Father Michael Woods celebrated his 60th anniversary in the priesthood on June 19, 2026, in a Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Fairfield Glade, where has served as pastor since 2018.
Father Woods, a native of Carlingford in Ireland who was ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta before coming to the Diocese of Knoxville in 1994, has been pastor of three parishes during his time serving East Tennessee Catholics. Faithful from his current community as well as those from his former parishes of All Saints in Knoxville and St. Mary in Oak Ridge also helped fill the Fairfield Glade church for the anniversary Mass.
Dan McWilliams recapped the day’s events with great photos here, and we borrowed from Dan’s story for our quotes today.
Father Woods turned 84 on June 23. He reflected on his time growing up in Ireland, one of six children. His sister Madeline came from Indiana to speak at the service. Other family members, still in Ireland and England, watched via livestream.
Father Michael Woods, right, joins in laughter with Bishop Mark Beckman, Deacon Paul Benfanti, Deacon Gary Brinkworth, Father John Matejek, and the congregation attending Father Woods’ 60th-anniversary Mass. (Photo Emily Booker)
When Bishop Mark Beckman asked Father Woods to speak at the end of Mass, a tremendous ovation followed.
“I knew I should have taken up a collection,” Father Woods immediately quipped.
Parishioners, friends and family members raised money to build a house in Woods’ honor in Kobonal. They also have commissioned a bronze plaque that will be put on the house. Father Glenn Meaux of the Kobonal Haiti Mission that St. Francis of Assisi Parish has long supported, then read the words that will be on the plaque.
“This home is in honor of Father Michael A. Woods for 60 years of faithful service to the people of God,” he said. The plaque also will read: “Jesus, I trust in you,” in Creole.
Food and fellowship at Fountain City Presbyterian Church
Susan and Charlie Espiritu
KnoxTNToday owner Susan Espiritu and her husband, Charlie Espiritu, brought the Hawaiian vibe to Fountain City Presbyterian Church at a Teriyaki with Charlie event, part of the Summer T.I.M.E. (Togetherness, Inspiration, Ministry and Engagement) fellowship series.
Betty and Joe Culvahouse with daughter Kim Caldwell celebrate Joe’s 87th birthday.
Annual Senior Day at the Oak Ridge outdoor pool set for August 5
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will be sponsoring a Senior Citizens Pool Party at the Outdoor Pool located at 172 Providence Road.
The pool is reserved exclusively for seniors 50 and older on Wednesday, August 5, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be games and door prizes along with the opportunity to swim in one of the largest spring-fed pools in the southeast.
A light lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., first-come, first-served while it lasts. The event is free for seniors aged 50 and older, but call the Oak Ridge Senior Center at 865-425-3999 to reserve your spot by July 29.
The Christman Company’s team celebrates the new “Granny Ramp” at Wesley House
Christman pitches in for ‘granny ramp’
Porschia Pickett is doing good work at the Wesley House Community Center. Here’s a recent post:
“Thank you The Christman Company & former board member Doug Lawyer for your support with this project! Our ‘grannies’ are so grateful!”
Wesley House’s Senior Citizen Support Program got a $50,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging. We were able to enhance our senior programming and completely renovate the back entrance ramp, Pickett said. This is the entrance our seniors use each week, affectionately known as the “Granny Ramp.”
The new ramp is now fully ADA-accessible, providing a more welcoming entrance and ensuring our seniors can access Wesley House safely, Pickett said. The Christman Company constructed the new ramp and sponsored lunch for the seniors.
Notes & quotes
The Knoxville Area Urban League’s largest community event – Shoes for School on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Covenant Health Park – will be bigger than ever and in a new location. Talk with a representative about how the event supports local students or donate here.
Back-to-school is sooner than you think: Monday, August 3, is the first day for Knox County teachers; Friday, August 7, is orientation for sixth and nineth graders; Monday, August 10, is first day for students (half day). 2026-27 school calendar here.
Farragut Band Boosters yard sale will be Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. until noon at Farragut High School. Info on donations: kristin.ricciuto@farragutband.org/.
Vicki Worley has opened a second site of Hope Springs Adult Day Center in Anderson County at 150 E. Division Road, Suite 7, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Info: 865-272-3178.
Cades Cove is vehicle-free on Wednesdays. Cycle or walk the 11.1-mile loop – sunrise to sunset. You are guaranteed to see stuff that you would never see from a car; plus it’s easier to breathe.
Outdoor Knoxville lists hundred of activities, many free, all outdoors.
Thursday, Aug. 6, is Election Day in Knox County. It’s the general election for county offices – mayor, trustee, sheriff, etc., at-large county commissioners and some district commissioners and school board members. The Republican and Democratic state and federal primaries will also occur – pick one to select nominees for the November general election. Town of Farragut will be electing a new mayor and two members of the board of aldermen. Early voting is underway and ends Saturday, August 1. Info: knoxvotes.org/.
Quote: Margaret Atwood, the Canadian novelist, once asked a group of women at a university why they felt threatened by men. The women said they were afraid of being beaten, raped or killed by men. She then asked a group of men why they felt threatened by women. They said they were afraid women would laugh at them. – Molly Ivins
Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Neighbors by Sandra Clark.
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