Dr. Kelly Kearse asserts that science has not proven the blood on the Shroud of Turin is that of Christ By Bill Brewer Dr. Kelly Kearse wants to set the record straight—again. After headlines about the Shroud of Turin grabbed international attention in recent weeks with claims that biological material …
A loving option
Catholic Charities’ adoption ministry event brings adopting families together By Bill Brewer An East Tennessee barn dance with a family reunion. They go together like sweet iced tea and pork barbecue. Catholic Charities of East Tennessee’s second annual Barn Dance fundraiser for its A Loving Option Adoption ministry turned into …
Renewed in the Holy Spirit
Bishop Beckman rededicates worship space at Chattanooga church By Bill Brewer Renewal—physical and spiritual—was the message of the day on Aug. 16 as members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chattanooga took part in the rededication of their worship space. Bishop Mark Beckman was joined by OLPH pastor …
Farewell to a missionary
Bishop Beckman, Archbishop Kurtz lead funeral Mass for Father Joseph Hammond By Bill Brewer and Dan McWilliams Father Joseph Mary Aryee Hammond, CHS, who had served in the Diocese of Knoxville since 1998, was laid to rest on Aug. 16 following a funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church celebrated …
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Following where God leads him
Fr. John O’Neill retires from active diocesan ministry, accepts Conception assignment By Bill Brewer Father John O’Neill, a longtime priest of the dioceses of Knoxville and Nashville, has retired from active diocesan ministry and accepted a position as coordinator of spiritual formation at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo. Father …
Sister Jolita’s legacy
St. Joseph School establishing endowment to honor beloved educator By Bill Brewer Sister Jolita still has a powerful presence within the St. Joseph School community even as the Knoxville elementary school makes plans for the anniversary of her death. The community is making sure her last request continues to be …
School choice is now law of the land in Tennessee
By Bill Brewer Diocese of Knoxville schools are feeling the impact of state-funded, school-choice scholarships, which are affecting all 10 campuses from Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities. Diocesan schools, for the first time, are participating in a program that allows families to choose where their children attend school, and this month …
School choice? Why not?
Bill Dunn works within the system to give students education freedom By Bill Brewer Bill Dunn was convinced that school choice was right for Tennessee education in the 1980s when he was a 4-H representative just out of college and working in Grainger County. What began as an idea he …
Listening to the whisper, feeling the nudge
Men’s Discernment Group contributes to Diocese of Knoxville vocations By Bill Brewer Every fourth Saturday of each month a group of men gather in the Diocese of Knoxville Chancery for fellowship and discussion about Catholicism led by Father Mark Schuster or Father Arthur Torres. While fellowship is common around the …
Restoring the old
Our Lady of Perpetual Help project is updating church by going back in history By Bill Brewer Father Arthur Torres may want to consider leading a retreat on turning challenges into opportunities through faith. He has the perfect example in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Chattanooga. The OLPH …
A learning experience
Fr. Charters’ 50 years as a priest have been a lesson in adapting By Bill Brewer Father Tom Charters has been nominated for the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor. It’s fitting recognition for a priest who has served the Catholic faith for more than 50 years. Father …
Astronaut, rocket scientists visit STAR Ex camp
Students (and parents) get hands-on experience at St. John Neumann School as they explore space By Bill Brewer The 2025 version of the STAR Ex camp did not disappoint when it came to engaging young students in the wonders of space exploration, astronomy, rocketry, telescopes, robotics, satellites, rovers, and drones. …