Setting Donelson on Fire with the Love of Jesus
Church of the Holy Rosary is a Roman Catholic parish serving Donelson, a neighborhood in eastern Nashville. Its stated mission, "To Set Donelson on fire with the love of Jesus," captures the parish's focus on worship, formation, fellowship, and service. Father John Sims Baker serves as pastor, with Father Said Bakhoum as associate priest and Deacons Wayne Gregory, Christopher Hoover, and Mike Wilkins assisting at the altar. The parish and its school, Holy Rosary Academy, have shared the Graylynn Drive campus for about seventy years.
A Full Weekly Mass Schedule
The parish offers Mass every day of the week. Saturday includes an 8:00 a.m. Mass and a 5:00 p.m. Anticipated Mass. Sunday brings three Masses: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and a 2:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish. Weekday Masses are held Monday at 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. (when school is in session) and 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.; and Friday at 7:00 a.m.
Confession and Eucharistic Adoration
Confessions are heard Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday from 6:00 to 6:50 a.m., Saturday from 7:00 to 7:50 a.m. and 4:00 to 4:50 p.m., and Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration is offered Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and from Friday 8:00 a.m. through Saturday's 5:00 p.m. Anticipated Mass. Parishioners can sign up to serve as Guardians of the Blessed Sacrament during these hours.
Becoming Catholic through OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes adults in three categories: those unbaptized, those baptized into another Christian tradition, and baptized Catholics who were not confirmed or formed in the faith. Formation is rooted in prayer and community. A three-month inquiry phase begins August 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Rosary Academy Library and continues weekly throughout the year, followed by liturgical rites that mark growing commitment toward the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Spouses and babies in arms are welcome. Anthony Romeo, Director of Faith Formation, coordinates the program.
Faith Formation from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade
Sunday School is the parish's flagship faith formation program for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and includes preparation for the sacraments. Adult Bible studies offer a welcoming space for guided exploration of Scripture. The Dead Theologians Society, a youth ministry led by Phillip Baker, empowers Catholic teenagers through spirituality and learning.
Serving the Donelson Community
Room in the Inn hosts unhoused men every Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. between November and March, providing a night of food, fellowship, and a warm place to sleep. The parish seeks donations of men's jeans, boots, thermals, gloves, winter jackets, paper goods, snack foods, water, and juices. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul humbly connects neighbors in need with resources and support. Those needing assistance can call the helpline at (615) 854-8434. The Bereavement Ministry offers a meal and compassionate support to families during their time of loss.
Men, Women, and Young Adults
The Men of Saint Joseph meet weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Jerome Conference Room, except on the third Thursday of the month, when they join Father Baker's Evening of Recollection for Men. The group reviews the upcoming Sunday Gospels, shares prayer intentions, and prays the Litany of St. Joseph. The Women's Circle and a monthly Men's and Women's Recollection offer fellowship and formation. Catholic men are also invited to join the Knights of Columbus Council 4972. Young adults ages 18 to 39 gather through the St. Frassati Society, and families with young children connect through the Young Families Ministry.
Music, Devotions, and FORMED
Marisa Hamilton serves as Coordinator of Sacred Music and leads the parish choir. Devotions after Mass include the Rosary for special intentions and the Divine Mercy chaplet. Father Baker's homilies are available on Spotify, and parishioners can sign up for FORMED, the Augustine Institute's Catholic streaming platform, by selecting Holy Rosary Church at formed.org/signup for free access to thousands of movies, talks, books, and audio programs.
Welcoming and Pastoral Ministries
Ushers and Greeters make the first impression for newcomers at every Mass. The Altar Servers assist the clergy with the intricacies of liturgy, and Mass Readers proclaim the Liturgy of the Word. The Wedding Guild supports couples preparing for marriage. Visitation Ministers bring Holy Communion, prayer, and companionship to those unable to attend Mass due to illness, injury, hospitalization, or age.
Fellowship and Safety
Community Hour gathers parishioners for coffee and donuts every Sunday after the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Masses in the parish life center. The Saint Michael Fellowship meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Jerome Conference Room to discuss how prayer and the Blessed Sacraments provide guidance and strength. Members of its Monitor Program, easily spotted in red shirts, assist with safety, traffic flow, and seniors during Mass.