's Day and had a small altar with photos of our deceased loved ones to remember those who have gone before us.  Every Sunday during the month of November a small book with the names of the faithfully departed will be placed on the altar.










Congratulations

So despite the cold weather setting in, we find ourselves warmed by the love of one another, gratitude for one year in our worship space, and the Love of Jesus through His Blessed Sacraments.




Mother Teresa, Blessed John Paul II and Retreat

Lake Junalaski, NC

Starting last weekend, we had an inspiring display on Mother Teresa, celebrated the our patron Pope John Paul II and then I left for retreat. In others words, I have been inspired from every direction.

Display about Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Saturday and Sunday of October 20 and 21, we received, and opened to the public, a traveling display on the life, spirituality and message of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Through we had a small response from the boarder community, those who attended benefited from the experience. Also, any petitions written will eventually be placed on Blessed Teresa's tomb. This gave all of us a chance to understand more deeply the life of our patroness and reflect on how we may better honor her in our daily works.

Feast of Blessed John Paul II

The feast of Blessed John Paul II was October 22.  On Saturday, two of our parishioners with polish heritage prepared special food for everyone after Mass.  On Sunday, we had a special potluck with everyone to celebrate our Patron.  There is always a beautiful spirit when people from both Masses are together for an event.  We continue to get to know each other and food does not need a language.

A full church with full stomachs

After this very blessed event, I was on retreat for four days with the priest of the diocese of Knoxville.  We stayed at Lake Junalaski outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  It was truly a beautiful and serene experience.  Our retreat Master mentioned on the first evening that our demons like to travel too, but we should just send to another room for the week.  I like that image.  It was easy to avoid the demons when walking amidst such beauty.  The color of the leaves, the serenity of the water, or the movement of the fowl, all gave me a sense of God's grander of love and mercy.  Believe you, me, ... I am deeply grateful that God is more merciful than just and loves us just as we are this moment!!

Reflecting the Grander of God

So today, I feel renewed, blessed and loved.  What more could I ask for!!  God is good ... All the time.  All the time ... God is good.

A Full Life

Godfrey, Fr. Aaron, myself and Bishop Stika at JP II

If time passing quickly is a sign of a full and happy life, then I am living one.  I cannot believe a month has passed without a new blog.  My life is full of joy.  The Holy Spirit is so active, that I find every day full and in the evening I am a happy tired.  So let me share with you two sides of ministry here.  One being parish and pastoral responsibilities and the other realities of individuals in our mission.

2012 First Communion and Confirmation Group of JP II

Parish event wise, Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge celebrated Confirmation.  This was an incredible event.  Four people made first communion and 22 others were confirmed, with some of them also making their first communion.  The Bishop also blessed the homemade altar.  Over 190 people were present, with many standing outside under the tent or by the front entrance.  Afterwards was a terrific meal with a Bluegrass Band featuring one of our parishioners followed by a Mexican Band featuring other parishioners.  It was a wonderful day in the life of our mission.

Mike and his Bluegrass group

This was followed by the start of faith formation under Fr. Aaron's direction in both parishes.  We also had an information booth at the Luttrell Bluegrass festival and sold tamales and fried pickles at the Heritage Festival.  Both events were great exposure for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission of Maynardville.

Luttrel Blue Grass Festival

In between, I traveled to St. Malachy Parish in Geneseo, IL who has adopted us in Maynardville.  The Brown's also traveled with me.  We were meet with great grace.  We are very thankful for all they are doing to support our budding mission. Also, I traveled to Cincinnati Headquarters to speak at the President's Dinner for some of our Glenmary Home Mission donors.  This too, was a real pleasure.  I meet several family members of some of our deceased members.  Their stories were edifying to me personally.

Speaking to President's Dinner

Bishop Stika

In the midst of this, Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission has held several meetings concerning purchase of possible land for a permanent church.  Keep us in prayer over this matter.

On the level of parishioners, there are many personal stories happening.  We just had a funeral last Monday.  We have a woman with cancer who is having a hard time getting to her treatments. Another has had her mother die in Mexico and neither her or other family members are not able to travel to Mexico for the burial.  This Sunday six members will be confirmed at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Thus, in the midst of the planning and activities of the mission, individuals need pastoral care and support.  Now you know why my life is full.  I thank God for allowing me to walk with those in sorrow, plan for a future growth, and be present those affirming their faith through the Sacraments. May God continue to shower us with His blessings and allow our Glenmary mission team to respond with grace and joy.