Retreat follows Jesus’ lead in teaching good shepherding lessons Story by Bill Brewer Photography by Stephen Golder and Robb Morris Sts. Peter and Andrew probably would have caught their limit on East Tennessee’s Hiwassee River the weekend of July 21. Father David Boettner and Robb Morris would have seen to …
The Melchizetrek: Keeping it real
God is present everywhere as priests, young men brave the elements to discern a vocation Story by Bill Brewer Photography courtesy of Father David Carter and Father Michael Hendershott When young men are discerning a vocation to the priesthood, priests pray for the intercession of the Holy Spirit to give …
Cardinal Rigali celebrates special for Mass for Humanae Vitae
His Eminence worked closely with Pope Paul VI following the release of historic encyclical By Bill Brewer Humanae Vitae, the widely followed encyclical by Pope Paul VI, whose teaching on conjugal love and responsible parenthood sparked a great deal of debate when it was published on July 25, 1968, was …
An invitation to make a difference
Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish looking for partners on an outreach mission to deliver aid in Haiti By Bill Brewer Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish’s Haiti Outreach ministry is looking for a few good partners. The parish’s Haiti ministry has been effective and growing to the point where it would like to …
Diocesan evangelization extends far beyond East Tennessee
Father John Appiah is leading efforts to bring health care, education to his native Ghana By Bill Brewer Evangelization in the Diocese of Knoxville extends far beyond the boundaries of East Tennessee. The care, concern, generosity, and overall ministry of diocesan clergy, religious, and laity is seen in East Tennessee’s …
EWTN to feature series by Cardinal Rigali
Network crew spent time in Knoxville recording ‘Living the Christian Life’ episodes that will air next month By Bill Brewer Eternal Word Television Network in September will begin broadcasting a 10-episode teaching series featuring Cardinal Justin Rigali, who will cover a range of spiritual topics aimed at enriching the faith. …
Bishops respond to execution of Knox County death row inmate
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 …
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 …
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 …









