News - December 2021 RSS Feed

After the past year with no receptions, we are preparing to resume our Reception Ministry gradually as the safety provisions allow. We need your help! The Reception ministry is an ideal opportunity for new and long-time parishioners to exercise hospitality, share your talents, get involved in our activities, and connect with fellow parishioners. Click to find out 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.

The Basilica took up a second collection at our weekend Masses on Dec. 25 & 26 to assist the Diocese of Owensboro, KY following the catastrophic tornadoes there on Dec. 10-11. You may donate online at any time. Click for more information.

SEEK is a 3 day conference that will have over 1200 college students seeking an encounter with Jesus while immersed in Catholic community, participating in Sacraments, receiving talks from dynamic Catholic speakers, and prayer. For many students who are on the fence about following Christ this conference is a life-changing event. Please prayerfully consider donating to sponsor a student's conference attendance. Click for more info on donating.

Pope Francis's motu proprio,  Traditionis custodes, issued July 16, 2021, places limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. At this time, with the permission of Bishop Stika, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will continue to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at 11:30am on Sundays, provided that those who attend it re-affirm the authority of the Roman Pontiff and the teachings and liturgical reforms of Vatican II. Read Bishop Stika's letter and Pope Francis' documents here. Clarifications issued by the Vatican on 12/4/21 are posted here (click to read).

+Jo Anne Gore Schmitt, mother of Basilica parishioner Julie Schmitt Gersch (married to Kevin Gersch) and grandmother to Harrison, Holden, and Hannah Gersch, passed away on Dec. 15 after a brief illness. Before she passed, she was aware and appreciative of the prayers of the Basilica parishioners, and she asked that we continue to pray for her. Jo Anne was a lifelong devout Catholic and contributed so much to the community where she lived. Click to read her life story.

+Betty Rodela, mother of Basilica choir member Lou Rodela (who is married to Laina Rodela) passed away on Dec. 12, 2021 at the age of 92. Lou was able to get down to Texas to see her, along with all her children, and pray and sing for her. Click to read about Betty's life. Please pray for her soul and for the Rodela family.

The traditional Ember Days of fasting for Advent 2021 are Wed., Fri., and Sat., Dec. 15, 17, and 18. While a fast is not obligatory on these days, it can be a worthy and traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on these days. See https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

Bishop Stika has announced the passing last night of +Fr. Joe Brando, who had his first priestly assignment at Sts. Peter and Paul, and had been planning to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his priesthood next June, here at Sts. Peter and Paul. Fr. Brando's funeral will be at the Basilica Friday, Dec. 17, at our 12pm Mass time. Please pray for the repose of the soul of +Fr. Joe Brando.

Anita Holcomb, who has been suffering terminal cancer for several years, suffered a stroke at the age of 81, and passed away on Dec. 9, 2021. Fr. Carter has was able to give her the Last Rites. Anita was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Sts. Peter and Paul. Please pray for Anita today, particularly the Divine Mercy Chaplet, for her soul. (Click for a link to this prayer.)