Parish notes: Smoky Mountain Deanery

Blessed John XXIII, Knoxville

Sixteen young people were confirmed at Blessed John XXIII Catholic Center on May 5.

First communicants: Isabel Brown, Luke Cheadle, Olivia Enkema, John Mancini, Keanan Resendes, Kerry Willard

Holy Ghost, Knoxville

Diocesan seminarian Ray Powell, a Theology III student at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wis., will be in residence at Holy Ghost Church while he completes his clinical pastoral experience at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Immaculate Conception, Knoxville

Marian Howard, director of adult faith formation, and Kathleen Kramer, director of religious education, are retiring this summer after many years of service to the parish. Both women were thanked for their numerous contributions in service to the faithful at Immaculate Conception Church.

Our Lady of Fatima, Alcoa

Bishop Stika confirmed 29 young people from the parish on May 22.

Twelve children received their first Holy Communion on Saturday, May 4.

Our Lady of Fatima was one of 10 churches that participated in the second annual Blount County Operation Inasmuch on April 20. Projects included packing birthing kits for mothers in Africa, sorting underwear for the Free the Girls program that helps prevent human trafficking, writing letters to American troops overseas, and participating on teams that helped repair several homes in the area.

Sacred Heart, Knoxville

The Totus Tuus vacation Bible school returns to Sacred Heart Cathedral July 14-19. Grades one through six will meet from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and grades seven through 12 will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The cost is $15 per child. Children meeting during the day will need to bring a sack lunch. Registration forms can be downloaded at shcathedral.org under the Faith Formation tab on the webpage.

St. Albert the Great, Knoxville

Bishop Stika confirmed 17 high school students at St. Albert the Great on May 1.

Vacation Bible school is scheduled for June 10-14 at St. Albert the Great Church. “Kingdom Rock” will be the theme. To learn more or volunteer, contact Angie Nelson at 865-938-9941 or anelson@gmail.com.

St. Joseph the Worker, Madisonville

St. Joseph the Worker Church will assist members of Madisonville Presbyterian Church for a Feed the Hungry Potluck on Tuesday, June 11. Parishioners are asked to check the church bulletin board for suggested items to bring. Call the parish office for more information at 423-442-7273.