Vatican’s Congregation for the Faith issues instructions on burial and cremation practices By Father Randy Stice In October the Congregation for the Faith issued an instruction titled To Rise with Christ (Ad resurgendum cum Christo) that reiterates the Church’s “doctrinal and pastoral reasons for the preference of the burial of …
He dwells among us: The mercy of God invites us!
Christ wants us to open the door to the ‘inn’ of our hearts to God’s mercy that we might sow peace By Bishop Richard F. Stika The dust has far from settled from a political election that reveals how truly divided we have become as a nation. While we all …
Praying for Perspective: The Christmas story and common ground
The times may be different, but relating to Mary and Joseph is easier than you would think By George Valadie Season’s greetings! A year or so ago, when The East Tennessee Catholic and I began talking about writing this column, I had but one idea to offer and it was …
Cubs win! A steadfast faith always sees us through in the end
A fan’s message on being ‘assured of things hoped for and convinced of things unseen’ By Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey As a kid growing up in Chicago in the late 1960s, I had two big problems. I knew nothing about sports and I had no brothers. My folks were highly educated, …
St. Mary-Oak Ridge hosts NFL Punt, Pass & Kick sectional
St. Mary School in Oak Ridge hosted the East Tennessee Sectional Championship for the NFL’s Punt, Pass & Kick (PPK) competition Oct. 16. Boys and girls ages 6-15 from East Tennessee competed in the free contest sponsored by the NFL and USA Football. PPK began in 1961, and continues today …
St. Mary-Oak Ridge repeats as volleyball champs
The girls varsity volleyball team at St. Mary School in Oak Ridge recently competed in the Knoxville Independent School League small-school tournament and beat Apostolic Christian Academy to win the championship at the Knoxville Christian School gym in a winner-take-all match. This year’s Lady Crusader squad won the KISL regular-season …
Creative KCHS yearbook staff paints art wall in Market Square
Several Knoxville Catholic High School yearbook students painted a “Before I Die” wall on the alley side of the Oliver Hotel building in downtown Knoxville on Nov. 6. This wall creates an interactive space for Market Square visitors to write and share things they want to accomplish before they die. …
KCHS boys cross country team captures state championship
The Knoxville Catholic High School boys cross country team won the Class A-AA state championship for the second year in a row Nov. 5 at the Percy Warner Park Steeplechase Course in Nashville. Georde Goodwyn and Jake Renfree finished 1-2 in the state for the Irish against a field of …
A priest’s open letter to young adults: Why you need the Church
In a world where Catholicism increasingly is pushed to the periphery, the 18-and-over group is vital By Father Michael Cummins Why do some young adults wander away from the Church? There are no easy answers to this. At least I have not found one in my own experience of ministry. …
He dwells among us: Never alone
We are all called to be the consoling presence of the Merciful Father to others By Bishop Richard F. Stika “THE HOUR IS COMING,” Jesus said to His disciples, when “each of you will be scattered … and you will leave me alone; yet I am not alone for the …
Praying for Perspective: Celebrating Notre Dame High School’s storied presence
By George Valadie Happy birthday, ol’ girl! We salute you. We salute your age, your impact, you unending and uplifting spirit. After all, who even gets to be 140 years old these days? Few institutions, traditions or inventions (think 8-tracks) — have that sort of life. Moreover, who or what leaves …
Sister Mariana Koonce, RSM, professes perpetual vows
Sister Mariana, along with two other sisters, made their professions at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw, Mich. In attendance from the Diocese of Knoxville were Bishop Richard F. Stika, Cardinal Justin Rigali, and Deacon Sean Smith, chancellor and chief operating officer of the Diocese of Knoxville. …