Welcoming Deacon John Krenson - Christ the King Catholic Church

Christ The King Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Volume 16, Issue 2, Spring 2014 ~ Lent
Welcoming Deacon
John Krenson
J
By Patty Carroll Farmer
ohn Krenson has returned home and the Christ
the King family welcomes him as our newest deacon. John is a parent, Plant Manager for Nashville
Chemical and Equipment, and a Colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Now he adds pastoral duties
at Christ the King to his extensive list of responsibilities.
Deacon John is a Nashville native, baptized and confirmed at Christ the King Parish. His family lived on
Lombardy Avenue until he was 12 years old. He attended Christ the King, walking to school every day with his
younger brother, Jay. John graduated from Father Ryan
High School, following his older brother, Eddie. He graduated from Marquette
University where he majored in political science.
Thus, John attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through college. A
benefit of attending a Jesuit university, according to John, was exposure to their
philosophy, particularly the directive “to find God in all things.”
John and his wife, Carrie, have been married for 21 years. They are the proud
parents of two adopted children, 13 year old Dasha and 12 year old Evan, who are “a
great joy and blessing to us.” Dasha attends St. Ann’s Catholic School and will be a
freshman at Father Ryan next year. Evan is in the 5th grade at Benton Hall Academy.
John’s journey to the diaconate began when Father Bill Fleming suggested that
he enroll in a newly announced Diaconate Formation class. John was then a Cathedral parishioner and active in many of its ministries. Father Fleming assured him
that he would not be ordained until the last day of the four-year program and that
there would be plenty of time to make a final decision. “I figured that the worst
that could happen is that I’d get a good education in my faith, so I went for it,”
laughed Deacon John. Ordained in 1999, he was assigned to the Cathedral, except
when on active military duty. He transitioned to Christ the King after his return
to Nashville in 2012 from the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania where he
completed a Masters in Strategic Studies.
John has been in the National Guard for 28 years. He has been on active duty
five of those years, including service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Military deployments twice placed him on the Gulf coast where he assisted victims of Hurricanes
Katrina and Gustav. Dealing with “loss and devastation was a moving and critical
Continued on p.2
JOHN GREEN
NANCY ROHLING
From the Editor’s Desk.........................2
Considering Lent..................................2
A Reflection from Father Dexter .........3
School News.........................................4
Second Grade Service Project.............6
Mardi Gras 2014...................................6
Rock Youth Ministry.............................7
Women’s Council Hosts
Diocesan Meeting ...............................8
Sweet Sounds at Songwriters’ Night...8
Winter Retreat......................................9
Father Jerry Brings His Life Experiences to The Priesthood..................... 10
Another Successful Boots & BBQ....... 11
News from our Haiti Twin Parishes.... 11
Milestones in Faith............................. 12
Continued from p.1
H
Happy Spring! A rather grey, cold
and long winter is finally giving way
to spring buds, fuzzy tree branches,
and my personal favorite... longer daylight
hours—woo hoo!
This lent I signed up to receive daily email
reflections from Fr. Robert Barron, author
of the book and dvd series Catholicism,
and founder of the media ministry Word
on Fire. In a recent post he introduced me
to a new term by Hans Urs von Balthasar:
theo-drama. To quote Fr. Barron: “This is
the drama written and directed by God and
involving every creature in the cosmos. On
the grand stage that is the created universe,
we are invited to “act,” to find and play our
role in God’s theater.”
He goes on to say, “The problem is that
the vast majority of us live in the “ego-drama.” We think we are the directors, writers, and above all, stars of our own dramas.
We’re convinced the cosmos provides a
pleasing backdrop to our own performance.
Other people function as either our supporting players or our villains, against whom
we shine all the brighter.” He then shares
a story about St. Thomas More in a scene
from A Man for All Seasons, where he tries
to cheer up a young man who petitioned
Thomas More for a position in King Henry
VIII’s court but instead was offered the role
as a simple teacher. The young man is disappointed and More attempts to cheer him
up by saying he’d be a really good teacher.
Here, I quote again: ““And if I were, who
would know it?” The patient More explains: “Yourself, your friends, your pupils,
God—pretty good public, that!” He then
reminds him “that it profits him nothing to
play even the biggest part in the ego-drama
if he misses his role in the theo-drama. The
key is finding the role that God has designed
for you, even if it looks like a bit part”
Fr. Barron summarizes “the profoundly
spiritual truth that the only audience worth
playing for is the divine audience, and the
only drama worth acting in—even in the
smallest role—is God’s.”
May we be the stars of our own theo drama as we wind down our Lenten journey.
Joan
2
experience in my spiritual formation as well as in my military career,”
explained Deacon John. John shared that the destruction along the coast
had the same smells and feel as combat. “What I found amazing is that
the locals we were sent to protect found ways to serve us. For example,
we would be operating a checkpoint, and they would show up with food
for us. That was something very small in the big picture and yet that was
seeing God in all things.”
Christ the King is blessed to have wonderful deacons and will be further strengthened by the addition of John Krenson. His depth of first-hand
experiences has prepared him for pastoral ministry with individuals and
families through their own challenges and opportunities in life, whether
working through infertility and adoption, recovery from a loss or disaster,
visiting the sick or homebound, marriage preparation or finding God in
our lives whatever we are experiencing. Welcome home, Deacon John. W
Considering Lent
By Carolyn Goddard
L
ent, I think, is about naming and seeking to have removed any obstacles in my being that keep me from doing God’s will, from living as
God intends for me to live.
My father used to say I could mess up a one car funeral. I am not sure
that is true, but I sure can tie myself up in mental knots. How do I know
the will of God? Aren’t I susceptible to rationalizing that my will is really
God’s will? How can I know what life I am intended to live? What if I need
to make a decision and don’t feel I have discerned God’s will? Should I just
make a leap of faith?
Recently I read a line that cut through my self inflicted confusion.
Thomas Keating says “God’s will for you is to manifest God’s goodness and
infinite tenderness in your life right now.” This quote cut off my chasing
around the question of God’s will. For a moment the path seemed straight
forward. I know that if I consciously open my heart to God on a regular basis, God’s goodness will touch me. The natural consequence of having that
experience is an ability to offer grace to others. So maybe it is not so hard
to do God’s will after all.
But there is still an expectation or two that I need to let go of. I tend
to believe that everyone else is also called to manifest God’s goodness and
infinite tenderness - especially toward me. I want to remember that Fr. Keating’s line spoke to me, that is is my job to pray “for knowledge of God’s will
for me and the power to carry that out.” I don’t need to concern myself with
how others are doing or not doing God’s will.
The other expectation I struggle against is my notion that, if I am doing
God’s will, I will be happy and all will be right with the world. I want to
remember that Jesus lived in loving relationship with God but, as Clay Railey once told me, “his life was not a peach.” Living as Jesus lived generally
brings problems—sometimes even crucifixion. I don’t like this insight—but
it stares me in the face every time I enter our sanctuary.
This Lent, I want to be open to “God’s goodness and infinite tenderness”
as it comes to me in so many ways—the wag of my dog’s tail, the smile on
my friend’s face, the smell of my daughter’s hair, the sound of my son’s
voice, the trust my mother puts in me, the feel of sunshine and breeze on
my skin. I want to soak in grace—not simply for my own sake but so that it
will naturally flow out from me unfettered. Gracious Love, please guide me
this Lent—away from expectations of others, away from desire for rewards
—closer to you. Amen. W
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
A Reflection from
Father Dexter
Coming to Our Senses
tentive, we find the race has taken us far away from home, far
from our hearts, far from where we began. And we wonder how
we came to be here. Sin, that original disobedience, that refusal
to hear and heed the whisper of God within us, dulls our senses,
just as too much wine will dull our ability to think, and we lose
our way sometimes, little by little, without even knowing when
we first began to stray.
At Mass one Sunday, when we least expect it, something
happens—the scriptures speak to us, or a song brings us back
to ourselves—and we, like the young man in the gospel, “come
to our senses” and realize that we are missing out on the food
that we need to live. The young man’s hunger brings him to
his senses about his relationship with his father. It is the young
man’s hunger that causes him to ponder what he has done; it is
his hunger which moves him to sadness over his selfishness. Of
A
mong the reasons I like running is that, at the end of
a long race, my senses seem to be sharpened. Food
tastes better, music sounds better, and my eyes see
more clearly—the world around me is more peaceful,
more colorful, more vibrant. All in all, everything seems
better. A part of this experience, of course, is the body’s
being released from the exhausting stress of running—a
stress which makes it near impossible to appreciate immediate smells and sights and sounds.
Much the same can be said for the spiritual life. The
stress of work and of the day and of relationships can
sometimes suppress our senses and leave us inattentive
to all that is good and beautiful around us. We simply
haven’t the time or the energy to attend to it. And so we
go on each day, each month, without thinking much of
our daily failings to love, to treat others with respect, to
take the time with family and friends that these relationships require. We can’t give much thought to our failing
to do what is just and right for our neighbor, to our failing to help when we have the means and ability to do so.
And then, one day, after days and months of being inat-
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
At Mass one Sunday, when we least expect
it, something happens – the scriptures speak
to us, or a song brings us back to ourselves
– and we, like the young man in the gospel,
“come to our senses” and realize that we are
missing out on the food that we need to live.
course there is the still the business of turning around and going
back to make things right. And that is a hard business. But it
can’t happen unless we first come to our senses.
Lent is a time for us to turn around, to look around and see
that God, in spite of our great sense of need, has provided us
with every good thing. Over the course of a year the race of life
can leave us with little time—or perhaps desire—to taste, to
see, to feel, to hear, to smell. And yet it is in these things, these
senses, that we experience God. The fullness of the spiritual life
can be celebrated only when our senses are all fully engaged,
when we stop the race, breathe deeply and take in all that God
has prepared for those who love. W
3
By Kathy Reese
4
CTK Champions: 7 & 8th grade Girls
PHOTOS BY JEANETTE VOGT
W
ith more than half of the
school year completed, things
are hopping at Christ the King
School. One of the highlights of the
winter quarter is Catholic Schools
Week, which took place during the
last week of January. This year’s
theme was Catholic School: Faith,
Knowledge, and Service. As always,
the week was filled with learning and
fun and service projects.
The week began on Sunday, January 26 with families serving as greeters and gift bearers at all the Masses.
The 8th grade girls made a spectacular banner that was displayed across
the choir loft in the church. Every
student and teacher signed the banner
thanking the parish for its continued
support of the school. The banner
was visible to everyone as they left
the church.
Monday and Tuesday focused on
service. The classes recognized those
who service the area around the
school including mail carriers, trash
collectors, police officers, and firefighters. Each class selected one group
and made cards and cookies for these
important people. Beginning on Monday and continuing through the week,
students brought in new or gently
used books that were donated to Book
‘Em, a Nashville-based organization
that collects books to give to children
and teenagers who might not have access to books. On Tuesday volunteers
who are not parents were recognized
at Mass and received a blessing and a
St. Vincent de Paul medal from Father
Dexter. After Mass students attended a Vocations Panel. The panel was
CTK Champions: 7 & 8th grade Boys
comprised of Father Dexter, Sister
Ann (Dominican), and Sister Naomi
(Daughters of Charity), who spoke
about religious vocations; Lucia Huskey, who discussed music vocations;
and Chis Lopez, who represented
married life and youth ministry. In
two groups (pre-K through 4th grade
and 5th grade through 8th grade) the
students brought their questions to
the panel. Concerning religious life
some of the students wanted to know
when the participants knew they had
a vocation and if they grew up in a
religious family.
Wednesday was Teacher Appreciation Day. The faculty and staff were
treated to a delicious luncheon pre-
pared by the Catholic Schools Week
Committee along with the Home
and School Association. Volunteers
watched over the teachers’ classes so
that they could enjoy a leisurely lunch
with their associates. After this wonderful repast, the annual faculty/8th
grade basketball game was held. The
8th graders wore tee shirts with Class
of 2014 and their nicknames written
on them. The teachers’ tee shirts
disJed DeKalb
played the year they were in 8th grade.
The referees this year were alumni
John Woodman and 4th graders Jack
Rohling and Patrick Warner. These
two students won this honor by way
of a Crown Affair Auction item. Jack
was impressed by the performance
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
of the two teams saying that “both
teams made amazing shots, and they
acted like the shot was just a lay-up.”
Asked if he would referee next year,
Jack’s reply was a definite “Yes!” The
game was great fun, and, by the way,
the students won.
Thursday was devoted to recognizing the important role of parents. The
students could wear their favorite pajamas to school. A portion of the day
was spent with the students making
cards and gifts for their parents, and
as a special gift for the parents (and
students), there was no homework
Thursday night.
Catholic Schools Week concluded
on Friday with Student Appreciation
Day. This was an out-of-uniform day
for the students, and they were treated
to popcorn and soda. A special gift
was provided by Father Dexter’s friend
Jere Matty, who is the STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Outreach Coordinator at Arnold
Air Force Base near Tullahoma. Jere
brought the Discovery Dome, which
is an inflatable combination planetarium/IMEX that stands 25 feet
high. Each class experienced exciting
displays ranging from the night sky
showing planets, stars, and constellations to dinosaurs and much more. All
in all, Catholic Schools Week was a
huge success.
On Tuesday, February 18, the 7th
and 8th grade classes attended Catholic Day on the Hill. They toured
the Capitol and visited the chambers where the legislature meets and
votes. They also met with Tre Hargett, the Secretary of State of Tennessee whose children go to CKS. Ten
students participated in a debate on
the death penalty covering both sides
of the issue. Seventh grader Aisy Nix
shared her opinion that “if you keep
the death penalty, you are playing
God.” When asked what she learned
from this venture, Aisy found it interesting that limestone, a natural
resource, was used to construct the
Capitol. While downtown, the students went to Mass at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church. According to Aisy,
they were surprised to learn that
they would receive Holy Communion
kneeling at the altar rail.
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
On the technological horizon,
we have an update on the set of iPads that were bought recently. These
iPads have seen plenty of use. Pre-K
and Kindergarten have been practicing writing letters and sight words. In
1st and 2nd grade, students are working on place values using virtual manipulatives; meanwhile, 3rd graders
are using the iPads to work on math
facts, taking AR tests, and using the
online Thesaurus. Fifth graders are
making use of the music app on the
iPads, and 6th grade students are
solving problems with a chess game.
Students in 7th grade researched for
their culture fair projects. In the 8th
grade students were able to take a virtual tour of the Vatican. Some other
new items being implemented in some
of the classrooms include a document
camera which takes the place of the
overhead projector. The document
camera can project objects or pages
on to a white board. Fourth grade
teacher Nicole Heyer’s classroom
does not have a smart board, so she
uses a mimeo device which attaches
to a dry-erase board and makes it interactive like a smart board.
In another important area, the
Drama Club, under the guidance of
Mrs. Wellborn, is working hard on an
adapted version of Romeo and Juliet.
Students in grades 4 – 8 tried out for
the various roles in the play. The following students will be performing
these roles: Audrey Heinemann (7th
grade) as Juliet, Anna Cate Burke (7th
grade) as Romeo, McKenzie Mathew
(7th grade) as Lady Capulet, Hayden
Zenor (5th grade) as Lord Capulet,
and Ellie Bryan (4th grade) as the
nurse. A performance is scheduled for
Friday evening April 4.
And finally, we will end on a congratulatory note. Both 7th and 8th
grade basketball teams (boys and girls)
won their respective tournaments. The
girls’ team, coached by Mark Vance
and Bill O’Bryan, were undefeated
in the regular season and were tournament champions. The boys’ team,
coached by Dan Catignani and Chuck
Curran, won 10 out of 12 regular season games and were also tournament
champions. What a great season for
both teams! Congratulations! W
Catholic Schools
Week Traditions
Faculty posing as students during
Catholic Schools Week
5
2nd Grade Service Project
By Elizabeth Wehby
T
his year the 2nd Grade has really been in touch with the parish through their service project.
They have been writing letters to the
homebound parishioners that are part
of the Pastoral Care Ministry. The 2nd
Grade teacher, Miss Sarah Osborne,
came up with the idea as she was
looking through the bulletin over the
summer. She wanted to do a service
project that would get the students involved with the parish. She talked to
the Christ the King Principal, Sherry
Woodman, who helped her get in touch
with Margaret Emsweller, the head of
the Pastoral Care Ministry. Margaret
Emsweller told Miss Osborne that she
wanted to have students make cards
for the parishioners. She visited the
2nd Grade at the beginning of the year
and the students gladly dove into their
first letters.
This service project has helped the
2nd graders with their study of the sacraments. They have learned about the
importance of being active members
of the Church. Most importantly the
students have been able to experience
the positive feeling of helping others.
They are able to share empathy with
people that are not able to be as active
in engaging with others as they wish
they could be.
The 2nd graders write letters about
once a month especially around the
holidays. Most of the letters include
a note with a drawing. The students
started writing to the same parishioner
every time, but as the Pastoral Care
Ministry grew, the students have begun writing to different parishioners.
Most importantly the students
truly enjoy the service project. They
put great effort into their letters, and
some of them have even received letters in return. Miss Osborne says that
every time she hands students response
letters that they have received, their
faces light up. This gives the students
confidence that what they are doing is
really making a difference. Of course
the students do not expect letters
6
JEANETTE VOGT
Christ the King school 2nd grade class
back; they just want the parishioners
to know that they are being thought of
and prayed for as second grader Caroline M. expressed, “I feel happy that
people know we are praying for them
and hope they feel better.” Cooper M.
added, “I like getting to draw them a
picture.” A final thought that sums
up the overall feeling of the group was
noted by Catherine D. who stated, “I
like that we make people feel better.”
If you know someone who would
enjoy receiving a card from Miss Osborne’s 2nd grade class, please send his
or her name and address to [email protected]. W
Elizabeth Wehby is a 7th grade student
at Christ the King school
Mardi Gras 2014
BOB TRUE
Young and old alike enjoyed the festive
atmosphere of Christ the King’s annual
Mardis Gras celebration held on March
1st. The tables were decorated in the
traditional Mardis Gras colors of yellow, purple and green. Beads and masks
adorned every table and the authentic
Dixieland band was the hit of the party.
Drinks, delicious catfish,sausage stuffed
chicken, red beans and rice, jambalaya,
salad, bread, gumbo, King cake and an
incredible bread pudding made for a truly
“Fat Tuesday”. Thanks and gratitude to
all the chefs and volunteers who make
this annual party one of the best! If you
haven’t experienced Mardis Gras at CTK,
then mark your 2015 calendar now so
you won’t miss out!
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
ROCK Youth Ministry: Building a Foundation
By Cris Lopez, Youth Director
“What is Apollos, after all, and what
is Paul? Ministers through whom you
became believers, just as the Lord
assigned each one. I planted, Apollos
watered, but God caused the growth.
Therefore, neither the one who plants
nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God, who causes the growth.
The one who plants and the one who
waters are equal, and each will receive
wages in proportion to his labor. For
we are God’s co-workers; you are
God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God given
to me, like a wise master builder I laid
a foundation, and another is building
upon it. But each one must be careful
how he builds upon it, for no one can
lay a foundation other than the one
that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:5-11
I
remember when my parents were
building their first home and experiencing the anticipation as the foundation was being laid down. It seemed like
an eternity that they were simply mapping out the area and then slowly allowing the cement to slowly cure over time.
I thought to myself, “If it takes this long
just to create the floor it must take forever to build the walls.” However, once
the foundation was set the walls came
up very quickly and what was once just
the floor became our home.
I think we are experiencing a similar anticipation in the building of our
youth program. We want a home for
our youth in this church and are excited about creating one. Unlike a home
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
CRIS LOPEZ
Middle school youth group
We are God’s coworkers and our youth are our field. It is
time to build a strong foundation for others to build upon.
that is built for you, our youth program is built from our own hands. We
are God’s co-workers and our youth
are our field. It is time to build a strong
foundation for others to build upon.
We have been slowly building a foundation the past 5 months for our youth
program. We have seen subtle growth
and have expanded youth ministry activities to include middle school teens,
yet there is still much work to be done
in establishing a good foundation for
our youth.
We need workers in the field to
help us build this foundation. Some of
you have a gift for working with teens
and sharing your faith. It is important
that we communicate the love of Jesus
Christ to our teens and it begins with
people who are willing to minister to
them. Ministering to our teens can
take shape in various ways from pro-
viding a meal for our youth ministry
gatherings, to making phone calls and
sending emails, to chaperoning and
sharing testimonies. Parents we need
your help by encouraging your teens to
come to our youth events, and encouraging your teens to bring their friends.
It is time to build a home for our
youth. How will you help?
Middle school youth ministry meets
from 12:30pm-2:30pm every Sunday
in the ROCK room. High school youth
ministry meets from 7:00pm-9:00pm
every Sunday in the ROCK room. W
To volunteer contact Cris
Lopez, [email protected]
or 512-299-5572.
For a full calendar of events
visit: www.rock.org.
7
Women’s Council Hosts Diocesan Meeting
F
ebruary 1st found the Christ the
King Women’s Council busy preparing for the Nashville Diocesan
Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) annual winter meeting. As host
council, Christ the King was responsible for coordinating reservations and
registration, provision and preparation
of a continental breakfast and a buffet
lunch, as well as planning the liturgy
for Mass.
Women from throughout the diocese as well as Bishop David Choby
and Father Kevin Dowling, Spiritual
Director for NDCCW, were in attendance. The business meeting, presided
over by Diana Miller, a member of
CTK Women’s Council and president
of the Nashville DCCW, was held after a breakfast of pastries, fruit, coffee
and orange juice.
Bishop Choby addressed the women
on the importance of Amendment One,
which will appear on the ballot on No-
By Susan Murphy
vember 4, 2014. The amendment is designed to give the Legislature the power
to enact laws restricting abortion, such
as requirements for parental notification and waiting periods. Laws like
these have been declared unconstitutional in both federal and state courts.
Therefore, a constitutional amendment
is the only legal way to enact them.
and winter centerpieces, and laid out a
buffet of salad, rolls and a chicken and
wild rice casseroles prepared by our
ladies. Brownies made of three different types of chocolate were prepared
by Marjorie Collins, official baker for
Christ the King Women’s Council.
Guest speaker Hallie Bishop, Adoption Counselor from Catholic Charities
Women from throughout the diocese as well as
Bishop David Choby and Father Kevin Dowling,
Spiritual Director for NDCCW, were in attendance.
The business meeting was followed
by Mass presided by Father Kevin
Dowling. Christ the King women
planned the liturgy and participated in
the Mass as cantor, lectors, Eucharistic
ministers, altar servers and gift bearers.
During Mass, volunteers transformed
the West Wing with white tablecloths
Caring Choices, then gave a presentation titled “Adoption, Not Abortion.”
After guests departed, the women
of Christ the King put the kitchen and
West Wing back in order bringing an
end to a very busy day that was enjoyed
by women from all over the Diocese of
Nashville. W
Sweet Sounds at Songwriters’ Night
The sounds of Music City filled
our gym when some of Nashville’s most famous songwriters performed on our stage to
benefit CKS Children’s Tuition
Assistance Fund.
Natalie Hemby, D. Vincent
Williams, Alicia Michilli and our
very own, Rhonda Formby entertained a crowd of about 200
parishioners. Father Dexter
and his teacher, Stefan played
the finale.
The event netted just over
$30,000 which gave us a
good start toward our goal of
$90,000 this year.
Special thanks to the songwriters who donated their time
and their talent. Also, special
thanks to Jerry Wigger, our
Master of Ceremonies.
— Valerie Cooper
Songwriter’s Night Chair
8
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
Women’s Council Winter Retreat
T
By Patty Carroll Farmer
he annual Winter Retreat sponsored by Christ the King Women’s Council was held on Saturday morning, January 25th, following
8:30 Mass. Approximately 50 women
gathered in the Parish Hall for breakfast and spiritual guidance. Parishioner Robin M. Jensen was our speaker.
Robin is a Luce Chancellor’s Professor of the History of Christian Art
and Worship at Vanderbilt University
where she teaches courses in both
the Department of the History of Art
and the Divinity School. Robin led us
through a slide show presentation exploring the imagery in our beautiful
stained glass windows in the church
nave and along the choir loft.
Robin provided the biblical reference for each window and pointed out
the historical and spiritual symbols
employed by the artist(s). Similar images or details found in classical paintings and sculpture, architecture and
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
history may have served as inspiration
in the designs.
Robin noted the many recurring
symbols in the windows. One such image is the fleur de lis which appears
in every window in the church. The
fleur de lis is a French symbol for royalty referencing Christ the King, but it
is also a Trinitarian symbol based on
the three petals of the lily. Another
recurring image is the phoenix. It is
traditionally used as a symbol for the
Resurrection, having risen from its
ashes to live again. One is featured in
the Resurrection window in the church
nave and another is inside the crown
over the crucifix.
By sharing her knowledge and insights, Robin has gifted us with a deeper understanding of the symbolism and
artistry in our stained glass windows
and has transform them from decorative features to true religious symbols
to ponder and inspire. W
9
Father Jerry brings his life
experiences to the priesthood
By Valerie Cooper
F
ather Jerry Strange has joined
Christ the King as a “Priest in
Residence” while also serving as
Special Assistant to the Bishop. He is
with us on a four month assignment
and is working on some varied and vital projects for the diocese.
Ordained less than three years ago,
Fr. Jerry considered the priesthood
from an early age but his path initially took a different turn. He married,
became a father and a music teacher
in the public school system in Nelson
County, Kentucky. However, twenty
years later and no longer married, the
call came again loud and clear during
a prayer. Two vocational directors in
two different dioceses in Kentucky
cautioned that he should wait. But
God kept calling and he followed that
call to Nashville where he met with
Stephen Wolff (vocational director at
the time). It seemed that God wanted
him to be a priest here.
Growing up, his mother prayed the
rosary everyday with her children, three
boys and two adopted girls. His father,
a Korean war veteran and Kentucky
National Guard Warrant Officer, never
went to church until one day his brother announced “I want to stay home and
watch cartoons with Dad”. Since that
day, he became a regular at Mass and
he converted to Catholicism soon after.
Fr. Jerry is amazed at the power that
children have on our faith and feels a
great responsibility toward them by
giving them the faithful tools to form
their minds early. Catholic education
and youth ministry are his passion.
“We are losing our youth. Christ the
King is fortunate to have an average
age of 35 but many parishes are growing old. We must engage our youth—
not with words but with our actions.”
Youth ministry has a need of qualified leaders with solid educational
backgrounds. These ministers must be
10
“alive with the Spirit and know their
faith. We must challenge the thought
of our youth. Kids will ascend to the
expectations we provide. Organizations such as FIAT and Fraternus are
good examples that help with youth
formation. You really only have to
reach some kids. They in turn teach
each other and derive their strength
from each other.”
Fr. Jerry began his career as a professional musician before turning to
teaching. He came to believe that it is
the psychology of music and its therapeutic effect on those to hear it that is
its greatest gift. “Music expresses what
we can’t express. That is why it is so
important to our liturgy.” He studied
liturgy during college and has an advanced degree in liturgy.
His new challenge is “Special Assistant to the Bishop” due in part to his
Master’s Degree in Liturgical Studies
from the Liturgical Institute at Mundelein, Il. He will be advising on the
liturgical architecture of some of the
new buildings yet to be constructed
in the diocese. “The buildings themselves can manifest God even without
art with their columns, their windows
etc.” He is also working on two ori-
entation handbooks—one for new
priests and one for new pastors. “The
seminary does not teach priests how to
be pastors of a parish. Such things as
risk management, insurance, schools
etc. are completely foreign yet a pastor
has responsibility for them. A pastor
ultimately needs to be a good delegator. It is his hope that the handbooks
will offer our new priests some guidance in these areas.
He loves to teach us in his homilies and is amazed by the work of the
Spirit. “People sometimes approach me
after Mass to thank me for something I
said. Then I realize that I did not actually say that at all. But that was what
they heard – or what the Spirit thought
they needed to hear.”
Father Jerry’s fondest memory
is of his ordination at Cathedral of
the Incarnation in May, 2011. He
was blessed to have his entire family
there together —“the only time ever
or since,” and it brought him special
joy on that blessed day. His gratitude
for his new vocation and his devotion
to our youth becomes apparent when
you talk to him. But there is still another new chapter in his life—his first
grandson, just 5 weeks old. W
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
Another Successful Boots & BBQ
By Michelle Barber
A
great time was had by all 330
parents, parishioners and friends
at last month’s annual A Crown
Affair Boots & BBQ where everyone
was encouraged to sport their favorite western boots. We “kicked off” the
evening with a lovely Patron’s Party,
the largest attendance ever for the
event. After a spirited live auction and
a bite of delicious barbecue, everyone
two stepped onto the dance floor for
a bit of boot scootin’ to the live music provided by local band, Next Of
Kin. We met our fundraising goal of
$45,000.00. A big CKS Raider thank
you to all in attendance, our leadership
team, and sponsors:
Committee Members
Co-Chairs: Caitlin O’Connell, Beth
Long, Mary Hobeika
PR/Graphic Design:Suzanne Lynch
Auction: Marnie Heinemann, Christy
Cullison, Shannon Keisling
Patron Party/Entertainment: Elaine
Bryan, Carmen Smith, Stacie
Timmons
Registration: Margaret Pyburn,
Tammy Gober
Check-out: Karen Zenor
Decorations: Trina Estepp, Cydney
Numnum
Catering/Food: Kate Dumas, Christy
Frakes
Fulfillment: Virginia Deckbar
Logistics: Kim Hulse
Beverages: Terri Francescon, Jennifer
Halloran
Classroom Art Projects: Gretchen Darr
Event Sponsors
Title
Bryan & Myers, Inc. Contractors
Worcester & Elaine Bryan
Platinum
Barbara and Mike Barrett
Donnelly Timmons Construction
Dustin & Stacie Timmons
Edley’s BBQ, Catherine and Will
Newman
Jeff Estepp LLC, Jeff & Trina Estepp
Rehab Resources and Consulting,
D
News From
Our Haiti Twin
Parishes
By Dave Kuhlman
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014
uring Pere Dorcin’s visit to Christ
the King last fall, we took up a
special collection after all weekend Masses to benefit his project to construct a rectory for the parish at Pilette.
Thanks to your generosity, we were able
to send him $8,560! He tells us that this
has enabled him to start construction
on the second floor of the building. His
short term goal is to be able to move in
to rooms on the first floor even before
the entire rectory is complete. This will
enable him to stay in Pilette and avoid a
dangerous trip to Cap Haitian where he
is currently living.
In January, we were able to send Pere
Jutsley at Roche-Plate and Pere Dorcin
at Pilette $4,669 each. This money is
from the envelope collection. Every
Ellen Rueff Strunk
Vandenbergh Insurance, David
& Heather Vandenbergh
Gold
Daniel Catignani
David and Caitlin O’Connell
HearCare Sammi Grello &
Michael Kaye
Michael & Cydney Numnum
Omar & Mary Hobeika
Muse Boutique and Algeria Mexican
Restaurant & Tequila Bar, George
& Sabrina Haddad
NovaCopy
Sunrise Contracting, Brett & Connie
Wesnofske
Silver
Brackman Land Surveying, David
& Sallie Brackman
Christ the King Women’s Council
Corner Pub, Jeremy & Krisi Palmer
Deckbar Real Estate, Rick & Virginia
Deckbar
Knights of Columbus
St. Cecilia Academy
other month, there is a special envelope
in our packets designated for our Twin
Parishes. We have asked the two pastors
to use the bulk of this money for Catholic education in each parish. Thanks,
again, for your generosity.
In case you missed the announcement, Pope Francis appointed Haiti’s
first cardinal in early January of this
year. He selected Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes. Cardinal-designate
Langlois is currently the president of
the Haitian Bishop’s Council and was
formerly the Bishop of the Fort Liberte
Diocese where our Twin Parishes are
located. In appointing Haiti’s first Cardinal, Pope Francis continues to emphasize the Church’s concern for the
poor and underprivileged. W
11
December 2013 -April 2014
WEDDINGS
Gregory Michael Kane and
Suzanne Frances Dunning
BAPTISMS
Ryker Mobley Brice
Donald Ashworth Cox III
Geoffrey Lloyd Dennie
Margaret Parkes Formosa
Alicia Lynne Nickols Gilliam
Brandon Scott Gilliam
Jackson Wilder Gould
Emily Charlotte Hinson
Lisa Marie Howington
Peter and Angie Brown
Greg and Meredith Schiefer
Marty and Kristy Vaughn
John and Louise Bryan
Erin Schroeder
Matt and Tricia Wall
Wil and Lauren Caldwell
Michael and Linda Sherman
Will and Mary Warren
Gordon and Pamela Chenery
Whitney Slovick
Joe and Pat Waters
Kate Daniels
Courtney Smith
Arlyn and Grace Wernke
Liz Diekman
Maggie Smith
Chase and Monica Wright
Hank and Deirdre Fuerst
Matthew Tidwell
Steve and Lindsay Wright
Marilyn Gautreau
Rick and Courtney travis
Matt and Lori Zakrewski
Mike and Debra Geiger
Lauren Golen
Jason and Shannon Hall
Rand and Trish Hastings
Steve and Whitney Hegedus
Lucy Elizabeth Jennings
Christina Hickey
Sarah Christine Riggan
Sam Higinbotham
Chester Archie Russell
Jimmy and Michelle Hiller
Peter Aloysius Sechrist
Madalene Houchin
Conrad Burkhalter Smith
Megan Jenkins
Finnian Thomas Solinsky
Ann Velma Johnson
Brennan Virginia Williams
Eric and Carina Jolly
Josephine Ruth Zemba
Nick Leonard
NEW
PARISHIONERS
Mark Matson
Matthew McDowell
Patrick and Carla McNally
Bill and Marisa Adair
Adam and Andrea Melia
Armond Agassi
Jean Mezera
Linda Bodfish
Katherine Osborne
Jessica Bowman
Cristin Quinn
Katie Boyd
Amanda Rohwedder
Kenneth and Sara Brice
Don and Susan Roy
12
Volume 16, Issue 2, Spring 2014
Published at Christ The King Catholic Church
3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212
Parish Office 615.292.2884, ext. 300
Pastor
Father Dexter Brewer
Editor
Joan Rotert
Art Director
Suzanne Lynch
Contributors
Michelle Barber
Valerie Cooper
Patty Carroll Farmer
Carolyn Goddard
Dave Kuhlman
Cris Lopez
Susan Murphy
Kathy Reece
Nancy Rohling
Jeanette Neuhoff Vogt
Elizabeth Wehby
The Cloister is a community publication and we
welcome any news or stories that Christ the King
parishioners would like to contribute.
Writers for assignments are also always
needed.
Please contact Joan Rotert with your news,
photos or interest in being a contributor at
[email protected].
Volume 16, Issue 2 l Spring 2014