The joy of priesthood

Kentucky retreat offers seminarians a chance to share discernment experiences Story by Jim Wogan Photography by Stephanie Richer Back when he was first considering holy orders, it’s doubtful Mark Schuster knew that the path to the holy priesthood in the Diocese of Knoxville would include a side trip to a …

Father William McKenzie retires from active ministry

Our Lady of Fatima (OLOF) Parish in Alcoa held a farewell dinner Sept. 30 for Father Bill McKenzie, who has announced his retirement from active ministry. The dinner, held in Our Lady of Fatima’s social hall, recognized Father McKenzie for his years of service to the Alcoa parish. Bishop Richard …

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Praying for perspective: Learn one for the Gipper

Whether doggie day school or kids in college, teaching done right is a blessing to behold By George Valadie Have you ever sworn that you would never do something? I don’t mean the bad stuff or the real important—like breaking vows or committing sins. I mean the everyday stuff. Have …

He dwells among us: What are you afraid of?

Open wide the doors of your heart to Christ as you pray and discern His plans for you By Bishop Richard F. Stika In St. Peter’s inspired words of faith in response to the question of Jesus — “Who do you say that I am?” — we discover the source …

Pre-Lenten retreat to feature Father Jacques Philippe

Father Jacques Philippe, a world-renowned Catholic author and lecturer who has sold more than 1 million books in 24 languages, will lead a pre-Lenten retreat and conferences in the Diocese of Knoxville Feb. 28-March 4. Father Philippe will give talks on a variety of faith topics, including inner peace, personal …

Finding light in the darkness

St. Anne teacher and mother is on a mission to preserve Levi’s legacy as family grieves son’s death Story by Bill Brewer Photography by Kadee Fillers It has taken for Nicole Hughes to get settled back into her routine at St. Anne Catholic School in Bristol. Pardon her if she …

Diocese delegates to V Encuentro share experience

By Brittany García GRAPEVINE, Texas –– Well, we finally arrived at the culmination of the V Encuentro process: the national gathering of all the U.S. diocesan delegates of the V Encuentro. And what joy it was to take part in this momentous event in the life of the U.S. Catholic …

Coming through in waves

Diocese of Knoxville now using its own TV studio and program, radio broadcast for New Evangelization By Emily Booker Maybe you’re reading while holding a newspaper. Maybe you’re online at your computer or on your phone. The Diocese of Knoxville Office of Communications and Media uses a variety of platforms …

50th parish established in Diocese of Knoxville

St. Michael the Archangel elevated from Catholic mission status; Bishop Stika blesses new building By Bill Brewer Bishop Richard F. Stika created the Diocese of Knoxville’s 50th parish on Sept. 29 as St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission in Erwin became a canonically established church. The feast of St. Michael …

Ladies of Charity outreach now involves education

Volunteers teaching English as a second language; response to classes has been strong By Bill Brewer The more you know, the more you need to know. So it stands to reason that the more you learn, the more you need to learn. Nowhere is that more apt than at the …

Bishop blesses new addition at St. Joseph School

By Bill Brewer St. Joseph School is marking its continued growth with the opening of a new wing that will serve middle-school students. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at the North Knoxville school Sept. 21 and blessed the addition that opened in August with the new school year. Joining …

St. Mary-Oak Ridge marks 75th anniversary

The parish that was born in the Secret City in the ‘dark, dark hour’ of 1943 celebrates its milestone in style By Dan McWilliams In 1943, at the dawn of Oak Ridge, the Secret City of the Manhattan Project in World War II, a parish was born. Today that parish …