The Church in Tennessee

The Diocese of Memphis will host a marriage preparation workshop titled To Be One in Flesh on Saturday, October 3. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the St. Benedict at Auburndale Catholic High School campus in Cordova.

The workshop satisfies part of the diocesan requirement for a Catholic marriage preparation class. Couples attending the session must still consult with their preparing priest or deacon to determine any additional requirements for their marriage.

Registration costs $135 per couple and includes lunch. Interested couples can register and pay through the link provided on the diocesan website. For questions, participants may email Sharon Kowalke.

The Diocese of Memphis has launched the Escuela Diocesana de Liderazgo Hispano, or Diocesan School of Hispanic Leadership. The program is an initiative of the new Office of Hispanic Faith Formation, which operates under the Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation.

The school invites current and future Hispanic leaders, parish ministers, and volunteers to enroll. Bishop David P. Talley and Javi Navarrete, the Associate Director of Hispanic Faith Formation, introduced the program to the community.

Bishop David P. Talley announced several clergy assignments and leadership changes for the Diocese of Memphis following the July 1, 2026, effective date.

Father Anthony Nguyen, S.V.D., will serve as pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Memphis, replacing Father Brandon Nguyen, S.V.D., who moved to a new assignment with the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago. At St. Peter Catholic Church, Father Carl Joseph Paustian, O.P., is the new parochial vicar serving under pastor Father Scott O’Brien, O.P. Father Nicholas Reynolds, O.P., remains in residence at St. Peter and serves as chaplain at St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School while finishing a doctorate in engineering at the University of Memphis.

In the Northern Deanery, Father Carlos Donato, V.F., pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and St. John Catholic Church-Brownsville, has been appointed dean. He replaces Father Carl Gregorich, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church-Union City and St. Jude Catholic Church-Martin, following the end of his term. Additionally, Father Mateusz Wegrzyn has returned from Poland to serve at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation, and Father Baruch Zinsou, S.V.D., is now in residence at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where Father Jesus Martinez, S.V.D., serves as parochial administrator.

Diocese of Memphis Associate Director of Safety and Security Max Howard conducted CPR training for parish and school staff members on September 12. The session took place at the Catholic Center Office, also known as the Chancery.

Howard assisted the group in strengthening safety and security measures through the training. According to Howard, the participants were eager to earn their CPR certifications. Staff members interested in CPR, emergency preparedness, or collaboration with law enforcement can contact Howard through the diocesan office.

The Diocese of Memphis is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15.

The diocese intends to recognize the diverse cultures, extensive histories, and contributions of the American Hispanic community within its parishes, schools, and ministries. According to Ezequiel Lopez, the diocese will share more information throughout the next 30 days.

St. Patrick Catholic Church blessed a newly restored tower and cross during a Sunday morning service. The restoration is part of a $60,000 parish project that began last November to replace the building's roof and the large cross on top.

Father Robert Szczechura said saving the tower was necessary for the 120 year old building. He stated that the cross serves as a witness to the faith and a reminder of God's presence for those viewing the Memphis skyline. While the parish has existed for 160 years, the current building has required maintenance to address its age. The parish intends for the cross to act as a beacon of hope for the city for many years to come.