Search
-
Sacred ArchitectureBackForwardPauseCaption
-
-
$500,000 STRETCH GOAL
Please consider a pledge to cover the increased construction costs. We invite you to set up regular payments through our Online Giving.
-
2021 State of the Parish Address: Evangelization Is Invitation
-
Pro-Life Ministry
-
Help keep Chattanooga pro-life!
- 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
-
-
-
-
- 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, including Fr. Carter's "Clarity is Charity" sermon series. 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
-
-
Donuts & Fellowship
You are invited to join us for donuts and fellowship
after the 9:00 and 11:30 Masses - outside the front entrance of the church.
Thanks to the volunteers who are offering this!
-
News
-
Carlos Guerra lost his balance while taking a shower and seriously injured one of his knees. He has swelling, pain, and bruises. (He has knee replacement in both knees.) Carlos is working with a surgeon to determine the best plan for healing. We appreciate you including Carlos in your prayers for the sick in our Basilica. Carlos and his wife Viola and adult children, Carlo and Carol, have been parishioners at the Basilica for about three years. The family thanks you for your kind gesture and understanding.Read More -
Young Keely Jochym Briggs, daughter of Bill Jochym and mother of two-year-old Jack, was recently hospitalized in Atlanta with a severely painful bout of ulcerative colitis and a C-diff infection. Late in 2021, Keely moved back to Atlanta so that both parents can be with their son, Jack. Please continue to pray for long-term healing for Keely and for her son Jack. (Update 5/6/22: Keeley has just undergone two procedures following a flare-up.) Click to learn more about the trials Keely has suffered over the past year.Read More -
On May 8 and May 29, the Nursery will be open during the 9:00 Mass only. We expect to open the nursery for the 9:00 Mass through the 11:30 Mass for the other Sundays in May.Read More -
The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry is sponsoring GodCamps for rising 5th-8th graders this June. 7th-8th grade camp is June 20-23. 5th-6th grade camp is June 23-25, both at Harrison Bay State Park. Register by Friday, May 27, 2022 to avoid late charge. Click for details.Read More -
The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Christian Formation is offering the workshop "Diving into Baptism", Thursday nights in May 7:00-8:30pm on Zoom, presented by Rod Bennett. To register and receive the Zoom link email Chris Kite at ckite@dioknox.org.Read More -
Our Under One Roof projects to replace the Basilica's roof and HVAC system are about to begin. Due to the sharp price increases since the projects were originally quoted, we are asking everyone to consider helping us reach our $500,000 Stretch Goal of additional pledges, by making a new pledge or increasing your pledge by contacting the parish office or picking up a pledge form in the vestibule. Click for more information on the campaign and the additional costs.Read More -
Mike Bennett learned on Holy Thursday (April 14, 2022) that his cancer has returned after 13 months. He will need to have 3 or 4 rounds of chemotherapy. Mike and Ashley Bennett are young parents of three children. The Bennett family joined the Basilica parish this past fall and are active in our ministries. Mike was able to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, prior to his chemo treatment. Mike is in the middle of his first treatment, administered at Erlanger, and he will have two more. Please pray for healing for Mike and strength for him and his family during this difficult time.Read More -
Bishop Stika issues declaration about three speakers/Declaración sobre tres oradores - April 8, 2022
Bishop Stika issued a declaration on April 8, 2022, regarding three named Hispanic speakers, to prevent them from teaching within the Diocese of Knoxville until they renounce their previous statements that criticized Pope Francis and mischaracterized the Catholic faith. The purpose of the declaration is to prevent scandal among the faithful. Read the declaration and the Chattanooga Times-Free Press article here. **** El Obispo Stika emitió un declaración el 8 de abril de 2022, con respecto a tres oradores, para evitar que enseñen dentro de la Diócesis de Knoxville hasta que renuncien a sus declaraciones anteriores que criticaron al Papa Francisco y caracterizaron erróneamente la fe católica. El propósito del declaración es evitar el escándalo entre los fieles. Lea el declaración aquí.Read More -
+Felipe Ramos-Lopez, Basilica parishioner, died on April 2, 2022 at the age of 59. Survivors include his wife Maria Florinda Simon Ramirez, and ten adult children. A funeral prayer service will be held Saturday, April 9, at 12pm at Advantage Funeral Home on McCallie Ave. Please pray for the eternal repose of Felipe's soul.Read More -
Please pray for Tony Ackaouy, brother of Basilica parishioner Andrea Tarter. Tony was admitted tosurgical ICU with multiple organ failures following an accident he suffered in November.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 expanding our St. Mary Magdalene Bereavement Ministry to provide accompaniment to all who have experienced the loss of a loved one. We have started a grief support program, offering meetings, prayer partners, and coping resources. If you would like to learn more and participate, click for details.Read More -
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chattanooga is looking for a full-time Bookkeeper. Must be an active member of a Roman Catholic parish. Interested parties should contact Robert Jones at OLPH 423-622-7232 or rjones@myolph.com.Read More -
After reviewing the results of the Papal Synod survey of Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul parishioners, we facilitated two listening sessions: one in English and one in Spanish. We produced a report to convey the fruits of the discernment in our parish. (Click to read the report.) This report was sent to be incorporated as input from our diocese, and our diocesan input will eventually make its way to Rome. We are grateful to our volunteer team and all who gave input!Read More -
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, over a million refugees, mostly women, children, and the elderly have fled to Poland along its 330-mile border. This sudden and unanticipated surge of refugees in such a short period of time has created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. The St. John Paul II Shrine in Kraków, Poland is helping thousands of refugees by offering shelter and assisting with meals, clothing, and basic needs. Bishop Stika has asked that a special collection be taken on the weekend of March 19-20. Any assistance given will go to the St. John Paul II Shrine's support of Ukrainian refugees. Click to learn more about the help the Shrine is providing refugees.Read More -
+Marsha Conway Salter, a longtime Basilica parishioner, passed on Feb. 22, 2022, following a period of illness. She and her husband Jim had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Basilica in 2019. Visitation will be held at the Basilica on Saturday, March 19, at 12:30pm, followed by her funeral Mass at 1:30pm. A reception will follow in Varallo Parish Hall. Please pray for the repose of Marsha's soul.Read More
-
-
Events
-
May 20 - May 24
Due to priest travel obligations, a deacon will offer a Communion Service at 7am Fri May 20 and 12pm Tues May 24. We will not be able to offer confessions before the 12pm service on May 24.Read More -
Sunday, May 22, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Catholic Motherhood group is now meeting normally on the third Sunday of the month from 6-8pm. All mothers are welcome! Our social in May is moved to the fourth Sunday. *** LOCATION CHANGE: We will have our monthly social at our "backup" location of Las Margaritas. Multiple weather sources are predicting tonight's rain to start around 6 pm. It is also close to the Basilica; details are below. Monthly Social Sunday, May 22, 6 pm-8 pm: Las Margaritas - 1101 Hixson Pike Ste G, Chattanooga, TN 37405 ***Read More -
Saturday, May 28, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a Tea Party on Sat., May 28 from 1-3pm at St. Stephen’s Parish Hall at 7111 Lee Hwy. Meet the Sisters who live and work among the poorest of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and rescue and educate vulnerable street children, orphans, and children living in slums. Hear stories about the children and consider sponsoring a child or giving a donation. Catering by La Cabriole. RSVP to plutes51@gmail.com / (701) 550-1624 or lilliandscott@epbfi.com / (423) 503-8754. Donations may be sent to: Little Sisters of St. Francis, C/O Sr. Lilia Kagendo, LSOSF, P.O. Box 25064, Brooklyn, NY 11202Read More -
Sunday, May 29, 4:00 PM
Diocese of Knoxville seminarians, Neil Blatchford, Andrew Crabtree, and Joseph Austin have been called to Holy Orders to the (transitional) diaconate. The ordination will take place Sun., May 29 at 4pm at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. All are invited to the Ordination Mass and reception following. *** Also, please join in a novena to St. Stephen to pray for them as they prepare for ordination. (Click for the novena prayer.) ***Read More -
Mission Possible: Living Your Baptismal Vocation - course for single Catholics Tuesdays of June 2022June 1 - June 22
The National Conference for Single Catholics is offering a four-week interactive online series for single Catholics entitled “Mission Possible”, which will help equip you to more fully discover and effectively live your baptismal vocation. The course is offered four Tuesdays in June 2022. Click to access the signup.Read More -
Sunday, June 5, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Zachery & Allison Luze are inviting the whole parish to their home on the first Sunday of June from 3pm-7pm for an indoor/outdoor potluck afternoon on Signal Mountain. This is a monthly Basilica Party, held on the first Sunday of every month. Come and enjoy fellowship with your fellow Chattanooga Catholics, and invite your non-Catholic friends to come as well!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 -
June 7 - June 9
While all the priests of the diocese are attending the annual Convocation in Knoxville, a deacon will offer a Communion Service at our regular Mass times on Tuesday, June 7, Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, 2022. We will not be able to offer confessions on those days. Our Monday and Friday Masses and confessions will be offered as usual on June 6 and June 10.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 Rembrandt's Coffee HouseRead More
-
Sunday, July 3, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Jim and Bonnie Gajewski are inviting the whole parish to their home on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm-7pm for an indoor/outdoor potluck afternoon on Signal Mountain. This Basilica Party will be held on the first Sunday of every month. Come and enjoy fellowship with your fellow Chattanooga Catholics, and invite your non-Catholic friends to come as well!Read More
-
Sunday, July 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
-
Friday, August 5, 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, August 7, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Jim and Bonnie Gajewski are inviting the whole parish to their home on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm-7pm for an indoor/outdoor potluck afternoon on Signal Mountain. This Basilica Party will be held on the first Sunday of every month. Come and enjoy fellowship with your fellow Chattanooga Catholics, and invite your non-Catholic friends to come as well!Read More
-
Sunday, August 21, 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, September 2, 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, September 4, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Jim and Bonnie Gajewski are inviting the whole parish to their home on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm-7pm for an indoor/outdoor potluck afternoon on Signal Mountain. This Basilica Party will be held on the first Sunday of every month. Come and enjoy fellowship with your fellow Chattanooga Catholics, and invite your non-Catholic friends to come as well!Read More
-
Sunday, September 18, 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
-
Sunday, October 2, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Jim and Bonnie Gajewski are inviting the whole parish to their home on the first Sunday of the month from 2pm-7pm for an indoor/outdoor potluck afternoon on Signal Mountain. This Basilica Party will be held on the first Sunday of every month. Come and enjoy fellowship with your fellow Chattanooga Catholics, and invite your non-Catholic friends to come as well!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 Restrictions Lifted (3/3/22)
Bishop Richard F. Stika has removed all previously decreed COVID-19 restrictions and directives regarding the liturgy and celebration of the sacraments at Diocese of Knoxville churches, effective March 3, 2022. Read the full decree here.
Bishop Stika Restored the Mass Obligation (5/22/21)
-
Fr. Patrick Ryan Transposition & Re-entombment July 31
-
Holy Week and Easter 2022
-
May Crowning
-
Easter Vigil
-
Good Friday
-
Holy Thursday
-
Palm Sunday
-
-
-
Photos, Stories, and Memories
Photos on our Flickr site Photos on our website
More Memories (scroll):
- Photos from 5/8/22 May Crowning by Robin Rudd
- Photos from 4/16/22 Easter Vigil Mass by Cathy Palisoc
- Photos from 4/15/22 Good Friday Service by Patrick Hanus
- Photos from 4/14/22 Holy Thursday Mass by Patrick Hanus
- Photos from 4/10/22 Palm Sunday Masses by Dierdre Cooper and Sister Imelda
- News story 4/5/22: Under One Roof: Local church needs financial assistance to preserve history: The Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul has stood tall for more than 130 years - Jordan Simal, WDEF Channel 12
- Photos from 3/24/22 Treasures of the Church Exposition of Sacred Relics
- Photos from 1/22/22 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
-
-
Corpus Christi and First Holy Communion June 6, 2021
-
Photos by Robin Rudd
-
-
-
-
Please utilize this listing and help us grow it! Click for details.
