COVID-19 protocols and procedures are greeting students, faculty at all 10 East Tennessee campuses By Bill Brewer Following a summer break of hope amid uncertainty, Diocese of Knoxville schools are welcoming students and faculty back into classrooms for the start of the 2020-21 academic year. Bishop Richard F. Stika and …
1
Retreating to Rogersville
Hawkins County is a welcoming host to Tennessee Knights of Columbus leaders and their strategic planning weekend By Bill Brewer Rome has an ambassador from Africa in Rogersville and Sneedville, and he is promoting the Catholic faith across the four corners of Hawkins and Hancock counties. Father Bartholomew Okere is …
1
Diocese’s newest priest, a Polish missionary, incardinated during Chrism Mass
By Bill Brewer Father Marcin Gladysz took the scenic route on his way to the Diocese of Knoxville, and that route was not without its detours and brushes with danger. East Tennessee’s newest priest was incardinated into the Diocese of Knoxville on May 19 during the Chrism Mass, a fitting …
Churches reopen after 2-month virus hiatus
Parishioners across East Tennessee return to first public Masses since March; COVID rules still being observed By Bill Brewer The feast of Pentecost saw a return to normal … well, a “new normal” for the Diocese of Knoxville as Masses were open to the public for the first time in …
Chrism Mass leaves a lasting impression during ‘coronatide’
Bishop Stika presides at annual Eastertide service, with only priests, deacons, women religious celebrating By Bill Brewer It was a Chrism Mass unlike any other celebrated in the Diocese of Knoxville. Bishop Richard F. Stika presided at the annual Mass, which had to be rescheduled from its original day and …
Rising above the pandemic
Diocesan ministries continue serving despite COVID-19 and its aftereffects By Bill Brewer If hope opens doors, then Bishop Richard F. Stika is an optimistic — and joyful — spiritual doorman. As the nation and the world continue to grapple with COVID-19 and its ghastly ripples, the risen Jesus is all …
A study in catechism: from the cavalry to Calvary
Tennessee National Guard member is among more than 200 people entering the Catholic Church By Bill Brewer Charles Hutson’s faith journey can be measured in miles, all 4,800 of them. That’s the distance the Tennessee Army National Guard captain has bridged to join the Catholic Church. Capt. Hutson is among …
‘Our Good Friday’
Bishop Stika reassures diocese, takes historic safety action due to coronavirus outbreak; Mass suspended By Bill Brewer Shuttered stores and schools. Locked restaurants and bars. Dissipated traffic. Silent theaters. Barren grocery shelves. Empty churches. The novel coronavirus, a mysterious, communicable illness that first appeared on the other side of the …
‘God’s dwelling place’
Our Lady of Fatima Parish marks the 20th year since its ‘new’ church was dedicated in Blount County By Bill Brewer A special Mass celebrated March 11 to mark the 20th anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Fatima’s present church, parish hall, and offices, was as much …
KCHS soccer players respond to Cookeville relief efforts
Fighting Irish teammates, fathers rally to aid Putnam County community devastated by March tornadoes By Bill Brewer Soccer was played after all, just not how the players had envisioned the match. And it was a few days late, too. However, it was a welcome distraction for Cookeville High School’s boys …
1
Living Roman in a Greek world
University of Tennessee is among FOCUS campuses seeing Catholic outreach to sororities and fraternities By Bill Brewer The Fellowship of Catholic University Students is expanding its mission: revolutionizing for Christ the sorority and fraternity culture on college campuses. When FOCUS missionaries first arrived on the University of Tennessee- Knoxville campus …
Debt of gratitude
Norris parishioners welcome Bishop Stika, who celebrates Mass at newly unencumbered St. Joseph By Bill Brewer Debt. Many parishes have it, yet can’t wait to be rid of it. Others without it are grateful on one hand, but on the other wonder what funds from a 30-year note could build. …