By Dan McWilliams Following the lead of Pope Francis in Rome, Bishop Richard F. Stika opened a Holy Door of Mercy at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The opening of holy doors around the diocese and around the …
Five from Knoxville Catholic High School sign with universities
By Dan McWilliams Knoxville Catholic High School celebrated its first signing day of 2015-16 on Nov. 11 as five student athletes committed to universities at a ceremony in the school library. Two softball players signed, Gianna Carideo with the University of Washington and Jessica Hamilton with Transylvania University. A pair …
Sacred Heart runners have standout cross-country season
The school wins a pair of state titles in the elementary-level varsity meets and has high finishers in other divisions as well By Dan McWilliams The Sacred Heart Cathedral School teams’ imprint was all over the middle and elementary school cross country state championships held recently at Victor Ashe Park …
All Saints Day rosary is held
By Dan McWilliams More than 80 people attended the annual All Saints Day rosary Nov. 1 at Calvary Cemetery in Knoxville. “It’s about 85 people, which is the biggest in the last few years anyway,” said Father Ron Franco, CSP, pastor of Immaculate Conception in downtown Knoxville, which maintains the …
St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic salutes volunteers at appreciation luncheon
By Dan McWilliams The St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic held its second annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 2 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Lenoir City. Several dozen volunteers attended a Mass and the luncheon, with many of them recognized at the latter event, including Mass celebrant Father Bill …
Blessed Teresa hosts second Royalty Carnival
By Dan McWilliams Through its second annual Royalty Carnival, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Maynardville played host to several hundred guests Sept. 5. The carnival was a big success in raising money for Blessed Teresa’s new church building. The festival took place on the site of the future church, …
St. Mary-Oak Ridge volleyballers win KISL event
The Knoxville Independent School League (KISL) held its annual volleyball tournament at St. Joseph School in Knoxville, with the finals being held Oct. 2. The St. Mary varsity volleyball team from Oak Ridge took first place in the regular season and swept the tournament, securing its third consecutive championship. “We …
Notre Dame names new wrestling head coach
Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga has recently named Rocco Mansueto as the new head wrestling coach. “The Notre Dame community is extremely excited to have someone the caliber of Rocco Mansueto who will mentor our young men and women in the classroom and continue the great tradition of the …
Adult confirmation Mass to be diocesan tradition
Bishop Stika presides at first celebration for 54 parishioners who never received holy sacrament as youth By Dan McWilliams A new tradition began in the diocese Sept. 13 at Sacred Heart Cathedral as Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the first Mass of Confirmation for adults. “We gather this day to …
Renovations greet returning Sacred Heart students
By Dan McWilliams When Sacred Heart Cathedral School students began classes Sept. 8, they found that plenty of renovations took place over the summer at their 59-year-old building. The school improvements, conducted while construction on a new cathedral was taking place next door, made it an exciting time for Daniel …
Parishioners launch effort for Calvary Cemetery upkeep
Families, volunteers joining to provide maintenance for historic East Knoxville burial site By Dan McWilliams Calvary Cemetery has been the final resting place for Knoxville’s Catholic families and diocesan priests for 146 years, and as the graveyard nears capacity the focus is beginning to turn to a perpetual-care fund that …
Holy Ghost hosts Bishop Johnston for 25th ordination anniversary
Former Diocese of Knoxville priest and chancellor celebrates Mass with Bishop Stika, Cardinal Rigali By Dan McWilliams Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. returned home June 30. The bishop, who for seven years has led the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau, Mo., celebrated Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Knoxville to mark …