Less than a year after Glenmary assigned Father Don Tranel to begin a mission in Smith County, Tennessee, the nascent Catholic community there has acquired a permanent space for worship and parish life. The Diocese of Nashville closed on the purchase of New Level Church Nov. 21. The local Catholic community took a loan from … [Read more…]

In the more than two centuries since Smith County was founded, it has never been home to a Catholic church. But a group of interested Catholics, led by Glenmary Home Missioner Father Don Tranel, have begun the work to establish a parish there. “They’re pumped. They’re excited. They can’t wait,” Father Tranel said of the group. … [Read more…]

In January 2021, Father Don set out to establish a Glenmary mission in Smith County, Tenn., about an hour east of Nashville. There never has been a Catholic church in the county. Here is a note from him on his progress. Things have gotten a little hectic during the summer months here in Smith County. … [Read more…]