February 5, 2010

Aid helps Haitian people hang on to hope

Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register

Venturing into the hidden neighborhoods and slums of Port-au-Prince to set up roadside clinics for Haitian earthquake victims, nurse and St. Matthew parishioner Lynn Blair-Anton saw many injuries, from broken bones to head lacerations. But they were nothing compared to the “deep emotional scars” inflicted on the people by the country’s worst disaster in 200 years.

Photo by Rick Musacchio: Members of the Cathedral of the Incarnation Parish transfer relief and medical supplies from a truck to an airplane. Deacon Jim Mckenzie was taking a group from Nashville to Haiti for a medical and relief mission to the Cathedral's sister parish of St. John the Baptist in La Vallee, located outside the southern coastal city of Jacmel. A larger plane was expected to airlift another 20,000 pounds of supplies in the next few days.

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A letter from Bishop Choby

My Dear People of God,

On Monday of this past week, we sent a check to Catholic Relief Services in the amount of $411,881.23. This represents an extraordinary demonstration of your love and concern for the people of Haiti.

I want to thank the pastors of the parishes of the diocese and you for such a generous response. I am pleased that we, as a diocese, could assist Catholic Relief Services in their work to alleviate the suffering of so many in Haiti. Our efforts demonstrate in a tangible way the communion of life and love that are signs of the Kingdom of God.

Going forward, I want to encourage all of the parishes in the diocese that are “twinned” with a parish in Haiti to continue to assist those parishes in every way possible. The relationship between your parishes and those in Haiti provides a more immediate connection that may facilitate our help in reaching the people sooner.

Again, thank you for responding so generously, and doing so in a time that might not be the easiest for you economically. In this, you reflect so well the quality of compassion with which Our Lord desires us to live our lives.

Wishing you every blessing, I am

Sincerely in Christ, +Most Rev. David R. Choby, Bishop of Nashville

Ordination of former Episcopal priest will make history for diocese

Andy Telli, Tennessee Register

On Feb. 22, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, which symbolizes the authority and unique ministry of the pope, Prentice Dean, a former Episcopal priest, will be ordained as a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Nashville.

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Adopting Haitian children will be ‘lengthy process’

Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register

With the earthquake in Haiti has come a surge of interest from American families about adopting orphaned children.

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Ryan chorus director part of Grammy-nominated recording

Andy Telli, Tennessee Register

Julie Cox, the choir director and theater teacher at Father Ryan High School, watched the recent telecast of the Grammy Awards as more than a fan. She was part of a recording nominated for one of the awards.

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Civil rights fight remembered in program of African American culture

Katie Lewis, Tennessee Register

Jackie McClellan isn’t afraid to broach tough topics. The three-year St. Joseph Church parishioner initiated a Dialogue on Racism program last year at her Madison church that has since been replicated by at least three other parishes. This year, she’s hosting a Celebration of African American Music, Dance and Literature in observance of Black History Month.

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Nashville teens take plunge into urban poverty

Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register

Before he participated in an Urban Plunge weekend last month, Pope John Paul II High School senior Ben Garretson had never had a conversation with a homeless person. Growing up and living in Gallatin, he had never really even walked around downtown Nashville. “It’s hard to believe what’s happening right down the road,” he said.

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