Merry Christmas!!!!

Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

- From "Away in a Manger"

It is my sincere hope that all of you have been resting up, and taking full advantage of this time off to reflect deeply on the meaning of Christmas this season. See you soon! -dpat :)

A Quiet Moment from Murfreesboro...

I will be posting a video from the big game laster this week, but I wanted to share with you something that happened to me at the game that I think is worthy of mention...

With the clock ticking down the last few seconds of the game, I left my big lenses with big Sean Beeler so I could concentrate on shooting in the bench area. There was a lot of celebrating going on and I wanted to get into the thick of it all. I began working my way through the sideline, shooting as many players as I could. Most often, some yell, "shoot my picture." As the clock neared zero, however, I approached one player, raised the camera to my eye, and framed up a nice shot of him. When he saw me do this, he yelled these words to me, "DPAT! don't shoot my picture, shoot them... the Seniors and the Juniors." Then he ducked away from my vision as the clock hit zero.

I want to be clear on something having said all of that... It's wonderful to be cheering for our victory, so I don't want to take anything away from any member of the Fighting Irish that won that game. You all deserve everything you got as you worked for every inch of our gains this year as a team. Having said all that, you have to hand it to that freshman...

It was a very selfless act and one born out of humility even in the moment of certain victory at the State Championship Game. I was stunned at his clear vision in the midst of chaos, wanting his deserving team-mates to get credit, rather than himself. It was one of those moments you remember, and I have to say, I can think of others looking back over the two years I've spent at KCHS in my "loitering ministry." I'm proud as ever, as we all are, to have gone all the way with a perfect season, and to win out our final game. But I'm even more proud to work in a school where we wear red instead of green sometimes. Where we can feel good about our sports teams because we do such a good job in academics. But most of all, I'm proud to be part of a community of believers working our way towards heaven together. That kid got that moment in Murfreesboro... "It's not about me..." had to be his thought. When we think like that, and then act on it, we live out our baptismal call to be Christ to one another... and THAT is something to cheer about!

A Hall Pass and a Letter from Scott Co...

Today I was approached by two girls in the commons who were running late for class after break. They asked me if I'd be willing to give them a hall pass to get into their next class without being penalized for being late. Sometimes kids that I know try to get me to give them passes like this without good reason, so I questioned why they were late. They told me that they had been in the Chapel praying for the dead. I asked them why it took so long, and they told me that they had been working on a list. They were pretty excited and shared with me that once they got started, they kept thinking of additional people that had passed away and so they continued to pray for each of them and their families.

It was just one of those moments of great blessing for me as a Deacon serving here at Catholic. Our kids can get in real trouble sometimes, but they can also provide us with much grace. Mr. Sompayrac shared with us all a letter from a parent of one of the four girls that was killed in the car accident in Scott County recently. I copied it below for you all to see, and be reminded that Christ Jesus is at the center of not just what we do here at KCHS, but WHO WE ARE as baptized Christians.

"Dear KCHS friends:

As a parent of a cheerleader at Scott High, I was reluctant to attend Scott's football game at Knoxville Catholic. My son and wife were emotionally drained by a week that included more than a dozen hours in funeral homes and four emotional funerals. We went only to support players and coaches, knowing there would be little cheer about on this night.

I had heard that a special ceremony was planned, and that some Knox Catholic students would be wearing red. I didn't think any of that would have much affect on me.

The sight of all those Knox Catholic people wearing red, however, was surprisingly comforting. It removed that invisible wall that is usually so apparent on the campus of an opponent.

The pre-game ceremony was a moving experience. The man who offered a well-crafted pre-game prayer did a marvelous job. More importantly, his concern seemed to come from the heart. His prayer, amid the other gestures, gave us a strong reminder that we (most of us, like myself, longtime Baptists) were among caring Christian brethren.

Being in a stadium where the name Jesus Christ was being proclaimed over the PA system was quite a comfort. I happened to sit behind a group of our cheerleaders, and I know they were very surprised by the kindness shown them. A group of girls who were part of a dance routine at halftime came over to offer a hug (and cookies), and I could tell by the looks on our kids' faces that they considered the gesture very meaningful.

I was stunned by the announcement that more than $7,000 was raised. For your families to donate so much surely required sacrifices. Tears welled up yet again, in part because I knew that those families badly needed the financial help and the emotional lift that comes with it.

The entire experience made me glad that I was on the campus of school were the name Jesus Christ could be exhaulted and where his spirit could shine without legal concerns. By the time we left the stadium, I was indeed glad we made the trip.

I had one large regret. As we observed the expressions of unusual hospitality, we were appreciative but subdued. Many in our section made positive comments about your efforts, but I feel that few of those comments reached your fans.

Please tell the KCHS family that we were humbled by their many acts of kindness last Friday. We were just too heartbroken to express it at the time.

-Abe Hardesty, Huntsville, Tenn."

May God bless all of our beloved dead this month, and may Jesus help each of us honor their memories by living for others before ourselves... -dpat

Please Pray for Haiti!!!!

The following is from the Partners in Health website, giving us an update on how the two hurricanes are affecting life for the poor in Haiti. Please remember our brothers and sisters in Haiti, and remember that when you support our Mission to Haiti at KCHS or through Sacred Heart, you are indirectly supporting PIH as well. Please keep reading for an update:

Dear Friends, Haiti needs your help.

This morning, after watching images of howling wind and torrential rain tearing through Haiti, I received a note from a colleague in Haiti explaining the devastation that Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna left in their wakes. Loune Viaud, our Director of Operations in Haiti, explained that the situation is dire and the suffering extreme. She estimates that close to 10,000 people have been driven from their homes by floodwaters in Haiti’s Artibonite Valley, where we have recently expanded our operations to six new facilities.

We’ve received reports of families, doctors, and patients are stranded on roof tops as water floods homes, hospitals, and health centers and reports of social workers wading through nearly four feet of water hoping to get patients and their families to safety. While the effects are hard to quantify so soon after the disaster, there is a clear and desperate need both for emergency relief and for long-term assistance to address the vicious cycle of poverty, environmental degradation and disease, which is guaranteed to intensify in the aftermath of this crisis.
In an effort to stem the suffering of our patients, their families, and the communities we serve, PIH has taken some immediate action:

Patients at the hospital in Gonaïves, who were sent to the rooftop as the wards filled with water, are being evacuated to Hôpital Saint Nicolas in Saint Marc.
Our social work staff is doing whatever it takes to find our patients and their families in the most devastated areas and to ensure that they have all of the support and assistance they need.
Organizational partnerships and community-level collaborations are underway to ensure that those who have been displaced or lost all of their belongings have food, water, housing, and a place off of the wet ground to sleep.
Our hospitals and health centers are preparing for thousands of additional patient visits in the coming weeks and are planning long-term reconstruction and support efforts.
We ask you, now, during this time of tremendous suffering, to take action with us. Please help us keep our promises to the communities we serve as we provide additional services and support in the wake of this unforeseen, and certainly unbudgeted, disaster.

Please Pray for Central High School...

Our hearts go out to the community of Central High School. To the students, teachers, parents, staff, and administration... know that we are praying for you all, especially for the MacDonald and Siler familes. (photo by J. Mies Cary-Knoxnews.com)

Welcome Back Irish!

As you probably already know, school starts promptly at 8:05 tomorrow morning, and as is the case each year, there are some new faces (about 150 of them) and some people that we'll miss seeing from last year. There are many new teachers that will bring new experience to Catholic, but many folks will be lost tomorrow so let's all be nice and help the newcomers out.

Please be sure to welcome any of our priests that will be coming and going each day, offering the mass for us in the midst of their already hectic schedules. This week, we'll have Fr. Bill McNeeley on Monday, Fr. Bill Gahagen on Tuesday, and Fr. Alex Waraksa on Wednesday; be sure to thank them when you see them and let them know we appreciate their presence.

Our First Mass of the Year at KCHS

Today, we celebrated mass for the first time this school year in the Holy Trinity Chapel during our annual Leadership Workshop. Monsignor Mankel came and offered the sacrifice of the mass. Some would look to the cheerleading squad to see an example of the greatest school spirit at KCHS, or to a member of one of our excellent sports teams. But to those who have spent more than four years on Fox Lonas or on Magnolia, our two Monsignors rank far above any cheerleader in showing their life-long support of our singular Catholic high school in Knoxville.

With the echo's of today's Gospel reading where Jesus hands the keys to Peter and proclaims him the rock of the Church, I sat and thought about Mnsgr.'s Mankel's tenure as student, teacher, priest, administrator, principal, superintendent, Vicar General, and spiritual director. Fifty-five years has passed since the day that then Xavier Francis Mankel entered KCHS as a freshman and a mere mortal. He has been standing watch ever since, participating in our growth through the years, and is steadfast as an icon of how to respond to God's call.

In an era when priestly vocations are down, and the crosses are being removed from classrooms around our country, we are growing. Statistically, our Diocese is experiencing a boom time as compared with the rest of the country, with multiple seminarians moving through their formation and towards ordination. KCHS now has it's first every priest become elevated to bishop just last year when our Fr. Vann became Bishop Johnson. Next week, there will be various pastors coming to offer the mass for us in the chapel; these priests will offer us over 150 years of preaching experience. Please continue to pray that we will receive a new bishop soon, and that he will assign us a new spiritual director to replace our learned Fr. Orr. -dpat

my favorite image from italy...

Of all the photos that I shot while in Italy this summer, and of all the beautiful things my wife and I saw there, this image trumps them all, and it should. It is St. Peter's at the Vatican and is the singular church on the planet that gives glory and praise to God with each nail, dab or mortar, frescoe, and piece of polished marble. We visited many churches while in Rome, but none even come close to compare with St. Peter's. This photo was shot in the evening around 7:30pm. The light only comes through the windows in the dome for a few minutes each day; it was a masterpiece to behold: God lighting His sanctuary for me. And so it's only appropriate to share it with you... Deacon Pat :)

Our hearts and prayers go to the Reyda family...

Our hearts are heavy this night as we pray for the repose of the soul of Ken Reyda, Mick Reyda's brother. Mick serves us all well in keeping us safe from harm as he handles Catholic's security throughout each school day. We join Mick and his family in praying for Ken, his wife Dina and their two children. It takes a special person to swear an oath to serve and protect total strangers, but that's what the men in blue do for us 24/7/365. When an officer leaves us like this, we all lose. Thank God we can have an ultimate hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, who lifts us up in hard times and gives us grace as we need it to make it through. Please join me in praying the rosary sometime this week for the Reyda family, who very much needs our powerful support through prayer. May God Bless Ken, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy spirit, Amen.

Deacon Pat is in Roma, Italy!!!

Yesterday, as Ellie and I visited different sites here in Rome, we visited one of the many churches here devoted to Mary but this one was special as it entombed St. Catherine of Siena who was a great mystic, and doctor of the Church. She was largely responsible for convincing Pope Gregory to return the Papacy to Rome from France. She was consulted by Popes, Kings, and great leaders about all kinds of issues because people knew her to be close to God. Funny thing is she was a Doctor of the Church who was illiterate. How much more could we do, being able to read and write? Something to think about...

the passing of Leann Smith...

It was just three weeks ago, when I got a call from my Mom up in Chicago. She was crying and trying hard to tell me something. "Patrick, it's your Uncle Ed..." she said. My heart sank. My Uncle Ed was 59 and loved to hike in his hometown of Colorado Springs. He had gotten up early, left the house at 5am, and hit the trail at first light. He reached the summit of Stove-top Mountain around 8:45am and called my Uncle John to tell them that he'd made it. He sat down, at a hershey bar, drank some water, and then headed down the trail. there had been some dew that morning and as he walked across a steep part of the trail, he slipped and fell forwards. He skidded on his face and hands for a few feet and then dropped off a 40' cliff and fell to his death. Family immediately came to Colorado to pay our respects and hold one another from CA, OH, PA, IL, WI, NC, and MT.
There is no such thing as a good time to have someone suddenly taken away. While my own grief was intense, I had my faith in Christ to prop me up. I had a sure knowledge that my Uncle was swept up into the arms of Jesus at the bottom of that rocky cliff. Others in my family were not so sure. Some are even self professed Atheists, and they seemed to have the most trouble of all.
When I first came to KCHS, Leann was a person that I met immediately. She was the person that I received all the tax forms to fill out. She was very gentle and kind to me and answered my many questions about how to fill out my paperwork. She always called out my name as I walked by in the hallway outside her office; she made sure I said Hello daily and thanked me for what I was doing at the school. I know that many of you have had much closer relationships with Leann than myself...
We teach the students at Catholic all kinds of subjects, but the most important things we try to share with everyone is our deep love for Christ who is at the center of our school. All of the millions in college scholarships our students receive each year pale in comparison to just one student entering into heaven that might not have gotten there because of a conversation with a religion teacher, the making of a good confession, or something Fr. Orr said in a homily. Leann was surrounded by people of faith in the offices at KCHS and hen she felt poorly, she reached out to another KCHS friend to ask for help. This is a testament to what we have at Catholic; good friends, good faith, good times, and good memories, all centered on our risen Lord. May the faithful soul of Leann Smith rest in peace, and may we take each moment we have and give thanks for our time here on earth. Deacon patrick

"Constantly nourish, then", he added, "your union with the Lord, in prayer and with the frequent practice of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. ... Ensure continuous Christian formation for young people and for adults", and distinguish yourselves "for works of charity and for your joint efforts to face the great 'educational challenge' of the new generations".

These words were spoken by our Holy Father yesterday in Turin, Italy. they speak to us as well. "Papa Benedicto" reminds us to avail ourselves of the sacraments of Eucharist and Confession throughout our summer vacation from school. Many of you have come to appreciate confession, during out monthly penance services at KCHS. Remember that your parishes provide that sacrament regularly and often while you are sleeping (Sat. mornings).

Last, take a look back at the quote above... "Ensure continuous Christian formation for young people and for adults..." YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LISTED FIRST!!!! But don't wait for your parents to offer you something to increase you faith. Look at ways you can facilitate your own growth this summer. By all means enjoy yourselves till school starts again, but make this summer count towards heaven. Find ways to increase your faith and then let that faith manifest itself in your thoughts, your words, and your actions. See you in 12 weeks! - dpat

A Random Act of Kindness...

Today, I stood in the hallway of the Commons just before Mass. I was hoping my standing there in my alb, stole and dalmatic would draw some of the students into Mass at 11:40, but alas, they all walked by, looking for their rides, etc... I thought how sad that none of them would want to go to Mass, to share their relief of having taken more final today with God. Then a Sophomore boy walked up to me with a huge smile on his face and shared with me that he'd received a 100% on his Biology final exam. He was eating a Hershey Bar, which is my favorite, and to my surprise, he offered me some. I thanked him but declined as I was about to go into the chapel for Mass. He insisted on sharing it with me and said to just wait till after Mass. He then set it at the feet of Mary's statue, wished me well, and walked out into the sunshine. As I reflect on that little moment, I am overcome with thanksgiving to be in a position to benefit from what to him was a small gift, but to me was huge. The fact is we are surrounded each day with opportunities to work the gospel, but are we in a headspace to do it? We have to be thinking about others in order to even make that jump. The thing of it is, I don't think that boy who shared his chocolate was thinking in theological terms at all, I think he was just happy, and wanted to share his happiness with someone else. The chocolate was accidental; but the beatitude was essential. And so my heart was lifted today by a boy that walked right by the chapel on his way out the door. The chocolate was fantastic and my ride home on the bike will be even better. May God richly bless you today; I thank you for reading these words and hope they bring you encouragement AND chocolate. St. Rita, pray for us!

Slideshow from Graduation...

http://pmrphoto.com/08grad (please copy and paste into your browser window)

Pope Benedict offers advice on Youth... way cool!

Saturday's graduation was a great event, and one that we will all remember for a long time. One of the highlights, other than the seven speeches, was the teacher of the year award. I was thinking about Sister John Catherine's impact on our school this morning before mass, and then just now, I read what the Holy Father had to say about youth in Italy yesterday. The two were definitely connected. Sister John Catherine is youthful, vibrant, and deeply in love with God. She exhibits a "youth of goodness," that the Holy Father describes. We all will miss Sister John Catherine, but I submit to you that it will be the Jesus in her that we will miss. If we can be more like Jesus in all we do at KCHS, then we shall be more like the good sisters that lead us by example each day. Let us then pray for our beloved Dominicans, that the summer refreshes them, that Sister Anna will come back to us safely and on fire from WYD, and that Sister Mary Edith will bless us again next year with her quick smile and easy laugh. We know that Sister John Catherine's future is bright, and that God will continue to bless her in her ministry as she teaches in Nashville next year. Enough of my words... please read the better ones below!

VATICAN CITY, 18 MAY 2008 (VIS) - "You are the youth of Genoa!" he exclaimed in opening his address. "Youth", he told his audience, "real youth, is not a question of years and physical vigour. ... There are, unfortunately, people young in years but old within. ... Being young means having discovered the things that do not pass with the swift passage of the years. If young people discover the real and great values, they never grow old, despite the fact that the body follows its own laws".

"Only people who are good and generous are truly young", he said. "I hope you will remain young; not fashionable, for fashions disappear in the winking of an eye, hurtling by in a frenetic career. Youth, on the other hand, the youth of goodness, remains forever. Indeed, it will be perfect and resplendent in heaven with God".

"Youth still has all its future ahead. ... The future is full of promise. Today however, for many, it is also full of threats, especially the threat of a great void. Hence many people want to hold back time for fear of a future in emptiness". Faced with such a situation, "it is important to choose real promises that open to the future, even by making sacrifices. ... And the first fundamental choice must be God".

The Holy Father invited the young people "to cultivate spiritual life. ... The life of the soul", he explained, "is meeting with Him, the real Face of God, it is silent and persistent prayer, it is sacramental life, it is meditating upon the Gospel, it is spiritual accompaniment, it is cordial membership of the Church and of your ecclesial communities.

"Yet how", he added, "can one love what one does not know? ... Hence the need to delve more deeply into the mystery of Jesus, the truth of His thought that resounds in the Gospel and in the Church's Magisterium. Without a solid formation", he went on, "how will it be possible to explain the faith to your peers, so full of questions about life, about themselves, about Christian faith, and the Church?"

The Holy Father encouraged the young people to announce the Gospel "in the various areas of life, in your parishes, in the most difficult neighbourhoods, in the streets. Announce Christ the Lord, hope of the world. The more man distances himself from God (Who is his Source) the more he loses himself; human coexistence becomes difficult and society crumbles. Remain united to one another, help one another to live and grow in faith and Christian life, in order to become intrepid witness of the Lord".

"If you remain united to Christ and the Church, you can achieve great things. This is the hope I consign to you" he concluded. "Goodbye until we meet again in Sydney!"

Irish End their Baseball Season in a great game...

Everyone that showed up last night for the final game against Gibbs was treated to a beautiful night and a fantastic game that went into the 10th inning. So many people stayed to the very end in one of the longest games we've played... It was a night to remember and a season to be proud of... Our Irish family prayed for the repose ofthe sould of John Brusard before the game got underway; Sister John Catherine offered us a moving prayer to begin the competition.

Papal slideshow from New York City trip...

Please copy and paste this link into your browser window:

http://pmrphoto.com/papa/

A message to YOU from Pope Benedict:

Dear Young Friends,

“Proclaim the Lord Christ … and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15). With these words from the First Letter of Peter I greet each of you with heartfelt affection. I thank Cardinal Egan for his kind words of welcome and I also thank the representatives chosen from among you for their gestures of welcome. To Bishop Walsh, Rector of Saint Joseph Seminary, staff and seminarians, I offer my special greetings and gratitude.

Young friends, I am very happy to have the opportunity to speak with you. Please pass on my warm greetings to your family members and relatives, and to the teachers and staff of the various schools, colleges and universities you attend. I know that many people have worked hard to ensure that our gathering could take place. I am most grateful to them all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday! Thank you for this moving gesture; I give you all an “A plus” for your German pronunciation! This evening I wish to share with you some thoughts about being disciples of Jesus Christ ─ walking in the Lord’s footsteps, our own lives become a journey of hope.

In front of you are the images of six ordinary men and women who grew up to lead extraordinary lives. The Church honors them as Venerable, Blessed, or Saint: each responded to the Lord’s call to a life of charity and each served him here, in the alleys, streets and suburbs of New York. I am struck by what a remarkably diverse group they are: poor and rich, lay men and women - one a wealthy wife and mother - priests and sisters, immigrants from afar, the daughter of a Mohawk warrior father and Algonquin mother, another a Haitian slave, and a Cuban intellectual.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, and Padre Felix Varela: any one of us could be among them, for there is no stereotype to this group, no single mold. Yet a closer look reveals that there are common elements. Inflamed with the love of Jesus, their lives became remarkable journeys of hope. For some, that meant leaving home and embarking on a pilgrim journey of thousands of miles. For each there was an act of abandonment to God, in the confidence that he is the final destination of every pilgrim. And all offered an outstretched hand of hope to those they encountered along the way, often awakening in them a life of faith. Through orphanages, schools and hospitals, by befriending the poor, the sick and the marginalized, and through the compelling witness that comes from walking humbly in the footsteps of Jesus, these six people laid open the way of faith, hope and charity to countless individuals, including perhaps your own ancestors.

And what of today? Who bears witness to the Good News of Jesus on the streets of New York, in the troubled neighborhoods of large cities, in the places where the young gather, seeking someone in whom they can trust? God is our origin and our destination, and Jesus the way. The path of that journey twists and turns ─ just as it did for our saints ─ through the joys and the trials of ordinary, everyday life: within your families, at school or college, during your recreation activities, and in your parish communities. All these places are marked by the culture in which you are growing up. As young Americans you are offered many opportunities for personal development, and you are brought up with a sense of generosity, service and fairness. Yet you do not need me to tell you that there are also difficulties: activities and mindsets which stifle hope, pathways which seem to lead to happiness and fulfillment but in fact end only in confusion and fear.

My own years as a teenager were marred by a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its influence grew – infiltrating schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion – before it was fully recognized for the monster it was. It banished God and thus became impervious to anything true and good. Many of your grandparents and great-grandparents will have recounted the horror of the destruction that ensued. Indeed, some of them came to America precisely to escape such terror.

Let us thank God that today many people of your generation are able to enjoy the liberties which have arisen through the extension of democracy and respect for human rights. Let us thank God for all those who strive to ensure that you can grow up in an environment that nurtures what is beautiful, good, and true: your parents and grandparents, your teachers and priests, those civic leaders who seek what is right and just.

The power to destroy does, however, remain. To pretend otherwise would be to fool ourselves. Yet, it never triumphs; it is defeated. This is the essence of the hope that defines us as Christians; and the Church recalls this most dramatically during the Easter Triduum and celebrates it with great joy in the season of Easter! The One who shows us the way beyond death is the One who shows us how to overcome destruction and fear: thus it is Jesus who is the true teacher of life (cf. Spe Salvi, 6). His death and resurrection mean that we can say to the Father “you have restored us to life!” (Prayer after Communion, Good Friday). And so, just a few weeks ago, during the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy, it was not from despair or fear that we cried out to God for our world, but with hope-filled confidence: dispel the darkness of our heart! dispel the darkness of our minds! (cf. Prayer at the Lighting of the Easter Candle).

What might that darkness be? What happens when people, especially the most vulnerable, encounter a clenched fist of repression or manipulation rather than a hand of hope? A first group of examples pertains to the heart. Here, the dreams and longings that young people pursue can so easily be shattered or destroyed. I am thinking of those affected by drug and substance abuse, homelessness and poverty, racism, violence, and degradation – especially of girls and women. While the causes of these problems are complex, all have in common a poisoned attitude of mind which results in people being treated as mere objects ─ a callousness of heart takes hold which first ignores, then ridicules, the God-given dignity of every human being. Such tragedies also point to what might have been and what could be, were there other hands – your hands – reaching out. I encourage you to invite others, especially the vulnerable and the innocent, to join you along the way of goodness and hope.

The second area of darkness – that which affects the mind – often goes unnoticed, and for this reason is particularly sinister. The manipulation of truth distorts our perception of reality, and tarnishes our imagination and aspirations. I have already mentioned the many liberties which you are fortunate enough to enjoy. The fundamental importance of freedom must be rigorously safeguarded. It is no surprise then that numerous individuals and groups vociferously claim their freedom in the public forum. Yet freedom is a delicate value. It can be misunderstood or misused so as to lead not to the happiness which we all expect it to yield, but to a dark arena of manipulation in which our understanding of self and the world becomes confused, or even distorted by those who have an ulterior agenda.

Have you noticed how often the call for freedom is made without ever referring to the truth of the human person? Some today argue that respect for freedom of the individual makes it wrong to seek truth, including the truth about what is good. In some circles to speak of truth is seen as controversial or divisive, and consequently best kept in the private sphere. And in truth’s place – or better said its absence – an idea has spread which, in giving value to everything indiscriminately, claims to assure freedom and to liberate conscience. This we call relativism. But what purpose has a “freedom” which, in disregarding truth, pursues what is false or wrong? How many young people have been offered a hand which in the name of freedom or experience has led them to addiction, to moral or intellectual confusion, to hurt, to a loss of self-respect, even to despair and so tragically and sadly to the taking of their own life? Dear friends, truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ’s very being for others (cf. Spe Salvi, 28).

How then can we as believers help others to walk the path of freedom which brings fulfillment and lasting happiness? Let us again turn to the saints. How did their witness truly free others from the darkness of heart and mind? The answer is found in the kernel of their faith; the kernel of our faith. The Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, tells us that God does indeed find a place among us. Though the inn is full, he enters through the stable, and there are people who see his light. They recognize Herod’s dark closed world for what it is, and instead follow the bright guiding star of the night sky. And what shines forth? Here you might recall the prayer uttered on the most holy night of Easter: “Father we share in the light of your glory through your Son the light of the world … inflame us with your hope!” (Blessing of the Fire). And so, in solemn procession with our lighted candles we pass the light of Christ among us. It is “the light which dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace, and humbles earthly pride” (Exsultet). This is Christ’s light at work. This is the way of the saints. It is a magnificent vision of hope – Christ’s light beckons you to be guiding stars for others, walking Christ’s way of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility, joy and peace.

At times, however, we are tempted to close in on ourselves, to doubt the strength of Christ’s radiance, to limit the horizon of hope. Take courage! Fix your gaze on our saints. The diversity of their experience of God’s presence prompts us to discover anew the breadth and depth of Christianity. Let your imaginations soar freely along the limitless expanse of the horizons of Christian discipleship. Sometimes we are looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further from the truth! Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith.

Dear friends, the example of the saints invites us, then, to consider four essential aspects of the treasure of our faith: personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations.

What matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with God. That relationship is expressed in prayer. God by his very nature speaks, hears, and replies. Indeed, Saint Paul reminds us: we can and should “pray constantly” (1 Thess 5:17). Far from turning in on ourselves or withdrawing from the ups and downs of life, by praying we turn towards God and through him to each other, including the marginalized and those following ways other than God’s path (cf. Spe Salvi, 33). As the saints teach us so vividly, prayer becomes hope in action. Christ was their constant companion, with whom they conversed at every step of their journey for others.

There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; Dei Verbum, 1). Have we perhaps lost something of the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness.

In the liturgy we find the whole Church at prayer. The word liturgy means the participation of God’s people in “the work of Christ the Priest and of His Body which is the Church” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 7). What is that work? First of all it refers to Christ’s Passion, his Death and Resurrection, and his Ascension – what we call the Paschal Mystery. It also refers to the celebration of the liturgy itself. The two meanings are in fact inseparably linked because this “work of Jesus” is the real content of the liturgy. Through the liturgy, the “work of Jesus” is continually brought into contact with history; with our lives in order to shape them. Here we catch another glimpse of the grandeur of our Christian faith. Whenever you gather for Mass, when you go to Confession, whenever you celebrate any of the sacraments, Jesus is at work. Through the Holy Spirit, he draws you to himself, into his sacrificial love of the Father which becomes love for all. We see then that the Church’s liturgy is a ministry of hope for humanity. Your faithful participation, is an active hope which helps to keep the world – saints and sinners alike – open to God; this is the truly human hope we offer everyone (cf. Spe Salvi, 34).

Your personal prayer, your times of silent contemplation, and your participation in the Church’s liturgy, bring you closer to God and also prepare you to serve others. The saints accompanying us this evening show us that the life of faith and hope is also a life of charity. Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 12). The opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ’s eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth and justice? Many of the examples of the suffering which our saints responded to with compassion are still found here in this city and beyond. And new injustices have arisen: some are complex and stem from the exploitation of the heart and manipulation of the mind; even our common habitat, the earth itself, groans under the weight of consumerist greed and irresponsible exploitation. We must listen deeply. We must respond with a renewed social action that stems from the universal love that knows no bounds. In this way, we ensure that our works of mercy and justice become hope in action for others.

Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for baptism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way – socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.

Gathered here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing! The People of God look to you to be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion, inspiring in others the desire to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers. I urge you to deepen your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart with him. Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. Strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons (cf. Pastores Dabo Vobis, 33). Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.

Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests contribute greatly to the mission of the Church. Their prophetic witness is marked by a profound conviction of the primacy with which the Gospel shapes Christian life and transforms society. Today, I wish to draw your attention to the positive spiritual renewal which Congregations are undertaking in relation to their charism. The word charism means a gift freely and graciously given. Charisms are bestowed by the Holy Spirit, who inspires founders and foundresses, and shapes Congregations with a subsequent spiritual heritage. The wondrous array of charisms proper to each Religious Institute is an extraordinary spiritual treasury. Indeed, the history of the Church is perhaps most beautifully portrayed through the history of her schools of spirituality, most of which stem from the saintly lives of founders and foundresses. Through the discovery of charisms, which yield such a breadth of spiritual wisdom, I am sure that some of you young people will be drawn to a life of apostolic or contemplative service. Do not be shy to speak with Religious Brothers, Sisters or Priests about the charism and spirituality of their Congregation. No perfect community exists, but it is fidelity to a founding charism, not to particular individuals, that the Lord calls you to discern. Have courage! You too can make your life a gift of self for the love of the Lord Jesus and, in him, of every member of the human family (cf. Vita Consecrata, 3).

Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church’s liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You are Christ’s disciples today. Shine his light upon this great city and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free. With these sentiments of great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet again in Sydney this July for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you and your families, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

Seeing "Benedicto" in New York...

I found her in between a huge overfilled garbage can and a pretzel vendor in the dimly lit bowels of Yankee Stadium. She looked to be in her eighties and was eating ice cream out of a plastic NY Yankees baseball cap. I stopped and asked, “Sister, would you like some company?” She smiled with her eyes and told me yes. We sat and spoke to one another as we awaited our Holy Father’s arrival for the Papal Mass. As a steady stream of humanity passed us by, she told me she was a Poll, who’s family had been run out of Eastern Europe and into South Africa, where her father hoped to find work. There was more trouble and ultimately her family was torn apart by the Second World War. I was a forty-three year old Chicago native and father of two, but we had everything in common. She told me of seeing five Popes in her lifetime and that she’d met four of them as either cardinals or bishops. Her eyes flashed with joy as she described Pope John XXIII, and John Paul II. Her ice cream looked really good, so I bought some too. I found a flight case against a wall and made a makeshift seat out of it for us.
The air itself was charged as if lighting had just struck nearby. The 60,000 people in the stadium created a constant level of excited noise, which seemed electric, and was only occasionally accented by a passing train or the sounds of helicopters buzzing above us.
Sister asked me about my children, about my wife, about my ministry as a deacon, and about my Irish and German heritage. She told me I was a gift to the church. I looked down at the floor as her eyes spoke to me of holiness; a woman consecrated to Jesus directly, a woman who’d likely spent more time in prayer than I’ve spent alive. I asked her to pray for me. She agreed but countered by asking for my blessing. I awkwardly mumbled a few words, made the sign of the cross and called out the names of the Trinity. We shook hands and I thanked her for talking with me about her life and papal experience. I helped her off the flight case, and we said goodbye, one pilgrim to another. I was deeply moved by our chance encounter, and marvel still at how she could reveal to me a depth of wisdom and love with only her eyes.
I suspect it was like that all day long with people filled with joy, finding a common thread in our Catholic tradition of faith. There were no strangers amid the 60,000 people. We were all safe inside the Yankee fortress that became a Cathedral for a day, and we were ready to participate in the most full expression possible of the Catholic Mass. None of us were disappointed for the long lines, security measures, or the cold and heat. When he finally arrived, the place erupted with shouts of joy, cheers for the Pope in every language. It was the greatest sign of unity I’ve ever witnessed in my life. Communion was amazing, watching all those priests walking off the altar carrying hundreds of ciboria to the faithful. The music was so good, the words so filled with truth, it was hard to continue at times. The whole of the day was a huge blessing that will sustain me for years to come, if not a lifetime. I can’t wait to tell my kids about seeing the Holy Father, and for participating in the mass. Never before were the words “one holy, catholic, and apostolic church, “so meaningful.
It was an organized collision of America, with every skin color, race, age, and creed present. Every diocese in the United States had people there; it was awesome. Pope Benedict moved from “the Pope” to “our Pope,” and even, “my Pope,” for many of us that day. Afterwards as we walked to the subway, I reflected on how much I felt an increased sense of pride in my Catholicism. I realized though, that the Pope didn’t belong to us as much as we belong to him as the successor to Peter. His constant smile and bright eyes gave away the plentitude of his overflowing joy.
Being able to make this trip with students from KCHS is especially gratifying for me. Though there is always some level of drama at KCHS, the kids are great and teach us all things; they are filled with hope for their collective future. The nine we took to New York were more than well-behaved and complained little even as we walked for miles and occasionally missed our subway stop. Walking through the streets of Manhattan with three Dominican Sisters is a guarantee of invisibility for the rest of us, and for this photographer, it was just the diversion that I needed to make some interesting images along the way.

So, we made it to New York City albeit with a few delays. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised with tickets to the Youth Rally in Yonkers and so we went with our Dominican sisters from St. Cecelia on their chartered bus to the seminary there. We weren't able to get onto the main field, but we got to see the Pope on a huge TV monitor, and I think almost all of us got to see Pope Benedict driving by in the Pope-Moblie. We are getting ready this morning to make our way to Yankee Stadium for mass today. We're all pretty worn out from walking and standing in long lines yesterday, but to have a seat to see him at mass will be fantastic. I'm thinking of all of you back in Knoxville and will try to pray throughout the day for our Holy Father's intentions, and for the high school. May God bless you all back home... It's off to the Subway in a few minutes... Have a great day!

Bishop James Vann Johnston, KCHS Class of 77

We congratulate Bishop James and celebrate with him on his ordination to Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Cape Girardeau, MO. It was quite a mass, with thousands of faithful present to welcome their new Shepherd. There were four of us representing KCHS which included Fr. John Orr, Amy Roberts and Sasha Nieman. I guess the number would be much higher in we included Monsignors Mankel and Thoni. Please copy and past this link into your browser to see some of the photos from the mass: http://pmrphoto.com/bjvj

Please Pray for our Spring Break Mission to Haiti

Hope Parks will be returning with a bunch of new students and a couple of parents to Boucan-Carre, Haiti this Sunday. Please keep their mission team in your prayers for their safe and healthy return to us. Jordan Pyda (KCHS 02) will be picking them up at the airport in Port au Prince and will help them all get busy helping on various projects down there this week. Thank you for thinking of them and praying for them this next week.

Holy Week is Upon Us...

Tomorrow, Holy Thursday, is one of the unusual times at KCHS when no mass is offered in the Holy Trinity Chapel. It is a time to head to your home parish or church to begin getting prepared for the Easter Mystery through the next few days. Properly approached, we're all about to land the plane of Lent, but before we can be filled with the joy of the risen Lord, we must first walk and pray the stations of the cross with our Lord. In reflecting deeply on his passion, death and rising again, we can come to more fully appreciate the gift of his life for us. Lord, be with us this week as we travel with you towards Jerusalem. Help us to see how your stripes are a result of our sin. Help us to take full advantage of your love and forgiveness so that our Easter can be filled with your grace, and so that we might be raised one day with you into heaven. May God Bless you all during this holiest of weeks.

DPat

Spiritual Bouquet for Bishop Designate Johnson

Today we celebrated Mass in the Holy Trinity Chapel and then offered our prayers throughout the day while adoring Jesus in the Eucharist for the intentions of our own from the Class of 1977.

Farwell to Fr. Vann...

Today was a great moment in the history of KCHS but a tough one for me personally. Fr. Vann Johnston, also known as Bishop-Elect for Southern Missouri, came and celebrated mass today with the entire school in attendance at All-Saints. Fr. Vann is one of those people you meet who you get a sense is going places. I knew him for maybe an hour and I turned to one of my then Deacon Aspirants, and said, he's not long for his current status. Fr. Vann is an unusual mixture of wisdom, confidence, scholarship, orthodoxy, athleticism, and yet he remains approachable and a guy you want to hang out with. He's a great guy, a wonderful confessor, and smart as a whip. I asked Fr. Vann to be my spiritual director a while back and he was great. He always made time for me even with his impossible schedule, and when you were with him, you felt like he was hanging right there with you, listening carefully to every word. I will miss him, and compared to many others, I hardly know him.

He really hit home our need to find God's will for our lives, and to drink deeply of the Chalice of Christ. It was a good message for our student body to hear as well as all of the teachers. Fr. Vann graduated from KCHS, and also taught here as well. Even as he moved into his position at the Chancery, he kept in close contact with the Religion Dept. and administration. He spoke briefly of his fond memories of Catholic, but mostly preached form the daily readings. He got a standing ovation a the end of mass by the student body, and talked excitedly about the three Catholic high schools in his new diocese.

Fr. Vann is one of 26 graduates of KCHS to enter religious life as a priest, sister, or brother; he is the first one to be ordained a bishop. We are intensely proud of Fr. Vann. He asked us to please pray for him on the day of his ordination and installation as well as afterwards. Please consider adding soon-to-be Bishop Johnston into your daily prayers. Last, please pray for vocations for the priesthood. We are losing a wonderful priest that brought many gifts to bear in our diocese. We need more like him to continue our growth here in East Tennessee. - Deacon Pat

While some are closing, we are growing...

On the way to work this morning, I heard a disturbing NPR program about how the Diocese of Washington D.C. is planning to close seven of its Catholic schools in order to create public “charter ”schools so as to take advantage of public funds and keep them going. While this will serve the neighborhoods in having schools stay close, all of the crucifixes will be removed from the walls, prayer before each class will cease, children will no longer have mass, and any discussion of God will cease. It was explained that the diocese had been charging $3500 per student as tuition when the per-student cost was actually $7500, hence a loss of $3000 per student. The bishop explained that they could not afford to keep the schools open and that this was the best solution to strengthen the remaining Catholic schools.

Not too long ago, many of us were present when Fr. Al came here to Schaad Hall to bless the crucifixes that are now on the walls in each of the new classrooms. How different is our experience from the people in Washington, D.C. Our life here at KCHS is vibrant, we are growing rather than dissolving, we are gaining momentum in this area, and our Catholic witness is self-evident. We have so much to be thankful for in our now seventy-five years of shaping and molding young peoples’ minds and hearts. Soon, we will have to take Fr. Vann’s photo off the wall of the A building and change his title from Fr. to Bishop. Think about that! Our school has helped to produce the first bishop from the Diocese of Knoxville. That kind of news is staggering, when taken with the bad news from Washington, D.C. We are incredibly blessed to be a part of this community. We should be thankful each day we come through the doors of this holy place. May God continue to bless our school, and may we continue to put crucifixes on the walls here rather than take them down. –dpat

KCHS Haiti Mission Trip #7

There were eight of us total who made the trip to Boucan-Carre, Haiti from Jan. 10-17th. It was a great trip, the kids were fantastic, and we had many amazing new experiences in our time there. First, we photographed over 1200 students in both the primary and secondary schools, which is our primary way to provide people with the opportunity to adopt Haitian students each year. Each student that is "adopted," receives a year's education, uniform, and in the primary school, one hot meal each day. Through the generosity of our Cathedral Parish of Sacred Heart, and many many others, our primary school is thriving. the secondary school continues to have great need as the roof blew off of it a few months ago. the secondary school students are now meeting in three different places, including inside the sanctuary of St. Michele's Catholic Church and on the grounds of the rectory. This school will be the primary focus of our fund raising at Catholic for the next few years.

The kids spent a fair amount of time with Odette, who is the woman we built a house for last year. It was great to see her living in a solid concrete home that began as a dream of Cindy Mire, Jordan Pyda, and many of our KCHS students. Seeing the finished structure created a new pride in our projects there, past and future. The students really get fired up when they see real examples of their faith put into action. The Haiti Club at KCHS continues its explosive growth under our excited and energetic moderator, Hope Parks.

The hospital is another place we visit often when we're in the village, and the kids were treated to getting to hold the hand of a tiny infant born a month before our arrival. She was about 8' long and stole all our hearts. She lay on a bed with her mother breathing on her own but under the watchful eye of the nurses in the hospital that we support. Partners in Health continue to be our valuable partner in Boucan-Carre. Any meaningful project in Haiti begins with prayer, but quickly turns to clean water, health care, and a serious look to the poverty of the country. We are all very proud indeed to have learned so much from our friends at PIH (Zamne Lasante in Creole).

Being able to bring first time students down to Haiti continues to be a font of great joy for me. Watching the kids take it in and begin the process of trying to work out what they feel in their hearts is a special gift for me personally. In just five days, we visited the sick in the hospital, visited people in jail, received food gifts from Odette (can you imagine?), and worshiped with the community as we shared communion at the Lord's table in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, etc. the gospel is something that bites you in the face in Haiti. Haiti continues to be a huge gift that brings new attention and interest in serving the poor, and causes us all to reflect on our own blessings of family, health, and life.