Sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit

St. Therese Parish hosts bishop, who celebrates first sacrament of confirmation Mass By Dan McWilliams Bishop Mark Beckman celebrated the sacrament of confirmation for the first time as shepherd of the Church in East Tennessee on Nov. 23 at St. Therese Church in Clinton as three young people of the …

Knoxville Catholic captures cross country titles

Keegan Smith wins his second individual state crown while the KCHS boys team takes first and the Lady Irish third By Dan McWilliams Led by individual state champion Keegan Smith, the Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country runners captured the team state title this fall for the first time …

‘She protected that life’

TRL keynote speaker gives thanks to mother for saving her from abortion By Dan McWilliams Kathy Barnette, keynote speaker for the Celebrate Life Banquet sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life, frequently said her remarks were addressed to “the adults in the room,” comparing them to …

Air Force chaplain Father Appiah returns to DOK for Oktoberfest

By Dan McWilliams Father John Appiah made a return trip to East Tennessee to visit the Oktoberfest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, and he met Bishop Mark Beckman for the first time at the event Oct. 18. Father Appiah, ordained a priest at …

Getting to know you

Bishop Beckman has visited nearly half of parishes and all 10 Catholic schools By Bill Brewer, Dan McWilliams, and Gabrielle Nolan The Cumberland County churches of St. Alphonsus and St. Francis of Assisi as well as St. Henry in Rogersville, St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City, and the Basilica …

Bishop Beckman visits Crossville Oktoberfest

The diocese’s shepherd has first experience with the Knights event that has raised thousands for charity By Dan McWilliams The 33rd annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8152 of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, drew a special guest on the first of its two nights Oct. 18-19. Bishop …

Bishop Beckman gets to know DOK students

The diocese’s shepherd visits both high schools and four elementary schools during August and September By Dan McWilliams Bishop Mark Beckman made several school visits in August and September as he traveled to Notre Dame High School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and St. Jude School, all in Chattanooga, …

Diocese responds to flood disaster

Diocesan pastoral teams reach out to residents in need of spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial support By Dan McWilliams Bishop Mark Beckman was able to see firsthand the ministry to victims of flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in visits to Erwin and Hampton on Oct. 2. The bishop met with …

OLPH class of 1974 gathers for 50-year reunion

Many students in the class return to reminisce at the Chattanooga church and school By Dan McWilliams The class of 1974 from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga returned to the campus July 20 for its 50-year reunion. Some 80 percent of the 58-member eighth-grade class attended the …

NDHS grad Olivia Reeves wins Olympic gold

The weightlifter, also a St. Jude School alum, is welcomed back to Chattanooga with a parade By Dan McWilliams Olivia Reeves, an alumna of Notre Dame High School and St. Jude School in Chattanooga, made history when she won the gold medal in the women’s 71-kilogram (157-pound) weightlifting category Aug. …

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A journey to the priesthood

Father Vick marks silver jubilee with international flavor at St. Bridget By Dan McWilliams More than 50 parishioners of St. Bridget in Dayton helped pastor Father Jim Vick celebrate his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination at a potluck supper on June 15. Father Vick, who earned a doctorate in dentistry …

Ordination Mass receives rave reactions

Members of convention center congregation moved by faith-filled celebration By Dan McWilliams Beautiful. Impressive. A great day for the Diocese of Knoxville. Those were among the reactions, from just a few of the 4,000 attending, to the July 26 ordination and installation of Bishop Mark Beckman as the Church in …