Pentecost Sunday and Our Pandemic Response

On March 25, 2021 Bishop Stika revised his “Decree Concerning Public Mass and Gathering Directives and made some significant changes. Most importantly he intends to restore the obligation to attend Sunday Mass effective Pentecost Sunday (May 22-23, 2021). Fr. Shelton asked the Divine Worship Committee’s (DWC) subcommittee on COVID protection to review the revised Decree and make suggestions with regard …

Job Opportunity: School Office Manager

St. Mary’s School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is seeking an Office Manager for an immediate start. The primary work of the Office Manager is to provide daily administrative support to the principal, staff, and faculty. This person will work closely with our Admissions Director to coordinate the school admissions and re-enrollment process. The Office Manager should possess essential secretarial abilities …

Sr. Marie Blanchette, O.P.

On Wednesday of this week, our school principal, Sr. Marie Blanchette, OP, sent the following message to parents of our school children: Dear Parents, I hope you had a wonderful Easter and a relaxing spring break. It is hard to believe that we only have 6 weeks left of school! Those of you who know the Dominican Sisters of St. …

Divine Mercy Sunday

Three conditions for the Divine Mercy Sunday plenary indulgence: A plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for …

Employment Opportunity: Youth Ministry Coordinator

Saint Mary Parish, Oak Ridge is seeking a full-time youth ministry coordinator for our youth ministry programs (junior and senior high).  Send résumé to: pastor [at] stmarysoakridge.org. Purpose of Position:  The Youth Minister Coordinator (director) is a member of the parish staff who provides primary leadership for the design and implementation of parish ministry to its youth. Responsibilities & Expectations: …

Happy Easter, and Some Sad News

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope you’re all having a happy Easter Octave.  After celebrating the Palm Sunday, Sacred Triduum and Easter Octave without the presence of parishioners last year, I’m very grateful that we had a sizable representation of the parish for these celebrations this year.  Thank you for your patience and innovation over these past twelve …