Bishop Beckman has responded to the request of the universal Church to implement Traditionis Custodes in the Diocese of Knoxville. Beginning Nov. 23, 2025, the 11:30 Latin Mass at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul will be celebrated according to the Latin edition of the 2002 Roman Missal, with the most traditional options that the current rubrics allow. Click to read Fr. Carter's Pastoral Letter and details about the form of celebration of the 11:30 Mass.
This past spring, our parish participated in the Disciple Maker Index survey, along with other parishes of the Diocese of Knoxville. Click to read some insights and a detailed report of results. Many thanks to all who participated in the Disciple Maker Index survey. The insights gained from this survey are already helping Fr. Carter to plan for our future.
Kathryn Lois Briggs-Viland, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 1. Her devoted husband of 50 years, Frederick Viland, passed in 2020. They were both very deep in their Catholic faith and were proud active members of Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Please pray for the repose of their souls. BURIAL will be Sat. Oct. 11, 2025 2pm at Mount Olivet Cemetery. All are welcome.
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
Please pray for the repose of the soul of William "Bill" Henry Henderson III, 74, who passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Bill is survived by his wife, Corinne (Chair of the Basilica's Finance Council); his brother, Doug Henderson of Austin, Texas; his children, Scot Henderson, Robyn (Garrison) Elder, Mills Simon (one of the Basilica's livestream technicians), and Julia (Bo) Ray; and his three beloved grandchildren, Georgia Grace Elder, Stallings Elder, and Tinsley Ray. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 am at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. Click here to read Bill's obituary.
The traditional Ember Days of fasting for Advent are Wed., Fri., and Sat., Sept. 17, 19, and 20. While a fast is not obligatory, it is a worthy traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on one or more of these days.
All parishioners are invited to support our Youth Ministry by cooking or delivering a dinner or donating toward the weekly cost ($200-$300). Sign up to sponsor a Wed. 6pm dinner here:
MEAL TRAIN for Youth Group Wednesday Meetings
www.TakeThemAMeal.com/ENTU6526
Registration is open for our OCIA programs for Becoming Catholic, as well as Religious Education for preK through 12th grade; Youth Group for 6th through 12th grade; and Youth Schola for 2nd grade and up. VOLUNTEERS are needed in these programs in various roles. Click for more info.
Our Adult Faith Formation Book Club will begin studying Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen starting Sept. 9, with the option to attend Tuesdays from 6-8pm or Wednesdays from 9-11am in the St. Dominic Building.
Prayers are requested for Jacqueline Mathis, mother of Basilica parishioner Anthony Mathis. She is suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer. UPDATE 8/22/25: Jacqueline moved to hospice care. Prayers appreciated. Click for updates and a GoFundMe to help the family. Thank you for your prayers for Jacqueline.
Men's Bible Study: Iron Sharpens Iron: Saturdays at 2pm, beginning Sept. 6, 2025
at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 313 Sylvan St., Chattanooga, TN 37405. Click for info and sign-up.
The Basilica is collecting SPECIFIC items in August for the needy who use the services of the CHATT Foundation: Sugar, canned veggies, coffee creamer, kids' snacks, disposable dishes and napkins, paper towels, cleaning supplies, deodorant, laundry detergent, trash bags, ponchos, socks, underwear, blankets, backpacks/bags, tarps, and strollers. Drop off donations in the Basilica vestibule by August 31.
The Basilica partners with St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of Perpetual Help by providing monetary support and food drives. Fr. Carter is now calling on Basilica parishioners to join this ministry more actively by volunteering. Click here to read an article highlighting the benefits and the needs of the St. Vincent de Paul ministry.
El gobierno de Estados Unidos ofrecerá un "Día del Pasaporte" los días 4 y 5 de agosto en la Universidad de Tennessee Chattanooga. Niños y adultos nacidos en Estados Unidos pueden solicitar un pasaporte estadounidense. Deberá reservar una cita y completar los formularios en línea. Tome un folleto después de la misa y siga las instrucciones.
The Seven Sisters Apostolate is a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop—a “holy wasting” (cf. Mt. 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ. We are looking for more women to join us to cover all our priests in prayer. The holy hour can be before any Tabernacle for a set day of each week, for one year, beginning in August. Click to find out more, and Contact Melissa Wexler: 706-537-8742 [email protected].
The Basilica is looking for volunteers with leadership ability to put their talents to use for the following important ministries: Community Outreach Coordinator and Hospitality Coordinators (receptions, etc.). Email [email protected] to inquire.
Bishop Beckman has made several priest assignments in the Diocese. One change affects the Basilica.
Fr. Hendershott will depart July 1 to discern a vocation as a religious order priest with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.
Fr. Matthew Donahue, currently at OLPH, will begin serving as parochial vicar of the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul and chaplain of the UTC Catholic Center, in addition to continuing at the Tribunal with his new role as Adjutant Judicial Vicar. Please pray for both priests as they begin their new assignments.
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.
Knights of Columbus Council 610 is offering a special Father's Day gift of one year of free membership. You can claim this free gift or give it to a loved one. You may also join other Knights and their families at the Basilica Sun., June 15 at 10:30am for a prayer of consecration to the Holy Family.
Basilica parishioner Nancy Fisher passed away on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. Nancy was an active leader in our Forever Young Catholics ministry, and a past co-founding member of the Basilica's Gloria Dei Schola. Please pray for Nancy's husband Dan and the Fisher family during this difficult time.