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The Diocese of Knoxville has sent Seminarian Eli Holt to the Basilica this summer. He will be serving at Mass and participating in our activities. Please welcome Eli when you see him, and pray for his vocation. Click to read his vocation story.

The Men's Discernment Group is for men who are interested in discerning if God is calling them to the priesthood. Hosted by Father Mark Schuster every fourth Saturday of the month at 9am in JPII conference room at the Chancery. If you are interested, fill out the form (click here) or email [email protected]. Zoom option for those not in the Knoxville area. If you know someone who might have a calling, please invite them to this opportunity to discern God's call. Interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/CmSwudiVnf

In July we received a 2024 update from our parishioner, Brother Kevin Doerge, who joined the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in 2021. After a year of parish ministry at St. John Cantius, he renewed his vows on August 14, and he will enter Mundelein Seminary this fall. Click to read his full update. Please keep Brother Kevin in your prayers as he takes this next step towards the priesthood.

Seminarian Nicholas Hickman, our Basilica parishioner, is in his first year at St. Meinrad Seminary. He was back home at the Basilica recently when we had the Vocation Story night, and he wrote a letter to fellow Basilica parishioners expressing thanks and giving an update on his experience in seminary. Click to read the letter.

Frank Villegas recently returned to the Catholic Church, along with his wife Jerry, a new convert, and he immediately became active in our parish, especially as an altar server. Frank began suffering from debilitating headaches, tinnitus, and memory difficulties in February. After nearly a year of waiting, Frank was finally diagnosed with a Eustachian tube dysfunction and underwent Eustachian tube dilation surgery on March 18, 2022. His recovery is progressing slowly. Frank appreciates your prayers. Click for more info on Frank and please contact him if you would like to offer some spiritual support.

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.

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 [email protected].

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.  

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.

We are still looking for more technical volunteers to operate the live-stream, as well as ushers/greeters for each weekend Mass. We have a particular need for people to commit to the 11:30 Extraordinary Form Mass. Click for details.

The Joy of Tradition Award has been established at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to recognize members of our parish community who have demonstrated by their life and participation in our parish the joy that our Catholic faith brings. It is a testimony to their exemplary service to various aspects of our faith, and for their enthusiasm in promoting the sacred traditions in liturgy, ministry, and service to our parish. Fr. Carter has named Cathy Palisoc and Clervin Pérez as the 2021 recipients of the Joy of Tradition Award, presented on our parish anniversary weekend of June 27.

Trail Life is in need of adult volunteers by July 1st in order to be able to field a troop this year. You do not have to be a parent of a Trailman to serve. Please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry for our boys and young men. (Click for details.)

Nicholas Hickman, Basilica veteran Altar Server and Youth Group member, has completed his first year of seminary at Conception Abbey (Fr. Carter's alma mater)to become a priest. We are happy to welcome him back to the Basilica this summer. Please keep Nicholas in your prayers!

We are recruiting adult parishioners to join the Sacristan Ministry to set up the sanctuary for Mass. Our Sacristans serve on rotation (about once a month). No previous experience is needed, and step-by-step training will be provided. Please contact Amy Long through the parish office or myParish app.

Beginning January 26th, Fr. Carter will offer altar server training for the Extraordinary Form, Tuesdays at 5:30pm, as well as serving at 7am weekday Masses. To prepare for the training, it is necessary to learn the Latin prayers and read the altar server manual. For more information, visit our Altar Servers page and contact [email protected] to sign up.

Calling all women with a servant's heart! The Altar Ministry (previously known as the "Altar Guild") has been hosting information sessions and is currently looking for new members. To find out more, see the information on our Altar Ministry page, and contact Tia Yunker, our new Altar Ministry Coordinator.