More than 280 faith leaders and organizations from across Tennessee have signed a letter asking Gov. Bill Lee to veto a bill that would make it a Class E felony to camp on public lands punishable by up to six years in prison, a $3,000 fine, and the loss of voting rights. Rick Musacchio, executive director of the Tennessee Catholic Conference, formerly known as the Tennessee Catholic Public Policy Commission, speaks to a television reporter about the bill and its impact on those experiencing homelessness.

St. Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory and the Hunger Relief Program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville have partnered to provide free lunches every Thursday to vulnerable families. Davidson Academy seniors, from left, Nadia Hendrix, Gracie Wimsatt, Olivia Cribbs and Kaylea Johnson, prepare lunch plates. The students volunteered at the program on Thursday, April 14, as part of a community service project. Their teacher Amy Welsh is a St. Stephen parishioner and the daughter of Sue Cartier, one of the coordinators of the Thursday Lunch program.