Guidelines for liturgy can enhance our cultural and linguistic diversity By Father Randy Stice One of the riches of diocese is its growing cultural diversity, with Mass celebrated in a number of different languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. In this respect we mirror the diversity of the Church in …
Marriage enrichment: Helping couples blend their faith
Ecumenical, interfaith marriages should openly discuss religious practice By Marian Christiana Marriage preparation is one of the great joys of my job. I love working with couples of all ages who are beginning their marital journey. Their happiness and optimism is infectious, and their enthusiasm spills over into my own …
Once upon a time: The Holy Week(s) of Easter
Celebration of Christ’s triumph over death has expanded through the years Holy Week always has been special. Before there was a Holy Week, Easter began with the Easter vigil. And before many years had passed Easter included seven days beginning on Palm Sunday. Gradually the week turned into two weeks, …
Living the readings: The Easter season
Fifty days of rejoicing lead the faithful to feast of Pentecost By Father Joseph Brando In this previous column, we explored the entire season of Lent. Today, we will delve into the Sundays of the Easter season, including the great day of Pentecost. Since we are covering twice as many …
The gift of sight
Bishop, cardinal, St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners form bonds with visiting children from Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos By Ashley Siferd Leave it to an endearing group of young people from El Salvador and their East Tennessee hosts to bring to life a key teaching of Jesus Christ. In early March, a …
NCYC gets rave reviews from DOK youth at conference
By Noah Goodson More than 23,000 youth from around the country, including the Diocese of Knoxville, journeyed to Indianapolis to experience the National Catholic Youth Conference. Held at Lucas Oil Stadium, NCYC is a biennial event intended to help Catholic youth develop a more powerful faith. It was held Nov. …
He dwells among us: Walls of illusion
In this Year of Mercy, let’s tear down the walls of fear dividing us from God and neighbor By Bishop Richard F. Stika With the Easter season we again rejoice in the words, “Christ is Risen!” For by His death and resurrection, the walls of sin that separated us have …
Praying for perspective: Coming to terms with Lent and a tattletale conscience
By George Valadie It happened to me just last week. I’d love to say it was the first time ever, but I’d be lying. I messed up and ate meat — on a Friday. I swear it was just an accident, perhaps the sort that has happened to you at …
Once upon a time: Getting from ashes to Easter
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Every parish has some. Packed away in a box or two, there is a supply of bunting and other material used to drape the doors of the parish church in gold and white when the pope dies. In civil matters, the bunting may be red, white …
Merciful like Joseph
On our pilgrim journey of life, call upon the help of St. Joseph as your guide By Bishop Richard F. Stika What would you think if you had a dream involving seven healthy cows and seven well-developed ears of corn, followed by a vision of seven gaunt, emaciated cows and …
Alexian Brothers renew vows
Alexian Brothers Tom Klein and Andrew Dinegar renewed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience for the period of one year during a Dec. 10 Mass at the Alexian Brothers chapel in Signal Mountain. Father Joseph Thomas, CMI, celebrated the Mass, with the vow renewal following his homily that focused …
Notre Dame High School athletes sign letters of intent
Six Notre Dame High School students recently signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college. The students were honored at a signing ceremony hosted by the athletic department and the athletes’ parents. Zach Riddle will attend Trevecca Nazarene University on a golf scholarship. He is the son …