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The Basilica parish family asks your prayers for 14-year-old Lorelei Truett, daughter of Lance and Ashley Truett. Lorelei was diagnosed with leukemia on April 27, 2021. After receiving the sacramental Anointing of the Sick, she began chemotherapy treatment on April 28 at T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. After three month-long difficult treatments, she will have a biopsy on September 22 to see if she is in remission and can proceed to have a bone marrow transplant. We are posting updates and needs here. (Click to read more.)

Patricia Carney was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Sept. 4 and entered the ICU at Erlanger East on Sept. 13. She was moved to the main Erlanger hospital. [Update 9/17/21: Patricia's doctor says she is in rapid decline, as she considers whether to accept a ventilator treatment to help her survive.] Patricia and her daughter Mary Beth have asked for our prayers. A nurse with many years of child care experience, Patricia has recently accepted the position as one of our new Nursery attendants but has not had a chance to begin serving.

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. *** We are also looking for a safe small crib and a swing in good condition for our nursery. Donations appreciated! ***

Daniel Sharkey is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 610 and has voluntered 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 would appreciate prayers, calls, and visits. Click to read more.

Christopher Nelligan, 19, passed away at home in his sleep on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Christopher was born on January 15, 2002, to James and Denise Nelligan. Please pray for the repose of Christopher's soul. UPDATED 9/16/21: ALSO PLEASE PRAY FOR DENISE, as she is struggling with another personal situation.

Our hardworking Basilica sound technician, Mr. Kim Murfin, became extremely sick with COVID-19 and was admitted to the ER on August 26. After being on oxygen for several days, he was moved to Encompass Rehab Center, and on September 14 he was sent home to complete his therapy. He is grateful to have received the Anointing of the Sick and all the prayers. Please also pray that his wife Sheila, who has COPD, will not contract the disease.

Autumn Ember Days of 2021 fall on Sept. 15, 17, & 18 or Sept. 22, 24, & 25, depending on the calendar. While a fast is not obligatory, it can be a worthy and traditional spiritual practice to fast or abstain in some way on these days. For folks using the 1962 (or newer) calendar, the Autumn Ember Days will fall on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the third Sunday in September (i.e., Sept. 22, 24, and 25, 2021). This will always follow Holy Cross Day, but the days might not fall in the same week that honors the Feast of the Holy Cross (which is always September 14). Older calendars will have the Autumn Ember Days as the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday that immediately come after Holy Cross Day, no matter how many Sundays come before. (i. e., Sept. 15, 17, and 18, 2021). Click for more info at https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Doris June "Peggy" Ramseur, long-time member of Sts. Peter and Paul and the former St. Francis parish of Chattanooga, who died on Sept. 1 at the age of 88 following a battle with COVID-19 and other medical problems. Her funeral Mass will be at the Basilica on Monday, Sept. 13, at 2pm. Click to read her obituary.

22-year-old Humberto Diaz Perez, Basilica parishioner and graduate of Howard High School, passed away on September 6. His family has been active at the Basilica for years. Humberto's funeral Mass will be at the Basilica in Spanish on Saturday, September 11, at 1pm. May his soul rest in peace.

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 in February and is working with a specialist. He prays for relief, in the hope to return to ministry at the Basilica. *** Also, Frank Villegas and his wife Jerry are both suffering from COVID-19. They have not had to be hospitalized. Please pray that their symptoms will remain under control as the virus runs its course. Click for updates and suggested prayers for Frank.

In the spirit of the Visitation, would you consider bringing the joy of the Real Presence of Jesus to the homebound or hospital-bound? Training will be provided for current Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and those who are not yet enlisted as Extraordinary Ministers. Contact Dcn. Gaspar DeGaetano to join the Blessed Virgin Mary Visitation Guild in this mission of mercy. Click for details.

Young Keely Jochym Briggs, daughter of Bill Jochym and mother of two-year-old Jack, is currently hospitalized in Atlanta with a severely painful bout of ulcerative colitis and a C-diff infection. (Updated 9/8: Keely is home from the hospital and with her family!) Please pray for relief and healing for Keely and that she can remain with her son. Click to learn more about the trials Keely has suffered over the past year.

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.

Jornada de Vacunación contra COVID-19 (Pfizer) - Domingo 29 de agosto en Nuestra Señora de Perpetuo Socorro (OLPH) de 1pm a 4pm, disponible para todos los mayores de 12 años. Gratis! Primera o segunda dosis. Vea un video aquí con respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre la vacuna.

26th Annual Pilgrimage for Restoration - A Traditional Walking Pilgrimage - Friday to Sunday, September 24-26, 2021. The “Auriesville” Pilgrimage - Relocated to Eastern Pennsylvania to Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Shrine, Allentown, due to the continued lockdowns in New York State. Come to restore. The rest will come. Choir singers are also needed for the St. Cecilia Brigade on this pilgrimage. Sign-up and more information at pilgrimage-for-restoration.org. 610.435.2634 mail@pilgrimage-for-restoration.org.

ESL Clases (INGLÉS COMO SEGUNDA LENGUA) disponibles para niveles de principiantes, intermedios y avanzados. Iniciamos el miércoles 18 de Agosto 6:00-8:00pm. Lugar: Abba’s House • Edificio B, Entrada 3, 5208 Hixson Pike • Hixson, TN 37343, abbashouse.com • 423-877-6462

We are still looking for more technical volunteers to operate the live-stream, as well as ushers/greeters for each weekend Mass. We have a particular need for people to commit to the 11:30 Extraordinary Form Mass. Click for details.

David Lawrence Rack, a long-time Basilica parishioner who had moved to Alexian Village, died on August 13. David served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, then as an FBI agent, and an investigator at Unum. David also sang in the Choo Choo Chorus. The family is having a private funeral and burial, due to COVID-19. Please pray for the repose of David's soul. Click to read David's full obituary and watch a tribute video.

Our Jubilate Deo Youth Schola resumes this fall for students in grades 2-12 with unchanged voices. Learn to read and sing the sacred music of the Church! Classes will be on Fridays from 4:30-5:30pm, beginning Sept. 10 for new students and Oct. 1 for returning students.

The Bieszad family of eight has been in a crisis situation, the children having been removed from their home due to repairs and improvements needed in their home. As of August 12, the children were allowed to return home! They are in a 90-day probationary period that will end in mid-November. They appreciate all the prayers, donations, labor, and community support, which have allowed them to be reunited more quickly. Click to learn more about their story.