Humming along

Preparing to pray for the Children

This week I have been humming a happy tune.  Everything things to be slowly falling into place.  The feeling is just amazing.

Last Sunday was my first opportunity to pray in public for the boarder community.  There was a gathering on the courthouse steps to pray for the children.  Only about forty people showed up, but the sun was out and the singing was great.  There were four of us preachers present. Therefore, we each offered a pray for the children of our world, nation, state, and county.  The result of this is the plan to pray every third Sunday at the courthouse steps.  It is not quite Occupy main street or some Tea Party rally, but maybe this small group of Christians might have even a bigger impact.  We are depending on God and nothing else!!

Praising on the Courthouse steps

Tuesday was a wonderful lunch with Pastor Ryan of Rutledge Methodist Church in Grainger County.  It was a great way to get to know each other more.  They have been allowing us to hold planning sessions in their church.  This Saturday will be the first English Mass for the Catholics of Grainger County.  It will be followed by our third Spanish Mass since my arrival.  All Saint's Day Mass will be held in a parishioners home.  We have found a building to rent and are just waiting to sign the lease.  Hopefully, we will hold Mass inside this building a week after signing the lease.

In Maynardville, we are really in high gear.  We have been humming along all week.  This week we held daily Mass in the office space which will also serve as our daily chapel.  We also held our faith formation classes in the main building this Wednesday. "Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noontime and Jesus when the sun goes down" was sung by our ten students.  It was even better than humming!!

The main building, which will host the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission, will be set up Saturday for worship in order to celebrate All Saint's Day Mass on November 1, 2011.  All the many hands that made this possible is overwhelming.  Br. Joe guided the local people in cleaning, scrubbing, building walls, painting, laying carpet and many small things in between.  In less than 30 days we turned a storage shed and hot dog stand into a church.  God works miracles.

So hum with us as we move into our first worship space here in Maynardville. 

Table Fellowship

Inside Miller's Chapel UMC

This was a week of table fellowship in both the spiritual and physical sense.

Sunday evening I had the pleasure to share with the members of the East Tennessee Catholic Foundation of Knoxville, TN.  These fine folks participate in the foundations mission of supporting the seminarians and establishing new churches within the diocese.  It was an honer to share our early beginnings here in Union and Grainger County, TN.  Also, it was inspiring listening tothe vocation stories of two of the seminarians studying for this dioceses.

Getting ready for Mass

Then Monday night Miller's Chapel United Methodist Church held a spaghetti welcome dinner for us Catholics .  Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of this enjoyable event.  Yet, it was a very relaxed atmosphere, lots of good pasta, and great company.  Of course, Br. Craig demonstrated his Iowa roots by baking an oatmeal cake and bringing red jello with bananas and marshmallows.

Planning meeting in Grainger County

Tuesday we had a delightful and hopeful meeting with some of the Catholics in Grainger County. 

Joy of almost having a place for worship in Grainger County

Here we discussed the option of renting one of two buildings for worship.  We have agreed on one and are waiting for the reception of the contact.  Keep praying; we are almost there.  This evening was finished with more food:  Filipino Egg Rolls!!!

Then Wednesday I was invited to have lunch with Bishop Richard Stika.  Joining us was the vicar general, the chancellor, and the newest resident, Cardinal Justin Rigali.  It might seem a bit of surprise, but this is the first time in 22 years as a priest that I sat at table with a Cardinal of the church.  In the past I just watched the red cardinals out my parents window.  It was a very pleasant lunch leading me to feel a strong welcome into this diocese.  Also, some donations were made to our budding mission.  That is a desert that lasts.  (By the way, the food was fantastic)!!

So in the midst of all these meals, we are busy preparing for the Lord's supper in our own building.  The construction is moving along very rapidly.  We will hold daily Mass starting Monday in our office and November 1, 2011, the feast of all Saints day we will hold worship in the newly designed building that will host Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission in Union county and neighboring areas.  By the way, the food theme continues.  I meet today a previous renter of our worship space where he sold "HOT DOGS!"

Cleaning chairs for the church in Maynardville, TN

We are getting so close to having the physical space for worship in both counties.  I can almost taste the next stage of development where we begin to witness to all God's children in Union and Grainger Counties.  The Lord is truly blessing us each and every day.

We are official

First steps of preparing our worship space

Sunday Mass every week, an official name, first month rent paid, and a bank account:  yes we are official here in Maynardville, TN.   Bishop Stika has named us Blessed Teresa of Calcutta; we are offering the sacrifice of the Holy Mass every Sunday at Millers Chapel United Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m.  Our rental property is in a great location on Hwy 33, the main road through town, right across from Food City, the larger of two grocery stores in town.  After two Sundays, thanks to outside donations and two weeks of collections, we have paid all our bills and have money in the bank.  Yes, we are official.

It is amazing for me to realize how fast God has worked.  Br. Craig and I only arrived here on August 12, 2011.  Br Joe, who is leading the remodeling project came only thirty days ago. So in less than sixty days, we are up and running.

The enthusiasm of our local Catholics in this area is fantastic.  We have many boys and teenagers willing and wanting to serve at the Mass.  An 81 year old man is leading our worship music by his excellent harmonica playing.  A 14 year old has played Ave Maria on her flute.  People are stepping up and volunteering without any begging.   The Lord has been working in their lives and it is clear that they really wish to have a Catholic Church in this area.

Mom and son working together

Currently, we are remodeling our rental property for worship space.  We aim to be worshipping in this space no later than November 1, 2011.  Men, women, teenagers, and children have all been pitching in.  Others are providing lunch.  It is exciting!!

At the same time, as things are going along with so much joy in Union County, it is not the same picture in Grainger County.  For a number of reasons, we have yet to have an English Mass in Grainger County.  The primary stumbling block is not having a location for Mass.  We are searching and searching.  Hopefully, something will emerge soon.  We need the prayers of everyone who is reading this blog.  Your prayers will make a difference.

The future home of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Mission

The Lord does not promise us an easy path; He just promises to be with us always.  Whether it is among the excitement of all the positive things happening in Union County or the frustration of trying to get things started in Grainger County, God is present.  Jesus is with us.  All things will happen on His timeline and not mine or anyone elses.  He sees and knows what is best for us.  Praise God for this loving assurance.

The local deanery welcoming four of the five Glenmarians new to the area.

What a week

From the last Sunday of September to the first Sunday of October many things have transpired.

On the last Sunday of September, Br. Joe, Br Craig and I attended worship with the folks at Miller's Chapel United Methodist Church. This is the church that agreed to host us during the month of October.  It was a wonderful welcome.  Then that afternoon, I was off to the hospital to baptize a four year child just coming out of a coma. It was a time of hope, but with caution, since the child was off the respirator but was not talking or walking.

Sunday evening and Monday were spent with the Glenmary members of the area.  Five Glenmarians have been in this district for many years and five of us are new.  Like any new group, it took sometime to figure out how we will pray, share and support each other with such an expansion of the group.  It was not without some tension, but like any family, we worked it out.

On Tuesday, we began the process of signing a contact for a building for worship in Maynardville, TN.  The dialogue between Glenmary, the Diocese and the Property Mission Team took some time.  Administrative details are a major part of being a missionary pastor.  Yet, on Wednesday we paid the first month rent and on Thursday we were insured.   What great team work from all parties involved.

Br. Craig and Br. Joe entering our new building.

Br. Craig and Br. Joe checking out the building from the inside.

Tuesday, however, was the first time I felt direct anti-Catholic discrimination.  In Rutledge we were set with a date to have a meeting next week.  This was set almost two weeks ago.  Then a call comes in that says, "You are not meeting there!"  The tone was harsh without the ability for discussion.  It appeared as if this conflict would not have occurred if we were another denomination.  Yet, in one hour, with one phone call, we had a new place to meet.  The Rutledge Methodist Church opened its door for our meeting next Tuesday.  The goodness of the Methodist brothers and sisters is greatly appreciated.

Thursday night was our last carport Mass since we are now able to have Sunday Mass and the temperature is cooling down.  Our accompaniment was by an 81 year old man playing harmonica. This same man hopes to make his first communion soon.

  There was great joy over preparing for the first Sunday Mass.  Faith formation planning began.  There was such a high spirit of joy and enthusiasm it washed away any worries, fears and anxieties prior to the night.

Friday began with a clear communication with the diocese about our next steps in forming a parish here.  Hopefully, Wednesday of this week, I will receive a letter from the Bishop outlining the necessary steps to becoming an official parish.  The other great news on Friday, was I returned to the hospital and the four year old child was going home.  He is not fully recovered, but he is out of danger.  Praise the Lord!!

Saturday was a great opportunity to get to know the community some more.  Maynardville was having its Heritage Festival.  This is the annual festival or community celebration.  Br. Craig competed in the Heritage Festival Olympics.  He placed first in seed spitting, second in hay bale throwing and bombed in feedbag trowing.  The highlight is watching the women throw the skillet.  I believe 49 feet was the winner.

Br. Craig throwing haybales.

Fr. Steve promoting boy scout popcorn.

This lead to Sunday, October 2 when we held the first ever Sunday Mass in Union County, TN.  The location was at Miller's Chapel Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m.  44 folks attended.  Many were families we were meeting for the first time.  We had a 14 year play the flute and an 81 play the harmonica.  The Methodists offered hospitality afterwards.  Truly a gracefilled beginning.

Miller's Chapel United Methodist Church

What a week!  Many emotions and yet it ends on a high.  Only the Lord knows what will be next.

Buildings ...

Searching for worship space among the beauty of God's creation

One of the first questions people ask me when I introduce myself and tell them why I am here is, "Where is your church?"  It has surprised me how important a physical location for worship and outreach is.  So for the last several weeks, our focus has been on trying to find a building for worship.

In Maynardville, TN we formed a property mission team.  We are not forming committees because they do not speak of the Holy Spirit.  We are all on mission and every structure of our community is sharing in this mission.  Therefore, we are forming mission teams with various focuses.  Anyway, this team has looked at several locations that might house a Catholic faith community.  Unfortunately, because of the poor economy, there have been many buildings to investigate.  Yet, they narrowed it down to two and will be making a recommendation tonight for one of the sites. 

The Carport Masses

On Wednesday, Br. Joe, Br. Craig and I attended the Wednesday morning men's prayer meeting at the Revival Vision Church of God.  Here they joined us in praying that God would help us find the right location.  They themselves are building a new sanctuary.  This gives me a lot of hope.  They have been in the county about nine years and are currently building a sanctuary to seat 280.

 Also, during the month of October, Millers Methodist Church has agreed to allow us to begin Sunday worship in their sanctuary.  We will have Mass beginning October 2, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.  We hope in sharing their building to build a strong relationship for fellowship and outreach with them.  These are all encouraging signs of the Holy Spirit working here in Union and North Grainger.

People after Mass getting ready to enjoy fellowship

In Rutledge buildings are also part of our focus.  Yet, the ecumenical spirit is not as evident.  Br. Craig and I went out one Saturday to introduce ourselves to the Spanish speaking people in one of the trailer parks where many live.  Knocking on doors at the same time was a team of Jehovah Witnesses.  Apparently they have been visiting for some time.  Their church is in the neighboring county and they have hired a bilingual man from Florida just to do outreach to the Spanish speaking people.  I did introduce myself to him and we had a very pleasant visit. 

Br. Joe visiting with the teenagers after Mass.

Despite this reality, last Saturday for my second once a month Spanish Mass, 108 people attended.  This is just amazing.  Thus, this Friday their property mission team will go with me to look over three possible buildings.  The Lord is building His Church.  Now we just need a place to house them in.

Where is the Spirit?

The last two days, Br. Joe, Br. Craig and myself, took some time to go to Nashville for prayer and reflection on what is happening in Union and Grainger Counties.  Fr. Wil Stienbacher, long time Glenmary missioner guided us in this reflection.

Even through Br. Craig and I have only been here for thirty days, and as Br. Joe says, he was here for barely thirty hours, it was still time to take a moment for deep reflection.  One of the truths is that no body brings Jesus anywhere.  Jesus is already present everywhere before anyone arrives.  Therefore, one of the early tasks is to pause enough so our eyes, ears and hearts can be open enough to perceive how Christ is already working through the Holy Spirit here in Union and Grainger Counties. 

The view from our front door.  The Spirit of God is in the beauty.

To gain this insight, we have to acknowledge our biases, our prejudices and  preferences, and seek the signs of the fruits of the Spirit.  One guide for this is from Paul's letter to the Galatians "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (5:22).  In the anti-drug March on Sunday, August 21 and last Sunday's prayer in the court house for grandparents days, the Spirit was singing.  The communal style of prayer, where everyone prays at once out loud at the same time, was different from other communal prayer experiences, but the fervour and the desire was uplifting.

In our local gatherings of the Catholics, now both in Union and Grainger Counties, we have heard stories of faith, of struggle and of belief.  Many have expressed our coming here to begin a Catholic Church in Maynardville and in Rutledge as answers to long offered prayers.

In the various social agencies we have touch based with, a care for the poor and those on the edge of life is present.  God's grace is already here.  Our task is to discover it, embrace it, nurture it, and go with it.  Yet, that all takes discernment and prayer.  In the midst of the Holy Spirit blowing over these counties, the reality of sin also exists.

In the guidelines of service as written by Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, states, "Don't be afraid to smash idols and don't be afraid to bow in reverence!!"  There are idols of false worship in all places also.  The sins of each of us three missioners can limit the Spirit's work.  The sin in the Catholics and other Christians can hinder the clarity of God's love around us.  Social sins often are left unconfronted because we are part of the social fabric that creates them. This prevents the reign of God emerging more clearly.  However, before idols can be smashed or altars be reverenced, we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the eyes of God which can only come from prayer and discernment.

Therefore these last two days began opening us up to be more reflective, prayerful and discerning about God's presence within us and around us, before us and behind us.  The Lord has put much in motion.

The Spirit is flowing all ov'r this land.

The Union and North Grainger counties are meeting in mission teams searching for rental property, developing prayer ministries, seeking membership promotion and considering resource potential.  Our next Mass and Meeting will be September 22.  Grainger County (Rutledge) met Monday with 32 in attendance.  They will meet again Saturday, September 17 one hour before the Spanish Mass there.  All of this are signs of God's grace.  Yet, each step requires prayer and discernment.

The Spirit is here.  May we be open enough to allow her to guide us.



Carport Mass

Today I have been here in Maynardville, TN for one month.  Also, Br. Joe will arrive in the afternoon completing the team with myself and Br. Craig.

The first BYOC Mass (bring your own chair) was celebrated Wednesday, September 7, 2011 in the carport of our rental home in Maynardville.  I was uncertain what type of response we would have.  On Monday we had record rainfalls, followed more days of rain, drizzle and dampness.  Yet, twenty six people came ranging from ages 7 to 88. 

Now twenty six people may not sound like many people to some.  Yet, in the two counties of Union and Grainger that already has us larger than most of the Methodist congregations in the area.  This is a very heavy missionary and primitive Baptist area.  There is an even higher population that does not attend any church.  So all of us were thrilled with this turn out.

In many ways it reminded me of the early church gathering in homes to pray and worship.  "Every day they devoted themselves to meetng together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes." (Acts 2:46).  There was singing, praying and rejoicing.  This new and budding community were bonded in fellowship through the grace and power of the real presence of Jesus Christ through the sacrifce of the Mass.  The Body and Blood of Christ was really present and consumed by the faith community, the other Body of Christ.

At the offertory, not a single dollar was given ... because not one dollar was asked for.  Instead, they were asked to write on a card how much time they will dedicate in prayer, especially prayer for the establishment of a Catholic Worshipping community here in Union and North Grainger Counties.  These cards were placed on the altar and left there during the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.  Now they sit on the Glenmary mission prayer space in our house.  Eventually, dollars will be needed to establish this faith community.  Yet, the spiritual foundation is far, far more important.  If we lead with spiritual confidence and sacrifice, the funds will follow. "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. ... But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things will be given you besides. " (Matt 6:25,33).

After the Mass we decided to meet again on Thursday, September 22, for another carport Mass.  The property mission team updated on the progress of finding a place for worship.  Finally, the community was encouraged to bring suggestions for a name at the next meeting.  The guidelines were a name that would speak to people in an evangelical culture, a name that no other Catholic Church in the diocese of Knoxville already has, and to trust the Holy Spirit to inspire them in a creative choice.

Of course, after this brief meeting, we ate, laughed and shared with one another.  This group of worshippers, though have lived here for a number of years, have been going to over 5 different Catholic churches outside of the county.  Thus, this social time is important for us to bond as a community.  We had the opportunity to celebrate one birthday in our midst and congratulate another couple who just became that very day, great grandparents.

There is no question that the Holy Spirit was with us.  We left encourage, excited and humbled by what God is doing in our midst.

Group photo after Mass

This natures cross was seen growing out of the gutters of our garage.