• Adults and families who are exploring conversion to Catholicism are invited to attend our RCIA program for Becoming Catholic. Classes meet Sundays 10:150am-11:15am on the kitchen side of Varallo Parish Hall

• Our Religious Education program is open to all school-aged children and youth, and is required for preparation to receive the Sacraments of First Penance & First Holy Communion (2nd grade), and Confirmation (6th grade). Online registration is available on that page. Classes meet 10:15am to 11:15am in the RE Building. Parents must drop off their children. All grades are encouraged to attend. Particularly, if you have a child who is of age to receive the Sacraments, please sign your child up for our RE program to prepare.  Our Youth Group is a complement to our RE classes, for those in grades 6-12.

• The Deacon's Table, led by Dcn. Tom McConnell, offers an opportunity for Adult Faith Formation. Classes meet Sundays 10:15am-11:15am on the far-end partition of Varallo Parish Hall.

• The Nursery will be open (provided staff are available) during these 10:15am-11:15am classes, to care for your pre-school-aged children! (Of course, ages 3 and up are also welcome to join our RE program!)

• Our St. Ambrose Catholic Homeschool Co-op, DYM Youth Group, Jubilate Deo Youth Schola, and American Heritage Girls offer additional classes and enrichment for youth.

• Catholics seeking Baptism for their children, Last Rites & Funerals for their loved ones, and Marriage/Weddings, can find more information on those pages. 

• Please make use of our parish FORMED.org subscription to access a multitude of sound Catholic media programs for learning and entertainment for adults and children.

• We havea Catholic Social Teaching resource page with opportunities for you to get involved in faithful study and prayerful action on the many important social issues of our day.

Many of the beautiful liturgical expressions that we enjoy at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul are discussed on our Joy of Tradition Catechesis page, a catechetical library of articles and videos. Fr. Carter's introductory homily on the theme of Joy of Tradition can be heard on this page as well.

Recent and past Homilies are available for your edification, including Fr. Carter's "Clarity is Charity" sermon series. Fr. Carter's Pastor's Notes to the parish are catalogued also.

Fr. Carter's 2020 State of the Parish Address was live-streamed on Nov. 4, 2020:

See our Mass & Prayer Schedule/Resources page for more information including a video Introduction to the Extraordinary Form by Fr. Carter. 

Motu proprio "Traditionis custodes" and the Latin Mass

Pope Francis's motu proprio,  Traditionis custodes, issued July 16, 2021, places limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. At this time, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will continue to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at 11:30am on Sundays, under the following condition noted by Bishop Stika:

"With the express provision that those attached to this more ancient form re-affirm their submission to the Roman Pontiff, the full teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the validity and liceity of the post-conciliar reforms of the liturgy, I wish to offer the opportunity for this liturgy to continue in the Diocese of Knoxville."  

- Most. Rev. Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville (July 21, 2021)

Read Bishop Stika's letter, Pope Francis' documents, and Fr. Carter's July 18 homily here.

Our parish ministries include educational, liturgical, social & service and charitable opportunities for you to give and receive. See the Ways to Give & Receive Help page to access a listing of our established groups and current needs, including Parish Ministry Updates. Also explore the Ministries menu on our website to find current opportunities for ministry and service.

Ministerio Hispano