Bishop Stika hosts retreat, celebrates Mass for diocesan men who get a crash course in being better servants of Christ By Bill Brewer Father Larry Richards is all about love. Tough love. His unbridled approach to spreading the Gospel is more akin to a contact sport than “a tiptoe through …
Upon this Rock
Pope Francis blesses dedication stone for new Sacred Heart Cathedral and prays for Church’s foundation in East Tennessee. By Bill Brewer The Church’s building blocks come in all shapes and sizes. One in particular made its way from a Tennessee Valley marble seam to Rome, where Pope Francis blessed it …
‘Francis Effect’ seen through the eyes of a cardinal
Cardinal Justin Rigali, who concelebrated Mass with Holy Father, shares insight into historic U.S. papal visit By Bill Brewer If Cardinal Justin Rigali had only three words to describe Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, they would be “magnificent,” “challenge,” and “encounter.” The pope encountered large crowds of …
Pope Francis’ address makes an impact on Congress
East Tennessee delegation in attendance for first appearance ever by a pope before a joint session By Bill Brewer For six days in September, Pope Francis was the hottest ticket in Philadelphia, New York and Washington. And for a congressional delegation living within the Diocese of Knoxville, the Holy Father’s …
Cardinal celebrates first marriage Mass of 2015
By Bill Brewer August, the second most popular month for weddings behind June, is apparently popular for marriages, too – at least in the Diocese of Knoxville. Some 65 couples attended the first marriage Mass of 2015 on Aug. 29 at Notre Dame Church in Greeneville, where they renewed their …
American citizenship is dream come true for Chattanooga priests
Father Kuzhupil, Father Okere complete naturalization process with official ceremonies in U.S. District Court By Bill Brewer Father Joseph Kuzhupil and Father Bartholomew Okere are living the heavenly dream, but now they’ve found another one to add to it. The American dream has come alive for the two priests in …
Hundreds on hand for Planned Parenthood demonstration led by Bishop Stika, Protestant pastors
By Bill Brewer On a day when thousands of pro-life supporters in hundreds of cities across the country joined hands in praying for an end to Planned Parenthood abortions, Bishop Richard F. Stika joined the pastors of two Protestant churches in leading an ecumenical prayer service for the sanctity of …
Growing the lay apostolate
Catholic Bible School is at the heart of the Diocese of Knoxville’s Hispanic evangelization By Bill Brewer August just wasn’t the same for Gladys and Juan Herrera. They missed the excitement of starting a new school year, reconnecting with classmates and all the possibilities that new learning brings. But after …
Irish Fest brings out the Irish in everyone
If the weather, crowd size, and smiles are a barometer, then the 2015 edition of Irish Fest on the Hill at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville was a rousing success. More than a thousand people gathered in the 400 block of West Vine Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 8, for fellowship, …
‘How could it happen?’
Bishop Stika offers message of faith, forgiveness as Chattanoogans mourn deaths of servicemen By Bill Brewer and Jim Wogan An outpouring of sympathy and prayer has embraced the Chattanooga community and the families of five military men who were slain last month by a gunman who opened fi re on …
Fighting hunger is a team affair for parishes
A highly organized assembly line of parishioners from across the Diocese of Knoxville gathered at St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City on July 25 in an effort to help end hunger in Africa. Those who took part in the Helping Hands project, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, helped churn …
Diocese of Knoxville welcomes four new priests
By Jim Wogan With words of encouragement and a few more on what to expect, Bishop Richard F. Stika ordained four new priests into the Diocese of Knoxville on June 27. Jesus Guerrero-Rodriguez, Michael Hendershott, Scott Russell and Ray Powell all received their Holy Orders during the Rite of Ordination …