Parishes show the Holy Spirit is alive and well in East Tennessee
By Bishop Mark Beckman
One of my greatest joys as bishop has been the opportunity to journey to our parishes and meet the people of God in our many communities throughout East Tennessee.
A few weeks ago, I was able to visit two of our parishes for the first time. I journeyed north of Knoxville up to Caryville, where I would spend the night at one of the local hotels overlooking beautiful Cove Lake State Park.
Father Sam Sturm picked me up and drove me “up the mountain” to the small community of Helenwood, where St. Jude Church stands as a beacon of faith in the midst of a predominantly Protestant community. There are only about 19 registered parishioners but almost 40 people arrived for the liturgy on that Wednesday evening.
It is truly a gem of a parish. Catholic Charities operates a small pregnancy support clinic on location, which I was able to see, and I discovered that St. Jude is very involved with outreach to neighbors in need in their community of Helenwood.
The church itself is lovely, with a high central ceiling and incredibly beautiful stained-glass windows, which I was told were designed and placed by a monk many years ago. The crucifix behind the altar is striking and was made by a local parishioner.
The liturgy itself was simple and touching and was followed immediately by a covered-dish dinner. The people of St. Jude sure know how to cook! The meal and fellowship were wonderful.
Following our gathering, Father Sam took me to a parish founder’s home, which looks out over the mountains and New River, offering a glorious view. I was deeply reminded of how important our faithful have been in planting the seeds of the faith here in Appalachia and in continuing to nourish our parish communities.
The following morning, I traveled up the valley to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in LaFollette to see the magnificent yet simple new adoration chapel. From there, Father Sam and I journeyed farther northeast to the community of Tazewell near the Kentucky border, where the parish of Christ the King is located.
Father Sam is retiring and will be full time at Christ the King, as Father Henry Makawa arrives this summer to become pastor of the LaFollette and Helenwood parishes that Father Sam has been pastoring so faithfully. Deacon Chad Shields greeted us at Christ the King and served at the Mass that morning to another crowd of 40 or so folks!
Christ the King is another gem of a parish on the boundaries of our diocese, and afterward we shared a delightful brunch in the parish hall. If I continue to visit parishes like this, I will need a larger belt!
My drive back to Knoxville that morning had me pondering with gratitude the blessing of our many parishes on the boundaries of our diocese. We are truly in mission country, and to see the work of the Holy Spirit alive and well in these growing Catholic communities is a joy!
My calendar now holds dates for travel to the remaining two parishes of our diocese that I have not yet visited, St. Ann in Lancing and St. James the Apostle in Sneedville. May the Lord continue to lead us all to share the joy of the Gospel throughout East Tennessee.