Monday, August 26, 2019

Bulletin Article: August 25

We are most thankful for each catechist who has volunteered their time for the education of our children in our Catholic faith. As we begin this new school year we will have a blessing of catechists at all Masses the Sunday of September 1st. If you are a catechist please attend one of these Masses if you are able.

I have been approached to begin Opus Dei Evenings of Recollections here at our parish for men. These monthly gatherings will normally be the first Tuesday of the month at 6:45pm. The first of these gatherings will be this Tuesday, September 3. We will begin in the church with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. I will then give a sermon based on the writings of Saint Josemaria Escriva. Following my sermon confessions will be offered to those who are present. If you are a man who desires to grow in your Catholic faith please join us. There is no registration required.

In Christ,
Fr. Dustin Collins

Sunday, August 25, 2019

11th Sunday after Pentecost Homily

Dearest brethren let us never allow ourself to grow weary in our practice of faith. One important reality that we must remember is that of “endurance.” So often people allow themselves to grow weary in their practice of faith and in return they stop. If we were to look to the cross of our Blessed Lord we would see how difficult Calvary was and then in the midst of our own sufferings, pains, and hardships we too can begin to see how they take on meaning.

It is no secret that this community has gone without the celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite for roughly ten months. I am sure that in the midst of these ten months there was a lot of despair and longing. Some of you may of even given up hope that the celebration of this Mass here at this parish church would ever resume. Nevertheless, this community banded together and prayed fervently especially the Most Holy Rosary of our Blessed Mother.

Today we can see that your prayers have paid off for today we celebrate with great joy that this ancient form of the Mass has resumed. Hopefully, this lesson will serve as a reminder to each of us that we must endure in our prayer even if it seems that our prayers are not being heard and answered. Hopefully, this lesson will serve as a reminder to each of us of the value of the cross of our Blessed Lord and how we too must come to embrace it if we are to ever grow in virtue. Hopefully, this lesson will serve as a reminder to each of us of the value of prayer in the midst of our daily life.

From our Epistle Saint Paul instructed us as such. Here he comes to implore us to hold fast to what he has preached unto us. We know that in the life of every disciple hardshiped remained, but through the cross of our Lord the reality of Enternal Life has been opened wide to us. In our Gospel this man came into contact with out Lord and here his eyes came to be opened. Through the Gospel and our baptism our eyes have been opened to behold the truths of our faith. Let us hold fast to these truths and never grow discouraged.

Today we rejoice, but despite our rejoicing hardship will remain. It is difficult to be sent into the world to live our faith and to remain a beacon of Christ’s love. With this I hope we continue to set these lessons before our sight in order that they may become reminders of all that the Lord has done for us. Let us continue to have endurance to run the race that has been set before us and to hold fast to what has been preached unto us.

With Christ and the grace outpoured within the sacraments we have received all that is necessary for us to run this race. Let us not grow weary, but let us realize that our Lord is forever at work in our midst.

21st Sunday of OT Year C Homily

When entering the city of Jerusalem there was a gate known as the Eye of the Needle. We hear this referenced later in the Gospel of Saint Luke when he comes to state: “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” In our Gospel this morning we were told that we need to “strive to enter through the narrow gate.”

These verses are related to one another for they point towards this Eye of the Needle. If you were to pass through this gate you would first have to go through the trouble of unloading your camel. A camel with baggage attached to it would not be able to fit through this gate thus allowing it to  enter into the city of Jerusalem.

Here we are receiving a lesson on the necessity of stripping away everything from our life which keeps us from the Kingdom of God. There are some who do not fell compelled to strip away this baggage and thus when they come to meet God the just judge upon their death He will be forced to state of them: “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!”

In our Epistle we were given the theme of “discipline.” If we desire to strip away the baggage of our life in order that we may come to see God more clearly we should learn to practice Saint Paul’s advice. The concept of “discipline” has been present in our practice of faith from the very beginning. Despite this being an ancient practice there are many who have forgotten about it, regulated it to Lent, or do nothing to assist in their pursuit of virtue thus putting their vices to rest.

In the words of Saint Josemaria Escriva: “Where there is no self-denial, there is no virtue.” This is precisely why practices such as fasting and mortification are so important. They help to form us in letting go of what is not important in our life in order in order that we may grow in what is important. I believe that we need to rediscover Fridays throughout the course of the year as being a day of penance in which we come to unite ourself to the cross.

The current Code of Canon Law to the surprise of some reminds that Fridays remain a day of penance for this is the day that our Lord expired upon the cross. Canon Law further asks that we abstain from meat throughout the course of the year. The United States Council of Catholic Bishops further ask that we freely give up meat on each Friday of the year or give something else up thus coming to embrace the cross and Saint Paul’s concept of discipline. Some believe that fasting, that undergoing mortification, or to embrace the cross is to be so intense that it puts us into a hospital. Here Saint Josemaria Escriva reminds us of its simplicity: “The day you leave the table without having done some small mortification you have eaten like a pagan.”

Therefore dearest brethren let us dare to enter through the Eye of the Needle. If we are to enter through this gate we must be willing to let go of our baggage. We must abandon the weight of vice in order to allow virtue to take hold. To discipline ourself is to let go of what is unnecessary and to follow after that which is necessary, God and His profound love for each of us. Will we fit through this gate which leads to the Promised Land or will we be cast our from its midst?

Monday, August 19, 2019

Bulletin Article: August 18

Next Sunday, August 25, the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will resume at 2pm. This will now be a weekly Mass unless otherwise noted in our parish bulletin. Due to a prior commitment this Mass will not be offered on September 15. The community is always in need of liturgical ministers who would like to assist: (1) male servers, (2) choir members, or (3) ushers. If you are interested please contact the parish office to leave your information. This Mass is not a closed community and is open to all. Books to follow along are provided at each Mass for those who are in need of them.

I would also like to make you aware that Bishop Stika has asked that each parish offer a series of special Masses in conjunction with the cathedral. The schedule for these are as follows: Blue Mass on September 29 at 8am for those serving in law enforcement and as first responders, Red Mass on October 6 at 10am for those serving in the judiciary and legal profession, White Mass on October 20 at 8am for those serving in the health profession, and a Green Mass on November 10 at 10am for those who have or are serving in the armed forces. If you are involved in any of these areas please plan to attend. Also, please spread the word about these Masses to those you know who may be interested in attending.

In Christ,
Fr. Dustin Collins

Sunday, August 18, 2019

20th Sunday of OT Year C Homily

A parish is a very busy place. In the midst of a parish we have so many ministries which help to make up the Kingdom of God. One of our parish ministries happens to be our parish school. There are some who see the school as running independently from the parish, but that is not the case. The school is very much so an important element of our parish mission to evangelize and to thus bring the message of Christ into the world. We need to see our school as a parish ministry. 

There have been many studies which have been done which point towards the importance of receiving a Catholic school education. These studies show that children who have had the privilege of being in a Catholic school or more likely to practice their faith as an adult over one who does not attend a Catholic school.

Our Epistle speaks about the importance of running the race that lies before us. I believe our parish school helps to equip our children with the tools necessary to run this race. Here our children are formed in the rich tradition of our faith, they are given the opportunity to frequent the Mass and the Sacrament of Confession, and are formed to live good and holy lives as they depart from our midst.

Please consider giving to this second collection if you are able. Most of all may we come together as a community of faith to support this great ministry of our parish which is our parish school. If your children are not currently enrolled in our school I would love to talk to you about the possibility. I along with our principal am committed to doing whatever we can to have your child enrolled. I know the value of a catholic education and hope that we will continue to pray for the success of our parish school.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Bishop Sika’s Letter for Catholic Schools Collection

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I’m so glad to share with you today the life-giving message of a Catholic school education.  As I visit our ten Catholic schools throughout the year, it is a great blessing to see each child’s love for learning and the way that they live out the faith with joyful enthusiasm.

This weekend at Mass we have an opportunity to support families across East Tennessee by making a gift to the Catholic Schools Tuition Support Collection.   This important collection helps to ensure that a Catholic education is within every family’s reach.

While there are many ways we seek support for our schools, no one way fully meets the growing need each year.  The need for supplemental tuition support has doubled over the past 5 years.  A record $4.2 million dollars in tuition support was given to families this past year.  This is why we need your help today.  

If, like me, you have benefited from a Catholic education yourself, pay it forward.  Even if you do not have a Catholic school in your area, remember that we are all one family, sharing our blessings with so many families in need. Please join me in giving generously.

Each dollar you offer today will help a family to give their child the priceless gift of a Catholic Education.  As a former Catholic school student myself, I can’t think of a more important investment in our future.

May God bless you,
Most Reverend Richard F. Stika
Bishop of Knoxville

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Assumption Homily

I am the type that likes to have every detail of a vacation in order before I leave. To me it is important to have knowledge of where you are going in order that you may have enough time to complete everything that you want to do while you are away. There are many of us who plan things out in such a manner and yet when it pertains to the reality of our salvation we never think of where it is that we are headed.

Our celebration of this Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven is a celebration of where we are headed in this life if we chose to remain close to Christ. We are headed towards Heaven where we will be held in communion with God for all eternity. There is no greater home then this and yet we so quickly forget where it is that we are headed and thus the path that we must take to get there.

Let our mind be taken to events of the Annunciation. It was here that the angel Gabriel came to Mary and revealed a great truth which had been so since her conception: “Hail, full of grace.” In this statement that the angel Gabriel proclaims so much about Mary and her role in the course of salvation history. Here he states that Mary, of all creatures, had been perfectly filled with God’s grace to the point that it was overflowing. Seeing that she was filled to this point of perfection she knew not sin, but rather was the one chosen to be the Godbearer who would bring forth the Savior of this World through her womb.

Throughout the course of her earthly life she kept her sight set firmly upon Heaven and the life which was to come. She did not recluse into her self, but rather continued to ourpour herself for her Son. When the completion of her life on this earth came she did not know sin. Therefore, God in His Divine Presence welcomed her Body and Soul into Heavenly glory. Where she has gone before we now dare to follow after.

In the words of Saint John Damascene: “It was fitting that she who in childbirth preserved intact her virginity should preserve without corruption her body after the conclusion of her earthly life. It was fitting that she who bore in her womb the creator become a babe should dwell in the divine mansion. It was fitting that the spouse of God be taken to the heavenly home. It was fitting that she who witnessed her Son on the cross, suffering in her heart then the pain she was spared in childbirth, should contemplate him seated at the right hand of the Father, It was fitting that the Mother of God come to possess what belongs to her Son and that she be honored as Mother and Servant of God by all creatures.”

All of this was most fitting for the most blessed Virgin Mary. This goal of Heaven is also most fitting for each of us and yet do we truly strive to follow where she leads? Let us follow after her preparing the way for the Lord’s coming in our life in the we may be found prepared for that unknown hour when we are called home to God.

Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Bulletin Article: August 11

I am pleased to announce that we have hired a new Parish Secretary. I thus welcome Vanessa Ponce to our parish office staff. She will begin her time in the office on August 13. Next week’s bulletin will include an article on Vanessa and her role as Parish Secretary.

Sadly with the arrival of Vanessa we must also say goodbye to Maria Raygoza who will be leaving our parish office as she begins college. Her final day in the office will be August 23. I thank her for her willingness to assist our parish for these past few months in the role of Parish Secretary and ask you to keep her in your prayers as she begins her academic studies.

I am also pleased to announce that our parish will begin offering the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite again beginning August 25 and 2pm. It will be every Sunday going forward unless otherwise noted in the parish bulletin. 

Lastly, keep in mind that August 15 is a Holy Day of Obligation . On this day we will have Mass the evening before (August 14) at 7pm in Spanish. On August 15 Mass will be offered at 7am, 8:30am, and 7pm.

In Christ,
Fr. Dustin Collins

Sunday, August 11, 2019

19th Sunday of OT Year C Homily

If you are anything like me you have a lot of plans which you currently have set before you. You probably already know where it is that you will go following this celebration of the Holy Mass. Maybe you have followed this same routine on many occasions and now know it in and out. Nevertheless, no matter how much we may feel that we are in control, in all actuality, we have no clue where it may be that we are headed.

Despite the greatest of our plans there is nothing in this life that we can be 100% sure of except for the reality of death. As stated to us in our Alleluia verse taken from the Gospel of Saint Matthew: “Stay awake and be ready! For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

I can think of many ways in which I thought I had all my arrangements in order and yet some unknown factor got in the way of reaching my plans. Last week I spent two days in the hospital after contacting some parasite. This was not on my to do list. I for one had much better things which I planned to be doing on a Friday night.

I say this because we spend so much of our time on this earth building up treasure for ourself that does not hold up to the test of time. Some chase after money, others after fame, and still others after worldly pleasures. No matter what it is that we chase after it can never come to fill us as God does. The Gospel of Saint Luke came to state: “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

When we come to chase after the pleasures of this world we come to place ourself at the center of our own existence. Again, we must be reminded that we are not the one who is in control. Instead God must be found at the very center of our existence. In the words of the Second Vatican Council, the Eucharist must become the source and summit of our faith. If the Eucharist is to be the source and summit of our faith we are stating that we allow our life to rotate around His as the earth rotates around the sun.

Sadly, a recent study reveled that only 30 percent of US Catholics believe that the Eucharist is Christ present with us. In this study 70 percent of US Catholics found it to be a symbol alone. The Eucharist is not a symbol, but is Christ who dwells with here out of love. If this is a mere symbol why bother? Why waste your time being here? If we desire to get everything in order, what matters the most is that we will learn to chase after Christ and fall deeply in love with Him.

None of us knows what lies around the corner. Nevertheless, I do know that Christ loves each of us dearly and desires that we enter into relationship with Him. If Christ becomes the treasure that we seek I can say that we will not be cast out at the end of time. If we place everything in this life over Christ it is possible that we will be cast us for the Father will know us not.

Let us be found prepared, for at an hour we do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Bulletin Article: August 4

This past week I was able to have my first Parish Pastoral Council meeting since being here. If there are ever any thoughts or concerns that you have please feel free to bring them to my attention. If necessary these can be added to the council meeting as time goes by. At this meeting we set up the time and date for our first Parish Town Hall Meeting since my arrival. This Town Hall will be held September 9 beginning with a meal provided at 5:30 and the Town Hall beginning at 6:30pm. The purpose of the meeting will be for the parish to receive a voice with the ongoings of our parish community. It is my hope that you will go ahead and add this to your calendar and if at all possible attend this important meeting in the life of our parish.

I am also very excited for August 6 which will be the start of the new school year. My prayers are with each of our students, families, and teachers as this new school year gets underway. August 7 will be our first All School Mass which will be a Votive Mass to the Holy Spirit. I can think of no better way of embarking upon a new school year than invoking the Holy Spirit. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our school always feel free to give me a call or to call our school office.

In Christ,
Fr. Dustin Collins