Christ The King Church, Nashville, Volume 20, Issue 2, Summer 2018

Welcome, Father Phan By Kathy Reese

ather Anh Tuan Phan has settled in nicely in his new role at CTK. He is eagerly looking forward to be- coming involved in the various ministries here. He F is open to all experiences; however, during his formation in the seminary, he discovered that he is adept at work- ing with people, especially helping them during difficult times of life. He also likes working with children. Father Phan grew up in Central Vietnam and moved to the United States ten years ago when he was 20 years old. His maternal grandparents sponsored his family, and in April of 2008 his parents and three children moved here. His younger sister is an eighth grader at St. Ann’s, and his younger brother will graduate from MTSU in December. He also has a sister who is a Cistercian . She is pres- ently at Divine Word College in Dubuque, Iowa training as a missionary. She hopes to return to Vietnam when she completes her studies. Father Phan’s older brother and his family still live in Vietnam, along with his paternal grandparents. As far as when he knew he had a calling to become a priest, Father Phan said it was a gradual realization. While living in Vietnam, he taught CCD classes and would go with his father to work in the church. After high school his paternal grandmother suggested that he apply to the Hospitality...... 2 seminary. He wasn’t sure, so he prayed to God to give Columbian Squires...... 2 him a sign. He opened himself up to God’s plan and felt A Discussion We Need to Have...... 3 that passing the entrance exam was his sign. After moving Relationship Recovery...... 3 to the United States, Father Phan studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. During his early years at Notre VBS 2018, Shipwrecked...... 4 Dame, his formation as a priest was almost derailed by School News...... 8 snow. In January 2011 he left Nashville driving to New Garden of The Year Awards...... 10 Orleans in the snow. He couldn’t maneuver through the Milestones in Faith...... 11 snow and became very frustrated. Fortunately, his grand- father lent Father his car to drive to New Orleans. True Notes...... 12 Continue on page 2 Continued from page 1 Father Phan has many interests including sports and food. His favorite sport is soccer, but he also enjoys play- Columbian Squires ing ping pong, tennis, and volleyball. While in the semi- nary, he was introduced to flag football and became some- what of a celebrity at Notre Dame. He is now known as “The Legend” because he caught a Hail Mary pass from the quarterback to win the game. Father Phan’s food in- terests are varied. His favorite Vietnamese dish is Spicy Noodle Soup from Central Vietnam. Asked if he cooks this soup for himself, he smiled and said that his mother and grandmother make it for him. His favorite American food is steak, which he eats in moderation, and seafood. For the last two weeks in July, Father Phan took a long- awaited trip to Vietnam to visit family. This was his first time to return to Vietnam in seven years. Now that he has returned, everyone will have ample time to enjoy getting to know him. W Hospitality By Carolyn Goddard From L-R: DJ Vigerust, Zach DeGuira, Greg Gomez and n image had been stirring my imagination of Kevin Gomez. late — it is Rublev’s icon of the Trinity. If you are not familiar with it, allow me to give you By Pat Watson Asome sense of its beauty. There are three figures in he Columbian Squires is an arm of the Knights of Co- wondrously colored garments seated around a small lumbus, which focuses on the spiritual, cultural, civic, table with what looks like a large chalice, possibly social and physical improvement of boys and young containing some bread in it. While the artist’s inten- T men, and the development of their leadership qualities. The tion was certainly to depict the Christian notion of Reverend Richard Pius Miles Squires Circle was formed at Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the icon also brings to Christ the King in Fall 2015, in association with the CTK mind the “three men” who visited Abraham in the council. The Circle is a way to get more boys involved in ser- story found in Chapter 18 of Genesis. The “three vice in the parish community, as well as provide opportuni- men” turned out to be “the Lord.” ties for to participate in leadership roles. Meetings are coor- The word that both the icon and the story whis- dinated and conducted entirely by Squires, who lead various per to the ear of my heart is hospitality. The Bible is positions such as treasurer, secretary, and Chief Squire. big on that virtue, suggestion that in showing kind- Charter member and most recent Chief Squire Kevin Go- ness to any stranger, we show kindness to God. This mez has led the Circle over the past year. The Squires par- makes sense if we think of Incarnation not as a one ticipate in service activities and parish events throughout the time happening, but as an on-going reality for then year, including the Community Festival in the fall, Breakfast God is present in the flesh of, the person of, others. with Santa and decorating the church in the winter, Knights I am most likely to offer hospitality to people of Columbus Fish Fries in the spring, and Mur-Ci Homes who look and think a great deal like me. I would like Festival in the summer. The Squires also plant and maintain to extend my table. I would like to live more in the four flower beds in front of Christ the King Church, along spirit of hospitality as Henri Nouwen defined the Belmont Boulevard, and has been awarded in the annual gar- word. “Hospitality means primarily the creation of den contest for the past two years. free space where the stranger can enter and become All of these events provide ample opportunities for Squires to a friend ... Hospitality is not to change people but to complete service hours, help the parish and the community, and offer them space where change can take place. It is connect with one another. Any Catholic boy between 10 and not to bring men and women over to our side, but to 18 years old can join the Squires; meetings take place every 2nd offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.” May Sunday of the month at 5 PM in the CTK Council Room. If you I, may we all, become more hospitable. W have any interest in joining the CTK Circle, please contact the 2018-19 Chief Squire, D.J. Vigerust, at [email protected]. W

2 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 A Discussion We Need to Have By Margaret Emsweller

t may be difficult for many of us to grasp the reason our youth than in previous generations. But depression why one could find himself in such a dark place and and suicide have many causes, including genetic predis- feel so isolated that suicide would be the only answer position, family environment, bullying and trauma which I for the despair he presently endures. Yet we are seeing an can all play a role. increase in number of suicide deaths in our country, espe- Christ the King Parish in collaboration with Christ the cially among our youth. King School will offer two opportunities to discuss Teen According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide Suicide Prevention in the Fall. The sessions will be held on is the third leading cause of death for youth between the Wednesday, September 26, at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall ages of 10-24. It results in approximately 4600 lives lost and another session on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 9:45 am in each year. In the United States, on average there are over the West Wing of the Parish Hall. A panel of local profes- 5400 suicide attempts per year by young people grades sionals led by Joe McLaughlin, Clinical Psychologist and 7-12. Christ the King parishioner, will detail the risk factors for So what are some of the risk factors for suicide? Ac- suicide and how we can help our children, grandchildren cording to the American Medical Association, youth who and the youth in our community. are bullied are more than twice as likely to consider sui- Joe has vast experience counseling teens and recently cide. A recent article published in “Clinical Psychologi- stated “We need a willingness to talk about this topic and cal Science” found that the generation of teens born after a willingness to approach and talk to someone experienc- 1995 is much more likely to experience mental-health is- ing suicidal thoughts.” sues than their millennial predecessors. In the five years The panel will also include a representative from the between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. teens who felt Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network; Sara Smith, Christ useless and joyless surged 33 percent. Some suggest that the King Counselor; and William Forster who will share teens spent much less time interacting with their friends his story after the loss of his brother to suicide. There will in person and more time on smart phones; and more time be an opportunity for questions at the end of the presen- spent on social media leads to unhappiness. Teens feeling tation. The reasons aren’t totally clear as to why suicidal socially isolated is also one of the major risks for suicide. ideology plagues so many of our youth today, but one teen Academic expectations and the related stress is greater for lost is too many. This is a discussion we need to have. W

Relationship Recovery By Arlene Stone

hrist the King will once again be offering the “I learned the art of journaling which allowed Relationship Recovery Program for its fifth me to really get in touch with what I was feeling, year commencing on Wednesday, October 17, and it wasn’t always anger.” 2018.C Notice of this year’s Program will start ap- “I also learned that how a person treats me has pearing in the September Bulletins. This year we are nothing to do with me, but with my mate, boss, asking the participants to pre-register; therefore, friend, etc. This allowed me to move into forgive- if interested in participating please contact Arlene ness which saved me and our children from what Stone at [email protected]. could’ve been a bitter divorce. Here are only a few of the comments participants As a facilitator of this program I am honored to wrote on their evaluations after completing the be part of such a Christ-based ministry and hope Three Phased Program: that you will encourage those that you know who “What I discovered through this class helped me to are going through a divorce or a relationship break- heal emotionally, physically and spiritually; without it, up to take a leap of faith and courage to consider I know I would be a very bitter human being today.” experiencing this life altering program. W

Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 3 VBSBy Kathy Skinner2018, Shipwrecked t was another fantastic year at VBS! This year, the theme was Shipwrecked … Jesus Rescues. Each day, the 210 children learned how Jesus rescues us when we are lone- ly,I when we worry, when we struggle, when we do wrong, and when we are powerless. Our adults and teens helped the children see how this connected with their daily lives and feelings. The greatest part of VBS is how happy everyone is and how much fun all have learning stories from scripture as well as playing and praying together. We have the benefit of this ministry involving near 100 teen and adult leaders. Their example and dedication is powerful for the younger children. It also often leads to teens discovering new gifts they can use in other areas of life and in other ministries. A quiet and more reserved teen may end up being the strongest leader and presenter in a station. The experience is priceless. This year we worked hard to get more involved in the building of our set. We had more people than ever and had a lot of fun while creating our deserted island. Teamwork paid off, and we are grateful for all who gave any amount of time to make it happen. We hope more will get involved in our African Safari set next year when we celebrate ROAR: Life is wild. God is good. VBS 2019 will be July 15-19 with teen registration beginning March 1 and child participant registration beginning April 1. W

4 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 5 6 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 7 By Kathy Reese

nother school year is upon us bringing with it positive changes to improve academics andA facilities. The faculty will wel- come two teachers to their ranks, both of whom have ties to CKS. Dur- ing the summer, the library has un- dergone renovations to enhance the effectiveness and aesthetics of it. Brittany Francescon Meriwether is coming home to CKS to teach sev- L to R: Joey Maffei (8th), DJ Clark (8th) Elli Maffei (6th), Ellie Schulz (5th), enth and eighth grade English and Sanjeeth George (7th), Aidan Carr (7th), Brian Knoop (science teacher) seventh grade geography. She is also the learning specialist for grades to Chris Meriwether, and they have versity of Michigan, living in space two through six and will offer after two children: daughter Isla (2 years at the Air Force Academy, psychol- school study help. old) and son Eli (3 months). From ogy classes at Harvard, and learning Brittany graduated from CKS her time at CKS, she remembers “the about volcanic activity at Volcano in 1998 and continued her educa- strong sense of community,” and she National Park in Hawaii. This sum- tion at is “excited to build new relationships mer he attended the National Nano- and then got her degree from Uni- with families and faculty.” technology Coordinated Infrastruc- versity of Tennessee. She has eleven CKS is fortunate to have Bri- ture at Stanford University. years of experience in education. She an Knoop come on board as fifth Brian is married to Teresa and taught at Murrell School from 2007- through eighth grade science teacher has a daughter Lauren, who is also a 2013 and was nominated as Teacher and moderator of Science Olympiad teacher. He is excited to be returning of the Year in 2013. She spent the and STEM. He brings with him 37 to CKS. As he stated, “I have now next year at Granberry Elementary years of experience in the education come full circle in my educational School where she was a Blue-Ribbon field. Brian earned his B.S. at Mur- career.” He feels that the “...facilities nominee. From 2014-2018 Brittany ray State University and his Masters here are second to none among the taught at Father Ryan High School. at Tennessee State University. diocesan elementary schools...” and One of her former principals de- He taught for two years in Arkan- is eager to begin the new school year. scribed her as an amazing and or- sas. After moving to Nashville, his As faculty and students begin ganized teacher who showed great first teaching position was at CKS the new school year, they have been leadership in school and is a wonder- from 1983-1985. Since then he has treated to a revamped library. Reno- ful mentor. taught at several schools including vations to the library were funded by Brittany is adept at working with St. Edward, St. Henry, Overbrook, the CKS Finance Board and a parish all types of learners. She is well St. Bernard, and University School donor. The floors have been retiled versed in the use of educational tech- in a variety of roles. and the walls have been painted with nology and uses a variety of assess- Brian has also spent most of his fresher, brighter colors including a ment tools. She feels that “collabora- summers since 1995 attending work- mural on one of the walls. The chairs tion with faculty is so important.” shops and seminars on diverse topics. have been changed out for newer pri- Brittany is the daughter of Sam Some of the many subjects include the mary-colored ones. LED lighting has and Judy Francescon. She is married following: satellite imagery at Uni- been installed, which helps reduce

8 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 eye strain and headaches thus allow- ing for better focus and concentra- tion. LED lights are also more eco- nomic. Other improvements involve re- surfacing shelving and installing a new countertop at the circulation desk and new cabinetry for the card catalog, book return, and display shelves. A new AV Flat Screen has been added along with a magnetic LEGO wall. The “new” library is sure to help students in their quest for learning. National Youth Leadership Fo- rum: Explore STEM is a program that gives middle school students the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, or math. This summer three CKS students went to one of the forums. Eighth graders Grace Holland and Mark Bryant traveled to Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina for a week-long forum while seventh grader Sean Meffe at- tended a forum at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. W Grace Holland (8th grade, center) with other students

Mark Bryant (8th grade) Sean Meffe (7th Grade)

Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 9 Garden of The Year Awards By Jim Bryan

ach year parishioners adopt 20 garden beds or areas around the church to care for throughout the grow- ing season. Some are adopted by individuals, some by E families and others by parish groups such as the Squires or a PREP class. The responsibilities include planting the area with appropriate plants, watering the areas as needed (which has been a lot recently) weeding, mulching and generally car- ing for the area, as if it was their own. Some of the areas are small and some are huge!. Some receive several hours of sun and some are totally in the shade. Some are in well estab- lished beds and others are in relatively new areas. Together, they all contribute to thebeauty of our parish grounds. For several years we have held a Garden of the Year con- test to select the best garden as judged by members of the church staff. The criteria is very subjective. Some awards have been given for taking a new area and making it more attractive and others have been given for taking a long exist- ing area and doing something a little different to improve it. Still others have been awarded in appreciation for the diffi- culty in maintaining a formidable area. The contest is mainly done for fun and to provide a little incentive to our garden- ers, after the joy of planting something new has passed and the upkeep gets old and the days get hot. The winner of this year’s award goes to Arlyn and Grace Wernke, who adopted both the Cornerstone bed and the bed and urn by the entrance to the St Joseph Chapel. These are large, shady areas which require a great amount of work. In the judges view, these area contributed significantly to the appearance of the grounds. Congratulations to both of you for your hard work. The two runner up awards went to Eba Hobbs and Sallie & David Brackman for the large bed in the circular driveway in front of the rectory and to Christi Wehby for the circular bed around the statute of the Blessed Mother in the Grotto. In addition, the judges awarded hon- orable mentions to Emily Brackman for the two pots on each side of the iron bench by the circular drive and to the Squires for the 4 beds at the front walkways to the church from the Belmont sidewalks. Recently, I read a reflection from Your Spiritual Garden: Tending to the Presence of God which summed up my expe- rience as a Christ the King gardener: “The manual labor we do in the garden can be bone wearing, yet richly satisfying. When we experience visible results from the earth, we find solace and peace in an oth- erwise fragmented world. Gardens teach us disappointment when bugs or four-legged critters destroy hard effort and beauty. Growing something, anything, is a lesson in patience and love. Gardens fill us with gratitude.” Our Christ the King community is grateful to the many who have adopted garden areas at the parish over the years. We thank you for your hard work and your contribution to the naturalbeauty of our grounds. W

10 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 March 2018 - August 2018 MILESTONESCaroline Patricia INFassbender FAITH WEDDINGS NEW PARISHIONERS Sarah & Kenny Homann Eleanor Marie Gates Brad & Marianne Ahlgren Trevor Humes & Izabelle Patrick Michael Couture and Peters Laura Sawyer Stewart Elizabeth McClellan Ghanem Sarah Alfieri Vincent James Gogliotti Sally Allgeier Don Husley & Jennifer Philip James Dickman and LeBlanc Margot Emily Gaston Thomas Jude Gorman Charles Alvis & Eileen Cunningham Erin & Alex Hunter Andrew Lawrence Herman William David Holder Jeffrey Jackson & Katie and Laura Marie Ellis Rose & Jeff Anderson Samuel Ross Hollander Katy Anthony Feldhaus Daniel Frazier Jordan and Nolan Joseph Holman Geoffrey Borchgrevink Andrew Jelinek & Bethany Christie Joan Roy Scanlan Lila Marie Hulsey John Brenzie Nathan Joseph Kutsko and Maddy & Josh Kassel Christine & Bobby Brown Laura Kathleen Wolohan Mallory Jackson Wendy Kaysen Danielle Brouillard Mitchell Everett Lancaster Liam Thomas Johnson Kim & Mike Kegg Petey Bruni and Sarah Elizabeth Hinton James Wingfield Kameen Kelly Key Blake Buchert & Makenzie Joshua Michael Owings and Eloise Marie Karb Cook Kariann Kozlowski Anna Maria Hinton Lezlie Rene Kuebker Gabrielle Buono Joe Kustelski & Annie Craig Andrew Veltri and Ortmeier Abram Lou Linton Alison Burry Halee Catherine Culicerto Anna Leach Preston Obiora Madu Jennifer Butler Austin Joseph Vogt and Chimaobi Madu & Lily Coley Whitney & Branden Cadavid Briana Christine Engelbert George Campbell Maher Andrew McCloy Aimee Caillet Jeanne Elizabeth Marchetti Matthew McCloy Catherine & Tyler Cameron Giancarlo Adrian Mariscal Nikki & Mike McCoy Nick Carrier BAPTISMS Maureen McGeehan Allison Amy Marsh Jayme & Jim Casey & NEWLY RECEIVED INTO Ashley Montero Charles Westerkamp Mayhaus Josh & Emily Carter THE CHURCH La Sonia Moss Tessa Drew Mead Tracy & Lee Clark Christopher Stone Antici Heather & Spencer Mullins Myla Rose Menke Michelle & Tony Coburn Parker James Arenth Rachel Newton Elijah Christopher Meriwether Alison & Dave Crocker Mary Catherine Atwood Caroline Ondrey Adam Daniel Madeline Lucille Mills Molly & Dillon O’Neill Brooklyn Rae Bass Kat & Billy Dec Maeve Magdalene O’Neill David Parker & Emma Bishop Charles August Berry Kitty & Dennis Delaney Emma Pettyjohn Traci Pekovitch Emma Ryan Brown Margot and James Dickman Tish & Bryan Picklesimer Jackson Bryan Picklesimer Tim & Denise Downey Oliver James Bush Taylor Pierce James Patrick Picklesimer Sheila & Alex Downs Riley Kay Byrne Donna Ross Libby Coralynn Rau Evan Dressel & Nina Greyson Cade Cadavid Beth & Jim Rossi Brendan Christopher Rich Fredericks Leo Ames Cadavid Ryan & Erica Ecken Angie & Dillon Russell Brooklyn Nicole Rogers Michael Isaac Cameron Janie & Pete Falkenberg Mark Schaefer Francesca Bernadette Schafer Kristen & Kramer Schmidt Archer Shields Carroll Nicole Ferreira Vera Chretien Schmidt Emily Schroeder Peter Lionel Carter Colin Finn Delaney Rose Scully Elizabeth & Mark Sestini Philip Tobias Carter Elizabeth & Caleb Ford Harry Bett Tardio John Foster & Rebecca Arce Kristen & Joey Shanine Asher Kent Cochran Marley Sherwood Benjamin John Mark Thomas Jillian & Russell Freeman Jude Thomas Cooper Jennifer & Ricky Shinall Bowen Patrick Thompson Tess Gale Simon Adamson Cooper Ashley Graham Mark Skopal & Michele Dillon Jones Thurman McCann Field Patrick Creekmore Erica & Aaron Gunter Jackson Ryan Walker Rachel & John Slowey John William Dewan Jarrod Hajek Catherine Carlin West Cody Smith & Kasie Dean Marilyn & Jay Hammond Ford White DiMeola Lauren Stiehle Kelly Riehl Williams Matt Hardy Macaulay Francis Douglas Kristen Szewczyk Maria Lucile Wiltshire Matt Hickman & Andie Stone Delia Rose Edmonds Sarah & John Thetford Alexander George Wiora Malia & Eric Holman John Bernard Elam Continue on page 12

Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018 11 Continued from page 11 Denise & Marty Van Doren Alyssa Rodriguez Trent Van Egtern & Sara Joe & Allyson Rogers Wade Christie Roy True Notes Mike Vertin By Deacon Bob Jim Satterfield & Breanna Paige Vick Borgert ast month, due to the graciousness of a re- Maria Vigil & Pedro Vigil- Larry & Ann Satkoski tired career Marine Hank Goodrum who Saldana Elizabeth Scarpa has once again volunteered to lead, a new Sara Jo & Ryan Walker Sam & Lauran Sevier Lministry began at Christ the King. About one year Corum Webb & Ashleigh Stephen & Ellen Sexton Overby ago, I was introduced to Dr. Tom Seals, a theology Justin Smith Osualda Palanca-Wildrick & professor at Lipscomb University who had written Zach & Anna Smith Andy Wildrick the book, God’s Word for Warriors. The Veterans Justin Smolder Ministry at Lipscomb has been using the book as Jacqueline & Peter WojtkiewiczJohn & Jackie Jon Stone & Brittany Taylor a guide to meet with veterans who have been in Messmer Todd Styles combat. The book and the ministry is beginning Brandon & Elizabeth Moma Lindsay Summers to get national attention in a variety of environ- Suzannah Montgomery Robin Thoppil & Manju Xavier ments. I truly believe the Holy Spirit wanted this Dan & Maria Moore John & Ellen Tighe ministry to be offered at Christ the King, so Mi- Elizabeth Musser Victoria Treboschi chael Lemming, Deacon John Krenson and I ap- Mary Catherine Nard Sullivan & Elizabeth Tuck proached Father Dexter who immediately gave it Marla Orsagh Joel & Katherine his enthusiastic approval. Hank facilitates these Veitschegger weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings from Jessi & Angela Otis Brian & Emily Vickers 7:00 till 8:00 in one of the meeting rooms, off of Haley Peel Kellie Walton the Parish Hall lobby. This is an ongoing ministry. Laura Philipps Laura Winalski I have come to the realization that it is the rare Taylor Pruett Abigail Wood individual who gets through life without expe- Lauren Roubion riencing a traumatic event, which fails to create some form of post-traumatic symptoms. It might be coming up on a bad auto accident on the inter- state, or being involved in one, or suddenly losing a good friend or loved one, or even seeing some- thing horrible in the news. Vietnam brought war right into our living rooms, and I still remember being at Bongo Java waiting for coffee to see the Volume 20, Issue 2, Summer 2018 second plane hit on 9/11. I for one could name Published at Christ The King several such events in my own life, even though 3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212 I’ve never been in combat. So we are now inviting Parish Office all, who feel they may benefit: police, firefight- 615.292.2884, ext. 300 ers, nurses, doctors, emergency personnel – any- Pastor Contributors one who feels the need to join the meetings on Father Dexter Brewer Jim Bryan Wednesday evenings for as long as you like. We Editor-In-Chief Margaret Emsweller will have a book for you. Deacon Bob True Carolyn Goodard One more thought. I have been on this journey Kathy Reece of life since World War II and I’ve never seen this Editor & Nancy Rohling country of ours so politically divided! There seems Art Director Kathy Skinner to be much more “dualog” than dialog. Much of Suzanne Lynch Arlene Stone it is diatribe! Is there another syndrome attacking Jeanette Vogt our population — another PTSD – Political Trau- Pat Watson matic Stress Disorder? We’re all in this together The Cloister folks, so let’s remember to love one another even is a community publication and we welcome any news or stories that Christ the if we don’t agree. King parishioners would like to contribute. For more information on the Wednesday eve- ning meeting contact me at 615-243-8783 or Hank The views and opinions expressed in the Cloister Goodrum at [email protected]. W articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Christ the King or the Catholic church.

12 Volume 20, Issue 2 l Summer 2018