The following questions and comments were provided to each chairperson at the Town Hall meeting. The status of the comments will be noted as they are addressed. If you have any questions or comments please contact the chairperson.
Spiritual Life
Chairperson: Miriam Mangers (Miriam_Mangers@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Do we have a ministry that provides help when a person is going into the hospital or having tests?
No. We do have a Prayer Chain for prayers and a Prayer Blanket Ministry to provide comfort and prayers through a personalized blanket prayed over by parishioners and blessed by a Priest. Information on each group can be found in the weekly bulletin. - Place the Stations of the Cross around the walls of the church – or get new ones for the nave.
Administration
Chairperson: Rick Sharpe (Rick_Sharpe@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Repair the church bells.
- It would be so nice if there could be some kind of cover for the handicap door. Also it would be nice if a rug were inside the door to catch the water on rainy days. The floor is very slick when wet.
- From time to time while @ mass I have noticed that the Eucharistic ministers have difficulty going up and down the altar steps. To avoid a mishap I would suggest the installation of railings for added security.
Communication
Chairperson: Rose Mayfield (rosem619@yahoo.com) and Martin Vargas (martinpvargas@hotmail.com)
- Need more comprehensive monthly newsletter: information about saints of the month, information about upcoming feasts, explanations of the mass, explanation of church teachings, and natural planning.
- Create a Facebook Page.
- An email system for parish to send the weekly bulletin and advise when there is a death in the parish etc. Sometimes there is a funeral before some of us have knowledge of the death. System could be used as reminder of special events etc.
Facilities
Chairperson: Deacon Tim Elliott (Tim_Elliott@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Why do we need more space if mass attendance is down?
- Need more childcare space and more adult meeting space.
- Need more Office Space.
- Need better phone system and new computers.
- Need spiritual formation library and study area.
- Build up instead of build out.
- General state of the Parish Hall.
- Remove KCHS parking from All Saints. They have plenty of spaces
Faith Formation
Chairperson: John Alpers (John_Alpers@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Improved Confirmation preparation – more education on the Basics of Church Teachings-less social activity.
- Corpus Christi procession with First Communicants, Confirmandi, and those newly received into the Church
- Train catechists for each grade level.
Father Michael
email: office@allsaintsknoxville.org
- I was wondering if we at All Saints could have a monthly envelope for the diocese. I am on a fixed income and can’t donate a large amount at once, but could donate a little every month. We used to do that when Fr. Chris was here and I think it worked out real well. I just don’t give out my credit card or bank number out.
- Extreme disconnect between All Saints parish and Bishop Stika.
- Elect a new parish council
- Encourage more modest attire in church
Hispanic Ministry
Chairperson - Suzette Laporte-Ayo (Suzette_Laporte-Ayo@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- English as a second language classes
- Spanish as a second language classes
- More people in the choir and more instruments
- Education for pre-K during masses in Spanish
- Spanish Mass on Sundays (possibly bilingual?)
- RCIA in Spanish
- Hispanic group involvement instead of separate events
- Have a Spanish brochure
- Is there any material available for those that don’t speak Spanish but would like to attend and follow?
Liturgy
Chairperson: Bill Christensen (Bill_Christensen@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Private confessionals
- Devotional candles for special prayers
- Bells during consecration of Eucharist
- Large individual statues of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Blessed Virgin – Lady of Guadalupe
- Please end the long sermons. A good message can be given and better received in 10-15 minutes. Anything over that our minds wander and we become glossy eyed. Have you noticed more people are leaving at communion? Could it be because of the lengthy sermons?
Parish Life
Chairperson: Patti Gibson (Patti_Gibson@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- It would be very helpful to start a day care here at All Saints for children 8 weeks to 4 years. There are not many good affordable choices in this area. I would love to help brainstorm getting this program up and running.
- I’d like to start a “Parents Without Partners” program as a service to the parish and the community.
- Have welcome to visitors and/or new Catholics Sunday once a quarter.
Social Action
Chairperson: Ginger Henderson (Ginger_Henderson@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Coordinate with the Hispanic Ministry to have a language/culture swap: native Spanish speakers learn English and teach native English speakers Spanish & native English speakers learn Spanish and teach native Spanish speakers English
- Have a special speaker once a year for the entire parish to learn about Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Volunteer Ministries, etc.
Youth Ministry
Chairperson: Annie Nassis (Annie_Nassis@allsaintsknoxville.org)
- Do mission trips here in Knoxville or Appalachia. The money saved on lodging and airfare etc. could be put to better use. The need in our own city is great. Groups from other parts of the country come here to help.
