Our St. Martha Altar Ministry is a team of ladies who prepares our church and altar for Mass and takes care of the sacred appointments of the altar, such as linens, candles, relics, and flowers. A one-hour detailed training session for Altar Ministry volunteers is being held in the church on Saturday, August 13, and again on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30am. All current and prospective members of the Altar Ministry are encouraged to attend one of the sessions. Click for more infomation.

Mike Bennett learned on Holy Thursday (April 14, 2022) that his cancer has returned after 13 months. Mike and Ashley Bennett are young parents of three children. [UPDATE 7/29/22: Mike has now finished his prescribed chemo and his test results show that he is CANCER-FREE!] Please continue to pray for long-term remission for Mike. Thank you for your prayers!

The Tennessee Pro Life Leadership Conference, hosted by Students for Life of Southeast Tennessee, will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 9am to 3pm, at Apison Baptist Church near Chattanooga. All ages welcome! Conference will feature Tina Whittington, VP of Students for Life of America; Seth Gruber, host of the Unaborted! Podcast; and numerous other inspiring and informative speakers from around the southeast. Register by July 15. Late registrations accepted for an additional $5. Click for details.

Lorelei Truett (6/3/2007 - 12/2/2021) LOVED to read, and especially the classics. As part of Lorelei's legacy, her family is establishing a lending library for our Basilica parish. As the library is being started, the Basilica Catholic Motherhood group and any other interested parishioners are invited to review the proposed book lists. If you have any concern about any of the books, email admin@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com with the name of the book and the concern. We would like your feedback by July 13. Click for the book lists and more information.

*** CANCELED *** Unfortunately we have had to cancel our VBS 2022 that was planned for Camp Columbus on July 6 and 13.

Altar server training will be offered for the Latin Mass beginning July 2022. Attendance is required Sundays at 10:30am and some 7am weekday Masses for training. To prepare for the training, it is necessary to learn the Latin prayers and read the altar server manual. For more information and to sign up, visit our Altar Servers page and contact admin@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com.

We are planning an outdoor Basilica party after the Under One Roof construction is completed! The tentative date is May 20, 2023 (rain date June 3, 2023). If you would like to help us plan this special event, please contact Debbie Cliche.

On May 8 and May 29, the Nursery will be open during the 9:00 Mass only. We expect to open the nursery for the 9:00 Mass through the 11:30 Mass for the other Sundays in May.

The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring GodCamps for rising 5th-8th graders this June. 7th-8th grade camp is June 20-23. 5th-6th grade camp is June 23-25, both at Harrison Bay State Park. Register by Friday, May 27, 2022 to avoid late charge. Click for details.

The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Christian Formation is offering the workshop "Diving into Baptism", Thursday nights in May 7:00-8:30pm on Zoom, presented by Rod Bennett. To register and receive the Zoom link email Chris Kite at ckite@dioknox.org.

Looking for a Catholic homeschool experience with like-minded families? St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op, meeting in person on Fridays from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. We will also offer an afternoon option of life skill classes 1:30-2:30 on the 1st & 3rd Fridays each month. We meet at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in downtown Chattanooga. Registration is open March 1 through May 15 for the 2022-23 school year. Classes begin August 19 for nursery-aged children through high schoolers. Classes offered include Latin, Sign Language, Theology, Greek & Egyptian Mythology, and Biology/Animal Science. To schedule a visit or with questions, please e-mail stambrosecoop@gmail.com. Detailed information and registration forms are posted on St. Ambrose Homeschool Co-op page. Click here.

We have finally been able to hire two nursery attendants for Sunday mornings! Provided that both our nursery attendants are able to be present, our Nursery is now open during the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses, as well as the class time between Masses, for children under 5 years old.  We are in need of gently used toddler-safe toys and board books. (Please no riding toys.)

On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Youth Group girls will celebrate “Galentine’s Day” at Polly Claire’s Tea Shop. On Saturday, Feb. 19, the Youth Group boys will have “Fella’s February” at Insane Paintball. See our website for details, and RSVP to JuliAnna Hills by this Feb. 9.

We are starting a Saints Anna and Simeon Society, called “STASIS”, to spiritually support people in difficult or irregular marriage situations, including those divorced and separated, who desire to live in communion with the Catholic Church. Now on our Marriage page are Catholic resources to help you or someone you know. If you are interested in being a part of our STASIS network to give and/or receive spiritual support, contact the parish office.

Due to life changes our Trail Life Troopmaster has had to step back. We are in need of a volunteer Troopmaster in order to continue. The Troopmaster organizes the troop leaders, oversees troop meetings. Previous outdoor experience in any capacity is encouraged. Click for more information.  

If you’re a young person looking for community and friendships, Catholic Chatt is a place for young adults ages 18-39 to grow in faith, support each other, and build Catholic community in Chattanooga. The Catholic Chatt group, directed by our Basilica parishioner, Patrick Hanus, plans hiking, game nights, socials, bonfires and more throughout the year and would love for you to join them. Visit their website at CatholicChatt.com, and sign up for event alerts.

The Bieszad family of eight experienced a crisis in April 2021 when the children were separated from them, while extensive repairs and improvements were needed in their home. The family has gotten through the challenges and are settled together in their home, which was renovated with the help of Basilica parishioners. Andrew is now working at a local hospital, and Jessica is hoping to pursue a nursing degree. They are grateful for all the support. Read more about the Bieszads here: https://stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/news/prayer-and-help-needed-to-reunite-the-bieszad-family Click to learn more about their story.

The Church has begun a Papal Synod. In response to the invitation of our Pope and our Bishop, please visit synodsurvey.org to complete an anonymous 20-minute survey about your experiences with your local church, faith/religion and other circumstances. Catholics and non-Catholics of East Tennessee, ages 14 and up, are invited. Survey will close at 11:59pm Jan. 30. Thank you for your input.

Our RCIA candidates and catechumens have been meeting weekly since September to learn the Catholic faith. Sunday, Jan. 9th, at the 9:00 English Mass and the 1:30 Spanish Mass, they will participate in the Rite of Welcome. WE NEED SPONSORS to accompany the candidates on their faith journey. Please pray for our candidates, and contact our RCIA Coordinator, Dan Pacitti (rcia@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com), or call the parish office this week if you are interested in serving someone as a sponsor. Thank you!

After the past year with no receptions, we are preparing to resume our Reception Ministry gradually as the safety provisions allow. We need your help! The Reception ministry is an ideal opportunity for new and long-time parishioners to exercise hospitality, share your talents, get involved in our activities, and connect with fellow parishioners. Click to find out more...