Long-time Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner, Elizabeth (Betty) Hogan, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022, at the age of 92. Betty had been attending the Basilica faithfully until she moved to The Bridge assisted living facility. Please join in praying for her soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

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.  

+Catherine Ann Nuccio, sister of Basilica parishioner Robert Nodes, passed away on Jan. 26, 2022. She will be buried at Mount Olivet on Friday, Feb. 4, at 10am. May her soul rest in peace. Please pray for her family during this time of mourning. Click to see her obituary and a video tribute.

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.

Thank you to all who made donations for Christmas flowers. Click to see the list of donors and memorial donations. We plan to keep our Christmas poinsettias up as long as they last, along with the Nativity, through the extended season of Christmas and Epiphany, which will come to a close on Feb. 2 with the Presentation of the Lord.

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...

Please pray for the soul of +James Monroe Price - age 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, after a time of illness. He was born on February 17, 1940. Mr. Price had been a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul. Graveside service and burial will be held January 7, 2021, at 2pm, at Mount Olivet Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

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).

+Jo Anne Gore Schmitt, mother of Basilica parishioner Julie Schmitt Gersch (married to Kevin Gersch) and grandmother to Harrison, Holden, and Hannah Gersch, passed away on Dec. 15 after a brief illness. Before she passed, she was aware and appreciative of the prayers of the Basilica parishioners, and she asked that we continue to pray for her. Jo Anne was a lifelong devout Catholic and contributed so much to the community where she lived. Click to read her life story.

+Betty Rodela, mother of Basilica choir member Lou Rodela (who is married to Laina Rodela) passed away on Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 92. Lou was able to get down to Texas to see her, along with all her children, and pray and sing for her. Click to read about Betty's life. Please pray for her soul and for the Rodela family.

The traditional Ember Days of fasting for Advent 2021 are Wed., Fri., and Sat., Dec. 15, 17, and 18. While a fast is not obligatory on these days, it can be a worthy and traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on these days. See https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

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.