Father Dexter at Mt. Everest - I t was an adventure for the ages, a once in a lifetime experience - at least for
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Christ The King Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Volume 16, Issue 4, Winter 2014
Father Dexter at Mt. Everest
By Patty Carroll Farmer
I
t was an adventure for the ages, a once in a lifetime experience – at least for
Father Dexter Brewer. His trip to Mt. Everest Base Camp was filled with chal-
lenges, triumphs, awe, joy, and gratitude. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever
done,” he confessed. “I’m glad I did it, but I will never do it again.”
Father Dexter and ten other adventurers, including Christ the King parishioner
Stacey Garrett, arrived in Katmandu on September 27th to begin their trek. The
name Base Camp does not give a true picture of their destination. Base Camp is at
an altitude of 17,594 feet -- 11,435 feet from the summit of Mt. Everest. It took 12
days and nights to hike from Lukla, elevation 9,381 feet, to Base Camp and back.
(Nashville’s elevation is 597 feet.)
The group was comprised of eight from the Nashville area, two from Colorado,
JOHN GREEN
and one from Alabama. Each had a connection to someone in the group, but they
did not all know one another before beginning their journey. Happily, the group
“just jelled. We were blessed with great camaraderie and companionship,” said
Father Brewer.
The trekkers, accompanied by their guides and porters, would hike most of the
day, climbing the treacherous mountain trails from town to town. They traversed
ravines thousands of feet deep, crossable only by suspended bridges, and climbed
steep rocky paths along the edge of the mountain. Two in their group almost fell
to their deaths trying to leap a gap in the trail. The group was forced to inch past
fellow hikers, porters, and yaks along the narrow paths. Yaks are used to transport A Family’s Christmas Tree Tradition.....3
people and supplies up the mountain, but Father Dexter avoided them. “Yaks have Miracles on Belmont Boulevard...........4
been known to push people off the mountain, so I stayed away from them.”
The porters amazed Father Dexter. Each young man carried two duffle bags School News.........................................6
packed with the hikers’ gear, along with his own, up and down the rocky moun-
tainous trails. “The packs had to weigh at least twice as much as the boys,” said Pastoral Care Ministry..........................8
Father Dexter. The porters were much faster and stronger than the hikers, and Improvements are Coming to Christ
would take shorter steeper routes up the mountain. They would leave in the morn- The King’s Campus Grounds................8
ings, transport the gear to the next stop, and await the group’s arrival.
“Every night we stayed in a tea house.” There were many in any given town for News From Our Haiti Twin Parishes.....9
the Everest trekkers. The tea houses served tea, soup (with no meat), Sherpa stew
(soup with vegetables – still no meat), popcorn and an occasional egg, although An Update of Elizabeth Ministry...........9
Father Dexter was not sure what kind of egg. They also offered rice. There was One Small Miracle Leads to
questionably preserved meat which the visitors were advised not to eat. The scarce Many Others....................................... 10
variety of food along with extreme fatigue and exertion resulted in Father Dexter’s
loss of 15 pounds during his excursion. Women’s Council “Roasts
“While the rooms in which we took tea were almost always comfortable, the and Toasts”........................................ 11
same could not be said for the sleeping rooms. For the most part, the rooms were
To Have And To Hold........................... 12
Continued on p.2
Continued from p.1
only a step above camping out.” The splendor of God’s work
bathroom facilities were primitive; was palpable in that place.
toilets were basically just holes in the “The views were magnifi-
ground. There was no heat or electric- cent. It’s a view that you
ity, so it was extremely cold at night. can’t describe or capture
Thankfully, the days would often on film. You have to expe-
be quite pleasant with temperatures in rience it, just like you have
the 60s or 70s. “We were never in snow to experience the Grand-
or rain. Everyday the weather was per- Canyon,” Father Dexter
fect. As we climbed higher, we did see said.
glaciers and avalanches, and it began He found a special
to sleet and snow a little as we left base spirituality about the
camp. But we never really had to fight mountain beyond its maj-
the elements.” esty and beauty. Buddhist
The greatest danger was the lack of monasteries dotted the
oxygen and the altitude-related com- mountainside. The group
plications experienced to some degree attended a service along
by all of the trekkers. As a sufferer the way where Father Dex-
of acrophobia, Father Dexter’s great- ter learned the mantra en-
est personal challenge was crossing graved on stones along the
the planked suspension bridges over mountainous trails. In this
the huge ravines along the way. There special place, Father Dexter
were six bridges, which translated into would awaken every morn-
twelve crossings coming and going. He ing and recite the Magnifi-
tells of the first bridge they came upon: cat, “My soul proclaims
“I wasn’t expecting the bridges. When the greatness of the Lord, finish their descent and get a ‘bird’s eye
we came to the first one, I thought, ‘I my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” view’ of their route. Having endured
just can’t do this.’ But after pondering as well as the Benedictus, “Blessed be enough heights, Father Dexter chose
the situation for awhile, it was clear the Lord ….” the mostly uphill hike back to Lukla
I had no other option and I’d have to The group reached Mt. Everest Base rather than take the helicopter.
cross. The bridge had a slatted floor Camp, tucked into the mountainside To mark his accomplishment with
and metal rail. I made sure no one was under the sparkling Khumbu Icefall, on something other than a T-shirt, Father
in front of me and just took off and October 8th. They then hiked another Dexter found a flat round slate stone
crossed as quickly as I could, never 1,000 feet up the mountain to look with a hole bored in the top and the
looking down or around, just straight down upon the camp and the route Sherpa symbol carved on its face. “It
ahead. I was so scared that I literally they had traversed. On their final day was perfect.” He added a ribbon and
cried when I reached the other side. “ on the mountain, most of the group placed the trophy among his marathon
Despite the physical challenges, the boarded a helicopter at Phakding to medals. “It is worth six marathons!” W
Photos provided by Father Dexter
2 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014
SUZANNE LYNCH
A Family’s Christmas Tree Tradition
By Janet Morgan
C
hrist the King’s Athletic Associa- Three years ago, John passed away
tion provides a full scholarship to unexpectedly. It was in the late fall and
a rising 8th grader in memory of plans were already in place to hold the
Jack Long, a 1964 graduate of Christ Christmas tree sale again. As a family,
the King School. Nine years ago, my we decided to do it. With the help of
late husband, John Morgan, who was John’s good friends, Jerry Wigger and
then president of the Athletic Associa- Dan Todd who now travel to North
tion, conceived the novel idea of selling Carolina to pick-up the trees for us, the
Christmas trees to raise money for the fundraiser for the scholarship contin-
scholarship. ues. And for the Morgan’s, well, it’s a
Selecting Stewart’s Tree Farm for family tradition—and a way to honor
their Frazier Firs, John would travel to John. As my son Jack declared, “We
Tuckasegee, North Carolina to pick- will not be stopping.”
up the pre-ordered trees for families It also became a big concern that if
of Christ the King. I was able to travel we did not continue the sale, we would
with John most years and we would not have a tree.
leave Nashville the Tuesday before The first year of the sale we sold 24
Thanksgiving to arrive in Silva, North trees. Now we have orders on average
Carolina around 10:30 p.m. of 90 to 100. As we have always done,
We would then be up the next day the trees are available for pick up at our
before sunrise and begin the assent up house where everyone is welcome to a
Bear Mountain. The drive up those cup of hot chocolate. We enjoy visiting
narrow mountain roads made me so with friends we have known for years
nervous.—Stewart’s Tree Farm was a and with new acquaintances who have
Photos above: Past Christmas tree sales welcome site. Buck Stewart would be heard about the tree sale from parish-
with John Morgan. Photo on top right: just cutting our trees when we arrived. ioners. If you didn’t get a tree from us,
The Morgan Family — Jonathan, Jack You couldn’t get a fresher tree than that. don’t worry— you will have another
(top row), Janet, Julia, Jenny and family After loading the trailer, we would be chance next year.
friend, Murray (bottom row). on our way home to Nashville. Merry Christmas. W
Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014 3
Miracles on Belmont Boulevard
By Suzanne Lynch
F
rom November until March, Christ the King
continues its long history of hosting guests
through Room In The Inn. This season, the
ministry is opening its doors to more overnight
guests, increasing from last year’s 15 homeless
men, women and children to 20. With the ample
room and comfortable facilities the school offers,
the increase in guests is easily accommodated. And
with a strong force of volunteers they are all equal-
ly cared for as well. Director John Green fondly
tells the guests to expect five-star service.
Room In The Inn is not designed to be another
homeless shelter. Instead, it strives to create an
environment of acceptance and to put faith into
action. Room In The Inn’s website describes the
program as a way for more people in every sec-
tor to understand the problems of the homeless by
becoming directly involved with people who are
homeless. The evenings provide an opportunity to
receive a blessing from God in the midst of suffer-
ing, hardship and grief.
A blessing is what you will receive when you
come to break bread with the guests. “Parishioners
will see a revelation of Christ when they partici-
pate,” said Louis Roberts, a long-time volunteer
who currently assists John. “Guests sit and bond
with parishioners—there isn’t a separation.”
Returning guests are quick to tell you how
much they enjoy being at Christ the King. “You
just open the door and welcome us in. You don’t
push or make us do things your way,” said Gw-
yneth, a woman whose countenance is filled with
love for Jesus and whose hard life she is quick to
share. “This week I was car-jacked but God told
me I didn’t need that car. God has always taken
care of me.”
That is just a glimpse of a blessing you will re-
ceive—a recipient of Gwyneth’s joy for knowing
Christ. You may also witness a miracle. At Room
In The Inn, they happen all the time. For example,
over Thanksgiving a gentleman suffering from Al-
zheimer’s got lost in the school and became disori-
ented. In the process of trying to find out who he
was, it was discovered he had been reported missing
by his son in Minnesota. Louis recalls how moving
it was to call and tell the man his father was safe.
Many of the volunteers have been coming to
help at Room In The Inn for years. Louis says it’s
because the experience is so rewarding. The volun-
teers find fellowship not just with the guests, but
with each other. While they go about their tasks
4 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014
preparing for the evening, there is op- church. They have been coming every he received a call from another parish-
portunity for friendships to develop. week this season and bringing their ioner, Michelle Fisher, who is a stylist
The evening dinner is started early friends. and wanted to offer the guests haircuts.
in the day by Donald St. Charles, Kate “When I met Gwyneth and saw Carly also brought her friend Simone
Dumas and other volunteers. Donald how happy she was to be here, to have Parke who is also a stylist. The guests
has been cooking for the program for at one more meal—she was enjoying the were thrilled and there was lots of con-
least six years. By 5:30 p.m. volunteers moment regardless of her situation, versation, laughter and sharing during
have arrived to get the beds ready—led I was inspired,” said Matt, who has the process. Even the men weren’t shy
by Father Ryan Junior, Gina Schmid. A been in Nashville just a year. “I really about getting their hair cut, beards
volunteer since her first experience as a enjoy coming. It makes me feel more trimmed and even a manicure.
Christ the King 8th grader, she recalls at home.” Many people are involved every
the first time she came, how friendly Carly was moved to go a step fur- week at Room In The Inn. From the
everyone was and that her second time, ther in caring for the guests and asked drivers who pick up the guests down-
how the guests remembered her. Those if she could offer the ladies a “girls town to those who do the laundry,
relationships keep her returning every night” with manicures and facials. “I there is a place for everyone and every-
week, even Thanksgiving and Christ- wanted the ladies to feel pampered and one is invited. Join Room In The Inn
mas Day. to get what they needed. And I wanted every Wednesday for dinner. It’s a bar-
Gina instructs the teens and young- to connect with them and talk to them gain and if you are quick, you might
er children to put cases on the pillows about Jesus,” she said. So on the eve- get a slice of Mrs. Carmen Kavass’
and make the beds. Parents are here ning of December 3, Carly brought homemade pound cake. She brings
too, and young adults looking for a all the necessities, having spent time two of them Wednesday afternoon,
place to become the hands and feet of visiting salons and asking for samples still warm from the oven—one for the
Christ. Carly Moffa and Matt Brown as well as collecting from friends. Mi- evening meal and the other sliced and
are two such young parishioners who raculously, of course, the same evening divided into baggies for the guests to
wanted to be more involved with their Carly spoke with John about her idea, take with them on Thursday. W
Photos on left page, top to bottom: Director John Green and As-
sistant Director, Louis Roberts; Michelle Fisher cuts a guest’s hair;
volunteers prepare the beds. Photos on this page, top to bottom,
left to right: Dan Catignani and Donald St. Charles cooking din-
ner; before- and after-shot of guest, Katrina; Carly Moffa chats
with the guests at dinner.
Photos by suzanne lynch
Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014 5
By Kathy Reese
C
hrist the King School recently
participated in the second dioc-
esan accreditation which must
take place every five years. Although
the diocese has taken part in the cer-
tification before, a new process, which
is more rigorous and accountable, was
used this time. The AdvancEd visit
took place November 16-19. The team
visited the two diocesan high schools
and eight elementary schools. This
team included the superintendent of
Memphis Catholic Diocese and the su-
perintendent of Charleston, S.C. Cath-
olic Diocese.
Before the actual visit, a great deal
of work had to be completed at each of
the diocesan schools and at the dioc-
esan level. Gina St. Charles chaired the
self-study at CKS and did an excellent
job according to Sherry Woodman,
principal. She organized the work to
be done and assigned tasks to the fac-
ulty. Every member of the staff had a
role in the process. Gina then collected
the information and collated the data.
Every school in the diocese had to sub-
mit a self-study that included a survey,
student performance result, and the
implementation of the standards in
their school.
On the diocesan level, several com-
mittees applied the information from
the schools to show how the Diocese
met the standards prescribed by Ad-
vancEd and the Catholic Identity
PHOTOS BY JEANETTE VOGT
Criteria for Catholic School Systems.
Three CKS faculty and staff served on
some of the committees. Marilyn Has-
sell was on the Academic Excellence
Committee, and Jeanette Vogt served
on the Operational Vitality Commit-
6 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014
tee, which looks at how schools use lic identity” stated Sherry Woodman. special snack and the annual faculty –
their resources. Sherry Woodman was There are some time-honored tradi- 8th grade basketball game.
part of the Governance and Leader- tions that take place during this week. With the school year almost half
ship Committee, which focused on On the weekend of January 24-25, stu- over, several sports teams have con-
leadership roles of school boards, pas- dents will have key roles in the Masses cluded their seasons, and others are
tors, the Bishop’s Office, the Catholic and host receptions after some of the just beginning. The 4th, 5th, and 6th
School Office, and each school. Masses to thank the parish for its con- grade football team was undefeated
The AdvancEd team visited Christ tinued support. Monday is set aside to for the third year in a row under the
the King on November 18. They vis- recognize service in the community. guidance of Dan Catignani. Coach
ited classrooms looking for such things Students will participate in service Mike Beacom led the 7th and 8th
such as how students were engaged projects to give back to the commu- grade football team came in third in
small schools division. Margaret Py-
burn coached the JV and varsity vol-
The AdvancEd team visited Christ the King on November leyball teams. The cross country team
18. They visited classrooms looking for such things such as had another successful season thanks
to head coach Marty Heflin and his as-
how students were engaged and the use of technology. sistants. Combined with Saint Joseph’s
team for the championship meet, the
and the use of technology. The team nity. On Tuesday an ice cream social girls earned third place and the boys
was very complimentary of CKS and will be enjoyed as a way to thank the came in fourth. The cheerleading
observed numerous examples of active priests and deacons for all that they do squad, under the leadership of Jordan
learning occurring in the classrooms. for the school. The faculty and staff Williams, place third in the Parochial
For instance, the fifth grade was in- luncheon will be held on Wednesday. League Cheerleading Competition.
volved in a lesson using an interactive To thank parents for their support and At the present time, there are eleven
white board to explore weather maps. hard work, Thursday has been desig- basketball teams practicing and play-
In the first grade class, students, us- nated No Homework Day. It will also ing games. These include four 3rd/4th
ing the document camera, presented be Pajama Day for the students, and grade teams, four 5th/6th grade teams,
graphs they had made to their class. they will spend time in class making and three 7th/8th grade teams.
Sherry Woodman summed up the visit gifts for their parents to thank them After a busy fall semester, the fac-
saying that she “was very proud of the for their Catholic education. Students ulty, staff, and students are looking
way Christ the King helped the diocese will be recognized on Friday with a forward to the Christmas holidays. W
earn their five year re-accreditation.”
Complete results of the visit can be
found in the Tennessee Register.
Other exciting news at CKS involves
the Computer Science Club which held
its first meeting on November 20. The
club, open to third and fourth graders,
meets on the first and third Thursdays
of the month. Dr. Nadine Wondem,
whose daughter is in the third grade,
has graciously volunteered to be in
charge of the club. She loves computers
and delights in introducing students to
all aspects of the computer. Mary Fos-
ter, CKS computer teacher, and Grant
Tinsey, seventh grade student who en-
joys computers, are assisting Dr. Na-
dine. If the first meeting is any indica-
tion, this will be a fun and informative
club for the students.
A tradition that occurs every Janu-
ary is Catholic School Week. January
24-30 will be devoted to this event. The
theme is Catholic Schools: Communi-
ties of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.
CKS takes the time to “observe Catho-
lic School Week to celebrate our Catho-
Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014 7
We are called to be Christ to others and see Christ in those we serve
By Margaret Emsweller
Pastoral Care Ministry
E
veryone at some point in their life during the school year. the liturgy in memory of family and
experiences loss whether it is a Communion Services are held each friends who have gone before us.
loss of health, loss of a loved one week at two of our neighboring senior Another aspect of Pastoral Care is to
or the loss of a personal relationship. facilities to serve the Catholic residents. provide support when a parishioner is
The CTK Pastoral Care Ministry is Leon Dodd goes to the Cumberland at dealing with divorce or separation. This
committed to serve those in our parish Green Hills and Valerie Cooper serves past October Arlene Stone launched
who are suffering these losses. at Morningside at Belmont Senior Liv- the Relationship Recovery Program on
Dedicated volunteers are trained to ing Community. Sunday evenings to examine the loss felt
visit and bring Holy Communion to our Fr. Brewer recently asked members with the end of a relationship and offer
elderly who are homebound or in a se- of the committee to make contact with support and the tools necessary to look
nior facility. Relationships are formed those who experienced a death in their toward the future.
and strong bonds are made through family. Calls are now made to those The Pastoral Care Committee wel-
the weekly visits. Even though they are individuals or families who have lost a comes the opportunity to serve those
unable to worship with us on Sunday, loved about a month after the funeral to in our community who would ben-
we want them to feel connected to our offer assistance and support. Grief sup- efit from support and or visitsVOGT
JEANETTE during
CTK community and recognize they port materials are mailed to the home times of illness or loss. Contact the
are in our prayers. Visits are also avail- quarterly for a year as well as follow up Church office or Margaret Emsweller
able to anyone recovering from an ill- calls. A Remembrance Service was held @ mbemsweller@gmail.com for more
ness and temporarily unable to attend on All Soul’s Day at the 6 pm Mass to information or if you would like the
Mass. Sarah Osborne’s second grade remember those in our parish who died opportunity to serve in Pastoral Care
class regularly sends cards and letters in the past year. All those in attendance at CTK. W
to our seniors as their outreach project were invited to light a candle during
Improvements Are Coming to
By Jim Bryan
The Christ the King Campus Grounds
W
ith any luck, and the inter- late January of 2015. all those using the rectory, but it
cession of St. Fiacre (the pa- The plan will include the planting will also save thousands of dollars
tron saint of gardeners) by for a small courtyard area between in utility expenses. A separate plan
the time the next Cloister hits the the side of the church and the rectory. will add additional handicap parking
pews, the re-landscaping of the par- The hardscape for the new courtyard spaces directly in front of the rectory
ish grounds will be completed. What area will hopefully be added in the by converting several parallel park-
began with the landscaping of the ad- future. The overgrown and unsightly ing spaces into angle parking spaces,
dition to the school and the addition shrubs surrounding the rectory will which will result in the net addition
of the butterfly garden and our cer- be removed, along with the chain- of several new spaces to be used by
tified arboretum, will be completed link fence that borders the back of handicap parishioners.
this winter with the landscaping of the church property on Oakland Av- The final step in beautifying our
the grounds surrounding the rectory. enue and will be replaced with new parish grounds will be something that
Our landscape architect is currently plants. both parishioners and neighbors can
drawing a master plan for the proj- The landscape project will com- enjoy for years to come. For those who
ect. Thanks to the generosity of the mence when the installation of the have cut grass for the past 50 years and
parishioner Tony Emanuel, who has new windows for the rectory is com- those who have tended to the garden-
agreed to donate all of the plants and plete. The new windows will not ing beds throughout our campus, the
the labor to install them, we plan to only make for a more pleasant en- completion of the parish landscaping
complete the landscaping project in vironment for the priests, staff and will be a dream come true. W
8 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014
We are called to be Christ to others and see Christ in those we serve
An Update on
Elizabeth Ministry
By Jan Dunn
The Christ the King Elizabeth
Ministry had it’s first gather-
ing on October 29 in the din-
ing room of the rectory. It was
standing room only. The leaders
were extremely pleased by the
turn out.
The new rectory in Pilette under construction in early December of this year Around 25 women came eager
News From Our Haiti
and willing to share the stories
of their children with each other
and to support other families in
the future. There were stories of
Twin Parishes
seemingly uncomplicated preg-
nancies, as well as heartrench-
ing stories of complications
related to infertility, miscarriage
By Dave Kuhlman and loss of a child. There were
T
he pastor of Our Lady of Seven because of changes in banking proce- also stories of isolation after the
Sorrows in Pilette, Pere Joseph dures in Haiti. We think we have about births in some of the situations.
Dorcin, has let us know that the solved the problem, and we are hoping We laughed and shed some
new rectory is almost ready to move to send about $5,000 to each priest be- tears together. All of these won-
into. He hopes to be able to live there by fore the end of the year. We can only derful women verbalized their
the end of this year. The building may do this because you continue to be very
desire to reach out to others in
not be complete, but close enough so generous. The money will be used to
support.
that he can move in and avoid the long, support Catholic education for the
dangerous daily trip from Cap Haitien young people of the two parishes, for So far ministers have reached
to Pilette. The picture accompanying general parish functions and upkeep, out to three families with four
this article shows construction on the and for continuing construction of the healthy babies to add to our
new rectory as of early December of this new rectory at Our Lady of Seven Sor- parish family.
year. He is very grateful for the support rows in Pilette.
of all of us at Christ the King. Our Support Group last visited It was decided the group would
Pere Jutshley Florelus at Our Lady of Haiti in November of 2011. We are meet in January, April, July and
Grace in Roche-Plate has contacted us planning another visit soon, perhaps in October on the last Wednesday
by email several times over the last few January or February of 2015. This will of the month. This is on one
months to tell us how much he appreci- be a fairly short visit of several days of the usual monthly Mother’s
ates our help. At some point in the future, to reestablish contact with our Twin Group Meeting nights per
we may be able to help Pere Flo build an Parishes and to reassess needs. If you quarter. At the next meeting,
elementary school for his parish. are interested in making this trip, par- we hope to form teams who will
Our method of transferring funds ticularly if you have experience, skills have the responsibility for fam-
to our two parishes was changed sev- or interest in health care (medical,
ily meals and for gift bags. We
eral months ago. It has caused us some dental, vision, etc.), education (elemen-
also hope to formalize a plan for
difficulty. We have been unable to tary or middle school), agriculture, or
transfer funds in the way in which we economic development, please contact visitor training. W
have been doing for a number of years Dave Kuhlman at 615-360-9697. W
Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014 9
One Small Miracle Leads to Many Others
By Valerie Cooper
T
he “Small Miracles Christmas financial assistance to those parents who that our children get the same chance at
Show” this year was full of surpris- cannot afford our tuition. We also help a good life as any child and, at the same
es to say the least. The variety show those students whose families run into time, set an example of love for every-
format was a bit of an experiment. I was temporary financial difficulties because one—especially love for our parish, an-
reminded of when Jesus called his dis- of divorce, illness or job loss. We never other miracle.
ciples to go forth and heal the sick and want any of them to be forced to leave So, on the evening of December 5,
how uncertain they were of their abilities their friends or teachers, especially when amateur actors came together in the
to do so. We too were quite uncertain of they are going through difficult times. spirit of the disciples. We dressed up in
our abilities, but with a little help from We are their family. funny clothes and performed amateur
our friends and a nudge from Father To achieve this goal, we must raise skits and let you enjoy just how silly we
Dexter, the show happened and it looked $100,000 this year. If we can, we will all can be for a good cause. Perhaps the
almost, shall I say, semi-professional? I meet the needs of each family who has Holy Spirit was upon us. It was a small
don’t think we healed anyone, but we asked for help. Asking for help is hard. miracle.
might have made them laugh. But dealing with hard things is part of Please consider a donation. You can
Truly, the event was a miracle in so life. Many of these situations are tem- make one online at ctk.org/online-giv-
many ways. Unity, purpose, mission— porary and a few last throughout their ing. And, if you missed the event this
all tied up in one quirky big bow. It was time at Christ the King School. But in time, don’t worry. We are already plan-
a variety show full of big-hearted, well- either case, we are determined to see to it ning the next one. W
meaning amateur actors. You’ve got to
love them. Our parish family is just the
best. They are way easier to get along
with than our real families. (Well, there
might be some families out there that
manage to get along.) But, our parish
family pitches in and helps no matter
what we ask them to do. And I do mean
they will do ANYTHING, especially if
it is for a good cause. It’s truly a small
miracle!
Just imagine the “Sound of Music”
on our very own stage: Lucia in her wed-
Christ the King teachers perform
ding dress, Father Hammond sweating
true army captain bullets, Father Dexter
dressed as a… (you had to attend to find
out), and Sherry Woodman all prim and
proper as the baroness. Other kooky acts
such as “Church Chat” with the amazing
Barbara Nanni as Dana Carvey—no bet-
ter episode was ever produced by Satur-
day Night Live, but then they don’t have
our Women’s Council. Now they can
perform miracles. There was the St. Ce-
cilia choir—angelic voices from angelic
students. Other performers included our
teachers, an elf employed by Macy’s, and
PHOTOS BY JEANETTE VOGT
a Grinch—all creating laughter in sup-
port of this important cause.
Our mission was to bring aware-
Jerry Wigger as The Grinch
ness to the Helping Hands Tuition As-
sistance Program which helps Christ the
King families educate their children at
home—at our home, our school. We give Christ the King staff performs
10 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014Women’s Council “Roasts and Toasts”
By Cindy Lybarger and Beth Chapman
T
he theme for this year’s Christ of having to search for a parking spot,
the King Parish gala, sponsored you might consider this option next
by the Women’s Council, was year. Other live auction items included
“Roasts and Toasts.” The event was a guided “Not Mt. Everest” hike by Fa-
held on November 8 and the honoree ther Dexter and a dinner for 8 donated
was pastor Father Dexter Brewer to by Clean Plate Club.
The Christ the King
celebrate the 25th anniversary year of The event is the major fundraiser Women’s Council acts
his ordination. for the Women’s council. Through the
The evening began with the comple- generosity of all those in attendance,
through its members to
mentary signature drink “The Mara- we are able to support many local char- support, empower, and
thon.” Appetizers were passed while at- ities including funding a full scholar-
tendees mingled and bid on numerous ship to Christ the King School, tuition
educate the women of
auction items. Members of the Wom- assistance at Father Ryan High School the church community in
en’s Council solicited these donations and Christ the King School, donations
from our community. Approximately to Room in the Inn, Catholic Chari-
spirituality, leadership,
75 members contributed to planning ties, Ladies of Charity Welfare Office, service, and fellowship.
and executing the evening. Next, all Haiti Twinning Program, St Vincent
guests enjoyed a served dinner while de Paul Outreach, and Catholic Relief
seated at the beautifully decorated ta- Services.
bles with silver cloth overlays. The Christ the King Women’s
Our wonderful Master of Ceremo- Council acts through its members to
nies was Jerry Wigger, and our magnifi- support, empower, and educate the
cent Roasters were: Connie Wesnofske, women of the church community in
Merrill Strobel Bohren, Sherry Wood- spirituality, leadership, service, and
man, Lucia Huskey, Richard Rodgers fellowship. Christ the King Women’s
and Father Joe McMahon. Father Dex- Council responds with gospel values
ter’s mother and brother joined us as to the needs of the church, local and
special guests. international communities. All adult
Following the toasts and roasts, Jer- women of the Parish are considered
ry Wigger became our auctioneer for members of the Women’s Council and
the live auction. The reserved parking are encouraged to participate in a third
spots for weekend masses were a con- Tuesday business meeting or one of our
tested item this year. If you are tired many activities. W
photos by beth chapman
Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014 11To Have And To Hold
By Deacon Bob True
A
bout seventeen years ago, Father Jim Mallett, our Pas- er, Ogden, Shinall, Stephens, Swanson, Wehby, Wigger and
tor Emiratis, asked me to create a marriage preparation Yecke (hope I haven’t left anyone out). Father Hammond has
ministry, so that no matter who officiated at the wed- recently agreed to head this ministry with the assistance of
ding, the couple would experience the same preparation. His Bill Stejskal and me.
only requirement was that we continue to send our couples to I mentioned at the beginning that we send each engaged
spend an hour with Dr. Phil Guinsburg, a psychologist spe- couple to meet with Dr. Phil Guinsburg for an hour. In recent
cializing in marriage counseling, simply to make the connec- years he has been bringing in an associate, Dr. Toby Abrams,
tion and to tap into his wisdom. so it is couple to couple. This may be the best thing we do.
At the time, most clergy were using a questionnaire called Ever so often I will hear from a couple who went through
FOCCUS, as a way to access how much the couple had dis- our marriage prep to tell me they went back to see Phil a few
cussed and agreed upon all the topics most preparation cours- times. It has opened the door to the fact that all marriages
es address. Not long after I began this new ministry, Shirley are a journey of yin and yang and that professional help is
and I were returning to Nashville from Austin on a Southwest important and accepted.
flight after visiting our daughter, Trudy, and her family. While I believe we’re doing something right to get couples off
browsing through a Southwest Airlines magazine, I noticed to a good start. When Father Jerry Strange spent some time
an article on divorce. The article kept referring to a PRE- with us at Christ the King, he also assisted in this ministry.
PARE questionnaire. It went on to state that even though the The first time we met, he stated that everyone knew Christ
questionnaire was never intended to predict success in mar- the King had the best marriage preparation ministry in the
riage, as a way to continue to validate it, they tracked blocks diocese. I didn’t know that, but I will take it. W
of 1000 couples for twenty years and was showing an 80%
success rate. That got my attention. When I returned to Nash-
ville I “googled” it, gave the company a phone call and spoke
with several ministers and professional marriage counselors
using this tool. The more I investigated the more I liked it and
decided to replace FOCCUS with PREPARE. Five couples,
including Shirley and myself, Jeff and Jeanne Bradford, Bill
and Jeanne Stejskal, and Marty and Eileen Heflin took the
day training and have been using this tool ever since.
Volume 16, Issue 3, Fall 2014
The PREPARE tool has proven to be very useful. It con-
Published at Christ The King Catholic Church
sists of about 165 multiple choice questions that both the man
3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212
and woman can complete online. Once the second party has
completed the questionnaire, we can print out a Facilitator’s Parish Office 615.292.2884, ext. 300
Report, which gives us a comparison of how much the couple
agrees with each topic. There are about eight topics every Pastor Valerie Cooper
Father Dexter Brewer Margaret Emsweller
marriage preparation course addresses. We give the report to
one of the team couples. now active in this ministry. to meet Patty Carroll Farmer
Editor &
with the engaged couple several times. The engaged couple Dave Kuhlman
Art Director
chooses the topics they wish to discuss with the team/mentor Suzanne Lynch Cindy Lybarger
couple, but if the report shows a low percentage agreement Janet Morgan
Contributors Kathy Reece
on a particular topic, they will address it and share how they Jim Bryan
dealt with in their own marriage journey. The company con- Deacon Bob True
Beth Chapman Jeanette Neuhoff Vogt
tinues to track blocks of 1000 couples over twenty years of Jan Dunn
marriage and is now showing a 85% success.
It should be news to no one that this city is booming. The Cloister is a community publication and we
Nashville has become “Nowville” for the twenty- and thir- welcome any news or stories that Christ the King
ty-somethings. Over the seventeen years since we began this parishioners would like to contribute.
ministry, we have averaged about twenty couples a year. This
year, it jumped to sixty and shows no signs of letting up. Writers for assignments are also always
It’s exciting to have so many young couples in our parish. needed. Please contact Suzanne Lynch with your
We have expanded the marriage prep ministry team to eigh- news, photos or interest in being a contributor at
teen mentor couples: Clepper, Collins, Cooper, Dahlhauser, suzanne.lynch11@gmail.com.
Doyle, Ellis, Fontaine, Francescon, Heflin, Kutsco, Lybarg-
12 Volume 16, Issue 4 l Winter 2014You can also read
