By George Valadie It was a Sunday morning not all that long ago, though I can’t recall which one. I remember it because of the Gospel that day, you know the one where Our Lord taught his apostles how to pray using the words that we now know as the Lord’s …
All Saints group takes part in Catholic Heart Workscamp
Youths and adults from All Saints Parish in Knoxville participated in a Catholic Heart Workcamp in Ashland, Mt., July 11-16. The 34 campers joined 330 others from 14 parishes from nine different states for a week of service and ministry. Participants completed community service projects on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation …
East Tennessee missionaries join FOCUS ministry’s campus outreach
The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, a national organization of Catholic missionaries that evangelizes to students on college campuses across the country, has again reached into the Diocese of Knoxville for assistance. Megan Ferowich, a Knoxville Catholic High School graduate who just completed studies at the University of Notre Dame, …
Discernment for new diaconate class beginning
The Diocese of Knoxville is inviting men interested in learning more about becoming a deacon for the Catholic Church to begin a period of discernment that will lead to a new class being formed in September 2017. “The purpose of discernment is to separate ambition from vocation. That’s the best …
Once upon a time: Your pastor needs you
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel There was a time when things shut down for the summer, especially for school folks — but not anymore. Now, most of us run, run, run all the time, taking a few days for vacation when we can work it in. Plenty goes on year-round, so …
He dwells among us: Saints and prophets
The Church does not offer political solutions but must always be the voice of God’s truth By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor 9:16) The words of St. Paul challenge all of us, particularly clergy, to always speak the truth …
Diocese of Knoxville schools draw closer to accreditation review
System evaluation for AdvancED certification to take place during 2016-17 school year following four-year preparation The culmination of the accreditation process will be a key theme during the 2016-17 academic year as Diocese of Knoxville schools are evaluated by AdvancED for certification as a system of excellence. While the majority …
‘You are still with us from your window in heaven’
Co-worker of Lourdes Garza shares tributes following death of beloved Hispanic Ministries director By Blanca Primm Maria de Lourdes Garza is a woman whose presence is still felt among us even though she has left us to rejoice at the celestial banquet. What a battle you fought, friend and sister! Yes, …
Understanding the sacraments: The Mass — a mystery of mercy
It is ‘the place where the mercy of Christ is not only recalled but received’ By Father Randy Stice The tragic events of recent weeks and months recall the prophetic words of St. John Paul II in 1980, that as the human conscience becomes increasingly secularized it “moves away from …
Marriage enrichment: Finding our Road to Emmaus
Our spiritual GPS instructs us to help others find their way as we keep family life holy By Marian Christiana In May I participated in a webinar hosted by the Center for Ministry Development called You Gotta Love Them: Insights into Welcoming, Accompanying and Empowering Families. The webinar was based …
Guest column: Making NFP a part of your marriage
Natural Family Planning can bring couples closer to each other and to God By Megan Ulrich When I was asked to write an article about Natural Family Planning (NFP), I knew that it needed to be positive, informative, personal and authentic. The article needs to grab the reader and shout, …
He dwells among us: Jesus, where are you?
In life’s storms when we feel overwhelmed, Christ is present in surprising ways By Bishop Richard F. Stika I occasionally come across an inspirational quote or story on Facebook that I like to share. Once such story, written in poetic form, speaks of how God sometimes allows us to experience more …