Cormac McCarthy Club honors acclaimed author, KCHS graduate

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Cormac McCarthy has a standing invitation to return to the high school where he graduated in 1951, which now features a portrait of the author as he appeared in his senior picture and a plaque honoring him for his literary accomplishments. The invitation was extended by Knoxville …

Annual Calvary Cemetery rosary set for Nov. 2

It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. (2 Maccabees 12:46). By Father Ron Franco, CSP Here in the northern hemisphere, as the sun rises a little later each morning and sets a little earlier each afternoon, there …

Chet McDoniel wows Chattanoogans for Life with faith story

“I believe that each and every life is not perfect. Every person has something they wish was different. But every life is worth it. Every life is worth fighting for. Every life is worth living.” — Chet McDoniel By Paul Schulz On Jan. 5, 1980, Chet McDoniel emerged from his …

Ministries Day draws parishioners from across diocese

More than 200 parishioners from around the Diocese of Knoxville took part Oct. 18 in Ministries Day, a daylong event where diocesan ministry leaders gather with fellow Catholics from the various churches to share ideas on how to more effectively spread the faith. Thirty presentations in English and Spanish were …

Bishop Stika celebrates annual Red Mass

Attorneys, judges, and other members of the legal profession joined Bishop Richard F. Stika for the annual Red Mass on Oct. 8 at Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Knoxville. The Red Mass is a centuries-old tradition in the Church, Bishop Stika – dressed in red vestments for the liturgy – …

The heart of a lion

At 6 months old, Aaron Morales is teaching a community about the value of life and the power of prayer Aaron Roman Morales should not be here. By all accounts, birth defects would rob Aaron of the life his parents desperately wanted for him. At least that’s what the doctors …

He dwells among us: Love and mercy

The ‘Gospel of Life’ challenges us to show mercy even to those who denied it to others Thirty-six years ago, two of my uncles were senselessly and brutally gunned down during a robbery of their small urban grocery store. The gunman, a 16-year-old youth, was arrested six months later but …

Support grows for Amendment 1 proposal as Nov. 4 election nears

Bishop Stika joined by Bishop Choby, Bishop Steib in urging Catholics to vote for state constitutional measure As the Nov. 4 election draws near and with early voting beginning Oct. 15, the dioceses of Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis are reinforcing their support for Amendment 1 to the state constitution. Tennessee …

Miracle linked to Paulist Father Isaac Hecker reported in Knoxville

Bishop Stika signs decree launching formal inquiry into matter as first step toward Vatican investigation By Jim Wogan Bishop Richard F. Stika has officially launched an inquiry into whether a miracle has occurred in the Diocese of Knoxville, a move that could strengthen the case for sainthood for a Catholic …

Hundreds on hand for 2014 Diocesan Homecoming

Diocese of Knoxville marks end of silver jubilee year with daylong celebration, outdoor Mass The Diocese of Knoxville concluded its silver jubilee year on Sept. 13 with a daylong homecoming celebration that attracted some 750 to 1,000 people who enjoyed fun, games, food, music, and an outdoor Mass celebrated by …

Cathedral kickoff event introduces historic plan to parishioners

Hundreds turn out for celebration marking the beginning of two-year construction project By Jim Wogan The first shovel of dirt hasn’t been turned yet, but parishioners at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus finally have a good idea of what their new home will look like when construction …

Sacred Heart, KCHS feature Medalists of Honor in programs

Service and sacrifice are themes as distinguished veterans lead assemblies, visit classrooms Students from Catholic elementary schools and Knoxville Catholic High School heard stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice as Medal of Honor recipients, in town for a national convention, spent time with them Sept. 12. All of the speakers …