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

Presidential Visit and another Open House

Fr. Chet visiting two parishioners at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

The President visited us a couple weeks ago.  No, it was not the  President of the United States, but the  President of the Glenmary Home Missioners.  Fr. Chet Artysiewicz was elected in June and was responsible for assigning myself and the two brothers to these developing missions.  It was a delight to have him here.  His words were encouraging to us and the parishioners.  One of the things he emphazed is" that almost any Catholic someday or another will be asked to contribute to a building fund, but it is a rare priviledge when the Lord asks a Catholic to be part of building a new faith community where one was not present before."

Fr. Chet playing to organ at Blessed John Paul II

Besides his affirmation of our missionary effort, he shared his gift of priesthood and music with the people.  During the Spanish Mass in Maynardville, which does not have a musican, he played the piano and lead the singing.  In Rutledge at the Spanish Mass at Blessed John Paul II he presided and played the organ.  After both the english and spanish Mass at Blessed John Paul II, Fr. Chet put on the accordian and entertained us all.

Edith J. and Helen R. preparing for the Open House

After all this fun and enjoyment, last Sunday, we finally were able to have our open house for Blessed John Paul II.  It has taken a longer time to get the building looking like a church.  Yet, we finally made it.  The folks put on a great spread of food and over fifty folks came to visit.  Among the our visitors included, two Methodist ministers, one Baptist minister, and one Quaker minister.  Many of the people who stopped by were neighbors, friends and family of our English Speaking Parishioners.  The atmosphere was joyful and the  pride of our parishioners to "show off" their church with people they value was delightful.

Pastor Ryan of Rutledge Methodist Church with another quest

In an area where Catholics are unkown and a huge minority, to recieve such a welcoming reception was affirming.  It is very exciting to have the support of the Methodist and Baptist churches.  Something new in terms of unity, in terms of service, and in terms of Christian fellowship seems about to bloom.  The  affirmation of Glenmary's President is significant, yet, the affirmation of local citizens and ministers in Grainger county is even more important.  May all of this love, especially the Love of Jesus,  help us praise God and proclaim His Kingdom of Love, Mercy and Justice to all of Grainger County, TN.

Donna B. and Tom C. who designed the santuary

Tom D., Br. Joe and visitor

O' Brother, Where Art Thou

Br. Craig during Morning Prayer

 Though this is a title of a popular movie staring George Clooney, it also is a good title to describe the outreach ministry of Br. Craig Digmann.  Br. Craig made his final oath last May, but he works like a veteran missioner.   Since he is about visiting and touching the lives of many over a two county area, I am often wondering "Where Art Thou, O Brother?"

Competing at the fall Hay Bail Throwing Contest

In the last two months, Br. Craig has visited over 50 households, many who are Catholics living in the area but not worshipping at one of our two missions.  We also frequently stops in unannounced to any of our parishioners.

Br. Craig is also well known by a number of business where he has the talent to linger and chat with just about anyone.  He is a gentle presence of affirmation wherever he goes. 

Posing with folks at Blessed Teresa

It amazes me of all the different activities he has become engaged in.  Currently he visits two nursing homes and three Senior Citizen Centers.  He is a bingo caller at some of these. As he wanders the halls he stops and speaks with both residents and workers offering them encouragement and hope.  He frequently prays with those residents who desire it.  In Grainger County he leads a bible study once or twice a month.

Br. Craig is also a greeter at the High School every Monday morning.  This is a program sponsored by both I-Care (a group aimed at preventing drug abuse) and a government agency concerned with the prevention of domestic violence.  He is also helping an adult improve his reading level so this man may read the King James Bible.

Visiting with a fellow minister

Other activities that Br. Craig is involved in includes helping distribute commodities in both counties, praying and worshipping in various other christian churches, and teaching confirmation classes in Rutledge.  We also rotates with me bringing the Eucharist to our homebound.

All of this, does not begin to reflect the depth of Br. Craig's ministry in Grainger and Union County.  He is known as a gentle presence and has become a friend or better "a brother" to many.

Br. Craig is on the road most of the time, so I really do not know where he is any given hour.  Yet, I know he about the business of the Lord in Union and Grainger County, TN.  His gentle presence, humble service and sensitive care to all reflects his deep faith and the man of prayer that he is.  We are blessed to have him on the missionary team.