The Catholic Charities Office of Immigrant Services is cohosting citizenship classes from 9 a.m. until noon Saturdays, April 13 through June 22, at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. The cost is $50. Teachers are being recruited. Contact Nathaly Perez at 865-971-3550 for more information.
Sevier County Right to Life is sponsoring its eighth annual high school oratory contest at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Sevierville Civic Center. Contestants must research, write, and present a speech about a human life issue such as abortion, euthanasia, stem-cell research, or infanticide. The top prize at the local level is $200. The winner will be invited to compete for cash and scholarship awards at the state competition in Nashville scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at Aquinas College. The deadline for applications is Monday, April 8. For more information, contact Terry Aparicio at 865-654-7685.
The CYO at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Alcoa is hosting the 18th annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction at 6 p.m. Friday, April 19, in the social hall. The event, which is supported by the Knights of Columbus council, helps to support youth activities, retreats, service trips, and diocesan events throughout the year. There will be a live auction as well as a “penny social.” Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-11. For more information, contact Beth Parsons at bparsons@ourladyoffatima.org or 865-982-3672, extension 14.
A Seekers of Silence Contemplative Saturday Morning will be held April 27 at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center in Knoxville. Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk will speak on the topic “Contemplation as Mission: Contemplative Prayer with a Missionary Priest.” Coffee and tea will be served at 8:30 a.m.; the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a bag lunch. RSVP at 865-523-7931.
