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 …

Praying for perspective: Does anybody really know what time it is?

As we clock our live, the years run too short and the day too fast By George Valadie If you ever find yourself worrying about the sanity of your family, or, more specifically, the people in it, then read on and have hope. Every single word of this is true. …

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Paulist associates begin new assignments

The Paulist Fathers, who minister at Immaculate Conception Church and St. John XXIII University  Parish and Catholic Center in Knoxville, have assigned two new associate pastors to those parishes. Father Robert J. O’Donnell, CSP, 67, will succeed Father Rich Andre, CSP, as associate pastor at St. John XXIII. The Paulist Fathers …

Once upon a time: Keeping theology consistent

Faithful continue to observe the commandments of the Church By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Time to go to confession? Our theology has been pretty consistent over the years. Following the Council of Trent, Catholics pretty much observed the commandments of the Church: annual sacramental confession, followed by holy Communion. Favorite times …

He dwells among us: Never look down

Seek God’s design in all you do to help build up a beautiful dwelling of God By Bishop Richard. F. Stika Anyone who knows me knows how much I love building projects and renovations. I particularly enjoy watching our new cathedral being built, especially as its skeletal frame of steel …

Understanding the sacraments: The ordination of permanent deacons

Diaconate again flourishes after centuries of decline within the Catholic Church By Father Randy Stice On June 11, Bishop Stika will ordain 24 men as permanent deacons. Permanent deacons “have embraced this ordained ministry as a permanent state of life” while “transitional” deacons will eventually be ordained priests. (Newsletter, USCCB …

Marriage enrichment: Keeping the family life holy

Pope affirms Church teaching on family and marriage in ‘The Joy of Love’ exhortation By Marian Christiana Family life is holy. It is messy but holy. Since his installation as pontiff, Pope Francis has helped to bring family life and its complications into sharper focus within the universal Church. During his …

Once upon a time: The liturgy is alive and well

Popularity of novenas and other private devotions attest to improvements inspired by Vatican II By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Many churches 75 years old and older have them, or have places where they used to be. Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville had them, and although bricked over for many years, they …

KDCCW members exemplify ‘the power of the Church’

Bishop Stika celebrates Mass; special guests address annual convention at Holy Trinity By The East Tennessee Catholic Staff The Knoxville Diocesan Council of Catholic Women welcomed Father Leo Patalinghug, the “Cooking Priest,” and Beth Mahoney, spirituality commission chairperson for the National Council of Catholic Women, to its 2016 convention April 14-16 …

Living the readings: The bounty of summer

In this Year of Mercy, we find God’s grace is truly abundant By Father Joseph Brando Now that they Easter season is completed with the feast of Pentecost, we return to Ordinary Time. However, this year is different. We are celebrating a Year of Mercy, which changes the way we look …

NDHS students earn chemistry, gymnastics honors

Notre Dame High School students recently earning honors included the following: ■ James West and Luis Sanchez competed in the citywide American Chemical Society Chemistry Olympiad. Eight schools in the city participated, and the Notre Dame students scored in the top 10 for the city. They advanced to compete for …

Catholic Middle track filled with champions

Students from Diocese of Knoxville schools joined together this spring to form a Catholic Middle School track team that competed in the Knoxville Independent School League (KISL) Championships on April 28 as well as the Knox County Middle Schools Championships on May 3. Kathy Wolski, who coaches the middle school …