Catholic Chatt presents a Fall Retreat Oct. 27-29, 2023, for young men and women ages 18-39. Led by Fr. Michael Zimmerman, topics will include The Sacred Heart & Divine Mercy. Held at Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton, TN. Click for details and registration, open through Oct. 20. 

We are all shocked by the horrible devastation from the fires that ravaged an area of Maui in Hawaii with a death toll hard to imagine. For those who want to assist financially with the disaster relief, we ask that they donate to Catholic Charities Hawaii at https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/maui-relief/ (click here to access) as they are closest to the grieving community and can best assist them with their immediate and more long term needs. Please pray for the many victims of this tragedy and for the loved ones who mourn family members and friends who perished in the fires.

Brother Kevin Doerge, from our Sts. Peter and Paul parish, has been a Postulant with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in Chicago since the summer of 2021. He made his first vows on August 14, 2023, and asks for everyone's prayers as he begins this next step on his journey towards the holy priesthood. Click for photos and his address to send cards.

We host parish dinners, receptions after funerals, Confirmation, concerts, and more. We need help planning, cook, serving, and cleaning. But we also just need donations of food and drink for each event. It is not expected for everyone to help every time. Contact Florence Porter flomporter@yahoo.com to join!

Michael Buendia, a young adult parishioner of the Basilica as well as St. Jude, has passed at the age of 43 after being hospitalized for several days with possible cancer. A large mass was found in his lower abdomen. Michael is survived by his wife Karmel Buendia, daughter of Basilica parishioner Bill Jochym, and their two small children. Please pray for Michael's soul and for his family.

We are starting a “Quad” initiative this Lent. Catholics tend to be lacking when it comes to building fellowship. This Lent, we encourage you to do something radical. Form a group of 4 men or 4 women to meet each week of Lent to study a saint, the Bible, or some other Catholic program—you get to choose. After Mass there will be flyers in the back with a short guide of how to get started. See the flyer and reach out to someone you feel the Holy Spirit is guiding you towards.

Lent Ember Days of 2023 are Wed/Fri/Sat March 1, 3, and 4. While a fast is not obligatory, it is a worthy and traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on these days. Click for more info at https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

In connection to the Abiding Together podcast, the Catholic Motherhood group will be discussing Be Transformed: The Healing Power of the Sacraments, by Bob Schuchts. The group will meet via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 8-9pm. Contact Nikki Pacitti at (423) 718-2843 for further details and for a discount code for the book.

We have a few spots left for women of all ages for a retreat Feb. 3-5 at the Bethany House in Dickson, TN! The title is Beyond the Noise and it will be led by Fr. Christopher Floersh. Afternoon walks, rosary, lectio divina, divine chapter, quiet time, holy hour, fellowship, and daily Mass. The Dominican Sisters pamper us with home-cooked meals and top-notch accommodations. Friday evening at 5 through Noon on Sunday (Central Time).

Lorelei’s Library was established and dedicated on Oct. 5 to remember and honor Lorelei Truett (6/3/2007-12/2/2021), our 14-year-old parishioner who died last December as a result of leukemia. Lorelei had a great love for reading, and this library is meant to pass on to many young people the opportunity to love what she loved. The library of children and young adult books is open for parishioners of all ages. There are instructions on how to use the library on-site and on our website.

Deacon Gaspar will take prayer intentions with him on his pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. If you would like to submit a prayer request, you may email him at deacongaspar@me.com or write the intention on a small piece of paper and bring it to the parish office by Thurs., Oct. 20, to ensure that he will have it before he leaves. You may fold it or place it in a small envelope marked Fatima Prayer Request for privacy.

Marc Aramian and his wife Veronica DiPippo are filming a professional docu-drama on the life of Servant of God Fr. Patrick Ryan and the yellow fever epidemic, and they are holding auditions for various off-camera speaking parts. They would like to include talented speakers and actors from Sts. Peter and Paul and the Chattanooga Catholic community. The roles will be assigned within the next couple of weeks, so if you would like to be a part of this exciting project, click for details.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION classes for age 4 through high school will be held Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15, beginning the week of September 11, 2022. 3-year-olds will have a separate class, Friday mornings from 10:30-11:45am (also open to 4-year-olds). Catholics are expected to pursue the Sacraments of Initiation. In addition to the education provided by parents, participation in our parish Religious Education classes is required to prepare for receiving the sacraments. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION is in 2nd grade. CONFIRMATION is in 6th Grade (older youth also welcome). Click for more information including options for ADULTS seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation.

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.

The Diocese of Office of Vocations and The Office of Young Adult Ministry are hosting a discernment group for Catholic young women ages 18-35 starting August 30, 2022. Join the Religious Sisters of Mercy in discerning your vocation and finding your place in the Church. Click for details.

On March 17, 2021, Fr. Carter interviewed Nathan Bird, a Basilica parishioner who is engaged in understanding local politics, and the founder of the Chattanooga Civics website and podcast. Watch or read the interview here (as well as in the pastor's notes for March 28 and April 4). Note that Chattanooga has a run-off election for mayor and several city council seats on April 13, with early voting from March 24 to April 8.

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.

The Ombrellino Gift Shop would like to train volunteers so that we can open the store more often. If you are interested, please contact the gift shop and take our Safe Haven training if you have not already done so.

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.

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.