Sister Mary LaStant, BVM, died Nov. 2 at Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 89. A funeral Mass was held last month, and the burial was in Mount Carmel cemetery in Dubuque. In the Diocese of Knoxville, Sister Mary taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chattanooga …
Once upon a time: ‘Tis the season for the Prince of Peace
Christmas evokes memories of people who decorated our lives during the sacred holiday By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Christmas time again. While it’s one thing to wish peace on earth o people of good will, those sentiments won’t fit in all cases (as much as you and I wish such sentiments …
Living the readings: Preparing for the end
We live in time and eternity as Christ offers us eternal life By Father Joseph Brando It may seem strange to many that the liturgical calendar begins with our preparation and celebration of the birth of the Messiah whereas our daily calendar (which is a Christian product) begins on the …
Dominicans professing include one from Oak Ridge
Five young women recently made their perpetual profession of the simple vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation in Nashville. Among those making final profession was Sister Scholastica Niemann, OP, a former member of St. Mary Parish in Oak Ridge. Sister Scholastica is the …
He dwells among us: Making our way home
The doors of mercy are open wide to receive us as we enter this Jubilee Year By Bishop Richard F. Stika Imagine what would have happened if the innkeeper in Bethlehem, instead of turning Mary and St. Joseph away, had welcomed them into his home and said, “Tell me about …
Praying for Perspective: Coming to terms
Writing too soon about the loss of a best friend By George Valadie I got the call on the 18th. Pat’s younger brother was on the other end of the line. “Hey George, just wanted to let you know that Pat’s in the hospital. He wasn’t feeling that well and …
Bishop Stika installs new acolytes
Bishop Richard F. Stika installed 24 men in the Diocese of Knoxville as acolytes on Oct. 10 at All Saints Church, bringing them one step closer to being ordained into the permanent diaconate. Accompanied by their wives and family members, the men stood before Bishop Stika, who accepted their petition …
White Mass held at the Church of Divine Mercy
Invoking the blessing of the Holy Spririt and the wisdom of St. Luke upon those serving in the health-care profession, Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated a White Mass for medical professionals in the Diocese of Knoxville Oct. 17 at the Church of Divine Mercy. Bishop Stika told the congregation, numbering …
Once upon a time: Re-examining the ‘lost’ sacrament
With all the discussion going on these days about the sacrament of confirmation, remarks are in order about the “lost” sacrament of initiation. By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Our bishop will soon promulgate the time for the sacrament, with instructions for its celebration. The pastor historically has been the key person …
He dwells among us: Gaining from our loss
With Thanksgiving upon us and Advent quickly approaching, I want to offer a few thoughts on something that affects everyone in one way or another: dealing with a loss. By Bishop Richard F. Stika I recently had the great with a number of remarkable individuals who know what it means …
Living the readings: A perfect slice of life
We receive wisdom when we’re in unity with God By Father Joseph Brando October turns green leaves into orange and red and playfully blows them to the ground so that we can hardly tell up from down. That’s the joy of fall. Earth and sky fuse together. October is the …
St. Joseph-Madisonville holds baby-bottle drive
Sanctity of life activities at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Madisonville will mean more money for sanctity of life activities at Catholic Charities of East Tennessee. St. Joseph the Worker parishioners recently have raised $973 for Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy Help Centers through the baby-bottle fundraising drive it holds twice …