⛪ Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church Shares Weekly Bulletin and Community Updates in Dunlap

Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church in Dunlap continues to serve as a spiritual anchor for the Sequatchie Valley, welcoming both longtime parishioners and visitors through regular Mass schedules, community outreach, and diocesan initiatives that strengthen the broader Catholic mission across the region.

📋 What’s Happening This Week

The parish shared its weekly English bulletin this week, highlighting the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 11, 2026) and several important community and spiritual activities. Father Jerry Daniels from The Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center in Benton, Tennessee, was scheduled to celebrate Mass with the congregation. The bulletin also announced a special diocesan second collection to support the Deacon Formation Program-an initiative that funds ongoing formation for over 100 active deacons in the diocese and helps support 13 men who began their five-year formation process in 2022. ✨

🕐 Mass Schedule and Spiritual Opportunities

For those seeking to participate in worship or spiritual practice, Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church offers Sunday Mass at 8:00 a.m. and Thursday evening Mass at 7:00 p.m. (offered in Spanish for the Hispanic community). Confessions are available from 7:30-7:50 a.m. on Sunday mornings before Mass, and by request at other times. The parish also maintains regular Adoration opportunities for those seeking quiet prayer and reflection. 🙏

💡 Why This Matters for the Community

Weekly bulletins like this one serve as a vital communication tool-they connect parishioners to the spiritual rhythm of the church calendar, inform the community about giving opportunities that support broader diocesan work, and extend a clear welcome to newcomers and visitors. For a rural valley community, the parish bulletin represents more than scheduling information; it reflects the church’s commitment to transparency, inclusion, and shared mission. The emphasis on welcoming new parishioners and visitors signals an open-door approach that strengthens community bonds across denominational lines. 🤝

🌱 Community Connections and Outreach

The bulletin reveals several layers of community engagement. The parish maintains a second collection for the local food bank-a direct link to food security and neighbor care in Dunlap and surrounding areas. The Deacon Formation Program support demonstrates how local giving connects to the broader Catholic diocesan mission. The bilingual Mass schedule (English on Sunday, Spanish on Thursday) reflects the valley’s growing cultural diversity and the parish’s commitment to serving all residents regardless of language background. These threads weave Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church into the fabric of local life, connecting spiritual practice to practical community need. 🌍

👥 Who Should Know About This

New residents exploring faith communities in Dunlap and the Sequatchie Valley will find a clear invitation to visit and register. Established parishioners receive confirmation of Mass times, confession availability, and opportunities to support diocesan formation work. Visitors passing through the valley are explicitly welcomed. Community members interested in food security initiatives may appreciate knowing that the parish directs regular collections to the local food bank. Families seeking bilingual spiritual community will find Thursday evening Mass in Spanish. 📍

🗓️ What Residents Should Know

Location: Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church, 6191 Tennessee-28 South, Dunlap, Tennessee 37327

Contact Information: Phone (423) 949-6903 | Email sotvcc@bledsoe.net | Website www.sotvcc.weebly.com

Mass Schedule: Sunday at 8:00 a.m. | Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (Hispanic)

Confessions: 7:30-7:50 a.m. Sunday before Mass, or by request

Pastoral Leadership: Rev. David Boettner (Pastor), Deacon Mike Butz, Sr. Maria Pilar

Upcoming: The White Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 18th. The regular second collection for the local food bank will resume the following weekend. 📅

✨ What Happens Next

The parish continues its regular rhythm of weekly worship, ongoing formation programs, and community collections. New parishioners are invited to stop by the office to register. Visitors are encouraged to return. The diocesan Deacon Formation Program will continue to benefit from parish support, and the local food bank will receive ongoing contributions from the community. The bilingual Mass schedule remains available for Spanish-speaking residents and visitors. 🔄

🧵 Community Threads: How This Connects

The Faith-and-Food Connection: Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church‘s regular second collection for the local food bank links spiritual practice directly to food security. This thread connects worship, generosity, and neighbor care-showing how a faith community translates mission into action that affects real families in Dunlap.

The Bilingual Community Thread: The Thursday evening Spanish-language Mass reflects and serves the valley’s cultural diversity. This thread connects language access, spiritual inclusion, and community belonging-ensuring that faith practice is not limited by language barriers.

The Diocesan Formation Thread: Support for the Deacon Formation Program connects local giving to broader Catholic leadership development. This thread shows how a small rural parish participates in a larger mission-training spiritual leaders who will serve communities across the diocese.

The Welcome and Belonging Thread: The explicit invitation to new parishioners, visitors, and the broader community reflects a deliberate culture of inclusion. This thread strengthens community cohesion by signaling that spiritual community is open to all, regardless of background or prior connection. 💚

❓ Questions Worth Considering

• How do faith communities like Shepherd of the Valley Catholic Church strengthen the social fabric of rural areas like the Sequatchie Valley?
• What role do bilingual worship opportunities play in welcoming and integrating diverse populations into valley communities?
• How do parish-based food bank collections connect spiritual practice to food security and neighbor care?
• What opportunities exist for interfaith collaboration among the valley’s many churches and faith communities?