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We have a few spots left for women of all ages for a retreat Feb. 3-5 at the Bethany House in Dickson, TN! The title is Beyond the Noise and it will be led by Fr. Christopher Floersh. 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).

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. 7 & 8, 2023, 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.

Our 2022-23 Annual Stewardship Appeal has begun. This appeal is to support the regular operation of our parish through Offertory giving. It is separate from the Under One Roof campaign to replace our roof and heating & air conditioner systems. We are aiming for 100% participation in our Offertory by all parishioners. The pledge will be conducted during Mass on October 22 & 23 (Click to view and submit the pledge on our Stewardship page at any time.) Thank you for your generous support for our parish.

Traditional Lighting of Luminaries on All Souls Day in remembrance of deceased loved ones, following 5pm Vespers on Nov. 2. Cost is $5 per luminary to support our Under One Roof campaign. Submit order & fee to Debbie Cliche after Mass or to the parish office. Orders due by Thurs. Oct. 27. Click for details and to order.

Lorelei’s Library was established and dedicated on Oct. 5 to remember and honor Lorelei Truett (6/3/2007-12/2/2021), our 14-year-old parishioner who died last December as a result of leukemia. Lorelei had a great love for reading, and this library is meant to pass on to many young people the opportunity to love what she loved. The library of children and young adult books is open for parishioners of all ages. There are instructions on how to use the library on-site and on our website.

Deacon Gaspar will take prayer intentions with him on his pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima. If you would like to submit a prayer request, you may email him at [email protected] or write the intention on a small piece of paper and bring it to the parish office by Thurs., Oct. 20, to ensure that he will have it before he leaves. You may fold it or place it in a small envelope marked Fatima Prayer Request for privacy.

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.

Autumn Ember Days of 2022 fall on Sept. 21, 23, and 24. 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. Click for more info at https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

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 [email protected]

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.

Our St. Martha Altar Ministry is a team of ladies who prepares our church and altar for Mass and takes care of the sacred appointments of the altar, such as linens, candles, relics, and flowers. A one-hour detailed training session for Altar Ministry volunteers is being held in the church on Saturday, August 13, and again on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30am. All current and prospective members of the Altar Ministry are encouraged to attend one of the sessions. Click for more infomation.

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.

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.

Registration is now open for our RCIA program for Becoming Catholic, as well as Religious Education for preK through 12th grade; Youth Group for 6th through 12th grade; and Youth Schola for 2nd grade and up. VOLUNTEERS are needed in these programs at all levels – leadership, teachers, assistants, substitutes, and sponsors. Click for more info.

The Tennessee Pro Life Leadership Conference, hosted by Students for Life of Southeast Tennessee, will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 9am to 3pm, at Apison Baptist Church near Chattanooga. All ages welcome! Conference will feature Tina Whittington, VP of Students for Life of America; Seth Gruber, host of the Unaborted! Podcast; and numerous other inspiring and informative speakers from around the southeast. Register by July 15. Late registrations accepted for an additional $5. Click for details.

The Ombrellino Gift Shop would like to train volunteers so that we can open the store more often. If you are interested, please contact the gift shop and take our Safe Haven training if you have not already done so.

We are planning an outdoor Basilica party after the Under One Roof construction is completed! The tentative date is May 20, 2023 (rain date June 3, 2023). If you would like to help us plan this special event, please contact Debbie Cliche.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of devout Catholic men looking to give back to and support their community, family and church. Founded in 1882 by Fr. John J. McGivney, the organization has grown to over two million members worldwide. The Knights are actively seeking new members. An initiation for new members will be held at the Council 610 Hall on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 PM. Knights from Council 610, which is affiliated with the Basilica, will be available to discuss membership and answer your questions after each Mass the weekend of March 5 and 6.

We are starting a Saints Anna and Simeon Society, called “STASIS”, to spiritually support people in difficult or irregular marriage situations, including those divorced and separated, who desire to live in communion with the Catholic Church. Now on our Marriage page are Catholic resources to help you or someone you know. If you are interested in being a part of our STASIS network to give and/or receive spiritual support, contact the parish office.

Due to life changes our Trail Life Troopmaster has had to step back. We are in need of a volunteer Troopmaster in order to continue. The Troopmaster organizes the troop leaders, oversees troop meetings. Previous outdoor experience in any capacity is encouraged. Click for more information.