Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker sworn in as U.S. citizen during Dec. 6 naturalization ceremony in Chattanooga By Bill Brewer Pardon Father Julius Abuh while he brushes up on his Southern drawl. Since becoming a U.S. citizen Dec. 6, the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville …
D.C., Knox Marches for Life attract big numbers
Pro-life supporters turn out en masse to voice their positions on the sanctity of life, backing for life legislation By Bill Brewer Marches for Life in Washington, D.C., and Knoxville attracted near-record numbers of supporters this year as pro-life advocates make their voices heard in an important election year. As …
BVM order endows scholarship for Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Sisters taught at site in Chattanooga 1937-2003 By Bill Brewer The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who have served as teachers in the Diocese of Knoxville, are providing scholarships for students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga. Cissy West, development director for Our Lady …
‘Humbled and blessed’
Father Steve Pawelk exits East Tennessee for new Glenmary assignment after building Catholic communities in Union, Grainger counties By Bill Brewer As Father Steve Pawelk packed his belongings, mementos, and memories from eight years of ministry in East Tennessee, the Glenmary Home Missioners priest couldn’t help but reflect on the …
Vandal’s attack on crucifixes unites basilica, N.C. parish
Desecration of sacred objects prompts faith communities to help St. Joseph’s By Bill Brewer One vandal’s act of desecration has created fellowship between the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga and St. Joseph’s Parish in Bryson City, N.C., that is a testament to the teachings of Jesus. And …
Sacred Heart Parish’s Haiti ministry marks 20th year of service
Haitian Cardinal Chibly Langlois visits cathedral campus, appeals to supporters to continue their mission By Bill Brewer When you can’t get to Haiti, Haiti will get to you. And so it was at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Oct. 17-18 when Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop of …
Celebrating life in all its ages, stages, and conditions
Tennessee Right to Life recognizes women who have overcome obstacles to live their very best lives By Bill Brewer Life, in all its ages, stages, and conditions was praised on Oct. 15 when some 350 pro-life supporters gathered for the Celebrate Life Banquet sponsored by the Knox County chapter of …
Seminarians learning that priestly vocation is a bilingual one
Students spending summers between seminary terms mastering the Spanish language ahead of ordination By Bill Brewer Pase la sal y la pimienta por favor. Chances are Robbie Bauman, Joseph Austin, Andrew Crabtree, and Neil Blatchford recognized the request and passed the salt and pepper. Lunch at St. Meinrad Seminary is …
A family’s ‘beautifully tragic story’
Peppermans rely on faith as they remember the husband and father who died saving their lives By Bill Brewer The love of a close-knit family is among the strongest bonds—strong enough to withstand even the grip of a hurricane-strength rip current. Julie Pepperman is thankful for family. She wouldn’t be …
40 Days for Life returns for fall diocesan vigil
Parishioners gather for prayer, peaceful presence outside East Knox Planned Parenthood site By Bill Brewer Pro-life prayer warriors are out in force in East Tennessee, and for 40 days they will be storming heaven to intercede for the unborn and women in crisis pregnancies considering abortion. The Diocese of Knoxville …
A Knights of Columbus homecoming
Immaculate Conception Parish welcomes back Michael McCusker, new state deputy for the Knights By Bill Brewer There was a homecoming on July 26 for Michael McCusker. As the new state deputy of the Tennessee Knights of Columbus took his place at the lectern inside Immaculate Conception Church, he surveyed the …
Holy Spirit is remembering the past to build on its future
Bishop Stika joins Msgr. Humbrecht, Fr. Creson, Fr. Glennon to celebrate parish’s 20th anniversary By Bill Brewer Holy Spirit is thriving … because of the Holy Spirit. As the parish in Soddy-Daisy marked its 20th anniversary this year, Bishop Richard F. Stika joined Holy Spirit pastor Monsignor Al Humbrecht, founding …