Search
-
Sacred ArchitectureBackForwardPauseCaption
-
-
Pro-Life Ministry
-
Help keep Chattanooga pro-life!
- Baby Bottle benefit for Catholic Charities Pregnancy Help Center - starts Jan. 22 & 23
- PRAY for the cause of life.
- SIGN the petition to stop Planned Parenthood from expanding to Chattanooga, and help us collect signatures.
- Sign the Petition to the Hamilton County School Board
-
Take the Synod Survey
Catholics and non-Catholics of East Tennessee, ages 14 and up, are invited to give input via this survey for the Papal Synod - until JAN. 30.
Join our Parish Listening Session Sat., Feb. 12 1pm in Varallo Parish Hall -
2021 State of the Parish Address: Evangelization Is Invitation
-
Under One Roof Case Statement
Thanks to all who are making your donations to the Under One Roof campaign! We are relying on your donations to pay for the roof work that will be starting soon. We invite you to set up regular payments through our Online Giving.
-
-
-
-
- Adults and families who are exploring conversion to Catholicism are invited to attend our RCIA program for Becoming Catholic. Classes meet Sundays 10:150am-11:15am on the kitchen side of Varallo Parish Hall
- Our Religious Education program is open to all school-aged children and youth, and is required for preparation to receive the Sacraments of First Penance & First Holy Communion (2nd grade), and Confirmation (6th grade). Online registration is available on that page. Classes meet 10:15am to 11:15am in the RE Building. Parents must drop off their children. All grades are encouraged to attend. Particularly, if you have a child who is of age to receive the Sacraments, please sign your child up for our RE program to prepare. Our Youth Group is a complement to our RE classes, for those in grades 6-12.
- The Deacon's Table, led by Dcn. Tom McConnell, offers an opportunity for Adult Faith Formation. Classes meet Sundays 10:15am-11:15am on the far-end partition of Varallo Parish Hall.
- The Nursery will be open (provided staff are available) during these 10:15am-11:15am classes, to care for your pre-school-aged children! (Of course, ages 3 and up are also welcome to join our RE program!)
- Our St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op, DYM Youth Group, Jubilate Deo Youth Schola, and American Heritage Girls offer additional classes and enrichment for youth.
- Catholics seeking Baptism for their children, Last Rites & Funerals for their loved ones, and Marriage/Weddings, can find more information on those pages.
- Please make use of our parish FORMED.org subscription to access a multitude of sound Catholic media programs for learning and entertainment for adults and children.
- We havea Catholic Social Teaching resource page with opportunities for you to get involved in faithful study and prayerful action on the many important social issues of our day.
-
-
-
During this time of much social division, our parish has compiled resources on Catholic Social Teaching to help Catholics to faithfully and prayerfully respond. A recent addition to this page includes this enlightening interview about Helping the Poor in Our Community, with Dr. Jimmy Turner of Chattanooga Community Kitchen:
Catholic Social Teaching
-
-
-
Many of the beautiful liturgical expressions that we enjoy at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul are discussed on our Joy of Tradition Catechesis page, a catechetical library of articles and videos. Fr. Carter's introductory homily on the theme of Joy of Tradition can be heard on this page as well.
-
-
-
Recent and past Homilies are available for your edification. Fr. Carter's Pastor's Notes to the parish are catalogued also.
Fr. Carter's 2020 State of the Parish Address was live-streamed on Nov. 4, 2020:
-
-
-
See our Mass & Prayer Schedule/Resources page for more information including a video Introduction to the Extraordinary Form by Fr. Carter.
Motu proprio "Traditionis custodes" and the Latin Mass
Pope Francis's motu proprio, Traditionis custodes, issued July 16, 2021, places limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. At this time, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will continue to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at 11:30am on Sundays, under the following condition noted by Bishop Stika:
"With the express provision that those attached to this more ancient form re-affirm their submission to the Roman Pontiff, the full teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the validity and liceity of the post-conciliar reforms of the liturgy, I wish to offer the opportunity for this liturgy to continue in the Diocese of Knoxville."
- Most. Rev. Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville (July 21, 2021)
Read Bishop Stika's letter, Pope Francis' documents, and Fr. Carter's July 18 homily here.
-
-
-
Our parish ministries include educational, liturgical, social & service and charitable opportunities for you to give and receive. See the Ways to Give & Receive Help page to access a listing of our established groups and current needs, including Parish Ministry Updates. Also explore the Ministries menu on our website to find current opportunities for ministry and service.
-
-
-
Stay Informed
-
Facebook
-
News
-
Our Collection Counting ministry needs more volunteers to help count the offertory collection. The work usually takes between one and two hours. For more information and to volunteer for this ministry, contact Marina Delaney in the parish office at business@stspeterandpaulbasilica.comRead More -
Daniel Sharkey is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 610 and has volunteered as an Usher/Greeter for many years. Daniel suffers from diabetes and related complications, as well as ministrokes, that have limited his activities and mobility. Daniel appreciates prayers, calls, and visits. ***UPDATE Daniel has been taken to the ER with a diabetic coma*** Click to read more.Read More -
Your gift not only funds many of the operations of the Diocese of Knoxville, it funds services that are of great help to the ministries here in our parish, including: Religious Education programs, Campus Ministry, Youth Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Tribunal, and Catholic Charities. Each Appeal gift enables the diocese to build up the kingdom of God throughout East Tennessee. Please answer Bishop Stika’s request and make a commitment to the annual appeal.Read More -
This past season in our parish, there have been several deaths of parishioners and family members, and we are grieving these losses as a community. We are preparing to expand our St. Mary Magdalene Bereavement Ministry to provide accompaniment to all who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We are starting a grief support program, and it will offer meetings, prayer partners, and coping resources. The first meeting is planned for Feb. 22. If you would like to learn more and sign up, please contact the parish office.Read More -
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 able to see a specialist in Florida and has been diagnosed with a Eustachian tube dysfunction and is now awaiting treatment. Frank appreciates your prayers. Click for more info on Frank and please contact him if you would like to offer some spiritual support.Read More -
If you’re a young person looking for community and friendships, Catholic Chatt is a place for young adults ages 18-39 to grow in faith, support each other, and build Catholic community in Chattanooga. The Catholic Chatt group, directed by our Basilica parishioner, Patrick Hanus, plans hiking, game nights, socials, bonfires and more throughout the year and would love for you to join them. Visit their website at CatholicChatt.com, and sign up for event alerts.Read More -
We have just a few spots left for women of all ages for a retreat Feb. 4-6 at the Bethany House in Dickson, TN! Fr. Michael Cummins will teach how different saints listened through the ear of their heart and followed God. Afternoon walks, rosary, lectio divina, divine chapter, quiet time, holy hour, fellowship, and daily Mass. The Dominican Sisters pamper us with home-cooked meals and top-notch accommodations. Friday evening at 5 through Noon on Sunday (Central Time)Read More -
Long-time Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner, Elizabeth (Betty) Hogan, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022, at the age of 92. Betty had been attending the Basilica faithfully until she moved to The Bridge assisted living facility. A Funeral Mass will be offered Sat., March 12, at 1pm at the Basilica. Please join in praying for her soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet.Read More -
The Bieszad family of eight experienced a crisis in April 2021 when the children were separated from them, while extensive repairs and improvements were needed in their home. The family has gotten through the challenges and are settled together in their home, which was renovated with the help of Basilica parishioners. Andrew is now working at a local hospital, and Jessica is hoping to pursue a nursing degree. They are grateful for all the support. Read more about the Bieszads here: https://stspeterandpaulbasilica.com/news/prayer-and-help-needed-to-reunite-the-bieszad-family Click to learn more about their story.Read More -
The Church has begun a Papal Synod. In response to the invitation of our Pope and our Bishop, please visit synodsurvey.org to complete an anonymous 20-minute survey about your experiences with your local church, faith/religion and other circumstances. Catholics and non-Catholics of East Tennessee, ages 14 and up, are invited. Survey will close at 11:59pm Jan. 30. Thank you for your input.Read More -
14-year-old Basilica parishioner, Lorelei Truett, daughter of Lance and Ashley Truett, passed away on Dec. 2, 2021, after a seven-month battle with leukemia that was diagnosed on April 27, 2021. Let us surround her family with our prayers. May Lorelei rest in peace. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Lorelei's Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica Saturday, December 11. (Click to read much more about Lorelei, and for ways to support the Truett family.)Read More -
Thank you to all who made donations for Christmas flowers. Click to see the list of donors and memorial donations. We plan to keep our Christmas poinsettias up as long as they last, along with the Nativity, through the extended season of Christmas and Epiphany, which will come to a close on Feb. 2 with the Presentation of the Lord.Read More -
It is traditional for parish priests to bless chalk for each family so that they may mark the names of the three Magi over their doors, in the blessing of homes as a witness of their faith and protection against evil. After Mass on the weekend of Jan. 1 & 2, you can pick up blessed chalk in the vestibule, and take it home for a traditional Epiphany House Blessing. Click to see the instructional flyer.Read More -
Our RCIA candidates and catechumens have been meeting weekly since September to learn the Catholic faith. Sunday, Jan. 9th, at the 9:00 English Mass and the 1:30 Spanish Mass, they will participate in the Rite of Welcome. WE NEED SPONSORS to accompany the candidates on their faith journey. Please pray for our candidates, and contact our RCIA Coordinator, Dan Pacitti (rcia@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com), or call the parish office this week if you are interested in serving someone as a sponsor. Thank you!Read More -
Please pray for the soul of +James Monroe Price - age 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, after a time of illness. He was born on February 17, 1940. Mr. Price had been a long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul. Graveside service and burial will be held January 7, 2021, at 2pm, at Mount Olivet Cemetery. May he rest in peace.Read More
-
-
Events
-
January 22 - January 31
A pro-life service on the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, to benefit women in our community who need prenatal and parenting support. Pick up an empty baby bottle at the Basilica the weekend of Jan. 22-23. Return the baby bottle to the vestibule the weekend of Jan. 29-30, filled with your cash or check donation. Click for more information and volunteer opportunities.Read More -
Wednesday, February 2, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2, which is also Candlemas, marks the traditional end to the extended Christmas/Epiphanytide season. We will have the traditional blessing of candles and an indoor procession at our 12pm sung Mass on Feb. 2. You may bring your own candles from home to be blessed at this Mass. Also at this Mass, four of our candidates for full communion who have already been baptized will be received into the Catholic Church.Read More -
Friday, February 4, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More -
Sunday, February 20, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social is currently planned for Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Please share the word via a call or text if you know someone is planning on attending.Read More -
Friday, March 4, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More
-
Sunday, March 20, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social is currently planned for Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Please share the word via a call or text if you know someone is planning on attending.Read More
-
Friday, April 1, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More
-
Sunday, April 17, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social is currently planned for Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Please share the word via a call or text if you know someone is planning on attending.Read More
-
April 25 - May 10
Travel to the Holy Land, Greece and Turkey with Deacon Gaspar De Gaetano from April 25-May 20, 2022. Visit Jerusalem, Galilee, Capernaum, Bethlehem, Thessalonki, Kalambaka, Phillippi, Kavala, Meteora, Delphi, Corinth, Athens, Piraeus, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Patmos, and Santorini. Cost is $4,999 (Airfare included from anywhere in the US) with a $500 deposit required to secure a spot. Tour Brochures are in the parish office. Click for tour information and reservations.Read More -
Friday, May 6, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More
-
Sunday, May 15, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social is currently planned for Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Please share the word via a call or text if you know someone is planning on attending.Read More
-
Friday, June 3, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More
-
Sunday, June 5, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bishop Stika will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to Catholic adults in the diocese who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism. The next Confirmation Mass for adults will be on Pentecost Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 4pm, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. Click for details on registering. To receive Confirmation, Catholics must be living in accord with the marriage laws of the Church.Read More -
Sunday, June 19, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social is currently planned for Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 1101 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Please share the word via a call or text if you know someone is planning on attending.Read More
-
Friday, July 1, 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
We will have Adoration with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday following the 12pm Mass until 5:30pm, and through the night from 9pm to 7am, hosted by our Hispanic community.Read More
-
-
Updates
Safe Environment Update (9/21/21)
Accompanying Our Children While on Campus
Children must be accompanied by a PARENT or ADULT guardian at all times while on the Basilica campus. This includes every visit to the restroom, the nursery, the parking lot, the sidewalk, and even walking to class and leaving class.
Read the full notice hereCOVID-19 Update
With the current rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations affecting all ages and even within our parish family, we want to remind you to stay home if you are not feeling well. There are currently no mandates in effect for Mass, but everyone is encouraged to show respect to one another and discern the safety precautions best for your situation – such as social distancing, wearing masks, and/or taking the vaccine. Fr. Carter has written a Pastor’s Notes on August 22, 2021, explaining that the choice to take the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is morally sound and should be voluntary. The clergy will also resume wearing a mask at Communion time.
Bishop Stika Restored the Mass Obligation May 22, 2021
-
2021 Christmas Vigil Mass Photos by Robin Rudd
-
-
-
All Saints Day
-
2021 All Souls Day Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery
-
All Souls Blessing of Luminaries
-
-
Pray for +Dcn. Tom McConnell, who died in his sleep
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dcn. Tom McConnell. He died at home peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sept. 28 at the age of 75. Please pray for the repose of his soul, especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please remember Dcn. Tom’s wife Brenda and his family in your prayers.
OBITUARY of Dcn. Tom McConnell (3/14/1946 - 9/28/2021)
HOMILY at Dcn. Tom McConnell's Funeral - by Fr. David Carter (READ)
VIDEO of Dcn. Tom McConnell's Funeral
-
-
Fr. Patrick Ryan Transposition & Re-entombment July 31
-
-
Photos, Stories, and Memories
Photos on our Flickr site Photos on our website
Photos from Holy Week 2021
More Memories (scroll):
- Photos form First Annual March for Life in Chattanooga, by Robin Rudd
- Photos from 2021 Christmas Vigil Mass, by Robin Rudd
- Photos from 11/2/21 All Souls Blessing of Luminaries
- Photos from 11/2/21 All Souls Day Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery
- Photos from 11/1/21 All Saints Day Mass
- Photos from Aug 2021 Vacation Bible School: Go to Joseph!
- Photos from July 2021 Fr. Patrick Ryan Exhumation and Transfer to the Basilica
- Photos from 6/6/21 Corpus Christi Procession by Robin Rudd
- Photos from 6/6/21 First Holy Communion on Corpus Christi by Robin Rudd
- More photos from 6/6/21 Corpus Christi Procession by Hispanic Community
- Photos from 5/9/21 May Crowning by Robin Rudd
- Photos from Holy Week 2021 by Robin Rudd and others
- Photos from 4/17/21 Piano Recital by Fr. Valentin Iurochkin, by Joshua Wilty
- News story/video 3/24/21: Pro-Life supporters gather after concerns over Planned Parenthood - WDEF Channel 12
- Photos from 3/19/21 Blessing of St. Joseph Table
- Photos from 3/5/21 Stations of the Cross
- New story/video 3/3/21: Diocese of Knoxville advises against Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to fetal stem cell | WTVC (newschannel9.com)
- News story/video 2/17/21: Ash Wednesday during a pandemic: Catholic priests to avoid direct contact this year | WTVC (newschannel9.com)
- Photos from 2/2/21 Candlemas/Presentation of the Lord Mass
- Christmas Masses carries on during a pandemic - WDEF Channel 12 story at the Basilica, by Danielle Moss
- Photos from Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Confirmation Mass 12/12/20
- Photos from All Souls Day Mass at Mount Olivet 11/2/20
- News story 4/8/21: Catholic priest blesses, encourages Chattanooga's faithful at their homes during coronavirus pandemic - Chattanooga Times-Free Press, by Wyatt Massey - VIEW PHOTOS
- Photos and news story from last public Mass during coronavirus outbreak 3/19/20 - Chattanooga Times-Free Press, by Robin Rudd
- Photos from 11/2/19 All Souls Day - Spanish Mass, Low Mass, and Mount Olivet Cemetery
- Photos from 9/15/19 Sister Imelda's 25th Anniversary of Vows
- Photo/Times-Free Press story from the 7/19/19 presentation of African American Catholic Spirituality and Chattanooga's St. Francis Church
- Photos from the 6/29/19 Confirmation Mass with Bishop Stika and nearly 50 Confirmandi, taken by Stephen Golder
- Photos from the 6/27 to 6/29/19 Forty Hours Devotion
- Photos from the 6/23/19 Corpus Christi procession and Spanish First Communion Mass (30 First Communicants), taken by Robin Rudd
- Photos from the 6/23/19 11:30 First Communion Mass and Corpus Christi procession (17 First Communicants), taken by Robin Rudd
- Photos of Fr. Carter's 6/12/19 Visit to the Capitol in Washington, D. C. to Open the House of Representatives in Prayer
- Photos from the May Crowning 2019, by Robin Rudd
- Photos from our Easter Vigil Mass 2019, by Robin Rudd We had 58 people receiving sacraments of initiation!
- Photos from Holy Thursday and Good Friday 2019, by Christina Bankson
- Photos of our Altar Dedication Mass on December 23, 2018 (thanks to parishioner Christina Bankson)
- Photos of Renovations through the Generations at Sts. Peter and Paul
-
-
-
Fr. David Carter 16th Anniversary of Priesthood on July 1, 2021
-
-
Congratulations to Fr. David Carter on July 1 on the 16th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood in 2005. In thanksgiving, above is a video highlighting the fruitfulness of Fr. Carter's 16th year as a priest, a challenging yet abundant year of his ministry at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul while starting the new Tribunal for the Diocese, as we returned to public Masses during the coronavirus pandemic but were not yet able to gather for regular social events.
Father in heaven, we are grateful for the many blessings of this good man who brings us Your holy sacraments of salvation. Bless and multiply Fr. Carter's ministry so that Your Church will multiply for Your glory and for our salvation. We praise you and thank you for the gift of Fr. Carter and for his 16 years of service, and we ask You to bless us with many more years with our beloved priest.
Ad multos annos!
-
-
Corpus Christi and First Holy Communion June 6, 2021
-
Photos by Robin Rudd
-
-
-
-
-
May Crowning - May 9, 2021
-
-
Piano Recital by Fr. Valentin 4/17/21
-
Video
-
Photos
-
Please utilize this listing and help us grow it! Click for details.
