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 …
Celebrating Mass During the Pandemic: Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Thank you for your patient cooperation during these unusual months. As you’ll recall, in November Bishop Stika issued a revised decree on the celebration of Mass and other rites during this time of pandemic. That revision provides us an opportunity to evaluate our disease prevention efforts here at Saint Mary’s. After consultation with our …
Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children
To comply with the USCCB Charter and Norms, the Diocese of Knoxville’s Safe Environment Program requires all clergy, employees, contracted school personnel, volunteers, members of groups and organizations, over the age of 18, who work, volunteer or participate in any capacity to complete the Diocesan Safe Environment training and have a criminal background check before they may begin employment, volunteer, or …
Reserving a Parish Facility
If you wish to reserve a parish facility, then simply complete our updated Facility Use Request Form and carefully read our revised Facility Use Policy. If you have any questions about the form or the policy, then please feel free to contact our Parish Office during regular office hours, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist …
New Parish Bulletin Guidelines
Saint Mary Parish Bulletin GUIDELINES A. The purpose of our weekly bulletin is to provide to parishioners pertinent and timely announcements and updates, especially those pertaining to parish events, opportunities and needs. B. In order to ensure that each parishioner reads the bulletin weekly and in its entirety, the editor should keep the bulletin succinct, fresh and relevant. C. Submissions …