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Parish Ministries
& Committees
Every member of our Church has come with a calling. To bring love and faith, to heal and to listen, to find meaning in the world and to help discover meaning in this gift of life.
Our calling is your calling.
We are one with the Lord.
Our Lady of Fatima is a vibrant and active parish. In accord with the teachings of the Church, we believe:
- In accord with the teachings of the Church, we believe:
“there is a diversity of ministry but a oneness of mission. Christ conferred on the Apostles and their successors the duty of teaching, sanctifying, and ruling in His name and power. But the laity likewise share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal office of Christ and therefore have their own share in the mission of the whole people of God in the Church and in the world.”
The diverse ministries of our parish reflect the many ways the people of God are called to be like leaven in the world: bearing witness to Jesus Christ and promoting the salvation of all people.
If you are having difficulty deciding which ministry or ministries are right for you, or if you believe God is calling you to start a new ministry at our parish, don’t hesitate to contact us in the parish office, (865) 982-3672 or by email:
communications@ourladyoffatima.org
Community
Welcome Committee
Catholic War Veterans
Our Lady of Fatima has a Post for Catholic War Veterans. They are a part of a National Organization whose origins began forming in 1935. The Catholic War Veterans have remained committed to serving God, Country and Home, embodying the spirit of Catholic Action and defending the principles of democracy.
The only requirements for membership are to be Catholic, have an Honorable Discharge, be a veteran of any branch of the service, currently on active duty or in the reserves. Our organization offers assistance to improve the quality of life of Veterans and their spouses as needed. They hold activities to raise the funds needed for this outreach to those in need of assistance. Be a part of our efforts of Veterans helping other Veterans. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
Contact us at CWV@ourladyoffatima.org.
Knights of Columbus
Council of Catholic Women
The Council of Catholic Women welcomes all women of the parish ages 16 and older. The ministry seeks to unite and empower women in spirituality, leadership, and service, rooted in the values of the Gospel. Members pray together that God will guide, strengthen, and bless their efforts in serving the parish and wider community.
The Council typically gathers on the 2nd Monday of each month for fellowship and to support the faith life of the women of the parish. Please refer to the parish calendar for specific meeting dates and upcoming events.
Contact:
Fatima Faithful Newsletter
Suppers Club
Fellowship of Young Adults
Catholic Men's Social Group
Come and join the men of the parish for a monthly social gathering at a local tavern.
Join us for fellowship and fun, pizza and pool, and libations. Make new friendships and renew old ones. No registration required. The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 PM.
Contact cmsg@ourladyoffatima.org for more information.
St. Paula's Ministry
Saint Paula’s Ministry is open to all widows and widowers and provides companionship, support, and opportunities for healing during the journey of widowhood. The ministry helps members build new friendships, engage in social activities, and find comfort through faith and community. Members share their experiences, strength, and prayers to support one another in living rewarding and enriching lives.
The ministry meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 12:45 PM in the Columbus Room. Meetings include fellowship, planning of social activities, discussion of community projects, and ministry updates.
Contact:
Wisdom & Grace
Hispanic Ministry
Fatima Families
Fatima Families exists to foster a vibrant and supportive community for families at our parish. We aim to connect families of all ages and stages through a network of support, spiritual formation, and enriching community events. Throughout the school year, we host fun family focused events such as Epiphany Pageant, St. Joseph Celebration, Easter Egg Hunt, Mary in May, and Trunk or Treat. We also provide meal trains for new families, formation for parents, and support other parish family offerings. Email fatima_families@ourladyoffatima.org for more information or to get involved!
Handmade Cards for the Homebound
The Handmade Card Ministry reaches out to the homebound by creating and sending tangible greeting cards in a time when most communication is digital. Receiving a handmade card reminds the homebound that they are remembered and cared for, even when physical limitations prevent them from attending church. Each card is accompanied by love and prayer, offering a personal encounter with Christ.
Volunteers meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM in Room 125 to make the cards.
Contact:
Coming Soon
Senciorising
"Seniorcising" is a series of chair and/or standing exercises beneficial to both men and women. No on the floor exercises involved. It is designed to improve and strengthen core and balance stability which weaken as we age. Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. and last between 30 and 40 minutes. Targeted ages are 40 and up, but really could be beneficial for younger ages as well.
Formation
Faith Formation
Welcome to Faith Formation (FF)!
We are honored to walk alongside your child as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and experience the love and support of our parish community. Parents are at the heart of faith formation, and we are grateful to partner with you, our clergy, and our parish family in nurturing your child’s faith.
Faith Formation at OLOF is offered for children ages 3 through 5th grade and meets on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 AM.
Preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Year 1 Confirmation is included within our program.
We utilize a variety of thoughtfully selected curricula, including Gospel Weeklies by Pflaum, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the Faith & Life Series by Ignatius Press, and Dynamic Catholic’s Blessed and Decision Point. Our curricula are carefully chosen and intentionally paced to support the developmental and spiritual needs of our children as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
For questions or additional information, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Jessica O’Boyle, joboyle@ourladyoffatima.org.
Middle School Ministry
Welcome to Middle School Youth Ministry (MSM)!
Welcome to OLOF Middle School Youth Ministry! Our team is excited to journey with the middle school youth of our parish as they grow in faith, friendship, and community. We strive to create a welcoming environment where young people feel known, supported, and encouraged as they grow in their relationship with Christ.
We honor parents as the primary teachers of the faith and partner with families, clergy, and the parish community to help form lifelong, practicing Catholics who know and love their faith.
Middle School Ministry meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00–8:00 PM, with dinner provided each week. We use LifeTeen’s EDGE program along with trusted Catholic resources such as FORMED, Ascension Press, and the guidance of our priests and clergy to present the teachings of the Church in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Confirmation Year 2 preparation takes place within Middle School Ministry.
Our hope is that every young person grows in their Catholic faith, deepens their prayer life, and forms a lasting, personal relationship with Jesus.
For questions or additional information, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Jessica O’Boyle, joboyle@ourladyoffatima.org.
High School Ministry
OCIA
If you are not baptized, or if you are a baptized Christian who is interested in becoming Catholic, come and join our expanding faith community through the process of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. You are also invited if you are simply curious about the faith. Our sessions are held on Tuesday nights from September through Easter.
Contact ocia@ourladyoffatima.org for more information.
Vocations Ministry
Bible & Breakfast
Bible & Breakfast is a scripture study group for adults. The group meets every Thursday morning in the social hall from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Coffee is available and everyone brings their own breakfast.Studies are led by of both Old, New Testament, and the teachings of the Church by our associate priest when available. Contact information coming soon.
Women's Faith Ministry
The Women’s Faith Studies Ministry offers parish women opportunities to grow in faith and fellowship through 3–4 studies each year, held on Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings. Studies include video series, books, or a combination of both, covering topics such as the lives of saints, putting faith into action, and deeper exploration of Catholic beliefs. Each study is designed to inspire and encourage participants to understand God’s gifts of grace, the love of Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The studies provide an informal yet meaningful way for women from all walks of life to learn, share, and support one another in building both personal spiritual lives and a community of faith within the parish.
Contact:
That Man Is You!
Called & Gifted
The Catherine of Siena Institute sponsors the “Called and Gifted class. This class helps identify the charisms that we received at baptism and sealed during confirmation. These charisms are for the building up of the body of Christ. [scripture reference tbd]. The class runs approximately 6 to 8 weeks with video learning, breakout sessions and discussion; and of course, prayer. Successful completion of this course will help you identify your unique roles and responsibilities in service to OLOF and the mission to build up the body of Christ.
Some of the Charisms are: healing, music service, works of mercy, voluntary poverty, helps, intercessory prayer, teaching, organizational skills, where these gifts translate into active Christian outreach through the various ministries at OLOF. We have a few ministries [not an all-inclusive list] such as the healing team ministry which provides healing service every third Sunday, Martha’s hand that provides food for the poor and needy, the KOC, the Council of Catholic women etc. A participant may ask; What is my Charism? What service is the Lord calling me to do? To help in an existing ministry or possibly a new ministry? This class is helpful in guiding you in the discernment process.
Tuesday Morning Young Women’s Group
All young women are invited to grow in faith and community. Book selections are decided as a group. This study meets weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30 AM in room 126. Childcare is available, if desired.
Faith Formation Parent Study
All parents- whether you have young children, school-age kids, or are empty nesters- are invited to gather in the Social Hall during Faith Formation from 10-10:45am for coffee, donuts, fellowship, and light faith formation. No preparation required- just come as you are. Childcare is available, if desired.
Prayer
Prayer Line
Children's Liturgy
EMHC
The Eucharistic ministry is a service to ensure Our Lord is properly distributed to the Our Lady of Fatima faithful during the Mass. Candidates will have to take a background check and safety training in order to support this ministry, but once approved Lady of Fatima clergy will help with the training so that you’re confident in assisting the Priest and Deacon at the Table of Our Lord in administering the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus to the phantom of faithful.
In addition, there are some parishioners like to bring our Lord; in Communion, to the sick and homebound. This also requires training and background clearance and once approved; the successful candidates will be trained in how to bring our Lord to the sick in the homebound. It’s a ministry of service to Our Lord.
Readers
Readers
A reader at Our Lady of Fatima will proclaim the word of God at daily mass or on Saturday / Sunday masses. A reader will have to pass background checks and safety training and once cleared will be taught some of the basic tenants of reading the word of God. Perhaps you have been called to help with the “Liturgy of the Word” in proclaiming the Word of God at mass. Think of helping OLOF parishioner in Praying and listening to God’s word in calling us to the Table of Our Lord.
Sacristans
Sacristans in our parish are Liturgical Ministers responsible for the preparations of the Altar for the Celebration of the Mass. We are called to assist the parishioners in prayer and worship by preparing the Sacred Vessels, unconsecrated hosts and wine used for this celebration. This involves all necessary items for the service and setting these items in place for the liturgy. Sacristans are called upon for other liturgies like funerals and weddings. If interested in this ministry of Sacristan, please contact any Sacristan after Mass.
Focolare Movement
The Focolare Movement is a movement of Spiritual and social renewal founded by Chiara Lubich. It is present in 182 nations and more that 2 million people share closely in its life and work. The Focolare Movement aims at spreading the message of unity worldwide. Its goal is to promote brotherhood and to achieve a more united world in which people respect and value diversity.
Meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month with a potluck and sharing of scripture called the Word of Life.
Contact focolare@ourladyoffatima.org for more information.
Altar Servers
Altar Serving is one of the first ministries, a young person can do in service of the church. Candidates for Altar Servers are usually young adults who have made their first holy communion; however, Our Lady of Fatima has numerous young adults, teenagers and senior Altar Servers who serve during masses on weekends and weekdays.
As an Altar Server, you will assist the Priest and Deacon in the duties and responsibilities of carrying out the Sacred Traditions of the mass from the opening blessing, to helping the church in prayer, to setting the table for the Eucharist, and cleaning the table after the Eucharist, closing prayers, and leading the clergy in Solemn procession
Ushers
Cursillo
The Cursillo (short course) in Christianity is a spirit-filled three day weekend experience, with talks and sharings that deepen our relationship with Christ. The weekend is followed by weekly gatherings of like-minded Christians to help guide us on our walk with the Lord. You are invited to join our local Cursillo community. Come to our monthly ultreya, the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 PM in the Socal Hall.
Contact Cursillo@ourladyoffatima.org for more informaion.
Eucharistic Exposition
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Healing Ministry
The Healing Ministry offers prayer for those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing. Healing prayer is available every 3rd weekend of the month. Individual healing prayer in Spanish is offered immediately following the 7:00 PM Spanish Mass in the church, and individual prayer in English is offered immediately following the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass in the Adoration Chapel.
Contact:
Ministry to Homebound & the Sick
This ministry provides an opportunity for a Christ-centered interaction between the minister and the one being visited. Allowing for the expression of the works of mercy of visiting the sick and comforting the afflicted among other works of mercy, this is a great way to allow for Christ's love to become manifest to those who don't have an opportunity to regularly attend Mass nor engage in Church activities.
Music Ministry
Men's Night of Recollection
The men’s night of recollection is a monthly meeting, consisting of adoration of the blessed sacrament, a preached meditation, and an examination of conscience, with opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. We receive benediction to finish the time we spend with our Lord.
Holy Souls Rosary Prayer Group
Seven Sister Apostoles
The Seven Sisters Apostolate is an international organization whose mission "is a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop—a “holy wasting” (cf. Mt. 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ".
This Apostolate has women praying one hour a day each day of the week for Fr. Iorio and Fr. Austin. Please join us in prayer.
Arts & Enviroment Committee
Arts & Environment ministry plays a vital role in creating a sacred and beautiful space that draws the faithful into deeper prayer and worship. You work closely with the Liturgy Committee to ensure that all liturgical celebrations—especially Easter, Christmas, and other major feasts—are marked by reverence, dignity, and artistic beauty that reflect the mystery being celebrated.
Also entrusted with the care and maintenance of indoor plants and greenery, ensuring they remain healthy and contribute to a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere throughout the year.
Service
Haiti Outreach
Quilters & Crafters
Respect Life
The Respect Life Ministry serves the parish and wider community by proclaiming the truth that every human life is sacred from conception to natural death. Through education, evangelization, catechesis, pastoral outreach, works of charity, and awareness efforts, the ministry promotes a culture of life that honors and protects the dignity of every person.
The Respect Life Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every other month (February, April, June, August, October, and December) at 12:45 PM following the Noon Mass, in Meeting Room 126.
Contact:
St. Joseph's Helpers
Care for Creation
The Care for Creation Ministry promotes stewardship of God’s earth in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. The ministry is dedicated to educating parishioners and the wider community on ways to care for the environment and all of God’s creatures. Members commit to the Laudato Si’ pledge: to pray for and with creation, to live more simply, and to advocate for the protection of our common home.
The ministry meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 3:00 PM in the Columbus Room. All are welcome.
Contact:
Martha's Hands
Martha’s Hands is a service ministry that provides free meals to those in need in the Maryville and Alcoa area on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Volunteers prepare, serve, clean up, and deliver meals to local shelters and individuals in vehicles. A shower truck is also available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and the ministry provides hygiene items and seasonal cold-weather essentials.
Contact:
Neurodiversity Group
Warming Shelter
The Blount County Warming Station for Homeless Neighbors provides a safe, warm place for individuals experiencing homelessness during dangerously cold weather. The shelter is hosted at First Baptist Church on Lamar Alexander Parkway and operates through a partnership of local churches and community organizations. Each participating church takes responsibility for one evening of the week. Saint Andrews and the Unitarian Church serve on Mondays; Monte Vista, St. Paul AME Zion, and New Providence serve on Tuesdays; Our Lady of Fatima serves on Wednesdays; First Baptist Maryville serves on Fridays; and Fairview, the Methodist Church, and Faith Promise/Roane State Community College serve on Saturdays.
The warming station opens when temperatures are projected to be 25°F or lower according to the National Weather Service in Morristown. A decision to open is made approximately 48 hours in advance so volunteers and churches have time to prepare. Meals are provided through the generosity of many community members, often by the churches assigned to serve that evening, along with additional contributions from others who wish to help.
Volunteers typically arrive between 5:30 and 6:00 PM to prepare the space, set up cots and sleeping pads, and warm the evening meal. Dinner is served around 6:30 to 7:00 PM, and guests are welcomed into a warm and hospitable environment for the evening. Cleanup is generally completed by 8:30 or 9:00 PM. This ministry is a collaborative effort that relies on communication, generosity, and the shared commitment of our community to care for neighbors in need during the coldest nights of the year.
Contact information coming soon.
Comfort Food Ministry
Blessing Box Ministry
The Blessing Box provides non-perishable food to individuals and families in the community who are experiencing food insecurity. The box is stocked daily and allows those in need to receive assistance in a private and discreet way. This ministry fosters a spirit of community by encouraging sharing, generosity, and outreach to those in need.
Contact:
Office Volunteers
These are people who volunteer 3 hours (morning or afternoon) during the week to assist in the office; answering phones and general questions regarding the parish, taking messages, scheduling Mass intentions and help with intermittent small office projects. They are patient, friendly, discrete and able to keep confidentiality, creating a warm welcoming face for the parish.
Contact acarballo@ourladyoffatima.org for more information.
English Classes
Nursery
St Elizabeth's Workers
St Elizabeth's Workers is a group of parishioners who gather together in fellowship to create Mats for the Homeless in our community. We recycle plastic grocery store bags to create plarn "plastic yarn" used to crochet these mats for the homeless in our midst. The bags are straightened, cut into circular loops and joined together to make the plarn and then rolled into a ball of plarn. We gather on the second Friday of each month to work together in this ministry.
Leadership
Parish Pastoral Council
Finance Committee
Columbarium Committee
Liturgy Committee
