After reviewing the results of the Papal Synod survey of Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul parishioners, we facilitated two listening sessions: one in English and one in Spanish. We produced a report to convey the fruits of the discernment in our parish. (Click to read the report.) This report was sent to be incorporated as input from our diocese, and our diocesan input will eventually make its way to Rome. We are grateful to our volunteer team and all who gave input!

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over a million refugees, mostly women, children, and the elderly have fled to Poland along its 330-mile border. This sudden and unanticipated surge of refugees in such a short period of time has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. The St. John Paul II Shrine in Kraków, Poland is helping thousands of refugees by offering shelter and assisting with meals, clothing, and basic needs. Bishop Stika has asked that a special collection be taken on the weekend of March 19-20. Any assistance given will go to the St. John Paul II Shrine's support of Ukrainian refugees. Click to learn more about the help the Shrine is providing refugees.

Rudy Marquez passed away the morning of 3/9/22 after pneumonia following COVID-19. Rudy was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Jude. Rudy's wife Lupita was the Basilica's Parish Secretary for several years. Click for more information and to access a meal train for the Marquez family.

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.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of devout Catholic men looking to give back to and support their community, family and church. Founded in 1882 by Fr. John J. McGivney, the organization has grown to over two million members worldwide. The Knights are actively seeking new members. An initiation for new members will be held at the Council 610 Hall on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 PM. Knights from Council 610, which is affiliated with the Basilica, will be available to discuss membership and answer your questions after each Mass the weekend of March 5 and 6.

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.

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!

The Basilica took up a second collection at our weekend Masses on Dec. 25 & 26 to assist the Diocese of Owensboro, KY following the catastrophic tornadoes there on Dec. 10-11. You may donate online at any time. Click for more information.

SEEK is a 3 day conference that will have over 1200 college students seeking an encounter with Jesus while immersed in Catholic community, participating in Sacraments, receiving talks from dynamic Catholic speakers, and prayer. For many students who are on the fence about following Christ this conference is a life-changing event. Please prayerfully consider donating to sponsor a student's conference attendance. Click for more info on donating.

Pope Francis's motu proprio,  Traditionis custodes, issued July 16, 2021, places limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. At this time, with the permission of Bishop Stika, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will continue to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at 11:30am on Sundays, provided that those who attend it re-affirm the authority of the Roman Pontiff and the teachings and liturgical reforms of Vatican II. Read Bishop Stika's letter and Pope Francis' documents here. Clarifications issued by the Vatican on 12/4/21 are posted here (click to read).

Bishop Stika has announced the passing last night of +Fr. Joe Brando, who had his first priestly assignment at Sts. Peter and Paul, and had been planning to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his priesthood next June, here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Fr. Brando's funeral will be at the Basilica Friday, Dec. 17, at our 12pm Mass time. Please pray for the repose of the soul of +Fr. Joe Brando.

On All Souls Day, Nov. 2, The Basilica will honor our loved ones who have gone before us with a traditional lighting of luminaries and Rosary service outdoors following 5pm Vespers. If you would like to honor a deceased loved one with a dedicated luminary (whether or not you can be present), submit orders to Debbie Cliche after Mass on Oct. 23 & 24, or to the parish office. Orders are due by Thurs. Oct. 28. Click for the order form.

Travel to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey with Deacon Gaspar De Gaetano from April 25-May 10, 2022. Click for tour information and reservations.

National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated in our country November 7-13, 2021. Please ask Our Lord for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons and consecrated men and women. May they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith community, and respond generously to God’s gift of a vocation.

Support the school of your choice and the regional Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance Funds to help qualifying families! The Basilica partners with Notre Dame High School. Click here to buy tickets for the NDHS raffle: https://www.myndhs.com/support/raffle, or go to any Dio Knox Catholic school’s website to buy tickets online. $10 each to win 1 of 16 prizes, with a $5,000 cash prize! Ticket sales up to Dec. 28. Drawing will be held on Jan. 11, 2022.

Se vende el edificio de la Casa Santa Cruz en la calle 23. Pero ahora tenemos un nuevo edificio para el Ministerio Hispano. Se encuentra en 600 North Holtzclaw. El letrero dice "600". Todas nuestras actividades, excepto la catequesis y el coro, se llevarán a cabo en el edificio “600”.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dcn. Tom McConnell. He died at home peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sept. 28 at the age of 75. Please pray for the repose of his soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please remember Dcn. Tom’s wife Brenda and his family in your prayers. Click here for obituary, homily, and more.