Wave of Church vandalism strikes East Tennessee

Chattanooga parish joins growing list of U.S. church properties damaged by hate acts      By The East Tennessee Catholic/Catholic News Service As increasing incidents of vandalism against Church properties are reported across the country, St. Stephen Parish in Chattanooga has sadly found it was not immune. A 5-foot-tall outdoor statue …

Diocese of Knoxville among organizations receiving PPP loans

The East Tennessee Catholic staff The Diocese of Knoxville is among thousands of U.S. for-profit and nonprofit organizations that participated in the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that has kept diocesan churches open and vital ministries that assist the public operating. The PPP, as it’s commonly referred to, is …

Chattanooga parishes rally behind world rosary

Virgin of the Poor Shrine in New Hope is site of global relay to pray for the gift of priesthood                     By Janice Fritz-Ryken Stifling heat and rain showers did not diminish the devotions of nearly 50 parishioners from the Diocese of Knoxville who recently made the trek to a small …

Matthew Donahue ordained to the transitional diaconate

Bishop Stika elevates the seminarian to holy orders, calling him a ‘gift from God’ for the diocese                  By Dan McWilliams As Bishop Richard F. Stika said in his homily, the name Matthew means “gift from God,” and he added that’s what the Diocese of Knoxville is receiving in newly …

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, former shepherd of Buffalo, Nashville dies

By Catholic News Service Retired Bishop Edward U. Kmiec of Buffalo, the diocese’s 13th bishop, died peacefully July 11 following a brief illness. He was 84. Bishop Kmiec had been in declining health during the past several months, the diocese said in a July 12 statement. “We commend to our …

Examining the Books of Moses—the Pentateuch

The first five books of the Old Testament are sacred in both the Jewish and the Christian traditions By Sister Anna Marie McGuan, RSM Having given a preliminary sketch of the sections of the Old Testament, in this article I expand on the Books of Moses, also known as the …

Diocesan Tribunal of Knoxville becomes a reality

New ministry based in Chattanooga to handle annulment requests, other canon law cases By Bill Brewer The Diocese of Knoxville now has a fully functioning tribunal, a canon law ministry that will decide annulment cases and other legal matters that are within the specific purview of the Catholic Church and …

In a cupcake store: ‘how can people act that way?’

A 19-year-old employee has to put up with angry reactions to mask-wearing requirements By George Valadie She’s just a kid. I don’t mean that as any sort of insult, not in any way. In fact, she’s as mature a young lady as I’ve known. I’d trust her with my car, …

KCHS cross country and track runner receives Knoxville Hall of Fame award

Recent Knoxville Catholic High School graduate and running standout Callie Grace Tucker received the 2020 female High School Athlete of the Year Award from the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. She joins KCHS runner Jake Renfree, the 2019 boys winner, in earning the honor. Callie received the award in …

Diocese of Knoxville schools plan for safe, healthy return to classrooms

COVID-19 protocols and procedures are greeting students, faculty at all 10 East Tennessee campuses By Bill Brewer Following a summer break of hope amid uncertainty, Diocese of Knoxville schools are welcoming students and faculty back into classrooms for the start of the 2020-21 academic year. Bishop Richard F. Stika and …

The Good Samaritan story, for our current times

Tensions between the Jews and the Samaritans can be compared with today’s social upheaval By Bob Hunt These past several weeks, since the killing of George Floyd, our nation has been wracked with protests and social upheaval we have not seen in decades. Many have lost their lives in the …