Paulist Fathers 150th Anniversary Kickoff Mass

On January 25th, 2008 the Paulists Patronal Feast Day, The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, a special Mass was held to usher in the Paulist Fathers 150th Anniversary year. About 100 parishioners  and several diocesan priests came out in support of the  Paulist Fathers and their associates as they renewed their promises made when they entered the Paulist community.

Not only is 2008 the year of the Paulist Fathers 150th Anniversary, but it is also the year of the 35th  Anniversary  of  the  Paulist  Fathers  at  Immaculate Conception. In 1973, when the   Paulist Fathers came to Knoxville, Immaculate Conception, the mother church of the Knoxville Diocese, was a down-and-out inner city Church with a dwindling membership and was close to being closed. Through the dedication and hard work of the Paulist Fathers, our parish has become a thriving, multi-cultural, multi-faceted Catholic community. Without the Paulist Fathers never-ending efforts, there would not be a Beacon on the Hill in Knoxville.

Following the celebration Mass, there was a reception in the parish hall. Drinks, canapés, and finger foods were served.  It was a wonderful evening and a grand tribute

to the Paulist Fathers 150th Anniversary.