Three Echo students begin serving in Diocese of Knoxville
By Katie Harkness
From left, Katie Harkness, Viviana Morales, and Mallory Louque will be working in the Diocese of Knoxville for two years.
This month the Diocese of Knoxville has welcomed three new Echo apprentices: Katie Harkness, Mallory Louque, and Viviana Morales.
This is the eighth year that the diocese has partnered with the University of Notre Dame McGrath Institute for Church Life to host Echo students.
While Echo does not stand for anything, its name carries theological significance as it comes from the Greek word for katecheo or “catechesis,” which means “to echo into.”
It combines kata (meaning “into”) and ekhein (meaning “to echo”), capturing the essence of passing on faith through resounding proclamation and instruction.
In the New Testament, katecheo appears in contexts that illuminate its connection to the passing on of faith. For instance, in Luke 1:1-4, the Evangelist addresses Theophilus, explaining that this Gospel was written so that readers may know “the certainty of the teachings you have received” (Luke 1:4), using the word katecheo to describe this act of instruction.
Similarly, Acts 18:25 uses the word in order to describe that Apollos was “instructed in the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25), conveying a formative, oral transmission of the faith.
These passages remind us that catechesis is not simply a transfer of information; rather, it is a personal, transformative echo of the Gospel that resounds from one believer to another, in order to form hearts spiritually and intellectually.
The mission of Echo “is to train the next generation of theologically educated and pastorally creative lay leaders to pass on the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith,” according to the Echo website. Echo was founded in 2004 in response to the growing concerns of individuals, especially young people, leaving the Church and the aging population of parish catechetical leaders.
The program began with 13 parish apprentices in Indiana and Texas. After his long career at William H. Sadlier Inc., Dr. Jerry Baumbach was Echo’s first director.
After his retirement, Colleen Moore became the program director. She led the program’s expansion into Catholic schools.
As of June 2025, the program has graduated 367 lay leaders with more than 90 percent remaining in full-time ministry and teaching-related careers. This past May, Ms. Moore transitioned into her new role as the associate director of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Ryan Dainty is the new program director.
Echo is run through the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, partnering with 17 dioceses across the country to strengthen the Church’s mission through formation, study, and service.
Echo apprentices serve either as catechetical leaders in parishes or theology teachers in Catholic schools, engaging in a two-year experience of hands-on ministerial leadership experience, intentional community life, and graduate-level theological study. Alongside their ministerial responsibilities, apprentices pursue a master’s degree in theology and ministry.
Echo, in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame’s Theology Department and partner dioceses nationwide, remains steadfast in its mission to address the growing challenge of disaffiliation within the Church.
Echo is committed to cultivating a new generation of lay leaders who are equipped to respond creatively and faithfully to the pastoral needs of the Church today.
Echo apprentices in the Diocese of Knoxville
Katie Harkness
Hello! My name is Katie Harkness, and I am from Fuquay-Varina, N.C. I recently graduated from College of the Holy Cross in May.
I am thrilled to be serving at the cathedral here in the diocese!
I am eager to be able to get to know the community and to be able to share my knowledge and love of theology with others. In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, and riding four-wheelers.
Mallory Louque
My name is Mallory Louque. I am from Louisiana and I just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology and religious studies with a second major in psychology and a certificate in pastoral ministry.
I will be working in the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery with the Office of Christian Formation. In my free time I like to draw portraits and crochet.
Viviana Morales
Hey y’all! My name is Viviana Morales, and I’m so excited to be here in the Diocese of Knoxville.
I’m originally from sunny San Diego, and I’m a proud alumna of San Diego State University. #Go Aztecs! I’ll be serving at Immaculate Conception Church, and I truly can’t wait to meet everyone in the parish and wider community.
I’m super adventurous and always up for trying something new, so I’m ready to dive into all the Southern charm, food, hiking, and culture East Tennessee has to offer. Praying for you all always!
