The Catholic Charities ministry in Newcomb distributes toys to more than 250 children By Dan McWilliams The annual Christmas party at the Crazy Quilt Friendship Center in Newcomb on Dec. 16 saw more than 250 young people receive toys, bicycles, and more. Donations from East Tennessee Catholics and churchgoers …
Coulter Family Playfield ribbon-cutting held at Sacred Heart Cathedral School
Sacred Heart Cathedral School held a ribbon-cutting and blessing for its new Coulter Family Playfield on Dec. 1. Cathedral rector Father David Boettner presided at an all-school Mass before the ceremony outdoors. Above, Grayson Coulter cuts the ribbon surrounded by his family as Mindy Coulter helps with the ceremonial scissors. …
Father Whitman celebrates 40 years as a priest
In four decades, the convert from North Carolina has served in several East Tennessee parishes By Dan McWilliams Father Dan Whitman left a career in advertising more than four decades ago to pursue a vocation to the priesthood, and countless East Tennessee Catholics have been blessed by his ministry ever …
’Tis the season of Advent
Services abound as parishes prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ By Dan McWilliams Holy Ghost Parish in North Knoxville marked two feast days in late October with a eucharistic procession and a healing Mass to help its community mark the coming of Christ that will be celebrated diocesan-wide …
Sacred Heart gym, athletic field have new look
A new floor and scoreboard highlight the gym improvements, and Coulter Field has a new turf surface By Dan McWilliams Sacred Heart Cathedral School students are enjoying the benefits of a newly refurbished gymnasium/performing-arts center and a new turf surface on its athletic field behind the school. The replacement of …
A celebration of history at St. Mary-Athens
A potluck dinner marks the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the parish’s first church By Dan McWilliams St. Mary Parish in Athens used a significant anniversary to celebrate its history at a potluck dinner Oct. 15 in the family life center. “The recent party was to commemorate the 50th …
Longtime priest Father Hostettler dies at 100
He led parishes statewide for 73 years, including his beloved St. Catherine Labouré in Copperhill By Dan McWilliams Father Paul Hostettler, a priest for 73 years who celebrated his 100th birthday in May and dearly loved his time at St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Copperhill in East Tennessee, passed away …
Relics of Padre Pio exposed in diocese
Faithful from East Tennessee and beyond venerate beloved Italian saint By Dan McWilliams Hundreds of the faithful venerated the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina on Sept. 26 and 27 as they were exposed first at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville and then the …
Entering the gates of the Lord
St. Alphonsus Parish moves into its new church with thanksgiving By Dan McWilliams Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre extended his hand and said only five words to start his homily in the dedication Mass for the new St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville on Sept. 12, and the assembly erupted in applause. …
All Saints’ Diaz leading Pellissippi soccer team
She’s ‘grateful for the opportunity’ as she becomes the first head coach for the new college program By Dan McWilliams Mariana Diaz Lopez of All Saints Parish in Knoxville is making an impact in local sports as the first women’s soccer head coach at Pellissippi State Community College as the …
Fourteenth annual Irish Fest draws 700 to IC
By Dan McWilliams A little rain early on did not stop some 700 people from enjoying the 14th annual Irish Fest on Aug. 12, hosted again by Immaculate Conception Parish in downtown Knoxville. The event netted more than $10,000 that will be earmarked for capital repairs at IC. The Irish …
KCHS football coach Cokinos steps down
Former Irish coach Steve Matthews and longtime prep coach Philip Shadowens named co-head coaches By Dan McWilliams Dean Cokinos, named head coach of the Knoxville Catholic High School football team Dec. 22, stepped down this summer shortly before practices began for the 2023 season. “Coach Cokinos won’t have the opportunity …