Mecklenborg to lead diocesan communications

By The East Tennessee Catholic Bishop Mark Beckman has named John Mecklenborg the director of communications for the Diocese of Knoxville. Mr. Mecklenborg’s appointment was effective Nov. 4. Mr. Mecklenborg has been a resident of Knoxville since graduating from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a degree in journalism-broadcasting. He and …

‘Seek God’s will’

Diocese hosts first Vocation Family night at Sacred Heart Cathedral By Maggie Parsons Parents and children were excited to be at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus’ parish hall on Nov. 7 as they chatted with priests and religious Sisters during the first Vocation Family Night in …

The Eucharist has a ‘cosmic character’

The body and blood of Christ ‘introduce within creation . . . a sort of “nuclear fission” By Father Randy Stice The Second Vatican Council taught that since Christ died for all and that all have the same ultimate vocation of eternal life in the Trinity, “the Holy Spirit in …

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The solution to ‘What’s the problem?’

It is the birth of Christ on the first Christmas Day and His second coming By Deacon Bob Hunt Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord. It is also a season …

Ladies of Charity prepare clients young and older for Christmas

By The East Tennessee Catholic Guests to the Ladies of Charity-Knoxville’s “Christmas for Kids,” which was held on Dec. 12 at the organization’s North Knoxville facility, were greeted with Christmas volunteers, Santa Claus, and cheer. Each family shopped for coats, hats and mittens, apparel, and toys. When they finished their …

He lied to his nurse in hiding 1.3 pounds

No harm came to anyone by not telling the truth, unless he counts himself—and his conscience By George Valadie I lied. I’m not proud of it. I’m a little embarrassed and a little ashamed. Why on earth would I do that? It’s not like I planned to. I actually surprised …

Responding urgently to those in need

DOK parishioners’ donations for flood relief set a record The East Tennessee Catholic East Tennessee’s Catholic faithful stepped up when it counted in response to the devastating floods that overwhelmed communities like Erwin and Newport Sept. 26-27. That response in resources and financial support has been, well, overwhelming. According to …

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Christmas in our heart

May the peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts this holy season By Bishop Mark Beckman Several years ago, I noticed a wonderful church sign. It said something along the lines of: “If you don’t have Christmas in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree either.” I …

2024 Advent penance services

Here are the Advent penance services scheduled around the diocese received as of press time. Note that many parishes (especially in the Smoky Mountain Deanery) are having, instead of penance services, extended or additional times for confession during Advent: Chattanooga Deanery Wednesday, Dec. 4: Holy Spirit, Soddy-Daisy, 7 p.m. Thursday, …

She prayed for vocations; God called her son

East Tennessee mother helped found a parish and raised a future priest By Catholic Extension Society A few days after Lucia Herman had her first child, Danny, she and her husband brought their infant son to Mass. Like Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, Mrs. Herman was so grateful …

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Paraclete book, gift store ceases operations

By The East Tennessee Catholic The Paraclete Catholic book and gift store, which operated in Knoxville for 37 years, closed permanently on July 3. The store had used space since 1990 in a building now owned by the Diocese of Knoxville and the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of …

St. Thérèse of Lisieux Women of Faith complete spiritual adoption

The Women of Faith at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in Cleveland have completed another successful Spiritual Adoption Program. Last January, parishioners “spiritually adopted” an unborn child to pray for throughout pregnancy and birth. They were provided with a prayer card to aid their journey. Many parishioners named their babies …