Notre Dame parishioners assist in a variety of ways By Emily Booker Alma Vasquez was at her home in Chuckey, on the border of Greene and Washington counties, on the morning of Sept. 26. She had been planning to attend a funeral in Mountain City that afternoon. Although the morning …
Bishops’ letter on Appalachia marks 50 years
Pastoral addresses region’s social, economic, environmental needs By Emily Booker From St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creation, which celebrates 800 years this year, to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which marks 10 years in 2025, the Church has a long tradition of promoting the dignity of the human person, …
An ET parish with presidential ties
In Andrew Johnson, 19th-century Catholics found an ally, support By Emily Booker As the nation prepares to transition from its 46th president to president No. 47, history is telling us that one parish in East Tennessee had a U.S. president to thank for its establishment. President Andrew Johnson, whose birthday …
Cathedral chosen to host Alpha focus group
Selected teens offer feedback on a video series that will impact future Alpha releases around the world By Emily Booker The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was recently selected as the only U.S. location to host a special focus group for Alpha, a program that offers a …
‘A community of light’
Catholic Extension presents Lumen Christi Award; St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic is honored By Emily Booker Catholic Extension Society presented Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, medical director of the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic (SMLC), with the Lumen Christi Award on Oct. 30. The award is Catholic Extension’s highest honor, given to …
Shining a light on St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic
Diocese’s medical ministry hosts national visitors at St. Alphonsus site By Emily Booker The campus of St. Alphonsus Church in Crossville was a popular destination recently for out-of-state observers who wanted to see firsthand the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic in action. On Aug. 27, the Legacy Clinic (SMLC) hosted several …
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, …
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Hillbilly Thomists bring bluegrass and Bible to Bijou
Performance by Dominican friars band benefits the Chesterton Academy By Emily Booker The Hillbilly Thomists, a band of Dominican friars, shared their blessed, soul-filled sound to a packed Bijou Theatre in Knoxville on Aug. 3. The concert, part of their Marigold Tour through the South, was a fundraiser for the …
Meeting, greeting, preaching
Bishop Beckman sets out for parishes, schools following ordination, installation The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Mark Beckman has hit the ground running following his July 26 ordination and installation as he visits parishes and schools, celebrating Mass and getting to know the Catholic faithful of East Tennessee. In his remarks …
Behind the altar
Many people, a lot of hours go into planning an ordination Mass By Emily Booker It takes a diocese to elevate a bishop. When guests stepped into the Knoxville Convention Center on July 26 for the ordination and installation of Mark Beckman as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of …
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Ordaining, installing our fourth shepherd
Diocese readies for Bishop-elect Beckman and a historic moment By Jim Wogan and Emily Booker “The Bishops, established by the Holy Spirit, succeed the Apostles. They are ‘the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular Churches.’ Helped by the priests, their co-workers, and by deacons, the bishops …
St. Patrick acquires land for parish expansion
Parishioners join Haggard family in generous gift to the Church in Morristown By Emily Booker Through generous gifts, St. Patrick Parish in Morristown has acquired 3.3 acres of land adjacent to the parish property to aid with parish expansion. The Haggard family donated 2.3 acres of land in memory of …