Fishers of Men

Retreat follows Jesus’ lead in teaching good shepherding lessons

Story by Bill Brewer
Photography by Stephen Golder and Robb Morris

Sts. Peter and Andrew probably would have caught their limit on East Tennessee’s Hiwassee River the weekend of July 21.

Father David Boettner and Robb Morris would have seen to that. With a supply of flies and access to a fly-tying kit, the apostles would have been fishers of trout … and men. Read more…

  • The Melchizetrek: Keeping it real

    God is present everywhere as priests, young men brave the elements to discern a vocation

    Story by Bill Brewer
    Photography courtesy of Father David Carter and Father Michael Hendershott

    When young men are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, priests pray for the intercession of the Holy Spirit to give an awe-inspiring sign to the aspirants that illustrate God’s presence, power, and mercy.

    Oh boy, did those on the MelchizeTrek see God’s presence in abundance! Read more…

    NFL’s Smith duo holds fourth annual youth camp at KCHS

    ‘I give thanks and praise to God for the many people he has graced my life and my ministry with,’ the jubilarian says

    By Dan McWilliams

    The fourth annual Smith and Smith Catholic Football Camp at Knoxville Catholic High School on July 12 and 13 gave more than 250 youngsters a chance to learn gridiron skills from NFL players Harrison Smith and Lee Smith and KCHS coaching staffers. Read more…

    Developments in child protection cases prompt statement by Bishop Stika

    Concerns about Cardinal McCarrick, Pennsylvania clergy at forefront of Church’s attention

    Staff and wire reports

    In the wake of Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick’s recent resignation from the College of Cardinals following sexual abuse allegations, Bishop Richard F. Stika has issued a statement on the matter in which he offers his personal apology for incidents of abuse by Catholic clergy. Read more…

  • Climb for the cure

    Stiles brothers climbing part of Mount Everest to promote awareness for a multiple myeloma cure

    By Dan McWilliams

    Two brothers who graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School and now work together for the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) are climbing to Mount Everest’s base camp in October to raise funds for a good cause.Read more…

    Bishops respond to execution of Knox County death row inmate

    Despite Pope Francis declaration that it is now ‘inadmissible,’ Tennessee carries out death penalty

    By Jim Wogan and Bill Brewer

    After Tennessee’s three bishops appealed to Gov. Bill Haslam to halt the execution of Billy Ray Irick based on Christian beliefs and Catholic teaching, the state on Aug. 9 carried out its first death penalty since 2009.

    Immediately following the execution, Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika and Diocese of Nashville Bishop J. Mark Spalding called it an “unnecessary” act that “served no useful purpose.”
    Read more…

    EWTN to feature series by Cardinal Rigali

    Network crew spent time in Knoxville recording ‘Living the Christian Life’ episodes that will air next month

    By Bill Brewer

    Eternal Word Television Network in September will begin broadcasting a 10-episode teaching series featuring Cardinal Justin Rigali, who will cover a range of spiritual topics aimed at enriching the faith. Read more…

Columns

He dwells among us: Justice in 10 words

The relationship that binds all others in love is the key to justice and peace in our world

By Bishop Richard F. Stika

“Do justice for the weak and the orphan; give justice to the poor and afflicted.” (Psalm 82:3)

There are so many cries today for justice and so many calls to support programs and political causes for obtaining it. While some causes are successful, others bear little or no fruit; some even sanction violence in their supposed pursuit of justice. So what is justice and how do we best obtain it?

As a people of faith, we should know that justice is not a program or a cause, but a person — Christ Jesus. For Jesus is the living fulfillment of justice, and His saints are the extension of His justice and peace in the world. For this reason, St. John Paul II stressed that “The world does not need more social reformers — it needs saints.” Read more…

Living the readings: Our cathedral: the mission begins

The new Sacred Heart Cathedral joins all that came before it

By Father Joseph Brando

What is the function of the Church? One answer may be that the Church exists to make our Risen Lord present in every corner of the world and in every human soul. That job is daunting, if not impossible. Like any great challenge, that job description needs to be broken down into “doable” pieces. As the Church has come to know our Lord better throughout the ages, we can look at our risen Savior as priest, prophet, and king. Read more…

Praying for perspective: Frogs make the heart grow fonder

A spouse’s absence can be a nearly unpardonable offense

By George Valadie

Well, I’ve discovered one really good thing. I know she can’t live without me … I think. I’ve known for a few years that she’s needed me — or someone — to operate the remotes. But now it’s confirmed. If the planet continues to have bugs, frogs, and stuff, my place is apparently secure.

Not that long ago, I had the opportunity to attend an out-of-town, two-day conference. Some of these things are miserable, but some you look forward to. This was in the latter category. Read more…

Marriage Enrichment: Making eye contact makes all the difference

‘It’s hard for people to see the face of Jesus in our or see Jesus in others if we never look directly at them’

By Marian Christiana

Summer is not even over yet, but, so far, this one has been a doozy! My husband, Ralph, and I have had a real cycle-of-life kind of season made even more complicated by frustrating travel delays.

As I mentioned in my last article, my stepmother was in a skilled nursing facility out in California, and her health was declining quickly. Late in May, our newest granddaughter was born in Austin, Texas, and within a week, my stepmother, Dolores, passed away in California. I was in Austin meeting the new addition to our family when Dolores died.

As things worked out, I left Austin for Los Angeles to attend the funeral. Read more…