Not every thing is a success

So often I write about all the success of starting these two Catholic Missions.   Yet, not everything is a success.   There are many challenges.  Yet the joy of this ministry and the many surprise blessings often overshadow those challenges.

For instance, at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission we have been blessed with very high attendance over the summer.   We have been numbering over 90 people for English Mass and over 75 for the Spanish Mass.  This is a huge blessing.

Likewise, we have a large number of people in our RCIA classes.   This includes two families, one teenager, and two other adults.   This growth is all blessing and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Part of RCIA Class

At Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission we had another confirmation and our English speaking community continues to grow.   We also have one person in the RCIA.

Confirmation at JP II

 

 



May 2012 JPII First, First communion Class

Yet, where as these three worshipping communities are growing, this is not true of the Spanish Speaking Community at Blessed John Paul II.   When we arrived here two years ago, this community was gathering occasionally for Saturday evening Mass about once a month.   An average of 45 people would attend.   In the first year, we had a sudden growth.   This included a large Guadalupe festival, many first communions and many confirmations.   Last year the religious formation was not well attended, but the Mass attendance stayed steady.   Yet over the summer it began to drop.

First Guadalupe Celebration at JP II, 2011

We had more people attend Mass during August 2012 than August 2013.   There are many reasons for this.  First among this is that in the summer many people are involved with the tomato farms.   They work six and sometimes seven days a week.   Since this work is seasonal, there is a strong sense that they need to work hard, long hours and save their money for the winter months when work is few.

Sr. Marianna visiting the tomato farms

 Besides this practical challenge, the other is most more challenging.   In Mexico many places only have Mass once a month, thus a every Sunday worship practice is not always possible.  Then prior to our coming here, many had to drive 40 minutes to church in one direction.  Thus a many had the routine of going to church only occasionally.  Again regular church attendance was difficult.   This however does not mean that these hard workers are without faith.   Their home devotions and prayer are very strong.  During Guadalupe or Christmas, many will participate in nightly rosaries sponsored at one another's home.   They are very faithful people and believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Guadalupe  Posadas, JP II, 2012

So the challenge is how do I and my mission team help lead them deeper into a Eucharistic Spirituality so coming to church on Sunday is something that fulfills their life and  the Real Presence of Jesus Christ becomes the center of their life?  There are no easy answers.

Yet, one Thursday we held a Mass to pray for all those Catholics and other folks not attending Mass.  Then we divided out into three teams and visited many homes inviting them to begin this fall with our new faith formation.   Who will respond to this invitation is not yet known.  Yet, the invitation from one member of the church to another is very powerful.  Many expressed their joy in receiving members of the visiting teams.

Home visits with Fr. Aaron

Welcome at the door

 

So not everything is successful, but we keep moving forward in hope.

Marriage is still Celebrated

25th renewal of vows at JP II

  In our missions, we have celebrated the gift of the sacrament of marriage on three occasions in the last several weeks.

We celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary, a 50th wedding anniversary and a first time marriage.

Newly married at JP II

Yet, in the larger society there seems to be a great deal of confusion over the institution of marriage.  It seems strange that surveys indicate that fewer young people are getting married.  It is not uncommon for people to live together first, then later "try" marriage.   What an irony that heterosexual couples are delaying marriage or see it as not important and homosexual couples are desiring to be married.   That makes an interesting reality for religious sociologists to study.

I believe most people understand that the Catholic Church upholds the dignity of marriage.  It is also important to remember that the church upholds the dignity of every person, including individuals with a homosexual orientations or tendencies.  To understand more deeply the compassion the church holds out towards homosexuals, one might wish to read #2357 - 2359 in the "Catechism of the Catholic Church."  It is possible to have compassion for homosexuals and to uphold the dignity of marriage. 

 Here is paragraph #2358 in detail:

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies in not negligible.  They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial.  They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.  Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.  These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition."

So as the nation seems confused, the teaching of the Catholic church holds out both the dignity of marriage between a man and woman and respect for people with homosexual tendencies or orientations.  As one of my friends stated, the institution of marriage is not threaten by homosexual couples as much as it is by heterosexual couples who are living together or not respecting their vows.  we need to do all we can to support families and marriages in a culture which highlights the individual over community and the person over the family.  As the body of Christ, every baptized person regardless of orientation, is a member of the family of God.  Their rights and dignity is always tied into the rights of dignity of those around them. 

On vacation in Union County, but came with their family to celebrate 50 years of marriage

As we struggle in finding our moral compass and walking the way of Jesus, we need to remember to hate the sin (all forms of sin) and love the sinner (all types of sinners).  This is what we hope to create as the Catholic Communities in Grainger and Union County.  We aim to treat all sinners the same--with love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.  Likewise, we aim to invite everyone to walk the narrow way of Christ as given to us in the Holy Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Growth Continues

Confirmation of Nancy

We are blessed with continued growth, both in membership and in spirit.

Nancy, Jerry and their grandson

On the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we received another new adult member into the Church.  At a casual social gathering, one of our current members asked Nancy if she would like to be Catholic since she was often attending with her husband.   Her response was kind of like, "Could I?".   That invite lead to her being confirmed and making her first communion on June 2.   Another bonus of this day was the renewal of her marriage vows as it was the day of her 25th Wedding Anniversary.

The weekend before we celebrated a
25th

Vow Renewal

 anniversary at Blessed John Paul II,
Pilipino style.  This included at the reception with a little bit of the traditional bamboo dance.

Along with these celebrations, infant baptisms remain common and a great joy.   Last week for father's day another child was baptized whose mother, however, is not yet baptized.   This is one of the early steps towards her journey in the faith being lead by her husband's faith.

Another new member

Some of the spiritual growth is happening through some of our social programs.   This included our participation at "Art on Main".  Here a number of our folks sold their art and crafts.  Since many of our parishioners stopped by to visit us, we won for the second year in the row, "Fan Favorite Booth".  

Our Master Crafters and Artists

Also we had our first summer social ... Pot Luck and Bingo.   No money is exchanged.  Prizes are donated and everyone just comes together to eat and enjoy.   It was a fun time bringing all ages and languages together.  Unlike other aspects of life, everyone went home a winner!!!

Pot Luck before Bingo Luck

Finally, I ask my dear readers, to pray for our Seniors as they venture out into the next stage of their lives.  We are proud of each of them.

Spanish Speaking Seniors, JP II

UT Bound

Catholic High Graduate



Washburn and Maynardville Seniors

Welcome in the Name of Jesus

A little welcome dance in Africa

When I traveled to Nigeria during my time as vocation director, the word "Welcome" took on a whole new force.   The word "Welcome" when you arrive at a new place was used over and over.  In some homes a beautiful ritual of welcoming with a special type of nut or fruit was common.   This would be blessed by the elder of the house or the priest and shared along with some non-alcoholic drink.

Our little missions do not have a special ritual but over and over I hear people talk about the sense of being welcomed here.  People introduce themselves to visitor and new comers.   This welcoming in the Name of Jesus occurs when individuals receive the sacraments or at a yard sale.

We have had several baptisms this last month, including my first immersion baptism here.  Riley was born in his sixth month and weighed 1 pound and 7 ounces.  You sure can not tell it now.   The family on his father's side are not Catholic and they were very welcomed here.

The Baptism of Johnathon at Blessed John Paul II last weekend, also was a special welcome.  His mother is not yet baptized herself and no members of their family were present.  Yet, the members of the church stepped in and provided them with special support and a small meal.  This extra step of welcome is so important.  It is being family ... the family of God.

Our second group of first communicants were welcomed to the table of the Lord as well.   Our largest attendance for the Spanish Mass occured that day.  One of the girls was brought to church every Wednesday night and Sunday by a neighbor since her mother works at a restraurant and is not able to bring her daughter here.  That welcoming spirit is also fantastic.

First Communion Class of 2013

Our second annual yard sale was also full of humor and a welcoming spirit.   We had workers who are members of a local baptist church step in to help us.  Material to sell came from beyond our parishioners.   One lady said she stopped in to buy something just to support us.  She is glad we are here and wanted to help welcome us.   Some monies were made, but greater fellowship happend. 

Our missions are here to welcome anyone looking for a spiritual home.  We welcome anyone who just wishes a short visit.   We welcome people of all faiths and no faiths.  All are welcome here in the name of Jesus.

We are all smiles here.

May Celebrations

The month of May brings many happy celebrations in the life of our two missions. 

May Crowning Procession

We had four people receive confirmation at neighboring churches last week.  The first Sunday of May was May Crowning.   May 4th was a baptism with more to come.

This Sunday will be Mother's Day and First Communion.  May 19th will be another set of Baptisms on Pentecost.   Then we will have on the last Sunday of May celebrations of our graduating High School Seniors.  In other words, every Sunday is a party!!!  Who ever said church was boring?

These various celebrations during May are a true joy.  They require work and planning on everyone's part.  Fr. Aaron has taken the lead this year with Faith Formation and English Sacramental Preparation.  Parents and sponsors are busy planning all the parties that go with these.  Our choirs' are focused on provided good music.  Many happy hands are required for the church to rejoice with the members of the body of Christ.

Baptism of Three at JP II

May also marks the end of our second year of faith formation.   This year faith formation at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta was very successful.  We had eight classes on Wednesday night:  Two adult classes (one in each language) two classes for new members (one for adults and one for children), High School, Middle School, Primary and Pre-School classes.   It is wonderful to have such energy and enthusiasm at the church on Wednesday night.   Yet, it was not so successful at Blessed John Paul II.  Our first semester went okay with high school classes, middle school and primary classes meeting every Thursday night.  The Adult English group meeting before Mass and the Spanish Adult group meeting after Mass.   Yet from Lent on the participation dwindled.   Yet, with a good meeting with the parents last month, I am optimistic for a better result next year.

Confirmation Recognition

Still after only being open since November 2011, both of these communities of faith are a marvel.  I could not be more humbled and surprised by all the activity that occurs here.   What a wonderful blessing.

As May is the month to honor Mary, the Mother of the Church, I give her thanks for looking after her children.  I praise her son Jesus, Our Lord and Savior for guiding these communities of faith.   May every day be a witness to others from us of Christ's great Love and Sacrifice.

Easter and Beyond

Nine newly baptized this year

Before I head off for a short vacation with friends in North Carolina, I wanted to share with you the great news of Holy Week, Easter and beyond.   Truly when nine new people, all them receiving Baptism, enter the church there is huge joy!!!

Fr. Steve, two of the newly baptized, and Fr. Dominic



Altar of Respose (Holy Thursday)

The Triduim  (those three important days before Easter-- Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) were wonderful.   We had great participation and truly felt the Holy Spirit guiding the community deeper into the life, death and resurrection of Christ.


Good Friday Way of the Cross in the rain

At Blessed John Paul II four young woman entered the church.  I am so proud of each of them.  It was a very hard journey.  For three of thems, there is no Catholic connection whatsoever and their parents are not attending any church.  They came, saw and fell in love with Jesus.   I was not with them on Holy Saturday, so when I shared Eucharist with them the following Thursday and offered them the Body of Christ instead of blessing, it was just awesome.  Their faces were beaming.  They are an inspiration to all of us at the church.

This was a lenten rite,
 but it is the only picture of the newly baptized in Rutledge
on my camera

At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta the reception of our five new members was spread out a bit for a number of factors.   One of our new members works nights, so he was unable to be present on Saturday evening.  Therefore, he was received on Easter Sunday morning.  Another family with two teenagers had to wait until Divine Mercy Sunday due to illness in the family during Holy Week.  Two, however,  were baptized at the Easter Vigil.  So we had three events of baptism, all special, and all a tribute to the resurrected Christ living in these new members, their families, sponsors and the members of our little community.


Dale was baptized on Easter Sunday
This is his wife and son with Fr. Steve

Lydia and Houston, two of the newly baptized

The week immediately following Easter we had three couples from Ohio volunteer with us.  They did whatever we asked of them.  This included building a poach, putting in flower beds, cleaning an apartment and even putting together children's puzzles.   Yes, we challenge volunteers in every way.  Among the many good things did, we are most grateful for the help in organizing our first fund raiser for a future building for Blessed John Paul II Catholic Mission.   They really helped with the work our yard sale along with so many others from the  community.

Our hard working Ohio Volunteers!

So after all this fun, I think it is time to sign off and head to North Carolina. 

Days of Lent

BTC Catechumens

It has been almost a month since my last update.  Wow time has marched on.  Lent has been full of wonderful spiritual opportunities and happenings here.

Alonso, our Spanish Catechumen

JP II Catechumens

We have nine people preparing to enter into the Church.  They include four teenagers in Grainger County all preparing for the Christian Rite of Initiation which includes Baptism, Confirmation and Communion.  Two of these families have no Catholic connection except their desire to be a child of God.  Their families have been supportive but have not attended Mass with them.  At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Maynardville, we have two grandchildren of one of our members preparing for baptism, one spanish speaking youth and two adults who will also recieve these sacarments.

Liz leading the woman's retreat

Among one of the highlights was the first woman's retreat at Blessed John Paul II.   Our presenters were some of our Glenmary co-workers. Lorraine VanCamp led reflections on the Way of the Cross with the Spanish Speakers and Liz Dudas did the same with our English speakers.  This event concluded with praying the Way of the Cross together.  It was wonderful to see the coming together and deepen of God's love.

Lorraine praying with woman at the retreat

We also have been offering the Stations of the Cross every Friday with a terrific response in both missions.  This devotion helps us focus on the depth of God's suffering and love for us.  I am always amazed at the people He encountered along the way:  Mother Mary, Simon of Cyrene, the weeping woman, Veronica.   In our journey on earth and on those days we carry the cross, many people, hopefully, are there to support us as well.  May our selfishness and pride not blind us to all those willing to help us on the journey called life.  None of us need bear our sufferings alone and all our sufferings have been redeemed by the death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Visitors from Holy Spirit Parish, Iowa visiting Miss Edith of JPII

We too walk with yet another family in sorrow during the death of Wilma.  Her funeral Mass was the first held in our store front church.  She was a tough Texan who loved her family and the Lord.  We continue to pray for her husband, her children and other members of her family.  She is greatly missed.



Praying for a New Pope

Then in the midst of Lent we have had the election of a new Pope ... Pope Francis or Papa Francisco in Spanish or as I like to call him Papa Pancho!! (Pancho is the nickname associated with Francisco in Spanish). 

We have begun Adoration and Benediction every Tuesday following Mass.  This included on the Tuesday when the conclave began.  On Wednesday, the day of Pope Francis's election, we held a special Mass of gratitude.  With less than two hour notice, over 60 people attended!! In just two short weeks, he is already well loved.

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Our Lucky Charm, Mr. Jim

Two extra events Occurred during Lent.  We had our annual desert bake off with the Boy and Girl Scouts.  Our troops also received the Golden Bow award from the annual Saturday Picnic with the Bishop.  Then we had a little Saint Patrick celebration last weekend.   Thank God it fell on a Sunday, so no dispensations were needed.

Boy Scout Leader, Linda and Fr. Aaron

This week we enter into Holy Week.  May each of my readers take advantage of the Spiritual Blessings possible during this time.  May the suffering Christ heal you of your wounds and may the glorious Christ bring you to New Life.

Fr. Steve with miracle baby Riley
(Riley was born under 2 pounds ... look at him now!)