NEWSLETTERS

May 2008 Newsletter

Click on the link or select the .pdf format for each page to read the articles listed.

Page One:  From the Pastor, Thank You List, From the Office (.pdf page one)
Page Two: From the Chairman of the Parish Council, Parish Cleaning Committee,  Tuesday Morning Work Crew, Building Committee Acitivity (.pdf page two)
Page Three: Parish and Family Life, Music Director, Education and Formation (.pdf page three)
Page Four: Men of Notre Dame, Renew: Why Catholic, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (.pdf page four)
Page Five: Greeneville/Greene County Pro Family Network, Ganz Committee, Haiti Mission Project, Relay for Life (.pdf page five)
Page Six: Council of Catholic Women, St. Veronica Guild,  St. Elizabeth Guild, St. Martha Guild, St. Catherine Guild, CCW Notes (.pdf page six)
Page Seven:  K of C Free Throw Champions, Meet Our Graduating Senior Students, From Our Seminarian, In the News... (.pdf page seven)
Page Eight:  Summer Service Program, White Water Rafting, Community Yard Sale, Pancake Breakfast, Vacation Bible School, Day Quest at Doe River Gorge, Tailgate Party and Astros Ballgame, Parish Picnic and Campout, Fall Festival of Nations (.pdf page eight)

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February 2008 Newsletter

      Happy New Year and good wishes to all. As always, it is good to begin with vision and plan for the future. Such a plan includes the following for our parish-- Notre Dame Catholic Church. Remember, the following are not listed according to priority but are included and need to be accomplished. (+ These have been accomplished.)

   *Finish work on the office.
   *Work with Building Committee, Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and Parishioners on Present Building Plan (Growing in Faith Together - plan of action).
   + Purchase new organ for Notre Dame.
   + Host the first ever Seminar: End of Life Issues, Estate Planning & Funeral Liturgy Guide.
   *Promote Renew--Why Catholic.
   *Welcome Fr. Alexis to Notre Dame to seek support from parish for Immaculate Conception- our sister parish in Haiti.
   *Recruit volunteers to help in Parish Office.
   +Recruit volunteers to help clean the Church.
   *Mobilize for quarterly general cleaning of facility.
   *Organize volunteers for quarterly help for Habitat for Humanity work site. 
   *Support and recruit help for all existing ministries and organizations at Notre Dame.
   *Construct new welcome sign up-front for Notre Dame Catholic Church, Office, Youth House, and Rectory.
   *Publish a new parish directory.
   +Create Lenten season schedule.
   *Host refugees/asylum seekers.
   *Conduct Parish Council election.
   +Sponsor a Day of Reflection and Training for specialized ministries.

      The first ever seminar of its kind in the Diocese of Knoxville: End of Life Issues, Wills and Estate Planning and Funeral Liturgy was a success. I thank Teresa, Susan and the presenters: University of Tennessee Professor and a Deacon at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Joe Stackhouse; Attorney, Richard W. Buhrman with Buhrman, Maddox & Buhrman; Attorney, Robert Peel with Jones, King & Downs; and Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Knoxville and a Deacon, Sean Smith.

      The organ is in the Church and many thanks are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur LaPoint, Dr. Fred and Mrs. Wanda Ricker, the Rose Mary Company, Mr. Scott Fisher, Mr. Tom Janaskie, and Mr. Tony Marrone.

      Thanks be to God for all the parishioners who signed up to help clean the Church. Thanks be to God for the Tuesday Work Crew.

      There is much work around Notre Dame that needs a helping hand. With God’s help, working hand in hand and besides one another, we are destined to accomplish the tasks at hand. Thank you for being a good steward at Notre Dame Catholic Parish.

                                                                                                          Fr. John

One of the things I remember growing up in Ghana are the Ananse Stories. Often than not the story begins with the following: How the Spider Became… and usually followed by a folktale with a good moral lesson. Recently I learned one of those lessons from the McCann family, Margaret and Tom - may his soul rest in peace. Tom and Margaret travel after retirement. In fact, they loved it so much that they visited 48 states in a camper. Just imagine going to 48 states on vacations with the love of your life! Well as is the case, on this particular vacation, they were gone for 18 weeks. Finally when Tom and Margaret returned they paid a visit to their pastor on Sunday after Mass. At this brief meeting an envelope exchanged hands between the pastor and the McCann’s; the pastor immediately opened the envelope. When the pastor saw the gift in the envelope, he was taken aback. However, before he could speak, Tom said “Father Paul, now don’t expect the same amount every week. It is 18 weeks offertory because Margaret and I have been gone that long on vacation”. 

Like Tom and Margaret, we all love to take a vacation. Vacations of course are wonderful times in a person’s life. It is a time to leave most things (occupation, schedule, and work) behind. Vacations offer us an opportunity to relax, play, and simply enjoy ourselves. However, I ask that you do not take a vacation from church. Take God on vacation with you and your family. Remember we are praying for you to have good fun, relax, enjoy the family, and return home safely time. You are always in my prayers; I pray that God will send His guardian angels to protect you always and return you home safely. 
                                              God Bless and Peace, Father John Appiah

P.S. Hope to see you all at the Parish Picnic & Evening of Entertainment on Sunday August 12th at 5p.m being sponsored by our High School Youth and their families to benefit the Growing in Faith Together campaign. 
 

In the Webster dictionary “summertime” means “the warmest season of the year, occurring between spring and autumn”. To the Parish Council it means two months off. Due to vacation schedules the Parish Council will not meet again until September 6.  At the September 6 meeting, all parishioners who may just want to sit in or discuss any event related to the church are welcome to attend. 
 Even on vacation there are still projects we need to complete. Listed are some of the projects, goals, and entertainment scheduled for this summer:
• Air conditioning for the choir loft should be completed by the end of June. The new sound system for the church and Parish hall should be completed by the end of July. The new by-laws for the Parish Council are being evaluated at the Diocese of Knoxville and we hope to have them installed by this fall.
• Family outing to the Greeneville Astros baseball game is scheduled for July 26th, children free, adults $3. You must sign up for this event. Lunch with the Greeneville Astros baseball team in the parish hall on August 4th, starting at 11:00am. (Please contact Pam Botta at 638-9093 if you can cook or help serve.)
• Funds appropriated from the Knights of Columbus for the monument of the Unborn Child, location on the church property still pending. 

 From the Parish Council, have a safe and a wonderful summer! 
                                                       Chairman of PPC, Frank P. Marcello
 

On June 29th, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. During mass the Pope presented the pallium, a woolen band to 46 archbishops from around the world. The pallium symbolizes an archbishop’s role as shepherd of his flock and his union with the Apostolic sec. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz was among those receiving the symbol of a metropolitan’s unity.

Wednesday, August 15, is a Holy Day of Obligation.  It is also the installation of Joseph E. Kurtz as Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky. There will be a Greene Coach Company bus available for those who would like to attend. It will leave St. Patrick’s Church in Morristown at 8:30 am; arriving at 1:00 pm. Service is at 2:00 pm followed by a reception. The expected return time is 10:45 pm to St. Patrick’s Church in Morristown. Car pooling from Notre Dame Catholic Church to St. Patrick’s church will be arranged. The cost of this trip is $55.00.  Contact Susan Collins at 639-9382 by Sunday, July 22, to sign up.
 

Saturday, August 25, is Diocesan Day at All Saint Church in Knoxville from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm. This year’s theme is “Teacher, What Good Must I do?”  Living God’s Loving Plan, focuses attention on Catholic social teaching and how it relates to the truth of the whole person and the reality of society in its entirety.

 The keynote speaker is Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Papal Nuncio & Permanent Observer to the UN. Other speakers include the following: 
Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS: 
 1) Respect Life and Dignity of the Human Person 
 2) The Family as the Domestic Church
Jim Pinto: Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Donald M. Kerwin: The Common Good and the Plight of the Immigrant
Helen H. Alvare: Subsidiarity of the Domestic Church
Robert Feduccia: Solidarity and the Eurharist
 $15.00 early registration before July 31, 
 $20.00 after July 31 until deadline August 20th 
You may register on line www.DIOCESEOFKNOXVILLE.ORG
 

The organization “Greene County Right to Life” has changed its name to Greene County Pro Family Network. This organization has been designed to protect the sanctity of human life.  It has expanded its role to include teen outreach, mentoring programs for young women, issues in public schools and legislative issues that affect families in Greene County. To get involved, call Jean Hagenburger at 636-1317.
 

Service Projects not limited to high school students.  The Diocesan Media/Resource Center that just closed needs our attention and helping hand before it can function as the new parish office of Notre Dame. Whether or not we go on vacation, some work cannot take a break. There needs to be wiring to accommodate the office equipment and parking spaces to be placed with a handicapped accessible ramp.  Although these will be done by professionals and financial debts to be forthcoming, our church needs your time, talent, and treasures. Please come and join the Tuesday Work Crew.

Volunteers are needed each Tuesday at 9:00am to help maintain the church and its grounds. Please volunteer your time and services for three hours to facilitate the work that needs to be done. Please contact Tom Janaskie at 787-1798 or Jack Siersma at 787-9141 for more information, or just show up on Tuesdays to help out in any capacity possible. 
 

Who’s Who:  2007 Graduates from Notre Dame

Abigail Conley graduated from Greeneville High School and is planning on attending the University of Tennessee, majoring in pre med and biology. She feels the toughest part of going off to college will be getting adjusted to the large atmosphere and learning to balance school versus having a social life. Her goal is to get very involved with campus ministry at the Catholic Center while attending mass at one of the Catholic churches in the area in order to keep up her faith life.

Meredith Clark graduated from Greeneville High School and will be attending Walter State. Once completing her core classes, she will be attending the University Of Tennessee in Chattanooga. The toughest part about going to college is the change, leaving behind the people you spent practically your whole life with. Living at home this next year she will continue to her faith life at Notre Dame Catholic Church, volunteering when asked to help.

Joseph Morris graduated from Greeneville High School and will be working at DTR in Mosheim. His plan is to work a year before attending college majoring in earth science. He is relieved in being done with high school and will enjoy his hobbies for the year. Living at home will allow him to continue his faith life at Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Kelly Thompson graduated from Greeneville High School and will be attending the University of Tennessee as biology major. Kelly’s learning to study will be the toughest part about going to college as he has never needed to study before. He will keep up his faith by attending the Catholic Center on campus.
 

Three hundred twenty-six adults and children joined the Catholic Church in East Tennessee during the Easter Vigil Masses on April 7. The new Catholics of Notre Dame Catholic Church are Laurie A. Coleman, Zachary Michael Ptacek, Anthony Joseph Schultz, and Dianna Ptachek Woost. Congratulations and welcome to the family.
 

Ginny Hubbard was honored for her seven years of service as the media coordinator for the Religious Education Media Center that closed on June 30th. The article was featured in the East Tennessee Catholic with a picture of Ginny and Archbishop Kurtz. Also acknowledge for their service were Lisa Loewenkamp, Nancy McCarty, Margaret McCann, and Edna Nojeim.  On behalf of the Notre Dame Parish Family, as well as all the Catholic Families in East Tennessee, we thank them for their service. 
 

The CCW is now new and improved. We have formed guilds which allow ladies with similar interest to get together to work on projects and share information. The CCW will now meet as a whole only three times a year; the specific dates in October, December and April will be posted in the bulletin. The president will remain Linda Grice with Beth Morrissey as treasurer for this new year. We will no longer collect dues. Our fund raisers will pay for national dues and support worthwhile causes in our parish and community. We would like to form more guilds. If you have a special interest and would like to share it with others, please contact Linda Grice at 636-1068.

**** Saint Catherine of Bologna’s Guild (artist)
 St. Catherine’s Crafter’s Guild usually meets monthly on Thursday at 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. We had our first craft sale at the July yard sale and were pleased with the results. Our next meeting will be August 23 at 9:00 at church under the pavilion to discuss projects for our next craft sale which will be November 10 at the St. Patrick’s Annual Bazaar in Morristown. We welcome new members.  Please bring your ideas and join in with the fun. We accept donations of crafts to sell. So even if you can’t make it to the meetings, please remember to donate your finished crafts or plan on coming to shop.                       Thank you, Elaine Janaskie    787-1798 

**** Saint Martha’s Guild (cook)
 St. Martha’s Guild has been busy preparing food for the children’s Vacation Bible School. We would like to build a Mercy Meal Pantry to have canned foods on hand that could be prepared in the kitchen as needed - green beans, mushroom soup, dried onions, corn, etc. If you are willing to help in cooking or serving, please contact -   Barbara Price at 638-7042. 

**** Saint Veronica’s Altar Guild 
 St. Veronica’s Altar Guild is responsible for cleaning the altar and washing and ironing the altar linens. 
 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Do you long for a deeper appreciation of the beliefs, richness, and joy of our Catholic faith? To really understand the power of God’s Word in our lives? To find ways to link our faith with our everyday life? I know I do, and so do many others. 

Why Catholic? is a unique opportunity for our parish community to reclaim our Catholic identity and make our faith not only more meaningful, but truly alive! I am therefore, extremely pleased that we will be participating in Why Catholic? 

Why Catholic? can be a very powerful means of growth for each of us individually, as well as for the parish as a community. I support this process wholeheartedly and look forward to visiting the small Christian communities. I hope you will join me on this spiritual journey in the footsteps of Jesus. 
                                                     Father John Appiah

Why Catholic?:  Journey through the catechism is a 6 weeks adult faith formation program that offers us an opportunity to deepen our Catholic faith in a prayerful, small community setting. The themes include what we believe, the sacraments, walking with God, and deepening my experience of God with groups meetings starting October 7, 2007. There will be 2 six week sessions each year (spring and fall) ending with a parish retreat.
 We will need volunteers to be small group facilitators, and we will need people who will host this group in their home. Please volunteer! Experience the best of faith learning, faith sharing, and faith living. 
 

The Notre Dame’s Chair Aerobics Fitness Program is going strong! This is a low impact exercise where we mostly work in & around a chair. We also use light (1, 1 ½, 2 pound) weights along with stretch bands to help us toward better fitness. Exercise classes are every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30. Please join us for an hour of joking, a lot of socializing, and great fun as we tone our bodies, raise our heart rates, lower our blood pressure and sweat a wee bit to better mobility. If you have any medical restrictions or concerns please contact your physician. 
 

Jim Thompson has been elected Grand Knight for Council No. 6784. Jim and his wife, Gail have relocated to Greeneville from Memphis TN upon retiring from the Navy after 38 years of service. Jim and his bride have lived all over the world and have 3 children, twin girls and a younger daughter. 

The Knights of Columbus and the Parish Council have come together on a special project to place a monument to the Unborn Child somewhere on the church grounds. The monument would be a 6-foot tall colored stone monument with flowers surrounding it and a bench or two so people can meditate or have a peaceful place to think and pray.  There will be a brick pathway leading to the monument, and the plan is to sell a brick to help defray the initial cost. The Knights of Columbus have committed to undertake the total cost of the monument and its construction. Some time in the future Knights will be asking for your help. Each brick will cost $50.00 and you may have it inscribed either in Honor of … or in Memory of ….  The Knights hope to complete this project before the end of this year. Please understand that this monument and it surroundings will be here far into the future. 
 

What have you done this summer? According to Connor Fenter:
Vacation Bible School was about Searching for the Truth - about Jesus being the Savior for us and finding the true artifact which is the Bible. We learned about Jesus, why he crucified himself for us, and how he healed the 10 lepers with only one returning to thank him. .  When Jesus got baptized, the white dove came down and said this is my son, and it was God.  When He ascended into heaven, Peter was talking to a crowd; and the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a white dove

What have you learned this summer?
 

Religious Education Class Registration will be after all masses on August 3-4 and 11-12. Books will be ordered on the 13th.  The cost is $20.00 per child with a maximum of $50.00 per family. 
Catechist Workshop for all catechists is scheduled for August 22nd   Wednesday at 5:30pm. After a light meal, DRE for the Diocese of Knoxville, Rich Armstrong will be presenting from 6pm until 8pm.

Day Quest at Doe River Gorge is scheduled for Saturday, July 28. Permission slips and payment of $22.00 for all middle school & high school students must be paid to Susan by July 15.

Whitewater rafting for Our Venture Crew 1103 is scheduled for Friday, August 3, possibly leaving Thursday night and camping out. Contact Susan for permission slips and to pay. 
 

As of the end of the first week of July, July 6th, we are at $551,241 against the pledged $753,888. We are at the 73% mark of the pledge. The good news is that 48 of the 205 individuals who pledged have paid in full. We are at the 70% mark, the 25th month of the 36-month campaign. We have been able to make our mark thus far because of those who have been able to pay ahead. The dilemma is – Will those who have not been able to meet their pledge for personal reasons make payment, will the others continue to pay on their pledge, and will we make our goal?  Even with the pledge of $753,888, will we be able to build a facility that fits the needs of our community? Letters have been sent out to verify what has been given. And letters have been sent out to new parishioners asking them to join the campaign. 
 

Father Alexis, pastor of Roseaux Parish, writes that he is happy with the news from Father John and the Notre Dame Parish. The list of their needs in priority are as follows: (1) controlling heat in the classroom by removing the roof, (2) replacing it with a concrete roof and at the same time building two new classrooms to correct the overcrowding in the classrooms, (3) teachers salaries - the $200.00 US dollars that we provide has resolved this problem, (4) school books - best bought in Haiti, specifically in Jeremie, and (5) 200 Bibles. Father Alexis is happy with the invitation of a before Christmas visit and will discuss the date with the committee. 

We would like to welcome: Raymundo & Tabitha Zavaleta; Laura & Chris Lenker; Charles & Karen DiBella and their children Alexa, Gabrielle, Charlie, Matthew and Christina DiBella; Robert & Loretta Schneider; Scott Gentry; Elaine Olson; Thomas & Helen Kells and their children Ryan and Haley Kells; Edward & Linda Harrington; William & Barbara Wolff and  their children William, Andrew, Nicholas and Karla Jo Marie Wolff; Patrick & Mary Lou Lamb; Jaime & Erin Oakley; Douglas & Therese Cook; David & Riann Burroughs; Eric & Maria Pech; Isaias Ortiz & Araceli Orozco; Gustavo Galvan & Alma Vazquez; Jose Roberto Chavez & Maria del Rosa Perez; and Catherine Knapp.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Happy Advent to all of you. The first Sunday of Advent exalts us to be on guard, to stay awake, the second to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, the third to Rejoice for the Lord comes, and finally, from Bethlehem, shall come the Lord, Emmanuel: God with us.  May the peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, console you both in body and spirit to welcome him at Christmas.

I am grateful for the welcome you have given me as your priest and excited to be a servant of the Lord with you as my neighbors and parishioners.  It goes without saying, but the future looks good!  Let us welcome Christ into our world, in our lives and in our hearts.  My heart goes out to all the wonderful volunteers who are involved in many aspects of our parish.  You are the backbone of our parish and your commitment to Notre Dame makes the difference in my life and in the lives of countless others.  I give thanks on your behalf because of your great love and dedication to God, neighbors and fellow parishioners.  We dedicate this first publishing of our Newsletter to all who volunteer- thank you, but especially to our religious education teachers.

I thank my staff, Teresa Smith-secretary & bookkeeper, Susan Collins-youth minister and religious education director, and Bob Straub-maintenance. I also thank all of you who sustain us through your prayers and presence because you touch my life; your support is necessary and is without measure. I would like to thank the occasional visitors and enjoin you that the Church welcomes you. Lastly, but by no means the least, I welcome all of you who will be coming to us for the Advent and Christmas Seasons.

Season Greetings from the Notre Dame Parish Council,

We, the council of Notre Dame, are overwhelmed by the generous effort you have given not only in monetary but also in Labor and Spiritual Gifts.  It is gratifying to see our assembly singing and praying to God in union with our priest Father John. 

Our whole purpose of being is to represent all of you. This newsletter is just one of the ways your Parish Council will try to communicate news and articles of interest to you. Please remember if you have any suggestions, recommendations or questions we are here to serve you. 

The Communication Committee members consists of Kathy Munson, Steve Morrissey, Judy & Jerry Collins, Scott Fisher and Sandy Alter.  Judy Collins is our web master for our council and has worked hard to develop and improve our web site found at http://notredamechurchtn.org.  This web site has a copy of the week’s bulletin, the Parish Calendar, the Newsletter, and much more.  Please check it out!

As this is the first time for the Newsletter under new management, we would really appreciate anyone with important information for our church members to contact one of our committee members. We hope that you will find this first  attempt at communicating “the goings on” of interest and value.

Since Father John Appiah’s first council meeting in June, we have been working on identifying the communication needs of the parish.  Besides the web site and this newsletter, some of our other goals include: redoing the Parish Directory in 2008, forming a Welcome Committee that would not only visit the new parishioners, but also interview and present them in this Newsletter.
 

The Social Justice Committee members, (formerly know as the Social Action Committee) consist of Mike Lilly, Sandra Smith, and Scott Fisher, who have been appointed to represent the Parish on a wide range of Catholic social issues from works of charity to peace and justice issues.  Once the social issues and human needs of the parish and community have been identified and goals are set, the committee will seek out ways to become involved in the community while maintaining the Catholic identity. 

In addition to parish education on the social issues identified, the committee will evaluate past and current programs and activities to ensure the work of this committee is appropriate and beneficial. This committee is focused on our Catholic social justice principles and “out reach” to our sister parish in Haiti.  To that  end, Father John traveled to Haiti to personally assess the situation himself. This trip was extremely helpful to the committee and additional meetings are being held to review how we can best help with our sister parish “Immaculate Conception”. 

Additionally, the committee has “adopted” a men’s dormitory room locally at The Opportunity House. A renovation of this room is being planned and will soon begin. We are praying and hope that we can count on your support.

Having laid the basic groundwork, the Social Justice Committee is ready to expand its membership.  Any interested parishioner may join us, and all are encouraged to attend our monthly meetings which will be posted in the bulletin. Please feel free to contact Sandra, Scott or Mike with concerns or questions about this committee.
 

Anyone interested in becoming an extraordinary minister to bring communion and prayer to our church family members whoare unable to get to church - there is a need for you whether you feel the calling or not. Come just because we need you!

If interested please contact Margaret Wayson 638-3399 or 620-0880 email: 1953mgtd@adelphia.net
 

DRE (Director of Religious Education) - Susan Collins:
Susan was born in Northampton, Mass. She moved to Greeneville with her parents in 1969. For 5 years she taught the 2nd grade - the first communion class and has been our DRE for the last 5 years. She feels that the “tradition” in our faith and a true love for God is one of the most important facts that students need. Susan is also our Youth Minister. She has been married to Danny, her husband, for 27 years. Their daughter, Stefania is in the 8th grade at Chuckey Doak Middle School. Their son, Dustin is a junior at Conception Seminary College.

Preschool- Mary Beth White & Amy Ray:
Mary Beth was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Amy in Davenport, Iowa. Both were brought to Greeneville by their husbands' jobs 11 and 13 years ago. Working together with preschoolers is an important and fun way to be involved with their church and the youth. The attention span of a preschooler being as it is, students learn that “God is everywhere”.  Mary Beth is married to Ray and has 2 children: Samantha (9) and Matthew (6). Amy is married to Craig and has 3 daughters: Mollie (11), Natalie (10) and Sophie (8).

Kindergarten- Esperanza Joseph
Hope was born in El Paso, Texas, where she met and married Tom, her husband of 27 years. They moved to Greeneville in 1983. Hope loves children and, like her mother, teaches many of the prayers- Hail Mary and Our Father and works on making the sign of the cross. Hope has 2 daughters; Jenny & Susan, and 1 son: Tom, Jr.

***Kindergarten helper- Rachele Fenter
Born in South Dakota, this is her first year to help out “just plain and simple she loves children” and wants them to learn and spread God’s love and to know with God, anything is possible. Her parents are Belinda and Paul - and brother- Conner.
*** also substitute for kindergarten- Missy Meyer- although not interviewed, appreciated.

First Grade- Kim Horner & Joyce Morris
First grade curriculum - goal : God loves them.
Kim was born in Illinois and moved to Greeneville 3 ½ years ago. She attended a Catholic school and wanted her children to have a good knowledge of the church and its teaching. She is married to Chris and they have 3 daughters: Kelsey, Kaitlyn & Carley.  Joyce was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, and has been teaching for 10 years.  She loves kids and believes working with them, she is blessed trifold.  Joyce has 3 children: Jessie, Vinnie & Lindsey.

2nd Grade- Pam & Abby Conley and Nancy & Meredith Clark
Second grade curriculum - goal: 1st reconciliation & 1st Communion.
Pam was born in Akron, Ohio and Nancy in Cleveland, Ohio. Both moved to Greeneville 15 & 17 years ago due to their husbands' jobs. Pam is a kindergarten teacher at Tusculum View and Nancy is a physical therapist, currently teaching at Walter State Community College. Working together and assisted by their daughters,  they are “returning gifts” given to them.  Their students learn that Jesus loves them,  to love one another, and that we have a special place in the Catholic Church.

3rd Grade-  Margaret Ayers
Third grade curriculum- goal: We Believe  ( worship & disciples -the church) 
Margaret was born in Oswego, New York, and moved to Greeneville with her parents when she was in the 2nd grade.  She is a teacher at Doak and enjoys being with children. She hopes to challenge the students to be “good thinkers” as they observe the world around them and see how they fit in it- as individuals who are Catholic.  They learn about the church & its teachings - and not just what but why we do things.

*** 3rd grade substitute- Laura Durham- although not interviewed, is appreciated.

4th Grade- Karin Hagenburger 
Fourth grade curriculum- goal: Beatitudes
Karin was born in Endicott, New York, and relocated to Greeneville in 1995 with her husband Brian.  She is an assistant teacher with special needs children, a 1:1 program in the Greeneville School district. It’s quite a simple message- “to love God, to love each other, and to love yourself”. If people would realize that, it would be a much more peaceful world and people would get along.  Karin and Brian have 3 children: Heather, Emily and Matthew. 

*** 4th grade substitute - Joan Buescher - although not interviewed, is appreciated

5th Grade- Aime’e Place
Fifth grade curriculum- goal: Sacraments
Aime’e was born in New Orleans where she met Jack, married, then moved to Greeneville in August of 1985.  She began her teaching for the parish over 20 years ago, something she always wanted to do. She was the DRE in the past and is presently a Eucharistic Minister and reader. Teaching 5th graders is an overview of what Catholics are, appreciating the sacraments, and why it is important to be a Catholic. She and Jack have a son David who is in the 8th grade.  Jack has been transferred to Detroit, and they will be leaving Greeneville.  They will be missed!

*** 5th grade substitute- Marie Smith- although not interviewed, is appreciated.

6th Grade - Scott Fisher
Sixth grade curriculum- goal: the Bible- story of Israel- prophecy of the Old Testament - Meeting Jesus
Scott was born in Detroit, Michigan, and relocated to Greeneville when he met his wife Lisa. As Scott helps others in their faith, he too is challenged to strengthen his knowledge and faith. Scott enjoys teaching his students to understand why the Catholic Church is the true faith and only church established by Jesus. Scott also works for the Greeneville Sun.

*** 6th grade substitute- Janet Murphy - not interviewed but is appreciated.

7th Grade - David Elsenrath
Seventh grade curriculum- goal: Apostle Creed- we believe-
David was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and is Offensive Coordinator for the Tusculum College football team.  He wants to help the young people of the parish to know they have the only Christian faith handed to them by Jesus Christ.  This faith is so deep that it gives them everything they will need for this life and life eternal.  David and his wife Beth have twin sons, Andrew & Robert ( 3 years old) and a daughter Mary Day (18 months). They are expecting another baby due in April.

** 7th grade substitute - Tom Janaskie- married to a wonderful gal, Elaine - appreciated.

8th Grade - Denise Michaud
Eighth grade curriculum- goal: morality
Denise was born in Providence, Rhode Island.  The Lord lead Denise and her husband with their 3 children to Tennessee 2 ½ years ago.  Denise has a strong feeling that our young teens need a good, strong foundation in morals. She wants her students to know that even when they “fall”, God’s mercy & strength will be there to help them start again.  And in order to learn how to make moral decisions, they must first form their conscience. 

High School-  Lisa Loewenkamp, Sheila Alexander, Wes & Lauren Lott, Don & Joan Braden and Dianna Thompson
Ninth grade/freshman- social life, Tenth grade- 1st year confirmation, 11th & 12th - Life issues - Social Justice
Lisa Loewenkamp wants to do her part in helping her students take charge and provide them with the tools they will need to live out their faith into adulthood.  Although she was the only one of the many high school teachers interviewed, we really do appreciate those who donate their time to the future generations. 

And when does religious education stop? 
Adult Education- Sandra Smith
Some of Sandra’s favorite memories are of her teachers. She holds a B.S. degree in secondary education and has always loved high school students.  Her confirmation into the faith was a memorable event at the age of 12.  It was up to her to take the responsibility to grow in her faith.  She took this commitment seriously and found that over these 25 + years of “sharing the faith” she has personally grown in her understanding of what it means to be a Catholic and to be disciple of Christ.  Sandra and her husband Roger have 3 children, (2 daughters and 1 son) and 7 grandchildren

RCIA-  Judy Collins
Right of Christian Initiation for Adults-For those considering Catholicism
The RCIA team includes Judy Collins, Jerry Collins, Father John Appiah, Father William Casey, Sandra Smith, Sheila Alexander, Kathy Ridley, Maggie Rowe, and Sponsors.
 

December 17th Sunday starting at 4:30,  Los Posadas, a depiction of Mary & Joseph’s travel to shelter followed by the our Children’s play will be held.   All parishioners are then invited to our Annual Parish Advent Dinner.  Bring a covered dish to share.   And thank you for all who have worked hard to make this happen.  This is guaranteed to be a great time!  Come and be one of the family.

CAN YOU SPARE AN HOUR, OR EVEN A HALF HOUR?
In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 14, verse 37 we find Jesus asking his disciples “could you not watch one hour?” He continues to ask this question of all Christians. In the Catholic Church we are blessed with a very special means of answering this call from Jesus. It is called Eucharistic Adoration. We do this by committing ourselves to spending one hour with Jesus as he reveals Himself to us in the bread of the Eucharist. There are a few people at Notre Dame Parish who would like to answer this call by starting an Adoration program. If you would like to take part please contact either Greg English at 257-3595 or Andrea Robinson at 639-5933.
 

The committee has completed an up to date site plan of the parish property as it now exists. This is a detailed blue print, that will be used to create a long range master plan giving us a look ahead, making sure that future buildings are logically located and enough property is available to accommodate the long term growth. The first of three phases of the master plan is the Parish Life Center. At this time we are not ready to go to the diocese and ask permission to go forward as the finances need to be secured first.  After the holidays this committee will meet with Father John and review the long term master plan. 
 

Focus this year: Prayer and Stewardship.
In October, we kicked off our year with a Chocolate Tasting and planned upcoming events as well as hosting the CCW Deanery Meeting.  In November, we participated in “Thanksgiving with Friends”.  Fourteen churches in North Greene County cooked, packaged, and delivered over 700 meals at Thanksgiving to families less fortunate.  The CCW purchased and cooked 85 lbs. of turkey and donated cans of cranberry sauce. The host church was Union Temple Free Will Baptist Church, where over 100 meals were also served to walk-ins. Money from the November bake sale provided funds to purchase the turkey.  Thanks again to all the ladies who helped cook and package meals. 

This Advent, along with our Children Giving Tree, we have included our seniors in nursing homes and our shut-ins. At our December meeting, we will have an ornament exchange.  In the Spring, Notre Dame CCW will host the hospitality room at the CCW Diocean convention. We always look forward to seeing new faces at our meetings. Please come and join us. 
 

Many churches throughout the nation cannot boast about having their own Council of Catholic gentlemen who call themselves Knights of Columbus. At Notre Dame, we can boast that we have 67 Catholic gentlemen who belong to the Knights of Columbus, Council #6784, who have taken pledges of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.  We cordially invite all males 18 years or older to become a member of one of the largest Catholic charitable organizations  (1.7 million members) in the world.  Its special mission is to protect mothers and children from hardship and destitution, while also being one of the largest supporters to the U.S. Special Olympics as well as assisting the U.S. bishops on several projects.  Please come and join this unique organization of Catholic men who are interested in protecting family life and commitment to service to God, Church, Community and Country. 

All Knights of Council 6784 and their families are invited to an evening of fun on January 12, 2007 at Notre Dame Parish Hall .  At 6:00pm the Knights will serve homemade soup and sandwiches.  At 7:00 pm 15 free games of BINGO will be played for prizes. It’s a fun family night and a way to say thanks to all Knights and their families for their support. New members and those prospective members of the K of C are invited.

*** January 13th  - Free throw Competition at the YMCA -   open to all boys and girls ages 10 to 14.