DioNotes 
a newsletter for our parishioners
February 28, 2020
Scripture readings for Sunday, March 1
Bishop Stika's Lenten message to
the Diocese of Knoxville
Is it necessary to "give up" something for Lent? Bishop Richard F. Stika has some ideas that might lead you to "blow the dust" off of other possibilities. Click the image to view his DioKnox TV 2020 Lenten message to the faithful of the Diocese of Knoxville.
Bishop Stika celebrates Ash Wednesday Mass
Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the noon Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Feb. 26, marking the beginning of Lent. The season of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and alms spiritually prepares us for the glorious celebration of Easter. Listen to Bishop Stika's homily. Watch coverage on WBIR and WATE. 
CCETN's Office of Immigrant Services
explains ministry during Loudon County visit
Alessandra Ceccarelli, program leader of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee's (CCETN) Office of Immigrant Services (OIS) recently spoke on the challenges immigrants face and how, as the only Department of Justice-recognized program in East Tennessee, CCETN's OIS helps those in need. Read coverage from the News-Herald in Lenoir City.
Lenten 40 Days for Life begins in Diocese of Knoxville
Parishioners and clergy from the Diocese of Knoxville are once again participating in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside Knoxville Planned Parenthood this Lenten season. 40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Paul Simoneau, director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Knoxville, has coordinated the effort here. Mr. Simoneau received testimony on Friday from a couple that credits the Knoxville 40 Days for Life for convincing them to Choose Life instead of seeking an abortion at the Knoxville clinic.     
Women's weekend Lenten retreat March 6-7
The Evengelizing Sisters of Mary will facilitate a Lenten retreat for women at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend from Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. to Saturday, March 7 at 6 p.m. The retreat will focus on growing closer to the Lord and bearing fruit in all seasons.

Registration deadline is Feb. 29. Cost is $50 and includes lodging and meals. Click here to register.
Retreat prepares women for Lenten season
On Feb. 22, about 230 women gathered at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City for the diocesan women's retreat led by Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM. The theme of the retreat was "Cultivating the Interior Life." Read coverage from the News-Herald in Lenoir City. 
Called & Gifted workshop on charisms offered in Morristown March 14
Have you wondered “How can I follow Jesus’ plan for my life, in this time and place?" Join Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, and Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute for the one-day Called & Gifted workshop on charisms and discernment at St. Patrick Church in Morristown on March 14. Cost is $50 and covers workshop materials and lunch. Click here to register. 
Summer camps for youth
Information on several summer youth camp opportunities is now available:
Covecrest Lifeteen Summer Camp June 1-6
REACH God Camp for incoming 7th and 8th graders June 22-25
DISCOVER God Camp for incoming 5th and 6th graders June 25-27
Live the Great Adventure Camp for middle schoolers July 13-17
Catholic Charities dinners in Knoxville and Chattanooga
Annual dinners to benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee will take place in Knoxville on March 5 and Chattanooga on March 12. These popular annual dinners bring each community together for an evening of fun and fellowship. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, dancing, and dinner, as well as a program focusing on the work of CCETN in our communities and a special presentation of the Pope Francis Service Award. Proceeds from the event benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. 
Reclaim Fatherhood: Retreat for men set for March 28
A retreat for men of all ages will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to noon, at St. John Neumann Church in Farragut. The day will begin with breakfast and close with Mass. International speaker Jimmy Mitchell will discuss authentic manhood and raising virtuous young men. More information can be found here. This event is sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Please contact Beth Parsons for more information. 
Steven Ray to lead mission at St. Thomas the Apostle 
Best-selling author, world traveler, and Catholic convert Steven K. Ray never set foot in a Catholic Church until 1994. In March, Mr. Ray will share his story of how he became Catholic and will offer tools for explaining and defending the faith during a special mission at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. “Mission 2020: Living the Catholic Life… Defending Our Faith” will take place March 29-31. There is no charge to attend.
Upcoming pilgrimages to Hungary, Spain
Join His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali, on a journey to the 2020 International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Hungary, Sept. 17-27. Cardinal Rigali will represent the Catholic Church for the United States at next year's IEC. This special pilgrimage has been organized for those wishing to join him on this journey of thanksgiving, worship, and prayer.  
Join Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM, director of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Knoxville, on a journey to Spain. Walk in the footsteps of St. Teresa of Avila on this special pilgrimage from June 1-9, which will include visits to Toledo and Barcelona. Mass will be celebrated every day. Click here for a complete itinerary and to register.
Visit these other diocesan sites 
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Diocesan Events Calendar
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