Mardi Gras-- Mission Style

The rising of baby Jesus "El Nino"

Lent has begun but I do wish to share Mardi Gras--or our version of it-- here in Eastern Tennessee.  It was unique and delightful.

Breakfast is served

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission held a pancake breakfast for our last feast before Lent.  Since we now have two Masses, one in English at 9 and the other in Spanish at 11, we held the breakfast at 10 and started the Spanish Mass a little be later.  (Had to have time for the fast.)  This was a great way for the two language groups to come together to build community.  Our students know each other because of Wednesday night faith formation, but our adults do not.  Our pancake makers and flippers were wonderful.  Everyone seems happy and "fat"--- get it "Fat Tuesday", but of course it was Sunday.

Pancake flippers

At Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission it was not really Mardi Gras, but it was a party!!!  A family asked if they could celebrate "Levante El Nino"-- the rising of the baby Jesus.  I have seen the tradition once many years ago at someone's home in Mexico, but it was the first time for the request here in the United States.  I wonder if the feast normally is done earlier after Christmas, but we were happy to do it last Sunday.

Tiny baby Jesus be reverenced

The tradition was that after Mass, one boy and one girl each took an image of the child Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and dressed him.  Jesus is no longer a baby, but a child who can walk.  It was beautiful to watch the care in which this was done.  Then these two baby Jesus' were processed throughout the church and everyone kissed the image.

The larger child Jesus be reverenced

Then we ate and ate.  It was a huge feast and delightful time.  We had about 125 people in attendance, which is the largest in the worship space to date.  Truly it was a joy and wonderful to celebrate before moving into the Lenten time.

Waiting for the feast to begin

So we ended ordinary time with a great celebration of God's love with food and fellowship.  Now we slow down and begin the Lenten journey of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  The rejoicing will begin again in just 40 days.  Hope your journey of Lent leads you to the joy of Easter.

Scouts Honor

Our Scouts at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

For the last few weeks it has been salvation through meetings.  Some might use a different phrase for that.  In January I participated in an electronic conference, a deanery pastoral conference, three days of priest study days and last weekend, the Glenmary District Days.  So as much as meetings are helpful and the experience with other priests, brothers and religious is inspiring, it still is good to be back to the routine of mission life with the local communities.

It would not be Scout Sunday without food

February 12 will mark six months since our arrival here in Union and Grainger Counties.  In some ways, so much has happened and in other ways, we are not even started.  That is a strange feeling, but very true.

At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission we have the worship space and office space in good shape.  I have three fantastic volunteers helping out in the administration of the parish.  We now have a Mass in English and a Mass in Spanish.  We have faith formation for k through adult, including Adult studies in both languages.  We even celebrated our first Scout Sunday on the 5th of Febuary.  So we are up and running.  Yet, we still do not have a formal list of membership, we are still trying to get to learn each others names and we still need to do significant reflection on what it means to be disciples of Christ in Union County.  These early steps have been great, but they are just a small beginning of what is to come.

Head Scout, Kim with Br. Craig

At Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Grainger County we got started later.  Yet, this community is already larger than Blessed Teresa in Maynardville.  Our English community is small, but the Latino community is growing rapidly.  Whereas we average about 20 for English Mass we are averaging close to 80 for the Spanish Mass, even through we only have 70 chairs.  Yet, we still do not have the building completed in terms of redesigning it for worship and have yet to hold our open house.  Despite, that new people are finding us and our presence is becoming visible.  Furthermore, our building will host commodity distribution next week.  Commodities is government food for those of low income.  Last time Grainger County gave out 480 baskets.  They had to relocate and thus, we are, for now, the new distribution center.  Good things are happening, but we are not even started.

Every meeting with Glenmarians and the diocese is helpful and gives me both support and important information.  Yet,  the routine of daily life in the mission is where the joy is.  In six months, we really are just getting started!!  Praise God for all the graces received and all the graces to come.

"Signs" of growth

The first to arrive for the First Spanish Mass in Maynardville

There are still signs of growth happening here in Eastern Tennessee.  Sunday, January 15, 2012 we offered the first Sunday Mass in Spanish in the history of Union County, TN.  Four families were present.  This Sunday we added one more family.  Thus, we are now a full service Church offering the Mass in both English and Spanish in both parishes.

I had been slow to begin the Spanish Mass at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Union County since I knew there were just a few families.  Yet, they have been asking for Mass in Spanish since the Posadas in December.  So I felt the Holy Spirit was moving.  After all, I offer Mass in English at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge for an average of twenty people, should I not do the same in Maynardville,TN for Spanish speakers?  Obviously, the answer is yes!!!

The Front of Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission

The growth is not only happening in Maynardville.  This last week we finally put up the signs for the Mission in Rutledge, TN.  This Sunday we had 80 folks at Spanish Mass and we only have 75 chairs.  What a beautiful feeling knowing that people are responding to the opportunity to pray and worship Jesus Christ.  We are still trying to get the building in shape, but the wall behind the Altar is now finished and the tabernacle went up on Thursday.  This is significant. For the first time in the history of Grainger County, the Real Presence of Christ now has a home!!  This will be a blessing for everyone living in Grainger County even if they do not believe as we believe.

Blessed John Paul II with Tabernacle

There are other things emerging.  Among these is the dream of establishing the Glenmary volunteer program in these missions.  Already groups are signing up to travel here during the summer.  Joe Grosek went out one day with Br. Joe and another day with me to explore possible sites.  These volunteers will become part of God's plan here in Grainger and Union County to help witness to the Kingdom of God.  Yes there are signs of growth in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee.

Br. Joe Steen and Mr. Joe Grosek

New Year Hopes

Our "Mary" and Jesus

2012 has rolled in and already ten days have gone by.  For whatever reason, these last two weeks from Christmas to now zoomed by and were filled with joy.  The emotions and hopes of 2012 for these two start-up missions are many.

I find it hard to realize that we only started Mass in our own worship space in November.  Already, it feels natural to pray here and be with these worshipping communities.  Somebody asked me if I was going home for Christmas and I said, "What do you mean?  This is my home! You are my family."  It is how I feel already just after a few months.

Among the many hopes of this year, is to strengthen and unify our local Catholic Communities.  Having socials, like the Epiphany parties we held in both churches helps.  It allows folks time to visit and know one another's personal stories a little bit more. 

There is a desire to increase our outreach to the boarder community.   Today after visiting with the Chamber of Commerce several options were suggested.  Also, in Grainger County several churches are working together on a meeting on how to address the drug abuse problem in the area.  We are in dialogue with the Methodist Church and the Baptist church about expanding a food pantry and our building most likely serve, at least next month, as the location for commodities. So opportunities are emerging.  In Union County, we continue to work with I-Care. Br. Craig joined a local Saturday night prayer group sponsored by four churches in trying to overcome the plight of drug and alcohol abuse here.

Flipping the pancakes

Finally, everyone is feed.

Another huge goal is just to get out and visit more people in their homes.  As a Glenmarian visiting people in their homes is one of the greatest pleasures.  When you just hang out with people, enjoy their food and company, God does also sorts of good stuff.  It is neat to watch how this works.

The newest thing taking place at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Mission is that we will begin Spanish Mass every Sunday.  This Sunday on the 15th we will be our first time for Sunday Mass in Spanish at this mission.  Of course, this means I now have a four Masses on a weekend with Mass in English and Spanish at both places.  That too is amazing.  Four months ago there were no masses in these counties, now we will be offering four a weekend. God's love is just so very good!!

I am sure the Lord will surprise me and these communities in many ways this year of 2012.  Most likely, the plan of God will far surpass my own little human hopes.  May your New Year hopes also come be surpassed by the wonder of God's generous love and mercy!!!.

Spontaneous Christmas Play on the feast of Epiphany

Celebrations

Our version of the Holy Family

The Celebrations of December are almost over, but the joy of them lingers on.

In the last two weeks between the two communities we have had many celebrations.  At John Paul II nine days of Posadas were held which included a "Pastorilis", a humorous nativity play.  At Teresa of Calcutta we had our first soup and penance service.  Then last weekend was our first Christmas celebrations in both missions including the first communion and confirmation of John, our 81 year old harmonica player.  Each of these were wonderful experiences and each of them bonded us tighter as a family of God.

Pastorilis at Blessed John Paul II

The Posadas in Rutledge were terrific and grew each night.  The first night it was rainy, but we still had a great turnout.  I joined them for Sunday and the last three days.  Br. Craig and Angel joined on the other days.  The two highlights for me were Wednesday when they drove from Rutledge in caravan to hold the Posadas and Pastorilis with the Spanish speaking people of Blessed Teresa in Maynardville.  Over fifty people made the journey across the mountain.  The folks here were thrilled.  The Pastorilis is a little Nativity play which involves the shepherds journey to see Jesus.  The shepherds encounter the devils on the way and all sorts of humorous things happen before they get back to the right path.  Then on Friday the final night was held at our store front church in Rutledge and the folks from Maynardville traveled across the Mountain to join them.  The procession, the rosary, the Pastorilis, the "comida" (food), and the pinata were all celebrated with joy.   It was awesome to see folks working together, laughing and singing and praying.  What a beautiful unifying experience.

The altar at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta on the Monday before Christmas we held our first soup and penance service.  This is something I learned from our Glenmary priest, Fr. Wil from his time in Mississippi.  People really enjoyed themselves.  Since part of reconciliation is healing relationships, it seems to make sense to have a time to eat together as families and as a church family as a sign of what we are about to celebrate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We had a good response, a choice of four excellent soups and variety of homemade breads.   Many individuals stated that the penance service itself was prayerful and meaningful for them.  This was a more important part of getting ready for Christmas than shopping.

Christmas Eve Mass at Blessed John Paul II

Christmas Eve Mass began at 5:00 p.m. at Blessed John Paul II with our largest English speaking attendance ever:  27 people!!  The joy of everyone was clearly present.  "Midnight" Mass began at nine o'clock at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and was a bilingual service.  We had several new families, some who saw the ad in the newspaper, thus, it was the first time they realized there was a Catholic Church in Union County, TN. 

Youth Christmas Choir at Blessed Teresa

Christmas day Mass at 9:00 a.m. was the highlight of all the celebrations.  The young people provided the music with their various instruments.  We had flute, piano, trumpet and saxophone as well as a soloist.  John joined in playing with harmonica.  Yet the greatest moment was John making his first communion and confirmation at age 81.  Br. Craig serve as his sponsor and his wife and daughter stood at his side.  The joy in his face in receiving the Body and Blood for the first time was obvious.  This is why Glenmary came to Union and Grainger county: to bring folks closer to Christ and grant them an opportunity to receive the sacraments.  What a beautiful blessing this celebration was for him and for our faith community. 

John making his first communion

John playing his harmonica

My last Mass was at 11:00 a.m. in Spanish where we had a smaller congregation than usual.  The joy of Christ coming into the World was celebrated in this quiet atmosphere of Christmas morning.

The Brothers and myself finished the day with a meal at 2 p.m. at one parishioners home followed by another meal at another persons home at 5 p.m.  This, of course, is the tough work of missionary life.  Eat, Eat and Eat.  All in the name of Jesus and community.  So Lord keep sending me the tough work of joyous celebrations filled with spiritual food and tasty meals.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my readers!!!

Pastorilis at Blessed John Paul II

Guadalupe Celebrations

The drama of the Our Lady of Guadalupe at JP II

Sunday and Monday we held celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas.

A little preaching at JPII

For some this may be a new feast, but it is very ancient since the aspiration of "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe" as it is called in Spanish, took place in 1531.  In a nutshell, with a bias towards evangelization, I often tell the story in this manner.   Christianity came to Mexico following the violence of the conquistadors.  The Friars who followed may or may not have participated in this, but many people were forced to convert or be killed.  Yet, Saint Juan Diego was a true Christian and a daily Mass goer.  On his way to church, Our Lady visited him and asked him to build a Church in honor of her Son, Jesus.  The Bishop of Mexico born in Spain did not believe him.  He tried a second time without success.  Another time, Juan Diego went a different route because he wanted to get a priest to cure his sick uncle and did not want to see Mary that day.  She came to him anyway. " Where is my Church?" she asked.  Juan had excuses.  So she had Jesus cure his uncle.  Then told him to pick flowers as proof to the Bishop.  He did has was told.  This time when to Bishop received him, he lowered his "tilma" and roses fell to the floor.  Furthermore on his tilma, which hangs today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, was her image.

The dance of "los viejos" from a troop in Grainger County

It is the image of Our Lady that intrigues me to most.  The Azetcas worshiped the "lights"-- the sun, the moon and the stars as gods.  Mary demonstrates by her appearance that her Son, Jesus Christ, is more powerful than any of these lights.  The Black tie around her waist signifies that she is pregnant with Jesus.  This is why Blessed John Paul II appointed Our Lady of Guadalupe as patron of children, especially the unborn..  She is standing on the moon.  Her Son is more powerful than the moon.  She is standing in front of the sun because her Son is more brilliant than the sun.  She is wrapped in the stars because heaven is openned by her Son.  Her Child Jesus is the LIGHT of the WORLD.  He is the only true God!!!

Now that is a powerful message for a farmer to carry to the Bishop and for a people to understand.  This has lead to the conversation of millions of people and for many centuries has contributed to the strong Catholic faith of the Mexican People.  Blessed John Paul II, who visited the Basilica four times, appointed her patroness of the Americas.  In some ways it is the same message for the people in Eastern Tennessee.  Mary has visited them and told them form a Catholic faith community, develop a Church in honor of her Son. 

I have posted the pictures of the event at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission on my facebook and will post some more for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta soon.

When you view these pictures, keep in mind that this is the first time for any celebration of Guadalupe in either county.  The leadership, the drama, the decorations, the food and the music were all planned are developed by the local people.  I am so happy about their leadership skills and the faith.  The Lord sure is blessing us here in these Tennessee Hills.

The closing dance at JP II

The Planning Committee for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Angel and an Altar

The New Altar at Blessed JP II

An Angel and an Altar arrived in the last two weeks.

Time has moved fast as we are preparing for many feasts.  Advent is half way through.  We just celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the United States.  This weekend and Monday we are celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Americas.  Then it is on to the Posadas, Christmas and New Year's.  All in all, a very busy but joyous time.

Many helpers have come along the way.  One is in Tom, a member at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission in Rutledge, who constructed by hand our beautiful altar.  We are so grateful to offer the Holy Eucharist on this beautiful work of art.  Hopefully, when folks view it they give praise to God.

Mike, Maria and Angel preparing for English Mass

Another helper, has been Angel, a vocation prospect for the Glenmary Home Missioners.  He came just in time!!!  So far in the ten days he has been here, he has offered the adult education classes in Spanish in both places.  Furthermore, he is providing music at our daily Masses.  He is playing for Guadalupe festivals for both churches.  In Rutledge we are celebrating tomorrow all afternoon and Monday we will celebrate the feast in Maynardville.

Angel, an angel of joy

When he finishes this, he will most likely beginning organizing the Posadas.  We are blessed to have angels named Tom and Angel in our churches.  They join a choir of heavenly and earthly hosts who  make this mission alive in Holy Spirit.