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 …
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Caring for the Caregivers
St. John Neumann physician turns devastating diagnosis into a lay ministry By Bill Brewer Photography by Stephanie Richer St. John Neumann Parish is embracing a unique ministry that its members hope will grow to other parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville. Given the rising need, the chance of that happening …
Diocese of Knoxville Missionaries of Mercy meet with Holy Father in Rome
Their mission is prolonged indefinitely By Bill Brewer When Pope Francis reconvened the Missionaries of Mercy in April, Monsignor Al Humbrecht, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Soddy-Daisy, and Father Joe Reed, associate pastor of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, were among the hundreds of clergy …
Priest assignments set for several Diocese of Knoxville parishes
Retirements, pastoral moves to take place at more than a dozen churches on July 1 By Bill Brewer Bishop Richard F. Stika has announced pastoral assignments that will take effect July 1 for several Diocese of Knoxville parishes. Included in the upcoming moves are the retirements of Monsignor Patrick Garrity …
Local Knights of Columbus mission program may have national appeal
By Bill Brewer The idea was born from a desire to better assist priests. It was then shared with a priest who helped modify and nurture it. Now that idea has morphed into a Knights of Columbus initiative being introduced to all Knights councils across the state with the hope …
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Ladies of Charity hold 2nd annual RAM clinic
Thrift store, warehouse transformed into a mobile medical center as inner-city clients receive free health care By Bill Brewer The Ladies of Charity headquarters in Knoxville was transformed for a second consecutive year into a temporary medical center to serve the uninsured and underinsured. And based on responses from patients …
Cathedral hosts first performance in Concert Series
Knoxville Handel Society joins Sacred Heart to stage ‘The Creation’ with full choir, orchestra By Bill Brewer In what probably is a first for the Diocese of Knoxville, the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus served as center stage for a live secular choir and orchestra performance as …
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Sacred Heart Apostolate relocates to Diocese of Knoxville
Cathedral parishioner Lisa Morris to lead international enthronement organization By Bill Brewer The Diocese of Knoxville is now home to the Sacred Heart Apostolate, a global movement for promoting the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to renew communities by centering families on the love of …
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Catholic veterans post helps vets with ‘anything’
Post 1973 at Our Lady of Fatima assists vets in a variety of projects, including food drives and flag-retirement ceremonies By Bill Brewer Deacon Ken Long spends each Tuesday giving Communion to a small group of men he barely knows but shares much in common. He’s a veteran helping other …
Family life center at the heart of future plans for St. Mary-Gatlinburg
Despite setbacks from wildfires, Sevier County parish is outgrowing present space for activities By Bill Brewer Unlike the proverbial phoenix, St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg hasn’t had to rise from the ashes, though that possibility was a sobering thought for Father Antony Punnackal on Nov. 28, 2016. Still, Father Punnackal, …
Conversation with the Cardinals
A new cathedral dedicated to Christ, and the role of Pope St. John Paul II By Bill Brewer and Angel Brewer Opening weekend for the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was all about Christ. Pope St. John Paul II had a role, too. And once the new …
Celebrating Jesus in Polish, Spanish
Masses led by cardinal, apostolic nuncio give international flavor to dedication weekend By Bill Brewer The dedication of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was a sacred moment in history for the Diocese of Knoxville in more ways than one. Not only did Bishop Richard F. Stika …
