News and Events

Basilica parishioner Luerena Fleming, 95, of Chattanooga, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022, at her residence. Dcn. Gaspar DeGaetano will lead a Graveside Service at Chattanooga National Cemetery Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 at 2pm. Among others, Luerena is survived by her daughter Rita Fleming Lyttle and her daughter-in-law Daisy Fleming. Click to read Luerena's obituary. Please pray for Luerena's soul and for her family.

A children’s library is being established in our parish, as a legacy of Lorelei Truett, our 14-year-old parishioner who died of leukemia last December. Lorelei’s Library will be set up on the existing shelves in the hallway next to the church, near the Ombrellino Gift Shop. To help us make space for the children’s books, we invite you to stop by the bookshelves within the next few days and take home whatever books you would like. Books that are left after September 30 will be donated to charity.

Basilica parishioner Lynn Elverd, a veteran servant of our Altar Ministry, had been having severe back pain with difficulty walking and lifting her arms for several weeks. She went to the ER on August 26, 2022, and discovered she had multiple spine fractures. She is awaiting results from oncology testing to see if it is related to cancer. Lynn is now home after a few different hospital stays but she is still having difficulty walking and is in a good deal of pain, awaiting test results. Please pray for Lynn's healing and the ability to manage her pain. (Click for more info and Meal Train)

Marc Aramian and his wife Veronica DiPippo are filming a professional docu-drama on the life of Servant of God Fr. Patrick Ryan and the yellow fever epidemic, and they are holding auditions for various off-camera speaking parts. They would like to include talented speakers and actors from Sts. Peter and Paul and the Chattanooga Catholic community. The roles will be assigned within the next couple of weeks, so if you would like to be a part of this exciting project, click for details.

Marc Aramian was diagnosed with throat cancer on June 30, 2022. The prognosis is good, but he had to undergo brutal treatment beginning July 18, and the permanent side effects are uncertain. Please pray for Marc and his wife, Veronica DiPippo, for peace, and for Marc's healing and remission following his aggressive cancer treatment. Click to learn more about Marc and see updates.

Oliva Jarquin Peña passed away on August 14, 2022, at the age of 34. She is survived by 12-year-old daughter, and her sister, Eva Jarquin. Please pray for Oliva's soul and her family. May she rest in peace. Visitation is being held on August 27 from 10am to 5pm, with a funeral service at 2pm, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Franklin Strickland Chapel, 1724 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN.

The Basilica is seeking adults aged 18 and up with experience caring for pre-school-aged children to attend the nursery on Sundays from 8:45am to 1:00pm, for $45/Sunday. Reliable attendance is expected on a rotation to include most Sundays and occasional special events. Practicing Catholics preferred. Safe Environment training and background check required. Interested candidates should email admin@stspeterandpaulbasilica.com.

Our Jubilate Deo Youth Schola is a sacred music class and choir for youth 2nd through 12th grade whose voices have not changed yet. It will meet Fridays at 4:30pm beginning September 9 for beginner-level students (advanced students returning October 7). Please sign up here on on our website. Click for more information.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION classes for age 4 through high school will be held Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15, beginning the week of September 11, 2022. 3-year-olds will have a separate class, Friday mornings from 10:30-11:45am (also open to 4-year-olds). Catholics are expected to pursue the Sacraments of Initiation. In addition to the education provided by parents, participation in our parish Religious Education classes is required to prepare for receiving the sacraments. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION is in 2nd grade. CONFIRMATION is in 6th Grade (older youth also welcome). Click for more information including options for ADULTS seeking to complete their Sacraments of Initiation.

Fr. Christopher Floersch, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Knoxville and Parochial Vicar for St. John Neumann, suffered a stroke on Saturday, July 9. [UPDATE 8/6/22: Fr. Floersh returned home on July 17 and is making considerable progress towards recovery. Bishop Stika shared that he has progressed from using a walker to a cane. He and his medical team believe that he will be able to return to full ministry in a few months.] Please pray for his full recovery. Fr. Floersh previously served at Sts. Peter and Paul as a transitional deacon in 2016. Click to read more.

Mike Bennett learned on Holy Thursday (April 14, 2022) that his cancer has returned after 13 months. Mike and Ashley Bennett are young parents of three children. [UPDATE 7/29/22: Mike has now finished his prescribed chemo and his test results show that he is CANCER-FREE!] Please continue to pray for long-term remission for Mike. Thank you for your prayers!

James David Poole Sr., 79, died peacefully with his family on July 24, 2022. A lifelong Catholic, David was a devotee of the traditional Latin Mass and continued to watch the Basilica's Sunday livestream when he could no longer attend in person due to Alzheimer's. Please pray for James David Poole's soul. Click to read about his life.

The Diocese of Office of Vocations and The Office of Young Adult Ministry are hosting a discernment group for Catholic young women ages 18-35 starting August 30, 2022. Join the Religious Sisters of Mercy in discerning your vocation and finding your place in the Church. Click for details.

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 8/7/22: Daniel is now legally blind and has fallen a few times due to instability. He could benefit from folks to read to him in person or on the phone to engage him. *** Click to read more.

On March 17, 2021, Fr. Carter interviewed Nathan Bird, a Basilica parishioner who is engaged in understanding local politics, and the founder of the Chattanooga Civics website and podcast. Watch or read the interview here (as well as in the pastor's notes for March 28 and April 4). Note that Chattanooga has a run-off election for mayor and several city council seats on April 13, with early voting from March 24 to April 8.