Whether priests, women religious, or mom and dad By George Valadie Well, I have to say it’s been quite the summer already, and the baby hasn’t even gotten here yet. Yes, in a week or so, our middle daughter, Meg, will experience the miracle of birth yet again when she …
Once upon a time: Keep cool and remain faithful
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Although there are some vestiges of the summers of yesteryear still around, the pace that you and I face June, July and August differs measurably from yesteryear. Refrigerated air-conditioning is partially responsible for this. No matter how hot the temperature, we work, worship and relax at …
He dwells among us: Stand beside her
In the struggle against suffering, there is one sword we should all take up By Bishop Richard F. Stika July is always a special time when I give particular thanks to God for the gifts of life, of baptism and of our country. Mom gave birth to me on the …
He dwells among us: Hope and new beginnings
Advent reminds us of what a new beginning truly is when our hope is Christ We all look forward to the new beginnings that mark life’s journey, which we hope will be filled with much good in our future and in the lives of others. And with every life disappointment …
Families often are where we first learn about God
The Catholic Church has referred to the family as the “domestic church” ever since Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, was published during the Second Vatican Council. The term domestic church means that it is within our families that we first learn about God and the Catholic Church. …
Alex and Belen: A golf match made in heaven
Alex Notte and Belen Mozo share a passion for golf. Now, the Bearden High School student who is a member of All Saints Church and the international golf pro have something else in common—a date to remember to Bearden’s senior prom. Alex has become an overnight sensation after being featured …
Emerald Youth Foundation honors Sisters of Mercy
The 20th annual Emerald Youth breakfast that benefits the Emerald Youth Foundation and its efforts to help inner-city youth honored the Sisters of Mercy on May 3 during the event that attracted about 1,000 guests at the Knoxville Expo Center. One of the highlights of the breakfast event was to …
‘Walking with the Lord’ is a secret to marriage success
Rhoda and Bob Whitaker couldn’t have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in a more fitting way—at Mass where Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated the marriages of parishioners of all ages. Bishop Stika presided at the Mass Feb. 9 at St. Mary Church in Athens, where couples were recognized for their …
Immaculate Conception, Knights of Columbus rekindle Father/Son Dinner after 40-year hiatus
The Knights of Columbus 645 breathed new life into an old tradition Nov. 8 at Immaculate Conception Church. The first Father/Son Dinner since the 1960s, hosted by Grand Knight Bert Benedict, was held, with Knoxville Police Department Chief David Rausch delivering a candid keynote address about his deep roots in …
Holiday togetherness occurs in many ways
By the time you read this my family will have already celebrated Thanksgiving dinner together. Our family couldn’t all be together on Thursday, Nov. 22, so we celebrated early. This might have seemed strange to me at an earlier time in my life but now it makes perfect sense. Thanksgiving …
‘Hope Springs’ eternal when saving a marriage
My position as coordinator of the diocesan Office of Marriage Preparation and Enrichment gives me an opportunity to explore material that could be beneficial to engaged couples as well as to long-term married couples. The material comes from many sources, and some of the best sources are personal suggestions from …
Diocesan calendar
The 2012 Celebrate Life Fundraising Banquet sponsored by the Knox County chapter of Tennessee Right to Life will be held Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Knoxville Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. Seating will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30. Tickets are …