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. …
Centenarian Mary Harris has super faith
Alexian Village resident is oldest in state and second oldest in United States By Bill Brewer Mary Harris stands out at Alexian Village, where she is a popular resident with many well-wishers at the Signal Mountain retirement community. You could even say she stands out in Tennessee, the United States, …
‘A beautiful light in this world’
Bishop Beckman presides at memorial Mass for Pope Francis By Bill Brewer Pope Francis was remembered in memorial Masses held in churches throughout the Diocese of Knoxville in the days immediately following his April 21 death. And as parishes marked the solemn occasion, Bishop Mark Beckman was the principal celebrant …
The ministry of presence matters as Erwin is recovering
Glenmary team leading efforts to unify Unicoi By Bill Brewer As St. Michael the Archangel Parish and the town of Erwin move forward from the devastating flood wrought by Hurricane Helene last September, Father Tom Charters is preparing for yet another emotional moment. Next month, the pastor will give first …
Helene flood: A Catholic response
For this deacon, ‘Semper Fidelis’ was at the heart of CCETN disaster relief By Bill Brewer As Deacon David Duhamel of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee rushed last fall to assist the victims of historic flooding in upper East Tennessee from Hurricane Helene, he kept encountering two powerful forces. And …
The season of renewal
Bishop Beckman welcomes catechumens and candidates at Rite of Election By Bill Brewer Easter 2025 will always have particular prominence in the lives of Caroline and Logan Wright of St. Mary Parish in Johnson City. In the Jubilee Year, the Year of Hope, Mr. Wright will be among the catechumens …
Mary Catherine Willard, ‘godmother of diocese,’ dies
Catholic Day on the Hill foundress, diocesan lay leader received papal award By Bill Brewer There was a somber undertone to Catholic Day on the Hill on Feb. 26 as the annual legislative event that brings together Tennessee’s Catholic faithful to meet lawmakers and the governor in Nashville was without …
Protecting life at every stage
End-of-life seminar explains Church teaching, decisions faced as death nears By Bill Brewer As the United States continues confronting the abortion issue, and prayerfully comes up with a pro-life solution, another right-to-life issue on the minds of many Catholics is the end of life— and questions surrounding decisions when confronting …
Education Freedom Act passes legislature
The legislation was backed by Tennessee’s Catholic bishops, parents, and organizations By Bill Brewer School choice will soon be available to students in East Tennessee and across the state as the General Assembly in Nashville approved the Education Freedom Act on Jan. 30 during floor votes in the House and …
Bishop experiences Catholic Schools Week
Students at St. Mary-Johnson City ask him about his episcopal ring, how much he is paid, and more By Bill Brewer Bishop Mark Beckman was in impressive company during one of his most recent get-to-know-you meetings with Diocese of Knoxville parishioners. In attendance were young leaders of the community, including …
The dawn of a new day
Bishop leads basilica Mass marking solemnity of Immaculate Conception, meets with Serrans By Bill Brewer Bishop Mark Beckman marked the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, where he celebrated Mass and also recognized the Serra Club of Chattanooga for its work in promoting …
Bishops back new school choice bill
Lawmakers to take up Education Freedom Act; special session called By Bill Brewer Education savings accounts, which already are in place in Hamilton, Davidson, and Shelby counties, are again at the top of Gov. Bill Lee’s legislative agenda, this time for the 2025 General Assembly. And the bishops of Tennessee …
