Sts. Peter and Paul parishioners celebrate four special dates
By Claire Collins
On June 28, clergy, staff, and parishioners of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga gathered to honor a special intersection of anniversaries, well wishes, and celebrations.
Father David Carter, rector of the basilica, shared his 20th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood with the 135th anniversary of the dedication of the basilica.
Soon, it was realized that in addition to these great occasions, former basilica parochial vicar Father Michael Hendershott was celebrating his 10th anniversary of ordination, and current parochial vicar Father Alex Hernandez was celebrating his fifth anniversary of ordination. In addition, seminarian Eli Holt had just celebrated his 23rd birthday.
It would only follow that a dinner for the parish would be the best way to celebrate the occasion.
The event was put on by various ministries within the parish. Knights of Columbus Council 610 provided food and a generous birthday gift to Mr. Holt.
The Seven Sisters Apostolate, a ministry dedicated to praying for the priests of the basilica, took charge of decorations. The receptions ministry and director of religious education Florence Porter were responsible for serving and cleaning. In addition, Angel Alicea, maintenance supervisor, set up the event.
Father David Carter enjoys the basilica anniversary festivities with his parents, Mike and Cindy Carter, and his sister, Amanda Carter. (Photo courtesy Claire Collins)
Father Carter served as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the event. He took a moment to acknowledge each special occasion for celebration, and to thank each support person who worked together to put on the joyous occasion.
“It was a providential confluence of celebrations,” Father Carter said. “It shows that we are united in the Body of Christ. When one member suffers, we all suffer, and when one member rejoices, we all rejoice. What a great joy it was for me to share anniversaries with my brother priests and also to be able to include our seminarian and the anniversary of the dedication of the church.”
Mr. Holt’s summer assignment was serving at the basilica. He attends Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo.
“I was honored and felt supported that the parish included me in the celebration,” Mr. Holt said. “The basilica is a wonderful parish with many great families, and it was a special experience for me to have the opportunity to talk with the parishioners and get to know them better.”
“My family also came down from Knoxville for the event. It was a great way for them to catch a glimpse of how I am involved at the parish. Another blessing from this occasion is that it encouraged my vocation in being able to witness how parishioners support their priests,” he added.
The parish also gathered to bid farewell and extend well-wishes to Father Hendershott as he left for Wisconsin to discern religious life with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priests.
Sam Nelson, a parishioner of the basilica, said about the evening, “First of all, it was such an amazing coincidence to have the priestly ordination anniversaries line up. It was a wonderful time to reflect on and show appreciation for the priests of the basilica and all that they do. And it was a bittersweet farewell to Father Hendershott, who we all hate to see go but are happy to see him discerning God’s call for his future.”
Mr. Nelson’s wife, Rebekah, remarked, “It was special to see our parish community come together to visit and celebrate our beloved priests. We enjoyed the opportunity to visit friends and wish Father Hendershott well. Father Carter singing Ad Multos Annos is always touching!”
Melissa Wexler, ministry leader for the Seven Sisters Apostolate, assisted with the event by heading up the decorating.
“We consider it an honor to recognize our priests for their faithful service to the Church and a joy to celebrate with them,” she said.
“The fact that all three priests had milestone anniversaries in the same year and our visiting seminarian had a birthday at the same time made it incredibly special! Luz Helena Loizeaux did a wonderful job with the decorations and the Knights of Columbus served delicious food. I believe it was a fun evening for the whole parish,” she added.